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Scene 3 - Stone on the Move

DM Mark - What Now?
Friday November 4th, 2016 1:57:45 AM
XP this far:

Scene 0 - 1000
Scene 1 - 2000
Scene 2 - 2000

Murphy AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Friday November 4th, 2016 5:15:52 AM
Murphy whispers very quietly in her ear when he can. "Way to scare 'em, Pressi."

He listens to what they have to say. "Very well. Thank you for helping out around the camp," Murphy begins. "You've seen a glimpse of what being an adventurer is about. There are some exciting things, friends you can depend upon, lots of hard work, and plenty of stories to tell your children someday. I enjoy your pluck. You have survived quite an ordeal! We do have a few messages to send along with you. Also, no one has objected to the notion of you having some share of the wealth of the giants. So, partly as a souvenir of your survival in the face of hungry giants, and partly for your promise to deliver these messages, you can take these coins - 10 copper, silver, and gold pieces* for each of you, Garivald Galbassi, Heribald Burrows, and Dinodas Langham." He adds with a smile, "Also, if you would like, you can have Gloklor's club."

He also gives them the messages mentioned earlier (post of October 29th, 2016), and each a small certificate in a formal hand with the items shown in square brackets filled in with the appropriate information:

Winwood Toys and Music
Certificate of Value
Ten (10) gold pieces credit toward the purchase of any musical instrument, toy, or other item from the store
Also a free cup of tea and biscuits with Leska Rose, in exchange for the story of your recent adventure
Usable only by and for [and the full name of the young hobbit]. Not transferable. Expires [one year from current date]
Authorized and signed by:
Murphy B. Leafwin Pipewood
[today's date]

Murphy takes a few minutes to examine and admire Tendel's fern named Bill. "So how did you come to be carrying Bill around with you?"

He also talks with Sky. He has told him and Tendel about how the adventuring party first got together (the details of which you can read in the Humble's Ford archives section called Volume 2: Crescent Valley Competition).

"So, Sky, what brought you to join up with us? And what's your story? I like to get to know the people I'm traveling with."

Last, he asks Bliss, "We've offered to teach you the Halfling tongue for some time. Are you beginning to understand us when we speak our language? Since you're a halfling yourself, now, it would be terrific for you to add that to your skills. What do you think?"

*So subtract 30gp, 30sp and 30cp from party treasure

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless
Friday November 4th, 2016 2:33:45 PM
"Talking birds are definitely cool," says Kezzem. "My cousin Koz had a adopted a bird once he called Pretty Bird. It didn't talk, or well, do much of anything because it was dead. Don't ask. The less said about that the better. In fact, I probably already said too much."

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Friday November 4th, 2016 2:38:11 PM
Sky nods at the halflings departure and silently agrees with giving of the gold.

An old druid gave me some advice, and suggested I tag along with others of my kind. Also mentioning I'd be of some help, as Im pretty good at hunting giants.

Sky sighs deeply before he continues,
Meko and I have been on our own for a long while.... Due to, well.... Certain circumstances... Its been rough, and honestly a little depressing. While we are close as brothers, its not the same as other halfling company.

Ya, it's much quieter with jus me an you Meko responds with sarcasm in his voice.

ya, we will get used to it lil buddy

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Enlarged Mookie (AC21, HP28) (Cayzle)
Friday November 4th, 2016 3:55:30 PM

At Murphy's request, Bliss tries to learn a few words of Halfling, but he just does not have much of an aptitude for it. [OOC: Sorry, got no plans to waste a skill rank in linguistics!]

He waves farewell to the chatty halflings and then leads the group to the campsite he found.

He asks, "So say we find the giant nest tomorrow or the next day. What's our plan for when we get there? You think me and Mookie should scout it all out?"

[OOC: Thanks for the xp; sheet updated!]

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 50/51
Friday November 4th, 2016 7:30:16 PM
"Thank you, Murphy, he is a very nice fern indeed, haha! He was being overcrowded by some nasty nasturtium, very nasty. They had a bit of assassin vine pollen in them I reckon, or something equally disturbing, ha! Anyway, I was in the nick of time to rescue. Dug him up quickly and poured out the last of my water to cut the skin into a bag. Since then, of course, I bought him this lovely pot, ha! and I've been looking for a small waterfall to plant him by. Nice views are important, even if you don't have eyes, haha!"

"Meko, being on your own for too long can be bad business. You start to forget what's normal and what's not. I'm glad you found Sky here, just as Onalep found me, ha! You know there's a mad man with a box roaming around this rock occasionally. He goes a bit queer if'n he doesn't have a companion to keep him company, haha!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Friday November 4th, 2016 8:39:07 PM
"So, that's been my week," Pressi remarked in regards to Tendel and Sky. "Good luck with all that."

To some degree, Pressi remained the one who felt on the outside. Grown up in the city, no ties to nature or magic, no talking pets for her now that she sent the three halflings away. Just something that crossed her mind. But hey, at least she spoke the language.

To Bliss, "It ultimately depends on how it looks from a distance, and we may indeed need a flyby. But I'm hoping to infiltrate the camp itself. That could mean disguise and bluff checks all around - and might mean we have to split up. It sounds like the camp has creatures besides giants - like ogres and goblins - so we might be able to split into groups. But it starts with a better idea of defenses - and hopefully with someone who can read this map."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Friday November 4th, 2016 10:22:39 PM
"That's exactly what I think you should do, Bliss. You and Mookie scout from above, return and let us know what you see. Then we can figure a plan before we all decide to ignore it and run in all crazy like. Hey, it's worked so far," Shel adds with a giggle.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Friday November 4th, 2016 10:56:01 PM
Alleah grins. Shel was right. Despite all the planning the group seemed to do, nothing ever seemed to go that way.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Saturday November 5th, 2016 1:12:12 AM
I might can read that map, lemme see, an although I can't fly. I'm a good tracker an scouter myself..

with my help of course Meko chimes in, pulling his snout back in a sort of snarl smile.

An I would have been a lone wolf if it wasn't for finding Sky, he probably would have lost his mind

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+5=24 ; d20+5=7 ;
Saturday November 5th, 2016 1:18:04 AM
Ooc:

Kno. Geo= 24 Survival = 7

(Unless I can take 20 on them to read it, then they both 25)

Murphy AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+13=31 ; d20+12=32 ;
Saturday November 5th, 2016 4:38:54 AM
Murphy lends a +2 to Sky's cartographic interpretation [knowledge, geograph: 31], and kicks in his own Survival: 32 (nat 20) as the party seeks accuracy in understanding the document. "They told me they Graeff drew you up a map where he thinks the giants are holed up," Murphy comments.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless
Sunday November 6th, 2016 4:25:01 PM
"Okay, Shelly, here's the plan," says Kezzem. "We improvise!"

DM Shawn - The Departure
Monday November 7th, 2016 10:05:12 AM
Murphy gives the young halfling the coins which make their eyes pop from the their heads all most. Then the note for the toy is a cherry on top. " Thanks a bunch Mister Murphy. Thanks a bunch everyone."

Kezzem tells the story about his cousins dead bird, and then regrets telling so much information.

Sky shares some info about why he is with the group. It truly was quieter without all these halflings together.. especially that Kezzem fella.

Bliss offers to scout ahead with Mookie, and is confident they will find the giant camp in the next day or two.

Tendel shares his story of his fern, and agrees that being by yourself sometimes becomes lonely.

Pressi still feels like the outsider, but that doesn't take away from the fact she has a solid idea of infiltrating the camp and getting info.

Shel feels Mookie and Bliss should do a flyby to figure out what is ahead of them.

Alleah knows the Shel's comment is true. The group wont stick to a plan.

Some of the group looks over the map of the camp. One thing is sure, the camp appears to be two camps combined. The valley the camp lies in, is more likely a three day march. Mookie and Bliss wouldn't be able to fly that far i the time they have.

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Enlarged Mookie (AC21, HP28) (Cayzle)
Monday November 7th, 2016 4:31:32 PM

Bliss is happy to scout ahead, but not days and days ahead. "Maybe a good idea is if we all sneak up say about an hour's walk from the valley, and then hide, and *then* I'll go take a look."

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Monday November 7th, 2016 4:39:03 PM
Sky nods his head,in agreement with Bliss is it possible to enter the valley on two different fronts?

Murphy AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+22=23 ;
Monday November 7th, 2016 5:50:39 PM

"Well, it is good that you followed the old druid's advice," comments Murphy. "I look forward to learning more of your story over time, then, Sky."

"Good rescue, then Tendel. Did you know that nasturtium means something like 'nose tweaker'? My Aunt Nilli extracts oil from nasturtia, but I don't know exactly what she uses it for. Combining it with assassin vine - whoa! Oh, speaking of waterfalls, some of us found a beautiful one with a lovely naiad who dwells there. She has a sentient tree with her, too." For some reason, Murphy blushes on the recounting of the naiad's dwelling.

"There are other waterfalls scattered around the Culverwood. There is one at the west end of Crescent Valley. Like as not, we may find some in the Scab - though that is conjecture."

Murphy laughs as Shel giggles at her own characterization of how things tend to go with the group, and at Kezzem's plan.

Some may have noted how he set out an hourglass the sands of which flow upwards during his morning prayers and spell preparations.

"Oh, and Bliss - thank you," Murphy says at one point shortly after the lads left. "Your shadow was good company for me on the journey. I felt him watching over me as I slept. I return him to you, now." And he does.

"Say, Alleah - you were delving into the giant's thoughts, right? Can you recount them for me?" [No need to actually write them out, just let me know Alleah lets him know.]

Murphy says, "I feel like stretching my wings for a while. So, once we head out - which should be soon - I'll change into an eagle form, and fly above, and a bit ahead. If you have something to say to me, and would like a response for the next few hours, let me know before I switch."

[Perception: 23 - nat 1 - he needs some coffee, or chocolate]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Monday November 7th, 2016 7:53:03 PM
Alleah is happy to share what she learnt from the giant's mind with the group. She's not too keen on the group being too widely spread apart. If Bliss is an hour ahead of the group then that's an hour he's away from help.

"Still, we'll deal with that when the time comes"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d3=2 ;
Monday November 7th, 2016 8:37:55 PM
"Agreed, but we haven't talked about the elephant in the room," Pressi began. "We have to get there before someone starts looking for these giants.

"We may need to stay just off the main path from this point forward. And we may need to start sneaking now, before we spot any more patrols or hunting parties."

Pressi tried to put the golden skull out of her mind, but couldn't.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Monday November 7th, 2016 9:48:28 PM
If Murphy, Bliss and Mookie are all in the air, they should be able to notice the taints before they notice us. I hope. But it's probably worth it to be really quiet and sneaky as we get close to the camp. I wonder how many Giants are at their camp? That's going to be scary!"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Monday November 7th, 2016 10:03:56 PM
OOC: That's one unfortunate typo there, Gerald :)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless
Monday November 7th, 2016 11:27:44 PM
"I was being series there, Murphy," says Kezzem. "It's a very adaptable plan, and our enemies will never know what we are going to do!"

DM Shawn - The Departure
Tuesday November 8th, 2016 9:40:50 AM
Bliss, Mookie, and Murphy all take flight and scout around. No apparent threats or giants can be seen. After an hour of no clues, the trio returns to the others.

Discussions about getting to the main camp before these giants are reported missing, and Pressi and Shel both feel stealth is the game plan from now on.

If this campsite is going to be used, I need watches with the new members.

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Enlarged Mookie (AC21, HP28) (Cayzle)
Tuesday November 8th, 2016 12:56:11 PM
Bliss has a suggestion for watches:

*20:00 - 22:00 : Tendel, Murphy, Sky, Meko
*22:00 - 01:00 : Kezzem, Shel, Alleah
*01:00 - 04:00 : Pressi, Alleah, Murphy
*04:00 - 07:00 : Bliss, Mookie, Alleah

He settles in and gets to sleep early. "We have to rise and shine so we can get to the giant valley!"

Murphy AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+22=29 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+22=42 ;
Tuesday November 8th, 2016 2:55:18 PM

During the day Murphy generally flies 400 - 500' above the party, giving him a decent territorial view, with his good eyesight allowing him to pick up details below, occasionally bearing off to the left or right for a different perspective. As they near the end of their travel for the day, Murphy assists Bliss and Mookie aiming to find a good, somewhat secure campsite, then transforms back into his normal halfling self, and follows standard campsite setup, with the exception that he changes into an earth elemental to add another security modification. He digs a tunnel about 40' long, and sets up a defensive bulwark around each opening, with flat area on which to stand next to the sloping opening, and earth and stone to hide behind. There is an opening through which halflings may easily pass outside the bulwark and tunnel entrance.

Murphy laughs when he sees that Bliss has placed him on two separate watches. "I appreciate your confidence, Bliss, but, unlike Alleah, who has a special ability that allows her to get by with only a short amount of sleep, I do need a bit more. Also, we discussed with Sky having Meko on third watch. So, if I may, let's go with the same watch we had for last night."

Watch List
*20:00 - 22:00 : Tendel, Murphy, Sky
*22:00 - 01:00 : Kezzem, Shel, Alleah
*01:00 - 04:00 : Pressi, Alleah, Meko
*04:00 - 07:00 : Bliss, Mookie, Alleah

[Note that Alleah posted a standard watch list Nov 3rd, which I alter here with Meko's placement in accordance with Sky's post of Nov 4th. Also, am assuming that we are spending a full day of travel today after the three lads left us in the morning, rather than simply moving forward to a very nearby site]

He asks Sky if he has ever used a slant-tunnel firepit. "It's what I usually make. Burns wood hotter, better, less smoke, and people outside the camp can't see the flames. Wanna help me?"

He spends time as they eat the evening meal talking with Pressi, and any others who may be interested, about details of his trip into the Culverwood, and asking for further details of their time apart.

As last night, as circumstances allow, on first watch Murphy recounts to Tendel and Sky the next stage of the early history of the group - Volume 3: The Rescue of Eldon TossCobble

[Perception during overland flight - generally taking 10, for 32. About once an hour, concentrates a bit more (or less): 29, 36, 26, 38, 37, 27 , 31, 42]

DM Shawn - The Departure
Tuesday November 8th, 2016 5:14:26 PM
OOC: Just a reminder Kim. There is a +1 DC to perception for every 10'. So 400-500 feet will add 40-50 for the dc. An owlshape adds +4 to perception, but there is nothing that negates the distance rule.

Murphy AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Tuesday November 8th, 2016 6:45:24 PM
Every thing is an indiscriminate, cloudy blur to the eagle-eyed druid (for which I neglected to add the +10 for being an eagle), as he likely cannot even discern the difference between a walking giant, a standing rabbit, and a running river at this great height...

So after attaining that lofty vantage point, he descends to ~100 feet (at which point the +10 eagle advantage is balanced out, so keep the above rolls).

[Shoot. I liked it up higher :-) Real eagles see better than DnD/Pathfinder eagles at that height - "An eagle in flight can reputedly sight a rabbit two miles away. Talon�eye coordination is a hunting imperative. From its perch at the top of trees, the eagle can dive at speeds of 125�200 miles per hour (201�322 km/h) to catch its prey by its talons." - Wikipedia]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Tuesday November 8th, 2016 7:39:57 PM
With the fight over, Pressi feels some level of relaxation as the rest of team makes its way to the next campsite. She wished that she could form a plan, to be broken or not, but that would require far more information about the giants and the camp than they have.

She once played an "Oceans Eleven" game where the players were given all sorts of information. If the DM was like Gareth, it would be pulling teeth to determine that the casino was "in Nevada."

(OOC: If the DMs would prefer that we plan beforehand, maybe give us some information so that we can actually do so. Otherwise, we'll stick to playing by ear, thanks.)

It was nice that the team was back together, even if at loggerheads as always. Being around the campfire with the team had become one of her more relaxing moments, a way to actually feel some connection between battles. She takes some time to talk to Murphy, listening to what he has been up to.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Tuesday November 8th, 2016 8:21:20 PM
Shel continues to head along with the group, hurrying as fast as her tiny legs would carry her. Shel was mostly quiet, as she was really uncomfortable knowing she was heading toward such a big gathering of Giants.

Lol, a most Unfortunate typo indeed!

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 50/51
Tuesday November 8th, 2016 11:37:10 PM
Tendel walks along with his companions, chatting and forming friendships politely.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 3:35:01 AM
Alleah is welcoming of Sky and Tendel, and tries to strike up conversations with both of them, hoping to find things in common to discuss.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+12=25 ; d20+5=20 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 10:22:46 AM
Sky helps with the slanted fire pit, learning something new.

This is a great idea, an ya Graef has a way with giving good advice, even if very vague...

He Listens and ask questions about the history lesson Murphey gives. But never loses concentration on being a good lookout.

He gives meko instructions to Howl an come nudge him if he sees anything on his watch.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+12=31 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+7=15 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 10:29:39 AM
In the morning Sky and Meko each water their wreaths, go through a few basic exercises and training commands.

Push ups, short sprints. A short game of fetch and catch, Meko catching sticks in mid air.

When everyone is ready to head out, they both are happy to leave as well.

Keeping there eyes open, and Sky looks for tracks or otherwise signs of recent travel.

Perception 31 sky and 19 Meko. Survival is 23 to find tracks or evidence of travel. (27 for giants)

DM Shawn - The Departure d20+12=15 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=11 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 11:06:06 AM
The night goes by a lot easier then the fight with the giants. The next morning the trio of avian scouts heads up while the others head out on foot.

The weather is clear, as is the sky. The group has some members better at stealth then the others... but the ones ahead pick up the distinct voice of some ogres talking.

If you speak GiantishHighlight to display spoiler: { "yellow is the best. Like Orc eyes. Before they squish..haha"

"Bah... blood red is the best. Cut the orks head off, and that is what you get. "

"That's stoopid Yobgob... Black is the best. It's what the orks see when you chop they head."

"you fool, blacks not a color" a more intillegent voice says. }

Around the same time, the trio in the skies sees some large creatures moving under the treeline. They can't get an exact count from the trees, but they see atleast one giant and a few smaller creatures.

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Enlarged Mookie (AC21, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+11=13 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+37=55 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+13=32 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 11:34:50 AM

Bliss circles back and tells his friends. He explains his plan. Then he casts Message to speak with (normal, Tiny, size) Mookie. Bliss taps himself with his wand of Mage Armor (UMD22 on 4th try, does not roll a 1) and drinks his elixer of hiding. Then he ranges ahead at move 30, hiding in plain sight, keeping to the shadows of trees and rocks. Mookie keeps 100+ ft back, low to the ground or to branches ravens would favor, acting like a bird, using stealth when possible.

Bliss Stealth 55
Bliss Perception 25
Mookie Stealth 28
Mookie Perception 32

The goal here is to scout the valley and get back to the party with maps, descriptions, numbers and kinds of enemies, etc etc. Bliss does not go more than a half hour walk away from the group, he does not stay away more than an hour.

Eagle Murphy AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+22=33 ; d20+12=15 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 4:14:56 PM

Eagle-Murphy flies forward another round or more as needed, trying better to enumerate and distinguish the figures below, that he might be able to produce a map of the area. Once he has acquired a fair estimate, then he flies off to the side maybe 50 to 100 feet inside the treeline (or further in if safety requires it), and generally back to a place parallel to the party, descending low, then returning to the party.

He nods his head in agreement with those things Bliss tells the party that he can confirm. He scratches out a quick, crude map showing what lies between the party and the giant, ogres, and others. He leaves it to those who can speak to come up with a plan.

How far from the party to the biguns? In additional to the trees, what is the terrain like in their vicinity? And, how many details about them was Murphy able to acquire?

[Perception: 33; Survival: 15]

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 6:51:58 PM
Shel listens carefully to the scouts. Once the layout is plotted, Shel plans on casting Fly and Shield on herself. Once they get within a couple hundred feet, she will cast Haste on as many of the group as possible.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 50/51
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 7:32:15 PM
"We will wait here patiently with our ears and eyes open. We will be ready when you need us." He scruffs Onalep's shoulder blades with his fingers in a comfortable and affectionate manner.

[ooc]I realise that the above could be sarcarstic, it is meant sincerely. I've pondered for too long how to rephrase it.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 8:37:19 PM
Alleah nods at Tendel's suggestion but offers a counter: "How about we try and stay witihin 100ft of you, Bliss? If you run into trouble, and it sounds like trouble does lie ahead, then I don't want you to be off on your own. 100ft gives you good space for scouting on your own but keeps us within range to help you"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d20+18=35 ; d20+14=32 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 9:48:24 PM
Pressi began to sneak forward herself through the brush, trying to get into a better position should Bliss and Murphy be spotted (Perception 32).

She felt a quite strong need to slam her fists into the orange hairy face of an ogre.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless d20+19=27 ; d20+13=30 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2016 11:12:38 PM
Kezzem stealthy advances towards the ogres as well.

Perception: 30.
Stealth: 27.

DM Shawn - The Departure d20+12=30 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=8 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2016 10:44:51 AM
MAP

Bliss, and Murphy move ahead to get a better perception of the giants. They see one stone giant, as well as a handful of ogres.(five total). Two of the ogres keep looking up at the birds flying overhead. He elbows the giant who responds with a big elbow to the shoulder of the ogre. He does however, look up at the birds too, but quickly goes back to what he was doing.

Some of the group starts moving ahead on foot Wanting to smash their fists into ogre faces.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Thursday November 10th, 2016 11:15:10 AM
Pressi flashed her writing fan to the group. "Let's Follow Them," the fan said.

Slowly, Pressi made her way to a nearby boulder.

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Enlarged Mookie (AC21, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+11=28 ; d20+11=24 ; d6+5=10 ; d6+5=9 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2016 1:25:12 PM

Bliss takes a five foot step to 69-AH. He has line of sight to Ogre o3. With his range increment of 120 ft, Bliss takes a -2 to hit on distance. He gains a +1 for the haste. He shots his bah twice, at a net -1, hitting AC28 for 10 damage and AC24 for 9 damage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Thursday November 10th, 2016 1:54:16 PM
"Or we can just loudly announce ourselves to a potentially dangerous group that hadn't spotted us before we actually learn any actionable intelligence. That works too."

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+12=19 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+7=20 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2016 5:51:03 PM
Shaking his head as bliss looses at the ogres. He signals to Meko and follows Pressi's lead to hide behind the boulder, maybe create a sort of plan...

Perception 19 (meko 10)

Stealth 26 (meko 20)

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Enlarged Mookie (AC21, HP28) (Cayzle)
Thursday November 10th, 2016 6:38:58 PM
"You guys should probably scatter," says Bliss. "Let them all race over to me, and then I'll hide in shadows at the last minute."

Bliss looks around to make sure there are shadows enough for a shadowdancer to hide in. Well, within 10 feet of them, anyway. If there are none right nearby, he looks to see where he would have to go to be able to use his ability.

"You guys can attack then too!"

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 50/51
Thursday November 10th, 2016 8:19:03 PM
Tendel will mount Onalep and move onto the pathway, ready to move forward at great haste.

He says quietly to the group, "The battle plan worked pretty well last time, shall we repeat? Drop a bear here and a Hold Person there?"

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Thursday November 10th, 2016 8:31:53 PM
Shel casts Haste on the remainder of the group and flies forward 40' due north, to AF 64. She was almost in range for her Confusion spells!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20; Bless
Friday November 11th, 2016 1:15:00 AM
Kezzem moves up next to Shel.

Eagle Murphy AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted d20+22=24 ;
Friday November 11th, 2016 3:26:51 AM

As Bliss circled back to explain his plan, Murphy had used another moment or so to verify numbers, then turned about and flew back. He was with the party as the conversation took place, so received Shel's haste, and launched into the air, flying at double movement at a 45� upward pathway from AH71 to AV53, 110' in the air. He will be mindful of approaching stones, if any, prepared to dodge.

[Perception: 24]

Eagle Murphy AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted
Friday November 11th, 2016 3:30:29 AM
Ah - forgot to ask - where is the line of trees mentioned earlier? Do not see them on the map.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d100=7 ;
Friday November 11th, 2016 7:42:00 AM
"You see? This is exactly what I meant by trouble" Alleah rolls her eyes.

Quickly moving forwards she picks out a nice spot to send a Calm Emotions spell. But alas, as she reaches for a leyline she feels it move just outside her grasp and the spell is wasted.

----------------------------
Free Action: Use Agile Feet ability to ignore difficult terrain for the round
Move Action: Move to AE56
Swift Action: Use Arcane Armor Training to Reduce Spell Failure
Standard Action: DELAY Casting Calm Emotions once everyone else in the party has acted. Alleah has a range of 160ft with the spell. Targetting square AE24. Leyline check: 7=Fail! Well shucks.

DM Shawn - The Departure
Friday November 11th, 2016 3:40:10 PM
Ooc: Post will be later tonight

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Friday November 11th, 2016 3:41:00 PM
Sky and meko would stick around for the haste spell then move as said in last post

DM Shawn - The Departure d20+10=11 ;
Saturday November 12th, 2016 12:23:31 AM
Bliss reigns down twice with his bah, connecting both times.

Sky and Pressi both seem annoyed at Bliss firing without a plan.

Shel casts haste on the group and moves forward, Kezzem right beside her.

Tendel hops on Onalep and moves up the path.

Murphy flies up and looks around more. He is the first to see another ogre getting up out of the grass. He must have been napping. OOC: Mistake on your dms part when he saw the map and thought trees,

Alleah casts a spell, but something goes wrong!

The stone giant snorts when he sees the ogre get hit... " Why the anger halflings?" he yells. " Come join us for dinner. " He tosses a rock that comes up way short of Bliss.

"yeah I'm starving" yells the ogre in the back. He puts his dirty fingers in his mouth and unleashes a shrill whistle.

The giant picks up another rock, while the ogres all pull out javelins and get them ready to unleash. They do not advance.

Ogre 3 19 dmg

Eagle Murphy AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted d20+22=25 ;
Saturday November 12th, 2016 3:08:56 AM

Murphy spends the round casting Call Lightning.

[Perception: 25

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Saturday November 12th, 2016 7:43:16 AM
Shel moves forward 50' and casts Confusion on ogre2 and the Stone giant.

OOC: I moved myself on the map. DC 20 Will to resist.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 65/65, CMD 20+1; Haste
Saturday November 12th, 2016 12:35:08 PM
Kezzem advances towards the fight.

"Come and get me you big smelly giants!"

OOC: Total Defense +6 AC, which brings his AC up to 29.

Eagle Murphy (Kim) AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted
Saturday November 12th, 2016 3:52:48 PM

This link will take you directly to the Round 2 map tab.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d100=59 ;
Saturday November 12th, 2016 8:20:46 PM
Ever determined, Alleah tries once again to force the giants to lower their weapons.

If her spell is at all successful, Alleah will call out to the others not to attack the specific giants who fail against the spell.

----------------------------
Note Alleah had been at AE56 last round
Swift Action: Use Arcane Armor Training to Reduce Spell Failure
Standard Action: DELAY Casting Calm Emotions until everyone else in the party has acted. Alleah has a range of 160ft with the spell. Targetting square AE26. Leyline check: 59=Pass. O2, O4 and SG to make a Will Save vs DC19 or be unable to take a hostile action

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 50/51
Sunday November 13th, 2016 5:47:04 PM
Onalep jogs casually up behind Kezzem. "Yes, let's see what these fellas are up to."

Then Tendel begins to summon a Grizzly Bear (SM IV).

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Enlarged Mookie (AC21, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+11=24 ; d20+11=19 ; d6+5=10 ; d6+5=9 ;
Sunday November 13th, 2016 6:27:52 PM
Bliss takes a five ft step back and fires twice more, thanks to the Haste. He hits AC24 and AC19 for 10 and 9 damage. He is careful not to attack any that Alleah rules out of bounds.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25; hasted d20+18=35 ;
Sunday November 13th, 2016 8:42:40 PM
It takes some serious hustle for Pressi to sneak her way behind the next rock (sneak 35).

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Monday November 14th, 2016 12:51:12 AM
Sky and Meko both advance, sneaking behind the boulders. Planning to mount and run around the perimeter taking shots.

---------
Double move for Sky, move action for Meko.

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Monday November 14th, 2016 12:55:30 PM

Mookie backs up five ft to stay just behind Bliss. "Kid," he says, "Watch out for those rocks they're tossing."

"Ha!" says Bliss. "They can't even hardly reach me. My bah is good for long ranges! If they come close, I'll back off."

[OOC: fixed header -- Mookie is tiny, not small, presently]

DM Shawn - The Departure d20+7=16 ; d20+3=10 ; d100=63 ; d100=86 ; d20+10=12 ; d8+5=13 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+3=15 ; d20+3=8 ;
Monday November 14th, 2016 9:24:54 PM
The stone giant throws a rock at the ogre by him but misses.. the ogre hits himself in the face with a rock. Both effected by Shel's spell.

Murphy Conjures Lightning while Kezzem moves up defensively.

Bliss unleashes his Bah twice more connecting both times.

Pressi sneaks behind a rock.

Tendel begins summoning a grizzly bear.

Sky and meko move up.

the stone giant moves behind ogre 2.

A gigantic, blood and gore covered rhinoceros comes busting out of the higher grass... it stops right next to the ogre who whistled. Now he smiles at some of the group. He whispers something and points... Tendel, Alleah and Shel need a Dc 14 will save or be silenced. The ogre swings his leg over the rhino and hops into the saddle... the creature moves over behind the Sg.

Ogre 5 pulls out a great axe and lets out a blood enriched scream.

Ooc: I can't update the map at the moment.. will when I get home.

Sg confused, valm
Ogre 2 38 dmg, Confused, calm
Ogre 3 13 dmg
Ogre 4 calm
Op
Ob

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 d20+10=21 ;
Monday November 14th, 2016 9:59:34 PM
Shel easily shakes off the magic of the ogre. As her previous spell was going so well, she again casts Confusion, this time on that pesky ogre and his rhino. "That that, evil bigun!"

OOC: each of those two need a DC 20 Will save or be confused!

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Monday November 14th, 2016 10:00:38 PM
OOC: the roll in my last post was my will save, so if somkne wants to tack this to the last post and delete this, that'd be great.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d20+16=27 ;
Monday November 14th, 2016 11:05:30 PM
Alleah resists the silence spell, and moves easterly until she is out of the silent zone. "Don't attack the stone giant, or those two ogres!" she calls out, indicating ogres 2 and 4.

Since she cast her spell after Shel, she's fairly confident that the confused ogre can't - and won't - attack anything

================================
Will Save vs DC14: 27 = Pass!
Move action: Move east until out of silent area
Standard action: Maintain concentration to keep the calm spell going.
Calm Emotions: Round 2/6

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 65/65, CMD 20+1; Haste
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 12:26:55 AM
Kezzem continues to advance.

Eagle Murphy (Kim) AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted 8d6=28 ; d20+22=30 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 2:46:46 AM

The smiling, bloody-rhino-riding spell-casting/axe-wielding screaming ogre* encounters a warm welcome, with a 10' radius flame strike (8d6=28 dam, reflex save for 1/2) centered on the north side of the rhino, aimed so as to encompass the rhino and ogre, but to avoid the giant Alleah shouted out not to hit. He is not really aware of Shel's spell on the rhino and ogre 5 at the moment. His flight takes him to BG37, still 110' in the air. It may be a challenge for the ogre to know it was the eagle who cast the spell, as he did so in mid-flight (fly-by attack feat - though his flight was pretty much linear).

[Perception: 30]

* [Based upon your descriptions, positionally and looking at the details, all these actions appear to belong to ogre 5. Is that correct? If so, he's a busy (and now possibly toasted and confused) boy

DM Shawn: Ogre 1 has the rhino, ogre 5 is the screamer. I updated the map. sorry for the confusion.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25; hasted d20+18=37 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 10:23:29 AM
Pressi continues her struggles of trying to sneak around stones and through encumbering terrain just to get into any position where she might make a difference (stealth 37).

She thinks about how she might swing Bliss over her head before stomping him into the ground, and feels better. She also wonders if she needs a range weapon that's better than shuriken. (10 foot range, really?) At least she's in good enough position to throw a tanglefoot bag or use her sling should the ogres advance.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 11:05:21 AM
Sky mounts Meko,

can't do nothing this far away, let's get into range buddy. An this time, stay close and dodge them clubs.

Silently Sky goes over in his head the two ogres and stone giant he's not allowed to shoot at the moment.

-------
Mount an run to P,40

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+11=30 ; d20+11=13 ; d6+5=10 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+17=18 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 11:23:26 AM
Bliss is a little worried that the one on the rhino will charge him. That would not be good. Plus there is only one more shot in his clip. So he shoots it, then moves off 60 feet to a spot with good shadows and hides. That way he can reload his bah next round and shoot again in the round after that.

[OOC: Please put me on the map in a spot where there is shadow to HiPS as well as line-of-sight for shooting. Maybe AC-68?]

ROLL TO HIT: Natural 19 is a crit threat vs AC30. FOLLOW UP confirms vs AC13, so no. Normal damage only is 10 damage.

Then move and stealth: 38.

Mookie flies close behind Bliss, trying to hide as well, but not in plain sight! Maybe there is cover or concealment nearby enough for Stealth? Stealth 18.

Note: Clip is empty. Used charge of Mage Armor wand and 1 Elixer.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 50/51 d20+14=25 ; d20+9=28 ; d6+12=17 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 4:47:27 PM
Tendel barely notices the Silence spell and finishes his casting. A Celestial grizzly bear appears and he directs it to charge at Ogre 3. He leaps at the ogre and bites viciously into its leg.
It appears 45' away at AJ45, then charge 80' to AK29. This provokes as he enters and passes through the Ogre's threatened spaces: AC

Attack (+7, Augmented Summoning +2, Charge +2, Smite Evil -2): 28
Damage (1d6+5 +2 Augmented, +5 Smite Evil): 17
Celestial Bear has DR 5/evil and SR 10

Tendel moves up on Onalep's back [single move action] and Readies to Counterspell using Dispel Magic should there be any futher spell casting, particularly from Ogre who cast Silence.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic#TOC-Counterspells

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 50/51
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 5:50:18 PM
Bear's AC: 16-2 Charging = 14
Hp = 52 with Augmented Summoning

DM Shawn - The Departure d20+2=14 ; d20+10=19 ; d100=2 ; d100=59 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+2=15 ; 4d6+17=25 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+9=21 ; 3d6+11=18 ; d3=1 ; 3d6+11=24 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 11:56:24 PM
Shel casts her spell. The ogre tears at his face with his claw, while the rhino continues on its way.

Alleah holds concentration on the calm emotions spell, keeping the stone giant and two ogres calm.

Kezzem continues to move up.

Murphy unleashes a flamestrike in the screaming ogre. (had to use the pythagoream theory to make sure you were in range)

Pressi continues to sneak up,while sky and meko run up.

Bliss fires and takes down the ogre, and then scatters off towards the rocks. (Why the 60' again? Running is full)

Tendel's Grizzly tears into the ogre standing who has no attack and drops to the ground.

The rhino charges forward and smashes it's horn into Onalep. (25 dmg). Onalep, Kezzem and Tendal all have a sense of dread. (-4 on all fear saves)

The screamer who is now singed runs ahead and slams his axe into the grizzly. (Bear gets an aoo) He hits ac 18 for 13 dmg and ac 21 for 19 dmg.( i don't know bears ac}
Sg calm
Ogre 2 dead
Ogre 3 dead
Ogre 4 calm
Op
rhino
Ob 28 dnng

Eagle Murphy (Kim) AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted, Call Lightning (7 left) 3d6=6 ;
Wednesday November 16th, 2016 1:48:01 AM

This is somewhat major, as Murphy's purpose was to hit the spell-casting (clerical?) ogre on the rhino (whom he perceives as the greater threat), and it was only due to possibly ambiguous descriptions across two posts that he was conflated with the screaming ogre. Any chance you can transfer the 28 hp damage to ogre and the rhino he rides as Murphy intended, and subtract from the axe ogre?

Eagle-Murphy attacks again the spell caster and the massive rhino beneath, with each taking an additional 6 hp damage from a 30' vertical lightning bolt this round (save vs DC17 for half) as close to the center of that ogre as possible.

Then he flies from BG37 to AV19.

Murphy is fond of Pythagorus (I customarily use the standard calculations for the hypotenuse of a right triangle for ranged attacks as needed). Also, he speculates whether, considering the ogres' recent conversation about colors and orc parts, they just got done killing a group of orcs, and, is that how the rhino got all bloody? For future reference, we wants to check in the grassy area the rhino came from (but not now).

He also rather wishes he could talk intelligibly when in eagle form to his friends.

ADM assist for: Round 4 Map

Questions: Is o/r what was o1, also called op(riest?), now on the rhino? It looks like ob(arbarian?) was o5 - is that correct?

Dm Shawn: Yes and I'll swap the dmg

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Wednesday November 16th, 2016 3:29:11 AM
The ogre on the rhino was getting closer, but if Alleah dropped her concentration the party would have another ogre and an angry stone giant to deal with.

Whatever it takes, she would hold her ground. If only for another 20 seconds or so, because after that her spell would expire...

"You're doing well guys. Don't target the stone giant or that ogre just yet. I can hold them a little longer"

------------------------------
Standard action: Maintain concentration to keep the calm spell going.
Calm Emotions: Round 3/6

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 25/51 d20+9=23 ; d6+7=10 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=22 ; d6+7=10 ; d20+9=18 ; d6+7=13 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+6=24 ; d8+3=11 ; d20+6=16 ; d4+3=6 ; d20+6=13 ; d4+3=7 ;
Wednesday November 16th, 2016 5:38:07 AM
As the Screamer charges in at the bear it first reflexively bites at him/it, then tears and bites and claws in a furious fury of furry fingers and fangs. The ogre's axe lands two heft blows, but the grizzly can bear it for now.
AoO Attack: 23
Damage: 10

Bite Attack: 10

Claw 1: 22
Damage: 10

Claw 2: 18
Damage: 13 = total damage 33

With both claws hitting the bear attempts to start a grapple (Grab Attack): 33 (Nat 20!) vs CMD
Bear's AC 16, hp 20/52.

Tendel is a little concerned and attempts to cast defensively a level 1 spell, DC 17.
Concentration Check: 23 therefore casting this spell does not provoke AoO.

He casts Sanctuary: foes must make a DC 16 Will save or lose their attack action as they are unable to target Tendel.

Onalep attacks the rhino as best she can despite her injury:
Bite: 24
Damage: 11

Claw1: 16 (miss???)
Damage: 6

Claw2: 13 (miss???)
Damage: 7

Active Spells
SM IV: Grizzly Bear, summoned in round 3, 8 rounds
Sanctuary: cast in round 4, 8 rounds

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+27=32 ; d20+17=35 ;
Wednesday November 16th, 2016 6:45:18 AM

Bliss hides as he reloads his bah. Mookie hides too, in whatever cover he can find.

Stealth 32 B; 35 M

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25; hasted d20+18=24 ;
Wednesday November 16th, 2016 10:11:00 AM
Finally reaching a non-encumbered area, Pressi can finally double-sneak into a position of some value (AC47, keeping a rock cropping between her and the rhino)(Stealth 24).

She figures she's in just good enough range that she can try throwing a tanglefoot bag (though a thunderstone has better range increments).

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 4d4+4=13 ;
Wednesday November 16th, 2016 7:42:28 PM
Shel casts an empowered Magic Missile at the ogre sitting on the rhino, wanting to help Alleah out. She deals 19 points of damage to the rider.

DM Shawn - The Departure d20+4=12 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+6=9 ; d100=77 ; d100=91 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+15=27 ; 3d6+11=21 ; 3d6+11=16 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+9=22 ; 3d6+11=18 ; 3d6+11=18 ;
Thursday November 17th, 2016 10:14:39 AM
Murphy unleashes a lightning strike on the rhino and the ogre.

Alleah keeps concentration on the calm emotions spell.

the bear rakes at the charging ogre and rip into him. the bear does not get the takedown as both attacks do not hit.

Tendal casts sanctuary on himself.

Onalep rips into the rhino, and between that and the flame strike does enough damage to kill it.

Bliss runs by the rocks and continues to hide.

Pressi finally gets into range and is ready to act, next round.

Shel unleashes an empowered magic missle into the rhino rider.

The rhino rider lands on his feet next to the dead rhino.... in Giantish Highlight to display spoiler: { You killed my friend Gore, dumb halfling, We didn't come here to fight, but now we are here to kill. You and your whole valley....}
The rider looks to have shook off the effects of the sanctuary spell. His giant sword slashes Tendal twice for 21 and 16 damage.

The screaming ogre slashes twice into the bear and kills it. Even with the damage resistance.

The stone giant and other ogre both stand calmly by. "Hey Dragakhur... stop toying with the boy and his pet. Just kill them. " the stone giant calls out.

Sg calm
Ogre 2 dead
Ogre 3 dead
Ogre 4 calm
Op 53 dmg confused
rhino dead
Ob 20 dmg

OOC: My appolgies for not posting last night. If everyone gets in today I'll post after work tonight.

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+8=15 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=17 ; d6+5=7 ; d6+5=9 ; d6+5=9 ;
Thursday November 17th, 2016 11:02:50 AM

From 200 ft away (-2 to hit), Bliss shoots at either Ob or Op, whichever seems more wounded. Bliss is also, I think, at -4 for shooting into a melee?

Two attacks: hit AC15 and AC28. The second is a crit threat that confirms vs AC17. If the hit vs AC15 hits, it inflicts 7 damage. The nat 20 inflicts at least 9 damage, or 9+9 if the crit confirms vs AC17.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 65/65, CMD 20+1; Haste d20+17=21 ;
Thursday November 17th, 2016 2:02:15 PM
Kezzem double moves to flank with the grizzle bear, tumbling if needed to avoid any AoOs.

Acrobatics: 21.

OOC: Kezzem needs to work on his range game.

Round 5 Map link - ADM map assistant Kim
Thursday November 17th, 2016 2:26:06 PM

Round 5 Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25; hasted
Thursday November 17th, 2016 2:30:06 PM
Seeing that things are fairly well tied up with Op (or at least with the rhino), Pressi chooses to run, taking advantage of the smooth terrain, until she finds herself face to face with the stone giant.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 4d4+4=17 ;
Thursday November 17th, 2016 5:55:03 PM
Shel uses her magic missile at either of the wounded ogres, hoping to knock whichever into lalaland.

OOC: 17 points of damage.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Thursday November 17th, 2016 7:10:04 PM
Alleah continues concentrating on keeping the stone giant and ogres calm.

"I can't hold onto them forever. And if one breaks free they all will"

------------------------------
Standard action: Maintain concentration to keep the calm spell going.
Calm Emotions: Round 4/6

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 28/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 25/51 d20+13=23 ; d20+7=16 ; 4d8+8=23 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=19 ; d6+7=10 ; d6+7=13 ; d6+7=10 ; d6+7=10 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=14 ; d8+3=10 ; d4+3=4 ; d4+3=4 ; d20+13=32 ;
Thursday November 17th, 2016 8:00:52 PM
Tendel cries out in pain after each blow from the ogre's sword. The usual laughter in his voice is noticeably absent. He attempts to cast a spell.

Casting Defensively Check: Inflict Critical Wounds, Level 4 = DC 23
Concentration Check:23
OOC: can't remember if you need to exceed the DC, or just meet it...? I'll assume I have succeeded, otherwise I lose the spell...

Inflict Critical Wounds: The spell description doesn't say you need a melee touch attack, but I thought it needed one, so I have rolled it just in case.
Melee Touch Attack: AC 16
Damage: 23

**************

The bear continues to tear at the Ogre (Ob) with at least one good blow.
Bite AC: 18
Dmg: 10

Claw 1: Nat 20! (confirm just now remembered flanking with Kezzem: 25
Dmg: 13
Extra Crit Dmg: 10

Claw2: 19
Dmg: 10

If both claws hit: attempting a Grapple Check: 32 (34 with flanking)

***********
Onalep also tears at the Druid(?), though none too well.
Tendel's ride check, DC 10: 23

Bite: 14
Dmg: 10

Claw1: 12
Dmg: 4

Claw2: 14
Dmg: 4

Eagle Murphy (Kim) AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted, Call Lightning (6 left) d20+22=29 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday November 17th, 2016 8:33:34 PM

Inaction has consequences, thinks Murphy, as he sees that poor Tendel seems to have been slaughtered by the great sword of the ogre, as Kezzem appeared to stand confused for a while, then left the cleric on his own against the rhino-rider. Has Meko stopped carrying Sky forward?

Murphy understands at least a little of what it means to die. He had figured those farther back would have dealt with the two - and they did with the rhinoceros, but not his rider. And Tendel's bear, Onalep, now faces the deadly ogre alone, his long-time halfling friend/master lying bleeding now.

She who has been gaining his heart comes to face the stone giant alone, but the giant stands yet calmed. He had thought to cast one spell, but risks her should he do so.

Ah, good, Shel has blasted the priest again [he was the closer to her, and the more imminent threat - so I hope that is whom her ambiguous post goes for].

So he unleashes another lightning bolt against the ogre priest at AJ42, for 6+2+6=14 points of electrical damage (DC 17 save for half), hoping to put him down.

If his friends continue as uncoordinated in battle as they are now, Humble's Sword may be defeated, sorely, in future attempts, should they have them. Alleah is helping significantly, and alerting others, which is good. Bliss, though a blessing in many regards, needs to be dealt with, as he acted without leave, nearly forcing all to react, rather than have a clear plan. As advantageous as his flight is, Murphy wonders whether he needs to retain a form that will allow for communication and coordination. And if Bliss will not exert the effort to learn halfling, then that diminishes communication options.

Chaos has woeful limitations.

[Perception 29]

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+17=31 ; d20+12=29 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday November 17th, 2016 8:44:30 PM
Sky, still riding Meko, has the wolf run within shooting range of Ob.

Here goes, he thinks.
Let's off two arrows with practiced, but amazing speed.

______
Ooc
Move to Y,29
Attack (Many arrows feat, precise shot.)
Hit AC 31 for 15 dam and 8 cold.

DM Shawn - Two down, more to go d20+7=16 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+15=27 ; 3d6+18=27 ; 3d6+18=31 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+9=25 ; 3d6+11=28 ; 3d6+11=25 ;
Friday November 18th, 2016 12:09:48 AM
OOC: Robert and Brian, the bear died last round

Bliss unleashes a shot that just hits the ogre. His armor isn't able to deflect it.

Kezzem moves up to were the bear was, but he is no longer there.

Pressi moves forward until he she is face to face with the stone giant... "Good day to die?" he asks.

Shel unleashes another magic missle at the wounded ogre.

Alleah continues to hold onto the calm emotions spell, confident the fight would change drastically if she didn't.

Tendal reaches forward and touches the ogre, hurting it badly. Onalep must be damaged badly as he misses all his attacks.

Murphy unleashes a lightning bolt, and the ogre looks bad.

Sky fires at the ogre and hits him with his bow. He also looks bad.

The ogre anti-Paladin laughs at Onalep and Tendal. "I'd kill you and take your woman, but your weak bodies are bad for breeding. I guess we eat you instead...."

His first swing almost decapitates Tendal(31 dmg) while his second swipe takes the front part of Onalep's snout(28 dmg)... sending them both into the blackness,

Kezzem is met by the ogre barbarian with two thunking, chunk taking chops of his great axe. (53 dmg).

The stone giant smiles at Pressi. " These aren't our toughest soilders, and you all might die anyway. Think about that....."

Sg calm
Ogre 2 dead
Ogre 3 dead
Ogre 4 calm
Op 99 dmg confused
rhino dead
Ob 60 dmg

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 12/65, CMD 20+1; Haste; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Friday November 18th, 2016 12:19:39 AM
"Hey, no fair! I'm supposed to be hitting you!"

Kezzem falls back from the ogre (tumbling to avoid AoOs) and casts hideous laughter (DC 12) on him.

Bliss (AC20, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+11=23 ; d20+11=28 ; d6+5=9 ; d6+5=10 ;
Friday November 18th, 2016 12:54:33 AM

Bliss shoots twice at the anti-paladin -- glad to fire without the penalty for shooting into melee.

He hits AC 23 and AC28 for 9 + 10.

Mookie says, "Ouch, that's two of our guys down."

"I know," says Bliss. "Nothing I can do about that at the moment."

Round 6 Map link - ADM map assistant Kim
Friday November 18th, 2016 2:01:55 AM

Round 6 Map

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp -3/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp -3/51
Friday November 18th, 2016 3:58:07 AM
"Ung..."

OOC: Cayzle, glad I could drop out of combat for ya ;-)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Friday November 18th, 2016 5:21:03 AM
Alleah sees both Tendel and then Onalep fall. She doesn't hesitate to act, lowering her concentration and moving just close enough to render aid.

Wardd must be watching over them, as the power of her healing wave is just enough to bring both back from Gargul's doorstep.

Smiling she looks at the ogre-paladin and raises her fists "Come at me, O"

Sure, a halfling cleric girl may not look that intimidating to an ogre anti-paladin. That wasn't the point though. The point was to offer herself up as a distraction to buy some time for Tendel.

----------------------------
Free Action: Use Agile Feet ability to ignore difficult terrain for the round
Free Action: Cease concentration on the Calm Emotions spell
Move Action: Move to AI50
Standard Action: Channel energy to heal. Rerolling the 1. Tendel and Onalep are both healed for 4pts

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp -3/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp -3/51 d20+13=23 ; d20+7=9 ; 3d8+8=19 ;
Friday November 18th, 2016 6:28:03 AM
With a throbbing headache, and little memory of the last few days, or weeks (it is hard to tell), Tendel looks directly up the nostrils of the Ogre and he can just tell that this ogre means to kill him. He draws into the deepest, darkest powers that he has, imploring the will of Maab to tear open a wound on this ogre, just one (preferably fatal) wound, please Maab please!

Scrambling on his knees Tendel casts a spell and reaches out to touch the ogre's foot.

Casting Defensively DC 21 for level 3 spell
Check: 23
Inflict Serious Wounds
(hopefully unnecessary Touch Attack: 9)
Dmg: 19

"Down, Onalep, not yet. In a moment."
OOC: Don't want Onalep to suffer an AoO from rising from prone.
Thank you Rob, I appreciate what you have given up to heal Tendel.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 1/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 1/51
Friday November 18th, 2016 6:28:45 AM
Heading update

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 58, CMD 25; hasted d20+11=26 ;
Friday November 18th, 2016 11:39:05 AM
Pressi blames herself for Tendel almost dying. She had underestimated the ogre, thought that a flurry of shuriken was a waste of time. Well, dwelling on that distracted from the matter at hand: blaming Bliss.

The giant asked her if it was a good day to die. "Is it?" she replied. "I feel like it's more windsurfing weather. Maybe if it was cloudier... By the way, does this mean we are speaking again? Is the silent treatment and secret language mutterings over? Hey, buddy.

The giant asked her to think about how their "not the strongest" might kill them all. "Wow, what a shocking and refreshing admission of inferiority. Kind of how your buddy up there (pointing to Ogre 4) seems like he might need to save you from a little girl halfling. Are ogres always superior to giants, or just you?

"I kid, of course. Why, how much stronger could your soldiers be? How many more could you possibly have? Please hold while I get a pen..." Pressi looked through her bag, humming a little. "And what defenses could your camp possibly..."

Pressi watched from the corner of her eye as the calm fell from the stone giant. "Hey, do me a favor. Hold this."

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

move action: retrieve tanglefoot bag
standard action: throw bag (Attack 26)
Swift Action: +4 to AC

Eagle Murphy (Kim) AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted, Call Lightning (6 left) d20+22=23 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ;
Friday November 18th, 2016 12:00:56 PM

With Tendel and his bear down, and Alleah changing her focus, Murphy switches his attention to the newer imminent danger. Blast it! - Kezzem is in the wrong spot, though he could not know what the druid had planned.

He decides to go ahead, nonetheless, and try to squeeze the area of affect of the cylindrical ice storm spell by 5 feet diameter (dropping to 17.5' radius), so that it stops just short of Pressi's nose on the one side, and Kezzem's on the other. He expends a hero point as he casts in order to tweak the spell ever so slightly so that it is 35'x35' in area.

Ogre 4 and the stone giant each take 9 hp bludgeoning damage and 10 hp ice damage (no saving throw) from the suddenly pelting ice. For the remaining duration of the spell (8 minutes), heavy snow and sleet rains down in the area. Creatures inside this area take a �4 penalty on Perception skill checks and the entire area is treated as difficult terrain.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+17=23 ; d20+12=17 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=10 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Friday November 18th, 2016 3:21:17 PM
Somewhat in shock, watching his new friends fall. Odds arnt looking good, but never fear.

Sky looses off two arrows back to back and follows with a third. Hoping to help out Tendel... Firing at Op.

________
Hit AC 23 for 14 and 7 cold, hit AC 17 for 10 and 1 cold.
Many arrows feat, full atk

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 4d4+4=15 ;
Friday November 18th, 2016 6:06:37 PM
Shel fires another empowered magic Missile at the beast threatening Tendel.

OOC: 23 points of force damage. Hopefully that's enough to put it down!

DM Shawn - Two down, more to go d20+6=10 ; d20+10=25 ; d8+12=18 ; d20+16=30 ; 2d8+12=19 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=25 ; 3d6+11=26 ;
Saturday November 19th, 2016 12:33:12 PM
The ogre anti-paladin steps out of the way out of a kneeling Tendal's reach... "Stupid move... now meet your weak god." he whispers so only Tendal can hear. At that moment, Alleah drops her concentration and yels to the ogre, who turns and looks. "You're ne...." the words catch in his throat as a magic missle tears into his chest and a combo of Bliss' bah and Sky's bow rupture through his neck spraying gore across Tendal and Onalep.

As for the ice storm, I am not allowing the shrinking of the spell. Murphy doesn't waste a hero point. Murphy can choose to retro the spell since it will effect Pressi and Kezzem. If he does not the both take 19 dmg. (9 regular, 10 ice).

Pressi has a minor converation with the giant, and then tosses a tanglefoot bag at him. The bag explodes on his feet and glues him to the ground. He lets out a laugh... "now you catch this." he says as he smashes a rock into Pressi's chest. (18dmg).

The unharmed ogre, has his calm drop and moves for Kezzem(giving Kezzem an Aoo). He smashes the comic for 19 dmg with his great club dropping him unto slumber.

The barbarian, seeing Kezzem goes down runs for Pressi instead, and flanks with the stone giant. He smashes a chunking blow of his axe into her thigh... 26 dmg.

Sg 19 dmg if Murphys action stays
Ogre 2 dead
Ogre 3 dead
Ogre 4 19 dmg is Murphys action stays
Op 99 dead
rhino dead
Ob 60 dmg

Round 7 Map link - ADM map assistant Kim
Saturday November 19th, 2016 1:36:53 PM

Round Seven Map

Eagle Murphy (Kim) AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted, Call Lightning (6 left) d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ;
Saturday November 19th, 2016 2:07:10 PM

Last round amendment due to DM overruling hero point resized ice storm:

Realizing that he cannot safely cast ice storm, Murphy draws upon a hero point (if necessary) and substitutes a flame strike spell (losing his memorized freedom of movement spell), catching both ogre 4 and the stone giant within the area of effect for 27 hp fire damage (Reflex save vs DC 18 for half) (I used earlier rolled 5-d6s plus 3 more, 8 total d6 dice). (See Round 6 Map for flame strike area of effect)

[will have to post this round's action later - have an appointment to make]

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 4d4+4=12 ;
Saturday November 19th, 2016 5:02:48 PM
Shel takes to the air, finally using the fly spell that had previously been cast. She targets OB with a regular magic missile.

Damage 12 to OB.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d6=3 ;
Saturday November 19th, 2016 7:03:39 PM
Alleah channels some more healing goodness to Tendel and Onalep. It isn't much, but it might help them survive a little longer

-------------------------
Standard action: Channel positive energy. Tendel and Onalep are both healed for 3 hp

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 24/58, CMD 25; hasted d20+21=37 ; 2d8+2=10 ;
Saturday November 19th, 2016 9:04:04 PM
"Oh, a third ogre to take down little old me?" Pressi asked the stone giant. "Forgive me for thinking you had even an iota of honor or self respect. You MUST invite me to the wedding. And feel the fantastic rush of knowing that your last act on earth was finally taking down the fierce family screw-up. I almost hope you escape so my sisters can find you. Oh, well...."

Pressi hoped that Kezzem could hold on until Murphy or Skye got to him. (OOC: I considered getting Kezzem but that would risk THREE AoOs and standing next to an ogre with less health.)

With her haste still active, Pressi rolled out of range between the two foes (Tumble Acrobatics Check 37), continuing her AC boost. "I'll be back in a minute. Feel free to stick around for a minute."

With a flick of her wrist (free action from quickdraw), a needle appeared in her hand and then (standard action) in her thigh.

(CMW Injection gives another 10 hp)

(Used: 2/4 ki)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d100=83 ;
Sunday November 20th, 2016 3:10:41 AM
"Tendel is down too? I'm starting to feel like the caretaker of this group. Weird considering I'm the youngest. Am I the youngest? Not sure. How old is Bliss? Actually, come to think of it, I don't know. I don't know a lot of things about Bliss. What's his last name? That's it, from here on out I'm going to call him Bliss McBlissyface"

Alleah's thoughts ramble on like that for a while, but she does see the seriousness of the situation.

She moves closer to the combat and draws on her heroic reserves to try and paralyse the ogre standing over Kezzem

-------------------------------
Move to AH41
Use hero point for extra standard action. Cast Hold Person at O4. Leyline check: 83 = Freebie! Makes up for the lost one earlier. O4 to make a Will Save vs DC21 or be paralysed

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 25/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 25/51 4d6=11 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ;
Sunday November 20th, 2016 3:37:37 AM
"Hop to it Onalep, we can heal some comrades before too long." Onalep makes a double move to about AC32 so that he also has Pressi within the 30' radius of Channel Energy, but not those big, ugly, smelly things.

Result: 5,1,4,1 (rerolling 1's for Healing: 6,6 - Is that a real thing in the Wold, I'm a bit tired...)
21 hp healing to Tendel and Onalep and Pressi.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 25/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 25/51
Sunday November 20th, 2016 4:44:33 AM
OOC: Whoops - I think I was looking at round 6. Onalep can double move out to W30 before Tendel Channels Energy.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+17=30 ; d20+12=27 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=9 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ;
Sunday November 20th, 2016 11:54:57 AM
Watching kezeem get knocked out, Pressi getting flanked and move, the fire, Everyone seems to be in dire danger, its a bit overwhelming to the ranger....

Poor planning, no tactics... We'll be killed before long if this happens a lot... Bliss may need a talkin to....

Not sure if getting to a downed friend would do much help, he decides to fire another volley of arrows. Then summon the heroism within himself to move back, so not to get charged.

__________
full atk @ SG, hit AC 34 for 33 and 10 cold. Hit AC 31 for 13 and 6 cold. (Forgot the +4 to atk & dam against giants in the rolls.)
Many arrows feat, precise shot.
Use hero point to move to O,29

Bliss (AC18, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Sunday November 20th, 2016 12:42:58 PM

With but a single bolt in his clip, Bliss figures it is time to go to the rescue. "Come on, Mookie!" he shouts. "Follow me! We got to be hreoes!"

Bliss uses a hero point for an extra action and casts Beast Shape I to turn into an eagle. Even in the guise of a bird, Bliss is still a "person" so the Beast Shape makes him a small eagle, and his premanent reduce person makes him a Tiny Eagle.

Flying just a couple feet off the ground, Bliss uses a run action to fly up to 240 feet closer. That's enough to get him to 29AE, occupying the same space as OB. Moving close and then into his space provokes an AoO -- and Bliss is "running," so he loses his dex bonus to AC ... but not his size bonus, his Natural AC bonus, his mage armor, and his ring. With all that, running Bliss's AC is 18

Mookie folows, hoping that the giant gets only one AoO.

PS: When does that Haste end?

Eagle Murphy (Kim) AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 Hasted, Call Lightning (5 left) d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ;
Sunday November 20th, 2016 9:05:56 PM

Murphy directs a lightning bolt down upon ogre b, doing 11 points of electrical damage to him (Reflex save vs DC 17 for half) [with the 30' tall bolt landing at AD28. He then flies to Z19, now at the altitude of 30'.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 12/65, CMD 20+1; Haste; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Monday November 21st, 2016 10:25:06 PM
OOC: Dont feel bad if yoy cant save Kezzem...he's has a lot of cousins. :-)

DM Shawn - Two down, more to go d20+6=20 ; d20+2=12 ; d20+14=26 ; 3d6+11=22 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+10=22 ;
Monday November 21st, 2016 11:53:35 PM
Murphy unleashes a flamestrike on the giant and one ogre. it catches the ogre flush while only skimming the giant.

Shel slams the barbarian with a magic missle.

Alleah channels some more positive energy for Onalep and Tendal.

Pressi dodges out of melee and sticks herself with a healing salve.

Tendel also dispenses some healing.

Sky rains down on the giant with a volley of arrows.

Bliss turns into a bird and flies with Mookie to the ogre barbarian. The brute swings his axe into Bliss and cuts the bird deeply.(22 dmg)

Murphy's lightning singes the barbarian dropping him.

The last standing ogre charged Pressi, but just misses. The giants rock misses too.

Round 8 Map

Sg 76 dmg
Ogre 2 dead
Ogre 3 dead
Ogre 4 27 dmg
Op dead
rhino dead
Ob dead

Murphy (call lightning 6 bolts left) AC 16 HP 66/66 CMD 18 d8+5=6 ; d8+5=12 ; d20+28=35 ; d20+18=31 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 2:03:31 AM

Murphy flies down in his eagle form to where Kezzem lies, casting cure light wounds for 12 hp of healing to the rogue, then continues his flight (fly-by feat) in nearly the opposite direction upward to X23, 45' height (fly skill check 31 vs dc20 for close to 180� direction change).

He calls out in a loud screech, so that the ogre facing Pressi will be aware that someone is above him.

[Perception: 35]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d100=55 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 3:34:47 AM
Alleah tries to stop the stone giant from doing any more damage...

------------------
Cast Hold Person at SG. Leyline check: 55 = Pass. SG to make a Will Save vs DC21 or be paralysed

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 45/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 45/51 d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d20+8=24 ; d8+3=7 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 4:34:02 AM
Tendel dismounts and Channels another healing burst, wishing that he could include Kezzem.
20 points of healing for Pressi, Tendel, and Onalep.

Onalep charges at O4 biting deeply into its leg.
Attack, AC 24 with charge
Biting Damage: 7
This provokes an AoO. Onalep's AC is -2 due to charge, but she has Mobility for +4 = AC 20.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 8d6=40 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 6:09:44 AM
Shel casts her Fireball from her new staff, hitting the ogre and the stone giant.

OOC: as I am computer illiterate, I'll let Kim lay down the burst on the map as he did in our email exchange. 40 points of fire damage. DC 19 Reflex for half.

Bliss (AC28, HP29of56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+10=30 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+14=31 ; d3-1=0 ; d3-1=0 ; d3-1=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d3-1=0 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 6:38:30 AM

Mookie rolls a nat 20 to Aid Another and Boost Bliss's AC.

Bliss makes a full attack, hitting ACs 18, 26, 32, and 31 for 1 hp nonlethal, another hp nonlethal, 7 hp lethal, and 4 hp lethal.

His own tear inflicts 5 hp on Bliss.

Both Bliss and Mookie have landed and are staying low, hoping any allied magic will take effect overhead.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 42/58, CMD 25; hasted d20+13=17 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+8=25 ; d6+3=6 ; d6+3=4 ; d6+3=8 ; d6+3=7 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 11:23:42 AM
OOC: I'm assuming this is the last haste round, and that Pressi is flanking Murphy.

With a flurry of movement, Pressi tries to take down the ogre. She uses another ki to maintain her AC (3/4).

Attack rolls 17, 30, 22, 25

Damage 6, 4, 8, 7

Vicious 3, self 2

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 42/58, CMD 25; hasted
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 11:24:51 AM
Oh, and a stunning fist dc 15

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 5/65, CMD 20+1; Haste; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 12:30:05 PM
Kezzem regains consciousness.

"No, Murphy, I don't want to go to school today," he mutters as he tries to recover.

ADM Kim for Shel - fireball location
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 1:35:02 PM

Shel's fireball is centered at the intersection of AB/AC-23/24, with the 20'-radius spell's center at 5' height above the ground, its top therefore being 25' above the ground. The map shows the spread of the fireball at center (5') height.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 9:10:27 PM
OOC: thanks for that, Kim.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+17=30 ; d20+12=28 ; d4=4 ; d6+4=7 ; d4=2 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=8 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 10:56:33 PM
Sky fires his volley at The Stone Giant, hoping the weaker ogre is taken out.

Full atk. Hits AC 30 for 22 and 7 cold, and AC 28 for 11 and 6 cold damage.

DM Shawn - Two down, more to go
Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 11:44:09 PM
It only took a few of their friends dropping to get things under control and show a real offensive.. the ogre is the first to drop almost on deaths door, but the stone giant does follow after the fireball and the volley of arrows. Once the roar of the fireball quiets, the field of battle is quiet.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 Call Lightning (5 left) d20+22=35 ;
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 12:16:59 AM

Though he would like to fly high now that their opponents are down, Murphy instead chooses to come to earth, right next to Pressi, change into his own halfling self, and kiss her on the lips.

Then, pulling back to look in to her face, he says, "They were making me mad, Pressi. Making me mad," and he waves his hand in the direction of the last two fallen monsters, "hurting you that way." He hugs her once, then turns and calls out, "Everyone come here. Are all of you alive? Yes, Kezzem, you need some serious healing."

"Shall we revive this ogre for questioning, or let him go all the way down?" he asks the others. Not awaiting their reply, he gives Pressi's hand a squeeze, then lets go, takes out some silk rope, and begins tying up the ogre, and tossing his weapon well out of reach. He has another length of hemp rope he places to the side so someone else can pick it up and help with the task. As he binds, he adds, "Good work, everyone, despite the chaotic start to this whole mess."

He also says, "The tall grass that bloody rhino came from - I'm wondering if there may be some dead orcs nearby, based upon the conversation I heard among some of the ogres when Bliss and I first flew over them. They were discussing what color best represented a dead orc."

[Perception: 35]

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 59/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51 d8+1=5 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=8 ;
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 1:57:12 AM
"I have a wand of CLW here, for all those who need it." and he happily taps anyone who needs it as much as they want. "Haha!"

If you roll your own heals I will dock that from my total."

Tendel will take some healing: 14 from 2 charges.
Onalep takes 8 from 1 charge.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 5:49:12 AM
"Whilst it might be easier to end his suffering now, the right thing to do would be to give him a chance to repent" Alleah nods to Murphy and the dying ogre.

Once the ogre is bound, she uses her last two remaining energy channels for the day, healing all - including the ogre - for 11pts.

Alleah looks over the dead bodies and lowers her head "Forgive us, Gargul, for sending these beings to you this day. May they reach your throne room and face your fair judgement." She has said a prayer for every deceased thing she has come across, and doesn't plan to stop now.

DM Shawn - Two down, more to go
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 9:47:52 AM
Ooc: Sorry for the missunderstanding.. the ogre is dead. I meant he dropped because he was already close to death.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 12:10:54 PM
"Well, that didn't go great, did it? About half of us almost died. I think we have to focus on attacking those big'uns from afar for the time being. That just hit so hard,"she said grimly.

But then she brightened up. "Did you see my new staff? Wasn't it awesome! Whooosh! It soun ded so loud, and it made them all crispy! I have a new favorite item ever, I think!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d20+14=15 ;
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 5:06:14 PM
After the kiss, Pressi began to survey the devestation. "Eh, we've faced worse."

Perception natural 1

After the healing, Pressi nodded along to the various congratulations. It was clear, however, that they would need to discuss better ways to approach this.

"Bliss, you know how you started shooting before the rest of us got into position or learned anything about what their abilities were or where they were going, against my signal? That was you volunteering to lead us. So how about you share with us the original plan. Tell us what exactly you were thinking."

"Not that I didn't compound this with a half dozen position errors. Sorry Tendel."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 5/65, CMD 20+1; Haste; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 5:51:41 PM
"Sorry, I really grabbed the kitten by the tale this time," says a rather down Kezzem. "And the big stupid uglies done got me good!"

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d8+1=9 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=6 ;
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 9:10:53 PM

Murphy approaches Tendel, indicates his wand of cure light wounds, and asks, "May I borrow it a moment?" If so, he applies it to Kezzem - bringing him up to 62/65 hit points (3 short of full), using up 8 charges. "Thank you, good Tendel," he says as he returns the wand to the cleric of Maab.

"I was worried for you and Onalek a few minutes ago. That fellow did quite a job. Looked like Alleah helped get you going again."

"So, as it appears all of these giants are not coming back anytime soon - shall we leave them where they lie, or, Alleah, do you want a burial detail? I am thinking that piling them up and burning them might be the better course. I can change into an earth elemental in order to drag them to one spot, and arrange their bodies to allow air to flow properly, then light them up. It will probably take at least a few hours to get that done - and the smoke will rise high. If to bury them, well, maybe an hour or two, digging out in my elemental form - off of the trail, with some of you helping enlarged, with shovels. One more possibility is to leave them as they lie. Our footprints are all over the place, too.

"Sky - you're a ranger - no doubt you are good at obscuring halfling footprints." Speaking to all there, he asks, "Are we worried about the consequences of leaving the bodies to be found by others? Or do we want them to be?"

Murphy encourages whoever so wishes to help find out what wealth, magic, and messages any of the fallen group may have left on their bodies. Once the items are gathered, he will join in with others who are able to do so and casts detect magic on everything.

He also asks for a few to join him to look into the place that the rhinoceros came out of, to see if his speculation concerning orcs holds true or not. He does spend several minutes (about 10 or 15) looking over the rhino, getting to know its physical structure as well as he may, considering that as a shape to be able to turn into some day.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 9:11:51 PM
Oh, and I forgot to add - he unwraps the ropes from the fallen ogre, cleans them up, and places them back where they belong.

Bliss (AC28, HP29of56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 9:59:26 PM

Bliss flies in circles and loop-de-loops. He hops about here and there.

"He says he is happy," translates Mookie.

DM Shawn - Two down, more to go
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 11:01:56 PM
The loot and items from the dead are sorted and spells are cast... the following items show magical auras.

potions (6),
potion(4)
Potion
greataxe
ring
greatsword
belt
cloak
headband
ring
Amulet of Natural Armor +1,
Broach
Amulet
tuning fork

While the following are mudane items.

mwk full plate,
breastplate
javelins (6),
Hide armor
greatclub

plus 522gp

But Murphy finds a note in the stone giants sack... written in common...

Highlight to display spoiler: {Hairshirt -

Things are moving as planned. Go along with the hill giants for now. They are stupid and we will rule them later. We still plan to destroy and rule the little ones in their valley. Do not eat all of them. Take some as prisoners for experimentation. The necromancer that was sent to us that is very interested in the halflings. He says he has a debt to repay them.

Gurthax}

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Thursday November 24th, 2016 12:45:02 AM
Ya, Bliss, you really got us in a situation fairly early in the fight.... Maybe next time we talk about a plan.

Nodding when the plan to hide footprints comes up. I can, I'm sure. But does it really matter? This is the camp we were supposed to check out right? So, how do we know anyone will come looking? At least anytime soon.... But bury them? I find that distasteful at best. They would have ate us, I say leave them here for the vermin and animals to snack on. They deserve nothing better. Creatures of violence, stupidity and hate. A dead giant is the best giant, for sure.

Turning his attention to the loot.
is anything useful?

After that he will attempt to hide their footprints if everyone would like him to, although he will not help bury them, putting in a pile to burn he will do though.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Thursday November 24th, 2016 2:02:06 AM
Alleah will cast Detect Magic (and Guidance) and look over all the items. "Try not to touch anything until they've been identified. Last thing we want is for some cursed item to ruin our day"

-----------------------------
Spellcraft check: 11 + 1 Guidance + Take 10 = 22 for each item. Could be more with Aid Anothers?

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Thursday November 24th, 2016 2:15:30 AM

"If that headband makes people smarter, I'd like Bliss to have it, so long as he promises to learn the halfling tongue, like the rest of us. It will help in reasonably secure communications when we face non-halfling opponents."

He leaves it to others for the moment to figure out the details of the magical items, though, if needed, he will try to help with any which need more analysis later.

"Sky, it's not to give them what they deserve, necessarily. But, though they treat us like snacks and slaves, I hope never to adopt their attitudes and evil customs. There may be reasons to let their bodies lie, and rot, or serve as food for beasts, as you suggest. There also may be reasons to burn or bury their remains. Should other giants come upon their slain bodies, perhaps they would be motivated to take revenge. If buried, the deed is not as evident, and others may think they have continued on their journey, or wandered off somewhere. There may be times where doing so in future battles is not possible, or not wise. At this time, though, I will defer to Alleah's judgment in the matter, unless others can advance a solid argument as to why we should not."

He takes out the piece of paper he found in the stone giant's bag. "Everyone - listen to this note the giant was bearing in his bag:"

Hairshirt -

Things are moving as planned. Go along with the hill giants for now. They are stupid and we will rule them later. We still plan to destroy and rule the little ones in their valley. Do not eat all of them. Take some as prisoners for experimentation. The necromancer that was sent to us that is very interested in the halflings. He says he has a debt to repay them.

Gurthax

Murphy looks up after reading the note. "Uthvas Bethud, this necromancer, to whom we showed mercy, though he merited death, feels he has a debt to repay us. I have NO reason to think anything other than that he means revenge, for thwarting his plans, destroying his constructs, and setting Mayor Hammish and the people of Bright Springs firmly against him. That he is aiding the giants who wish to eat and enslave our people is proof of his evil intent. He killed me, and tried to kill several of you. How many of you think that we have unfinished business with him? The business of justice."

He considers the note, and says, "It may be that this stone giant is Hairshirt, and the note was given to him. It may be that he was not Hairshirt, but was planning to deliver it to one by that name. As for Gurthax? One of the giant's leaders? Dolp - according to the hill giant Gloklor, Dolp is the name of the 'good leader' of the giants. Gloklor also said that there were stupid stone giants there, too. Likely, Gurthax is a stone giant leader. And definitely smarter than Gloklor."

If Alleah recommends we bury them, Murphy suggests for a burial site the area shown on the map with corners at J45 and M48 (see Round 9 Map. If Bliss or Alleah (or anyone else) can cast reduce person on the bodies to make it easier to move them, that would be helpful. Murphy wild shapes into a medium earth elemental, and prepares the area, moves the bodies, and covers them over, with as much help as others can give. Once the giant, ogres, and rhino are buried properly, with about eight feet or so of stone and dirt on top of them, he will add some plants from other areas to spread the coverage over untrodden dirt covering their bodies (some from up near the top of the map), and then cast plant growth, so as to give the area thorough plant cover.

Once matters are resolved here one way or another, Murphy suggests the party continue north - though he will take a few minutes to eat something. He will rely on Bliss and Mookie for air surveillance, and Sky and Meko for ground scouting. He feels a need simply to be a halfling for a while, and catch up with his friends. As occasions permit, he will fill in the newer members of the group on the whole business with the necromancer, Uthvas.

During a brief rest break later in the day, he copies the text of the note into his journal, and jots down notes about today's happenings as he finds time.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+7=22 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=13 ; d3=2 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=24 ; d3=3 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=25 ;
Thursday November 24th, 2016 2:23:19 AM
Aid Another Spellcraft to speed up item identifications
Rob posted for Alleah as I was posting. Above are 23 aid another skill checks for spellcraft - all succeeded, so she gets 24 on each one. The two d3s are because the screen shifted as I was clicking.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 59/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Thursday November 24th, 2016 4:47:14 AM
"Can I suggest there are two things to consider - if we bury them that might leave their friends in doubt as to where they are and what happened to them. If we burn them their friends will know where something has happened and most likely figure out what has happened."

Tendel is happy to have the wand used for healing.
OOC, 8 charges noted.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Thursday November 24th, 2016 10:01:07 AM
Pressi shook her head. "So much for Gargul being on our side, and after all we did for the shmuck too. Well, looks like our job got a lot harder. If he isn't using divination against us, he's clearly got his spy network back. But at least we can play the sides against each other better.

"If I'm a bug bear in ogre armor, I might be able to fool people into thinking I'm an ogre, if they don't look too close. Of course my drow necromancer disguise is back on the table."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Thursday November 24th, 2016 5:20:46 PM
OOC: Shel will take ten on her aids on Spellcraft, so that means Alleah has a 26 for each item now.

Shel plops down and listens to the others. "That no good Necromancer is back again. He's so Darned evil. It'll be nice to finish him once and for all, this time. But, if there are more big scouting parties like this, it might do us some good to take a break and talk about what we do the next time."

Bliss (AC28, HP29of56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Thursday November 24th, 2016 9:39:19 PM

Bliss lands on Alleah's shoulder and watches as she looks over the items.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Thursday November 24th, 2016 10:58:21 PM
Alleah looks to the Bliss-bird that lands on her shoulder. She then glances at her clean green cloak. It had better stay that way. One single Bliss-bird dropping and heads would roll...

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Friday November 25th, 2016 12:15:17 AM
As Alleah has not responded to his twice repeated question, Murphy just goes ahead and begins the process of burying the giant and ogre and rhino in the plot he designated, with or without her counsel or help. He collects the plants, accepting help in that area from any who will, placing them near by the burial area, but no so that they'll be covered by the digging out, then transforms into a medium earth elemental, and carries out the process described above.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Friday November 25th, 2016 12:45:13 AM
Tendel, Sky and Murphy look the most concerned as to what to do with the corpses. As long as it doesn't involve desecration in some way, Alleah has said her prayers and is content to leave it in their capable hands to work out.

---------------------------
OOC: I had previously wondered about casting Reduce Person on the bodies, but I believe once a being is dead their corpse is treated as an object rather than a person, hence would need the Shrink Item spell instead

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Friday November 25th, 2016 10:40:43 AM
Pressi joins in with helping to dispose of the bodies and cover tracks.

To answer Shel, Pressi points out that the distance is a substantial factor, as is the range of spells and bows vs fists and thrown objects. Though how the giant was getting such good range she doesn't know. That means potential party splitting or holding ground one patch at a time or hurrying up.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Friday November 25th, 2016 11:18:49 AM
The other issue is that someone besides Alleah has to do the healing or controlling, especially if they are going to move down field. Even if it's grapples or tangle root bags.

Bliss (AC28, HP29of56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Friday November 25th, 2016 4:48:32 PM
Bliss's spell expires and he changes back. But he does not help with the dead.

"That's Gargul's work," he says. "And I don't do what he wants any more."

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+13=29 ;
Friday November 25th, 2016 5:10:59 PM
A necromancer? What in the wold are you all twisted up in? Them some baddies for sure.

An as long as we take the time to form a bit of a plan, then distance can be accounted for and worked out, shouldn't prove to be a huge problem. I can cast long strider if needed to help you keep up Pressi. I actually have a tangle foot bag as well.

He shrugs his shoulders as he reluctantly helps Murphy and Tendel moving the bodies, and cover up the grave with plant stuff. Covering the tracks as best he can as well as looking for tracks to hopefully get a clue about what direction the Giants came from.

Survival 29, 33 if for giant tracks and 31 for animal tracks

Bliss (AC28, HP29of56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Friday November 25th, 2016 6:30:21 PM

"Well," says Bliss, "he's not exactly a necromancer. More like a souped up taxidermist."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Friday November 25th, 2016 9:51:02 PM
"He might as well be a necromancer with all those creations he has running around all the time. They were immune to almost all my magic, too. We were lucky all of us didn't get killed there to be honest."

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Saturday November 26th, 2016 12:07:33 AM
The LootHighlight to display spoiler: {Hide armor
greatclub
Amulet of Natural Armor +1
2 Potions of CMW
 potions of cure light wounds (2)
potion of cure moderate wounds,
potion of fly
mwk full plate,
+1greatsword
belt of mighty
constitution +2
cloak of resistance +1
headband of alluring charisma +2
ring of
protection +1
Broach of Shielding
potions of cure light wounds (4)
potion of cure moderate wounds
breastplate, +1
ring of protection +1, }

The rest of the party buries the giants with help from Elemental Murphy.. the rest get rid of the evidence and foot prints.

In the area were the rhino came from, the grass is just matted as if the rhino laid there for a while.

Is the group planning on camping here or finding a new spot.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Saturday November 26th, 2016 4:36:07 AM
"Well the good news is that nothing is cursed" Alleah declares "This is what we have...

4 x Potions of Cure Moderate wounds
6 x Potions of Cure Light wounds
1 x Potion of fly
+1 greatsword
+1 breastplate
Amulet of Natural Armor +1
Belt of mighty constitution +2
Cloak of resistance +1
Headband of alluring charisma +2
Broach of Shielding
2 x ring of protection +1

Who can make use of what? Perhaps we should share the cure potions out? I might not be able to make it to people next time to cure them myself"

ADM Kim - Items List Revealed
Saturday November 26th, 2016 5:10:29 AM
Since Alleah, Murphy and Shel all worked together on identifying the magical items, like as not one or more of them will let the party members know. Here is the list, generally categorized, with some links to item descriptions (though additional descriptions are available online for further characteristics of weapons and armor)

Items Collected from Stone Giant and Ogres

Weapons:
Greatclub (normal)
Greatsword +1

Armor:
Hide armor (normal)
Full plate armor, masterwork
Breastplate +1

Potions:
6: Cure Light Wounds (1d8+1)
4: Cure Moderate Wounds (2d8+3)
1: Fly (lasts 5 minutes)

Rings:
2: Ring of Protection +1

Miscellaneous Magic:
Amulet of Natural Armor +1
Belt of Mighty Constitution +2
Cloak of Resistance +1
Headband of Alluring Charisma +2
Brooch of Shielding

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Saturday November 26th, 2016 5:29:36 AM
[Looks like Rob beat me to it - but the links still may be useful]0

If there are at least two hours of daylight left, Murphy will suggest, "Let's get at least a few miles between here and wherever we choose to camp. If someone else is traveling toward us, despite the cleanup we did, I don't want to have to get involved in any explanations."

However many hours are left of daylight to travel, going until there is still one hour left should allow for camp setup, defensive measures, cooking tunnel fire pit, etc.

Regarding the necromancer discussion, Murphy says, "Perhaps around the campfire tonight we can tell you details of the story of Uthvas, how he came to possess two of Humble's Ford's best wizards, and how we rescued them. And met Gargul."

A bit later, he also asks, "Can we come up with some sort of battle plan - whereby we organize just a pinch more how to look after each other, and such, and how to focus attacks, and when to attack, and when not to, and not get so spread out we can't help each other... things like that?"

Along the way, he asks of Pressi, somewhat shyly. "Uh, I hope I was not too forward when I kissed you, Pressi. I was sort of upset when I saw the giants ganging up on you, and very relieved you tumbled out of the way, and, well, I just couldn't... that is, y'see... and you were so dazzling, speaking so cleverly in defiance of their giantnesses, so..." he trails off, running out of things to say, just walking along looking at where his feet will go next. Then he laughs. "And that tanglefoot bag. THAT was funny."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Saturday November 26th, 2016 8:14:39 AM
Shel was interested in the pretty magical broach. "It matches my eyes, dont you think? ". If there are no objections, she pins it to her chest.

She will also take a healing potion, when Alleah hands them out.

OOC: really the broach is all Shel needs. She already has a belt, head and, and cloak.

Bliss (AC28, HP29of56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Saturday November 26th, 2016 8:52:27 AM

"Sure, let's go find a campsite," says Bliss.

He looks over the loot and says that the headband would be super useful for a witch like himself. "By which I mean, a cute one."

Mookie guffaws. "I'll cute you a good one, if your head gets too big for that headband!"

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Saturday November 26th, 2016 11:27:55 AM
A potion or two would be great, possibly the hide or breast plate, if able to be modified for Meko. Other than that I can't really use much, maybe a ring? I agree we should pit some distance behind us before we settle in. An this Necrodermist sounds interesting for sure he he.

Sky has a cloak, belt and headband as well.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 5/65, CMD 20+1; Haste; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Saturday November 26th, 2016 1:16:00 PM
"That belt might stop me from getting clobbered so easily," says Kezzem. "That a couple of the healing potions."

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Saturday November 26th, 2016 2:36:11 PM

"Yes, Shel, it does go well with your eyes," Murphy affirms. "And, as spell casters often oppose spell casters, it's good to have you protected from magic missiles."

"Oh, definitely, Bliss, cuteness is among your many assets," he comments with a smile.

He nods at Sky's and Kezzem's comments.

"I was thinking the amulet of natural armor, a ring of protection, and a potion of cure moderate wounds. I think, of all of us, I may be the easiest for an opponent to hit. Which is why I tend to attack from afar - but, giants can attack from afar, too." He then adds, "Now, I don't have to have all three - and will certainly go without one or the other, if someone else wants it."

Did the giants have any gold, gems, or the like? If not, how could they buy a drink in a tavern?

He asks the others what their preferences are.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1, HP 62/65, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Saturday November 26th, 2016 4:02:21 PM
Header update

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Sunday November 27th, 2016 10:41:32 AM
Pressi points to the sack on the stone giant. "Looks like they have 522 gp. And a tuning fork. Also, I counted two amulets. Are they both Natural Armor?"

Pressi picks through the items but nothing stands out. She relies on her belt and current amulet for offense and already has a ring of protection. Charisma she seemed to do okay without. Maybe the potion of fly... and of course at least one CMW potion to replace the CMW she used.

Broach of shielding... She considered laying claim in case she ever did have to stop Shel's yapping, but she figured there were better options.

She studied the armor to see if there were any distinctive markings in case she had to disguise herself, but nothing stood out.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+7=17 ; d20+7=11 ;
Sunday November 27th, 2016 2:28:14 PM
Murphy tries independently to determine the additional amulet and tuning fork, but is not able. "I wonder if the tuning fork is a chime of opening - or something bards use - but I don't really know. Alleah? Shel? Any ideas?"
[Thanks for pointing out what I missed, Melvin]

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 59/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Monday November 28th, 2016 4:28:06 AM
"Don't start calling me dotty or anything just because I look old, I think that knock to my head might have done something... but can anyone see Bill? I'm not sure I recall where I left him."

ooc: Sorry for lack of posting - I've been sick. Still about 50%, just dropping by. There's no wondrous items I want in the loot - maybe the Belt of Con but that is better with Kezzem.

I agree that we need to put some thought into a general plan of combat. Just to get the conversation started, things such as:
staying within around 50' of a healer,
focussing attacks,
setting up flanking to enable sneak attacks to help the rogues (melee full attack and then 5' step),
should I always throw a bear or similar into our combat?

Are any of our animal companions able to deliver and administer potions of CLW to an unconscious friend?

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Monday November 28th, 2016 12:39:08 PM
ooc: Meko I don't thin would be able to administer a potion. Focusing attacks is a grand idea. Sky can shoot into melee, and can move, shoot and move if needed. Also able to melee attack but isn't very great at it. As far as the loot goes, just a potion or two, maybe the armor for Meko. Otherwise, selling it I think is Best

Ya, Kezeem should keep the belt. Its almost as nice as mine! An we need you to keep on your feet when we fight.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+22=33 ; d20+22=26 ;
Monday November 28th, 2016 6:16:23 PM

Murphy hands a charm bracelet to Pressi. It has tiny figurines of two members of the Iron Dragons adventuring group - Sesha and Restlin. "Won it at the Giggling Ghost," he says. He explains that the one who wears it can have it cast a charm person, CL1, one time (up until 11/20/2017), after which it remains as a nice bracelet, with no further magic. He asks Pressi if she has picked up one of the colored scarfs yet (they were awarded to whoever wanted one, from those who participated in some way in honoring the Iron Dragons during the event - go there to check it out and make a claim).

He hands a scarf to ... Sky. "Here, maybe you can use this, eh?" It is woven of red iron thread. A dragon is depicted on one side, and the emblem of the iron adventurer on the opposite. It has a one-use Fairie Fire spell CL:1 (good through 11/10/2017) embedded within it, which the wearer can cause to be cast any time until the item expires - at which point the magic will be gone, but the scarf may remain as a memento. Murphy explains all this to him.

"Huh. Well, Tendel, I think you had Bill when we set out after breaking camp this morning. But, I don't know if you set it down somewhere along the way, or just about the time when Bliss-initiated combat started. Let's look for it around there, eh?" And he looks - Perception 33 to find Bill the Potted Fern before they leave the battleground.

And, a 26 Perception for locating a decent spot for a campground (though likely Bliss and Mookie are more likely to score on that account).

Did the tuning fork and additional amulet have any properties we were able to discern?

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Monday November 28th, 2016 8:23:29 PM
The group moves a few miles down the road before camping. The treasure is basically divied up with some loot being unclaimed. The tuning fork is a tuning fork of the Planes.

The night is uneventful, and everyone gets some much needed rest.

The next day is sunny and clear. The valley is another days march away.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Monday November 28th, 2016 8:47:38 PM
Shel would apply detect magic and try to identify the properties of the two additional items. She could also cast Identify to gain a major bonus on the Spellcraft checks. She sacrifices one of her 4th level spells to add a charge to her staff (current charges 9/10).

She falls in line with the rest of the group as they head on toward their target.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=7 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ;
Monday November 28th, 2016 10:11:13 PM
Alleah will make sure everyone is at full health before turning in. The party took a real battering in that last fight. Perhaps both Gargul and Wardd were watching over them?

"You guys take what you need from the loot. I generally try and stay out of harms way, and well, patch you up to take more of a beating" She smiles as she cooks up a simple breakfast for the group.

---------------------------
Cure Spells:
Kezzem: CSW(22) + CSW(23) + CMW(15) = Full Health
Bliss: CMW(12) + CMW(18) = Full Health
Tendel: CMW(15) = Full Health
I think that's everyone

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Monday November 28th, 2016 10:18:36 PM

Bliss tries on his new headband and is very pleased. [OOC: PC sheet updated]

He is also happy that his friends' care and the benefits of rest restore him to full health.

"If we can just arrange to come upon this giant force in groups of five or six giants at a time, we can defeat the whole army!" he exclaims.

"But before the next time, let me check. If I get hasted, does that mean "ATTACK"? Cause that's what I thought it meant."

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 59/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Monday November 28th, 2016 11:26:50 PM
"Bliss, I can see where you are coming from and, haha! having such a great spell and such large foes does suggest Attack! indeed. To others it means that their little legs can move extra fast into position before attacking. To others it may mean 3 more pints before closing time, ha! I think I know where Bill is. Never mind, we can collect him on the way back. My point being, something about Haste, errr, we just need to talk more."

Of course this is the big problem with PbP - communicating in a timely fashion. Getting the balance right when some characters are ready to attack and others want to scope it out or move into position or have a pint is always going to be difficult.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Monday November 28th, 2016 11:44:07 PM
"Alright, I've got a new magic belt to make me mighty tough, and it also holds up my pants!"

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Tuesday November 29th, 2016 2:08:11 AM
Haste being cast should mean to split apart into position to attack. Since the spell only effects an area, an ya Kazeem, mine seems to have held up me britches pretty good too hehe.

Thanks for the scarf, other than advice this is the only thing ever been given to me.

Sky seems a little awkward at accepting the gift. Has he made friends so quickly? Or is being nice their default attitude toward helpful strangers?

During the night, before sleep and again when they awake Sky waters his and Mekos wreath.

ooc: Emails. We should have group emails throughout battles, before and after. I think this would help a lot.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Tuesday November 29th, 2016 2:47:06 PM
(OOC: Apologies for some silence and short posts. Stuff at work, then travel, and then my wife and kid both fell victim to pneumonia.)

Pressi smiled at her new bracelet, blushing. "And don't at all worry about kissing me at the end of battle. What's important is that you fear me. Also, I appreciate your worry but I personally have cut it much closer than that. Even I'm not crazy enough to stand between two ogres... course, with better positioning I could have made it to Kezzem or protected myself better. At least I could have remembered a tanglefoot bag is a range weapon." (Pressi shows that she picked up an air scarf for herself.)

"As for what's going on, I think just being clearer about what we try is enough. And of keeping a better eye on each other and the field. I mean, we could have done better just by staying nearer to Bliss and forcing the ogres to come to us. I guess I'm just grumpy because I tried to signal that I wanted to get closer without making enough noise that they'd spot us. For future reference, that's why I have the fan. If it's up, I'm trying to say something."

"Moving on, I think before we take another day's march, we should decide if there's anything we can do now to prepare. Like find a way to magically see ahead or something? If not, I think we need to sneak towards the camp as best as we can."

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Tuesday November 29th, 2016 5:31:10 PM

"That sounds pretty smart, Miss Pressi," says Bliss. "Everyone should stay by me when we have lots of open space. We'll win missile fights with giants and ogres, especially if we small folk have cover or concealment. Make them come to us. Put summoned creatures out there first to slow them down as they approach. It's okay, they just go home when they are killed. They're not really killed, you know."

Bliss clearly wants you all to understand that it is okay to summon creatures to certain death in battle.

"Kid, they know that," says Mookie.

"Oh, okay," says Bliss.

"As for finding out what's ahead," Bliss continues, after a pause, "why don't I just range in front of us a mile or so, circling back every hour or two or whenever I find something, to tell you what's what. I trained to scout in the Mailed Fist, you know. And I died in the shadowlands and learned to dance the dim for that very reason, sure."

Mookie has a feeling that Bliss has mixed up cause and effect there in his logic, but the bird cannot think how to explain that.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Tuesday November 29th, 2016 6:40:33 PM
"I think the scouting worked very well last time. We do need to work on our execution thereafter. Sometimes it is best for us to wait for just a few seconds after my Haste spell. It'll give Pressi and Kezzem more time to get prepared and run to where they need to be. And we should still have plenty of time to fire away at the biguns after that!"

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Tuesday November 29th, 2016 8:18:20 PM

"I fear you? Or, I fear for you?" Murphy says to Pressi.

[So, though two amulets were mentioned, the 2nd amulet is nonmagical? Or only one amulet should have been mentioned? Or something else? OTOH, looking forward to figuring out what plane the tuning fork is attuned to]

Murphy again uses the upward-flowing hourglass as he attends to his morning prayers.

He says to Bliss that not getting much more than a quarter mile - or at most half a mile ahead of the party might be wise for winged group members.

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Tuesday November 29th, 2016 10:41:19 PM
OOc: Second amulet was a typo

The party marches on for another day, uneventful as can be luckily. As they get closer and closer to the Giant valley, the group begins to notice caves and hollows that are large enough to house giant, and some small enough for goblin children to crawl through. The group will have to sleep one more night, and will reach the giant camp mid day tommorow.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 12:36:12 AM
"Yeah, I agree with Murphy, Bliss. I know you want to venture off a few miles ahead, but at that distance we'd be unable to help you should rouble arise. Let's stay no more than two or three hundred feet apart. That should give you space to scout whilst keeping us a healthy distance to quickly get to you if needed"

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 6:37:36 AM

"Okay, tomorrow I'll do that," Bliss agrees. "I'll stay within a thousand feet."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 7:10:55 PM
"Don't worry, Pres, I fear you. You slap really hard!"

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 7:34:30 PM
Assuming they have a quiet night, Shel will expend one more 4th level slot, charging her staff back to full strength. Shel didn't add any comments to the discussions about Pressi's slapping abilities as she was afraid she'd get an up close example.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 8:49:29 PM
Sensing the increasing tension as the group approaches the giant's valley, Tendel is not his usual jocular self.

He spends some time looking through his scrolls, checking that his gear is secure. Each night he spends a minute or so in quiet conversation with Onalep (and if one was able to eavesdrop one might think they spoke like a proud mentor with his former apprentice). "Let's see if we can't have you better prepared for combat against giants next time. I still have a headache from that blow."

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 8:54:00 PM
[i][OOC]I would also like to have more time for pre-combat buffs, where we can afford it: things like Bless, Protection from Evil, Air Walk, Summoning and Comprehend Languages from Tendel, for example. I'm sure with lots of spell casters we could fill several rounds pre-buffing... I'd like to get off one or two more spells before the swords fly (pun intended).[/ooc]

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 10:49:27 PM

"Agreed, Tendel. If I am shapechanged, I will make a quiet noise signaling I am ready. Or a different one saying I'll be ready in a certain number of rounds." Without getting into describing the details in this text, he outlines his bird-like signals for: Wait; Ready; Go; Help; Move; More; Heal; North, South, East, West; Necromancer; numbers 0 through 9, and the notion that if he puts two numbers together in a row, then the first number represents multiples of ten, the second the single digit. He spends time with the group teaching his codes, then quizzing, then reteaching what's needed. He probably drives some people crazy with his teaching, but plows forward stubbornly until most of them understand it reasonably well. As they have a way to go, he has hours to teach it. He also asks if anyone has any useful suggestions for additional words or ideas he should include in this limited vocabulary. Such as Slap. He then adds specific calls for each of his friends [Like Capt Von Trapp]

He is also changing up his spells somewhat (should be reflected on sheet by tomorrow).

"Is my flying and acting as aerial attack and support fine with the rest of you?" he asks. "On the flip side - perhaps I could, after initial bird form, go into elemental - earth, air, fire, or - well, not so likely, water. Can also summon some critters.

"What is our purpose? Or, what are our purposes? I submit the following:
- Kill Uthvas, the necromancer
- Throw confusion to the giants
- Not kill them all - but take out enough to let them know, if they go ahead with their plans to attack the valley, that we will throw way more against them
- Take some spoils
- Get all of us out - and alive, is preferred
- Among all this, will we be able to ferret out their plans? Can we do so before we attack? Or do so in subsequent interrogations?

"All right - what do the rest of you think? We might not be able to accomplish all that we desire. Oh, keep in mind that, in addition to Uthvas, there will likely be more spell casters among them."

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 11:21:17 PM
Another night goes by with no problems or marauding giants. Murphy decided to teach a code to the group on short notice. (Dc 20 Wis check to remember, as I think one night is hard to learn all the commands and recall. +2 bonus is you have 10 ranks in animal handling(with bonuses))

The next morning is the usual, breaking camp and marching. As the group moves closer to the valley, more and more of the caves reveal themselves. Close to noon, the group can hear noise ahead... loud drums, some yelling, some laughter and shouting. The sounds are at least a half mile out.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+2=4 ;
Wednesday November 30th, 2016 11:56:46 PM
Sky can't even come close to comprehending the code Murphy tries to teach,

Can't we just cast a spell to communicate? This is way to hard....

As for the purposes of The group, Sky and Meko both agree figuring out and stopping the giants plan should be very important, while killing the Necromancer should be top priority. Getting out alive is high on the list as well.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+22=40 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2016 2:02:07 AM
Murphy's plans prior to entering valley of the giants 20161130

Seeing that his eagle code is a challenge for some, he at least makes sure that each party member knows the eagle 'name' for himself or herself. Also, at minimum, the codes for Help, Attack, and Retreat. So four calls total as the base minimum. [Hopefully, that amount will be quite a bit easier than DC20]. If some are clever enough to grasp his whole code set from last night and this morning's travel training, then all the better.

Murphy decides to stay as he is for the morning, as a halfling, relying upon Bliss and Mookie, with Sky and Meko on the ground, to scout a bit ahead for them. On hearing the drums and voices, he hopes that the scouts will return to the group for a brief council.

"Might I suggest that we briefly discuss possibilities? I then will shapechange into an eagle. We avians will then fly ahead for aerial reconnaissance. We should not fly too closely to each other. Perhaps I can go above the camp off to the right, and Bliss and Mookie off to the left. Although... hmmm - Uthvas has seen Mookie before, right? Maybe Mookie should stop short of flying over the camp. Perhaps stop short, see what he can see, then return. Sound all right? Murphy to the right, Bliss to the left, pass over then, when at a comfortable distance and hopefully out of sight of the giants, circle back. After all, they are in a valley, as we see on the map.

"If we can tell where the necrotaxidermancer is, all the better. Also leaders, general numbers. We know there will be stone giants and hill giants, perhaps other sorts, too, along with the smaller biguns such as ogres, and smallers like goblins or the like. We'll get that information, then return - we hope. Those of you on the ground can be moving ahead with caution, looking for places to hide along the way, or, just find a good place right now to hide, and await our return. Suggestions?"

[Perception: 40 - to discern giant's chants if at all possible. He was trained in the giant tongue by an ogre-mage/ogre bard, who loved chants and music]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Thursday December 1st, 2016 3:57:38 AM
Alleah takes a cleansing breath. Usually at the sound of potential enemies the plan falls apart.

She casts Comprehend Languages, just in case she can make out any words from the distant sounds, and follows that up with a [Message spell so the party can communicate at range.

"I wouldn't feel good about splitting into three or four groups. We split up at Uthvas' house and Murphy died. We split up only a few days ago, and Tendel and Onalep almost died. I know this is out there, but what if we tried to stay as a group? Everyone within 100ft of each other?

If we've learnt anything, it's that we work better as a group. That, and giants seem weak to mind affecting spells."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d20+2=14 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2016 11:29:45 AM
(Will Roll 14) Pressi follows the original sets of tweets and whistles as best as she can. "Ok, which one says that Shel fell down a well again?

"By the way, are we really just going to let slide Shel's activities. How she's spent the last several days polishing and charging her wood staff while showing no interest in male attention? Nothing? Just going to let it slide, much like her staff." Pressi shrugged. "Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. Moving on....

"I really for our purposes just wanted to gather information, and maybe get some sabotage if there's time. I'd actually rather avoid killing even the necromancer if it can be avoided, though I'm doubting that we'll be able to completely avoid a fight. So I'm thinking some of us sneak in and out while the less sneaky provide a distraction or some disguise to help us get in. I mean we have shapeshifters and we can make an animal look like something to sell or even a statue. In such a case, three to four groups makes sense with a caveat that the group retreats at the first sign of trouble.

"But if that's not possible, then I'm more inclined towards Alleah's stick as a group and try to pull them towards us. Even if that means some of us melees have nothing to do for a while. We do a steady forward march, always making sure we have our retreat path unblocked.

"Anyway, I want to call our priorities for a voice vote, plurality takes it. Our choices are as follows. One: we try to spy and leave. Two: we engage in battle. Three: we try to get them to fight each other and then engage in battle. Four: any option that I missed."

Pressi votes one.

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+27=42 ; d20+27=41 ; d20+27=46 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2016 11:44:36 AM

Bliss listens to Alleah's warning not to split the party and declares, "No worries Miss Alleah! I will not take on all the giants by myself! Not even one! I promise to come back to the group as soon as I see a thing! And Mookie stays here!"

He tries to learn Murphy's system and gets confused. And he often IS a bird! But with work he does his best to master "Bliss, Help, Attack, and Retreat." He laughs. "And if you want to say you are happy, Mister Murphy, you can use my name for that too!"

Bliss votes for spying, then getting them to fight each other, then more fighting with missile weapons, then melee at the very end.

Then Bliss goes out scouting, both hiding in plain sight and keeping under cover whenever possible. Stealth Checks: 42, 41, 46.

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20=6 ; d20=17 ; d20=8 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+14=33 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2016 4:11:29 PM
Sky hops on Meko and the two take off scouting on the ground, no more than a hundred yards away.

Perception: 18, 29 and 20.
Stealth: 29, 30 and 33

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51 d20+5=13 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2016 5:17:36 PM
Wisdom Roll 13

"What Alleah says points to one of our main strengths against giants; we can drop a few Confusion spells, and Hold Person and Command on these guys if needed, haha!

"I think we should scout and leave - bring back a force of dwarves and others perhaps, or organise and plan some sabotage. I really think we should avoid melee with the big folk. If needed we can throw these spells and summoned animals at them from a distance and try to stay far away."

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Thursday December 1st, 2016 6:28:47 PM

Murphy concurs with Bliss's vote: Spy, confuse opponents & get them beating on each other, ranged combat, melee if needed, and escape.

"Wait, guys - Bliss, Sky - let's not do Go - Set - Ready again. WAIT until we are agreed."

[Extra post: Because vote was called for]

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 d20+1=6 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2016 7:49:27 PM
Shel also had problems trying to recall Murphy's random squawks. She grinned broadly and nodded , trying to convince him she had the slightest idea what he was going on about.

Shel shook her head at Pressi, but dared not retort, as the ever so sensitive rogue would not ever forget it, it appeared. Some are better to answer with only silence, she thought.

"You all know the spells I need to cast....Shield, Mirror Image, Fly and Haste. I can also cast Protection from Evil on those who want it."

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Thursday December 1st, 2016 11:50:22 PM
Finally a vote is called, and people head out to scout. A battle plan is even drawn up.... but it quickly goes out the window when those in the air see what is before them. If the one stone giant, and 6 ogres gave them a rough time... the close to a thousand giants, mixes of stone and hill, not to mention the scores of ogres, orks and goblins poses a bigger problem. From their vantage point in the sky, the actual threat of the giants is aparent... if this group is not stopped the entire Culverwood, Humbles ford included will have new rulers.

Perception 10: Highlight to display spoiler: { Most here are hill giants and ogres, with a few stone giants. There are even some snot-nosed giant children running around, occasionally torturing a hapless goblin. Orc and goblin slaves move through the camp tending to regular chores, and just trying to not wind up with their heads cracked open. }
Perception 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {The giants and ogres are quite stupid, and seem almost oblivious to the medium and small orcs and goblins moving about the chaos, except when they order one to performs some task. The orcs and goblins seem to be from different tribes, and most don�t seem to know each other.}
Perception 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {Many of the orcs and goblins wear hoods or headscarves, so as not to draw attention to themselves. In fact, it�s hard to tell what sort of creature those with the hoods are.}

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d20+10=18 ; d20+14=29 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2016 3:51:51 AM
Alleah's mind remains unchanged in that she is not going to let Bliss venture more than 100ft away from her. She creeps along carefully at ground level, moving swiftly from bush to bush.

Stealth: 18
Perception: 29

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+23=31 ; d20+13=27 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2016 6:00:07 AM

Sigh. With the two having gone ahead anyway, Murphy changed into his eagle form, and flew above the large giant encampment following the plan he earlier described. Along with the giants, ogres, goblins, orcs, he tries to see if there is any evidence of the necromancer about - either anything resembling the stitched-together creatures that Uthvas introduced to them earlier, or a tent or shack or dwelling, or anything, whatever, that might cast a clue as to the presence of the necromancer who killed him. Not wanting to draw too much attention to himself, he does not spend as much time as he would like, letting a single pass suffice to learn what he might.

He also attends to the highlights of the pathway between the valley encampment and where he had left the party.

When he returns, he changed back to this halfling form. Murphy lets his friends know what he discerned. Murphy pulls out papers and pen, and a bit of charcoal. With five pages of parchment, on the first the druid sketches a quick map of the area, showing where various creatures were positioned. As this is a valley, he looks to see how close the hills are on either side, how steep the slopes, how many are on the slopes or at their base. Either now, or later, should now not be a good time, he will draw up a more detailed map by putting together the remaining four pieces.

As he draws, he explains: "There are nearly a thousand - a few stone giants, many hill giants and ogres. Some giant children who torture some goblins. Orcs and goblins of various tribes, judging by their varied clothing. Many wear hoods or headscarves." [Does a 31 perception reveal perhaps a bit more about the headscarf wearers? Perhaps Uthvas' critters? Or something else? Also, is there an obvious leader, or leaders discernible?]

"So, a question. Is there something we can do to damage a large number of them? Shake them up? I don't know about you all, but I want to spend some time praying - after we've had a chance to talk."

[Perception 31 - for observation, information gathering; Knowledge, Geography: 27 - for cartography]

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+18=36 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2016 11:49:27 AM
Bliss sneaks ahead, sneaks back, and reports in.

Perception check: 36

He sneaks back and stumbles on Alleah, who he did not expect to meet so close by. "Miss Alleah!" he exclaims in a whisper, quietly conveying alarm, worry, and surprise ... very softly. "You can't be here! There's an army of those things!" He leads her back to the party, wincing every time she snaps a twig or moves through a shaft of daylight.

Back at the camp, he explains it all. "Wowsy, as my mama used to say, this is scary! There's a thousand giants, and probably as many goblins and orcs! They have a monster camp and they are getting ready for a war! The orcs and goblins are like slaves, and they are trying to keep from being noticed, like by wearing hoods. There's lots of different tribes."

"I think we could pretty easily sneak into the camp disguised as goblins. Some of us can use shapechange magic to BE goblins or orcs. I have a hat of disguise and two vials of Stealth Elixer."

"In fact, I came ready for this! I have 4 Scrolls of Magic Vestments, 4 Scrolls of Barkskin, 3 witch Scrolls of Beast Shape I, 3 Scrolls of Heroism, and a wand of mage armor."

"We have to have a plan before we sneak in" Bliss tries to sketch a map based on what he saw.

[OOC: DM? Could we have a map or even a list of interesting big tents or meeting places? Thx!]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (1/2 cast)
Friday December 2nd, 2016 1:18:28 PM
"Alleah, usually the ladies tell me to stay at least 100 ft AWAY from them," says Kezzem.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast) d20+13=26 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2016 1:21:41 PM
Perception: 26

"Okay folks, here's an idea," says Kezzem. "We get some of those hoodies and pretend to be goblins. "Um, does anyone speak Goblin?"

Sky & Meko HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+12=28 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2016 2:08:28 PM
Learning the same as the others, Sky and Meko sneak back to the party as well, with the same to report..

sneak in, disguised as goblins? Sounds like an idea... But then again. It doesn't seem like they have much say in this camp... Can we get big? Can anyone disguise themselves as a giant

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Friday December 2nd, 2016 3:00:38 PM

Bliss says, "There are kid giants running around. I could shapechange into a medium sized person, like an orc or a man, and then use my hat of disguise to make myself look like a giant kid, I think. For about four minutes a spell, two spells a day. I am god with disguises."

"It looked like the giant kids were bossing around the goblins and picking on them, so if one of us is a giant kid and is running with a stick and herding a pack of goblins, that would probably go unnoticed. So that would give us a four minute run to get to, say, the leader's tent, or the taxidermist's. Then we rush in, kill the bum, cast again and run out."

"Then we camp out for a day. The next day, we do some other sabotage."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Friday December 2nd, 2016 8:53:18 PM
"Shape changing isn't my strong suit. I can confuse a few of them and all, but I'm no good at changing my appearance. But seriously, what are we going to do with a thousand Giants? If they find our village, our whole town is done for..."

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Saturday December 3rd, 2016 8:26:45 AM
Plans are quickly thrown out and most seem real good. The scouts who went ahead don't see any signs of a leader, or Uthvas.There are no tents or meeting places, just a rough encampment of smelly big'uns. They do see some caves, like the ones they have passed already, alongside the valley. They do notice that it seems the larger camp does look like two smaller camps mushed together. though there are spots of mingled giants, it does seem the hill giants and stone giants have staked claim to their own side.

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Saturday December 3rd, 2016 11:34:28 PM
Risky. All the better with Murphy and possibly Bliss giving back up from above. But still, this means your inside alone. But since we've obviously no chance against this force. I like the sabotage idea a lot more than going in looking for information. I mean, of course they plan to attack our town. I think The why is irrelevant at this point.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d100=29 ;
Sunday December 4th, 2016 1:24:49 AM
"We need more intel, and a safe way to gather it"

Alleah casts Clairaudience/Clairvoyance to create a magical, invisible sensor 640ft in towards the camp. She should then be able to see and hear as if she was actually there. What's more, with the Comprehend Languages spell she has already cast, hopefully she can understand what is actually being said.

-----------------------------
Leyline check: 29 = Pass

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d20+14=17 ;
Sunday December 4th, 2016 4:41:40 PM
Pressi shook her head at Shel's meltdown. Those kinds of things tended to get her riled up herself.

She peered out at the camp as carefully as she could (Perception 17) but wasn't sure what she was looking for. At the moment, though, there wasn't much more than she could do besides wait, and try to figure out better ways to sneak or disguise her way in.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Monday December 5th, 2016 1:06:20 AM

Murphy waits to learn what Alleah is able to learn. He also hopes to be able to better understand the layout of the valley he has flown over once now.

He does say he is willing to change into one of the forms he has mentioned, and to accompany one or two others on ground spying... or to go bird again, this time something other than an eagle.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Monday December 5th, 2016 4:36:00 AM
Tendel awaits news from Alleah's spell. It is nice to get intel without risking your hide armour for it.

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Monday December 5th, 2016 8:07:45 AM

Bliss scouts ahead alone, before Alleah gets to the spot from which she will cast the spell. He wants to make sure that there are no scouts or guards. He is thinking that he has to look for goblins, who are surely the scouts for this army.

As Bliss scouts, he communicates with Mookie via Message cantrip. Mookie stays 100 ft back behind him, so that if Bliss finds anything, he can whisper back to Mookie.

When Bliss finds a good hiding spot from which Alleah can cast, he heads back to the group and leads her there. He suggests that only those with confidence in their stealth come along.

"I wish that Miss Fatine were still in the group," Bliss whispers to Alleah. "Then we could make a circle and help you cast your spell," Bliss says.

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Monday December 5th, 2016 9:37:30 AM
what about the caves we passed? Maybe one of them connects with the caves within the camp?

Meko says this with frown, knowing they didn't bother actually checking them...

May have passed up orcs or goblin scouts mini camp...

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Monday December 5th, 2016 11:53:26 AM
Bliss scouts ahead, and luckily stumbles on no guards. Apparently this war machine doesn't fear a sneak attack and no guards are actually set. He finds a nice spot for Alleah to cast her spell.

Once in the spot Alleah casts her spells and pears in on the camp. She hears the usual lewd jokes coiming from a giant, aimed at one of the scrawny goblins.

she does pick up two names that alot of the ogres and giants say Dolp and Hairshirt... maybe names of the leaders, or the backers of the plan, or perhaps just the names of two drunk Ogres. More surveliance would help.

She also hears some of the goblins and orks talking about how the giants don't take the halflings serious, and they pose no threat. The orks and goblins seemed more inclined to get out of the servitude of the giants and ogres.

Sky suggests checking out the caves to see if they connect to caves in the camp.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Monday December 5th, 2016 8:27:15 PM
"I say we let Alleah keep using the Clairaudience spell to find out more details. At some point, they will say something useful. When she needs a break, Sky is right, we could explore those caves. Maybe there is a way to get closer than we are now through those caverns."

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Monday December 5th, 2016 8:31:28 PM

"Hey Mister Sky, maybe before we go in the caves and stink 'em up, your doggie friend can maybe sniff out if there've been goblins or orcs or anything in there lately."

"If there is a goblin spell, then we gotta look out for traps and such. They love those, I think."

"But yeah, sure, let's take a peek. There might be a spot through which only tiny fellows like me can fit!"

Bliss will take point in caving, with his darkvision and his tiny form and his good escape artist and acrobatics skills.

"Mookie, you stay here with Miss Alleah."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Monday December 5th, 2016 8:54:39 PM
Pressi flipped through her notebook and the various notes. "Everytime I hear one of those names, a little bird says... Ok, here we go. Dolp is the guy who sent those giants out for halfling in a bag, and we decided he was hill. Hairshirt is the guy who sent this note to Gurgax... about the necromancer... and they were stone giants. Oh, and we have a letter that the stone giants are going along for now, maybe a letter that should be filed somewhere important. Wonder what the hill giants think about this necromancer."

There isn't much more that Pressi can do at the moment, to the point where she considers volunteering for cave duty.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Monday December 5th, 2016 10:06:59 PM
Alleah shares with the others what she has learned - especially the two names she often hears.

"So do you guys want me to try that again, or should we explore the caves? Every spell I use to scout is one less that I can use in battle though"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast)
Monday December 5th, 2016 11:27:25 PM
"Hairshirt, why is that name familiar," ponders Kezzem.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 5:30:22 AM
"At some point we may let Dolp of the hill giants know that Hairshirt - the leader of the stone giants," Murphy says, concurring with Pressi, "- takes counsel from Gurthax, who wrote the letter - I think you flipped those two, Press - and Gurthax calls the hill giants 'stupid,' and says that the stone giants will rule over the hill giants later.

"To translate that for hill giants, we tell them that Gurthax calls them stupid, and Gurthax and Hairshirt plan to the enslave the hill giants after taking over the halflings.

"If we can get them fighting among themselves, instill discord among the different types of giants, that may help keep them from attacking us so quickly, or in an ordered fashion. Strife among them may lead to a delay in their plans to attack us.

"The necromancer may be with Gurthax, with Gurthax located elsewhere, rather than in this valley of biguns. But, until we look deeper here, we will not know.

"For the moment - if all or most of us want to explore a cave together, then perhaps I can summon a few air elementals to stir things up in one area of the valley, and draw focus away from whatever cave we want to explore. Or, a few can explore, and a few remain back. Also, for disguise? Just wear a hood. I have a few empty sacks we could use for the purpose.

"Bliss - I'll join you as a bat - but will look a bit different from the bat form I took in Bright Springs. More like a local bat. If you don't mind, may I just grab on to your shirt and let you carry me along, until we get to a place where it makes sense for me to fly? I'll be smaller than you. I can see in the dark just fine, now, in that form.

"You're right, Alleah - hold off on casting another scrying spell for now. We don't know whether something might be stirred up that we'll need to conserve power to deal with. Let's see what we find out from the caves and listening about. If you want, I can remain as a bat, find an obscure place to hide out for a while in the camp and listen, perhaps observe, then join back up with you all. I know, I know - try not to divide up the party. But, I'm willing to do that, as I don't think, at the moment, a flitting bat is likely to raise any sort of major alarm."

Note: Murphy does not summon air elementals if hoods and imitation of goblins' walking styles are adequately imitated, and no alarm is sounded.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 5:18:56 PM
Tendel is feeling bewildered by the number of options being thrown about.

"What was our mission here, again? Scout and cause mayham, wasn't it? I think we should leave the caves alone and scout a little more then go cause some mischief. "

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 7:44:16 PM
Mischief, well I like turning them against each other with letters, a well places fly by attack from Murphy is also a grand idea. But those caves do worry me...

and Meko would go check it out for us first, before we stink it up of course

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 7:50:00 PM

"How would we deliver these messages?" Bliss asks. "I could deliver them dressed as an orc!"

"Mister Sky, if these caves lead to those caves, that's our best way to sneak into the enemy camp!"

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 8:41:48 PM
"I still say a quick scouting of the caves might be the best move right now. Figure out if they lead anywhere, or if there's any useful gear forgotten over the years in there. We need whatever we can find to fight off these bad biguns."

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 9:48:12 PM
More ideas are thrown out. Perhaps Alleah should listen and watch more. Or they can send Meko in to check the caves. Murphy can do a fly by attack and maybe a letter can be placed to cause disention among the giants.

The only defintive idea that is acted upon is seaching of one of the caves. After Meko gives the all clear, Bliss heads in and checks. There is no obvious signs of goblins living here. No food or fire pit, scat or beds. This cave has a few twists and turns, but eventually ends in a solid rock wall. This one is empty, but there are over a hundred more.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast) d20+15=33 ;
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 11:20:52 PM
Kezzem juggle his daggers while Bliss scouts the cave(s).

Sleight of Hand: 33.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 7:22:38 AM
Alleah will wait for Bliss to return. Scouting the caves sounds like the best course of action at the moment. Firstly in case any goblins are hiding nearby, and secondly, in case one provides a stealthy way to enter the camp.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d20+14=25 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+18=24 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 10:20:51 AM
"With over a hundred caves, it could take forever to find the right one."

Pressi peered at the caves (Perception 25), looking for signs of visitation or unusual markings or anything that might differentiate a cave from the others. If so, she marks it, but does not go in.

"Ok, one last scouting mission. I'm going to slip down to the perimeter, as close as is safe for a non-flier, and see if I can spot some good entry points for us." She pulled her cloak over her head. "Anyone who wants to keep me company may, but you may want to stand back. No sense risking us all."

(Perception 20, +1 for traps. Stealth 24).

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+20=33 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 12:11:43 PM
Sky and meko will search for tracks near multiple cave openings.

perception 33

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 12:55:39 PM

Bliss comes back and says, "Wowsy, there are so many caves! We need a way to pick out the right one to get to the camp!"

Diminutive Bat Murphy (Kim) AC 20 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+26=30 ; d20+26=37 ; d20+26=31 ; d20+26=29 ; d20+26=43 ; d20+26=41 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=23 ; d3=2 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+14=32 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 3:14:28 PM

Murphy, who had made arrangements to accompany Bliss on his first foray into a cave, did so. After Bliss left the first cave, Murphy continued on his exploration, hitting a total of ten caves - or fewer, if he finds one that offers passage through to a separate exit. If, along the way, he should hear an interesting conversation, or spot something useful for what the party has in mind, he will pay attention as well.

He moves at half speed, using stealth, finding nooks and crannies for cover or concealment along the way.

Once done with that quantity of exploration, he returns to the party. In bat language, he communicates through Tendel (who has comprehend languages available, I believe) what he has seen, found, learned.

When Pressi decides to go out - he will accompany her - but at a distance, flitting here and there, taking advantage of stealth. To make things easy - taking 10 on perception, and on stealth, for 36 Perception and 24 Stealth as he is in her vicinity - say within 60 feet or so. He listens for goblin and giant speech. He also listens for orcish - but only knows a few words here and there in that tongue.

In the first column is the number of the cave, second column is perception, the third column stealth

Cv Pr St
01 30 32 (with Bliss)
02 37 21
03 31 21
04 29 28
05 43 31
06 41 22
07 35 23
08 38 24
09 44 28
10 39 32

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast) d20+19=25 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 7:13:56 PM
Kezzem stealths behind Murphy and Pressi on the first cave.

Stealth: 25 (Murphy will notice him, but Pressi does not).

Kezzem slips up right behind Pressi and says, "Watcha doin', Pres."

Dm Shawn - The Loot
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 10:19:56 PM
10 Caves and 10 trips into nothing. Some of the caves show the casual occupancy of an animal or two. On of the caves does have some goblin prints, but nothing else is useful in any of the caves checked. Some of them do tie into each other but most just go nowhere.

Pressi moves down to the edge of the camp, and can easily see the various race moving around. She hears bits of conversation, the most useful thing being the fact both Dolp and Hairshirt reside in their own caves. Sperate but equal apparently.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 10:33:02 PM
"Okay, the caves might not lead anywhere. At least we know we would be safe in one, if it came down to it. I think the play now is to find a way to turn the tribes against each other. A Confusion spell would do that on a small scale but we need something much bigger than that. The hill giants might be the dumbest of the crew, and easiest to take advantage of. Perhaps if we could leave something saying the stone giants and the necromancer are in cahoots to make hill giant zombies, or something. If they could read that it."

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Wednesday December 7th, 2016 11:57:48 PM
Feeling better about being safe from behind after the caves were checked, Sky puts more thought into the trial ahead...

sounds like a good plan honestly. But like you said, it could end up being moot if small scale... Its worth a shot, with Murphy causing mayhem from above, hopefully they would think its the necromancers doing.

Knowing that he is a little more than useless in this mischief plan, Sky feels something he's not uses to, fear.

If this goes bad, thousands of enemies could possibly reign death upon him and his new friends.

Diminutive Bat Murphy (Kim) AC 20 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Thursday December 8th, 2016 12:05:47 AM

Murphy, speaking through Tendel (if he will be so kind as to translate for bat-Murphy), chirrups, "Good idea, Shel. Very good. Perhaps a drawing showing a stone giant kicking a hill giant, and tying up hills giants in chains, with nasty words written in the giant tongue, then a few copies left where hill giants can find them. Maybe we can forge a copy of the letter to Hairshirt, too, or let them find it. Or, dress as a goblin, and read it out loud to the - hey, I know. We make sure that Dolp sees it before Hairfoot sees it. What if a bat holds the actual letter in his mouth, or claws, or has a string which ties it to his leg - with a quick release knot, and delivers it right to Dolp's cave - and then flies away quickly?"

He thinks a bit more, then adds, "Maybe we have a different note about those assembling against the giants, should they travel southward. It should mention 500 elven archers, 400 dwarven fighters, a large cadre of druids, 6 covens of witches, a force of 45 wizards and sorcerers, a group of 2000 humans, and another of 1500 humans, five different experienced adventuring groups, experienced against giants, as well as dragons -- three silver dragons, two gold dragons, a nasty bronze dragon family, and one ancient steel dragon, plus numerous skilled halfling adventurers, abundant traps laid in store for big clumsy giants, and the trained giant eagle riders who carry wands of fire, frost, lightning, and one who can make the earth shake and open up beneath giants and their allies. Does someone want to write that out in common?"

"One more thing," bat-Murphy adds, further taxing Tendel (or perhaps Mookie, who may understand him, too), "As long as I am a bat, shall I set out and see if I can figure out where either or both of the leaders' caves are? I can stay high at first, and only descend if absolutely necessary, just watching and listening from above."

If most of the party agree with his last request, bat-Murphy will fly out for further reconnaissance as he just suggested. Use the 36 Perception, 24 stealth, as before. Or go ahead and roll extra times for Murphy if desired. If trees or other high spots are available to occasionally alight, he will take advantage of those.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Thursday December 8th, 2016 12:35:00 AM
"I'm just remembering back to our discussion with the elves. They knew that the giants were amassing here, and didn't want to tell us for fear we would go and stir things up. I think we also told them we would only scout and then report back, though I don't remember it that clearly.

Wouldn't we be better coordinating with the dwarves and elves on this? If we make the wrong move now we could alert the giants to our presence. If we can combine our forces against them though, we might catch them unawares

What I'm saying, is I think we should leave well enough alone and report back. There's more than just our necks on the line here"

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Thursday December 8th, 2016 1:02:54 AM
Tendel listens ready to translate, instead replies, "Can we get parchment big enough for giant's use? Can we even write and draw convincingly large enough?"

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Thursday December 8th, 2016 6:28:07 PM
[ooc]Sorry, these are the last few days of the school year and people keep finding jobs for me. I will be back online properly in about 12 hours.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Thursday December 8th, 2016 9:36:12 PM
Shel wasn't sure. Aleah's advice has always been good. And maybe we did tell them we would just scout. But Murphy makes sense, too. If we could drop just a couple notes to the right giants, maybe they'd start fighting with each other. Oh bother.. She waited to see if any of the others wanted to chip in to sway her feelings.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Thursday December 8th, 2016 10:43:32 PM
[OOC: sorry, thought I had already posted.]

Pressi continues to circle the camp quietly, trying to observe anything that can help. The desire to simply slip into the camp and mingle with the crowd becomes irresistible, but she holds.

All sorts of ideas come to mind, from pretending to be a soothsayer to pretending to be part of the house of keys selling the halflings out. But the precise lie means nothing until she can figure out where they are - and what motivates them.

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d100=70 ;
Thursday December 8th, 2016 11:23:47 PM

Mookie cocks his head and listens to Murph-bat's squeakings. [OOC: Mookie has no ability to understand bats, or even other avians. I'm not even sure he gains the ability to speak to others of his kind, but if he does, it won't be until Bliss is a better witch.]

Mookie caws, "The bat-boy has something to say. Seems important, just to judge by the amount of squeaking ya got here."

He tilts his head around even further, then declares, "Something about using a BATtering ram, to BATter ourselves, or else we BATter give up now!"

Bliss laughs, casts Speak with Animals, and then really translates Murphy's words. [OOC read above, ley check A-OK]

The little fellow says, "Well, if we cannot fight the whole army, then we should do more scouting, like we said we would, and then go back. But we can't say we scouted until we walked into that camp and looked around. Or at least, until I did. I saw that camp, and I just KNOW I can get away with it! For sure!"

Bliss seems set on personally checking the camp out, in some kind of disguise.

Dm Shawn - The Valley
Friday December 9th, 2016 12:27:37 AM
Shel realizes the caves can be used as a place to crash if it is needed. She also thinks they can try tricking the giants into fighting among themselves.

Sky is for the plan to cause mischief, but hopes it would work.

Alleah thinks they should leave and report their findings to the leaders.

Instead of translating, Tendal asks a question of Murphy's plan.

Bliss casts his speak with animals spell, to help the conversation out.

Press and Murphy scout in their own ways. Murphy heads up into the sky and from this vantage point he can see the situation more fully. The valley lies between the two hills, and is stripped of any renewable resources. Once the tree line that the party is hiding in ends, there are no more trees to be spotted. The valley is almost split down the middle with the stone giant favoring one side, and the hill giants the other. He can see two cave complexes, on either side with a lot of foot traffic coming in and out of both.

Pressi for her hiding and scouting learns that Dolp is the leader of the hill giants, while hairshirt is the leader of the stone giants. They have two different views on this invasion... but she isn't quite sure what the differences are yet.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Friday December 9th, 2016 7:20:02 AM
Alleah doesn't dare get any closer to the camp. Sure, she could shift into some more discreet form, but that's not her specialty. Best save her mind affecting spells for when the time would be right.

Diminutive Bat Murphy (Kim) AC 20 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Friday December 9th, 2016 2:45:59 PM

Bat-Murphy thanks Bliss for interpreting his messages. He tells Tendel when he asks him about the parchment, "The size of the writing and the size of the parchment we found on the stone giant were not particularly large - and it is that very parchment I suggest we give to Dolp. The other things, if we do them - I think large enough to read, small enough to fit on a normal parchment sheet, should work fine."

After that exchange is when he flew out for the overview described above, and he returns to update his companions on what he sees. He looks at Tendel. "Good Tendel, ask me what you will, but first, please, interpret what I say. Pretty please?" he requests with a bright chirrup. Then he relates what he saw, and where the two main used cave complexes are. He pauses every so often, so that Tendel can interpret small bits, then continues. "Tell me what you think of this, friends. Bliss and I, and any other who think you may remain hidden and can fly, will go together. We will go to the hill giants' cave complex, and learn which is Dolp's cave.

"Once we do that, tell me - shall I then try to deliver the parchment? Or simply return to you to let you know? If the former, then, IF the opportunity presents itself, I will try some means to get the parchment to the leader of the hill giants, then we will return.

"Now, I could do something as simple as attach myself to the back of a hill giant's clothing, or that of an ogre, and let them bear me inside, hiding myself in the fur or folds of their smelly clothing.

"If any of you have any items or spells that might aid us in hiding, in protection, even in invisibility, that would be most welcome.

"Meanwhile, while there, I will listen to what giants, ogres, and goblins may have to say, to learn what I might of their plans. As Pressi has said that the two giant groups have different plans of approach to the invasion, let us see what we may discern.

"One more thing - if we succeed in getting into the hill giants' caves without causing too great a ruckus, perhaps we next might try to spend a little while over by the stone giants' caves, to learn their perspectives on things.

"In summary, on this foray, do we:
1. Spy out hill giants, and learn a bit about their cave arrangement?
2. Try to get parchment to Dolp?
3. Spy out stone giants next?
"Give me your thoughts, friends," bat-Murphy requests. "And two last things: How might we get word back to Humble's Ford? I can use animal messenger, but it will take a few days for the critter to get there. Second - for those remaining behind, do you want to set up camp in tunnel three, which also opens through to tunnel six?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d20+18=23 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+14=29 ;
Friday December 9th, 2016 3:37:27 PM
"Ok, lets start at the beginning. I know everyone's in a rush to start dropping notes and tying shoelaces together, but we've only got one shot at this. If it leads to our discovery, or to their bemusement, or tells them something they already know and are prepared for, we are done. And these two groups probably already know that the other side could betray them at any moment, let alone that the other side isn't in suitable awe of them. Remember how I tried to prick the giant's sense of honor and species to no avail - I wasn't even trying to turn them against each other, just to get a "fair" fight - should you think a simple drawing be able to cut it.

"So in short, the answer to the question of whether we should start dropping notes is "no." If you are that unsure that you have to even ask for a vote, the answer is no."

"As for sending back for further instructions or trying to remember our original instructions or co-ordinations, we were sent here isolated and without supervision to use our judgment. What we can get away with, what we can do to slow these groups down without exposing ourselves, that is our mission. And that starts with gathering as much information as we can, and then watching for opportunities or information to exploit. If we don't have information, we can't use it to cause mischief."

As Bliss and Murphy fly inward towards the leader's cave, Pressi pushes towards the outer edge of the camp, moving at the last minute to slip into the crowd, her hat of disguise in front of her face.

(Stealth 23, Acrobatics 27, Disguise 22, Perception 29)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Friday December 9th, 2016 7:14:47 PM
Allean eagerly nods along to what Pressi is saying. She had summed up the situation well.

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+37=45 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=45 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=15 ;
Friday December 9th, 2016 9:52:37 PM

Bliss gives Murphy (and helps apply) an elixer of hiding -- +10 on stealth checks for an hour.

Bliss does the same for himself.

He decides to rely on his hide in plain sight and finding cover to spy, since his alter self and / or beast shapes would only last 4 minutes. He does use his hat of disguise to make him look like a goblin toddler.

Bliss leaves Mookie behind.

He heads in, sneaking through the camp. He relies on cover, behind rocks, under wagons, etc as much as he can. He looks around, learns what he can, and gets back out.

Stealth 45, 42, 45
Perception 30, 37, 25
Disguise (-4 for different race and age) 23, 24, 15

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Friday December 9th, 2016 9:56:47 PM
Shel casts Protection from Evil, Invisibility, and Haste on Murphy and Bliss in that order, giving them all the support she was capable of with her magic.

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Saturday December 10th, 2016 12:32:03 AM
Sky holds quite, hoping and worrying, l about the scouts. Once again feeling as though there is more he could do to help the infiltrators.

Dm Shawn - The Valley
Saturday December 10th, 2016 11:58:14 AM
Just waiting for a ruling from Jerry on something for Kim, and then the post will be up.

Diminutive Bat Murphy (Kim) AC 20 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Saturday December 10th, 2016 12:08:22 PM
2nd post by special permission (thanks, Jerry & Shawn), hopefully useful for DM (and fellow players) sanity, to avoid confusion or delay of game during foray:

Once Bliss and Shel have offered their help, right after Shel's haste, Murphy takes off like a bat, flying at full 'running (4x)' speed. 190' 1st 8 rounds, 160'/round thereafter, straight toward hill giants' caves. If still invisible, he flies into the hill giant complex. Shortly before the invisibility expires, he heads back out, then flies stealthily toward stone giant's complex - maybe eating some air-borne bugs along the way, as bats do. Once there, he will stealthfully try to hitch a ride in the fur or hidden among the smelly clothes of a stone giant or ogre entering the complex, learning what he can, then again, steathfully hitching a ride or two back out. If he needs to fly partway while in the caves, he does so. Overall, he strives to discern where Dolp and Hairshirt are, and to pick up what other chatter and intel he can.

Perception: Take 10+24=34. Stealth: Take 10+24=34 (or 10+44=54 while invisible within hill giant caves). If DM wishes to roll specific skill checks, that is fine.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast) d20+19=39 ;
Saturday December 10th, 2016 12:47:08 PM
Kezzem gets as close as he can to the giant camps.

Stealth: 39 (I'm invisible!)

Dm Shawn - The Valley d20+5=23 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+24=40 ;
Saturday December 10th, 2016 6:27:08 PM
Alleah doesnt dare get an closer to the camp and stays back with the others.

Pressi moves to the edge of the woods and using her mask is able to move into camp. She is greated with sounds, sights and smells she would rather avoid. A pack of goblins are chained to a table and playing crude instruments. Every once in a while an ogre or hill giant launches a rock in their direction. Sometimes the goblin gets up, sometimes they don't. Pressi's disguise is working, so where does she head too?

Bliss does the same thing and moves around as a goblin toddler. While he is scouting he hears a footsep behind him... " Little baby, wander from his mommy. Little baby becomes food... " an ogre says to Goblin baby bliss as he pulls out a serated knife. " Be quick about it.. " his ork buddy says.

Shel decks Murphy and Bliss with her spells.

Sky stays back with Alleah. Worried he couldn't do more.

Kezzem moves to the edge of camp and watches while invisible.

Bat Murphy skitters into the camp and heads to the side he believes is for the hill giants. He heads in to the cave and is greated with a grotesque site. Two giants sleep on makeshift cots, while some liquid boils in a pot. The part that makes Murphy hold his breath is a halfling make, impaled on a stick being rotiseried over a fire. The room has a door leading off, but at this moment it is closed.

On the way to the stone giant cave, Bat Murphy does notice some giants and ogres watching him with their eyes. One even elbows a pal, whispers something and points at Murphy.

At the Stone giants cave it is a similar situation. 2 ogres inside stirring a broth, but this time they have a pig on the spivot. The door this time is open, and inside murphy sees a giantesd and ogre woman preparing food while a chef cuts up some ribs that look halfling. The next door is closed, and beyond Murphy hears dogs barking obviously catching wind of the bat.

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Sunday December 11th, 2016 3:51:34 PM
Sky looks to Alleah,

well, what you think about setting up a camp? The cave that connects to another? Meko can keep an eye out for the scouts as they come back.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 d20+14=20 ;
Sunday December 11th, 2016 5:42:52 PM
So where does she head to?

It was tough to think about where to go as the hustle and bustle continued about. She wanted to get the lay of the land as best as possible. Where did they store their equipment? Their mounts? Their prisoners? She craned her neck as best as she could without looking out of place, looking for cages or any non-cave structure.

But first things first, Pressi always went towards the food and drink. No better place to gather intel than where the targets were fed, drunk and relaxed.

She continues to listen as best as she is able to, and continues to watch for anything or anyone that seems "out of place." (Perception 20).

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Sunday December 11th, 2016 8:09:35 PM
"Sounds like a plan, Sky."

Alleah isn't in a great mood at the moment - she's too worried! The group had split up (again) and three of them were each off on their own.

"When we saw Gargul, he cautioned against this percise thing. To Bliss he said something about him being able to hide but to remember his friends. To Murphy it was something like to trust in the party. To Pressi it was something about biting off more than you can chew. And it's those three who have gone off! You know what, if any of them meet Gargul this week they can explain it themselves."

She crosses her arms in a huff. After a moment she raises an eyebrow as she comes up with a way to make things a little more interesting... "Want to wager a gold piece that at least one of them gets in trouble?"

---------------------------------------
OOC: Question to DM. What time of day is it? If it is evening, Alleah will cast "Call Spirit" to contact Quelius Qunidi, leader of the elves, using the box of sustenance as a focus since it has her family crest upon it.

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Sunday December 11th, 2016 8:14:11 PM
"When we saw Gargul, he cautioned against this percise thing. To Bliss he said something about him being able to hide but to remember his friends.

Bliss says indignantly, without his usual politeness, "Gargul Schmargle! Who cares what that guy says! He didn't like Pookie, and he was mean to my mom! I don't even like him!"

Bliss looks around, a little shocked that he would say that. Then defiant.

[OOC EDIT: Assuming Alleah says that before Bliss leaves. If Bliss is gaone then, well, of course he does not hear the comment and does not respond to it.]

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Monday December 12th, 2016 12:15:49 AM
I don't know em as well, but maybe they learned their lesson, I'll take that bet

He shakes her hand and begins looking for rocks and something to start digging the fire pit he learens about a few days ago.

Tendel (by ADM Kim for Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51 d20+7=11 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+9=17 ;
Monday December 12th, 2016 2:43:03 AM

Onalep paces for a while until the party moves toward the cave to set up camp there, then, entering with caution, sniffs around the perimeter, emitting a low growling noise as he examines one particular spot, but then padding around, and beginning to go deeper, until Tendel calls back the jaguar.

"Ha-ho, Alleah! No, I'll cast no wager on the welfare of our friends, but imagine that at least one of them will stumble across some, eh, challenge as they explore on our behalf. I will pray for them, however." And he does, quietly interceding to Maab for his three still fairly new companions. He concludes his quiet oration with the words, "And bless Bill, too."

He works with Sky and whoever else is going about setting up the third cave for the group to be able to rest in. After a bit, he asks if perhaps Alleah or Sky will accompany him as he navigates the passage from the present cave to the one Murphy called number six. Along the way he marks any alcoves, side passages, pinch points, and so forth, trying to get a good feel for the place, and how they might defend it - or how they might escape pursuit. He checks to see if the passageway between the two caves is small enough to prevent a giant, or even an ogre, from conveniently passing through. He also probes the structural integrity a little, wanting to ensure the roof is not in danger of imminent collapse.

Onalep seems satisfied once they have explored the shelter from end to end - after marking the one little corner at which he earlier growled.

[Perception: 11; Survival: 10; Knowledge, nature: 17]

Diminutive Bat Murphy (Kim) AC 20 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+24=28 ; d20+24=41 ;
Monday December 12th, 2016 3:23:17 AM

Murphy is distressed at the poor dead halfling on the spit. As there were several cave entrances on each side, though, he would exit that first hill giant cave, and enter the next hill giant cave forming part of the cave complex that looked like it had more traffic, not spending more time than necessary if deeper passage is blocked, but rather probing, listening, learning what he may about travel patterns and where the bulk of the traffic is located, in and out (or deeper in where open passage exists), in and out for at least the remaining minutes of his invisibility. Recall that his stated plan was to discern where DOLP was, if possible. Only AFTER he has learned something more (with the prize info being Dolp's whereabouts), or the risk of discovery is about to increase, will he leave off hill giant side investigation.

After that more extensive exploration, he then headed over to the stone giant side - apparently under some observation as he flitted across the valley.

How far is it from one side of the valley to the other? Two hundred yards? 500? More? How far along the side of each cliff or hillside do the mainly used caves appear to be scattered? Are there 2-3 cave openings, or 10, 20, or, too many to count? Is smoke passing from within the caves to openings up higher on the cliff or hillside? These questions are for both hill giant and stone giant sides of the valley.

On the stone giant side - huh. Dogs barking behind a closed door. Time to flit over, stealthfully, to another cave further down the line.

As he goes to exit the cave he looks about outward (perception 28), and strives to maintain his stealth (stealth 41) to avoid being spotted by anyone as he exits. He flies very close to the top of the cave entrance, veering off in the direction down toward some other caves. If it is obvious someone is tracking his movements (tough with his stealth roll), then he will be extra bat like, going for insects (or at least appearing to go for them, up high along the face of the cliff or hill).

Otherwise, he does as described in earlier post - see if he can hitch a ride hidden among the fur or thick clothing of an ogre or giant heading into another cave, mindful to find one at the back of a group (or off to one side) to lower the possibility that someone else may spot him. If he finds out where Hairshirt might be, or other useful info, he will gather what he can, then carefully work his way back out.* [So, if possible, DM Shawn, more detailed, actionable information as the result of the risks we are taking would be great. A cup or bucket full of data, rather than lesser amounts, would be welcomed!]

He wonders what he might do should he find some living halflings. Blasted over-hungry giants!

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Monday December 12th, 2016 5:46:47 AM

Action in camp for Bliss: When spotted, Bliss runs away, as fast as he can, to a shadowy spot with cover where he can use his stealth.

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+12=29 ;
Monday December 12th, 2016 2:22:22 PM
Sky and Meko happily helps Tendel and onalep scout out our cave and note anything at all.

(Perception 29)

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Monday December 12th, 2016 9:49:23 PM
Shel stays with Alleah and Sky. There was nothing she could do for the time being. She certainly wasn't following the others to investigate the giant camp. Right here was plenty close, thank you very much. She found a comfy looking patch of grass and sat down on it, waiting for the others.

Dm Shawn - The Valley
Monday December 12th, 2016 11:51:59 PM
Sky suggest camping in one of the empty caves, and the remaining group thinks it is a good idea.

Pressi makes her way into the camp and come across a drinking circle full of orks, ogres and goblins. One of the orks is holding court... but doesn't mention any names.

"The one giant wants to take over the valley and use the haflings as slave labor and food, and the other wants to just destroy them and take the valley. Which side you on?"

"The side that smashes them... " the ogre replies with a hearty laugh.

Alleah is ticked off the group split up again, and sees something bad coming from it. She wants to contacgt the elves when it gets darker. (It is midday right now.)

Bliss is startled by the sudden appearence of the orks and ogre, but they too are startled when the Goblin baby Bliss disapears right before their eyes.

Tendel waits for Onalep to give the ok before moving in. He helps set up camp, before looking around at the surroundings. No giant is entering this cave, and an ogre would have to give up a serious advantage to get in. The caves don't really connect.

Bat Murphy exits the hill giant cave and enters a series of smallers caves, all of which have nothing. He does not learn Dolp's wereabouts. He skitters over the camp again, getting the same looks. A bat in broad day light, with no trees around is an easy site to spot. The camp is about 500 yards from side to side, there are smaller caves on the sides but each side has one main cave.

If Murphy wants to hitch a ride, he will have to wait as no ogres enter or exit either cave. Inside are the Giants and Ogres mentioned.(Who do not leave.) He again does not learn of were Hairshirt is due to the doors being closed.

OOC: If not enough info is given, it is for a reason. It doesn't pertain to the adventure and will just lead you{the group) way of the beaten path and stall the adventure as it has down countless times since Mark and I took over. I will not give more information based on the risk, unless it is learnable. Murphy chose to fly into the caves of the giant leaders, and is not learning anything due to the doors being closed. Pressi moved into a drinking circle, and learned more. Murphy is obviously in the riskier situation, but Pressi is learning more.

Shel stays with Alleaha and hangs out waiting for the others to return.

Diminutive Bat to normal Murphy (Kim) AC 20 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Tuesday December 13th, 2016 1:46:52 AM
Regarding the 10 explored caves near the party, and whether any join together, DM's post of Dec 7: "Some of them do tie into each other but most just go nowhere."

For clarification: Murphy did NOT go back and forth. He went to the hill giant side, saw the sleeping giants and the roasting halfling, checked out a few more caves on the hill giant side without success, figured out the first one he came to was the main entrance, then flitted to the SG side - observed by some giants (stone, hill, or both?) and ogres as he once crossed the valley, saw what he saw, checked out a few more caves on stone giant side... then opted to return to the party, thusly:

Bat-Murphy flits up the stone giant hillside - deliberately running into sparse vegetation or dirt occasionally, appearing to be confused, and erratic - 'drunken bat,' and eventually makes it over the hill to the far side, out of sight of those in the valley. One more check to see if there are giants, ogres, or others on the far side of the hill, or obvious cave entrances, then he uses the far side as cover to return with fair speed, and at a height whereby something may not easily grab him from below, but not so high as to be easily seen from afar. He goes a fair distance before he eventually turns to circle his way about to the party - trying to be well away from interested eyes, and rejoining them about 40 minutes or so after he first left.

Murphy drops his bat form, now again a halfling, and lays out to the party what he saw, giving every detail he feels is of some importance (which includes everything from DM's and Murphy's posts). On separate pieces of paper he sketches the beginning of a map for the hill giant cave, and for the stone giant cave. "I thought to explore further, but did not want to answer to Gargul, or Alleah."

He will help his friends prepare to camp, and hears others' counsel and reports. Murphy says he believes their work here is not yet done. "We should get Gurthax's letter for Hairshirt over to Dolp. Also, there may be some halflings to rescue, who can provide us more information." He allows the latter is risky, perhaps dubious.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 d100=12 ; d100=25 ;
Tuesday December 13th, 2016 3:23:38 AM
With the others gone, and things quiet, Alleah takes the time to meditate. It's not something she does regularly and truth be told she's not very good at it. But she just needs something to refocus her mental energy for the day.

After an hour or so and feeling a little more refreshed, she sits down with Shel and Sky and lays out her thoughts.

"You know, we have made quite a few allies who might be able to help us out. Or at least give us some information. For instance, where's that giant that we rescued from the necromancer? Perhaps he could help us get into the camp, give us some information, or even lay some traps inside the camp to stir things up?

Then there's the goblin family we met. You know, Rais' parents. Perhaps there's news in goblin circles about what is going on here with the giants?"

Alleah also has come up with a number of spells she will cast to try and gather more information...

Speak with Plants - Alleah will look for some sort of tree nearby to "talk" to. She understands that most trees don't know a lot of what is going on in the Wold, short of things in their immediate area. She's hoping it might be able to tell her how long ago "those creatures" (ie: the giants) set up camp here. Perhaps which way they came from? Perhaps if they've been scouting? Who knows what a tree will see, but she's happy to take the chance even for the slimmest of information.

Scrying - Alleah will attempt to scry on Uthvas using any one of the items they recovered from his lab that the party took with them (DM Post July 18th lists some of the things we took from him. Uthvas can make a Will Save vs DC23 to foil the spell and prevent Alleah from scrying on him for another 24hrs).

------------------------------------
Leyline checks: 12 = Pass, 25 = Pass.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Tuesday December 13th, 2016 8:27:35 PM
"I don't know how we would contact the families of that goblin, unless you have some way to contact hem magically. Searching for our giant friend is probably easier, and he might know more, come to think of it. I bet Mookie or Murphy in bat form might be able to find him, if he's still wearing his headband..."

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Tuesday December 13th, 2016 9:49:52 PM
Bliss comes back to report on what he found. He listens to Alleah and says that he thinks she has a good point.

"Yeah, too bad it's on top of her head," says Mookie, cracking wise.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Tuesday December 13th, 2016 10:50:57 PM
Pressi frowned in the discussion, her face continuing to be covered. She took a drink, steeling herself further as she decided to press her luck.

"Not that the two sides are incompatible, but I for one am all in favor of burning that accursed place to the ground without leaving survivors." She turned towards the orc, face still obscured. "Be a dear and remind our jokes term about the valley's importance. Remind him what those halflings did to us."

She focuses on the group trying to determine the ranks of the group.

Dm Shawn - The Valley d20+12=23 ;
Tuesday December 13th, 2016 11:56:32 PM
Murphy rejoins the party and informs them of what he learned.

Alleah speaks with a tree. " Ahh... helllllooooo non tree. The big ones... the moved in, no longer then my leaves fell last. Maybe 45 raises of the light. "

As for her scrying... nothing comes to her.

Shel has no clue how to contact the goblins, and thinks the giant is a better plan.

Bliss comes back and gives his info that he learned, and cracking wise as well...

The ogre looks at Pressi for what feels like a minute..... " What are you rambling about. You're using bigger words then I care for. Beat it before I smash your face in...."

The rest of the group is working on the cave camp as time passes..

An hour after Murphy returns... (Around 2pm)... those in the cave hear a noise. It sounds like someone is moving around outside the cave. Anyone going to view sees a goblin male picking up rocks and grabbing any bugs underneath and pocketing them. He is unaware of the group.

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+8=17 ; d20+5=18 ;
Wednesday December 14th, 2016 3:32:10 PM
In a hushed voice, Sky signals meko to go check it out, quietly.

Meko stealthily (17) moves up to watch the goblin.

Perception 18, stealth 17

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Wednesday December 14th, 2016 5:32:27 PM
"Thankyou for speaking with me" Alleah will cast Create Water around the base of the tree in a gesture of appreciation.

She returns to the cave to let the others know what she has learned - that the giants have been here for around 45 days so far. "It's not a temporary camp as I first thought. Perhaps they are waiting for something?"

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

At the sound of someone moving outside the cave, Alleah sits still. She finds herself holding her breath trying to be completely silent.

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+27=30 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+11=14 ;
Wednesday December 14th, 2016 9:54:02 PM

Bliss sneaks outside to see what is the what.

Sneak 30, Perception 27.

He sees that it is a goblin, and he remembers Mookie's tales about how his Mom hated goblins. They had cut off her ear! And treated her like a slave!

If there is shadow within 10 ft of the goblin, Bliss hides in plain sight and picks its pocket.

Sleight of Hand 14

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Wednesday December 14th, 2016 10:24:55 PM
Shel also sits quietly in the cave. She readies an action to blast the goblin, if it were to try and raise an alarm or alert its fellows.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Wednesday December 14th, 2016 11:16:53 PM
Pressi frowns at the ogre, but figures any action besides withdrawal would be risky. With a shrug, she moves on, blending back into the crowd.

She notes that nobody seems to have agreed on a plan, and the Giants aren't ready to leave anytime soon. She takes another look around before finally heading back.

Dm Shawn - The Valley d20+3=20 ;
Wednesday December 14th, 2016 11:54:39 PM
Meko moves up to gaze at the goblin..... and at the last moment steps on a stick. The goblins yellow eyes shoot up and a look of dread comes over his face.

" Helllooo.... " the goblin whispers. " I don't want to bother you....." he says through chattering teeth as he backs up.

Alleah thanks the plant and moves back to the cave.

Bliss uses the shadows from a tree to get by the goblin and reach into his pocket. A handful of bugs is what he gets.

She readies a spell to blast the goblin if needed.

Pressi moves away from the camp and heads back to the cave.

Murphy (Kim) AC 20 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d20+6=20 ; d20+11=18 ;
Thursday December 15th, 2016 12:22:02 AM

[Tried to post earlier, before DM post, got XLM errors. Copied text of post to Notepad. Finally got back on just now]

[Was goblin speaking in goblin, or in common?]

Murphy, hearing the noise, and noting various friends doing various things, moves quietly to the edge of the cave, peeking out, and, the goblin there, he reaches into his haversack, takes out a unit of rations, and into his component pouch, from which he extracts a tiny shovel, and, in the goblin tongue, says, holding forth the food, "Hello there, searcher. Would you like some real food? Here, I'll set it on the ground over here, and walk away from it. Then, if you want it, it is yours."

He walks about 20 feet out of the cave, off to one side, sets the parcel of food down, then steps back about 15 feet, and sits on the ground. He then says, to no one in particular, "Just offering him some food. There are lots of hungry people around here."

He is prepared, should the goblin decide to flee, to cast expeditious excavation, so that the goblin has a convenient 5'x5'x5' hole for him to fall within. If he does not flee, then he does not cast that spell.

Stealth: 20
Diplomacy: 18

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast) d20+19=23 ;
Thursday December 15th, 2016 1:37:06 AM
Stealth: 23

Kezzem attempts to get behind the goblin.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Thursday December 15th, 2016 4:47:57 AM
Things are certainly happening at the front of the cave. Alleah edges backwards - awya from the mouth of the cave. Who knows what might be out there? "More giant and goblins most likely." she concludes

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+3=13
Thursday December 15th, 2016 11:38:38 AM

Bliss, still disguised as a goblin toddler, toddles out of hiding and holds out his bugs to the goblin.

Perform acting untrained 13!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Thursday December 15th, 2016 3:04:44 PM
Pressi eventually trudges towards the camp - to see a goblin (couple of goblins?) gallivanting about as Murphy attempts to feed them. "Yeah, that's about right," she muttered.

If the goblin runs past her, she grapples it. Otherwise, she moves past and peeks into the cave, particularly at Alleah and Shel. "Well, glad to know Operation Do Nothing is in full swing. Get permission to move yet?"

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18 d20+5=9 ;
Thursday December 15th, 2016 3:13:58 PM
Sky sets back in the cave, bow and arrow at the ready, whistles quietly to Meko.

Meko, understanding the signal moves out of the cave, looking around to see if any others are present. If not, he stays at the ready to Pounce if the goblin makes any threatening moves.

Perception 9

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Thursday December 15th, 2016 7:48:24 PM
Shel waits on the goblin's reaction to Murphy before deciding how to proceed. If it acts violently, it will take some magic to the face. If it wants to engage in conversation, Shel will join in.

Dm Shawn - The Valley d20+4=11 ; d20+4=21 ;
Thursday December 15th, 2016 11:40:29 PM
Kezzem gets behind the goblin, while Murphy puts some food out. The goblin just stares at Murphy and doesn't advance for the food.

He does look at Bliss and his nose scrunches up as he tries to understand what is going on.

In the cave Alleah backs up and is preparing for more deadly enemies.

Shel readies her magic to either let the goblin talk or die.

Meko looks around for more, but doesn't find any goblins.

The goblin noticing more and more halflings turns and bolts and ends up in Murphy's hole. The goblin begins screaming and yelling very loudly

Murphy (Kim) AC 20 HP 66/66 CMD 17 d6+4=8 ;
Friday December 16th, 2016 12:52:17 AM
Murphy goes to the edge of the hole. IF the goblin was speaking in the goblin tongue earlier, he speaks in that language. IF he spoke common earlier, he speaks that language. "If you scream more, you may die. If you quiet down, you may live. He sends a little lightning arc (8 hp electrical damage to dirt in one corner of the pit) a couple feet away from the goblin, so that he can see it, but he ensures it does not touch him. "I missed on purpose. Now, quiet. Do you want some good food?

In halfling, he says to his friends, [i]"Do not harm him, but you may quiet him down, gently, if need be."[i] In common he says, looking to Bliss, "I know you'll be nice to him. We might have an ally, here."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast)
Friday December 16th, 2016 2:01:11 AM
Kezzem asks the goblin, "Hey, is that free food?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Friday December 16th, 2016 3:08:48 AM
If the goblin doesn't immediately stop screaming after Murphy requests it, Alleah will cast a Silence spell in the area. It's quicker than trying to gag a goblin. "Hmm. 'gag-the-goblin'. Probably a much loved ogre-child game"

Clerical spell. No Leyline check needed

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast) d20+5=13 ;
Friday December 16th, 2016 4:14:11 PM
Forgot to roll for Kezzem:

Diplomacy: 13.
Add another 8 if Kezzem could use Bluff instead.

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle)
Friday December 16th, 2016 6:45:34 PM
Bliss gets out his bah in case he needs it. He loads in a fresh clip.

Tendel (by ADM Kim for Robert) AC 27, hp 65/65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51/51
Friday December 16th, 2016 8:30:57 PM

Tendel walks out the cave, comes over to the edge of the 5' hole, smiles and waves to the goblin. If the silence spell has not been cast, he asks, "Want a hand up, fella?"

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 4d4+4=12 ; d20+3=23 ;
Friday December 16th, 2016 8:58:44 PM
Shel isnt a killer but she wasn't going to let the goblin give them away. Assuming a Alleah beats her in initiative, Shel's magic missile is blocked. If Shel was quicker than Alleah, she lets her spell go and blasts the tiny creature doing 12 damage.

Assuming the silence spell went first, Shel moves to the front of the cave and looks for any stragglers that might have heard the scream. OOC: Perception 23 with a natural 20!

Dm Shawn - The Valley
Saturday December 17th, 2016 12:25:05 PM
The goblin continues screaming until the silence spell quiets him down. He pantomimes the yelling for a few but then notices no one is attacking him.

Finally Tendel reaches his hand down and the goblin puts his slimy, bug gut covered hand in his and pulls himself up.

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Saturday December 17th, 2016 1:30:05 PM
great, now goblin friend... What's the wold coming to...

Sky thinks to himself,

this oughta be interesting

Sky remarks aloud, he probably ran away from the gag the goblin game

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Saturday December 17th, 2016 2:04:06 PM

As Tendel reaches down and helps the goblin up, Murphy goes to retrieve the food parcel, and hands it to the goblin as Tendel escorts him from the area of silence. In goblin (or common - still don't know which language he used in talking with Meko), he says, "We really mean you no harm. We just do not want you to bring us harm.

"You can call me Bombo," he says, using his old road name. "What is your name?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast)
Monday December 19th, 2016 1:02:07 AM
Kezzem asks the goblin "Are you going to eat that?"

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+3=16 ;
Monday December 19th, 2016 10:02:39 AM

Bliss looks around and wanders out of the silence.

"So, maybe this goblin knows something. Maybe we were lucky to find him."

The people who are friendly and good with others should try to smooth-talk some info out of him.

Bliss tries to help, but his natural talents are in other realms.

[OOC: Aid Another on a Gather Info (Diplomacy) check: 16 should give someone (Murphy? Shel? Alleah?)

Bliss asks if there is anything the goblin might say that will make us change our plans? "We're still going to gather info and then go home to report, right?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Monday December 19th, 2016 11:26:24 AM
Pressi continued to watch silently, waiting for something to happen.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Monday December 19th, 2016 4:08:22 PM
Pressi shrugged as to Bliss' question, having been the one who pushed for the study and leave in the first place. "I think that, at the end of the day, it was left up to us as to whether we wanted to go further. And I honestly don't know if we have the luxury of coming back out here if we need to."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Monday December 19th, 2016 6:53:33 PM
If the silence spell is dismissed, Shel speaks in Common to see if the goblin happens to understand her. "Can you understand me? I'm Shel. We don't mean to hurt you. Answer me quietly if you can understand me.". She repeats her message in both halfling and gnome if it doesn't seem to understand common.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Monday December 19th, 2016 6:55:52 PM
If the silence spell is dismissed, Shel speaks in Common to see if the goblin happens to understand her. "Can you understand me? I'm Shel. We don't mean to hurt you. Answer me quietly if you can understand me.". She repeats her message in both halfling and gnome if it doesn't seem to understand common.

Dm Shawn - The Valley
Monday December 19th, 2016 11:42:27 PM
Meko shares his opinion and how this is set up to go...

The goblin looks at Murphy and takes the hand offered to him. He moves with the halflings out of the silence spell and nods when Murphy uses his road name, "I'm Bizig," the goblin says.

To Kezzem he adds.... "The bugs? Yeah... me and Orky, and Ugz, and Iggys.. we were planning a party."

Bliss helps the others to calm and talk with the goblin.

Pressi responds go Bliss' question. Noting it is probably the only time they are going to be out here.

'Shel?" the goblin asks. "I'm Bizig. " he whispers.

The goblin continues. " Sparky...he was our boss. He was the ogre who told us what to do. Well he got caught stealing food and got hung. So the boys and I were throwing a little party. We don't much like the ogres. '

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Tuesday December 20th, 2016 3:13:07 AM

"Good to meet you, Bizig. Well, a party sounds like fun. Ogres are not fun. So a party about a not-fun ogre who is now gone has to be extra fun," Murphy comments. "I have a question for you. Do you think that, if you goblins had some help, how would you like to have the ogres not ruling over you?"

He speaks whatever language the goblin is speaking in... which appears to be the common tongue.

"Also - since Sparky was hung for stealing food... what if other ogres were accused of doing bad things? Would the giants hang them, too?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25
Tuesday December 20th, 2016 10:39:01 AM
"A pleasure to meet you, Bizig. I am Pressi.

"If I might ask, how did a number of goblins that hate ogres wind up working for a number of ogres in the first place? And how did you wind up here?"

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51
Tuesday December 20th, 2016 8:33:04 PM
"Nice to meet you, Bizig. I've met others of your kind who were quite pleasant before. I hope all of us and yourself gets along just as well. How did that big ole gathering of ogres and giants come together? How did your tribe get taken?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 71/74, CMD 20; Spells: 1st (0/2 cast)
Wednesday December 21st, 2016 2:39:32 AM
"Yeah, ogres are the worst!" says Kezzem. "They're always laughin' and callin' you mean names, and never they never let you play games with them."

Bliss (AC28, HP56) & Tiny Mookie (AC23, HP28) (Cayzle) d20+3=6 ;
Wednesday December 21st, 2016 4:52:17 PM

"Big dummies!" Bliss agrees. He tries to encourage the bonding of little folk vs bigguns.

Diplomacy (untrained) 6

Sky & Meko (Marty) HP:61; Ac:22 & Meko HP:42/42 Ac: 18
Thursday December 22nd, 2016 12:24:45 PM
Sky mumbles something under his breath, but puts his bow away seeing that this situation doesn't seem to be turning hostile.

Meko gives an awkward yawn, walks over to Sky an plops down in front of his friend. Just in case something was to go bad.

Murphy (Kim) AC 15 HP 66/66 CMD 17
Thursday December 29th, 2016 6:03:16 AM

"By the way - good work on the fire pit, Sky," Murphy says to the ranger.

Dm Shawn - The Valley
Thursday December 29th, 2016 9:21:52 PM
" That would be great but I dont see it happening. The giants are smart. Or smarter then us. They will know its a trick. "

Turning to Pressi, he adds..." We're goblins. We really dont have much say on it."

Turning to Shel.. " Don't know.. one day an ork named Penndy told our hovel we were working for his bosess, bosses boss. "

While this is going on Tendal has been quiet, but finally breaks his silence.

" look this is a good plan but I am going to warn the others how this is looking. Onalep can get me back to Humbles real quick. "

He takes his time to say his good byes before heading out.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57
Monday January 2nd, 2017 7:13:56 AM
Alleah can't help but think Tendel has the right of it. The party were already dangerously close to the giants camp, the goblin's scream was likely heard, and the lightning bolt would also have drawn attention. If the party wanted to interrogate this goblin further, it should be done a bit further away...

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