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The Iron Giant

The Aggravated Visitor

DM Carl
Monday September 10th, 2018 12:27:37 PM
Loose ends are tied up, hearts are left wanting, and Bliss gets a free breakfast. Murphy, Bliss, and Succotash succeed in returning the wolpertingers to the Culverwood, though who knows if the sentient forest will provide any assistance to the newly freed beasties. They run off when they are freed, looking back only to snarl one last time. Murphy hands out some nicely made medallions. It's a pleasant day, followed by a too short night...

***

Someone is knocking on the front door of Humble's Sword's sleeping quarters.

They should not be. Looking out the windows, everyone can see it's still dark out. Any thoughts that they might just go away are dashed when the pounding continues in urgency, eventually waking all of our illustrious heroes. Whoever gets to the door first finds a very discheveled Roscoe waiting for them, still in his sleeping gown. The look on his face is something between worry and annoyance.

"So, I know it's early," he starts, "but there's this dwarf that ran into town and started throwing a fit. Says we're all in danger and that we need to abandon the town. I was gonna just throw'im in jail and let him sleep it off, but he seems pretty insistent that we're in some kinda trouble. Can you all come and talk with him, just in case he's not completely crazy?"

Looking at the positions of the moons, it's probably about an hour until dawn. Following Roscoe into town, the party finds most of the town awake. The town guard is keeping most of the townsfolk away from mayor Bingo, who stands talking to a rather unkempt dwarf. He wears simple clothes (though they are heavily sweat stained), but his hair and beard are a mess of tangles that drip with sweat. You can smell him as soon as you get within 20 feet of him. He seems very aggravated, but is unsteady on his feet and sways a bit when standing still.

Sense motive DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {This dwarf is exhausted.}
Sense motive DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {...and terrified.}

Bingo motions you over, and the crowd parts granting you access. The smell does not improve as you move closer. "Hello friends," Bingo begins with a strained smile. "Our visitor here says we're all in big trouble and need to run. I thought to myself, 'this sounds like something Humble's Sword needs to know about.'"

The dwarf does not let Bingo finish talking. "I AIN'T MAKING THIS UP, YA PAJAMA WEARIN', MILK DRINKIN', LITTLE FUZZY FOOTED MORONS." The effort of yelling takes something out of him, and he's forced to take a knee. "The giant's comin'. Yer no match for it." The dwarf stands up and starts walking. "I warned ya. I done my part. Stay if ya want, it won't be on my conscious when you're squished."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+4=20 ;
Monday September 10th, 2018 12:39:11 PM
Talia, edges in towards the dwarf, "How many, white kind, and how long ago was that, when you realized it was up to you to warn others, Mister Dwarf?" asks Talia of the new comer. "How much time do we have to evacuate the towns folks, do you think, Mister Dwarf?" continues Talia.

"Turning to Mister Murphy, could we house the townsfolk in the Humble Sword Compound in your earth tunnels?" asks Talia of Mister Murphy?

[Skills: Sense Motive: 20]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday September 10th, 2018 1:19:28 PM
The idea of danger pulls Succotash from his funk, and he immediately goes into action. Asking his fellow Swords to help him with his armor, he donns it a quickly as possible. After that he saddles Miss Piggy, as well as dressing her in her barding. He then says, “Point me to the giant!”

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 d20=18 ;
Monday September 10th, 2018 1:47:33 PM
Upon hearing the urgency in his cousin's voice, Hobie simply nods and sprints back to his room. Not willing to be caught without his bow, he quickly latches his Efficient Quiver to his belt and grabs up his Handy Haversack in hand, wearing nothing but a pair of linen pajama pants.

Following Roscoe, Hobie quickly takes his Mithral Chainshirt from the haversack and pulls it on as he runs. He throws the backpack over his shoulders, not sure what danger awaits, but ready to take on any challenge.

As soon as the dwarf finishes talking Hobie's face goes stern and he reaches into his haversack as he simply asks "Giant? What Kind?"

He takes out a pair of boots and with no time even for socks, he starts putting them on as he awaits the dwarf's reply.

Shouting the townsfolk "EVERYBODY UNDERGROUND NOW! You know the drill, just like the fire monster attack, GET UNDERGROUND NOW!

As soon as he gets his boots laced up, he simultaneously reaches his one hand hand into the quiver and the other into the haversack. In his left hand he grasps Prowler, in his right he places his hat onto his head, and says "Let him come."

ooc: This is my first caster character so I have some questions regarding the fact that we obviously can't prepare spells. Do spells from the previous day carry over, or do they kind of disappear when we go to sleep? Since it was a quiet day, Hobie probably would have not used the spells he had prepared the previous morning.

These are the spells I think Hobie would have prepared on a day where he was not expecting to fight, but would still have wanted to be prepared just in case something happened

Level 0- Mage Hand, Light, Read Magic, Detect Magic
Level 1- Grease, Shield, True Strike, Feather Fall
Level 2- Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Mirror Image,
Level 3- Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow

Enhance Arrow- Shock

Spells already cast:
Summon Monster 1 (Maybe Hobie cast this one for some target practice with his bow)
Bull's Strength (Maybe while carrying some heavy objects during the day)

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20=5 ; d20+17=35 ;
Monday September 10th, 2018 4:06:58 PM
Zaragosa was overly excited, for some reason that he didn't know, to be a member of the Fellowship of the Trunk. He tells Murphey he would love to try it sometime.

(5 on Sense Motive)

As Roscoe awakens everyone, Zaragosa springs into action, ready to prove himself this time.

He does nothing with the dwarf.

As Hobbie shouts to the crowd, Zaragosa follows to help him out. He tries using his acting ability to know how to get a crowds attention. "You heard the man, you know the drill, Come here, come all! let us remain calm, Let us unite together for this task, follow the great warrior's advice, Hear Hobie. Head underground. Let yourselves not panic! For there is room for all as you know we shall protect you."

sense motive = 5
preform Act = 35

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 10th, 2018 10:56:26 PM
After the usual morning routines and her conspicuous absence from Murphy’s travel, Pressi tries getting as much location information as she can from the dwarf.

(Also, she tries to hide the fact that she’s still a little drunk.)

Giants are... a tad complicated. The old guard once took on several at once and half the group managed to survive. Since then, the group has been more prepared for a single giant. But still...

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Monday September 10th, 2018 11:40:55 PM

Bliss finds a drink for the dwarf and thanks him for his efforts to warn the town. "Well met, friend dwarf," he says, and then praises him in (what he thinks is) the dwarvish fashion: "This day you have remembered the face of your father."

Not having cast anything but cantrips yesterday, Bliss does not need to perform his procedure to regain spells. However, it would be good to do the usual rituals. "Miss Pressi," he asks deferentially, "Have we got the time we need to wake our coven and make our preparations?"

He asks the good dwarf how soon before this giant arrives?

Also, he curses himself for going chasing magic bunnies when the giant tower still needs fixing. This would not be a danger if the tower had been fixed. Ugh.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+14=18 ;
Monday September 10th, 2018 11:46:56 PM
"Hey guys, I think I better tell you something," says Kezzem. "At the Emerald City, one of the priests of Gargul's made some rather omin...onim...um, gloomy but rather cryptic comments about there being dark days ah...."

Kezzem is interrupted by the pounding at the door.

"I hope that's not them now."

----

Later, Kezzem checks out the dwarf.

Sense Motive: 18.

Also, he will Detect Evil, because why not.

"You seem quite agitated, my good dwarf," says Kezzem. "And a bit tired. I can help with that."

Kezzem will cast Lesser Restoration on him to remove any fatigue, or reduce exhaustion to fatigue.

"Maybe we should have Miss Piggy talk to him," suggests Kezzem to Bliss. "Talking to one of his own kind might calm him down some."

Seeing Pressi's concern, Kezzem says, "Don't worry, Press, I'm a lot more durable then I was last time. I used to be a lot more fragile. Plus I can heal myself in the middle of a fight too now."

---

Kezzem's usual spell load out (with extra Lesser Restorations after that shadow fight).

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3 (1 cast)
2nd Level: Shield Other x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+8=19 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+27=43 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 3:16:11 AM

Day Before
So, three joined him out of two possible on the wolpertinger return trip. Jack, and Succotash, and lastly Bliss. "Bliss, if you're to come along, can you shrink to cat size, and spend about 20-30 seconds in a handy haversack for the journey through the trees? Otherwise, there's not room." If he does so, then he is happy to have Bliss join the group, too. He awards Bliss the third Fellowship of the Trunk carved wooden memento on the leather necklace. He carved another one for himself [okay on second attempt Prof:Artist:20].

To Zaragosa, he says, "Well, you did try it sometime, already. We all, together, stepped into an oak near the Sanctuary, and stepped out of an oak about a 150 yards away from where the wolpertinger nest was. Then did the same thing to get back. So you traveled about 300 miles with us, over the course of 15 minutes or so."

Before dawn
Hazel - formerly active with Humble's Sword, and now caretaking with his wife Alouryn - knows armor, and helps Succotash armor up, and anyone else who needs it. "We'll guard the Sanctuary. You all go take care of the giant."

Murphy thanks Roscoe for alerting them. He runs up to his room, fetches his items, returns to the entry, dons his leather armor, and standard adventuring gear. Perhaps 3-4 minutes and he is ready to go. "Hazel, we may send some townsfolk here to shelter in the rock fortress. Alouryn, should harm come to the citizens, can you be available to help heal whom you may?" he asks her.

He marks Kezzem's comments about the veiled warning from a priest of Gargul over in the Emerald Kingdom, about dark days ahead.

With townsfolk & bearer of alarming news
After the others have spoken, Murphy tells the "Dwarf, we have killed giants. Hill. Fire. Stone. Frost. Plenty of ogres, some ogre magi. A dragon. Some giants were a bit over 20 feet tall. How big is the giant who is coming? Much bigger than 20 feet? 30? 40? Is he alone, or are there other giants?"

Pressi already has asked the dwarf for location information. If he is not forthcoming, or needs further prodding, Murphy adds, "Where did you see the giant? Up north, coming from the Scab? Or coming up from the Red Hills?" He awaits the dwarf's answers, while looking in the direction opposite the dwarf's direction of travel.

He answers Talia, "Yes, some can find shelter in our rock fortress. I have only a few short tunnels underneath it so far, but plenty of space in the many floors throughout. Others - yes, Hobie has the right idea - can shelter in the much more extensive tunnels we dug out here in town to protect from the fire elementals and things falling from the sky. Ah, good, Jack is working with Hobie on urging them to that place of safe tunnels."

So that not everyone tries to go through the same entrance he reminds the crowd:

"There are stairs to the tunnels at: The Belly Buster; The Sling & Arrow; another about 150 feet west of The Smallholding Farrier; and The Dancing Pig."

"Rather than stand and wait for the giant, let's go out to intercept him before he arrives," he counsels his friends.

By now, the dwarf will have presumably been walking away from the giant, whether he actually told us which direction it was coming from. "I will fly ahead quickly, and will let Pressi know if I spot the giant.

"Roscoe, can your guard ensure as many as can seek shelter either in the tunnels here, or at our new Sanctuary? We will do what we can to get to the giant before he gets here," he looks up at the second moon which is drawing near the horizon, "If he cooperates," pointing with his chin toward Wardd.

So as not to add to the fear, he lets people around him know, "Look, I'm going to change into a large air elemental. Don't be afraid. It's just Murphy."

Up, up and away
He wild shapes, and shoots up into the air to a height of 75 feet - he has darkvision to 60 feet, so should be able to discern the top of the giant's torso if it is approaching the vicinity. He then levels off, and flies ['run' speed 575 feet per round, or 65 mph] in the direction the dwarf gave either verbally, or by body language. He reports to Pressi what he spots, or hears.
===========
Perception: 43

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 11:13:36 AM
(also, my act is the same roll I use for Diplomacy, just in case I used the wrong skill, it is really his preform (Oratory) that rolls that anyways which is the same modifier.

DM Carl
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 1:03:30 PM
Talia edges closer to the dwarf with questions, but Mr. Dwarf isn't interested in answering any and starts pushing his way through the crowd.

Succotash is ready to fight! Gallant, that one...

Hobie bursts into action! He encourages the town to take shelter in the tunnels. The dwarf isn't interested in answering his questions any more than he is Talia's. He does let out a chuckle when he hears Hobie's declaration to let him come.

Zaragosa aids in gathering folks and getting them underground.

Pressi obviously had too much to drink last night. Sure hope that doesn't bite her!

Bliss is his usual friendly self. He's kicking himself about the giant towers, though he'll soon learn...well, he'll see.

Kezzem prudently checks for evil. He detects none, but he doesn't need a spell to see the dwarf's kind of a jerk. He casts a lesser restoration, reducing his exhaustion to fatigue. THAT gets the dwarf to stop.

Murphy flies into action, asking questions, giving orders and finally wild-shaping away and flying up. He sees nothing.

OOC: Kim, please stop taking so many actions in a single post.

The dwarf pushes his way back out of the crowd and heads towards Kezzem, putting a hand on the paladin's shoulder.

"You prolly just save my life, friend, so I'm gonna do my best to save yours." He takes his pack off, reaches in, and pulls out a small hourglass. He flips it, putting it down in the side with less sand. "You got five minutes, then I'm history. First off: you ain't up against a giant, you're up against a 200 foot plus warmachine we call the Iron Giant." He glares over at Hobie. "If it comes, it's gonna smash your whole town flat."

OOC: Five minutes = five posts

The reaction in the town is immediate. It's not panic, but the crowd gets real loud, real fast. Mayor Bingo starts frantically waving his hands around, trying to get folks to calm down. Luckily, Humble's Ford has been through tough times before. They more or less hold it together.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 1:11:48 PM
“Constructs, I hate fighting constructs!” Succotash curses under his breath, “Well it is what it is, anybody have any secret weapon verses constructs?” Succotash draws Twinklesting in preparation, and Miss Piggy kicks at the earth in eagerness for action.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 1:18:02 PM
Talia, runs back to the compound together all of her belongs, stuff them in the backpack or her pants. She tells Rayya to fly to their arranged meeting spot and she will come for her when this is over. Rayya, explains she is flying over to "See this iron giant for herself! She will fly to her highest point and view the approaching wave of things"...and with that, Rayya takes flight and goes!

Once gathered (the backpack and her belongings ~ non were unpacked), Talia races back to where the dwarf was.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+23=29 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 1:36:43 PM
Zaragosa quick speaks to Succotash "hey, does Miss Piggy still have my bag of holding ?"

To also looks around to see if the humble sword is going to run or fight, He will do likewise. If run, he will wait until he sees no more villagers in harm's way, then he will run as well. If fight, he will draw his sword and say "I'll hide out and try to get the upper hand, don't worry, I won't be far". He will then try to hide in an alleyway near the team. he will rub his magical ring to game benefits to being sneaky.

Stealth 29 or if the ring of chameleon power works it is 39

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 3:23:08 PM
"Good dwarf, what do you mean WE call it the Iron Giant? You have a history with this thing? What more can you tell us about it? And are you saying it is still five minutes out from town? If so, we should ride out and meet it"

Hobie notices Zaragosa looking around for a cue from the group as to what action to take. He grins and says "Draw that rapier bud, today we fight!'

Since it's still dark, Hobie casts Light on the fletching of one arrow, knowing that it's gonna be tough to fight something they can't see very well. He hopes if he can sink that arrow into the giant, then it will have enough light for his friends to see fairly well.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 7:48:17 PM
Succotash hands Zaragosa his bag of holding and says, “Normally in a fight, Piggy and I try to flank the enemy, however if you see either of us as an available flanking partner, be my guest”. To the Dwarf, he says, “Do you know of any weaknesses this machine may have, that we may exploit?”

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 8:44:07 PM
Quickly to Hobie "I'll be hiding for the right time to attack. Also ready to follow orders. "

Zaragosa does not take his bag of holding from Succotash "Keep it, for now, good Paladin. Just making sure it was safe"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 9:51:07 PM
Ghost sound: nails on a chalkboard.

“Have we seriously forgotten constructs 101? We need range weapons, environment hazards and ambush points. Stand there getting stomped on your own time. The rest of you, it’s time to build trenches, lay grease spells and firewalls... Frankly we would have been better off keeping people out of the tunnels and collapsing them...”

Pressi asks the dwarf which direction the machine is coming from. She follows up by casting animal growth and magic weapon on Harper.

And remember, the construct’s greatest weakness is it’s mind.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 12:29:51 AM
[On cutting down actions: OK. I'll cut out the air-elementalization and flying off part, at least, from the last post.]

Murphy offers to perform one more lesser restoration on the dwarf, if he'll have it, to refresh him more completely. "Sorry to be weighing you down with questions. If you know these parts, can you point in about the direction you last saw him, or can you name the area? Is the iron giant coming down from the north, or up from the south, or some other direction?

"Finally, can you guess how long it might take for the iron giant to reach this place?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 10:34:12 AM
"What does it want?" asks Kezzem. "Is there any way we can lure it away from the town?"

DM Carl
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 1:43:27 PM
Succotash prepares for an imminent fight, but wishes it wasn't against another stinkin' construct.

Talia runs back to get her stuff. Rayya flies to the highest vantage point she can find - the air elemental's tower. She sees nothing, though.

Zaragosa is ready as well, but may want to hold off on that ring...

Hobie asks a bunch of questions, still pumped and ready for a fight.

Pressi shuts everyone up and goes over the construct battleplan.

Murphy asks a few sensible questions, as does Kezzem.

The dwarf pinches the bridge of his nose in obvious frustration. Murphy's restoration spell lifts the remaining fatigue from him, though. Unfortunately, it just seems to give him more energy to yell.

"WILL YOU BLASTED SMOOTH CHINS STOP RATTLING YOUR PIE HOLES AND LISTEN TO ME?" He takes a few deep breaths. "What part of two hundred plus foot warmachine are you not understanding? You ain't dealin' with a construct, you're dealin' with a gigantic tower of death on two legs, bristling with siege weaponry, protected by six inches of solid iron armor that shrugs off every spell we saw thrown at it, crewed by a buncha of zealots, and piloted by the most unreasonable shale-muncher you'll likely ever meet."

He turns to Murphy and Kezzem, since they seem to be more interested in asking questions than making assumptions.

"It's comin' from The Scab. You've got several hours before it gets here, plenty a time to run, which is exactly what you should be doing." He turns to Kezzem. "Honestly, you're just a close, but out of the way target. You're a test run for it, nothin' more. Don't mean they won't enjoy stompin' you and yours to puddin', but it is what it is."

The sand continues falling down into the hourglass. Three minutes left. The townsfolk are starting to...not panic, but close. They look around, probably trying to figure out where to run to. There aren't many good options; Crescent Valley is surrounded by badness.

Bingo approaches Roscoe, whispering something in his ear. The guard commander stoops, letting Bingo climb on his shoulders so he can address the crowd. "Ok Humble's Ford! Our visitor says we've got several hours. We don't know what's going to happen yet, but you should all head back home and start packing, just in case."

"How was that?" he whispers (loudly) to Roscoe, who gives a thumbs up in response before getting Bingo off his shoulders.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 3:13:08 PM
Thoughts of how they went after the Wolpertingers ran through her mind. “Any chance they have a bleeding heart talker Druid as a leader? Someone with an eye for leather cages?”

“Ok sir my apologies for getting ahead of myself. Can you start at the beginning? Who is driving this thing?”

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 4:48:28 PM
Talia asks the dwarf, " er, buncha of zealots, and piloted by the most unreasonable shale-muncher you say? Friends of yours? Which zealots and whos the Shale muncher?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 4:55:36 PM
“Good dwarf, did I hear you say this thing is being driven, and isn’t a construct?” Succotash asked, “Well, if that’s true, then I suggest we relieve the machine of it’s operator, and claim the Iron Giant for ourselves, we could use it instead of the broken giant towers, to protect Humble’s Ford!”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 8:52:11 PM
Ooc: "(Kezzem) asks a few sensible questions" is a sentence I never thought I would read...but that's character growth for you.

"Okay, so we don't have to stop the giant, just somehow get inside and stop the guys in control," says Kezzem. "We should probably have the townsfolk take precautions just in case. Murph, can we get the people into those tunnels of yours? Is there enough room, and are they sturdy enough that we won't have to worry about a collapse."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 13th, 2018 12:39:10 AM

He answers Kezzem, rather quietly, "There's room for most of them. They are about 20' to 30' underground, surrounded by stone floors, curved walls and ceilings. Fairly structurally sound." [Murphy was typically rolling in the 30s for engineering of the tunnels.] "Will they hold? Depends upon how much the iron giant decides to jump up and down. Probably from a single step over one spot. Repeated blows..." he shrugs his shoulders.

"They need air inside this machine, one would presume," the druid surmises. He asks, "Might there be small openings for air, or to ventilate heat, that, say, a small bird might be able to penetrate?

"By the way, Could I ask your name? Some time after we deal with this, I'd like to come thank you for the fair warning. I'm Murphy, a bleeding heart talker druid."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 13th, 2018 1:24:14 AM

Murphy turns and addresses the crowds. "The mayor's counsel seems sound. Be ready to leave in 15 minutes, 20 tops. You can always get a new tea set. Just take what you need to survive away from home for a few days."

Then, he suggests to Roscoe, "Could you have someone from here take a fast pony or riding dog, and go quickly to Hovel? Warn them, too. Getting a little way into the Culverwood might prove a defense. Too much chance of tripping over 150 foot trees, I'd guess, for this machine."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday September 13th, 2018 1:37:19 AM
"Alright, we've got a couple hours to prepare for this thing. Murphy, can you and your earth elemental friends do some terraforming in order to direct this thing where we want it?"

He looks to Pressi
"Should we ride out and meet this thing before it reaches our town, or do we want to prepare ourselves for battle here? If we are fighting it here, I can head up to the tower to get a get a great vantage point for my bow.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Thursday September 13th, 2018 10:38:08 AM
"Can't we just like shadow walk inside of it?" asks Kezzem.

DM Carl
Thursday September 13th, 2018 1:28:32 PM
Pressi slows her roll and asks the dwarf to start at the beginning.

"Time's short, doll, so you get the 2 bit version. There's an overzealous priest of Scald named Anur who found the Giant buried deep in The Scab. He got himself a number of followers to take the fight the Fhorge and free his master. He's got a couple henchmen, but I don't know'em. I'm not exactly high on the food chain." He turns to Talia to answer her followup. "Friends? Not really. Truth be told, I didn't quite know what I was gettin' myself into."

Succotash has the bright idea to take out the crew and claim the Giant for himself. The dwarf looks the paladin up and down. "You'd have a better chance of doin' that than taking the Giant head on, but it wouldn't be easy. There's a lotta my kin in there, and they ain't all as nice as I am."

Kezzem agrees that taking the pilot out may be the best idea, then starts wondering about keeping the people safe. That's two responsible thoughts in as many minutes! Who is this new Kezzem?

Murphy can't be sure the tunnels would hold up if the Giant decided to smash them. According to this dwarf, it's over 200' tall and made of solid iron. It must weigh an unfathomable amount. Those tunnels would have to be seriously fortified. He asks about ways into the Giant, and the dwarf's name.

The dwarf responds, "The main entrance we all used was in the right heel. Not hard to see if ya know it's there. I never been above the thing's 'groin' area," he makes little air quotes. "But there ain't no way in or out that I know of other than the heel. The thing's face has holes, but I never once saw no one use'em to get inside. Even the higher-ups used the heel.

"As for my name, you don't get it. Soon as that hourglass is done, I'm outta your life forever."

Murphy addresses the crowd and gets a look from Bingo that's pretty unmistakable: I'll do my job, you do yours. He still whispers to Roscoe about warning Hovel.

Hobie wonders whether they should ride to meet it or prepare for it, and asks Pressi her opinion.

The townsfolk start heading home, hopefully to pack. Bingo stays behind, obviously needing to talk to our heroes, but not wanting to waste what time they have left questioning the dwarf.

The sand in the hourglass keeps pouring downward. Two more minutes till the dwarf claims he's gone.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday September 13th, 2018 3:06:14 PM
Pressi has a brief moment of satisfaction in thinking about what she could do the dwarf in two minutes, should he call her "doll" again. He's going over the schematics more thoroughly than she ever hoped, so she can swallow her pride until he gives up the goods. She does find herself having to withdraw from questions as more and more of the team look to her for ideas.

As questions pile up about the plan, she holds off until they get as much information from him as she can. "I do think that, wherever and however we choose to face the machine, laying traps to tie it down is necessary - and shouldn't be that problematic if its just tottering about on two legs, whatever its size. Not sure what to do about that siege weaponry, though...

"As for shadow walking into it, shadow walking doesn't really allow for phasing through objects, and even if it did, the chances of landing in the right box are just too remote. But there are other options, like blink or gaseous form."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday September 13th, 2018 3:11:28 PM
"Okay, so it sounds like maybe it would be better to infiltrate this thing than to fight it head on. Or maybe we could get a giant air elemental to distract it while others of us sneak in and fight it from the inside. How many people would you say are in this thing?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 13th, 2018 3:34:32 PM

Murphy nods respect toward Mayor Bumbleluck by way of apology.

Murphy asks the unnamed dwarf, "Are there other races than dwarfs who work inside, and, if so, what other races? Any other names of significance of those inside might help - are there many who would like to escape?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday September 13th, 2018 6:11:03 PM
“I for one don’t like the idea of just waiting for this behemoth to arrive at our doorstep, and vote for meeting it where it can’t destroy our town!”, Succotash declares, then he realizes that he used the pronoun our, as in his town, his home, and he smiles at the thought. “Never in my adult life have I ever felt so at home then I do here, and I’ll be darned of I’m going to let some dwarves, who aren’t worth their beards, destroy it!”

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday September 13th, 2018 6:35:25 PM
Zaragosa speaks up to Hobie's plan and Succotash's words. "I like that, distract it and sneak inside. This is the group that saved the world right? I feel we shouldn't abandon the town for utter destruction without putting some type of effort to stop it. I'm willing to put my life on the line to attempt to end this thing"

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Melvin, posting for Cayzle)
Thursday September 13th, 2018 9:03:25 PM
Bliss has been quiet for a while, but he is clearly affected by the spiraling story of what is coming. He thinks through some of his casting options but he'd rather wait for someone to tell him who to maul. Leave the divinations and planning for the "caster" witch.

He does press the dwarf on who this Scald is and who this master is.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday September 13th, 2018 10:16:47 PM
Talia asks the dwarf, "OK, lets fill in the missing pieces, shall we? How many of your kin are associated with this Iron Giant? How long did it take them to dig it out? What was your job while working on the Iron Giant? Lastly, where exactly are you going, and how do we know they aren't chasing you?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 13th, 2018 10:44:13 PM

"Could you draw a map of the inside you know? Or, I've got paper and ink. Can you describe, and I'll draw?" Murphy adds. "Sorry we're asking you so much, and we understand your desire to distance yourself."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 14th, 2018 12:48:11 AM
"How do the crew get in and out?" asks Kezzem. "Are there any other openings? Please tell me we don't have to enter through the 'rear exhaust port.'"

DM Carl
Friday September 14th, 2018 11:23:59 AM
Pressi wishes harm on the dwarf for a bit, but gets back to answering her companions' queries. She shoots down the idea of shadow walking inside and proposes laying down a trap for the thing.

Hobie suggests a distraction and asks how many people are inside. "I dunno, a few dozen?" is the response.

Murphy asks if there are any non-dwarves, and if there are any who would need help.

"There's one gnome in there...real fruity guy that reports right to Anur. We stayed outta his way. I didn't have too much trouble escaping myself, so if there're others who want to, they prolly already did. I don't know any more names; I joined up late & w'd already left when I realize how crazy those folks are." He shakes his head regarding a map. "Ya go in the foot, then go up. The inside architecture don't seem too complex."

Succotash doesn't want this thing anywhere near his new home. A wise choice.

Zaragosa concurs about distracting it and sneaking in.

Talia asks some really good questions. "Few dozen, like I says. I know it took'em months to get it operational, but there's a lot I dunno about how it operates." He stoops to pick up the hourglass and shakes it a bit. "Close enough," he says before packing it away. "I was a hired sword. Didn't do nothin' on the Giant but sit in it and wait for orders...and they probably are looking for me, which is why I'm outta here." He looks to Bliss before he leaves. "Scald's an Old One who lives in The Scab. Ask around if ya don't know him. Surely someone around here knows the story."

Kezzem has a question, but remembers the dwarf's already said the only way in he knows is in the Giant's right heel.

The dwarf is done. He doesn't say goodbye, or good luck, or anything. He just starts pushing his way through the crowd, shoving anyone who doesn't move aside. He doesn't respond to any calls or questions, so unless someone decides to physically restrain him, he just keeps on going.

Bingo moves in quickly. "Hey guys, I don't feel too good about those tunnels holding up against that Giant. I'm taking the townsfolk and as many tents and cots as we can find and heading to Hovel. The town can't hold all of us, but it's not like them to shoo us off and not let us set up a camp on their outskirts. Are you going to go and...what's the word...intercept it? I'm sure we'd all like a town to return home to."

Roscoe takes the statement as confirmation that Murphy's idea of sending a rider is a good one. "I'll send word to Hovel about what's going on." He turns to Hobie. "Don't do anything stupid out there, cuz," he says before giving him a quick embrace. With that, he's off and running.

Most of the crowd has dispersed at this point, leaving Humble's Sword to discuss their situation.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday September 14th, 2018 12:20:06 PM
"Murphy We've got a couple hours, what can you do in terms of moving earth around? This thing sounds like it's a lumbering, slow vehicle. I can't image its got a lot of maneuverability. If you were to dig pits around the town, at least on the side from which they're approaching, we could keep them away from any buildings that could be destroyed"

"I'm gonna head home real quick, I'd like to get dressed, and I'm gonna need an hour to prepare my spells. I know Murph, Kez and Sucker probably need the time too."

"Then I think we should all head out and see if we can't find somewhere that we can get a view of this thing and make a game plan."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Friday September 14th, 2018 12:42:10 PM

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I have not had a chance to memorize spells for today. It might be wise for us to coordinate on that. I have a list here druid spells I can cast." [OOC: Click on the down arrow next to the little rectangle just above the Source column, and select CRB. Paizo's spell list on the Paizo site have been transferred elsewhere, and are not yet ready for prime time.]

[Will post more later, must fly to work.]

"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday September 14th, 2018 1:56:06 PM
Zaragosa suggests "All I had to do is get dressed and come here. I can always scout ahead and report back once you have your spells. Else I will just go with you and keep a watch while you gather your spells."

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Melvin, posting for Cayzle)
Friday September 14th, 2018 2:59:04 PM
As stated before, Pressi and Bliss still have their spell slots (neither is noted for doing any casting during the wedding) but need to do their rituals. Bliss pushes for the usual set of Grimalkin and Shared Spell: Extended Shield of Faith.

"Wowsy, looks like we're going where it's AT-AT. Can't believe they're coming after our town just because we're on the way. Aunt Priss would have a laziness quote for something like that."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20=7 ;
Friday September 14th, 2018 3:06:58 PM
Pressi considers pushing for dropping shared spell in favor of the perception ritual, but ultimately acquiesces. As typical for the shared spell, both cast their level boosters, and then Pressi hits Bliss and herself with the CLW wand.

Pressi casts her ritual of warding (success except on natural 1).

Like the others, Pressi would prefer not to face it here in the city. (Though she can see the advantages.) She tries to think about the path the machine is traveling, and whether there are any natural formations (such as cliffs) that they can use.

Her current suggested plan is thus: a team lead by Murphy, probably including the less sneaky paladins, performs a hit and run/trap assault on the machine to slow it down, while the sneakier members, led by herself, attempt to penetrate through the heel as fast as they can.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 14th, 2018 4:47:46 PM
“I’m all for being a diversion, as my armor tends to give my position away, but I think Kezzem should join the infiltration party, a Paladin is handy in those kind of situations, and besides, he can be plenty sneaky when the need arises”, Succotash offers, “and since I didn’t cast any spells yesterday, I should be good to go”.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 14th, 2018 5:01:54 PM
Lay of Hands 10/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 14th, 2018 5:35:04 PM
“I’m thinking the group makeup will be based on volunteers.”

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Friday September 14th, 2018 8:49:11 PM

"I might ask the air elementals if they would like to scout ahead for us," Murphy says. If it seems good to folks, he sets out to see if any are around. If so, he describes the iron golem, and its size. "We don't want it to smash the town, or the white spire," he tells them.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 14th, 2018 10:13:12 PM
"I ain't as stealthy as I used to be," says Kezzem, "but at least I'm not a walking collection of kitchen pots."

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Friday September 14th, 2018 11:53:44 PM

OOC: Thanks for the subbing!

Bliss sighs as the dwarf runs away. In fact, as the whole town runs away. "Seems to me that being a hero means being the ones who don't run away!" he says.

He muses about flying in through an eye. But he is not sure everybody can fly.

He thinks Blinking in would be clever, but even fewer people can Blink, and what if it is warded against that.

He nods that shadow walking is not precise enough. In fact Dimension Dooring or Teleporting in might be neat, but again, what if it is warded?

All we really need is something to make it pause and stand still for a round or two while we open the heel door and get in. Does anybody have a knock spell?

Maybe an illusion would trick the operators for long enough to make it pause. Can anyone do illusions?

Maybe soft terrain or mud would make it slow down for a moment. But if the heel is buried in mud, kinda hard to open the door?

Hmmmm.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Saturday September 15th, 2018 4:33:22 AM

"It seems we have been using lesser restoration frequently. A wand should cost 4,500 gp. Of that amount, I can provide 500 gp. Who else can kick in, and for how much each? Having such would allow us to bring additional second level spells, to increase our options. It will belong to the group, with perhaps three or four of us capable of using it help each other. Who can visit the Catacombs to do this? Jack The , do you suppose you can collect the rest of the funds for the party, and visit the Catacombs quickly?" Murphy hands him a bag with 500 gp in it. "I need to spend an hour on new spells."

"Right after I ask the air elementals to scout out - but not engage with - the iron giant. And report back to me, so I can pass it on to Pressi and you all."

"With a comment out of order - If we get inside, up to the knee, could we interfere with leg recovery on one side, so that, as it would normally walk, and the back leg swing forward, we could make it trip, by jamming the joint in a bend position?"

"Press - please let me know the gist of what others say as I go to the spire. I'm off then, then to pray for new spells. Yes, Bliss, I can do rock to mud - if there is any rock over which the giant passes."

"What do you all think? We head out together in, say an hour and, what, 10 or 15 minutes, by the Temple of Flower and Ffloy on the north of town? We might have a report back by then from the air elementals, and have a good idea just where to go."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Saturday September 15th, 2018 11:09:12 AM
OOC: Well, let's get that version of the wand, then.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Saturday September 15th, 2018 10:30:53 PM

CAN SOMEONE POP INTO THE CATACOMBS WHO IS NOT MEMORIZING SPELLS? Murphy is busy with elementals and memorization.

You can take Murphy's 500 gp, and kick in 250 gp more, and we'll have a community-benefits wand of lesser restoration.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Sunday September 16th, 2018 2:38:51 AM
OOC: that wand price is probably up to the DM, when I GM I use Cleric/Wizard/Druid spell levels for prices. 750 would be insanely cheap for a wand of lesser resto. But if the GM allows it then heck yeah let's get two.

Hobie is more than happy to contribute to the wand fund. He'll chip in 500gp of his own (or if it only costs 750 he'll pay the remaining 250).

"Bliss, Knock is a great idea, I haven't learned it yet, but if Jack or whoever is going the catacombs could grab me two scrolls of it, one to use and one to add to my spellbook, then we'd be in business."

He'll give an additional 300gp to whoever is headed to the Catacombs.

"I'd like to go with the infiltration crew, it's been a while since I got to do some good stealthing. I can prepare Alter Self in case there's need for me to appear as a dwarf, and I've also got these scrolls of clairaudience-clairvoyance which could be helpful to us as we sneak in."

============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

============
Prepared Spells
(I will post these soon)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Sunday September 16th, 2018 3:07:50 AM
"Another thought I had, is that if this thing has an obvious cockpit of sorts, with an opening, I could, right as the assault team begins, fire an arrow with Obscuring Mist into the cockpit as a further distraction. "

Just before they begin their mission, Hobie will use a scroll to cast Flame Arrow on 50 of his arrows.
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Sunday September 16th, 2018 10:06:11 PM
Bliss laughs at the idea of appearing as dwarves, and he is in favor of that. "With my Polymorph spell, I can totally be a dwarf! I really have to learn dwarvish! I used to know it way back in my mailed fist days, but I forget. Wowsy, that was a long time ago."

"Anyway, I can use my thorny fists to fight as a dwarf, too, and the spell even makes me a bit stronger, so that's nice."

(Per usual, he has cast his spell that makes him more youthful and sprightly and vigorous.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Monday September 17th, 2018 1:46:33 AM
"I speak Dwarven, so you could just stand quietly behind, or if push comes to shove we could always cast Tongues"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Monday September 17th, 2018 1:49:50 AM
"I think Zaragosa and Pressi also speak Dwarven, so it could work"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Monday September 17th, 2018 5:00:14 AM

"I speak dwarf, too, Hobie," Murphy says. "But, who knows, I might be going in as a little bird, or squirrel, or somethin' else. Not as a dwarf."

[Someone might want to actually step into the Catacombs in character, and get these purchases rolling. In game, Pirnook may (or may not) be getting ready to leave with the rest of the townspeople. It's his general store that is the Catacombs' entrance. Wait too long, and that avenue may be gone. Murphy has no time to do it.]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday September 17th, 2018 5:32:59 AM
“I was thinking, if before the fight, someone cast obscuring mist over a large area, the infiltration team could hide in the mists, until the diversion team draws them into the mists, giving the infiltration team the cover they need to sneak in”, Succotash offers in the way of strategy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 17th, 2018 10:54:04 AM
"Its great that everyone is brainstorming, but lets not get ahead of ourselves," Pressi replied. "We don't know much about the environment we will be engaging this machine in, nor about the layout once we get inside.

"But I call dibs on the inevitable pit of lasers that one of us will have to rope dive down. Ever since the Clooney-Cruise accords, every one of these machines is required to have one. Though I have no idea how you do that in a machine where you enter through the bottom and travel up."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 17th, 2018 11:28:44 AM
OOC: I know I'm going to get a lot of pushback from Kim if I don't say this. Obviously, the second paragraph of the last post is not cannon and Pressi does not know what a laser is. That is all.

DM Carl
Monday September 17th, 2018 11:31:32 AM
Hobie asks about setting up a pit around town, then heads home to prepare.

Murphy suggests coordinating spells, and that the air elementals may be able to help.

Zaragosa is ready to go and is able to scout ahead.

Pressi and Bliss discuss proper ritual and spell outfiting. She suggests not facing it in the city.

Succotash is ready to go as well, but suggests someone else be sneaky.

Kezzem doesn't share Succotash's confidence in his stealthiness.

Bliss ponders ways in. Not everyone can fly to get in the eye holes. The Giant may be warded against teleportation. There appears to be no easy answer.

There's talk of last-minute purchases. Paladins typically aren't crafters, and it's unlikely the Catacombs carries so specific a wand. There's talk of strategy. It's mostly up to Humble's Sword now, though. As Bliss observed, they're all on their own.

***

This part of the module is up to you guys. What I absolutely need to know is how much time passes between the dwarf wandering off and you folks heading towards the Giant (assuming you go to meet it). Since a few of you mentioned needing to prepare spells, that's at least an hour. Other than that, have fun playing in the sandbox.

Also, I'm not going to read a bunch of ideas and figure you pick one. Someone needs to explicitly say what you guys are actually doing.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+15=33 ;
Monday September 17th, 2018 3:18:08 PM
"Succotash, I can cast obscuring mist if need be."

Murphy has learned not to get too distressed when Pressi talks about things entirely outside his spheres of knowledge. He is just glad he knows someone who understands so many things he does not. "Maybe the pit is at the foot of the other leg," he suggests.

"I plan to be at the Temple of Flower and Ffloy in about an hour and ten minutes, after contacting the air elementals, and memorizing fresh spells. Pressi, feel free to message me if anything of import happens during that time, as I will do if the elementals agree to help, and find the giant. Someone do a quick shop in the Catacombs for what we may need and can afford. See you all at the Temple - it's on the way to the Scab."

Murphy takes out a few items for later use, places them in a bag for carrying which he places on the ground for just a moment, shape changes to a large air elemental, takes up the bag, and flies quickly to the White Spire. If any air elementals are there, he lays out the situation, the size of the iron giant, its ability to crush things, and the danger it presents to the town and the White Spire. "Will you work with your fellows, seek out the iron giant - don't try to fight it - then report back to me, that my group might stop the giant? I will wait here near the spire."

Whether or not the elementals agree, he then prepares his spells.
===========
Diplomacy: 33 (with air elementals)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday September 17th, 2018 4:00:59 PM
Talia will prepare her spells; as she needs only 2 hours.

After her two hours are over (mental clock and she's been doing this a while now), she will prepare whatever the teams needs.

[OOC: I have been displaced through a mandatory evacuation. I have no idea when we would be able to return.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 17th, 2018 4:15:55 PM
Pressi reaffirms. "So we have to decide if anyone (besides air elementals) is scouting ahead while everyone else is preparing spells or shopping. But I think the two team plan is in effect. And if I understand, here are the volunteered slots...."

Hit and Run Assault: Murphy, Succotash, Talia, Bliss?, familiars and mounts
Infiltration: Pressi, Hobie, JTT, Kezzem?

"The particulars are all on the fly but I think we agree on a few things. First, avoiding being spotted is key for both teams in favor of what may be seen as normal environment and bad luck. Fortunately, I think they expect an assault from their real enemies more than they expect of us. Second, I think we are in agreement that disguises, enchantments and bluffs might be better than straight stealth (once we are inside). Third, I think that we recognize some ability overlap... but that should come in handy."

As for the wand, Pressi can contribute maybe 100 for now. So its a good idea, Murphy, but maybe its an idea for the next level up.

There is still the matter of travel, and whether it's to them or a particular ambush point on the path.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Monday September 17th, 2018 5:25:21 PM
Kezzem is for hitting the giant ASAP. He will go with the infiltration team. Throwing daggers against a giant metal thing doesn't seem t9 effective of a distraction.

"Maybe we can pretend to be mushroom farmers again," suggests Kezzem. "By the law of averages, it is due to work for once. Though maybe one of you should do the talking...my Dwarven is limited to asking where is the library. Also, I am not as good as a liar these days."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 6:06:29 AM
“I think your teams seem right Pressi”, Succotash nods, “but make sure you and Murphy are in contact with each other the whole time so that as soon as you guys are in, we can attempt to join you”.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 11:32:12 AM

[OOC: [WHO IS GOING to actually ENTER THE CATACOMBS, like, NOW?] :-)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 11:41:42 AM

[And if not for the wand of lesser restoration, then at least for the [b]wand of knock(ing) for helping to pass through security points. Please, someone, just go to The Catacombs, figure out what the next number is (should be #1706, unless someone beats you to it), and for the header, use this syntax: | Humble's Ford | | #1706 - then tell 'em what you want, and what you figure it costs. Etc.][/b]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 1:56:14 PM
Jack Zaragosa agrees that he should go with the infiltrators

(OOC sorry for the short post. Sometimes I don't know what to write so I try to wait until the end of the day only to forget to post)

DM Carl d100=60 ;
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 2:10:59 PM
Murphy asks the party to meet him at the town's temple to Ffloy and Flower when they're ready to move. In the meantime, he does this and that, but most importantly heads to the tower to speak to the air elementals.

OOC: I gave you a 75% chance that there would be at least one elemental there, and a 25% chance that there'd be a medium sized one. I rolled 60 - there's at least one small air elemental. Keep in mind they have an INT of 4.

Murphy's way with words spur the elemental to action (diplomacy: pass). It flies away much faster than Humble's Sword can travel via two legs. Still, Murphy doesn't see it return for about 90 minutes. That's about an hour after the sun finally rises on this day. It wooshes around excitedly for a minute before Murphy's able to get anything out of it.

In auran (obviously), it relays the following:

"IT IS BIG." The elemental flies far into the air, to the point where it's hard to make out against the wispy early morning clouds. It's impossible to accurately judge how far up it is, but it's way past the top of the tower.

"HEAVY!" it screams as it comes crashing down on the ground. It fails to make much of an impact, despite how hard it's obviously trying.

"We are going to run. Giant too big to fight." With that, it gathers up its friends at the tower and they make haste away from town. Murphy is able to make note of what direction the elemental came from when it returned from its scouting mission.

Talia will need 2 hours to prepare spells.

Pressi makes plans, and is still in favor of splitting the party.

Kezzem wants to move ASAP, but his companions don't share his haste and need time to prepare. He wonders if this will be the day his mushroom farmer disguise finally pays off.

Succotash agrees with Pressi, as does Zaragosa.

***

So far, I have you leaving at a minimum of two hours unless someone interrupts Talia. That doesn't mean we're AT the 2 hour mark. If you're waiting for the elemental to return before you solidify a plan, we're at the 90 minute mark. Really though, I'm flexible. So long as your plan is plausible, it's fine.

Kim, can you post for Jon-Paul since he's been evacuated?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 5:19:47 PM
ooc: I'm confused why Talia needs time to prepare spells? Isn't she a sorcerer?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 5:25:42 PM
Hobie took the same hour as the other spellcasters to prepare his spells, and will immediately join back with the rest of the crew.

"So how does everyone feel about the plan (I think Pressi first thought of it?) of splitting into an assault team and an infiltration team?

Assault team will meet this thing out front and try to distract it, while the infiltration team goes in through the heel and tries to take it out from the inside.

Pressi suggested she lead the infiltration team and have Murphy lead the assault team.

I want to be on the infiltration team, and I know Sucker said he'd like to be assault. Where's everyone else stand?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 6:40:05 PM
OOC: Question for DM. Can Kezzem reprepare the Lesser Restoration spell he used on the dwarf or does he not have time for that.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 9:25:17 PM
[OOC: Did the Catacombs bidding for the party. I'll pay for it if I have the cash...you can thank me later. How are we paying for it if I dont have the cash? Talia needs times cause not everything is instantaneous.Hey it could have been 8 hours....]

Talia, will back whatever play have the unanimous vote.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d8+1=8 ; d8+1=3 ; d100=33 ;
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 10:22:47 PM

Bliss uses two hours to do his two rituals with Miss Pressi (detailed earlier ... kitty and shared CL12 Shield of Faith for Bliss, warding and shared shield for Pressi).

So that's the two-hour mark for sure.

Bliss does not need to prep spells since he has not cast any lately.

Then Bliss casts his long-duration buff spells: Threefold Aspect and Extended CL10 Barkskin (boosted to level 10 with Surrender Blood. The Surrender costs 10 hp to cast, which Bliss makes up with two taps of his CLW wand.

Then Bliss casts Divination. He seeks advice of whatever sort his Patron and the Powers Above are willing to bestow regarding how to win in the fight against the oncoming Iron Giant. "Please Silver Lady, help us figure out an angle to attack this monster, or maybe some weakness we can use, or whatever help you can offer? Thank you!"

His roll is a 33, so it should work ...

Bliss suggests strongly that the group make a stand about ten minutes' walk out of town. Hopefully if they win, it will not fall on the community.

When the giant comes into sight or hearing range, Bliss plans to cast See Invisibility and CL10 Stoneskin, unless the Divination gives him other ideas. At the last moment, Bliss plans to cast Blink, change into cat form, and hop into the heel as it walks towards the town. Maybe he can open a way from within for his friends to join him, or maybe they will Knock their way in themselves.

Pressi & Harper [SUB BY CAYZLE FOR MELVIN]
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 10:56:23 PM

Pressi thinks about the Blink option too. She can share one with Harper, and cast one on herself, then both of them can join Bliss in the giant, if that works for him.

Maybe everybody will be infiltrating. After all, what can they possibly do to the monster from the outside? Maybe trip it? How?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+27=31 ;
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:50:51 AM

[Note: Talia needs two hours of SLEEP before gaining access to spent spell slots - which she already took care of well before we were awakened by Rosco. Not for spell memorization - sorcerers don't really do that, right? Let me know if I've misunderstood this. However, if Pressi & Bliss need that amount of time for rituals, then, well, there you are.]

[Jon-Paul - Murphy and others have contributed a total of 500(Murphy)+100(Pressi)+800(Hobie)=1400gp. Enough for a wand of knock (750gp). Looks like, since our DM ruled that paladin version is largely unavailable, we will have to pass for now on a wand of restoration. Let's take 350 from Murphy, 350 from Hobie, and 50 from Pressi, 750 total, and just have Talia get the wand of knock.
===========

Murphy thanks the small elemental, and wishes them well.

Murphy telecommunicates with Pressi what he learned from the air elementals. "Based upon what the small, helpful air elemental had to say, and how fast it travels (figure hustle speed, about 35 miles round trip, maybe a bit of zig zagging to find it, and that the iron giant likely continued traveling this direction, it is maybe 15 or 16 miles away now. If we wait half an hour longer - I don't know, it might be 10 to 12 miles from us, I surmise. Your mileage may vary.

"As it sounds like others want another 30 minutes, I'll see everyone by the Temple of Flower & Ffloy."

Murphy flies that way. If either cleric is still around by that time, he asks for their prayers, and lets them know he guess as to how far away the giant is, and that he hopes he and his friends can take down the giant before it gets here.

Since he's earlier than some, he flies a little ways northward toward the hills (say 1 mile), at an altitude of maybe 500 feet, to see if he can pick up any sign of a very tall building walking their way.
========
Perception: 31

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 5:41:18 AM
Succotash spends the last hours praying to Pantheon for protection for his friends, and Humble’s Ford. As he is more concerned about them than his own life, he doesn’t even ask on his own behalf, instead he figures if it’s his time, so be it.
He mounts Miss Piggy, and rides to the temple to meet Murphy and the others, and when everyone is ready, he heads out.

DM Carl
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 11:05:16 AM
Hobie prepares his spells. He asks if folks agree with Pressi's plan.

Kezzem wonders if he has time to prepare spells. With the group taking at least two hours to prepare, he certainly does!

Talia runs by the catacombs.

Bliss and Pressi do their rituals. Bliss doesn't need to prepare spells, but does tick off his long duration ones. He then casts a divination spell, asking his power for advice. The moment his spell is complete his world explodes in pain.

Bliss ONLY, Highlight to display spoiler: {Your eyes snap close. In the darkness, through the pain, you see what can only be the Iron Giant. The dwarf did not do it justice. It towers over 250' tall. It bristles with siege weaponry. Hundreds of embrasures all around its circumference provide total coverage for ranged defenders to engage at any angle. Deep craters are left behind with every step it takes. Bliss notices a white, spongy substance in the back of every footstep its right foot makes. He realizes with a start that it's marshmallow.}

Bliss, will save VS DC20 or be shaken for 1 minute. This is a fear effect.

Pressi ponders blinking inside and wonders if everyone should try and infiltrate the Giant. How do you trip something so massive?

Murphy does some math, figuring it's anywhere between 10 to 16 miles away. He decides to try and get a good view, so he flies up and away. Since The Wold is flat, once Murphy clears any small hills and trees, he is able to see the Giant. From this distance, it's only about a quarter of an inch tall, so it's impossible to see any detail. Through observation, he's able to estimate that it's about 8 miles away, and will reach the town in about 4 hours.

Succotash prays for protection for his friends, then heads out to meet his friends.

In the distance, you start to hear a constant, booming *THUD* spaced at about 10 seconds apart.

***

Two hours have officially passed. I'm fine with not waiting for the catacombs transaction to officially finish before we move on.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 12:44:59 PM
I believe the Scald Clan with mobile iron transport is arriving. First plan of action?

Talia says," I could turn invisible, fly to the heel, "knock" on the door and get inside...what do you think?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 12:52:52 PM
ooc: Hobie wanted a couple scrolls of knock so he could cast one and add the other to his spellbook, not a wand. Knock is a level 2 spell, so a wand would cost 4,500gp, not 750.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 12:55:06 PM
ooc: Maybe a couple scrolls of Lesser Resto would be good though

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:06:25 PM
To Talia's suggestion Hobie replies "I think those of us who are going inside this thing should probably all approach as a team and attempt to sneak in together. It's too dangerous to send one in alone. Besides, I think unless this thing is magically locked, Zaragosa's incredible skills with a lockpick exceed even your magical prowess"

ooc: Knock doesn't automatically unlock doors, it lets you use your caster level +10 in place of a disable device check, and Zaragosa's disable device is +35, so he's better than a level 20 wizard would be at opening mundane locks.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:12:57 PM

Bliss does not need to save. He simply shakes and is speechless for a whole minute. That's a long duration in Blisstime.

When he gets a hold of himself, he tells all his friends about his vision. "It is huge! Two hundred and Fifty feet tall! It has lots of arrow holes that people where people can stand and shoot. It's footsteps are like craters ... filled with marshmallow!"

He relates all this and then pauses to think about options.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:12:57 PM
GM: While we are waiting for catacombs purchases, can we also have bought 2 scrolls of Invisibility Sphere?

Invisibility Sphere would let the whole Infiltration team approach invisibly without burning a bunch of spells.

Hobie will give 1050 gold to whomever is making the catacombs run, for 2 scrolls of Knock, and 2 scrolls of Invisibility Sphere (if anyone wants to chip in for the scroll of invisibility sphere that we'll use on this mission, the price is 375)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:13:33 PM
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/i/invisibility-sphere/

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 2:45:30 PM
Zaragosa fiddles with the goggles on his head. and comments on Hobbie . "I am not sure I can outdo the best of mage, but my skills are at least nothing to scoff at. I look forward to finally being useful. I agree with the plan and am ready to follow orders."

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+22=37 d20+13=14
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 5:10:39 PM

Bliss is worried about being spotted before they can approach. He suggests that they plot the thing's likely route and dig or make a quick blind. Even just a bramble patch or a couple big trees would do.

Hiding under cover/concealment, we can use Stealth to avoid being seen.

Cast Blink. Change into Cat. Sprint for the giant and Blink into it.

-- If I get in, great. Look for a door to unlock to the outside. Others (message spell) will know that the Blink works, so they can try that, or maybe a Dim Door.

-- If I bounce off, Blink does not work. change back into a halfling, cast Polymorph, change into a little flying thing, fly in through an eye or an arrow slit.

ACTION TAKEN - Bliss walks a half hour out of town towards the monster. he does his best to estimate its path oncoming. He looks for a place to hide ... some sort of natural cover from a tree or bush. Note that any onlookers will likely be looking from above.

Perception 37
Survival 14

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 8:21:27 PM
"Hey Murph, since you ain't go with the infiltration team, maybe you want to lend that ring to Hobbie? That way I can take some of the heat off our heavy damage dealer and it's not going to do you much good outside or range."

OOC: Kezzem is referring to the Shield Other ring. He figures unless the dwarfs are undead, fiendish, or dragons-in-disguise, he's not going to draw much attention with his daggers.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental d20+29=43 ; d20+17=24 ;
Thursday September 20th, 2018 4:52:46 AM

"Marshmallow?" Murphy repeats a portion of Bliss's description of the thing.

"With many arrow slits - perhaps I can enter as a tiny bat through one. What do you all think about me getting, say, half a mile from it, up in the air, changing into a tiny bat, then coming at it from the side or back, and trying to enter that way. Maybe Bliss could join me, and we could attempt entry near each other. Then, fly to the heal, see about opening the door from the inside to let you all in?

"I know, blinking, dimension door, those may serve as good entry points, too. Unless there's some sort of anti-magic field surrounding it.

"If I thought we had strong enough rope - better yet, steel cable - to use to try to trip it, I'd suggest giving that a try. Rock to mud - if it happens to step on rock - might work - but, if, as the air elemental explained, and Bliss said its footsteps make craters in the earth, I have my doubts that rock to mud would make much difference.

"So, barring any phenomenal flashes of insight, let's go for entry through its standard access at the heel, and / or infiltration through one of the slits and small openings," Murphy recommends. "By the way, Hobie, great ideas."

"So, Pressi, shall I fly ahead a little ways, and try to coordinate entry with you when it is not too far from where we choose to hide? I can scout ahead right now - Bliss and I should be able to find a suitable spot for the bulk of the party to wait for the iron giant to pass near by. We need a measure of concealment - there are stands of trees and bushes here an there. Let's go now," [I'm assuming we're at the 2 hour mark, and everyone has done what needs doing by way of preparation], I'll find a good spot maybe two miles north of town, and we'll get set. I don't want us to start much closer than two miles, as, once we get aboard the giant, it will likely continued to walk forward before we are able to stop it. Two miles gives us about 15 to 25 minutes to disable or take it over."

He casts longstrider on himself for possible later use if he changes to a walking form.

If all that sounds good, Murphy flies out. Once he is out about a mile from the group, he casts owl's wisdom on himself. Then he seeks to find a good spot of concealment for the group at about the two mile mark, more or less, and telecommunicates with Pressi the best route to it, and the best spot to wait, occasionally off to the side trying to get a rough bead on the incoming giant by flying to the south crest of nearby hills and peeking over. Most of his flight will be fairly low to the ground so as to avoid the gaze of the oncoming one.
==============
Perception: 43
Survival: 24
[If another travels with him, he'll add their survival check +2 to his own]
==============

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday September 20th, 2018 5:37:19 AM
After the two hour mark, Succotash is chomping at the bit to get going, and says, “I’m riding towards the thud sounds, if anyone wishes to join me, please do, but I am not waiting any longer!” He then heads out riding Miss Piggy at 40ft per round, unless someone joins him who can’t travel that fast, in which case he will keep pace with the slower travelers. If there is only one person who can’t travel at at least 40ft per round, he will offer them a ride on Miss Piggy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday September 20th, 2018 11:04:12 AM
Pressi's mind boggled as her two tier plan went up in smoke, and as words undermining her plan went up in smoke. "Murphy, I owe you an apology. Getting this team coordinated and sticking to a plan is insanely hard and can drive you nuts. Ok, new rule. Next guy who undermines a plan that's underway gets to be the leader. Bliss, you go first."

The fact that Murphy is far angrier about a catacombs purchase than having his marriage proposal rejected... You know what, we'll get to that.

"In answer to Bliss' question, and apparently my own. the idea of what to do from the outside is indeed a little fuzzy but I figured that the team could slow or stop the machine, trip it, or even reveal itself and drag some troops outside. Depending on the path it is traveling and the spells prepared by Talia and Murphy but I figured it was possible.

"Also, I figured that if a combat ever occurred, even one that the roguelike half of the team could handle, then the infiltration failed. I'm anticipating two man job after two man job while the others wait, and figured a large crowd, even of eight rogues (and I'm assuming we leave pets behind), would have made the mission harder and left most of the team sidelined.

"But look, I'm not married to the idea. If everyone wants to enter at once, or through different entry points, that's fine. Though as pointed out, while blink or gaseous form or polymorph can presumably bypass the back door, not everyone has such abilities. Personally, I haven't heard any information that presumes we need a knock spell. JTT has a ridiculous disable, I can take a crack at it, and there are a couple of others who can buff us, so...."

DM Carl
Thursday September 20th, 2018 1:14:36 PM
Talia has an idea to get inside.

Hobie suggests those who are going inside stick together.

Bliss relays his vision. He begins to understand what taking the Giant head-on means. He goes on a quick scouting mission to see how easy it will be to hide. Walking 30 minutes out of town, he's easily able to detect it's incoming path. From its height, it can very easily see Humble's Ford. The landscape between the town and the Giant is mostly grassland, but there are trees. He and a few others can turn to animals. A few others can go invisible. The rest of the party can hide from something that tall behind one tree easily enough. Finding a place to remain hidden won't be difficult, but the party will need to be in place before the Giant is within 1 mile, else it will see you approaching.

Zaragosa admits he is no slouch when it comes to breaking and entering.

Kezzem suggests Murphy let them use his ring.

Murphy doesn't seem to have a solid idea on what the significance of marshmallow is, but when is divination obvious? He bats around ideas of sneaking in and opening the heel from the inside, or maybe they could blink in. It would sure help if they knew how the door operated, but there's nothing they can do about that now (is there?). He suggests those who are able to get inside so they can all group up in the Giant's heel. He and Bliss will have no trouble scouting a decent ambush point for the non-sneaky.

Succotash is done waiting. He insists on heading out as well. Your humble DM is not sure how fast Murphy and Bliss are capable of traveling, so he's not sure if Succotash can keep pace.

Pressi decides leading this group is not fun. She nominates the next person to make a plan as leader. She notes some possible holes in her ideas, and won't argue if the rest of the party thinks entering together is a good idea.

***

Current time at beginning of post (not including travel time by Succotash/Bliss/Murphy): 4 hours until Giant reaches Humble's Ford
Giant speed: 2 MPH
Distance from Humble's Ford: 8 miles
Solid estimate at how far away the Giant will spot a non-sneaky halfling: 1 mile

I will leave the rest of the math to you, friends.

To be clear on the subject of cover: just about all of you can hide under a single tree considering they're still leafy. It's a matter of how far away you can get from the town and remain hidden at this point. Cover is the easy part.

I like you how guys are working through this. My write-up of this part of the module is "means of entrance is left to the ingenuity of the players." I was curious to see how you folks would handle this, as there's no perfect answer.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday September 20th, 2018 2:11:02 PM
"So what is the plan? are we splitting up? Should the infiltrators get a move on to find a hiding spot?"

(OOC Should I roll my stealth yet or wait?)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday September 20th, 2018 3:02:34 PM
"So Pressi's plan was for Murphy and the two Paladins to distract this thing while the rest of us snuck in through the feet, is that no longer the plan?"

"Regardless of what we do, I think we should try to stick together under tree cover until we are close enough to make our moves. If you guys will show a little patience, once I'm within 600 feet of this thing I can cast Clairaudience/Clairvoyance, and try to watch/listen to what's going on inside this thing. Maybe tap into their command center so we have an idea of what's going on before we storm in."

"Zaragosa, once we are ready to make our move, if you stick close to me, I can cast Invisibility Sphere and you and anyone else within ten feet of me can sneak to the foot invisibly, where you can try to disable any locks they may have."

Bliss (Cayzle)
Thursday September 20th, 2018 9:38:09 PM

Bliss says, "I got no way to slow this thing down or attack from the outside. If someone else can, great! We could use a distraction as the rest of us try to sneak inside. Maybe an illusion or a tripline? But it is hard to imagine what could trip that thing. The size bonus alone gives it a nasty CMD."

Bliss is ready to keep on with his plan: Try to Blink in as a kitty. If the Blink fails, polymorph into a diminutive bat and fly in through a hole. Either way, then sneak to the heel and help others get in.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 21st, 2018 1:10:42 AM
Kezzem turns to the newest arrives. "It would appear that we brave halflings of Humble's Sword are faced with our longtime and unbeatable foe--our inability to agree on a plan."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental
Friday September 21st, 2018 3:22:53 AM

[ clarification ]
[OOC: "The fact that Murphy is far angrier about a catacombs purchase than having his marriage proposal rejected... You know what, we'll get to that." - Pressi.

In truth, Murphy was/is not angry at all about a Catacombs purchase. *Kim* just realizes that, if a message does not get through the first time on a significant point, it is sometimes necessary to use CAPITAL letters to grab people's attention. There are some times in my life when I have to YELL to gain people's attention (say as a lifeguard), because the ambient noise needs to be overcome. When I do yell in such a situation, for another's safety or well-being, it is not anger at all (unless someone who ought to know better is idiotically recklessly endangering others after having previously been warned about the same thing). It is overcoming the background noise in order to deliver an important message.

AND - Murphy is not angry about Pressi saying she needs more time. Sad? Sure, somewhat. But not angry. Not despondent. He figures she needs exactly what she said - time. He recalls his grandmother's story about the flower with petals still closed. He is patient. Not angry. And, he knows she may decide never to marry (him). Love is a choice. He offers his. She may choose to reciprocate, or not. The choice is real. By the way, noting he is not angry is not denial. It's a simple truth.

Now, both Murphy and Kim are capable of anger. But it is fairly remote from their standard mode of operation. Bold and ALL CAPS are ways to draw attention, or to represent that Murphy is projecting his voice so as to carry to a crowd, or over a long distance. Or, to highlight a fellow character's name, in a non-shouty situation. Or, OOC, again, in hopes that someone will actually read and attend to a message.] :-)
[ / clarification ]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental
Friday September 21st, 2018 3:23:29 AM

Backstep - Kezzem's ring to Hobie
At the time Kezzem requested it, Murphy responds: "I could do that, but will have to drop out of my air elemental form. That cuts down slightly on my shape changing options for the day. But I'll do so if you think it's best."

If Kezzem says so, he changes, and says, "Say, Hobie, here is Kezzem's ring of friend shield that allows him to cast through his paired ring a shield other spell. In short, he can take upon himself some of the physical damage you experience, so that you don't end up on the wrong side of the Woldsblood stream too soon." He hands the ring to Hobie.

Present Plans
"Pressi, two teams is a great idea. How about, though, rather than a pure distraction team, we have an innocuous appearing early penetration team through one of the attack openings, and a hidden through-the-heel second team?

"Why? If we hide reasonably well - and if one of the sphere of invisibility spells is used on two or three of us who can fly, and get small, say Bliss and I - anyone else? - maybe we can get in, fly down within, and help open the door.

"With that giant at about 250 tall.. A six-foot-tall person's average step is just shy of three feet, figure that each step of the giant is 120 feet - the same length as the new white spire tower is tall. That is 44 steps a mile over 30 minutes of walking. 88 steps an hour, for two miles. So, each step takes... about 41 seconds, and covers 120 feet. If we get in through a lower opening - maybe around the hips? - how long would it take to get to the bottom of the right leg? Flying, as a couple of tiny bats, maybe not too long, unless there are doors or solid obstacles in the way. Or if dwarfs hate bats, and we're not invisible. Bliss is tons more sneaky than I am.

"Hobie, you cast your clairvoyance when the giant is 600 feet away - that is 5 steps, and the giant is then 3 minutes and 25 seconds away from where you are, about. If some sort of magical shield does not prevent your peeking, then you can tell Pressi, she can tell me, I can bat chirp to Bliss - say, if he and I have a message spell between us, that'll be easy.

"The heel tackle team, whether via Talia's knock spell, and with Jack's high capabilities, should be able to work on getting in from the outside - Bliss and I can assist from the inside - and, we're in.

"After that, we ascend. Figure out things as we go along. Some pretend to be dwarfs. Others - maybe invisible. Bluffing. Knockin' 'em out. Killing, if necessary - they are on their way to destroy our homes and those of our friends, and to kill anyone who has stayed behind. Work up to the control center... we'll figure out something. Maybe we will find an ally within.

"Friends, there are so many variables here - we're guessing somewhat, and new things will show themselves in the midst of it all.

"You are one of the most competent group of people I know. We are good at thinking fast, and responding to changing situations.

"Pressi, Hobie, Bliss, Talia, Jack, Succotash, Kezzem - any thoughts, any suggestions, any betterments to this tweak to Pressi's and Hobie's and Bliss's and all's plans?"

"Let's go forward three miles - that will take those on the ground about 40 minutes. The giant will be out six and 2/3 miles from town by then, so 3 and 2/3 miles from our arrival point. Should we go out two miles, instead? Pressi - you tell us - two or three miles from here? It'll take about 26 minutes for the whole group to get two miles out.

"Get set in a blind. There are various stands of trees between here and the Giant Tower - and the Iron Giant is already south of that. One or two of us can scout ahead - Bliss - you and I? - and let you know if plans need changing, or we learn more."

"Succotash, we all love Miss Piggy," the druid adds, "and riding her out should be fine. Once trying to gain entry, though, and presumably climbing stairs or ladders within, that may not be her best playground. It's for you to decide, but consider the possibility of sending her back before we get too far - or maybe right after we get in."

One last idea he puts forth. "If we tie a whole bunch of strong ropes together, and wrap them multiple times, maybe in a figure eight just below the knees, and can figure a way to tighten them at the right moment, m a y b e we could trip it. As Bliss says, though, long odds against it."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental
Friday September 21st, 2018 3:33:02 AM

"Oh, I know, Kezzem. I can give the ring to Hobie about the time I change from air elemental to halfling then to bat, when we're closer. Sound all right?" Murphy asks, posting one more time.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 21st, 2018 5:21:12 AM
Miss Piggy doesn’t seem to like the idea of not getting involved, but she will obey her master. Succotash replies to Murphy, “I’ll have to make that choice when we have a better idea what we are up against, but seriously, LET’S GO!!!” Succotash’s patience is wearing thin, as a halfling of action, he is getting more and more frustrated with the departure delays.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 21st, 2018 10:28:09 AM
Kid's sick so my post is going to be in bits and pieces today.

But I think no matter what, we have to stop discussing and get moving. Probably should have moved this to an email thread instead if the DM wasn't going to let us have a proper discussion but it is what it is.

So Pressi gets on Harper's saddle (speed 50) and rides out. When they get to the designated area (3 miles should work fine), she has Harper start to head back.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday September 21st, 2018 1:07:47 PM
Hobie will ride out on Pippa, and once in position, he'll send her back home.

Taking the ring from Murphy, "Wow, thanks Murph, thanks Kez. This is great, hopefully this can keep me up long enough to put arrows in all these jerks."

"Murph I've only got one scroll of Invisibility Sphere (the other was consumed when adding to my spell book), so if we are splitting into two groups, the other group will have to find a way to be concealed."

Fast forwarding to when we are in position, Hobie will use a scroll to cast Flame Arrow on 50 arrows, and He'll cast Shield on himself.

"Friends, I know you are eager to go, but let me see if I can divine what's happening inside this thing before we go rushing in"

When the Giant is within 600 feet Hobie will use a scroll to cast Clairaudience/Clairvoyance. This is basically like I'm magically sticking a camera with a microphone into the head of the giant which I can see and listen to. (Hobie will place the sensor inside the head of the giant, unless there is a more obvious cockpit once he's in view of it)

Then based on what Hobie see/hears, a knew plan can be formed, but most likely, JUST before any action is taken, Hobie will pull out another scroll and ask all his friends to come within 30 feet and he'll cast Haste on his whole party.

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 21st, 2018 1:52:41 PM
"That's fine, Murph, just don't get stuck in air elemental form like Alleah did," says Kezzem.

"Well, my plan is to enter through the heel, find the pilots, and enter aggressive negotiations. There like regular negotiations, but with daggers."

DM Carl d20=14 ;
Friday September 21st, 2018 4:07:27 PM
Zaragosa is still not 100% on the plan, but that's ok. Your humble narrator isn't either.

Hobie thinks they should stick together until they make their move. He can help himself and a few others go invisible if they stay close.

Bliss has a plan: sneak in, help the others from the inside. Seems simple enough.

Kezzem is obviously back to his old self.

Pressi agrees it's time to move, so she does.

OOC: Melvin, this scene was written to give you guys time to plan and discuss handling the Giant. I specifically said this part was up to you, and nothing would happen until you explicitly stated something was happening. Your complaint is unwarranted.

Murphy does some math. He makes a pretty big assumption about the giant's stride. That's not to say it's a bad assumption. If his math is right, and it usually is, that's plenty of time to get the heel door open and inside. He acknowledges it's the best they can do since they're missing more intel. He recommends intercepting the Giant 3 miles out. That will give Humble's Sword a good 90 minutes before it starts attacking the town.

Succotash thinks this show better get on the road, but agrees that Miss Piggy should probably stay back.

***

The plan, as I understand it: Ride three miles out, hide, wait for the Giant. The Giant will be about 90 minutes from your hiding spot when you arrive. If that's correct, great. If you want to get closer to the Giant and further from town, you have time. Since you've come to an agreement on the course of action and have specifically said you're leaving, I'll move this along. If you decide you'd rather ride further out, please say so by the next post. Discuss it over email if you choose.

***

Humble's Sword rushes towards the Giant, moving quickly to get into a position to infiltrate the thing. Not long after the party leaves, the Giant's head starts peeking above the trees and hilltops. The ever-present *THUMP* of its footsteps grows ever louder. The steps, incidentally, are about 20 seconds apart. The Giant's stride must be shorter than Murphy expected.

By the time the party arrives at what would make an adequate hiding spot, most of the Giant is visible. The dwarf did not prepare you for the sight. Towering into the sky, far taller than the tallest building in the Crescent Valley, the gargantuan humanoid is constructed of dark gray metal. Its fists are plated with adamantine, and fiery glow comes from its eye slits. On the back of each hand is an enormous gem that glows blue with intense magical power. Just like the dwarf said, ballistae and trebuchets are arrayed across its broad shoulders. Embrasures dot the entire circumference of it as well.

Perception, DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {Shadows pass in front of the embrasures from time to time. Many of them are obviously manned, but it's impossible to be certain how many.}

The Giant's legs are about 120' high, each foot about 20' of that. There are 4 embrasures on each "calf" area. The Giant's right leg will pass within 70' of the party's hiding spot.

Hobie attempts to get an ear into the Giant's head. Clairaudience-Clairvoyance isn't affixed to something, however. It creates a sensor that does not move, and the head is a moving target. You find you're unable to make the sensor appear inside the head's current location. You can cast it out in front and let the head run into it. If you'd rather do that, let me know and I'll throw up a description of what you see over the weekend.

It looks like the Giant's exterior is impervious to magic. Hobie is able to cast the rest of his preparatory spells as outlined.

***

Great job, everyone. Infiltration officially starts next week. I'm awarding 6K XP for roleplay and planning.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=38 ;
Friday September 21st, 2018 8:38:09 PM
(OOC: My apologies. My complaint was towards a narrower issue but I don't feel like getting into it.)

"Who can fly and be small inside the sphere with you and Bliss?" Pressi answered. "Well, me, but I assume you want me on the ground. Talia can probably do it; she is the transmutation specialist. Otherwise, I can zap someone like Succotash with polymorph."

It had been a long ride as they moved closer and closer to... well, the towering warhorse doesn't do it justice. "Ok, I'm going to need the team's full cooperation for this point forward. We need a 'they're compensating' joke and we only get one shot, so lets make it count, people."

Almost as good as Hobie's clairvoyance is... well, she gets a round by round ability through her god, but her normal eyes can almost see for miles themselves (Perception 38). "I can see the shadows passing through embrassures. Hard to tell how many are manned, but we might be able to slip the flying team in one of the non-shadowed ones." (One possible way: someone blasts detect thoughts.)

"In all fairness to the naysayers, I really hoped for a better environment. A mix of soften earth, obscure mists and an entanglement would still slow it down. Barring that... it gets within 70 feet and then leaves in three rounds. So we need some speed to get there and then maybe a round or two to unlock. Any ideas?"

(i.e. Pressi's foot speed is 30 so she can double move one round and has two rounds to do stuff.)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 6:30:46 AM
Succotash says, “ So we have the sneaky ones entering from the heal, with Jack using his most excellent entry skills, and another group turning into small flyers entering through an arrow slit, I like this plan, if Pressi can turn me into a small flyer, just long enough for the entry, it just might work, as long as I get turned back right away so I can fight that is”.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 7:19:55 AM
ooc: So Hobie will put the sensor ahead of it like you described. If it's footsteps are 20 seconds apart, I should at least be able to see inside for 5 or 6 seconds right?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 7:27:28 AM
GM- Does anything appear like a cockpit? Like does the head look like a place where those guiding it might be watching from? Is there any other place, like maybe the chest, that looks like the spot where it is piloted from?

Bliss (Cayzle)
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 12:20:07 PM
Bliss notes that he could turn someone else into a tiny flyer, like a hawk or an owl or such.

He is willing to let someone else fly in as a tiny bird, while he Blinks in. If the Blink fails, then he can enter either scale the monster and squeeze in a hole as a kitty, or enter with the group at the heel.

He's thinking he should maybe swap his boots of acrobatics for boots of spider climbing. Except he left them back home. I mean, at the store. In his imagination.

Bliss thinks hard about his vision. How high up was the first level of fortifications and arrow slits? What was the surface of the iron monster like? What would be the DC to climb it?

For that matter, what is the DC to slip through an arrow slit for a tiny creature?

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+7=14 ;
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 8:12:06 PM
Only 14 on perception

Zaragosa was glad the team seemed to want to use his skills. He informs them that he has a ring to help him stealth and boots of speed to help him run faster.

He waits for orders.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental
Sunday September 23rd, 2018 11:50:24 PM

"Shoot, Hobie," Murphy says. "Did you actually find time to write that scroll into your spellbook just now, in the last few minutes since we got the scrolls then headed for these trees? You don't happen to have invisibility memorized, do you? I think one key to us bats getting inside reasonably safely is if we're invisible, too.

"Talia, can you make me and Bliss invisible? Or, maybe, one of us? Bliss is pretty good at sneaking around - but not me.

"If either Hobie can make both of us invisible - which has the advantage that he and I will be able to see each other, but it's really tough for others to see us. Or even, not to be selfish, but, if one of you two can render me invisible, that should up the odds of inside spying significantly. I can be a tiny, invisible bat, until at the door, change to something big and invisible, and operate the mechanism from inside.

"That way, we have the outside opening experts, like Zaragosa here, working that side. And me, not quite the expert but, shoot, it should be easier from within. That ups the group odds a fair bit.

"If someone near the heel wants to attack us, Bliss and I can work on fending them off, giving you all a chance to get inside."

Murphy is in his halfling form now, and was able (as earlier described, but just in the last few minutes accomplished) able to give Hobie the ring from Kezzem). He is about to switch to a tiny bat.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Sunday September 23rd, 2018 11:54:31 PM

Talia says, "Well, I can cast invisibility on one of you. Bliss, is it all right if I cast it in Murphy? He does kind of stick out a lot more than you do when you're being sneaky." If Bliss does not object, then just before Murphy flies away as a bat, she will cast it on him. She waits until he tells her he is ready.

"Otherwise, though, I'll stay here and do what I can to help the outside team get inside. Unless, Pressi, you want me to do something else. I could read the knock scroll if you need that help."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday September 24th, 2018 5:34:23 AM
“So, what’s my role in this?” Succotash asks, “I’m only slightly better at stealth than a walrus, so entering at the heel is probably a no go, Pressi had mentioned she could turn me into a bat or some other tiny flyer, and Bliss said he could do likewise, but now Murphy is talking about flying in with Bliss as a duo, so now I’m confused as to where you want me, as the teams tank, I’m pretty good in a fight, but subterfuge and stealth aren’t my strongest assets, I could stay outside and hack away at the thing with Twinklesting, but that would be about as useful as a screen door on an Apparatus of the Crab”.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 24th, 2018 11:19:57 AM
"Assuming that nobody can turn Succotash invisible," Pressi begins, "there are options, including taking your chances as a visible bat or bug. These guys strike me as overconfident, not expecting an attack between here and their destination, and expecting any attack to be a frontal assault. Though I am making a psychological guess.

"I do think that Hobie has the scroll, he was inscribing while we did our rituals, but if not he should have his ring or the spell on hand. I'll try to think of invisible creatures, too..."

"Down, I will personally try to use HiPS, though I won't be fully stealthy if I am moving full speed. Their perception from down here should be pretty low given distance and the forest cover, so stealth shouldn't be too much of an issue. But I can cover people with obscure mist, ghost sound - or maybe mind fog. That drops their perception flat but isn't detectable (by normal senses) as an out of the ordinary event."

"Guys, I know we are dealing with a lot of unknowns, but we also have a lot of power and options, even if spotted or magically detected. And this team, above all, has proven time and again to be flexible even in the face of ambush, mind control, or invisible creatures. We're the good guys, the risk takers, the guys who faced worse challenges than this while everyone laughed at us. Whatever happens between now and when we face the leaders, never forget they're the ones fighting us. It may be their machine, but it's our terrain."

She turns to Murphy, speaking to him for what might be the first time in a while. "See you on the other side."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Monday September 24th, 2018 12:39:12 PM
"I can cast regular invisibility on someone else, I have prepared it this morning. Also, Succotash, if you wanted to come with us to the heel, we will be traveling in my Invisibility Sphere, which will make us all invisible. I don't imagine the noisiness of your armor will be much of an issue considering how much noise this thing is already making, and if they can see invisible creatures, well then they could already see the rest of us."

"Pressi don't worry too much about speed, remember I'm gonna cast Haste on all of us as soon as we are ready to go. Plus if you wanted to stay invisible, you'll need to stay within 10 feet of me."

===============
Wearing Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other

Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

DM Carl
Monday September 24th, 2018 12:40:43 PM
Hobie creates a magical sensor high in the air in front of the Giant's path. From this vantage point, the Giant's "face" is just a series of two large circles for eyes and a barred rectangle where the mouth is supposed to be. The orifices appear to be open, and Hobie's able to see through them into the interior. Through the eyes is a mass of interlocking gears, chains, and pipes. Even from outside, you can hear the grinding, clinking, and hissing of the giant machine. The mouth seems to lead to a separate room, this one much smaller. In the middle is a slightly raised platform, and standing on said platform is an imposing, stone-faced dwarf. He appears to be middle aged, with jet black hair and only a few wrinkles around the eyes. He is clad in an exceptionally imposing set of full plate armor. Around his hands and feet are small pink orbs. It doesn't take much deduction to realize their movements mirror the Giant's.

Hobie has just a few moments to take this in before his sensor makes contact with the exterior of the Giant and instantly vanishes.

Succotash is willing to be shape-changed and head inside, but needs to be sure he can be changed back quickly.

Bliss ponders ways inside. He's still keen on blinking inside if possible. He ponders climbing. The exterior of the Giant isn't particularly smooth, and does provide handholds for climbing, but the legs do come down with some force. It would be exceedingly difficult to climb while it was in motion.

OOC: DC 35 climb check while in motion, with checks every 10 feet.

The first embrasures are in what would be the calves of the Giant, about 40-50 feet up. Slipping through an arrow slit would not be a challenge for any creature small enough to fit, though a non-flying one would have to climb up first.

Zaragosa waits for orders, hopeful that his skills will come in handy.

Murphy takes stock of the party's invisibility means. He proposes he and Bliss enter, and requests an invisibility spell since he's not nearly as sneaky as Bliss.

Talia is able to make Murphy invisible, and will do so unless anyone speaks up real quick.

Succotash isn't sure of his place in this. He's not sneaky.

Pressi believes her opponents to be overconfident. She reminds her companions they're more than capable of fighting if stealth fails. Still, she has options open.

Hobie declares that with his haste and invisibility sphere, approaching on the ground won't be difficult.

***

A semblance of a plan comes together. The Giant is quickly approaching from the north. The time to act is approaching, otherwise Humble's Sword will end up chasing after it.

OOC: You would have had time to plan this out before the Giant was right on top of you, so if you guys need another day to make a plan come together, I'm ok with it. I'd encourage you guys to work it out over email if you're not already. Wednesday's gonna be the cut-off, though. If you don't take any actions after my post tomorrow, the Giant will officially walk on by.

edit: Nick posted as I did, so I added his actions.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Monday September 24th, 2018 9:16:28 PM
(sorry mates, I seem rather lost at what to post)

Bliss (Cayzle)
Monday September 24th, 2018 11:01:43 PM
Bliss breaks it down.

From the hidey spot, we wait until it approaches. Bliss and other mages who can will use Message on everybody. But it will be hard for Bliss to relay messages while in some beast shape.

Pressi casts her Haste. Pressi casts Polymorph on VOLUNTEER 1. Bliss casts Polymorph on a VOLUNTEER 2 -- tiny hawk form. Bliss casts Blink on himself.

As the monster gets within 90 ft, Bliss runs as a kitty to the monster and tries to Blink in.

If that fails, Bliss changes into a halfling, Beast Shape 1 into an eagle, flies up to a lower arrow slot, perches -- can a small eagle fit through? Prolly not. Odds are, Bliss changes back to a kitty, and squeezes in with a good escape artist check. This is sub-optimal and a lot could go wrong -- hopefully the Blink works!

Murphy and VOLUNTEERS fly to the monster and enter, either through a low arrow slit -- to then descend to the heel and then to open the way for the group, or up to the Operator to attack him and stop the monster from walking.

Pressi, Jack, Talia, Succotash, Kezzem, and Hobie [minus whoever are the Poly VOLUNTEERS] approach the heel with Haste and Invisibility Sphere. MAYBE this group can get in on their own. MAYBE they have to keep pace with the monster while a mate inside gets down here to open the way.

Bliss fears an antimagic effect that ends all polys and other effects as soon as you enter. He prays to the Silver Lady that he will not be stuck in an arrow slit, half in and half out.

"That's the plan, I think?" asks Bliss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Monday September 24th, 2018 11:42:14 PM
"I volunteer for tribute!" says Kezzem. "I mean polymorph. I'd have a hell of a time keeping pace without Rumpus, and I would rather keep him away from getting crushed by a giant iron boot."

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 4:07:12 AM
Talia reads - not out loud, not so as to activate it - yet nevertheless reads the knock spell, to acquaint herself with the casting of it for the very near future.

"Does anyone need a stoneskin spell? I can cast two. It lasts 110 minutes, and tends to soften blows substantially." (DR10/adamantine)

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 4:37:30 AM
"A concern - similar to what Bliss expressed: If we enter by means other than the heel door, will there be a dispel magic effect as we pass through, thereby possibly stripping us of some of the spells just cast upon us?

"What does that marshmallow heel thing taste like? Is it some sort of exhaust system?"

Leading up to the haste spell...
Murphy casts on self
freedom of movement

barkskin
owl's wisdom
stoneskin
Wild shape to tiny bat
Receive Haste from... Hobie?

Fly with Bliss & any others to the lower openings in the leg, fly on through one of them, hopefully avoiding bumping into someone's nose.

Murphy druid 11a --> tiny bat
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 4:39:43 AM

"A concern - similar to what Bliss expressed: If we enter by means other than the heel door, will there be a dispel magic effect as we pass through, thereby possibly stripping us of some of the spells just cast upon us?

"What does that marshmallow heel thing taste like? Is it some sort of exhaust system?

Murphy on self
freedom of movement

barkskin
owl's wisdom
stoneskin
Wild shape to tiny bat
Receive Haste from... Hobie?

Fly to the lower openings in the leg, fly on through one of them, hopefully avoiding bumping into someone's nose.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 5:09:17 AM
Succotash considers for a moment the whole anti magic field thing and then says, “Well, maybe we should all just enter through the heel using Hobie’s invisibility sphere for cover, seems pretty silly to polymorph and fly 50ft in the air, only to come crashing down in the form of a Halfling”. “I volunteer to stand beside Zaragosa, and charge in once the door is open”.

DM Carl
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 1:22:01 PM
The plan is mostly finalized, but Succotash isn't sure they shouldn't just throw it all out the window and move in together.

Time's just about up, though: the Giant is upon you. Whatever plan is being put into action will have to be executed now.

***

If you guys absolutely need more time to talk about this, that's fine, but you'll need to ask for it. Otherwise, your next post needs to include what actions you're actually taking.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 1:46:54 PM
"Talia, If you are just offering, I would not say no to Stoneskin"
========

"Ok guys, it's go time! Get near me!"

Hobie will give everyone a chance to get within ten feet of him, and then he will cast Invisibility Sphere from his scroll.

"You must stay within ten feet of me or you will become visible, and PLEASE, no one can attack anything until it is ABSOLUTELY necessary, or you will become visible. Let's go!!"

He will then move at 80 feet per round (double moving, 20 feet halfling speed plus 20 feet from Haste which he previously cast on everyone)

===============
Rounds of Haste used 2 of 5 (one round casting invisibility sphere, one round double moving)
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 0/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Shield (+4 Shield Bonus)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 1:47:50 PM
(He is moving toward the heel, I forgot to mention that)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 9:34:51 PM

Pressi shakes her head. "You know what, Bliss. You do you, but I trust that its easier to get through the gaps, antimagic field or no, than through some random section of potentially shielded and potentially crowded leg by yourself. If you change your mind, you can join either team."

Pressi continues to push for the two teams. But either way, she knows that Succotash's speed is a problem, so she hits him with Polymorph. (His choice. He can become a small bird or a small air elemental, but both forms have a fast fly speed and are harder to spot.) She then hits a nearby area with obscure mist underneath the tree line (where fog might be) so that some cover might occur even if the invisibility fails.

Pressi then moves towards Hobie, giving him and JTT a thumbs up. She shifts to crone form, charges up her spell capacity (surrender blood) and prepares for the inevitable.

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood

Spells Used:
L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1

Tatoos:

L1: 1

Bliss (Cayzle)
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 9:36:15 PM
Bliss has already cast a few prep spells, like Barkskin. He casts his Polymorph on Sir Kezzem to turn him into a tiny bird, such as a falcon. Then Blink on himself and then sprinting as soon as he is hasted.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 10:37:39 PM
Zaragosa agrees with Bliss's plan but does not want to be one of the volunteers since he thinks his skills will come in handy with the ground troop.

Zaragosa gives the thumbs up to Pressi a cheerful thumbs up then walks to Succotash. "You'll be fine in your new form, you usually do a lot well so your time to do some righteous fighting!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 1:29:43 AM
Kezzem admires his new form, then wonders if he can use his Smite Evil with bird droppings.

Murphy druid 11a (Kim) --> tiny bat d20+29=31 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 3:46:12 AM

"Hobie - you mentioned two or three times you were going to cast haste upon us all. Will you? Would help us all."

"Falcon Succotash, you can chase me, the invisible bat - if you can figure out where I am."

"Pressi, see you on the other side."

As earlier stated: Cast on self leading up to the call to action: Freedom of movement, barkskin, owl's wisdom, stoneskin. He wild shapes into a bat.
Talia casts invisibility on him. "Thank you," he tells her in a squeaky bat voice.

Receive Haste from... Hobie? (Hobie had twice mentioned he was going to cast it on the group, and Murphy had rather been counting on that promise. Gives us all a leg up on our initial actions. Bat-Murph gives some little squeaks to let Hobie know where he is for the casting of the spell.) <-- If that spell is cast, he thanks Hobie.

Right after the (theorectical?) haste spell from Hobie, Murphy flies toward one of the lower openings along the leg, looking for one of the openings with no obvious shadow right in front of it, and anticipating dodging one direction or another based upon what he perceives upon entry [Perception: 31].

Looking about to see if Succotash is nearby, and maybe where Bliss might be, he flies within.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 4:00:02 AM
Talia casts stoneskin on Hobie as requested. One more person can place a dibs on that spell, too. Then invisibility on Murphy. She casts flight upon herself.

Then receives haste from Hobie, if that is cast. Then invisibility 10' radius. She endeavors to stay within about 5 feet of Hobie as they race toward the anticipated landing spot of the right heel, her eyes following the swiftly approaching immense boot with a measure of anxiety. She does make certain she is far enough away to avoid crushing by the boot, flying, keeps herself a few feet above the ground, momentarily holding her breath, to steel herself from the strong impact the lowest extremity is sure to have as it lands and sinks in a few feet into the earth.

She is prepared to read the scroll with the knock spell scribed upon it should that prove necessary - waiting a beat or so for Jack to do what he can, but not waiting too long.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 5:31:34 AM
Succotash now in the form of a falcon, shrugs his shoulders and figures the die is cast, he’s going to fly with Murphy. He hopes for two things, first that the polymorph isn’t dispelled, upon making contact with the Iron Giant, and second, that he can turn back to a halfling in time to fight, as he immediately feels inapt in this new body. He flies up towards the closest arrow slit, hoping the now invisible Murphy is beside him, and tries to dive through the arrow slit.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 6:24:21 AM
As previously mentioned, Hobie cast Haste one round prior to casting invisibility sphere

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 6:25:31 AM
Upon reaching the foot Hobie says “Do your thing Zaragosa!”

Bliss (Cayzle)
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 1:13:28 PM
Bliss would love a Stone Skin if no one else speaks up!

DM Carl d100=54 ; d20+8=22 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 2:21:03 PM
Talia doles out stoneskin spells to Bliss and Hobie. Then, Humble's Sword leaps into action as the Giant's right foot crashes into the ground 70' away.

Hobie prepares the ground crew with haste and invisibility sphere spells. Hobie, Zaragosa, Pressi, and Talia all rush forward. Zaragosa takes point, ready to move fast to break into the door that's supposedly in the Giant's heel. The door blends into the heel pretty well; one could easily miss it if they didn't know it was there. Zaragosa looks for a keyhole, or some other device to break into. All he sees, however, is an unassuming iron handle. Giving it a tug, he finds a massive door that swings easily upwards, despite its massive size. Both sides of the door are attached to large cylinders. Smaller cylinders protrude from each and assist in lifting. From there, it's easy enough to jump on in. With ~2 rounds to open the door and head inside, everyone is able to get in. At the twenty second mark, the foot hesitates a moment before lifting. The door gently swings downwards and closes. Immediately, the foot lifts and the Giant continues along.

Meanwhile...

Bliss tears away towards the Giant, hoping his blink spell will allow him entry. Despite his best efforts, he makes contact with the Giant's exterior (gave you a 50/50 chance of just blinking through it). He's no doubt relieved to find all his spells are not ripped from him. Once he blinks out again, he's easily able to bypass the wall, also finding himself in the Giant's foot.

Meanwhile...

Murphy, Succotash, and Kezzem all find themselves hasted and in the form of small birds/flying mammals; some are invisible, some aren't. The embrasures around the Giant's calf are large enough for everyone in their current non-halfling form, and flying inside them is done easily enough.

...and just like that, Humble's Sword has infiltrated the Iron Giant. The interior of the giant is like something out of a mad wizard’s workshop. A soft yellow glow suffuses everything, pulsating slightly. A magic hum drones in the background, and the air feels slightly electric. Sparking gold tracery runs in 90-degree angles around the ceiling, floor, and walls. Strange protrusions, polished stones, and glowing gems dot the walls, seemingly at random. Several rectangular metal plates on the wall slide up and down, in time to the giant’s movements. As the Giant lifts its foot into the air, your stomachs are left behind and footing becomes unsteady. As close to the ground (or flying above it) as you all are, it won't present much of an issue when you're moving around, but it will probably cause issues during combat.

Hobie, Zaragosa, Pressi, and Talia, Highlight to display spoiler: {You stand in what is obviously just an entry way. The room is roughly 10'x 20'. A large iron door is in the far wall.}

Bliss, Highlight to display spoiler: {You find yourself in a fairly large room. Strange arcane gadgetry is scattered about, including a glowing, blue glass sphere on a pedestal and a glowing yellow circle in the middle of the floor. This glowing circle is directly below a similar hole in the ceiling, which is ringed with glowing yellow. On the wall is a large symbol in bronze: a massive hammer striking an anvil. Also in this room in an iron chair, apparently bolted to the far wall. A dwarf sits in this chair, clad in simple, but sturdy looking plate armor. A small gear on the dwarf's shoulder spins slowly. He is obviously very motion sick. Still, he takes his duty seriously and keeps a keen eye on the room. (Dwarf's perception roll is 22, roll stealth if you're wanting to remain hidden). An iron door is in the wall opposite the chair, and is obviously where your friends will be coming from.}

Murphy, Succotash, and Kezzem, Highlight to display spoiler: {You find yourselves in a tall, cylindrical room must occupy the giant’s lower leg. It is filled with junk: shaped pieces of metal, springs and gears of all sizes, flakes of sparkling gold, broken weapons, chunks of rock, bits of coal, and similar objects. A 5-foot-high lip around the large hole in the center presumably keeps pieces from tumbling into the foot. A similar hole gapes in the ceiling directly above — perhaps 50 feet. There's also a small hatch in the wall about 30' up.

A construct moves around the room. It looks like a cross between a caterpillar and a spider and is composed of blemished and dented steel. A mess of mechanical arms protrudes from a hatch on the construct’s back; a glowing red gem is perched in front of these arms. The arms end in various tools, including grippers, hammers, and trowels. As you watch, one arm grabs a shattered gear and brings it near the construct’s “face.” It seems to consider the item, then the arm places it neatly in a pile and the construct moves on. Looking down the hole will give you the same view Bliss has.}

***

Everyone gets 4k XP for infiltrating the Giant without drawing attention to yourselves. The Giant is 3 miles out from Humble's Ford, and will arrive in about 90 minutes.

Starting From the Bottom

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+8=24 ; d20+23=43 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 2:59:48 PM
Zaragosa opens the door with ease as he was a bit disappointed his skills did not come in handy, though he still expected there to be things to unlock inside. He still turned to the group to mouth (in motion only, not verbally) the phrase "Tada!"

He then looks around for traps (perception trap finding 24) and creeps forward towards the door as silently as he can (stealth 43), then tries to inspect the door for a lock.

(OOC again I have to claim to be new at combat here. let me know if I rolled something wrong or a different or new roll is needed)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 5:00:53 PM
Hobie will move forward with Zaragosa toward the door making sure he keeps everyone within his sphere of invisibility.

He grips Prowler in his left hand and whispers to the group "Let's be quiet, but let's move quick. Remember we need to take this thing down before it reaches our town. Somebody open the door."

He pulls back two arrows on his bow and trains it at the door, ready for whatever may be on the other side.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=32 ; d20+24=41 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 9:33:48 PM
Pressi tries to listen through the door (Perception 32, +1 for traps), and fires off a detect magic cantrip.

"Your wish is my command," Pressi replies to Hobie as she opens the door (assuming she doesn't detect anything). "Hey, this is the new yoga studio, right? I remember when it used to be an ice cream parlor."

If Pressi has a standard action left, she casts deep slumber (DC 20). Otherwise, she uses Hide in Plain Sight to dive into the room (stealth 41). Either way, she raises her shield of faith with a swift action.

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood
hasted
no longer invisible, but hidden under HiPS rules

Spells Used:
L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1

Tatoos:

L1: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 9:38:52 PM
(And if that seems unsubtle, the original idea was to knock and see if anyone answers.)

Talia (by Kim for J.P.) AC 31, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday September 27th, 2018 1:28:12 AM

Talia of course lets Bliss have stoneskin shortly before the entry exercise begins, then sandwiches in mage armor as Hobie casts invisibility sphere, then travels with Hobie and the rest, enters through the heel door, and looks about. She is pleased to be invisible. Not seeing anything obvious around, she casts detect magic to be ready to spot anything magical in this room, and to keep concentrating so as to see any in the next room, too. She stays within 7 to 8 feet of Hobie, behind him, perhaps a bit to the side, and still flying, only a few feet off the ground.

=======
Haste; Mage Armor; Invisibility Sphere; Detect Magic active

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85' d20+26=44 ; d20+29=42 ; d20+18=36 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2018 3:10:08 AM
After glancing around their room of entry, visually cataloguing things, Murphy-bat flits through the central hole, down a few feet to glance around, then upwards toward the top of the room the three winged ones arrived in. Telepathically he communicates exactly what he sees to Pressi, so she might have a clue as to what is coming up next. She 'hears' roughly this description:

'Pressi, Succotash and Kezzem arrived with me in a cylindrical room 50' high in the right calf of the giant. Iron hatch 30' up the wall. Junk scattered about - metal, springs, gears, broken weapons, rocks, coal, and the like. There's a mess of a construct brimming with legs, also arms with attached tools - grippers, hammers, trowels. It's taking a look at a gear, then tossing it in a pile. Doesn't seem to notice any of us. A 5-foot-high smaller cylinder in the center of the room opens to the floor beneath, which I'm now flying down to.

'All right - looks like the kitten has landed below the birds,' Murphy says if Bliss rolls less than 45 on stealth. 'Ah, next to the wall on a metal chair sits a dwarf in plate mail, looking around the room. Looks seasick. There's an iron door to one side - might open toward the heel side of the boot, toward where you all entered - you made it, right? I'm flying back upward to see what's above where we came in.'

And that is what Murphy-bat does, ascending back up the way he came, spiraling upwards, not directly under the open shaft above, until he arrives near the ceiling hole, then upwards through it to peek at what is in the next chamber - briefly, just over the rim, and then, unless it appears pretty safe, dropping back through and off to one side, hovering for the moment, or grasping on to a good spot along the wall if needed.

His keen eyes take in much, and he flies with a good bit of stealth. His flight speed (50+30(haste)+5(fleet feat)) is 85, or double that if hustling. Figure he is hustling, batty eyes flitting back and forth as his wings allow to him to maneuver (good). No physical or other actions other than flight, though he does communicate telepathically with Pressi per their permanent link.

[Perception: 42; Stealth: 52; Fly: 36]
Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 108 minutes 9 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 29 minutes 9 rounds; Barkskin: 109 minutes 5 rounds (Nat AC +4); Owl's Wisdom: 104 rounds (+4 Wis); Stoneskin: 106 rounds, DR 10/adamantine; Invisibility: 107 rounds; Haste: 3 rounds.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=8 ; d20+11=24 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2018 5:43:35 AM
Being new to this whole polymorph thing, Succotash isn't sure what to do, but he knows the majority of his friends are below him, so he flies down the cylinder, rolls an 8 on perception, so he doesn't notice anything but the obvious, and he rolls a 24 for stealth,, he looks for a place to perch, and lands.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Thursday September 27th, 2018 10:41:14 AM
Kezzem follows Murphey's lead. He tries to think of something witty to say, then remembers that he's a bird, and he's not sure if he can even speak in this form. Probably for the best he doesn't go around cawcawing while sneaking about the Iron Giant.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC30, 50% miss chance d20+27=39 ; d20+22=36 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2018 2:20:29 PM

Bliss is glad to find himself inside the moving monster. and he purrs quietly through the Message spell to let folks know he is happy.

He is also sneaky! His stealth check as a quiet kitty is 39.

Bliss looks around. He also sniffs around with his cat scent. Perception 36.

He sees that dwarf fellow staring at the door, ready to sound an alarm, prolly.

I'm assuming someone is whispering to Bliss that the door is going well!

Bliss figures the guard needs to be distracted when that door opens so he does not see it swing open and shut. So Bliss casts a Still Silent Ghost Sound, timing it carefully so that the sound appears just when the door is about to open. He makes the sound of dwarves having a great time, singing and laughing. That's a happy sound that will likely not make the fellow sound an alarm, Bliss hopes.

Bliss has experienced this himself, so it is no stretch, and not so that any actual words can be heard. The save DC is 14, but even if he saves, he will maybe still hear the sound faintly, so maybe it will still work? A quick mental prayer to the Silver Lady can't hurt either!

==========
DM Sanity Info - OOC: I figure Bliss is due for some bookkeeping:

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast surr blood x2)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 0 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 6 | Wood Fists 0 of 6
Guide/Mislead 0 of 6
Life 0 of 1 | Death 0 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Haste From Hobie (used 1r) (+1 AC and attacks)
Stoneskin from Talia (used 1r)
Extended CL8 Blink (used 2 of 16r)
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 1 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin
Message spells

DM Carl d20+4=17 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2018 2:29:01 PM
Zaragosa's a bit disappointed that he can't show off his mechanical abilities, but surely he'll be able to somewhere in this contraption. He inspects the door for a lock, but finds none. It's just a basic metal door. Neither he nor Pressi find it to be trapped.

Hobie readies an arrow, urging haste.

Pressi wanders on in, speaking of things only she gets as usual. Bliss tries to provide a distraction, but the dwarf seems to notice something's up (will save 17 - pass). He leaps off the chair and grabs for a nearby spear, but Pressi's deep slumber spell hits him. He struggles to shrug it off, but can't (will save 18). He takes a knee, then keels over.

Murphy describes what he's seeing, then heads up to peek into the floor above him. He finds a very tall, but mostly bare room. There's a solid door in the ceiling, and another hatch 30' up the wall right above where the one in the lower room is. He also sees a statue resembling a plate-mailed humanoid, slender and tall. A green gem glows on its chest where its heart would be. Its right arm ends in an axe-like blade rather than a hand, and the fingers on its left hand are dangling metal wires.

Succotash isn't digging on being a bird, so he flies downwards to where his friends should be. Kezzem decides to keep quiet, but follows Murphy.

Talia casts detect magic. There is a lot of magic to detect. The entire exterior surface of the Giant radiates magic, as does the gold tracing along the wall. There's so much magic, that Talia will need to focus on something specific; scanning a room for magic isn't going to cut in the Iron Giant.

Bliss takes in the scents of the Iron Giant. It smells...like nothing. Too much like nothing, in fact. There are a bunch of dwarves living in this thing. He should be able to smell them, but he can't.

The Giant continues to move. When the right foot of the Giant touches the ground, both Murphy and Kezzem feel themselves levitating upwards through the central hole that runs up the entire leg. It's not a particularly strong or fast levitation, and both are able to fight it off easily enough should they choose. As soon as the foot lifts off the ground, the levitation effect stops.

The party is more or less together again, though half of them are still polymorphed into small creatures.

Current room description: a fairly large room. Strange arcane gadgetry is scattered about, including a glowing, blue glass sphere on a pedestal and a glowing yellow circle in the middle of the floor. This glowing circle is directly below a similar hole in the ceiling, which is ringed with glowing yellow. On the wall is a large symbol in bronze: a massive hammer striking an anvil. Also in this room in an iron chair, apparently bolted to the far wall. An iron door is in the wall opposite the chair.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC30, 50% miss chance
Thursday September 27th, 2018 3:03:30 PM
Hey, Bliss thinks, huh! Why doesn't that sleeping dwarf smell like a dwarf? Is it an illusion? A ghost? How come it fell asleep?

When he is blinking into the Realm of Shadows, he looks around there for anything ... ghostly?

He gently touches the sleeper and sniffs again.

He bares his claws and puts them on the fellow's neck, then looks at his friends and says, "Meow?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday September 27th, 2018 3:19:34 PM
Hobie will put the arrow away and run over to the guard, checking him for anything of interest he might be carrying, in particular keys or tokens that might be helpful in the giant.

After looting him, Hobie will place his body back up on the chair to look as if he simply fell asleep in the chair, in case another guard happens by.

DM Carl
Thursday September 27th, 2018 5:51:33 PM
Bonus post!

Hobie goes to loot the guard. He's able to confirm to Bliss that the dwarf is very real. He finds a number of items that Talia can confirm are magical in nature. DC to identify the items are low enough that I'll just disclose what they are for the sake of expediency:

Full plate +1 w/ +1 spikes
Guisarme +1
4 non-magical javelings
Amulet of natural armor +1
Cloak of resistance +1
Ring of protection +1

There's also that gear on his shoulder that continues turning. It radiates moderate transmutation magic, but it's unlike anything she's seen before.

Lastly, his boots seem to be magnetic, though non-magical.

Time passed: 1 minute

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+24=26 ;
Friday September 28th, 2018 2:13:53 AM
(is the gear part of the full plate armor? or is it like attached like a brooch?)

Hobie will detect magic on the turning gear, and use Spellcraft, with a tap from his wand of Identify (I forgot to include the +10 in the dice roller) to see if he can understand it's magical properties. Spellcraft 36

"Would anyone object to me taking this amulet of natural armor?"

===============
With one minute passing, our Haste is finished, and we have 4 rounds of Invisibility Sphere left, except for Pressi, who is visible now that she cast Deep Slumber.
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 0/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Shield (+4 Shield Bonus)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 28th, 2018 5:31:37 AM
Lay of Hands 10/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Succotash the Falcon upon seeing Pressi appear in the room, gives a quiet squawk, of hello, and does his best to pantomime the desire to be returned to halfling form.

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85' d20+29=49 ;
Friday September 28th, 2018 11:40:12 AM

During the one minute that has passed, Murphy has not been idle. He flew to each of the hatches to perform at least a cursory look at the opening mechanism. He notified Pressi of each significant thing he learned - including what is in the room above. As he tells this to her, he also whispers the same to nearby Kezzem. 'I would guess that the solid door in the ceiling above leads to the hip area, if not the upper thigh. It's also possible the side hatches include ladders or some means of going up and down - but someone with larger hands than I have check those out. Also, in the center column, there is a cylinder of gentle levitation which activates when the foot is on the ground, and quits once it lifts. So, 20 seconds of levitation.'

From the room below the top one, Murphy casts detect magic, then rises to observe the slender armored humanoid, and focuses upon the heart gem, trying to discern the nature of the magic.

Perception 49.
[I have to run - if additional rolls are needed for Murphy's determination, please feel free to make them, DM Carl.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=34 ; d20+11=14 ;
Friday September 28th, 2018 1:44:46 PM

Pressi watches as everyone goes about their business. "Well, don't everyone thank me all at once."

To Murphy, I don't know if I would take anything for granted. Something about the layout of this room of statues and wall chairs and rings seems rather off.

To Succotash, "What's that? Timmy's stuck in the well, again? Seriously, I will reverse you in a second, but I don't want to take away flight while we're still dealing with things vertically.

"Of course, it would help if I knew what I was looking at." Pressi takes a look at the blue sphere and the yellow circle, before laying her eyes on the symbol of a hammer striking an anvil. "Symbol of Domi," she replied. "But it's also related to dwarf history and scab history." If anyone wonders how she knows, "We all have a past. Lets move on."

(Perception 34, Know Local 14)

"Hey, Succotash. I'll release you now if you sit on that chair."

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood
hasted
no longer invisible, but hidden under HiPS rules

Spells Used:
L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1

Tatoos:

L1: 1

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Saturday September 29th, 2018 2:10:18 AM

"Hobie - I am going to look at one of these hatches," Talia says. "But if I do, I lose invisibility. You - and everyone else - want to move close enough to me while I try one? Or, Jack, do you want to try it?"

If people move close with her - especially Hobie - she remains invisible. If not, she comes into view, but goes ahead and tries opening a hatch in the room most of the people are in right now. If it opens, she looks around, up and down.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+1=12 ;
Saturday September 29th, 2018 2:29:51 AM
Falcon-Kezzem looks around for anything suspicious...or looks tasty in his avian form.

Perception: 12.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Saturday September 29th, 2018 2:06:25 PM
"You got it, I'll move with you. Pressi, What if I took this dwarf's clothes and cast Alter Self to appear as one of the guards, do you think that could be useful?'

DM Carl
Saturday September 29th, 2018 6:03:12 PM
Bliss wonders why he can't smell the dwarf. He finds if he gets real close to it, it smells dwarfy. Nothing pops out at him from the Realm of Shadows.

Hobie and Talia look through the sleeping guard's stuff, finding some minor magical items and a weird spinning gear. The gear isn't attached via any obvious mechanism. Maybe it's magnetic? At any rate, it does not appear to have been crafted as part of the armor. Unless anyone stops him, Hobie takes the amulet of natural armor.

Brief aside, gentle readers: you're going to be picking up a lot of new loot in this adventure that you won't be keeping when it's over. I encourage everyone to keep a separate, temporary inventory for the duration.

Succotash is done being a bird.

Murphy checks out the hatches along the wall. Through the grill, he sees a vertical tunnel with a ladder running the entire length. He's unable to see how far up it goes, but the bottom hatch seems to be the bottom of the tunnel. Checking out the more dangerous looking of the two constructs, Murphy notices the glowing gem in its chest has a moderate transmutation aura.

Pressi feels unappreciated. She asks Succotash to hold his horses while she looks around. She inspects the sphere, noticing hand prints and greasy smudges on opposite sides of the sphere. She's right that the hammer and anvil is a symbol of Domi, but this doesn't look like what's typical. Something in her brain buzzes about the history of the Scab, but she can't put her finger on it.

Know History or Religion DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {This is probably a symbol of The Forger, a Power from the first age that created Fhorge, Scald, and the rest of the Old Ones.}

Pressi offers to turn Succotash back, instructing him to have a seat.

Kezzem is hungry. He sees nothing particularly suspicious, but he does note a small list stuck to the wall behind the iron chair:

Swashbuckler
Tornado
Warmachine
Thimble
Furnace

Talia gives the hatches a try. They swing open easily enough. The inside is plenty big for a halfling, but anything larger would have to squeeze through. Looking up, Talia sees the tunnel extends above the ceiling in the room with the scary looking construct.

Hobie considers taking up a disguise.

***

Things seem quiet enough for the most part, aside from the pounding of the Giant walking. As Pressi watches the chair, expecting Succotash to go sit and get turned back into a halfling, she finds the seat suddenly taken by young, rather well dressed gnome. She's 100% sure he wasn't there a moment ago.

"Good day!" he says. "Welcome to my Giant! Well, not MY Giant, but partially mine anyway. I'm in charge of making sure people like you don't come in...I think. Who are you, anyway?"

He scootches off the chair (his legs don't touch the ground when he sits), boots thumping as he hits the ground. His hair and clothing are dark, including a beautiful cloak that glints with metallic highlights. His right arm is bare and entwined with jagged, fiery tattoos. He wears a sleeve of mithral armor on his left arm, and two metal gears are afixed to it, turning against each other. A gold rune is prominent on each. The gnome's blue eyes sparkle, as if he finds something amusing. Cords are wrapped around his wrists and tied to a pair of short swords at his sides. He doesn't seem particularly menacing. In fact, his mannerisms are pretty friendly, as is the broad smile on his face.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 24 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Sunday September 30th, 2018 1:51:45 AM
Hobie stays silently still, and reaches for an arrow while Pressi treats with this thing. He is still invisible, along with Jairus, and doesn't want to give himself away just yet.

He prepares himself for any hostility that may arise.

===============
Invisibility Sphere Minutes used 1/5
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 0/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Shield (+4 Shield Bonus)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Sunday September 30th, 2018 1:05:22 PM
Falcon-Kezzem picks up the note with his beak and gives it to Pressi.

When the dwarf appears, he frantically tries to get Bliss's attention with his wings.

OOC: If I am understanding the spell correctly, Bliss has to dismiss the spell for him to regain halfling form.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday September 30th, 2018 10:59:45 PM
“Well, now. I think it’s pretty clear who I am. Your kindred spirit. Any chance you’d believe we are simple mushroom farmers?

“Before we talk about Anur, maybe you could introduce yourself. Who knows, we might have to throw you out.”

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Sunday September 30th, 2018 11:17:59 PM
(sorry for my absents.)

Zaragosa was about to look at the hatches but was unsure what to look for. He would try at least to look for traps or something to unlock but then this Gnome appeared before everyone.

"My good sir." he says, "That is quite the appearance trick. I, myself, love a good entrance. How honoured I am to be in such a presence. Pray, may I ask your magnificent name?" He tried to give compliments to gain more information. "As for me, I am the Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa. Perhaps not so great as yourself, but a performer of some renown."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday October 1st, 2018 5:28:58 AM
Succotash the falcon was about to land on the chair as per Pressi’s request, but pulls up with a squawk of surprise as the gnome appears. He quickly looks for another perch, and lands. If it’s possible in his temporary form, he detects evil on the gnome.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Monday October 1st, 2018 10:15:31 PM

Talia enters the hatch, and takes hold of the ladder. She listens, and looks upwards and downwards. She listens to the others conversing with the gnome, as well as to the ambient sounds in the vertical ladder tunnel.

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85' d20+29=30 ; d20+34=47 ; d20+18=33 ;
Monday October 1st, 2018 10:25:51 PM

From his perch Murphy, thankful his druid's vestment allows for such, asks, "What do you plan to do with this immense walking machine?"

[Perception: 30; Stealth: 47; Fly: 33]
Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 107 minutes 9 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 28 minutes 9 rounds; Barkskin: 108 minutes 5 rounds (Nat AC +4); Owl's Wisdom: 94 rounds (+4 Wis); Stoneskin: 96 rounds, DR 10/adamantine; Invisibility: 97 rounds

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85'
Monday October 1st, 2018 10:27:51 PM

Forgot to add - after speaking, he glides across the room to take advantage of a different perch (stealth of 47 includes penalty for movement), so the gnome will not necessarily know where he is.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+22=40
Monday October 1st, 2018 11:52:10 PM
Bliss dismisses Kezzem's polymorph. He is still blinking for a few more rounds.

If we are round by round, that's a round. If we have more time, Bliss walks up to the gnome, rubs his head on him in a catlike way, and gives him a sniff. Perception 40 plus actually touching him should give Bliss a save if he is an illusion.

Bliss stares at the gnome. Witch Mislead ability: 4) Guide/Mislead (Su). Just by looking at a target with his gaze, the bloodwitch can impose a +2 or -2 insight bonus or penalty on the target's next attack roll or skill check. This divine supernatural ability works only at close range (25ft + 5ft per 2 witch levels) and requires a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The mislead ability allows the target creature no saving throw. The bloodwitch can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + his Intelligence modifier.

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast surr blood x2)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 0 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 0 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Stoneskin from Talia (used 11r)
Extended CL8 Blink (used 12 of 16r)
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 11 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin
Message spells

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 5:34:12 AM
Lay of Hands 10/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Not being sure what all he is capable of in this new body, Succotash pretends to preen himself from his perch.

DM Carl
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 10:33:48 AM
Hobie stays quiet, but readies an arrow to attack. If the gnome sees Hobie, he gives no indication.

Kezzem shares the note he found with Pressi. He tries to get Bliss' attention, since he's stuck being a falcon until Bliss dismisses the spell.

Pressi is unfazed as always and asks the gnome his name. "Goodness, where are my manners. I am Ix Revon, herald of Skald and right hand of Anur Daron, whom you will not be meeting. Trust me, you don't want to. I love Anur, but he's a bit of a zealot."

Ix smiles broadly at Zaragosa. "It is a neat trick, isn't it! Super useful, but you'll have to forgive me if I don't divulge my secrets. It's a pleasure to meet you, Zaragosa."

Succotash checks the newcomer for evil. He does give off a moderate evil aura.

Talia keeps an ear open, but continues checking the tunnel. Looking down, she confirms the tunnel stops at the lower of the two hatches in the leg. Looking up, the tunnel continues up past the ceiling of the leg, then stops. She can see some light at the top indicating another hatch.

Bliss dismisses Kezzem's polymorph, then nuzzles up to Ix, who is not an illusion. The gnome bends down to pet Bliss.

Murphy asks what the plans for the Giant are, then glides across the room, hoping to hide his location from Ix.

"Well, Anur wants to move against Fhorge and let all the Old Ones out of their prison, especially Scald. Right now, we're just on a test drive of sorts. You know, making sure we've got everything figured out before we take on the big guy." He takes off his pack, slowly. "I'm just getting some papers out. No funny business, you have my word." He then pulls out a small sheaf of papers. "Here we are. Now then, as this is a test run, I'm really interested in gathering as much data as possible. I figured we'd just be up against a halfling militia, so I'm super glad to actually have a group of adventurers help test our defenses." He walks around, handing everyone a piece of paper. On each is a rough outline of the Giant on the left, with space to write on the right.

"Now, obviously we don't expect you to succeed in stopping us, but if you could make notes for us as you proceed, it would be super helpful.

"...and for what it's worth, I really am sorry about having to flatten your town. I have nothing against you guys, you're just the closest population center outside of Fhorge's influence. I tried to talk Anur out of this, but that guy...he's just so set in his ways. You know the type." He leaves a few extra papers with Pressi. "Just in case anyone's still invisible or shapechanged. Anyway, I'd ask if you had any questions, but I'd really rather you went into this blind." He puts the rest of his papers in his pack and gets himself situated to leave...

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 24 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+16=18 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=15 ; d6+17=21 ; d6+17=19 ; d6+17=21 ; d6+17=19 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 1:05:49 PM
Hobie is incensed at his matter of fact way of saying that they will flatten our town, he clicks his heels as his anger is manifested in a flurry of arrows.

Manyshot (against flatfooted if he doesn’t see invisibility)
Attack 18
Piercing 21 Electric 4 Fire 6 =31
Piercing 19 Electric 3 Fire 3 =25

Rapid Shot
Attack 32
Piercing 21 Electric 5 Fire 2 = 28

Haste
Attack 19
Piercing 19 Electric 1 Fire 5 = 25

Iterative
Attack 15
Piercing 19 Electric 6 Fire 6 = 31

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 5:31:49 PM
Zaragosa would bow and reply "A pleasure to meet you as well." There was no reason to be rude as the gnome was talking. He always felt it was the best way to get information was to not get the other person angry.

He would take the paper with another bow. "Thank you, sir. We'll do our best to stop your villainy."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 7:30:13 PM
"I have a suggestion for you," says Kezzem. "What if, instead of building a giant death machine to attacks towns, you...you, know...don't."

Kezzem will detect evil on this guy. He may be polite, but he still seems like a bit of a jerk. More han a bit, actually.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+12=22 ; d3=2 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 12:36:24 AM

Bliss can't help it. He likes this fellow. He stays close to the gnome (same five ft square). He readies an attack if the rest of the group attacks.

IF NEEDED: Bite vs AC22 for 19 damage.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 5:33:13 AM
Succotash doesn’t know what to do as his worst fear is being played out in front of him, he prayed he wouldn’t be stuck in this body if combat broke out, and that seems to be exactly what happened. “Well, poo”, Succotash thinks to himself, as he flies over to Pressi in a last ditch effort to regain his halfling body, he also thinks to himself, “mental note, no more polymorphing!”

Nick T Posting for Pressi
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 9:19:32 AM
Pressi
"Well, thanks a lot Hobie, I guess negotiations are out the window now."

Pressi uses her standard action to Dismiss the polymorph effect on Succotash turning him back into a halfling.

With her move action she'll move to get in the way of a possible exit to keep the gnome from escaping.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 9:21:26 AM
Updating Header and bookkeeping for Hobie
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 1/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 5/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Shield (+4 Shield Bonus)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85' d20+29=33 ; d20+34=48 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 9:41:31 AM

Murphy questions, "So, asking us to test your defenses - have you already advised your crew of our presence, or is that on your immediate next agenda point?"

And then Hobie lets loose. "HOLD!" he calls out. He keeps on forgetting that, as of recently, he is not the party's leader.

Murphy recalls to himself the time in the Sargrass. On the one hand he understands the anger. On the other he thinks that sometimes, even with someone opposed to you, there is a place for discussion. Move straight into death and destruction, and many windows of opportunity are lost. Well, we'll see how this turns out. He likes to give persuasion and negotiation a chance to work before resorting to violence. Maybe Hobie is making the right choice, though.

Kezzem's counsel was sound.

If the Gnome does not immediately vanish from the spot following the flights of arrows, he adds, "Your large toy wonder is an existential threat to our homes, our lands, our friends. Turn this thing away from Crescent Valley, permanently, or, skilled a conversationalist as you may be, Ix Revon, your Anur Daron will be most disappointed in the end results of your venture. His shall not be the only one whose will is thwarted when attempting to come against halflings."

If the gnome does poof away, Murphy explores more thoroughly the top floor, and the hatch above.

[Perception: 33; Stealth: 48]
Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 107 minutes 8 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 28 minutes 8 rounds; Barkskin: 108 minutes 4 rounds (Nat AC +4); Owl's Wisdom: 93 rounds (+4 Wis); Stoneskin: 95 rounds, DR 10/adamantine; Invisibility: 96 rounds

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+20=28 ; d10=4 ; d10=7 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 10:14:18 AM
Succotash back in halfling form, will draw Twinklesting, and attack using vital strike hitting a 28 AC for 27 total damage, 6 of which is holy

Pressi (Melvin - supplementary by Kim)
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 2:37:41 PM

As the gnome had given her an overview of the iron giant, she did take a quick look at it - especially the pathway leading from the right leg up to the head. Once Hobie began his attack, she stuffed the paper, plus the extras, into her bag [then carried out the rest of the actions Nick described for her above.]

DM Carl d100=81 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 3:45:58 PM
*In order to avoid another Thin Man incident, I'm gonna fudge the order and assume you folks were talking when he was handing out papers.

***

Zaragosa maintains his pleasant demeanor. Ix smiles in response. "I'm counting on it, Zaragosa. Infiltration is probably the only way to really stop this thing. It doesn't even have a lock on the main door, for crying out loud..."

Kezzem suggests they try not building death machines and attack innocent towns. "Oh, we didn't build this. I'm not sure the noble races even could build this. Most likely we're in an artifact of another age."

Bliss can't help but like the guy. He *is* super friendly and amicable. Still, he's ready to attack should he need to.

Murphy asks if he's already alerted the crew to their presence. "Actually, no! If I alerted them, they'd stop the Giant and the entire crew would come down on you. What if we were infiltrated during an assault? Couldn't very well have everyone abandoning their posts then, could we? It's better this way." He listens to Murphy's advise, looking around and trying to spot wherever this voice is coming from. "Oh, don't think I'm underestimating you. You just might defeat us! Frankly, if you do, I'm pretty sure our attack on Fhorge would have failed too. I'd rather be beaten by you lot then Fhorge any day. Pretty sure you won't lock me up and torture me for the rest of my life..."

Pressi takes a look at the drawing of the Giant, but finds it's very crude.

As Ix packs up, Hobie decides he can't stomach this arrogant man any longer and opens fire. His first attack connects, catching Ix by surprise. The rest of Hobie's attacks find only air as Ix vanishes instantly. Very soon after, you can hear his voice coming from far above you. "This is not how professionals treat each other!" Then, the sound of metal sliding on metal. Talia, still checking out the tunnel behind the hatches, notices the light coming from the very top has gone dark. Investigation shows a metal plate has been slid and locked in place. There is no purchase to pry, nor mechanism to interact with on this side. It's just a solid panel of iron. "I was going to leave this open like it usually is, but now you can deal with the guardian. Good luck, heroes!"

Pressi admonishes Hobie lightly, then turns Succotash back into a halfling.

***

Time past: 3 minutes

Current room desc: A fairly large room. Strange arcane gadgetry is scattered about, including a glowing, blue glass sphere on a pedestal and a glowing yellow circle in the middle of the floor. This glowing circle is directly below a similar hole in the ceiling, which is ringed with glowing yellow. On the wall is a large symbol in bronze: a massive hammer striking an anvil. Also in this room in an iron chair, apparently bolted to the far wall. An iron door is in the wall opposite the chair.

There's also a huge pile of junk being picked at by a tool-wielding centipede construct one level up, and an imposing construct Ix referred to as a guardian on the level above that.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 8:44:06 PM
"What a strange person," comments Kezzem. "So what's the plan, bosses?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 8:46:51 PM
Zaragosa tries to see if the centipede notices them. He tries to say quietly "that's the plan gang, how do you want to take that thing. I aim to prove we can take this whole thing down." He readies his sword.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 11:23:21 PM
Bliss does not relish scratching his claws out on some autonomonical Guardian, and how are they going to get up there anyway? He changes back into a halfling and says, "Maybe a knock spell now to open that thing?"

"Also, does it do us any good to leave anything functioning behind us? I have this BREAK cantrip -- seems to me that we should start breaking stuff, starting with that glowing blue sphere and that glowing yellow circle. And on the pedastal the sphere is on!

OOC: If no one objects, Bliss will start casting his Break spell as many times as it takes to break something. Maybe Miss Pressi wants to do the same?

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday October 4th, 2018 8:01:25 AM
Succotash with Twinklesting in hand, says, “Well, that didn’t go well, I guess I’ll guard the rear, and let you sneaky ones lead the way”.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday October 4th, 2018 11:16:53 AM
"Well, you got to hand it to a guy who knows how to make an entrance and an exit," Pressi replied. The entire thing with this conversation will have to wait.

(OOC: The next post, I am replacing Harper's sheet with a link to all of these various clues we keep picking up. I kind of feel like they might be important particularly if we keep trying stealth, and may need to be organized.)

"Ok, thoughts on the construct. It has to have heard or seen us by now, so I'm thinking it's generally not hostile unless somehow triggered. Probably by any direct attack or by touching the door, but if there's anything else that will..."

"Bliss, no idea what happens if we leave this stuff on, but we don't know what this stuff is. You might break the lock mechanism for that hatch, the device that keeps this machine from falling on us, or a container holding deadly gas. Not to mention who knows what traps or alarms will go off if we break things. But if that construct's spent all this time repairing stuff, I bet it goes off first.

"I think we might need to better study the objects in this room before we try to leave it. If it were as simple as leaving through the hatch, our gnome friend wouldn't need us to point out the weaknesses. Also, if I may, I think we need to try communicating with the construct. See if it responds to us or understands us."

If nobody objects, she joins JTT. "Hello, excuse me, do you recognize us? Do you understand common? What is your primary function?"

She also activates her "read magic" tatoo, just in case.

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood
hasted
no longer invisible, but hidden under HiPS rules

Spells Used:
L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6 d20+22=35 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=40 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=33 ;
Thursday October 4th, 2018 1:24:36 PM
Frustrated at the gnome's escape, Hobie will lower Prowler and shouts after him, "PROFESSIONALS!? YOU ARE JUST A BUNCH OF BULLIES!! YOU ARE NOT DESTROYING MY TOWN!!"

As he calms down, he listens to Pressi's suggestion that we should study the place, and he starts to detect magic all around him, and especially he wants to use spellcraft to see what he can discover about some of the magical auras around him (I'm sure there are many)

Here are five spellcraft checks, add 2 if the aura is Transmutation, subtract 2 if its enchantment or necromancy

A- 35
B- 28
C- 40
D- 33
E- 33

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday October 4th, 2018 2:48:10 PM
Pressi

"Well, fellow bully or not, I personally would like to keep some things professional, so...."

Pressi picks up the blank pages and starts jotting down everything she can remember, or that is in notes. "Not that I want to help him make his war machine better, but he did ask nicely. Also, it can't hurt that we organize some of the myriad things we've learned about the machine and its people. Be kind of a nice record for the museum piece next to that guy's skull."

(Pressi is just kidding about the skull part. Maybe.)

(It's currently in raw form, but I'll be working to get things cleaned up over time. It's also editable if anyone wants to clean it up, add to it, jot some theories, etc. I tried to keep it to things that the DM expressly wrote.)

DM Carl
Thursday October 4th, 2018 4:45:09 PM
Kezzem thinks Ix was a bit odd, but is ready to continue on.

Zaragosa is interested in attacking the tool-bearing construct.

Bliss does not. He asks Pressi what she feels about breaking things around them.

Succotash decides to keep an eye on the party's rear.

Hobie has zero chill. He casts a detect magic and looks around, but there's just too much ambient magic to use the spell use that way.

OOC: As noted earlier, detect magic functions normally in the Giant, but there's too much ambient magic. Using the spell to scan for sources of magic won't work. The spell can be used normally to detect magic on something specific.

Pressi indicates she doesn't approve of Bliss' idea. She takes the papers Ix handed out and starts making notes, figuring it will help as they proceed. She decides to try interacting with the constructs. The tool-bearing centipede-like construct does not seem to care about any of you. It goes about its business, not responding in any way. Of course, no one's gotten violent yet, so we can't say it won't attack.

The guardian construction turns to face anyone who enters. Its eyes flicker green as it starts to move. In a deep, resonating voice, it simply says, "PASSWORD"

Those of you who can't fly find the Giant's foot is grounded long enough to ascend one level via the levitation field. A full minute is required to go from bottom to top. The dwarf who's sleeping off Pressi's deep slumber spell starts to snore...loudly. It's pretty obnoxious.

Time past: 3.5 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+20=28 ; d4+4=7 ; 2d6=11 ; d20=1 ; d20+10=13 ;
Thursday October 4th, 2018 7:42:26 PM
Kezzem draws his +1 construct bane adamantine short sword. "This is my password," he says as he strikes it with his weapon.

Quick Draw (free action), Move and Attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 28
Damage: 1d4 + 4 plus 2d6 = 7 + 11 = 18.

If Kezzem does not have to move to attack, he will make a full attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 15 = 16 (natural 1). Auto-miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 = 13. I'm assuming that would be a miss.

OOC: Going to NYCC tomorrow, so if someone could post for Kezzem, that would be great.

Murphy - Kim
Thursday October 4th, 2018 8:31:27 PM
"No one attack the centipede. It's the fellow on the top floor who is the guardian," he says in the halfling tongue.

[will post more later]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday October 4th, 2018 11:05:01 PM
Zaragosa would take the minute to rise floor (if I understood that correctly)

he was about to list off some passwords until Kezzem starts to strike it. "Well I guess that answer my questions about the plans."

He whispers some words to his sword which causes an effect that looks like it frosts over. He then says to Pressi "I don't think it will answer us without a password, and I think Kezzem has one for it." Then to Succotash "It might be hard to sneak across now, however, if I can get around it, I can help quite a bit."

Murphy - Kim
Thursday October 4th, 2018 11:11:41 PM
[OOC: Guys, my mom died. We are having a graveside service tomorrow. I know here that usually the show must go on, but, with ... three or four of us away, could we take a break until Monday? I should be fine by then. Hate to put the brakes on, but I have no bandwidth.]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+27=37 ;
Friday October 5th, 2018 7:41:05 AM
Kim, so very sorry.

I'm leaving for a family vacation from this morning to Monday nite. I'll be posting, though. I would not mind a slowdown.

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

Bliss has a clever idea, but no way to accomplish it himself. He asks someone (Jack?) to pick the sleeping dwarf's pockets and to disarm him. And also maybe to tie him up and gag him? Or whap him in the back of the head with a sap?

Bliss casts Unseen Servant. He has the Servant pick up some item or weapon of the dwarf's. He orders the servant to enter and walk to the side of the monster, tapping the item on the floor as he goes.

Bliss changes into a cat. If the construct is distracted or heads to the Servant, Bliss sneaks past it when its head is turned.

Stealth 37.

The Servant can only be "killed" by an area attack ... maybe the robot will not have one. Bliss uses the Servant to repeat the process as others sneak across.

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast surr blood x2, unseen servant)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 0 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 0 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Stoneskin from Talia (used 3.5 min)
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 11 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin (used 3.5 min)
Message spells (recast as needed)
Unseen Servant

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday October 5th, 2018 2:51:45 PM
(I too am okay with a slowdown. And, so sorry for the losses of everyone in this group.)

Pressi cringes at Kezzem's attack. "You know we had a decent chance of guessing the password, right? Honestly, its like everyone took 'Bull in a China Shop' as a direct challenge." She does, however, hit Kezzem with stoneskin.

Of course, Kezzem is presuming he can reach the creation.

To Bliss, Pressi has no overall objections but pretty much everything has been taken from the dwarf (give the unseen servant his spear, if its about making noise) and tying/hitting the dwarf is basically the only way to wake him up. (See: sleep spell.)

DM Carl
Friday October 5th, 2018 9:43:31 PM
Before Kezzem has a chance to make good on his threats, the Giant comes to a full stop. A loud voice booms from...everywhere, it seems. It's hard to pinpoint the source.

"FIFTEEN MINUTE BREAK, EVERYONE. GIANT'S GOING ON LOCKDOWN TILL WE'RE DONE."

The hatch on the top glows a deep red before a metal hatch seamlessly covers it. Much like the cover on top of the tunnel behind the hatches, there is no mechanism to interact with. Unless you can punch through solid iron, you're stuck.

Looks like Humble's Sword is stuck in the right leg, but at least you're not en-route to smash Humble's Ford at the moment.

Murphy, Talia, Kezzem, and Bliss all descend on the junk pile in the middle level of the leg, combing for any goodies.

***

This basically invalidates everyone's post today. That's not ideal, but real life has smacked too many of us in the mouth this week. It's the best I can think to do. Pressi, Succotash, Zaragosa, and Hobie are free to explore, search, whatever. I'm NOT pausing the timer on the dwarf waking up from Pressi's spell. Maybe you want to figure out what to do with him in the meantime. Also, don't forget he's got some weird gear on him.

The 4 of you searching the pile will effectively be taking 20 to search in your absence.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+22=23 ;
Friday October 5th, 2018 9:48:09 PM
Bliss helps look. He rolled a 23 but taking 20 gives a 42.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday October 5th, 2018 10:37:16 PM
(OOC my wife lost her mom two months ago. I may not understand what you are going through but I have seen the pain real close. Of course my thoughts and prays are with you and your family, but more than that, if you need anything at all, please just let me know. I know I am a stranger far away, but I will support you any way I can. This sucks and I wish I could take away all the pain but I do make that offer for all it is worth. You are not alone)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6 d20+34=42 ;
Monday October 8th, 2018 7:09:43 AM
Seeing that they are now locked in with him and he could be an issue if he wakes, Hobie will go back over to the sleeping guard and remove the +1 Spike Full Plate, the Cloak of Resistance, the Ring of Protection, (Hobie is already wearing the Amulet of Natural Armor). He will take the full plate and the dwarf's weapons and throw those away from the dwarf where he sleeps. The small things, Hobie will place in his handy haversack (unless anyone doesn't already have a cloak of resistance or ring of protection). He will also take the dwarf's boots and offer them up
"These boots seem to be magnetic, and could be quite useful as this machine goes topsy turvy, I don't want to give up these Boots of Speed I currently wear, so one of you should take them. Maybe our melee fighting Paladin, Succotash could find them useful to keep him standing in place so he can swing his sword."

He will take a closer look at the turning gear from the dwarf's shoulder. Being a Transmutation Expert, Hobie will very interestedly study it's magical aura, seeing if he can tell what the magic might do. Using a tap from his Identify wand for inspiration, he rolls a 42 on his Spellcraft check.

He will stow the gear in his haversack, and then proceed to tie up the now armorless dwarf with a rope.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday October 8th, 2018 9:55:53 AM
Succotash thinks about the magnetic boots for a while, then answers, “Well, if one of you arcane types can cast haste on me, at the appropriate time, then I won’t need my boots of speed”. “If no one else wants the cloak of resistance, I’ll take it”, Succotash says, and if no one else claims it, he will put it on, along with the magnetic boots. Succotash also is curious about the gear, and eagerly awaits its identification.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday October 8th, 2018 12:17:07 PM
Pressi ties up the dwarf, but doesn’t have time for much else.

She does remember the blue crystal on the giants fists.

DM Carl
Monday October 8th, 2018 1:58:16 PM
Hobie starts stripping the gear off the sleeping dwarf. Succotash takes the magnetic boots, as well as the cloak of resistance. Hobie places the smaller items in his haversack.

Pressi ties up the sleeping dwarf.

Succotash finds his footing very secure while walking around with the magnetic boots, but he's not nearly as quick on his feet.

OOC: -5 to your base speed

Hobie checks the weird, spinning gear over. As soon as his wand makes contact, he intuitively knows exactly what they do. This gear attaches to any metal armor, clothing, or ornaments on a user's upper arm. This particular gear seems to make a person sturdier. By itself, it's a minor effect, but Hobie's pretty sure that the more gears, the stronger the effects.

OOC: Wearing the gear on your upper arm grants a +1 to CON. There are other gears out there for the other 5 attributes. Each gear ups the bonus for all of them. For example, wearing gears of CON, INT, and STR grants +3 to each. Gears of the same attribute stack, but do not add an additional bonus. Wearing gears of CON, CON, and INT would grant +4 to CON, and +2 to INT. These are unique bonuses and stack with other enhancement bonuses from items like Belts of Physical Might and the like.

The gears are roughly the size of an orange. Up to three can be worn by one person.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Monday October 8th, 2018 4:37:58 PM
Hobie attaches the gear to his chainshirt, just how he saw it attached to the dwarf. He immediately feels hardier as the gear boosts his Constitution. (Up from 13 to 14, so he gets 11 extra hit points)

He explains what the gear does, and tells his friends that he thinks it possible that there are more like it being worn by some of the other dwarves in this war machine.

"I am very much interested in who or whatever is powering this magic, I've never seen anything quite like it before."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Monday October 8th, 2018 4:39:48 PM
"Wow sucker, those things sure are the opposite of your Boots of Speed. Maybe you're better off throwing them in your bag for now."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 5:27:13 AM
Not liking the fact that the boots slow down his already slow speed Succotash removes them and puts his boots of speed back on. “Well”, he says, “They were worth a shot”. He then hands the magnetic boots to Hobie saying, “I’m not sure if these have much value or not, but would you mind putting these in your handy haversack as well, my saddlebags of holding are still with Miss Piggy”. “I remember seeing two of those gears on the gnome”, Succotash relates, “I wonder how many more we may find in this walking tin can”.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+19=39 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+18=33 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 1:36:55 PM
Pressi considers taking the boots herself but instead reminds Succotash "Don't get fixated on the speed issue. When we start fighting in this swaying body, you might find yourself falling on your back faster without them, too. Probably helps you concentrate while casting, too. Also, we've still got to climb this thing and I ain't made of polymorphs.

"In the meantime, let's see what we have here."

Pressi takes another look around (Perception Nat 20, Know Local 27) but she isn't sure where to start next. She tries to take another look at the various gems and statues (UMD 33) but isn't quite sure where to begin.

She also looks at the list again. Swashbuckler, Tornado, Warmachine, Thimble, Furnace. She counts the letters of each word, notes the first letter, glances at the nearby statues. But it's clear that she is stuck on what she is looking at.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 7:16:39 PM
"No problem, I'll throw them in my bag, let me know if you want them later"

DM Carl
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 7:26:17 PM
Hobie attaches the gear to his armor and immediately feels his endurance increase. He wants more. He also suggests Succotash ditch the new boots; halflings are slow enough already, especially armored ones.

Succotash concurs and puts his boots of speed back on. He asks Hobie to hold on to them. As he's putting his old boots back on, he looks up and spots a leather hood under the iron chair the dwarf was sitting in. The hood is meant to cover the wearer's entire head, but the eye and mouth holes have been sown neatly shut. Should anyone check, it radiates faint divination magic.

Pressi wonders if that's the best idea. They'd be real handy if they had to climb. She investigates the trappings of the right leg. Looking again at the pedestal with the globe and levitation field, she discovers the globe can be rotated. Currently, it can be rotated counter-clockwise until a *click* is heard, then it stops. It can then be rotated back, where it *clicks* into place again. There is zero evidence that it's doing anything. The levitation field continues regardless.

She also ponders the list of words. She counts letters, notes first letters, and compares them to items in the room. Nothing pops out at her.

OOC: Feel free to make a straight WIS roll if you'd like a nudge.

Up in the pile, the half of the party who's searching finds something! Talia's hand touches a gear much like Hobie's, and she finds she intuitively knows what it does just like he did. It seems to be another CON gear.

Knowledge, Arcana DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {Looking at this junk, it appears that this junk is mostly used in the creation of magic constructs, though almost all of it is broken beyond use.}

The search party continues searching...

***

The dwarf that's tied up and sleeping will wake during tomorrow's post.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6 d20+15=17 ; d20+22=31 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 7:45:00 PM
If Succotash points out the hood, Hobie will study it's aura to see what it does (Spellcraft 31)

When Talia finds the other gear, Hobie will say to the group "It seems like these things are pieces that are used to build constructs. I almost wonder if we found the right pieces, if we couldn't build a construct of our own. "

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20-1=3 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 11:26:18 PM

Bliss changes into a halfling and talks with the dwarf after he wakes.

He explains that we are heroes, and that we are seeking to stop this attack on Humbles Ford. Can he please give us some advice on how to do that?

Diplomacy 3

If that does not work, he casts Ill Omen and Charm Person on the fellow. He has to make two DC15 Will saves to resist, pick the worst of the two rolls please.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 11:40:01 PM
Kezzem pops back up again with a big yawn.

"I think Press hit me a bit with that deep slumber spell too. What did I miss?"

"Wowzah, we can make our own construct! That gives me an idea what if we made a construct...mushroom farmer."

Kezzem pauses for the sound of crickets.

"Or maybe we could a construct that can tell the dwarves to shut this down and go home."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 5:26:39 AM
Succotash reaches out and picks up the hood saying, “This seems odd, why would someone sew the eyes and mouth holes shut, hey Hobie check this thing out!” Succotash than begins searching the junk pile for more useful items.

Murphy - Kim d20+29=31 ; d20+29=44 ; d20+34=47 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+13=27 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 12:46:54 PM

Murphy does not join in the search through the debris pile.

Rather, early on, when the iron giant halts its walk, Murphy tells the others his plan. As a still-invisible diminutive bat he flies back through the small opening through which he originally entered. He flits upwards, seeking ingress in the hip area, just closed off to them. He takes a look around to see the layout, the staffing, any controls [Perception: 31], and the cap to the entry from below. Then, he glides close to the lid, to examine it and determine the best way to open it up from this side [Perception: 44]. He maintains constant communication with Pressi so that she gets a description of what he is seeing, and can pass it on to the others.

As the side ladder is covered, except for the opening in each room, he suggests that people get in, and start climbing, so that, should he be able to get the lid open, that they can come through, out of reach of the defender on the top level of the area they are in now.

If any of the room inhabitants detect that he is within their area [Stealth: 47], Murphy says, "Hello. I'm a security bat - actually a wild shaped druid - presently invisible for the very purpose of reviewing security. You have a good eye, and I'll see you get a commendation. Ix Revon has asked me to perform a security inspection in this place. Shall we review procedures? First, for the guardian in the room below, who here knows how you would answer if it said, 'Password?' All right, you, there, with the orange gear on your shoulder [substitute here some such identifying distinction which will allow the dwarfs, if more than one, to tell who he is talking to]. How would you answer?" If there is a reply, he says, "Very well. Next, what is the standard course of action you are to take if, say, during a village-stomping exercise, someone from the town manages to get inside, and tries to stop you? Please review your defenses, and let's see how well you have been trained. Hope you were listening. I know, I know, you just want to enjoy your break. But there are other inspectors here on this security check, and I hope you will give them your full attention and respect. Ix Revon has requested a full report." Like as not, though, no such conversation will end up taking place.

If no one is in the room, he first will consult with Pressi, to ensure people are lined up along the ladder, then endeavor to open up the lid to let his friends come through.

Perception - taking in the room: 31
Perception - closely examining the lid capping the crawlway below.
Stealth: 47
Survival: 27 - in case it's needed for some aspect of his endeavor
Diplomacy: 27 - if he talks to the dwarfs

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20=7 ; d20+4=6 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 3:29:23 PM
Wis roll 7, arcana 6.

Pressi reflects that she will be spending Halloween trapped here.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 3:40:41 PM
Can you tell I’ve been drafted, once again, into child care duty?

Pressi looks to see if the statues rotate too.

DM Carl d20+4=19 ; d20+4=21 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 7:49:19 PM
Succotash asks Hobie to check out the hood. It does radiate divination magic, but it's not an item he recognizes. As he gets close, he realizes there's sound coming from the inside. It's a crackling, staticky sound. If he listens a while, the sound slowly increases and decreases in volume. If there's a pattern, he can't discern it.

Bliss waits for the dwarf to rouse, explaining he's a hero who's trying to stop this Giant. He, in an act of extreme chutzpah, asks for advice on how to go about it.

"Advice? Sure, I'll give you advice. Head outside and wait for the Giant to step on ya, 'CAUSE THAT'S GONNA HURT A LOT LESS THAN WHAT ANUR AND HIS FOLKS'LL DO TO YOU."

That's probably not what Bliss was wanting, so he casts some spells. Unfortunately, luck is not on Bliss' side today (saves 19 and 21 - not bad for a +4). The dwarf's attitude does not improve.

Kezzem snaps back to attention, but for some reason can still only think of mushroom farming. It's pretty evident Kezzem missed his true calling.

Talia is about to give up her search, when she comes across something pointy. It's a large, silvery blade inscribed with the same gold tracery on the walls of the Giant. It appears to be a longspear blade, but it's unusually long - about two feet. It's also missing its haft.

Murphy has a really good idea about opening the hatch back up, but finds the embrasures closed just like the hatch on top of the leg.

OOC: keep reading

Pressi keeps pondering the list. Maybe the number of words is important? The statues appear to be just decoration. No moving parts, hidden compartments, or magic auras.

OOC: Let me know what state you left the rotating globe in: original or rotated.

A voice booms through the Giant again, just like before. "BREAK'S OVER. BACK TO WORK."

...and just like that, our heroes are moving again. The hatch on top of the leg opens and the red light goes away. The embrasures open, allowing Murphy to exit and enact his plan. He's able to fly into an embrasure in the Giant's hip above the hatch Ix closed. The room he finds himself in is small and unremarkable. There's a hatch in the outer wall, which he's sure is above the tunnel they're aware of. There's both a door and another small hatch in the opposite wall as well. The floor has a large door that's undoubtedly the locked hatch the guardian watches.

He's alone, but if he wants to interact with any of the hatches or doors, he'll need to exit his bat form.

***

Time past: 5 minutes

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 9:05:01 PM
Zaragosa was disappointed, in the dwarfs response.

He again, seemed rather out of his element as there didn't seem to be anything he could do at the moment. He will wait to see when the party moves.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 10:13:59 PM
Bliss is sad his gambit failed. He puts a gag on the dwarf to keep him quiet and says, "Come on friends, we have to clamber on up! Excelsior!"

Bliss changes into a kitty and takes the lead in the ascent, unless Mister Murphy flies there ahead of him.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 11:16:43 PM
Kezzem makes haste after kitty Bliss.

"Come one, let's go break something...or someone. The longer we drag our feet the closer this thing gets to smashing our town."

Murphy - Kim d20+29=39 ; d20+29=34 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+29=32 ; d20+29=37 ; d20+29=43 ; d20+29=39 ; d20+29=33 ; d20+29=31 ; d20+29=43 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2018 2:33:38 AM
As he was locked in for the 15 minutes, Murphy did end up searching through the pile of gizmos, say for about ten rounds. Rolls of 39, 34, 36, 32, 37, 43, 39, 33, 31, 43.

When the machine ends lockdown, Murphy Carrie's out what was described in the prior post, except for the hypothetical conversation. He transforms into a gorilla once he has gotten a good look at the hatch above the outer wall. He endeavors to open it. If the mechanism is not readily apparent on the hatch itself, he looks for a nearby lever, handle, wheel or knob, and carefully, gently, manipulates it, taking care not to damage anything.

During this time, he maintains a regular commentary with Pressi so she knows what he is about. As mentioned before, he asks her to get the team lined up on the outside ladder. "Suggest they not attack the gorilla. That's me. Also, suggest we identify ourselves as the security auditors for the iron giant. We don't really need to try to kill or destroy everything that we see as the first course of action."

Once the hatch is open, he makes sure the first kitten gets up safely, and whoever comes next.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday October 11th, 2018 5:24:54 AM
When Pressi relays Murphy’s suggestion of identifying as security auditors, Succotash laughs and says, “That may work better than the potato farmer story, but I’ll just have to nod and smile, as I’m not going to risk losing my paladinship because of a lie”. He then takes his place as the rear guard.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday October 11th, 2018 2:11:13 PM
Zaragosa will keep his sword sheathed as he smiles and follows Bliss in cat form.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d2=1 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2018 2:21:54 PM

Pressi continues to absentmindedly turn the orb back and forth before happening by chance to leave it in the rotated position.

"Oh, shoot, I forgot all about the hood. Ok, lets see... Its for people who call it a royale with cheese. No wait, I can do better, hmm..." Before Succotash can try on the hood, she grabs it and puts in on the dwarf. "Ooh, that is quite a hope that Anur will actually come down here in time and with flowers. I don't know what Anur will do to us, but with enough practice on your foul body, maybe I'll guess it. Moving a single inch or even coughing counts as consent."

(She considers grilling him or trying her own spells, but has too much confidence in her abilities and wasn't thrilled to talk to him further.)

Working hand in hand with Murphy, she positions herself toward the other side of the hatch towards the guardian. "Don't suppose the password is please. How many attempts do we get?"

Murphy - Kim
Thursday October 11th, 2018 5:56:01 PM

"Yeah, enter the hatch through the caterpillar sorter's level," Murphy recommends. "Don't try to wrestle with the guardian. The ladder tube is enclosed, and should get you by without having to negotiate with Mister Password."

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Thursday October 11th, 2018 5:59:33 PM

Talia fits herself in the middle of the line of ladder climbers, and, assuming Murphy was able to open the hatch, climbs out and takes a look around. She walks over to look at the small hatch on the opposite wall, and checks to see if it opens. If so, she looks inside and says, albeit quietly, "Hey, security auditors, I think this is the next way up. Or, down the other leg?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Thursday October 11th, 2018 9:42:04 PM
"I see Murphey is prepared to engage in...gorillla warfare,"

DM Carl
Thursday October 11th, 2018 10:15:29 PM
Bliss, Kezzem, Succotash, and Zaragosa are ready to move on. Succotash goes to put the hood on, but Pressi tries to stop him. She puts it on the dwarf's head instead.

The dwarf immediately starts trying to yell. It comes across mostly as "MMpphhh! ENTUUUUDES! HHLP!" Even gagged, he manages to make some noise. He continues yelling until someone stops him.

Pressi asks if the password happens to be 'password'. The guardian shakes its head no and repeats, "PASSWORD."

In gorilla form, Murphy is able to open the hatch and unseal the tunnel. Everyone who wants to is easily able to bypass the guardian and enter the hip area. Talia opens the small hatch and looks inside. There's a tunnel that goes up just a few feet before it bends 90' and heads towards the opposite end of the Giant. Murphy suggests playing up a faux security detail, hoping to avoid a fight as long as possible.

***

Time past: 5 minutes

Everyone who wants to advance up to the hip area is able to do so easily enough. The dwarf is still trying to yell unless someone stops him.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Thursday October 11th, 2018 11:30:33 PM
Bliss continues up, wondering what will happen next.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Thursday October 11th, 2018 11:31:27 PM
OOC extra: In my prior post I said that I gagged the dwarf, right?

DM: Yup, you did. He managed to make sound around it, but not nearly as loudly or as clearly than he would otherwise.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday October 12th, 2018 4:53:06 AM
Succotash quickly removes the hood from the dwarf saying, “That wasn’t very nice, you need to understand Mister dwarf, as a Paladin I can’t kill you for such things, but I don’t have to stop my friends either”, then to the party, he says, “I think this is a communication device”. Succotash suggests that the party continues up for now saying, “We know the control room is up there, I think we ought to stop this tin can first, then deal with exploring the rest of the machine”.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday October 12th, 2018 10:51:20 AM
Zaragosa grumbles at Succotash words "I'm morally grey enough to stick you Dwarf. Not that I like murder, but if it comes down to you risking the lives of my comrades, I'll choose their lives over yours every time so shut it."

He will go up the next level with the rest

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6 3d6=17 ; d6=6 ;
Friday October 12th, 2018 12:02:10 PM
"Guys I think we should remove his gag and see what he knows."

Hobie will point an arrow at the dwarf, and say "Look, I am no Paladin, as you might tell, and I have no need to kill you, but absolutely no objection to it either. If you shout, this arrow will most certainly destroy your vocal chords before you can deliver any sort of message, do you understand?"

===================
Provided the dwarf understands Hobie's threat, and doesn't shout, he will ask these questions.

What is your name?
What is your job here in this machine?
What is the password that the guardian is asking for?
Possibly some follow up questions based on his answers

===================
If the dwarf does not heed Hobie's warning, then the moment he starts to shout, Hobie will hold true to his threat and release an arrow into his throat, delivering a Coup de Grace against the helpless foe.

The dwarf will take 71 (3d6+54) piercing damage and 6 Electric damage, and if that is not enough to kill him, he'll need to make a DC 87 Fortitude save or die.

Hobie will then curse under his breath and say "It didn't have to go that way man."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday October 12th, 2018 12:19:12 PM
"Does anyone speak Dwarven?" asks Kezzem. "Try saying 'password' in Dwarven."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Friday October 12th, 2018 1:57:04 PM
Hobie speaks Dwarven and his words to the Dwarf were in Dwarven

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday October 12th, 2018 4:42:33 PM
“Well, so much for my idea of just throwing him out the back. My idea of stabbing his leg with a javelin is still on the table, though.”

Pressi knows the answer is probably “Password One” but follows Murphy through the bypass... after she hits the dwarf with “waves of pain.” It boosts intimidation. Not everything on my list is exactly good guy approved.

Murphy Druid 11, gorilla HP 85/85
Saturday October 13th, 2018 2:24:38 AM

"Gentlemen, ladies: We are a security team. There is nothing faux about the notion. We are here to find weak points in the local security. Ix Revon has asked us to probe the security, and prepare a report. We tell the truth. And probe, and overcome, to our hearts' content. Let's avoid, though, becoming like the worst of those whom we oppose. Overcome evil with good - not with more evil."

Murphy examines the door (not the two hatches, nor the door in floor to guardian below, but the other door). He looks for a logical way to open it, and attempts to do so. If it opens, he looks through to see what is beyond.

DM Carl d20=14 ; d20+4=9 ;
Saturday October 13th, 2018 4:14:24 PM
Bliss upstairs, ready to proceed.

Succotash deduces the hood is some sort of communications device and removes it. He suggests hitting the control room to stop the Giant before exploring. The dwarf, still gagged, can only sigh and roll his eyes at the paladin's threats.

Zaragosa indicates he's more than happy to prove Succotash's point, but heads upstairs to move along.

Hobie continues having zero chill. Despite the dwarf's previously surly nature, Hobie puts some fear into him (OOC: rolled your intimidate vs. his will save - he lost). He slowly nods, sweat starting to bead on his forehead. Still, he keeps his answers as short as possible, answering just enough to technically satisfy Hobie's questions.

"Bazurn Thoreer"
"Guard"
"Dunno. Paper with the passwords was by my chair. Changes daily."

Kezzem suggests saying "password" in dwarven.

Pressi thinks she can guess the password - how hard can it be? She doesn't though, choosing instead to head upstairs.

Murphy postulates that Humble's Sword is, in fact, a security team aboard the Iron Giant. He's not wrong, but one doubts even he thinks that will save him from attack. He holds true to his morals, insisting that evil for good's sake is still evil.

He looks for a way to open the door to the next room, finding a simple knob and keyhole. Checking it, he finds the door is locked.

***

We have a locked door, a mystery hatch, a possible password for the guardian you seem to have bypassed anyway, and an angry but cowed dwarven guard. Six minutes have passed. What's your next move, ladies and gentlemen?

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, gorilla HP 85/85
Sunday October 14th, 2018 1:20:06 AM

"Good to see you up here, Mister Zaragosa. Care to take a look at this door? The handle does not turn at the moment. There is a keyhole. Your specialty, no?"

He steps aside for Jack. He takes some time while that is being handled to study this area more closely. He looks at whatever controls there might be. He studies, evaluates, memorizes.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.) d20+8=28 ; d20+20=28 ;
Sunday October 14th, 2018 1:24:53 AM
Talia as quietly as she can descends the other leg, through the tube. She looks out through the slits in the hatch to see what is towards the top of the left leg.

By the way, the very large spear point with inscriptions upon it, she earlier wrapped and placed in her bag.

============
Stealth: 28
Perception: 28
(two instances may be too few to note a trend)

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+8=14 ; d20+35=39 ; d20+23=28 ;
Sunday October 14th, 2018 11:06:17 AM
"Yes, good sir!" Zaragosa says climbing up to check on the door. He would first check on the door to see if there was a trap (perception 14)

If no trap{
He would try to open the door to see if it was locked in the first place quietly
if it won't open{
He would put down his goggles over his eyes and attempt to unlock it (disable device 39)
}}
Either way, he would try to open the door as quietly as possible (stealth 28)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday October 15th, 2018 5:25:48 AM
Succotash whispers just load enough for Talia to hear him, “We should stick together, solo exploration leads to trouble!” Then with Twinklesting in hand, he takes his normal spot as rear guard and waits for Zaragosa to open the door.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Monday October 15th, 2018 6:38:36 AM
"He says there was a paper with the passwords, has anyone seen it?"

Hobie asks the dwarf more questions.
How many of you work here?
When are you scheduled to change the guard shift?
Who is your direct boss? Where can we find him/her?

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Monday October 15th, 2018 10:06:04 AM
Once she has taken her brief look through the hatch grill (not opening it) (and perhaps there should be a additional plus to her perfect stealth roll due to being behind the hatch cover), Talia quietly climbs back up the ladder to rejoin the group in the hip area, heeding the advice of Succotash.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday October 15th, 2018 11:29:42 AM
Pressi stares at Hobie intently, the list of passwords still in her hands. (She's just guessing, but its probably the list of random words Pressi was working on.)

She tries to gauge whether she can throw it hard enough to strike between the eyes, but chooses to move forward. There is some joking about how fun evil is and whether they can be just a little bit evil, but it's clear by this point that Pressi doesn't generally take the evil path, even if she left lawful long ago. (There's some temptation tied to emotion, but it's more an act than a belief system.)

Using aid another, she helps to boost Talia and JTT by 2 each.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 24 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday October 15th, 2018 3:15:49 PM
(Sorry Melvin, I've been super busy this weekend and I didn't take the time to properly read everyone's posts and put two and two together about the list of random words. Frankly I'm a little confused about what we are currently doing and who is where and what not and I don't have the time to piece it together exactly right now.)

After questioning the dwarf, Hobie stands behind as the group presses forward, Prowler at the ready for whatever danger may come.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 25 Touch 17 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday October 15th, 2018 3:17:01 PM
Updating AC, because Hobie's Shield spell has worn off

DM Carl d20+10=19 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=13 ;
Monday October 15th, 2018 4:58:54 PM
Murphy asks Zaragosa to handle the lock, which he does. As he's working, Zaragosa realizes that while the lock is very well made, it's also quite primitive. It doesn't give him much of a challenge.

Talia checks out the hatch, but finds it goes up, not down. She returns at Succotash's insistence that they stay together.

OOC: Unless the Giant has an impossible wasitline, there's no way this leads straight down to the left leg.

Hobie wonders about the password list. Pressi confirms she has it in her posession. He asks the dwarf a few more questions, continuing to get just the bare minimum to satisfy his questions...

"A few dozen."
"We're almost to your town, aren't we? Not gonna be changin' before that.
"Anur. He's up there."

Zaragosa quietly opens the door. Peeking in, he sees a large room with a very tall ceiling (40'). There's a catwalk on the opposite corner about 20' in the air with a 4' tall solid railing. There's a ladder from the railing that travels all the way to the ceiling where an opening is covered by a pink, flickering field of energy. There's also a door on the opposite wall, under the catwalk.

There are 6 dwarves on the ground floor armed similarly to the one you encountered in the foot. There are also 4 more on the catwalk armed with crossbows. They must be standing on boxes or something since the railing is taller than many dwarves.

Sense motive, DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {The dwarves aren't saying a word, but they're also not keeping a sharp eye out for intruders. Something either has them spooked, or cowed into submission. A few seem lost in thought.}

All of them fail to notice Zaragosa peeking in (all perception checks failed).

Map!

Zaragosa and Murphy said they were by the door. Talia is by the hatch in the wall. The rest of you feel free to plop yourselves where appropriate. Blue boxes are melee dwarves, yellow are crossbow dwarves. The big up-arrow in the SE corner is a stairway, not a ladder.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Monday October 15th, 2018 8:11:55 PM

Before the door opens, Bliss urges everyone to gather by the door. In halfling form, he whispers via Message: Come on guys! Give up on that dwarf fellow and the golem! Come up here via the short cut and get ready to head on up!

He changes into a cat as Zargy works on the door. He was ready to use his witch blessing to help him, but he gets it a-ok on his own!

So he casts a still silent Divine Favor as he steps closer to the door.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.) 10d6=38 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 5:27:19 AM
Talia waits until Zaragosa, or someone, opens the door wide. Once that is done, she casts slow affecting the dwarfs in the catwalk armed with crossbows (yellow 1 2 3 4), and the three nearest them on the deck below (blue 1 3 6). Almost immediately after that she casts fireball centered about 10' off the floor (intersection of KL/56), and reaching yellow 1 2 3 4 as well as blue 1 2 3 6, for (6+2+5+2+6+3+3+2+4+5)=38 hp fire damage, Reflex save vs DC20 for half.

For the Slow spell the Will save is vs DC20

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+19=29 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 10:31:10 AM
"Hey guys, have you tried not..." starts Kezzem, but Talia interrupts him with a fireball.

"Well, I guess we're fighting then." Kezzem moves into the room and attacks Blue Dwarf 5. "Here, let me cool you off after that fireball."

Move and draw daggers, attack with +1 Frost Dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 29.
Physical Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.
Frost Damage: 2.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+19=30 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 1:49:21 PM
Pressi shook her head as her original idea (of having her, JTT or others sneak in first to lay down traps and spells - that's what AT-like builds are actually there for) goes out the window, and as only she seems to take in the scene. But as Kezzem goes from "wait a minute" to "full assault," she reflects on how the entire team seems to be bursting with aggression. The need to punch something was always going to win out eventually, she supposed. Better now than on these guys after they were tied up.

Still, she takes the time to easily study the dwarves, even through the back of the crowd and past Hobie's head (Sense Motive 30) and notices that none of them are ready. In fact, they seem to be spooked, cowed, lost in thought... and definitely not looking in their direction or preparing for the upcoming battle.

"I may have to re-evaluate my assumption that their weakness is due to arrogance," she said to herself. She screams to Hold Fire but knows that it is too late, and that she will have to fire herself. First, though, she activates her spectral hand just in case. (The arrow floating - shows where the hand is pointing.)

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood
hasted
no longer invisible, but hidden under HiPS rules

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 17 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+16=23 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=31 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=21 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 2:55:10 PM
ooc: Are we doing two rounds worth of actions since Talia cast Slow and Fireball both?

Hobie will step into the room as Talia casts her first spell. Once he sees her cast fireball, he knows there's no longer any option but brute force, and he does what he does he best, clicking his heels and aiming first for the guys with crossbows, moving from left to right if he kills any of them.

======
Manyshot
Attack = 23
Piercing 19, Fire 2, Electric 4 = Total 25
Piercing 20, Fire 4, Electric 6 = Total 30

Rapid Shot
Natural 1

Haste
Attack = 23
Piercing 21, Fire 2, Electric 6 = Total 29

Iterative
Attack = 26 (forgot to change it to + 11 in the die roller)
Piercing 19, Fire 4, Electric 4 = Total 27

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 12/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 10/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+27=43 ; d20+34=43 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 10:01:32 PM

As soon as the firepower is cast and blasted, Bliss sneaks in as a kitty. He uses Acrobatics to avoid AoOs as he slinks up the stairs and moves to fighting range of the archers. That likely takes up a whole round of movement.

Stealth (if lighting and concealment allow) 43
Acrobatics 43

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 10:09:13 PM
Zaragosa turns to those around him and sticks up six fingers to let them know there is someone in the room. he is about the mouth some more information when a fireball spell is flung. He shrugs then and draws his sword, whispering its name to give it an icy look. He waits for others to go in, knowing he will need to either start performing or start trying to flank.

If drawing the sword and activating his +1 frost ability does not take up all his actions, he will turn to Succotash to cast haste

(OOC, I do not know how much I can do or how the DM handles magical weapons. The only time we were ever in a fight was when my mother-in-law died. I do not know how this works yet)

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, gorilla HP 85/85 d20+12=15 ; d20+12=21 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 12:17:07 AM

"Not quite what I had in mind..." Murphy says to Pressi. He shrugs his muscled shoulders, then says in halfling, "Let me touch you Jack- bear's endurance." He places his hand on the mid or lower back of Jack T.T. Zaragosa with a bear's endurance spell (+4 con, +22 hp, +2 to Fortitude saves for Zaragosa, lasts 11 minutes=110 rounds). (I'm assuming that by letting him know, Jack will willingly receive the spell. If he resists or tries to dodge Murphy's touch, then, Murphy misses with an AC 15 touch.)

Still in halfling he says, "Thanks for unlocking it. You need to clear the doorway, Jack." If Jack had let him touch him, Murphy then nudges his friend through the doorway, and slightly leftward, that others may pass. (AC 21)

"Any suggestions?" he asks of Pressi. "A decisive opening of negotiations we have here, I'd say."
=========
Note: Succotash can attack #5 if he chooses to do so - especially with the haste that Zaragosa gave him.

map

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+20=24 ; d10=8 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 5:35:18 AM
Succotash moves up to #5 and attacks, "thinking so much for diplomacy".
Hit AC 24 for 8+10 damage=18 (9 holy damage if appropriate)

DM Carl d20+4=24 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=7 ; d100=66 ; d100=11 ; d100=34 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+12=29 ; d8+1=8 ; d6=5 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+12=18 ; d10+5=12 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=19 ; d10+5=6 ; d10+5=12 ; d10+5=7 ; d20+17=26 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 11:11:02 AM
Bliss insists its time to leave the downstairs and move on. He casts a still, silent divine favor.

Succotash gets into position to enter as soon as they're ready.

Talia is done waiting. She casts a slow spell, taking the dwarves by surprise. (Only the Xbow dwarves are in range of the slow spell. The walkway they're on is 20' up and no two targets can be more than 30' apart.) One of the dwarves seems to shrug off the spell. She follows up with a fireball, catching 8 of them in the explosion.

Kezzem gets surprised by Talia's sudden attack, but jumps into the fray. His dagger slips between plates in the nearest dwarf's armor (Hit for 7 damage).

Pressi once again gets her plans frustrated by impulsive team mates. She wonders what may be causing the dwarves' dis-quietness, but since it looks like they're fighting, she prepares a spectral hand.

Zaragosa draws his weapon and casts a haste spell on the party.

OOC: You don't need to activate the frost ability. Haste affects 1 person/level, so you can get the whole party. I'm happy to answer any questions you have before posting, just e-mail me & we'll work it out.

Hobie does what he does best and opens fire. Though slowed, the crossbow wielding dwarves have cover from the catwalk's railing. All of Hobie's attacks fail to find their mark.

Bliss goes full kitty and tries to sneak through. The light conditions in the room are normal (though dwarves have darkvision anyway), and there are no obstacles to provide concealment. With all eyes on the door, his ability to sneak by them is basically non-existent. His acrobatics ability lets him avoid AoO, but he can only move half speed while using it.

OOC: Hasted, your base move is 80, so you can move 40' using acrobatics. A double move will get you across the room, but you're not hidden.

Murphy grants Zaragosa additional endurance and moves aside so his companions can get through the door.

Succotash advances and joins Kezzem in attacking #5.

Crossbow dwarves 1,2, and 3 fire on Hobie. The first dwarf is unaffected by Talia's slow spell and fire three shots, but they are all terribly off. The dwarf curses and makes a small adjustment to his sights. The second dwarf takes aim and finds its target (hit AC 29 - hit). The bolt burns as it hits Hobie. The third attack slams into the wall behind Hobie, barely missing (hit AC 23 - miss).

Hobie takes 8 piercing and 5 fire damage.

The remaining crossbow wielding dwarf turns towards Bliss and fires, but flinches and sends his bolt up into the ceiling (nat 1).

On the ground, #1 advances on Hobie. He swings twice, connecting once (Hit AC 26 and 18 - 1 hit).

Hobie takes 12 slashing damage.

Dwarf #2 also advances on Hobie, then in a practiced motion tries to sweep the halfling's leg. Hobie's able to sidestep the attempt. (Improved trip 19 - fail, but no AoO).

Dwarves #3 and 5 tag-team Kezzem in a flurry of attacks. Three times the dwarves' axes connect with the paladin (Hit AC 24, 25, 28 - 3 hit).

Kezzem takes (6+12+7) 25 slashing damage.

Dwarf #4 follows Bliss, unsure of what this small cat was trying to do, but still sure it was probably a threat. The dwarf's attacks are accurate, but Bliss is just too small and too fast to hit (Hit AC 26 - miss).

Dwarf #6 runs straight to the northern wall, pulling a black leather hood from the wall. It looks exactly like the one from the Giant's foot.

***

Please move your markers on the map as appropriate if you're moving. Speaking of, here's the map.

ADM Kim
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 1:14:30 PM

DM Carl & Players - please use the tab to the far right on the bottom of the map (this time, 'Round 3'), rather than the far left tab for movement.

Trying to keep a record of what happens step by step. - ADM Kim

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 84/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+16=33 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+11=17 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 2:39:47 PM
Thanks to Kezzem's ring, Hobie takes 13 damage and Kezzem takes 12 (Does that just automatically happen or can I choose when I take full damage versus sending some to Kez? It seems kind of mean to be sending my damage his way when I'm still pretty full)

Hobie takes a five foot step back and shouts to his friends, "Thanks for the Haste Z!! Can somebody get a body between me and these guys? I mean any that are still alive."

This time he aims for the dwarves who got up in his face, starting with 1 and moving to 2 if 1 goes down.

Manyshot
Attack = 33
Piercing 20, Fire 2, Electric 1 = 23
Piercing 20, Fire 3, Electric 6 = 29

Rapid Shot
Attack = 32
Piercing 19, Fire 6, Electric 2 = 27

Haste
Attack = 27
Piercing 20, Fire 4, Electric 2 = 26

Iterative
Attack = 17
Piercing 19, Fire 1, Electric 3 = 23
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 2/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 15/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Talia (by Kim for J-P) 5d4+5=16 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 2:41:38 PM
Talia casts magic missile to strike #6. In halfling she shouts, "Hobie, or somebody, GET THAT GUY ON THE LOWER FLOOR WITH THE HOOD!" she calls out to her companions, indicating #6. "He's calling for help with that hood thingee!"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)(performance 12/13)
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 3:49:38 PM
Zaragosa starts a speech to encourage the team, starting his bardic performance for Inspire Courage giving everyone +1 on attack and damage with weapons. He speaks mostly about how well he has seen everyone. How he has never seen a team such as this and is touched to his heart to fight alongside them.

He then will rush forward with his sword, having spent a lot of time starting his speech, he stays back just a ways to look for an opportunity to flank

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28 d20+18=38 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=28 ; d2+16=18 ; d2+16=17 ; d2+16=17 ; d3+16=18 ; d6=3 ; d3+16=19 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 10:33:54 PM
Bliss activates his arcane strike as a swift action and his combat focus [aka, rage ability] as a free action. He takes a five ft step into the space occupied by Dwarf 4. He is encouraged by the words Zargie speaks. His AC (which had been 30 with the Haste) drops to 28. His hp rise to 131

He makes a full hasted attack on Dwarf 4: two claws and two bites, the bites with his merciful tear.

Usually he is +12 to hit, but with +2 rage, +1 haste, +1 inspire courage, and +2 from the divine favor, that's +18. His damage is up by +2 rage, +1 inspire courage, and +2 divine favor, for +5 over normal.

OOC after rolls: Oh wait, arcane strike gives another +2 damage ... damage totals below are nudged up accordingly.

Claw: nat 20 is a 38, confirms vs AC31. Damage is 20 or 39 if that crit confirms
Claw: hits AC36 for 19 damage
Bite: hits AC27 for 23 nonlethal
Bite: hits AC28 for 24 nonlethal

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40' d20+11=23 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=24 ; d6+6=12 ; d6+6=8 ; d6+6=7 ;
Thursday October 18th, 2018 3:44:31 AM
[Using the formula for determining the hypotenuse of a right triangle, and without going into all the gory details (if you need them I've got them), #1 and #3 at the time of casting were both within 28.28 feet of the others. You're right, though, #6 was too far away (32 feet). So, DC20 Will saves for axe dwarf #1 (who is probably dead now) and #3 to see if they are slowed by Talia's spell. If #3 was slowed, then maybe Kezzem was struck only twice, rather than thrice.]

Gorilla-Murphy lopes across the room (#3 may get an AoO) to engage with axey-dwarf #6, who is about to try on the hood. Murphy endeavors to take the hood from said dwarf, and keep it from him. He uses his two, no, due to haste, three slam attacks to wrest it from him. AC 23 Dam 12 AC 25 Dam 8 AC 24 Dam 7.

Basically he is real handsey, doing all he can to grab the hood, and by all means keeping it off the head of the dwarf. If he needs to grab the arm that's holding it, or wrap legs around the dwarf's waist and arm(s) around his head... And keep the fellow from throwing the hood elsewhere.

[If you prefer grappling rules - go for it, but they remain to me a mystery. CMB 12, CMD 26. Freedom of Movement prevents the dwarf from grappling him. You can make rolls for Gorilla-Murphy if you want to figure the grapple stuff. I trust ya!]

==============
Things in effect:
Freedom of Movement ( move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin): 70 minutes
Longstrider (Move +10): 9 hours 51 minutes
Barkskin (Nat AC +4): 70.6 minutes
Haste (A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves): 8 rounds
Inspired Courage (+1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls): ongoing?
Time to arrival of Iron Giant in Humble's Ford: 67.5 minutes

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+20=35 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=13 ; d10=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d10=9 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d10=10 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday October 18th, 2018 5:47:39 AM
Lay of Hands 10/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Succotash will perform a full round attack on #5

haste 35 for 12 damage (8 holy)
38 for 19 damage (9 holy)
24 for 20 damage (4 holy)
(I assume a 13 misses)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 94/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Thursday October 18th, 2018 10:37:53 AM
OOC: Sorry, I have to cast the spell first. Should have done that last round. Will correct things here.

Seeing Hobbie getting attacked, Kezzem remembers that he has forgotten something. "Oh right, the ring."

Kezzem will 5-ft. step back from the front-line to not provoke with his casting. He then cast's Shield Other on Hobbie. With his move action, he randomly selects a dwarf (let's go with Axe Dwarf 3) and activates Detect Evil to determine whether or not these dwarves are smitable.

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 84/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday October 18th, 2018 2:01:12 PM
ooc: Oh okay, I thought the ring was the magic, i didn't know you needed to cast the spell first. Hobie should be able to make it through this fight just fine without it if you wanted to keep attacking and save the spell for a bigger fight.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday October 18th, 2018 2:01:40 PM
updating HP

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday October 18th, 2018 2:24:15 PM
(OOC: Sorry for delay, lost an earlier draft.)

While Murphy plays gorilla patty cake with the dwarf, Pressi casts another deep slumber on him (DC 20). She then activates her shield of faith (+4 to AC).

(If Murphy has the dwarf successfully wrapped up, she instead casts it on one of the catwalk dwarves.)

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
hasted

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

DM Carl d20+17=29 ; d20+17=23 ; d10+5=14 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=17 ;
Thursday October 18th, 2018 6:20:49 PM
Thanks as always for making my sub-par maps better, Kim. Disagreeing with your math on #1. He's as far from Xbow4 as #6 is from Xbow1. I'll roll a will save for #3, but this is your one rules call for the combat. Will save is 21 - pass.

Hobie winces, hoping some of the incoming damage will get sent to Kezzem. Unfortunately, they didn't activate the ring. He calls out asking for someone to body-block before taking a step back and attacking. Three of his arrows pierce #1 before he goes down. These dudes are pretty sturdy. Hobie's 4th arrow embeds itself in #2's shoulder, but his last arrow is deflected.

Talia warns about the dwarf heading for the communications hood on the wall. He sends a group of magic missiles out after him.

Zaragosa has some kind words of encouragement, boosting everyone's courage. He moves into position to begin attacking next round.

Bliss goes nuclear and tears into the poor soul who thought the small kitty would be an easy target. Bliss's careful bite attacks collapse the dwarf's windpipe, causing him to lose conciousness.

Gorilla Murphy tears after the dwarf Talia pointed out. Dwarves #2 and 3 both react (I can't see any way to avoid only getting an AoO from 3). He barely avoids one attack, but the second hits him. Hit AC 29 for 14 slashing damage.

Two of Murphy's attacks connect, but fail to do enough to put him down. Murphy will get an AoO against him if he tries to put the hood on while Murphy's right there.

Succotash goes all out on #5, slashing and beating him into unconsciousness.

Kezzem activates the ring to shield Hobie. He takes a step back & tries to detect evil on the dwarf near him, finding he does register as evil.

Pressi successfully puts the dwarf trying to warn others to sleep (will save 7).

OOC: I took the liberty of moving you since you had no LOS to the target.

Dwarves #2 and 3 look at each other a moment, a look of panic on their face as three of their companions fall in rapid succession. Together, they run towards the only non-covered exit in the room (Kezzem gets an AoO against #3).

The dwarves up top have faired better and open fire.

X1 attempts to send two bolts at Hobie. The first shot jams (nat 1), and his recovery is almost as bad (nat 3).

X2 chuckles a bit and takes aim himself. It's a solid shot, but Hobie's saved by his protections (Hit AC 23 - miss).

X3 takes aim at Kezzem, trying to give his retreating comrades some cover, but he can't shoot any better than his friends (nat 4? Come on, die roller...).

X4's head vanishes as he steps off something. He does...something that no one can see. The stairwell leading up to the catwalk begins retracting into the wall. It will be gone in a few seconds - if you want to use it, better use it this round.

Murphy only, perception 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear laughter from the hood the dwarf is still holding on to.}

Updated map

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28 d20+50=66 ; d20+34=38 ; d20+20=36 ; d3+16=19 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday October 18th, 2018 11:23:49 PM

Bliss charges Crossbowman #3. He leaps if he has to: Jump check (with a +18 for speed and raging leaper) 66. He dodges when he provokes AoO: Acrobatics check is a 38.

That's +2 to hit, -2 AC, charging. The kitty hits AC36 for 21 nonlethal.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40' d20+11=25 ; d6+6=8 ; 11d6=32 ; d20+27=28 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 2:39:50 AM
At end of last round Murphy took an AoO vs #2 as he passed by him (10 foot reach) for 8 hp damage vs AC 25.

As #6 feel asleep, and he and the dwarf have been wrestling for the hood, it likely is in his hand, so he simply takes it with him as he steps a little bit away. Rather than focus upon the laughter emanating from the hood (though he does wonder the reason for their laughter), he instead figures he needs to do something with those trying to get away, and as many more as he might.

Murphy casts chain lightning for (1+4+3+2+4+3+6+4+2+1+2)=32 hp electrical damage with blue #2 below the primary target. Reflex save DC 27 for half damage (16hp). Secondary and follow targets are #3, #6, then 3 above, 2 above, and 1 above. For each subsequent target after the first strike, subtract 2 from the Reflex save DC. So: 2:27; 3:25; 6:23; 3Xbow:21; 2Xbow:19; 1Xbow:17. Each receives 32 hp or 16 if save works. Please note: From #2 below to #1 above is 20 feet to the left, and 20 feet up in the air. That is 20^2+20^2=400+400=800. The SQRT of 800 results in a net distance of 28.28'. One diagonal step is counted as 5 feet. Two such steps are counted as 5 for the 1st and 10 for the second. There is no second diagonal step. Therefore, horizontal distance is 20'. All stated opponents are within the maximum initial target range of 30'.

==========
Perception: 28
Things in effect:
Freedom of Movement ( move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin): 69.9 minutes
Longstrider (Move +10): 9 hours 50.9 minutes
Barkskin (Nat AC +4): 70.56 minutes
Haste (A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves): 7 rounds
Inspired Courage (+1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls): ongoing?
Time to arrival of Iron Giant in Humble's Ford: 67.4 minutes

Talia (by Kim for J-P) 10d6=30 ; d20+20=33 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 2:52:35 AM

Talia winces, because she does not want to hurt Murphy, or Bliss. But she sees some people trying to get away, and knows that can cause more trouble.

She calls out to Murphy in halfling, "Murphy, fire coming," so as to give him at least some warning.

However, that may not help very much, as the point of the fireball bursts just a few inches above his head. Maybe his head is hard? Fireball: 30hp, Reflex save DC 20 for 1/2.

The burst is outlined in red, with the center at the intersection of columns L&M, and rows 4&5. Those in the area of effect are: All the crossbow dwarfs above (1,2,3 & 4 - unless 4 has totally left the platform), and on the main floor #2, 3 & 6. Also, sorry guys - Murphy and Bliss need to Reflex save vs fireball or suffer the damage.
======
Perception: 33

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40'. HP 56/85 d20+6=20 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 3:03:21 AM

Updating Murphy's header with hit point info (including 14 hp run-by slash he took earlier from #3). Barely made the reflex save, took 15 fire damage from Talia's fireball.

"Uh, thanks for the warning. I'm fine." All right, maybe a little singed. "Someone want to chase down the fellows trying to escape? Like, NOW!?!" he asks his companions in the halfling tongue.

If any dwarfs are still up and look at him, he shrugs and says in common, "I was raised by halflings as a young ape."

ADM Kim
Friday October 19th, 2018 3:11:18 AM

Note: Fireball is instantaneous, so, if you were not in the area of effect at the time Talia's spell was cast, you can freely run into that area without being blasted. Which might be a good idea. Escapees tell tales.

BTW, Carl: Awesome module so far. Thanks! Or, uh, Tanks!

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+19=30 ; d10=9 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 5:11:12 AM
Succotash makes a dash for the escapees, and will attempt to use power attack to drop him

Hit AC 30 for 9+20=29 damage +7 Holy damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=30 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=24 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6+17=23 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=23 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 1:17:24 PM
Hobie takes aim at the crossbowmen, forgoing one of his attacks to boost his accuracy.

Manyshot
Attack 30
Piercing 22, Fire 3, Electric 5 = 30
Piercing 23, Fire 4, Electric 3 = 30

Haste
Attack 31
Piercing 20, Fire, 5, Electric 2 = 27

Iterative
Attack 24
Piercing 23, Fire 6, Electric 1 = 26

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 2/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 19/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+17=35 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 1:51:19 PM
Pressi finally squeezes past Hobie, making her way into the room. Escapees on the floor, shooters on the catwalk, and Pressi really didn't want to waste more spells on this.

She also sees Murphy quite in blasting range, so any AoEs are going to have to be heavily considered.

And that is when all the fireballs and chain lightning gives her an idea.

Pressi casts suggestion upon Dwarf #2 (should be the same DC 20). "These explosions are clearly affecting anyone standing, and Ix Revon will not tolerate such sloppy running," she shouts through the din (Bluff 35). "On the ground now, and get your friend down too, until the blasting is over."

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
hasted

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 94/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+19=26 ; d20+15=31 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=4 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 10:24:41 PM
AoO: 1d20 + 19 = 26.
Piercing Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.
Cold Damage: 5.
Total Damage: 10.

"Hey, you forgot something," Kezzem gives chase and tosses his returning frost dagger at the fleeing dwarves (#2, though feel free to pick another is he's down).

Attack: 1d20 + 15 (adjusted for 2 range increments) = 31.
Piercing Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 3.
Cold Damage: 4.
Total Damage: 7.

DM Carl d20+15=26 ; d6=5 ; d20=17 ; d20=18 ; d20=2 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=24 ;
Saturday October 20th, 2018 1:13:56 AM
OOC: Typing this from the ER with my wife. She might have appendicitis. Waiting on a CT. I'm skipping all pretext of flavor text.

Bliss charges up the stairs to attack X3. He runs straight into X4, who was hidden from the ground level, but still there. Both are surprised, but X4 swings his crossbow at Bliss as he passes, barely missing. Bliss' jaws crush X3.

Murphy swipes at #2 as he goes by, barely connecting. The dwarf is looking rough. Murphy casts a chain lightning that hits dwarfs 2, 3, and 6. Unfortunately, with 6 against the wall and a solid catwalk above him, there's no valid path to any of the crossbow dwarves on level 2. #2 is absolutely fried. #6 wakes up for a moment, then gets knocked out, bleeding from his wounds. #3 is in bad shape, but alive.

Talia lets a fireball loose, hitting every standing dwarf (and a few halflings). The last dwarf standing is burned to a crisp. #6 and #2 go from dying to dead. Two of the crossbow dwarves avoid most of the blast. All are still standing, but they're all in bad shape.

Succotash is ready to hurt someone, but is out of targets.

Hobie puts two arrows in X1, killing him. X2 takes an arrow, but barely remains standing.

Pressi chides a corpse.

Kezzem gets ready to throw a dagger, but finds his target dead.

There are three dwarves left on the catwalk. They are basically doomed, and they know it. Bliss sees them look at each other for just a second before they all throw their crossbows over the railing.

"OK! YOU WIN!" says one of them. Probably X1. "Yea, this was supposed to be a sure thing. We ain't dying for this."

X3 stares at the surprisingly dangerous kitty trying to kill him. "Seriously," he asks. "What kind of cat are you?"

Murphy hears Ix's voice through the hood. "Murph! Put the hood on!"

***

Combat rounds are over. If you refuse to accept their surrender, they're doomed. They're all real close to death. Reminder that exits from this room include the way you came in, an opening on the opposite wall, and a hole in the ceiling with a flickering pink energy field over it.

Dwarves are all talking in Dwarven. Ix is speaking common.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40'. HP 56/85 d20+27=46 ;
Saturday October 20th, 2018 3:42:18 AM

Murphy holds his mouth up to the hood and says, "One moment."

He steps away so he can look up. About the dwarfs who just cast down their crossbows, Murphy translates their words so all may understand what they just said. "Lower the ramp you pulled up," he says in dwarf and in common.

Then the druid says in the common tongue, "If you each give your word by that which you hold most dear never to attack Crescent Valley, nor to aid in any attack against it, nor any portion of it, nor the people of it, then we shall consider your full surrender." He then repeats the offer in the dwarven tongue. In common he says, "Pressi - it's for you to discern whether they speak true. If so, have them bound for now. If not, then ... your options are open. I know our paladins - and others - will want their voice."

"Ix Revon just asked me to join in his conversation," Murphy says to his companions in common. "Pardon me."

Gorilla-Murphy places the hood over his head. "Security auditor Murphy here, Mister Revon. Might I recommend you halt this iron giant if you'd like to converse? Unless you wish us to continue our ... inspection. Sorry, but we tend to resist those who choose to be an existential threat to our hometown. We each take it a bit personally." His eyes are open, to discern whether he can see anything through the hood, as well as hear.

==========
Perception: 46
Things in effect:
Freedom of Movement ( move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin): 68.9 minutes
Longstrider (Move +10): 9 hours 49.9 minutes
Barkskin (Nat AC +4): 69.5 minutes
Time to arrival of Iron Giant in Humble's Ford: 66.4 minutes [I added ~1 minute to elapsed time up through beginning the conversation with Ix via the hood]

Talia (by Kim for J-P) d20+20=38 ;
Saturday October 20th, 2018 3:59:59 AM

Seeing the last standing dwarfs cast down their weapons, Talia takes a look at the other doors and hatches that the party saw or came through, just to see if anyone is trying to come up behind them.

Perception: 38

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday October 20th, 2018 5:25:40 AM
With the surrender of the final dwarves, and while waiting for Pressi's response, and the out come of Murphy's conversation, Succotash starts searching the bodies, ,looking for anything that my help him and the Swords defeat this foe, especially any of those magical gear things.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Saturday October 20th, 2018 7:16:16 AM
Hobie will keep his bow trained on the dwarves and demand of them

"If any of y'all have one of these" he points to his magical gear, "Toss it down here immediately, or I might 'accidentally' let an arrow slip."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)(performance 12/13)
Saturday October 20th, 2018 6:30:56 PM
(apologies again)

Zaragosa speaks out in Dwarven. "Keep still, I got my eye on all of you" He mostly wanted them to know he also spoke dwarven so they do not talk among themselves. Though he knew the team had it handled. Again he had to fight the feelings of uselessness on this fight, but he was impressed by everyone else.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Saturday October 20th, 2018 8:35:55 PM

CatBliss lets his focus slip [OOC: ends rage] and pants, breathing heavily. He watches the captives closely. He's always liked dwarves, so he is glad not all of them died.

He hisses at them to make sure they stay put.

He also looks at the downed ones. He pauses next to their noses -- whiskers close -- to see if they are still breathing.

OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Since he was doing nonlethal damage, maybe one or two of them are unconscious and not dead? If so, Bliss uses his witchy Life & Death ability to cast Death Knell on a dwarf. If he fails a DC16 will save. If an unconscious dwarf fails, Bliss gains 1d8 temp hp per dwarf level, plus +1 caster level, for ten minutes per dwarf level. Since it is a spell like ability with no components, Bliss can do this in cat form.}

DM Carl d20+4=19 ;
Sunday October 21st, 2018 7:31:22 PM
Talia checks the other exits from this room, looking for other threats. She sees none.

Succotash starts looting the bodies. (Will post towards the end)

Hobie demands the surrendered dwarves toss down any magical gears they have. Each takes the one or two gears they have and toss them over the railing.

Zaragosa wonders how useful he was. There will be more opportunities to prove himself, no doubt.

Bliss lets his rage end. He's glad ALL the dwarves aren't dead. He finds #5 is actively dying and tries to snuff out its life force. Even unconscious, the dwarf fights back (will save 19 - pass). #4 isn't far gone enough for his spell to work. OOC: He's unconscious thanks to your non-lethal damage. Death knell requires its target be at least at -1 HP.

Murphy tells Ix to hold on, then instructs the dwarves to lower the ramp again. One of them, seen only by Bliss, walks over and turns a wheel on the wall. The ramp starts coming back out from the wall. He explains the terms of surrender he's willing to accept.

X4 nods vigorously. "All I want to do is run home to my family and never do anything else this foolish again - cross my heart. Just let us exit out the heel and you'll never see any of us again." The other dwarves bow their heads and mumble agreements.

Murphy puts the hood on. He can hear Ix still chuckling, but sees only the interior of the hood.

"I told them," the gnome starts. "I told them that anyone who got inside would need to go through that groin area to proceed. I told them that we couldn't have our men getting banged around in the legs the whole time. I TOLD THEM to put our best men there in that room with you." Ix chuckles some more. "Anyway, Anur would never stop, even if I did intend to tell him you were in here, so you're gonna have to keep trying.

"Say thanks to your friends for me. You're all being *super* helpful."

***

Loot:

The dwarves on the bottom level are all wearing the same spiked full plate armor and wield a dwarven waraxe. Both radiate magic. The crossbow dwarves all wear agile breastplates and have light crossbows (also all magic).

The following gears are found:

2 - CON
1 - STR
1 - DEX
1 - WIS

There's also a small, green crystal that looks exactly like the one from the tool-wielding caterpillar construct in the junk pile below. It radiates magic.

In addition, there are 2 rings of protection +1, 4 CMW potions, and about 300 gold in coins and small gems.

So far, about 12 minutes have passed. Kim, I'm not sure where you're getting your estimates from.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Sunday October 21st, 2018 10:54:06 PM
Hobie will grab up the Dex Gear if no one objects to it.

Murphy (Kim)
Monday October 22nd, 2018 3:08:06 AM
Murphy hears the promises of the surrendering dwarfs. In halfling, he says to Pressi, [i]"Sounds good to me. You get to make the call on this one, though."[i] To the dwarfs, he says, "Tell us first, and quickly, of any control in this area." Once they do so, he nods his gorilla head toward Pressi. "She will answer you. I suggest you hear her out. If she gives you leave to go, I pray you do just as you have said."

Murphy listens carefully to what Ix Revon has to say. The fellow certainly is enthusiastic. "Peachy," is all that Murphy replies to him, other than, "Gotta run now. More climbing ahead."

He removes the hood. "Looks like we've got to clear pretty near the whole place. Let's take care of some fast healing - I'm down about 30. A few others were hurt. This thing will reach our town in under an hour if we don't stop it. Healers, please heal us who need it. Then it's time to climb."

He relays mentally to Pressi what Ix had to say. He is reluctant to say what Ix said while there are still dwarfs present.

Regarding the gears, Murphy says, "I'd like at least the wisdom one, but will have to mount it later."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2018 5:58:40 AM
Lay of Hands 8/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Upon hearing Murphy's request for healing, Succotash immediately stops what he's doing, positions himself within 30 ft of all his friends, and channels energy healing 17 hp to anyone who needs it. He then says, "I suggest Jack take one of the Constitution gear, as he seems to have the greatest need for it, as for me I wouldn't mind either the strength one, or the other constitution one unless someone else has their heart set on them already, in which case, I'll wait to see if more are to be obtained".

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+15=17 ; d20+15=33 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d20+15=33 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2018 1:45:09 PM
"Thanks Sucker! That healing feels great!"

Hobie will take out his wand of CLW and tap himself with it a few times until he gets it to work and tops himself off with HP.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)(performance 12/13)
Monday October 22nd, 2018 2:39:37 PM
Zaragosa will gladly take any Gear given to him. He was about to offer healing but was grateful to have Succotash. He sheaths his sword and looks to move on once the Dwarfs are questioned

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+13=30 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2018 2:46:27 PM
"As a matter of fact, there is something that we need to talk about before we let you go," Pressi replies in common, having one of the others repeat it in dwarven. "Though I'm not convinced I can just let you go home. You are all still accessories in a plan to crush us and our homes on the way to what I can only imagine is a bloody religious war. That said, you caught us on a good day so I am willing to listen.

"So lets start at the beginning. Because I'm feeling sick and tired of feeling like a patsy, and I know that none of you are in here to be guards or soldiers. Why doesn't someone here tell me who this Ix Rexon is and why he betrayed every dwarf in this room?"

(Diplomacy 30. She eyes her medallion carefully to make sure nobody is lying.)

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
hasted

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Monday October 22nd, 2018 8:21:44 PM

Bliss winds around Pressi's legs and purrs to express his approval of her words. And he glares at the prisoners. But honestly, he'd be happy if the party lets them run away.

DM Carl
Monday October 22nd, 2018 8:48:59 PM
Hobie grabs the Dex gear unless someone stops him. He heals himself with his CLW wand.

Murphy tells the dwarves to inform the party about any controls in the area, and suggests that lying to Pressi would be a bad idea. He blows off Ix and talks healing.

X2 speaks up. "That flickering pink barrier up there? It's not supposed to be flickering. You musta turned that globe in the foot. There's another in the left foot that disables it completely. You can walk through it, but it hurts. It hurts a lot.

Succotash channels energy, healing his friends. He requests the STR gear, suggesting Zaragosa take one of the CON gears.

Zaragosa gladly accepts the CON gear.

Pressi is in a good mood. She asks who Ix Revon is any why he betrayed them.

Bliss approves of Pressi's questioning.

All the remaining dwarves look at each other, obviously confused. "Ix? Howd'ya know Ix? He's Anur's fruity adopted kid. How'd he betray us?" X4 looks over, seeing Murphy using the hood, and puts two and two together.

"Wait. He knew you were here?" Then, things get heated real fast.

"IX REVON, YOU SLAGGING GOBLIN-RUTTER! IF WE MAKE IT OUTTA HERE I'M GONNA PEEL YOU APART!"

The dwarves know they're beaten, so they don't get violent, but boy are they mad. Murphy swears he can hear Ix sigh through the hood.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday October 22nd, 2018 10:17:54 PM
“See, this is why I’m never going to have a family. Don’t tell me that family is nice. This is family.”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Monday October 22nd, 2018 11:38:22 PM
"I hate to break it to you Press, but you've already got a family," says Kezzem. "Us."

Kezzem will take a DEX gear (what do they do exactly? I think I missed that) and suggest Murph get the other CON gear.

Murphy (Kim)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 12:27:18 AM

"That is a philosophy of despair. Of death. Of extinction. You believe there is no hope of good in a family? I have experienced otherwise."

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40'. HP 73/85 d20+27=30 ;
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 3:17:16 AM
[Murphy's immediately prior post is to Pressi, quietly, directly. He thinks to add something, but chooses not to for now.]

"Thanks, Succotash, for the healing wash."

"Con & Wisdom? That would be sweet, as, you see, Kezzem, I think you can have up to 3 of the items, and, for each one you add, that improves the performance of the other, or others, you wear. If no one objects, I'd be happy to do that."

From DM Carl's October 8th, 2018 post (italics added): OOC: Wearing the gear on your upper arm grants a +1 to CON. There are other gears out there for the other 5 attributes. Each gear ups the bonus for all of them. For example, wearing gears of CON, INT, and STR grants +3 to each. Gears of the same attribute stack, but do not add an additional bonus. Wearing gears of CON, CON, and INT would grant +4 to CON, and +2 to INT. These are unique bonuses and stack with other enhancement bonuses from items like Belts of Physical Might and the like.

The gears are roughly the size of an orange. Up to three can be worn by one person.

If no one objects, Murphy picks up the Con gear, to accompany the Wis gear. He will install it when he has a chance to shapechange back to his halfling self - and not in front of the dwarfs.

Having learned of the other wheel that needs to be turned, located below, Murphy says, "Let's one or two or three of us go down the left leg, so that all of us can get up through the opening now protected by the pink barrier. I'll go. Who wants to come with?"

He communicates telepathically with Pressi. "Either let the dwarfs go, or enlist them in our aid. Anything else, and they may be more of an obstacle than assistance to us. I'd recommend having them exit the heal, though. Again, your call."

He asks the dwarfs, "We go through that door," and here he points to the door that #2 and #3 tried to escape through, "in order to get down to the left leg?"

Depending upon their answer, Murphy goes the direction that seems appropriate to reach the left foot. "Anybody, anything we should watch out for there on the way to the foot?" He asks X2. "I like to avoid hurting people if I can help it," he adds.

"I'm headin' down." He will wait long enough to allow one or two to join him, then head in the direction of the left foot. "Less than an hour remains, friends."

==========
Perception: 30
Things in effect:
Freedom of Movement ( move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin): 68.9 minutes
Longstrider (Move +10): 9 hours 38.9 minutes
Barkskin (Nat AC +4): 58.5 minutes
Time to arrival of Iron Giant in Humble's Ford: 55.4 minutes

[To DM Carl: Where am I getting my (time) estimates from? Mine was a minimum estimate to cover the activities from the close of combat to when Murphy put the hood on. I already had factored in the actual combat time, which was not included in the 1 minute estimate. I was still awaiting you to post to let us know total time. I needed to have at least a minimal bump in time passage to reflect in spell duration. Not to usurp your passage of time rulings. I've made the appropriate adjustments.]

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40'. HP 73/85 d20+15=28 ;
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 3:22:36 AM

BTW: Knowledge, Engineering: 28 - for Murphy to piece together the bits of information about the operations of the Iron Giant they have gathered thus far.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 4:59:53 AM

Talia returns from looking behind them. "No one seems to be coming from there, they way we came. Besides the pink thing in the ceiling, maybe we could use the side climbing tubes, just like along the leg, to climb to the next level. Who wants to do that?"

She also pulls Succotash aside. "Look, I know I didn't dance with you. But I see a kindness in your heart. Don't get any ideas about becoming my boyfriend, but, next time there's a dance, let's make up for the missed dance last time. Okay?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 5:41:08 AM
Succotash isn’t sure what to think about Talia’s remarks, but he’s pretty sure she’s serious, and he says, “That would be nice”. He would say more, but obviously this isn’t the right time, but he adds, “After this is over, knowing the fine folks of Humble’s Ford, I’m pretty sure we’ll get our chance, by the way, sorry I was in such a mood after the party, I can’t explain, even to myself, why a simple dance, or lack of one, effected me so”.

To Murphy he says “I got your back! Lead on”.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 10:43:49 AM
Zaragosa volunteers to go with the group on the left legs but objects to letting any of the dwarfs go.

He speaks in common, "I feel that these dwarfs even know cannot be trusted. We should bind them here. I have plenty of rope and tools for that"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 2:08:04 PM
"I knew it," Pressi shouted to Murphy. "I knew you were full of all that 'take your time doesn't bother me' stuff. I knew you were hiding all this emotion.

"Not going to lie. It feels better than I care to admit. Oh well."

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

Pressi shakes her head in regards to everyone. "Have you all forgotten the plan. The plan we all agreed on back before we left Humble's Ford regarding just this situation, where we'd have to go straight back down through a pit? All we need or the magnetic boots, a couple of gears, and this."

Pressi pulls out her climbing gear, ropes and a harness for her cat. With a wave of a hand, action music plays. "This is our one chance, our one rope line shot, and you want to walk it? For shame. Tom Cruise and George Clooney judge you. I'll volunteer if nobody else will. Bring on the laser grid, lord."

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

Pressi feels a little funny about letting what may turn out to be a bunch of war criminals go, but they do need the rope for the other leg. So she agrees to let them exit.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 2:10:10 PM
She does ask the dwarves one more question, though. "This side Anur wants to destroy? What did they do that was so bad? Why are we riding a war machine there in the first place?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 2:27:11 PM
Hobie will accompany the group heading toward the left leg. He keeps his bow drawn and arrows nocked, ready to take out any enemies they encounter.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) d4=2 ;
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 6:01:52 PM
"Um, we don't happen to have another one of those gear things? Something to enhance my undeniable Charisma per chance? Or boost my admittedly limited Intelligence?"

OOC: Don't know where that d4 came from.

Murphy
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 6:06:27 PM

"Of course I care, you ninny!" responds Murphy to Pressi after her moment of gloating over her evaluation of bad domesticity and her apparent lack of belief in the possibility of good domesticity. "Being patient does not mean having no emotion, or lacking interest. Sheesh!"

"All right, we don't want to get in the way of you taking center stage on this one, Press. We do NOT want to unduly irritate Judges Cruise and Clooney." He offers what support he might, then adds the suggestion. "Though, the easiest way to do it might be simply to climb down the side channel. Not as spectacular, surely."

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 9:21:48 PM

The sorceress, after the dwarves have answered everyone's questions, then are told they should leave by Pressi, says, "All right. Down the right leg, out the heel." She flexes her fingers, intertwines them, then cracks her knuckles. "I trust you, as you've each given your word. Just in case your word is not your bond - well, you don't want to find out what I have in store for you if it's not." She shepherds them down and out the right leg - but does ask if anyone wants to come along. "Jack? Kitty cat? Anyone else?"

DM Carl
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 10:05:40 PM
Pressi, Murphy, and Kezzem ponder the pros and cons of family life.

Succotash and Talia share an adorably awkward moment.

Zaragosa thinks that letting the dwarves go may not be a good idea, but Pressi thinks they need the rope. She asks the dwarves why Anur feels the need to use this Giant in the first place.

"Not big on spirituality in The Scab, eh? Fhorge is an Old One who keeps all the other Old Ones imprisoned. Anur worships Scald and wants him free. To do that, he's gotta take out Fhorge."

In the end, Pressi lets the dwarves go. They waste exactly zero seconds before they tear out of the place. Talia then shoos everyone towards the left leg.

Exiting the central room, the party finds themselves in a long, narrow room. A huge mirror dominates the opposite wall of this room — but it is cloudy and unreflective. A number of runed tiles below it glow with red light. In the floor is a ten-foot-wide hole. What seems to be yellow paint surrounds it; the paint glows.

The tiles look like this.

14 minutes have passed.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 11:02:17 PM
Bliss, sticking to cat form, helps see the dwarf prisoners out the one heel. Then it is time to head to the other one to turn off the ward. He thinks that an AM Field spell would have likely got the party through it too, but we ain't got none.

So he follows the party to the other leg to turn it off.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 11:22:41 PM
"Let's see, we have...whirlwind, hammer, rapier, catapult, spear, eyes...um, is that a thimble?...and fireplace," observes Kezzem.

"That mean anything to anyone? Maybe these control the giant's weapons somehow...make wind, use harmmer, etc...maybe some kind of gaze attack, and shoot fire. And also...mend pants?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 5:30:35 AM
“Hey Pressi, you still got that piece of paper with the words on it? Succotash asks. “Because I have a feeling it might have something to do with this”, he adds while pointing to the tiles.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 11:47:27 AM
Pressi breaks away from her emotions as Succotash reminds her about the paper. After a flurry of pocket checking, Pressi manages to pull the list.

"I can't believe that I forgot all about it. Guess I assumed it was already... that's good thinking."

"Swashbuckler, Tornado, Warmachine, Thimble, Furnace." Pressi looked out at the tiles. "And there they all are. 3, 1, 4, 7, 8. I guess... we step on the tiles one at a time? All at once? Any volunteers?"

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
hasted

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

To clarify: The icons are on the mirror, not the floor.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 1:08:49 PM
"Are we sure the catapult is the war machine?" asks Kezzem. "Maybe the eyes represent this giant, and that's the war machine."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 4:35:07 PM
"Great thinking Sucker!"

Hobie stands guard with bow drawn as succotash pushes the buttons in order.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 6:40:40 PM
As Kezzem sees Succo begin pressing the runes, "Okay, I'm going to stand waaaaaaay over here...and I suggest the rest of you do the same."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 8:21:21 PM

Bliss watches approvingly.

DM Carl d20+16=26 ; 2d8+8=18 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+16=35 ; 2d4+8=13 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+14=22 ;
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 8:43:09 PM
Bliss accompanies the dwarves to the heel. It turns into an ordeal...

***

The dwarves, with Bliss accompanying, head down the maintenance hatch to the leg, exiting at the top of the leg. As the last of the dwarves exit (Bliss is still in the tunnel), the Guardian turns to face them.

"NEW TARGETS CONFIRMED. OFFENSIVE PROTOCOLS APPROVED. ENGAGING."

Turns out, the Guardian can move fast. Within moments, it's on top of X2. Its axe-hand shoots forward, slicing through armor and slashing a bloody gash in his chest. X2 falls unconscious and is bleeding heavily. The momentum carries forward through the attack, targeting X3, but X3 is able to duck. The Guardian swings back at X3, but the dwarf jumps back in time.

The wires on the Guardian's other hand shoot out, grabbing and lacerating X3. X3 falls unconscious as the Guardian's wire-hand grabs on and start constricting.

X4 is having none of this. He runs, naked terror evident on his face, back towards Bliss and the (hopeful) safety of the tunnel. The Guardian takes advantage, shooting its axe hand out as a projectile. It misses, badly (nat 1). As soon as it's evident the attack misses, a chain attaching the axe to the Guardian goes taut and pulls the axe back to the Guardian.

X4 finds Bliss in the way, and in his terror attempts to bull rush right over him. Of course, Bliss isn't easy to bull rush, and X4 fails. "PLEASE!" the poor dwarf begs, trying to escape the construct.

***

Back in the room with the mirror, Pressi figures out the correct order. Succotash presses the icons she suggested and the mirror's reflection clears, showing all of you (minus Bliss, obviously). The icons with the eyes, furnace, hammer, and spear all glow green.

***

16 minutes passed.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 9:25:08 PM
Zaragosa will follow in the way of Pressi and Succotash. He is still offering to go down and check out the other leg

ADM Kim
Thursday October 25th, 2018 2:12:03 AM

Here's what the glowy tiles look like.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday October 25th, 2018 5:26:27 AM
Unaware of what is happening below, Succotash examines the mirror. “So the tiles turn on the mirror”, Succotash ponders, “Why would anyone make a mirror that you have to punch in a code to see yourself?” “Should we wait for Bliss to get back or continue on?” He asks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+18=36 ;
Thursday October 25th, 2018 3:21:52 PM
As Pressi waits for Bliss to return or Murphy to say something, she absentmindedly looks at the mirror and the yellow paint surrounding the hole in the floor (Perception 36).

"Yeah, I got nothing," she remarks. "I don't even get why these runes, of all runes, chose to glow."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Thursday October 25th, 2018 5:55:41 PM
"Maybe it was made by vampires," suggests Kezzem.

ADM Kim
Thursday October 25th, 2018 8:54:38 PM
Will post in about 2-1/2 hours... smacked left and right timewise last few days. Currently in a board meeting. Sorry for delay - Kim

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Thursday October 25th, 2018 9:38:51 PM
Bliss would not have stood in the way of the oncoming dwarf. He certainly lets the poor fellow back on.

He returns to his friends and changes back into a halfling. He tells what he saw. Then returns to cat shape.

Murphy (Kim) d8+1=3 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=8 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+5=18 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=7 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+27=34 ; d20+7=20 ;
Thursday October 25th, 2018 11:46:03 PM

[OOC: I just learned I had misunderstood DM Carl's time passage notes. We actually have ~74 minutes left before the iron giant arrives in Humble's Ford... and he will update the clock with his next post.]

===========

As the group entered the passageway to the... other side of the groin? the hip? ...he wild shaped from gorilla back to his own self, that is, halfling. That was before the mirror tiles were fiddled with. He extracted one of his wands of cure light wounds, and, with two applications, brought himself back to full hit points (3+9=12, 12+73=85). He next touched Kezzem, who also, now is back to full HP (8+111=119). As far as he can discern, no one else is injured. He handed the wand to Zaragoza. "If I need healing while shape-changed, Jack, and you're not busy, can you use this on me? Feel free to use it on others, too." (It has 16 charges left). Murphy tells Jack the command word - which those near him can hear, too.

Then he took the wisdom gear and the constitution gear, and fastened them onto his leather armor. He has seen them worn by others, if there is any help from that. Using knowledge: engineering (25), he hoped he put them on the right way. Just in case, he augmented the wearing and activation of the gears via knowledge: arcana (18). He ponders and reflects for a moment, trying to ascertain whether he feels any wiser (wisdom 20 instead of 18?) or healthier (constitution 14 instead of 12?). If it will take some time to attune to them, then, he'll just deal with that over the next 24 hours.

He takes the communications hat, and places it in his handy haversack before he says the following.

In halfling, as the mirror is fiddled with, Murphy says, "Folks, consider this. Ix is our ally here. He has asked our help. No one hurts him, unless he decides to go against us - and even if, no one is to try to kill him. At all. He wants us to test the defenses, and, well, you may not like it, but, in this iron man, he is not opposed to us. He tried to talk the leader out of attacking our town. He has thanked us for our help. Hobie, do you understand my reasoning? Others? Are we agreed on this?"

Just about then, four of the eight mirror tiles change from a red glow to a green glow.

===========

After Pressi's use of the paper gave her, it appears, partial success in navigating the mirror tile puzzle, he says, "Well started. Mind if I take a look?" If she allows, he looks over the paper - both sides, to see if there is anything else on there that might help with this passage. If he discerns anything, then he tells Pressi.

When Bliss returns, after he has changed into his halfling form, Murphy asks Bliss, 'Can you use the wand of Mage Armor on me I bought a long time ago, and then gave to you? Feel free to apply it to anyone else, too." (gives mage armor +4 for ... 3 hours?)

"Oh, you're back, too?" he says as the dwarf shows up tailing after Bliss. "You want to help? Here, let me help you a bit. And, what's your name? I'm Murphy. This is a wand of cure light wounds," he says as he withdraws another wand from his bandolier. He applies 3 CLW, for 24 hit points restored. "If you go with us, you have to promise one thing. As much as it may annoy you, you may not attack Ix. I know that request burns. I know it's asking a lot. Think it over a moment, then give your answer." [Diplomacy: 30]

If the dwarf agrees, then Murphy asks, "Do you know how to pass this mirror? And can you tell us about what is on the other side - and who? If we can avoid hurting your friends, we will. If we cannot avoid that, we won't. We must save our own people, and stop this machine."
=========
Perception: 34
Sense Motive: 20

Talia (by Kim for Jon-Paul) d20+20=29 ;
Thursday October 25th, 2018 11:55:48 PM

Talia recalls all the places she saw openings (such as those a few people initially flew through), and whether there are any in the groin area, or if she saw them at higher levels, and if so, where.

She uses her knowledge: arcana (29), and what she has gathered from Pressi's and Succotash's manipulation of the mirror tiles to see if she can figure out what to do next.

Bliss and the dwarf show up. "What happened?" she asks.

She tells Murphy, "If you say so," regarding Ix, but she wrinkles her nose in distaste.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday October 26th, 2018 12:06:45 AM
Hobie waits patiently as his friends try to solve the puzzls

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday October 26th, 2018 5:43:19 AM
Succotash has done all that he can, mentally, mental calisthenics isn’t his strong suit after all, so he steps to the rear of the party to take his usual place as rear guard, and waits for his “smarter” friends to deal with the situation, he also asks that the dwarf stays the in front of him, so he can keep a close eye one him.

“No promises Murphy,” he states, “If Ix attacks, he will receive a smite, his evil aura assures him of that, but if he plays nice, I’ll do my best to stay my hand”.

DM Carl d20+16=23 ;
Friday October 26th, 2018 10:20:36 AM
Bliss climbs to get out of the dwarf's way. The dwarf immediately climbs in the tunnel and starts ascending right behind Bliss.

Below, Bliss and the last of the dwarves hear a *thud*, followed by the sound of the Guardian's footsteps. The Guardian's handwires snake up the tunnel, trying to grab the dwarf, but he kicks at them as he climbs and just manages to escape their reach (Hit AC 23 - miss). As they walk away, the dwarf can't look up. If he did, Bliss could see the haunted look on the guy's face. "You coulda let the Guardian take me. I wouldn'ta blamed you." He looks up. "I have a lot of friends in this Giant. Somea them are as zealous as Anur and won't listen to reason. I ain't gonna raise my hand against'em, but I'll help ya as much as I'm able. I just wanna go home and take up mushroom farming or somethin'."

The two of them join the rest of Humble's Sword in front of the newly active mirror. No one's quite sure what to make of the glowing icons. They can probably be touched, but leaving it alone is always a viable option.

Pressi checks out the hole that descends below. The yellow paint is almost certainly just a safety measure. It doesn't take long to realize there's a levitation field in this leg just like the last. The party can easily use it to ascend/descend, just like before.

Succotash checks out what's below. It's darker than the other leg...a lot darker. It's hard to tell from up here, but it looks like holes have been ripped into the iron walls of the leg.

Hobie's not much for puzzles, and lets his friends figure it out.

Murphy turns back into a halfling and starts healing himself and whoever else needs it. He hands the wand to Zaragosa. He tries to affix the gears to himself. Maybe it works? The gears only seem to attach themselves to metal armor. Murphy no doubt remembers the metal tube Ix wore on his arm for that purpose. Your humble narrator can't see Murphy's sheet, so he's not sure, but since he's a druid, it stands to reason he's not wearing metal armor.

He tries to talk the rest of Humble's Sword into not attacking Ix, just as Bliss and one of those crossbow wielding dwarves come back as well.

"I'm Kade, and I promise you Ix ain't no ally to anyone but Ix. Ain't no one able to control that guardian that just killed two of us but him, and if this one," he glares at Pressi, "hadn't told us Ix betrayed us, my friends'd still be alive and we'd be walking back to The Scab together. I told your friend here I'd help short of taking arms against the folks in here, but if you've got half a brain in that tiny head'a yours, you'll put Ix down before he gets a chance to open his mouth. He crosses his arms and glares at Murphy.

Talia tries to make sense of the mirror. It has a strong aura of divination magic. Studying it for a moment, she realizes the reflections...aren't. They're lagging behind just a fraction of a second. It's barely noticeable, but it's there. Actual mirrors don't do that.

In response to Murphy's question, Kade presses the icon on the mirror with the glowing eyes. The image in the mirror changes, revealing the top of the right leg where the Guardian was station. The two crossbow dwarves are there, very dead. Kade looks away.

***

17 minutes have passed. Giant reaches Humbles Ford in 73 minutes.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Friday October 26th, 2018 10:49:46 AM
"It is a control panel for the giant!" says Kezzem. "I am so smart!"

"What do hammer, spear, and furnace do?" Kezzem asks the dwarf. "Do only the glowy tiles do something? If not, then what do the rest do? Does the thimble really mend giant pants?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday October 27th, 2018 5:01:23 AM
Since no other ne else claimed it, Succotash attaches the strength gear to his armor, and feels his already abundant strength increase, and he thinks to himself, “ME LIKE!” He wonders what other amazing things he and his friends with find in this machine., and then he remembers the green crystal, and he asks Kade, “What I does this do?”

OOC... Twinklesting’s blade shines like a torch, which Succotash will use as a light source as they descend the other leg.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 85/85 d20+1=21 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=9 ;
Saturday October 27th, 2018 1:33:13 PM

When the eyes tile was pressed, did the green glow change? Did any other tiles change color?

As he could not affix the gears to his leather armor, Murphy checks to see whether he might affix the gears on his metallic bracers of defense.

At hearing Kade's response, Murphy's lips press together for a moment. "Well, you know him better than I. Mercurial he is, eh?" He nods in acknowledgement. "I guess we'll have to play this by ear. We'll try to get all of us out alive. Would you like a bit more?" he asks as he again takes out his second wand. He restores 40 hp to the dwarf [forgot to change die from 20 to 8 - but got max roll, so the 21 becomes a 9, and discarding the d8+1=2s results in 40 hp healing for Kade, expending 5 charges].

As he heals Kade, he says, "I'm sorry about your friends." After a moment, he asks, "Can you explain what the other tiles can do?"

Lastly, he says to Pressi, gesturing toward the open hole with one hand, and withdrawing from his haversack with the other his everburning torch. "Looks like it's rope and music time. Though, I think we can forego the ropes. Levitation, y'know. I'll dive in first if you don't want to. Otherwise, lady first."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28 d20+22=25 ; d20+27=46 ;
Sunday October 28th, 2018 9:03:55 PM

Bliss looks down into the darkness, as did Pressi and Sir Succo, but Bliss has a cat's nose and sharp eyes.

Perception 25

He sneaks into the shaft and levitates down to scout.

Stealth 46

As soon as he sees anything, he sneaks back up, and then changes into a halfling long enough to report.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Sunday October 28th, 2018 9:09:37 PM
Pressi shakes her head at Murphy's comment about mercurial. "We really have to start selling you on the benefits of nihilism and maladjustment. What on earth terrible event happened to you that made you so trusting?

"Look, our relationship with Ix Rexon is the same as it always has been. He's earned the right to explain himself and defend his actions, and to avoid death if he can be brought to justice. Same as I'd give Anur himself, who for all we know is the good guy... relatively speaking and stomping on villages aside, I mean. Beyond that... I don't know, am I still the only one who thinks we've been conned? That Ix Rexon's been manipulating us from the beginning? Whatever gifts he gave to us, they were for his benefit alone. As for being our ally... he gave that up when he killed a bunch of people in cold blood."

Moving forward, she agrees that they might not need the ropes... well, maybe as anchors. She also remembers the boots, which might work well, and takes one of the gears herself. (The wisdom one, since nobody called it. It affixes to her studded armor.)

Before anything else happens, she drops a lit torch down below to see what happens.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Sunday October 28th, 2018 9:20:21 PM
"People keep on asking you the same things, Mister Kade. I'm sorry what happened to your friends just now." Talia feels sympathy for the dwarf who recently was trying to kill them.

Others do things, ask things. She sighs.

"Kale, can you tell us what's below? People? Traps? Obstacles? How to get down there safely, shut off that passage above? You know we must stop this. What is the best way?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Sunday October 28th, 2018 10:15:59 PM
Zaragosa thanks murphey as he took the wand.

He was very confused with all that is happening with the Giant Robot. he could not make heads or tails of any of the way it functions

DM Carl
Sunday October 28th, 2018 11:47:23 PM
Kezzem ponders the utility of this mirror-device. "It's just a viewport to different parts'a the Giant," Kade answers. "The other green thingies let ya see further up the Giant."

Succotash wonders about the crystal. "Couple-a spell chuckers we have here like to horde them. You cast spells? If ya do, put it in yer palm and grip it hard." Assuming you do, you immediately feel its power flow into you.

The crystals function as rechargeable pearls of power. The green ones function as level 3. They recharge automatically between uses. They can each be used once per encounter. Unlike pearls of power, spontaneous casters can use them as well.

Murphy checks out the icons. The one with the eyes glows brighter now that it's pressed, but the colors of all the icons remain the same. He is able to affix the gear to his bracers. He takes heed of Kade's advice and heals him up more.

Bliss decides to scout ahead, but Kade puts his hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Wait. You don't want to go down there alone. When we found this place, the leg was inhabited. Anur and us fought them to a stalemate and struck a deal. Anur would let them keep the leg and...feed them. They agreed to let him control the rest of the Giant. He gets to do his thing, they get fresh food. Win win.

"Ain't never seen anything like'em. Their forms...change constantly." Kade finds a spot against the wall to sit. "They're way above my pay-grade."

Pressi breaks down their relationship with Ix in typical Pressi fashion. She drops a torch down the hole to see what happens. It falls for a bit before the Giant's left foot hits the ground and the levitation field turns on. It hovers there, showing a large room exactly like the room the Guardian was in right leg, except darker. The glowy lines of energy that lit the right leg are dark, and jagged holes have been torn into the wall. The Giant continues moving, and the field shuts down. The torch falls into darkness.

Talia apologizes for what happened to Kade's friends and asks about what's down there. "You'll find a orb down there like the one in the right foot. Rotate it, and that pink field will drop. Only thing you gotta worry 'bout are the things down there. You folks seem capable, but...well, I wouldn't go down there."

Zaragosa's not quite sure what's going on, but is glad for Murphy's healing.

***

18 minutes have passed.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday October 29th, 2018 5:26:23 AM
“One of you more dedicated casters ought to keep this crystal, I can use it obviously, but Paladin’s aren’t the best casters, and someone who depends on their spells more ought to keep it”, Succotash says, as he opens his hand, he then offers it to Talia 1st, not because of his fondness for her, so much as a pragmatic approach since she is the most dedicated caster in the party.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Monday October 29th, 2018 10:19:58 AM

"Thank you, Succotash. I appreciate that." Talia takes the gem, and holds it in her left hand for now. She waits to hear what the plan is, and thinks over what spells she might use for the creatures below.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Monday October 29th, 2018 10:26:47 AM
"Speak for yourself, Succo," says Kezzem. "I, personally, am a great caster...when I prep the correct spells...and remember to cast them. You know what, just give the crystal to Talia."

"I still want to know what part of the giant is the Thimble. Is there some sort of sewing room in this thing? Seems like a weird thing to have, but I guess it's practical. You can't go around attacking innocent halfling villages with split pants after all. That just wouldn't look right."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday October 29th, 2018 4:00:52 PM
“Well, I think it’s possible that Anur likes monopoly. Any chance a different mirror has the dog?

“Kidding aside, the icon probably means repair, similar to how the eyes are tied to probes... no, it’s not glowing so it may need anything. Hammer and spear are probably weapons, which means power would be.... the furnace. Anyone dare me to click this bad boy off?”

Pressi reaches out to press the button. “We can leave ropes down the open shaft and hide. When they come to see what’s going on, we can ambush them.”

Pressi also uses clairaudio down the leg, trying to hear the strange creatures.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday October 29th, 2018 4:27:17 PM
"Go ahead and push the button Press, but if these guys are so stupid as to have an off button this close to the entrance, then we coulda let some less experienced adventurers handle this one. Something tells me our experiences are gonna be needed here."

Hobie casts light on an arrow and shoots it down into the pit where Pressi's torch was.

DM Carl
Monday October 29th, 2018 11:07:50 PM
Succotash hands the crystal off to Talia because she's "the most dedicated caster in the party." Sure, we'll go with that. Kezzem feels he's obviously a close second. No one ever expects the caster-specced paladin.

Talia is grateful for the crystal. No doubt she'll make good use of it.

Pressi further ponders what those icons do. Hobie tells her to go ahead and push them, that if they're stupid enough to have a disable button this close to the ground, they deserve to be stopped easily. He's not wrong...

Pressing the furnace button, the image in the mirror shifts to a tiny room surrounded by pink crystal. It's beautiful, though its significance isn't clear. There's a steel chest on the floor.

Pressi casts a clairaudience spell as Hobie fires a light-bearing arrow down the hole. The arrow accelerates much faster than the dropped torch, but doesn't illuminate anything Pressi's torch didn't. The clairaudience sensor picks up the booming of the Giant's foot-steps, as well as a crackling, wooshing noise. It's the same sound that came from the leather hood found in the right foot of the Giant.

Ropes are lowered in hopes of provoking a failed ambush. Whatever's down there isn't taking the bait.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Monday October 29th, 2018 11:07:57 PM

Bliss changes into a halfling for the purpose of a quick discussion. "We can sneak down and turn off the switch, or we can try to fight our way through, right? Who wants to do what?? I'm good either way."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 5:27:30 AM
“It seems to me”, Succotash discerns, “that we are going to have to deal with the occupants eventually anyway”, “I mean”, he continues, “If we are going to use this thing to protect Humble’s Ford when this is all said and done, we can’t have any nasty stole aways”. “I for one want to see this thing standing guard in place of the broken giant towers”.

Unless someone stops him, Succotash will then descend the leg shaft, using the levitation function, using Twinklesting as his light source.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 10:53:35 AM
Pressi takes some time to click on the hammer and the thimble, now that she better understands what she sees. "I don't know, so far they've been unprepared enough that I've overestimated their intelligence... no offense."

Pressi reminds Succotash that it would be better to avoid time delays and attacks if they can, even if they hope to eventually take it for themselves. As for the latter... perhaps it is the fear of the unknown or her own prickly nature. But even though she agrees with Succotash logically, even though her entire power source uses the same logic, she can't help but feel an emotional "no" rise within her. Even for a chain laden blood draining half-dead enchantress-rogue, taking this "deal" feels like an abomination and Pressi doesn't know why.

But that's a question for another time. Right now, it's about moving forward.

"One last thing before we head down. As my fifth level domain spell, I can cast True Seeing on a single person. I was about to cast it upon myself, but want to give others a chance to claim it instead. JTT perhaps? Murphy? Succotash."

It says something about Pressi's state of mind that she hasn't objected to not getting the crystal. (It says something about the player too: this is the first time I haven't had to scratch something out on the phone.) Generally, it raises her partial rivalry with Talia (what do you mean "only" full caster) and her relationship with Murphy. RIght now, it's just another facet to be decided quickly.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 2:11:23 PM
Zaragosa thanks Pressi for the offer but declines. If no one stops Succotash, Zaragosa will follow him

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 3:16:12 PM
"True seeing might help me be more accurate, but darkvision would probably be enough for me, does anyone have that prepared?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 3:32:17 PM
"Not per se, but I could always change you into an elf or something." Pressi responds to Hobie.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 9:25:16 PM
As Succotash, then Bliss move to drop down below, Murphy moves to stay them and says, "Y'know, Kade's folks fought the critters below to a stalemate. I know time's a wastin' - and sorry I haven't advanced a plan yet, but, should we make a quick plan, before jumping in feet first?"

"Kade - they shape shift. What kinds of attacks did they have? Did they use magic? Did they throw things, or use missiles? Any unusual attacks? If you had to do it over again, how would you recommend they be dealt with?

"Also, exactly where down there is the gem or dial we're supposed to turn to neutralize the orangish passageway above the area you and your team were defending?"

As he talks and listens, he also glances at the images that Pressi's pushings make to the mirror-like surface.

"Spellcasters among us - anything you can do to soften them up before we descend? I hate to be overcautious, but I also don't want to be foolishly undercautious, either." He considers the spells and such he has remaining.

DM Carl
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 10:52:27 PM
Bliss asks for a consensus on sneaking or fighting.

Succotash makes the decision to fight, seeing as how he'd like to use the Giant when this is all over. Zaragosa is ready to go as well, but Pressi and Murphy stay him. Pressi offers a true seeing spell. Hobie requests darkvision if it's available. Pressi offers to turn him into an elf, which would technically only give him low-light vision.

Kade doesn't have much more to offer. "I didn't fight them. I know they didn't have shapes that stuck, and that they could hurt some folks more than others. I know that doesn't help much; maybe you folks'll figure it out.

"The orb is in the same place as it was on the right. You'll know it when you see it...probably. We rarely have to drop that field, and the things below turn it when we ask them. Part of the deal.

***

20 minute mark!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 11:34:52 PM
"I know time's a wastin' - and sorry I haven't advanced a plan yet, but, should we make a quick plan, before jumping in feet first?" asks Murphey.

"Maybe we should plan to jump in feet first," says Kezzem. "It always ends up that way, and at least this time, we'll be prepared for it."

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 1:40:55 AM

"Yeah, wait just a moment. Kade - please ask them to turn it," Murphy requests of the dwarf.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 3:34:49 AM
“I’ve heard of gnomes who have darkvision, could you turn me into one of them? Or maybe a goblin?”

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 3:40:45 AM
“Actually, I forgot I’ve got Alter Self prepared, I can turn myself into a Goblin! Ok guys, especially you Paladins, I’m gonna become a goblin for a few minutes. I’m not changing my clothes, so when you see a goblin wearing this outfit, and this hat, don’t attack him, it’s me.”

When the group is ready to descend, Hobie will cast Alter Self and take the form of a goblin.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 3:41:19 AM

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 2/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 19/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 50d8+50=294 ; 50d8+50=265 ; 50d8+50=284 ;
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 3:43:58 AM
ooc: just curious how much healing a whole wand of CLW might do in one shot. Almost 30, not bad

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 5:35:04 AM
If the “friends” down below turn off the field as per Murphy’s request spoken through Kade, than Succotash says, “Time is pressing in on us, we can deal with the leg dwellers after we save our home”.

If not then Succotash descends for real this time.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 9:08:34 AM
Bliss sighs. He saw, even sniffed, nothing down there. The enemies are unknown. He shivers.

The young halfling mutters. “The second strongest halfling emotion is fear, and the greatest fear is fear of the unknown. I’m scared today, for some reason. I don’t know why.”

But he is ready to descend and fight. Bliss changes into a jet black cat, arches his back, and hisses.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 10:37:33 AM
"Yeah, nobody attack Hobbie, especially as I'll take half his...oh crap, is that a goblin! What have you done to Hobbie, you fiend!"

Kezzem gets in a slap-fight with Hobbie.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 2:12:54 PM
"Friends, let us be off" Zaragosa said. "We do not have much time to be careful as our town is in such danger. It goes against my instincts, but we must through some of our caution in the wind. I have yet to use any of my healing magic and I believe we are in good shape. We can handle anything we meet when we meet it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+17=27 ;
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 2:48:43 PM
"Well, nothing like trying to get at least a little prepared."

Pressi considers altering herself into a (drow) elf or a goblin, but chooses dwarf instead. She also activates detect thoughts to ensure nothing sneaks up on them. She holds off on true seeing until she can make sure her gear has the proper material and in case things above the waist are crazier.

Using a grappled rope (as an anchor) and a magnetic gear (as propulsion, she begins to dive down towards the floating torch (Perception 27, darkvision 60), along with Succotash and Hobie.

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 6:46:31 PM
"Uh, Pressi, you don't want to wait to see if Kade's request will do the trick for us?" Murphy asks. He holds up a forestalling hand to get her attention before she tries descending, but will not stop her if she insists.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 6:50:02 PM

Talia waits to see if Kade can get the creatures below to turn the control. If so, good. If not, then she casts a few spells, and will be among the last to descend - or will cast downwards if she is able to see opponents.

DM Carl 5d8=22 ; 5d8=31 ; 5d8=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 10:40:49 PM
Kezzem wonders if they should make a plan, even if the plan is "jump in."

Murphy asks Kade to ask the things below to turn the orb. "Never done it myself, but I'll ask." Kade walks over to the hole and calls down in dwarven, "Hey, could you things turn that orb?" Nothing happens. "Please?" More nothing. Kade shrugs and walks back to his spot on the wall and sits.

Hobie turns into a goblin, seeing how they have darkvision too. This provokes a slap-fight from Kezzem.

Bliss does not like this, floating on a placid island of ignorance in this black sea of infinity. Still, he's ready to throw down.

Zaragosa recommends haste. Pressi turns herself into a dwarf and casts detect thoughts. Projecting her senses down the hole, she detects zero minds.

Talia prepares to go last.

Succotash is ready and goes first. Waiting for the left foot to hit ground and activate the field, he steps into it and descends.

He does not make it far. In Twinklesting's light, three sets of yellow eyes glow back. They float just below the ceiling and charge Succotash as he descends into their territory. They stop within about 20 feet and explode into a crackling burst of energy that scrambles Succotash's being. He is hit by all three for 22, 31, and 20 damage. A DC 18 will save halves the damage (roll once for each). If any of the saves fail, Succotash is staggered for 4, 2, or 6 rounds respectively. These rounds do not stack.

The attacks happen before anyone else can start to descend. The creatures shift from yellow-eyed humanoids to vaporous clouds that shimmer with blue energy. The immediately start descending, but our heroes have time to act before they get too far away.

Knowledge, Dungeoneering DC 19, Highlight to display spoiler: {These are Bedlams.}
***

Combat rounds!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+19=21 ; d3+2=4 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 11:09:39 PM
Kezzem attempts to detect evil on the creatures. He steps towards them as he hurls his frosty dagger at them.

OOC: Btw, Pressi has Kezzem's other Shield Other focus ring, correct? I believe it was Murph than lent his to Hobbie when we split up, but I am not 100% certain (and am too lazy to double check the archives).

----

Detect Evil (Move Action) and 5-ft. step, Attack (Standard Action)

Attack: 1d20 + 21.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 (cold) = 4 + 4 cold = 8 total.

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

DM Carl
Thursday November 1st, 2018 12:11:25 AM
Quick note: Kezzem does not detect evil from them.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday November 1st, 2018 4:32:21 AM
I got my ring from Murphy

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 74/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+13=22 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=33 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+7=25 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 5:39:49 AM
Lay of Hands 7/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Succotash is able to shrug off some of the pain from the 1st and 3rd attacks, but the 2nd one nails him full force staggering him for 2 rounds. "These guys pack a punch!", he says through gritted teeth.

As a swift action he heals himself 24 health with a lay of hands. I'm assuming that continuing to descend the shaft is considered a move action, so due to his staggered condition, he will reach the bottom, and that would be the extent of his turn, though he does look around using Twinklesting's light to try to get his bearings, as well as see if anymore attacks are coming his way. perception 25

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+12=16 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 9:57:37 AM
Pressi swings back behind the retreating cloud. "Trick or treat," she shouts.

With an outstretched arm, she grazes the form. (Lore Keeper. Attack Roll 16 vs touch AC.)

Swift activation of her shield.

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday November 1st, 2018 10:04:11 AM
(OOC to Kezzem: Pressi does have the other ring, if you want to activate her.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=26 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=23 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=18 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 2:25:06 PM
Hobie fires a full round of arrows at the creatures who attacked Succotash

Manyshot
Attack 26
Piercing 22, Fire 1, Electric 1 (24)
Piercing 22, Fire 5, Electric 5 (32)

Rapid Shot
Attack 34
Piercing 19, Fire 1, Electric 6 (26)

Haste
Attack 27
Piercing 18, Fire 2, Electric 5 (25)

Iterative
Attack 23
Piercing 20, Fire 6, Electric 2 (28)

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 24/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Goblin form for 5 minutes
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 1/3)(performance 12/13) d20+5=23 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 2:53:20 PM
Zaragosa recognizes what these things were (23). He has had fewer adventures than the rest of the team, but during his journeys, he did hear of this kind of thing.

"Bedlams!" He blurts out to those who can hear him. He will then cast Haste on anyone within range.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Thursday November 1st, 2018 10:54:25 PM
Hasted Bliss activates his Shield of Faith and heads down, spending all his move on descent. He wants to get close to one of those things.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28 d20+34=52 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 11:03:12 PM
Xtra: Acrobatics to avoid AoOs: 52

DM Carl d20+20=27 ; d20+20=32 ; 5d8=19 ; 5d8=24 ; 5d8=21 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; 3d8=17 ; 3d8=11 ; 3d8=6 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 11:37:52 PM
Kezzem activates his evil-senses, but these things don't register as evil. He chucks a frosty dagger, but it sails through the thing. A few of its vaporous tendrils freeze and fall away. It's the only sign it was affected at all.

Succotash gets whacked hard and is staggered. He heals himself up some and continues going down. He looks around for more of these things, but finds none.

OOC: The field's too slow to get you from top to bottom in one round. Feel free to get off on the 2nd story if you want some ground beneath your feet. Otherwise you can just continue your descent and reach the bottom next round.

Pressi joins Succotash in the field and reaches out to learn about the creature, but the creature is too quick.

OOC: Touch AC 18

Hobie is able to take aim at the creatures from his current position. Focusing fire on Kezzem's target, he sends four arrows out. All hit, but they pass through just like Kezzem's dagger. They don't seem truly ethereal, but your attacks definitely aren't doing full damage. Still, between the fire and electric energies of his arrows, the thing's worse for wear.

OOC: AC 26, DR 10/something. Also, you didn't have haste cast on you but made a haste roll. I used the higher result for your iterative attack instead.

Zaragosa knows what these things are: bedlams! Creatures of pure chaos. He casts haste on the whole party.

Bliss activates his shield of faith and leaps down the hole to Succotash.

The three bedlams move as one, forming a perfect triangle around Succotash and Bliss. An aura emanates from them, disrupting magic in their vicinity.

OOC: Any spells cast within 20' of them require a DC 18 caster level check. Also, any magic items in that vicinity must make the same check (at your level), or temporarily lose their abilities.

All three bedlams once again release a wave of chaotic energy. Succotash takes 19, 24, and 21 points of damage. A DC 18 will save halves that. Any failed checks stagger him for 5, 1, 1 rounds respectively. These still don't stack.

Succotash is not doing well. He feels himself unraveling as the bedlams' chaos infects him. The poor paladin must focus intently just to keep himself from falling to pieces.

Bliss doesn't see what the big deal is. He takes 17, 11, and 6 points of damage. A DC 18 will save halves it, and there's no risk of being staggered.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Friday November 2nd, 2018 12:23:17 AM

[Sorry gang, this is the worst time for me to go AWOL - but medical issues, memorial issues (service this Saturday), automotive repair issues and mess-ups, and tons of work are killing me. Can't post right now. -Kim]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 66/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+13=23 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=29 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d20=20 ; d20=11 ; d20=1 ; d20=3 ; d20=7 ; d20=19 ; d20=4 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 5:58:01 AM
Lay of Hands 6/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1
Succotash was able to once again shrug off some of the ouch, but he still takes a thrashing, he also avoided any further rounds of being staggered, but is still staggered for this round. As a swift action, he preforms another lay of hands on himself healing 24 hp. He decides to keep descending in Twinklestings light, as he feels his physical strength lessen. OOC... Twinklesting and his armor made their saves, but his ring of protection, amulet of natural armor, belt of strength, gear of strength, and headband of charisma all temporarily shut off.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 66/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday November 2nd, 2018 6:06:19 AM
OOC... Totally understand Kim, do what you have to do! My mother-inlaw passed last Saturday and the funeral, of which I'm officiating, is tomorrow, so even though I've been able to keep up on my posts, I completely get what you are going through.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+21=39 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=2 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 12:25:59 PM
Kezzem will move up to one attacking Succo and stab it with his frost dagger. "Hey, stop going all explodie!"

Attack: 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 2 cold = 5.

OOC: Sorry to hear that Kim. Hope you are doing okay.

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=23 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+13=33 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 2:53:05 PM
Hobie sees that his damage isn't all getting through, but he doesn't see any choice other than to keep firing, especially at anything close to Succotash

Manyshot
Attack 23 -- Misses AC 26

Rapid Shot
Natural 1

Haste
Attack 35
Piercing 22. Fire 3, Electric 3, Total = 28

Iterative
Attack 33
Piercing 19, Fire 6, Electric 3, Total = 28

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 29/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Goblin form for 5 minutes
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d6=3 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 3:24:32 PM

Pressi, staying away from the creatures, hits them with a mass pain strike. "Hey, why don't you pick on somebody who can really bring the pain." She moves downward towards Succotash, trying to keep pace.

(Fort DC 19, 1d6 damage/round+sickness)

Swift activation of shield

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 1/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 12/13) 2d8+8=18 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 9:11:43 PM
Zaragosa will rush up to Succotash if he is within his reach and try to touch him to Cast CURE MODERATE WOUNDS on him for 18 hit points

DM Carl d20+8=22 ; 5d8=25 ; d6=1 ; 5d8=15 ; 5d8=26 ; 5d8=28 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; 3d8=15 ; 3d8=15 ; 3d8=14 ;
Sunday November 4th, 2018 8:52:04 PM
Murphy and Talia bonk their heads together peering over the hole in the floor. They'll probably recover any moment now.

Succotash holds himself together, literally. He heals himself again as he completes his trek to the bottom of the left leg. The foot is very similar to the right foot. The same pedestal and orb are present, and there's a door leading to what would be the toes.

Kezzem heads into the field and stabs at the most heavily damaged bedlam. His attacks are pretty ineffective, but the bedlam in question is looking rough.

Hobie acknowledges his attacks are muted, but has no better option. Most of his attacks go wide, but his last few connect. His first arrow pierces the injured bedlam, causing it to explode outwards in a rainbow-colored cloud. His last attack hits another of the bedlams attacking Succotash.

Pressi tries to get a pain spike to hit, but the spell is shrugged off (Fort save 22). She descends into the leg alongside Kezzem.

Zaragosa can reach Succotash if he performs a double move. He can cast his cure spell next round.

As Pressi, Zaragosa, and Kezzem start to descend, a 4th, hidden bedlam closes quickly, but remains about 15' out. It unleashes its own chaotic blast. Kezzem takes 25 damage and must DC 18 will save or be staggered one round. Pressi and Zaragosa brace themselves for the blast, but find it just kind of...tickles? What are these paladins so worked up about? They take zero damage.

Down below, Succotash and Bliss find themselves on the receiving end of the onslaught of the original three bedlams. Succotash is hit for 15 and 26 HP of damage. He needs to make DC18 will saves or be staggered for 4 or 4 rounds respectively.

Bliss is only hit for 15 and 14 HP. No stagger chance.

Bliss, Succotash, and possibly Zaragosa are on the bottom of the foot. Kezzem and Pressi are half-way down. The field will turn off at the end of your actions this next round. You'll fall if you have no way to fly outside the field. All of you need to make a DC 18 caster level check to cast a spell or use any magic items unless it's chaotic.

Hobie is up top with Talia and Murphy. The bedlams attacking Succotash are 120' away.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 86/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+13=33 ; d20+19=25 ; d3+2=4 ; d6=2 ;
Sunday November 4th, 2018 10:52:18 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 13 = 33 (natural 20).

Kezzem will stab again with his frost dagger (standard action), then descend towards Succo and Bliss (move action). He will lay on hands on himself (swift action).

Attack: 1d20+ 19 = 25.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 2 cold = 6.

Talia (Kim for J-P) 5d4+5=19 ; 5d4+5=18 ;
Sunday November 4th, 2018 11:48:40 PM
[I'm back. Sorry, I was not explicit in asking someone to post for Murphy and Talia - what I intended, but, well, there it is. Considering that I was totally pulled away from this game and from a bunch of other things, and if the DM would be so kind, I'll list two actions for each character. If disallowed, then just keep the first one.]

Talia shoots magic missiles against the bedlam closest to Succotash for 19 points of damage.

[If 2nd action allowed] The sorceress doubles down. If the one she attacked is still up, she strikes it again for 18 hp damage. If it is down, she hits the next one closest to Succotash.

Murphy 10d6=33 ;
Sunday November 4th, 2018 11:54:20 PM

Murphy casts call lightning.

[Second action:] Murphy sends forth a lightning bolt versus whichever bedlam is still active near Succotash for 33 hp electrical damage (DC 25)

P.S.: Talia's DC was 18 for the magic missiles.

Murphy & Talia
Sunday November 4th, 2018 11:56:35 PM

Oops: Missed some of the DM description. Please assign whatever damage did to whichever of the bedlams is still alive.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=27 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=25 ; d6+17=18 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=21 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 12:37:23 AM
Hobie aims for the closer Bedlam first since the others are out of his first range increment.

Manyshot
Attack = 27
Piercing 18, Fire 3, Electric 2 = 23
Piercing 21, Fire 2, Electric 3 = 26

Rapid Shot
Attack = 34
Piercing 20, Fire 4, Electric 6 = 30

Haste
Attack = 36
Piercing 19, Fire 1, Electric 4 = 24
Iterative

Attack =20
MISS!

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 29/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Goblin form for 5 minutes
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday November 5th, 2018 12:41:55 AM
Fire arrows used should say 34/50

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 79/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+13=22 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+8=21 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 5:58:38 AM
Lay of Hands 6/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash manages to once again shrug off 1/2 the damage, and to avoid any additional rounds of being staggered. No longer staggered, he takes a 5 ft step away from the Bedlams, and casts Cure Moderate Wounds on himself (caster level check 21) healing 17 damage, then as a swift action, he performs another lay of hands on himself healing 17 damage saying, "I hate wasting all this healing on myself".

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday November 5th, 2018 8:21:25 AM
"DON'T WORRY SUCKER!! WE GOT YOU!!!"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 79/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday November 5th, 2018 10:05:30 AM
“I know you do Hobie, I just hate being selfish with my gift, not that I want you guys getting hurt either!”

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday November 5th, 2018 3:47:41 PM
Wanting to save a few spell slots, Pressi chooses instead to see if these things can scratch, casting pox postules upon them (Fort Save 15).

"Yeah, lets see how you like the tickles you... oomph."

When Pressi feels the field turn off, she tumbles to the floor... still tied to the anchoring rope. With a yelp, she stops suddenly, a tug on her abdomen, swinging back and forth.

(If any of her teammates tumble, she makes a catch attempt (and I will gladly make any rolls as needed).)

"So... Are we feeling stealthy yet?"

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

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 4/7+1
L2: 1+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 1/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+9=14 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 3:49:57 PM
Sorry, forgot to do the concentration roll - spell fails.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 12/13) 2d8+8=19 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 7:16:58 PM
It will then be this turn when Zaragosa tries to cast CURE MODERATE WOUNDS on succotash for 19 hit points

DM Carl 5d8=19 ; 5d8=18 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; 3d8=17 ; 3d8=14 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 8:42:27 PM
Kezzem stabs at the bedlam attacking him, then descends to Bliss and Succotash, healing himself.

Talia clears her head, then takes aim from above and sends ten magic missiles down at the damaged bedlam attacking Succotash. It's looking pretty beat up.

Murphy creates an indoor lightning storm, striking the same bedlam. It also explodes in a prismatic explosion.

Hobie keeps on Hobieing. The bedlam that surprised Kezzem takes some serious damage from our glass cannon.

Succotash feels somewhat guilty using all this healing on himself, but he's no good to anyone dead.

Pressi attempts to cast pox postules, but the bedlam's aura corrupts and ruins the spell. Her anchoring keeps her from falling, but leaves her swinging. Good things these bedlams aren't much threat to her.

Zaragosa also heals up Succotash.

One of the bedlams is in rough shape, the other untouched. Their forms start shifting wildly.

Sense motive, DC 35, Highlight to display spoiler: {They're panicking.}

Escape doesn't seem possible, though. With no way out, they can at least try to take these blasted paladins with them.

The 4th bedlam descends, joining the last of the original three about 15' above the heads of our heroes on the bottom. They again release explosions of chaos. Kezzem and Succotash take 19 and 18 damage from the blast and are staggered for 2 and 4 rounds, respectively. A DC 18 will save halves the damage and stops the staggered condition.

Bliss takes 17 and 14 damaged. A DC 18 will save halves the damage.

Zaragosa is unaffected.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP98of131, AC28 raging and hasted d20+8=22 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=16 d20+15=18 d20+15=22 d6=1 d3=3 d2=2 d2=1
Monday November 5th, 2018 9:54:31 PM

Bliss rolls five will saves vs DC18 for full or half: 17, 11, 6, 15, and 14 points of damage.
Rolls: 22, 27, 14, 22, and 22. Takes 8+5+6+7+7=33 damage.

[OOC to kindly DM Carl: I'm assuming the caster level check is only for casting spells or activating items? That is, ongoing permanent items and effects are A-OK? For example, does Bliss have to roll vs his cat form? His pre-cast Shield of Faith? His bracers of armor subsumed into his kitty form? How about using his arcane strike feat? etc]

Bliss is stunned at first by the sheer chaos at the bottom of the leg. [OOC: Sorry missed a post] But he focusses into the combat and gets ready (rage)

Bliss activates his Arcane Strike feat (roll needed?) He takes a five ft step into melee with one of these bedlam things -- what do they look like? There's light down here? What's a "bedlam"?

Bite: hits AC18 for 19 nonlethal
Bite: misses with nat 1
Claw: hits AC18 for 17
Claw: hits AC22 for 16

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast surr blood x2, unseen servant)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 2 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 1 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 13 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin (used about 30 min)
Message spells (recast as needed)
Haste - do not know when it ends!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 99/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie) 5d6=18 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+9=13 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 12:34:48 AM
Apparently, I forgot to roll to heal Kezzem.

Lay on Hands (last round): 5d6 = 18.

SV Will DC 18: 1d20 + 13 = 18. Success.
SV Will DC 18: 1d20 + 13 = 24. Success.

"Wow, I don't like these things," says Kezzem. He looks to Pressi and Z. "How come they ain't hurting you guys?"

Full attack with frost dagger.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 5 + 4 cold = 9.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 1 cold = 4.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 = 13.
Assuming that's a miss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 99/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+20=35 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 12:37:08 AM
Also, I see that I am hasted now. Increase those attack rolls by 1 on my previous post.

Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 5 + 2 cold = 7.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=36 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=27 ; d6+17=23 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6+17=21 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; 3d6+50=61 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 5:05:52 AM
Under his breath, directed seemingly to the heavens above, Hobie mutters, “Who are you calling ‘Glass’?”

He continues his barrage

Manyshot
Attack 36
Piercing 23, fire 2, electric 1= 26
Piercing 19, fire 4, electric 5= 28

Rapid shot
Attack 20= miss

Haste
Attack 28
Piercing 21, fire 3, electric 3= 27

Iterative
Natural 20- confirmation roll 27
Unconfirmed: Piercing 20, fire 5, electric 4= 29
Confirmed: Piercing 62 (die roller wouldn’t let me do +51) Fire 3, Electric 1, = 66

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 70/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+13=23 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+19=26 ; d10=4 ; d10=3 ; d20+14=17 ; d10=7 ; d20+9=15 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 5:33:11 AM
Lay of Hands 6/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1
Belt and gear of strength, headband of charisma, ring of protection, and amulet of natural armor currently not working.

"Thanks for the healing J.T.T", Succotash says with a smile, "and now lets see about introducing these things to Twinklesting". Taking a 5 ft step, he will perform a full round attack on whichever bedlam looks the least beat up.

26 for 12 damage
26 for 11 damage
16 miss
15 miss

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 5:39:03 PM
Pressi continued to twist around, firing a guidance on succotash. “Must be my grace under pressure,” she muttered.

“They’re pure chaos. The personification of messianic witches. Which means they can’t hurt chaotic adventurers and Bliss hasn’t been pulling his chaos weight. Not happy .”

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96 10d6=39 ; 3d6=4 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 7:53:56 PM

Murphy repeats the lightning shaft (second of 10 from call lightning), hitting whichever bedlam seems most in need of an extra charge for a paltry 4 hp damage [Reflex DC 25]*. He makes sure that Talia does not fall down the shaft.

In halfling, he calls out below and asks, "Has anyone been able to turn the knob or whatever yet?"

Mentally (perm telepathic link with her) he says to Pressi, "Thanks for explanation of just what bedlams are."

[* Boy, did I blow an earlier post. I rolled 10d6 rather than 3d6. Supplanted the number of hit dice (3) with the maximum number of lightning bolts (10) in the rolling of damage. Almost did the same again. Sorry. Kim here, still only lightly present, in a personal recovery phase, thus not able to place my usual focus on the game.]

DM Carl
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 10:15:06 PM
Bliss lashes out, but can't connect a single time! The only light down here is what you folks brought with you. Twinklesting is providing most of it.

Kezzem attacks several times with his dagger. The blade itself does no damage, but the lingering cold is enough to cool the injured bedlam down completely. The vaporous bits of the creature freeze and fall to the floor in a prismatic snow.

Hobie is probably tougher than he looks. Three arrows hit the last bedlam. The creature turns back into a humanoid shape, glaring at Hobie with fierce, yellow eyes. Hobie takes careful aim and fires a single arrow straight into said eye. The last bedlam explodes, coloring the walls, plus all our heroes at the bottom of the leg, with a prismatic glow that lingers a good 30 seconds.

Others prepare their own attacks, but the battle is won. Our heroes are able to explore the foot without danger, but there's not much to see here. The orb you were looking for is here, ready to turn. There's also a solid iron door leading to the "toes" of the Giant.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13) d20+17=22 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 10:19:54 PM
Zaragosa Starts his speech to start his Inspire Courage giving everyone +1 on hit and damage. He speaks of all he has seen the Humble Sword do so far and how he is amazed by all of them.

His sense motive fails.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP98of131, AC28 raging and hasted
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 10:29:10 PM
Bliss purrs and nudges Sir Kezzem to congratulate his friend.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 70/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+10=11 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 5:33:01 AM
Succotash walks over to the orb and yells up, “Hey Pressi which direction do I turn this thing?” Then he will turn it the direction she says. After that he will begin searching the area (perception 11) as he hollers up to Hobie, “Could you help Pressi, she’s kind of tied up at the moment?”

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 8:45:34 AM
(I posted right before the win was announced (by the looks of it))

He gives a concerned look to Succotash. "Do you require any more healing magic?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 99/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) 2d8+8=11 ; 2d8+8=13 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 10:32:40 AM
Kezzem reaches down to pet Bliss and casts Cure Moderate Wounds on the kitty.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 11.

"Let's try that again."

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 13.

"So what's next?"

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (1 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Talia (Kim for J-P) d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 12:53:12 PM

Talia sighs with relief. "Well done, stalwarts," she says to those below. "Be right back." She walks over to the opening to the next room, looks around to see if anything has changed over the last couple of minutes within that room, and (unless something untoward is apparent) steps out enough to see whether the orangish opening above has changed or not following the turning of the orb by Succotash.

[Perception: 28]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 70/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 1:05:04 PM
“I could use some more if you don’t mind J.T.T.” Succotash answers with his usual smile.

ADM Kim - Cure spells rolling suggestion 2d8+8=16 ; d8=2 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 1:23:27 PM

When you roll things like cure moderate wounds, where multiple d8s are rolled, it might be well either to roll each d8 separately, so that you can reroll ones, or, if using the combined rolls (2d8+x), to click on the 'Explain Previous Roll' link which appears once a dice roll has been performed. Here is what appears for the roll I did above:
2d8+8
= (sum(d8,?)) + 8
= (sum(1,?)) + 8
= (sum(1,d8)) + 8
= (sum(1,7)) + 8
= 8 + 8
= 16
As you can see, the first d8 I rolled was a 1. I get to reroll that. Doing so, a 2, rather than 1, results. So this CMW does 17, rather than 16 points of healing.

On Kezzem's first 2d8+8, it is obvious that he rolled a 1 and a 2 on the CMW. It might have been more clear to just reroll a single d8 to modify the first roll. (I'm unsure as to whether the second CMW was actually a second casting of the spell, or an effort to correct the first CMW roll.) On the second roll, it is possible that there was another 1 rolled... and, if so (and Brian meant to cast the spell twice), then another d8 could have been rolled.

Let's keep in mind, and always take advantage of, the Woldian rule on "No ones in cure spell d8s."

To our health! - ADM Kim

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+15=29 ; d8=4 ; d20+15=28 ; d8=5 ; d20+15=28 ; d8=5 ; d20+15=24 ; d8=3 ; d20+15=24 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+15=28 ; d8=6 ; d20+15=34 ; d8=6 ; d20+15=28 ; d8=8 ; d20+15=23 ; d8=2 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=35 ; d8=4 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 3:55:13 PM
"I've always been a strong proponent for using wands to heal outside of combat and saving those awesome healing powers for when we really need them, so hold still Sucker, let me help."

Hobie takes out a CLW wand and starts tapping Succotash with it.

5 + 6 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 7 = 34

"There you go bud, you look pretty good now. Hey Kez, come here."

He will give Kezzem some healing as well

7 + 9 + 3 + 5 = 24

Hobie pulls out his favorite dagger, the silver one from Tink "Let me just carve ten more notches in this wand real quick..."

He carefully counts the notches on the wand and says "Alright, this ones got 9 charges left, but don't worry I've got a fresh one in my bag. Gotta keep you meat shields in tip top shape so I can keep shooting."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d100=2 ; d100=46 ; d100=30 ; d100=39 ; d100=78 ; d100=35 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 4:01:31 PM
I forgot Hobie is still a goblin right now, so keep that in mind as you picture the situation.

Hobie will also take the time to search for the six arrows that he missed with. He finds one still in good shape, but the others are unfortunately either missing or broken beyond use.

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 20/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Goblin form for 5 minutes
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Murphy (Kim)
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 8:20:39 PM
.
"Let's get going upwards, shall we?" Murphy says. "I have more healing for those who return to the top here."

Murphy takes a few moments to review the viewing mirror images, to observe what might be shown as he in turn looks at each of the green spots. [If all this was already shown, then skip those already described.]

As no one has mentioned the locked door to him in the toes, he does not know to ask about that.

After looking at the images, he nods to Kade, then joins Talia in the next area, from which they came.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) d8=5 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 8:27:42 PM
OOC: Sorry, I keep forgetting that heal rule.

The first charge definitely had a 1 in it (the dice total was 3, so it had to be a "1" and a "2" on the rolled dice). Keeping the 2, I rerolled the second d8.

So the first charge on Bliss should be: 2d8 + 8 = 15, not 11 (a 4 hp gain).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+7=23 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=9 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=7 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 8:35:55 PM
"It should turn only one way," Pressi replies. "Hold on, I'm coming...."

Pressi looks to see how far down she is. (She can't be too high up if she's on a rope that's meant to get her toward the orb and can keep some pace with Succotash.) Making a climb check, she shimmies the farthest that she can (climb 23), and then lets herself drop the rest of the way (acro roll, no fail to ignore first 10 feet damage).

"I only have a CLW wand, but that should be sufficient...." (4 charges gives him back 30 HP, and she uses a couple on herself for the damage.)

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP98of131, AC28 raging and hasted d20+22=24 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 9:48:34 PM
Bliss walks up to the door to the toe and listens. Maybe he can hear something behind it?

Perception 24

DM Carl
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 11:27:02 PM
The fight won, healing is passed around. Succotash asks Pressi which direction you turn the orb thing, but finds it only rotates one way. He does so until it clicks. Kade calls down from the top, "That did it. Field's down. You guys don't mess around, do ya? Ix shoulda killed you when he had the chance...wait, that came out wrong..." Talia confirms; the party is able to proceed up the Giant.

Goblin Hobie busts out the healing wand. No sense using the big magics for out of combat healing. Cannony AND prudent: he's a keeper, folks. He recovers some arrows.

Pressi tries to judge how far up she is. Without anything trying to kill her, shimmying down is easy enough. She lands gracefully.

Bliss takes a listen to the door in the Giants toe-area. He hears nothing. There's no lock on the door that he sees, only a simple knob.

Murphy investigates the viewing mirror while his companions fiddle down below. He's already seen the right leg area where Kade's comrades were killed (the eyes), and a strange pink crystal room with a steel chest (the furnace). That leaves the spear and the hammer. The spear shows the big room with the catwalk where our heroes fought their first big fight. He's also able to see the pink field is down.

The hammer shows something more interesting.

It shows a room dominated by an enormous pink gem. It's the exact pink crystal shown via the furnace icon. The gem is nine feet tall and six feet wide. The facets are as big as a human. It sits on a gold stand in the middle of the room, and a gold ring on stilts surrounds it. It pulses slowly with energy.

There are also 6 dwarves in the room along with two of the guardian constructs the party first encountered in the right leg. Then, of course, there's the dire badger. It takes Murphy a moment to observe the badger to get an idea of what he's looking at. It's been...enhanced? Is that the right word? Maybe. We'll use it. It's been enhanced in a manner similar to the interior of the Giant. Its paws are metal, but he can't tell if the paws have been replaced, or if they've just been clad in iron. Glowy gold wires run from said paws down the length of the badger, wrapping around before terminating in a small hole that's been trepanned into the badger's skull. No doubt, Murphy's druid sensibilities do not approve of this; it is wholly unnatural. One of the dwarves throws a sunrod at a battered target. The badger attacks, tearing the thing in half.

If Murphy has the hood someplace where he can hear it, he can hear a voice calling his name.

***

22 minutes have passed.

The legs and groin of the Giant have been effectively conquered. Each character gets 8,000 experience points. Succotash gets a hero point for being the first to engage an enemy designed to kill him and pressing on instead of falling back and letting Pressi and Zaragosa deal with it.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday November 8th, 2018 5:26:03 AM
"Thanks Hobie, I feel great!", Succotash says after receiving the healing, then he stops Pressi from wasting her wand on him saying, "I'm good, Hobie already got me. but thanks for the thought". he than waits for the levitation field to come back on, and ascends to the groin room.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Thursday November 8th, 2018 8:29:32 AM
(OOC. Oh my goodness, a cyborg Badger! Though my character does not know this, I find it fun.)

Feeling, the leg has been conquered and the orb retrieved. Zaragosa encourages the rest to try to come back up as time is a pressing issue.

Murphy (Kim)
Thursday November 8th, 2018 11:29:59 AM

Murphy raises an eyebrow at Kade's comment.

Murphy relays to all what he saw via the hammer tile. The 9' tall, 6' wide pulsating pink gem, resting upon a gold stand, and a golden ring on stilts surrounds it. The six dwarfs. The metallically-augmented dire badger and its ferocity. The two guardian constructs.

[Could we get the apparent dimensions of the room - how wide, long, high?]

He asks Kade, "Anything you can tell us about the pink gem and how it works, the folks in the room, the guardian constructs, or anything else useful about this area? Might some of the dwarfs yield or surrender, or even help us before blood is shed?"

As he listens to the reply, he opens his haversack to retrieve a sunrod. And at that point hears a voice from the hood. "Excuse me for a moment," he says, and walks back to the groin area of the iron giant. He leans against a wall, places the hood over his head, and says, "Hello. Murphy here. How is it going from your perspective?"

Murphy (Kim)
Thursday November 8th, 2018 7:24:32 PM

Oh, and Murphy keeps his telepathic channel with Pressi open so she is privy to Murphy's conversation with Ix - or with whoever is on the other end of the comm loop.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Thursday November 8th, 2018 7:41:20 PM
"Hey, does anyone have any sunrods?" asks Kezzem. "I have an idea. Maybe we can use them to trick that armored badger into attack its handlers instead."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29 d20+27=37 ; d20+22=30 ;
Thursday November 8th, 2018 8:19:40 PM

Bliss is not sure why the party is not attacking, but he stays hid and waits for action.

Stealth 37

Perception 30

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+17=27 ;
Thursday November 8th, 2018 8:20:38 PM
To Kezzem, "It's not a bad idea, but you forgot that we don't need any stinking badgers, so it doesn't count. Also, who are you and what have you done with the real Kezzem?"

Pressi looks around the area, expecting to see upward pathways similar to those in the right leg. Curiosity getting the best of her, and after checking for traps (Perception 28, still darkvision), she opens the door to the left heel before making her way back upwards.

To Kade's remarks, she remains lost in thought. To Murphy, "Please don't taunt the happy fun gnome."

DM Carl
Thursday November 8th, 2018 11:59:58 PM
Succotash appreciates the healing. He ascends out of the left foot.

Zaragosa encourages haste.

Murphy wonders how large the room was. The image wasn't of the entire room, so he can't be 100%. Ceiling was maybe 20' up. He couldn't see the left and right walls, so width is unknown, but it's about 50' deep. He asks Kade about anything he can tell them.

Kade shakes his head. "I've never been above this level. Don't know where that giant gem is or what it does. I've got friends in here who might listen, but I've got more that'll kill me without hesitating for talkin' to you. The chances of running into a room of reasonable dwarves up there's probably pretty slim."

(I'll get to your conversation with the hood in a bit.)

Bliss seems confused. The dwarves and dire badger are images in the mirror.

Kezzem ponders using sunrods against the badger's handlers. It'll be a hoot if it works.

Pressi encourages Murphy not taunt Ix. She investigates the door in the foot. Inside the small room is a pegboard with dozens of pegs. Six gears are hung on various pegs. Touching them reveals their associated stat. There is another CON gear, a DEX gear, 2 INT gears, a WIS gear, and a CHA gear. The CHA gear is super pretty.

Murphy finds an out of the way spot to blind himself and speak with Ix. "Hey, you guys cleared out the bedlams? That's super helpful! Turns out sending a bunch of loyal, order-following soldiers to fight beings of pure chaos doesn't end well. That Succotash guy is pretty tough! You folks are burning through a lot of healing, though. Say, what was down in the left foot, anyway? We never found out.

"Oh, and what's that archer doing with you guys? He was supposed to get dealt with by the guardian. You folks letting him tag along is going to lead to some awkward conversations for me later. Any chance you can just off him for me? I'll make it worth your while. There's some frustrating stuff to work through in the level above you."

***

23 minutes have passed.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday November 9th, 2018 4:01:52 AM
Seeing Pressi exploring the other room, Succotash reverses course, wanting to be there to help his friend should trouble arrive, and assuming Pressi doesn’t keep her find to herself He will ask if anyone would mind if he used the con gear, and though he would really like the chr gear, he allows his other charisma based friends 1st dibs if they wanted it, of course if no one wants it, he will gladly claim it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday November 9th, 2018 2:05:51 PM
Pressi doesn't feel too terrible just taking the two INT gears. She figures that nobody else is going for it. (That gives Pressi another 2nd level spell and +1 to things like DCs.)

Pressi's alter self (Dwarf) has a run time of 9 minutes so she figures she has 6-7 to go. Hobie's, Pressi presumes, is about the same. "What if Kade and I pretended we caught this "goblin" running around and tried to scout ahead, maybe even keep their attention?" Her glammer armor shifted, beginning to match the armor she's been seeing around. "Oh, and let Ix know I'm coming to pee in his skull. Give him time to shower."

"This is your last chance if you want me to try a divination to better know what's up past the waist."

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

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 22)
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 1/2+1
Guidances: 3/9

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Friday November 9th, 2018 3:03:25 PM
Zaragosa will let

Pressi

that if he only has a limited number of divinations, that he would rather save it for the head of the creature. Zaragosa felt that this is where the Ix guy would be.

Zaragosa would then climb back up to the midsection they were at before.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+32=51 ;
Friday November 9th, 2018 8:35:25 PM
"I would be down for that plan if you think it might work Pressi. I'm not too great at lying but I'll just try to act grumpy and quiet."

Hobie would also love that Dex gear, but since he took the first dex one, he would understand if Kezzem or Zaragosa wants it.

If either of them wants it he will ask for either the CHA or WIS gear.
Since the CHA gear looks really pretty, Hobie will detect magic on it and carefully study it's aura, using a boost from his wand of Identify

Spellcraft Check = 51

Murphy (Kim)
Saturday November 10th, 2018 1:06:44 AM

Murphy would like either (one only, ordered by preference): WIS; DEX; or INT

He has communicated to Pressi what Ix has told him thus far.

[Will post more, including conversation with Ix, by early afternoon Saturday. Helping family member, time is tight.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Saturday November 10th, 2018 1:58:09 AM
Kezzem would prefer the gears in the following order: Cha, Dex, Con. I don't think he got a gear yet as Hobbie snatched up that Dex one last time.

Murphy (Kim)
Sunday November 11th, 2018 2:05:46 AM

"Succotash is one of the best halflings I know, Ix," Murphy replies. "And I'm traveling with a group of the best.

"Left foot? I dunno, toejam? Ah, no. A handful of gears."

When Ix asks about 'that archer,' Murphy replies, "Y'know, you may not have to worry about awkward conversations - unless that is a habit of yours. Maybe I can talk to him, give him - and you - reasons to extend his life. Purpose is important, would you not agree? Let's see if we can avoid more slaughter than necessary." He pauses. "I generally like dwarfs. And gnomes can be amazing!

"Say, with the frustrating stuff coming up, any hints or suggestions? Are you the brains behind the iron badger?

"Also, the pulsating pink crystal - we just came from a place of crystal, not too long ago. Does that magically fuel, or emplower, the iron gargantua?"

Talia (by Kim for J-P)
Sunday November 11th, 2018 2:21:43 AM

Talia says, "All right, all right. Gear up, and let's go, everyone! The giant is getting closer to our town!" She says, "Let's all get up quickly, and get to the middle of the, the, uh, groin. And then ride up the levitation lift."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29
Sunday November 11th, 2018 11:26:56 AM

What? He was looking into a mirror! Bliss swishes his tail, annoyed at his own foolishness.

He sure is glad that Miss Talia seems to know what to do. He sticks close to her.

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