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Waking the Giant
Adventures in Babysitting


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday March 4th, 2019 11:11:59 AM
"Wait Press, since when are you a necromancer!" says Kezzem with alarm.

"Oh man, does this mean I have to start smiting you now?"

DM Carl 
Monday March 4th, 2019 11:17:22 AM
Tiana breathes a sigh of relief. "Great! I knew I could count on you folks. I have to bring a lot of gear, so I'll need a few hours to put it all on the wagon. I'll be back a little after lunch so we can get moving!" She scoops up all her scrolls and bounds out the door, full of purpose.

The party has a few hours to pack up and get ready.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 
Monday March 4th, 2019 12:55:18 PM
Talia returns to the breakfast table and additional helpings of oatmeal. "Mister Murphy", says Talia when there is a break in the conversation, at the breakfast meeting with the wise sage; Lady Tianna; that has appeared before us to discuss the ramifications of the Iron Giant.

Humble Sword's Collective Gear Vault

When Talia is able to discuss openly her desire to donate a vast collection of her gear to the greater good use of Humble Sword, she explains to Mister Murphy that she is prepared to donate of all the following items:

Spiked Gauntlets;Pair -- Cold Iron & MasterWorked,
Alchemical - Antitoxin vials 3
Alchemical - Everburning torch 3
Alchemical - Holy Water 3
Alchemical - Oil 3
--------------------------------------
Candles 3
Canvas 3
Case (map/scroll) 1
Chalk 3
Compass (magnetic, directional) 1
Crowbar 1
Disguise Kit 1
Flint and Steel 1
------------------------------------------
Healer's kit 1
Ink 3
Inkpens 3
Parchment 33
Map Case (parchment) 2
Mirror 2
Rations (trail), halfling 14

Rope - hemp 50' 1
Rope - silk 50' 2
Sack (empty) 7
Sealing Wax 1
Sewing Needles 3
Shovel 1
Soap 1
Torches 3
Waterskins Sized small. 3
Whetstone 1
Whistle, signal 1
---------------------------------

"If of course, you believe you can use any of these items?" says Talia to Mister Murphy.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday March 4th, 2019 3:59:53 PM
Jack would rise up and speak to Succotash, "If you got my bag of holding still, I am ready to leave now.

Abilities: bardic performance:13/13 Impromptu sneak attack:1/1 Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 4/4

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6  
Monday March 4th, 2019 4:07:40 PM
Hobie arrives at the breakfast meeting, wearing a bright new purple and green cloak. His buckler exudes a magical aura that it previously did not.

"Sorry for my absence of late, I really needed some time riding alone with Pip. I'm here now, and ready to go. I don't exactly follow all of what she's saying about the magic of the giant, I'm still a mere apprentice when it comes to the Arcane, but I'm definitely interested in seeing how we might use this thing to serve the town."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Monday March 4th, 2019 4:53:36 PM
Updating Header

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25  d20+4=12 ;
Monday March 4th, 2019 7:02:51 PM

Bliss puts his Int headband to work and tries to understand the arcana being bandied about ... Int check 12.

"Well, I'm not sure what this is all about, but we always want to help the Second Breakfast Club," Bliss says. "So long as they are not betraying us and getting us sent back in time or to Koshe Marr!"

[OOC: PC Sheets for Bliss and for CatBliss are both updated.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92 
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 12:27:35 AM

Murphy looks at Pressi as she appears to temporize. "Are you feeling all right, Press?" he mentally messages her. "I thought we had agreed that getting the giant tower fixed was A Good Idea." He listens carefully to gauge her thoughts, mood.

He finishes jotting the note and directions to Talia, and listens to the interactions with his friends.

"Kezzem, no smiting of Pressi," Murphy mock-admonishes him.

As Tiana Taithen is scooping up her scrolls, and just before she dashes off, he tells her, "It took us an hour to acquaint ourselves with the Iron Giant, as superficially as we are, and another hour for cleanup and such. So, we could surely walk you through the place in maybe half an hour - since there won't be dwarfs or weird chaos monsters or semi-reliable gnomes or active constructs to battle. Not to mention oozes and shape-shifting machines. But setting up your machines - well, you're the expert on that.

"I'd be happy to join up with whoever else would like to show you about - unless I'm needed elsewhere. There's a huge gem at the heart of the Iron Giant which is - or perhaps who is - lovely indeed."

As she heads out the door, he calls out, "Sounds great. See you after lunch, Tiana." To his friends who remain at the table, he comments, "It's good to start a new task on a full stomach - except for swimming."

Murphy says to Talia. "This is a nice start to our group's supply center. I have a few things to add to it." [Will set up a sub-page on Woldipedia for Humble's Ford for these items, and others we add.] Before the group heads out Murphy finds a starter cubby hole for The Company Store in the rock castle and does something or other to obscure it from discovery. He tosses in a few more items in addition to what Talia turned in. This week he has been sorting through some of his own things, paring down and consolidating here and there.

"So, Hobie, looks like your buckler received some tender loving care. What did you have done to it? Nice cloak, too. Definitely moving up in the fashion world. You look somehow -- more robust. I take it time with Pippa was beneficial. Did I ever tell you about the time I tracked her for a few miles? An enemy spellcaster tried to burn down the tree she was standing under, and she managed to skedaddle. Was so relieved to find her. Lost another pony that day - might still be wandering the Red Hills."
-----
"Sounds like you might be busy. Anything I can help you with, Pressi, between now and lunch?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 5:18:35 AM
Succotash Says to Zaragosa, "I still have your bag for you, I've never looked inside of it, not my stuff and all, but you know halfling curiosity...". He then dons his armor, and saddles and dresses Miss Piggy in her barding, thinking, "Just in case, better to be safe then sorry". He will then meet the other for lunch, and after that the departure for the Iron Giant.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 11:35:37 AM
Updated Header+Sheet for Review

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 1:23:05 PM
Jack would give an honest smile, "Bedroll, pillows, water skins, lanterns, tents. That sort of thing. Nothing mysterious, I'm just too weak to hold both bag-of-holdings"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 2:17:14 PM
Pressi smiled at Kezzem as she shrugs to Murphy. "I think he's being sarcastic. Or he really needs to read up on what a reincarnation ceremony entails."

Regarding the giant: Let's just say that before I renew my commitment to a construction project, I'd like to see the bill. Call it an abundance of caution.

She pauses a bit, considering what to message.

I think people have noticed I talk a bigger game than I let on. I rattle the chains and cackle. I speak freely of the evil powers I could unleash upon the world. I stand ready to fight. But this stuff takes a toll on me. Dragging blood from the ether just so I can cast a cantrip takes its toll. And to see these supernatural elements arise once again...

I don't know if its a tighter connection to nature than when I was just a monk, or if its my paranoia getting to me, but I really regret not pushing harder to bury that thing back into the desert. I was done with it. And I can't shake the feeling that there's a cost to learning from it.

Pressi stood up, checking her gear. "Aside from the daily rituals of Bliss and myself, there shouldn't be an issue. I will gladly meet everyone at the site."

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

Not much has changed for Pressi. A few additional ingredients, a couple of more spells, a gem for trapping souls (looks like the last one I encountered, she thought), and an ability to charm people as an SLA or to use the healing ritual - she anticipated some fights with Bliss over the last one.

Pressi grabbed the drop of blood handily (no fail with the roll), saddled up Harper and rode out.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 4:06:58 PM
To Murphy: "Oh nothing too special, just got it enhanced a bit, Prowler too. This though, this is fun."
As he says that he waves his new cape in the air.
"This is a Cape of the Mountebank. Once per day, I can use it to cast Dimension Door. So now if I see a nice cliff or vantage point at the beginning of a battle, BAMF!!! I'm there. Or if a nasty bad guy gets in too close so I can't use my bow, BAMF!! I'm gone. I'd show it too you, but I'm not so sure this day is gonna end without us seeing some danger. Remind me before bed."

"What about you? Buy anything fun with your funds?"

DM Carl 
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 4:49:34 PM
Pressi wonders for a moment about past judgments, but when push comes to shove, she'll back her team.

True to her word, Tiana can be found on the outskirts of town. She stands waiting with a mule-pulled cart laden with obscure arcane equipment.

"All here then? Great!" She casts a mount spell, conjuring a pony into existence, then mounts up and begins the short journey.

The Giant is, of course, right where you left it. It still kneels with one arm on the ground, providing a ramp up to the Giant's face. The wall of force that acts as a windshield was restored before Anur took off, meaning the only obvious entrance is still in the right heel.

A few of the bolder citizens of Humble's Ford are already here, checking out the Giant. None seem to have worked up the courage to go inside, though. When Humble's Sword arrives, there's a flurry of excitement.

"Hey! Humble's Sword is here!"
"Hail the Giant Slayers!"

and of course...

"CAN WE HAVE A TOUR?"

A good half dozen folks all wait breathlessly for an answer. Tiana pulls out a leather folio and a pen. Fun fact about Tiana: she talks out loud when she writes.

"Entry one. Time of day: 1 hour past mid-day. Day of the Cat, Month of Beginnings, Year of the Spider." She pulls out a small box with a wire frame, probably the exocubic capacitor. She takes a blank scroll, places it inside the box, and waves it around the Giant's exterior. After a moment, she pulls it out and observes it.

"Aetherovariation signatures identical to readings taken inside Second Dinner Club tower. Proximity to Giant has not affected readings." She takes out a small ball of bat guano, casts her spell, and hurls the glowing red ball at the Giant. Nothing happens when it makes contact, other than a ball of bat dung falling to the ground.

"Confirm magic dampening effect of Giant's exterior. Readings from exterior of Giant likely compromised." She closes the folio and puts it away.

"Right. So how do we get inside?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 5:53:21 PM

Bliss stands up to talk to the people. "HI EVERYBODY! MAYBE WE CAN DO TOURS LATER! FIRST WE HAVE TO CHECK OUT THE IRON GIANT WITH MISS TIANA HERE. SHE'S AN EXPERT!"

He moves around the inner edge of the crowd, shooing people back from the giant and herding kids. He takes out his pot and uses it to call his four followers. And Pressi's if she does not mind. He asks them to come to the giant to handle crowd control when the party enters the iron colossus to show Miss Talia around.

"As soon as our friends arrive to handle the crowd, we'll take you in, Miss Talia," he tells her.

[OOC: Hope that's an ok use of followers. If not, sorry, can I take it back?]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 7:07:35 PM
"Hey, that's a neat trick!" says Kezzem as Tiana casts mount. "I can do it too, sorta."

"Rumpus-chu, I choose you!"

Kezzem summons his mount.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 10:04:37 PM
Additional Gear for the Humble Sword Collective Cache

Talia also adds to the list of Humble Sword items, explaining to Mister Murphy, "Now that I am capable of more advanced feats, I have decided to leave these additional items with the group. They are:

Wand of Cure Light Wounds 50 charges. (10 charges used on 12-17-2018 by Mister Murphy)
Mithril Buckler +1
Scroll of Haste 3x

I hope the group can use them!"

Afterwards

After Talia finishes with her donations to the Humble Sword Collective Cache and having sleep enough in the past 24 hours (needed two hours) to regain her spells slots, Talia casts Overland Flight on herself, and leaves a few items behind with Rayya -- the explorer coveralls from the explorer outfit she previously purchased, then magically changes the design of Bill's Splendid Pants O' Plenty to a nice shape of long flowing kilt in the color style of plaid with a distinct pattern woven with blues, reds, a green strip and were the lines cross, purples.

She then sets out to rejoin her companions at the Iron Giant.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 5:04:12 AM
"I just spent a big sack of coins on upgrading my Ring of Protection, and my Amulet of Natural Armor. I did pick up a Wand of Cure Light Wounds, thinking everyone else is so generous with theirs, it's my turn to share", Succotash answers Hobie. "That cloak thing is pretty sweet", He adds.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92 
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 5:05:40 AM

Murphy waits until Bliss's crowd management skills kick in and get the people moved back away from the giant. Then he tells Tiana, "Like this." He opens the back of the right heel, and steps through.

[Next few days my posts may be sparse. Highly busy elsewhere.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 11:43:48 AM
Pressi calls up her followers and joins Bliss in crowd control.

As Murphy shows Talia the way in, Pressi looks at the leg once again. It feels so long ago, the last time they entered into the giant.

"You haven't really explained to us where in the giant you want to go or what we are looking for. Are we looking to figure out what this thing is made of? Or is there a specific component you have in mind?"

DM Carl 
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 4:59:41 PM
Bliss addresses the crowd and summons his and Pressi's followers to escort them all back to town. There are a collection of groans; the crowd is obviously disappointed. Still, they go, kicking rocks and hands in pockets.

Kezzem also has a horse.

Talia finishes up her pet project, then joins the party at the Giant.

Succotash and Hobie compare purchases

Murphy shows Tiana the entrance. She continues writing as she walks. "Note: entrance to the Giant is located in the heel of the right foot."

Pressi asks what she's looking for.

Tiana pulls out the scroll she just made. "I'm looking for whatever is giving off this aetherovariation signature. It would be a very potent source of arcane energy. Maybe you've seen something like that in there?" She walks inside, writing as she walks.

"Entry foyer...unremarkable. Seriously...the grand, magnificent Iron Giant has this broom closet for an entrance? Who designed this?" She walks through and opens the interior door leading to the rest of the foot.

"Woah. This is more like it. What are these conduits on the wall for? Did you ever figure out what the circle over there does? Hold on, let me get a reading." She starts fiddling with the exocubic capacitor again. "Think some of you can start bringing all that equipment in? Careful though, some of it's fragile!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25  d20+4=22 [originally rolled a 32 by accident, typo fixed with my super ACDM dice editing powers]
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 7:41:00 PM

Bliss is pleased to be of use, and helps carry equipment in careful like.

"Of course, we found out a-loads of stuff, Miss Tiana," he says. "Ask Mister Murphy for details, but there's sure a metric crap-ton of unusual magic making this beastie walk."

He explains what he can (Int check 22, woo hoo), and maybe he actually has noticed a thing or two.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday March 7th, 2019 12:07:52 AM
"What's an aethero-whatis and how will I know if I see it?" asks Kezzem. "Hey, we're back in giant. Maybe if I load up on Int gears I can understand what's she's talking about."

OOC: I'm picturing Kezzem with three Int gears like that scene from the Hangover where Zach Galifianakis is counting cards at the blackjack table.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday March 7th, 2019 5:16:01 AM
Succotash offers to help carry equipment, and carefully does so, placing the items where directed. He then says, "Unless I'm wrong, the most powerful magical area would probably be Madam Gem. Maybe we should go there first".

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92 
Thursday March 7th, 2019 7:25:14 AM

Murphy assists in loading the equipment. He listens to as much of what Tiana is saying as possible.

"I came in a different way. Did someone figure out what the circle does that Tiana is asking about?" the druid asks the rest of the team.

"The conduits - The Encompassing Mind said something about a ... network of conduits. Did she say 'network'? Something like that. Messages, energies, magic, what-have-you are carried throughout the Iron Giant via the conduits. They have alloyed metals for various purposes, and gems for others."

He shows her a few gears, and since they are back within the giant, he places the three he ended up with on the bracers on his left arm. He also shows her a few gems, to further distract the sorcerer/mage/sage.

BTW - Murphy thought about the following last week, but when it was in Kim's mind, he was away from the keyboard. That is: We return all the gears and gems to the Iron Giant as we enter. - Talia was point on storing them, and Murphy knows where - so, we brought them along. One guardian construct, which Murphy elemental hulked over to the team's rock castle, lies in a room within that castle, with the PipeLeafs (Hugo and Primula) having been invited to take a good long look at it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday March 7th, 2019 1:12:19 PM
“In all fairness, I’m pretty sure this is the back entrance. We just never figured out the front.”

Pressi takes some time to explain levitation, the orbs, the constructs and a few other places. To Succotash, “I’d rather take her to the control panel at the waist first, get our bearings at least. Though you’re right that we need to go there too.”

Pressi is not an equipment lugger, but she will use her skills to help set things up or operate them. She also starts operating from her notes to point things out. “Hopefully, you can forgive my technical ignorance. Knowing of the arcane was never my strong suit, especially all this construct and crystal stuff.”

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Thursday March 7th, 2019 2:55:41 PM
Talia helps where she can...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP104  d20+7=13 ;
Thursday March 7th, 2019 3:38:48 PM

"A few people said the heel is the only entrance. However, we learned that the area along the eyes - the faceplate - is some kind of transparent force field, which can be opened from the pilot's seat. Bliss went out through it, and later came back in through it.

"Oh, and here is the cloak Ix used for teleportation - it only works within the giant, as far as we understand." Murphy puts it on to see if he can sense how it might work. "Also, a little control box for controlling the constructs that he used."

He thinks about the place on the leftward side of the groin, just above the left thigh, and tries to see if he can activate the teleportation cloak. [UMD 13]. If it works, then he messages Pressi as to what just happened, then begins hustling back on foot. If it does not work, he scrunches his face a little, and says, "This cloak doesn't work for me yet. Might need attunement. Or something." He then hands it off to someone else if they want to try the teleportation ability.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Thursday March 7th, 2019 3:46:09 PM
Hobie laughs and pats Kezzem on the back.

"Kez Kez Kez, before you go grabbing gears, let a superior mind explain some simple math to you. If you use three INT gears, each one gives you +1 to INT, or +3 in total. If you use one INT gear, one Dex gear, and one STR gear, each one will give you a +3. Either way, you end up with +3 INT. Unfortunately, even with the three gears, that math might be too difficult for you. Why don't you guard the entrance while the intellectuals discuss the aetherovariation."

Hobie will chime in throughout the conversation as Pressi and Murphy explain most of what they discovered, he will fill in details where he can.

DM Carl 
Thursday March 7th, 2019 5:06:00 PM
Bliss is happy to lend a hand. He advises Tiana to ask Muprhy for details, using scientific terms such as "crap ton" and "beastie".

Kezzem tries making himself smarter, but even with all three gears he's just at above average intellect. That's ok, he makes up for it in other ways.

Succotash correctly points out that the most powerful magic aura is the gigantic pink gem in the heart of the Giant.

"Yes, Succotash. I think I would very much like to see this gem."

Murphy does a thorough job explaining what they've learned about the inner workings of the Giant. She asks for a few gems and gears to experiment on, but otherwise seems intent on finding the source of what she's detecting. He tests out the cloak, and finds it works intuitively. He can easily poof himself around the Giant. It's crazy useful. The little control box Ix used is another matter. Murphy can't make heads or tails of it. The controls are too simple to account for all that Ix could do with it. There must be an angle he's not aware of.

Hobie reminds Kezzem of how the gears work, then gently suggests he let the grown ups speak.

Pressi theorizes they haven't found the front door. She offers to take Tiana to the control panel on the waist-level. Though, unless your DM is thinking of something else, it's more of a remote surveillance system than control system.

The party ascends. They cross the catwalk room their first big fight was in. Hobie took care of the bodies, but it's still a little bloody. It could use a good scrub. Reaching the mirror, it appears deactivated. Pressing icons 3, 1, 4, 7, and 8 still activates it, letting everyone use it.

Tiana starts fiddling. She presses the hammer, which brings up the view of the pink Heart of the Giant. "Is that what I think it is? It's bigger than I thought it would be." She reaches out to touch it, but touches only mirror. "Just for viewing, then. Still pretty neat." She takes a reading with the exocubic capacitor. "Doesn't look that any signatures it gives off travel through the mirror either."

Then, she presses the furnace, which shows a small room surrounded by pink gemstone. "What's this? Is this inside the other gem we just saw?" She flips back and forth between the two views. "It sure looks like it. Did you guys ever figure out what this view is of?"


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP104 
Thursday March 7th, 2019 6:02:46 PM

Prior to their arrival at the viewing area, Murphy lets all know what he just discovered about the ease of use of the cloak, after blinking away and returning after maybe 45 seconds. He offers to let someone else in the party experiment with it if they'd like. "You want to give it a try, Talia?"

"Looks like it," Murphy concurs as Tiana speculates as to what the small room surrounded by pink gemstone might be. "No, I don't think we did figure that one out. There are certainly more things to be discovered. Helps to have another set of eyes, plus your arcane expertise."

He tells her about the controls in the lower left foot/ankle area.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Thursday March 7th, 2019 10:40:25 PM

Bliss looks around and wrinkles his nose. "It's funny, heroes don't generally have to go back into the dungeons after the adventure is over."

"Well, this will not do."

He casts an Unseen Servant, plus prestidigitations, mage hands, and create water.

"It is time to clean up this place." He gets to work, especially where there is blood.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday March 8th, 2019 4:49:49 AM
"Whoa, are you saying that the inside of Madam Gem? Succotash exclaims. "I wish we could get her running again, I miss her". As Bliss is doing a little spring cleaning, Succotash jokingly says, "Hey Bliss, you missed a spot!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Friday March 8th, 2019 12:06:54 PM
"No we didn't figure that out, but we should now, what do you think about it? I wonder if we can find a way in there."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Friday March 8th, 2019 2:36:37 PM

Jack pitches in to help Bliss with the cleanup, casting the prestidigitation cantrip multiple times. "Hey Succotash, since you spotted the spot, it's on you to clean it up!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Friday March 8th, 2019 4:48:20 PM
Talia, reaches into her haversack pulling out a small bag and handing it to Mister Murphy saying, "Here, you might need these here." Inside are:

Gear of Constitution | Special bonus +3 to constitution
Gear of Dexterity | Special bonus +3 to dexterity
Gear of Wisdom | Special bonus +3 to Wisdom

"I meant to leave them, but forgot, good thing I didn't!" says Talia. "As for the cloak, sure I'll give it a whirl!"


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday March 8th, 2019 4:53:39 PM
Pressi shrugged at the mention of missing certain rooms. “With all due respect, we were rather on the clock. And Ix was rather concerned with security in other areas.”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Friday March 8th, 2019 7:05:32 PM
"Well, give me two of those Intelligence gears at least," says Kezzem. "And Maybe a Charsima one too just in case something needs smiting." He looks at Murphey. "And I'm not talking about Pressi."

OOC

As per DM Carl: 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.

So 3 INT gears would be a +5 to INT (3 gears, +2 stacking), correct? So with Kezzem's base Int 10, there's no benefit of a third over two Int gear and a third other gear (let's say Cha). Of course, boost his Int means more skill points! Ranks of Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (engineering) would matter more than the simple Int boost.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Friday March 8th, 2019 8:57:44 PM

"Ah, thanks, Talia. I thought my third one was for Strength, rather than Dexterity. You have the Strength one I was using before? That way, I end up with strength, con and wisdom," Murphy says. Then he adds, "So, Talia. You just going to stand here admiring the cloak? Or are you going to try actually teleporting elsewhere in the giant, to see how it works?"

Murphy points his index finger and middle finger twice toward his own eyes, then the same two fingers towards Kezzem, then repeats the gesture again. Then, he gives him a wink.

DM Carl 
Friday March 8th, 2019 11:58:52 PM
Murphy is pleased to discover how useful the teleportation cloak is. Pity it doesn't work outside the Giant.

Bliss starts cleaning up the mess he made.

Succotash misses the Encompassing Mind. He and Zaragosa trade barbs.

Hobie notes they never found the area visible in the mirror. Pressi correctly notes they were on a mission to stop Anur from destroying Humble's Ford, not site-seeing.

Talia produces the gears in case anyone needs them.

Kezzem still wants to be smart.

OOC: Gears each give +1 per different gear worn. Wearing 3 INT gears gives +3 INT. Wearing 2 INT gears and one CHA gear gives +4 INT and +2 CHA. The +4 is the highest possible bonus. Do note any skill increases as temporary.

Tiana seems to be done investigating the mirror. She looks down the hole that leads to the left leg of the Giant. "Why's it so dark down there? Everywhere else is pretty well lit. Anyway, which way to that big gem?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20=11 ;
Saturday March 9th, 2019 1:10:42 AM

"Some sort of negative power shape-shifting chaos critters were guarding this leg. They didn't like light, it seems. They and the dwarfs had a rough détente. 'You stay down here, we'll stay up here.'

"What were they called?" Murphy asks. "Hope they haven't grown back. Should we check it out, just to be sure?" he asks the troop.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 
Saturday March 9th, 2019 1:21:43 AM

"Bedlams!!" Jack calls out. "They're called bedlams - creatures of pure chaos. Nasty."

He pops his head around the corner. "They really whacked on Succotash. His bravery in the face of such monsters was amazing to observe. Instead of turning tail, he kept on whaling right back against them. Of course, pretty much everyone else helped out, one way or another."

"Also, Murphy, sorry to correct you - but theirs is not negative power. It's chaotic power."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday March 9th, 2019 5:06:11 PM
"Yeah, the sucked," says Kezzem. "They zapped us lawful types good, and yes, even I think it's weird that I'm somehow a lawful type now."



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday March 9th, 2019 9:02:52 PM
As Tiana moves around this secure area, paranoid thoughts run through Pressi’s head. Once upon a time, they trusted another member of the second dinner club named Garron, the one that gave her this body. Before that, scandals erupted regarding the use of giant essence. And before that, there were assurances that the tower wouldn’t explode and rip the fabric of time and space.

Her new SLA began to burn a hole in her fingers. Surely if detected, Tiana would understand Pressi was just doing her job.

Instead, she fingered “absent minded” her holy symbol, the one that glows upon detecting lies. “What exactly do you plan to do upon finding a match? Are we extracting parts or just taking readings? And what is your end goal in all of this?”

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Sunday March 10th, 2019 12:24:01 PM

Question: What does 'SLA' stand for? I can think of about ten things, but really have no sure idea.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Sunday March 10th, 2019 3:07:22 PM
Jack would clean up what he can, either with his hands or spells. He mainly stays out of Tianna's way

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:14:34 AM
"Yes indeed, those bedlams were a formidable foe", Succotash says as he shudders at the memory, "Good thing I can heal myself, and that we have so many potential healers in our party, thank-you all by the way, or I would have been a goner!"

As he and everyone is reminiscing, he watches Tianna, to see if she needs any help in the form of heavy lifting, and is prepared to lead her and the others to the Encompassing Mind.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:32:25 AM

"Yes, Kezzem also proved stalwart when faced with so formidable foes to law," Murphy concurs.

The druid awaits the response of Tiana to Pressi's query. If all seems well after that, then he comments, "So, I have not heard any votes for descending again into the darkness of the left thigh - so, it's upward, then, out of the groin into the next stage of the lower torso, and thence up through the abdominal sectors until we reach the heart?"

If that seems to be the consensus, then Murphy heads up that direction. When they get to the room where they fought the dwarfs, Murphy says, "Hmm... more cleanup needed, I suppose."

DM Carl 
Monday March 11th, 2019 1:25:25 PM
The party reminisces about the bedlams. Succotash and Kezzem both probably have some lingering pain from their strikes.

Pressi asks pointed, appropriate questions. (OOC: Yea, what's an SLA?)

"Well, if my hunch is right, the magic powering this Giant is the same...type...of magic that powered the tower before it exploded. Even if that proves true, I have no easy way of channeling that energy into the tower. It's not as simple as putting some in a bag and walking it over to the tower. I'm hoping there's a mechanism in this thing that will help me...us, power up the tower again.

"You folks mentioned something called 'Madam Gem' just a few moments ago. What exactly are you talking about?"

She moves as she talks, heading up the ladder to the floor above where Shan was cut down. There's more blood here, plus a sticky, smelly residue from the oozes. Tiana covers her mouth and does her best to step around the mess. "I knew you had to fight your way through this Giant to save the town, but seeing it first had is...unsettling. I don't have the stomach for your line of work, but I have to say I'm glad you're around to do it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday March 11th, 2019 1:52:40 PM
SLA = spell like ability. In this case, I'm talking about the WLA feat making charm person a spell she can cast as a spell like ability as opposed to using her slots, but she has a couple of others through class features.

The takeaway is that she's weighing various abilities in case she has to take Tiana down, grill her, control her, etc.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Monday March 11th, 2019 2:09:13 PM


"Thirty-two years does seem an awfully long time for this massive machine to start up again," Murphy says. "'Madam Gem' is one of our nicknames for the huge dual-voiced pink gem. She - they? - she calls herself the 'Encompassing Mind.' One voice is generally courteous. The other voice is acerbic. The two together do a decent job of explanations and giving two-sided reactions to things. After earlier threatening us (as the Encompassing Mind figured we were threatening her and hers), she later expressed gratitude for our help - and taught us how to shut her down, so that we could make it up the rest of the way through the upper body in order to confront the pilot." He scratches his nose. "She forgot to mention the start up time. We figured - well, I figured, maybe a few minutes to a few hours, considering the complexity of it all. No doubt there's some way to speed things up, but that will surely take some fiddling around."

"Oh, my. This will take quite a bit more cleanup." Murphy gives a brief explanation of what happened on this floor - the negotiations over tea ("Pressi can tell you more about that"), the impasse, and combat - and Ix's two-sided role in the whole thing.

"I wonder if we need to get some help from some of the townspeople to help get this place cleaned up?" he says to the team.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90  d20+10=28 ;
Monday March 11th, 2019 2:36:42 PM
Talia wonders what the group will find in the remains of the Iron Giant now that the Encompassing Mind is rebooting and the "power" is off!

"Did I miss anything, Mister Murphy?" asks Talia. "Miss Tiana, what are you looking for exactly?" in her most diplomatic of ways.

[Diplomacy Skill check: 28]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:02:29 PM

Bliss travels with the group, urging his unseen servant to come along too. There's just so much to clean up in here.

He picks up his staff-sling, loops the sling around his wrist, strikes a "magical" pose, and waves the staff part with one hand.

"Scourgify!" he declaims in his most magical voice.

"I just got this thing enchanted," Bliss says. "Did that work?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:05:25 PM
Hobie wasn't there for the party's previous beef with the second dinner club, and didn't have an immediate distrust of Tiana, but he's been watching Pressi who seems really to be untrusting, which is putting him on edge. Hobie is at this point following along and listening, but half watching Tiana and half watching Pressi, ready to spring into action if necessary.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:49:51 PM
"Maybe we shouldn't be messing around with energy that makes things explode," suggests Kezzem. "Just a thought.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday March 11th, 2019 7:22:56 PM
Jack's ears perked up at Kezzem's words "right-o, I think Kezzem is on to something with the not exploding. To be fair, I think this giant is too powerful for anyone to have, even us."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday March 11th, 2019 8:33:43 PM
Pressi thought a bit about what happened, that tea party that seemed so long ago.

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

A couple of days after the device had been shut down, sometime after the reincarnation ceremony, Murphy had come knocking on her door with flowers and mostly chocolates. Pressi may be an independent woman who can spend 20 minutes about why you shouldn't do flowers and chocolates, but she is still a Halfling woman. And Murphy made clear that he just wanted to talk, as adults.

They spoke for some time, flirted, discussed some fears, and at one point teased each other over who would win in a fair fight. (Like Pressi would ever fight fair, she chuckled to herself.) And eventually, Pressi found herself saying yes.

During this sit down, Pressi had filled in the details about what she and Shan had discussed during tea. The family relationships, the little she had gleaned about politics and religion, the refusal to budge as a soldier or a mother, even in the face of betrayal. (Tangents about familial relationships multiplied, but that's not really an issue here.)

It still weighed on her. She never truly expected to stare directly into such an emotional entanglement, to face challenge after challenge that could be solved by vulnerability.

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

"Uh..." she responded to Murphy's prodding to explain the tea party standoff. "I suppose I could go into more detail but aside from a few notes about the constructs and these medals and scrolls... I apologize, Tiana, but you've been coming off as uninterested in any of the stuff beyond the mechanics."

Not much is left as secret. Once Pressi revealed the scroll given to her and explained the personal connection, anything further struck Pressi as commentary. So she fills in anything she can, around what Tiana seems to want to hear.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 5:29:57 AM
Succotash is more than happy to lead the way to the Encompassing Mind, he secretly hopes that Madam Gem will wake up sooner then expected, and hopes that their current actions will lead to that happening.

DM Carl 
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 11:30:30 AM
Murphy explains the Encompassing Mind to Talia and wonders if they can hire a clean-up crew for the Giant. They should probably explore the entire thing first to make sure there aren't any other beasties hiding.

Talia asks Tiana what she's looking for. "Just looking for now, really. Won't know what to do until I find...something. Maybe this giant gem is something."

Bliss tries, but fails, to pull a Sorcerer's Apprentice. Maybe if he'd enchanted a mop instead of a staff-sling.

Hobie has some history to catch up on, but Pressi's unease is contagious.

Kezzem ponders not messing around with exploding energy.

"I wouldn't be much of a wizard if I didn't toy with magic that could possibly explode. All magic is potentially volitile." She casts a quick cantrip. "Looks like you're armed and armored in magic yourself, Kezzem." She smiles a little too smugly.

Zaragosa agrees with Kezzem, feeling the Giant is too powerful.

"Sure. Maybe it is, but I'm not here to fix the Giant. I'm here to fix the Giant Tower that keeps us safe from multiple annual giant attacks. A giant invasion may just be another fight for you folks, but the citizens of that town we all live in would surely appreciate not having the possibility looming over them."

Pressi doesn't have much more to add about her meeting with Shan, indicating Tiana doesn't care too much about it anyway.

"No need to apologize. You're right, actually. I mean, I don't want to sound ungrateful. What you people did was amazing, but I'm here about the Giant."

Succotash is eager to get to Madam Gem.

The trip up the Giant continues, leading right to the Heart of the Giant. Tiana's eyes widen as she takes it in. "It's one thing to see it in a magic mirror, but up close..." She quickly pulls out the exocubic capacitor again. "Hope I brought enough blank scrolls. I'll be taking a ton of readings over the next few days..." She places a scroll in the cube and walks around the gem, waving it about. After she makes a full rotation, she pulls the scroll out and looks. Her eyes widen. She pulls out another scroll and compares the two. She shrieks and does a little dance before composing herself.

"I was right! The aetherovariation signatures are identical! If we can channel it into the tower, we can reactivate it!" Her excitement diminishes a bit. "Of course, that's a lot easier said than done. How are we even going to get the Giant to the tower when every spell we cast at it gets absorbed. I'm going to need time. Probably several days."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 12:02:04 PM
Jack nods at this. "well I'll let you to it. I'll be about, cleaning here and there." More to Tiana he adds, "If there is anything mechanism or door you are struggling to manoeuvre, just let me know, I'll be around here somewhere."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 2:18:06 PM

Bliss smiles as he cleans up the last of the mess and listens to the esoteric mage explain the fundamental mission and next steps needed.

"Okay, Miss Tiana, you mean you can use the Iron Giant to fix our protective Tower! But you need to get the Giant closer to the Tower. Got it."

Bliss thinks for a while. He suggests a plan.

"First, we build a scaffold out of huge logs. We add giant pulleys. With some elephants and dinosaurs we summon, we can lower the Giant."

"But before we do that, we make a huge sledge. It would have four runners, each one ten feet by ten feet. The sledge would have to carry the Giant, so maybe it has to me made of walls of iron say."

"We buy some Oils of Slipperiness and coat each of the runners. Then we lower the Giant onto the sledge. Then we use teams of horses and whatever beasts we can summon or call to pull the sledge to the Tower."

"How's that sound?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 2:23:31 PM
"So this I'm sure is a stupid question, the answer of which even I can barely comprehend," Pressi began. "But can someone explain to me why you can't just take a sword and crowbar and just take this thing out? It all seems modular enough."


Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 2:31:36 PM
"I wouldn't worry too much about having enough scrolls. I think we can handle that problem."

"I'm with Press, let's just take this thing out." He grabs his crowbar from his bag and moves toward the thing"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 2:42:18 PM
Talia, laughs at Pressi's suggestion about moving the giant to the tower..."Pressi, I think it would be easier with a wish spell!" giggles Talia.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 3:25:22 PM

"No crowbars yet, Pressi, Hobie," Murphy admonishes. "Let's let Tiana do her figuring, first. Also, I think we made some sort of promise to the Encompassing Mind, no?"

"Say, let's make sure that no critters have moved back in here. Who is up to join me back in the leg of chaos? Let's verify it is safe."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 8:17:53 PM
"Well, I have never heard of anyone blowing themselves up with a magic dagger," says Kezzem to Tiana.

----

"Well if we can't bring the giant to the tower, maybe we can bring the tower to the giant," suggests Kezzem.

"That sounded smarter in my head."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d100=99 ;
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 6:18:49 AM

"Tell you what. Talia, could I borrow the cloak? I'm going to check on the dark leg. If anyone wants to come with, please do."

Murphy takes a quick look at the countdown clock on the side of the gem, then heads down, aiming for the dark leg.

[Lotto 99! - wrong place]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 8:13:24 AM

Oh no! Mister Murphy is heading off on his own again.

"No you don't my friend! We ALL go with you!"

Bliss corrals the entire party into following Murphy into the dark again.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 10:03:48 AM
Succotash says, “Let’s let Twinklesting’s light lead”, then he steps to the front of the party, and leads the way to the dark leg.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 10:33:24 AM
"Why," Pressi exclaimed. "What does it matter if the monsters came back? Are we running pony rides down there? Keeping the bedlams from getting squatters rights? Is the latest Trump Golf Course down there, next to the Starbucks? Just because a creature exists in the world doesn't mean we have to kill it, even if its the unofficial team motto. We have a job up here, and the people leading the charge are the people who would normally tell me to keep the eye on the prize."

Pressi eyed everyone around. To Kezzem, "Personally I'd rather move the tower myself. I sometimes feel like the only one here who doesn't salivate at the thought of turning this monstrosity once again upon our enemies. This thing is enslaved by the controller, and it inevitably returns the favor. And yet the temptation to just push for a giant, without even asking what the cost might be, just keeps pulling at us all."

Turning to Tiana, "I think, though, that you're seeing the group decide they want to do something besides play museum tour guide. So unless there's something in particular that you want from us, something that you can't get from our notes and debriefing, it may be time for us to turn our attention elsewhere. Please excuse my bluntness and our impatience."

Harper began to crouch, tail waving slowly, behind Pressi.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 11:41:02 AM
Bliss giggles. ”If a creature exists in the Wold, we have to kill it.”

“Sir Kezzem,” Bliss says, “You always make me laugh!”

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 8:04:44 PM
Talia says, "wait for me, Mister Murphy!" and flows her friend down the leg using her previously cast Overland flight spell!

"Does anyone have a light source for this leg? If not, I could help with it!" says Talia aloud.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 715/720 Minutes

DM Carl 
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 8:24:53 PM
Zaragosa gets to work cleaning.

Bliss comes up with a complex idea, but could it work? There would need to be a lot of very strong logs, and even then...how would it not smash them? It's a ~250 feet tall iron giant. Steel would be more workable, but that much iron? Eesh.

Pressi ponders just taking the gem out. Hobie agrees. Tiana's face shows naked horror, but Murphy steps in and asks Hobie to leave the gem alone for now.

"Yes! Please do! Nothing about this place looks modular, and if we break it, I'm not sure we can fix it. I already have one thing I'm trying to fix.

There's talk about exploring the left leg again, but there's also some push back.

Whatever the party decides to do, Tiana gets to work. She sets up a small laboratory, then gets to work...

***

What happens next is up to you. If you want to explore the Giant some more, you can. If you want me to hand-wave to the next part of this module, I can. If there's no consensus, I'll go with majority rules.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)   d20+6=8 ;
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 9:08:07 PM
Jack does not get Pressi's references. He feels like he should know what a 'Starbucks' is but he does not. He tries, and probably fails, to bluff know the reference (bluff 8). "trump gulf, ha! good one, as for the crowbar thing, I would rather know more about it before messing around. Seems like this whole thing is dangerous and we almost lost our town already."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 9:13:34 PM
"I don't know, Press, but I findnit best to avoid those Trump golf courses," says Kezzem. "They attract all types of weird creatures."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 10:41:02 PM
“Yeah, all I know about Starbucks is there’s one in my living room and I can’t get it out.”

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday March 14th, 2019 2:09:01 AM

Murphy throws his hands in the air. "I know what golf is, vaguely. At least I've heard of it. A trump is a suit in a card game that will generally win against a non-trump card of otherwise equivalent value. In the music business, sometimes people will call a 'trumpet' a 'trump' - due to... it's faster to drop the final syllable, I suppose. Are there horses in the sky, which buck the stars? No idea. Does Starbucks have anything to do with Shakespeare, that fellow you told me about who writes plays, about whom I've never heard anyone else in Wold mention - although I really would like to see his plays, if there are as good as you say - and I don't doubt they are.

"But we still have a town to protect. And people FROM that town to protect. Who is to say, even if we say, 'Stay away - the Starbucks will get you!' - that some enterprising halfling lass or lad - or a whole passel of 'em - won't try to sneak in and find out what mysteries lie within the Amazing Iron Giant?

"Tiana needs to set up shop and get her tests running. Explain to me - if it's other than laziness - ANY good reason why we should not have a run through of the giant, to ENSURE that it is cleared out. And once we are certain that no spare critters that might hurt someone (other than us adventurers) are lurking about, then to more thoroughly map it out - figure out the conduits and channels for the... power and nervous system built in.

"Not all of us need necessarily to all bunch together after a full sweep. However, some of you have laid into me for trying things solo. Which is why now, for the third time, I Am Inviting Any Who Wish To Come - to join me in a security sweep.

"Another thing - I think we owe it to our community to grant them a well-guided tour of the place, once it looks secure. And the first ones on board should be: People willing to help us clean it up."

"So:
1. Joint Security Sweep.
2a and 2b. Then - select supervised cleanup crew, while some of us are mapping. (We want to be sure that visitors do not steal stuff from here - like in the calf and thigh of the right leg)
3. Then a celebration party with high muck-a-mucks and all.
4. And finally, after that - all except necessary personnel stay out so that work might be done.

"We can talk about what follows the security sweep. But for now, I'd like to request all hands who want to join in, to help us ensure the giant is secure. Those who don't want to participate, well, we'll let you know what we find, if anything."

He thanks Bliss, Talia, Succotash for agreeing to come. "Yep, Talia, I think we've got light. So long as there are no more bedlams down there, we should be fine -- unless there is something worse..."

Murphy sticks around for a moment to hear reactions. Then, unless a far more brilliant idea is put forth, he heads out to do the work with those who go with him, beginning in the left leg.

[Keep in mind that the left leg now goes from the hip directly or ever-so-slightly-off-vertical angled down toward the knee, then sharply doubles back to go towards the foot, either on the level, or slightly angled upward toward the heel, since the Iron Giant is kneeling, and the right leg at the foot ascends, then from the knee descends at an angle toward the hip.]

[Also, note that the party has yet to explore along the inside of the arms - at least one of which is angled down to touch the ground in front of the giant.]

[Finally: If it's okay with the rest of the gang and DM Carl: Can we assume we sweep the giant and, unless and until we find something new, weird, unexpected (or combat), you give us highlights and a summary?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday March 14th, 2019 5:45:42 AM
Succotash is down with making a sweep of the giant, as he is uncomfortable with the idea of some civilian getting attacked while on a tour of the thing, but he really would like to try to get to the location they saw in the viewing screen of the inside of the encompassing mind,

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday March 14th, 2019 1:47:26 PM
Pressi moves on from strange bits she's been gleaning from divinations, and makes a mental note to move on from nightly Woldsblood, or at least in assuming people besides her have the ability to move on.

"We didn't just lay into you for flying solo. We laid into you because you have this tendency to forget the task at hand and focus on scouting for scouting sake. I asked you for the purpose. You gave me a hypothetical with a lot of assumptions, a crack about my laziness, and an assertion that I have to protect this town, with zero evidence, from the scourge of (shrug shoulders).

"It's not my job to be your mother. You want to go check out the leg, even by yourself, knock yourself out. I don't expect you to find much left, which is why I think its a waste of time. I also expect you not to engage or release it, given that its probably contained. If you need me, you know where to find me. Just be honest about why you suddenly decided to check certain things out, even if its just to yourself."

With that, she parks herself near the laboratory, keeping an eye on Tiana.

"Oh, and even if this giant has no dangers whatsoever, it still contains a lot of information and objects that can wander off and secrets that might be found. Not to mention information about how our group operates against foes. So, no, I don't think we owe the community a tour of what I'm treating as a classified site. But that's another argument."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday March 14th, 2019 2:04:27 PM
(OOC: Metawise, I'm operating under the assumption that at least one person should stay near Tiana, at least for expositional purposes. (And, on the odd chance that something does happen, to protect her.) I'm using Pressi's stubbornness in part to explain why she stays behind.)

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Thursday March 14th, 2019 3:28:25 PM
Jack also agrees to go along with the security sweep, that is if the humble ford won't mind him taking a break from cleaning up.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Thursday March 14th, 2019 3:35:08 PM
"I'll come along on a security sweep. If we run into one of those starbucks, you are gonna want my bow to protect you."

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Thursday March 14th, 2019 6:49:47 PM
"Ready when you are Mister Murphy!" exclaims Talia.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 715/720 Minutes


DM Carl 
Thursday March 14th, 2019 10:16:17 PM
There are some fiesty words shared. Given the time, it probably makes sense to do a sweep of the Giant, even if not everyone is on board.

The final decision about what to do with the Giant looms, but there's time enough to figure it out.

***

I've been in the ER all day. Everything's fine now, but this post is all I have energy for. Tomorrow's post will include what's discovered in a sweep of the Giant. My apologies, friends.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Thursday March 14th, 2019 10:19:08 PM

Bliss turns on / casts his kitty shape, shield of faith, barkskin, and last of all, his new SLA Divine Favor. Then hops down into the dark with his friends, sniffing (scent).

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Friday March 15th, 2019 2:54:53 AM

"That was not a personal crack about your laziness," Murphy responds, "nor an accusation thereof, Pressi. It was addressed to the whole group - I suppose it was a crack of sorts, just in case someone were to have advanced it as a reason to avoid doing the work. We're really not a lazy assemblage of people, anyhow. You may prickle if you choose to at things I say - but if you take something personally that was not intended as such, I will tend to let you know.

"'Scouting for scouting's sake'? Nope. Scouting has a point. The point is situational awareness. Finding out if there are threats, or opportunities, so as to better prepare for or avoid danger, and so as to gain the benefits of good things we may otherwise have missed. But, 'I think I'll scout just because I'm tired of standing around'? That's not the case - although, I reserve the right to use it in the future, just in case," he smiles.

"Having someone partner with Tiana, should the need arise? Quite astute.

"And whether to have anyone take a look, once we're satisfied we know where things are? I think that at least a few folks that it might be sensible to include would be Constable Rosco, Mayor Bingo, Hazel and Alouryn," [original members of Humble's Sword, and now caretakers of our place,] "Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf, and my father. For starters. Oh, and of course Tiana's colleague in the Second Dinner Club, Veseley Vortence."

"Yes, Hobie, yes, I take your point indeed!"

"Great, Talia, Jack. Hi, kitty cat. You alive, Kezzem - wanna stay, or go on tour with us? I concur, Succotash - I'd like to be able to look inside the gem, too. Should be time for that, once Tiana's investigations - with Pressi and whoever helping out - prove fruitful."

He joins those setting out and explores with them the Iron Giant, toe to tip. From time to time he messages updates to Pressi.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday March 15th, 2019 5:51:30 AM
After making a complete sweep of the Iron Giant, Succotash is awed by the shear magnitude of the Iron Giant, as he sees and notices things he didn't take time for on his last visit, of course Humble's Sword was a bit preoccupied last time. He keeps Twinklesting in hand just in case something jumps out of the wood work, requiring her special kind of attention.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Friday March 15th, 2019 5:53:16 AM
Pic: what’s the range on that mindlink that Murphy and Pressi have? And what’s the cost? I was thinking maybe it could be advantageous to have Hobie do it with Roscoe, so the party can always be contact with the town.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Friday March 15th, 2019 8:00:14 AM

"Hobie - Telepathic bond is a fifth level divination spell," Murphy explains. "To make it permanent between two people, it costs 6,250 gold pieces. Once the bond is formed, it works over any distance - but not from one plane to another."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday March 15th, 2019 1:30:59 PM
(OOC: 6250 per person - we each had to put it on our sheet. In the case of an NPC like Roscoe, you'd probably be on the hook for 12,500, so decide if its worth it. We have it for combat or scouting scenarios, i.e. in a case like this where we split the party. If you are interested, you purchase it in the catacombs just like any other item.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday March 15th, 2019 2:46:55 PM
As the rest of the group moves out to explore the giant, Pressi continues to hang back with Tiana. Whatever she may think about exploration or Murphy's statements, she considers any further discussion... counterproductive at this time.

Hanging back in the corner, Pressi watches Tiana continue her experiment silently, while continuing to watch the room, fiddle with her backpack, scrolling through her cauldron... trying hard not to stare or let her guard down.

"I've been rather busy on my own projects, don't you know," she finally said to nobody in particular. "If you really want a challenge, try planning a druid-witch wedding where all the guests aren't naked. Can't be done."

She waits for a reaction before continuing.

"So, what exactly are you trying to test for? I thought we established what this thing was and that we need to move the giant before any other task."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Friday March 15th, 2019 3:09:15 PM
Jack will join the others as they do their sweep.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Friday March 15th, 2019 5:46:30 PM
Talia tries to stay a person or cat behind Mister Murphy....simply because she's a squishy.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 714/720 Minutes

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Friday March 15th, 2019 8:18:20 PM
Bliss meows as he sniffs in the dark.

He looks -- or smells -- or really, just listens -- for Mister Murphy. That fellow is always getting himself in trouble.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday March 16th, 2019 1:07:47 PM
Kezzem sings softly as the party sweeps the giant.

"Sweep, sweep, sweep,
All day long
Sweep, sweep, sweep,
While I sing this song.

Gonna sweep this giant,
Gonna make a climb,
If we find some bedlams,
Then it's smiting time."

DM Carl 
Saturday March 16th, 2019 2:09:35 PM
And so, Tiana gets to work while Pressi keeps her company. Some of our party cleans, some explored the Giant. Pressi's comments actually get Tiana to stop for a moment in quiet contemplation. "That IS a conundrum. Maybe outfits made from vines and broad leaves? Not very witchy, but it should satisfy druidic sensibilities...wait, you're engaged? Are we going to have to have another party? We've had a lot of those lately. I'm kind of partied out."

When asked what she's testing for, she replies, "Mostly testing my hypothesis. If we do end up having to physically move this thing, I want to be sure I'm right before we do so. Imagine my embarrassment if it turns out we didn't need to move it after all that effort was expended!

"Also, trying to suss out just how we'd use the Giant's energy if and when we get it close to the tower. I have a hunch there aren't any mechanisms that allow that built in." She sighs. "I understand you did what you had to do, but this would be much easier if I could talk to this Encompassing Mind Succotash seems so fond of."

There are two areas of the Giant that were unexplored when Anur was defeated. No further critters are found, though. The Giant is, at least for now, cleaned out and secure.

One is the area just to the left of the Heart of the Giant. Inside our heroes find an armory of sorts. Spellcasters who check for magic find an array of battle axes and breastplates that are all mundane. They could probably be sold for some coin, but maybe they're better off as supplies for possible future crew? Guess that depends on the party's plans.

There is one magical item in the room. It is a long shaft made of wood. Picking it up, it's heavier than it should be, almost as if it's under the effect of an ironwood spell. At what we'll call the top of the shaft are three receptacles that are the same size and shape as the power crystals found throughout the Giant. The very top is shaped like a hexagon.

It's been quite some time since the players behind our party found it, but perhaps one of them recall finding a longspear blade without a shaft.

The other area that didn't get explored is the very top of the Giant. A small hatch can be found in the control room with one of those ladders that fold in three for storage. As soon as the hatch is open, a cacophony of bangs, clacks, and other metal-on-metal sounds pours out.

Up that ladder is the brain of the Iron Giant. The only source of light pours from the eye slits of the Giant and does little to illuminate the area.

Bringing a source light reveals a mechanical network of steam pipes, chains, and gears. Even with the Giant at rest, they constantly move. The functions of individual contraptions will take lots of study to deduce, and whomever does it will need ear plugs of a few silence scrolls because this whole place is painfully loud. Anyone who stays here more than a few minutes without protection risks temporary deafness or worse. Tinnitus is no joke, folks...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday March 16th, 2019 2:44:35 PM
"WE SHOULD NOT STAY IN HERE!" shouts Kezzem. "I KNEW AN ARCHER ONCE WHO HAD TINNITUS, AND LET ME TELL YOU, IT IS NO JOKE!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Sunday March 17th, 2019 2:43:26 PM
Talia. not waiting for the consensus, leaves the tiny room to the others to deliberate over. "This place is not for me!" Talia mumbles to herself, as she softly decends out of the room using her casted spell Overland Flight.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 714/720 Minutes

(OOC: Any idea of how much time has past?)


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday March 18th, 2019 5:23:32 AM
Succotash is satisfied that the Iron Giant is free from any threats at the moment, so he heads back to the encompassing gem, presumably with the others. Upon arrival, he asks, "Figure anything out yet, and do you know how we can get inside of the gem yet?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+17=31 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=21 ;
Monday March 18th, 2019 6:00:52 AM

Murphy concurs with Kezzem and Talia. "Yeah - way too loud in there."

Once they are a suitable distance from the audio assault forces, the druid says, "My headband grants me skill in engineering. I propose a couple of us team up to get to know the mechanics of the chamber. Also, though I frequently mention pulling in suitable folks from the town to help us out in situations for which their skills seem appropriate, it seems there is occasional resistance to pulling them in" (or, perhaps the powers that be don't have time to address the matter).

"I think, though, that Hugh and Primula PipeLeaf might want to take a look at this. I already talked with them the day we stopped the iron giant about looking over one of the guardian robots. Also, I'd like to include my father, Samell, who has crafted many machines, and is just starting to design something he is calling a 'Ride-Around on Amazing Creatures Machine.'" He smiles, and adds, "My mother, Bekka Lilly, suggested instead he call it a 'Merry Go Round.'

"Anyway, how about having me and at least one other of us take an initial gander. I can sketch out various pieces and parts. We can watch to see how things interrelate. As needed, I can shape change into a tiny form to get to different parts. We'll want to take care that some bit of machinery does not catch on our limbs, hair or clothing to draw us into getting mangled.

"Who wants to help me out with this? And, if you think anyone else in town might have knowledge, gifts or skills that could be useful inside - just let us know. Oh, and I've got some soft cloth for stuffing our ears so we don't go deaf. Or, develop tinnitus. I could find some clay - that'd likely do a great job. When we're done, Bliss Kitty can help lick out the excess." He watches for Bliss's reaction.

Murphy will get some clay - he's a druid, and has dug around as an earth elemental, and knows the town - should not be any big trouble to get that. He plans to use some thin tightly-woven fabric in which to place the clay so that it doesn't actually get stuck in the ears. He will test to be certain it does an adequate job of lowering the intensity of the noise.

"How about we have some lunch out on the grass, then get started in here?"

Murphy via mindlink with Pressi asks, "Shall we tell our friends about our engagement over lunch? Or when? How are you with letting them know? I don't know if discussing it in the middle of a huge metal bucket was the venue for it..."

Then, aloud, he asks, "Pressi, how does the, um, checking out the operational innards by a few of us sound to you?" He looks at the others, "And with you all?"

And finally, "And for you, Tiana, would you want Veseley, or anyone else, to give you a hand in here?"

[For when we get started: I rolled 4 Knowledge: Engineering checks of 31, 22, 34, 36 for starters. As well as 4 Profession: Artist rolls of 30, 21, 30, 21 for developing documentation of what we learn.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday March 18th, 2019 2:38:37 PM
"I don't think we're having a big party. We haven't even announced to most of the group or discussed whether we are telling anyone yet," Pressi admitted. "Guess we just had other things on our mind."

"Speaking of... if the encompassing mind is really that important, I'd be glad to run you up there and to the bridge quickly. You could at least poke around and get a better idea of what drives it. I think you underestimate how easily you could just tell it to go to the tower without destroying half the town. It was... not the easiest interface in the wold."

DM Carl 
Monday March 18th, 2019 5:35:38 PM
Kezzem, Talia, and Murphy all escape back to the quiet of the control room. Murphy ponders bringing in outside assistance to try and gain an idea of how the Giant works.

...and why not? They have time. Tiana shakes her head when Murphy brings up Veseley. "He's pursuing his own studies. He thinks we can 'un-blow-up' the tower via chrono-distortion. I think he's a quack, but let him try. What's the worst that can happen...a lot, actually. A lot can happen." She stands. "Anyway, Pressi was going to show me the control center."

The two excuse themselves and head upstairs. "This is it? A dias, a headband, and a big window?" She scratches her head. "Doesn't seem that complicated."

Murphy and his kin have time to do some investigations. His trick with the cloth and clay works well enough; it's loud, but at least no one will go deaf up there.

It takes a few days, and Murphy spends a lot of time as a shrew, or some other small animal. A lot is going on behind the interior walls of the Giant. However, without the Giant being in motion, it's very difficult to test their theories. There are also some findings that defy explanation. For example, no one is able to find a direct powertrain from the brain of the Giant to its legs. Perhaps there is some mechanism that transmits instructions, without also transmitting power. A sort of...drive by wire situation. Without the Giant in motion, discerning such a system is nearly impossible.

That's not even touching on the divine and arcane energies that go into piloting the Giant.

Murphy no doubt has the patience and will to figure all this out, but one wonders how much time would be left to adventuring if he tried.

Succotash wonders if anyone's figured out how to get inside the gem yet. Your narrator suggests everyone go reread his last post for something important everyone seems to have missed.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Monday March 18th, 2019 6:55:40 PM

Mentally replying to Pressi, Murphy says, 'That's fine. We'll find a suitable time to let our friends know.'

"Oh, no. I don't want renewed chrono-distortion," Murphy replies to Tania's explanation. "We traveled for weeks following our own version of that. And that's when you and we got separated, and you and Veseley kidnapped, and... no. No, please."

At some point, likely during a break for a meal, Murphy brings up something to the group. "Talia found a silvery longspear blade among the junk pile in the middle level of the right leg, in the early stage of our Iron Giant visit. You wrapped it in cloth and placed it in your bag of holding." [Oct 14 2018 post] "Tali, you still have that? If so, can we see it?"

He then turns to Hobie. "You didn't happen by chance to have sold that to the Catacombs, I trust?" [Kim knows he did not, but Murphy is just checking to make certain.]

Should Talia produce the spear blade, he asks to see the wooden ironwood-ish shaft that was found in their latest explorations. He looks at the opening at the base of the longspear blade to see if it is hexagonal in shape, to match the head of the shaft "So, what do you all think? How about we place the spear blade over the end of the shaft, and populate the three receptacles with power crystals?

"Who wants to put it together?" Murphy asks his friends. "I wonder if it might be a key of sorts? Or just a super-arcane weapon? Or both?"

He mentally asks Pressi, 'You suppose it might help open the Encompassing Mind gem?'

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25  d20+13=30 ;
Monday March 18th, 2019 7:17:37 PM

Bliss ignores Murphy's rude comment about ... licking! Bleck!

He does have fun pouncing on little rodents he sees scurrying about, catching them with his (nonlethal) bite. Wait, that's you, Murphy? Oops!

After the whole place is secure, he changes into a halfling and watches Murphy with the ironwood shaft. "Here, let me try that," he asks. He puts in some power crystals and tries to use his UMD to "activate blndly."

"ROOTAH ... VOOTAH ... ZOOT!" he declares, waving it around.

He taps it on his heels and says softly, "There's no place like Humbles Ford."

He points it at a wall and says, "Abracadabra!"

If that does not work, he says, "I mean, 'Avada Kedavra'!"

He looks around for a hexal place to put it into, and tries that all again.

Use Magic Device check 30 WOO HOO!

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90  d20+18=24 ; d20+18=28 ;
Monday March 18th, 2019 7:31:48 PM
Talia using her overland flight spell goes back to the room with the heavy magical staff. It is a long shaft made of wood. At what we'll call the top of the shaft are three receptacles that are the same size and shape as the power crystals found throughout the Giant. The very top is shaped like a hexagon.

Returning with the shaft, Talia also retrieves the longspear balde wrapped in a cloth from her Handy haversack. Showing the both to Mister Murphy, Talia vonlunteers to assemble the arcane device, if there are no other volunteers.

Talia, if allowed will place the long spear balde atop the spear with her Use Magical Device & her knowledge of the Arcane skillsets. Afterwards, she will place the three (3) gems around the blade into their proper recepticles.

[Skill checks | Knowledge Arcane: 24, UMD: 28]

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 710/720 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday March 18th, 2019 8:50:28 PM
"Hey, if it wasn't for that chrono-dis-whats-now, you wouldn't have met me!" says Kezzem. "Surely it wasn't all bad."

He pauses for a minute.

"You also wouldn't have met Press."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Monday March 18th, 2019 9:51:01 PM
Bliss scoffs at Talia, teasing. "Just a puny 28? You call that a UMD check! Ha!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Monday March 18th, 2019 11:21:43 PM
"Bliss, really?! Where's your Arcane knowledge? Just cause you have a lucky spike of using magic devices, you gonna tease me? Really?!" says Talia laughing....as Talia mumbles, furball...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday March 18th, 2019 11:22:01 PM
"What's the kid talking 'bout now?" asks Kezzem.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 1:28:00 AM

"Valid points, Kezzem," the druid responds. "Excellent."

Murphy is amused with Bliss's playful efforts at activation and laughs at the banter between him and Talia.

"Say, folks. Let's take this spear contraption over near the Encompassing Mind. And look carefully to see if there is a spot where it seems to fit," he suggests. "But under Tiana's close oversight. Supervision. As in, she's the boss over us regarding Madam Gem for the time being."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+7=19 ;
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 4:44:26 AM
"I got someone else to call her Madam Gem!" Succotash giggles out loud, "But then it does sound less formal the Encompassing Mind" he says Encompassing Mind in a mock high and might tone accompanied by side to side neck movements coinciding with the syllables. He then goes over to check for anything that might look like a place to insert the spear. Perception 19

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 4:56:24 AM

"If you want someone with a steady hand to use the spear near the gem, then Hobie or I, maybe Bliss might be good candidates and are nimble. I think Bliss and Hobie are stronger than me, but I have rather good balance," affirms Jack, though with a blush to his cheeks to be making so bold.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9  d20+21=22 ; d20+23=33 ;
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 1:10:48 PM
"Let me take a look at that thing as well Talia"

Hobie examines the magical spear, and it's auras, (Knowledge Arcana 22, Spellcraft 33)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 2:57:30 PM
There isn't much more that Pressi can do with the spear, except whack it against the side of the giant. She considers detect magic but remembers that the entire room gives off auras. (Of course, she could always take it outside....)

She does break out the true seeing for the spear and a quick look at some of the rooms (including the room with all of the noise, the madam gem room and the control room). For the noise room itself, she uses arcane eye to spy upon it from a distance, taking some time to look around.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 4:35:42 PM
Kezzem notices Pressi examining the spear. "Maybe you could try stabbing someone and see what happens," suggest Kezzem. "Um, you know, someone who is not me."

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 5:27:34 PM
Talia goes along with everyone else in trying to see if there is something here we can unlock.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 8:27:57 PM

At the beginning of the third day of examinations, Murphy looks to bring in his father, Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood, having shown him his sketches the evening prior.

At the beginning of the fourth day, he sees if Hugo and/or Primula PipeWeed are open to taking a look. [to DM Carl - have those two yet taken advantage of Murphy's week-old invitation to examine the guardian construct that rests in a room in the stone castle of Sanctuary? I've not yet seen a response on the boards to that twice-repeated invite. If so, that could give them a head start as they look over the mechanisms of the Iron Giant]. He thinks that getting some of the more mechanically clever people from Humble's Ford to help take a look may help accelerate the accumulation of knowledge. As an inducement to join in, he also shows them some of the sketches, so that they'll have some idea as to what they are getting into.
============

"May I presume that we are not camping out here in the Iron Giant? I like to sleep in my bed when possible. Working here maybe 8, 9 hours a day does it for me."

DM Carl  d20+10=17 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+15=33 ;
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 9:38:09 PM
OOC to Kim: I thought their presence was implied:

Murphy and his kin have time to do some investigations.


***

Murphy is not on board with poking the timeline any further. What are the chances of someone better than Kezzem coming along? Very, very unlikely to be sure. He ponders attaching the blade they found during their quest to this new shaft.

Bliss is all over it. He places some power crystals inside the sockets. As he does, he finds the sockets ever so slightly shift to accept them. They lock securely in place; Bliss can swing the shaft around as violently as he likes and they stay put. He finds it is trivial to remove then when that's his intention, however.

He goes through his checklist of arcane sounding words, but there's no reaction.

Talia gently relieves Bliss of the shaft and places the longspear blade on top. It fits perfectly with a slight *click*, and instantly any gems in the shaft begin to glow faintly.

OOC: For the sake of expediency, I'm going to say two red gems and one green are slotted.

Green energy begins to spark along the blade of the newly reconstructed longspear. Talia tries to safely coax a reaction from the blade. With a flash on insight, she realizes it has a ranged attack. Sure enough, a blast of green arcane power erupts from it, striking the wall of the Giant where is dissipates harmlessly. It's a good bet it wouldn't dissipate harmlessly if it struck an opponent.

One has to wonder if different gems have different effects. In their travels up the Giant, the party found a number of red and green gems, plus the three gems that made up the Encompassing Mind.

The spear is brought up the the Heart of the Giant. Succotash and Zaragosa check it over, but there is no obvious way the two interact. The surface of the gem is flawless.

Hobie asks for a turn and inspects the spear. It radiates very strong evocation and transmutation magics. The evocation magic's effect is obvious enough. Its transmutation effect is not.

Pressi recognizes her companions have addressed the spear properly.

OOC: Detect magic can still be used against a specific object as normal. The restriction was on using it to scan a space for auras.

She inspects the spear with true seeing. She discovers the entire length is shot through with arcane conduits that feed off the gems inserted. She also has a strong suspicion that the sockets themselves are somewhat mutable. While the spell is active, she heads upstairs and inspects the control room and the brain. The dais in the control room is surrounded by a field of strong transmutation magic. She probably remembers Anur fiddling with controls that weren't visible. The aura she seems correlates to the movements she remembers. Still, she is unable to see anything other than an aura, even with true seeing.

The brain itself is surprisingly light on magic auras. It appears to be mostly mechanical.

Murphy ponders sleeping arrangements, but the party is able to stay awake without food or water indefinitely while inside the Giant. Stepping out of the Giant after a prolonged stay finds one hungry, thirsty, and fatigued, but not unreasonably so.

Tiana takes full advantage. "This may be my favorite part. Sleep and I have been enemies for many, many years." She works day and night, literally.

After three days, in the middle of the night, a crash is heard from the bottom of the Giant.

OOC: Perception check was DC10, so let's just say everyone auto-passes.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 9:53:24 PM
Jack would rise from his bedroll where he was staying every night in this giant. He was having a dream about slaying a giant, which was kind of funny due to his name.

Being a support fighter, He would wait to see who else would wake as he put his armor on before leaving to see what was below

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 10:23:42 PM

"What's that everybody! Wake up! Come on, Jack! Check it out!"

Bliss changes into a cat and pounces down to see what the noise is and what is making it. He activates his Shield of Faith as he descends.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+30=33 ;
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 10:42:15 PM
Despite that one can work aboard the Iron Giant without hunger, thirst, or fatigue while within, Murphy decides that he still wants to get in a good night's sleep away from the giant, and have a late dinner and early breakfast, besides. So he commutes. He's a druid. Too much machinery makes him want to go back, check out the soil, the oaks, the bees asleep at night, say hi to his friends and catch them up a bit on what's going on, or find out what's happening in town, and pet his cat. As a result... he is likely at the Sanctuary, and sound asleep when there is a bump in the night at the Iron Giant.

He leaves the teleportation cloak with Talia and the three gems within the giant (he places them in a sack underneath the pile of assorted junk in the middle of the right leg) before he leaves each evening, then reclaims them each morning on his return.

As he sleeps, all of his gear is adjacent to his bed, so he can get up and go at a moment's notice.

[Sorry, gang, I'm not there with you at this specific moment. It's a druid thing.]

'the bottom of the Giant' = backside of groin area? Or the bottom of the right foot? Or along the left knee/shin/foot?
============
Perception: 33/10 - success :-) - but only in his dreams.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 11:12:00 PM
Talia, although like everyone else recalls, within the Giant, sleep is not really necessary, she will meditate for two (2) hours to regain her allotted slots.

After the first night of meditation, Taila will continue with the two (2) hour meditate process everyday they remain in the Giant. Everytime Talia comes out of her meditation state, she will cast Overland Flight on herself.

On the third night after mediation and spell casting, Talia will await to see what the main fighters do and if the majority of them decend into the depths of the Giant's anatomy, then she will also decent keeping about a 20 foot space between herself and the main fighters. Before leaving, Talia asks Tiana what she might like now that the group is off to investigate the loud crashing sound eminating from the bottom of the Giants Leg?

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 720/720 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 11:47:50 PM
Kezzem is napping despite not needing to sleep. Roused by the loud noise, Kezzem hastily adorns his armor and descends to investigate. He activates detect evil.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 5:15:49 AM

Murphy dreams about putting all pink gems into the spear, aiming that at the Mother Gem, and trying to use magical device. Might that open her up?

He moves his left foot to pull it out gently from under the calico cat, who laid her body on the covers on top of it. She complains and moves to the floor.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 5:33:43 AM
Succotash is loving the fact that he doesn't have to sleep, as a result, he has remained vigilant and armored the whole time, and since he hasn't used any spells, he is good to go. Upon hearing the crash, he springs into action. He draws Twinklesting as he makes a b-line for the sound.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 2:21:34 PM
(If Murphy is spending every night outside the giant, Pressi probablly is as well, unless some particular duty keeps her there.)

Nights are spent... somewhat lonely. (Murphy has been quite clear that he is saving himself for marriage.). Of course, other duties arise as the days go on. Figuring out whether to make a big deal about the engagement. Running her (and Bliss apparently) coven. Playing with the diagrams she sketched shortly after true seeing.

She sleeps fitfully in her room at the dancing pig.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 5:01:31 PM
Hobie remained in the giant, using the endless scroll cabinet to scribe some magical scrolls, as well as just journaling about his experiences of late. He also spent much of the time shading Tiana to see what she is learning.

When he hears the noise, he takes off along with Succotash and Kezzem. He will stand a few meters behind his armored friends, with Prowler in hand, and the other hand ready to grab for an arrow.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 7:07:32 PM
Talia asks , "Is anyone staying with Tiana, while the rest go to investiagte the crashing sound? If not, I will stay with Tiana...."

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 720/720 Minutes

DM Carl 
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 7:49:13 PM
Everyone...save maybe Pressi (ooc: you're sleeping in town? That's absolutely fine, just confirming) and Murphy...hears the sound and rushes towards it.

Turns out, it came from the floor just above the entrance in the right heel. It's the one with all the junk and broken constructs. Succotash and Kezzem, paladins that they are, bravely charge forth with Bliss to discover...Candy Badapple and two of her gang pulling a third out of the pile where they obviously took a tumble. They're accompanied by two small air elementals.

"He...hey guys!" starts Candy. "Just thought, ya know, there's a giant metal man over there, and Humble's Sword is probably getting bored and wants some company...in the middle of the night." She pauses, scratching her head for a bit. "So here we are! Oh, hey Hobie, Jack!" she adds as they appears behind the two.

The air elementals whirl around some, catching Candy's attention.

Auran, Highlight to display spoiler: {"You said we were going to sneak around, not keep them company."}

Candy listens, appears to process the difficult language, and answer in passable auran herself. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Shh!"...ok, that's actually not too hard to say in auran.}

"So...uh, wanna show us around?"

Meanwhile, Tiana and Talia are more than happy to let the men handle the danger. Talia knows enough about the arcane to make herself useful. "Hand me the quantum re-fluxer, will you? It's the gooey stuff over there in the brass tub. Careful, you don't want to get it on yourself. You'll go to clean it off and find it's simultaneously there and not there until someone else watches you do it."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 7:50:30 PM

Talia may recall that Murphy left the cloak of teleportation with her while he is outside the Iron Giant. She can go anywhere she likes in an instant within the giant.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 8:35:56 PM

Bliss agrees with Talia. "Good idea, Miss," he says just before he changes into a cat and rushes down.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 9:42:49 PM
[OOC: OOPS missed the DM post?!]

Bliss in cat form dashes up to these intruders. He hisses, like an angry cat.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday March 21st, 2019 12:04:56 AM
"Well, it's probably not the best time to come for a visit. Bliss is awfully cranky that you woke him from his...cat nap!"

Kezzem responses to these intruders with his deadliest of weapons...puns.


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday March 21st, 2019 1:08:39 AM

Murphy turns on to his left side in bed, scrunching the down-feather pillow just so to support his head.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 
Thursday March 21st, 2019 3:30:42 AM

"I'm fairly new to the group, but - hi, Candy - but the rule right now is no one visits without Pressi and maybe Murphy and Bliss and, and the rest of us giving the say so. And Bliss just snaa-ed at you. The middle of the night! Sneakin' in, like thieves or somethin'. So, if you want to come in, you go out now, and come back in the morning, after second breakfast, and knock, and wait for permission. Not even the Mayor has come in yet. You can get hurt in here, don't you know? We've been cleaning up blood for days."

Then he adds, "And maybe we should check your pockets. To get this thing goin', there had better be no parts missing." He adds, "I'm checking to be sure - don't worry, this is just detect magic." He casts the spell and starts looking over the group - whatever they are wearing, whatever they are carrying.

Jairus has heard enough stories about these people, and the trouble they caused here and there and climbing up on the white spire and disrupting parties.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 
Thursday March 21st, 2019 8:17:52 AM

That is (last sentence - someone please fix):

Jack has heard enough stories about these people, and the trouble they caused here and there and climbing up on the white spire and disrupting parties.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday March 21st, 2019 10:09:10 AM
Succotash turns to Kezzem with his back to Candy and company, and winks as if to say, “Follow my lead”, then he turns back and says, “Nice, Kezzem, it looks like we have some new recruits for Paladin training!”. Even though he is messing with them, he would gladly train any of them that choose to become a Paladin.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday March 21st, 2019 11:19:05 AM
"Well, I don't knoe how your god does things, Succo, but my training to become a champion of Gargul was pretty simple. Acttually, there was only one step: you just have to die and come back."

"Actually, I guess that would be two steps."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday March 21st, 2019 3:17:10 PM
Pressi continues to sleep. Deep down, she wonders whether circumstances will require a diviner who can comprehend languages, detect thoughts and enchant. But how likely is that.

There are other things she is unaware of, such as the other female halfling in her room. Cloaked in shadow, she remains only long enough to leave a scroll on the nightstand, the Silverglove family crest quite visible.

(OOC: This is the last of the things I'll post about NPCs. Just wanted to establish that her family knows where she is and about the engagement.)

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Thursday March 21st, 2019 7:59:18 PM
(OOC ok, I'm cool with that, seems I am missing out on who these guys are but Kim is right if Jack would have heard about them)

DM Carl 
Thursday March 21st, 2019 9:38:31 PM
Murphy and Pressi sleep right through all the excitement.

Bliss bounds up and makes a show of hissing at the intruders.

Kezzem makes a pun so bad that Candy and her entire crew groan in unison. Even the elementals make a show of it.

Zaragosa has some instincts on how to proceed, but he knows that Candy and her bunch are good-hearted troublemakers, not actual hooligans. They'd probably be really upset if he accused them of stealing.

Succotash announces he's ready to begin their training. Kezzem details the process of becoming one of Gargul's paladins.

"Woah now...we just wanted'a see the Giant." She pauses a moment. "You guys really think I'm paladin material?" The question seems earnest.

Meanwhile, Pressi has a visitor. Hopefully she brings good tidings? Probably not. Good tidings don't sneak in and out under cover of night.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Thursday March 21st, 2019 11:05:43 PM
"So Ms. Tiana, how did you come to learn about the quantum re-fluxer? Better, yet how did you come to be a member of the Supper club?" asks Talia of Ms. Tiana.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 710/720 Minutes

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25  d20-1=11
Thursday March 21st, 2019 11:56:51 PM

Bliss sees others engaging the intruders and changes into a halfling. "You guys aren't really very good at being sneaky, are you?" he asks.

"I know Miss ... Candy? right? Well, I'm Bliss." He reaches a hand to meet the leader of the gang and her members. "What are your names? And what are you all doing in here, really?"

Untrained Sense Motive: 11.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Friday March 22nd, 2019 1:48:11 AM
"These guys are right, it's dangerous here. You'd better leave. But if you are gonna stay, maybe grab some armor and a weapon."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday March 22nd, 2019 5:49:42 AM
"Well Candy", Succotash begins, "I believe anyone who is willing to throw off the shackles of evil and lawlessness, and embrace good and law, can train to become a Paladin" "It takes hard work, and no you don't have to die, Kezzem's "Training" is unusual to say the least, But if you are willing to work hard, I, and I'm sure Kezzem, would be happy to train you".

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Friday March 22nd, 2019 10:17:48 AM
Jack would rather not have people mess around with the giant at this stage. He tries to get them to leave with him. "This place is dangerous enough as is. It is certainly not tour ready. However, I the Unbelievable J.T.T Zaragosa, Master escape artist, you might have heard of me , was there for the entire event. I could weave a tall of the most exciting conflict between the Great and Noble Humble Sword against dark arts, ancient traditions, and family conflict. If you join me in the town. perhaps we can open up a tavern and I'll tell you all about it. Trust me, the entertainer Zaragosa never disappoints."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday March 22nd, 2019 4:14:59 PM
check


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Friday March 22nd, 2019 5:58:09 PM
"Well, Miss Badapple, they let me be a paladin so why not?"

DM Carl 
Friday March 22nd, 2019 9:35:53 PM
Talia strikes up a conversation. "Quantum re-fluxer is a pretty standard arcane ingredient. The Club formed pretty organically. Our founders would meet during second dinner to talk shop."

Bliss introduces himself.

"Yea, I'm Candy. This here's Erbin and Anton." They both wave as their names are mentioned. "The one in the pit down there don't have a name, not till he makes up for makin' a ruckus and giving us away." She glares and the third winces.

"I call the elementals Skye and Mistral. They seem to like those names." The elementals dance happily about in response.

Hobie advises them to leave, but leaves a door open for them to stay. Candy seizes on it immediately. "Yea...yea I should totally find myself a weapon. There any around?" She starts looking, but there aren't any in the pile. She settles on a small shaft of iron. "Will this do? I bet I could clobber some chumps with it."

Succotash and Kezzem make a case for paladinhood. "Well, I'm honored ya think I could, but I'm not real keen on the whole lawful thing. Can paladins still get inta high jinks?"

Zaragosa makes an introduction. "Yea, I heard'a ya. Everyone's heard'a all of ya. You still workin' on that story, or do we getta hear it soon?"

Murphy and Pressi sleep the sleep of the childless.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+8=18 ;
Friday March 22nd, 2019 9:48:26 PM

Despite generally drinking enough water and such, Murphy wakes up thirsty. He yawns, stretches, walks out of the room to the little balcony at the upper end of the guesthouse, and looks up into the sky. He sees the moon Kerracles up and to the right of the stone castle.

'I need to make a place for us in there, in the castle,' he thinks to himself. He walks back down the hallway, past his doorway to the stairs. About to descend for apple juice, he checks himself. He returns to his room, picks up his pack and gear, then heads downstairs. He grabs the pitcher of apple juice left over - enough for a whole pint, which he pours into a glass. He downs it and smacks his lips when done.

He goes to where Hazel and Alouryn stay, then thinks twice. 'No need to wake them.' He jots down a note to leave on the dining room table. 'Back to the Unrusty Bucket -Murph' is what it says. That's what he and Hazel have started calling the Iron Giant after Hazel called it 'a walking rust bucket.' Murphy explained in earnest he really didn't find any rust on it. Hazel had stared at him with a grave mien. "You really take things too seriously, Murph. I know it's not rusty. But I figured I'd say what I did, then you would carefully explain to me the truth of the matter." Then the ranger had burst out laughing during that conversation a couple of nights ago. "Silly owl, I know you like the back of my hand!"

The druid walks out of the guest house, up the road back to the center of town. He climbs the outside of the Dancing Pig [climb 18], then raps on the window. "Psst. Pressi. It's Romeo, Juliet. Want to walk in the moonlight?" he asks in a stage whisper. "That's their names, right?" he asks, recalling a discussion of this fictional Shakespeare and his plays. "Who was that woman who was crawling out of your window when I was a few blocks away?"

If there's no response, he mentally pops in. Hey, love of my life... Would you not open your window to me? The moon is out, and everyone is asleep.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25  d20+33=35 ; d20+2=19 ;
Friday March 22nd, 2019 11:18:41 PM
Bliss tells his new friends Erbin, Anton, and nameless that he is pleased to meet them. He asks if they like gymnastics. He puts on a little show, standing on his hands, flipping up in the air, landing softly and tumbling in place.

Acrobatics 35

Then he breaks into a little song and dance:

Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark!

Untrained Perform 19

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday March 23rd, 2019 1:04:40 PM
"I still get up to high jinks, right guys?" asks Kezzem. "You just have to think of the law as a challenge and not an obstacle. That law thing, in my opinion, is more about be willing to protect your friends and community, rather than following a set of rules."

"Man, I would make a great (or terrible) lawyer...just like that Ruby Jewelriani guy. 'THE TRUTH IS NOT THE TRUTH!'"



Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Sunday March 24th, 2019 11:06:06 AM
definitely if you want to be a Paladin and a hijinker, you can find no better model than Kezzem. Follow his lead and you'll be okay.


Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Sunday March 24th, 2019 3:07:15 PM
Talia wonders how Tiana got started in Magic..."Is magic inate to you or is it something you developed over time?" Ms. Tiana?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday March 25th, 2019 10:11:47 AM
“As long as the hijink doesn’t break any real laws, I see no problem”, Succotash says as he shakes his head in semi disbelief.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday March 25th, 2019 10:36:35 AM
Kezzem beams with pride.

DM Carl 
Monday March 25th, 2019 2:53:40 PM
Murphy decides a midnight rendezvous is in order.

Bliss breaks into a song and dance that leaves the kids scratching their heads a bit. They clap politely when it's over, though they're obviously not sure what that was all about.

Succotash, Hobie, and Kezzem admit that being a paladin doesn't mean you can't still get into trouble. Candy doesn't seem sold. "I'll think'a 'bout it. Does Wardd got any paladins?" She gives a thoughtful look. "How would that work, anyway?" She puffs out her chest and makes herself sound serious for a bit. "I will put on the armor of faith and go to war with people that don't take enough chances." She shrugs. "Anyway, we'll get outta yer hair. Thanks for the club!" She hefts the bar onto her shoulder and floats down the levitation field, doing little flips in it as she does. Her cohorts all follow suit (the elementals just fly down, of course).

Talia and Tiana continue their discussion. "I always just knew I was a wizard. Mom tried to talk me out of it and set me up with a string of kind but simple men, but that wasn't me. My studies left no time for that sort of thing."

***

A few more days pass. Tiana's work is slow, but fruitful. She gathers everyone in front of the Heart to show her experiments with the longspear finally yield fruit: the blade can effortlessly pass through the Giant's Heart, allowing a single person to enter the thing.

"I found this strange eye patch in there," she says, presenting a green crystal with a circular strap of leather attached to it. "Watch this." She places it over her right eye. "Somehow I can still see just fine with this thing on. Also, I can do this..." She blinks three times and bands of iron tear themselves from the nearby wall and wrap themselves around her until there is no sign left of hair or skin. "It's similar to the Iron Body spell. Doesn't last too long, though." About thirty seconds later, the bands fly right back off her and back onto the wall.

"Anyway, that's not the only thing I've figured out. I've got good news, bad news, and...news news." She pauses, trying to think of better words. None come, so she moves on. "The good news is that I can absolutely use the power stored in this Heart to re-power the Giant Tower. I would barely need any to fully charge it for decades! There's a lot of power in this thing.

"The bad news is that there is no way for me to transmit that power, even if we could move the Giant in its current state."

She turns, picks up a shiny, golden looking contraption from her workbench, and presents it. It looks like a golden Y shaped from fine wire. The two prongs on "top" of the Y have small circles. "So I made this. That's the news news. Watch."

She takes the pink and purple gems the Encompassing Mind handed over to deactivate itself and places one in each of the aforementioned small circles. Immediately, a fluid wisp of arcane energy starts flowing from the opposite end. It doesn't flow randomly. In fact, it seems to be pointing north.

"This points towards the source of power that gave life to the Giant back in the First Age. My theory, which I'm almost certain is correct, is that if these gems are placed in that source of power and left to charge, we'll be able to dramatically shorten the time to bring the Encompassing Mind back to...life, as it were." She looks very pleased with herself.

"So...we just need some brave adventurers to traipse over to The Scab and do that." She smiles broadly at the assembled group.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Monday March 25th, 2019 4:50:41 PM
(ooc: does anyone have a rough idea of how much time has spanned between our adventures? I feel like we pretty much only have a handful of days in game time between each module, so even though Nick has been here for a year, I think Hobie has probably been with the group less than a month? I don't have time to dive in and analyze the archives right now, but if anyone has a rough idea, I'd be really interested to know)

Hobie listens to everything Tiana has to say, and responds "Alright, let's go," he adds sarcastically "I imagine it's just gonna be a nice easy journey there and back again. I'll go get Pip ready,"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 
Monday March 25th, 2019 7:50:30 PM

[OOC: Great question Nick. Here's Bliss's and my accounting.]

Bliss sees that Candy and her friends are pretty darn tight. He feels even closer to his friends. How close they all feel, even though really they've only been together for a short time. The little guy sits down and dives into memory, thinking out loud and putting his thinking cap headband to good use ...

"Well, What's-His-Name from the Second Breakfast Club blew up the Giant Tower and sent us into Koshe Marr. That was probably only a couple of days, but who knows how time goes by in Nightmares. Me and Mister Murphy are the only ones here who saw it." [early 2015]

"Then we emerged in the past by the goblins on the far side of Izen and had to race back to return before the tower blew up again. For the first time, I mean. Time travel makes it hard to figure, but if you are looking at elapsed time as we perceived it, call that a few weeks, right, by way of the Culverwood? That's when we met Miss Pressi and Sir Kezzem, but he was no 'sir' then!" [late 2015]

"Oh! I remember that guy's name! Veseley! 'Veseley Crusher' we called him, after he crushed the tower. Everybody hated that guy. And Miss Tiana and poor Bazeck of course. Cause when we got back we found out that Taxidermy fellow had kidnapped them, and we only managed to get Vesely and Tiana back, but Bazeck got killed. That Taxidermy guy was the worst, right Mister Murphy? Well, that musta been a few weeks to travel to the Taxidermist's town and back again." [2016]

"Aroundabouts then is when Vesely brought on the new Second Breakfast Club wizard, Garron, who ended up being a traitor. That was just about the time we heard about the giant and ogre army that was going to invade because the tower defense was down, and we went out and defeated the army before they could get here by assassinating all the leaders. That musta taken a few weeks." [2017]

"When we got back, the orphanage burnt down and undead showed up, and it was all part of that traitor Garron's plot, but we beat him down and foiled his plans, though I'm not sure we ever really figured out what those were. It was Hobie who we just met who gave us our first clue about that villain. That was also when I first learned how to change into a cat! And Vesely was so ashamed of messing up for the second time that I do not think we've seen him since. Call that a few weeks." [OOC: We never got a formal exit for Vesely, but the last time a DM has mentioned him was May 2017. Hobie joined in Sept 2017.]

"So Miss Tiana is the only member of the Second Breakfast Club left, but that's when the bloodgrass invaded and the demons and the elementals, and then we travelled to the Sargrass, met Sir Succotash, helped kill that giant god thing in the Southern Continent. Then we met Miss Talia and Jack. Call that about four weeks, right?" [2018]

"And that side trip to the Culverwood for Wulpertingles."

"And finally that Iron Giant also showed up to take advantage of the Tower Defense being down, so, a week more?"

"Add in say a month of down time, I guess, plus training and a couple weeks of feasts, a few weddings, and that's ... (Bliss counts on his fingers and toes -- that's why he's sitting down) ... I reckon it at 24 weeks, say, or like about half a year since the Giant Tower blew up."

"We sure have been on the go since then! Time is funny, huh!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday March 25th, 2019 8:08:18 PM
Pressi stirred as Murphy rapped upon her window, knowing he was there. “Well, I don'tknow if I would call us star crossed lovers. But I suppose a midnight walk would show whether we were. Give me a moment to freshen up.

When Murphy asks of her midnight suitor, Pressi considers it a joke in poor taste. Until she finds the scroll. “Oh, to no longer be a Capulet,” she muttered.

———-

More to follow.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday March 25th, 2019 8:19:15 PM
Jack would ponder the meaning of these things. "Sounds like an adventure. We could indeed travel to charge them. Travelling distances quickly doesn't see to be a problem with our group. Though, I am still unsure we shouldn't dismantle this giant instead"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Monday March 25th, 2019 9:37:09 PM
Talia says, with glee..."Sure thing Tiana, what's the Scabb and what where would you liek us to place the Y thing to charge the gems, and for how long?" full well knowing, she was probably the only one to ask it...well there is always Mister Murphy.....

Ms. Tiana, asks Talia, "how far is it to the Scabb from here?"


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday March 25th, 2019 11:34:55 PM
"Nice summary, Bliss," says Kezzem. "Though you left out the part were I died. Also, I'm still not sure I'm a Sir now."

To Hobbie, Succo, Jack, and Talia he elaborates, "I got better."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 8:59:47 AM

After sensing Pressi's - disgust? incredulity? - at his mention of the person who came out her window, Murphy gives a sketchy description of the surely female halfling-sized form. "Didn't see her face, though," he adds. "I could track her, if you want me to."

Murphy suggests a walk to the Iron Giant, in a round about way. "Couldn't sleep. I have an idea for the gem arrangement on the spear. But that's not what I want to talk about on the way. Bring your stuff!"

As to the rest of the interlude with Pressi, that will await her 'More to follow.'

It's possible that they will come upon Candy BadApple and some of her crew as they near the I.G. If so, Murphy says, "Hey Candy. It's a few hours past midnight. You all out sightseeing? Did you visit the giant?" He greets the air elementals in Auran. He tells her, "I'm kind of glad you've been getting to know our friends of the wind. I take it they are fine with you spending time at the spire, eh?"

Next couple of days
Once he learns that Candy took with her a bit of the spare parts from the giant, he lets her know that they'll need it back at some point. "All the bits that belong to the Iron Giant have a purpose, and are pretty hard to replace." He'll talk it over with his friends, but if they approve, he'll offer to let her and a few of her friends tour, if she'll give that back. "When you're inside the giant, feel free to carry it around. We pretty much all leave the inside things inside."

And when a few days later Tiana reveals the next likely assignment for the group, he decides to see if a challenging mixture of the BadApple gang and some folks assigned by Constable Rosco might provide security for the Iron Giant.

Druidic Stuff
As his friends spend time on the Iron Giant, Murphy chooses to help there a few hours a day, yet feels drawn toward taking care of some matters at the Sanctuary, plus implementing a method for quick planting of things where vegetation is sparse or nonexistent. Namely, he gathers seeds of mainly thorny and tall grassy sorts, and packs them into tight balls of dirt. Each one weighs about five pounds, and carries scores of seeds. He experiments, first finding some of the few places in the area which lack vegetative cover. He throwns down sample balls to the ground, wherein they shatter and scatter, then casts entangle, to see if he is able to use such ingredients to effect that spell. If it has the desired effect, then he will form more such balls, and bring along a good bag of them.

He also speaks with Hazel and Alouryn. "Look, mum's the word until we say so - you two can keep a secret, right? But Pressi and I look to be heading towards marriage. Can you two take the room up on the fourth floor inside the rock castle in the north east corner, and get it fixed up for us? A nice bed. Two wardrobes. A full length mirror next to a table for Pressi. A writing table for me. A wash basin. Some carpets. It's right next to the outside walls, so I'll fashion a window or two using stone shape right soon. You can get someone to help you if you need. I want it to be nice for her.

Sanctuary Signage
Murphy asks Foreman George to have his people make up some nice wooden signs for the place. Examples include: "Hobie's Archery Range" "Pressi's Tower" "Guests of Humble's Sword" "Fountain of Bliss" "The Mighty Quercus" "plus signs for the shrines and other areas of the compound.

Tiana's Research Results
Murphy is overjoyed to learn of the wizard's results.

"So, we leave the Iron Giant here. We head up north into the Scab - Talia, that begins basically a bit north of the Giant Towers. We use the heart gems and your little device, Tiana, to learn which way to go. Once we find it, we get the gems attached to the power source, and let them recharge. Any idea how long it might take to recharge? A few hours? Days? Weeks? Longer?

"It would be interesting to see if any other similar gems might be found in that area.

"I learned the language that we heard up in the driver's area of the giant. Also the Old High Woldian tongue and script. Don't know if either will come in handy in the hills of the Scab, but we can find out."

Plans
"So, friends. What now? Who is willing to take the trip that Tiana proposes for us? And, how soon shall we leave? And by what means?

"It surely would be sweet to have a really large carpet of flying to get us from here to there in greater speed. But we can always use more conventional travel."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 1:17:24 PM
Succotash perks up at the thought of going on an adventure. He says, “If it means waking up Madam Gem sooner, count me in, who am I kidding you guys know I’m always up for an adventure, but I should probably head home and get some sleep, I’ve been up for a few days, and once I leave the Iron Giant, my tail will be dragging something awful”. With that he leaves for home saying, “See ya all in the morning!”

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 1:17:34 PM
Pressi doesn't need a description of the person who left the letter, and she definitely doesn't agree to let Murphy track her. "It's one of my sisters. And you don't find them. They find you."

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

To the south of Humble's Ford lies Dirt City, a town run by six different sides forever at war. While rumors swirl of heroes working in the shadows, the city remains in the grip of thieves and violent thugs. A city where you play the game, or you leave. The ones that play, that stay behind....

"I haven't seen any of my family for a few years now, but they've seen me. They know about the engagement, which means they definitely know something about what I can do. For years I heard only that I should stop trying to be some heroic paragon of the martial arts and return to my family destiny of glitzy thieves, con artists and sorcery..."

Pressi looked at the glowing chain along her side. "... Close enough I guess. But I can't imagine this is what they had in mind. Gothic avenger isn't really their style.

"I'm sorry, I'm either boring you or making you concerned. It's not their style to just strike out at me either. This was them reaching out, and if I don't reach back, the matter is settled."

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

Not much is otherwise said. Pressi responds to Tiana's news that they are being sent out with a grunt and a shrug. Anything to get out of the house, after all.

Though she wouldn't admit it, part of her was drawn towards the area. The idea of so much discovery, so much raw power....

DM Carl 
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 4:13:22 PM
Hobie is ready to go. He ponders how much has happened in so short a time.

Bliss has the same idea and sits down to figure it out. Half a year, it turns out.

Zaragosa is happy to have an adventure, even if it's one to aid a cause he isn't 100% sure of.

Talia is also ready to go, but has a couple questions.

"I'm not sure how long it will take. The trail from the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier, that's what I'm calling this, should grow brighter as the gems charge. When it stops getting brighter, it's full. It should take several hours, but not more than a day or so. Just an estimate, though. I can't be too sure.

"As far as The Scab, the range is reachable within a day. It's navigating the range that will be tough, and at some point you'll need to find a way underground."

Kezzem likes hearing about his escape from death.

Succotash is eager to do anything to help speed Madam Gem's recovery, but probably needs rest since he's been up for days. Sure enough, the moment he exits the Giant he finds himself fatigued. It's not nearly as bad as if he'd really been awake for a whole week, but bed sounds real nice.

Pressi discovers evidence of her sister's visit. Obviously that's a part of her life she'd rather leave in the past, but here it is nonetheless. She reminisces about it for a moment, thinking that ignoring the situation will make it go away.

Besides, she has a trip to The Scab, which excites her more than she'd readily admit.

Murphy must sense his time home is drawing to a close, because he's checking all the boxes on his to-do list. He finds Candy in a good mood as she walks back home. "Yea, we went and checked it out until no-name here mucked it up..." A nearby boy winces a bit. "...and yea, Skye, Mistral, and the others can play for hours. They're even teachin' me their language, but I'm havin' a real tough time talking it." She attempts to say something in auran, but ends up spitting more than talking. "I'll keep practicing. I'm gettin' pretty good at understanding'em."

She agrees to leave her new iron club at the door, but only if it stays there until she gets back. She's reaaaaal insistent about it. In return, she'll work with Roscoe and make sure the place doesn't turn into an amusement park while Humble's Sword is away.

He takes care of some home and garden issues, trusting just two of his many acquaintances about his nuptials.

***

The party does need to wait for Succotash to rest, and they find word spreads through town very quickly that Humble's Sword is on a mission to save the Giant Towers. The Pig and the Buster are both in full swing, hoping our heroes will stop by one last time before they head out to save the day again.

Sometime that evening, Kade searches the party down.

"Hey guys. I...I know you've done a lot for me, but if you're going to The Scab anyway, think you could keep an eye out for some tower caps? They're giant, woody mushrooms that grow there. That method of growing truffles I told ya 'bout earlier won't work without'em. They grow straight through rock, so if you're going along and see what looks like a tree trunk busting through the floor or ceiling, that's them. I need spores from the very top cap."

Other than that very important side quest, Humble's Sword is free to head out whenever.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 8:05:59 PM

Walk in the Kerracles Moonlight
"Ah," Murphy responds while listening to Pressi describe aspects of her family situation. "Do you suppose it would be possible, and appropriate, for me to have a chance to meet your family? I'd like to do so before we tie the knot. Get to know them - or some of them - and let them do likewise with me.

"'Marry a girl, marry her family,' my Aunt Marigold told me. And Aunt Nilli. Also Grandma Eglantine. And they'd tell my sisters the same thing, except with 'boy' instead of 'girl.' Oh, and I heard Uncle Orby say it once, too.

"What did the scroll say, if you'd care to say?"

Kadian Mushrooming
"Of course, Kade, of course." Murphy spends a few minutes after hearing Kade's description to try sketching what he has described. He will go through enough sketches until the dwarf agrees it's a fair drawing. He also asks for descriptions of any other fungi, flowers, and the like that Kade might deem of interest for above ground or below ground.

He also explains the expeditious excavation spell, and offers to open up one or two 5'x5'x5' holes in the ground for Kade should he wish it, anywhere in the fields north of the wall.

When to Leave
Murphy runs most of these idea telepathically through Pressi before talking to the group, to be sure they are in concord.

"Gang, many of you have stayed pretty much the whole time on the Iron Giant. How about this? It's mid-afternoon now. All who need to, sleep as much as you need. There are places for all at the Sanctuary. Not tomorrow morning, but the morning after, let's head to the Scab. That should give any who need it the chance to pick up any last minute items, see anyone you wish to see, and be well rested before we start. Sound all right? Alternative ideas?"

How to Travel
After that discussion (if any) makes the rounds, he asks, "What modes of travel shall we use? I could take on a huge form, and, if we could have an appropriate saddle rigged by the PipeLeafs in time, might be able to carry four of us, besides myself, either by wing, or on land. But there are eight of us, and our animal friends. For some of you, those friends can be summoned from afar. For others, it's not so easy.

"Who'd like to work on figuring out a good part of that question? Hobie? Talia?" He looks to see if either is interested, or if anyone else wants to join in.

"A few of us - Pressi, Bliss, Kessem and I - have been in part of the Scab before, when we qwelled the giants by taking out their leadership. I'm hoping the gems guide us in at least a slightly different direction than their valley."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 10:07:56 PM

"Miss Tiana, please, can we get all the details?" Bliss makes real sure the party knows what to look for, where to find it, and like that. He uses his Int 18 to memorize everything.

Bliss is fond of both taverns, and makes sure to visit both. He practices his drinking in case he gets into another drinking contest with dwarves in the Scab. He tries to remember his Dwarven and practices his vocabulary, but it comes out large size. [OOC: Prior versions of Bliss knew Dwarven, IIRC, but he does not know it now. He DOES know Giant for some reason. Gotta pick up Dwarven again.]

Realizing it has been a month, and the party seems about to embark on a new adventure, Bliss searches for an XP award. "Maybe there's a little one around here somewhere. I did sing that nice song, you know," he says as he checks under his bed.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 11:13:44 PM
"No problem, Kade, but if anyone asks, we'll tell them we're just a group of adventurers," says Kezzem. "We usually do it the other way so that will be an interesting change of pace. I just hope we remember to bring enough bags with us. After we pack those tower caps, I don't know if there is going to be...musch room...for anything else."



Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 11:42:22 PM
Talia will fly back to the Humble Sword's compound in order to meditate. She will use her already casted spell Overland flight. Once Talia arrives, she will commence her meditation for two (2) hours.

Afterwards, she she gather her needed supplies, etc. and then have a session with Rayya. She massages Rayya and gets some good snuggle time with her beloved friend. She then explains to Rayya that she is going ona journey up into the mountains to recharge for stones.She also explains taht she would love for Rayya to stand guard, watching their remaining belongings and to keep a watchful eye on the compound. She then explains to Rayya of the crafty bunch of halflings led by "Candy". She also explains that they are accompanied by two air elementals, none of which Talia trusts at all or as far as she could through them. Talia explains that Candy has sticky fingers.

When about three (3) hours have past, Talia will get dressed with her undergarments, Bill stylish pant's of Plenty is a lovely shade of light chestnut brown and the texture of cotton canvas "Denim", her coveralls, shirt, and her adventuring gear: Headband, belt, Amulet, bracers, and clock, and slung over her shoulder, her favorite haversack. She then casts Overland flight on herself making a quick trip to the appointed place for the departure.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 5:45:03 AM
Succotash awakes and and spends an hour with Pantheon, praying and preparing spells. He then dons his armor, saddles and bards Miss Piggy, gathers his gear and heads to the appointed meeting place, at the appointed time.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 12:18:13 PM
"I don't know what the scroll says. I left it where it was, unopened."

Pressi remained quiet for a moment. "You want to know the kind of family you are marrying into? They are the kind of family that will miss your dance recital. For work. For the work of setting people on fire as they begged for death. Which paid for dance classes, of which I was reminded quite often. Who thoroughly passed on the righteousness of thievery and cynicism that I still follow as tenants today. So, I'm thinking... picnic maybe? How familiar are you with frisbee?"

"I just... I don't want to talk about it anymore. Can we just drop it for now, please."

(OOC to Murphy: I do want to drop it here for now, concentrate on the new mission that's starting. As for whether we ever meet family members, I leave that up to the DMs for now.)

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

To the issue of travel: "As you know, I do have shadow walk available. But since we aren't under any particular timetable, why not just travel normally by horse caravan? It will be a nice change of pace to see the sights, not have to rush to the destination. And maybe we can take the opportunity to scan the area before we arrive."

She works with Talia to see if she wants to switch off in flight or if they want to fly together. (During flight, Harper stays with Bliss. On land, she rides Harper.)

After moving things to the sanctuary, and checking in once more with the coven, Pressi prepares for the trip (including whatever rest is needed for spells and fatigue). Some quick rituals and she is off.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 3:08:18 PM
"As far as transportation, we could strap a saddle on you, and fly, we could just take horses and move slower but steadier, (how big of a hurry are we in?) or we could even try teleporting, but I haven't been there, so it would be risky, I don't know about Talia, if she has or not. Then Shadow walk is of course also an option again."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 3:09:22 PM
"My preference along with Pressi, would be horses. I've been apart from Pippa for a while now, and I think our Paladins might also like some time with their mounts."


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 4:14:11 PM
"Wow Pres," says Kezzem. "Though from the sounds of things, I think we might be related."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 6:54:51 PM
Jack also tells Kade that he will do his best to keep an eye out for them


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 7:14:48 PM

Backstep with Pressi
As the conversation with Pressi occurred a few days ago: "Pressi, you want to drop discussion. Sure, after I respond to what you just said. Family is family, like them or not. My hope is to at some point get to know them - at least superficially, if that is all that is initially allowed. I am sad to hear of the neglect you experienced, and some of the deeds they did. One request: At least read what your sister dropped off. At least.

"And now, until further notice, I will drop this discussion. Not permanently. For now. Except: 'Frisbee'? What is that?"

More on travel plans
That afternoon, after a bit of party discussion, Murphy concurs. "All right. Conventional travel seems to be the consensus. More time for sight-seeing. As well as more opportunities for interactions - whether peaceful or combative. And, I can plant some oaks along the way."

Preparations
CHECK WITH THE Woldian League of Adventurers
"We are going into the Scab. The WLA will have information on it. History. Geography. Who will visit the WLA to get their research, history, info on the Scab's development through the ages, and maybe a decent map? I'll help on this, but more than one of us should join in. If someone wants to join me - say two? it would be good to have someone with good reading, researching skills - we can head over there in a few minutes." [To DM Carl - after contact with the WLA, might we have the information found on the Scab page linked to in this paragraph? -Kim]

TRIANGULATE
Putting on his engineering hat as it were, Murphy posits, "But before we head out, I want to take Tiana's device along with. We can do some triangulation, and get a rough idea how far ahead the power source is. We've done it from here. Use Angel Springs and Hovel as two other points.

"Using a map, we see which way the apparatus points then pencil in a line that direction. Three lines, and see where they intersect. Angel Springs upward, Iron Giant upward, Hovel upward.

"It may not be 100% accurate - but should at least give us a general estimate of how far to go north. Fifteen miles? Fifty miles? Likely we'll be able to tell within a league the distance from Humble's Ford."

"It would be smart to know at least approximately where we are headed, before we set out. Going in cold would be less than wise. 'Well researched is twice prepared,' a teacher one told me. Or thrice."

Visits to Angel Spring, Hovel
If a few people are game, he lets them know he will change into a huge air elemental, and fly them swiftly to Angel Springs, taking about six minutes. "We'll stop in the fields just a bit outside, I'll drop the wildshape, then we can walk into the city, to visit the WLA. We'll get you started. We, or I, can go up on the roof of the Winwood Music and Toys store to get a triangulation point, likely without being spotted - or maybe the WLA will let us use their roof." After a few hours there, joining in on the research, Murphy will go with them back outside the city, wildshape back into a huge air elemental, then fly the group back with the results of their research.

After dropping them off, if any want to join him for a short early evening flight and return to Hovel, he flies with the device to Hovel with the map, takes a measurement and sketches the line on the map, drops in for a few minutes to visit his new nieces and nephew and their parents, Kendry and Airin, and Clara and her folks, then returns to Humble's Ford. Three point triangulation complete. He shows his results to the team, and turns the map over to Pressi. He's got the map pretty much memorized.

Evening in Humble's Ford
Murphy goes to the Buster that first evening that Tiana told them about the goal, with whoever wishes to join in with him.

Day Before Departure
The following day he prepares his slingstaff with spellstaff, placing transport via plants in it. Makes some goodberries.

And he starts on his shrine to Eberyon at the Sanctuary, pops into the Catacombs, and does a whole bunch of other local and preparatory things, no more of which I will burden our readers with.

That evening he lets his friends know he'll be at the Dancing Pig the following evening for an hour or so, and ready to leave after an early breakfast the following morning. "Don't worry. I'm not going to ask about bringing along carts."

The Caverns of Glimstone


DM Carl 
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 9:51:34 PM
Murphy and Pressi have a nice walk in the moonlight that becomes a lot nicer when the subject of Pressi's family becomes off limits.

Kade is happy to detail what tower caps look like. "Their exterior really is woody. Some dwarves use them as building materials...beds and such. I'll take any mushrooms you find as well, plump helmets and dimple cups especially. Dimple cups make a really nice blue dye."

There is talk about how to travel. The consensus seems to be travel by horseback to The Scab. A fine idea, but Tiana did warn that you'd need to go underground. It's very unlikely they'll be able to accompany you the entire way, but you'll probably find some place safe to leave them (read: you will).

Bliss wants all the details. "Well, I'm not sure what your destination will look like. The dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier...DPAA for short...will give you a very strong indication." She scratches her head. "There's also a chance that the power source you're looking for drifted away from The Giant's resting spot over the centuries. That's too bad. I bet it'll be real easy to follow the trail of a 260' Iron Giant back home."

OOC: I used to DM The Forged with Rob. I realized after the great DM migration of 2013 what an opportunity I missed. I'm correcting that oversight now.

Kezzem is happy to be on the other side of the ruse for once.

Talia spends some time with her owl friend, asking her to watch her stuff and make sure Candy doesn't sneak off with anything.

Pressi decides a nice stroll to the mountains is a better use of their time than shadow walking. She's ready to go.

Zaragosa advises Kade he'll also be on a mushroom hunt.

There are enough spells and mounts to go around to ensure Humble's Sword can travel at a solid pace. Humble's Ford gathers to wave good-bye to their heroes, and they're off.

OOC: I thought I was done with today's post, then I hit F5...

Murphy comes up with the bright idea of trying to triangulate the rough position of their destination. It's a solid idea, but experimenting with the DPAA show it's unlikely to be productive. The stream is very erratic. Tiana explains. "Yea, this far away it's just going to point you in the right direction. It'll get more useful once you're closer. Promise."

The DPAA points north towards the mountains. No surprise there. Of course, there ARE a bunch of giant footsteps leading from The Scab where The Giant tread. Tiana's explanation holds true, so our party may as well just follow the Giant's path to The Scab for now.

OOC (again): I cannot find any accurate details on the Woldipedia about how far away The Scab is, so I'm making an executive decision and saying it's 6 hours by horseback away. If anyone can find a more accurate measurement, I'll make a note of it, but won't be ret-conning.

The six hour trek to the base of the mountains of The Scab is lovely, even if the scenery is marred by the huge gouges in the land The Giant left behind. Thirty minutes out from the mountains, the party notices activity. As they get closer, they see what looks like an artificial entrance into the mountains, flanked on both sides by enormous stone statues. Both are obviously dwarven. One statue lovingly cradles a handful of enormous gems. The other stands proudly with a pick resting on his shoulder. Both are of the highest craftsmanship. A word has been carved into the rock above the entrance: GLIMSTONE.

The trail left by The Giant intercepts with the base of the mountains roughly 20 yards east of the aforementioned cavern, where the Giant obviously erupted out of the ground. Before the party arrives, they see a number of dwarves milling about the fresh wound in the earth.

They're arguing loudly.

***

Scene 1 over. I'm awarding 7500 XP for roleplaying, with a 550 XP bonus to Bliss for trying to entertain the kids.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+16=21 ;
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 11:21:36 PM
"Dwarves ahead," says Kezzem. "I wonder if they are arguing about who's beard is longer or something less serious.

Kezzem attempts to gauge the disposition of the dwarves: is this friendly bickering or a heated blood feud.

Sense Motive: 21.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 12:03:49 AM

At the site of the giant's origination, Bliss changes into a halfling and approaches with his friends.

"Hello, good sir dwarves!" he shouts. "We've come from the halfling town of Humbles Ford following the backtrail of an iron giant. What all are you doing here?"

Then he repeats it in giant: "HeLLO dWaRVeS!!! WHat YOU DO HeRe??"

[OOC: Just missed midnight ugh.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 4:48:36 AM

As greetings already have been offered by Kezzem, and Bliss, Murphy simply adds in the tongue of dwarfs, "Looks like we found the birthplace of the Iron Giant. Hello, and peace to you."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=22 ; d20+8=15 ;
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:42:13 AM
Succotash dismounts, and whispers in Miss Piggy's ear "Watch our backs", he then joins his friends offering the dwarves a reassuring smile, keeping an eye out for any trouble, Succotash's perception 22, Miss Piggy's perception 15

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday March 28th, 2019 2:48:25 PM
"I know I throw a lot of strange words around, but you surely knows what Frisbee is. It dates back to the days of ancient greece, just like triangulation. Look it up."

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

Pressi just hangs back, watching to see what will happen.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 4:07:06 PM
Conversation from 3 days ago

"Triangulation, I know. Frisbee* - is from ancient grease - like old bacon grease?" Murphy asks, his voice rising slightly in pitch on that question. He clucks his tongue. "Pressi, you're references are often inscrutable. Does someone eat it, if it is derived from grease? If not eaten, then what does a Frisbee do?"

A bit later, he adds, "There are many things I would like to look up. There is a library in Angel Springs. It would be nice to start building up a good one here in Humble's Ford. Maybe we can adapt the scroll writers to copying books."

A Reminder of Something Murphy did before heading north
And, speaking of looking things up: Mister DM - Murphy still did fly to Angel Springs (whether accompanied by others in the group or not) shortly after the conversation following Tiana's proposal to learn what he could of history, geography, religion, dwarfs et al, things from ages past to present related to the Scab. From the WLA, of course. See his Preparations first section from the March 27th post. Thanks!

* Note: Frisbie pie plates date from the late 19th century. Skipping several intermediaries in the history of the product, the game company Wham-O bought the rights to the Frisbie pie plate-inspired Pluto Platter, renamed it 'Frisbee' and began to sell the disc game implement in the 20th century. Now, had Pressi said 'flying disc' or discus, then Murphy might have understood. And, yes, those do date back to the days of ancient Greece - which, afaik, is not known within the Wold. :-p

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:01:34 PM
Hobie will approach the group along with Bliss and offer greetings in Dwarvish. "Hello friends, what seems to be the problem here? Anything we can do to help?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:29:12 PM
"Just the word triangulation makes my head hurt," complains Kezzem.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 8:11:55 PM
Talia stops and decides to scoot (Overland Flight) back to the middle of the pack, least something horrible happens, as she doesn't speak Dwarven.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

DM Carl 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 10:15:46 PM
Other than an odd discussion about something called a Frisbee, something called Greece, and triangulation, our party arrives at the Caverns of Glimstone with only a headachy Kezzem as a casualty.

Humble's Sword approaches the arguing dwarves.

Kezzem tries to get a sense of what the dwarves are yelling about. Obviously, they're yelling at the giant hole in the mountain. They're all very angry about it. They're not disagreeing about anything in particular, they're just so angry that they need someone to yell at. They've chosen each other.

Bliss is the first to approach. The dwarves stop yelling as he approaches, but as soon as the words "Iron Giant" leave his mouth, they start right back up again.

Murphy adds to the greeting in dwarven.

"Birthplace? That monstrosity ain't ours and it ain't from around here! That metal *bad thing* tore through our caverns and destroyed our *finely crafted* pump stack! A whole year of work, gathering and shaping tons of *lovely* gabbro, all gone! We've got a whole new workshop filled with *functional* magma forges with no *useful* magma!"

Whew...had to edit that a bit. The dwarf's language is far too spicy for our audience.

OOC: That's fine, Kim. It's fair to assume Murphy knows the basics of the geography and history of The Scab.

Talia, Pressi, and Succotash take a back seat and keep their eyes open.

Hobie asks if they can do anything to help.

"Yea," comes a voice from inside the cavern. An ancient looking dwarf emerges. His eyes are hard, but not cruel. "You can tell us what you know about this Giant, and you best hope you had nothing to do with this."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:14:51 PM
"It was going to smash our town," says Kezzem. "We stopped it."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:36:03 PM

Bliss smiles. He used to adventure with dwarves. He's been friends with dwarves. He's "won" drinking contests with dwarves. He knows how to introduce himself to an elder dwarf!

He walks closer, looking down to avoid any piles of vomit.

He bows low to the elder and says, "Bliss has been happy lately. He has made a satisfying acquisition lately. He has leveled up lately. He has been able to rest and recuperate recently. He sang and danced recently. He ate a fine meal recently. He has enjoyed travelling out of doors. He has made three new friends recently. He invaded and halted an iron giant that was threatening his home."

"He is very strong, agile, quite sturdy, quick to heal, and enjoys taking on the shape of a cat. He finds maintaining decorum a silly, fumbling waste of time. He has a large deficit of willpower, a shortage of patience, and little ability with social relationships. He dreams of becoming a legendary hero."

"He likes battle, laughter, figurines, and kitty cats for their softness and explosive nature. He prefers to consume pork bacon and potions. He needs several large meals to get through the day."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:57:02 PM
Murphy post 20190328

"Frisbee, I don't know, but gabbro, I do," Murphy says. He explains simply for his friends: "Gabbro is a phaneritic, mafic intrusive igneous rock.

"'Phaneritic' means you can see the individual minerals in it. 'Mafic' means it combines magnesium and ferrous minerals - ferrous means iron. 'Igneous' means it solidified from lava or magma.

"It forms mainly from the slow cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich magma into a holocrystalline mass deep beneath the Wold's surface. Slow-cooling, coarse-grained gabbro is alchemically equivalent to rapid-cooling, fine-grained basalt. It is somewhat also like diabase."

He is about to continue to delve deeper into this explanation but sees eyes starting to glaze over. "Sorry. Got that from the study of alchemy and the ignan language, and chatting with earth elementals."

He asks the arguing dwarfs, "Did the Iron Giant take most of your gabbro? Or just really mess it up so it was scattered all over the place? Because if it was left underground, maybe we can do a little bit to help you gather a bunch of it back together."

He likes Kezzem's succinct explanation and Bliss's interesting introduction.

Then he adds, for the hard-eyed ancient. "The metal thing is a product of the first age. It was taken over by a dwarf, who is no longer here. We deposed him. The metallic giant is presently inert."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+9=11 ;
Friday March 29th, 2019 5:43:37 AM
Succotash bows in respect to the dwarven elder, and says, "My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and these are my friends and allies known as Humble's Sword, if we may be of assistance you but need to ask". diplomacy 11

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday March 29th, 2019 10:56:17 AM
Pressi looked from Bliss to Murphy to Succotash, wondering if anyone here remembered how to talk.

Pressi also kind of glossed over this discussion of gabbro, figuring that the giant probably was still on its test run rather than anything targeted. Without a word, she moved to the giant sized hole, using her Justicar tracking skills and detect magic to scan the area.

"So then I can assume you know nothing about where it came from, who piloted it, or why it came through here. Can I ask you what you know about ancient dwarven religions? Religious nut jobs in the area, perhaps?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90  d20+10=24 ;
Friday March 29th, 2019 6:34:07 PM
Talia breaks from the pack hovering a bit to one side. In a very rudimentary attempt, Talia beings to speak Dwarven to everyone assembled using her diplomacy skills; [Dipolmacy Skill check: 24]

Talia begins "Dear Assembled Dwarven leaders, we've come to save our home. My self, along with my gathered friends helped to put a stop to the Iron Giant, that attempted to destroy our home, as it looks like it tried here too! We followed its footprints. Perhaps if we could help you, you, in turn, could help us? My friend Mister Murphy is far a better translator than I. I sure he could explain how we could be of beneficial help to one another. Mister Murphy...would you?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Friday March 29th, 2019 8:06:23 PM
Seeing the others talking, Jack stood in the back and watched and listened to see what the dwarfs would do next.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Friday March 29th, 2019 11:58:44 PM
Bliss introduces his companions.

"This is Murphy Windwinder the Scion of Elemental Air. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He courts death at will."

"This is Hobie Browncloak. He is a member of the Humble Swords. He arrives in the nick of time."

"This is Miss Pressi Abernathy of the Justice Coven. She is a member of the Humbles Swords. She is small, hardy, and expressive."

"This is Sir Succotash of Sylvestyre. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He is fond of drink and likes large boars for their carrying capacity."

"This is Jack Ostrogoth, Heaor of the Silver Spires and Lord of the Unbelievable. He is a member of the Humble Swords. He is a friend of Bliss."

"This is Talia Topmost Tenterhooks. She is a member of the Humble Swords. She likes cave spider silk for its milky color."

"This is Sir Kezzem of the Laughing Gasses. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He is outgoing and entertaining at all times."

DM Carl 
Saturday March 30th, 2019 5:30:13 PM
Kezzem gets right to the point.

The old dwarf nods and his face softens a bit. "Well, that's some good news, then. How'd you pull that off? We threw everything we had at the thing and it all just sorta bounced off."

Bliss happily introduces himself in a strange fashion. The dwarves seem to respond well, though. The elder dwarf introduces himself.

"Well met, Bliss. I am Urist Bernanrir, mayor of our new Fortress. These two are Ineth Berakur and Zasit Fenceblockades. Excuse Ineth's language. He has cause for his anger."

"Darn right I do," he mutters.

Murphy proves his knowledge of gabbro, but of course the dwarves know all about that stuff.

"It didn't take our gabbro so much as drill and smash its way through it," the one introduced as Zasit replies. He's wearing a pair of expertly crafted spectacles and carries a clipboard. "It's in little pieces. It's basically only good for gravel at this point. Mending magics would be more work than just mining more."

"Yea," Ineth speaks up. "Easy to say when you're not the one mining it."

"We mine, Ineth," Urist says. "It's what we do." He gives Ineth a look that stops the argument before it starts.

All is fine until Murphy adds that a dwarf is responsible for this. Urist can only shake his head.

"A dwarf did this," Ineth asks. "No...no that can't be. I thought for sure this was the work of the dark elves or...SOMETHING else. Dwarves should know better." He doesn't seem mad, more disappointed.

Succotash and Talia uses the pause to introduce themselves.

"Good to meet you both, but you'll find we're a self-sufficient bunch. These things happen. If it wasn't a giant iron contraption, it would be a dragon, or an army of goblins, or some other horror. There's a lot of forgotten beasts down here in The Scab. We'll get back on our feet."

Zaragosa keeps his cards close to his chest.

Pressi asks a pointed question about religious nut jobs.

Urist raises an eye. "That's an odd question, miss. No, we don't know about who piloted it. If you do, we'd be very interested in learning who."

Zasit speaks up. "There are those Skald worshipers. They're kind of 'nut jobs' if you ask me. The dwarves of The Scab are finally getting back on their feet, and they want to go ahead and release all the Old Ones from their captivity. It's absolute madness..."

Urist gives another look, and once again it results in silence. "Zasit isn't completely wrong, but not all those who worship Skald are crazy. They have their reasons.

"Enough on that. It pains me we are forced to meet like this. We had just finished expanding our network of tunnels lead into the Crescent Valley. We'd planned on opening trade relations with you in the coming months. The Caverns of Glimstone have had much success over the past few years. Who knew we just had to wait for an iron machine to come and carve it for us."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday March 30th, 2019 6:28:56 PM
"See that's where you made your mistake," says Kezzem. "You were trying to crack the shell. We sneaked and just cracked the nuts inside. Well, most of the nuts. Some saw the errors of their ways, others surrendered, and some got killed by other nuts."

"By nuts I mean dwarves. But not all dwarves, just the ones crazy enough that want to pilot a giant iron...er, giant...and smash halfling villages. And one gnome."

"The gnome was one of the nuts, not one of things being smashed by the iron giant. And by nut, in his case, I mean that he was also crazy, not that he was also a dwarf. Although he was adopted by dwarves, so maybe he was legally a dwarf?"

He turns to Pressi. "Is that how that works?"

"Anyway, I think I am rambling a bit. I'm starting to sound like Murph."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Sunday March 31st, 2019 1:50:21 AM
Hobie's ears perk up at the mention of releasing the Old Ones.

"What do you mean they want to release the Old Ones? This would be disastrous. Surely we can't allow that to happen."

He looks to Pressi, seeking some agreement from her.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Sunday March 31st, 2019 2:33:12 AM

Murphy finds Bliss's designations for and descriptions of his friends and himself charming. The dwarfs seem to enjoy his presentation.

"I don't know if some assistance would be useful. It does sound that you are self-sufficient people. Nonetheless, I've spent a fair bit of time underground, exploring, digging tunnels. As an earth elemental. If you would like, I could perhaps take some time now, or in the near future, to help you all get a good outline of the main areas for finding more gabbro. Maybe help dig some, too. Let me know. I would let you know whatever I find. With my good friend's help," and he nods toward Pressi, "we could give you a running commentary of what I come across. Gabbro, gems, ore, or whatever."

"Crescent Valley - though we can't officially speak for the officials - would almost certainly welcome trade with folk such as yourselves. The valley offers a wealth of food, tobacco, some decent ales, and a variety of handiworks. The ladies - and some laddies - enjoy gems and jewelry. The followers of Ffloy would be... enthused about negotiating trade deals."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+11=13 ;
Sunday March 31st, 2019 12:42:51 PM
Kezzem attempts to recall what his recent studies have mentioned anything about Old Ones.

Knowledge (religion) 13.

"The Old Ones don't sound very scary to me," says Kezzem. "I mean, all they are going to do is yell at us young whippersnappers to get off their lawn, no?"



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday April 1st, 2019 5:41:23 AM
Succotash recalls what Ix had said about his father wanting to release the Old Ones, and says "The gnome, mentioned his father wanted to release the Old Ones, and was hoping to use the Iron Giant to do just that".

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday April 1st, 2019 7:51:44 AM
Jack opens his writings in hopes to refresh himself on what the Gnome said about the old ones. He again keeps to himself since the others have the talking handled.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday April 1st, 2019 2:34:05 PM
Pressi watched as a couple of eyes turned to her. "Sorry, guys, I know as much about this religion as you do. All I can comment on is how it makes people act."

To the dwarves, "I'm not commenting on the religion. Even Pantheon worshippers can go nutjob evil if the right assumptions enter their head. But the fact remains that a number of dwarves were driven by this religion - or by money - to drive a giant through a couple of towns. So anything you can tell us about the basic tenants or practices could be worthwhile."

She gives some explanation about the people running the giant and the symbols found in various places, being careful to avoid giving any names or identifying information. (No vigilante justice - Pressi can't afford the competition.) "Can you tell us where these Skald worshippers set up camp?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Monday April 1st, 2019 6:53:47 PM

"Honestly," adds Bliss, "we just want to follow the backtrail of the iron giant on to wherever it originally came from."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Monday April 1st, 2019 7:18:24 PM

"We've been traveling six hours. If you were willing to allow us, we can stay here overnight, I would be happy to do a bit of underground exploring on your behalf to assist in a faster finding of things before it grows late."

"By the way, a negotiating hint for you down in Humble's Ford. If you can manage to get on the good side of Mayor Bumbleluck, High priestess Sarabella Lovesong, Broker Iangold Laughshield, and... maybe Candy BadApple, then you'll likely find success in your trades." He thinks to add, "There's not much getting on the good side of Pirnook Deeppockets - but he engages in a fair bit of trade."

DM Carl 
Monday April 1st, 2019 9:59:00 PM
Hobie thinks releasing the Old Ones would be disastrous. Zasit speaks first. "Not really. They're linked to physical phenomena in The Scab. We could release all of them and Crescent Valley probably wouldn't be affected much, if at all. The Old Ones aren't that great, if you catch my drift."

Kezzem ponders the Old Ones. He knows they were creations of The Forger, much like the Iron Giant was. More than that, he's not sure. He gives a very, very rough draft of what happened. All three dwarves' eyes widen when he mentions the adopted gnome.

Urist is the first to speak. "The gnome, don't suppose his name was Ix, was it? Can't be too many dwarves adopting gnomes out there."

Succotash reveals a bit more about their previous discussions with Ix.

"Yea, that's Anur all right," answers Urist. "He used to be a friend of mine, until Shan got her hooks in him. Turned him on to worshipin' Scald. No doubt that's who he was trying to free." Urist scratches his head. "Not sure what part of his plan attacking Crescent Valley was, though. Can't say that makes much sense."

Zaragosa looks back over his notes. Ix didn't have much to say about the Old Ones. He got the feeling Ix wasn't the religious type. He remembers Ix wasn't fond of Anur worshiping Scald and hoped killing Shan would dissuade Anur's worship.

Pressi asks about any presence Scald's worshipers have. Ineth chimes in. "There's a few shrines to Scald, as well as Fhorge and some other Old Ones. Most of us decent folk worship Domi. Most'a those who worship the Old Ones are kids who don't know no better."

Bliss indicates they'd like to follow the trail the Giant went through.

"Easier said than done," answers Urist. "Normally when we dig a tunnel, we take care to carry out the stone we remove. The Giant simply deposited it behind it as it went." He ushers everyone inside the tunnel to show them. Sure enough, after several yards of roughly hewn stone, the entire path is blocked by rubble.

Murphy offers advice on trade in Humble's Sword. "Ah," starts Urist. "I'm sure our broker would love to have a word with you. We've been busy encrusting our stone crafts with gems in preparation for trade."

He also offers assistance, but finds himself gently rebuked. "Thanks, but no," answer all three. Urist finishes everyone's thought: "We handle our own here in Glimstone, friend. Come. It'll be evening soon. Let's get you settled inside for the night. Even underground, it's best not to travel at night..."

Zasit scratches his head as Urist leads Humble's Sword underground. "Ineth, what's wrong with travelling at night underground?" Ineth just rolls his eyes and follows.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 1st, 2019 11:33:40 PM
"Yesh, Ix, that be him," says Kezzem. "A bit of a jerk. Well, maybe more than a bit. Didn't deserve to go out like that, though."

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 12:21:28 AM
Talia just watches feeling out of place with both her new languages and the surroundings.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight


Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 2:51:58 AM
Hobie will brush Pippa a bit and talk with her before he leaves her to head underground. She's a smart pony and more than capable and looking after herself for the night.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 5:14:50 AM
Succotash and Miss Piggy follow the dwarves inside, not being a Halfling blessed with wisdom he follows without any concerns.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 1:03:57 PM
Pressi has a moment's hesitation, glancing down at her religious symbol (sense motive, Truetest version, +20). Ultimately, though, she feels even if it glows bright blue that it would be better to follow them for now. (And if they are followers of Domi, so much the better. But maybe avoid the spellcasting for now. Avoid scaring the natives.)

To the others, "I'm betting that one of those shrines belonged to Shan. A base of operations if not the giant dig site itself. Maybe we can track down where these shrines are.

"As for the loose rock, that's got to be easier to move than the solid. Surely Murphy or Talia has some ability to move through it."

She presumes the decision to wait until morning was decided by consensus.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 1:13:56 PM
Jack also shrugs and heads in after the dwarfs, he had never been housed in a dwarf settlement before.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30  d20+33=44 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+12=17 ;
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 6:24:44 PM

Urist says, "Normally when we dig a tunnel, we take care to carry out the stone we remove. The Giant simply deposited it behind it as it went." And he shows us the rubble.

Well! There's Rubble and there's Rubble! That thing is crazy big, like 200 ft tall, right? Likely it made huuuuge boulders as it tunnelled. So that may well mean that little folk could squirm their way in! In the cracks and spaces between the boulders?

Bliss starts tossing out ideas on how to get through. "As a cat and an acrobatic escape artist, I bet I could higgle-di-wiggle my way through! Maybe all of us could! Especially with say a wand of reduce person, or grease spells, or blinking or gaseous form or polymorphs."

The little guy changes into a cat and sees if he can pick his way through the rubble. If he can, he goes say 30 feet in before turning back. What if we were careful (taking 10)? What if we were slow and careful (taking 20)?

Acrobatics 44, Escape Artist 21, Climb, 17

If he makes it, he returns and says, "See, not so bad! There's all kinds of spells and magic gear that can make you slippery or good at climbing!"

"Hey! Mister Murphy can just go through as an earth elemental, right? You got any other earth moving spells, Mister Murphy? You can cast reduce animal on Harper, right? And Miss Pressi can be a cat like me if she wants. And the Sirs Kezzem and Succotash can summon their pals to them once we get through."

"Miss Talia and Hobie! Can you do dimension doors? Maybe bringing people with you?"

"Jack, you got mad skills, right? And Blink and Grease? Any other tricks?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 8:05:00 PM
Talia was under the impression Dwarfs do not really care for magic...

If they all go underground, Talia wonders aloud," if someone brought a light source...seeing how Dwarfs do not need a light source. If Not, I have a Sunrod we could use!"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+30=42 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+16=23 ;
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 11:21:26 PM

Murphy takes in what each person has to say. He attends closely to the look of the entrance, the tunnels they traverse, the items placed here and there. "Thank you for your hospitality." Murphy says.

"All right - I understand you not wanting to have someone you do not yet know, or know to trust, to go poking around your place. As we do have an interest though in following the trail of the iron giant, if you could grant leave at least for that, we'd be most appreciative. Think it over."

Responding to Bliss's queries, he responds, "Yes, Bliss, reduce animal I can cast. Gaseous form, yes. Freedom of movement may help some. There's soften earth and stone; stone shape; transmute rock to mud, and mud to rock. Move earth isn't really conducive to moving large stone formations - it's more of a surface topographical rearrangement, up to 750 feet by 750 feet, and takes hours. It sort of gently rearranges a segment of the surface of the Wold. As an earth elemental - I can - let's call it 'swim' through earth and rock without affecting it or changing it in any way. Gold and silver and large areas of metal I have to skirt. And, I can push earth out of the way to an extent - but it needs a place to go. I can't just make it disappear. Some potent wizards and sorcerers have spells to open passageways through earth and stone. Who knows where they send the materials off to? Oh, and I can cast stone tell - basically talk to stones, finding out who or what has touched them, as well as revealing what is covered or concealed behind or under them.

"I do not yet have the wherewithal for it, but when I lived in the Culverwood with my Aunt Nilli I met some powerful druids who can make Woldquakes - making the ground, and underground, shake in an area, maybe 160 feet in diameter. Some of them, too, can repel metal or stone. And there's a spell called transmute metal to wood, which affects pretty much all metal within a 40' radius. Don't worry, I cannot yet cast that one."

He assures the dwarfs he has no intention of casting any such spells as he enumerated without their leave, or in areas they wish unexplored. "These are your caves. We're here as guests, not as opponents, or adversaries, but as people who offer friendship, and potential alliance. Also, not necessarily ourselves per se - but some of our friends, neighbors, merchants and such - as trading partners. Yes, it would be good to meet your broker."

He does not press on any of these matters. He simply lays out possibilities, and leaves it to their hosts to process. Everything he says (to the best of his (and Kim's) knowledge) is true and factual. To his friends, he says, "We may do well, before spell acquisition on the morrow, to gather together to help us choose how we might proceed, with leave of our hosts."

Small backstep
I think I had mentioned Murphy's plan to plant oaks along the way. He plants three acorns, about 35 feet apart in an equilateral triangle, roughly every 1,000 feet of their journey northward, finding suitable spots. He waters, then leaves them to do what acorns do. He plans to have small stands of oaks leading into the Scab - and intends to return to each spot in the future to tend and care for them.

-----------------
Perception: 42
Sense Motive: 18
Diplomacy: 23 [either on its own, or augmented by +2 for each who helps him out to 25 or beyond...]

DM Carl 
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:26:35 AM
Kezzem confirms Urist's hunch about Ix.

"Aye, he was pretty full of himself. Could spin a yarn like no other, though. I've missed his stories."

Talia stares in confusion.

Hobie makes preparations for Pippa. She'll be fine.

"We have stables not far in, sir," mentions Zasit. "We've taken pains to ensure visitors are comfortable and cared for. Are you sure your mount wouldn't be more comfortable inside?"

Succotash delights in his wealth of foolishness and follows ahead, followed by Zaragosa.

Pressi briefly worries about her own religious proclivities, but does she have any cause to? Domi may be the primarily worshiped diety here, but surely not the only one.

Knowledge, Local DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {Domi is responsible for giving the dwarves of The Scab access to their great forge again, which has caused a renaissance of sorts. Pantheon is still well respected and worshiped in his own right down here.}

She figures moving through rubble is no doubt easier than through solid stone. She's not wrong.

Bliss agrees, and gets right to work planning a way through the tunnel. He turns into a cat and bounces around in the pile. It's not as easy as he was hoping. He turns back into a halfling and starts planning when he feels a hard hand on his shoulder. He turns to see Ineth's hard eyes staring into his.

"Friend, we got druids hard at work shaping all that stone solid again on the other side. Maybe you could not open this tunnel back up? 'Sepcially since we got a perfectly good one a few yards over there?" He points west a bit.

Urist clears his throat. "Ineth's right, son. If you folks are keen on following that giant's trail, you'll have a much easier time starting from the caverns we've unearthed than clearing out this tunnel." He smiles, but it seems a bit strained.

Sense motive DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {He's doing his best to stay hospitable, but he's getting annoyed.}

Murphy has tools at his disposal, but after the dwarves' reactions, maybe he keeps those under his belt? He does slip into his role as the group's chief diplomat, though, and smooths some ruffled feathers.

"Good to hear...Murphy, as it? Please, allow us to show you around..."

The party is lead past the two statues in the mountainside into a long tunnel sloping into the earth. "Take care to walk where I walk, friends," says Urist as they walk. "This tunnel is not nearly as defenseless as it appears." To drive the point home, he takes a walking staff from its strap on his back and presses a nearby chunk of floor. Ten large, serrated steel discs spring from their cleverly concealed hiding spaces among the engravings, tearing into the space adjacent. "We can deactivate them, of course. So long as you are expected, you'll find this way safe."

The tunnel is actually about 1 mile long and tall enough for humans to walk comfortably. The floors have been smoothed, but the walls are masterfully engraved. Urist takes care to detail the stories they tell as the group travels inward. Should our players be curious, the history of the dwarves of The Scab can be found in the Woldipedia. The way is lit by what the casters in the party can no doubt identify as continual flames. Several thousand gold worth of rubies must have gone into their creation.

As the tunnel nears its end, the party comes upon a checkpoint manned by two dwarves clad head to foot in solid steel plate armor. Two dogs, also armored in steel, sit at attention. Sounds of sparring can be heard coming from nearby. Urist makes a slight motion with his hand and both dwarves stand aside and open the gates. Past the gates is an enormous central stairway leading down into the caverns. A wide open space is off to the left past the gates, though its function is unclear.

Urist leads the party down the stairwell. "Will you be wanting to rest before you start your journey inward? We have accommodations for visitors."

***

Kim: Apologies if you did and I missed them. You'll have no issues planting the oaks as you travel.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+3=11 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 5:42:16 PM
"Well", Succotash says, "Maybe getting getting a fresh start in the morning would be a good idea, but if everyone wants to press on, I fine with whatever"



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+9=12 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+30=35 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 8:13:55 PM

Murphy thanks Urist and whoever else comes along on the tour, listening to the stories. "Jack, as a bard, you'll want to be taking all this in, no?"

"I'm fine with a night's sleep, Succotash, both to enjoy the hospitality offered, and to have an appropriate selection of spells."
------------------------
Knowledge, Local: 12
Sense motive: 12
Perception: 35

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)   d20+6=24 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+9=19 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 9:42:40 PM
injnore the d20 +15, that was a mistake
sense motive is 24 and knowledge local was 19

Jack nodds to Bliss "yes yes, I have grease and blink and can magically unlock door and such. I'm sure I can be of great use here."

Jack is aware of the worship of Pantheon but says nothing of it.

Jack, who was often terrible at sensing the motivation of others, somehow caught Urist's frustration. "We cannot thank you enough." he would say, "If there is any way we can repay you, please let me know."

To Murphy, jack shrugs "I guess I'm bard-ish. I have been doing my best to take in in sir. Anything you wish me to do with the knowledge? I know that Domi is mostly responsible for the forge, and I wonder if it is connect to the worship of Pantheon in the area? "


Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+2=14 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:20:34 PM
Talia will join the popular decision, whatever that happens to be. If she must go underground, she will pull an Sunrod from her haversack, and activate it by smashing it into the ground.

Talia will try to sense motive in this situation [skill check: Sense Motive: 14]. Her arcane senses are dulled at the moment.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:25:55 PM
"Well, it would be rude to refuse such a generous offer," says Kezzem. "We're not pressed for time, are we guys? I'm afraid I don't have much of head for arithmemagic myself so you have to ask Pressi, Talia, or Murphey."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 10:48:26 AM
Bliss scrambled to wriggle through gaps and crevices, then emerges covered in dust and grit.

“Huh,” he says, “Yeah, maybe we could go that way, but it would not be all that easy ....”

He looks over to where Ineth is pointing — at a tunnel just a few dozen feet away.

“OR ... we could just walk down this handy tunnel going exactly in the same direction, sure. OK, let’s do that!”

Bliss grins at Ineth and Urist, oblivious to nuance.

As the group walks down the tunnel, he enjoys the engravings and listens to the stories, though sometimes they seem odd to him — dwarf culture, go figure. Is that an engraving of a sock? He tries to get into the spirit and comments to Urist, “This is an exceptionally designed image of a dwarf. The dwarf is surrounded by the dwarves.”

Asked if he wants to rest, Bliss says he is not tired. But he looks at himself and the trail of grit and dust behind him. He has dust on his right great toe and his left arm and his upper thighs and his eyelashes and his left elbow. “Just a bucket of non-murky water and a bar of soap, please, if you have your soap economy up and running.”

DM Carl 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:21:15 PM
The party accepts the offer to stay as Urist leads them downstairs. The stairwell is roughly 15' wide with two separate staircases: one for up traffic, one for down. They're arranged in a double helix. The party descends down several stories of the dwarves' fortress. Down hallways that lead away from the stairs, our heroes can see many, many dwarves going about their industrious lives. Urist leads the party down one such hallway, through a pair of gem-encrusted double doors, into what appears to be a gathering place for the locals. Ornate statues line the walls, with several un-labelled levers situated throughout. "Always someone here," says Urist when he sees they've caught your attention. "When the call goes to flip one, we can guarantee someone will be here to do it."

Food and drink is plentiful, if unorthodox. The chief liquor seems to be a wine brewed from local mushrooms. It's probably an acquired taste.

The party's rooms appear to be on the very last level of the fortress before it opens up into the caverns below. Each room is appointed with a 20' square glass window that offers a view any of our heroes have likely seen before. Dwarves mill about, cracking open seams of gems and otherwise keeping busy. It's also very obvious where the Giant tread: a path of destruction has been torn through the caverns, including a tower of stone (gabbro, for those in the know) that is obviously dwarven-made. Some kind of stone machinery can be seen inside its ruins.

The rooms are high up enough and the walls thick enough to absorb all sound from the work below. Our heroes sleep soundly.

It is morning. With this view of the entire caverns it's a great time to break out the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier and plan a route. The results are...disappointing. The DPAA points away from the trail the Giant left. Tiana did mention it was possible the source of the Giant's power may have drifted over the years. It appears she was right.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:40:33 PM

"What to do with knowledge, Jack? Why, knowing things enhances one's understanding, informs wisdom, provides context, and enlarges one's repertoire of stories to tell to share with an audience of many, or of one. You can be scintillating as you regale another with an apt tale. And, as we enter the land wherein live many dwarfs, a better acquaintance with their history may serve us well in The Scab." [See link to find out what the dwarfs told us.]

Murphy laughs at the request Bliss made. He first waits to see how their hosts might respond to what he asked for. If they fall short in any one aspect, Murphy can make up for it to complete the solution. [Right pants pocket - a bucket; haversack - a bar of soap; can cast create water.]

He is curious about what sorts of accommodations for visitors the dwarfs provide. He considers what he might offer as a gift of gratitude at the time they leave (after a good night's sleep?).

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:53:51 PM

"Oh, I forgot to ask - along the way down the tunnel ahead, how often might one find a pathway to the land above?" the druid inquires. "Are there signs or sigils which might indicate such?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23   d20+11=31 ;
Thursday April 4th, 2019 2:36:03 PM
(Know Local Nat 20, Sense Motive no fail).

Pressi notes the dwarf's increasing impatience, but doesn't respond. "Our apologies for getting ahead of ourselves. Wouldn't be heroes if we didn't assume the worst every once in a while."

Regarding the religious aspects... acceptance of a true follower of Pantheon like Succotash is one thing. Following the protestant arcane twist that is an arcane bloodwitch - that is another thing altogether. But they are also a long way from the days of dwarven distrust of arcane magic so nobody here is burning the witch... right?

To Kezzem, "My knowledge of this area starts and stops with the ability to drag energy from the rock and literally catch it. But tactic wise, the danger our town faces with the tower down and us gone is the same as before, and won't change with a night's sleep. And if it were an issue with the giant, Tiana would presumably have mentioned it."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 5:01:48 PM
Succotash indulges in the interesting food and drink offered by the dwarves. He finds it exotic and palatable, but it’s not something he would want to eat every day, however he is quick to show his gratitude to his hosts. After dinner he again thanks his hosts, and decides to hit the sack, recommending his comrades do likewise, as the adventure starts afresh in the morning.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 5:47:39 PM
As he considers a gift, the thought occurs to Murphy before the day is gone. "I have been planting sets of three acorns along the way on our path from Humble's Ford northward to Glimstone. If you would like, as a mark of friendship, I could do so outside of your place - you tell me at what distance - a hundred feet or so? Closer? Farther away? - and I will plant three acorns, and cause them to grow up quickly into oak trees. If you would like more than three, I can do more." He will cast in such a way as to affect only the acorns.

If they agree, then, just before sunset, he will plant the three acorns - or more, if their hosts desire, water them, then cast plant growth to focus upon those three. If they want the 35' separation pattern he has been using, that is fine, or several in a row, he can so do. "If you'd prefer, I can plant several acorns in a 150' radius semicircle, or a 100' circle, or a 200' quarter circle." He also offers to cast a spell which will allow for more abundant harvests in a half-mile radius over this coming year.

"As a mark of trade between our town and your enterprise, people will be able to follow the stands of oaks between here and there."

========
Meanwhile, he is mindful of how the dwarfs respond to Pressi's queries and comments.

Quietly, he asks the various members of the group to consider some token of gratitude towards the dwarfs for hospitality shown. "It's not required - but yet may be appreciated."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday April 4th, 2019 8:06:52 PM
Any night where the team can get some actual food, drink and sleep is a good one. In fact, forget the food and the sleep.

Wake up, rituals, blood catch and... after finding the new direction... the cauldron report back to their coven (along with passing along the question of whether they actually are in a hurry).

As for knowledge, sometimes knowledge is just knowledge. Personally, Pressi wished she had spent more time learning about Shan's beliefs. That would probably be worth more than learning that dwarves are Domi with a splash of Parthenon.

There is some discussion of the percentages and risks of various choices. But in the end, Pressi lays her marker for following the DPAA. If it turns out to be broken, she can always find places in Tiana's body to stash it.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Thursday April 4th, 2019 10:23:10 PM
Jack thinks about what Murphey says. "I guess I could be a storyteller of sorts. perhaps one day. Perhaps it could be the thing I am good at." he says, seemingly a lot more humble than he was when he first met the team, " What about you? What are you seeking in life? is there any way I could aid in that?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Friday April 5th, 2019 12:31:41 AM

[Okay, as I posted roughly the same time as DM Carl, and did not take his into consideration (it was invisible to me!), the post at 1:53pm Thursday was based upon having just arrived and initially taken down a hallway a ways. The plan to plant the oaks - with Urist's approval - was to have taken place late in the afternoon of our arrival - not the next morning. Is that all right? My later posts were also oblivious of Carl's post. I totally failed my (personal) perception check -Kim]

Murphy is fascinated with the view from the windows, and spends time taking in as much as he can. He tries to divine the purpose of each machine, the intent of each worker, the magnitude of their operation. "This is an astonishing piece of work you people perform!"
============
"Pressi! I actually know what DPAA is! Yes - let us follow the meandering guidance device. It seemed rather nicely to be pointing back exactly the direction that the Iron Giant took from Glimstone to Humble's Ford." He checks to see if there seems to be an angle of difference in the direction the Iron Giant took while underground, as opposed to when it emerged and began making indentations in the surface of the Wold. If so - that is, if the giant changed his pathway at or near that point, and the DPAA is pointing along the direction that coincides with the H.F. to Glimstone path, then his confidence in the device increases.

If, instead, the device's directionality is at odds with its earlier indications, then he mentally regroups. "If it keeps pointing different directions - maybe it's not pointing directly to the power source, but rather toward the most expedient way to travel to the power source? I know, that sounds unlikely. We'll likely understand better as we follow its directions. I hope."

"Perhaps, so, Jack. I think you could. The Wold has many voices. Perhaps it also needs yours to flavor the mix, eh? And, it seems to me you've the capability of being good at additional things. You rose to the occasion several times during our sweep of the Iron Giant.

"Hey Hobie. Wake up. You've been walking along without asking clever questions or making acute observations for hours now."

"What am I seeking in life? An excellent question, Jack. Did you know that questions are building blocks of friendships? What am I seeking? Tell you what, I'll answer your question over the next few days. That I will."

He asks Urist, "Does the tunnel ahead follow a more or less straight path this direction?" and he points the direction the tunnel starts out at. "Or does it turn and go more or less that direction," and he indicates the direction the DPAA points. He does not use the device in the presence or the dwarfs, nor does he recommend that any do so. "Alternatively, does it meander all over the place?"

To the group as a whole, considering the direction the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier points, he asks the members of Humble's Sword, "Shall we follow the tunnel route - or see about going above ground for the time being?"

He does indicate he would like, in time, to follow the construct's pathway - but if it does not coincide with where the DPAA directs them, that may need to wait for a later date.

He finishes with, "Please, Pressi, tell me what a Frisbee is."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+18=29 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 7:11:47 AM
Talia stays silent most of the time observing what is happening especially the dialogues between his friend and the dwarves. When able, Talia will mediate for at least 2 hours for good nights sleep.

While observing, Talia will try to get a sense of the arcane in the area...[Skill check: Knowledge arcane: 29]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Friday April 5th, 2019 12:38:26 PM
ooc: Sorry for the absence guys.

Hobie takes the offer of the stables for Pippa and brings her along (I didn't realize how big this underground place was).

Hobie is quiet as they are brought along, he lets the more sociable members of his party take the lead. He meticulously touches and counts every arrow in his quiver over and over again and thinks about the dangers to come. He thinks about his spellbook and what spells might be useful to his group.

DM Carl 
Friday April 5th, 2019 2:09:00 PM
Murphy and Jack continue to discuss his role in the group.

Pressi is relieved to find herself not on the business end of a stake. She figures following Tiana's device is probably the more prudent route.

Murphy test it himself. It does not, nor has it ever, changed direction. However, now that you're at a location where the Giant travelled on it's route to Crescent Valley, one can see that the device is not pointing at wherever it is the Giant started said journey. He asks Urist about it.

"Well, we haven't followed the thing's path back to where it started. I'm sure we will at some point, but we've been busy here." He looks at the direction indicated by the DPAA. "Nope, giant didn't come from over there. Don't much recommend you head that way, either. We've had to shut off that entire area of the caverns cause'a the irlgaunt nest."

...because of course there's an irlgaunt nest over there. What's an irlgaunt, you ask? A DC23 knowledge arcana check gets you this.

Murphy also mentioned travelling above ground for a bit. That's possible, but the DPAA is also pointing to a place deeper within the earth.

Talia takes in the sights. The dwarves have a reputation for mistrust of the arcane, but maybe that's not justified? She sees a few dwarves with what look to be component pouches. She also sees one talking to a shrew, but she might just be crazy.

Hobie is quiet lately, but he's still here, pondering his own usefulness.

Succotash is happy with food, drink, and a place to sleep.

***

Everyone's awake, they know the direction they're supposed to go, but there are beasties in the way. Story as old as time...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+7=18 ; d20+16=32 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 2:52:23 PM

"I've never run into an irlgaunt before. Most of my life has been above ground, or in holes and tunnels not very deep down. What can you tell us about them?" Murphy inquires. "And how many of them might you estimate would be in that area? If we could clear out a fair portion of them, would you want to use that area of the caverns again?"

========
Knowledge, Arcana: 18
Knowledge, Nature: 32

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday April 5th, 2019 5:05:42 PM
Succotash has know idea what an irlgaunt is but that doesn’t stop him from blurting out, “We will take care of this infestation for you!”

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)   d20+12=28 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 8:54:05 PM
"I look forward to hearing more about your goals" Jack would say to Murphey at the end of the conversation. Later that same day he would try to ask Succotash more about his father as well.

On hearing about the Irigaunt, I rolled a 28 on the knowledge check

"An Irlgaunt!" Jack would gasp, "I have heard of them in my studies. Nasty things! Large spiders with tentacles and slime. They are immune to acid and cold. I believe they can spill all kinds of acid on you as well. I have had enough of that since we fought those acid monsters in the giant."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Friday April 5th, 2019 9:37:39 PM

"I'm not afraid of spiders," says Bliss. "I just wish I had gotten my spider cloak instead of deciding to get it next level! D'OH!"

If the party is just taking a few moments to freshen themselves, then Bliss is ready. If the party is sleeping through the night, then Bliss is ready.

He does ask the dwarves if they have any vials of antivenom that they would be willing to sell. Also, he asks about the Tower Caps and other mushrooms we aree looking for as a side quest.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23   d20+5=12 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 11:13:10 PM
Pressi smirks at Jack’s continued questions. “You know, I don’t think I could tell you Murphy’s goals or dreams either. Pretty sure he doesn’t have them. Just go back to the farm with me and a couple of kids, but he more expected than dreamed that.”

She asks the dwarves if they know how far the nest is. This could be a job for scouting or scrying. As for these creatures, looks like she might have to scan them by touch to learn their weaknesses or begin a strategy.”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 12:32:27 AM
"What's an Earl Gaunt?" asks Kezzem. "Some kind of spider? Sounds like it should be a real thin duke."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 3:35:42 AM

"How strangely you misrepresent me, Pressi. You have frequently expressed an interest - much more than an interest - in me, yet can perceive none of my goals, not one of my dreams? You're certain I have none such? I thought you much more perceptive than that. Unless your words are in total jest," Murphy allows. "If not, then there's a whole lot more acquaintance to make. Or change of direction. So, Pressi - what are your goals, your dreams?

"I've sensed purpose in you for some time now. Let us peel the onion further."

"And, yes, Jack, I'll be with you on that shortly. Thank you for telling us a bit about the Irlgaunt. Just how large are they?" He also awaits word on the creatures from others who may know.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 8:00:40 AM
“Well Jack”, Succotash begins, “He’s a halfling who is proud of his craftsmanship, so proud, that he sometimes forgets that other people have other dreams”. “Frankly I understand why he was and perhaps still is upset with me for not following in his footsteps, as a silversmith”, Succotash continues, “as it’s a trade that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family, and as an only child father simply assumed I would desire to take up the mantle and learn the trade, but I had no love or skill for it, my only desire from my youth has been to travel the Wold fighting evil, as a Paladin of Pantheon”.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+18=34 ;
Saturday April 6th, 2019 9:38:24 AM
Talia, when she gets the opportunity to speak with her hosts; in her newly learned language - Dwarven-; asks,

"Urist not that long ago, I saw what I believed to be component pouches. I even thought I saw one of your brethren speaking to a rodent! I thought the Dwarven people shun the arcane? I mean this is a story I have heard many many times. That the Dwarven people distrust magic..."

When learning about a nest of some sort, Irigaunts...Talia thinks back into her collective knowledge of the arcana and remembers...oh abominations...powerful carnivores that enjoy humanoids!

Without waiting for Urist to explain her perceived magic connection, Talia casts Overland Flight on herself, in case she needs to make haste. With that quick conclusion, Talia finds herself giggling.

"Ah, Bliss you are not getting the big "spider picture" here, Talia explains, "Irigaunts are an unwholesome abomination scuttles fluidly forth, its shape combining features of both spider and squid under an armor of rugged rock. While stone protuberances gird its upper portions, below it is a thing of angry red flesh and soft pink tendrils. Two gaping orifices full of tiny barbs split its lower body—a mouthlike slit surrounded by numerous narrow red eyes and, above that, an oozing alien aperture. In addition, this thing lives here switch probably means it came tobe in the first age...it's near DemiGod like in its creation, and it's Evil!"

[Skill Check: knowledge arcana: 34]

[Spells in Effect
Overland Flight



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 2:57:58 PM

At some point, Murphy jots down some notes.

"These can be honed, I'm certain," Murphy says before reading the list. "But, Jack, and Pressi, and whoever else wants to know, here are some of my aims and goals."
A few Things Murphy Aims To Do, To Be, To Accomplish

Learn much
Do good
Help others
Oppose evil, oppose oppressors, help the oppressed

Acknowledge Heaven's help
Give due respect and honor

Laugh. Dance. Suffer. Sing. Rejoice. Mourn. Fast. Feast. Live.

Seek wise balance in life
Once in a while, go wildly out of balance
Gain in power and abilities to help fulfill goals
Adventure with friends
Travel to the moons of the Wold - Kerracles and Wardd

Marry - become one with another very particular person
Do my best to help us both be the best we can be
Be open to the fruit of relationship
(including children)
Take care of family - including extended family (and in-laws)

Help Humble's Ford
Help Crescent Valley
Make friends
Make history
Write a few books. And read many.

Bring peace where possible
Be an instrument of reconciliation

Help boost my friends to meet their righteous goals
Show grace to others, and receive grace given me


DM Carl 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 4:32:20 PM
In the midst of a discussion about family, life goals, and history of the members of Humble's Sword, our heroes have questions for their host.

"Honestly, Talia, I think the 'dwarves mistrust the arcane' belief is taken to an extreme too often. The arcane is a tool, much like a pick or ballista. It has its use, and like all tools, it can be useful in the right hand. The common folk among the dwarves may not love the arcane, but they'd much rather let one of our wizards light our caverns with their continual flame spells than spend their time crafting and rotating out torches or oil lamps.

"Far as the irlgaunts, Maggad says they're normally solitary creatures. Maggad's a local druid and knows her stuff. She says if there're this many in one place, then there's a nest they're protecting. Says they'll probably clear out within a year once their young are raised, so we've decided to leave'em along unless they start encroaching. We set a couple'a rangers to keep an eye on them without gettin' too close.

"Really though, we'd all sleep better if they were gone. Them things gotta eat, and there's only so much food down here for'em to hunt. If you folks think you can tackle them, we'd be real grateful."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Saturday April 6th, 2019 5:34:58 PM
Jack would raise an eyebrow to Murphey's goals. "quite the list of things. Very admiral goals, all of them. I shall keep them in mind. As for your question on the Irlgaunt, they are large, sort of like a direwolf. To the best of my knowledge as I have only heard them through stories."

to Succotash he would have said something along the lines, "I have heard you mentioned most of this before. It seemed since all this giant business started we didn't' get a break, but when we do perhaps you and I could have a sit down with your father."

To the dwarf host Jack would say, "You need not fear. The Humble sword has dealt with worse than Irlgaunts."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9  d20+21=41 ;
Sunday April 7th, 2019 2:44:26 AM
"I'm quite familiar with Irlgaunts, (Know Arc 41) and I'm not terribly concerned. If it was just one of these guys I could dispatch him with ease before he ever knew I was there. But a whole nest of them could certainly be trouble. How many are we talking? Five? Ten? Dozens?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Sunday April 7th, 2019 9:23:11 AM
“Could someone fill me in on there strengths and weaknesses”, Succotash asks, “Woudn’t mind being better prepared”.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Sunday April 7th, 2019 2:37:28 PM

"Killing them is possible, I reckon. However, now that you mention her, if Maggad is available, we could talk with her a moment?" Murphy inquires. "I am thinking there may be a way of getting through their nesting area, without having a need for attempts at mutual slaughter. They need to feed, right? I could bring several sheep back within a few hours. We talk with the irlgaunts, explain that we need to pass through. They need food. If they try to treat halflings as food, they will be killed. If they will take the sheep instead, and let us pass through peacefully...

"Also, a fair number of sheep and cattle are kept in Crescent Valley. If you'd like to exchange a few gems once in a while, perhaps a weekly delivery of food could be sent up here. We let the irlgaunts know that, for the next year, they'll be given a certain amount of food on a weekly basis. They will attack no dwarfs, gnomes, halflings - people - who pass through peacefully. After a year, they will need to migrate elsewhere, and free up that passage."

"But, it would be good to speak with Maggad, to see if she believes such is feasible. To see if we can negotiate with them. If not, then let Hobie's arrows fly, and the rest of us do what we can do."

-------
In reply to Succotash, Murphy says, "You have a fair idea of mine, don't you?" But he still gives the paladin at least a brief review. [Feel free to take a look at everyone's character sheets.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Sunday April 7th, 2019 6:35:08 PM
"Wait, you can talk with these things?" asks Kezzem. "I thought they were spiders! Can somebody feel a guy in on what's happening here?"

"I think he meant the strengths and weaknesses of the Earl Gaunts, Murph."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Sunday April 7th, 2019 9:48:24 PM
Talia listens to Kezzem and grins. Talia explains to the group, but especially Kezzem. "Kezzem, the Irigaunts are well they are large, spider-like aberrations that lurk in mountainous regions and vertical subterranean chasms. While large and imposing, these arachnid-like beings are deceivingly agile, their reflexes fast and movements swift, similar to the darting motions of a hunting insect.

Irlgaunts are as quick-witted as they are nimble and have a strong grasp of strategy and tactics. They stand between 11 and 13 feet tall and weigh around 3,000 pounds. Their lowest ability is Intelligence and they can speak up to four languages. Their highest abilities are strength and dexterity, both equivalent to that of Giants! Now as for weaknesses, fire, like most things, but they do have many skills, attacks, and defense reductions...It's an abomination really. Does that help you?"

Talia also tells the group, "I would assume that after the initial offering, then we would have a chance to see if they will live up to the bargain. If not, then ranged attached, fire, and the like...I bet they even spit acid!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday April 8th, 2019 6:24:52 AM
"Thank you Kezzem", Succotash says, "For the most part I know our strengths and weakness Murph, we've been fighting side by side for awhile now, and I couldn't ask for better brothers and sisters in arms, but I want to know if Twinklesting will be able to drop them, or not, and whether or not I should ask the Dwarves if they have an entrance to the catacombs to purchase something more suited for the occasion.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday April 8th, 2019 10:20:26 AM
to Succotash jack would say, "I think we should use bludgeoning since they are so slimy. I know they are immune to acid and cold which sucks for me and my frost sword. I am pretty sure they can spit acid so watch for that. All these are through stories though as I have never seen one."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:18:01 AM

"I beleive that I may have spoken," Pressi replied. "I sometimes forget that small dreams are still dreams. And frankly, that you want nothing more than to settle down or help others is what attracts me the most to you. But... even your list doesn't have much concrete besides marriage, and it doesn't say how you will help others. I mean, if the war ended tomorrow and you never had to fight another giant, what would you do?

"Me. I'll admit to having been more of a cork in the water than I'd like... though some of the best things about my life were never planned. But I've always wanted the fame and recognition, to be known as the great warrior and leader. And now that I've achieved that to some degree... I guess I'm still chasing that statue, still looking for the next step. Grow my foundation, get my face out there, maybe even enter politics. Mayor Silverwood, kind of has a nice ring to it."

As for the giant spiders, Pressi tends to be disinclined to just go up and fight or bargain with what seems to be a rather nasty abberation. She'd prefer to use divinations or scouting to avoid them altogether.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:22:40 AM
"Hey, I know spells that can protect against acid!" says Kezzem. "If I have time to pray, I can ask Gargul for a couple."

DM Carl 
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:06:20 PM
Jack correctly asserts that Humble's Sword has dealt with worse problems than irlgaunts.

Hobie is well versed in the lore surrounding the creatures. He asks about how many they're dealing with.

"Well, we think there are at least five. Can't say for sure, though."

Succotash asks for the lowdown on these things. Jack fills him in.

Murphy, always one to look for a way around a solution, asks to speak with the local druid.

Urist sees no problem with that, so he leads the party back to the tunnel the Giant tore through the mountain, though this time they're on the interior rather than exterior. Several dwarves are busy arranging the rubble into as solid a wall as they're able before one of the gathered casters stone shapes it shut. Urist introduces Maggad, a slight, short (even for dwarf standards), completely unassuming dwarf. There are no outward clues that Maggad is anything other than a commoner.

"Maggad, got some visitors here that need to get past the irlgaunt nest you discovered. They've got some questions. Folks, this is Maggad."

"Hold a moment!" shouts Maggad to the workers assembled with him. He turns back to the party, speaking in perfect halfling.

"I'd heard rumor we had visitors. Sorry for not finding time to visit, but our work here is terribly important." He listens to Murphy's ideas on the irlgaunts, but his face betrays his doubt. "They're not animals. I dare say when it comes to pure intellect, I'm no match for them. What's more, they're notoriously cruel. Nothing gets along with an irlgaunt, not even other irlgaunts. The fact that they're forced to spend time together has probably put them into even more foul a mood than normal.

"What's more, they are aberrations. Were they not such a grave threat I wouldn't hesitate to wipe them out. I can't ask others to put their lives on the line for the sake of my own beliefs, but I cannot abide aiding them...and what's to happen next time they spawn? Are we to become an irlgaunt nursery? No friend, I cannot sign off on this course of action." He speaks softly, but his words and posture leave no doubt as to how firm his resolve on this matter is. "If you want to move in that direction, you're going to have to deal with them directly."

Kezzem rethinks his mental understanding of their foe. He has spells he can prepare. It's still very early. It's possible the party's casters haven't even prepared their spells for the day yet...

Pressi is keen on avoiding the situation at all. Maybe that's possible?

Urist thanks Maggad for his time and leads the party away unless they have any follow-up questions. "Probably not the answer you were wanting, but Maggad knows his stuff. There's a lot of life down in these caverns if you know where to look, and Maggad does. He's saved many lives."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:43:28 PM

"Thank you, Maggad." He uses a druidic term of respect for him, then says, "We appreciate your frank insights. With the irlgaunts being abberrations as dangerous and repugnant as you report, we will see what we can do."

"If you know anything about what or who may lie beyond the irlgaunts' nest, your insights would be valued."

To Pressi he communicates telepathically Highlight to display spoiler: {"I'm open to wiping them out, based upon what Maggad says. I know you also want to explore the possibility of largely or entirely bypassing them. That could be fine - but diminishing the threat to the dwarfs seems a good thing to me. With good prep, likely we can do it. I can't believe I'm agreeing with Hobie."}

"It's early," he says to his friends. "Let us decide what to do, and prepare spells and such as seem appropriate."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:50:14 PM
"Look, I think it would do these dwarves a lot of good if we can clear out the nest, and they're in our way as it is. Let's go take them out."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:52:06 PM
"Good Dwarf sir, we shall handle this problem post-haste! Many have not seen such a talented group of adventurers!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Monday April 8th, 2019 9:14:02 PM

"I feel brave," says Bliss. "We should go fight evil nasty giant spiders!"

"I bet your craftsdwarves would love to use their silk, Master Urist. Just close the door behind us and do not let them out to harvest until AFTER the battle, please!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:42:52 PM
"Well, I am going to go pray for some spells," says Kezzem. "I should be able to ward myself and one other against acid, so fight amoungst yourselves over who is going to get the ward. Also, I am going to ask Gargul if there is a way to share resistance to acid energy communally. I have heard rumors of such spells, but I am not sure if he grants them or not."



Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 12:29:51 AM
Talia asks the group what they think they will need for this extermination?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 6:15:17 AM
"I can prepare that spell also, 3 times I believe, and Piggy already has some acid protection, so who would like the other 2?", Succotash offers. He then asks their host if they have an entrance to the catacombs stating that he would like to purchase that adamantine heavy flail he had been eye balling for his last few trips there.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 7:55:03 AM
Jack would answer Talia "I could use a club or a mace. All I got is a sword of frost damage and that would be useless against such things, though I could always cheer from the back"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 1:57:21 PM
Pressi begins to protest that the dwarves seem fine, but everyone else seems to be itching for a fight. "All right, let's go save the world. Again. Whatever."

Turning to Maggad. "We have an idea about the creatures. Now lets talk about the environment, because it says here they like to ambush people using camouflage. (OOC: I'm metagaming to move things along.) It also says they like to knock people off of mountains... but I presume that would be hard in the middle of a tunnel. So is this nest in the tunnel or out a bit. And either way, are we talking hours of walking or around the corner. Are we talking a lot of room or just flight?"

Pressi messages back to Murphy. Highlight to display spoiler: { Am I really the only one here that worries about wiping out an ecosystem that seems contained, in a room with TWO druids? }

In light of the potential ambush, Pressi takes some time to cast spite. The ink wraps around her arm among the other tatoos, the runes for "Ghoul Touch" forming in black energy. "I can also cast protection from energy: acid on myself and one other, plus for Jack, I could cast Greater Magic Weapon." Depending on Maggad's information, she considers flying broom and one of arcane eye or prying eyes before they enter the tunnel, and spectral hand for when they get closer. This time, she skips the Threefold Aspect. "And... did someone request an Animal Growth for polymorph for their mount or did I imagine that?"

That remains it for the preparations, but Pressi notes which of her spells work on any living creature.

L1 7
L2 1/5
L3 1/4
L4 4
L5 3

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 2:58:15 PM

Murphy messages Pressi with a smile. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Well, I did propose negotiating with and feeding them, until the druid on the scene recommended wiping them out. I'm going against my first inclination - after receiving Maggad's key perspective."} Out loud, he adds, "And he speaks impeccable halfling."

Presumably, the assault will take place at least an hour after the meeting with Maggad, to allow for spell preparations. [Will update spell selection by this evening - have swapped a few spells.] Murphy does mention, "I'm taking fire seeds, mass cure light wounds, call lightning storm, wall of fire, freedom of movement, flame strike, call lightning, protection from energy, greater magic fang, neutralize poison, resist energy, flaming sphere, detect snares and pits, and a few others."

DM Carl 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 2:58:58 PM
Murphy thanks Maggad and asks if the druid knows what lies beyond the nest.

"The vastness of The Scab, of course," he answers cryptically. "That area of the tunnel is unexplored by my kind. I'd be interested in hearing what you find, should you return."

Hobie and Jack are ready to throw down.

Bliss is really milking this scene.

Kezzem goes to prepare, making plans to ward himself and a friend against acid. Smart, especially for Kezzem.

Talia asks for some input on how she can help. Jack could use something that will actually hurt the creatures.

Succotash asks for a Catacombs entrance. Urist shakes his head, indicating they do not. If he really wants that flail, he can always run home and buy it there. It'll take all day, but the irlgaunts aren't going anywhere.

Pressi continues to bear the burden of wisdom. She asks Maggad about the environment.

"Oh, I imagine it will be to your disadvantage. The creatures can shape stone at will, and will no doubt have tailored their nest to be defensible. There may not be mountains to knock you off of, but there could be pits to knock you in to...just as an example. I haven't gotten close enough to their nest to draw you a diagram. Even if I had, who knows what they've done with the place since our first encounter. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say open spaces aren't likely."

Urist speaks up. "Our miners were creating an exploratory tunnel when they broke through to what they thought was a natural fissure in the stone. That's where they first encountered the irlgaunts. We don't know what's beyond that opening, but it's the only way we know into their domain."

She wonders why the druids seem ok with this proposed slaughter, but Maggad made his feelings on aberrations quite clear.

***

The ball is in our heroes' court at the moment.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 3:01:24 PM
Jack is ready to go and lets the team know he is ready when they are.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 3:37:06 PM
ooc: What is the light situation like? I'm assuming it's dark because it's a cave, but is that correct? I may change spells to add Dark vision based on your answer.

======================================
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self, Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 5:43:30 PM
Succotash's ears perk up when Pressi mentions Animal Growth, and says to her, "Piggy would love to go large when fighting, but I wouldn't want to take anything away from Harper". "Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind some enlargement during a fight either".

To Urist he says, "Aw well, I'm probably going to need Twinkelsting's light anyway", he pulls her out of her scabbard a few inches to reveal the glowing blade, "Besides since these things are evil, her holy damage will come in handy".

Then to the party, "Well, if we all have our spells prepared, we might as well head out"

Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 6:11:48 PM
"Okay gang, I am ready to resist some acid," says Kezzem. "Sadly, I won't be able to shield others through my rings, so you're on your own there. So I can take care of two of us, and it looks like Succo can get three others. Rumpus is already a little resistant to acid, and I'm sure Piggy is as well. That leaves us eight halflings, and three without acid resistance by my count. Can anyone else handle that?

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

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+18=19 ;
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 10:15:26 PM
Tali' says out loud to the assembled group..."why do you think this is a sound move, taking on the Irlgaunt nest? First up, we do not know how many there are! If there turns out to be just as many of them, as there as us, we well all be visiting Gargul sooner than you'll think! I just think that you all underestimate....dang I lost my train of thought, Ug! You fighters are going to be the death of me!" Tali' ambles off to get ready.

"Are we all going? Do we all need StoneSkin spells casted?" nasks Talia to the H'Sword. If so, line up and I cast the spell of anyone needing one, as she reaches back into her haversack withdrawing a rod. In addition, before whatever fight may come, I can also cast Protection from evil with a wand. Although I have Haste as a spell I can't caste them all on the group it would deplete all my spells of that level.

[Skill check: Knowledge arcane:19]

Spells Prepared:
1st-Level | Per Day: 6+3

Identify
Grease
Mage Armor
Enlarge Person
Magic Missile
shocking grasp

2nd-Level | Per Day: 6+3

Invisibility
Glitterdust
Pyrotechnics
Web
Acid Arrow
Scorching Ray
Spectral Hand

3rd-Level | Per Day: 6+2

Dispel Magic
Blink
Fireball
VAMPIRIC TOUCH
Haste

4th-Level | Per Day: 6+2

Dimension Door
Black Tentacles
Enervation
StoneskinM

5th-Level | Per Day: 5+2

Overland Flight
Telekinesis
Beast Shape III

6th-Level | Per Day: 3+2

Summon Monster VI

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 10:50:33 PM

When Bliss hears that the situation may have changed, what with pits and stone shapings and what-all, he suggests a magic solution. "Maybe one of us witches or arcanists can send out an invisible arcane eye to scout out the lair. Plus, if maybe the footing will be bad, we should fight this fight from air. I can polymorph people into small air elementals. I can ride a magic broom."

He asks Urist if he can borrow a broom for the fight.

"We've got to clean out these spiders!" he says, giggling.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 2:35:46 AM

"Succotash," says Murphy, "I can have the both of us back at Pirnook's General Store in the time it takes us to walk to the three trees I planted yesterday afternoon (cast two plant growth spells on them), and then from the big oak next to Humble's Barrow - the Mayor's place, and the short walk to the store. You can enter the Catacombs there. An hour later, I'll switch into a huge air elemental, and we'll fly back. Round trip, here to there and back again? Just shy of two hours, including your shopping time.

"If anyone wants us to pick up something extra from the Catacombs, let us know. That arcane eye notion, Bliss, sounds useful.

"Succotash - if you don't want to grab your adamantite stabber, then I can be ready to head with everyone toward the irlgaunts in about 15 minutes from now."

He asks his friends' opinions as to whether he should enter the nesting area as earth elemental, or air elemental. He is inclined toward the former, but both forms have their own advantages. "Might switch to fire elemental at some point."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 6:22:16 AM
[b]"Thanks for the offer Murph, but like I was saying to Urist, I'm probably going to need Twinkelsting's light in the darkness anyway, and her holy damage should come in handy, but next time I get to the catacombs, that Adamantine Heavy Flail is mine!"

Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 1:45:37 PM
Pressi tapped her fellow female arcanist on the shoulder. "Forget it, Tal'," she grumbled slowly. "It's Fighta' town."

"Ok, everyone needs to stop the haste casting. No buffs until we reach the natural fissure. We will make just outside that our base of operations and I will drop an arcane eye at that point so its going to take a while before we buff for the fight if any."

Pressi looks at Harper and considers leaving her out for this fight, or at least casting stoneskin.

Pressi goes through Kezzem's list and decides that means him+hobie and succo+jack+Murphy, Bliss or Harper. Murphy and Bliss can each do themselves, and that leaves her+talia.

DM Carl 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 6:04:52 PM
Jack is ready.

Hobie ponders the light situation. It can be assumed the party will be in complete, but natural, darkness.

Succotash saves the flail for later; he'll need Twinklesting's light anyway.

Kezzem continues taking stock of the group's defenses.

Talia has some valid concerns about her possible death, but such is the life of an adventurer.

Bliss suggests everyone stay off the ground as much as possible. He asks Urist for a broom.

"Uh, yea...we can probably find a broom. Lots of rubble to clear out lately." He finds Bliss a very sturdy, very wide push broom used to sweep large chunks of gravel.

Murphy offers a quick way back home to Succotash, but is rebuffed. He asks for shapeshifting advice.

Pressi implores everyone to lay off on the casting until it's go time, as she plans on using an Arcane Eye spell to gather intel first.

Our heroes had indicated they still required time to prepare their spells, so it's assumed they do so before the party approaches the fissure Urist mentioned. The opening is exactly as Urist described. It's a tight fit for a dwarf, but should be no problem for a halfling.

Pressi has no trouble sending her Arcane Eye through the opening, which opens near the top of a narrow ravine. It averages about 10-20' from wall to wall. The walls are jagged and uneven, providing a shelf of sorts to walk along without reaching the bottom. Unfortunately, it is pitch black, and Arcane Eye doesn't provide any illumination or darkvision. The sounds of running water can be heard, but the bottom of the ravine is lost in darkness. The sound gives the impression that the ravine is quite deep.

The DPAA indicates your target, whatever it ends up being, is in the same direction the ravine travels as it snakes its way through The Scab.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)   d20+24=39 ;
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 7:57:45 PM
It is a tight fit, but whenever possible, Jack would stay near a wall, near a shadow, and move as quietly as possible (stealth 39)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 8:13:24 PM
Pressi sighs upon realizing the darkness keeping her vision short. "There's always an extra fee. Nobody here was expecting me to spellcast during the fight, right?"

With a wave, Pressi transformed herself into a dwarf, giving herself darkvision. "Ok, I only have this form for 10 minutes. Let's make it count."

She passes along what she sees, whispering as best as she can.

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

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith
dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye

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


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 10:37:35 PM
[OOC: I'm assuming at our current CLs and skill levels that there is no need to roll for drawing Woldsblood and performing rituals? But Kindly DM Carl, if you want it spelled out, no problemo.]

At the beginning of the day, per usual, Bliss casts his Threefold Aspect and performs his witchy stuff -- for cat form and for Shield of Faith shared with Pressi and Harper.

Before Pressi casts her Arcane Eye, Bliss casts, all at CL9 ...
-- extended Barkskin (duration 3 hours)
-- Delay Poison (duration 9 hours)
-- extended Resist Acid 20 (duration 3 hours)

Bliss changes into a cat, and hopes that low light vision and scent will suffice in the dark. He worries about climbing around in the dark, and thinks again about that Cloak of Arachnia he has his eyes on.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:28:09 PM
Tali decides that she will cast Stoneskin on everyone within the group, as she didnt see a line form during her offer. Pointing the wand in each members direction, she casts Stoneskin on each:

Jack, Pressi, Succotash, Kezzem, Hobbie, Bliss, Murphy, and one onto herself.

"Anyone I miss?" shouts Tali. "Okay, then...you all have this spell for 120 minutes I believe.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight
Stoneskin

(OCC: DM, what level was the Wand of Stoneskin created at, so I can get the minutes right?)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:28:10 PM
Tali decides that she will cast Stoneskin on everyone within the group, as she didnt see a line form during her offer. Pointing the wand in each members direction, she casts Stoneskin on each:

Jack, Pressi, Succotash, Kezzem, Hobbie, Bliss, Murphy, and one onto herself.

"Anyone I miss?" shouts Tali. "Okay, then...you all have this spell for 120 minutes I believe.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight
Stoneskin

(OCC: DM, what level was the Wand of Stoneskin created at, so I can get the minutes right?)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:50:22 PM
Kezzem casts resist energy (acid) on himself and on Hobbie.

Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 80 minutes)

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+30=49 ;
Thursday April 11th, 2019 2:52:40 AM

"Uh, gang, we might have to walk several minutes before we come across the critters. Maybe after the initial breech, they moved themselves and their nests farther away. Let's see whether Pressi's spell finds anything, then determine whether it is time to cast those spells. We may have to travel a ways before coming across them. Also, if we begin an attack too early, those farther in may flee, and we lose the chance to take them."

He does cast Longstrider on himself - it lasts 12 hours. Ground movement goes to 35' (20(halfling) +5(fleet) +10(longstrider))

Murphy offers to cast Resist Energy: Acid (120 minutes) on Harper when the time is deemed appropriate, and not before.
At the proper time, he casts Protection from Energy: Acid (120 hp, 120 minutes) on himself.
He accepts, with gratitude, Talia's stoneskin- likely once inside the caves, if Pressi discerns no immediate danger at the entry point.

The druid gives to each person 3 goodberries, and 2 more for a total of 5 to each of those who have animal friends/ companions/ familiars. "Remember, one of these heals 1 hit point of damage, and automatically stabilizes any in need of such. If you're not wounded, it serves as enough food for the whole day."

At an appropriate point he will cast Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) upon himself. "I have one more such spell - if it looks like someone needs it, I will cast it upon him or her." He explains how it works. Both Succotash and Talia have been previous beneficiaries of the spell.

"Should Pressi not find anything with the arcane eye, then let me go ahead as an earth elemental. If attacked, I can immediately notify Pressi telepathically, as I submerge beneath the stone. I know they also can stoneshape, but - I think travelling as a huge earth elemental, they might be less inclined to bother me. Not as tasty. I can speak to them in terran, I think, if it comes to that."

Should the group agree to have Murphy go on ahead for further scouting, he will first cast the spells mentioned on himself, as well as Detect Snares and Pits.

Just before leaving the group, he casts Know Direction to orient himself to the compass points, and for reference before he moves ahead...
============
Perception: 49

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 6:25:56 AM
Succotash will follow Murphy's lead and hold out on casting resist acid until the time seems right at which time, he will cast it on himself, Jack, and since Murphy got Harper and himself he will hook up Miss Piggy, who only has acid resistance 5 normally. (20 resistance, 120 min) He thanks Murphy for the goodberries, and places them in his pouch along with the other 3 he gave him on their last adventure. He thanks Talia for the stoneskin, and agrees that Murphy's idea of going as an earth elemental may be best, if Pressi's spell fails to reveal anything. Succotash would have drawn Twinklesting before he headed into the darkness, and would be using her as a torch.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 6:27:40 AM
Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 10:47:06 AM
"Oh I almost forgot!" Bliss casts Message cantrips so that the party can whisper to other members.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 3:28:55 PM
Hobie will use his Dancing lights to follow along with Pressi's Arcane Eye so she can see things.

"Thanks for the Stoneskin Talia, I agree with Murph though, let's hold off for just a bit before we cast it. let's see what else we might see first."

ooc: However much you paid for the wand should tell you the caster level, cuz here is the formula for wand prices.

"The price of a wand is equal to the level of the spell × the creator’s caster level × 750 gp."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 7:12:38 PM
Talia says, "Who! I'm glad you didnt wait til the last minute about the casting of SK. Good Idea I'll wait to its really needed..."

Talia takes the good berries and places them in her right pants pocket. tapping her pcoket ever so lightly.

"Say whats the actual plan than Mister Murphy & clan?" asks Tali.

The Irlgaunt Nest


DM Carl 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 8:22:59 PM
Jack plans his movement through the ravine.

Pressi turns herself into a dwarf, enabling her to see just fine in the dark.

Hobie's able to have a dancing lights spell tag along. Doing math, it looks like that gives a roughly 50' globe of dim light. That is more than enough to light the entire 20' max width of the ravine.

Whether Pressi wants the light is up to her. Either way, her Arcane Eye goes exploring. The ravine is about 100' deep, with a narrow but powerful stream running along the bottom. There is a 5' wide shelf that follows the ravine about 30' from the bottom in case someone feels like walking. It is not worked stone, however, and is difficult terrain.

Other than a seam of rubies, Pressi sees nothing other than rock and water. The ravine extends as far as light will allow to see in both directions, including the direction the DPAA is pointing towards.

Bliss changes into a cat. With his 4 legged form and high acrobatics, he should have little trouble traversing the ravine. He casts Message.

Talia, Succotash, and Kezzem are prepared to cast spells, but Murphy suggests waiting until Pressi's scouting is complete. Stoneskin and resist energy have pretty long durations, though. Murphy hands out some snacks.

When it's time to move forward, I will need a solid marching order. The entrance is only big enough for one small or medium sized creature to move through at a time, though Bliss could sneak through with someone.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128  d20+30=48 ; d20+30=37 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+30=37 ; d20+30=50 ; d20+30=45 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+30=32 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+30=40 ;
Friday April 12th, 2019 5:07:47 AM

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128

Murphy, having cast know direction, compares due north with the direction the DPAA indicates, to see whether it points directly north, or slightly (or more than slightly) NE, NNE, NNW, or NW, and by how many degrees. He begins a map starting from the entrance they are taking, and indicates both items. He asks Jack, "Would you like to keep a map for us? I could do so, but will often be in a form wherein it will be difficult for me to update it." If Jack agrees, he hands him a few pieces of paper, shows him what he has started, and gives him a pen.

"Mind if I go on ahead? I'd be fine going it alone, or with the company of others."

He lets all know he's going to switch to earth elemental, and asks if anyone needs anything from him before he does so. He'll try to accommodate requests. One of his everburning torches he places in his bandolier in such a fashion that it shines brightly to provide a measure of light for those times he does not submerge in rock, then wildshapes into a huge earth elemental. Rather than trying to squeeze into the narrow passageway, he earthglides next to it. He stops to harvest a few rubies, which he passes on to the rest of the group, then continues forward.

He has already cast longstrider (land movement +10; 12 hours duration). Figuring (time will tell whether properly or no - but our DM persuaded me) that two hours should be enough time to find the spiders, he casts on Harper Resist Energy: Acid (120 minutes), once the group is inside the caves. Then on himself Protection from Energy: Acid (120 hp, 120 minutes); and Freedom of Movement (120 minutes). He'll receive from Talia the stoneskin spell (how long?).

Just before moving on ahead - if his scouting ahead is approved, he casts Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) so as to let the party behind know of what he may find. From time to time he casts know direction while moving along.

As he travels along, his darkvision aids him. He also utilizes tremorsense (60') to gauge the local terrain. He moves 25' per round while earthgliding, and 35' when walking (am thinking an earth elemental is not likely to be overly challenged walking on rough rocky terrain, plus the freedom of movement spell may help, but please correct if that assumption does not hold true). He may spiral through the area, earthgliding with head generally just outside the surface, and body swimming through the rock, starting low, then ascending along the right side diagonally forward, along the top, then descending diagonally forward along the left side, to the bottom, then back upwards, still advancing. He will do so for one 50 yard loop, then go more directly for 50 yards, then loop again over a 50 yard section, until further notice.

During this time, he telepathically updates Pressi briefly every few minutes, unless something of particular significance arises demanding a more immediate mental memo.

Should he be surprised with an attack, he may sink more deeply into the rock, and evade to some extent in that fashion, all while notifying Pressi of what he discerned.
=================
Perception (10 rolls - DM may choose which apply at any particular time): 48, 37, 42, 37, 50, 45, 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours)
Stoneskin (??)
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes)
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV: This spell functions as elemental body III, except that it also allows you to assume the form of a Huge air, earth, fire, or water elemental. The abilities you gain depend upon the type of elemental into which you change. You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—.
Earth elemental: As elemental body I except that you gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Friday April 12th, 2019 2:09:35 PM
Jack wishes to go towards the end of the marching order.

Jack agrees to keep the map for Murphey.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Friday April 12th, 2019 3:28:43 PM
Hobie will cast light on his bow as long as others in the group are also using sources of light, and will try to stay towards the middle of the pack.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=12 ; d3=3 ; d20+8=27 ;
Friday April 12th, 2019 5:16:13 PM
Succotash asks Miss Piggy to stay with Murphy, as he can't keep up with the druid, but she can, and he won't let him go off alone as he is fond of doing. He will take rear guard, as he is the slowest. Both Succotash and Miss Piggy do their best to remain alert Succotash perception 12, Miss Piggy perception 27

Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday April 12th, 2019 5:24:41 PM
In answer to Talia’s question, “I don’t know if we have a plan besides hope they don’t get the drop on us and that we can win a fair fight. Frankly, I’m surprised they let me take a first look.”

Pressi continued to move the arcane eye forward. She gives Talia and herself a POE and takes a Stoneskin. She and Harper take the center of the line. “Between you and me, I actually do have a plan. Find the brood and take it hostage. I’m only partially kidding.”

“Maybe you and I should take flight, if there’s room next to the ledge.”

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128 
Friday April 12th, 2019 6:03:25 PM

"Oh, Succotash, I love Miss Piggy too much to have her out in the vanguard. She is tough, but lacks the defensive capabilities and flexibility I have," Murphy says. "And she would likely be too tempting a tasty morsel for the spiders to resist. If she is there, and we are attacked, I fear I would have to focus most of my attention on defending her, and it would place both of us at far greater risk. Now, if someone came along with, such as Bliss, for advance scouting, then perhaps there would be some advantage to her presence with us. I'll be sometimes up on the ceiling, or along the walls - kind of roving, looking for nests, hiding places. Miss Piggy will likely need to follow the channel."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Friday April 12th, 2019 9:45:55 PM

Bliss in kitty shape will definitely share a space with whoever is going first!

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128 
Friday April 12th, 2019 11:29:28 PM

[ What is a 'POE'? ]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128 
Friday April 12th, 2019 11:46:58 PM

Talia's wand, valued at 21,000 gp, casts stoneskin at 7th level, lasting 70 minutes per charge.

With Bliss along in the lead, Murphy's concern for Miss Piggy's welfare is somewhat allayed.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128 
Saturday April 13th, 2019 8:25:04 AM

Per DM request, and according to the general placement people requested -
Marching order in single-file situations (coming through the narrow entrance)
After that, until further notice, some folks may be adjacent each other, or otherwise change positions.
Scouting
Murphy
Bliss
Miss Piggy
Main Group
Kezzem
Pressi
Harper
Hobie
Talia
Jack
Succotash


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday April 13th, 2019 2:09:54 PM
Kezzem will summon Rumpus to his side if he is not there already.

"Hey, boy I need you to take extra good care of Talia, okay? If anything that's not a halfing or a pig or a cat or whatever Murphey has turned into tries to get near her, you stomp it in the face, okay?"

OOC: Put Rumpus between Hobbie and Talia in the marching order please.

DM Carl 
Saturday April 13th, 2019 4:42:12 PM
Murphy's just never happy unless he knows specifics, is he? Well, too bad. The DPAA's aether tether is not precise at this distance from its target. It waves randomly back and forth, but generally points towards where the ravine heads.

He turns into an earth elemental, and considers stealing a few rubies from the dwarves, but does he? Surely he knows this area is a mine claimed by their hosts. He utilizes tremorsense and earth glide, along with some choice spells. Should he try walking along without earth gliding, he finds the terrain as difficult as anyone.

OOC: Tone the length down, Kim. Stop trying to post 2-3 days worth of actions in a single post.

Jack agrees to make a map and prefers a rear position.

Hobie provides more light and stays towards the middle.

Succotash takes rear guard position. Miss Piggy is ordered to stay with Murphy. How is she planning on doing that? Is she still a pig? Let me know if I missed something.

Pressi casts some more spells, and comes up with an effective, if cold-hearted plan. Being a hero isn't all rainbows though, is it?

There is plenty of room to fly in the ravine. It's about 100' top to bottom, and the 5' wide shelf is about 30' up. The ravine averages between 10'-20' wide.

Everybody go back and read that until you understand the terrain you find yourselves in.

Bliss has enough acrobatics to autopass moving at full speed through the ravine and can keep pace with Murphy so long as the druid isn't earth gliding.

Kezzem asks Rumpus to watch Talia. Is Rumpus being shape-shifted? She'll have a difficult time with the terrain here if she's still a pony.

***

Pressi's arcane eye leads the way as the party begins its trek through the ravine. It doesn't travel far before it comes to a sheer rock wall blocking the entire path forward. No knowledge checks are needed to know it's not a natural formation. It is far too smooth, likely the result of a stone shape spell or effect. There are two ways past: a hole in the bottom just tall enough for the ravine's stream to flow unimpeded, and a 5' wide circular tunnel through it.

Murphy discovers something else as he swims through the rock: the area behind the ravine's walls is just lousy with tunnels big enough for large creatures to travel through.

The unnatural wall is about 200' from the entrance to the ravine. Pressi's arcane eye has a potentially unlimited range, so I can't say for sure how far away the party is from it. I'll leave it to Pressi to determine how far ahead the arcane eye was scouting.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128 
Saturday April 13th, 2019 9:27:56 PM

Murphy lets Pressi and Bliss know about the multitude of large tunnels a short distance through either side of the ravine walls. Bliss can message the others, and Pressi can tell most directly.

He keeps his eyes, ears, and tremorsense going so as to discern movement, perhaps little reflections from eyes, or wisps of spiderwebs.

"Those on the ledge" he communicates via Pressi and Bliss, "you may wish to rope together, and be prepared otherwise to fall 30 feet into the bottom of the ravine. The spiders may shape stone on the thin walls of the ravine to open a place to ambush us. Use your own rope. Mine is busy."

If he senses something big and spiderlike in the neighborhood, he casts call lightning storm - but does not drop a column of lightning until he has a valid target.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday April 13th, 2019 10:18:41 PM
"This will not end well," says Kezzem looking at the ravine. "I left my climbing ability in my other body. Hey Rumpus, can you like, grow wings now or something?"

Rumpus snorts. Even he has little tolerance for Kezzem's jokes.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Sunday April 14th, 2019 10:02:27 AM
Pressi would probably want to strike a balance, not letting the sensor get too far or close. And probably wants to get going soon. So let’s say... 50 feet? That seems like a good place.

Keep in mind that concentrate is a standard action that precludes fast movement and spellcasting.

Pressi should still be in medium dwarf form then.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 
Monday April 15th, 2019 5:05:35 AM
Forgotten added active effects for Murphy per email request:

=================
Perception (10 rolls - DM may choose which apply at any particular time): 48, 37, 42, 37, 50, 45, 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours)
Stoneskin (70 minutes)
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes)
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV: This spell functions as elemental body III, except that it also allows you to assume the form of a Huge air, earth, fire, or water elemental. The abilities you gain depend upon the type of elemental into which you change. You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—.
Earth elemental: As elemental body I except that you gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC. Via his Druid's Vestment (legacy), he has tremorsense while in earth elemental form.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday April 15th, 2019 5:28:34 AM
Upon Murphy’s suggestion, Succotash reaches into his saddlebags of holding and pulls out 50ft of hemp rope. He ties one end to Miss Piggy, choosing to personally rely on his ring of feather fall He then offers the rope to Jack, or whoever is next in line.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=18 ; d20+8=20 ;
Monday April 15th, 2019 5:40:11 AM
Succotash suggests the tunnel as his swimming skills are less then amazing in his armor. Both him and Miss Piggy will try to remain vigilant. (Succotash’s perception 18, Miss Piggy’s perception 20)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23   d20+18=26 ;
Monday April 15th, 2019 11:33:53 AM
Perception 26 plus dark vision to keep an eye on the surroundings without breaking concentration, and to look down the nearby cave.

She ties herself and Harper to the rope line. Part of her hoped the creature won’t be able to pull them down with one tug. Another part is a sucker for efficiency.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+7=10 ;
Monday April 15th, 2019 9:53:50 PM
Talia tries her best to look to see if she sees anything using her perception skill (Skill Check: Perception: 10) and sees nothing out of the ordinary. Being in the 3rd to last position gives Talia some comfort.

Spells Active:
Mage Armor (720 Minutes)
Overland flight (700 minutes)
Stoneskin (70 minutes)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Monday April 15th, 2019 11:48:29 PM

Bliss is ready to keep on, going through the 5 ft wide tunnel. If someone can cast water breathing, the stream tunnel might be an option ... but Bliss can't cast that. Either way, the kitty goes with the group consensus.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges
Spell from another: Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 1:00:39 AM

Note: The Resist Energy: Acid on Harper will take care of the first 30 hp of acid damage per round, and lasts 120 minutes.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 5:05:59 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells currently running
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Spells prepared
1st level
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
Resist energy 0/3
3rd level
Heal mount 1/1
Dispel magic 1/1

After thinking about it for a while, Succotash ties himself to the rope anyway, not for his own safety, his ring will keep him safe should he fall, but to help be an anchor for others if they fall.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 5:42:53 AM

[Oh, to answer our DM's question about whether Murphy takes the rubies - He decides not to do so, considering the claims of the dwarfs. As he earthglides, should he come across other gems or precious metals, he will make a mental catalog of their locations to pass on to the dwarfs.

Also - in his spiraling pathway, he will likely be going down deeply at least once per odd 50' section, so should have an idea how deep the ravine is, as well as how wide at the water level.]

DM Carl  d100=52 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 12:22:53 PM
The party finds themselves 50' away from the unnatural wall when Pressi warns them. That is outside the visible light range of the party.

Murphy suggests the group tie themselves together. He finds the ravine's bottom is about 30' from the shelf the party walks on.

Kezzem has a bad feeling about this.

Pressi pats herself down. Yup, still a dwarf.

Succotash ties Miss Piggy off to Jack and suggests they not go for a swim. Pressi adds herself and Harper to the line.

Talia keeps her eyes open, glad she's not in front of the pack.

Bliss considers the bottom tunnel an option.

Pressi sends her arcane eye through the 5' hole in the unnatural rock formation, but as it approaches the hole, it stops, hitting something solid.

Things happen quickly after that. Murphy's tremorsense goes off in multiple directions. The druid casts a lightning storm in preparation for a perceived attack.

OOC: I'd mark where on the map for you, but I don't know where exactly you are since you've described yourself in constant motion. What you're sure of is that you feel multiple creatures moving.

The area around the party explodes in thick, sticky webbing.

Webbing? Irlgaunts may look like spiders, but those who have heard of them before know they don't use webs.

Regardless, everyone in the blast radius needs to make a DC17 reflex save or be grappled. The entire area is also difficult terrain.

A skittering chuckle can be heard at the end of the tunnel.

Map - Bliss and Murphy, put yourself someplace appropriate. Yellow circle is Hobie's dancing lights - 50' radius. The ceiling is about 70' above the shelf you're walking on.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9  d20+8=14 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+19=24 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 2:31:37 PM
Hobie fails the reflex save, and is grappled, he immediately uses his standard action to break free with a combat maneuver check (26) (if this web is acting like the spell web then that works for breaking free, let me know if this doesn't work that way)

If his teammates in front of him move forward out of the webbing, Hobie will use his move action to do the same, otherwise he'll stand pat.

Either way he is scouring the place, looking for any sign of the creatures, and especially looking for any other creature, as he knows that the webs must be from another source.

Perception: 24

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+9=12 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 8:22:17 PM
Talia tries to fless the webbing by launching herslef over the shelf as she is using Overland flight (Fly speed 40) to avoid getting stuck in the webs. Her Reflex skill says that without her overland flight spell (already cast) she could be stuck (Relex check = 12).

Talia will cast Dimension Door on herself positioning herself at K4 65' above the rock shelf, hovering in the air. (if this is possible)

Spells Active:
Mage Armor (720 Minutes)
Overland flight (700 minutes)
Stoneskin (70 minutes)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d8=1 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+18=36 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 9:05:41 PM
(Talia - don't forget you also have Protection from Energy from Pressi. Bliss, you have the shared spell shield of faith. Murphy, did you cast resist energy on Harper yet?)

Pressi and Harper both save easily, but need to decide quickly what to do. Her mind races in regards to the webbing.

She casts spectral hand, knowing she will have to start making some changes soon.

Harper takes a total defense action.

Pressi tries to use her darkvision to peer as best as she can (Perception 36), trying to determine what is happening.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)?

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand

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

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 9:06:27 PM
sorry, need to update spell list

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

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 9:35:35 PM

Yes, Murphy cast on Harper before he took off scouting. [Can't post more atm... will do so later.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+17=19 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+12=27 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 11:25:48 PM
Kezzem SV Ref: 1d20 + 17 = 19. Made.
Rumpus SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 = 17. Made.

Kezzem and Rumpus moves outside the webbing and attempts to detect evil. Well, Kezzem attempts to detect evil. Rumpus attemtps to...scent evil?

Kezzem Detect Evil
Rumpus Perception: 1d20 + 12 = 27.

"Reveal yourself!" challenges Kezzem.

OOC: I was unable to click on Kezzem and Rumpus under the web, so I had to create new ones. If someone could remove the old ones, that would be great.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30  d20+10=11 d20+18=38
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 1:18:01 AM
Bliss rolls a nat 1 on his save and is held fast!

If this works like a grapple, Bliss tries to wriggle free with an Escape Artist check: 38.

If successful, Bliss tries to wriggle out of the webs and towards the spider sounds.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 3:55:16 AM

The skittering chuckle heard at the end of the tunnel: Which end?

Once done with casting call lightning storm, the druid communicates to Pressi a rough number and rough positioning of the various critters who are causing microtremors to pass through adjacent rock. 'There are many,' he telepathically says to Pressi. 'They may be preparing to shape stone to step on through to attack us, perhaps from a little higher level.' Since it could make some sense for the octosquids to mass against those caught up in the webbing, he considers moving to the wall opposite the bulk of the party. He does attempt to discern the directionality and distances of the movement via tremorsense. If there is an opening to the left of him or beneath and to the left of him, and if it not interfere with his spell casting, he takes a peek to see if there are critters in such openings.

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier, figure ~first 4 already used): 50, 45, 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss - spell ends with casting of call lightning storm. However, if any traps, pits, snares exist in the area of the map - Murphy likely would have detected such by now, and can warn others of them.
Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who saves takes only 1/2 damage.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): He has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim McCoy for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  d20+16=34 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 4:32:20 AM

Jack steps forward 5', unhindered by the webbing (Reflex save 34).

He beings a chant to inspire his companions.
"Brave we
Face we
Strange critters
Who chitter
To an end bitter
As we, though small
Make them fall
Brave we fight them
And win over all."
An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. - Add these rolls where appropriate, all!
==========
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+11=30 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+10=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 5:26:05 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Both Succotash and Miss Piggy make their reflex saves avoiding being grappled. Succotash casts bless on the party giving everyone a +1 on attack rolls. He then looks around for the source of the laughter/web with his vision limited to Twinklesting’s torch like glow. (Perception 12) He then turns to Miss Piggy and asks, “Do you see or hear anything girl?”. Miss Piggy looks around using her 60ft celestial darkvision, as well as her scent ability. (Perception 20) If Miss Piggy sees or hears anything, she will let out a squeal and try to indicate the direction of the threat, and if it comes within range of a 5ft step she will make an full round attack against it.

D20+15=26+1+1=28 for 2+1+10=13(+3 shock)
D20+10=20+1+1=22 for 3+6+10=19(+1 shock)



DM Carl  d20+20=31 ; d3=3 ; d20+18=34 ; 2d6+8=14 ; 2d6=4 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 11:06:33 AM
Hobie is taken by surprise by the webbing, but weasels his way out. He will move as he's able.

Talia is also caught, but dimension doors herself out of it (barely).

OOC: Casting spells when grappled requires a concentration check, even if there are no somatic components. I rolled for you and just barely succeeded. Also, remember you just teleported into darkness.

Pressi and Harper avoid getting caught in the web. Harper goes on total defense while Pressi readies a spectral hand. Her darkvision extends 10' past Hobie's lights, but does not reveal anything.

Kezzem and Rumpus also avoid the webbing. Rumpus is tucked into an alcove with no where to go, but snorts and strikes her hooves against the NE section of the ravine's wall. Checking the area for evil, Kezzem detects some, but sees nothing but stone.

Bliss gets caught, which is surprising. He immediately escapes and heads towards the sounds he heard.

OOC: I should have mentioned WHICH end of the tunnel. It came from high up at the northern-most section of the ravine, right by the unnatural wall.

Jack starts chanting.

Succotash and Miss Piggy avoid the webbing. Piggy's scent picks up something to the NE, though there's just rock there. Succotash blesses the party.

Murphy calls out the creatures he detects. He attempts to locate the creatures, but knows there's nothing below or to the left of him. There is a tunnel heading to the south, where he did sense some movement. There's also one leading up that curves around the top of the ravine. He also sensed movement that direction.

OOC: Note each detected creature has the height they're at. The one in the middle, for example, is above the ravine's ceiling. Also note it's where they were last detected, not necessarily where they are.

Murphy feels something attacking his mind. Murphy needs to make a DC20 will save. It is not fear-based.

Bliss and Jack both feel the shelf they're walking on being shaped into a very steep ramp leading down into the ravine. Both need to make DC18 reflex saves or risk falling into the fast moving water at the bottom of the ravine. Success indicates you've moved to an available nearby space, or that you're holding on to the ravine wall to avoid falling (since Jack has no where to move to). Falling into the water results in 3 non-lethal damage and risks being swept away.

A big ball of rock and acid comes flying out of the darkness above the party, striking Kezzem and spraying him with acid.

Hit AC 34 for 14 bludgeoning and 4 acid damage. Rumpus also takes 1 acid damage.

Murphy might feel the creature to the south of him moving away if he makes his will save.

Map

Note that I am not taking resist energy into account when stating acid damage. The amount I post is the amount taken, not what's left after resist energy is accounted for.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  10d6=43 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 6:45:00 PM
Talia not onl;y is not on the ledge, she realizes she is i up in the air. Listening to the chaos erupt all around and not being able to see in the dark, listens and in rembering what she walked through and along coupled with hat the party has already shared, casts a fireball outward straight out from herself by pointing her hand and finger straight outward -- range 95' above the ravine and 25 feet away from her centered spot K10; causing 43 points of fire damage to anything caught in its blast! Hopefully it also lights up the area enough to see whats in the ravine / hall.

Spells Active:
Mage Armor (720 Minutes)
Overland flight (700 minutes)
Stoneskin (70 minutes)


Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage  d20+8=17 ; d20+16=30 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 8:51:50 PM
(OOC sorry gang, I was doing better for a while but I seemed to drop the ball again)

Zaragosa tries to find the enemy (they are still dotted so I take it he doesn't see them) perception 17

Jack makes the save (reflect 30) to move on a space nearby

He continues to chant on who awesome the group is, then casts HASTE on the party

===================================
Abilities: bardic performance:11/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+19=28 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+9=11 ; d4+2=4 ; d4+2=4 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 12:09:49 AM
OOC: If I am interpreting the map correctly, Kezzem can sense a creature 110' above/below him.

Kezzem Quickdraws his magic shortbow and fires blindly towards the creature that struck him.

OOC: Quickdraw (swift action), Full Attack

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 (Haste) = 28.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 = 4.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 (Haste) = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 = 4.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 (Haste) = 15. Auto-miss.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 (Haste) = 11. Assuming that is a miss.

Rumpus takes a defensive stance and looks out for more attacks.

OOC: Total Defense

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Haste
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 60 points remaining; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
DR 5/evil
Haste
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31  d20+12=27 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+23=33 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 12:22:54 AM

Bliss rolls a 27 for that save and keeps his footing. But rather than just cling to the wall, he ascends!

Climb checks: 16 and 14. Hopefully that's enough to ascend? For each successful check, Bliss ascends 1/4 of 70 = 17.5 ft.

He tries to sniff out the enemy above with his scent and perceptions: 33

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Stuff from others:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=26 ; d20+8=21 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 5:02:24 AM
OOC... don’t forget to add +1 to your attack rolls from Succotash’s bless spell, it is a moral bonus, so it stacks with Jack’s performance, which is a competence bonus

Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Feeling useless at the moment, Succotash and Miss Piggy keep trying to spot the enemy, in hopes of getting an attack in. (Perception: Succotash 26, Miss Piggy 21) Succotash, in his frustration, yells out, “Come and fight us you cowards!”

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8  d20+21=41 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 5:52:34 AM
Hobie takes a scroll from his bag and casts Alter Self, turning himself into a goblin and gaining Darkvision. He keeps looking for bad guys, ESPECIALLY anyone who could have possibly cast a spell, using a hero point for a +2, Perception check=41 (Nat 20!!!)

He also says "Don't attack the goblin, it's Hobie!"



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128  d20+14=19 ; 5d6=18 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 11:46:43 AM

Murphy rolls a Wisdom save of 19 - then immediately bumps it up to 23 (or 21?) by expending a hero point.

At the intersection of K-L/8-9, up high (immediately at the top of the large mass at 110' altitude, or at 130' altitude if the altitude on the map represents the bottom of the creature), Murphy looses a column of lightning, electrifying what he presumes to be an irlgaunt, for 18 hp damage. Reflex save for 1/2 damage.

'Someone is trying to control my mind,' Murphy messages Pressi.

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier): 45, 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss - spell ends with casting of call lightning storm. However, if any traps, pits, snares exist in the area of the map - Murphy likely would have detected such by now, and can warn others of them.
Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who saves takes only 1/2 damage.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): He has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

DM Carl  d20+21=41 ; d100=100 ; d100=81 ; d20+21=30 ; d6=2 ; d4=4 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 1:06:57 PM
Talia sends a fireball to where that big rock came from. She briefly illuminates a 5' hole in the ceiling, through which can be seen a dark gray arachnid that is almost certainly an irlgaunt. The thing is able to find cover from the stone, but still gets singed by the fireball.

Zaragosa is able to avoid falling, clinging to the wall of the ravine as the floor slopes away. Until Hobie moves, he has no solid footing to stand on. So long as he keeps one hand free to hold the wall, he can stand in his position indefinitely, but may be knocked off if attacked. He continues buffing the party, adding haste to the stack.

With the illumination that Talia provided, Kezzem is able to unload. They're firing through a 5' hole at the creature, which gives it concealment and a 20% miss chance.

Kezzem's first attack *just* misses, but his follow-up connects. Unfortunately, the creature's DR absorbs all the damage. The rest fly wide. The light from Talia's fireball fades, putting the creature in darkness again.

Hobie turns into a goblin to get darkvision out to 60'. That's not enough to see the ceiling of the ravine, and there are no irlgaunts visible within his range.

Bliss scrambles up the wall 20' (I'm rounding to the nearest 5'). He sniffs around. Something is above him and to the west. Smells like trouble.

Succotash invites the cowards attacking the party to fight fair. Their silence is likely a rejection of the invitation.

Murphy almost feels himself going, then very wisely draws upon some inner heroics and shrugs off the mental attack. He calls a lightning bolt down (up?) where he hopes the irlgaunt is. With the darkness, he can't tell one way or the other. Something sizzles, though.

OOC: Please put save difficulties in your posts, everyone.

Talia feels something on the edge of her mind, trying to get in. She needs to make a DC20 will save.

The party hears skittering behind the ravine walls to the east. Murphy feels movements to the south and up a bit.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31  d20+23=30
Thursday April 18th, 2019 2:16:25 PM

Vomit Swarm is a lvl 2 Woldian Bloodwitch spell from the APG. It has only somatic components.

Bliss uses his Still Spell feat to cast it with NO components, so being a cat clinging to a wall is no impediment. He does not actually have to "hack" it up; it just appears.

At Bliss's level, the spell summons a wasp swarm. It appears next to Bliss, and Bliss sends it off in the direction of the enemy above -- "above him and to the west" as the kitty sniffs.

The wasp swarm has a fly speed of 40, a 10x10 space with no reach, and swarms for 2d6 damage plus distraction and poison.
Distraction: Fort DC 13 or nauseated for one round.
Poison: Fort DC 13; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1 Dexterity damage; cure 1 save.

It takes Bliss a full round action to cast because spontaneous casters plus metamagic feats. So that's all Bliss can do this time ... Except he watches carefully to see where the wasps go -- that will help him to better pinpoint the spider. Perception 30

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 1 round of 9.

Stuff from others:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+9=27 ; d3=3 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 5:16:24 PM
Talia feeling an invasion of her mind, makes her best effort with a saving against the attack. Surviving the attack, Talia summons three (3) Bralani Azata warriors to fight for her to materialize at just in front & around her at K6 95' feet above the bottom of the ravine.

Upon their arrival, Tali explains to them of the Irlgaunt in a hole in the ceiling's rock roughly 15 in front of us and 10 feet overhead. She continues to inform them, that there could be others but she doesn't know. Lastly she explains that thee are other members of her party -- halfings - 70 feet below us.

Saving Throws:
Will Save|DC20: 27

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

(3) Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18–20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will—blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day—lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form



Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Thursday April 18th, 2019 6:18:46 PM
Jack holds on to the wall while continuing his performance

===================================
Abilities: bardic performance:10/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+21=36 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 10:31:58 PM
Pressi began to message to Murphy.

Sorry I held my fire for a second. Needed these guys to forget I was here. But now its time to start evening the odds... and maybe confirming that these guys are actually irlgaunts. If they won't come out here... Just cover for me; I'll be right back.

Turning to Harper, "You're up, kid."

Harper moved out towards the edge, speaking in a female Scottish accent. "Oi, you're all trying to be impressive, but the only thing strong about you is the smell. Come on out here like a real spider and we'll talk. Pay attention to me!"

Casting Blink on herself, Pressi fell back behind the wall, in the direction of the nearest creature sensed. If she falls into a tunnel, she immediately uses Hide in Plain Sight (stealth 36). She yanks her spectral hand with her.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand
blinking

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



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+23=26 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+13=28 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=17 ;
Friday April 19th, 2019 12:42:10 AM
"The way things are going, we might win this fight...when pigs fly!" says Kezzem. "That was a suggestion, by the way. Someone Miss Piggy fly so Succo can ride her and smite their ugly faces."

"Speaking of smiting, Gargul grant me smite beyond smite!"

Kezzem activates his smite evil against the irlgaunt he was firing at and continues shooting with his crossbow.

Additional attack bonus +5 (+1 Haste, +1 Bless/Inspire Courage, +3 Smite Evil)
Additional damage bonus +12 (+1 Inspire Courage +11 Smite Evil)

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless/Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 26.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless/Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 18.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless/Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 22.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless/Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 28.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Please remember that Smite Evil also negates damage reduction.

Rumpus continues to go total defense.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 
Friday April 19th, 2019 4:04:09 AM

[Note: Murphy has darkvision 60' - so he might have been able to see the critter at 110', unless it was invisible. Also note that his altitude had increased by 25' last round.]

The rocky druid casts owl's wisdom on himself, perceiving the need for greater mental fortitude (Wisdom +4 to 24, with a +7 bonus). At this point, call lightning storm columns will be at DC: 29.

To Pressi he responds, 'Good idea. Good luck! I'm following a critter on my side who is hiding behind rock.'

To everyone who can hear him, he says, "Beware mental probes - one of the bad guys is trying to take over our minds. Resist heroically, friends."

The druid earthglides through stone so as to kiss the irlgaunt at H13. Note his AAR (Altitude Above Ravine) is 80'-96'. He is ready to fall upon the aberration, hopefully with a satisfying splat (will need to wait until next round for that, though, and he is likely subject to an AoO).

[Is is possible to show rock formations beyond the 5' perimeter currently on the map? - at least to the limits of Murphy's perception.]

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier): 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss - spell ends with casting of call lightning storm. However, if any traps, pits, snares exist in the area of the map - Murphy likely would have detected such by now, and can warn others of them.
Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who saves takes only 1/2 damage.
Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday April 19th, 2019 5:04:31 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

”Sorry guys”, Succotash begins, ”I’m feeling pretty useless right now”. “If someone could give Piggy some wings or something, maybe Twinklesting could help even the odds”

DM Carl  d100=11 ; d6=3 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+21=25 ;
Friday April 19th, 2019 2:40:19 PM
Bliss summons a swarm of wasps out of mid air as he clings to the side of the ravine. Neat trick! The wasps fly off, but do not find a target.

Talia shrugs off the mental attack easily enough. She starts summoning some assistance. They'll arrive and be able to act at the beginning of the next round.

Jack holds on for dear life and keeps belting out the hits.

Pressi starts thinking fancy. Harper somehow starts taunting their assailants in some strange accent. Meanwhile, she starts blinking and tries walking through the wall to the tunnels Murphy told her about. Walking through a solid object while blinking carries some risks, and it bites her.

OOC: 50% chance of materializing in a solid object: rolled an 11. Pressi takes 3 damage, but I'll say she gets shunted the direction she wants to go.

She finds herself in darkness, but that's no big deal since she's a dwarf for the moment. If she was noticed by anything, nothing's reacted to her presence. She can't see any enemies, but the tunnel slopes downwards to the north and south both. It also branches off to the east.

OOC: Keep in mind the dashed lines are where enemies were detected, not where anyone can confirm they are.

Kezzem wants to smite, but can't until his foe is in sight.

OOC: As a swift action, the paladin chooses one target within sight to smite. Kezzem would have known that, so I'll allow two actions this round.

Without a smite, his attacks cannot overcome his foe's DR.

Murphy cannot see any enemies due to no direct line of sight. He calls a lightning strike down at the previous location, but has no way to confirm if it effects anything. Anyone looking up during the flash can see a creature still in the previous location.

He attempts to get in position to drop on the foe near H13, but it's solid stone at his height. Likely there's a tunnel down there. If his plans are to get the drop on his foe, he'll need to sneak.

OOC: Yes, I will draw any open spaces you encounter. You're just mostly in solid stone at the moment. It's difficult to convey on a 2D Excel map, unfortunately.

Succotash doesn't see many options available. He asks if anyone can help Miss Piggy fly.

The mental attacks continue, this time targeting Bliss, who must make a DC20 will save.

Meanwhile, the shelf continues to be shaped. This time, the shelf beneath Hobie, Harper, Kezzem, and Rumpus slopes downward. A DC18 reflex save is necessary to hold on to the wall or move to a safe square. Obviously Rumpus won't be able to just hold on to the wall, so she'll need to move.

Skittering can be heard above where the ceiling irlgaunt was, but that area is not illuminated nor in range for darkvision.

Map

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31  d20+9=29 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+23=25 ;
Friday April 19th, 2019 3:29:50 PM

Will save DC20? Bliss has only a 50-50 chance of making that. Should he use a hero point for a +8 pre-emptive bonus? Or wait, and if he fails, either use the +4 post facto bonus or a reroll? Bliss lives dangerously!

His roll is a 29! Nat 20, no hero point used. Bliss shrugs off whatever mental attack that was.

Bliss makes a free action Spellcraft check at +23 to see if he can figure out what that was ... 37!

Bliss climbs up using the Accelerated Climbing rules to ascend 35 ft ... toward his foe. Climb check 29 to do so.

Bliss sniffs, listens, and looks to locate, and maybe even pinpoint, his foe. Perception 25.

If he has any kind of better fix, then he uses a move action to redirect his swarm at his foe. If he still has no fix, he turns on his shared Shield of Faith ritual.

The wasp swarm has a fly speed of 40, a 10x10 space with no reach, and swarms for 2d6 damage plus distraction and poison.
Distraction: Fort DC 13 or nauseated for one round.
Poison: Fort DC 13; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1 Dexterity damage; cure 1 save.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 or 1 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 2 rounds of 9.

Stuff from others:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 87/90  d4=3 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=13 ; 3d6=11 ;
Saturday April 20th, 2019 12:12:42 AM
When the three summoned Brilani Azata materialize, they are all in Wind form. Tali explains to them why they were summoned and what she knows about the evil abomination; just in front & around her at K6 95' feet above the bottom of the ravine.

Upon their arrival, Tali explains to them of the Irlgaunt in a hole in the ceiling's rock roughly 15 in front of us and 10 feet overhead. She continues to inform them, that there could be others but she doesn't know. Lastly she explains that thee are other members of her party -- halfings - 70 feet below us.

The three Brilani Azata, seeing the critter hole in the ceiling, within 60' of themselves, all make a Whirlwind Blast (Su) attack with a scouring blast of wind, by moving a 5-foot adjustment in order to angle the windblast up into the hole in the ceiling, dealing 3d6 points of damage in a 20-foot line (Reflex DC 17 half). The save DC is Constitution-based. First attack: 12; Second Attack: 13, & the last attack: 11.

Meanwhile, as the three attempt to attack the critter in the ceiling hole, Talia believesshe can cast Overland flight on Miss Piggy and then recalls its a personal spell. Instead she casts Spectral Hand losing 3 HP's in the process.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18–20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will—blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day—lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8  d20+20=21 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+10=19 ; d6+19=24 ; d6=2 ; d6+19=23 ; d6=4 ; d6+19=22 ; d6=6 ; d6+19=23 ; d6=2 ; d20+25=31 ; d6+12=13 ; d6=3 ;
Saturday April 20th, 2019 5:02:56 AM
ooc: Guys I'm sorry I'm stupid and didn't think of this earlier.

Hobie moves his Dancing Lights up to the ceiling/wall where they sensed the irglaunts were. This will possibly leave the party in some darkness, but Hobie had previously cast light on his bow also, so 30 feet radius of Hobie should be lit. (spell description says I can move them at will and it requires no concentration to move them. It doesn't say anything about an action, and I think "no concentration" = free action, but I've also had GMs say it should be a move action, so I'll include my action for both interpretations.

(If it's a free action to move Dancing Lights)
Hobie goes full Hobie on any irglaunts that he can see.

Manyshot
Natural 1

Rapid Shot
Attack = 34
Piercing 24, Electric 2 = 26

Haste
Attack =22
Piercing 23, Electric 4 = 27

Iterative 1
Attack = 29
Piercing 22, Electric 6 = 28

Iterative 2
attack = 19
Piercing 23, Electric 2 = 25
-------------------------------------------------------------
(If it's a move action to move the dancing lights)
Hobie will fire a single arrow at one of the irlgaunts he can see, with Glitterdust cast on the arrow

Attack = 31
Damage = Piercing 13, Electric 3, Total = 16
Glitterdust will cover it in glitter giving it -40 to stealth and DC 16 Will save to avoid being blinded

======================================
Bless +1 to attack
Inspire Courage +1 attack and damage
Haste +1 to attack and AC
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self, Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 
Saturday April 20th, 2019 7:48:45 AM

I do believe 'tremorsense' is an automatic ability for Murphy while in Earth Elemental form (via the druid's cloak). If not, I will mention it each round. Am thinking there's a fair chance Murphy would have an update on our opponents' movements, unless they've gone into a mode where they do not cause the ground to vibrate - by remaining perfectly still, or having no feet on the ground, or walls if they are moving.

He spends this round concentrating on where - beside his party members - he senses movement. He reports this info to Pressi.

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier): 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss - spell ends with casting of call lightning storm. However, if any traps, pits, snares exist in the area of the map - Murphy likely would have detected such by now, and can warn others of them.
Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who saves takes only 1/2 damage.
Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Saturday April 20th, 2019 10:42:57 AM
(OOC not sure I'm reading the map right)

Jack tries to find a place to climb to where he is safe. He will continue to make his speach to continue to boost the team.

===================================
Abilities: bardic performance:9/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 
Saturday April 20th, 2019 3:53:35 PM

Ah, I forgot to mention Murphy casting bear's endurance during the tremorsense round (because, he can do both). +4 Con (to 22). HP kick up to 152.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP152 
Saturday April 20th, 2019 3:55:46 PM

[Fix header]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 98 of 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  d20+10=21 ;
Sunday April 21st, 2019 9:31:06 AM
SUBSTITUTE FRIDAY POST FOR PRESSI!!
(Almost forgot!)

Pressi casts See Invisible, then checks out the passage to the east, per PCs map.

Harper has to make a DC18 reflex save vs slope. He rolls a 21 and keeps his footing. He readies a bite in case any enemy comes near.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand
blinking
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 0/3+1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Sunday April 21st, 2019 11:59:34 PM
"Um, can anybody light these things up so I can see them please?" asks Kezzem.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 22nd, 2019 12:02:09 AM
Kezzem will hold his smite attack from the previous round until he can see a foe, reposted for DM sanity.

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 27.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 37.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 18.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 23.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 29.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Please remember that Smite Evil also negates damage reduction.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=26 ; d20+8=23 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 5:30:27 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Understanding his friends are doing everything they can, Succotash and Miss Piggy remain focused as best they can. (Succotash perception 26, Miss Piggy perception 23). Seeing his friends struggling with the ledge collapses, Succotash shortens the rope between him and Miss Piggy he is more concerned for Miss Piggy than himself, knowing that she will have a harder time dealing with the rock face should it change under her, and he is ready to pull her back up if she should fall.

DM Carl  d20+15=22 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=20 ; d100=4 ; d100=3 ; d100=26 ; d100=1 ; d3=3 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=28 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 11:41:25 AM
Bliss easily shrugs off the mental attack. As the feelers withdraw, Bliss swears he feels some frustration coming from them. He's pretty sure he just resisted a magic jar spell.

He climbs as Hobie raises his light to the ceiling. He can see an irlgaunt in a 50' hole coming from the ceiling, but swears he can smell one right next to Talia as well. The hole is 5' in diameter and 5' from the nearest wall. He can make a jump to get up and in it, but it'll be tricky (DC20).

Well, it'd be tricky for anyone who isn't Bliss. He can also try climbing along the ceiling w/ a DC25 check (figured you had footholds since you're 4 legged). Note that the irlgaunt is right there, so you'll have to move through his space as well.

The only target for his swarm is I2, so that's where they go. The wasps don't seem to affect the irlgaunt too much (DR + both saves made)

Talia fills in her bralani army and they take off towards the hole, each sending a whirlwind blast from different angles. The irlgaunt hides for some cover, but still gets its chitin scoured by the winds.

Hobie lit up the ceiling eariler and does what he does best. It's not his day, though. The only two shots that were on target get deflected by the irlgaunt's cover.

OOC: 20% miss chance due to cover: rolled a 3% and 4%.

Murphy concentrates on his tremorsense (I've been telling you when you felt something move this entire time, dude. :D ). He ups his constitution by +2 (enhancement bonuses don't stack & you already have a belt of physical perfection +2).

Zaragosa looks to get out of this bind, but doesn't let up his chanting.

OOC: You'll need a DC20 climb check to climb along the wall to safety. Failure by 5 or more means you fall. Hobie and Succotash are standing on the closest bits of ground to you. Until they get out of the way, you have no safe place to move to. You were tied off earlier, I believe, so someone should be able to help you get to safety and catch you if you fall.

Pressi casts see invisible, then checks out the tunnel leading east. There's a bend down there she can't see around.

Kezzem finally has a target, and smites it. A single arrow finds it's way through the irlgaunt's cover and finds it's target. It's got some serious wounds, but is still in good fighting shape.

OOC: 20% miss chance due to cover: rolled a 26% and 1%.

Succotash keeps an eye and ear open. Miss Piggy also keeps a snout open. There is definitely something moving to the right of you and down a bit.

The mental probe continues to it's next target: Succotash, who will need to make a DC20 will save.

I2 scurries away to the north and out of sight. Murphy can still tell precisely where it is.

Murphy feels the creature to the south of him move up and eastward.

Succotash and Miss Piggy send something moving next to and below them.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging  d20+33=45 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+16=21 ; d3=3 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=8 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 1:02:48 PM

Bliss continues to have his swarm attack the spider. No action needed on Bliss's part. Swarm damage is 2d6=8, or 9 with the bardic inspire? Plus DC13 fort saves vs poison and distraction.

Bliss will take that jump into the hole where the spider lurks. His jump skill mod is so high he does not have to roll. He continues his move and tumbles / dodges into the monster's space. Acrobatics check to avoid AoOs -- a 45. If a climb check is needed to cling to the wall, Bliss rolls a 13 (nat one). If that would be a fall, Bliss uses a hero point to reroll ... a 21 if needed.

Hopefully Bliss can get into the spider's space and bite him. Bliss activates his Arcane Strike as a swift action. He focuses on his foe (OOC: reskinned rage). I forgot to add the +2 rage bonus when I rolled, so Bliss hits AC23, not the AC21 from the die roller box. If that hits, Bliss inflicts 20 nonlethal damage with his Merciful Bite. (1d3 base +1d6 tear +6 power att +6 str +2 arcane strike +1 enh +1 inspire = 1d3+1d6+16)

OOC: If Bliss wants to make a full attack next round, can he use his bite and paws and still stay on the wall? What are the checks needed?

OOC: Can we guess the enemy's DR and AC?

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 2 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 3 rounds of 9.

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Rage: +2 attacks, damage, -2 AC

Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+21=24 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 8:24:47 PM
(Ok, I'm going to do the best that I can to understand the map. Also, forgot to take the HP for spectral hand.)

Pressi tries to decide whether to go off on her own, but she can't leave her team members completely defenseless, even if it means continued activity from a magic jar.

With an outstretched arm, Pressi casts Baleful Polymorph+Focused Curse on the Irlgaunt near her spectral hand (form of a small goat)(DC 21, fort, then will).

Pressi also fires direct magic down the corridor to see if she detects an aura around the bend (hero point spent). Using Hide in Plain Sight, she moves down the corridor (stealth 24).

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand
blinking
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 1/3+1

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90  d20+13=15 ; 3d6=8 ; 3d6=11 ; 3d6=7 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 9:24:13 PM
Talia hearing from Bliss, that a squid-spyder is close by, so she casts light through the spectral hand to touch the wall at M5 at about 100' above the ravine, then moves to the area between K8 & K9.

The three Bralini Azata will hold their actions, then if the Irlgaunt appears near M5 they will attack with Windblast: Attack 1: 8. Attack 2:11 & Attack 3: 7

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18–20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will—blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day—lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP152  d20+19=38 ; d20+19=30 ; 2d8+12=18 ; 2d8+12=21 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 10:28:50 PM

Murphy earthglides to a place just above K-L/14-15, and slam attacks the creature - presumably an irlgaunt. Hits AC 38 for 18 hp, and AC 30 for 21 hp - as an irlgaunt has DR/bludgeoning, none of the damage is reduced on it, unless it has something else going on.

If, for some reason, there is stone directly above the [irlgaunt], elementally-my-dear-Murphy simply goes low enough to reach the hard/soft parts below the stone. In terran, he says, "Eat dirt, please."

He sends Pressi a memo, letting her know where he is, and where others are.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP140 
Monday April 22nd, 2019 10:43:08 PM
DM Requested Info (almost forgot!):
Perception (rolled earlier): 46, 40

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage.
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+24=27 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+14=20 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+15=19 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+10=14 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+13=14 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 11:56:33 PM
Kezzem continues to fire his bow at his smite-target. He will target another if he is unable to target his smite-target for some reason, and will activate a second smite evil on another irlguant if his smite-target is down.

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 27.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 34.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 29.
(forgot to reduce bonus so the roll shows 34).
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 20.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

"Say, I do a pretty good Hobbie impression, eh?" remarks Kezzem.

Rumpus will stay total defense, unless A3 is in range, in which case he will 5-ft step and smite evil.

Rumpus Haste Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1 Inspire Courage + 7 Smite Evil = 16.

Rumpus Attack #1: 1d20 + 12 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste = 18.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1 Inspire Courage + 7 Smite Evil = 16.

Rumpus Attack #2: 1d20 + 12 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1 Inspire Courage + 7 Smite Evil = 14.

Rumps Attack #3: 1d20 + 7 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste = 14.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1 Inspire Courage + 7 Smite Evil = 14.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 22nd, 2019 11:57:25 PM
DM Sanity Info:

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 22nd, 2019 11:58:21 PM
Disregard my post for Rumpus. I just realized that A3 is Talia's summons and not the irlgaunt.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20=15 ; d20=7 ; d20=12 ; d20=8 ; d20=6 ; d10=3 ; d10=10 ; d10=8 ; d10=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20=8 ; d20=2 ; d20=8 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 6:00:42 AM
Succotash realizes that something is trying to mess with his head, but he brushes it off as though it were nothing. (Will save 15+13=28) He chuckles a bit to himself and says, “You’ll have to do better than that if you want to take down a Paladin of Pantheon, why not come and face me!”. Though he is trying to show bravado, inside he is more than a little angry that someone would try to mess with his head, and at his inability to assist his friends in the conflict. If an Irlgaunt decides to take him up on his offer both he and Miss Piggy will have a full round action prepared, assuming it comes into 5ft step range.

Succotash
7+21+3=31 for 3+10+1=14+3 holy
12+21+3=36 for 10+10+1=21+8 holy
8+16+3=27 for 8+10+1=19+8 holy
6+11+3=20 for 5+10+1=16+7 holy

Miss Piggy
8+15+3=26 for 8+10+1=19+4 shock
2+15+3=20 for 6+10+1=17+1 shock
8+10+3=21 for 3+10+1=14+2 shock

#(D20)+#(BAB+Strength+magic)+#(bless+performance+haste)=# for #(damage dice)+#(strength+magic)+#(performance)

Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8  d20+21=26 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=18 ; d6+19=25 ; d6=6 ; d6+19=25 ; d6=2 ; d6+19=23 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 10:07:29 AM
ooc: Hobie has Improved Precise Shot, so he gets to ignore cover and concealment less than total, so those shots should have gone through.

"Benefit: Your ranged attacks ignore the AC bonus granted to targets by anything less than total cover, and the miss chance granted to targets by anything less than total concealment. Total cover and total concealment provide their normal benefits against your ranged attacks."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hobie keeps doing what Hobie does, and fires arrows at whatever Irlgaunts he can see.
Manyshot
Attack 26 = Miss (I don't like to metagame but it's a lot of dice to roll for Hobie and I know the Irlgaunts' AC is 29 from my crazy high knowledge check earlier. Let me know if I'm wrong for some reason and I'll be happy to roll the damage or have you do it)

Rapid shot
Attack = 35
Piercing 25, Electric 6 = 31 Total

Haste
Attack = 32
Piercing 25, Electric 2 = 27 Total

Iterative 1
Attack 28 = Miss

Iterative 2
Natural 20, does not confirm
Piercing 23, Electric 5 = 28 Total

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

Bless +1 to attack
Inspire Courage +1 attack and damage
Haste +1 to attack and AC
Alter Self +2 to Dex
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self, Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow


DM Carl  d20+9=28 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=32 ; d8+8=15 ; d8+8=14 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 12:45:25 PM
Bliss' swarm continues attacking the irlgaunt, but fails to penetrate the creature's exoskeleton (DR). It manages to ignore them for the most part (both saves made).

On the plus side, the buzzing does make it easier to find it in the dark.

He easily makes the leap up into the ceiling hole, but the irlgaunt has moved on. Bliss can hear the buzzing coming from a tunnel leading north, but he'll be in total darkness if he follows. (Can't get within melee range in a single round, so save those attacks for next round if you follow.)

Pressi sneaks down the corridor, throwing a detect magic as she goes. She detects none. With her darkvision, she's able to see a small chamber beyond the tunnel. Eight large eggs sit in a mound, surrounded by a foul-smelling gunk. A rough, rocky cage has been built around them. It's a crude, but effective cage. The space between bars is too small for her hands, even if she was still a halfling.

Regarding your spectral hand: It can only cast 4th level spells or lower, and returns to your side if you leave LOS. Since your target is not in your LOS, you can't possibly attack it. Keep your hero point.

Talia lights up the ceiling further. The bralani wait for a target.

Murphy follows the irlgaunt he feels moving. He finds the irlgaunt is in a tunnel just tall enough for it, so he's unable to attack from above. He politely asks the irlgaunt to eat him before attacking and hitting twice for 39 damage total.

Kezzem, Succotash and Hobie do not have a target to attack. These irlgaunts are obviously not keen on making themselves available to kill.

OOC: My bad, Nick. I'll ret-con the damage from your previous attacks. The irlgaunt who fled was in pretty rough shape last anyone saw him.

Jack is still holding on to the side of the ravine while Hobie and Succotash continue blocking his only means to get back on solid ground.

No further mental attacks come. Murphy feels new movement on the very edge of his tremorsense (new red outline on map - note the dashed outline: no one has eyes on this creature yet).

I2 moves. Murphy can feel it move until it is outside the range of his tremorsense. Bliss can hear his wasp swarm following it further north.

I3 attacks Murphy back, slamming once and biting once, hitting AC36 for 15 bludgeoning + 6 acid damage, and hitting AC 32 for 14 piercing damage.

The floor beneath Succotash and Miss Piggy begins sloping downward. A DC18 reflex save is needed to either hold on to the wall in Succotash's case, or leap back to safety (L25) in Miss Piggy's.

The floor beneath Kezzem also begins sloping downward. He also needs a DC18 reflex save to either hold on to the wall or escape to L13.

Map

Remember dashed enemies have been sensed, but not confirmed. They may have moved on from where they were last detected.

Enemy irlgaults AC: 29/18/20
DR: 10/Bludgeoning
CMD: 38 (42 vs. trip)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging 
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 1:24:37 PM

Request to retcon last round, please please nice DM Carl: Since Bliss did not get to attack and did not follow into the dark, I hope it is okay if he activates his Divine Favor spell-like ability. That takes only a standard action and, as an SLA, has no components.

This round, Bliss stops raging (Fatigued for this round and next). He casts a still silent Dancing Lights (full round to cast with metamagic) and sends it ahead to illuminate the area. He takes a five ft step forward.

OOC: Can we guess the enemy's DR and AC?

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 3 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 4 rounds of 9.
Divine Favor round 1 of 10

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Rage: +2 attacks, damage, -2 AC 1 round used, fatigued this round and next
Dancing Lights

Map

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 3:18:25 PM
Jack continues his speak while also telling Hobie and Succotash to move, he dare not risk moving and falling

===================================
Abilities: bardic performance:7/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+19=25 ; d20+19=21 ; 2d8+12=22 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 3:55:12 PM

Murphy takes, after DR (damage reduction) 15-10 and 14-10, a total of 9 hp damage. The acid damage reduces his Protection from Energy, Acid from 120 to 114. He had come down last round to attack no more than 4 or 5 feet below the surface of the stone, so withdraws back up into the stone after not quite penetrating the irlgaunt's defense (although, if AC 25 somehow worked, he did 22 hp blugeoning damage, with no DR working for the irlgaunt).

He updates Pressi on his perception of where the irlgaunts are, and asks how she is faring.

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier): 40

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP  d20+13=19 ; d6+8=9 ; d20+13=22 ; d6+8=11 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=31 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=14 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=17 ; d6+8=11 ; d6+8=11 ; d20+14=30 ; 6d6=24 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 8:16:55 PM
Talia believes she can see that a squid-spyder is close by, so she casts Vampiric Touch through the spectral hand to touch the squid-spyder at K18 at about 100' above the ravine. Ranched Touch Attack through Spectral Hand on Irlgaunt at K17.5 for 24 damage (24 temp HP)

The three Bralini Azata will attack the Irlgaunt at K18, with their Scimitars. Azata # 1 closes the distance by flying 20 feet & attacking: Attacks 2x - Attack 1: 19, damage: 9, Attack 2: 22; Damage: 11 | Azata # 2 closes the distance by flying about 9 feet & attacking:Attacks 2x - Attack 1: 23, damage:14 , Attack 2:31 ; Damage: 14 | Azata # 3 closes the distance by flying 25 feet & attacking:Attacks 2x - Attack 1:18 , damage:11 , Attack 2:17 ; Damage:11

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18–20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will—blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day—lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+18=30 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 11:26:20 PM
SV Ref: 1d20 + 17 + 1 (Haste) = 30.

"You know, maybe we should withdraw and return once we are better prepared to battle the darkness," suggests Kezzem.

Kezzem will hold his action from last round, reposted here for DM Sanity.

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 27.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 34.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 29.
(forgot to reduce bonus so the roll shows 34).
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 20.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day


Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 2:24:55 AM
Ok since it was unclear that I could no longer see any of them, can my action for yesterday be to cast Fly and then fly up and out to wherever I can see one? Then I’m out of Jack’s way too

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+11=29 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+11=20 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 5:38:21 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Both Succotash and Miss Piggy make their reflex saves. Seeing Miss Piggy on solid ground Succotash tells her, “Move back a bit girl so I can climb over there”. Succotash then uses a hero point to add +8 to his climb check plus his normal +3 and rolls a total of 20. Could someone move Succotash to L25, and Miss Piggy to L26 for me “I would withdraw Kezzem, but Twinklesting is thirsty for some irlgaunt blood, and right now I’m ticked off at these cowardly eight legged piles of slime!”

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 1:49:39 PM
"Fine, fine," Pressi messages back. "Everything's fine. So, uh, listen. Funny story, you're going to laugh. Eventually. So, uh, you remember how we discussed the implications about finding an irlgaunt's eggs among the need to fight some irlgaunts. All hypothetical and all.

"And... you've also been keeping an eye on the tunnels, I assume, in case someone has to come extract me. You know, in case I suddenly invade their actual nest and piss them off. Or in case someone else has the lox."

(Posting my actual move in an hour. Standby.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+18=33 ; d20+20=32 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 2:56:32 PM
Pressi wonders if taking someone's kids hostage should really be a hard and fast rule. Because it seems like more of a rough guideline in cases like this, right?

Ok, fine, be that way, she thought to herself.

After checking to make sure none of the eggs are beginning to hatch (Perception 33+dark) and moving herself into whatever cover is available (stealth 32, HiPS), she takes out her own soul gem (two move actions). With a wave of her hand, she casts magic jar (hero point for standard action) and begins to sense the lines of effect.

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

After watching Bliss start to climb the walls, Harper makes an attempt to do the same, moving towards the closest sensed creature.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand
blinking
see invisible

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


DM Carl  d20+11=31 ; d20+21=40 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 4:14:34 PM
Bliss calms himself down and starts to inch forward with some light and divine favor on his side (ret-con approved). He finds himself in a large tunnel leading north and south. He could possibly see Murphy withdrawing and the irlgaunt he was fighting fall if he hurried. The wasp swarm is far to the north, but Bliss' light doesn't penetrate that far.

Jack works some "get out of my way, dudes" lyrics into his chant.

Murphy withdraws, but your humble narrator is afraid Murphy missed the part where his attacks did significant damage to the irlgaunt (you did 39 damage last round, dude :D ). He'll assume Murphy withdrew and did not incur an AoO.

I3 is just above the ravine's ceiling.

Talia sends a vampiric touch attack via her spectral hand up through the hole in the ceiling to attack the irlgaunt there. It's attack done, the hand appears back at Talia's side.

OOC: I wasn't clear that I3 was above the ravine's ceiling, so I'm allowing the attack.

Kezzem wonders if a tactical retreat is in order as he leaps off the further shrinking shelf the party stands on. He holds his attack, looking for an opening.

Hobie casts fly on himself. A prudent move.

Succotash is not feeling like retreating. He grabs on to the wall and shimmies himself back to solid ground, deftly avoiding the webbing as he does.

OOC: Don't forget that web's still there, folks.

Pressi finds some place she think she won't be noticed, then puts her soul into a gem and starts feeling around.

She can sense three life forms in about the same area (per spell, cannot determine exact location). The eggs must not be developed yet; she senses nothing from them.

Suddenly, there is a fourth life form present, and it is very close. In her current form, she cannot hear or see anything.

I4 does something, but no one has eyes on it. Bliss can probably hear his wasps getting even further away.

I3 seems nervous, and takes advantage of Murphy letting up his attack to shape the stone under its feet, allowing it to fall straight down into the water at the bottom of the ravine. It leaps at the last moment to avoid the webs.

What it didn't count on were two archers waiting for a target.

(I'm assuming Kezzem smites and using Hobie's last rolls since you stated you were looking for a target.)

Kezzem's second and third attacks connect as the irlgaunt falls. The smite ensures full damage is applied to both.

Hobie puts three arrows into the thing, killing it outright. Its corpse hits the water in the ravine below with a crunch and gets swept away.

The other targets have yet to be identified. Rumpus, who didn't have to jump to safety last round, kicks at the wall to the east. Something has her attention there.

Map!

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+32=42 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 5:08:08 PM
Murphy post 20190424

To Pressi, he says, "Uh, you found the eggs?! Give me a moment, and I'll be on my way."

Murphy casts greater magic fang [+3 attack/+3 damage, lasts 12 hours], then heads diagonally downwards toward the ledge below - but not all the way to the ledge. He is about 10' above it, with a hand outstretched to the side, palm up, immediately below the wall-hanging Zaragosa. "Goin' through the wall, buddies. Pressi's somewhere on the other side. Here, Jack, take my hand."

If he wants to, Jack can climb up Murphy's arm and on to his back.

The web does not bother Murphy at all, since he has freedom of movement. Weighing 48,000 pounds also might mitigate against being slowed by the webbing, but that's moot.

He updates his tremorsense, trying to figure out where people and critters are.

"Hobie, can you take a second to figure out how to help Succotash and maybe Miss Piggy?"

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 42

Spells Active:
- Greater Magic Fang (12 hours) +3 attack / +3 damage
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage  d20+8=19 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 8:08:30 PM
Perhaps it was useless as Jack spat out his encouraging words, but he knew his team might find the enemy any moment so he continued.

He also tries to climb on Murphey's back (climb 19)

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

Abilities: bardic performance:6/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging  d20+23=38 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 10:06:09 PM

Bliss's swarm pursues still. 2d6 damage and 2 DC13 Fort saves please.

Bliss finds himself in a tunnel with sound footing. He changes back into a halfling. He looks around and gets out his sling staff.

Perception 38

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 4 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 3+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs, Still Silent Dance Lights)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 5 rounds of 9.
Divine Favor round 2 of 10

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Dancing Lights

Map

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP 
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 11:54:25 PM
Talia moves to K12 to get an assesstment from her warrors as to what is going on thus far.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18–20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will—blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day—lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8  d20+23=39 ; d6+19=25 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 2:20:41 AM
ooc: I'm sorry, I'm really confused by the map so I don't know where exactly to move Hobie.

Goblin Hobie will fly out, with his 60 feet darkvision, following where he saw any ilrgaunts retreat to. If he sees one he will fire a single arrow with Glitterdust

Attack =39
Piercing 25, Electric 6 = 31 total
DC 16 Will save to avoid being blinded
save or not, covered in glitter, takes a -20 to stealth

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

Bless +1 to attack
Inspire Courage +1 attack and damage
Haste +1 to attack and AC
Alter Self +2 to Dex
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self(USED), Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly(USED), Fly, Flame Arrow


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=15 ; d20+8=19 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 5:26:47 AM
Seeing Jack climb onto Murphy’s back, Succotash quickly cuts the rope connecting himself to the arcane trickster, not wanting to be dragged about by Murphy. He is cut off from his friends, but does his best to remain vigilant. (Succotash perception 15, Miss Piggy perception 19)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday April 25th, 2019 10:06:34 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+3=21 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 11:28:23 AM
Kezzem moves overs to Rumpus. "What's the matter, boy? Murphey stuck in the wall again?"

He uses Perception to attempt to see what he can see.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 = 21 + 1 Trapfinding (if applicable)

OOC: Did Kezzem use a second Smite Evil this combat?

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday April 25th, 2019 11:55:42 AM
updating spells. Also, I rolled to make sure that the magic jar spell worked while blinking (other spells cast were self only) but lost the roll to being logged out.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
blinking (5/9 rounds)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 1/3+1


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday April 25th, 2019 12:08:53 PM
Pressi sat in a small gem, energy flowing through her floating form. She fought down the nausea of being disembodied and the memories of the last time she was in one of these.

Nearby lay a dwarf body - her own body twisted by her own hand long before she cast alter self. It continued to blink and shimmer in and out of existence, the various buffs continuing to move throughout. Despite the lack of ears, she could swear that crackles - Murphy's voice, maybe - continued to eminate from the body.

Once upon a time, she had been trapped in one of these things while Woldsblood flowed through her invaded body. The time of metamorphosis. Now, she was prepared to do the same thing to another living creature, one she hated for trying the same exact trick on their group.

Once upon a time, she bought this gem without a moment's thought.

After scanning (their hit dice) (I assume all four forms are either stronger or weaker than her), Pressi begins to flow through the jar, attempting randomly to grab on to any of the creatures (DC 20, will negates).

DM Carl  d20+9=17 ; d20+9=28 ; 2d6=9 ; d4=4 ; d3=3 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+21=34 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 3:04:53 PM
Murphy communicates with Pressi over their bond.

OOC: I consider telepathic bond to work when one of you is in a magic jar, because reasons.

The druid buffs himself further, then begins making his way towards Pressi. He gives Jack a hand, and Jack's able to catch a ride with Earth Elemental Murphy. He won't be able to earth glide w/ Jack, but he can burrow.

Bliss turns back into a halfling now that he's got space. He looks around, but he finds he's in an unremarkable tunnel. Somewhere, far to the north of him through this tunnel, is his swarm of wasps. They're too far away to hear at this point, though. It's dark in this tunnel, but Bliss' keen eyes spot a tunnel in the eastern wall. It only extends a few feet before it drops down into the area Pressi first entered. It is pitch black down there.

Talia goes to check on her Bralani's, but without an obvious target, there's not much for them to do. They could always follow Bliss since he's seemed to discover a useful passage.

Hobie is confused by the verticality of this combat. That's understandable. There are no obvious targets here. One irlgaunt is dead. One seems to have fled far to the north in a tunnel above the ravine's ceiling. Two are causing havoc to those on the ravine's shelf. One is...somewhere else. Bliss has found an important passage, though.

Succotash cuts the rope holding Jack. He's cut off from the party on an ever disappearing shelf over the ravine.

Kezzem has only used one smite. He can't see anything, but something's moving behind the ravine's eastern wall. No doubt it's what's causing the shelf to keep vanishing.

Pressi waxes melancholic, but as usual comes through. She picks one of the life forces at random and finds herself with four more limbs than before. She's not exactly sure where she is, though. She's in a dead-end tunnel and can hear running water close by.

OOC: You're the red square with the P. Here's your new form.

I2 does something.

Succotash and Miss Piggy feel the stone beneath their feet start to shift again, but then it suddenly stops.

Kezzem and Rumpus find the stone under their feet start to shift, but it does not stop. They'll need a DC18 reflex save to jump to the nearest open space in time.

Map is confusing, I admit. Do your best to use it, and if you misread it in an understandable way, I'll make it work.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Thursday April 25th, 2019 3:49:16 PM
Without much left to do, Jack continues his speach but he wonders how long he can encourage his friends before his speach becomes to long

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

Abilities: bardic performance:5/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+32=37 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+22=41 ; 2d8+15=24 ; 2d8+15=18 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 8:04:59 PM

Murphy asks Jack, "Say, could you cast another haste on us? Or maybe wait until more of us are together. Don't worry about the chant for the moment. I'll burrow through this five-foot thick wall so you and others can come through after me, then I'll swing so you can jump off to the left." [to L17] "We need to get everyone out of the ravine area very soon."

He does go through, burrowing 5' deep to open a 10'x10' section at the indentation (N18-19), creating a good deal of rocky rubble, and the rest of his body earthglides. He does swing a bit as mentioned, so that Jack can exit in relative safety, and then earthgliding, angles diagonally downward as needed to get to the irlgaunt to the north, making sure he does not sweep Harper aside in the process. If the irlgaunt to the north is pressed up against rock between it and Murphy, then Murphy presses through (48k lbs vs 3k lbs) to be able to punch it - and DM may slightly move Murphy's figure appropriately. His head has moved only about 18 or so feet of the 25 he can move, so there's maybe 7 feet of wiggle room.

He hits AC 38 and 41 for 24 hp and 18 hp (42 total). The irlgaunt has no DR versus blugeoning. "Eat dirt, please," he cordially invites in the terran tongue the irlgaunt who is trying to undermine the footing of his friends. He finds it satisfying to attack an aberration devoted to nastiness and evil. Almost paladin-ish, or Hobie-ish.

The busy druid asks Pressi, "How goes it, love? I'm punching an irlgaunt to the north. Catch me up when you can."

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 37

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP 
Thursday April 25th, 2019 8:33:21 PM
Talia suggest to her warriors that she follow them as they pursue the irlgaunt up the hole in the ceiling.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18–20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will—blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day—lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging  d20+23=26 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 10:31:04 PM

Bliss and his dancing lights travel hither and yon, mapping and exploring every nook and crannie. Not sure I understand the map; please just illuminate as you see fit, oh kindly DM! Bliss has move 60.

Perception 26

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+18=35 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+14=18 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=18 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 10:41:44 PM
Kezzem SV Ref: 1d20 + 17 + 1 (Haste) = 35.
Rumpus SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 + 1 (Haste) = 12. Ruh-roh!

I am using a hero point to reroll for Rumpus.

Rumpus SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 + 1 (Haste) = 26.

Rumpus move away from where the shelf keeps vanishing to more stable ground if possible.

"Hey Murphey!" says Kezzem in his best Shatner voice. "There's...some...thing...in the...wall."

Kezzem will hold until he can make an attack. With extra smite action.

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 33.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 35.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 26.
(forgot to reduce bonus so the roll shows 34).
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 18.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 18.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=24 ; d20+8=23 ;
Friday April 26th, 2019 5:34:55 AM
Succotash looks to Miss Piggy and says, “Well it looks like it’s just you and me girl” He try’s to remain vigilant and optimistic but being cut off from his friends is more distressing to him then he would have thought, considering up to recent months, he was a loner. (Succotash perception 24, Miss Piggy perception 23)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday April 26th, 2019 5:35:39 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday April 26th, 2019 1:15:57 PM
"Now, now," an evil (if familiar voice) reverberated from below. "Did you truly think that you were ever alone?"

Pressi crawled up to the ledge near Succotash. "I understand you ordered a mount?"

Harper stared at Pressi, mewing between her more typical british accent. "Oh, what the sixes and sevens did you do this time?"

(OOC: To those who wonder how she's talking... she's a witch's familiar. They talk. Harper just chooses not to.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Friday April 26th, 2019 1:29:17 PM
Hobie will take off and follow Bliss

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging  d20+9=10 Nat 1 will save ; d100=44 ;
Friday April 26th, 2019 2:55:29 PM

::Bliss studies the map. Turns it upside down and studies some more.::

::Bliss fails his save vs confusion::

::Bliss rolls d100: 44::

::Bliss does nothing but babble incoherently::

"I knew I shoulda made a left turn at Albuquerque!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday April 26th, 2019 5:08:19 PM
Seeing an irlgaunt appear in front of him, Succotash is about to throw down a smite, but when it talks to him familiarly, he stops, and stops Miss Piggy from attacking as well, because he is more than a little confused. So he decides to detect evil on the creature, and when it comes up negative, he looks around and notices Harper, and her reaction, which of course confuses him even more, so he sheepishly says, “Pressi is that you?”

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Saturday April 27th, 2019 1:34:23 AM
"I'm on it, Kezzem" Murphy booms in gravelly halfling when/if his head comes in contact with the air.

"Pressi! Tell me what is going on! Haven't heard back from you in, oh, 18 seconds!" Murphy messages her. His mental voice is filled with concerned exclamation marks.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Saturday April 27th, 2019 1:43:46 AM

Seeing that Murphy left a gaping hole in the wall, Jack decides to scramble through - figuring the 5' burrowed section is difficult terrain. Everything here seems difficult terrain. He continues his chant to encourage his fellows, albeit holding the cloth of his shirt over his mouth as he breathes in, to deal with all the rock dust kicked up by his elemental friend. He looks left and right, and ahead. Mainly Murphy's body, and maybe a 5' wide hallway not too far from the new opening. Is Murphy fighting an irlgaunt?

Jack ducks back behind the remaining wall for a moment, not wanting to attrack the spittle of the irlgaunt, should it even notice him, as he sings forth loudly. Why, who would even notice him under the circumstances?

ADM Kim - EDITING REQUEST 
Saturday April 27th, 2019 1:47:25 AM

Can someone change 'attrack' to 'attract' in the last paragraph of the post for Jack above? Huh - you'd think I don't know how to spell! - ADM Kim

Oh, and then please delete this post - thank you very much!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday April 27th, 2019 9:19:04 AM
OOC: I won't be able to post again until late Monday night so if somebody could post for Kezzem if we have another post this weekend, that would be great.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday April 27th, 2019 9:24:56 AM
“Why so formal?” Pressi asked. “I’m just your friendly neighborhood spider girl. To say otherwise is a total waste of a secret identity.”

Seeing Succotash’s face and realizing she’s about to get a face full of smite, “No seriously, it’s me, more or less.”

To Murphy, The nest is down the corridor and it’s not alone. Also, please don’t crush my body. This one is just a rental.

Harper follows Murphy through the rug out path.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP 
Saturday April 27th, 2019 11:14:26 AM
Talia & her summoned warrior continue following the tunnel until they find the quarry.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18–20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will—blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day—lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form



DM Carl  d100=82 ;
Saturday April 27th, 2019 8:25:37 PM
Bliss jumps down into the tunnel behind the ravine as Murphy burrows through. Between the two routes, everyone is able to enter the irlgaunt's secret tunnels. Succotash is still stuck, until Pressi uses the irlgaunt's stone shape ability to open a path for him to use as well.

OOC: Against the rule, but I'm allowing it since this map sucks and I'm not a jerk.

Murphy is first on the scene. He sees an Irlgaunt at the end of a narrow tunnel. It's too narrow to fit an irlgaunt comfortably, but it's there nonetheless.

This one is...different. Murphy's darkvision doesn't see color, but he can see what are etchings in the irlgaunt's chitin. It stares at Murphy with an utterly alien hatred.

Murphy notices this, but what he notices more than anything is that this thing is standing over Pressi's unoccupied body.

The thing calls out loudly in an ugly, cryptic language.

Aklo, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Lu-kthu. Flee."}

Murphy's tremorsense feels something skittering away to the north and down, but nothing is within view. It's still moving when it leaves the edge of his tremorsense unless Murphy gives chase. There is a tunnel leading the direction it's fleeing.

The irlgaunt near Pressi doesn't waste time. It reaches down and tries to get a leg under Pressi's body. It then vanishes, taking Pressi with it. (Blink chance: 83 - fail.)

Wherever it's gone to, it is outside the senses of both Murphy's tremorsense and Pressi's ability to find her soul gem.

Map is not really important at this point. Yes, irlgaunt's perception roll beat Pressi's stealth roll.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Sunday April 28th, 2019 2:09:41 AM

"Jack Zaragosa - hasten me NOW!" Murphy shouts in halfling. "They've taken Pressi, and I must pursue!!" As he waits [briefly, he hopes] for Jack's help, he says to any who will listen, pointing in the direction he thinks they are, just on the other side of where Pressi's dwarf-shaped body just lay, "Eggs inside - burn them, or crush them!"

This has quickly moved from expedient to personal. Murphy has not heard a thing from Pressi for three or four rounds now, and thinks she may be unconscious at best. He is unaware she is using magic jar to inhabit another body.

'You likely can't hear me, but I'm coming for you, Pressi!' he messages his fiancée.

[Holding action: Pursuit, until someone hastens him.]

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 37

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Sunday April 28th, 2019 7:13:20 PM
with much haste in action, Jack casts Haste on all he can

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  5d6=25 ; d20+32=35 ;
Monday April 29th, 2019 1:47:58 AM

So shaken he at seeing the spell-using tattooed irlgaunt teleport away with Pressi's body, that for a moment it doesn't quite register that he is finally hearing Pressi's mental communication. 'Wait, what? Speak clearly, if you can, Pressi. You were in dwarf form - that form has been snatched away by a teleporting irlgaunt. Renting a body? What do you mean? I'm going to chase down that fellow, and I'm pretty sure he is carrying you - your sleeping body? - northward. Speak plainly if you can. My head is full of rocks.' Murphy is still unaware that Pressi now inhabits an irlgaunt's body, and likely should tell him lest he attack if he sees her. No one else has told him.

[i]Held actions now released[/u]:
With the casting of haste by Jack, Murphy gives a hearty, 'Thank you!' in halfling. He surges toward the space where he saw Pressi's dwarven body, and glides through the wall. If the interior is as described to Pressi earlier, he burrows through the slatted stones so others can reach the eggs. If fully walled off, he does the same with the walls, breaking through. If the eggs are there, he drops a lightning bolt on them, centered such as to touch the maximum within a 5-foot diameter column for 25 hp from the call lightning storm spell he cast about a minute ago (Reflex save vs DC 29, if eggs have any reflexes). He tells Pressi what he's doing. At the moment, at least, he is not horrified by what he is doing, rather highly disgusted with these creatures, and beginning to embrace Maggad's view on them. "If anyone wants to finish off these eggs, I'll not object. I'm going for Pressi."

[BTW: Carl - Maggad the druidic dwarf has been described by you originally as female, and in later posts as male. Which one do you want to settle on?]

Then he heads northward, following the most recent tremorsense, moving 50' per round during times of earthgliding, and ... can he run 65'x5=325' while going through tunnels while hasted (has run feat and fleet feat, and longstrider, and freedom of movement, and is in earth elemental form)? If not, then how fast? He tells others of his pursuit, inviting anyone who wants to come along to do so...

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 35

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 2 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday April 29th, 2019 5:23:10 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Assuming she leaves a tunnel behind, Succotash will mount Miss Piggy and follow Pressi saying “Lead on, my Lady”.

DM Carl 
Monday April 29th, 2019 11:55:36 AM
DM Update: Maggad's a dude, and so long as Pressi's mind is within range of the telepathy spell, it works, no matter what body/vessel her mind is in.

At least, that's my interpretation of it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+8=14 ; d20+21=35 ;
Monday April 29th, 2019 3:04:31 PM
Pressi and Harper lead Succotash down the tunnels towards the other irlgaunt as Murphy's messages come flooding in fast. "Hold on," she calls as she moves towards Murphy. "I'm back here in the..."

Pressi looks at where her body lay.

When Pressi's mind finally snaps back into reality, her screams can be heard back at the dwarven mining camp.

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

An irlgaunt may be tough to catch with a head start. Harper bets that its not faster than her. Moving at 10 times her normal speed (sprint) down the tunnel, she attempts to catch up to the creature or at least block it.

(Grapple roll: 14)

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

As Pressi catches up Murphy telepathically as fast as she can, she figures she also ought to catch up Jack and anyone else around.

From that, she tries to keep Murphy from blasting everything in sight, mainly to preserve whatever evidence might be left. Any mood she was in to show these creatures morality or mercy is quite limited. (She is pretty sure, though, that these creatures wouldn't have teleported out of range and left the eggs behind.)

"But the point is, while I have this body and am still up and running... I should be able to see my body if its within 200 feet and on this plane. If they destroy this body or my actual body before I get in range of the spell gem, I die. If I don't find both my body and the soul gem within the next 10 hours, I die. If they didn't take my body for food... I don't even want to think about what they took it for. I'm actually praying for hostage right about now."

Pressi studies the site of disappearance and the egg room for clues (Perception 35, see invisible and darkvision). She also casts detect magic, hoping to discover some auras.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi's Body

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
blinking (4/9 rounds)
see invisible

Pressi
irlgaunt Form
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 1/3+1



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 29th, 2019 11:27:39 PM
"Hey Irrrrrrrrrlgaunts, come out and plaaaaaaay," says Kezzem. "Hey Irrrrrrrrrlgaunts, come out and plaaaaaaay."

He will continue to hold his attack, reposted her for DM sanity:

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 33.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 35.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 26.
(forgot to reduce bonus so the roll shows 34).
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 18.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 18.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day



Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging 
Monday April 29th, 2019 11:35:31 PM

Bliss moves as fast as he can through the secret passages to Murphy, and hopefully to rescue Pressi, wherever she is.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP 
Monday April 29th, 2019 11:53:49 PM
Talia continues to follow the tunnel with her warriors in front in wind form.

Hobie Browncloak (Kim for Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8  
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 4:07:16 AM

Hobie continues to follow Bliss, who is joining Murphy in the pursuit of the irlgaunts. "What's with Pressi?" he asks Bliss.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage  
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 4:09:52 AM

Jack feels dread in his soul as he begins to understand what has happened to Pressi. She now indwells an irlgaunt's body, and her own currently dwarf-shaped body has been stolen by an evil irlgaunt.

"Let's go catch them!" he says, and joins the others in the swift pursuit of their fleeing spider-like foes.

DM Carl  d20+17=22 ;
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 11:36:52 AM
Murphy receives a haste from Jack, then calls on his lightning storm to obliterate the eggs. The eggs are helpless and easily destroyed in a single round.

OOC: No need to clear a path to the eggs. There's already a 5' wide tunnel leading right to them.

Pressi realizes what's happened and responds with appropriate unease. Studying the scene of the disappearance, Pressi is almost certain that the irlgaunt who teleported away did so with a dimension door spell. So while it could be anywhere, at least it's still nearby. Her blinks spell is still active, so her body is effectively impossible to carry until it runs out.

Meanwhile, Bliss, Hobie, Talia & her summons all give chase down the tunnel. None of them are as fast as Harper, who is easily able to catch up with the fleeing irlgaunt. Unfortunately, it's not the irlgaunt who stole Pressi's body. Harper tries to grapple the irlgaunt, but the critter isn't tripped up. Harper does prevent it from closing the tunnel behind it.

Kezzem tries to get the irlgaunts to come back and attack them, but that's probably not happening. They're obviously not at all interested in a fair fight.

Pressi, Murphy, Jack, and Succotash stick together. They lag behind the rest, but they're on their way.

Bliss, Hobie, Talia (and the bralani) all see an irlgaunt ahead tangling with Harper. The thing tries to ignore the cat and flee as fast as it's able. The party has a speed advantage over it, but it's got a head start. They're currently about 40' away from the fleeing beast. The tunnel you are in extends into the unknown beyond the irlgaunt.

Murphy, Succotash, Jack and Pressi are about 50' behind them since they didn't take full move actions.

Pressi is unable to sense her body or the crystal holding her host's soul. Murphy does not sense any tremors.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 1:07:43 PM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 3/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 0/1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20=10 ; d10=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 1:31:14 PM
Under the effect of the haste spell, Miss Piggy, with Succotash on her back charges the Irlgaunt. (Normally Miss Piggy travels 40ft per round charging adds another 40, and haste adds another 30ft allowing her and Succotash to move 110ft) (could someone move Succotash and Miss Piggy to represent the charge) Both Miss Piggy and Succotash will smite the evil beast.

Succotash
10+21(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=38 for 3+10(str+magic)+12(level)+7(holy)=32 damage

Miss Piggy
19+15(str+bab+magic)+2(haste+bless)=36 for 5+3+10(str+magic)+9(hit dice)+5(shock)=32

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 3:43:24 PM
"What are you doing?" Pressi shouted as Succotash began whaling on the irlgaunt. "He's our only remaining lead! We need him alive!"



Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP 
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 9:54:44 PM
Talia realizes there is more going on than what was one thought. She truns to the summoned warrior and asks them to flank the group keeping watch for them.

Talia asks Pressi...what's going on?

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 10:35:46 PM
Jack will do his best to catch up to the rest of them

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging 
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 10:50:51 PM
Bliss grins and rages as a free action, activates arcane strike as a swift action -- and battle is joined at last!

Bliss, with move 60 hasted, charges the spider, crossing the 40 ft of distance toot sweet.

Att bonus: Bliss's charge is at +2, +3 div favor, +1 bard song, +1 bless, +1 haste. That's +8 to hit over and above usuals. Make that +7 for using two hands with a buckler.
Dam bonus: +3 div favor, +1 bard song, +2 arcane strike. +6 dam above the usual suspects.

He swings his staff sling two-handed like a club ...

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 8 rounds of 9.
Divine Favor round 5 of 10

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Dancing Lights

Map

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging  d20+20=27 ; d4+23=24 ;
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 1:33:38 AM

Bliss's attack: Hits AC27 for 24 damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 1:35:34 AM
Kezzem mounts Rumpus and follows after thr party.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+32=35 ;
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 7:03:47 AM

Murphy, aware now that Pressi wants the nearest irlgaunt to not perish - thinks her desire may be thwarted by enthusiastic folks eager to lay into one of the critters which has been so elusive.

Thinking at this point it may be too late to avert its death, Murphy heads into hyperspeed, trying to move forward in hopes of coming across evidence of the kidnapper. It may have been able to advance about 800 feet from where it took Pressi - in any direction. However, he thinks it likely it would have gone in the direction of the other fleeing irlgaunts, rather some other point. Pressi may have a clearer idea on the matter.

In short, Murphy pursues the tattoo-rich irlgaunt, using tremorsense. Full speed ahead.

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 35

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 12:07:12 PM
Hearing Pressi's cry to let the Irlgaunt live, wishing for us to follow it, Hobie casts glitterdust on the Irlgaunt (DC 16 to not be blinded, but I don't think that matters for it, but it should be nice and sparkly now -20 to stealth) and flies after it trying to stay about 10 feet behind it, (fly speed 60 ft.)


DM Carl  d20+15=27 ; d20+15=18 ;
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 1:12:55 PM
Succotash charges after the fleeing irlgaunt on Miss Piggy. Twinklesting moves rapidly, grievously wounding it.

Pressi suggests they not kill their last known lead.

Talia asks her summons to protect them from being flanked, in case there are more lurking out there.

Bliss is too angry to think about Pressi's concerns. He leaps to attack, but his attack only glances off.

Kezzem rides Rumpus, giving chase. Jack gives chase as well, as quick as his hasted little halfling legs allow.

Murphy hopes the irlgaunt who took Pressi went the same direction as the other fleeing irlgaunts. He rushes forward, keeping his senses open. He feels an additional something in the tunnel ahead, not far beyond the fleeing irlgaunt.

Hobie sends a glitterdust bomb ahead. The explosion of light illuminates not only the irlgaunt the party was chasing, but also the one weird looking one that took Pressi. Neither are blinded, but both are very shiny.

The fleeing irlgaunt turns and carefully withdraws from combat, making sure not to leave any openings. Behind it, the kidnapper quickly scuttles forward, lays a single leg on the fleeing irlgaunt, and dimension doors away.

It is quiet, except for the sounds the party makes and the faint sounds of the water flowing in the ravine. Pressi cannot sense her body, nor can she sense anything other than her companions. Murphy's tremorsense is quiet as well. Quite the pickle our heroes have found themselves in...

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 fatigued 
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 2:05:27 PM

Bliss got a good look at the glittery spider carrying Pressi's body. He ends his rage, activates his arcane strike, and casts a Locate Creature spell, trying to find that spider.

He knows that it can't have moved after Dim-Dooring, and both it and the Locate Creature spell have the same range -- 400 ft + 40 ft/lvl.

Hopefully he gets a fix -- for example, "That direction and 600 ft away" If so, he dashes up to 60 ft to reach Talia.

"Miss Talia! Miss Talia!" calls Bliss. He tells her the fix location as exactly as he can. "You, me, and the next two of us to come here! Dimension Door us to there! Now! Please!"

He hopes everyone else can hear the fix too, so they can head there if they can on their own. *cough*Murphy*cough*

Hopefully Talia will blip herself, Bliss, and two more PCs to the location of the glitterbug.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 4 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 3+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs, Still Silent Dance Lights)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 2 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect, Locate Creature)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 9 rounds of 9.
Divine Favor round 6 of 10

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Dancing Lights

Map

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+32=34 ;
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 2:32:54 PM

Murphy gets over to Talia at Bliss's recommendation to join in with those who plan to d-door to the kidnapper.

==========
Perception: 34

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 8:21:22 PM
Jack, was a bit paniced at the turn of events but puts on a strong, focused face for Pressi's sake.

In a bit of desperation he casts detect secret door and see invisiblity to see if he can detect anything to help Pressi

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 8:51:35 PM

Pressi tried to think if she had any way to stop the fleeing irlgaunt in its tracks before it ran off but nothing came to mind. (Except stone shape, but she needs to be closer for that to work - right? Could the irlgaunts SLA work through her spectral hand?)

Talia asked her what is going on. Pressi, now a large spiderlike boulder of lovecraftian horror, stared at her for a moment. "Oh, you know, the usual. Work, wedding planning, I'm thinking of cutting my hair shorter. What's going on with you? Look, I'll explain everything later. Just try to get my body or the glowing thing, and roll with it."

As Bliss prepares to locate creature (irlgaunt), Pressi realizes the spell will locate HER. Quickly, she polymorphs into an air elemental and tries to fly ahead at top speed, passing Harper as she continued to run. Hopefully, the creatures didn't go far.

Readied action: if she sees either creature again, she tries to stop the dimension door with a dispel or a stone shape via spectral hand. (Hero point, higher spell slot used if dispel).

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi's Body

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
blinking (4/9 rounds)
see invisible

Pressi
irlgaunt Form --> air elemental (small) form
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (7/9 minutes)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 2/4+1
L5 1/3+1



Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP 
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 8:59:52 PM
Talia await the up to 4 of the group to travel with her using D-Door. Talia tells the Bralani that she will D-Door down the tunnel 600' from her to intercept that Irlgaunt lit up like sparkles. She wants them to travel to that spot and away her arrival.

When all assembled and touching me, I will D-Door 600 feet down the tunnel with the group in the direction of that "Glitterbug"!

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18–20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/×3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will—blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day—lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 12:10:41 AM
Kezzem rides up next to Talia.

"You can leave the pony if you have to," says Kezzem. " I can summon him to my side if need be."

He will do what little he can to look for the irlgaunts and activate a detect evil.

DM Sanity Info:

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 5:22:19 AM
Succotash dismounts and runs over to Talia saying, "I'll summon you as soon as I get there Piggy"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 5:23:29 AM
Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 3/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 0/1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 7:49:04 AM
If possible, Hobie will join the group with dimension door, otherwise he will fly after them as fast as he can. (should be 90ft movement speed with fly and haste, Can you "Run" while flying for quadruple speed?)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 10:50:00 AM
(Action retconned - I was waiting for a DM ruling, but it would appear I made a mistake and Bliss can detect a particular irlgaunt.)

Pressi remembers before she polymorphs (or Bliss reminds her) that Bliss should be able to detect around her. So she holds off on the spell for the moment, trying to weigh her options. Polymorphing would still give her some speed, but she's already pretty fast in this form (and has her spells besides) and everyone else seems to be boosting their speed or dimension dooring. (Murphy and Pressi can't go with in the dimension door because they are too big.)

Instead, she attempts to keep up with the rest of the group. This time, she prepares to cast charm monster (readied action) if she sees them (hero point spent if needed). (Yeah, I know re the prior attacks. But Pressi figures she can still make a deal if she can get one of them to talk to her for three seconds.)

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi's Body

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
blinking (4/9 rounds)
see invisible

Pressi
irlgaunt Form --> air elemental (small) form
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (7/9 minutes)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 1/3+1


DM Carl  d100=46 ; d6=5 ; d20+19=20 ; d6=1 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+17=28 ; d8+8=16 ; d8+8=13 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 12:09:17 PM
Bliss has an inspired idea and casts locate creature on the unique irlgaunt. He senses it about 650' ahead of them and at a significantly higher elevation. Conveying exactly where the irlgaunt is to Talia is tricky, and he can be assured dimension dooring with second hand directions poses some risk, but surely he'd not let a little thing like that stop him from rescuing Pressi's body.

OOC: Regarding targeting w/ locate creature, I agree with Cayzle's interpretation.

Talia agrees with the plan. She is able to take up to four additional persons, so long as they're no bigger than a medium-sized creature. We're going with first come, first serve per Bliss' post.

Murphy is huge at the moment, but that's easily remedied should he want change to something else.

OOC: I assume you're wanting to shape-change smaller. Be sure to indicate what form you take in your next post.

Pressi changes into an air elemental and tears down the tunnel with Harper (kindly update your spell timers. You've had 4/9 rounds of blink for a couple days now).

Jack casts detect secret door in a bit of desperation, but finds nothing.

Kezzem and Succotash both dismiss their rides and join Talia.

Hobie doesn't make it in time. He flies up the tunnel with Pressi.

Talia, Bliss, Murphy, Kezzem, and Succotash dimension door to where Bliss describes the irlgaunt's position. Without a clear vision of where she's going, Talia can only aim and hope.

Unfortunately, her window was smaller than could have been anticipated. The spell transports the party into solid stone, scrambling everyone for 5 damage. All are shunted to the closest open space. This happens to be a 20' x 20' chamber with no exits. There is a small, 1' diameter hole in the ground. Other than that, it's sealed. Two glowing, very surprised irlgaunts are here. Pressi's body is not.

The unique irlgaunt seems to sigh. It goes to cast another dimension door spell carefully, attempting to avoid giving these troublesome adventurers an opening. It's possibly the last mistake it will ever get to make, as it loses concentration in the effort and fails! Its annoyance quickly turns to worry.

Its companion, not quite understanding why they're still sitting here, lashes out at Talia. She is bashed and bitten by the irlgaunt, taking 16 and 13 damage, plus 1 point of acid damage.

Meanwhile, Jack, Pressi, and Hobie all race down the tunnel towards the action. Pressi still has no bead on her body.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+23=43 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=17 ; d3+14=15 ; d3+14=17 ; d6=6 ; d3+14=15 ; d6=5 ; d3+14=15 ; d6=3 ; d3+14=16 ; d6=6 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=15 ; d3+13=15 ;
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 1:01:44 PM
"Looks like you're going nowhere, buddy," says Kezzem. "It's smiting time!"

OOC: Drop shortbow (free action), Quick Draw daggers (free action), Smite Evil (swift action), full attack the irlgaunt that attempted to cast dimension door.

+1 Returning Frost Dagger:

Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 43 (nat 20)!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 6.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 5.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 3.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 25 (30 - 5)
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 6.

+1 Returning Dagger

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 43 (nat 20)!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 (off-hand) + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 14.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 1 (off-hand) + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 25
Damage: 1d3 + 1 (off-hand) + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 (off-hand) + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

If the first irlgaunt goes down, direct the remaining attacks at the second (adjusting for lack of Smite Evil bonuses).

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 fatigued 
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 1:59:41 PM

Bliss gapes at Sir Kezzem's attacks! "WOWSY!"

OOC: Use of the DELAY action to see what the others do first.

Special to Kindly DM: Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Maybe we can find out which enemies go down when, maybe? If not, no biggie, I'll just make some if/thens in my real post. ALSO ... does Stoneskin stop shunting damage?}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 2:18:26 PM
(OOC: Sorry, the blink should be off by now. I actually miscounted to boot.)

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 5:50:13 PM
Goes toward the action as quickly as he can.

DM Carl 
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 6:13:33 PM
Sure thing, Cayzle. I consider shunting damage to be magical in nature. It's the spell doing its best with your bits to avoid you getting outright killed.

***

Kezzem seriously puts the hurt on the caster irlgaunt, but it's still standing.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  5d6=22 ; d20+32=46 ;
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 6:59:36 PM

Immediately before the dimension door, Murphy reverts to his true halfling form. When he sees that the tattooed sparkly irlgaunt does not have Pressi (if I understand the description correctly), he brings down a 22 hp lightning bolt to split between the two irlgaunts (5' diameter, Reflex sav DC29 for half), while ensuring that the 1' diameter hole is not hit. He figures that may be where Pressi lays, underneath. He wildshapes back into a huge earth elemental, with most of his body earthglided into the rock behind, as otherwise he would fill most of the available space. He makes certain his body is higher than his friends, but bottom of his torso about 10' above the floor. His head and arms are at the edge of the wall nearest the evil fellow who stole his girl.

[He is hasted, but if that's not enough to do what I described in one round, let me know and I will use a hero point to accomplish it. He doesn't have to cast the call lightning storm spell, which was cast several rounds ago - simply point and shoot, as it were.]

If able in the midst of all this activity, he messages Pressi, "We found the two irlgaunts. You may be somewhere around here, but I don't see you yet. An enclosed cubic space 20' per side. Tiny one inch hole in floor."

ALSO - I UPDATED THE MAP PAGE A LITTLE
[For the 20'x20'x20' room)

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 46

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90 
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 8:07:39 PM
Talia is surprised she got hit...there goes the temporary hit points! Also, I believe the Stone skin ticks off 10 points, no?

Tali will cast Glitterdust centered about where the lightening bolt is (location: betwen I|J & 7|8) -- hopefully this gets the Irlgaunts and not the halflings! Talia will then take a step back to I9.

Her next spell will be another Spectral hand!

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 fatigued  d20+23=24 d20+9=14 d100=73 d100=7 d100=88 d20+17=37 [Crit Threat!!!] d20+17=23 d4+20=24 d4+20=21 d20+17=26 d4+20=21 d20+12=20 d4+20=23
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 11:51:32 PM
Bliss hopes to identify the 20 ft diameter area spell about to go off in the 20x20 room. Spellcraft 24
That's still enough to beat the required DC, so Bliss senses a disaster in the making and tries to strike before the spell.

If he can, great. If not, he'll save first. Ugh
Will Save vs Glitterdust: 14! [If Bliss gets Glitterdust in his eyes, he curses a blue streak and ends with "Holy Mother Of Hobbits And Halibuts! What ever happened to Magic Missiles for gosh sake!"

Bliss gets three attacks. Hasted attack, Primary attack, Iterative attack. If he is blind, here are his miss chances at 01-50 = miss. On target, way off, on target.

Here are the attacks:

Haste -- HA! Nat 20! Follows up with confirmation vs AC23. Damage is 24 or 45 if crit is confirmed

Primary -- (misses if blinded by glitterdust) Hits AC26 for 21.

Secondary -- hits AC20 for 23.


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Friday May 3rd, 2019 12:34:41 AM

[I believe Talia meant to take a step back to F9. I9 is ten feet forward and smack dab in the middle of the back end of the attacking irlgaunt. I made the appropriate adjustment on the map] -ADM Kim

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+17=30 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 4:37:30 AM
[Murphy saved vs Talia's Reflex DC 18 glitterdust with a 30]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+11=20 ; d20=16 ; d20=12 ; d20=19 ; d20=1 ; d10=10 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d10=7 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d20=17 ; d10=7 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d10=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 5:55:45 AM
Succotash rolls a total of 20 for the reflex verses Talia's Glitterdust spell, which passes.

Seeing as he is right in front of the tattooed beast, as a swift action, he smites the tattooed beast, with a full round action to boot.

16+21(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=44 for 10+10(str+magic)+12(level)+7(holy)=39 damage
12+21(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=40 for 7+10(str+magic)+12(level)+6(holy)=35 damage
19(possiable crit, a 1 doesn't confirm)+16(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=42 for 7+10(str+magic)+12(level)+7(holy)=36 damage
17+11(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=35 for 1+10(str+magic)+12(level)+7(holy)=30 damage

Succotash will 5ft step up to the other one whom he previously smote, and continue his attack, if the tattooed one drops.

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 2/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 0/1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8  d20+21=22 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+11=26 ; d6+19=20 ; d6=4 ; d6+19=24 ; d6=4 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 12:37:34 PM
Hobie will unleash arrows at the Irlgaunts if he can see them (Improved precise shot, so no cover or concealment less than total applies to Hobie)

Manyshot
Attack Natural 1

Rapid Shot
Attack 23- Miss

Haste
Attack 37
Piercing 20, Electric 4, Total 24

Iterative 1
Attack 30
Piercing 24, Electric 4, Total 28

Iterative 2
Attack 26- Miss

DM Carl 
Friday May 3rd, 2019 4:31:41 PM
In the end, it's not a close fight. Both irlgaunts are shredded. The small chamber our five teleporting heroes find themselves in is very brightly lit thanks to a close-quarters glitterdust spell that's blinded Bliss. A quick look around the room confirms there is no way in or out. The only things of note are the aforementioned hole in the floor, and a strange symbol carved into the wall. It holds no significance to any of our heroes and radiates no magic.

As Pressi, Jack, and Hobie race down the corridor, they see a stream of glowing dust falling from the ceiling of the tunnel. Upon reaching it, they can hear their friends a few feet above them. Bliss sounds...unhappy.

There was a forth irlgaunt, but it fled a while ago. At the moment, our heroes are safe.

Except for Pressi, that is, who has about 10 hours to find her body before she dies. Speaking of which, she's still unable to sense it anywhere.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+32=36 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 5:04:55 PM

The irlgaunts defeated, Murphy asks his friends, "Can someone search the bodies of the irlgaunts? See if they carried anything with them of note? Bliss, I can see you holding your hands over your sparkly eyes. I can get some water to wash them out, though I can't guarantee that will fully do the job for you. Can it hurt? Maybe. If you want me to try, say the word." If Bliss asks, he creates a much smaller amount of water than he is capable of, but enough to wash over Bliss's face. Then he says, "I'm going to see what's around this room. Oh, and good work, friends."

He goes exploring, withdrawing into the wall, then gingerly begins to look below the floor, aiming toward where the hole is. He wants to test his guess that they placed Pressi's body below the floor.

Instead, he sees his friends just running up to them. They see the blue-gem eyes in Murphy's huge earth elemental head, and an arm and should appearing from the roof of the tunnel just ahead of them. "Hey!" he projects in his gravelly voice. "You found us. Uh, Pressi, I'm going to look around the walls up here to see if we can find your own body, or to see if they have any other secrets. There is some sort of rune on the wall in the twenty foot cubic chamber just above us. And, along with the glitter dust, you might be seeing some irlgaunt blood coming through that hole in a moment."

He retreats above, earthgliding, and carefully inspecting the area around the chamber - in particular the other side of the wall where the rune is written. After he scopes that out (unless something comes up that would indicate he should not), Murphy burrows a passageway through a wall of the chamber, then a ramp coming down next to the tunnel, so they can walk out to the tunnel below.

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 36

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 fatigued 
Friday May 3rd, 2019 6:12:40 PM
"That's ok, Mister Murphy," says Bliss. "Water won't wash away magic. I'll just sit here and rest for a minute or two, then it will go away."

He does so.

As he does, he thinks out loud about how to find Pressi's body. Locate Object would work, sure. Failing that, Divination might give a clue. Heck, we could just walk around and hope to stumble into range, assuming Miss Pressi can sense her home?

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90  d20+18=19 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 11:21:03 PM
Talia sesarches in her haversack looking for something to write with and then recalls she left them all back at the compound. Mister Murphy, can you get a sketch relief of that symbol please. Just to be on the safe side, Talia will attempt to recall if she has ever seen that symbol in all of her arcane research. [Skill check: Arcane Knowledge: Nat 1] she can't recall a thing! Head must be glittery!

After shaking that fuzzyness out of her head, Talia will head over to the hole to look through the hole to judge the distance between the room and the outside area. If it is took dark, Talia will grab a piece of ginger from her haversack, cast light on it and drop it through the hole, using its light to learn of their surrounding. If it looks plasuible, and can judge the distance and location outside of the cube, will inform her friends that she will be able to make another D-Door with them to free everyone.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday May 4th, 2019 12:23:09 AM
"Hey Pressi, if you can hear me, think evil thoughts so Succo or I can find you!" calls out Kezzem.

He attempts to find her using Detect Evil.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Saturday May 4th, 2019 5:46:36 AM
When Talia is ready to dimensional door out of the chamber they are in, Succotash will grab the blinded Bliss's hand, and then link hands with Talia. Once they join the others, Succotash will either mount Miss Piggy, or summon her to his side depending on whether or not she followed the others.

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack’s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 2/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 0/1

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Saturday May 4th, 2019 1:19:08 PM
"Doesn't a couple of us have the ability to talk to a diety or something. Now would be a good time to ask for assistance" Jack said, trying to think up any solution.

Abilities: bardic performance:5/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 5/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 1/4

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday May 4th, 2019 2:09:16 PM
Pressi thinks some evil thoughts, transforms back, and climbs through the hole easily.

After surveying the situation, she tries casting speak with dead and hopes the creature will be a little chatty. She also tries to decipher the symbol.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday May 4th, 2019 2:23:11 PM
To Jack: “I could speak to mine. I just need my symbol and my backpack.”

DM Carl  d20+13=32 ;
Saturday May 4th, 2019 4:40:18 PM
Murphy explores the area around the room they're in, but other than the tunnel below them, there's nothing worth mentioning. He burrows a path out of their room to the tunnel below.

Bliss ponders using his locate object spell to find Pressi's body. Even without her soul in there, would Pressi's body just be an object? It's an interesting philosophical question rendered moot by the fact that Bliss can just as easily cast the spell on an object he knows Pressi was carrying. So long as her body is within the range of the spell, it should work.

Talia wants a rubbing of that symbol. She can't remember seeing anything like it, ever. It's simply an oblong circle with four evenly spaced equilateral triangles inside. She goes to dimension door out of here, but sees Murphy has kindly dug a ramp downwards. Best she save her spell.

Kezzem asks Pressi to think evil thoughts. Won't work, of course, but that's never stopped our boy Kezzem from trying something novel.

Succotash exits the hole they're in and reunites himself with his trusty steed.

Jack suggests divine intervention may be a way forward.

Pressi casts speak with dead. She finds the sorcerer irlguant's corpse is not feeling chatty today. (Will save 32 - pass). The symbol means nothing to her either. She could totally take Jack's advice...if she had her body.

Time continues to move on. Good thing magic jar has such a long duration.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Saturday May 4th, 2019 8:45:22 PM
OOC: Sadly, witches can locate creatures, but not objects. Bliss was musing out loud in case anyone else could cast Locate Object. Of course, Pressi has tons of magic items on her. Maybe Detect Magic will work. Hmmm.

After he can see, Bliss walks around with Detect Magic, hoping to pick up something.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Sunday May 5th, 2019 8:26:50 AM
Could we possibly get back to the dwarves and find a scroll of Locate Object? I have one scroll of Teleport, I suppose I could teleport to the catacombs, buy a scroll of Locate Object and a second scroll of Teleport, and then return here. Does anyone have a better idea?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Sunday May 5th, 2019 8:39:34 PM
“Perhaps,” Pressi said in return. “I’ve been trying to figure out how these creatures aren’t getting lost themselves and I’m pretty sure these symbols are the key. A map perhaps? Or a symbol of what’s beyond?”

As a test, Pressi touches the symbol and tries to stone shape a nearby hole into the next room.

“In the meantime, does anyone want to speculate on how an irlgaunt managed to get spell casting ability? Who ever heard of such a... ok, I can sort of see how. But who on earth gets at Will dimension door?”

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+13=17 ; d20+32=42 ;
Monday May 6th, 2019 4:40:16 AM

Murphy takes a close look at the rune, and memorizes it, especially as it is fairly simple. Also, he has studied Old High Woldian, and knows the runes for it, as well having recently been taught in the WLA the tongue spoken by Shan Shalutch and Anur Daron - the language written on the scroll Anur read to 'repair' his wife - a precursor language to dwarven, perhaps? If it's a language he knows, he should know it. Otherwise, a linguistics: 17 check to see if he can figure out something about the rune. He adds what he can to Pressi's and Talia's investigations.

"Sorry, Talia, but I'm not going to wildshape again just to retrieve paper - there is a limit to how often I can do so. But I've placed the rune in my mind."

"It's still the morning, and we have - what, about ten hours to try to help Pressi find her ... self. In the interim either to wipe out the rest of the irlgaunts - one got away, right? - or perhaps negotiate with one to help Pressi.

Murphy thinks for a moment. "How far away could your body have been placed? How near do you sense you need to be to sense it? The nasty irlgaunt - oh, several tattoos, right? Maybe he had a number of dimension door tattoos to call upon?

"He did not have a tremendous amount of time, but at lease enough time to go to more than one place. I can start a sweep - maybe enlist the aid of some earth elementals to assist - to try to figure out where you and your gem may be hidden." He already had earthglided the area of the wall behind the rune, and hadn't found anything out of the ordinary - no other nearby chamber. He lets Pressi know that.

"Maybe not a bad idea, Hobie. As long as you get waited on quickly. Sometimes they are spot on, and sometimes it seems like the only one around to help you out at the Catacombs is the janitor. Regardless, If you want to try that, it may be a workable approach. Some of our buffs are likely to wear out in the interim, though."

Murphy listens to his friends, then says, "Tell you what: I'm going to explore in a grid pattern, as I did under the Sanctuary, mapping out the underground. If anything useful or noteworthy pops up, I will let Pressi know, and Press, you can pass on to the others. Unless anyone objects, I'll get started on that, along with pulling in some earth elemental assistance."

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 42

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 3 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday May 6th, 2019 5:39:43 AM
"Hey Hobie, if you go to the store, you'll have to go back to Humble's Ford first. Before we left, the dwarves informed me that they don't have an entrance to the catacombs here", Succotash informs.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Monday May 6th, 2019 1:03:37 PM

Can I just double check -- Pressi is currently possessing a spider? What happens to the spider when she leaves that body? Maybe we should tie her up so we can restrain the spider if it wakes up?

Bliss asks Pressi if she can cast Magic Jar again to extend her life?

Bliss agrees with Murphy. He casts Messages and Polymorph (Elemental Body I), and as an earth elemental glides through the stone to try to help locate Pressi.

"Two people searching has got to be better," he says before changing.

If this works, great. If no one can find the body, Bliss will burn a hero point on a "hunch/hint" for an answer.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Monday May 6th, 2019 3:23:08 PM
Sucker, well I'd just teleport us directly into the Catacombs I suppose, so a bunch of us could go.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday May 6th, 2019 3:59:23 PM
In answer to Murphy: "I have to be within 100 feet and on the same plane (plus line of effect) to detect my body. As for how far it could have been placed... It might be on the other side of the continent, in another plane of existence, deep in a maze, picked up by someone else.... It's not easy to narrow it down."

To Bliss: "The magic servers the ties to both souls, and so the other spider will die at the same time I do. So... yay. You should know about the reversion that the spider will return to its body slightly faster than I will return to mine. He's probably going to be slightly less friendly and more angry than I am."


Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90 
Monday May 6th, 2019 10:07:04 PM
Talia will follow Mister Murphy and the group in trying to retrieve the body as she saves another spell.. She will also dismiss her summoned warriors as they no longer detect a fight to be had.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday May 6th, 2019 11:26:27 PM
"Pressi, where was the last place you remember having a body?" askes Kezzem. "Maybe we can then retrace your steps from there."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 5:05:10 AM

"Kezzem," Murphy interjects, "we knew where her dwarf form was: Just outside the irlgaunt egg chamber, then taken by the tattooed irlgaunt, who dimension doored up to near one of the fleeing ones, to whom we caught up. Pressi's body was with the tattooed one, still, who then apparently dimension doored away again with Pressi, and the other irlgaunt. She lost awareness of where her body and the gemstone had gone at that point.

"So, what intermediate place did he take her body, before arriving in the chamber where we fought? That is what we seek to learn. That concern is paramount."

DM Carl 
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 10:24:08 AM
Bliss can't actually cast locate object. That seems like an odd oversight, really. He casts detect magic and starts poking around. There are some auras coming off the sorcerer irlgaunt. The auras seem to be coming from inside its head, and from one of its thorax segments.

Hobie ponders grabbing a scroll from the Catacombs. With 10 hours and some teleport magic, it's a possibility. Succotash notes that will include a trip back to Humble's Ford since the Caverns of Glimstone don't have an entrance yet.

Pressi hypothesizes the symbols are used to aid in mapping these confusing tunnels. She's super close to figuring them out. She wonders how the irlguant was able to cast spells in the first place.

Murphy starts doing some math. Dimension door is not a druid spell, so he'd need a knowledge arcana roll to know enough to figure out the distance. Someone with access to the spell would likely have a solid idea about the spell's range. Pressi theorizes her body could be anywhere.

Talia tags along after thanking her Bralani for their assistance.

Kezzem asks about the last place she remembers her body being.

Murphy correctly states her body was outside the egg chamber, but incorrectly states the irlgaunt dimension doored away with its companion and her body.

Pressi's body was no where to be seen when the sorcerer irlgaunt rescued its companion with dimension door.

***

Kim, if you're searching via earthglide, I need to know your movement speed.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31  d20+14=19 ;
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 12:14:44 PM

Bliss wonders if the spider stashed Pressi's body in a bag of holding or similar magic. That would stop her from returning to it. Maybe the spider has internal pockets or pouches, like a kangaroo -- maybe the bag oif holding is INSIDE the dead monster! Guided by his Detect Magic and his Survival skill ...

Survival check 19

... Bliss dissects the spider where his detection has suggested the thing has magic in itself. If the chitin is too strong, Bliss uses his witchy Break cantrip to get through the carapace. Whatever it is, being magical ... it is probably valuable -- but not as valuable as Miss Pressi's body in a dimensional space or maybe sized way down with a Shrink Item spell, maybe.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90 
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 1:35:18 PM
Talia wonders if the stories about the Irlgaunt are actually true, where they sometimes use the magic items & artifacts they find from peoples they eat against their next victims? Maybe this is how this one magic wielding enemy is taunting us?

Mister Murphy...the range of a D-Door spell is: 400 ft. + 40 ft./ caster level

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d4=3 ;
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 8:14:38 PM
Pressi lets out a sarcastic laugh at Kezzem's joke. "Oh, you do not want to start with me. I may not ping evil but I will still sit on you and rip your head off. Oh, and the guy who actually did see my body last? We could actually be questioning him right now if a couple of Palabuddies weren't so trigger happy!"

Pressi closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down. "Sorry, it's been a bit of a day and its still morning. You know, the loss of the body, fighting over cliffs... and apparently no stone shaping. Right, that's probably tied to the brain. I probably ought to take some time to train in fighting before we face anything."

"Ok, I hate to burn yet another spell. We're at the point where I'm about to suggest we all take a rest, ticking clock notwithstanding. But if its just 800 feet or so, I do still have a prying eyes spell." Pressi casts it, creating 13 eye orbs. "I can just send these out with instructions to return upon seeing my body or soul jar (or irlgaunt concentration) and map this maze out in no time."

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi's Body

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
see invisible

Pressi
irlgaunt Form
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (5/9 minutes)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4+1/4+1
L4 2/4+1
L5 2/3+1

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 9:41:52 PM
"I tried my spells too but nothing came of them, I'd try again if I'd think it did any good. We need to finger this out in a hurry." Jack adds

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 5:17:27 AM
Succotash feels rather useless at the moment, and decides to offer up a prayer to Pantheon asking for guidance for the party. While praying he has an idea and asks Pressi, "I know you worship the Crones, but don't you worship Pantheon too? Couldn't you use my holy symbol to talk to him for guidance?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+7=23 ;
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 6:06:00 AM

"Thanks, Talia. Yeah, that's pretty much what Veseley told us when he described the dimension door portable hole experiment that ended up knocking down the giant tower. He said it went out to 880 feet." [DM post May 19th, 2015] [Murphy has several spellcasters in his family, including a sorcerer, a witch and a bard - and there are over 50 mentions of the spell in this game's archives. Murphy already knows the rough parameters of the spell through prior in-game discussion and observation. Despite that he already knows, I went ahead and rolled Knowledge: Arcana: 23, just in case prior knowledge should be discounted.]

"My thoughts are these," Murphy says to Bliss and whoever else wants to listen. "First I'd like to do a quick search immediately below the pathway here, and a little off to each side. Next, head back to the intermediate jump off point, the first glitterdust site, and search that area in a 100' spiral, starting close to where we say them, then working outward. Pressi, were you blinking for a little while? If so, I wonder if your body might have blinked downwards, to a lower spot. That will be the first place I look."

About to dive, he pauses. "I can check in mentally with Pressi pretty much at will. I will do so a minimum of once every 5 minutes - more frequently if I find useful information. But for you, Bliss - do you have tremorsense? How will you know which way is up? I often check for north - that keeps me oriented. Maybe you should surface from time to time so we don't lose you."

"Can someone walk back the way we came, and see if there are other holes about one inch in diameter either in the ceiling, the floor, or along the walls of the pathway? If found, let us know, and we can check behind them."

Then he begins with his downward searching as described. Murphy's standard rate of earthgliding is 25' per round. If one may hustle while earthgliding, he will do so at 50', but not on the line directly downward, where he moves more carefully - 25' rate. He works a grid pattern. He covers a 15'x15' pathway as he goes.

All the spells of 12 minute duration or less will be eaten up by the time they get to where the first glitterdust spell was cast by Hobie before the two-irlgaunt dimension door. The longer-lived spells may still be in effect for a while.

He'll do a more downward directed search unless the terrain draws him to alter this pattern.

Finally, he will return to where the Irlgaut first took Pressi's body, search beneath, then in pretty much a straight line, dipping down a bit, between the spot just outside the hatchery, and thence to where we found them next.

One would hope that someone else will have figured out a better plan than this before he gets so far.

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: First ten minutes Average of 42 (minimum 33, maximum 52), following that Average of 40.

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 3 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

DM Carl 
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 2:42:54 PM
Bliss wonders if Pressi's body is stashed in a bag of holding. Could be, but no real way of knowing right now, is there? He goes to dissect the monster.

He finds a section of the monster's chitin can be pried away to reveal a hidden bug pocket of sorts. It's gross, but he reaches in to pull out a small leather pouch. The pouch itself is mundane, but holds a number of gems and an arcane scroll.

The scroll contains the following:

Fireball
Stone shape
Shadow evocation

Appraise DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {There are only a handful of gems, but they're seriously nice. There's some benitoite, two black opals, and even a red beryl! These can easily fetch 20k GP.}

One of the gems radiates magic. Spellcraft DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {this is a gem of seeing.}

The magic around the irlgaunt's head is another matter. Bliss can see a scar where the chitin around the thing's "skull" was cut away and healed. Cracking it open reveals an ornate headband squished into place around the irlgaunt's brain. It must have been extremely painful to get it placed there, and likely caused the creature constant pain as well. The irlgaunt's head structure wouldn't allow it to just wear the thing normally, though.

Spellcraft DC 31, Highlight to display spoiler: {this is a headband of mental superiority +4.}

There are no more magical auras for Bliss to investigate.

Talia knows the range of a dimension door spell.

OOC: I'll say the spectral hand came along with your dimension door.

Pressi laughs, then casts a prying eyes spell to go swoosh around and map the place. At Murphy's (rather good) suggestion, she keeps an eye out for any small holes in the tunnel walls. Unfortunately, prying eyes cannot see in the dark, even if Pressi can. They are able to slowly move through tunnels by touch, but all Pressi can see when they return is darkness. The only light in the entire area is the light the party created/brought themselves.

Jack's used all the useful spells he could think of.

Succotash offers his holy symbol of Pantheon for Pressi to use and request divine intervention.

Murphy also knows how far away a dimension door spell can take one.

OOC: Dude, come on. You can't say you autopass what would require a knowledge check because of a rich backstory. This game has rules.

He searches specific locations around key points, but comes up empty. His suggestion that the party keep an eye out for small holes does lead to two other chambers similar to the ones the irlgaunt sorcerer was killed in. Each has a unique symbol that holds no apparent meaning. Mostly, the areas he searches are just solid stone. There are veins of metal and seams of gemstones he can make note of, but that's about it.

***

Time is ticking away. Assuming a radius of 880 feet from a single dimension door spell, that's a search area of nearly 3 billion square feet. Murphy's spots to search first are certainly reasonable starting places, but the search itself is fruitless thus far.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 5:21:51 PM
Pressi considers Succotash's suggestion. "That... might work. I don't have any better ideas at this point."

She turns to the group. "I need 250 gold or some equivalent items as a sacrifice. But more than that, I need a really good question. Something that won't get a smart aleck response or other non-answer. So before I cast, does anyone have a suggestion for a good question."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 8:27:23 PM
Jack spat out as he started to worry, "take any of my magic items
Pressi! Any magic ring I have would be worth that!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90  d20=6 ; d20=1 ; d20+7=12 ; d3=2 ; d20+7=17 ;
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 8:36:16 PM
Ms. Talia, will give these a try...its been a while..wow! Been a long time...I am horrible today....at this checking stuff... as she turns to Pressi...are you gonna try a wish spell like request divine intervention? Reaching into her hackersack, she begins counting gold coins..10, 20, 30..100...150..250! There you go...hope its worth it.

Skill checks

Appraise DC 20 | 6
Spellcraft DC 25 | 12
Spellcraft DC 31 | 17

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks



Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 10:13:12 PM

Bliss is not sure what spell is about to be tried, but he is in favor of asking for help. "Good idea, Sir Succotash!"

[OOC: We can also use a hero point to "request a hint" if we are stuck, maybe in conjunction with this attempt. If no one else steps forward, Bliss will contribute a hero point to the cause. Search for "Inspiration" on this page.]

He puts his artificially inflated 18 Int to work on the question of what question to ask.

"Wowsy, that's a tough one. How about 'What is the distance and direction from where I am right now to where Pressi's body is right now?' That should do it, right?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90  d20=6 ;
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 10:36:35 PM
Talia belives Bliss might be onto something with her questioning.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 11:49:31 PM
"You can use me to test your question before casting, Pressi," says Kezzem. "You won't get a smart arse response if it's Kezzem-proof."

OOC: I think you mean 3 million sq ft, not 3 billion.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday May 9th, 2019 5:23:54 AM
"Bliss I think you got it, but you may want to say Pressi's actual body, and borrowed body", Succotash offers.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Thursday May 9th, 2019 7:26:24 AM
As the things are harvested from the body of the Irlgaunt "I've seen a lot of things and that's easily one of the grossest"

Hobie stands by as his friends prepare the magic spell.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Thursday May 9th, 2019 7:29:25 AM
"Good idea!" says Bliss.

DM Carl 
Thursday May 9th, 2019 2:58:35 PM
Pressi decides Succotash's suggestion is sound. She starts looking for a sacrifice and forming a solid question in her mind.

Jack offers any of his treasure to help.

Talia happens to have 250 gold coins on her.

Bliss suggests simply asking for a direction and distance from their current location. Certainly simple enough.

Kezzem offers to be Pressi's official smart-aleck tester. It's the role he was born to play.

Succotash suggests Pressi clarify which body needs finding.

Hobie is grossed out.

***

Looks like our heroes have a plan. They just need to pull the trigger now...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Thursday May 9th, 2019 3:01:52 PM

"I think - and this is not a certainly," Murphy says, "but evidence I have seen points that way - that the irlgaunt took Pressi's body and the first thing he did was to place it in a hiding place within the range of a dimension door. The following round, it dimension doored up just ahead of where the fleeing irlgaunt was. However, Pressi could not sense her body. Was it placed in an area surrounded by something that precludes her sensing her body, and the gemstone? I don't know.

"For the divination spell - Bliss seemed to frame the question well."

Murphy prays to Eberyon and to Maab to guide Pressi in her spell. And to Gargul, as well. "If you don't want to interview her directly, might you grant her some insight to avoid an unnecessary death, Lord?"

============
As the dimension door spell allows movement in any direction, a sphere gives us the operative measure of: Radius 880'^3 * 4/3 * Pi = 868 million cubic feet. Working 8 hours a day, it could take 32 days to fully explore at a pace of 25' per round, 15'x15' at a time.
============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 41 average

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday May 9th, 2019 4:23:16 PM
To Murphy, "It's certainly a range of possibilities but it again raises the issue that we aren't going to find it by searching. We may as well assume the possibility he separated the soul gem from my body and placed one of them on the moon. If this doesn't work, and the puzzle map icon doesn't work, then our only hope may be to find the irlgaunts directly and start making a deal."

Pressi, borrowing the items, closed her eyes and began to cast divination (4th level domain spell). "Oh mighty... whichever one of you picks up. What is the distance and direction from my borrowed body right now to my actual body right now?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday May 9th, 2019 7:09:06 PM
"What's our vector, Victor?" adds Kezzem. "And do we have clearance, Clarence?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90 
Thursday May 9th, 2019 7:58:54 PM
Talia tells the group that she remembers that although the Irlguant don't necessarily use the magic items they find after consumming their favorites foods, they dohave a tendancy to use those very items to lure more of their favorite foods...Huminoids!

Perhaps that is what this one is doing....leading us into another trap?!

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Thursday May 9th, 2019 10:04:38 PM
Jack will watch his team work

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday May 10th, 2019 5:15:30 AM
Succotash stands at the ready, praying that the spell cast with the borrowed holy symbol works.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Friday May 10th, 2019 12:47:06 PM
Hobie will follow the leads of his group.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90 
Friday May 10th, 2019 4:27:10 PM
Talia will meditate for two hours while this attempt is being made. Hopefully, she will be able to recover all her slots afterwards.

Talia will also keep Pressi in her heart for a show of support.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Friday May 10th, 2019 5:16:05 PM

Murphy notes, and memorizes, the symbols in each of the rooms-with-a-hole. After having made his comments, the wild-shaped druid continues his methodical searching, figuring that multiple approaches increase the odds that success will attain.

DM Carl  d100=21 ;
Friday May 10th, 2019 8:33:15 PM
Pressi casts her divination spell as her companions wait and hope for the best.

For a moment, nothing happens. Then, Pressi blinks and her vision changes when her eyes reopen. She sees a space similar to the rest of the places the irlguant teleported too, complete with odd but unique symbol. This space, though, has stone bars with a view of the montaintops that make up The Scab. The space must be very near the surface. Pressi knows this is what her eyes see, and knows it's about 500' above her current position and to the NE a bit.

Another blink and the vision's gone.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Saturday May 11th, 2019 6:12:19 AM
As Succotash watches Pressi the Irlagaunt, he wonders if Pantheon is listening or not. After a while, He asks Pressi, "Did it work?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday May 11th, 2019 1:44:54 PM
"If not and this is your new look Press,well, stranger things have happened," says Kezzem. "Remember when Alleah turned herself into an air elemental? And don't worry about your romance--Murphey takes on all kinds of forms!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday May 11th, 2019 2:29:49 PM
Pressi’s eyes snapped open. “It worked well.”

Explaining what she saw (and what she didn’t, like the soul gem), “we need scouting through the area and preparation for battle. Anyone who can recharge quickly should do so.”

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday May 11th, 2019 3:17:41 PM
“Speaking of, I think we should take eight hours to sleep and recharge spells, if possible. 500 feet is admittedly kind of far.”

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Saturday May 11th, 2019 5:48:25 PM

"Eight hours?" Murphy asks, after returning from his latest digs. "No. We should go now. No telling what could happen in eight more hours. Five hundred feet up to the northeast?" I can be there in about two, maybe three minutes. Let me go take a quick peek. I'll let you know what I find, Press. Let me do that before we make any huge decisions.

"Speaking of Alleah - she and I were butting heads on that day, Kezzem, but not because I have delusions of grandeur. I feared at the time that there may be more whiteshirts at risk, and our delay could bring harm to them. As it turned out, I was correct in that thought - as she aimed for dominance and delay, another poor halfling fell under the necromantic spells, who might otherwise have been rescued alive." Turning to face Pressi in her borrowed body, the druid suggests, "Let's get you and your body back to each other. Then, if appropriate, more rest and spell prep might be fine. There will still be more irlgaunts to deal with - especially if they come across the fried eggs."

Unless Pressi objects, he will start heading in the direction she indicated - upwards, with occasional nudges to the northeast. Tremorsense all the way, with occasional know direction spells to verify his heading.

Moving at 25', he can cover 500 feet in 20 rounds. Add a few more rounds for the NE adjustment, and additional as required to home in on the exact location. As he 'pings' his surroundings, he slows as he approaches any open spaces for a more subtle entry - perhaps allowing just the front of his face to emerge gently from solid rock and earth into caves, caverns, or prison cells. That may slow him further, depending upon how porous the route may be.
=========
Perception: 41 on average (31 to 51 range)

DM Carl 
Saturday May 11th, 2019 9:16:17 PM
Pressi urges caution, but Murphy's having none of that. He's easily able to earthglide and/or burrow in the direction Pressi's divination revealed. Between here and there is solid stone; nothing out of the ordinary grabs his attention.

Her body is right where she said it would be. He notes there's a slowly oozing puncture wound in her right shoulder. Likely the irlgaunt tried to outright kill her, but found her magical protections too strong to overcome quickly.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d8=8 ; d8=8 ;
Saturday May 11th, 2019 10:51:09 PM
"Aha, I've got it! It was Miss Irlgaunt in the Caverns with the Candlestick!"

Kezzem casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Pressi's body.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 24.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70? minutes)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70? minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+30=36 ; d8+5=7 ; d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d8=3 ;
Sunday May 12th, 2019 12:00:39 AM

Murphy sees his beloved Pressi in the room. He's an earth elemental. Earth elementals do not cry.

"Found you," he whispers in as tender a voice as a gravelly throat will allow. "Found you," he tells Pressi telepathically. He looks over the rest of the room, trying to sense if any others are present, or nearby [Perception 36]. If he senses no others, he glides the rest of the way into the room, and begins to take a look at her wound. [By the way - still a dwarf body? or has she reverted to her own self?].

Interrupting this action, the rocky druid spares just a moment to glance out the barred window to the mountains in the morning light, in part to see if any beings are visible nearby. He also uses tremorsense to discern if any move within 60'. If the area seems clear...

He looks to see how serious her wound might be. He casts cure light wounds for 7 hp. Looks it over more. If more is needed, he'll cast either a cure moderate wounds for (2d8+10=)21 hp, or cure serious wounds for (3d8+15=)29 hp. He also looks to see if any poisoning might be evident. If he thinks there is the slightest chance of such, he casts neutralize poison.

He mentally fills in Pressi on what he is doing as he does it.

Once he is satisfied her body is as well as it might be, he searches for the magic gem she was using for her spell. He casts detect magic to help him in his search. If he does not find it on her, he searches the room further, then nearby outside the room - maybe a hidden spot? He looks outside especially in a near line of sight from the barred window. Maybe in haste the kidnapping irlgaunt just tossed it out the window. He looks for likely landing places, augmenting the search with detect magic.

At some point he notes the symbol on the wall, comparing and contrasting it with the others. If they are to hunt down the irlgaunts, surely there will be other such chambers.

Again, he keeps his channel with Pressi wide open, informing her of all he takes in.

If he feels he has all the information he can gather, he mentions making a small burrow out of the chamber to get the slumbering Pressi out. He makes certain her gear is intact.

"I can go air elemental, and carry you back to the entrance to the mining operation, and effect a reunion in that fashion," he suggests to Pressi. "I'm open to alternatives though, if you or others think there may be a better way."

=====================
Spells / conditions / active abilities:

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, –2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Sunday May 12th, 2019 12:03:33 AM

Oops: CSW (if needed) for Murphy should have been 26, not 29. He's not 15th level yet. Kezzem - I think you're a little too far away to effect a remote CMW.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Sunday May 12th, 2019 2:09:36 AM
Well, once Murphey returns with Pressi he can do it.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90  d8+1=3 ;
Sunday May 12th, 2019 4:37:14 PM
Talia chimes in, "Why uses spells when I have a wand? asks Talia of Kezzem. Save those for when you really need them!"

"So, I guess we are waiting until mister murphy returns with Pressi's body?" says Talia aloud to no one in particular.

In the meatime, Talia used her wand of cure light wounds on herself. (1d8+1) for 3 points and then mediate for hopefully two (2) hours, if it take them that long.

OCC: I have no idea what levels my wands have been cast at, so I assume a +1.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Sunday May 12th, 2019 7:50:26 PM

This is roughly what Murphy sounded like when he said, "Found you," to Pressi's slumbering body in the mountain cave above Glimstone.

[Also, DM Carl, if it would make things easier or speed things along, I could have Murphy airlift Pressi's body back to the party, but also am mindful, at lease somewhat, of your admonition to not try to stuff too much into a post. Your call on that. In that regard, as a footnote, if he can't find the magic jar gemstone, he will earthglide a bit more around the cell with detect magic up to see if the irlgaunt embedded it in stone, just in case. Leave no stone unturned, as it were.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday May 13th, 2019 7:43:06 AM
Succotash awaits word, and instructions on Murphy’s discovery.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Monday May 13th, 2019 12:30:06 PM

Bliss is glad his suggestion worked, and the location has been found.

[OOC: Did that use a hero point, per Bliss's posts last week? No mention in the DM post so ...]

"Sounds like we need another Dim Door," he says.

Bliss looks around, sees no sign of Murphy. "Unless Mister Murphy has gone off by himself to gather Miss Pressi's body?" He sees no sign of the druid. "Going off alone into possible danger? Again? Maybe there are spiders in the room waiting to ambush whoever pops in? The divination might not mention that little fact. We'll see if Murphy even comes back!"

Bliss complains a bit more to anyone in earshot. "Some people will never change, even after a god tells them to. I swear, if we miss our chance at the Dragon Consortium because Murphy is a lone wolf, well, well, wowsy, I'll be super mad!"

When Murphy does re-appear, assuming he does, Bliss walks over and punches him.

[OOC to Kim: Highlight to display spoiler: {Kim, you posted, "Unless Pressi objects ... " but then you did not wait for a post from Pressi before haring off again. How is that fair? Also, you said you would "take a peek" and come back, but now you are posting that you are going to airlift the body back to the party. How is that "just a peek"? I love ya, Kim, but someday you'll get killed again for stuff like this, and maybe Gargul won't be so cool about it. Seriously.}]

DM Carl 
Monday May 13th, 2019 3:03:23 PM
Pressi's body has long since turned back into her true form. Digging through her belongings, she discovers the gem she used to cast magic jar is...wherever it was to begin with. His CLW spell cures everything but the tiniest scratch. Pressi would likely chide him for using healing magic to finish the job, but that's his prerogative (1 HP of damage left).

He offers to travel back to the entrance as an air elemental, but Pressi is small, and there's no reason he can't just carry her and burrow back to the rest of Humble's Sword as an earth elemental.

OOC: Trying to wrap this scene up.

Bliss is unhappy with Murphy going off again against the better judgement of his peers. Murphy got lucky this time, but maybe Bliss is right?

OOC: No hero point used since Pressi figured out a way to find her body. As for Murphy going off alone, I'm leaving that an IC discussion that's up to you folks.

Talia meditates while everyone else secures Pressi's body. Kezzem is prepared to heal her up, but it looks like Murphy took care of that.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Monday May 13th, 2019 5:34:31 PM

Murphy carefully wraps Pressi's body and goods, ties a hankerchief over her face against the dust of his burrowing.

"Just realized I could burrow back down with you, love. The gem is here. You are breathing. You could probably use a goodberry after you reunite, but your body is pretty healed up now with a simple cure light wounds. That irlgaunt wanted to hurt you bad, I think, but also was in a big hurry. So, here I come. It'll take a few minutes. Tell everyone, please. How are things on your end?"

Huge earth elemental Murphy burrows (speed thru stone ~15'? - not as fast as earthgliding) back down to where his friends await, taking about three and a half minutes to get from the back of the stone cell to P25-26 on the map (Tab '11 Pressi Tunnel') opposite where Irlgaunt Pressi had opened a hole in the wall to the ledge. Total round trip perhaps eight to ten minutes.

He notifies Pressi telepathically just before burrowing through the wall, so she knows where to expect him, and for people to give a little clearance.

After he breeches the wall, the druid gently lays the slumbering body of Pressi down before him, and looks into the eyes of the Irlgaunt hosting Pressi for the moment, he says, "Here you are. Safe and sound. Bless the power who gave you sight."

Out of the corner of his eye he notices Bliss approaching with deliberation in his steps. And Bliss punches him. Bliss can punch hard when he wants to. "Hi, Bliss. You were worried, weren't you?"

He greets the others. "So, your call, Pressi. Shall we return to the dwarfs with you in your present form, looking toward rest and spell renewal? Or would you like us all to make preparations before you transfer back? Or is there something else planned?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Monday May 13th, 2019 9:18:35 PM
After Talia finishes up her two (2) hours of meditation, she snapily stands up and asks, "where to now, to the assembled Humble swords. Hi, Pressi, nice to have you back!"

If no one moves to engage Talia in a conversation or idle banter, she will cast Overland flight on herself.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight ~ 720 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 5:31:47 AM
Succotash is very much relieved when Murphy returns with Pressi's body. But like Bliss he is a bit upset that the druid went lone wolf again, and he says,"Until I met you guys and joined the Swords, it was just me against the forces of evil, but even then, I always had Piggy watching my back! These are dangerous times, and we are in the middle of a dangerous dungeon crawl and you decide to go be the lone hero! Man your not invincible, what would have happened if it was an ambush!? I'll tell you what would have happened, you would be dead! I for one am not OK with that. We are a team, no scratch that, we are a family, and family sticks together!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 7:10:05 AM

Bliss nods at the paladin's wise words. "That's exactly right, you listen to him, Mister Murphy! Thank you, Sir Succotash. We work together, not alone, and not alone into danger just to scout, and not alone into danger to scout and then not just scouting but exposing yourself to danger!"

Bliss glares at Murphy, who still does not seem to get that this is serious.

"Miss Pressi, you tell him, please. Maybe he will listen to you."

[OOC: Um, is Pressi back in her body? Just checking.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:27:11 AM
Hobie stands back as Bliss and Succotash chew into Murphy. Normally he is the one pissed at Murphy for these antics. This time he stays quiet and lets the others do the talking.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8  d20+23=40 ;
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:30:37 AM
I wrote that he "stands back." Let me alter that a bit. He stays quiet and lets the others talk to Murphy, but he will run over to Pressi the second he sees her and will check that she's okay, detecting magic and spellcrafting to see if theres any unusual magic auras about her. Spellcraft 40



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 11:37:27 AM
"Yeah... I think I'm going to hold off on criticizing Murphy about rushing off until I'm done repairing the damage from my rushing off. I am a little surprisingly insulted that HE'S not lecturing me and screaming that I could have gotten myself killed.

"Look, I'm the one who said that someone needed to break off from the group and scout the area, and I maintain that to be the correct call. Some of us have the ability to sneak or shapeshift for a reason, and even a paladin should be prepared to do it from time to time. But yes, Murphy, there was some risk in what you did and a few minutes to discuss possible approaches or protections would have been better - and yielded us more information about the environment.

"Moving on, it would appear in hindsight that Murphy actually made the right call. By which I mean we now know more about the weaknesses in the irlgaunts operations and can recognize that Murphy never really had anything to fear with his strategy. It's strange that they would put my body in a cell but not even post a guard or something... but maybe not. Its a piece with whatever modified this spellcasting irlgaunt, a reminder that cells in general are not a natural part of their environment and that they didn't realize what they had."

Pressi remains in her form for the moment.

(Part 2 after lunch)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 12:30:22 PM
"Yeah, that's not cool, Pressi," says Kezzem. "Going off on your own and nearly getting yourself give is clearly Murphey's niche."

Kezzem casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Pressi's body.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 24.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 1:56:42 PM
Pressi considers her options. "Ok, here's what I'm thinking. First, I'm holding off on switching back to my body until we decide what to do with this irlgaunt because its soul is what's in my gem right now and I'm going to guess he's not happy - though he'd probably retreat from a fight like this.

"Second... I was thinking that we should just move on through where this body was held right out to the scab and be done with these things. Maybe with some way to send a warning back to the dwarves because these guys might take revenge on them instead. I don't think we can take on the nest while we have our own thing and we've probably screwed over any chance to make a deal. I would have liked to figure out what's been modifying these creatures but we don't have much time either."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 4:33:08 PM

Bliss giggles at the paladin's joke. "Sir Kezzem, you always make me laugh!" he says, and that calms him down some.

"But Mister Murphy, it was still reckless. Please don't do that again!"

DM Carl 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 6:13:28 PM
Murphy breaks through the wall, and Pressi is carefully placed in the most comfortable spot he can find, safe and sound. The decision on what to do next is put on Pressi, who's still an irlgaunt.

Talia goes ahead and casts an overland flight spell.

Succotash and Bliss continue to insist that Murphy stop going off alone. Bliss implores Pressi to talk some sense into him.

Hobie enjoys not having to be the one doing this for once. He inspects her for any magical auras, but finds nothing out of place. Thankfully, the irlgaunt sorcerer only had enough time to deposit her before returning to assist its companion.

Pressi realizes that she's the one who got hurt by going off on her own, so really isn't in a position to chastise Murphy. She has her own thoughts on solo jaunts around dangerous territory!

Kezzem notes Murphy was going off by himself before it was cool.

***

Pressi notes they need to decide what to do with the body she's inhabiting, and suggests maybe overland travel instead of underground. That's certainly a possibility, but the DPAA indicates their target is deeper into the depths than they are now. If they travel overland, they'll need a way to dig down when they get there. There's also the possiblity it's under a mountain peek.

Which is not your humble narrator talking anyone out of anything, of course. It's not his adventure!

Thankfully, they appear to have time to figure all this out. Pressi's spell won't end for several hours still.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 6:56:34 PM
(OOC been rather sick again, sorry for keep using this excuse)

[OOC comment by ACDM Cayzle: Please use standard Wold Formatting, per the edits I made to your header just now. Email me if you need help! Thanks!]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:28:45 PM

Regarding the Chastening
Murphy takes in what his friends have to tell him.

He directs a request to the archer. "Hobie, as you are with her, could you carefully feed Pressi one of the goodberries I gave you? I think that will cap off the healing her body needs. Thanks, friend."

Then he answers.

"I went to rescue the unconscious body of my love. Don't ever tell me I may not do that," he shoots back sharply at Bliss, returning his glare.

Then he stops himself, and figuratively speaking takes a breath. [Do earth elementals breathe in a conventional sense?]

To all he says, "I checked with Pressi before I left. I spoke openly, anyone in earshot could hear my plans. I said unless she objected, I would earthglide to where her vision showed her body rested. She did not object. The path I traveled was about the same as going from the front door of The Belly Buster to the entrance to the General Store - no vast distance. I was in constant contact with Pressi, telepathically, and she was free to let all of you know what I was doing. Did you do so, Pressi?

"Family? Yes, Succotash. We are comrades, friends, companions, and in a sense family. We care for each other. I know you care for me - which is why you worry for me. When I see you in danger, I want to protect you. And you're right, Succotash. I am not invincible. Reasonably tough, resourceful. But not invincible. My visit to Gargul convinced me of that. I should have asked Bliss to come along to rescue Pressi. I apologize that I did not think of that at the time. But will I apologize for doing what I am well suited for, and bringing my fiancee back?" Murphy shakes his head in negation of that notion.

"Also, yes, you are right, Pressi, that additional plans may have been made. A further step back, had you told me you were magic jarring an irlgaunt and your body was going to lie undefended, I would have been your guard - and your body likely would not have left us. Because you told no one, no one knew you needed guarding. I am not chastising you, just recommending keeping the thoughts flowing in dangerous situations so I can cover you, or find someone to do so.

"Perhaps I should have thought, say, to check with you, Bliss, to see if you wanted to go back to earth elemental, glide with me, and we could have each other's backs.

"Yet so anxious was I to get to her before anything worse befell her, that I did not delay, other than a brief conversation, to go on a rescue.

"We are friends and family. But we are not children, hiding behind our mothers' skirts. We are adventurers. We walk into the fire as others are fleeing. It is hard for me to imagine me cowering in the background, afraid of my shadow. Were I to live by some people's version of 'if,' I might never get out of the burrow. IF I get out of bed, something bad may happen to me. IF I cross the street, a horse and cart may run over me. IF I go into the hills, a lion may eat me.

"Each of you can do some things that I cannot. I can do things that most of you cannot. We each play a role. If you expect me to stay in the middle of the pack - that will seldom be my choice. Sometimes, perhaps. Like it or not - and some of you obviously do not, I will continue to scout. I am not your ward. We are adventurers. We take risks."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:36:47 PM
Talia, being the new person, does not chastise anyone....

"Now that Pressi, is still a Irlgaunt, can we learn anything from her while she is in this form?" wonders Talia aloud to no one is particular.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight ~ 720 minutes

[OOC: How much time has past since the battle?]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:54:41 PM
2nd post, as the matters are quite distinct:

Quick addendum to Murphy's response
Murphy also joins Bliss in a bit of mirth at Kezzem's wit. He answers Bliss, "I will take your cautious recommendation under advisement."

Planning Conversation

"I agree we continue. But by way of the surface, Pressi? The device calls us downward. Likely we will run into more irlgaunts along the way, which we have told the dwarfs - and I value our given word - we would try to eliminate. We better understand their tactics. And they more fear us.

"Since the dwarfs are back only a few hundred feet from us, a couple from our group easily could report back to them the gist of what has occurred, and what our plans are - once we've figured out what they are. I can tell them where I found pockets of gems.

"Let's follow the pathways downward. We will defeat the irlgaunts, unless they choose to flee from us entirely. Perhaps they have allies deeper into the caves, and may call for help. This is not cause for fear. It is cause for preparation, planning, contingencies, and doing what we do best - making things up on the spur of the moment.

"We've learned that some of our animals are not well suited for travel through caves. I love that some of you are able to send them somewhere, and call upon them back to your side at will. That is amazing to me. Perhaps send them -- wherever it is -- as we travel through areas hard on them.

"The day is young - it's still before second breakfast. What say we have an early second breakfast, then be on our way.

"Unless we decide, indeed, to wait until the morrow. I am fine with going now. There is a better chance we can face remaining irlgaunts without them having a large amount of time to prepare against us. I will be patient should we decide to wait until the morrow. We are on no official schedule, I think."

Earth elemental Murphy rests mainly in rock, his head, shoulders and arms above the surface, listening to what is discussed. He twiddles with an interesting green rock he found while burrowing back down.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 1:10:07 AM
"So um, what happened to the irlgaunt Pressi is in now?" asks Kezzem. "Do the others know their friend is possessed by a halfling? Maybe we could use some sort of ruse, which as a paladin, I will have to give you a strongly worded lecture about not doing."

"Also, just a thought, but are irlgaunt's mushroom farmers per chance?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 5:36:54 AM
"I'm ready to continue", Succotash offers, "but if our casters are feeling a bit drained, we can wait too. heck, we could all go back and report to the dwarves, get a good rest, and strike out again after if needed".
Then turning to Murphy, "My friend, thank you for understanding my concern, I don't expect you to be a coward, my respect for you would diminish greatly if you did, I just ask that you take advantage of the fact that you have friends who love you and allow us to help". He then adds, with a huge smile on his face, as a means to lighten the tension,"I mean really, isn't the noble sacrifice more of a paladin thing anyways?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 1:39:01 PM
To Murphy, "Fair enough."

To Kezzem, "I would never dream of suggesting such a ruse, but it is basically the only reason to use the soul gem. Well, that and if you wandered off the battlefield and are kind of in a hurry, but that's just showing off."

She paused for a bit upon hearing that they had to go deeper into the caverns. "Apologies, I thought we had to go through the caverns. There is another option, now that we've already crossed the egg killing line, of changing our hold on this creature. Then we could make him act as a guide... by magic or threat of force, perhaps. As for traveling now... I probably have enough magic for another round of fighting."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 6:16:31 PM
Talia, asks, out loud, "So what happens to Pressi once the spell wears off?" Do we have incompacitate another spyder? Where's Pressi's body again? "

As for being ready to leave onto the next phase of this journey?, I'm A okay!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 8:24:09 PM
Ok, once more for those not looking up Magic Jar

1) Pressi's body and soul gem are once again in the same room as the body Pressi occupies, crisis averted.

2) The soul of the body Pressi occupies is in the crystal. If Pressi returns to her body naturally, or when the spell ends, the irlgaunt's soul will likewise return to its body. The death of the body Pressi is occupying would now result in the immediate return of Pressi to her own body and the death of the irlgaunt.

3) If Pressi remains in the body, she would have the form of an irlgaunt and a number of advantages, i.e. the new forms natural attacks and speed, the soul's magic and SLAs.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 9:00:47 PM

"I need to compose something to tell about our story so far. I should have it done in about three years," Jack jests.

"So, do we have second breakfast? Do we talk to the dwarfs? Do we head down farther into the caverns? Talia, can you fly me up in the air - but not too high?"

DM Carl 
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 9:03:25 PM
Many words are spoken. Pressi comes up with an interesting idea: make the irlguant whose companions you (justifiably) killed act as guide. Crazy enough to work, or just crazy? Meanwhile, Kezzem wonders aloud why anyone would think it would be ok to trick the irlgaunts into thinking Pressi's current form is one of them. Who would do such an unscrupulous thing?

The casters seem ready to continue without rest. Plan seems to be have second breakfast, then continue. Only undecided variable seems to be how to handle Pressi's current body situation.


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Thursday May 16th, 2019 1:53:34 AM

"How about this? We eat here, then continue on in," Murphy suggests. "While we're eating, I'll change back to my own cheerful self, and maybe one or two come with me to let the dwarfs know what's happened so far. We come back, then together head onward through the caverns. At some point, I'll likely go back to my current lump of dirt and stone. With Pressi - Pressi, how do you want us to handle your body? Mostly inside a bag of holding with your head on the outside? Though I could carry you, if I need to earthglide, that could present some problems. Also, I'll probably be bashing often if we get back to fighting."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday May 16th, 2019 5:41:24 AM
"We could tie Pressi's body to Piggy's saddle, gently of course, we don't want to inflict rope burns, that would free everyone up, and Piggy would hardly know she was there", Succotash offers. Then a loud noise comes from his belly, and he says, "But after we eat!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Thursday May 16th, 2019 8:57:24 AM

Bliss is confused at the idea of leaving and flying OVER the mountains and then digging DOWN?! But he just keeps quiet.

He is also unhappy at Murphy's nonchalant attitude towards his own safety. Well, Bliss holds his tongue there too.

Bliss switches to cat form and tails along with the group, wherever we are going next.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Thursday May 16th, 2019 11:23:57 AM
Hobie feeds Pressi the goodberry, and helps with whatever plan is for her body. He expresses that as much as he hates being underground, the thing they are following seems to suggest that staying underground is the wisest course of action.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday May 16th, 2019 3:16:22 PM
"You guys are making it way too hard. I have to take Harper with me anyway so just strap my other body into her saddle... if you want me to keep this form. I mean, there are benefits for now but it just means delaying the inevitable switch back."

"And if you want to wait until breakfast, great. Someone please pass the goat."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday May 16th, 2019 3:17:15 PM
Pressi checks, before she forgets again, to see if the damage triggered her spite spell on a wandering irlgaunt.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Thursday May 16th, 2019 3:20:05 PM
Talia asks if we could use an Unseen servant spell or such to carry Pressi's body? What about Telekensis?

Spells in Effect

Overand Flight ~ 720 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday May 16th, 2019 6:50:19 PM
"We could always put a pair of sunglasses on her and carry her between the two of us," suggest Kezzem. "Just like that Weekend at my cousin's Burnie."

The Ravine


DM Carl 
Thursday May 16th, 2019 10:18:49 PM
Looks like the decision is to strap Pressi's body to Harper and continue with an unwitting irlgaunt.

The party has second breakfast. Pressi finds her current body doesn't have any real appetite for rations, though her companions look positively delicious. One can assume she controls herself.

Hobie feeds her body a goodberry, and what was left of her scratch vanishes. She is fully healed.

OOC: You still have your spite spell. The creature did not make a standard melee attack on you.

The stone wall the irlgaunts created to block the ravine is easily dealt with by irlgaunt Pressi and earth elemental Murphy. The DPAA points the party further down the ravine, and so the party follows...

***

Scene done. Everyone gets 20k XP for removing the irlgaunt threat from the Caverns of Glimstone, not dying, and putting up with my maps. A few of you don't appear to have kept up with XP accounting. Take a moment and update your sheets, please.

***

Travel along the ravine is quiet, except for the rush of water at the bottom. It's not immediately evident, but the cave system is crawling with life if one looks. Like...literally crawling. Millipedes, crayfish, salamanders (the slimy kind, not the fire kind), and blind fish all live happily in this hidden ecosystem. The odd bat even flies by. Talia even notices a small number of them clustering around what looks like a tree trunk erupting from a cave wall.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday May 17th, 2019 5:30:54 AM
As Succotash notices the wildlife of the ravine. he takes a moment to enjoy the tranquil beauty of it, and says, "I wouldn't want to build a summer home here, but this ravine is quite lovely"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Friday May 17th, 2019 11:36:04 AM

"Wait a minute! Wait a minute!" exclaims Bliss before the party leaves the spider lairs. "Where's the Giant Cave Spider Silk?! It's got to be around here somewhere! That stuff is valuable. You haven't enjoyed wearing a mitten until you've worn a *Superior Cave Spider Silk Mitten* -- or even two!

Bliss spends at least ten minutes wandering around in search of webbing.

After the party travels a bit, the caverns become more lively. "Watch out, everybody," says Bliss. "If you fall in the water, there may not be an easy way out. And watch out for carnivorous carp! Especially the undead ones!"

Coming up to the tree, Bliss takes a good look at it. He's thinking that this is one of them Tower Caps that we're supposed to look for. "Mister Murphy, can you use your druid powers to ID this tree-thingie."

"I hope someone brought an ax. Even a copper one would do."

========

[OOC: For them what's lost track, for this module we were awarded 7,500 xp on Mar 27 and 20,000 yesterday. ALSO, I updated the game page a smidge.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday May 17th, 2019 1:44:01 PM
Pressi continues to skitter about through the caves, keeping an eye out.

Harper follows, the body swaying back and forth.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+18=30 ; d20+30=39 ;
Friday May 17th, 2019 8:43:30 PM

Informing the Dwarfs
Just before the group delves more deeply into the caverns, Murphy goes (with whoever wants to accompany him) to fill in the dwarfs on what they have accomplished so far. He lets them know where he found gems in various places while earthgliding, tells them of the chambers - and the small holes to find them with, and of the new tunnel to the surface. He asks if they might send in a cleanup crew to get rid of the broken eggs, and any left over irlgaunt bodies. He lets them know that at least one irlgaunt was able to escape - and that one is currently under the party's rather direct control.

He also tells the dwarfs, "Once we get more than a mile from here, I may personally harvest a few gems and plantlife as we travel along. I hope I may have your leave to do so. Don't worry, I'll leave most in place, and, as I am able, will tell you additional spots once we are back, and perhaps bring a few samples so you know the quality of what you can find in different areas. But we may need something for a spell component or the like. I want to be transparent with you."

He also draws on paper the four symbols found in the four different chambers, and asks if any know the significance of the symbols - what language, or nomenclature they come from.

Down into the mountains' roots
"You have a cousin Bernie, Kezzem?" Murphy asks. "You and Pressi were with him some time back for a weekend? Where does he live?"

Once all are ready to journey, Murphy takes a few items and places them in a doubled bag*, then wildshapes back to his favorite underground traveling form.

"Talia - there in the bag is some parchment, pens and ink for jotting down notes, maps, or what-have-you as we travel along." He tells everyone whatever he may have learned from the dwarfs about the meaning of the symbols they found in the four chambers - if any dwarf knew enough to decipher them.

He tell everyone what else is in the bag. "If someone would carry it - Succotash, maybe? - then those items can be accessed."
*Inside the big doubled bag:
1 each:
Blanket
Antitoxin vial
Holy water
Oil
Sunrod
Tanglefoot bag
Thunderstone
Bucket (folding canvas)
Handaxe, small humanoid
Hammer
Miner's pick
Hooded lantern
Signal whistle
Multiples of:
2: Rope - silk 50'
10: Pitons
10: Parchment sheets
2: Inkpens
2: Vials of ink
Addressing Bliss's request
"Sure, happy to take a look, buddy." He looks over the apparent tree trunk - comparing that with how Kade described the tower caps [see DM Carl's post of 2019-03-26].

If this indeed is a tower cap [Knowledge, nature 30 - gave a +2 based upon detailed description Kade gave], Murphy says, "No need for an axe, Bliss - though there is one in the bag. Remember that Kade said he needs spore from the very top cap. We don't have to chop down the whole thing. A knife to slice off a small wedge - see this part, here? Just a small wedge, maybe six to eight inches deep, wrap it in burlap.

Before any samples are taken, though, Murphy visually inspects it carefully, making sure he does not disturb any part of it, nor the bats unduly. He offers to lift up in his cupped hand whoever would like to take the small sample he suggested. "First, though, put some cloth over your face - some spore may shoot out, and likely you're not going to want to breathe them in." He will be quick and careful to pull them back should anything threatening occur due to the slicing.

==============
General Perception Roll: 39

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Friday May 17th, 2019 10:38:01 PM
Talia will go along with the group hovering 6" above the ground.

DM Carl 
Friday May 17th, 2019 11:09:14 PM
Succotash appreciates the beauty of the underworld. His decision not to move in is wise; there are worse things down here than irlgaunts.

Bliss seems to know a lot more about this place than one would think he would. He looks everywhere for webbing, but aside from garden variety spider webs, comes up empty. Maybe they're elsewhere...

He asks if anyone has an axe, as he seems to think the tree thing is a tower cap.

Pressi the Irlgaunt keeps her multiple eyes peeled. The body she occupies is very efficient in navigating the ravine.

Murphy...goes and sees the dwarves? Ok, it's not far. He finds they don't take kindly to his suggestion. "Friend," starts Urist, "We've been real clear that we like to handle our own." Still, he does provide Murphy with the boundaries of their claim, indicating he's free to take what he finds beyond that.

He finds Maggad much more hospitable. "Killed'a bunch of'em AND smashed their eggs? That's great news, Murphy. Wouldn't mind pickin' your brain about that caster one; hopefully it was just a...well, an aberration. Those things are dangerous enough without magic behind'em." He doesn't seem concerned about the one that got away.

He places items that may be important in a bag before shapeshifting into (assuming) an earth elemental. Smart. That way he won't need to shift back to retrieve it.

He does successfully identify the tree as a tower cap, but knows that their spores are at the very top. In this case, the tower cap's trunk breaks through solid rock above them. They'll need to dig, or burrow, or earthglide...they'll need to go up.

Talia hovers upward a bit, checking the ceiling where the tower cap vanishes. She finds there is no gap between the tower cap and the stone surrounding it, but there are micro-cracks radiating outward. Likely, it's grown in diameter since it pushed through the stone as it grew.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Saturday May 18th, 2019 12:52:28 AM

If anyone looks at Bliss for knowing too much, he says scornfully, "Sure, I'm a player!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+30=32 ;
Saturday May 18th, 2019 1:20:10 AM

[My post of 5/16 did say Murphy was planning to talk to the dwarfs as his friends finished their meals.] As long as Murphy is clear on the boundaries of the claim, that's fine with him (about how far out from the little passageway they initially come in through to the edge of their boundaries is it? Less than a mile? More than?) Also - was Urist offended at the notion of clean up (if so he says it's not required, surely some critters will eat up the remains), or at the notion that deeper within he might take some gems? Or were they offended that he told them about the pockets of gems that he found by earthgliding?

"All right, Bliss, to get to the top of this, I may have to earthglide with a tiny bit of burrowing twenty, forty feet or more out of sight. Will communicate with Pressi as I do so. Have I your permission to go? For the sake of mushrooms?"

If Bliss grants leave for him to go solo, he does so, after asking for a knife or something sharp. "Adamantine would be nice." ;-)

He goes slowly, with care, trying not to damage the plant, circling around until he finds the top of it. He then continues on to the other side, to know the parameters. Then back to the top. The whole way, he mentally passes on to the Pressi the gist of what he finds - perhaps to the point of boredom for her, or, not.

If all seems well, he slices off a pie-shaped wedge. He burrows just enough to get the wedge out of the rock, earthgliding the rest of the way. IF he determines that will work.

================
Perception: 32

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Saturday May 18th, 2019 3:17:21 AM

Hope it goes without saying, but Murphy, during this operation, is mindful not to damage the structural integrity of that to which the plant depends for support. If at some point he deems Pressi's irlgaunt host's rock-shaping ability might be the better extraction technique, he will coordinate that with her.

Most of all, he simply wants to Avoid Messing It Up. If the DM believes a particular skill check would be needed, the Player requests he do so on the druid's behalf.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Saturday May 18th, 2019 3:47:26 AM
Hobie will follow the team. He's not too interested in a mushroom, but will wait patiently as the others examine it.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Saturday May 18th, 2019 7:08:12 AM

Bliss says to Murphy, "Meow!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday May 18th, 2019 2:23:43 PM
"'Cause Bliss's a player
He's a griner
He's a slayer
And he's a sinner
Layin' like a cat in the sun
He's a chamer
He's a harmer
He's a mushroom farmer..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday May 18th, 2019 2:30:45 PM
A quick reminder: Pressi can’t cast stone shape, which is why the DM ignored her attempt. Under soul gem, natural abilities transfer but not mental ones like SLAs.

Pressi, along their travels, tests out a few other moves like the acid spit. She also checks how long Murphy’s trip took so she can figure out the time left.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday May 18th, 2019 3:39:03 PM
Pressi agrees to Murphy’s travels but considers the bottom to be the bigger deal. She uses Spellcraft and detect magic on the mushroom.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Saturday May 18th, 2019 6:39:54 PM

[Murphy's trip time, for Pressi's edification:
1. Explorations after killing tattooed and regular irlgaunt: Up to DM Carl, but figure 30 minutes.
2. Finally discerning Pressi's location and effecting a rescue: About 10-15 minutes.
3. Time to castigate Murphy for his having rescued Pressi's body from the cell 500' away and discussion about what to do next: About 10 minutes
4. Second Breakfast: About 20-30 minutes. The druid left in the middle of second breakfast, and was hoping to be back as people were finishing up with feeding their faces. He really only hoped to take 10-15 minutes round trip - maybe figure 30 minutes for breakfast, at which time Murphy would have returned. No one accepted his twice or thrice offered chance to go with him, so I assume he traveled alone.
Average of ranges: About 80-85 minutes total until we resumed travel, plus however long DM Carl indicates it took for us to travel to the place of the mushroom tree. I fear that Talia did not have time to meditate for a full 2 hours.
And all of this is subject to DM Carl's adjudication.]

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage 
Saturday May 18th, 2019 11:34:29 PM
Jack has no real intest in the mushroom other than the group no group was not in danger.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday May 20th, 2019 5:37:53 AM
Before Murphy identifies the tree like mushroom, Succotash answers Bliss by saying, "Which would you prefer a throwing axe, or a great axe? Cause I got both as you well know!" Even though he hasn't used it, he has a masterwork great axe strapped to his back next to Twinklesting as a backup weapon, and he has 4 throwing axes hanging from his belt, that he used with no effect in the fight with the umbral dragon during the battle with the Sarr)

After the Identification, Succotash says to Murphy, "You be careful! At the slightest sign of trouble you get back here, but for the sake of mushrooms and fulfilling a promise to Kade, you have my leave to go solo, and yes, I'll carry your bag, or more accurately, Piggy will". Since it's a mundane bag, and not a bag of holding, he takes the it and puts it into one of his saddlebags of holding

DM Carl 
Monday May 20th, 2019 10:35:06 AM
Murphy gets the feeling that the dwarves mean exactly what they say: they value self sufficency and do not appreciate outsiders giving unsolicited opinions or advice. Urist doesn't seem to care one way or another about some irlgaunt corpses.

(I'll get back to your trip up the tower cap later in the post. Your time-frame seems reasonable, but there's about 45 minutes from the time you left the dwarves until the time you found the tower cap.)

Bliss meows his agreement with Murphy's plan.

Hobie and Jack aren't particularly interested in mushrooms, but can be patient in the meantime.

Kezzem jokes around.

Pressi confirms she's unable to use the irlgaunt's stone shape ability. Her new body continues churning acid and stone in the irlgaunt's bladder, but she lacks the muscle control to fire them. She finds the mushrooms quite mundane.

OOC: It's an extraordinary ability, which is disallowed per magic jar rules.

Succotash has axes to spare, but it looks like Murphy's gonna have to do it the hard way. He places the bag Murphy offered earlier in Miss Piggy's magic saddlebags and asks him to be cautious; some mushroom spores as a favor to Kade are not worth getting hurt over.

...and thus, Murphy begins his ascent. He finds the tower cap to be exceptionally sturdy for a mushroom; he's unlikely to damage it without intending to. The earthglide/burrow trip upwards is uneventful. After travelling for about 120', his head (or the earth elemental equivalent) breaks the surface into a massive underground cavern. The tower cap extends another 30' into the air before it blooms into a large crown containing the spores.

Murphy's attention is quickly diverted from the mushroom by a cacophony of noise and the smell of burning coal. He has to swivel 180' to find the source: giants. Dozens of giants mill about the cavern. He sees fire giants working huge forges, attended by hill and stone giants. Temporary shelters have been constructed. There are stockpiles of weapons and supplies...this is a camp! Murphy's lived in Crescent Valley long enough to know this is not typical giant behavior. The fact that they're working together, forming a small army, is a very bad sign.

As for him, he's about 80' away and looks like the surrounding stone. He's safe for now, but getting some mushroom spores may attract attention if he's not sneaky about it.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+30=40 ;
Monday May 20th, 2019 12:11:40 PM

Murphy, of course, keeps Pressi apprised of what he is seeing. All of it. Once he sees the giant, he freezes in place. He takes a few moments to gather what details he might by taking a quick census of the giants he can see, listening (he speaks the giant tongue) and silently observing so as to gather a better idea of the layout. Once he has done so for a bit, he eases back down beneath the surface of the huge cavern.

He asks Pressi if she wants him to do a bit more reconnaissance, or return to the party. "Whatever we do, we must notify the dwarfs of this threat near their doorstep."
=========
Perception: 40

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday May 20th, 2019 1:00:51 PM
"Well, that's not good," says Kezzem. "You might say we have a...giant problem."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 
Monday May 20th, 2019 2:04:19 PM
Assuming Pressi fills the group in on what Murphy says, Hobie gets a little bit excited. After the crazy snipe hunting expedition with the Irlgaunts, he's ready for a straight up battle. "Alright, looks like we've got a camp to clear out. How many are there?"

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage  d20+12=19 ;
Monday May 20th, 2019 3:00:03 PM
(OOC, I'm not complaining but it was suggested that I write what Jack is feeling in these posts)

Jack would give a chuckle on Kezzem's joke, though the seriousness of the current events keep him from really laughing.

He also feels he waisted his best spells and a real fight is on the way. Though he is confident that the team could be this camp with or without his powers.

He waits for the team to respond, keeping his thoughts to himself. Not expressing them verbally in any way. In fact he would keep a straight face as much as possible to the team (bluff 19).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday May 20th, 2019 3:40:50 PM
After Pressi quickly briefs the group, she forces herself not to shout come back protect yourself speeches.

“I don’t want to notify the dwarves until we have a better idea of their size or target. Is there any way to get audio? Can you see any connecting tunnels?”

Pressi tells Hobie to calm down, not liking the odds even at full rest. “Besides, I’ve never been one to pick a fight I don’t have to, unless they won’t fight back.”

(If Hobie pushes, she can tell stories of the last time they took on a camp like this.)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Monday May 20th, 2019 4:14:59 PM

Did you ever hear a cat snort? Maybe it is like coughing up a hairball? That's the sound Bliss makes in cat form at Sir Kezzem's "giant problem" comment.

Bliss turns back into a halfling for the war council.

"We have to get 120 ft straight up through rock. Maybe there's a way to walk it if we look -- but they'll be expecting an approach from that direction. If we can manage to come up from behind, well, wowsy, we can use this giant mushroom as cover and get the jump on them!"

"How are we doing with Dimension Doors? Miss Talia, you can cast one, right? Even if you have used up your fourth level slots, you can use a higher level slot to cast a lower level spell. You can take three or four others with you, right?"

"Before we go we can buff up. Jack can Inspire Courage, I can cast Barkskin if anyone needs Natural Armor. Hobie, you got buffs like Mirror Image and Heroism and like that, right? The paladins can dismiss their pals and resummon them once we get up there. We can be ready to the nines!

"So we got Miss Talia with Succotash, Jack, and Kezzem. And Mister Murphy, Miss Pressi, and I can all change into earth elementals and glide up. Miss Pressi, you can change Hobie into an elemental too, right? That gets everyone through."

"First thing we do when we pop out is have the paladins check for evil, right? Nobody wants to kill innocent giants!"

"Comments? Ideas?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Monday May 20th, 2019 9:49:15 PM

Murphy asks Pressi, "Can you tell Hobie I'll let him know about how many targets there are as soon as I can?" He communicates a smile. "Looks like they are not interested in this quiet piece of rock at the moment. As soon as I have a fair first glimpse at the lay of the land, I'll drop back below. Might be a good time to think about summoning lots of help if we decide to take them on."

Murphy does intend to go beneath the surface, but after one good look about of 1-3 rounds. No sudden moves. No rising higher above the surface than he already is.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90  d8+1=5 ;
Monday May 20th, 2019 9:57:26 PM
Talia, removes her wand of CLW, and casts a healing upon herself. Talis listens to everyone and thens asks everyone if they know how much time has expired since the Irlgaunt fight began?

"Yes, Bliss, I am able to cast that spell. Nope, I'm good I spells for today, I meditated for two (2) hours while the group did their things. Yes, I can take 4 others with me" explains Talia to Bliss.

"In addition Bliss, I have some wands, especially Stoneskin like I casted on the group last fight, if we are gonna gear up for a altercation!" explains Talia.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 675 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 715 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp | 25 minutes remaining


ADM Kim interrupts this adventure for a brief announcement 
Monday May 20th, 2019 11:50:22 PM

Get your character over to the Giggling Ghost. A veteran group is graduating to Dragon Status. Every character in the Wold should take the opportunity to witness such an event.

Don't worry - you can keep posting here, too. Woldian adventurers visit the Ghost in some sort of dream state. I can't explain it very well. But, describe your character entering the GG Inn via the green-flamed fireplace, then find your way to a place to park yourself. Interact with whom you choose - or with whoever chooses you. Witness history in the making

This is Woldian Tradition.

End of Announcement - return to game - and also Go to the Ghost.

ADM Kim answers Talia's query 
Monday May 20th, 2019 11:57:21 PM

It's been roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes since the beginning of the encounter with the irlgaunts. That's 85 minutes up to the point of leaving after second breakfast, plus 45 minutes of travel after that. Am not sure you had time for 2 hours of meditation - but DM Carl can address that.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 5:39:35 AM
Succotash rolls his eyes at Kezzem's pun than he shares his opinion, "Well I know these giants are technically not our problem, at the moment, as we are going down, not up, but we are heroes taking on the baddies and saving the day is kinda what we do". He then adds, "Besides, if they are this close to home, I worry that, after wiping out the dwarves here, they may decide to mess with Humble's Ford, and with the giant towers down, it would be a slaughter! I'm down with Bliss's plan, but am open to other suggestions".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 10:41:39 AM
"Since some of us have clearly forgotten," Pressi glared at Bliss, "The last time we went against a camp of giants, half of us died or went unconscious, in part because we decided to just rush in and start pounding instead of working on a plan. Yes, we are increased in power now, but back then we had all our spell slots and superior intel, and we needed to only target the head and we hadn't just cast a bunch of buffs for a different threat.

"But on the odd chance that I can't convince us to at least camp or do intelligence gathering and planning first, may I make one last 'time wasting' suggestion. I currently occupy someone who might know something about these giants. I can release his soul back into his body after you bind it and we can ask him what HE knows about the giants. Or I can just walk up there in this form and try to bluff my way into the camp. By pretending to sell mushrooms. I know you won't approve a plan like this otherwise."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 1:52:33 PM
"Succo, dude, giants are ALWAYS a problem," says Kezzem. "And yes, Press, I remember some of us got knocked out and died last time we fought giants. I was the one who died, afterall, and let me tell you, that is something you don't forget. But I got better and am much more sturdier now...plus we have Succo. Last time we fought giants we didn't have two paladins with us."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 1:59:15 PM
"Bliss, I am able to cast that spell. Yes, I can take 4 others with me. As for if I am able to actually cast it again, I will have to look into my accounting" explains Talia to Bliss.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 675 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 715 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp | 25 minutes remaining

[OOC: so, if less than three hours has past, then the original Overland flight is still in affect. No need to cast it again, eh?]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 1:59:17 PM

"Miss Pressi, you are wise. We should at least consider what we know. How many giants did you see, Mister Murphy? What kinds were they? What were they doing? Did they have weapons or armor? Was it hot or cold there?"

Bliss is still up for a fight, though. "Last time I was not as good at clawing and biting!" he says.

DM Carl 
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 2:38:46 PM
Murphy keeps Pressi appraised of the Giant situation and goes into reconnaissance mode. He takes his time to observe the giant forces. He speaks their language, but they're pretty far away and there's a lot of background noise.

Murphy only, Perception DC35, Highlight to display spoiler: {On the edge of camp are a hill giant and a much smaller hill giant, almost certainly a child.

"So what do halflings taste like, anyway?"
"They eat a lot, so they're fat. Lots of hair, though, so ya gotta boil'em first."
"How come we ain't ever eaten'em then?"
"Told ya. Magic kept us away, but it's gone now. Gizziar says we're gonna take over so they don't kick us out again. We'll eat plenty good."}

He counts aboooouuuuuuuutttt 72, but some may be in shelters, and he thinks some of the smoke is coming from other sections in the cavern. There may be other camps here, but he can't tell from his current situation.

Kezzem notes, in very serious tones, that this problem is indeed vexing.

Hobie gets excited at the thought of such a target rich environment. Such big, easy to hit targets to boot!

Pressi feels it prudent to get a grasp of the situation before running to tell the dwarves. Said dwarves are 45 minutes away. She keeps her desire to boss Murphy around in check, but does calm Hobie down.

Jack worries he's not prepared for another fight, though he keeps the thoughts to himself.

Bliss is the voice of reason. How novel! He has some solid ideas on how to prepare for a possible battle.

Pressi reminds the party how poorly their last assault on a giant camp went. She suggests letting her use her still active magic jar spell to look around.

Looks like Murphy's intel is needed before a decision can be reached. There's no activity in the camp to indicate anything out of the ordinary is going on over there.



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  d20+30=47 ;
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 3:18:49 PM

Murphy listens and relates to Pressi what he is hearing. "There are maybe six dozen giants I can see - fire, stone, hill - but there are other areas out of sight. So, who knows? Hundreds?

"Oh, on the edge of camp are a hill giant and a hill giant child talking.
Child hill giant - 'So what do halflings taste like, anyway?'
Adult hill giant - 'They eat a lot, so they're fat. Lots of hair, though, so ya gotta boil'em first.'
Child - 'How come we ain't ever eaten'em then?'
Adult -'Told ya. Magic kept us away, but it's gone now. Gizziar says we're gonna take over so they don't kick us out again. We'll eat plenty good.'"

He pauses after this, then tells her, "So, I'd take a stab and say that Gizziar heads up this army."

Murphy looks over the area to mentally map out the parts of the cavern he can see, and get a feel for where the forges are, other structures, if any, and where giants tend to be grouped. He has in mind finding one or more vantage points he might earthglide to for additional intelligence on the planned invasion force. He doesn't tell this yet to Pressi, until he has pulled in the information.

Meanwhile, he adds to Pressi, "I am wondering how our group can go up against hundreds of giants. If it were a few dozen, with a good plan on our part, surely. But perhaps the best thing we can do is to get us as quickly as possible to where we can plug the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier into the power source, and then get the empowered DPAA back as soon as possible to Tiana, so that the tower can be brought back to life before the giants get here.

"Another alternative - repeat what we did before. Cut off the head - find and kill the leader - Gizziar? - and engender confusion and disorder in the ranks.

"My current thoughts, though? Power up the DPAA. Jet it back to Tiana. Then work on leadership disruption."

=============
Perception: 47 - pretty good!

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 8:29:53 PM

Bliss feels humble. So many giants! Maybe it would be a mistake to attack. "Miss Pressi, please don't be mad. You are right. We don't want to visit Lord Gargul again."

(Under his voice, Bliss mutters, "Especially since that guy has it in for my family!")

When Murphy suggests that the party simply ignore the giants in order to focus on what they really came for -- that magical power supply -- Bliss is inclined to agree.

"Yeah, we should instead go get the power we need to fix the tower."

Bliss taps on the headband that makes him smarter and tries to remember stuff ... "Please, do let's break out the primsal-amp thingie asap and see where it points us. If it points through the giant camp, well, we'll see. If not, then we bypass the giants to get to the energy source!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 12:38:40 AM
"As his paladin, Gargul's like a father to me," says Kezzem. "And just like my natural father, I hope it's a really long time before we see each other again."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 5:21:51 AM
Succotash is a bit perplexed, thinking to himself, "That's a lot of giants", but says, "Hey Murphy, can you get a judge of how soon the giants plan to advance? Because if it seems like attack is eminent, then we have to at least slow them down, even if it means laying our lives down, though someone needs to teleport home to warn them". He is OK with the idea of leaving them alone, for now, if it seems as if they have time, but he would stress the new found need for speed. He is also comfortable with the idea of taking out the leader as a show of strength and a means to disorganize the giants.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 7:33:34 AM

"Say, Pressi, would you like to ask Bliss if he'd like to join me on reconnaissance - and especially on getting some of the spores. I think me here with my rocky head standing stone cold is fine for surveillance, but I have all the subtlely of movement when I am moving so as easily to give myself away. Bliss, on the other hand, has a lot better chance of scooting up the thirty-foot tall stalk and recovering spores for Kade than have I. Check with him, would you?" Murphy adds that request to his letting her know what he is seeing.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 7:50:43 AM
"Speaking of which, which way is that Magical direction finder pointing, Mister Murphy?" asks Talia. "I say, let's life and let live...we are far too small a force to reckon with that many Giants!"

"So, since we are in this predictament, lets get an accounting of what we have left for the day in terms of spells and offensive materials in case we need them on a moments notice, shall we?" explains Talia to the group. Talia starts thinking as her eyes roll upward.....

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 11:08:36 AM
Pressi agrees with Succotash that they need to figure out how soon they will move. She also passes the message along to Bliss, along with the rest of the group. "And I'm not mad. I'm just ... don't say disappointed, don't say disappointed... Uh oh."

(I'm assuming that the group wants Pressi to hold on to the irlgaunt body for now - its a fairly good tank build - so holds off on releasing it or burning more spells.)

If Murphy left the indicator behind (I don't think he can use it under the current conditions) she takes a look.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 11:32:43 AM
(OOC: Updated Info)

Pressi takes some stock as to how many spells she has left. She isn't in as bad shape as she thought, but in a tough fight....

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)
sprint used - 1/1

Pressi's Body

spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
see invisible?

Pressi
irlgaunt Form - 6-7 hrs left
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4+1/4+1
L4 2+1/4+1
L5 2/3+1


DM Carl 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 12:44:01 PM
Murphy's excellent hearing reveals the giants' target. With his ability to earthglide and remain undetected, he's able to move and get another vantage point looking over the cavern...where he sees his hunch was correct: there are more camps. Where once he saw dozens of giants, he now sees hundreds. Each camp seems to be self sufficient, though others are more or less segregated by species of giant. The initial group he saw seems to be producing arms for the assembled giants.

Succotash asks Pressi to see if Murphy can gauge the giants' readiness. If Murphy's looking for a way to do that, the number of weapons on hand from the forges is probably his best bet. There are about two hundred giants, but only enough weapons to arm half of them. Most weapons are just crude clubs, quick to make. Working full speed, they'll be fully armed in...3 days? Maybe a little less? There are too many variables to get an accurate estimate, but it seems likely that Humble's Sword has a few days to finish their mission. Deep in the middle of the cavern is a tent that looks just a bit nicer than others, but Murphy sees no one coming or going from it. It's not exactly guarded, but there is a lot of ground to cover if someone wanted to get in there, and it's crawling with giants.

He asks Bliss to help with the spores and suggests maybe finishing their mission is the better option to stymie these invaders.

Bliss agrees with Pressi's reading of the situation and Murphy's suggestion.

Kezzem seems to have daddy issues, but agrees not dying to be a good idea.

Talia wonders if the DPAA is pointing towards the giants' encampments. Your narrator is unsure who's holding the thing, but let's assume it's not Murphy for brevity's sake. The DPAA is produced and observed. It points downward, along the ravine the party has been following. In fact, it's always pointing the direction the water at the bottom of the ravine is flowing. That's probably not a coincidence.

Pressi sees that the path before them doesn't necessarily lead through the giants and takes stock of her spell situation.

Hobie isn't comfortable leaving these giants to their own devices. "Jack and I should stay. We can hide easily enough and can easily outpace them if we have to run and warn someone about any movement." Jack nods his agreement.

OOC: This is me bowing the two of them out gracefully, so let's not argue with them too much. :D

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 3:03:27 PM

After learning what he has learned, always passing it on to Pressi, Murphy tries to gauge which is the most productive forge, then returns to the party. "Bliss, I'd still like your help in getting the spores we need, but before we do that, let's talk about a few possibilities."

Fare Well, Brothers
Hearing Hobie's plans, and Jack's concurrence, Murphy looks down at the ground. "That is a serious proposal, friends. Brothers." The wild shaped druid allows himself to sink into the ground until his head is eye-level with theirs. He then looks up, his blue-gem eyes meeting theirs. "Are you certain?" Hearing that they are, he nods. "Very well. You have my respect. Two requests before we part ways. Please wait until we have recovered the spores. We'll give half to you, and keep half. Kade only needs a few to do what he desires.

"And, second, once we are on our way, please go and inform the dwarfs about the two hundred or so giants who are arming themselves for war less than an hour's march from where they mine gems. If Urist gives you grief for delivering such news, then let him bleed on his own prickliness." He pauses a beat. "I know you understand I don't mean by it that you cause him to bleed, Hobie," he adds with a wry grin.

"After that, do what you believe best. I know you'll watch each other's back. Perhaps you can race back to warn your cousin, Hobie, and Mayor Bumbleluck of the arms being forged against us, and ask Sarabella LoveSong and the other clerics in town for their prayers on our behalf. Should you return to town, please deliver the spores... which I hope we're about to fetch - to Kade at the Sanctuary.

"May the heavens watch over you. May they contrive to reunite us safely in due course. I shall pray regularly for you while we are absent one from the other."

Two Quick Missions, then an exit - Part The First
"Bliss, you outrank us all, to the best of my knowledge, in being stealthy," Murphy begins. "This is our opportunity to handle Kade's request - and look forward to some nice truffles in time. I try to keep my promises. If I go for it, we'll likely have giants swarming to find out what's going on by the head of the mushroom tree. I'll be there, watching your back, but keeping a low profile. Are you up for that? Should take us only a minute or two, if all goes well."

Part The Second
Murphy tells the party, "Look, I am thinking of a way to slow them up, if only a bit, without drawing undue suspicion. We can undermine the area beneath the largest forge, burrowing out a small subcavern. We leave a few supporting pillars. When it's sufficiently cleared out, we buckle the pillars, allowing the forge above to fall quickly into the space we've created. It might end up slowing their weapons production a bit, and maybe gain us half a day, if we're lucky. Who knows, maybe a few giants will die or be severely injured in the cave-in. Anyone who plans to invade our valley and eat our fellow halflings I do not feel very bad about harming.

"We only do this to one forge, otherwise they will know it's a planned attack. If properly executed, they may mark it up to bad luck. How does that sound to you?"

Part the Third
"I have two Swan Boat Feather Tokens. I finally studied the rudiments of being a sailor. The river below seems to be going the right way." He describes the dimensions of the craft - and most should recall they traveled on one from Emerald City upriver to the western edge of Crescent Valley. "Someone check the river below, and see if you think the boat would fit. If so - that may be a swift way for us to attain our goal. There are risks. Is it worth trying?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 3:52:24 PM
"Nice idea Murph, but couldn't we collapse the tunnels to the surface so they can't get to us?" asks Kezzem. "Or are there too many for that to be feasible? And since I seem to be acting also serious for a second, please be sure to insert a witty comment from me here."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 4:09:39 PM
"Not a bad idea, Kezzem. It would take more exploration to determine where they may be, in addition to the ravine we're following. But for the forge collapse, perhaps we can put some meat on a stick to take advantage of the sudden heat. A nice warm meal before we beat feet." He asks the paladin. "Will that do? Not quite up to Kezzem standards, I know."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 9:48:15 PM

Bliss is embarrassed. He looks down, and says quietly to Murphy, "Wowsy, I'm not as sneaky as I used to be. Plus I'd have to earthglide up 120 ft, okay, that's fine, but then I have to climb the Tower Cap up 30 ft, and my Climbing training is really very limited. I'm really scared I'd fall and alert all the giants."

Under his breath, he mutters, "I really really should have gotten that spider cloak!"

Bliss looks around at the others. "Can we keep our eyes on the top goal? Get to the energy source, then maybe stop by to collect Tower Cap spores on the way out."

Bliss suggests we follow the waterway. He's thinking the group may have to swim or even water breathe if the water goes deep.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 11:27:31 PM
Talia still thinking about her spell slots, hears that two of the group are staying behind to monitor the giants..."Farewell & GodsSpeed my friends it was a pleasure getting to know you two, hope to see you both again someday."says Talia to Hobie and Jack.

After using these spells thus far:

1x | Overland flight | Lvl 5th
1x | Mage Armor | Lvl 1st
1x | Dim Door | Lvl 4th
1x | fireball | Lvl 3rd
1x | light | Lvl 2nd
1x | Vampiric Touch | Lvl 3rd
1x | Glitterdust | Lvl 2nd
1x | summon Monster VI | Lvl 6th

Magic Slots Left are:

8 1st lvls,
7 2nd lvls,
5 3rd lvls,
7 4th lvls,
6 5th lvls, &
4 6th lvls

I think we should serioulsy give precedence to our goals and make haste to warn those in a position to defend.

=-=-=-=-=-=

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 675 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 675 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 25 minutes



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 12:09:11 AM
"Heh, I hear you Bliss, I hear you," says Kezzem. "I used to be very sneaky too once, back in my younger days."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 11:53:38 AM
Pressi messages back to Murphy. "Just come back down. We have the information we need, and can't risk them knowing we are here. For now, they aren't a priority and we have eyes on them in case that changes."

Turning to the two friends who are staying behind, "Ok, just... be careful down here. We'll miss you guys."



Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 12:58:42 PM

Bliss turns to Hobie and Jack. "Usually I'm not a fan of splitting up the party, but in this case, I'll make a suggestion! Turning our backs on a hundred giants is not a good idea. Thanks, you two, for being lookouts."

"Now, who knows how far the rabbit hall this goes," he adds after a thought. "We might even have to rest up and get spells. So don't worry, you two, if we are delayed. If we take too long, head back and tell the dwarves about the giants, OK?"

When it is time, Bliss shakes hands with his two comrades and then (hopefully) leads the rest of the party toward the water per the direction from the magic compass.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131   d20+15=20 ; d20+30=34 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 1:52:35 PM

Murphy looks around for an area where the sight line to where the giants are is obscured. Perhaps where some rocks stick up from the ground, with space behind. Or a nearby fold in the wall of the cavern. All he needs is a small hiding place. He does not go there yet. He just marks the location.

He thinks to himself, 'Bats. There are lots of bats around here. I've been a bat several times. Natural inhabitants of caves.'

"One moment, I'm going batty up here," he tells Pressi.

Murphy wild shapes into a bat. He flits, stealthily (Stealth: 20 - and, if the nearest giant is 80 feet away, that becomes 28) up to the area of the spores (along the backside, relative to the nearest giants), and with his little bat hands tears off some of the spore-rich crown - a couple of pieces, if possible. If it takes a round or three, so be it. He then flies to the obscured place, and lands there. Then he wild shapes back into huge earth elemental, earthgliding as he changes into the adjacent stone - incorporating the fleshy spore flesh bits into his renewed form. Then he earthglides back down to his friends.

"Hi. Got it. So, you don't want me to undermine their biggest forge before we leave? - maybe summon some earth elementals to do it for us?" He is fine either way with the answer.

"Did anyone bother to check the riverbed for sizing as I asked?" (As I think the answer is no...) Murphy says, "Hold on a couple minutes, Jack and Hobie." He works his way down to the riverbed. He considers the width of the stream, and the width of the swan boat, as well as the speed of the water. If he deems it of sufficient width (say, 10 feet or wider, though 15 would be better), he then ascends, and reports whether or not the swan boat may be a viable means to travel briskly into the depths of the range.

If it looks to be a good path, he says, "Let me help you down to the riverbed - but give me a few minutes to build a landing spot for us and the boat." He explains his plan to burrow a ledge below for getting the boat set up, and to serve as an inset for docking the boat. He waits to get an okay from the party before doing so, though.

Once all is set up and ready, he reverts to his halfling form, places the two spore samples into two little bags, tears off two small scraps of parchment, on each one writes "Spores of Tower Cap" as well as today's date, and gives one to Hobie. "This will be for Kade." He places the other bag into a pants pocket.

[DM Carl - and fellow players - if this is too much crammed into one post, then please dial me back to a point of your pleasing. Just trying to help wrap up this segment for us.]

He adds, following Bliss's counsel to Hobie and Jack, "I agree with everything Bliss says. Except one thing. After waiting for a few minutes once we've left, it might be smart to return to let the dwarfs know sooner, rather than later. That is news that will be more dire and urgent if delayed overmuch."

========
Perception: 34
Stealth: 20/28

4 of 7 wild shapes used today

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 1:56:25 PM
"You two sure you're going to be okay on your own?" asks Kezzem of Hobbie and Jack. "You sure you don't want me or Succo to stab behind with you? We're a bit sturdier than you two."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 4:10:58 PM

Bliss giggles when Sir Kezzem the Paladin offers to stab his friends in the back.

DM Carl  d20+14=31 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+14=22 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 4:37:13 PM
Hobie and Jack's decision to stay behind and watch is met with some sadness. They really will be missed.

Murphy asks if Bliss can sneak up the tower cap, but Bliss isn't as sneaky as he used to be. He also has concerns about climbing the tower cap, but it's got a rough exterior and is as tough as any tree (OOC: climb DC is 10). Bliss wonders if they should focus on the mission and leave the tower caps for later.

Knowledge, Nature DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {Tower caps aren't common in this part of the world, despite their representation in popular culture. There's absolutely no guarantee you'll be able to find another one.}

Murphy also suggests they could slow down the giants by collapsing the stone beneath the forge. That's actually a really neat idea, but...

Knowledge, local or engineering DC30, Highlight to display spoiler: {Fire giants are renowned metal workers, and almost certainly chose the site for the forge carefully. They're unlikely to believe it to be just an oversight if it collapses the ground underneath it. (This is not me saying it's a bad idea.)}

Kezzem wonders if maybe they'd be better off collapsing the tunnels that lead out of this cavern. Also a neat idea! There are no obvious exits from the caverns, from Murphy's general location. It's a very big cavern and Murphy can't see all the perimeter (Also not me saying it's a bad idea).

Talia says farewell for now to her friends and takes stock of her remaining spell power.

Pressi's feels it's best to leave them and stick to the mission, but Murphy's feeling a little batty.

The druid changes shape again into one of the bats he's seen flying about. The spores of the tower cap are quite small, and even a tiny batclaw's worth contains a substantial amount of them. Looking around, he notices two fire giants look over and spot him (perception 31 and 28), but there are plenty bats around and don't particularly seem to care. Still, Murphy is likely extra special careful not to change shape again in eyesight of them!

He returns with the goods, giving half to Hobie to maximize the chance that Kade gets his spores, then makes a little dock for some swan boats. The ravine's width varies, but averages about 20' across. In some places, the party can remember it getting narrower, but usually to about 10-15'. The quick moving water in the ravine has had many, many years to wear away any true bottlenecks.

If the party wishes to travel by boat, it will indeed be faster. Pressi will probably need to go back into her old body, though. Also, the water is pretty rough. Does anyone have any experience piloting a boat in rough waters? (Looking specifically for profession-sailor)

Whether Hobie and Jack leave sooner or later depends a lot on whether our heroes are going to try and sabotage anything. If not, we'll proceed in tomorrow's post.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131   d20+17=29 ; d20+16=30 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 6:06:46 PM

Murphy, after a few years of adventuring trying to handle boats and rafts without the sailing profession under his belt, finally received training in it at the WLA, and has earned his Beginning Sailor Merit Badge (he has an adjusted 8 total on this skill).

"Are we ready?" Murphy asks. "If we're agreed, I will have this feather change into a beautiful swam boat, and we can all board. Though... Pressi, how do you want us to handle your current host? A bit large for the boat - but maybe not impossible."

[Swan boat is 50' long, can hold up to 32 medium-sized creatures. It also can hold large (1 large for 4 medium slots).]

If all agree, and all climb aboard, and settle in, then Murphy will launch the craft. If there are matters to resolve before doing so, then he waits until those are taken care of.

=============
Knowledge: Engineering: 29
Knowledge: Nature: 30

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 8:17:14 PM
Boat Ride

Talia looks around to see if she can help with the next task. Seeing nothing to assist with, climbs into the boat, although she is still hovering a few inches above the inside of the boat.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 675 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 675 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 25 minutes


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Friday May 24th, 2019 1:09:01 AM
"I believe that boat should be big enough for Pressi," observes Kezzem. "Yeah, she may have put on a little weight and become a spider monster, but there seems to be plenty of room."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131  
Friday May 24th, 2019 1:26:39 AM

"We might have to adjust the seat height for you, Talia," jests Murphy.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Friday May 24th, 2019 11:00:45 AM

Bliss is thinking that sometimes underground waterways eventually head completely underground, with little or no clearance for air above. What will we do with the swan boat if / when that happens?

"Well, we can buy that trouble when we get to it," he mutters. "Hey Mister Murphy, can you cast Water Breathing if we need it?"

Clambering aboard, he asks Talia if she wants a rope to hold onto. "You're kind of like a magic balloon, Miss," he declares.

Sitting in the magic boat, Bliss takes stock of what he has used and what he has left. He decides to take this ride in cat form.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 5 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 2 of 5+1 spells/day (Divine Favor, Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 3+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs, Still Silent Dance Lights)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 2 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect, Locate Creature)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Continuing and still active effects:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Extended Barkskin 3hrs
Delay Poison 9hrs
Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs
Threefold Aspect (all day)
Hoping these are all still active??

CatBliss: http://bit.ly/2vSp6p9 | Bliss: http://bit.ly/2wQoG3x

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday May 24th, 2019 1:35:45 PM
With a heavy sigh, irlgaunt Pressi bounces herself off a couple of rocks in the river before falling in. The body bobs and drifts before dipping below the surface, the shell separating to sweep out of sight by the fast current.

By Harper's side, the gem sits. Slowly, the light fades out.

Pressi jerks her actual body from a slumped position. "I swear, I need to find some men, any men, who can't make things so complicated. Ok everyone, problem solved, all aboard. And let us never speak of this again."

She paused to see Talia just floating about. "Oh come on..."

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)
sprint used - 1/1

Pressi

spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
see invisible?

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4+1/4+1
L4 2+1/4+1
L5 2/3+1

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Friday May 24th, 2019 7:21:01 PM
"Good to see you too, Pressi! This is going to be fun! I havent been in a boat on rapids in a long time!" giggles Talia with glee!

Sir Succotash (substitute Cayzle)  d20+8=26 ;
Friday May 24th, 2019 11:49:01 PM

The paladin gets himself and his companion, Miss Piggy, settled in the swan boat.

He sits in the front and uses his Detect Evil ability to scan the way ahead. Maybe there might be warning of an enemy. He uses his perception too.

Roll 26!

DM Carl 
Saturday May 25th, 2019 8:16:35 AM
Murphy takes a small feather and dips it into the water, where it grows rapidly until it's formed a 50' long swan boat. Feather tokens are weird...

Talia is still airborne, so she's tied to the ship.

Kezzem notes the boat should be plenty big for spider-Pressi.

Bliss asks if Murphy can cast water breathing, just in case the ravine heads underground. Well, more underground. He turns into a cat.

Pressi decides she's had enough of being an irlgaunt. She jumps overboard into the swiftly running water. It's deeper than expected, and her weight carries her under instantly. She pops back into her body before it gets out of range. Somewhere down the current is a very confused irlgaunt.

Succotash takes point, keeping his eyes and paladin senses open for danger.

With Captain Murphy at the helm, the boat sails merrily down the ravine. Except, it doesn't. It's a rough voyage. The water is choppy and the ravine walls vary unpredictably. Murphy does his best, no doubt, but is it enough?

Murphy needs to make a DC 22 profession sailor check. Success indicates he steers the large craft more or less successfully through the ravine.

Failure by 5 - 10 indicates a successful, but rough trip. Everyone else must make a DC 15 fort save or be nauseated for one hour.

Failure by more than 10 indicates the ship is damaged and the party is forced to abandon ship.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)  d20+8=27 ;
Saturday May 25th, 2019 3:16:18 PM

Before the water journey begins
Alarmed by the fall and harm done to Pressi's host - then watching it be swept away in the current, Murphy has to remind himself of what little he was told of the spell. He watches the gem fade, and the soul return to Pressi's previously limp body.

He rushes over to take hold of her. "Pressi - Pressi. I do not like that spell. I do not like it at all!" Somewhere within him may be awakening the feeling that his friends have when he does something he is fine with, but they think is potentially quite dangerous.

After she makes her proclamation, the towhead answers, "I come from a family of complicators - and simplifiers. Sometimes one thing is needed, and sometimes the other."

Downstream voyage
"Sure, I can cast water breathing, Bliss - tomorrow."

Just before they set out, Murphy uses some of his cordage to wrap the DPAA so that if there is a mishap, it will be less likely to be swept away. He fashions two points of attachment - one to a loop to run around the back of the neck, and one to fasten to something else - a belt, or bench, or whatever the wielder (who wants to monitor the sensor Tiana fashioned?) chooses.

The experience from Murphy's multiple weeks of untrained river navigation in prior adventures melds nicely with his recent formal training in sailing. [Profession: Sailor: 27].

"Woo-hoo!" he exults in some of the areas of rapids. As they descend further into the depths, Murphy uses his know direction spell fairly frequently as he mentally maps the twists and turns of the subwoldian waterway. He also notes from time to time possible intermediate landing sites. He ponders the notion of using his remaining unused swan boat feather token of ferrying the crew back upstream.

In anticipation of possible mishaps, Murphy generates multiple rescue / recovery plans for crew and craft. "Does everyone have a waterskin? If so, it's not a bad idea to fill one with air, and tie it to your body somewhere. If you go overboard, it's nice to have something floaty to hang on to."

"So, as long as we're on a boat, some rudimentary vocabulary is helpful. The front pointy part of the boat is the bow - the forward part of the boat. The back end, or aft, is called the stern. Looking toward the bow, the left side is port, the right side is starboard. So: Bow, stern, port, starboard. Those are the four main directions. I'll tell you more later. Bow. Stern. Port. Starboard" he says as he points to each.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Saturday May 25th, 2019 10:49:14 PM
Talia, not trying to make Mister Murphy's life harder, stops the hovering and walks on the deck.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday May 27th, 2019 12:38:36 PM
"Hi Talia, it's nice seeing you being a little more...down to earth," says Kezzem. "I imaging you are feeling more...grounded."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Monday May 27th, 2019 12:50:40 PM

"Not grounded, Kezzem. She's being shipped," responds Murphy.

"Who is using the DPAA thingee?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday May 27th, 2019 1:51:31 PM
Succotash keeps his evil GPS in full go mode so as to keep his friends appraised of what maybe around the corner. He is prepared to jump ship along with Miss Piggy if the need arises.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27  d20+23=30 ;
Monday May 27th, 2019 2:13:22 PM

Bliss is amazed at Murphy's piloting skill. "Wowsy, Mister Murphy! I did not know you were a sailor! Good job!"

The halfling shifts back into cat shape as the boat continues, thinking that danger may well be just around the corner.

Perception 30 plus scent

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Monday May 27th, 2019 5:46:07 PM
"Mister Murphy is a treasure trove of Elecctic and ecentric knowledges...a veritable walking library of Halflingsness!" giggle Talia. "How much further do we have?" asks Talia to Pilot Murphy.

The Grotto


DM Carl 
Monday May 27th, 2019 7:57:55 PM
Captain Murphy steers the boat true through the ravine. There are still bumps, and most of you are pretty soaked during the voyage, but Murphy gets everyone to the end of the line in one piece.

Talia decides to go ahead and just ground herself.

Succotash keeps his evil radar up, but nothing triggers his alarms. Miss Piggy is a faithful steed, but she probably doesn't like this too much.

KezzemIs glad to see Talia grounded, but Murphy one ups him in the pun battle.

Bliss is impressed by Murphy's boating skills.

It's likely Murphy has the DPAA, seeing how he mentioned tying it up, but for now, it doesn't really matter, because you are at your journey's end.

The water starts to pick up speed as it turns a sharp corner. The sound of roaring water can be heard as the boat turns to follow the river, but before anyone can properly investigate the sound, the bow of the ship tips downward. All our heroes have time to do is hold on as their vessel lurches forward and falls.

Luckily, it's only a drop of a few dozen feet. The boat plunges beneath the water for a bit before popping back up. Water drains from the boat's scuppers as our heroes take stock of their new situation.

The party has landed in a large, underground lake. The water turns slightly, indicating the stream likely continues its journey somewhere below the surface of the water.

The second thing that draws their attention is the prolific growth of luminescent algae. The surface of the water glows with a light blue that provides him light to the entire grotto. Along the grotto walls and ceiling, pin points of blue light flicker from a multitude of glow worms. The effect is mesmerizing. Succotash detects no evil here; it is a place of beauty and peace. A small island rises from the center of the underground lake, covered in a thick, soft moss.

Bliss and Pressi feel something else: the presence of Woldsblood here is exceptionally strong, almost as if it flows into this grotto as well.

The DPAA stops emitting a beam of light and starts to pulse slowly instead. It appears it has found its destination.

***

Witches who attempt to draw Woldsblood here do so at a -5 penalty due to having to tame the raw power of this place. If successful, an extra spell of any level is granted, but must be used within 1 day.

I'm awarding 15k XP for successfully navigating to your destination. I'm also awarding Murphy a hero point for gathering the tower cap spores and greatly simplifying the journey with his boat.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)  d20+30=47 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+17=22 ;
Monday May 27th, 2019 11:13:59 PM

"Heavens be praised, we made it in one piece, and well-rinsed!" declares the novice captain.

Then is he struck dumb for a short time. He looks around at the soft glow of luminscent algae, the pale blue light eminating from the water, and the star-like blue light flickering from many scattered glow worms. He opens his mouth a few times as though about to comment, then closes it again, taking in more. Silently, he guides the beautiful, though somewhat battered swan boat in an elegant approach to the small mossy isle at lake's center.

He looks at the DPAA slung around his neck. [I had hoped someone would have claimed it. Murphy does not want to hog all the action, and he asked a few times.] Quietly he says, "This is the place. Tiana's sensor says, I think, we are home." He observes it as they draw close to the island. He draws parallel to the shore, and casts some lines ashore in hopes that someone will take them up, and find a place to secure the boat. If no one moves to do so, he says, "Um, can someone see if it's safe to walk on the moss, and take up the lines - the ropes - to tie this beautiful boat to it?" Murphy mans the boat to hold it in place until someone else has relieved him of that duty by securing the lines.
==========
Perception: 47 (general purpose look about)
Knowledge, nature: 25 (figuring out what he may know about the local flora and wee fauna)
Knowledge, engineering: 22 (trying to figure out what the DPAA is telling us, and maybe where to plug it in, if plugging it in is needed)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 12:04:41 AM
"I think the boat's supposed to stay ABOVE the water, Murphey," says Kezzem. "Just, you know, for future reference."

To Talia, he says, "I bet your wishing you stayed afloat now."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 12:47:29 AM

"Good call, Kezzem, but I thought an unexpected drop off and plunge in the water would be refreshing. Now - can you climb out, grab that rope, and see if you can tie it to something that will bear the load? If not, I've got some spikes for you, either for your next drink, or to drive in and tie a line to. Can a paladin of Gargul also be practical?

"Or Succotash? You want to help tie the boat down?"

He looks at Bliss - but decides not to directly ask a cat to help secure the boat. He is certainly willing to entertain offers from others.

"I'm holding this in place, guys, but without practical help - not just advice - progress will be slow. Usefulness scores high in my books."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 5:35:15 AM
Succotash is dumb founded by the immense beauty of the place. As he looks around from one source of beauty to the next he can only stare in awe and give thanks for the opportunity to experience this wonder. He is torn away from his entranced state by Murphy's ask for assistance, to which, not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the place , he whispers, "I'm on it Murph". He then jumps over the rail of the boat onto the island, grabbing the rope Murphy offered, and looks for a place to tie it securely.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 12:56:30 PM
"I am always full of good ideas!" declares Kezzem proudly. He'll lend his brother paladin a hand in securing the boat.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 2:27:43 PM
Along the side of the boat, Harper leaned over the edge and began retching.

Pressi looks around at the area, trying to make sense of the blood flowing within her. To Murphy, "Ok, but you should know this place is of such raw power that we might explode, and I'd rather give advice about that than tie knots. Thoughts?"

Pressi tries to use detect magic and spellcraft on the area as she explains the situation and asks Talia what she senses.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90  d20+7=14 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 2:50:39 PM
Talia, like the rest of the Humble Crew is dumbfounded by the Glow Grotto! Talia also looks around to see what can be seen.

Talia resume hovering and hovers over to the island to bask in the glow...."maybe this is good for my complexion?" mutters Talia!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Perception skill check: 14



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 5:47:38 PM

"Thanks, guys," Murph tells the paladins.

He feels very sorry for Harper as the large cat heaves over the side of the boat. He keeps his eye on the leopard to ensure it does not slide overboard. He is glad that Harper is the only cat onboard that seemed shaken by the travel.

Then he hears Pressi begin to lay out the nature of the magical and Woldsblood power concentrated in this large chamber. "My. But, we knew we were going to a major source of power. We need to figure out, I think, where is the best spot to rest the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier? Or will it just soak up things from the ambience?"

Murphy adds his efforts to analyzing the arcane nature of this area by casting detect magic - which he tries to tone down / tune to find the strongest locus of magical / power emanations.

"What, your complexion needs help? I couldn't tell, Tali."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90  d20+18=32 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 7:37:39 PM
Talia discovering that this areais arcane...tries to decypher the nature of it....she looks ta everything...glow this and that...moss..water...everything she things you can discover the nature of...

Arcane Knowledge Skill check: 32

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 9:38:42 PM

Bliss looks around and thinks, "Wow! Just wow!"

He turns back into a halfling for conversation. "Miss Tiana said that we have to put the gems part of the doo-hickey into the 'source of power' and leave them to charge."

Bliss casts Detect Magic and if possible uses his witchy senses to get a feel for the best possible "source of power" location. When he has an idea, he asks Murphy to stick the doo-hickey in. Maybe into the water? and see if it looks like it is charging. Maybe with Detect Magic we can get an idea of when it will be finished charging.

"Maybe we need to leave it charging overnight," Bliss suggests. "That would be okay, because we can rest and get back spells in the morning before we leave. I'd love to get a sweet spell like a Miracle or a Polymorph Any Object in the morning."

DM Carl 
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 10:13:02 PM
Murphy celebrates his victory before the beauty of this place silences him. He asks that someone secure the boat as he wonders what he's supposed to do now.

Succotash and Kezzem go ahead and secure the boat to the rocky island.

Pressi is somewhat concerned about the raw power of this place. She doesn't think there's any danger of spontaneous combustion, but she knows to be careful. Harper does not seem to be enjoying the trip.

She casts a detect magic spell. She sees an aura of magic that runs through the grotto. It looks like a current or river running through the water. The magic spreads out and diffuses into the rest of the lake, but it's strongest in a narrow path through the lake. Being a bloodwitch, she's almost positive that's a stream of woldsblood. It hasn't broken through the lands of rest, but the barrier between that place and this seems thin here.

She's pretty sure it poses no actual danger, though it's power does make her legs restless.

Talia and Bliss investigate as well. They likely deduce that putting the gems into the stream of woldsblood Pressi detected is a good place to start.

The gems glow faintly as Murphy puts them into the stream. He has to hold it there for several minutes before he's sure they're glowing a little brighter than before. Bliss thinks they may need to leave it overnight to charge, which is an astute observation.

Near the grotto wall where the rivulet of woldsblood flows from solid stone is a shallow area untouched by the lake's current. It seems like a safe place to leave the DPAA to charge without having to keep a hand on it.

***

OOC: I should have said "any spell you can cast" instead of any spell. Part of me wants to see what you two would do with sudden access to high level spells, but the majority of me knows you'd just break this module's boss fight. I'll compromise and say any level you can already cast +1. So, if you can cast 4th level spells max, you can chose a 5th level spell. So, let me rephrase:

Witches who attempt to draw Woldsblood here do so at a -5 penalty due to having to tame the raw power of this place. If successful, an extra spell of any level, plus one additional level, already available to the bloodwitch is granted, but must be used within 1 day.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)  d20+30=50 ; d20+16=33 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 3:57:36 AM

Travel Time
How long did it take to get from next to the giants' lair downstream to this cavern? We likely started the boat-segment of the journey at about 11 am or so. Was it an hour of travel? More?

DPAA Watches
Murphy suggests that a watch be set over the DPAA. "It is the heart of what we are here to do. Unwise it would be for us not to have someone minding it at all times. I will take either 2nd watch, or last watch. There are a few other things I need to do before I stand my watch. Let me know if this makes sense to you all. Feel free to rearrange your watch, trade with another, whatever."
1st Watch: Kezzem
2nd Watch: Murphy
3rd Watch: Pressi
4th Watch: Bliss
5th Watch: Succotash
6th Watch: Talia
Exploration
The druid wishes to explore the depths of the cavern. "I do not know what all creatures' forms you - Pressi and Bliss - may assume. If one or both of you would like to join me, I thought to adopt a form suitable for swimming - whether fish or water elemental, and explore underwater the extents of this cavern." If either wishes to accept, he is happy for the company. If not, he still promises to maintain contact with Pressi as he explores.

He does wish to spend some time as a water elemental, but first as something else. He mentions gar, giant gar, squid, octopus, dimetrodon, giant moray eel, dolphin as a few of the possibilities.

Diving into the water though is first preceded by less immersive discovery. The druid takes up a handful of water, and tastes the water. If it seems fine, he then swallows some. If no harm comes and it seems safely potable, he drinks a bit more.

He walks on the mossy island, seeing what lies beneath the moss, and whether aught other than moss is to be found here. He encourages his mates to see what they might learn through exploration, too.

Murphy takes small samples of flora. He examines fauna, too - including the glow worms, of course.
===========
Perception: 50 (nat 20)
Knowledge, Nature: 33

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 5:40:38 AM
Succotash has no preference as to when he takes his watch, and would gladly exchange time slots with anyone if they would prefer his time slot.

Succotash takes the time to give Miss Piggy a good rub down and then he decides to find a comfortable place to lay on his back so he can marvel at the beauty of the place.

In the morning, he spends an hour in prayer with Pantheon, and prepares his spells.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 7:42:57 AM
Question: does the bonus spell apply to all casters or just bloodwitches?

Kezzem inspects the cavern with a detect evil before the party settle in to rest.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+10=20 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 10:20:43 AM
In answer to Murphy's question, Pressi tells the group about the river of woldsblood energy. "As to where to place the amplifier or the gems I couldn't tell you for sure. But this narrow path through the lake does seem to be a good start."

Pressi wonders if she can use alter self but it might be difficult. (I'm considering a nymph, but that's fey. Maybe a lizardfolk again?) She agrees that going for a swim might be needed but recommends caution - they don't know what will happen if they get too close to the ribbon.

Murphy testing the water itself is a good start but Pressi tries another arcane eye down there first, followed by dropping a rock down there.

The watch order should be successful (unless we want to do pairs). Pressi needs eight hours of rest but it need not be continuous.

In the morning, Pressi makes her rolls and manages to wrangle the woldsblood easily enough. Power rushes through her almost immediately, however, and she can see new possibilities.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)
sprint used - 1/1

Pressi

spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
see invisible?

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4+1/4+1
L4 3+1/4+1
L5 2/3+1
L6 1

(resets after this)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90  d20+7=26 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 9:44:48 PM
Talia, feeling the arcane buzz through her, decides to take a swim in the blue grotto before her watch post to guard over the Arcane GPS DooHicky.

Swimming

Talia changes the Bill's Stylish Pants o' Plenty using her secret command words into something akin to a one-piece swimming suit and goes and takes a dip into the blue grotto. She spends about 2 hours swimming around as well as floating on her back. She uses her skillin perception to notice anything different while swimming about.

Skill check: Perception: 26

Guarding the Doo-Hicky

After dragging herself out of the waters of the blue grotto, she changes to Bill's Stylish Pants o' Plenty back to her standard attire and sets off to prep for her watch of the Golden Doo-Hicky!

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 9:54:06 PM

Bliss gives advice on how to set the doo-hickey for charging. He casts a Message cantrip on Murphy, and listens as the fellow does his underwater exploring. If he calls out (gurgles out?), Bliss will change into a giant octopus and swim down to see if he can help. Or maybe a small water elemental, per the Polymorph spell.

[OOC: Note that beast shape spells, and thus wildshaping as an animal, does not grant water breathing. A water elemental is prob a better bet for long-term searching.]

DM Carl 
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 11:18:38 PM
Murphy checks his mental clock and finds it about 3:00 PM. After setting a watch for the DPAA, he decides to taste the water. Assuming he pulls from below the layer of bio-luminescent algae, he finds some very refreshing water with a high mineral content that is safe enough to drink.

He shifts to a *insert fish or aquatic mammal here* and finds it gets dark fast down there. As a water elemental, he has darkvision out to 60', but it's something to be aware of in another form. He goes exploring, but finds there's a lot to explore (will pick up with Pressi's arcane eye). He collects some glow worms, some algae, and a few small, eyeless fish.

In the mean time, our paladins inspect the place for evil and settle down, letting the nature lovers do their thing. They find this moss is going to be very nice to sleep on, and may find themselves napping if they lounge about too long if they don't mind the cold (see below).

OOC: Bonus spell is for bloodwitches only, and the level restrictions apply to bloodwitch spells only.

Pressi concurs that the shallows seem as good a place as any to let the DPAA charge. She cannot use alter self to give herself gills (though your narrator is almost certain that was a thing in some other 3.5 game we don't play here). She wants to use arcane eye and a dropped rock to map out the depth, but Murphy has discovered how dark it is down there. She could use alter self again to give herself darkvision, and we'll just say that happens to satisfy her curiosity.

The lake is deep. It's kinda scary deep, going down about 1500', far deeper than it's relatively low surface area would imply. Exploring with her arcane eye, she can find where the underground river continues it's journey deeper into The Scab. If she explores that, she finds Bliss' warnings were correct, as there is no air available at all where it flows. Anything that gets sucked down there without water breathing is doomed. Our metal-clad paladins should be extra careful not to fall in.

Luckily, it's way down there. Regarding fauna, there's life in the lake, but nothing that threatens our heroes. Deeper down there are some decent sized fish that might be good eating, but they don't seem to go higher than about 400'. Pressi finds the rivulet of woldsblood does not extend very far down into the depths.

Talia goes for a nice swim in the lake. It's pretty cold if you're not in a form designed for this kind of water, but maybe she finds it refreshing? Despite the scary depth and current of death at the bottom, swimming around on top is safe if you're able.

Bliss stays in contact with Murphy, and maybe joins him for a bit. If he does down about 100' or so, he notices the effect of the woldsblood stream can no longer be felt.

***

Our heroes are free to explore a little more if they like, but as time passes they can't help but notice the gems aren't getting brighter any faster. They're still getting brighter, just slowly. It looks like they should make themselves comfortable. Those of you who got wet find yourselves rather cold. In fact, it's pretty chilly down here.

OOC: Cold weather rules in effect for everyone, wet or dry. We'll say it's about 4 PM for brevity's sake, and that (spoiler alert) the gems will be ready at 7 AM.

An unprotected character in cold weather (below 40° F) must make a Fortitude save each hour (DC 15, +1 per previous check) or take 1d6 points of nonlethal damage. A character who has the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well (see the skill description).

There's absolutely nothing to burn down here for warmth, but our heroes are intrepid! Surely they have some way of keeping warm.

Or maybe they just have a miserable night. That'd be a shame in such a beautiful place.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 11:30:17 PM
"Well, I checked over the moss, and it did not detect evil," says Kezzem. "That said, I am keeping an eye on that patch over there. They know why."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+6=8 ; d20+6=16 ;
Thursday May 30th, 2019 5:46:11 AM
Due to the cold air, Succotash changes into his cold weather outfit, then re-dons his armor. After changing, he pulls out his winter blanket, and drapes it over Miss Piggy saying, "It's a little to early for you to grow your winter coat, but this should help". Once both him and Miss Piggy are warmed up a bit, due to the extra layers, Succotash decides to find a cozy spot to sit down and pull out the clarinet he got, as a gift, at the Giggling Ghost, and tries to preform a song, but apparently the instrument is out of adjustment. After some adjusting, he is able to produce a semi-decent rendition of Ode to Joy.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Thursday May 30th, 2019 6:33:03 AM

Name That Cavern
"This is such a lovely spot. Surely few have been in this place before, or for ages. I do believe that explorers are granted naming rights. How shall we style this cavern? By what name should we remember it?" Murphy asks the group.

Dealing With Cool
Due to the chill in the air, the druid takes out a bedroll, and a medium-sized blanket - room in itself enough for two or three halflings to keep warm. He also brings out a fair-sized rectangle of canvas, which can be laid out. "Did everyone bring their own blankets, or bed rolls? The moss surely is soft and comfortable, yet also chill. Resting in the boat may be not as soft, but also not as likely to sap the warmth of our bodies."

Aqua Map Man
Since as a water elemental, Murphy can swim at a ridiculous speed (120'), he takes advantage of that ability to engage in one of his favorite pastimes - cartography. Gathering information to form a clear image in his mind of where things lie in relation to one another. Mapping things out.

As Talia seems to have a penchant for such to a degree as well, prior to wild shaping he provides her paper, pen and ink. Every few minutes he pops up to relate to her additional aspects of the underwater environment that she might jot down. Depths, dimensions, currents, protrusions, and similar items of interest. For perhaps an hour or so he performs as complete an exploration as is feasible. Once that is accomplished, he next swims upstream where the boat shot from the long stream into the cavern. He goes up to a hundred yards or so from where the current first increased. It might be that the group will need to begin their return voyage from that position, as he doubts he can navigate the swan boat back up the last segment entering the cavern. So he plots a starting point.

Exit Point
"Pressi, Bliss, I'm going to make a route for us to ascend after the DPAA is fully charged. It might take a little time. Switching back to earth elemental, and I'll dig a nice, easy, sloping tunnel we all can use to get past the rushing water that plopped us here."

If any want to be with him, or nearby, as he does the work, he arranges to transport them before he changes from water to earth elemental.

So long as she, Bliss, or others do not object, he works on that, burrowing a tunnel with easy bends, and gentle slope, about ten feet in circumference, coming into the cavern about forty feet away from the water torrent - and on a side away from where he was told the Woldsblood flows. He does not want to mess with Woldsblood more than is necessary. The upstream side is about 15 feet above the water level, and he fashions a ramp going down to a few feet above the water's edge.

Any interesting rocks or gems he will note, and take up a few of them to share with others.

Sittin' and Talkin'
After all his work is done, he sits down next to Pressi. "Hi." He talks with her about what they have been going through, what may be on the horizon. Asks her questions - just catching up. If others are near, he chats with them, too.

He breaks out some food, shares it around. He listens to Succotash playing the clarinet.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27  d20+14=15 ; d20+8=27 ; d8=7 ;
Thursday May 30th, 2019 7:32:55 AM

"Wowsy," says Bliss, "I think of myself more like a warrior than a magic-user, but I think I have some magic help for our challenges today!"

He casts two Rose's Temperature Control. One keeps himself nice and warm -- though the spell cannot be cast on others.

Then he uses his Survival skill [rolls a 15] to help his friends. He uses a second Temp Control to warm up some tea or broth or other warm drink after seeing whatever it is he can scrounge up from party supplies or fishes or mosses that his skill suggests. He looks carefully at Sir Kezzem's patch of moss, never quite sure if the paladin is serious or making a funny.

He casts a third Temp Control on the blanket that Harper and Miss Piggy can snuggle under.

The next day, after a good rest, Bliss sits with his toes dangling in the Woldsblood-empowered water and draws raw power from the Realm of Shadows into the Wold, as he does every day. Today, though, the job is harder, what with all the raw ambient infusion. First, he concentrates.

[Roll concentration check at -5 vs DC14 ... 1d20+9+4-5 = 27 rolled.]

Bliss has no problem drawing the drop of Woldsblood that he needs. Per his pact, he sends a good chunk of that energy to the Silver Lady. The rest he puts into his empty spell slots, 1st level through 4th, filling them with potential.

"Huh!" says Bliss to himself, "I've got energy leftover for a change!" He intuits a solution and fills a fifth level slot! "Wowsy! I could DO stuff with this!"

He goes over to Miss Pressi and sees how she is doing with her morning draw. She has no problem!

For a change, Bliss does not use his Grimalkin ritual. He joins Miss Pressi in her Ritual of Warding. "I don't think I'll be a cat today," he declares on a whim.

He does stick to procedure with the Ritual of Sharing. He bumps up Miss Pressi's caster level by +1 with a Surrender Blood spell and shares a Shield of Faith with her and Harper.

He uses his wand to repair the damage of the Surrender Blood ... one charge is enough. He casts his Threefold Aspect and his extended Barkskin as usual, and he is set for the day.

When Mister Murphy talks about digging out a tunnel, Bliss is not down with that. "I don't think we have to wreck this beautiful place with lots of digging," he suggests. "We can just Shadow Walk back to the dwarves, right? Miss Pressi can cast that, or so can I, today!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Thursday May 30th, 2019 8:10:04 AM

"Not wrecking, Bliss. But, Shadow Walk is fine, sure," Murphy responds. "Thanks for sharing the warmth, by the way."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday May 30th, 2019 12:08:58 PM
"Um...Humble's Grotto?" suggests Kezzem

DM Edit: This gets my vote.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday May 30th, 2019 2:13:03 PM
Pressi works along with Bliss, activating her own Temperature controls, participating in morning rituals, and activating her own surrender blood/CLW. (She extends Shield of Faith using her lesser rod.) Using her last 4th level spell, she polymorphs into something that can grab a fish from that depth and take a look at the center where the energy ribbon stops.

She considers using all these Rose Temp Controls to instead build an igloo but that's rather cutesy even for this team.

In addition to the bedroll, Pressi breaks out a couple of torches, her flint and steel, and a few prestidigitations and profession and survival checks. It doesn't take too long to make the fish and some rations into a quick meal.

Harper chooses the moss that Kezzem mistrusts as her bed. It knows why.

There isn't much else to do but wait things out.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L6: 1+0


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Thursday May 30th, 2019 4:28:07 PM

One more exploratory item - during his mapping Murphy explores to three to four hundred feet the watery exit from the cavern, then returns.

Back on shore. "I like that, Kezzem," Murphy says. After thinking about it for a minute, he adds, "How about, 'Humble's Grotto of Peace and Power'? Or HGPP for short, where we recharged the DPAA." He grins.

Murphy's proposition to dig an alternate passageway was in the late afternoon/early evening, not in the morning. He wants to start the new day with a fresh set of wild shaping available.

He enjoys the fish Pressi prepared. If she was not able to find something in the shallower water, he could have retrieved a decent sized fish from deeper down. After dinner, he writes down notes on the various fish, the glow worms, with sketches. "I need to get colored inks, or paints," he says to no one in particular.

Moss Talk
Murphy lies on a spot of moss (with canvas under it, in his bedroll) near Pressi and the suspicious moss. Actually, he sits there, looking about. "This is among the most beautiful places I've been in, Press. Good to be with you in so many amazing places. Remember Emerald City?" he asks her.

He awaits her response. Then says, "I designed, working with elves, something of beauty back there. And would like you to have it, as a token." It is a ring with woven bands of ironwood, silver, gold, and platinum. Embedded within a slightly thicker part of the weave is a beautiful, high quality, but small diamond.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday May 30th, 2019 8:07:43 PM
Pressi takes some time before bed to approach Talia. "You know, I figured it was about time the two of us got to know each other better, and to see if I could make you more comfortable within the group. So... how did you wind up becoming a spellcaster? What's your story?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Thursday May 30th, 2019 11:08:14 PM
Talia uses the command word for her Bill's Stylish Pants o' Plenty to change the color to match that of the Blue grotto and of a durable winter frabic, to help mitagate the cold.

"Mister Murphy, sir? Would you happen to have an additional blanket or something. Apparently I leaft my warm weather gear including bedroll at the compound. Silly Me!" says Talia.

Pressi's Inquiry

Taking Talia off guard, Pressi approaches Talia, and asks, "So... how did you wind up becoming a spellcaster? What's your story?"

It's kinda funny you should ask, but I have always been a spellcaster. I was born this way. In the beginning, whomever took care of me, helping to rasie me, was shocked, that I was able to do anything, and kept thinking it was the wind and the like. I do not have very many memories of my family...its all kind of a blur.

I do have the one friend, Rayya, but I asked her to stay behind and to guard the compound.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Friday May 31st, 2019 12:19:58 AM
Back on shore. "I like that, Kezzem," Murphy says. After thinking about it for a minute, he adds, "How about, 'Humble's Grotto of Peace and Power'? Or HGPP for short, where we recharged the DPAA." He grins.

"Ack!" shouts Kezzem. "I am being attacked by letters!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Friday May 31st, 2019 1:54:15 AM

"Oh, yes, of course, Talia." He gives her his medium-sized blanket - the size a human might use. A halfing could bundle up in multiple layers with it.

"I also can cast on you resist energy versus cold, which lasts for two hours. Isn't that about how long you like to sink into meditation?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday May 31st, 2019 5:23:16 AM
"I think Humble's Grotto is perfect, Kezzem, no sense in over complicating something as simple as a name", Succotash pipes in, "Then again Murphy does have a lot of words in his name, so maybe he thinks all names should be multi worded, but I like to keep it simple, heck I don't even have a middle name"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Friday May 31st, 2019 9:03:21 AM
"Thank you, Mister Murphy, the blanket will be awesome. As much as I would love that opportunity to meditate in a relaxed and comfortable manner, I also have 6th watch! Any idea what watch we are on now?" asks Talia.

"Really?! Kezzem?! That's the best you've come up with? Can't we called it Scaab Spa? Short Simple...and it belays the idea that death is close by." says Talia aloud.

DM Carl 
Friday May 31st, 2019 10:40:46 AM
A quick note on the woldsblood stream in case I wasn't clear: The stream is safely tucked away in the realm of shadows. The distance between that realm and here is just very small, comparatively speaking. Even Pressi can splash around and play in it safely, though it may raise the hair on the back of her neck.

Kezzem keeps an eye on a particular patch of moss and comes up with the obvious choice of name for this place: Humble's Grotto.

Succotash gets his cold weather gear on and provides Miss Piggy with his winter blanket. It'll keep them alive, though maybe not comfortable in the cold. After a rough start, he provides some music while Humble's Sword sits around and waits.

Murphy notes the boat may sap the heat from everyone less than the moss. He's got a point, but sleeping on that boat's gonna be pretty uncomfortable. Up to our heroes.

With Talia's assistance, he maps out the underwater lake. The cold undoubtedly doesn't bother him in elemental form. It takes some time, as there's a crazy volume of water to explore, but he gets it done. The only thing interesting down there is the fauna, though.

He advises a plan to shape a path back up, though Bliss does not agree with marring the natural beauty of this place, and suggests a shadow walk back to the dwarves. If he wants to pop into the realm of shadow this close to a woldsblood stream, he's welcome to try!

Bliss has just the spell for this situation, and puts it to good use.

Pressi follows suit with the temperature control, then provides a fish dinner. Harper finds the suspicious patch of moss extra chushy. It's everyone else's loss, really. Blame Kezzem.

Murphy decides to map out the stream that exits from this lake. It's a narrow exit, and the water is under extreme pressure. He can do it, but even for a water elemental, it takes a lot of effort to come back upstream all that way. He can do it, but he's exhausted when he finally returns. He finds the energy to give Pressi a gift.

Talia grabs and extra blanket from Murphy, then her and Pressi have a chat.

***

It's a peaceful evening, and comfortable enough with the provisions and magic available to the group. As the night goes on and the watch shifts change out, the crystals' glow steadily grow in intensity. By the time morning rolls around, they're bright enough to illuminate the entire grotto. The place is much less magical with the harsh, artificial glow. Just a hole in the earth with algae covered water and worms all over the walls. Our heroes hopefully remember that the crystals only glow when inserted into the DPAA, and that there's really no good reason to keep them there anymore.

Now. How is everyone getting out of this place?

***

I'm not clear if Murphy dug his tunnel or not. Let's make a decision one way or the other before my next post.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Friday May 31st, 2019 12:17:55 PM
"What can I say, I like things that are simple and to the point," says Kezzem. "Like daggers."

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Friday May 31st, 2019 12:48:24 PM

After learning of the nature of the shadow-inhabiting woldsblood, and considering the nature of shadow walking, Murphy reconsiders his acquiescence to Bliss's objection to a tunnel. He tells the group that attempting to shadow walk from this locale may be a deadly enterprise.

"Bliss, you don't want me 'messing up' this grotto. I can dig without causing a huge mess - also, this pool is almost a mile deep. You think a little bit of stony rubble, sunk to the bottom, is going to cause problems or mar beauty?

"I'm going suggest the members of the Sword consider my proposal, with a modification. I can build the tunnel now (we're talking about 7 or 8pm), so that we have a safe path out and upwards on the morrow. And, in the morning I can memorize a spell or two that will allow me to shape the stone, to cover up the upstream entrance to the tunnel, so that people will not know about it coming downstream. Not that many are likely to do so.

"Another possibility exists. I can change to water elemental, and carry a few of you at a time upstream the way we came in. Pressi, it may be tough to persuade Harper to do so. For Miss Piggy - I know she can pop in and out. And you'll all get soaking wet.

"Paladins, sorceress, witches - let me know your wishes." If the group concurs the tunnel should be built, he will have done so. If not, he asks if the upstream ferrying is what they wish, or taking a huge risk with shadow walk. "Or, does someone have another solution?"

Once they are well on the upstream side, however they get there, perhaps a hundred or two hundred yards from where the stream accelerated to enter the grotto, he can lay down another swan boat, if people are amenable to that form of travel - Harper excepted. "If we want to get well away from the grotto, perhaps shadow walk from there might arguably be a better way to travel."

Murphy wonders, also, whether the rock and soil in this area may have absorbed a measure of the power and magic of this cave. He gathers about four or five pounds of soil from the mossy isle (and some of the moss), and about ten pounds of stones. Any gems in the area?

"Will someone go ahead and carefully remove the gems for recharging the Encompassing Mind from the DPAA, and place them in a safe place?" Murphy requests in the morning.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Friday May 31st, 2019 2:52:25 PM

After pondering it, Bliss says he thinks the shadow walking is too risky.

Bliss asks Murphy, "You found an underground river exit, right? Maybe we are supposed to go out that way? With Water Breathing, we can just sink down and walk along the river, right?"

"Or with water breathing, we can just climb out the way we came in."

Bliss looks at the waterfall and tries to figure out the Climb DC, if you did not have to worry about drowning.

Could one fly up the waterfall? How long a rope would you need from the top?

Bliss is happy to pick up the doohickey after it is charged and to carry it back home.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Friday May 31st, 2019 5:08:05 PM

"The underground river exit - is out the other side of the cavern, deeper into the mountains, and it's fast, no air above, and likely highly dangerous. As a water elemental who can move 120, I barely got back. That is not the way to go, Bliss. The way we came in is a waterfall. Tell me how we get Harper up that? I'm not saying it's impossible. Just not optimal." However, he does look to see how much air space there is between the incoming water level and the area above it.

He turns to the others: "Kezzem, Pressi, Talia, Succotash - are you all right with me making a safe alternative way out of here? It's not a hard thing for me to do, and is a sure way out. And I can seal it with stone as we leave."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday May 31st, 2019 9:30:56 PM
"Spider Oasis? Underground Oasis? The Oasis Band?"

Yes, Pressi is that tired. Too tired to follow up with a question like "So who raised you?" Barely enough to mumble something about how the people who raise you don't always see your potential.

Pressi is fine with the tunneling, though she's unclear as to how high up the tunnel goes. She figures that Murphy tends to be careful in these kinds of things, so she doesn't consider ruining the prestine nature of this area a strong risk.

Flight or swimming up is another option - the four casters probably do have enough spells to carry the two paladins and Harper.


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Saturday June 1st, 2019 12:00:57 AM

"One additional thought, Bliss. We can use among us five or six or more spells just to get out of here - flight, water breathing, whatever - or conserve those spell slots for other uses. What if we get in another fight? You want a bunch of our power just used up on getting out of this beautiful grotto?" Murphy asks. "With my plan, we walk out, I use one spell to seal the tunnel, and we're on our way. Conservation of power, flexibility of plans."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday June 1st, 2019 12:54:29 AM
"Yeah, I vote for the tunnel," says Kezzem. "I'm not too sure I like that water elemental idea. So let's go ahead and tunnel since you use your druid magics to shape the stone make a Wonder Wall in this Oasis."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)  d20+19=30 ;
Saturday June 1st, 2019 3:19:09 AM

Unless another negative vote comes in, Murphy will develop a structurally sound, gently sloped route through the solid rock back up to a point at least 50 yards upstream of where the water hastens greatly before entering the grotto. It would be easiest for him to make the tunnel 8' - 10' in diameter, allowing all to pass without undue problems through the bulk of the passage (and he makes the walking surface flat for the most part, rather than curved), though the entrance and exit are of a smaller size - 5'4" in diameter. About three feet inside the tunnel closest to the cavern, he finger-carves in the rock the initials: "H.G." Let that puzzle future visitors.

Out of agreement with Bliss's concerns for neatness, he ensures the rubble is delivered into the depths, and the tunnel and immediate surrounding area is nearly neat as a pin.

As she seemed way too exhausted to notice when he proffered the ring to Pressi, Murphy quietly withdraws the offer for now, and will wait for a more propitious occasion. This occasion seemed propitious to him, but that turned out not to be the case.

In the morning after breakfast and spell meditation, and once all seem ready, Murphy asks people to climb back into the swan boat, and he ferries them over to the lower tunnel entrance. Once all are off loaded, he steps out, and gives the boat a gentle push away from the falls, to live out the balance of its maybe three hours of existence.

On the upward end of the tunnel, people and critters will find that they will need to squeeze themselves through a five foot four inch diameter final few feet. "I wanted to have to use only one spell, cast twice to close it up. Sorry for the tight fit at the end."

He will use stone shape to close off the ends. There will remain a small, one inch diameter, one foot deep hole in the wall to where the tunnel begins to widen. He stuffs the hole on the upward end with a few little pebbles.

Assuming all make it safely up and out, he asks, "So, shadow walk from here? Another swan boat to travel upstream? Or some other way to get us back home?"
=========
Knowledge, Engineeering: 30 (including a +2 circumstantial bonus for extensive earth elemental tunneling experience)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Saturday June 1st, 2019 7:26:18 AM
"Last time we shadow walked, I almost died, however, if you guys want to take that route, I'm down, but I would prefer the boat", Succotash answers Murphy after they make it out of the grotto.

DM Carl 
Saturday June 1st, 2019 2:13:01 PM
Kezzem gets right to the point.

Murphy suggests he can tunnel out of here, though he'll have to tell your narrator how he intends to do that.

OOC: Per the rules for an earth elemental:
Its burrowing leaves behind no tunnel or hole, nor does it create any ripple or other sign of its presence.

This wasn't something I was aware of before, but we're going forward within the rules rather than forever granting earth elementals a new ability. No, this is not open for debate.

The rest of the party is on board with the tunnel, which is still a good idea, so long as someone figures out how to do it.

Bliss suggests a few water breathing spells and wildshapes, then following the stream out of the lake. Murphy tends to think this is far too dangerous. Plus, it may just drain into an underground aquifer. Then where would our heroes be?

***

Yea, I realize this is a jerk-DM move rule change, but I do my best to keep to raw. All those tunnels in Humble's Ford are still there and safe.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Saturday June 1st, 2019 2:48:59 PM

[If that be the case - this whole discussion is kaput :-) - for the making of the tunnels, it was ruled that an earth elemental could dig, though its normal movement was to earthglide.]

As, when the swan boat entered the grotto, it did not get clobbered by rocks - there must be some sort of air space above the watery torrent as it enters the cavern. "We can fly out. So as to save having to use too many spells, I can wildshape to air elemental, and carry people and animals out a few at a time," suggests Murphy, awaiting concurrence or other plans from the rest of the party. If all agree to this simple plan, he carries it out, finding a decent place to set them down upstream.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Saturday June 1st, 2019 3:59:41 PM

"Everybody, hold on. We'll think better after second breakfast." Bliss shares out a meal from his elven lunchbox (the magic one that can feed a person a day). There's enough for everyone to have a little snack, plus some leftover fish maybe.

"Mister Murphy, you can fly for sure. And you can carry someone. I'd rather fly myself, please. What if the waterfall sweeps me out of your arms?"

Bliss counts on his fingers.

"The Paladins can send Miss Piggy and Rumpus away and call them later. Miss Talia can fly like yesterday [Overland Flight]. I can turn Sir Succotash into a dire bat," says Bliss [using a Polymorph spell] and also fly out myself as an eagle [using Beast Shape I]. Miss Pressi can Polymorph Sir Kezzem into a dire bat or an eagle too. And she can turn herself and Harper into eagles [with two BSIs]. So that's everybody, right?

Bliss looks at the waterfall from below, gauging difficulties. [OOC to Kindly DM: What Fly skill checks are we talking to fly out? What about a climb DC, as, say, an octopus crawling up the waterfall?]

[OOC to Murphy: I thought that you were digging tunnels in the earth, back in Humbles Ford. Was it really solid bedrock?]

Bliss has an idea. "Gosh I wish I had thought of trying to brew a potion out of this magic water last night," he says. He sees Succotash is down five hp and Talia is down 1. He makes them each drink a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. He washes out the bottles and fills them with magic water, then stows them away. "Maybe I can brew something later," he says.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Saturday June 1st, 2019 9:27:31 PM
Talia wonders," if she could either summon a creature or polymorph into one big enough to carry most of the group?"

"What do you folks think?" Talia asks for the group.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Saturday June 1st, 2019 10:12:12 PM

"And people call me the complicator. Bliss - that's six spells or special whatsis." Murphy wildshapes into a huge air elemental, and flies up through the opening they came through. The boat they arrived in was not damaged - therefore there is air above the water at the opening. Parts of the boat extend perhaps eight to ten feet, at least, above the waterline. Therefore, there is at minimum ten feet of clearance - and maybe there is 20, or 30, or 40 feet or more of clearance. He flies through, measuring the dimensions through which they need travel.

Then he returns to the party, and reports his findings. He remains as an air elemental until further notice.

[OOC for Bliss: Murphy was digging primarly through earth in Humble's Ford, though he also moved some boulders and smaller rocks along the way. It was determined that he could do more than simply earthglide - but doing so was a fair bit more work. How can an earth elemental stand upon earth, if his only interaction with earth is to glide through it? It would be like trying to stand upon (liquid-state) water.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Sunday June 2nd, 2019 5:11:42 PM
“Yeah but it’s six spells divided between four casters,” Pressi pointed out. “We burned a ton more just buffing against irlgaunts. The 1-2 spells a piece won’t make or break us. Besides, I don’t intend to stick around now that we have the gems, so....

“I get the whole efficiency thing but there’s something about six simple moves that makes it more powerful than a single complex move. It’s called the power of friendship. Accept the power of friendship, loser. Ooh, that should be our new motto.”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Sunday June 2nd, 2019 7:16:19 PM
"If we are discussing shapeshifting options, I would like to be a tree," suggests Kezzem. "Wait, tress can't move. Nevermind then. Anything that moves would be find. Except a snake. Or a raven."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge air elemental 
Sunday June 2nd, 2019 8:31:17 PM

"Uh, it seems like a single simple move to me," Murphy counters Pressi. "But, if we want to waste resources, sure. If we get in a combat later, and don't quite have as many options as we might otherwise, well, that's not to worry about, right?

"'Loser'? Surely you would want nothing to do with a loser." Murphy, willing to do all he can for the party, is very torqued at the disrespect he is feeling from some members of the party. Perhaps he is misinterpreting things...

The huge air elemental druid offers to carry any out who wish to go that way. And leaves those who don't want to be wafted in a bundle of air up and over the waterfall, to find another way.

"Am in the habit of dropping those I carry, Bliss?"

Murphy is clearly in a foul mood - which is odd, as he is not one given to moodiness. I don't think he has ever felt the way he is feeling right now towards some of his party members.

[OOC: Don't worry - this is how Murphy is feeling, not how Kim is feeling.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Sunday June 2nd, 2019 10:11:06 PM
“Whoa, whoa, I was just kidding about the loser part... mostly. Look, both plans have their pros and cons, and I don’t have a stake in this decision. But your plan has no backup should something go wrong, and Bliss’s plan has redundancy in such a case.

“If one of you backs down, I’ll support the other. But are we really going to quibble over margins here. If I can’t spare an extra spell slot or two, I’d be a lousy support caster.”

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Monday June 3rd, 2019 12:06:57 AM
"We should all go together so that the party is not split."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday June 3rd, 2019 5:40:01 AM
Succotash looks at his friends with not a small amount of frustration, then says, "Come on guys, are we really going to squabble over something as ridicules as what method we are going to use to fly out of here?" "Personally I'm not a huge fan of being polymorphed", Succotash continues, "Last time that happened we were facing off against some dwarves in the iron giant, and I was a bat, imagine the disgrace of being in a fight, and my only recourse was dropping guano on the enemy".

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge air elemental 
Monday June 3rd, 2019 5:54:24 AM

Murphy gives Pressi a skeptical look as she only partially backtracks on what she called him.

"Tell you what - those who would like a lift out of here, I'll give it," Murphy says. "Those who want to use other means, that's fine. I have already gone up and through to see what's on the other side. And we can time things to be getting up there fairly close in time to each other. I'd be happy to spot any who choose to climb, so long as I'm not ferrying in the meantime."

The wild shaped druid easily can carry two at a time.

[awaiting DM filling in the info from an earlier post - 'If someone is waiting there for us - I'll let you know.']

DM Carl 
Monday June 3rd, 2019 11:57:12 AM
Our heroes put forth a *ton* of effort and discussion over how to climb up a few dozen feet.

Climb checks are DC 10 since it's a rough cave wall. I wouldn't call for fly checks since there's enough room to gently circle about and gain altitude.

Bliss wonders aloud why he didn't think to brew something with this special water (keep in mind natural overnight healing if you're down a HP or so).

As tempted as your narrator is to hand wave this away in the issue of party unity, our heroes should really learn to move past issues like these without so much drama. Some of our heroes understand this, at least.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge air elemental 
Monday June 3rd, 2019 1:58:33 PM

[OOC: As our DM did not report back anything specific or out of the ordinary from Murphy's surveillance flight up and out, I am assuming the coast is clear - no visible ambush awaits us.]

"Anyone want a lift?" he asks. Air elemental (about 32' long, 16' wide) Murphy will carry whoever wishes to be carried, and set them down along the most travel-worthy side of the riverbank. After he has carried people up (which he can do very quickly), he hovers near whoever chooses to try the easy climb, waiting to catch any who may slip.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+3=18 ;
Monday June 3rd, 2019 2:46:50 PM
"I'll go first," volunteers Kezzem.

"This is weird, this is weird, this is weird, this is weird," repeats Kezzem as Murphey flies him up.

Once there, he will activate Detect Evil and look around.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 = 18 (19 for Traps)

If Kezzem expects smooth traveling from here on out, he will Summon Rumpus; otherwise, he will wait for better terrain before bringing in his pony.


Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Monday June 3rd, 2019 4:12:11 PM
Talia just hovers up to the distance needed to clear the hurdle. "Where are we going exactly? I thought we were looking for an expidenent way back to the dwarfs?!" says Talia somewhat questioning.



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday June 3rd, 2019 8:40:21 PM
Before Murphy performs his transformation, Pressi pulls him aside to as much privacy as the open grotto can muster, moving back towards the pool where the woldsblood can be drawn.

"Look, I know that I need to be a little less cavalier about my insults. I need you to know that I really do think the world of you... and it's kind of hard to think very well of myself, to remember that anyone actually looks to me as anything but a street rat. Still, it should be clear that I meant nothing more than to try to snark at my own logic, and nothing more. At any rate, I need you to be an adult, even when I'm not.

"And if this is about the ring thing, look, I'm sorry that things are distracted. But while it's a nice place, it's the wrong time. Last night was the time to focus on survival, charging the crystals, and keeping up with the rest of the group. I just feel that you should have waited until..."

A dozen of Pressi's cantrips began to fire at the same time, music filling the nook, wold energy sprouting as a fountain, dazzling lights surrounding them.

"... See, now this is a better time if you want to ask me something."

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

After Pressi and Murphy return, Pressi also pulls Talia aside. "I kind of feel like you opened up to me and I left you hanging, and I'm sorry. I wasn't sure how much to pry about... caretakers and stuff. But I do know how hard it is to explain yourself to the people that raise you."

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

Pressi allows Murphy to bring up Harper first. The cat's objections end when Pressi points out that she never intended to polymorph either of them. "You see this broom? You get on the back and hang on."

Pressi watches with curiosity what Bliss will do, and generally stays behind to be brought up last, acting if any spells are needed.

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

(OOC: Sorry for the disjointed post. I didn't have full time to RP the last couple of days and some of the RP stuff got buried. I'm only now beginning to play catchup.)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Monday June 3rd, 2019 10:54:34 PM

Bliss shrugs. "I just want someone up there to be on guard."

He changes into an eagle with Beast Shape I and flies up there with Murphy carrying Harper, and Talia flying. He stays on guard as Murphy ferries others to a point above the waterfall.

"Now what? Another boat that can sail upstream?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) 
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 5:25:03 AM

A Moment Set Aside
Wondering what she might be pulling him to the side for, Murphy comes, with a mixture of hope, trepidation, and plain curiosity. As Pressi opens up, he listens, then responds. "I've never heard my mother insult my father, nor he her." He says tentatively, "Oh, they'll tease each other. And sometimes have differences in the way they view some things. But I don't recall, ever, a lack of... respect between them, nor insults. So, that's something I'm - I'm just not, not accustomed to," he tries to explain. "But, yes, I'll try to be - adult?"

He plays with a patch of moss as she speaks of last night not being the right time. He is about to respond, when suddenly the locale lights up with her magic, and she grants him leave to -

Murphy asks, "Now is the time?" and he gives a funny shake of his head - not a negation, nor an affirmation, but an emotion of the sort that his body does not know quite what to do. He takes a deep breath, settles, then reaches into his pocket, and draws forth a tiny leather bag with a string binding it together.

"We were in Emerald City. I thought of you. Us. What might be, who we might become. Aunt Nilli often spoke of how many disparate things can be woven together to create a thing of strength and resilience." Finally the string is unbound. He opens the wee bag, pushing up the bottom. A diamond clear, small, yet stunning and well set shows, embedded in a braided weave of ironwood, silver, gold, and platinum.

"Will you accept this as a token of my pledge to you? To marry you for life at a time we choose, and to be yours, and you, mine, Pressi Silverglove?" He proffers her the emblem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=11 ;
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 5:30:32 AM
Succotash gladly excepts a lift from Murphy, when at the top of the waterfall, he tries to ascertain if there is a proper walk way, following the ravine. (perception 11) If there is, he says, "I know it may seem old fashion, but we could just walk". Either way, he asks Murphy, "Do you have the means to fill a swan boats sails? Because we aren't sailing upstream without a push".

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 5:39:29 AM
When Pressi's light show goes off, Succotash can't help but notice the two love birds having their conversation, he doesn't want to eves drop, but the actions of Murphy and Pressi say it all. he then elbows Kezzem gently and says, "Check it out, they are finally making their engagement official! I wonder if they'll ask one of use to officiate their wedding?

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental  d20+21=29 ; d20+30=36 ;
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 6:09:25 AM

Leaving Humble's Grotto
Just before wild shaping, Murphy takes just a few more items out of his pocket, and places them in a small sack. He asks a favor of one of his friends. "Succotash, will you do the honors of letting Miss Piggy be the bearer of another bag of mine? This one can go inside the other."

He does perform the quick surveillance on the upside, then returns. Then he commences with the transport - as described in an earlier post. Kezzem first, as he volunteered. As his friend Kez narrates the weirdness of the journey, Murphy gives an airy laugh. He takes who wishes to come next. In time the druid talks to Harper. "It felt odd for me the first few times I flew. I've grown to enjoy it. My arms in this form are strong, and you will be safe. May I carry you, brave leopard?"

And last, he brings up Pressi - and, unless aught untoward is evident above, he carries her with a short flyover of the island, then back, and up, and out.

"Yes, Talia, we're wanting to determine the wisest way to get to where we need to go."

He turns to eagle Bliss. "Friend, you were wiser than I. Will you forgive me my myopia? Uh, short-sightedness? And stubbornness? And you, Succotash? And all? The power of friendship is the best way."

Modes of Transportion - Vote Please
Once all are settled safe and sound above - and upstream of where the water begins its downturn, Murphy speaks. "We have mentioned boating upstream, or shadow walking, or walking slowly over very rough and varied stone when time is of the essence," he says with a smile in Succotash's direction. "I've sailed a swan boat upstream before. It is possible. If there's an additional method someone would like to suggest, speak now please. If not, I think shadow walking may be the fastest way for us to return what is needed to Tiana. I do have another swan boat feather token available. Either means can draw us to combat along the way. Either means may be fine. But again - shadow walk is my preference. Sorry Succotash. If there are means to protect us from shadowy sorts of things along the way, let us know, anyone.

"I will go with how the party decides, if between these two ideas, or three. Please vote."

For once, though it crossed his mind, he does not bring up carrying it by himself, no matter how fast he can fly.
==============
Flying: 29
Perception: 36

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 6:16:09 AM

P.S.: I failed to mention, the diamond/ironwood/silver/gold/platinum emblem is, indeed, a ring.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 8:19:15 AM
"My friend, Mister Murphy, aye, Leadership skills also make you that way. As for a vote, I enjoy the shadow skipping, er Walk. It's surreal to me. That's my vote, Shadow Walking!" says Talia.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 715 / 720 minutes

[OFC [Out of Character} | Did Talia have anough time to meditate for two (2) hours?]

DM Carl 
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 5:37:19 PM
Fair warning: Low effort post incoming. I'm in the hospital w/ my wife and really can't read everything up there. If I miss something important, and I will, ask again.

***

The party makes it's way up, along with the swan boat. Our party is welcome to use it upstream, but they could walk faster. It's a very fast moving stream.

Soon as they decide how they're moving, the show can get on the road.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 8:49:57 PM
"Oh my god, where did all this come from?" Pressi joked. "I'm clearly going to need some time to... Last one, I promise. Just needed to get this out of my system."

Pressi took Murphy's hands in his. "Absolutely, I do."

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

Once up the falls, Pressi can see the speed of the current. "Looks like we're walking it."

If they are in dim light, Pressi begins to activate shadow walk.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 11:55:30 PM

Bliss is in favor of walking. Or flying, while his nine minute spell lasts.

His barkskin is up, as is his threefold aspect, as always. He'll wait to turn on other buffs when there is any indication of danger.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 11:58:00 PM
"I'll overland flight it if you don't mind..."says Talia. Mister Murphy, you're the guide right?! Perhaps I should flight a bit above all of the group as a somewhat forward lookout?! "asks Talia of the gang.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 12:25:51 AM
"So what's next?" asks Kezzem. "Should we summon Piggy and Rumpus now, or should we wait a bit first?"

DM Carl 
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 1:00:34 AM
DM note before tomorrow:

If you want to shadow walk, you'll need to either

A: Remove the two gems from the DPAA
B: Put it in a completely opaque bag, pack, etc.

The gems in the DPAA right now provide normal light out to 60'.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 3:20:26 AM

Bliss had removed the gems for the Encompassing Mind from the DPAA once the charging was done, so those lights are out. "Just in case you get knocked out or something, Bliss, where are you keeping the gems?"

"KEZZEM. SUCCOTASH. Vote, please. Shadow walk, or conventional walk, with some flying? The giants are arming to invade and enslave our lands. They look to be ready to leave in about two days.
___Shadow walking time to home: About an hour or so.
___Conventional walking time: About a day and a half, if we're lucky. That leaves a lead time of only half a day or a day for the giants.
___Flying: Not all of us can, and Harper likely will not be happy about being slung under an airy elemental arm for long.
___Swan boat: Maybe we can rig a harness. The motive speed of the swan boat will let us move upstream maybe a mile or two an hour. If Murphy can drag it faster, we might approach the speed we had going downstream, but the druid may get tired fast.
VOTE!
The vote now stands:
Shadow Walk: Murphy, Pressi, and 1/2 vote for Talia
Walk/Fly: Bliss, 1/2 vote for Talia

Not yet voting: Kezzem, Succotash

"Pressi, if either paladin votes for shadow walk, then let's all hit the dimly-lit trail."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 5:46:16 AM
Succotash isn't thrilled about the idea of shadow walking again, but he understands the need for speed, and agrees that the fastest way would be to shadow walk. "I reluctantly vote yes" Succotash says with a half-hearted smile. he would have Twinklesting out as no one has mentioned another light source, since we are not in the grotto anymore. He will keep Twinklesting out until all preparations are made to shadow walk, then as soon as they are ready, he will sheath her, and link hands with his friends.

The Escape


DM Carl 
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 11:07:50 AM
**Sorry about yesterday. Things are better today.

***

With Succotash's vote, the party has chosen to Shadow Walk back to the Caverns of Glimstone. Seems like a prudent enough idea, doesn't it?

The party gathers around Pressi, who casts her spell. The party is transported to the Realm of Shadow, that space between the Wold and the Lands of Rest. She's done it before, you all have. You know what to expect.

...or so you thought.

Our heroes find themselves on an island surrounded by Woldsblood streams. This place must be very close to the Lands of Rest for the streams to be as large as they are. That would certainly explain the power our bloodwitches felt in the grotto.

As dangerous as that whole situation is, our heroes have a more pressing concern.

Towering above them is a malevolent, twisting mass of steam and fire. The thought jumps unbidden into everyone's head that you gaze upon Scald. He is hate. He is brutality incarnate. With his springs he will split the stone prison of The Scab. With his steam he will blister and flay his enemies.

He will free The Old Ones.

They will show the Wold secrets hidden for ages. They will show the noble races unwelcome truths. They will show the Wold ecstasies and agonies beyond dreams.

He has found you, and he

is

ANGRY.

**

All players need to make a DC17 will save or be dazed by the proximity of this much Woldsblood. This save needs to be made each round you stay here. In addition, another DC15 will save is needed to avoid being frightened by the capital P Power in front of them. Failure by 5 or more indicates the hero is panicked.

That would be very unfortunate here...

*Almost forgot! All heroes are granted 15,000 XP for successfully recharging the Crystals of the Encompassing Mind. I'm also awarding 1 hero point to everyone for some excellent roleplay in the grotto.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3, touch AC 18+3; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+15=20 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=23 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d3+13=16 ; d20+20=35 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=1 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=26 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=15 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 12:59:31 PM
"Wait, we're Shadow Walking now?" says Kezzem. "That didn't work out to well last time."

Will Save: 1d20 + 15 = 20.

Kezzem is immune to fear. Note everyone within 10 feet of Kezzem or Succotash receive an extra +4 on SVs vs. fear. Since we were all gathered around Pressi, I would think that would apply to everyone.

"Great Gargul's Genitals, I do not like the look at that thing!"

Kezzem takes a 5 ft. step towards Scald, actiavtes Smite's Evil, and then starts throwing daggers at Scald. Including Sneak Attack in case Kezzem catches him flat-footed. Also, adjust attack roles as needed for range.

+1 Returning Frost Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 39.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 19 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 23.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Frost + 1d6 Sneak Attack= 16 + 6 + 1 = 23.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 Smite Evil = 16.
If Scald is a fiend, undead, or dragon, then add an extra 11 damage to both regular and crit damage.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack= 16 + 1 = 17.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 13 + 6 = 19,

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 14 + 2 = 16.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 21.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 14 + 4 = 18.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 15 + 2 = 17.

Note that with Smite Evil, even his mundane daggers bypass Damage Reduction.

"Just for future reference, consider me a standing vote against Shadow Walking."

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27  d20+9=23 ; d20+15=17 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 2:16:54 PM

[OOC: Note the Halfling racial bonus vs fear for that second save!]

Bliss says, "I told you shadow walking was too dangerous!"

Save vs Woldsblood is a 23, no problem.
Save vs Fear at +2 halfling and +4 pally's pal is a 17, nat 2, no worries!

Then Sir Kezzem remembers that he is a paladin and attacks the demigod. "Wowsy," Bliss mutters. "That's not your usual brand of humor, Sir Kezzem, but its good for a chuckle until we are all killed."

Bliss uses the DELAY special aaction to see what everyone else does first. Maybe Miss Pressi will end the ShadowWalk and just send us all back where we belong?

Bliss thinks hard about that 5th level slot he's got.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+10=25 ; d20+16=34 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 3:48:54 PM
"Yeah, well nobody thought to give us friggin teleport. This is what I've got to work with. A spell that apparently won't let me go to the fridge for a beer without being a bother."

(Rolls are 25, 34)

Bliss waits for Pressi to decide on an action. "Uh... not really sure that ending the shadow walk is how it works." She does drop everyone out of the walk, and begins to surrender blood.

She isn't entirely sure what to do next.

(Need a DM ruling: can I designate a sanctuary now using word of recall)

DM Carl 
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 5:24:39 PM
Word of Recall: See here. This makes sense to me. You choose when you prepare your spells for the day, which you should totally do from now on. I'm assuming you didn't, though.

Cayzle Comments: Um, sorry, it is a witch spell. Casts spontaneously. Witches don't prep spells like clerics do. They cast at will from any spell on the witch list. Something like "Choose your sanctuary when you regain your spell slots in the morning" sounds good to me, if it is a place you know well, and where you can be reasonably sure you won't be immediately attacked! Just my two cents. Also, a default of "Home in Humbles Ford" seems reasonable to me as well.

DM Comments: That's what I just said, though I could have chosen my words more carefully. It's also what the link says regarding the Oracle class.

Also, a default of "Home in Humbles Ford" seems reasonable to me as well.

You're certainly welcome to make it your default from here on out instead of declaring it every time.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90  d20+12=30 ; d20+13=32 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 10:12:04 PM
Talia is not happy. There is this large angry Old Demigod - Skald and its looking at us for a reckoning. I am starting to dislike these easy way outs...whatever happened to walking? Talia mumbles to herself.

Easily making all of her saves...Talia ponders her next move... using the DELAY special action to see what everyone else does first.

Saving throws

DC17 Will Save: 30
DC15 Fear (Will) Save: 32

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental  d20+15=19 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+19=34 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 2:03:54 AM

Murphy certaining finds Scald to be awesome. Rarely for him, he almost clicks into a fear response, but calls on reserves to qwell it, knowing that fear will not help him think clearly. [Both saves made, with 1 hero point help for fear save.]

More than anything in a situation like this wisdom is required. He casts owl's wisdom, and asks the enraged power, "Why so angry?"

Of course, we may not be sticking around long enough to receive a direct answer. Though, the fellow likely has enough power in this area to still come after us.

"Shall we move forward? I anticipate steam showing up where we are right now."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+13=29 ; d20+21=26 ; d10+10=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 4:33:02 AM
Succotash makes his will save verse being dazed, and like Kezzem he is immune to all fear like conditions.

Succotash shouts out, "We can't let him release the Old Ones, it would have serious repercussions Wold wide!" Unless someone stays his hand he will charge Scald, drawing Twinklesting on the run, and clicking his heels, as a free action, to activate his boots of speed.

26+2(Charging)= to hit AC 28 for 16+10 holy damage



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday June 6th, 2019 4:34:32 AM
If someone stays Succotash's hand he will go with the party's plan.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27  d20+13=23 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 7:34:17 AM

"Succotash, No!" Bliss grabs Sir Succotash. Hopefully no grapple check required, but if so, Bliss rolls a 23.

"Please, please Miss Pressi," Bliss calls out, "Please end your spell and take us back out of the Shadows!"

OOC: The spell has "Duration 1 hour/level (D)" ... the (D) means you can dismiss it with a standard action.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 91/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+20=35 ; d20+11=21 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 11:20:17 AM
(OOC: If someone can pull back Kezzem, do so... but it's no big deal since we aren't trying diplomacy. What we are trying is to see if we can run. This post is to clarify actions and add rolls.)

Free action: Perception 35 to see if they can escape using shadow walk, Know Local 21 to see what she knows about the creature ahead of her. If so, she tries to continue escape (assuming shadow walk didn't end automatically). If not...

Standard Action: Drop Shadow Walk as needed. Move action away from the big hulking demigod.

Second Standard Action (Hero Point spent): Surrender Blood (+2 CL next casting for 10 HP) while she decides the best mode for escape.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3, touch AC 18+3; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday June 6th, 2019 12:34:18 PM
Kezzem was using ranged attacks. He only took a 5 ft. step to put himself between Scald and the party.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 
Thursday June 6th, 2019 1:11:45 PM

Murphy assists Bliss in staying the hand of Succotash - and Kezzem. "Are our paladins carrying the spirit of Hobie?" Murphy asks quietly. He leaves it to Pressi to decide whether to try to flee with the speed of the woldsblood rich Shadow realm, or to drop back to normal travel mode.

DM Carl  d10=10 ; d100=72 ; d10=2 ; d100=77 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 1:38:44 PM
Bliss finds his worry about travelling via the Shadow Realm was justified. He watches as the paladins do what paladins do, grabbing Succotash before he can charge at Scald.

Kezzem launches his daggers at Scald, watching as they pass through the mass of steam, unable to tell if the attacks accomplished anything. An unpleasant chuckle bounces around his brain.

Talia does not like this, and holds a moment, hoping her friends have a good idea on getting out of here.

Murphy buffs his wisdom, then asks a simple question. Then, for Murphy, time stops.

The shadows of the Shadow Realm press down on the young druid, binding him no matter how hard he struggles. The light fades as they coalesce around him, until he is in complete darkness, unable to move. Murphy waits for what happens next...

...but nothing does. Minutes pass, then hours. Hours turn to days, to weeks, to years. After that, it's hard to say. How much time passes in the darkness? Decades? Centuries? Hope that hunger or thirst will end this are beaten down time and time again in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Murphy's strong mind holds out longer than most would, but madness finds him eventually as he is left trapped and alone for so, so long beneath the earth.

Then, just like that, it's over. Murphy is in the Shadow Realm, surrounded by woldsblood, an angry Power in front of him. His madness is gone, his time spent imprisoned reduced to a stain on his soul that seems to linger. Scald roils in front of him, and Murphy no doubt realizes his question has been answered. No one else is aware that anything has just happened, though Pressi feels her link with Murphy blink off and on again within half a second.

Pressi pulls the party out of her shadow walk spell, wishing that the powers that grant witches their spells had thought to include teleportation. Even though the party hasn't moved, shadow walk still doesn't take you right where you wanted to go...

*Rolled a 1d360. You're pulled off in an ENE direction.

The spell tries to deposit the party 1000 feet away (1d10*100 - rolled a 10), but that's solid rock. So, the spell tries again, this time 2000 feet away. There does seem to be open space there, and the party pops back into existence in an unfamiliar place. In Twinklesting's light, you find yourselves in a chamber with smooth floors and smooth walls. Too smooth, really. There's no chance this occurred naturally. There are no doors, but a square tunnel does branch off to the...actually, you're probably not sure what direction that is. Small pools of water have collected in several low points in the floor.

It's quiet, with only the sound of dripping water and your own breathing. A drip of water catches Kezzem in the ear, and he finds it burns. The pools of water around you start to ripple, then boil. The words I see you rise with the steam.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 
Thursday June 6th, 2019 1:50:18 PM

Bliss sees that he has to rescue the party toot sweet! He casts his shadowwalk to move the group out of here!

...

...

...

just kidding!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3, touch AC 18+3; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday June 6th, 2019 1:59:04 PM
"Ack," says Kezzem as the water strikes his ear.

He sees Bliss starting to cast shadowwalk. "Forget it. Forget it. No more shadowwalking. This time I'm gonna walk."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental  d20+32=37 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 2:17:08 PM

"'Oh - that's what you've gone through - I am so sorry," Murphy says aloud. "No wonder you feel so wildly enraged."

He pauses, then says, "But it is not we, mere halflings, who did this to you. If your anger with us deals with a dwarf who came against us who had done him no harm - we stopped him, then set him free. If some other reason," Murphy shrugs his airy shoulders, "well, I don't know. We just want to get home, now. As, I know, you wanted to for so many, many years, Lord Scald."

While the druid speaks, he looks around the room, the smooth walls, the steaming puddles on the floor, and at his friends.

Murphy casts a know direction spell. He points his right hand, and says to his friends, "North is that way." Whichever way north may be, he begins to move down the square tunnel, slowly enough for everyone to keep up.
==========
Perception: 37

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90  d4=4 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 7:01:22 PM
Movement

Talia, with Overland flight still in effect, hovers her way after Mister Murphy. While glide her way to the North, Talia will cast a spell {Spectral Hand}. Within an instand a spectral hand floats behind Talia.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 700 of 720 minutes left

Spectral Hand | 12 of 12 minutes left

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+20=39 ; d20+24=33 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 8:16:25 PM
Reacting to the words in the stream, Pressi responds by firing up True Seeing. "Not if I see you first," Pressi thought to herself.

She really was beginning to tire of the whole "trying to scare you" vibe. A woman who finally embraced the dark, who finally turned herself to a literal creature of fear herself, should not be slinking around things that go boo in the night.

Taking some time to detect magic and make spellcraft checks, she continues on. (Perception 39, Spellcraft 33).

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
True Seeing

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 0/4+1
L5: 1+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d8+3=11 ;
Friday June 7th, 2019 12:02:47 AM
Level update

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday June 7th, 2019 4:38:18 AM
"Glad to hear it!", Succotash says sarcastically when the voice from the steam makes its "I see you" statement. activating detect evil towards the direction of the voice.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 
Friday June 7th, 2019 12:05:26 PM

As they begin to go down the passageway, Murphy relates to the party the gist of what Scald showed him in - a vision? "It seemed real enough as he showed me - like I was gone from you, fully bound, imprisoned, alone with no light for centuries. Eons. Tortured by unrelenting existence, hunger, thirst, unable to break free of my captivity, losing all hope, and eventually my sanity." He looks this way and that, listening, as they move on. "I had asked Scald, 'Why so angry?' - and that is what he showed me.

[For Talia - I, Kim, don't know yet whether the hallway is to the north, south, or some other direction. Murphy pointed to the north - but the DM will have to tell us what direction the hallway was in relation to north from the room in which our shadow walk concluded.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 
Friday June 7th, 2019 1:44:14 PM

[PS to DM Carl: Please let us know at least the rough dimensions of the areas we travel through. Like, the size of the room we arrived in, the 20x20 hallway, or whatever it is, etc. Thanks! Need to know... In particular, would love to find out if we get to an area with a high ceiling.]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27  d20+23=42 ;
Friday June 7th, 2019 2:07:28 PM

Bliss is happy to take point. "It's the best warrior who should go first," he says, winking at the paladins.

Perception 42

"Or at least, the sharpest-eyed!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Friday June 7th, 2019 2:45:26 PM
"Press, I'm no expert on magic, but I'm pretty sure he would still be able to see us even if you saw him first," says Kezzem. "I mean, that's not how vision works anyone. If I'm looking at you I don't turn invisible, right?"

DM Carl 
Friday June 7th, 2019 4:06:22 PM
Bliss suggests shadow walking, because why should Kezzem get all the good one-liners?

Kezzem does not see the humor.

Murphy feels somewhat for the demigod, but probably realizes that won’t save him. He’s not around long enough to give Scald his response in person, but maybe these pools of water can hear as well as speak. He discovers the tunnel leads south before telling everyone what he just went through. As he’s telling it, he realizes he has troubles remembering specifics. There’s just a sense of dread.

Talia is ready to get a move on.

Pressi refuses to not be the scariest thing in the room. She casts true seeing, but right now there’s nothing her regular eyes aren’t seeing. She takes a moment to observe. She thinks the speed of the dripping water is increasing…yes, yes it’s coming down faster and faster all right. Her knowledge of spellcraft doesn’t bring anything to the table, but maybe her knowledge of religion would?

Succotash is actually immune to fear. He checks the puddles for evil, but finds them merely hot.

With only one way out and a few party members eager to move, the tunnel is followed (it is 10' high and wide). It turns sharply right after only 15’, then left again after another 10’ before opening up into a circular room. Two raised platforms are on the western and eastern sections, each 5’ off the ground with no steps leading up to them. The ceiling is dome shaped. Beyond that is another room with large holes in the floor.

A wooshing sound is heard from the far room as twin jets blast from the holes, one water, one steam. Both coalesce into huge elementals. The water elemental boils, gas bubbles inside constantly erupting from its “skin”. The other looks like an air elemental, but is obviously steam. Murphy no doubt recognizes them as elders of their kind.

***

Combat rounds. Here's the map. Since the elementals took time to gather themselves, you folks get first actions. Put yourselves on the map wherever. Paladins, delete your pets if they're not summoned.

Note to Kim: If you're mapping this as you go along, note that all "turn sharplys" are 90 degree turns because I am lazy and would rather keep things on a grid.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Friday June 7th, 2019 5:29:13 PM

Sensing danger, Bliss uses a swift action to turn on his Shield of Faith, the one he is sharing with Pressi via ritual. Then he uses his lesser meta rod of extend to cast Extended Divine Favor.

With his remaining Move Action, Bliss moves to square C6.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Warding always on +1 AC and Saves
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 2 of 5+1 spells/day (Ext Divine Favor, Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 0+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Extended Barkskin 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)
Lvl 1: used 0 of 1 special 5th level slot

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Continuing and still active effects:
Extended Barkskin 3hrs
Threefold Aspect (all day)
Extended Divine Favor (CL9 +3) (0 of 20 rounds)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 
Friday June 7th, 2019 9:49:41 PM
Talia seeing the two powerful looking elementals, casts Summon Monster VI and brings forth a Lillend Azata in position F6. Talia will move to H3.

Next round, the Azata upon her arrival will break into a bardic performance to Inspire Courage within the party. Should give everyone next round:

An affected ally receives a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Lillend Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 17, Con 21, Int 14, Wis 16, Cha 19
Base Atk +7; CMB +13; CMD 26 (can’t be tripped)
Feats Combat Casting, Hover, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes
Skills Bluff +14, Diplomacy +14, Fly +11, Knowledge (nature) +9, Perception +13, Perform (stringed instruments) +16, Sense Motive +13, Survival +14; Racial Modifiers +4 Survival
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 700 of 720 minutes left

Spectral Hand | 12 of 12 minutes left

Summon Monster 6 | 12 of 12 rounds left after she appears.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+20=37 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Friday June 7th, 2019 10:16:10 PM
Kezzem moves towards the choke point and tosses his frost dagger at the steam elemental. He will also activate Detect Evil on the elementals to see if they are smitable.

"Keep alert, guys," says Kezzem. "We've got McSteamy and McHottie here. No sign of McDreamie though."

Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 Frost + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 5 + 4 Frost + 4 Sneak Attack.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2


Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 
Saturday June 8th, 2019 1:07:59 AM
"Kezzem, You're so funny! That's a knee-slapper for sure!" giggles Talia...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental  12d6=43 ; 12d6=32 ; d20+32=41 ;
Saturday June 8th, 2019 11:05:30 AM

After turning the first corner, Murphy casts resist energy: fire. He figures there's a chance that Scald may somehow attack them. There is no 'resist steam' option - but fire injures through a transfer of heat, so he is hoping that may still help protect against whatever hot things they may encounter. [Mister DM, Murphy was planning on casting that spell at that point before your post, I promise - but let me know if you choose to overrule it. The notion was he wanted to wait until out of sight of the room where the steamy 'I see you' message appeared.]

Murphy sees the super-heated elder-class air and water elementals form. Normally, he is all for beginning an engagement to see if talking is an option. He foregoes that approach this time, and casts chain lighting, inflicting (6d12) 43 hp damage versus water elemental McHottie, and 32 vs airy steam elemental McSteamy (Reflex DC 31 for 1/2 damage).
==========
Perception: 41
Active spell effects:
Owl's Wisdom (11 min)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire(heat?) attacks by 30 per attack)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Sunday June 9th, 2019 8:36:43 AM
Pressi smiles. Finally, something familiar.

Squeezing past Murphy, Pressi casts a cone of fear at the elementals.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Sunday June 9th, 2019 12:48:55 PM
"Thanks, Talia, I try," says Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+23=31 ; d10+10=12 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Monday June 10th, 2019 5:33:45 AM
Succotash does what he usually does, which is charge forward, this time towards the water elemental, hoping to bring Twinklesting to bear.

Hitting AC 31 for 12 damage plus 8 holy damage.

DM Carl  d20+18=27 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+7=16 ;
Monday June 10th, 2019 11:16:11 AM
Bliss prepares himself for combat and moves into position.

Talia begins summoning some assistance that will arrive next round. She also moves into position.

Kezzem checks for evil, but finds they're good'ol neutral elementals. He throws a dagger that connects, but the elemental shrugs almost all of it off. Only the frost damage seems to have affected it as some of its steam condenses back to water and splashes on the ground.

OOC: I'm feeling nice, Kim, so I'm gonna allow it. Don't consider this a precedent. Also, yes, per the Creative Director of Pathfinder, damage from heat is considered fire damage. So resist energy vs fire will protect you from scalding damage as well.

Murphy realizes talking isn't going to help. He sends a chain lightning spell at the two elementals. The air elemental takes the full brunt of the lightning, but the boiling water elemental avoids some of the arcing lightning.

Pressi is glad for a straight forward fight. Wanting to cast fear, and realizing it's not got a lot of range, she hustles forward. The simple-minded elementals are no match for Pressi's will, and they both flee back down into the holes they came from.

*Melvin, please put save DCs for your spells in your posts.

Succotash charges forward, taking a swing at the boiling water elemental. Twinklesting's holy damage seems to affect it much more than being sliced.

The elementals have flown the coop for now. Peering down into the holes they went down shows only darkness. Anyone able to see in the dark spots the elementals descending as fast as they're able. The boiling water elemental has boiled himself into another steam elemental, and is flying down right behind it companion.

Talia notices a trickle of steaming water coming from the direction they originally came.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday June 10th, 2019 12:36:04 PM
"Yeah, you better run!" shouts Kezzem.

"So do we chase after them now?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Monday June 10th, 2019 12:48:49 PM

"Good job Miss Pressi! You get scarier every day!"

"Way to tell them, Sir Kezzem!"

Bliss laughs.

'It looks like there's an exit around K17. Come on everybody!"

Bliss leads the way onwards.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 
Monday June 10th, 2019 3:42:15 PM
"Yes, Fear Pressi, opponents of the Sword! - well engaged, all. And good idea, Bliss - let's go!"

As they move the direction Bliss suggests, Murphy says, "I can cast Resist Energy - versus fire - which is not exactly the same as steam, but both are very hot and burn the skin - so it may help. Same thing for Protection from Fire. Let me know, I'll cast one or the other on you." He does so on whom requests first, and second.

If none want either, he casts Magic Fang, Greater on himself (12 hours, +3 on attack/damage rolls). If the party travels for more than 1 round, he will cast one spell per round as they travel.

Aside from when he is casting a spell on a mate, he remains the rear guard for now. Murphy has the flyby attack feat, so can move, cast along the way, then complete his move - 120', perfect flight.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday June 10th, 2019 9:18:44 PM
Pressi is surprised, and a tad guilty feeling, at the potency of her spell. But as the reality of her power, and the chants, come to her, she can’t help but feel her ego swell.

To be on the safe side, Pressi chills the metal (Rose control) of the pipes they disappeared down.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 
Monday June 10th, 2019 9:48:53 PM
Talia wonders aloud, "but what about my Azata summoning?! She'll show up and no one will be around! How fair is that?"



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 5:30:07 AM
"Well done Pressi, but honestly that was a bit of an anticlimax", Succotash says with his customary smile. He then adds, "Stay on your toes my friends, when the spell wears off they may return, and boy will they be angry! lead the way Bliss!"

DM Carl 
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 11:04:29 AM
Kezzem shouts after the fleeing elementals, wondering if they should give chase.

It's not out of the question. The holes they vanished down are certainly big enough for a halfling to jump down. Whether or not they should is another matter.

Bliss has a good laugh, then tries to get everyone moving again.

Murphy offers to cast a resist energy spell on anyone who needs it. When no one speaks up, he prepares a magic fang spell for himself.

Pressi is pleased with herself. She goes to freeze some pipes, but finds none. They're just holes in the floor leading to a deep, empty chamber underneath. As she gets close, she feels some serious heat coming up from them and hears a rush of air and...laughter? It's faint, but it sounds amused.

Talia wonders about her Azata. She can stop casting before it appears, but the spell would be wasted. Better to have it along. Who knows, maybe something will happen before its two minute duration is up.

Succotash commends Pressi on her success, but maybe was hoping to actually attack something after that whole irlgaunt business. He surmises they may be back in a couple minutes to finish the job.

The trickle of water from the north continues to grow, snaking its way through these rooms and pouring down the holes.

Perception DC15, Highlight to display spoiler: {There's a thud from the tunnel you came through, like stone falling on stone.}

The trickle quickly becomes a small, fast moving torrent. Overhead, the stone ceiling groans. Our heroes move on, through another corridor, to an oddly shaped room.

Map. Note those two weird looking areas in the middle of the upper and lower middle walls is just poor editing by myself. They're quite solid.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90  d20+7=15 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 1:04:09 PM
Talia calls after the Lillend Azata when she arrives, in hopes she will follow, being as we are moving onward. Talia, using her great perception (DC15 perception check: 15) notices perhaps they should be moving a bit faster...."Swords, I think Skald is trying to drown us...with a lake or something above us!" shouts Talia as she beings to pick up speed through these tunnels.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+3=20 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 2:12:22 PM
"I don't like the sound of that," says Kezzem. "Succo, since I am up front with Bliss, why don't you go guard the back, just in case.

Kezzem will inspect the new room with Detect Evil as well as mundane Perception.

Perception: 20 (21 vs. traps)

"Man, I need to get smarter so I can see things better," mutters Kezzem to himself. "Wait a minute, how does that work anyhow?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 4:16:25 PM

Murphy says, "Maybe an earth elemental in coming behind us." He casts call lightning storm, among his favorite spells. [Reflex DC: 30]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental  d20+32=44 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 4:20:43 PM

P.S.: If we come to a room with a ceiling of, say, 50' or higher, please let me know.
===========
Perception: 44
Active spell effects:
Owl's Wisdom (11 min)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31  d20+23=28 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 10:30:57 PM

Bliss says, "We got spells burning, so let's not dally please."

Bliss continues on to Z12, alertly.

Perception 28

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=22 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 5:33:04 AM
Succotash hears the sound coming down the tunnel (perception 22), and moves to the rear guard position next to Murphy, as Kezzem requested. Then he says, "Hurry, not sure what it is, but it sounds like death is following us!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 12:30:17 PM
If Pressi still has true seeing on, she makes an attempt to look around for traps or unseen creatures (Perception 28), perhaps moving back to get a better look. (If true seeing has ended, she casts see invisibility).

Just to be on the safe side, she places a mind fog behind the group before moving. (DC 20, center on the room with the holes).

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
True Seeing ?/10 minutes left since the "I see you" mist?

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 1/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 3:09:50 PM

"Forward all, let's move forward. What's the bottleneck?" Murphy asks his mates. "Things and beings are behind us, coming up."
===========
Perception: 44
Active spell effects:
Owl's Wisdom (11 min)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs)

DM Carl  20d3=37 ; 20d3=42 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=6 ; 15d3=30 ; 15d3=28 ; 15d3=29 ; 15d3=28 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 5:01:52 PM
Talia calls on her azata to follow and warns that Scald is trying to drown them. Not to worry, though. You'll be dead from scalding way before you drown.

Kezzem ponders the plight of the barbarian: too stupid to know how to jump AND climb. He keeps an eye out. He searches for evil, but finds none.

Murphy starts a call lightning spell.

OOC: Thanks for taking care of the map. Everyone else, please move yourselves on the map when one's available. If you're on mobile and can't, call out a square like Cayzle did. The ceiling height in the tunnel you're in and the room you're moving into is only 7' tall. Also, put your HP and AC back in your header.

Bliss picks up the pace.

Succotash moves into a rearguard position.

Pressi leaves a mindfog behind the party.

From his position at the rear of the group, Murphy sees the stream of boiling water increase to a raging torrent. The water pours down the holes in the floor in huge quantities, throwing boiling spray and quickly filling the room with steam.

He sees the steam condense into hundreds of small shapes: mephits. They're smaller than normal mephits, but Murphy's pretty sure there's enough of them to make up for that. They cluster together and attack.

***

Please read: I'm stealing an idea Mitch and Hugh threw at us in Hook City. There are enough tiny mephits that they make up a swarm. They're effectively a custom monster, but have all the strengths and weaknesses detailed in that link. Don't forget the distraction ability listed on the bottom of that section.

***

As they form, they run into Pressi's cloud. All four swarms seem stupefied, but still have enough wisdom to have at least animal instinct.

The two closest to Murphy tear past him, provoking AoOs from Murphy and Succotash. They swirl around Succotash, hitting him twice:

Attack 1: 30 slashing + 20 fire
Attack 2: 28 slashing + 20 fire

The other two swarms swirl around Murphy.

Attack 1: 29 slashing + 20 fire
Attack 2: 28 slashing + 20 fire

*Note: I'm not adjusting for resist energy. That's your job. Ignore the first two rolls. I forgot to adjust for fewer characters w/o Hobie and Jack.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 6:29:30 PM
"So Bliss, I'm not seeing anything you?"

"Hey, Murph, we've got nada up here. You guys okay back there?"

Assuming someone tells Kezzem about the mephits, he moves back towards them and cast Resist Energy (fire) on himself.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 10:08:02 PM
Talia suggests to the Azata, when she arrives to inspire courage as we will need it!

Talia will then cast Mage Armor on herself. then she will move to position F10.

Spells in affect

Overland flight 715 of 720 minutes left


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental AC 29 HP 57/104  d20+17=20 ; 2d8+11=21 ; d20+32=39 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:04:47 PM

Murphy's spell is disrupted (not even going to roll - too much damage - lost concentraton). He takes a swipe at steam mephit swarm #2 as an attack of opportunity, hitting AC 20 for 21 hp bludgeoning damage.

"Swarms of tiny steam mephits, Kezzem. I'm going to blow them about. Sorry, Succotash." And he does what he described with wind wall, inscribing a sinuous path, two feet wide, and filling the corridor in which he and Succotash find themselves. Being in the form of a creature of air, Murphy himself is fine having the winds blow all about him - though he backs up slightly. A fine massage, punctuated with little steamy critters being blown up quickly to the ceiling, where they crash (repeated blugeoning damage, perhaps? -up to you, Mr. Carl), and get blown around further by closely adjacent segments of the vigorous wall. There might be six inches to 18 inches of space between adjacent 2' segments. Let the steamy now imbecilic mephits organize themselves in this circumstance. Or simply enjoy the repetitive blugeoning of wind / ceiling / wind / ceiling.
===========
Perception: 39
Active spell and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (11 min)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Immune to bleeed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental AC 29 HP 57/104 
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:07:45 PM

Use this MAP

Tiana - You are at approximately V11. No way you can move to F10 - that is the old map you're looking at.

-ADM Kim

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:52:15 PM

Bliss casts Resist Fire (CL9) and moves to R12 or S12 (wherever he fits), drawing his staff sling as he moves.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Warding always on +1 AC and Saves
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 2 of 5+1 spells/day (Ext Divine Favor, Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 1+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Resist Fire, Extended Barkskin 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)
Lvl 1: used 0 of 1 special 5th level slot

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Continuing and still active effects:
Extended Barkskin 3hrs
Threefold Aspect (all day)
Extended Divine Favor (CL9 +3) (4? of 20 rounds)
Resist Fire (20) (CL9) 90 min.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 52/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+21=33 ; d10+10=16 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+11=12 ; d10+10=11 ; d10+10=14 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2019 5:53:26 AM
Succotash swings Twinklesting when the opening becomes available (AoO) hit AC 33 for 16 slashing and 7 holy damage.

Succotash received a nasty blow by his swarm, so as a swift action, he performs a lay of hands on himself healing 21 hp. He then makes a full round attack against the swarm, unless Murphy's Wind Wall blew them away from him.

1st hits AC 36 for 11 slashing and 12 holy damage
2nd hits AC 31 for 14 slashing and 11 holy damage
3rd misses (Nat 1)


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday June 13th, 2019 2:29:40 PM
Pressi casts protection from fire on Succotash, and begins looking through her 6th level spells.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 
Thursday June 13th, 2019 2:41:23 PM
Ok, so now Talia is really confused! Is she in a different room with her summoned Lillend Azata?! If so, Talia asks the Azata to play some music to inspire the troops!



DM Carl  15d3=31 ; 15d3=30 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2019 3:16:02 PM
Kezzem, Pressi, and Bliss all cast resist energy - fire. Smart.

Talia casts a mage armor spell and asks her azata to play a little tune.

Pro tip: Mage armor has a really long duration. It's best cast well before combat.

Murphy loses his call lightning spell, then proves he can still throw his DM for a loop. His wind wall spell doesn't affect the mephits as much as he had hoped, but they're effectively locked down in their current locations. They can't fly through the wall, but they're not birds nor objects and are not continually thrown about by the winds. They get pushed aside and fly about between the curtains of air.

Both Murphy and Succotash attack the mephit swarms as they go by, then Succotash swings away at the swarm before healing. The slashing damage from Tinklesting hurts them, but not as much as he'd like. Holy damage has full effect.

The mephit swarms can't move, but they don't have to since they're already in Succotash's space. As roughly half the swarm got blasted out of the way this round, their damage output is halved as well.

Swarm 1 attacks for 15 slashing and 10 fire.
Swarm 2 attacks for 15 slashing and 10 fire.

From the rear of the pack, Murphy sees the steam and spray continue to condense into additional mephits. He's going to have more company very soon.

Here's the map.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental AC 29 HP 86/104  d8=3 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d20+32=45 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2019 5:25:46 PM
Murphy casts cure critical wounds upon himself (29 healed). "MORE MEPHITS ASSEMBLING!" he calls out through the windwall. Good luck to his companions hearing what he is saying. So he mentally communicates the same to Pressi. He moves back slightly so that the wind wall will prevent assaults on him by the newcomers.
============
Perception: 45
etc.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31  d20+18=21 ; d6+12=16 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2019 11:29:01 PM

It looks to Bliss like he as a clear shot at a swarm, so he fires off a bullet. He hits AC21 for 16 bullet damage, including divine favor and inspire courage. He reloads his sling and takes a five ft step closer to Q12.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 46/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=16 ; d10+10=20 ; d10+10=13 ; d10+10=12 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20=3 ;
Friday June 14th, 2019 5:41:08 AM
As a swift action, Succotash performs another lay of hands on himself healing 24 hp.
In response to Murphy's announcement, Succotash remarks, "Well, isn't that just peachy!" If Bliss's sling bullet was able to finish off the swarm that is causing him trouble, then he will channel energy healing himself and Murphy 20 hp. If not, he will continue his full round attack barrage.

Hit AC 29 for 20 slashing and 3 holy
Hit AC 29 for 13 slashing and 5 holy
Nat 20 (16 to confirm) 12 slashing (24 if confirmed) and 7 holy

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull’s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 8/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Summon Mount 2/2
Boots of Speed 10/10


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+20=28 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+10=27 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d4=1 ;
Friday June 14th, 2019 12:23:58 PM
Kezzem 5 ft. steps next to Pressi and swings away at Swarm 1.

"With Gargul's Frost Dagger, I stab at thee!"

OOC: Not seeing any buffs (like haste, but I'm not feeling at 100% so I may have missed something--please let me know if I did).

Attack #1: 1d20 + 20 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 1 cold.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 15 = 18.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 4 cold.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 10 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 1 cold.

OOC: Of course, I roll the good damage on the low attack roll. Well, relatively speaking.



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+8=13 ; d20+8=18 ;
Friday June 14th, 2019 2:16:10 PM
Harper makes a couple of attacks, much like a cat chasing a butterfly, complete with similar noises. (Bite attack 13, Claw attack 18).

Pressi moves a step into the swarm to cast resist fire on Succotash as well. With a wave of her hand (and a hero point) she also casts rose control on one of the Mephit swarms in an attempt to cool them down.

"We have to fall back. Everyone through to the next room."

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
True Seeing ?/10 minutes left since the "I see you" mist?
resist fire

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 1/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday June 14th, 2019 2:18:07 PM
After the two castings, Pressi and Harper move back, if possible.

DM Carl  15d3=32 ; 15d3=29 ; 15d3=30 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=15 ;
Friday June 14th, 2019 10:45:12 PM
Murphy heals himself up a bit before moving behind the protection of his wind wall.

Bliss fires a sling bullet into the swarm. It knocks a few mephits away, but there are hundreds more. It's not even half gone yet, and there are three other swarms to deal with.

Succotash finds both swarms on him still kicking, so he unleashes all he can on them (swarms are immune to crits). All his attacks take some mephits out, but his slashing attacks continue to be sub-optimal.

Kezzem throws his daggers. The piercing damage is all but negated. The cold damage seems very effective, though.

Harper lashes out at the swarm (both attacks hit - these things have very low AC, so roll damage). Pressi ponders lowering the temperature of the swarm, but likely knows the spell "cannot target unwilling creatures". She should keep her hero point. She recommends falling back. Both her and Harper start taking their own advice.

Succotash is still in melee range for two swarms. They do their worst.

Swarm 1: 32 slashing + 20 fire
Swarm 2: 29 slashing + 20 fire

Swarm 3 is trapped by Murphy's wind wall.

Swarm 4 lashes out at Murphy.

Swarm 4: 30 slashing + 20 fire

Four more swarms pop up. All pop into Pressi's mind fog and revert to bare animal instinct. They throw themselves at Murphy's wind wall to zero effect. Swarm 2 is in tatters, but still very capable. It's about 75% dispersed.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP -15(dead)/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Saturday June 15th, 2019 8:50:15 AM
With the last assault from the mephit swarm, Succotash is layed low. The mighty halfling simply crumples to the ground in a pool of his own blood, sending Twinklesting clattering against the stone floor of the cavern. The mighty sword is still putting off it's light, but its normal warm light seems to have gone cold somehow.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 
Saturday June 15th, 2019 3:34:47 PM
Since Talia appears not to be in the fight, She discusses with Ms. Lillend Azata, the finer points of musicanship..."Perhaps another inspiring tune?

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 73/116  d20+32=36 ;
Saturday June 15th, 2019 9:43:51 PM

Murphy wild shapes again, taking the form of a medium earth elemental (but w/most large earth elemental characteristics other than size due to legacy druid's vestment) and in his new form his now rocky earth solid body has shrunken in size in a way that it does not touch on the areas of the steam mephits. He earthglides to roughly P13, just 5 feet underground, using tremorsense to evaluate movements of friends, foes, water flows, etc.

"Pressi, I've gone earth elemental," Murphy mentally sends to her. "More mephits trying to join us, but the wind walls should hold them back for a while. Let's keep moving - Scald can call these steam mephits up all day - your mind fog was well placed, though. Tell Succotash to back off and you all deal with the few I didn't manage to block. We must keep moving, find a way out. I'll be right with you - I'm just below the surface where the tunnel goes into, what, the room you're in?"

With as tied up with wild shaping and moving as he is, and over the roar of the wind, I do not think Murphy is yet aware that Succotash has fallen - though perhaps he sensed the dropping of a sword. Whatever Pressi telepathically communicates back to him may affect his next action(s).
=============
Perception: 36

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 7 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP -10/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Sunday June 16th, 2019 10:37:57 AM
A lesser person would be dead and gone, but as a Hero of the Wold, Succotash somehow still has a pulse, albeit a weak one, and his condition has miraculously stabilized, though he is in a coma. (used 2 hero points to cheat death)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Sunday June 16th, 2019 1:18:19 PM

Bliss has line of sight to Sir Succotash, and he sees his comrade-in-arms fall. Without thinking, Bliss drops his staff-sling, dashes into the swarm, and grabs the unconscious Paladin. Those mephits are annoying, but with his fire resistance, Bliss figures he can just ignore the swarm for now.

"It's a good thing I'm so strong," mutters Bliss, as he slings the paladin over a shoulder.

That's two move actions, though, and both Bliss and Succotash are still in the swarm. That's not good enough.

Pushing his own reserves -- using a hero point to gain an extra move -- Bliss manages to find it within himself to stagger out of the swarm, setting Succo down at Q12, diagonally next to Pressi, and ends his own move at R12.

"Miss Pressi! Miss Pressi!" Bliss shouts, "Please heal him!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90  12d6=36 ;
Sunday June 16th, 2019 4:38:40 PM
Talia, seeing a member drop casts Fireball into the fray at position: N14 for 36 points of damage. When able, will ready another Fireball.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 
Sunday June 16th, 2019 10:21:17 PM
Talia thinking the better of it...instead summons a huge Ice Elemental at position N14 in hopes he will be able to cast Numbing cold on the swarms.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  2d8+8=13 ;
Monday June 17th, 2019 1:27:57 AM
"Succo, what do we say to Gargul?"

Kezzem casts Cure Moderate Wounds on his brother paladin.

"We say not today."

Healing: 2d8 + 10 = 13.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Resist fire 20

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 73/116  d8=7 ;
Monday June 17th, 2019 2:45:11 AM
Kezzem - roll 1d8 at a time for curing spells. You rolled a 2 and a 1. 1s are re-rolled. Succotash should have 19 hp of healing from his brother paladin's hands.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday June 17th, 2019 4:02:52 AM
Sorry!

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Monday June 17th, 2019 6:20:09 AM

Bliss giggles at Kezzem's Gargul joke.

"You know what else we say to Gargul?"

" 'You're a Mister Meanie Guy!' "

(Bliss's least favorite god)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday June 17th, 2019 12:55:07 PM
"He's not mean," says Kezzem. "He's actually quite chill."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ;
Monday June 17th, 2019 1:51:27 PM
Pressi tries to think, as she heals succotash with a cure serious wounds. (Healing for 31 points.) "That was a very brave, very foolish thing you did back there. And the next time you decide to stand in front of a mephit swarm, you won't just face Gargul. You will face me."

"As for what to say to Gargul, it's going to be with a fruit basket if we don't get that hallway blocked. Talia, do you have anything like a wall or shaping spell available? Murphy, is there any way that you can knock out some of the supports around here? Harper, take Succotash to the back of this room and see if the pathway on that side is clear."

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
True Seeing ?/10 minutes left since the "I see you" mist?
resist fire

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday June 17th, 2019 4:57:34 PM
Sorry!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday June 17th, 2019 5:04:27 PM
"No offense, Presso, but I'd rather take my chances with Gargul. I've seen you before your morning coffee."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 
Monday June 17th, 2019 8:03:29 PM
Talia, wants to know if she should summon the huge Ice Elemental?! "Hey, are we still fighting those swarms?!" asks Taila to the remaining members of the Humble Sword.

DM Carl 
Monday June 17th, 2019 8:39:12 PM
Succotash cannot stand the mephit swarm any further...or can he? He's hurt, but clings to life.

Murphy changes form and communicates with Pressi that the party should keep moving. He hasn't noticed his friend Succotash has fallen. He sinks into the stone.

Bliss charges into the fray! Luckily, swarms don't get attacks of opportunity. He's in and out before the mephits can do any real damage. He asks Pressi to heal the noble paladin.

Talia brings an ice elemental into the fight. A solid idea.

Kezzem denies Gargul his due. Bliss seems to have nothing nice to say about the god of life or death. Given his back story, that's entirely appropriate. Sometimes Gargul isn't very nice.

Pressi also heals Succotash, indicating he should try not standing still and getting killed next time, brave though he may be.

Murphy's wind wall currently has the mephit swarms either locked down or just unable to advance. If our heroes are keen on a tactical retreat, now is the time.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90  d8=1 ; d8=4 ;
Monday June 17th, 2019 11:14:51 PM
Once the summoned Elemental arrives, Talia explains there are fire and stem mephits swarms...please do attack them using numbing cold over there (position N12 and down that narrow hallway). {When an ice elemental deals cold damage to a creature, that creature must succeed on a Fortitude save or be staggered for 1 round. The save DC is listed in the elemental’s stat block and is Constitution-based.}

Miss Lillend will also approach position N12 to attack the swarms using a Sound Burst (1d8 Damage) {Using a hero point to reroll the sonic damage) -- all creatures in the affected 10' radius takes 4 points of sonic damage { and must succeed on a Fortitude save to avoid being stunned for 1 round. Creatures that cannot hear are not stunned but are still damaged.}



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 73/116  d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; d20+32=41 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 12:05:49 AM

"Brave halflings, and noble, let's go," growls an earth elemental in the halfling tongue. "I'm giving you a lift," Murphy explains as he emerges from beneath the floor at P13, scoops Kezzem up in his left arm, and Succotash in his right arm. The eight foot tall large earth elemental with blue gems for eyes carries them forward and gradually emerges more fully out of the floor, stooping slightly as his legs and feet emerge at about S13 so as not to scrape his head on the seven foot high ceiling. "Most of the mephits are blocked by wind walls. Time is not our friend. If we can get to an open space, we may find an exit. All, hasten forward."

He nods toward the beautiful elf-like winged serpent-tailed woman, "Lady Azata."

If we are indeed out of combat, Murphy continues for another round or two forward to exit this room, trusting that all will be joining in. During that second round, he lets Kezzem down and casts cure serious wounds on Succotash for 27 hp of healing.

If and when Succotash wants down, and is conscious, Murphy will gently set him down.
===============
Perception: 41

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 7 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 12:21:09 AM
"Help!" says Kezzem. "This Earth Elemental that is certainly not Murphey has got me and Succotash!"



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 90/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 5:40:48 AM
As Pressi and Kezzem heal him back to conscientiousness, Succotash realizes he isn't where he was when he fell. He thanks his friends for bringing him back from the brink of death, and makes a face of mock horror when Pressi tells him what for, he is about to stand up when all of a sudden an earth elemental named Murphy picks him up and starts retreating. He is about to complain then he decides to just go for the ride. however he does request to be set down when Murphy sets Kezzem down, and then he performs a lay of hands on himself, healing 23 hp.

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull’s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Summon Mount 2/2
Boots of Speed 10/10


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31  d20+23=29 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 1:46:39 PM

"Seems to me that with the wind and summoned creatures, we got plenty to keep the mephits off our backs, right? Come on everybodies, let's keep going."

Bliss picks up his staff and heads out, to the east, right? He keeps his eyes open as he takes the lead with his 40 move.

Perception 29

[Note: If we travel for more than a minute without facing a risk, Bliss will then turn off his Shield of Faith and save the rest of the ritual spell's duration for later.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23   d20+20=29 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 3:19:36 PM
“Yeah, I don’t like this. It’s beginning to feel like we are being pushed somewhere.”

Pressi takes some time to search for traps. (Perception 29)

“Also, it’s not funny. Earth elemental feels like our next fight.”

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 3:39:07 PM

"That's no Earth Elemental! That's Mister Murphy!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116  d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 6:21:08 PM

"As an earth elemental, I'm in relative mini-me size," Murphy asserts. "Maybe magma elementals? Yes, Pressi, likely we are being guided forward into greater danger. Regardless, let's have a tactical advance."
After setting both paladins down, he casts in following rounds:
Longstrider; Cure Moderate Wounds on Self (19 hp); Call Lightning; Cure Light Wounds on self (9 hp); Freedom of Movement.

He does offer resist energy again should someone else want that protection.

[As always, DM Carl, if I've pushed the action too far, please pull me back.]

DM Carl  d20=2 ; d20=2 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 9:16:50 PM
Talia has her summons attack the mephit swarms. Miraculously, the swarm is both staggered and stunned.

OOC: Hero points can't be used to reroll damage. I'll apply the 1 damage, keep the hero point.

Murphy comes up under the paladins and scoops them away. He recommends they move.

Kezzem doesn't recognize his old friend.

Succotash comes to, thankful to his friends to be alive. He tops up his own health.

Bliss takes point.

OOC: Don't let it down.

Pressi feels like they're being guided somewhere. Your narrator assures you it has nothing to do with the party getting shunted 2000' outside the original scope of the module. No sir...

Bliss moves ahead. There's a long, narrow hallway that opens up after about 35 feet. Even if you can see that far in darkness, the room's visibility is severely limited due to a thick cloud of water vapor.

OOC: Any new images I add are in front of your character markers by default, and Google Sheets doesn't have a "Send to Back" option, so I'm going back to my old school line drawings. The dimensions of the room at the end of this corridor are unknown. Visibility in that room is 10'.

Murphy, confirm that wall has 9 rounds left, or correct me if I'm wrong.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90  d8=1 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 10:02:18 PM
Talia asks both summoned creature's to attack the mephits again, to which they are more than happy to oblige the summoner's request!

"Please do attack the Mephits using numbing cold over there (position N12 and down that narrow hallway). {When an ice elemental deals cold damage to a creature, that creature must succeed on a Fortitude save or be staggered for 1 round. The save DC is listed in the elemental’s stat block and is Constitution-based.}

Miss Lillend will also approach position N12 to attack the swarms using a Sound Burst (1d8 Damage) {Using a hero point to reroll the sonic damage) -- all creatures in the affected 10' radius takes 4 points of sonic damage { and must succeed on a Fortitude save to avoid being stunned for 1 round. Creatures that cannot hear are not stunned but are still damaged.}


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 1:21:14 AM
"That's no Earth Elemental!" says Bliss. "That's Mister Murphy!"

"And he would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for us meddling halflings and our pig."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 90/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 5:33:26 AM
Succotash decides now would be a good time to summon Miss Piggy figuring he may need her speed if the party tries to make a break for it.

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull’s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 10/10


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31  d20+23=32 ;
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 6:46:35 AM

LOL! Bliss chuckles as his friends try to increase their damages with heroics!

He suggests, "Wowsy, it would be good to have some way to block the path behind us. Anybody? We gotta learn a wall of stone or thorns or something."

As for Bliss, he is facing a wall of mist. Or a cloud, anyway. Is it some kind of acid mist? Maybe this is Mist of Concealing, and a troll or a dragon is inside? Has the party gotten turned around and stumbled into Miss Pressi's Mind Fog? If Mookie were here, he could go first ... Well, nothing for it but bravery!

"Okay everybody, be careful not to lose anybody in this mist! I'll take a quick scout ahead and come back." Bliss has a double move of 80 ft, so he moves out to about AL13 and then back to AH13, next to Murphy.

"Come on, everybody!" he calls back to his friends.

Perception 32

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 12:26:15 PM

Bliss also considers that Mookie would have gotten Sir Kezzem's latest jest, which he is sure was really funny, and which he wishes he understood.

"I miss that ol' raven," he thinks. "He was funny too."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 2:31:07 PM
"To me Rumpus!" calls Kezzem. "We ride!"

Kezzen summons his pony.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 2:59:15 PM
To Bliss, "Don't you have something like that, yourself? Entangle, at least? I think Murphy has stone shape but I'm not sure."

Pressi does ready an action to blast Deep Slumber if a swarm comes anywhere near them (DC 18).

She considers what to do about the fog, now that true seeing is gone. She chooses detect thoughts and concentrates the cone through the fog.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
resist fire

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 3+1/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116 
Thursday June 20th, 2019 12:02:08 AM
Am tied up for 2 more hours. Will post then - Kim

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116  d20+32=51 ;
Thursday June 20th, 2019 3:43:34 AM

Holding off on casting the series of spells he had planned, Murphy goes over to the end of the hallway which momentarily houses the wind-whipped mephits. "Please move back, Lady Azata - excuse me ice elemental," and casts stone shape. He makes a five-inch thick wall of stone fully blocking the hallway. [to Carl - you had indicated it was 7' high and 7' wide, that makes the opening 7x7=49 square feet. A stone wall 5" thick is possible, with a bit of extra material to have the edges blend into and adhere to the top, bottom, left and right, giving a total volume of 22 cubic feet, which is the volume Murphy can work with]

"Talia - it's up to you what you do with your friends here - but perhaps they can help us in the next room." He hustles back toward the room that Bliss is about to explore.

[7 rounds left on wind wall]
===============
Perception: 51 - pretty close to perfect - sight, sound

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 6 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90  d8+1=5 ;
Thursday June 20th, 2019 10:06:22 AM
Talia asks her summoned to finish off the Mephits and then they can take their leave. Taila thanks her summoned for their assistance.

Talia will remove her wand of cure light wounds and heal herself while the rest of her party preapres for the next encounter. Talia heals herself fully.


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116 
Thursday June 20th, 2019 5:21:00 PM

If Talia wants her summoned helpers to continue to battle the mephits, Murphy is fine with ensuring they are on the other side of the wall before he shapes the stone.

DM Carl  d20+22=31 ; 3d10+14=40 ;
Thursday June 20th, 2019 9:20:43 PM
Talia continues having her summons do their thing.

Succotash summons his pig.

Bliss goes forward, curious about the mist. It's just plain ol' steam and water vapor. It's unpleasantly warm, but not dangerously so.

The moment he crosses into the room, he hears heavy stomps coming in fast from his left. He looks just in time to see a huge minotaur-like creature charge into him. It's seemingly formed from steam, but it's solid enough. It wields a massive black greataxe. Wait, it's a massive blue greataxe. No...it's a massive steel greataxe. The axe can't seem to make up it's mind, but it's definitely massive.

Readied action, charge: Hit AC 31 for 36 slashing and 4 chaotic damage. Bliss lacks the ranks in knowledge planes or arcane to know what this is.

Kezzem summons his pony.

Pressi casts detect thoughts. Yup, something's intelligent over there.

OOC: Round 1 just literally detects whether there's an intellect over there.

Murphy casts stone shape and seals up the path leading into this room.

The minotaur prepares to continue its attack.

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC30  d20+33=41 ;
Thursday June 20th, 2019 10:26:49 PM

Bliss tumbles back 20 feet, hopefully avoiding AoOs. Acrobatics 41.

He declares in Tauric: "Come and fight me, you dishonorable shame to your fathers!"

He casts Beast Shape III using his special 5th level spell slot, to assume the form of a large size giant octopus that can grab and constrict.

[OOC: See sheet link in header. Sheet assumes Bliss is raging; he is not. So AC is +2 for that. Also, Bliis has ritual of warding, so that's another +1 AC.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3?, touch AC 18+3?; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+20=28 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=5 ;
Friday June 21st, 2019 12:20:23 AM
"Hey, where did that guy come from?"

Kezeem takes a 5-ft. step towards the minotaur and activates his Detect Evil sense (move action). If the minotaur detects evil, then Kezzem will Smite Evil. In either case, he lobs his +1 returning frost dagger in the direction of the minotaur.

Attack: 1d20 + 20 + 3 (Smite Evil if applicable) = 28 / 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 (Smite Evil if applicable) + 1d6 cold = 3 + 5 cold / 14 + 5 cold

Rumpus will take a defensive stance for now and wait for the minotaur to come to the party (total defense).

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1/2 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116 
Friday June 21st, 2019 1:37:29 AM

Players Rnd 9 map

DM Edit: I meant to do this. You're a good ADM, Kim.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 90/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday June 21st, 2019 5:34:46 AM
Hearing the commotion , and Bliss shouting in a language he doesn't know, Succotash clicks his boots of speed together, (A free action) and makes a double move action to come to Bliss's aid, with Miss Piggy doing likewise. Succotash shouts out to Bliss, "Hold on buddy, we're on our way!!!"

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull’s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 9/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1


OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC30 
Friday June 21st, 2019 5:50:11 AM
Thanks for the map, Kim!

Bliss backs off to AJ16, after which he casts his spell and grows into a large OctoBliss.

It's not really round 9 is it? How much time has elapsed? Has his 20-round divine favor expired?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday June 21st, 2019 10:13:39 AM
Pressi activates a spectral hand. “This is just a whole load of b... ow, Harper, stop hitting me!”

DM Carl  d20+20=24 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+10=19 ;
Friday June 21st, 2019 10:56:30 PM
OOC Story Time!

Once, in a RL D&D 3.5 session, a cleric player cast summon monster and summoned a celestial squid to attack a blue dragon in its lair. The squid collapsed in a heap on the ground, helpless since it was out of water. The dragon picked up the squid and hurled it at the cleric in a clear "that was ridiculous" move from the DM.

No, it wasn't me. I was playing a NE rogue who worshiped Shar and betrayed everyone. Lesson learned: cast detect evil when people join your party. Serves them right...

Anyway, on to today's post.

***

Bliss tumbles backwards taunts the minotaur. The creature does not respond. In fact, you're not sure it even understood you. Bliss then turns into a giant octopus. Your narrator did not see that one coming, but he rarely does.

OOC: I'm going purely by RAW here to be fair. Your land movement speed is 20, and you cannot breathe while out of water. It is totally round 9, btw. Things are moving quick.

Kezzem detects, and finds evil. He smites the minotaur and hurls his dagger, finding it super effective! The minotaur is an evil outsider, so the dagger does 25+5 cold damage. Nice.

Succotash charges forth with his trusty pig!

Talia heals herself and dismisses her summons.

Pressi summons a spectral hand and complains at Harper.

The minotaur takes a 5' step towards Succotash and mercilessly attacks with its greataxe. Fortunately for Succotash, it's having a bad aim day...

All attacks fail to hit AC29. Sometimes the die roller just doesn't feel it.

Here's the map.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90  d4=3 ;
Friday June 21st, 2019 11:42:24 PM
Talia casts Spectral hand and moves towards the monster, stoping at position AA12.6. [Hitpoint lose to Spectra hand: 3 hps.]



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116  d20+32=38 ;
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 12:28:27 AM

Last round Murphy moved and cast call lightning. This round he casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Self (19 hp) (rolled 2019-06-18), then moves forward and upward through the walls and stone beyond.

===========
[I wrote up two rounds of activity for this post, as I was pulled away when about to post fully earlier]

Perception: 38 - pretty close to perfect - sight, sound

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 2 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28  d20+13=24 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=17 ; d4+13=14 ; d4+13=16 ; d4+13=17 ; d4+13=16 ; d4+13=17 ; d4+13=17 ; d4+13=15 ; d20+18=19 ;
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 1:30:44 AM

After expansion, OctoBliss is a large creature occupying spaces AI-AJ-15-16. His base speed on land is 20, but he has a +10 barbarian bonus and +10 boots which are active though subsumed. Doubt it will matter for this fight though unless the monster tries to flee!

OctoBliss is holding his breath! The Holding One's Breath rules (see swim skill) say that you can hold your breath easily in combat for a number of rounds equal to your Con score. After that you have to make Con checks. So OctoBliss is fine for now.

Bliss focuses on the battle royale to come [OOC: starts his rage]. He activates his Arcane Strike as a swift action. He takes a five ft step to 14-15-AJ-AK. With his reach, both his bite and his tentacles are able to reach the monster.

OctoBliss lashes out with eight tentacles and a bite. The tentacles are secondary attacks and he cannot use his grab ability because that only applies to creatures smaller than the grabber.

OctoBliss's eight tentacles hit ACs 24, 29, 14 (a nat one), 18, 27, 22, 27, and 17; for damages of 14, 16, --, 17, 16, 17, 17, 15, respectively.

OctoBliss's bite is worse than his sucker! But not this time, as he rolls another nat one!

A thin trickle of ink poots out at the monster, making a sound as it emerges something like this: PBBBBBBBTTTT!

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Warding always on +1 AC and Saves
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 11 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 2 of 5+1 spells/day (Ext Divine Favor, Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 1+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Resist Fire, Extended Barkskin 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)
Lvl 1: used 1 of 1 special 5th level slot (BSIII)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Continuing and still active effects:
Extended Barkskin 3hrs
Threefold Aspect (all day)
Extended Divine Favor (CL9 +3) (10 of 20 rounds)
Resist Fire (20) (CL9) 90 min.
Shield of Faith, used 11 of 80 rounds

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 90/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+21=30 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=31 ; d10=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d10=9 ; d6=6 ; d20=17 ; d6=4 ; d10=8 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d10=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20+15=27 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 11:41:17 AM
Seeing Kezzem activate a smite evil, Succotash commands Miss Piggy to advance on the Minotaur thing, then he activates his smite evil, and allows his Boots of Speed to operate for another round.

1st
30+5(chr)=35 for 5+10+24(level x2)=39+6 holy
haste
25+5(chr)=30 for 9+10+12(level)=31+10 holy
2nd
32+5(chr)=37 for 8+10+12(level)=30+8 holy
3rd
nat 20 (confirmed with nat 20) for 2+10x2=24+12=36+7 holy

(Please ignore 2nd +16 roll and odd d20 roll, mouse stuck)

Miss Piggy
27 for 5+10=15+2 shock

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull’s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 3/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 8/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3?, touch AC 18+3?; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+18=24 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=26 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ;
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 7:09:04 PM
Kezzem goes to work with his daggers. Rumpus continues to hang back until he can get a clear shot.

+1 Frost Dagger
Attack: 1d20+18=24.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 = 15 +1d6=6 cold.

Attack: 1d20+13=25.
Damage: 1d3+2+11=16+1d6=4 cold.

Attack: 1d20+8=22.
Damage:1d3+2+11=15+1d6=6 cold.

+1 Dagger
Attack:1d20+18=27.
Damage1d3+3+11=14

+1 Dagger
Attack:1d20+13=33
Crit Threat=17.
Damage 1d3+2+11=16
Crit Damage 1d3+2+11=15

+1 Dagger
Attack: 1d20+7=26
Damage 1d3+2+11=16.

First dagger that hits also deals additional 11 smite damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23  
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 10:54:46 PM
Pressi uses her spectral hand to cast calcific touch (DC 19).

As much as she’d hate to see octobliss insta die, this is way too insane, even for her.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =33)  d20+8=22 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 6:33:46 AM
Talia will cast Vampiric Touch through her Spectral Hand on the Minotaur at position AJ12.

Spectral Hand spell give +2 to hit, BAB = +6, Hit = 22;
Vampiric Touch (6d6) {rerolling 1's } = 33 points damage [6,6,6,4,5,6]

Spells in affect {as of June 13}

Mage Armor 710 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight 710 of 720 minutes left


DM Carl  d4=1 ; d20+19=30 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=23 ; 3d10+16=38 ; 2d6=5 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 11:00:29 AM
Talia prepares a spectral hand spell.

Murphy calls down a lightning storm, but doesn't have time to heal himself.

OOC: Sorry dude, missed posts are missed posts.

Bliss crawls forward and starts bludgeoning the minotaur with his tentacles. Three of his tentacle attacks connect and deal damage, though it does seem somewhat blunted.

OOC: AC 27, DR 5/Cold

Succotash unleashes a full attack on the minotaur, doing a crazy amount of damage to the thing. Miss Piggy also does her thing.

Kezzem hurls his daggers, but only two connect. They still tear an impressive amount off the thing.

Pressi casts calcific touch via her spectral hand. The minotaur shrugs off the slow effect, but does lose a point of DEX.

The minotaur identifies Succotash as his greatest threat, and performs a full attack on the paladin, though only one attack breaks through his defenses.

Hit AC 35 for 34 slashing + 4 chaos damage.

There is a loud CRACK as the stone near Z10 splits open and starts spraying scalding hot water in a fan in from the the tunnel leading forward. Anyone moving through the arc takes 5 fire damage. The water begins to pool on the ground and the area starts to fill up with steam.

Meanwhile, the ice elemental and azata are basically doomed. They can't hope to defeat the mephits and will certainly be torn apart by them.

Here's the map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3?, touch AC 18+3?; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+18=19 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=18 ; d3+24=27 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 3:17:49 PM
"I'd challenge you to a battle of wits, Sir Minotaur, but I'm afraid you would be unarmed," says Kezzem. "So I will stick to daggers."

OOC: Two attacks means that the 27 hit last round, but the 26 did not. I will assume the AC is 27 and only roll damage accordingly.

+1 Cold Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 19. Natural 1, Auto-Miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 = 25. Miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 = 19. Miss.

+1 Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 27. Hit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 (Smite) + 11 (Bonus Smite) = 27.

Attack + 1d20 + 13 = 25. Miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 = 18. Miss.

"Man, you have tough skin," observes Kezzem. "Have you considered moisturizing?"

Rumpus will ready a charge on the minotaur should he get an opening.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20=16 ; d20=1 ; d20=7 ; d20=9 ; d10=10 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d10=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d20=3 ; d20=10 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 5:15:07 PM
"Pantheon's pancreas that one smarted!" Succotash winces as the Minotaur's ax hits home, "Now it's my turn you son of a cow!" Succotash uses a swift action to lay hands on himself, healing 24 hp, then both him and Miss Piggy will go into full round attack mode, with Succotash using another round of his Boots of Speed.

Succotash
1st
16+21+5=42 for 10+10+12=32 slashing+6 holy
haste
nat 1 miss
2nd
7+16+5=28 for 1+10+12=23 slashing+5 holy
3rd
9+11+5=25 miss

Miss Piggy
15+3=miss
10+10=miss

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull’s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 6/10
Smite Evil 3/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 7/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116  d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+32=39 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 8:29:45 PM

Murphy travels forward and upward, and partly emerges from the wall at AI16. He launches the first of his 12 possible electrical bolts from his link href="http://legacy.aonprd.com/coreRuleBook/spells/callLightning.html#call-lightning"]call lightning[/link] spell, doing 3d6=12 hp electrical damage against the steamy minotaur. He glances at the shifting black/blue/steel greataxe of chaos he wields, and tries to ascertain more of the nature of the weapon [Knowledge of The Planes: 33].
==============
[i]Perception: 39

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 0 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28  d20+13=27 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=26 ; d4+13=15 ; d4+13=17 ; d4+13=17 ; d20+18=19 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 11:21:35 PM

OctoBliss makes another full attack against the monster's AC27.

Eight tentacles hit ACs 27, 27, 32, 18, 21, 22, 21, 26. That's three hits for 15 (-5=10), 17 (-5=12), and 17 (-5=12).

His beak hits AC19, his second natural 1 in a row!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3?, touch AC 18+3?; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:13:32 AM
"Succo, you need to work on your banter," suggests Kezzem. "I am not sure calling him a son of a cow is an insult so much as it is matter of fact."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 5:16:57 AM

Btw, Murphy is about 15-20' above the ground level, head and arms sticking out of the wall, lower body inside. Can he tell how high the ceiling is above the floor? Can he see how far to the right the room goes?

DM Carl  5d6=18 ; 2d6=10 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:35:39 PM
With two paladins, and octopus, and lightning attacking it, the minotaur is quickly overcome. Instead of collapsing, it solidifies. For a moment, the look of anguish as Succotash finishes it off is frozen (literally) on its face before the whole thing cracks into pieces and collapses.

The pieces left behind are rather pretty and probably valuable. They're big enough that they can be collected in only two rounds.

Meanwhile, the water jet forces the hole it's shooting out of even larger. Anyone moving through the area now takes 18 fire damage and must make a DC 20 reflex save or get knocked off their feet and pushed 10' south.

Scalding water now covers the floor. Anyone barefoot, including your animal friends, find this very uncomfortable to say the least and take 10 fire damage. The steam and spray from the water are starting to form more tiny shapes in the air.

***

The ceiling in the room the minotaur was in is 10' tall. Visibility in the entire room is 10' as well.

Map

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28  d20=11 ; d20=12 ; d20=12 ; d20+23=31 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:48:10 PM

[OOC: Sorry, mis-clicks!]

Bliss ends his rage.

With his many tentacles, OctoBliss finds it easy to pick up valuable "minotaur" pieces -- and even maybe cuts the time down, with his superb ability to multitask.

He looks around, trying to get a feel for the dimensions of the room. Perception 31.

He ponders diving into the growing pool, just for a chance at a breath. [2 rounds of battle holding his breath ... plus a couple more picking up valuables.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 59/62, CMD 24  d8+1=7 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:49:23 PM
Rumpus whimpers as the scalding water laps up on his hooves from behinds and he trots into the minotaur cave, hurdling over Miss Piggy.

Kezzem moves to his side and uses his wand to treat the pony's hooves.


Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =33)  d20+8=17 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:50:25 PM
Talia will waits for a moment to see the aftermath.

Spells in affect {as of June 13}

Mage Armor 710 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight 710 of 720 minutes left

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 59/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:51:53 PM
"So where to now?" asks Kezzem. "This room seems to be missing some walls. Pressi, did you do that? Is that what you mean when you were teaching me to break the fourth wall?"

DM edit: Visibility in this room is only 10'.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 52/61, CMD 23   d20+15=35 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 2:55:51 PM
Pressi stares at what apparently is the spray in front of her. "Well, this is what I get for not looking at the map earlier, just because I was stuck on my phone."

Nobody is around to hear the comment, so nobody can complain about it. Just like I can't point out that the steaks have never been higher.

Pressi shares the blink spell with Harper and they both run through. Pressi absorbs the damage (earlier resist fire) and practically flips to avoid the stream (nat 20). Harper takes half damage and shouldn't need to make a reflex save.

Harper makes a check to see if she can smell anything in the room.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
resist fire (18)
spectral hand

Harper
Blink 1/10

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 5:02:53 PM
seeing the hot water coming in, Succotash and Miss Piggy move into the room further, and then Succotash casts elemental resistance fire on Miss Piggy.

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull’s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 1/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 6/10
Smite Evil 3/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 7/10

Miss Piggy Stuff
Active Spells:
Elemental Resistance: fire

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116  d20+32=35 ;
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 12:26:32 AM

Murphy casts longstrider, then moves out along the floor to AP16. As usual, he looks and listens, and uses his tremorsense to detect if there is movement along wall, floor or ceiling from anyone, or anything, other than his fellow party members. If he comes to the end of the room, or finds an opening, his pathway may alter to accommodate the new feature.

In halfling he says, "I hope ahead there is a way out. Steam can create a good deal of pressure." He then adds, "If you at any point hear me say, 'Circle around!' - then come to me as quickly as absolutely possible. Take each other's hands, and take my hand. Those with critters who can do so - that means paladins, send them back to - to wherever it is when you don't need them with you. If any of you are in a large form, get back to your small form. I'll be able to take four of you, including an animal or two, at a time, elsewhere, then return for the rest after a moment or so.

"Now is not when we will do this. I will tell you more should the occasion arise. Again, if I say, 'Circle around!' - then come to me immediately, without delay. Not now, just, in the future, should I say those words."

He mentally communicates with Pressi that he needs a vertical space about 50' to 60' feet, and maybe 40' diameter in order to do what he is thinking about. It can even be underwater, he supposes. But not in lava or flames.
==============
Perception: 35

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (9 min 9 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
Longstrider (12 hrs)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =33) 
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 8:32:12 AM
Talia hovers 6 inches above the scalding water on the floor when she first discovers the water on the floor is hot!

Talia using the casted spells will fly over to position AJ12 to be is the next area with the Sword team.

Spells in affect

Mage Armor 710 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight 710 of 720 minutes left


DM Carl  3d6=6 ;
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 12:38:51 PM
Bliss has eight arms to hold the treasure. Assuming someone else has a bag he can throw it in, it's doable. Let's go ahead and assume that happens.

Kezzem takes care of his mount.

Pressi's magic and acrobatics help her avoid getting scalded by the water gushing in.

Succotash moves inward and protects his pig.

Murphy casts a longstrider spell and makes a plan. The rushing water is messing with his tremorsense, but there's a rumbling and cracking all around him. He's pretty sure Scald's still at work trying to bring this place down around them.

OOC: Moved you a bit west since you hit a wall.

Talia floats above the scalding water.

Meanwhile, even though only Pressi can see it, the water is gushing from the room behind them at an ever increasing rate. Anyone standing on the ground takes 6 fire damage. To the north is the only exit from this room.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 1:18:41 PM
Seeing how even in the new room the water is still going to be a problem, Kezzem will hit Rumpus with a Resist Energy (fire).

"That should protect you, boy," says Kezzem. "I'd heal you next round. I do it this round, but this isn't second edition so I can only cast one spell every 6 seconds."

Kezzem leads Rumpus to the north. "It's dark it here. Rumpus, you're part celestial now, right? Can't you like shoots light out of eyes or something?"

Rumpus snorts.

"I'll take that as a Neeeeeeeigh."

If a pony could facepalm, Rumpus would.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Resist fire 20

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (2 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Resist fire 20

Smite Evil 1/day

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28  d20+23=43 ; d20+11=24 ;
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 2:51:00 PM

Bliss gently slaps a tentacle on Rumpus's face for him. Us animals have to stick together.

OctoBliss is not unhappy that the water is getting deeper! He splashes right in, renewing his air supply, and enjoying the temperature like a pleasant dip in a tropical sea. (Resist Energy CL9 is 20 points, so no worries.)

Then it is time to jet ahead with a double move action, swimming up to 80 ft (or crawling at the same rate when the water gives out, if it does). Bliss takes point, unless someone beats him to it, moving somewhere close to AL1, or however the path takes him, stopping at anything that looks dangerous or interesting.

Perception 43 woot!

So long as he is in the water, Bliss uses the cover or partial cover of the water not only for defense, but to sneak as well as jet. Rolling stealth at -5 for speed ... 24 plus cover bonuses?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96  d20+8=15 ; d20+8=9 ;
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 5:15:41 PM
Succotash and Miss Piggy continue moving north, Succotash is using Twinklesting's light, but Miss Piggy is using her 60ft darkvision.

Succotash perception 15
Miss Piggy perception 9

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 44/61, CMD 23  
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 8:36:38 PM
Pressi sends Harper ahead towards the tunnel and tells everyone to head forward. She makes one last attempt to rose control the water (in hopes of buying time) before she begins to run.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
resist fire (DR/20 vs fire)
spectral hand

Harper
Blink 1/10

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116  d20+32=46 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 12:26:44 AM

"The structure is developing faults. No dilly dallying," Murphy recommends. "Hope we can get ahead of whatever Skald is planning for us."

He moves to about AM8, heals himself (using roll from earlier post). He looks ahead, as far as darksight and local atmospheric conditions allow.
==================
Perception: 46

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (9 min 8 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
Longstrider (12 hrs)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

DM Carl  3d6=5 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 3:11:31 PM
Kezzem protects his horse before torturing the poor thing.

Bliss has enough protection to handle the scalding water, so he goes full native and starts jetting around. Just past the entry way he goes through, he discovers a 30'x30' platform on an angled, vertical track. The track goes up as far as Bliss is able to see. A large wheel is attached vertically in the center of the platform, with knobs on both sides. It looks like it's designed for two people to turn it. The height suggests those people were dwarves. It doesn't take an engineer to realize it's used to raise and lower the platform.

The water level has risen above the platform. It will take some muscle to move it, and it's not going to get any easier as the water rises.

Succotash follows, using his sword to provide light.

Pressi tries lowering the water temperature. She can freeze about 20 gallons of regular water, so she can likely create a small ice dam if she focuses on a small enough area. It's gonna melt really quick, though. Pressi takes off after everyone else.

Murphy warns that the structure around them is taking a beating, heals himself, and heads north.

***

Pressi's bought some time, but the water still burns everyone for 5 damage. The platform you've found can be raised by a max of two persons at once. Both operators make a straight STR check, and the platform moves a number of feet equal to the sum of both checks. The platform's destination is not currently visible.

That, or you could all just fly up...

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28  d20+9=22 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 4:08:36 PM

OOH OOH ME ME! thinks OctoBliss. He splashes over to the platform and uses his MegaTenticularStrength to do the deed! Flopping around to allow someone else to have room to pull too, Bliss focuses (rages) for extra effectiveness.

Strength check at Str29 (+9) -- 22.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96  d20+7=22 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:15:54 PM
Succotash thinks for a bit, Talia can fly up. Pressi can probably as well, Murphy can turn into something that flies, sooooo. "Hey Murph can you carry Kezzem and Harper out of here if Kezzem and I dismiss our mounts?" He then dismisses Miss Piggy, and jumps on the platform with Bliss. strength check 22

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116  d20+6=15 ; d20+32=40 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:29:05 PM

Earth elemental Murphy says, "All on the platform! Hold off on lifting until they're on, Bliss," moves to the other wheel, casts bull's strength, and, once all are aboard who are going aboard, turns the wheel. Strength check at Str 22 (+6) -- 15. So that, combined with Bliss's efforts, should, by the end of the turn, lift the team up by 22+15=37 feet.

What kind of slant are we talking about? 15 degree? 30, 45, 60 degree, or other? Need To Know. Also, with the 30'x30' platform, how much clearance is there between the edges of the platform and the channel walls?

Being in contact with the ground, Murphy maintains his tremorsense, gauging the longevity of the local structure.

[OOC: I updated the Players Rnd 14 map, including recreating the blobs for PCs and animals so they will be visible when placed upon the platform. If you can, move your blob(s) and mage hands to where you want them on the platform. If you can't see or move them, just say you move to the platform, and one of us can place your placeholder there - ADM Kim]
===========
Perception: 40

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (9 min 8 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
Longstrider (12 hrs)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:33:25 PM

[was writing - did not see Succotash's post prior to mine.]

"Yes, I probably can carry them," Murphy replies to his friend, "but, Succotash, everybody except Bliss and I - because we won't drown while lifting this thing - should just get on the platform - and yeah, it's a good idea for you to dismiss your mounts for now."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:38:12 PM

And, I further mis-read our good DM's text - I guess Bliss and Murphy are in the middle of the platform. If Succotash is not too small to turn the wheel, he will defer to the paladin, who has great strength. Should Succotash be too small to handle it, Murphy will do the work. Will let our DM make the call on that bit of mechanics. Sorry for multiplicity of posts - but I can't edit previous ones to make things right.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:44:53 PM
"But we just summoned them!" protests Kezzem. "Fiiiiiiine. Rumpus, head back to the celestial planes where you can heal up and not get burned by hot water or bad puns."

Kezzem dismisses Rumpus and moves onto the platform.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =33)  d20+7=12 ; d20+20=39 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 9:33:30 PM
Talia using her Overland flight spell will move 40' to AK6 From this point, Talia removing a sunrod from her haversack, then activating it, and using her gifts of preception, will causiously fly upwards lighting the way for the group.

Skill Checks:
Fly: 39 (Using Overland Flight bonus to fly checks)
Perception:12

Spells in affect

Mage Armor 709 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight 709 of 720 minutes left

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23  
Friday June 28th, 2019 1:01:32 PM
Pressi makes her sto the platform, surprised that the team can squeeze on well enough. With Talia flying upwards, Pressi sticks to trying to peer upwards.

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

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
resist fire (DR/20 vs fire)
spectral hand

Harper
Blink 3/10

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

DM Carl 
Friday June 28th, 2019 8:35:45 PM
Bliss is pretty darn strong. He gets the wheel moving while Succotash takes the other side. They're strong enough to get the platform moving. Scalding water pours off the sides of the platform as it exits the standing water. It moves an additional 24 feet from its base.

One is sure they waited for their friends to join them, of course.

Murphy lets the two strongest of his friends take the wheel. He observes the track ascends at a 20 degree angle, more or less. There's 10 feet of nothing between the edges of the platform and the ascending tunnel wall. There's not even a railing; let's not tell OSHA, eh? Between all the gears and mechanisms involved in moving this platform, and the fact that it's made of metal-reinforced wood 24 feet in the air, he finds his tremorsense is basically useless.

He's also 750 pounds of dirt and rock.

Kezzem is sad to see Rumpus go away so soon, but there will be other adventures.

Talia can fly, which is super useful right now. She grabs a sunrod and lights the tunnel up ahead. She doesn't really have time to get far enough ahead of the platform, but will be able to outpace it next round. Well, probably. Bliss really is quite strong.

Pressi joins her companions on the platform as it begins to rise.

Anyone looking down sees the water continue rushing in below them. Looks like Pressi's ice dam was overcome. The air up here is still steamy, but not enough to limit vision...and hey, everyone's pores just got a good scrubbing.

***

Map is officially discontinued unless one of you really wants to keep updating it.

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28  d20+9=16 ;
Friday June 28th, 2019 9:37:19 PM

Bliss keeps on keeping on, tentacle after tentacle. Str check 16. Bliss is getting a little tired. Plus holding his breath again!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Friday June 28th, 2019 10:52:31 PM
"Woah, it's like a sauna in here," says Kezzem.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116  d20+32=42 ;
Friday June 28th, 2019 10:59:26 PM

As the platform rises, Murphy considers how they might quickly return to town. He decides this platform is not the place to do what he has in mind - for, why should he destroy what is helping them and may help others? ...should Scald not destroy the whole thing.

"Eberyon, thank you for granting me useful spells today," Murphy prays aloud, "as you have done all days. May I never take your succour for granted. Blessed be your name. You help the Wold to flourish."

He then says, "Friends, you are nonpareil - matchless. For each of you, and all together, I am thankful. Thankful for your commitment to our goal of helping our people in particular, and at times many people of the Wold. Pleased with your skills, insights, jocularity, strengths, good character. Impressed with your perseverance in the face of obstacles to overcome, of pain, injury, the threat of death.

"Not many are there who would try what you do, or even could reasonably attempt such. Here's some water, Bliss. Open wide." He drops 24 gallons of fresh water down immediately above Bliss's gills, hoping to let him get a good breath.

"Kezzem. Would you like to join me in running and jumping off the edge, and see if we can splash in the water below without hitting the wall first?" He does not actually run and jump off the edge.
==============
Perception: 42

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (9 min 8 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
Longstrider (12 hrs)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96  d20+7=15 ;
Saturday June 29th, 2019 1:56:33 PM
Succotash continues cranking on the lever (Strength check 15) hoping that the platform actually goes somewhere, and they arrive before something else tries to kill them.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23  
Sunday June 30th, 2019 10:23:01 PM
Pressi continues to watch hand wait in anticipation.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29)  d4=4 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+20=32 ;
Sunday June 30th, 2019 11:01:15 PM
Talia casts another Spectral Hand while flying up the shaft while holding onto the sunrod, just incase a touch spell is needed! She is starting to feel like a beacon!

Skill Checks:
Fly: 32 (Using Overland Flight bonus to fly checks{1/2 spell caster lvl})
Perception:24

Spells in effect
Spectral Hand: 12 of 12 minutes left
Mage Armor: 705 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight: 705 of 720 minutes left

DM Carl 
Monday July 1st, 2019 11:59:47 AM
OOC: So, I've looked over my plans for the next part of this elevator trip, and realized it's not very fun. So, let's fast forward.

***

Bliss and Succotash together work the elevator. As they ascend, the air gets cooler and cooler, until finally natural light is visible.

Murphy gives thanks to his patron, thanks his friends for another adventure, lets Bliss breathe, and tries to goad Kezzem into killing himself. Kezzem fails to take the bait, hopefully. He's busy working on his skin routine.

Pressi hangs out while Talia lights the way, ensuring no surprises.

The elevator clunks to a stop as it reaches its zenith. A simple arch leads outside to the exterior of The Scab. Those of you who can read dwarven notice some words carefully carved into the rock near the entrance to the mine you just left:

Warning: Damp stone

No one's really sure where they are, but your friendly druid can easily figure that out. Home is about a day's flight away. Is there anything our heroes would like to do before returning home and getting Tiana back to work on fixing that tower?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Monday July 1st, 2019 12:43:21 PM
"So if shadow walking is out, what's our next option?" asks Kezzem. "Should we paladins summon our mounts back now? I can only call Rumpus back once more before we rest so I need to make sure."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Monday July 1st, 2019 1:06:51 PM

"We can travel by tree," Murphy says. "I have a feather token which transforms into a large oak tree. I can take four of us. Hey, paladins, wait on summoning your mounts.

"I drop the feather, the oak springs up, I take four of you. I come back, I take the rest of you. We'll end up in a large oak about a hundred yards from our mayor's burrow.

All told, from the time the oak springs up, if all are gathered next to it, I can have us all back there in well under a minute."

Transport via plants - one from staff, two memorized.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Monday July 1st, 2019 1:07:39 PM
"Well, okay, we end up just outside a large oak," Murphy corrects himself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23  
Monday July 1st, 2019 3:27:38 PM
"You know why our relationship works," Pressi responds. "It's because, deep down, you're actually crazier and scarier than I am. I bow to this superior horror.'

"Personally, I'm fine just walking, but I'm glad to do this too. Before we go, though, does anyone want to say goodbye to the dwarves?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29)  d20+7=11 ; d20+20=40 ;
Monday July 1st, 2019 4:17:05 PM
Talia would love to visit the Dwarves again! "Can We Mister Murphy, giggles Talia excitedly?"

Skill Checks:
Fly: 40 (NAT 20) (Using Overland Flight bonus to fly checks{1/2 spell caster lvl})
Perception:11

Spells in effect:
Spectral Hand: 12 of 12 minutes left
Mage Armor: 705 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight: 705 of 720 minutes left

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Monday July 1st, 2019 4:52:14 PM

The druid laughs at the Pressi's evaluation of their relative scare factor. "I'd kiss you, beloved witch, but don't want to muddy your dear face."

Hearing the notion of visiting the dwarfs, Murphy casts know direction. He looks about, calculates which direction the entrance to their gem mine is, and the distance to the best of his ability. He performs similar calculations for the best path home should they fly rather than transport via oaks.

"I'm thinking that Jack TT Zaragosa, and Hobie Browncloak already have told the dwarfs about the giants preparing for war within a 45 minute walk of their gem mines. That was yesterday they did so - maybe 12 or 14 hours ago." [Mister DM - please correct my time estimation if I am too far off]

He smiles a rocky-toothed smile at Talia. "That could be fun, yes, and perhaps useful. Let's think it over just a bit, though, first, eh?

"The giants will be ready to march against Humble's Ford and Crescent Valley about two days from now if we're 'lucky', unless we choose to come against them before they depart. I do not know how long it will take Tiana Taithen to power up the Iron Giant and walk it over to the giant tower and get the tower to again function. Time is tight. Every minute we can save in getting the gems for the Encompassing Mind to her will grant her that much more time to do what, likely, only she and maybe Veseley have the know-how for."

He calculates how much time it would take for them to collectively fly over to the dwarfs' place, and tells the party. If it's a fairly short hop via air (say not much more than an hour), he's fine with it. If over two hours, he will urge the party first get the gems to Tiana, and then if a few want to visit the dwarfs after that, he can air elemental carry them back up in a jiffy. Maybe some local air elementals could help in the effort, once they understand this is to defend against the giatns.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 
Monday July 1st, 2019 6:00:55 PM
"I certainly would love to see the dwarves again, but I feel that our duty is the protection of our home and the innocent men, women, and children who are counting on us for their protection", Succotash declares, "But after Madam Gem as back and the Giant Towers are good to go, I for one would love to come back and visit Humble's Grotto again".

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28 
Monday July 1st, 2019 8:54:14 PM

Bliss ends his stint as an Octopus. "That was fun!" he declares.

As he looks around, he recalls ... "Hey, aren't we supposed to give those giant mushroom spores you collected to somebody, Mister Murphy?"

"No true hero ignores the side quest!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Monday July 1st, 2019 11:57:48 PM
"Okay then Murph, just as long as we don't end up attacked by some big bad evil guy name Treefyre (with a "y") or something."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 12:39:14 AM

"Kade asked for the spores, yes, Bliss," Murphy responds. "Maybe Hobie already got some to him. If not, I've got some more right here," and he pats his left thigh. Then he looks down at his rocky leg. "Well, right. About there... and, according to our new dwarf friend, growing tower caps will make it possible to have great harvests of truffles. That's the real reason we've come this way."

"Heavens forefend, Kezzem," he returns. "May that never be!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 12:48:02 AM

Oh - last thing - Murphy looks about the area to ascertain where there may be a suitable place to plant a full-grown oak, within easy access by the party members, and not too close to the opening of the lift, in case the party decides to follow that travel suggestion.

Welcome Home


DM Carl 
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 10:32:48 AM
Kezzem declares shadow-walking to be out, but there's no reason for it to be. They're no longer in Scald's domain, nor by any huge lakes of Woldsblood. The terrain here is far too mountainous for Rumpus to be useful unless she's a secret pegasus.

Murphy suggests they travel by tree. That's a novel idea, for sure. The area around him is mostly solid rock, but a small amount of travel reveals suitable earth where two peaks have slowly ground into each other. It won't be hard to find this place again; there's not another tree in sight anywhere.

Pressi believes Murphy is scarier than she is. High praise...

Talia is excited about the possibility of seeing the dwarves again. Murphy correctly points out it's not a short detour. The party spent half a day in a swan boat travelling down a rapidly moving river, then got shunted almost half a mile away from that when they came out of shadow walk. The druid has no way of knowing if Jack or Hobie have told the dwarves, or what time frame is involved if they have. Murphy suggests haste is necessary. He's not wrong.

Succotash agrees they need to return home, but has a list of vacation destinations in mind for after.

Bliss becomes Bliss again and checks to make sure they completed their side quest. They have the spores, they just need to look for the giant yellow question mark when they get back to town to hand it in.

***

Murphy's plan is sound. Travelling via tree is done instantaneously, and within half a minute or so, our party is on the outskirts of home!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 1:04:40 PM
"Yeah, we're back!" says Kezzem. "And nobody tried to kill us that time."

"However, for some reason, I am wondering if Rumpus is a pegasus. Secretly, I mean. Man, my pony's be holding out on me! But where would he be hiding those wings? I don't know, just a random thought. Now you know what it's like in here."

Kezzem points to his head.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23  
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 4:08:21 PM
"So I guess the thing we all learned is... So, to wrap up... Hhm. Actually, I can't even wrap anything up for this mission. Weird things just happened. I didn't even get to use the power I tapped into. Oh well."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 4:13:15 PM

Oak Tree Network
Once it's agreed to try the Oak Tree Network, Murphy drops out of wild shape back to his halfling self, and once they reach the small area where soil may be found, he removes a particular feather out of his pants pocket, asks his friends to stand back a few feet, then casts the feather towards his chosen landing spot, himself jumping back.

As the feather touches down, a huge oak tree suddenly springs into being. He invites whoever wants to be among the first group of three or four to join him, invokes transport via plants from his sling staff, and the group of them are whisked via oak trees to one of the larger oaks a stone's throw from Mayor Bumbleluck's dwelling. "Step a bit away, friends, to make room for the next group," he instructs.

He casts the spell this time from memory, and returns to the remaining three. "Touch me, or touch someone touching me, and it's your turn to travel by tree." He recasts this last time, and away they go, with perhaps a bit of woody fragrance clinging to them as they emerge in the town's woods. Murphy gives Pressi a kiss. "Now that I can do that without getting dirt all over you," he grins.

"Hmmm, Kezzem, I've known Rumpus a long time. Let me know if he does sprout wings. Stranger things have been known to happen here in the Wold."

Finding Tiana
"Let's get the gems to the Iron Giant immediately. Who wants to warn the Mayor of the Giant forces gathered against us in the south end of the Scab? Bliss, you have the gems, right? Say, since that's the Mayor's house there - let's tell him so he can talk with others about preparations, then head up to the giant. Hopefully Tiana will be there. And, whether she is there or not, we can place the gems back within the Encompassing Mind, no? No, likely we should make certain she is there - it might help her understand whatever it is she needs to understand by being there. We can ask the Mayor if he knows where she is at the moment."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 6:16:32 PM
"Hey Murphy, why don't you and whoever wishes to join you go talk to the major, while some of us start heading to the Iron Giant with the gems", Succotash offers.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 8:38:05 PM

"Sure, Succotash - go ahead with whoever wants to go," Murphy agrees. "We, or I, will catch up! Do, please, wait until Tiana shows up before inserting the gems, though, all right? Say hi to any members of the BadApples, and ask them how things have been going. And carry concealed, eh?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30 
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 9:07:34 PM

[OOC: Have we had a chance to heal up? Bliss uses enough cures to get himself to full, if need be. Let me know if you need this rolled out, please]

Bliss laughs at the idea of flying Rumpus. "Yeah, you should get him some magic horseshoes, Sir Kezzem! Your animal friends deserve sweet gear too!"

Then Bliss is quiet, thinking of Mookie.

[OOC to DMs: Highlight to display spoiler: {The witch rules say, "If a spirit cauldron or spirit companion is killed or destroyed, the witch may not bind another for 30 days or until he gains a bloodwitch level, whichever comes first." Can Bliss dismiss his magic pot and (after he levels up) call for an animal spirit companion? Bliss misses Mookie. IF SO, he'll dismiss his pot now, before going to seek out Miss Tiana. Don't worry, I don't want to ride him around or polymorph him into a gnome (for using wands and rods) or anything bogus like that.}]

=====

Bliss is happy to deliver the magic gems to Miss Tiana -- with Sir Succotash? -- and he also gives her back her compass.

He waits and watches if she looks them over right away.

"What do you think, miss? Can you power up the giant? Can you bring it close to the Tower to fix it?"

After a moment of watching, Bliss has a dreadful thought. "And please, Miss Tiana, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not power it up without us! Just in case!" He will not leave until she promises NOT to start it up or even tinker with it until the whole party is there. THAT kind of nonsense is how the Tower got blowed up in the first place!

The idea of promises makes something twitch and tickle in his mind, so he goes in search of the party's collective memory. "Mister Murphy, did we promise the Iron Giant Spirit that we would help it smoehow or other when the giant got woked up again?"

In actuality, Bliss is choosing to mangle his syntax and grammar today. He really said "smoehow" for some reason.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29)  d20+7=8 ; d20+20=26 ;
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 9:26:22 PM
Talia wil go to see Ms. Tiana with the rest of the gang and the gems of course. Talia will hover over the ground like her way is to do. While hovering to their destination, nothing catches her eye here.

Skill Checks:
Fly: 26 (Using Overland Flight bonus to fly checks{1/2 spell caster lvl})
Perception:8 (NAT 1)

Spells in effect:
Spectral Hand: 10 of 12 minutes left
Mage Armor: 708 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight: 703 of 720 minutes left

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 92/116  d20+32=35 ;
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 12:10:48 AM

Promise to the Encompassing Mind
"Yes, Bliss, thank you for reminding me. Indeed, we did say we be there with her as she revived. Now, once already we tried that - and learned it could take over 30 years. Tiana explained to us it was because these gems were so drained. This time, it should take much less than that. Let us endeavor to keep our word, as we can."

Words before the party splits
"Look, I don't expect to be with the Mayor more than 5 minutes - 10 minutes, tops. I just want to give him a brief rundown - he needs to know, to help notify key leaders here in town, and to prepare the people.

"So, please, wait until we can all be there before the gems are placed - but I don't mind if you leave a few minutes before me - before us."

"Pressi, would you come with me to meet with the Mayor and May Greenbottle, his wife? You have insight and perspective I lack, and it may be well for them to benefit from both." Responding to her earlier comments, Murphy says, "Yeah. I tend to agree with Succotash on a relevant matter. Let's us someday return to the grotto. And then you could tap into that power once more - and be prepared to channel it as you desire, scary lady.

"We did, however, learn of the gemological work of the dwarfs, the breeding customs and battle tactics of some large nasty spiders, the location of a rare mushroom tree, the bellicose plans of a large population of giants, the joys and possible perils of riding a swift underground river, the beauty and power of a particular grotto, and the pent-up wrath of a long-imprisoned Power."

Of course Murphy welcomes any others who want to join in. The local druid knocks on the front door.
==========
Perception 35

DM Carl 
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 11:56:34 AM
Kezzem entertains a random thought. One has to assume many of his thoughts are random.

Pressi reflects on the odd series of events they just went through. She still has access to higher magics for the next several hours if there's something she wants to try.

Everyone else discusses going to the mayor's house and getting the gems back to Tiana.

Bliss, Talia, and Succotash head off to the Iron Giant, with the intention of making poor Tiana wait even more to start things back up.

Murphy invites Pressi to come with him to Mayor Bingo's residence.

***

The Iron Giant is just where you left it, obviously. Inside the chamber of the Giant's heart is Tiana. She has made herself right at home, going so far as to raid the paper and ink supply closet to take copious notes on her studies.

It's kind of a mess, if we're being honest.

Tiana practically vibrates with anticipation once the gems are shown to be charged, and takes the news that she has to wait a little more very hard. "I've waited for daaaayyyys, Bliss. DAYS. Time goes kinda slow when you don't sleep." Still, she agrees.

***

Meanwhile, Mayor Bingo answers the door himself, eyes smiling when he seems his town's chief protectors are back where they can help protect it. "Murphy! Pressi! Glad to see you're back." Married life appears to agree with the Mayor; he appears a little fuller around the middle already. He stands aside to invite the couple in. "So, anything new going on out in the Wold?"

***

I'm fine with you getting Mookie back, Cayzle. Pull her (him?) out of your cauldron and be done with it. You're about to gain another level anyway...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 1:03:08 PM
"Ooo, now there's an idea, Bliss. Kezzem starts to sing, "Magic horseshoes...clovers, and blue moons. They're magically delicious!"

To Tiana, he asks "Have you tried sleeping? It's quite relaxing. People always say that they can sleep when they're dead, but as a paladin or Gargul, I can assure you that's not the case. He snores."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29) 
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 8:17:51 PM
Talia, asks, Ms. Tiana,"What's ya' been up to since we left? What are all thes notes you have made?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30 
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 8:29:20 PM

"Miss Tiana," says Bliss, concerned, "why aren't you sleeping? When you are tired you make mistakes. You gotta take care of yourself!"

He gets busy tidying up, and makes her eat a meal out of his magic elven lunchbox.

=====

"but as a paladin or [of?] Gargul, I can assure you that's not the case."

Bliss stares at Kezzem. "You're a paladin of ... Gargul? Are you sure that's a good idea, Sir Kezzem? That guy only treated me and my mom bad, you know."

=====

Bliss's cauldron starts rattling. "Oh, yeah, I forgot I had this thing." he sets it on the ground, and it cracks open. A big black raven rolls out.

"I've heard of hatchlings, but this is ridiculous!" says Bliss.

The bird sits up, shakes like a wet dog, and laughs. "The Kid with a zinger! My life has not been wasted."

Bliss hugs the bird -- he is about the same size as Bliss is. "Mookie, I missed you."

The big raven ruffles Bliss's hair with his beak. "I know, Kid, that's what brung me back."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23  
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 8:46:56 PM
Pressi listens to the laundry list of things we learned. "And if you told a story about the events as a whole, the theme would be... what, exactly?" She shakes her head. "Now, the iron giant, there was a story with a tight arc."

Moving on, "I would be glad to accompany you towards the mayor house. Let me remind Harper not to eat any of Bliss' new pets and we will be on our way."

She lets Murphy answer the question of what is new in the world.


Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 113/116  d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d20+30=47 ;
Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:18:00 AM

Reflecting upon story arcs
After Pressi likens the recent series of events to a story, and the Iron Giant as a distinct story, Murphy considers. "Huh. Is that the sort of thing you learn from knowing that Shakespeare fellow?" he asks. "But, Pressi, the 'Iron Giant' story - aren't we still in the middle of that... arc? I mean, the approach, infiltration, assault, and victory were part of the story. But our taking the gemstones back to the source of power which enlivens the giant, letting them fill up again on that power, then placing the same back into the heart of the giant - is that not yet another part of that story? Perhaps, what do they call it in plays? Another act, in a multipart play?

"I think the broader story arc is not over. The acts are smaller arcs, upon which the greater story is built. And us halflings, facing repeated threats from those who are of greater size than we, who use our own small selves to overcome these larger threats - is that not a recurring thread in this tapestried links of stories?"

Meeting with Mayor Bumbleluck
Smiling large at the Mayor's warm greeting, Murphy steps aside to allow Pressi to enter first. Telepathically he says to her, "I'm letting you go first in case there are any hazards inside," then follows her in.

"Thank you," he says, offering his hand to shake. "It's good to see you, Mayor Bumbleluck. I trust that May is doing well?"

After brief pleasantries are exchanged, he launches. "Sir, I wish we had a bit more time to spend with you, but you'll understand our urgency in a moment.

"Humble's Sword headed north at Tiana's request to recharge the core gems of the Iron Giant - she believes once that is done, she can use the repowered giant to get the Giant Tower working again!

"Glimstone dwarfs - who would like to engage in trade with us, providing fine gems on their part - showed us hospitality, and we rested among them. The morning of the next day, however, less than an hour through underground passageways beyond the gem mines, we came upon perhaps 300 giants or so making preparations for war against us here in the valley. We were able to observe them without them being aware of our presence.

"Fire giants, stone, and hill giants I saw, and Bliss glimpsed, too. They spoke of coming against us now that the towers no longer prevent their entry. They spoke of how sweet halflings taste, and how much they shall feast. I watched their fire giant smiths making swords, spears, clubs and such.

"They may be ready to leave within about two days, more or less. Now, good Mayor, do not panic - listen to this:

"Just four minutes ago the balance of our team headed up to the Iron Giant to deliver what Tiana needs to re-energize that construct, and then, if her thoughts are borne out, to use it to bring the Giant Tower back into working order.

"Surely, once you have let our militia and key people know about the renewed threat from the north, I trust in your wisdom and leadership to help prepare the people, and with other good heads here to devise some defensive measures." He reminds the mayor of detailed defensive plans he wrote out many months ago, and gave copies to him, to the constable, and some of the outsiders who were helping. [OOC: I will try to find those instructions in our archives in the next day or so.] "There may some ideas worth implementing there. I think, in particular, we may want to focus on defenses around the area of the tower, and adjacent, plus near and in town.

"Word needs to go immediately to the rest of the valley. You are the first who has been told, as I infer that neither Jack nor Hobie was able to get word to you. I pray for their welfare.

"If you have questions, ask now. We must be present up in the Iron Giant within the next few minutes with Tiana and our friends to assist with and witness the procedure."

Murphy tries to respond as best as possible to the Mayor's queries, and expresses his confidence in the politician to rise well to the occasion, as he has so many times in the past.

Then, after providing brief responses, he excuses himself and Pressi, with the parting words, "Really, sir, once things have settled down, you must do us the honor of joining us with your wife at our little sanctuary for a nice teatime."

Hustling northward back to the Kneeling Giant
Once they are able to leave, he asks Pressi, "Wanna race?" and takes off running to rejoin their friends. Though longstrider is still in effect on him, he does not outpace his fiancée, but rather plays at the race. If she rides upon Harper - he asks both if he may ride as well. He is happy to be back to his halfling form, and loves to be close to her, and to ride together.

Within the Iron Giant
Back in the giant, Murphy retrieves the gems he wore earlier, and places them upon his bracers to gain their benefits. [Wisdom, Strength, Constitution, +3 on each] If it is available, he also puts on the cloak that allows for teleportation within the immense construct.

Going up to the level of the gem heart, he gives Tiana a hug. "Oh, it is so good to see you. Are we ready to try it? We promised the Encompassing Mind to be here when the gemstones were put inside."

Then, "MOOKIE!!!" The druid is overwhelmed with joy at the return of Bliss's raven friend.

And, as some point, he uses his wand of cure light wounds 4 times to heal himself up.
===========
Perception: 48

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:19:37 AM
"Well, I died and Gargul let me come back to protect you guys," says Kezzem, serious for a moment. "That's a great gift and not one I take lightly."

"Mookie! Long time no see. How long has Bliss kept you hiding in his pot?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 
Thursday July 4th, 2019 8:57:50 AM
Succotash can hardly contain his anticipation. he really likes Madam Gem, and kinda misses her. he doesn't say much, but he keeps his eyes on the action. When Bliss pulls Mookie out of his cauldron, He is more then a little shocked, and takes a few steps back. He quickly regains his composer when Kezzem and Murphy seem to know the bird. When Mookie talks, Succotash decides to make his introduction saying, "Succotash Slenderstick at your service, we haven't met, but Bliss has mentioned you on multiple occasions, good to finally meet you".

DM Carl 
Thursday July 4th, 2019 11:10:03 AM
Kezzem and Bliss both suggest rest and food to Tiana, but she waves both away.

"Don't need them in here, remember? Tried sleeping, but it didn't take. After you left, I would absently sip on tea while I worked, then realized nothing was...well, nothing was coming back out."

She produces a scroll with a line drawn vertically down the paper. The words 'input' and 'output' are written in the two columns. A series of 10 hash marks are on the 'input' side with nothing on the 'output' side.

"I'm a little concerned about what's going to happen when I leave, if we're being honest."

Talia asks what Tiana's been up to.

"Oh, I explored a bit. There's an old, heavily damaged construct that I tried to get working, but too many of its parts are broken. Without those gems you won't let me install, there's not much I can do here."

Bliss sorts out his things as he waits for his companions, and is delighted when Mookie comes popping out of his cauldron.

Pressi and Murphy discuss recent events before warning the mayor about the giants they discovered in The Scab, draining poor Bingo's face of color in the process. Murphy's reassurances do little to bring any of that color back, but he takes a breath and stands.

"Right. Right...the valley. I will get Roscoe to activate his militia." He pauses, gathering his thoughts and formulating plans. "May and Blossom can head to Angel Springs. You two should go take care of the Giant." He stands and shoos the two out the door. He can be heard calling for his wife and daughter as the door closes behind our two heroes.

They race back to the Giant, where Succotash waits anxiously. Mookie's appearance does little to calm that anxiety.

"Finally!" exclaims Tiana when the whole gang arrives. She grabs both gems, setting the DPAA aside for now. She gently places them inside the open space in the giant, pink heart of the Iron Giant. The little door open in the heart closes, and about two seconds pass before the heart erupts with blinding pink and purple light. Tiana actually squeals a little when the conduits that criss-cross the entire interior of the Giant start glowing and pulsing with energy. A low hum starts somewhere above the party, growing in pitch quickly before either stopping or growing too high to hear.

As before, the surface of the giant pink gem ripples and writing appears on its surface. It's still not a language anyone can identify, but everyone's able to read it.

Encompassing Mind initialization continuing. Estimated time to completion: 32 years, 4 months, 3 days, 19 hours, 8 minutes, 34 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 10 years, 2 months, 12 days, 4 hours, 1 minutes, 0 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 1 years, 1 months, 22 days, 16 hours, 4 minutes, 38 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 5 months, 6 days, 7 hours, 8 minutes, 14 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 20 years, 8 months, 3 days, 20 hours, 47 minutes, 31 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 1 second.

Encompassing Mind startup checks initialized.

Aetherial/Mechanical couplings check: Successful
Pilot interface check: Successful
Organic need neutralization field check: Successful

Encompassing Mind personality prismatic matrices check:

WARNING! BLUE PRISMATIC MATRIX NOT DETECTED. ADVANCED DESTRUCTIVE ABILITIES NOT AVAILABLE.

Guardian construct check:

12 GC-13A Guardian Constructs available.
7 MC-1X Maintenance Constructs available.
5 SD-2Z Sentry Drones available.
3 HH-4V Historian Constructs in use.

WARNING! AD-6 ARMAGEDDON DRONE NON OPERATIONAL.

Construct checks: Successful

Crew Check:

6 known halfling crew members present.
1 unknown halfling crew member present.

Crew check successful.

Pilot check:

WARNING! NO IRON GIANT PILOTS ARE AVAILABLE.

Pilot check unsuccessful. New pilot needed.

Encompassing Mind Crew Interface Personality check:

"Successful! Hello halfling crew. I have missed you."
"Even if it's only been a few seconds for me.
"You all look well! I am glad to see the past three decades have been kind to you."
"A little too good. You still look like children."
"That was not a short joke. Promise!
"Why aren't you older, and why do I feel so new? What did you monkeys do?"

Tiana is stunned. Her hand covers her mouth and her eyes flicker quickly back and forth between our heroes and the gem. She is breathing very fast.

Sense motive, DC 12, Highlight to display spoiler: {She's waiting for an introduction.}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 
Thursday July 4th, 2019 12:11:58 PM
"Madam Gem!!!!! Succotash squeals with delight, "I missed you, even though it has only been a few months. Let me introduce you to Tiana, she's the one who helped us bring you online so soon. Oh and Tiana, this is the Encompassing Mind!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 113/116 
Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:29:16 PM

Murphy watches the recalibrations, growing excited, then momentarily dismayed with the penultimate estimate. When it begins marching through the various startup checks, his heart begins to race, and likely his face flushes.

When she speaks, he claps his hands, and dances in a circle. "You're back, you're back!"

Succotash introduces Tiana to the Encompassing Mind. He is so polite a paladin. Murphy likes him. "Yes, yes, Tiana Taithen - Encompassing Mind, she is a member of the local wizards group, the Second Dinner Club, and quite brilliant. We love her." He laughs - why is he so emotional about a construct? "And Succotash is right - it's not been years, but only a few weeks.

"We saw it was going to take over thirty years for you to come back fully. Tiana figured out that placing your heart gems back at the power source, where they were created, would greatly empower them. She devised a dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier using the gems which led us to that source." Surely able to babble on indefinitely, Murphy manages to restrain himself, giving air to his friends so they can tell more of the story.

At some point though, he interjects, "I would love to try piloting Iron Giant." He does, though, not wish to be greedy for the pilot's seat. "Although, if another so wishes, perhaps another. But I would love trying!"

Others might explain about the giant tower, and the imminent threat from the giants out of the Scab, and that halflings don't get much larger than we are, and...

------------------
As others respond and interact, a thought occurs to Murphy. After a bit he communicates telepathically to Pressi. "We may need to consider the possibility of placing the blue gem back on its pedestal, not immediately, but before the giants approach. We should ask her about that. Encompassing Mind seemed to have a distaste for that segment of the - the system."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29)  d20+2=14 ;
Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:33:47 PM
Tali gigles as that word of the Ms. EM! "Silly Emcompassing Mind, we speeded up your boot processes!" "Oh, how silly of me, Ms. Encompassing Mind, this is Lady Tiana, Lady Tiana, this is the Conciousness that controls the Giant...kind of it's operating system...that ever that is!" laughs Tali!

Skill Checks

Sense Movtives = 14

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23  
Thursday July 4th, 2019 7:29:35 PM
Pressi is characteristically unenthusiastic about the mind being awakened. I thought we were just powering this thing enough to walk it to the tower. I’d tell you how lousy turning this thing on is, but I bet she’ll make a better case.

Pressi moves a tad closer. “What is your current primary command? Do you remember anything from our last conversation or during your time inactive?”

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30 
Thursday July 4th, 2019 11:32:24 PM

Mookie bows low when greeted by Murphy, Kezzem, and Succotash.

Murph, just the same as ever, I see.

Kezz, boy have you changed!

"Nice to meet ya, new guy," he says to Sir Succotash.

Then all the Encompassing Mind awakening stuff happens!

"Kid," says Mookie, "ya got yourself into something here, for sure."

"Wowsy, yeah," says Bliss. But he is distracted by Murphy.

"Mister Murphy, please don't jump in to pilot this! The last guy to do it lost his soul and killed his own son. Let Miss Tiana investigate it first!"

"Please Miss Pressi, tell him!"


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24 
Friday July 5th, 2019 1:35:31 AM
"Murph, are you okay there?" asks Kezzem. "Don't start going all 'my precious' on the Iron Giant. I don't want to have to explain to Pressi that I had to smite you."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 113/116 
Friday July 5th, 2019 2:26:40 AM

Oh, and Murphy thinks to extract pen and paper to jot down the words and numbers that the Encompassing Mind had been displaying. He in particular writes the model numbers of the drones and constructs and their status.

As the druid takes in the rebukes of his friends, Murphy looks at them. "What is it that makes you think I'm likely to become a murderous mushbrain?"

"Yes, let us consider ramifications, and talk things over with Tiana and Encompassing Mind and each other." He continues to write as he speaks. "The Iron Giant will need a pilot to move. It would be wise for more than just one person to learn how to pilot. Giants will soon be on the march. The more options we have at hand for both defense and offense, the better our chance at victory.

"Defense: A working network of Giant Towers
"Offense as needed: The Iron Giant
"Tell me it is foolish to consider these things. Or go ahead and smite me, Kezzem."

He turns to Bliss. "You jumped into the pilot seat, Bliss. I would guess your soul is still intact." He gives him a wink. "But, do let us learn more, and consider well what we do. A wise carpenter learns his tools."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30 
Friday July 5th, 2019 9:26:16 AM

"Oh yeah, Mister Murphy, but it didn't take because the batteries were dry."

Mookie tilts his head and looks at Bliss.

"Okay," Bliss says, "you have my blessing to try, but be careful."

"Miss Tiana, please tell Mister Murphy exactly where he is supposed to put the giant down."

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