DM Kathy Sunday June 9th, 2019 10:17:10 PM
It has been about 10 days since you returned from placing the Freeman's Token. As far as you can tell, it is working as intended.
In Bonetown, you visit the Catacombs, go over your gear, brew a few potions, and perhaps train with the WLA. There is also the matter of your castle, which will be your base of operations as a Dragon group. Denizens of Bonetown are nearly unanimous in their opinion that a ground-floor brewpub is essential in a good castle. Brother Lansel and Brother Engev have hinted strongly that the ground floor should also include a clinic or infirmary. The Harbormaster has suggested that there should be a large, enclosed space--probably on the second floor--where people could flee in the event of another tsunami, or a hurricane. And, of course, you'll want living and sleeping quarters for everyone. But those are just suggestions. For now, the builders are laying the foundation near Portside House.
The building of the castle is by far the most interesting thing happening in Bonetown. That is, until the visitor arrives.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday June 10th, 2019 7:46:55 AM
Tahni tries not to be too visibly disappointed with her Dominate spell failing on Terser. There were so many things that could have been achieved.
She thoroughly enjoys her 'time off' from adventuring. She sneaks in a couple of days with the WLA and even spends a little time crafting a little.
It seems the locals already have the plans for the castle worked out. It seems they missed the living quarters though. Tahni pictures having a room quite high up, providing a nice view of the harbor as well as being somewhere quiet (and safe) to dabble in magic.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 29/39, channel 5/7) Monday June 10th, 2019 9:27:58 AM
Tahni should be glad that she was spared a terrible rendition of a popular song with a name replaced by the word Ogre.
He was an ogre boy, I said she ya later boy... No, that's terrible.
He's glad that the town likes his brewpub idea, and tries badly to start a new nickname for himself as the Beer Baron. He makes sure to consult Aexana in his recipes, hoping it will take her mind off of her potions a little bit, since there's no limit on the amount of beer and rum they can produce.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Monday June 10th, 2019 9:28:44 AM
updating header
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday June 10th, 2019 12:17:51 PM
With some long overdue rest and no more work to be done on her potions Aex is more than glad to aid Terser with his recipes for brewing beer.
"What beers would you want to brew? Blond? Amber? Dark?", she asks Terser. Aex will help him blend the finest hop... master a delicate balance of acids and herbs... some sweetness of wild berries perhaps... "every tried beer and chocolate?! You'll LOVE it... "
(ooc beer and chocolate - that's not a joke. The chocolatier where we buy our pralines has written a book on the blend of chocolate and beer. Yummy! Belgium... country of beer, chocolate and fries :-) ... enough said)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday June 10th, 2019 1:53:45 PM
Jozhur smiles at the thought of their own castle. "A brewpub in the castle? I may not want to ever leave. Make sure there are pretzels!"
Jozhur spends some time socializes with the denizens of Bonetown, catching up on the latest gossip and happenings.
The Visitor Arrives [DM Jerry] Monday June 10th, 2019 6:20:49 PM
BANG BANG BANG
A gavel sounds through the space. It is so loud that it is heard a mile away.
A godly voice booms!
"ALL RISE!!!"
A suitable pause for a few seconds.
POP
Then that tell-tale popping of a teleport's receiving end.
And Gimp, servant of Gargul, appears dressed in grey with gold trim--the traditional dress of priests of Pantheon!
"What? No I don't want to..."
He looks around and realizes he is not where he thought he was.
"No! I said I didn't...."
He realizes where he is and who is in front of him. He addresses the sky:
"I don't even work for you! I am not a messenger of the Gods of Wold! Everyone knows what happened to them and what is likely about to happ...."
He shuts up immediately.
"Okay."
He lowers his head.
"Yes sir, your Holiness."
He stands defiantly for a few seconds.
He opens his arms in a gesture, exactly NOT in ANY way like Gimp has ever done in his existence. The awkwardness of it is obvious. His face begins to glow, growing so bright that all are forced to look away.
"HONORABLE SEA DRAGONS OF BONETOWN, MEMBERS OF THE DRAGON CONSORTIUM, SAVIORS OF SLAVES EVERYWHERE, BID ME HEED!"
Gimp seems to concentrate hard and the glow lessens. It doesn't completely go away, however.
"Pantheon, himself, bringer of justice, and protector of the accused, brings you greetings. Before my new temporary....."
He pauses and grimaces in pain for a second.
"Before my master, Pantheon the Just, was bidden to join the Gods of Wold, and before he spent millennia floating dead on a far away plane, he was not a solitary being as he is now. He was made up of many gods, which some of you may have studied about named the Gods of Yore or The Guardians. The Creator tasked them with protecting the Wold from without for there were many evils outside of Jerichospace and a multi-system war was waging.
"Due to his experience with what is outside our crystal sphere, my master [no hesitation this time] has become aware of a great threat to not only the Wold, but to other distant worlds. This threat comes from a single being known as The Tinker. A master arcanist, he has devised what can be termed "devices." Some of these are mechanical and some are magical. Some may be some of both.
"Pantheon, my....my master [Gimp grimaces], bids you to follow this Tinker, find each device, and figure out how to deactivate each one. Finding and stopping the Tinker himself bringing him to justice is what is desired by His Honorableness, but is second of the priorities. The first priority is the finding and deactivating of the devices. If even one of them is allowed to go off, the ripples could spread through hundreds of worlds.
"You are to be cautioned that different worlds have different physical laws. Magic may work differently, or it may not work at all. It may be difficult to communicate with people on these other worlds, as their languages may bear no relation to ours spoken in the Wold. Note that each world will have its own customs and taboos.
"Once you accept this crusade, I, Gimp, uh.. servant of Pantheon the Just, will place a godly enchantment on your Dragon Consortium rings to enable you to shift to the locations, the Worlds my master has selected. PCs to the right worlds, placing you as close to the device as possible. Once a device has been deactivated, gather together and speak the command word to shift you to the next device.
"Stop, rest, and heal if you must; however, time is of the essence."
Gimp stops waiting for something more. After half a minute, he pulls out a mirror and sees that his glow has faded.
"Well, that's all I got."
He stands there looking kinda sheepish, like "what do I do now?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/154 - AC 30/17/28 - CMD 25 Monday June 10th, 2019 6:48:25 PM
Rill will walk over to Gimp and crouch down to the imp's level as he smiles.
"I guess what you do now Gimp is to accept our thanks for being Pantheon's message to us. You are a good and faithful servant of our Lord Gargul, and it seems that service sometimes requires the unexpected."
Then he stands. "I will let Tula know that she's in charge of the ship while we're away. I suppose that we should wrap up any catacombs purchases so we can be on our way."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 144/177 (152rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday June 10th, 2019 7:44:15 PM
Fang watches curiously as the strange creature speaks at them. While he's vaguely familiar, it's only in the "I maybe read a book about him once" kind of way. Figuring it's none of her business, she goes off to prepare for the upcoming adventure, which mostly involves packing survival gear just in case they end up stranded on a strange world somewhere (food, tents, that kind of stuff).
DM Kathy Monday June 10th, 2019 10:36:54 PM Aexana and Terser get started on a few brews, ensuring that the brewpub will have something to serve when it's time to open.
And then a remarkable figure appears and tells you some remarkable things.
Rill makes a mental note to inform Tula of your coming absence, and encourages his companions to wrap up their business in the Catacombs.
Fang starts packing camping gear.
Gimp is still here, so you may ask questions if you have them.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/154 - AC 30/17/28 - CMD 25 d100=92 ; Tuesday June 11th, 2019 1:28:55 AM
Rill will prepare his gear. And he will cast a Divination. He was asking, "How can we best prepare for our fist destination?" But then he seems to get the "Reply hazy, try again" response. (rolled 97 - fail.)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday June 11th, 2019 7:45:16 AM "Gimp serving Pantheon? That's something new. I wonder if something bigger is going on? Perhaps Gimp upset Gargul one too many times and this is Gargul's version of a punishment?"
So many questions...
"What does he hope to achieve with these devices? What exactly do they do?"
Tahni has a whole bunch of other questions but doesn't want to overburden the poor little imp on what looks to be his first day. Best leave it at those key ones.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Tuesday June 11th, 2019 5:51:29 PM
"Sounds like trouble to me... ", Aex snickers. However, visiting different worlds with different physics does sound most intriguing... who knows what fauna and flora she'll stumble on!
"How should we prepare for these new places?!?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 144/177 (152rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday June 11th, 2019 7:24:37 PM "And what might we have to kill? Fang adds, still focused on her packing. It'd be good to know if they should bring holy water or something. Maybe a blunt weapon; she likes her axe, but some things just aren't bothered by being cut in half.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d100=89 ; Tuesday June 11th, 2019 9:32:46 PM
"Off day, Rill? Let me try.
Hey ancestors! Same question!"
Perhaps his sass is too high, since his question doesn't get an appropriate answer either.
"Can't rely on magic here, or in some the worlds we're to visit apparently. Good thing we had some practice on that golem."
DM Kathy Tuesday June 11th, 2019 10:27:20 PM Tahni asks what the devices will do, and you learn that they are intended to destroy...everything. Not just the Wold, or a world, but all worlds, everywhere. Complete annihilation. Unless you stop it.
Aexana and Fang want more information about the worlds you're going to visit, but Gimp doesn't know much. He knows that the first place you will visit is a realm of Koshe-Marr, but after that, he doesn't know.
Rill tries casting a Divination, but his only reply is: it is said that on one world there is a Magic Kingdom ruled by a mouse, which not only doesn't answer his question, it doesn't even make sense.
Terser tries the same question, but receives no reply at all.
There is time for more questions, if you like, or a few quick preparations if you need them. But you need to get on your way fairly soon if you're to save the world. Er, worlds.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+20Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday June 12th, 2019 6:43:07 AM "I mean, I can understand using the devices to wield supreme executive power, or to use to extort wealth, but to completely annihilate everything? Everything!?! Seems a weird way to go about doing things. I wonder why he wants to do this..."
That's when it occurs to Tahni. It might not be a he. It might not be an 'it'.
"What is the Tinker exactly? What does he - it - look like?"
Tahni is ready to go when the others are. Her spells for the day have been cast and are in effect. This includes Tishe's Weave Element watery vests for Terser, Bralin, Jozhur, Fang, and Rill. They take the chest slot and provide water breathing. Someone had to miss out and she figures Aex can wildshape into something that breathes water anyway.
-------------- OOC: Sheet updated with the assumption the CC order has been filled
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Wednesday June 12th, 2019 12:47:52 PM
Bralin emerges from his ale induced coma in time to hear and consider Gimp's words.
"Prevent the elimination of all? A worthy quest indeed." The dwarf tilts his head at the imp, curious.
"How is it you now call Pantheon master?"
Bralin is ready. He also wonders aloud if his quarters in the castle could be located underground.
Gimp [DM Jerry] Wednesday June 12th, 2019 1:36:40 PM
"I have told you all my master Pantheon gave me to say. He is observing this so..."
He looks up at the sky shrugging expectantly.....
He looks a bit worried.
Looking at Tahni he says. "My..I think that they would be destroyed." If not that, it would be equal to that. I think."
To Aexana and Fang, he says, "No idea."
Not being struck with a gavel yet, Gimp begins to act like himself a bit more. He looks back at Tahni and deadpans it. "He looks like a tinker."
He whips his head around at Bralin's question. A look of fury form in his eyes. "I don't. Gargul is on walka..."
BANG BANG BANG
With a loud popping sound, Gimp is gone.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 144/177 (152rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday June 12th, 2019 3:01:17 PM ”Nothing like a vaguely defined and confusing request from the gods to start your day with” Fang comments. ”Remind me to tell you about the Ferocious Foot Fungus of Ferdinand sometime. Even after we succeeded I’m not sure what Alemi’s orders actually meant or how he knew we’d find and solve the problem while flailing about in confusion.”
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Wednesday June 12th, 2019 4:02:20 PM
"Koshe-Marr... of all places in the Wold and beyond we have to start in the land of nightmare... sigh... ", Aex contemplates.
Somewhat startled with Gimp's little outburst at Bralin, Aex wonders what he wanted to say about Gargul being on walkabout ?!?
"What was that all about?!", the little greenmage asks to no one in particular.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday June 12th, 2019 7:25:55 PM
Jozhur stands pondering a moment. "Indeed, why would someone...or something, want to destroy everything? That makes no sense, there has to be a reason. And what's up with Gargul?" He shakes his head, "And we're given a vague task to save everything, I think I'd rather look for foot fungus."
DM Kathy Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:37:13 PM
Gimp answers a few of your questions, and then departs--perhaps before he is ready.
As he leaves, however, your Dragon rings glow briefly, and then you feel a lingering warmth from your ring.
Some of you are confused about the quest, which is as follows: speak the command word (which you have been given), and the rings will transport you to the next world. Find the device, deactivate it, and then speak the command word again to move on to the next world. Rinse and repeat until you save the multiverse. Time is of the essence, but do rest if you need to. If you find the Tinker, by all means try to stop him, but the priority is deactivating the devices.
You know that your first destination is Koshe-Marr, but you do not know about any of the other worlds.
When you are ready, speak the command word.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Thursday June 13th, 2019 12:53:46 AM
"Hmmn. I've known a few Tinkers in my day, but most of them seemed obsessed with building things rather than destroying them. I suppose maybe this one wanted to see if he could build a device to destroy a world, just to see if he could. That would make him the last and greatest tinkerer of all. "
With nothing else to do to prepare, Terser is ready to head off, and speaks the command word when everyone else is ready.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+20Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday June 13th, 2019 2:07:22 AM
Tahni gives a nod to Terser. She's also ready to say the command word.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d12=7 ; Thursday June 13th, 2019 6:39:26 AM
Fang says she's ready to go and hefts her pack onto her back. (finished leveling, updated header)
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/154 - AC 30/17/28 - CMD 25 Thursday June 13th, 2019 11:00:44 AM
Rill has checked to make sure things are in order.
Tula on the Lionfish has been made aware of our imminent departure, the Harbormaster is told we will be out for a while, Brothers Engev and Lansel (both clerics of Pantheon) are told that the Sea Dragons have been contacted by an emissary of Pantheon that we will need to travel to a number of different planes to stop some constructs that may destroy many worlds.
Preparatory to our leaving, Rill will cast Heroes' Feast. This will take an hour to consume and has the following benefits.
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.
"Koshe Marr, eh? Not a good destination, but I fear that may not be the worst place we will be called to.
"OK, so is there anything we're forgetting? If not, let's go."
Assuming all are ready, Rill will speak the command word along with the others.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday June 13th, 2019 2:10:02 PM
Bralin eats the Heroes' Feast in silence, his mind obviously elsewhere.
At the repeated reminders that Koshe Marr is their first destination, the dwarf's countenance darkens even more.
"There is a vampire on that plane I would see destroyed," he remarks coldly. "May the gods grant us the opportunity."
Bralin speaks the command word.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday June 13th, 2019 6:23:52 PM
After the feast Aex nods and will speak the command word with the rest of the squad... fools to go willingly into the Lands of Koshe Marr...