Aftermath DM Dan K Friday December 22nd, 2017 9:42:28 AM
Toston and Var have no trouble putting the undead to rest. The journey to Dockside is fairly long due to the condition of the streets, but they see no evidence of troublemakers or people in dire need. The docks themselves came through the quake well and a ship has returned. A Cargo Flute with a most unusual name, What. You can see several halflings upon her deck, and while she is moored, her gangplank is up
Wil shows his own WLA badge and receives a nodding grin from Hammerfall, "Thought so. You had the gait of someone not up to trouble about you." On Wil's offer of help, he is assured that all is well and handled. Hammerfall tells the pair as far as he knows the castle is buttoned up tight. Prince is doing what he seems to always do, the wrong thing and only for his own skin. But maybe you will have better luck.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:26 Touch 20; FF 22 - CMD 23 Wednesday December 27th, 2017 10:48:20 AM
Toston cleans his elven curveblade having dispatched of the Undead fairly quickly.
"That was fun." He says to Var, "Let's do it again sometime."
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:29/33; AC:(21 Temp)17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} Monday January 1st, 2018 3:40:44 PM
“Nothing’s ever easy in this city, is it?” Dušan sighs as he hears the unfortunate news on the castle, “Knocking is usually polite assuming they aren’t knocking arrows.”
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS (1)/2 Monday January 1st, 2018 6:40:28 PM
Moving above the surface again Gaffer maintains his elemental form and knocks lightly on the portal. He steps back and readies himself to return to normal form if he startles anyone. He muses to himself that learning how to communicate in different forms would be a worthwhile endevour
Calm ... But For How Long? (DM Cayzle) d20+10=20 ; Tuesday January 2nd, 2018 11:55:57 PM
Gaffer, Dušan, and Wilford find that there is simply no entrance to the Prince's castle short of an all-out assault. "The Prince is ... busy. Just busy," the captain of the guard at the door shouts through a peephole. "He's taking all appropriate action and does not need your interference. Please go do hero stuff somewhere else.
Sense Motive DC20 for Gaffer, Dušan, and Wilford only: Highlight to display spoiler: {You have a hunch that the Prince is actually indisposed. Injured? Dead? Something else?}
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Toston and Var find someone unexpected coming down the gangplank of the oddly named ship ... and is this person familiar? Friends, this is the cue for the entrance of Ethani, returned most fortuitously!
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Lornak and Hmerrin pause under cover to consider approaching the House of Darts. What is your strategy for doing so? And your DM is curious about your goals in so doing, by the way! But before you can do so, please let your long-absent DM weave the threads of the tale into one skein, by your pardon, seeing that the challenges ahead are likely best to be dealt with collectively!
Understanding that there is nothing further to gain at the Prince's home, Gaffer, Dušan, and Wilford head back, and run into Toston, Var, and Ethani. The six then rendezvous with Lornak and Hmerrin, reuniting the group. You are all within sight, but not earshot, of Dart Tower. From a nearby collapsed building you hear a weak call for help, and soon you are aiding an old man who was trapped in the ruin.
"My thanks indeed, youngsters!" he says, nodding. "Let me reward you with a telling of fortune!" If you allow him to look at your palm, he says that magical travel will soon be most dangerous, and that the wrinkles in time and space soon too treacherous to be braved, if that is even possible. "Traverse them now, if ever!" he advises.
[OOC: That is a cue from your kindly DM that the magical pathways to the Catacombs will soon close, and if you wish to make use of its services, this is your last chance!]
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:26 Touch 20; FF 22 - CMD 23 Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 11:21:29 AM
(OOC: Where is Asteria?)
Toston says, "Well met, Ethani. It is good to have you back. Between you and Dušan 's new powers no one will ever die in our group at least through wounds suffered in battle."
Toston then says, "I realize I have gold I was saving that I could use to buy some scrolls. Do people think scrolls would be a good idea to have? I remember we wished we could have a floating disk not too long ago and I already used the floating disk. What other types of scrolls should I buy?"
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 3:40:46 PM
"Is there a scroll of binding?" Lornak asks Toston as he walks up beside Ethani. "Something like that could come in handy." He her hand into his and holds it. He is not sure if she has truly taken in the devastation around her but is there in support.
"The Free School is fine, we have offered aid and alliance and they have accepted. The Kid and I were about to run up the white flag and do the same at Dart Tower(OOC, sorry everyone, I posted before the break it was Dart Tower we were approaching, I got my geography wrong. Lornak said he would approach the Cloaks so its up to the DM what house the group is near.)
When Lornak encounters the prophetic old man; "I would like a few dakhree fish from Master Ffrul in the merchant quatrer if possible." Lornak says to the old man.
"In the least I will NEED a goodly stack of crossbow bolts(50[-5 gold]).
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:29/33; AC:(21 Temp)17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 4:22:28 PM
"I made my run to the catacombs right before this madness began." Dušan considers, "I'm not sure about scrolls, but does anyone want to pick up Bull's Strength or Cat's Grace potions, since I can't cast those anymore."
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 0/2 Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 5:02:25 PM
"I didn't see anything much below, but I don't like how it felt down there." Gaffer chirps up, rummaging through his pack to see if there is anything he is missing but feels fairly happy with what he has, not used to preparing for adventures.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+7=13 ; Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 7:32:19 PM
"Being called a hero never gets old," Wil quips. To Ethani, "Welcome back. We are a little more worn down but still kick'n." "I need to fill up some special crossbow bolts. I'm hoping I can make some time soon. All this commotion has my head spinning. The Dart tower is not my first choice of places to go. I have avoided that place for 10 years. Since my parents passed. If I can avoid it for 10 more then I am happy with that," Wil growls but knows he cannot avoid the tower forever. He will try his best to make it known he does not want to go. He is more concerned with diverting the whole party and is willing to go.. just with resistance.
Ethani Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 8:04:11 PM
Embracing Toston in a warm hug, Ethani smiles. "I will do my best to keep everyone alive."
Taking Lornak's hand firmly in hers, Ethani takes in the devastation and pain. "My gods...why. Why such destruction?" Leaning her head wearly upon Lornak's shoulder, she sighs. "Lornak, I must go help the people. I need to go to Wa'ard's temple and see if there is anyway I can help." She does not yet leave, but she makes it clear that she has a need to help the common people as soon as possible.
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 8:44:45 PM
Hmerrin sighs at Ethani's declaration.
"That's pretty much what we've been doing," he tells her, clearly frustrated. "The quake lasted for, like, ever, and nearly everything has been leveled. We saved who we could on our street, converted Shale House into a refuge, and just now got them safe enough to start looking for others."
The teen flips a hand toward the Tower. "We were just about to hop over there and see if those dudes were willing to step out and lend a hand. Seems like the Houses are just holing up, assuming they all even survived."
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:29/33; AC:(21 Temp)17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 10:15:25 PM
"Ethani," Dušan sighs and smiles, probably the first honest smile he's smiled since this all began, "It is good to see you .I'm sorry. This," He waves his hand around the city and isn't scared to include himself, dusty, disheveled and smeared with blood that is not is his own, "has been distracting, but no reason not to welcome good friends with open arms and happy hearts."
Dušan let's the smile linger a little longer before expanding on bad news, "Although Prince is happy holing up and waiting for this blow over. I doubt we'll get much more from the houses."
Calm ... But For How Long? (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 11:56:40 PM
Old friends greet Ethani, glad for a pair of strong hands in the midst of this disaster. They hasten to fill her in on goings on in response to such great need. Toston is glad of Ethani's healing prowess. Lornak says that Vorelle's School is in good shape. Gaffer is worried about the City Below, with good reason. Hmerrin explains how Shale House is being used for relief help. Dušan says the Prince is hiding uselessly.
The group debates going to the Cloaks or the Darts or the Temple of Wardd next. [OOC: state your preference and I'll go with the plurality of the picks.]
A few people (Toston, Lornak, Dušan, Wilford) coordinate the gear you need to obtain. [OOC: feel free to coordinate in email and visit the Catacombs asap please.]
You have the deep sense, the intuition, that this quake is just the start of something more. Maybe something in the air forebodes you ...
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 0/2 Thursday January 4th, 2018 9:14:06 AM
Shuffling towards her ,Gaffer nervously sticks out his hand towards the new speaker, "Was that Ethani? I err, I'm Gaffer, it's go- nice to meet you. Are you a member of the tide as well?" He smiles in as friendly a manner as he can, trying to ignore their current backdrop. He thinks the temple of wardd is the better choice, being less keen on the houses in general, but doesn't feel strongly enough to voice this. He merely sidles towards Wil to suggest his support.
Ethani (Nellie, HP 30/30,) Thursday January 4th, 2018 12:18:53 PM
Ethani smiles at the apparently shy newcomer. "Well met Gaffer! I'm Ethani Baraq. Yes, I am a member of the Tide. I've just been gone on an extended mission for the WLA."
Grasping the extended hand, Gaffer might feel a slight warmth in the hand shake as the Healer of Alemi unconsciously shares the gift of healing via touch. She looks a little self conscious. "Sorry about that. I'm still getting used to Alemi's gifts..."
Moving back to Lornak, Ethani grabs a quick snuggle with him before refocusing. "Lornak, I feel like we might make more usr of ourselves at the Temple than with *these* Houses." The disgust is clear in her tone.
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:29/33; AC:(21 Temp)17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} Thursday January 4th, 2018 2:34:50 PM
“Fate has conspired to bring us all together,” Dušan notes, “And I think we’d be fools not to pay heed. One destination is as important as the other. I just think we should go together.”
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:26 Touch 20; FF 22 - CMD 23 Thursday January 4th, 2018 4:38:21 PM
Toston says, "Let's go to the Temple of Warrd I mean they aren't tied to any one faction and would presumably have the good of Dirt City at heart."
Toston then says, "Let's get make a list of the scrolls we think might be good for me to have on hand. I can cast bull's strength or cat's grace from a scroll but there is a chance it wouldn't work but it would be cheaper than buying potions, just thinking out loud."
(OOC: I'll send a list of scrolls I'm thinking about picking up then place an order in the catacombs.(
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday January 4th, 2018 6:27:04 PM
"Those are both prudent choices since we have used the powers they grant in the past." Lornak says to Toston.
"I agree with everyone's summation. The Temple of Waard is a public place and our priority should be civilians first." He looks around at the rubble and billows of smoke. He is grateful for Ethani's touch. "Sticking together not a bad idea either..."
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) Thursday January 4th, 2018 7:35:06 PM
"Temple it is," Hmerrin agrees.
"As for buffing, don't spend any extra gold getting spells for me. This new belt I picked up a while back ups my strength already. And I'm already as nimble as this platemail will allow."
He looks at his handaxe. "I think I will take a moment to magic up Lightning here, just in case."
Calm ... But For How Long? (DM Cayzle) Friday January 5th, 2018 8:13:34 AM
The group quickly reaches a consensus that the Temple of Wardd is the best destination. Maybe it seems a bit funny for a Healer blessed with gifts from Alemi to suggest a visit to a temple of a God of Testing, but then, everything in Dirt City turns usual expectations on its head, and as Lornak says, it is the temple most likely to be able to offer a strong effort to assist those struggling with the aftermath of the disaster.
Moreover, it is a large sturdy public building that extends through the City -- both Above and Below! Why is it so sturdy? Because thick walls inspire confidence in the gamblers who worship here, offering security both personal and financial. In this case, those thick walls have stood the Temple in excellent stead as earthquake resistance, too. How lucky!
And in fact, much of the Temple of Chance has been converted to a makeshift hospital and hostel. The holy baccarat tables are serving as hospital beds for the wounded. The bars are dispensing safe water and only medicinal alcohol, for a change. The croupiers are dealing bandages and food to the needy. This is not penny ante stuff -- the folks here are really pulling together.
The Tide is most welcome here, especially those with healing powers. And look who has preceded them to this holy place of shelter ... Asteria! [OOC: Please welcome back our ninth player!]
A priest of Wardd greets you and asks for your special attention to help an old cleric who has been incoherent since the quake. He leads you to a private alcove -- looks like a small back room where in happier times a private party would gather for high-stakes poker. Now the green felt-topped table has been piled with cushions and an elderly man is resting there.
"This is Father Chjarom, a seer trained in the divine and the arcane," says the priest who brought you here. Chjarom looks at you, eyes rolling, and stammers wildly ...
The the grass! The leh-leaves! The c-c-c-crimson tide! The earth did dance! The the sky will prance! We have no ch-ch-chance!"
He starts hitting himself in the head, fingers jabbing too close to his eyes.
Ethani (Nellie, HP 30/30,) Friday January 5th, 2018 12:57:08 PM
Immediately letting go of Lornak's hand, Ethani bonus toward her adopted sister Asteria and wraps her in a bear hug. "Asteria! I was worried about you when you didn't join me at the docks!" The not so physically strong Healer playfully smacks the barbarian's head. "You had me worried that you got shanked. "
Blushing a bit at her lack of self control in a setting where people are literally fighting for their lives, Ethani takes in Father Chjarom, who seems to have a touch of mental illness. Looking over at the Priest that escorted them in before, she whispers "How living has he been this way?"
As ahe listens, Ethani casts Calm Emotions on Father Chjarom, trying to help keep him from hurting himself as she tries to help him.
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:29/33; AC:(21 Temp)17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} d20+12=13 ; Friday January 5th, 2018 3:54:30 PM
Dušan goes to the aid of the hurt, but is distracted when Asteria joins them (Heal d20+12=13 natural one). He drops what's he's doing and winces as he hopes that it was just a sprain not a break and welcomes his friend. "Asteria! We regained two of our companions. Finally there's a silver lining to everything that's been happening."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:26 Touch 20; FF 22 - CMD 23 Friday January 5th, 2018 5:38:45 PM
Toston says to Asteria, "We could have used you in one of our battles. Hmerrin and I made the mistake of both going to hunt something down and we left the person we were supposed to protect undefended. Unfortunately he was assassinated; with the 3 of us moving forward we should be able to defend things more ably."
Toston then says to the addled man, "What are you getting at?"
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) Friday January 5th, 2018 7:49:45 PM
Hmerrin's face drains of color as he listens to Father Chjarom.
"Sweet Alemi, are you telling me this ... whatever ... isn't over?"
The young man looks up at the roof, or maybe beyond. "C'mon already! The whole flippin' city is gone. Isn't that enough??"
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Friday January 5th, 2018 8:10:22 PM
"The grass... The leaves? What's that got to do with chances.. Is it a new game of chance?" "With all the voices in my head, you would think I could get some information.. Its like a pub within these ears... Oi" To Toston, " We really have little luck with the insane."
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 0/2 Friday January 5th, 2018 8:10:49 PM
Gaffer begins to look around them, trying to see if there are any black cats around. He's enjoying there presence even if it is all an omen of danger. Despite the destruction it is warming to see the temple trying to so hard to help everyone. Deciding to avoid the serious talk he sets about on helping the injured where he can.
Asteria Friday January 5th, 2018 9:28:30 PM
The barbarian waits for like an eternity or maybe 15 minutes for her friends to show up at the Temple.
Asteria returns Ethani's weak hug with a bone crushing one of her own. "Ha! Knew you'd come to the Temple Sis! I should have placed a bet on it! "
Edging to the back of the group and towards Dusan she whispers "So what's up the crazy dude? "
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+5=22 ; Friday January 5th, 2018 9:32:54 PM
Lornak is a little awed by the hustle and bustle he finds at the Temple of Waard. He is very happy to see there are those in Dirt City that will lend aid when the time comes. He steps back and lets Ethani and Dusan work their magics. Where he can, he lends a hand with triage. (Heal to aid another d20=22)
"It feels more like a portent than a a new game, my friend." He says to Dusan. When Hmerrin questions the heavens above; "I am right there with you Kid."
Calm ... But For How Long? (DM Cayzle) Saturday January 6th, 2018 9:52:14 AM
Dusan, Gaffer, and Lornak earn the thanks of the priests as they lend their assistance after greeting Asteria.
Ethani's clever use of Calm Emotions affords the elderly seer immediate relief. Father Chjarom's agitation ends, and he sighs and relaxes, no longer a danger to himself.
He tells Toston and Hmerrin that he thinks there is more danger to come.
He grimaces at Wilford. "I'm not insane, and it is not game, you rascal. Mark my words! Worst is yet to be!"
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) Saturday January 6th, 2018 2:59:39 PM
Hmerrin gives Ethani a polite nod and clasps arms with Asteria. "Looks like y'all got back just in time." he notes, shooting a glance at the old man.
The young fighter leans over the elderly cleric. "Not that I'm holding my breath, but you wouldn't happen to have a better timeframe on when the grass and leaves and crimson tide and all is coming?"
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:29/33; AC:17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} d20+12=31 ; Saturday January 6th, 2018 11:10:49 PM
"I don't know how bad your parts of the Wold have been hit," Dušan responds to Asteria, "but the end times seem to be a very real thing here, and it seems to be hitting those gifted with foresight or far-sight hardest."
Dušan goes to check the man's vitals and when satisfied he continues to lend what aid he can to the suffering. (Heal d20+12=31)
Ethani d20+5=17 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ; Sunday January 7th, 2018 8:56:32 PM
Ethani smiles as the priest calms down. "Sir, please tell us if what you have seen of the days to come. Can you tell what is going to happen. Please tell us as much as you can so we can help the people prepare." Diplomacy=17
OOC: 2 and 6 6th and 7th level HP.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:26 Touch 20; FF 22 - CMD 23 Sunday January 7th, 2018 10:00:03 PM
"Well Wil I don't think you are insane either...at least you aren't a rhymer but if you either of you were insane at least this temple is the place to be considering its patron looks over those with lunacy." Toston says.
"What could be worse than what we already endured? Even more cloud tentacle monsters without Dragon Consortium members to help us?"
Asteria Amarante Sunday January 7th, 2018 11:31:28 PM
Asteria grins widely at Hmerrin, glad to have her brother in arms back. "Glad to be back. Can't wait to kick butt like the old days!"
She doesn't really know what much to do, and instead stays at the back and watches the others talk. The barbarian muses over what had happened here. Now that she was thinking about it, no, she really had no clue what had happened. She had been more concerned with kicking fishy butt than looking to the surface. She would have to ask the others later, or maybe get Ethani to explain so she wouldn't look like too much of a doofus.
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21)T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 0/2 Monday January 8th, 2018 6:02:25 AM
Continuing to help the injured Gaffer, with the adrenaline from before having left him the weariness from the past few hours begins to set in.
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Monday January 8th, 2018 7:56:07 PM
Lornak welcomes Asteria back with a strong hug; "Thank you for bringing her back unharmed." He says, speaking about Ethani. "You do not look any worse for wear, I am glad that you have returned."
He sees her eyeing the devastation. "The very ground beneath our feet shook as if for days. The sky spat out a roaring cloud whose oily rain begot elementals of various sorts. Members of the Dragon Consortium joined the fight and pushed it away." He shifts his stance uncomfortably.
"We have been making rounds offering aid to public establishments, pulling out survivors along the way, as Shale House has become a triage and refugee center." He pauses and looks down; "We have not heard from the City Below."
Asteria Amarante Monday January 8th, 2018 10:30:53 PM
Asteria smiles in her embrace with her comrade Lornak, though no thanks were necessary. "I would have protected her either way, just the same as I will protect our group. We're family, after all."
Her face falls to distress soon afterwards at the description of the damage to her new home. Suddenly, guilt washed over her. She hadn't been there for them. She should have been here. "Is everyone going to be okay..? And what could even cause something that big?"
Calm ... But For How Long? (DM Cayzle) Monday January 8th, 2018 11:17:15 PM Hmerrin asks the old seer for more precision on his predictions of woe.
Dušan tries to ease Father Chjarom and correctly notes that those gifted with foresight or far-sight are hit the hardest.
Ethani asks the seer gently for more detail.
Toston has trouble imagining worse than what the city has already faced.
Asteria is a bit confused, and keeps her own counsel rather than reveal her uncertainty.
Gaffer worries little about the future, preferring to help those who need assistance in the present.
Lornak senses Asteria's need for information, and fills her on on what has been happening so far. She is glad for his kind words, but she wonders what could cause such a mess.
Father Chjarom will only say that he feel another disaster is soon to happen. "I know you want more specificity, but that is not how the gift works," he explains calmly, trying to keep his thoughts from the passions that trigger his fits. "We take the hints that our minds can comprehend and make of them what we will. It is an imprecise art. I'm sorry."
The priests of Wardd have been watching as you work to help others. They are especially impressed by Lornak. A high priest thanks you and asks if they can further impose on you. "We have heard of a dwarf clan that needs help digging out of a collapsed portion of the City Below. They are not far. Could you travel down into the sewer to help them?"
If you agree, please pnder how you propose to offer help!
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:26 Touch 20; FF 22 - CMD 23 Tuesday January 9th, 2018 12:38:13 AM
Toston says, "I happen to have multiple scrolls of floating disk, we could pile dirt and rocks onto a floating disk and I could ferry it to and from the surface."
Ethani (Nellie, HP 30/30,) Tuesday January 9th, 2018 8:19:44 AM
Ethani thanks Father Chjarom for his time and nods about what he said. "I understand Father. Please let me know if anything comes to mind. I can be located at the Shale House. And if you find yourself becoming unsettled again, please do not hesitate to find me. I am more than happy to share the spells that Alemi shares with me."
Turning to the other priests of Wardd, she looks a bit grim as she whispers to them. "He is calm now, but my spell will only last but a minute or so. Father Chjarom looks like he is in control of himself, but please promise me that if he tries to injure himself again, you will let me know. And if any of you can cast Calm Emotions, please do so. I'm sure this time is most difficult for Father Chjarom and I can't stand the idea of him hurting himself unintentionally."
Ethani nods at Toston. "If you guys can do the heavy lifting as it were, I can heal any wounded once they are located. I'm afraid the spells I asked Alemi for today are more attuned to healing."
Turning to the high priest, Ethani smiles. "Of course. We are more than glad to help in any way needed. Can someone please provide us with either a guide or a map to where the dwarves are? It would be most helpful."
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Tuesday January 9th, 2018 3:11:41 PM
Lornak is caught off guard as the priest singles him out. He is a little busy gathering wool. He loves to watch Ethani work. Lornak considers the priests request; "I believe we have everything squared away." He remarks about Shale House and The Tides treks beyond to lend aid.
Lornak looks around at the group. Something inside him feels whole once again. A smile graces his face; "I believe this is something we can handle. Point us in the correct direction, if you please."
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21 (!T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 2/2 Tuesday January 9th, 2018 5:40:29 PM
Gaffer offers healing and a small amount of magical aid in moving of stone. Beyond that he rolls up his sleeves as much as they allow and says, "I'd be happy to help move the rubble, I'm sure we can handle this."
--- Spell List --- Orisons: Create Water, Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic Lv1: Cure Light Wounds x2, Entangle x2, Farie Fire - D: Obscuring Mist Lv2: Soften Earth and Stone, Heat Metal, Barkskin - D: Fog Cloud Lv3: Cure Moderate Wounds, Stone Shape, Greater Thunderstomp - D: Call Lightning Lv4: Air Walk, Cure Serious Wounds - D: Sleet Storm
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:29/33; AC:17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} d20+12=20 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+21=28 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2018 6:28:51 PM
Dušan takes a moment to recharge himself, but he worries about exposing too many people to the Wold's Blood. After letting the party know, he steps outside to channel the power. "I need to recharge my power. I'll be right back. I don't want to risk this many injured."
The channeling goes without a hitch (d20+12=20>14) and Dušan returns feeling refreshed and empowered. He then looks for quiet corner, where he can pull out his cauldron, contact his coven and perform a few rituals. He asks them to participate in a Ritual of Blood and a Ritual Heal. These do not go as well. Sickened by the outcome, he advises his coven to remain inside and safe until they can next recharge themselves. He, himself, however, knows he has more important things ahead to allow himself such a luxury.
(OOC Ritual of Blood - Failure: Take an extra point of damage whenever taking damage. Ritual of Heal - Failure: Rolls d6’s instead of d8’s when casting cure spells
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) Tuesday January 9th, 2018 6:43:04 PM
Hmerrin gives Dusan a questioning look when the witch gets back. "You don't look so good," he whispers to his friend.
On the way to the dwarves, the young man is in a better mood. "Get to do something, AND hopefully get into the City Below," he remarks.
The fighter has a crowbar and shovel in his pack, and he offers Asteria her choice as they survey the site of the collapsed tunnel.
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Tuesday January 9th, 2018 8:27:42 PM
"I'm down for a trip to the sewers. I'm been a bit outside myself lately. We need to grab some shovels and flex our muscles a bit." "Wil, what's with you," asked Wil's new female spirit. "I couldn't tell you. Just taking these long trips and I'm a bit behind. Let's refocus on the subject here. So we have floating disks, may need some rope and tackle."
---- Spell List --- Orisons: Guidance x2, Virtue x2 Lv1: Summon Monster I, Summon Monster 1, Divine Favor x2 - D: Touch of Darkness - used Lv2: Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II - used, D: Moderate Heal
Ethani 4d6=19 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2018 8:55:36 PM
Noticing the cuts and wounds on her party members, Ethani suddenly feels negligent. After a whispered prayer to Alemi, she sends out a burst of positive energy healing 19 hp to all within 30 feet.
OOC: Sorry about the second pay, but after the email today, I realized folks need healing.
Asteria Amarante Tuesday January 9th, 2018 11:08:03 PM
Asteria is glad to get back to work, and definitely accepts the offer of a crowbar from Hmerrin. "It's basically a sword! Right..?"
The priests of Wardd direct you to the section of the sewers in which reports say the dwarves are trapped. Those of you who are Dirt City natives have no trouble finding the spot. And indeed, an entire wide sewer was collapsed in the quake.
Toston contributes magical wheelbarrows, I mean Floating Disks, to help move the dirt and rubble.
Ethani cures her friends, then stands by, ready to heal the wounded.
Lornak stands ready to assist, but has not thought of a way to help.
Gaffer offers muscles and some magic. Is that his Softening spell he intends to use?
Dušan prepares as only a bloodwitch can, meets with mixed results.
Hmerrin offers a crowbar and a shovel.
Wilford contributes rope and tackle.
Asteria takes a crowbar and pitches in.
Having come to the collapsed section of tunnel, you all tackle the job with passion. The biggest problem is that passion is no substitute for any kind of knowledge of engineering or dungeoneering. With the tools you bring to bear, both magical and mundane, you definitely move something.
Your improvising DM rules that on a 01-25, you clear the collapse effectively; on a 26-50 you fail to do so but are uninjured; on a 51-75 you succeed but are injured, and on a 76-00 you fail and are injured. The DM rolls a 37. -- you have the oomph to clear the way, but not the know-how! Your efforts are fruitless, but at least no one was hurt.
Any other ideas on how to clear the way forward to the (you presume) trapped dwarves?
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:33/33; AC:17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} Wednesday January 10th, 2018 4:04:27 PM
Dušan shakes his head at Hmerrin's observation, "It will pass, but I fear I didn't do myself any favors for immediate future. I guess I spent too much time with the clerics of Wardd to go for the gamble."
Powering through his self pity, Dušan attempts to cast Break on some of the medium sized rocks.
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21 (!T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 2/2 Wednesday January 10th, 2018 4:05:15 PM
Gaffer is curious about the length of earth between them and the dwarves, if the tunnel was largely stone he may be able to reshape some distance (I believe 17feet) into a tunnel once more with his stone shape spell. Unfortunately the only other suggestion he can voice is to travel through and see of the dwarves know better.
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) d20+6=23 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2018 7:43:01 PM
Hmerrin puts his dungeoneering knowledge to use in an attempt to figure out a way to the dwarves.
Knowledge Dungeoneering - 23
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+9=12 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2018 8:17:51 PM
Lornak stiffens against the wall of the tunnel as the structure collapses. The dust swirls up and sticks to the sweat on his skin making him look like stone himself. He winces eyes closed until the last boulder falls then slowly peeks from pinched eyelids, blinking.
He voices Gaffer's thoughts; "I do not suppose you could employ that trick you used to reach the catacombs?" He asks as he takes a break, hunched over with hands on his knees. "Perhaps if they are alive they can offer up some engineering tips?" He is at a loss as to how to proceed. "They are Dwarves after all...." He stands up. "...and if they are alive of course..." He adds. (Survival d20=12)
Ethani (Nellie, HP 30/30,) Wednesday January 10th, 2018 9:20:18 PM
Feeling completely helpless, Ethani directs herself toward Toston. "Do you speak Celestial? If so, I might be able to help."
Asteria Amarante Wednesday January 10th, 2018 9:34:00 PM
"If at first you don't succeed, try try again!" Asteria does what she does best and tries to dig through the rubble again with her crowbar. What else is a barbarian to do?
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Wednesday January 10th, 2018 10:18:56 PM
"I have an idea, what if I summon an Earth elemental to pass through and help? I can ask him.. I do speak Terran, just not sure it will listen." "Oh really," he suddenly shouted out of the blue. "Can you ensure it will listen. I don't think so. Let's see what the others think and we can summon it."
---- Spell List --- Orisons: Guidance x2, Virtue x2 Lv1: Summon Monster I, Summon Monster 1, Divine Favor x2 - D: Touch of Darkness - used Lv2: Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II - used, D: Moderate Heal
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:26 Touch 20; FF 22 - CMD 23 d20+1=5 ; d20+1=5 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+3=7 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2018 11:08:16 PM
Toston proudly wearing his WLA pin tries to use his perk to figure out how to deal with the situation using various knowledge checks untrained but he wasn't feeling particularly smart right now. Even using his knowledge of nature and his decent hunches revolving around Survival he still wasn't having much luck. He just shrugs.
Sewer Rescue (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 10th, 2018 11:40:51 PM
Hmerrin's knowledge of dungeoneering works to give you much better guidance than the random flailing you were doing.
Wilford summons an earth elemental, who quickly glides through the stone and reports back that the dwarves are just a couple dozen feet through the rubble.
And in fact, that's the two bits of info you need to get the job done. It takes some work, but you get through. The dwarves are sure glad to see you. There is a school teacher and a half dozen young kids. They swarm you and thank you. Several have scrapes and bruises.
=== PLEASE MARK OFF THE SUMMONS SPELL AND TWO FLOATING DISK SCROLLS USED ===
"Now can we escape?" the schoolmarm (an elderly grandma type with a light beard on her chin).
You turn to lead the kids and lady-dwarf out, and when you are about 50 feet back from the cave in, you hear a squeaking scrabbling sound that gets louder coming from the rubble you excavated.
Evidently your digging exposed some smaller tunnels or warrens. You see at least two and maybe as many as six RAT SWARMS headed towards you! You have basically a round before they are on you! The children scream. The old schoolmarm clenches her teeth and lifts the smallest child as high over her head as she can -- does she think that will save the child from the swarming rats?
What do YOU do?
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:22 Touch 20; FF 18 - CMD 23 3d4+3=13 ; Thursday January 11th, 2018 8:53:27 AM
Normally Toston would focus on buffing his defenses but the teacher and children are threatened he says to the people they just rescued, "Don't just stand there! Head for the exit while we hold the rats off!"
Toston moves towards the rat swarms and as soon as they are in range he lets loose with a burning hands spell targeting as many of the swarms as he can.
(13 fire damage, DC 14 for half so 6; I believe swarms take 1.5 damage from AOO so the numbers would become 19 full and 9 half; 15 foot cone shaped burst)
Ethani (Nellie, AC 19, HP 42/42,) Thursday January 11th, 2018 9:39:41 AM
Putting herself in front of the schoolmarm, Ethani cast Sanctuary on her, figuring that as long as she can keep the child above her head, it will likely be safe from the impending rats.
Looking over at Astera, she calls out to the Barbarian. "All right Sis, you're up! Let's see how many of these things you can splatter on the walls!"
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21 (!T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 2/2 Thursday January 11th, 2018 3:22:28 PM
As the rats rush towards the group Gaffer glances between them and the children, their screams ringing loud in his ears. He steps forwards to ensure he is inbetween the two groups and raises his hand to cast an Entangle amongst as many of the rats as possible, hoping to slow them down as much as he can. (Save DC: 15; Hoping not to include any allies in the area)
--- Spell List --- Orisons: Create Water, Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic Lv1: Cure Light Wounds x2, Entangle x2, Farie Fire - D: Obscuring Mist Lv2: Soften Earth and Stone, Heat Metal, Barkskin - D: Fog Cloud Lv3: Cure Moderate Wounds, Stone Shape, Greater Thunderstomp - D: Call Lightning Lv4: Air Walk, Cure Serious Wounds - D: Sleet Storm
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:33/33; AC:17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} d20+6=22 ; Thursday January 11th, 2018 4:16:07 PM
Dušan sees his friends rush to interpose their own safety for the safety of the innocents. As much as he would like to do the same, he knows that preparation will be the key to how much he can help. With this in mind he casts Spectral Hand and keeps an eye out for how he can help best.
(OOC Perception d20+6=22 Ritual of Blood - Failure: Take an extra point of damage whenever taking damage. Ritual of Heal - Failure: Rolls d6’s instead of d8’s when casting cure spells)
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday January 11th, 2018 6:57:39 PM
Lornak sees the swarm of rats rushing toward the group and does the only thing he can. He steps up and puts himself between them and the children. He pulls out his crossbow and loads a bolt into it. Not entirely sure if he will hit anything he says what is on his mind; "Fire, wind or flood might stave them off but we run the risk of bringing the stones around our heads!" He takes aim. "If only we could create that arcing energy spat out by that hideously gargantuan sky creature."
"What am I saying?! That thing was evil incarnate!" He looks to Dusan. "Can you imbue my bow with something that will splash?! Acid perhaps?"
Wilford Grimly (HP:44/44; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+5=9 ; Thursday January 11th, 2018 7:59:35 PM
"I need something quick, um.. I still have a bottle of alchemist's fire," Will says. He moves within range of the rat mob and tosses the fire but a voice screams from within his head and it goes wide. "What in the gods names was that? You know, you are barely a minute away from me visiting somebody to excuse you all." April apologizes weakly, stating they were innocent creatures. "Thats just wonderful, April. Thanks"
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) Thursday January 11th, 2018 9:05:31 PM
Hmerrin mentally goes through the things in his backpack, and comes up empty.
"Anybody got oil?" he asks, pulling out his axes and stepping forward.
Turning slightly, he catches sight of the kids and waves them off. "RUN!"
Asteria Amarante [HP: 60/60; AC: 22; Touch: 12; Flat: 20; CMD: 20] 2d12=9 ; Thursday January 11th, 2018 10:14:14 PM
Asteria grins and cracks her knuckles, stepping near the front of the group to protect the kids. She pulls out her battle axe and shield. "Ohhhhh boy, you guys have no idea how much I missed this. Lets mess them up."
(OOC: 2d12 is for Asteria's 6th and 7th level health)
Sewer Rescue (DM Cayzle) d3=1 ; Thursday January 11th, 2018 11:05:19 PM
The rats swarm closer ... closer ...
Toston lets loose with a burning hands.
Ethani cast Sanctuary on the old teacher dwarf.
Gaffer raises his hand to cast an Entangle. But there are no plants growing here in the dim light of the sewer! He decides against it.
Dušan casts his spectral hand.
Lornak pulls out his crossbow and loads it. When he has a shot, he takes it.
Wilford draws and tosses liquid fire, poorly.
Asteria and Hmerrin attack with weapons when they can.
[OOC: Asteria, please roll your hit points again, with two clicks, not 2d12! What if you rolled a 1 and an 8? How do you know if you got a 1? We track hp by the level. So please roll each die seperately.]
The flames set loose by Toston and Wilford are the most effective choices. The Sanctuary by Ethani saves the old teacher and the child she holds. The weapon attacks help ... a little. Honestly, if this were a normal combat, you suspect some of the children would die for sure.
But this is NOT an ordinary encounter. The rats are not interested in attacking. They swarm right past you! Yes, as they go by, a few bite and nip at you. In fact, every single character and NPC child (not the teacher or her charge) takes 1 point of damage. Your efforts were not for nothing -- you are sure that the damage would have been greater if you had not thinned their ranks and caused some to run around your fire.
But these rats are running right by! Is there something even more dangerous pursuing them? Do you continue to attack? Look behind them? Total defense? The children are crying. The rats are headed for ... somewhere else?
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) Friday January 12th, 2018 5:03:37 PM
"Back on the farm, if a rat ran past you it was because something was chasing it."
The young man turns on his heels, stows his axes, grabs a dwarfkin (or two if he can manage), and strides purposefully toward the City Above.
"Time to get the kiddies outta here, Ladies and Gents."
Sewer Rescue (DM Cayzle) Friday January 12th, 2018 10:02:34 PM
[OOC: Only two PC posts. I am a failure as a DM. lol.]
Things get a little weird. The rat swarms you now see are grimacing in terror, fleeing for their lives.
But what are the rats fleeing? You investigate and find NOTHING?!?!
After the rats pass, you bring the dwarves you have rescued back to the Temple of Wardd, and you hear reports of animals acting oddly. In general, animals are very spooked. And in fact, other animals in Dirt City are acting scared as well - cowering on the ground, tail between legs, and so on.
The schoolmarm, for one, knows that your actions saved her students at least twice over. "You Tide heroes have earned the respect of the dwarves." she says. She also has a gift: a bag of finely worked large gems.
Hmerrin(HP:52/67 AC:24 T:15 FF:20 CMD:24) d20+3=17 ; Sunday January 14th, 2018 10:42:09 AM
Back at the Temple of Wardd, Hmerrin rather distractedly accepts the schoolmarm's reward.
Mostly he is worrying about the animal's reactions. You add that to the crazy priest's warnings, and it adds up to bad.
"Heads up all, I don't like it."
[Perception 17 to find anything else out of the ordinary.]
Gaffer (Courtney) HP: 61/61 AC:21 (!T:16/FF:15) CMD:20 WS 2/2 d20+10=19 ; Sunday January 14th, 2018 5:21:19 PM
Gaffer wants the group to discuss the best place to be to react to any more disasters. "Is there anywhere we know will be vulnerable if something turns up again?"
He tries to check the skies and watch the animals reactions to see if he can get a sense for anything. (Nature: 19)
Ethani (Nellie, AC 19, HP 42/42,) d20+4=24 ; d20+18=20 ; Sunday January 14th, 2018 6:02:22 PM
Thinking.... thinking... thinking (Knowledge=24, Nat 20)
Ethani mentally wrestles with the clues she's gathered. She hopes to come to some sort of clue which will help the Tide save the most people. In the meantime, she looks over the rat bites of Tide and dwarves alike with a critical Healer's eye to see if there is any early indicators for infection. (Heal=20)
Lornak (Frank S.) HP:60/60 AC: 19(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+10=27 ; Sunday January 14th, 2018 7:05:42 PM
Lornak is beside himself as the rats swarm past the members of the group without attacking. There are a few cuts and bruises as the mass moves around them but the rats are clearly fleeing from something. Lornak waits to see what nasty will emerge from the depths of the tunnel to no avail... Nothing comes out... He lets the tension out of his crossbow and stows it. Taking a sigh of relief he says; "That is a boon for us now, but I fear for the future. Let us get these fine dwarves out of here."
Once on the surface he graciously accepts the gift from the dwarves even though in the back of his mind that there might not be occasion to use this shining wealth in his hands. "Anything we can do for our fellow citizens in this time of need." He bows.
With the dwarves safe he confers with the group; "We avoided a scrape for now but when animals flee like that it usually prefaces and attack from nature. An eruption of a volcano, or flooding rains..." He looks toward the sea. "...or a typhoon." (knowledge, Nature d20=27)
"Can any of you speak to animals?" Lornak asks as he looks toward the sky eagerly. "Perhaps I can get something out of Vin." He raises his fingers to his lips and blows a high-pitched whistle call for his owl to come to him. "If she comes to me quickly she has returned at least to Shale House on her own since the quake. If she takes her time or does not come to me..." Lornaks eyes glaze and stare a bit. "...she has reason to stick to the skies..."
Dušan Danann (Erik) {HP:31/33; AC:17; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:16} d4=4 ; d6=2 ; Sunday January 14th, 2018 7:54:17 PM
Dušan tries to lighten the mood by finding a silver lining, "At least it seems like The Tide is getting a good reputation around here."
He slaps Hmerrin encouragingly on the shoulder and casts cure light wounds healing him for 11 hit points.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:43/45; AC:22 Touch 20; FF 18 - CMD 23 Sunday January 14th, 2018 9:04:47 PM
Toston says, "As a gnome I happen to have the ability to speak with animals once a day."
Toston then goes to do just that using his gnome magic speaks with animals spell like ability. (OOC: CL 7 so 7 minutes of animal speaking)
Toston asks the nearest animals just what is going on and what they think is coming.
Asteria Amarante [HP: 71/71; AC: 22; Touch: 12; Flat: 20; CMD: 20] d12=12 ; d12=8 ; Sunday January 14th, 2018 10:17:05 PM
Asteria is understandably upset over the lack of fighting, but glad everyone made it out safe. She stands by Ethani, not having much to add to the conversation. Nothing intelligent, that is. "So, do you think that was like the secret house but it was completely made up of rats. What if it was all a diversion. By the rats. I'm pretty sure we've got a secret society of rats. The tribe elders always told me not to trust a rat. I finally know what they meant."
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