DM Carl Friday July 5th, 2019 1:04:10 PM Succotash sure missed the Encompassing Mind. He introduces it to Tiana.
"Hello, Tiana! I am very glad you found a way to bring me back so quickly." "Yeeeah, but what did you actually do?"
Murphy interjects, explaining how they took the EM's gems back into The Scab to charge them up.
"You took me out of the Iron Giant?" "That was very clever of you. How did you find the dimensional instability used to power me originally?" "You took me out of the Iron Giant?" "The instability drifted away while I sat in The Scab alone for so many years. I was afraid I would run out of power and be alone forever." "You took me out of the Iron Giant?" "I am not at all upset about that, and am very glad I am not lost in The Scab, never to be seen again."
Tiana breathes deep and picks up the DPAA. "I used this. It amplifies the aetherial signatures of your matrices and reveals their power source." She looks around, trying to figure out how to show the thing to the Encompassing Mind.
"Yes, Crew Member Murphy is correct. You are quite intelligent." "Stop moving it around so I can get a look at it. I can see everything in the Giant."
Tiana stops moving, allowing the EM to look. Murphy mentions he'd love to try piloting.
Talia adds that they sped up something called the "boot process," proving Tiana's not the only one who uses made up words.
Pressi isn't as excited as everyone else, but when is she? She asks two pointed questions to the Encompassing Mind.
"I do not have a primary command." "I don't even have a pilot right now. You chased off my last one." "I remember everything of our previous conversations, and the HH-4V historian constructs have made a permanent record for their archives." "...and I don't remember anything in between, since I was off. Also, you took our gems outside the Iron Giant." "I am sure I could have been useful. I was created in The Scab. Its magic is very old."
Bliss and Mookie meet the new people, but Bliss balks at the idea of Murphy becoming a pilot.
"Hey, that guy's soul was damaged way before he came here." "It is true. He killed many dwarves when his crew found me. By the standards you have shown, Anur is not a good person."
Kezzem worries about Murphy's sudden interest. Murphy agrees that Tiana should do some research before piloting.
"Right, right...research," starts Tiana. She grabs several blank paper scrolls and fills a pen before continuing. "Ok you two," she starts, but is interrupted.
"Begging your pardon, miss, but I am a singular entity." "There's no we, just me." "If that's confusing, you're probably overthinking it."
Tiana writes very quickly during the exchange before starting her interrogation of the Encompassing Mind...
***
Someone probably thinks to take a look at the the chunks of dead solidified steam minotaur at some point. Experimentation shows they are water that stays solid at room temperature, but that sublime into vapor when heated to water's boiling point. They depose back to solid once they cool, never turning into a liquid. If the vapor is allowed to dissipate, the crystal is lost. They have several uses in both artistry and arcana, and will fetch a hefty price. They can be sold for a total of 200,000 gold.
***
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that's the module, folks. I'm awarding 30k XP for completion, which should put everyone at 13th level (if not, bump yourself up to 13th). Next module is already approved, but I'm giving you a real-time week before it starts to shop, level up, role play, whatever. Note that only 24 hours of in game time will pass during this week, so don't go too nuts.
Don't worry about actually selling the loot at the catacombs. They're worth enough to boost everyone's WBL to 13th level max.
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 2:14:32 PM
"Well, I'm off to the catacombs. Need to upgrade my thinking cap. Also, get some nifty horseshoes for Rumpus. And maybe a magic cloak for him as well. Is it still a cloak if a pony is wearing? I think it's called something else, but I can't think of the word."
Do we have time for upgrading WLA membership stuff?
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 113/116 Friday July 5th, 2019 4:12:39 PM
Brief interjection (Murphy does other things before answering Kezzem - but I've gotta run) "I think the word you are looking for Kezzem - a sort of cloak or robe for a horse, is a caparison," Murphy answers his friend who is capable of smiting 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 5:12:52 PM
Wait, Kezzem is capable of smiting Murphey?
DM Edit: Yes, you can. Won't do anything since Murphy's not evil, but you can smite him.
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 125/128 Saturday July 6th, 2019 12:18:42 AM
Listening to the Encompassing Mind, Murphy perceives her mixture of anxiety, gratitude, relief, consternation, mixed approval. "I perceive you have a sense of anxiety that you - the core gems - were removed from the Iron Giant, and that involved great risk. You are not mistaken, great risk was involved. Death drew near to us during the journey there and back again. Without having taken that risk, however, you would not now be awake, not for at least another 32 years.
"And, the gems are you, right? You are the gems. We bore you, asleep as it were. All the rest of this machinery is what you inhabit. You are the soul of the machine, Encompassing Mind. And, by bearing you with care and dispatch to rejoin for maybe a dozen hours the nexus of dimensional instability - you gained fresh energy. You shine brightly. You can face your purpose, and ours, with great power to carry it out. Welcome back."
Murphy pauses, giving Miss Gem the time to process, and to communicate in return.
"Several of the drones and constructs require repair. They were damaged by us when they attacked us. Are the MC-IX Maintenance Constructs able to effect repairs upon them?" He asks to find out the best way to get the MC-IX units to the damaged units, or to get the damaged units to the MC-IXs. He lets EM know that one of the guardian constructs was borne to another place for examination, and will be returned. [This construct was for Hugo and Primula Pipeleaf, and Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood, Murphy's father, to examine. It may have been further disassembled and in part or whole reassembled by them, and is in a room in the rock castle of the Sanctuary]
"Would you require a pilot to provide direction, or, lacking such at the moment, can we work together on these matters?"
If she says a pilot is required, he says, "We halflings like at times, and in certain ways, to share responsibilities. If more than one of us pilot you - albeit only one at a time, is that something you can accommodate without too much -- trouble?"
Murphy asks Pressi, Talia, Bliss, Succotash, Kezzem, and Tiana, "Who should take the pilot's seat? Does anyone else wish to do so first? Or second? I'm willing to start, or follow."
He also asks Tiana, "For what you have in mind, Tiana Taithen, would moving to the Giant Tower before too much time passes be a smart thing? Propinquity may advance the process. Would you need the assistance of Veseley?"
The Glimstone Mines - Who Will Go? "Friends, we do not know for certain that Jack and Hobie were able to notify the dwarfs," Murphy says. "I do think that no one in authority in Humble's Ford was told about the giants until Pressi and I spoke with the Mayor a few minutes ago. Who will go let the dwarfs know? Two or more should go together, I think, and travel swiftly, that they might prepare."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 Saturday July 6th, 2019 9:39:45 AM "Thanks for asking Murph, but as much as I adore Madam Gem, I really have no desire to pilot the Iron Giant. Don't get me wrong, I would if need arose, but doing so just to do so isn't my cup of tea", Succotash answers, then adds, "Can't we send an animal messenger, you know, like the spell, to the dwarves to warn them, that would save us the time, and accomplish the same thing".
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 125/128 Saturday July 6th, 2019 12:36:48 PM
"Oh, great idea, Succotash! I have a bird feather token."
Murphy writes out the following message:
"Urist Bernanrir & Glimstone friends: There is an army of around 300 giants downstream of your mines, a 45-minute walk. Where roots of a tower cap grow out the wall adjacent the passageway, on the other side of the stone they are gathered in large caverns, fashioning iron weapons. Fire, Stone, Hill giants, who plan to attack Crescent Valley in perhaps 2 days or so. Needed to warn you. --Murphy from Humble's Ford."
He allows the feather token to transform into a bird, wraps the message around a leg, and directs it to Urist Bernanrir, mayor of Glimstone.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 Saturday July 6th, 2019 1:04:44 PM
Kezzem returns from his WLA training looking a little tougher.
"Huzzah! Now I can really take a hit. In fact, I might be turning into a dwarf. Let me know if I start growing a beard, okay?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23 Saturday July 6th, 2019 8:20:09 PM
“I think we need to hold our horses. Tiana hasn’t even told us what she wants to do next.”
That the gems can recognize the difference in standards, that they can begin to determine who is good, causes Pressi to re-evaluate her opinion of the gems. Perhaps they are still reachable after all.
Pressi considers a caparing joke but the moment may have passed. As for whether Kezzem can smite her, a few six level spells should get him motivated.
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 125/128 Saturday July 6th, 2019 9:03:58 PM
With DM's Carl's request that we take care of shopping, WLA, etc. - Murphy will do so... but must first:
Transform into huge air elemental, hustle flies (time required: About 25 minutes) to Hovel and warns the leadership and members of his family of the renewed threat from the giants for 30 minutes; then flies in similar fashion (time required: about 48 minutes) to Angel Springs, warns their leadership, and family members of the 300 giants preparing to descend on the Valley - most likely aiming for passage near the vulnerable Giant Tower above Humble's Ford. He lets only a few key leaders know that the Iron Giant is now their ally, so don't attack it. He does not spill the beans about the possibility of getting the Giant Tower functioning again, because it already has been sabotaged before, and he does not know whom all to trust.
Then he can do WLA, shop, etc.
I really want him to go on a stealth mission to turn large quantities of the giants' weapons from metal to wood... but that will have to wait.
======== So, Murphy trains and goes shopping, and such.
Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30 Monday July 8th, 2019 11:51:58 AM
"We've got at least a day before the giants arrive," says Bliss, "and I'm hoping Miss Tiana gets the tower back up and running in time.
"But either way, we got at least a day." He reflects. "Wowsy, I've got a lot to pack into a day,"
First things first, the WLA. Bliss and Mookie dash off to the outpost in Angel Springs, the nearest training site, IIRC. At the outpost, Bliss studies up on wands and scrolls. And makes a quick trip to the Catacombs.
DM Carl Monday July 8th, 2019 12:49:01 PM Kezzem immediately goes to spend his monies, like any true adventurer would.
Murphy starts to have a chat with the Encompassing Mind, but Tiana hushes him and shoos him out of the Giant. He wonders who should tell the dwarves about the Giants.
Succotash suggests just sending a message to the dwarves to save time. Murphy goes ahead and sends an animal messenger to warn Urist and the rest.
Pressi puts on the brakes like only Pressi can. She finds a glimmer of hope that the Encompassing Mind might just be ok.
Bliss realizes they have to take care of themselves before they take care of the Giants.
***
As usual, I only react to what you folks post during Scene 0. I like to give you folks a week to sort out your stuff and roleplay with the town, but the next module's ready to go if you feel you'd rather not take an entire week. That's up to you all.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 Monday July 8th, 2019 5:32:10 PM "Hey Bliss hold up, and I'll join you at the WLA, I'm a bit behind, but am catching up slowly in my membership" Succotash says. While there, he studies up on how to be more perceptive, as well as, a bit about the planes. He then heads off to the catacombs thinking to himself, "I am totally getting that adamantine heavy flail this time!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 Monday July 8th, 2019 5:33:37 PM
fixed header
Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle Monday July 8th, 2019 6:36:07 PM
Bliss is happy to go with Sir Succotash, and chatters all the way about his plan to get a spider cloak and riding/sticking to the bottom of the flying carpet the paladin says he is thinking of buying.
Mookie, quiet, just listens and does that beak thing that looks kinda like a smile.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29) Monday July 8th, 2019 9:02:31 PM
Talia flies back to the sword compound to spend time with Rayya. To meditate for at least two (2) and to collectively plan plans for spending some time with WLA in Angel springs as well as spend sometime in the Catacombs.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 Monday July 8th, 2019 11:15:33 PM
Kezzem shares with Bliss his dreams of magic horseshoes for Rumpus.
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 6:09:47 AM
Murphy asks Pressi her plans, and tells her his. He lets the others know, too - at least those who are around after he talks with Pressi. He then visits the Catacombs via the local general store and buys things.
He tells his friends, "I will fly to Hovel, say a quick hello to family, militia and mayor, and tell them what is going on. Maximum time there about 30 minutes. I'll fly there as an air elemental. I can take a few of you if you want to come. I'll head to Angel Springs afterwards."
It turns out his flight to Hovel takes under 11 minutes, rather than 25.
He talks to his Aunt Marigold if she is available, and has her direct him to the current head of the militia, and the local mayor. He gives them a quick rundown on the situation (~ 300 giants coming : maybe a way to fix the tower in time : no guarantees), and encourages them to make preparations - military, evacuation, or what they deem appropriate. He leaves with his Aunt Margaret a bird feather token, in case she needs to reach him with a message. She is a witch, so he also plucks a couple of hairs to give to her in case she or one of her coven members wish to contact him via other magic. And gives her a big hug. "Tell Kendry and Airin, too. Kiss the wee ones for me."
Then he goes to Angel Springs - This flight takes about three quarters of an hour. He takes a different tack this time. He goes directly to the WLA. There he explains the situation with the giants. He asks them - who have many modes and channels of communication - to alert the proper people (Burgomeister, military, & ?) about the situation.
Then he receives WLA training - and will patiently answer questions he can about what he has brought up. Usually he would see his sister and brother, but this time just leaves a message for them.
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 6:22:57 AM
He tells Bliss, too, that morning in the Iron Giant, "Bliss, it's likely two days until they are ready to travel - and will likely take them most of a day to travel down to here. So - two and a half, or three days if we're lucky. But, yeah, maybe they could accelerate their plans and get here sooner, without first completing their weapons. "Ah, well, just grab a small tree on the way down and hit them over the head with that. Throw rocks. Not all of you need swords and spears or metal clubs." Murphy says in as deep a voice as he can muster with a giantish accent.
"Givin' ourselves a day for training and other prep, like as not as of tomorrow morning there like as not is at least another day before they even think of arriving. I'll be there early in the morning - before sunrise - to help Tiana, and maybe we can move the Iron Giant over to the tower about then. Tonight I expect to sleep in Humble's Ford - and check in with Tiana before I get a good sleep at our Sanctuary."
"Pressi - shall we host our friends for a late night at the Belly Buster? I know you favor the Dancing Pig, but I'd like a place where we can hear ourselves talk and think at a moment like this."
To the group - the spellcasters, Murphy says, "Someone should have a spell of restoration or two for Tiana for when she steps out of the giant to fiddle with the Tower. Otherwise she'll crash and fall asleep, and won't have a clear mind for doing what needs doing."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 10:10:33 AM
“I got a restoration spell and a couple of lesser restoration spells prepared Murphy, Succotash informs his friend, “And I know how to use the fatigue mercy as well!”
DM Carl Tuesday July 9th, 2019 1:56:48 PM
As most of the party goes to take care of shopping and training at the WLA, Murphy visits relatives. On his return trip from Angel Springs, he has an encounter...
Flying along, he feels something watching and hears rushing wind, even over the sound of his own elemental form. He looks back in time to see another air elemental, larger and faster than even our capable druid. In no time he is overtaken, but he senses no hostility. The elemental regards him curiously, then speaks in perfect druidic.
"Murphy, right? We should talk..." Without waiting for a reply, the elemental plummets towards the ground, turning into a tall, unkempt human who rolls with the landing. He stretches a bit, and Murphy notices the man wears nothing his mother didn't give him. He's tattooed heavily enough to not make that immediately evident. His hair and beard are a mess, and his scent is...substantial. He looks up expectantly.
Murphy's free to ignore the man, but who knows what he has to say...
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 2:39:11 PM
Of course, Murphy flies to the ground and, out of courtesy and curiosity, wild shapes back to himself.
He replies in druidic, "You wouldn't be related to Myrridan, now, would you?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 5:11:46 PM
"Bliss we can be Humble's trifecta of ouch", Succotash laughs, "Piggy on the carpet, me on Piggy, and you underneath, Giants beware!"
"And Mookie flying and Rumpus with magic horseshoes (and Sir Kezzem on Rumpus) and Miss Talia and Mister Murphy flying ... everybody can be in the air!"
He thinks for a sec. "I guess Miss Pressi can fly a broom?"
Bliss enjoys the conversation, shows off his purchases, and then is happy to get home.
Once there, he has to introduce Mookie to his coven. Well, his and Miss Pressi's.
"Mookie," he says, "These are Joy, Comfort, Hesitation, and Mourning. They are my followers. Guys, this is Mookie."
"They got funny names," says Mookie.
"I know, right?" whispers Bliss. "Maybe it's like, a tribute? I dunno."
Bliss spends some time and a meal with his people. He tells them about his recent adventures and stuff.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 10:26:48 PM
"Trifecta of ouch?" asks Kezzem. "Naw, we can do better than out. How about threesome of booboos? Or trio of woopies? Wait, no, I got it...Trinity of Woe!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 11:27:38 PM
To Murphy, "Well, if we are looking for a quiet place to host the team for a bit, I might know of another location..."
---------------
From atop the head of the iron giant, Pressi stared out into the vast expanse, out into the starry void. Out through the rolling hills of the crescent valley. "A little reminder that thoughts of insignificance... just won't do."
With a simple cast of Heroes' Feast, Pressi brings forth a magnificent spread for the team, cycling through a number of music acts and food styles. "Just a little reminder to the pain trio or whatever... you boys still play for second.
"Seriously, I did want to do a little celebrating, and a little something special for this great team... this great family... that we have become. And with little time left to prepare before this great device comes online, I just felt like we could use a reminder of how far we've come. And now, I believe Murphy wished to say a few words?"
Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle Wednesday July 10th, 2019 7:28:54 AM
Bliss shows off his purchases to his coven, but he realizes something is missing. "Hey, that janitor fellow forgot the potion wrappings!"
He looks at a piece of parchment at the bottom. "Well, at least he didn't charge me for them. Come on, let's go find some in town. You guys know the shops better than me."
Joy volunteers to go shopping with Bliss in Humbles Ford.
Bliss is looking for leather wrappings for his newly bought potion bottles, color coded for each kind, and with leather straps or handles for easy carrying and handling (by Mookie with his new amulet of Mage Hand). Bliss has up to 200 gp to spend on these -- a lot, he thinks, but they have to be ready today.
Later, Bliss and Mookie enjoy the picnic on top of the Iron Giant's head. "Miss Pressi, it sure was nice of you to make this tasty spread," Bliss says around a mouthful of a BLT sandwich. "I love my elven lunch box, but sometimes a hero wants something with bacon!"
[OOC to all: Heroes' Feast grants the participants "gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours." Pressi, what's your caster level with this spell -- and would you like a +1 from Bliss casting Sacrifice Blood beforehand?]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 Wednesday July 10th, 2019 7:43:23 AM
"Hold on Bliss, I'll come with you," says Kezzem. "I need to pick a few regular daggers to replace those I lost in the shadow-walk place."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23 Wednesday July 10th, 2019 10:19:31 AM
Pressi smiles. "Not necessary. I think our caster level is just fine."
(CL level is 12. She has 11 base, and will get 1 from Santanos Vestment.)
DM Carl Wednesday July 10th, 2019 3:58:12 PM
"Nah," comes the response in causal-sounding common. "That guy's way too high profile for my liking." He plops himself down in the grass and lies back. "I swear, Crescent Valley may be the most perfect picnic spot in the entire Wold. Nice weather, comfortable plant life, halfling cooking...what more can a guy ask for?"
He sits up, and Murphy gets a good look at the guy's tattoos. They're mostly tribal line-work, but scattered across his skin are dozens of tiny oak leaves. "I don't need to tell you that though, do I? Gotta say Murphy, you've caught the attention of a lotta folks in my world. Big hero druid doin' his part to save the valley from that Sargrass business? The trees you planted though...we all kinda figured you were angling for an invite. You got a lot of fans in my circle, Murphy." He scratches his head as he continues talking. A lot of stuff sloughs off.
"I ain't one of them, though. Did you know that each of those three oaks you planted were exactly 35' apart? I measured. You ever seen trees grow that perfectly spaced out in nature? I haven't, and I've been in plenty of nature and seen plenty of oaks. There's a chaos to nature Murph, and you seem determined to bring order to it.
"Still, you've got promise, and your heart's in the right place. So, I've come to make you an offer: you have one year to change my mind. One year to show me you can let nature be nature, that you're comfortable in a world with most stuff not conforming to what you think it should be. You do that, and there's a place in our circle for you."
He jumps to his feet. "For what it's worth, I wouldn't be here if I thought you were a lost cause. I'll be pullin' for ya." With that, he turns back into an elder air elemental and flies off, taking absolutely zero questions nor waiting for a reply.
OOC: Consider this the one year probationary period the Circle of The Oak requires.
***
Meanwhile, the rest of our heroes are finishing up their shopping. Pressi decides on holding a feast atop the Iron Giant. It is a stunning view from 260' up, and a reminder of what everyone is about to fight for.
Bliss enjoys some bacon, no doubt remembering the words of a wise Mendicant. Joy is able to find the items he was looking for at a reasonable price while they dine.
Murphy is asked to say a few words...
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 Wednesday July 10th, 2019 4:47:01 PM
Succotash flies to the Head of the Iron Giant on his brand new Carpet of Flying. He does a couple of fly-bys so that everyone can see the beautiful weaving put into the Persian style rug he is riding on. When he lands, he asks his friends, "Isn't it beautiful? I ordered a flying carpet, but never expected anything this nice!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 Wednesday July 10th, 2019 6:50:04 PM
Kezzem comes back with eight new daggers, given him a total of twenty in his arsenal (2 magic, 2 silver, 6 cold iron, and 10 regular daggers). They are strapped all about his armor in pretty much every conceivable location.
"What? These two magic ones are nice and they return to my hand after I throw him, but I can draw and throw daggers faster than the magic works, so I need extras. And since the rest of them don't return (which could be quite pricey, plus I only have two hands for them to return to), I need extra extras. And yeah, they might not be as good as the magic one, but when I'm putting the smite on, they still pack quite they oomph."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23 Thursday July 11th, 2019 1:38:15 PM
With everyone else out and about, Pressi squeezes shopping between wedding plans (though a date has yet to be set) and keeping Harper from eating Mookie... or Miss Piggy... or Rumpus... or any local livestock... In hindsight, fruit bat might have been the better way to go.
Not much gear to show off this time around. Harper may have better weapons than she does at this point... Hhm, maybe that's why she's so spirited, she thought to herself.
And he keeps a close eye on the mountains for invaders.
Perception 32
“Is everybody ready?” He asks.
Murphy (Jeremy subbing) Thursday July 11th, 2019 5:14:30 PM
"Well guys as you know, we are going to have to fight some giants soon", Murphy begins, "Just remember our goal is to hold them back not slaughter them, that's just not our way". "Oh and one more thing", Murphy decides to add, Pressi and I are getting married!"
Murphy (Jeremy subbing) Thursday July 11th, 2019 5:18:00 PM
"Oh and nice carpet Succotash!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 Thursday July 11th, 2019 5:18:51 PM
reset header
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29) Thursday July 11th, 2019 9:15:46 PM
Talia spends some time in Angel Springs -- the closest location for WLA chapter, by flying on honing her skills. After she is finished here, she will hover through the town like usual taking in the sites. On Friday, she will take her leave and return to HUmble Sword's compound, where she will play and snuggle with Rayya again, before heading back to the Iron Giant.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29) Friday July 12th, 2019 8:12:44 AM
While in Angel Springs, Talia will stop by the Catacombs to upgrade her gear and obtain an item or two.
{OOC: will send you an email}
DM Carl Friday July 12th, 2019 10:16:07 AM
Holy smokes, I forgot to post yesterday. Shame on me.
***
Time passes as everyone shows off their new toys. Murphy reminds everyone that slaughtering their enemies is not the Humble's Sword way, though the giants will certainly not extend the same mercy.
Anyone thinking to check on Tiana will find she's close to a breakthrough, but needs just a little more time...
***
I'll be posting tomorrow morning. Please update your sheets and get your shopping/WLA training done before Monday. Let me know when your sheets are ready for review.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday July 12th, 2019 10:34:41 AM
Header Update
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday July 12th, 2019 10:35:18 AM
(Sheet ready for review)
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 Friday July 12th, 2019 10:53:10 AM
With his shopping and WLA training complete, Kezzem spends some time playing with Rumpus, making a rumpus about town.
After Murphey reminds everyone about holding back against the giants, Kezzem makes an objection. "Okay Murph, I hear you, but if they have undead or fiends with them, I'm not holding back against those."
OOC: Kezzem is ready to go.
Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle Friday July 12th, 2019 11:46:19 AM
Bliss laughs. “With my new ring of jumping and my newest form, I just wanna hop up and hug everybody!”
Bliss makes Mookie practice stuff, like flanking and fly-by attacks and full defenses.
“Kid, I was working with your mom before you were born.”
“Old crow!” Bliss shouts as he soars. “You’re rusty!”
“Who else wants practice? Sirrahs Kezzem and Succotash, we challenge you!”
Mookie says, “Yeah, to a pie eating contest.”
[OOC: sheets and links are up to date!]
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 Friday July 12th, 2019 12:49:09 PM
"Allow me to rephrase what I said earlier," Murphy requests. "We'lI want to do all we can to prevent the giants from passing the tower. I prefer to avoid bloodshed where possible, but let it flow freely against the giants if necessary, and our fellow halflings avoid having their blood spilt. With 300 of them coming, it's possible they will only understand the mathematics of defeat. If enough of their companions fall, some of them may decide that staying alive by retreating is more important than the opportunity to taste halfling flesh.
"Long ago the giants invaded our lands. The people fought against them, and the towers were built. Once again the people of our beautiful valley are called upon to defend their lands, their homes, their children. And our job is to be the point of the spear of this defense; to do what we might to re-enable the Giant Tower; and to sear into giantkind memory the folly of attacking whom they deem defenseless halflings.
"Hobie Browncloak and I differ on a number of philosophical and ethical matters - but this is one time I surely wish he were by our side. But let us see what we six - what we ten, or eleven, counting our animal friends - may do to stop them."
Then he adds, "Giants are impressed by their great size as compared to those of our race. If faced with one many times their size and mass, that might give them pause - the army of the Iron Giant may more than even the odds against the giants of flesh and bone."
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 Friday July 12th, 2019 1:14:33 PM
Murphy's intended response to the druidic visitation As it was only two days ago that Murphy planted acorns, yes, in the 35' triangle the druid mentioned - but the acorns are yet in the ground, not yet grown. It was only the ones not far from the Glowstone mines that he had cast plant growth on, so he thinks to ask him how they detected his repetitive planting pattern.
He had wanted to respond that there is both order and chaos in nature. "Have you not noted the repetitive structure of leaves, the pattern of 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 and upwards pattern in some plants and animals? My Lord Eberyon himself called us druids stewards of the land. A steward among other things brings order out of chaos - but, as you say, also allows for the benefits of chaos where doing so is wise. Your tatoos - though many and demonstrating aspects of chaos, also have qualities of order and repetition.
"If you wish me not to harness nature's vigor to accomplish good for the Wold, I shall refuse. However, I shall endeavor to learn more the benefits of things in nature that strike the eye as chaotic, while not minimizing the underlying patterns, structure, and design."
"Thank you for your challenge. Tell my brethren of my gratitude, as well. And, may I ask your name?"
Those are things Murphy would have said, had his druidic brother not left so abruptly.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday July 12th, 2019 3:43:10 PM
To Kezzem, "I actually am going to implore you to stay your hand a little against undead and fiends. It took me three months to form that book club and I am not looking forward to starting from scratch."
At Bliss' desire to show off his new form, Pressi smiles and stays out of it.
She takes a quick check on Tiana, updates her knowledge of everyone's abilities, and begins to prepare.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 Saturday July 13th, 2019 8:02:39 AM
Succotash nods his agreement with Murphy and says, "I have no love for killing, except maybe undead, as they are an abomination, but we do what we must to protect our homes and loved ones. With this test of strength and virtue before us, we must do what's needed to survive and protect, without losing that which makes us who we are, and that is heroes. I know none of us has sought such a title, but it is one we have earned many times over, and one we must live up to! So I ask you all to make ready to unleash the wrath of Humble's Sword on those who choose harm over humanity, but be equally ready to show mercy to any who may request it".
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 Saturday July 13th, 2019 11:31:10 AM
"Not just humanity, but halfling-ity, too," adds Kezzem.
DM Carl Saturday July 13th, 2019 6:23:17 PM
Murphy reflects on the odd man he met earlier. He had plenty to say to the man, but no chance to say it. He has a feeling the man was severely lacking in social grace, to the point where he may have been a bit touched. Murphy is likely able to sense that he was an exceptionally powerful druid.
Our heroes have a last moment of peace atop the Giant's head. Bliss especially seems to have reinvented himself in a short amount of time. One can hardly wait to see what he throws at your narrator in the coming weeks.
All things must end though. In this case it ends with Tiana sticking her head in.
"OK guys, I think I've got it figured out, but it's gonna take some work..."
***
New module starts Monday. Have a good weekend, everyone.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Saturday July 13th, 2019 11:18:48 PM
“Oh goody, I cannot wait for the end results.”
Pressi turned to Murphy. “Honey, you came back from a presumably uneventful trip. Remind me how everything is more normal than I tend to believe.”
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 Sunday July 14th, 2019 1:43:24 AM
"Hey Talia, check out Rumpus's new horseshoes!" Rumpus trotts up with his hooves no actually touching the ground. "He can do that hover thing you like to do. Well, maybe not quite as well as you, but it should help him get through rough terrain. He did not have fun on those cave-ridges, so these should help out a lot. The guy at the Catacombs said they will even let him walk over water."
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 Sunday July 14th, 2019 2:55:51 AM
Murphy laughs more than once at things that several things his friends have to say or do.
"Oh, of course, Press. Air elementals race across the valley as usual. One was a faster flyer than I. He didn't give me his name, but said, in effect, I am under consideration to become a member of the CIrcle of the Oak. They noted the acorns I had planted in threes, and took that as my appeal to join them. The fellow they sent had more tattoos on himself than anyone else I've ever seen. He was clothed in them - for he wore no other clothing. As I understand, they will let me know in about a year if they would like me to become one of them.
"I think that people are becoming somewhat accustomed to the notion that terrifically horrible things will threaten the valley, but that we - and sometimes others who help - will get them somewhat safely past these existential threats.
"'What, oh, giants threaten us again? I'm sure the adventurers will deal with them!'" he says in a laconic voice.
"I only hope that we can thwart them before undue harm comes to our people. Y'know, I really don't like to kill people - but giants treat us as not-people. They have no compunction about killing us, enslaving us, and coming up with halfling-based recipes. There have been a few times I awoke, shuddering, as I drempt of the body of that poor fellow roasting on a spit in the valley of the giants.
"I do not wish to become bloodthirsty - yet the feeling grows in me that shedding massive streams of giant blood is what it will take to stop them.
"Why are there so many evil creatures in the Wold? I am grateful there are some who are good, or who at least try to aim in that direction from time to time.
"Oh, along with the warnings I passed on to the folks in Hovel and Angel Springs - I let a few people know that you are my fiancee - and I yours. So, people marrying, loving each other, having children, having arguments, being stubborn, being sweet, and learning to face life's challenges and adventures together - that falls on the normal side of things, right, my rose?"
Murphy draws a bit of Pressi's hair over her ear. "So, how are things with the coven?"
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 Sunday July 14th, 2019 3:06:01 AM
Forgot to mention - the evening of the feast, Murphy cast spike stones into his sling staff.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 Sunday July 14th, 2019 4:48:44 PM
Succotash's ears perk up when Tiana informs them that she finally has it figured out, and waits impatiently for the next step.
Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 Monday July 15th, 2019 5:18:04 AM
As a quick aside, as the group prepares to hearken to what Tiana has figured out so far, Murphy asks, "I wonder who it is who has gotten rival giantkind to work together with a measure of harmony and purpose?"
Then he opens wide his ears to what she has to tell them.
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