Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Wednesday October 9th, 2019 5:29:51 AM "Well, that didn't work!" Succotash says to Talia, "But, at least we tried". He then tries more traditional haunting methods on the orc, moaning, rattling of the chains, ECT... again he isn't sure it will have any effect, but he will do what ever he can in his current state to help his friends.
SpideyBliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+14=28 ; d20+14=15 ; Wednesday October 9th, 2019 9:25:13 AM
Bliss webs the orc again, hoping the -4 curse penalty will make it harder for him to break free. He hits touch AC28, so that's worth a webbing!
"Keep throwing Sir Kezzem!" Bliss shouts. Then he backs up so that he is 50 feet away. He holds the line of his webbing like a net so that they'll have to have a strength fight if he wants to run away.
Mookie again tries a flyby attack. Again he rolls a natural 1.
"Kid," he caws, "I'm not sure I'm a good bet for life as a front line fighter!"
Notes on Orc: -- He is entangled: An entangled creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and a -4 penalty to Dexterity. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape. -- He is cursed: -4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks -- Eye of Newt: He has a -2 to save vs Bliss's Spells and -2 to hit Bliss. -- Ill Omen: He rolls twice, takes the worse.
If Bliss or Mookie sense their ghostly friends, Bliss will call out -- "We'll avenge you and get you back! Don't worry!"
DM Sanity Info:
This is Round 32 of this combat.
Current Effects: Beast Shape III Spidertaur: 11 round of 90 used Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, but NOT fatigued Extended Divine Favor: 14 rounds of 20 used Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 33 rounds of 100 used Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive) Threefold Aspect FOUR (of six) hero points used! Life/Death - BOTH used Web Spell 1/day used 1 Shooting A Web 8/day used 4. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape.
SPELLS: Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used ill omen, surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used ill omen, blindness, touch of idiocy, barkskin +barkskin Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; used bestow curse, eye of newt +plant growth Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; bsiii+wall o thorns
Mookie: Philter of Mirror Image: 30 rounds of 30 used [EXPIRED] Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 33 rounds of 100 used Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 Wednesday October 9th, 2019 1:42:36 PM
Hobie is not looking to pick a fight, but he continues following Pressi in search of Bliss. "Let's go guys! Live to fight another day!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Wednesday October 9th, 2019 2:39:17 PM
Pressi locks eyes on the dwarf as she considers going up. She does not speak.
Turning to the down stairs, she moves with Hobie to look for Bliss.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Wednesday October 9th, 2019 4:33:52 PM
Readied action: suffocate (hero point) if either attack.
Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain Wednesday October 9th, 2019 9:09:55 PM AfterLife
Talia is clearly disappointed that in this AfterLife is is even less functional than before she arrived!
Talia tries with every instance of her being, to try to affect this Armored Orc , perhaps she can cast Ghost Sounds and Spook this cretin!
With her arms up, Talia makes like a undead creaturehaving just tried to cast her spell. Talia then begins to moan as loudly as possible...while getting in the way of the Orc!
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (Orc), Rumpus 17/62. d20+20=21 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+9=13 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=13 ; Thursday October 10th, 2019 12:49:15 AM
Kezzem says in a mock-dwarvish accent, "I'm throwing everything I've got, Captain!"
Honestly, I'm kidding myself rolling damage for those last two attacks....
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Thursday October 10th, 2019 5:15:56 AM
Succotash will try phasing through the orc, hoping that it will creep him out a bit.
Last post, Hobie was following Pressi to get to wherever the heck Bliss had got himself to.
Assuming he gets to some place close to the battle, he will shoot some arrows.
If he and Pressi started ABOVE Bliss and the orc, then maybe he ends up higher than the orc, so that from highest to lowest, we got Hobie and Pressi, then the orc on the landing, then Bliss below?
Well, either way, seems reasonable to pump the orc full of arrows.
[OOC: In a recent post, Hobie shot six arrows at the wall of force, but I only see three attacks per round on his sheet, so Ima roll three.]
Arrows against the entangled orc, using Deadly Aim (-4 to hit, +8 damage): The first attack hits AC31. The second, wowsy, is a nat 20 that confirms with a nat 20! The third misses.
Damage on the first attack is 29.
Damage on the confirmed crit, with arrows as a x3 crit mod, is 25+27+29 = 81 total from Hobie!
That's 81+29 = 110 damage this round to the orc. Sweet!
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Thursday October 10th, 2019 2:06:47 PM
Cayzle forgot the elemental damage, each arrow has 1d6 fire and 1d6 electric Arrow 1- 6 fire, 4 electric Arrow 2- 6 fire, 1 electric
17 more damage
Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain Thursday October 10th, 2019 9:53:07 PM
Following Succtoash's lead...Talia will try to walk through the Orc...to chill 'em!
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Thursday October 10th, 2019 10:06:45 PM
As Pressi walks down, she advises the assassins to avoid the townspeople.
“I want the joy of finding you two myself. Of knowing you can feel my breath on your necks.”
DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map Thursday October 10th, 2019 10:25:42 PM
Bliss webs the orc without much difficulty. With the ranged attacks from Kezzem and Hobie, the anti-paladin falls with a gurgle, and moves no more.
Pressi turns up to warn Ketia and Sashe, but they are already gone. Whether or not they heard her warning, she has no idea, but she's very sure that Ketia will not forget her. Assuming she isn't executed for her failures to Skald, that is.
In the aftermath, and there's much of it, there are dead giants, a dead anti paladin, a dead iron giant, and a fully functional set of towers, protecting Humbles Ford for its bright and foreseeable future.
------------------------
Xp Award for scene: 60,000 - all players.
Hero Points Award for scene completion: 1 for all players.
Bonus Hero Point to Pressi for excellent role play and strategical thinking, and to Talia and Succotash for roughing through and consistently posting while dead.
I think this should put you all well past the minimum for 14th level?
Bliss (Cayzle) d20+24=44 ; Thursday October 10th, 2019 10:57:45 PM
Bliss grins madly! "Wowsy, thanks everybody! What a fight!"
He detects for magic on the orc and searches him. Perception 44.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Friday October 11th, 2019 5:09:03 AM
Succotash breaths a sigh of relief knowing no more of his friends are going to join him in the afterlife. He looks to Talia and says, ”Looks like we won!”
Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain Friday October 11th, 2019 10:17:53 AM
Talia looks at Succotash, giving his a ghostly high five saying, " Allright!"
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 Friday October 11th, 2019 11:19:22 AM
As bliss searches the Orc, Hobie says to him “If there’s anything you can’t identify, bring it to me later”
He says to Pressi “Anything else you need me here for right this minute? I’d really like to go check on my cousin, Constable Roscoe.”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday October 11th, 2019 3:06:49 PM
Pressi agrees to Hobie's request, allowing him to travel forth before she gets to work.
Checking in on Kezzem, she determines if everyone made it out, or if there are still people (besides the team) in the Iron Giant. She also tries to track down Tiana to get a status on the energy transfer.
After checking with Bliss' search, she takes out her own cauldron, encourages him to take out his, and attempts to contact the rest of the coven for an update on the town and field.
Beyond that, there's the attempt to reach anyone who can possibly raise Talia and Succotash. (She has the random reanimate spell but neither strike her as the kind of people that would accept that.) Scrolls or an actual cleric may need to be found.
If there is time, Pressi does try to get a good look for some tracks, an idea of where the invading Skalders went or where the invading giants came from. Some clue as to what they might face next or whether they are truly safe.
To fit all this in, Pressi chooses to avoid luxuries like eating or resting, though she probably feels the urges within the iron giant. She figures, in the back of her head, that Murphy would have a list at least twice as long. But this is what she can think of for now.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 d10=9 ; d8=5 ; Friday October 11th, 2019 7:00:03 PM
Once he checks on Rumpus and the Bad Apples made it to safety, Kezzem will see to the bodies of Succotash and Talia. He says a prayer to Gargul.
"If you must take a life this time, Lord Gargul, take mine instead," Kezzem offers.
Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain Friday October 11th, 2019 7:17:41 PM
Talia will hover around the rest of her team, while they proceed to clean up and make sure everyone else is safe & secure.
"Succotash, Let's follow the group in case they gather our bodies"...says Talia!
DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map Saturday October 12th, 2019 1:00:39 AM
It doesn't take long to scout the rest of the giant and find no new enemies. Succotash and Talias bodies lay side by side, each with their pinkies missing. There's any number of reasons for this, but the more magically inclined immediately consider things like curses and scrying.
The Orcs bodies is covered in magical glow. The following items are found, and easily identified.
Unholy Bastard Sword +1 Headband of Alluring Charisma +4 Heavy Wooden Shield +3 Cloak of Resistance +2 Boots of Elvenkind Full Plate of Light Fortification +3 Belt of Physical Might (+2 Dex, +2 Con)
Tiana informs Pressi the transfer is complete, and the Iron Giant is now a very large lawn ornament. There's no real telling where Skalds people went, but Pressi remembers her own Word of Recall spell being enough to get in and out. It's feasible the priestess was similarly prepared.
Outside, those evacuating the Bad Apples find that a crowd is beginning to gather, as humble Hobbits defending their homes and streets finally start to realize they are safe, and wonder towards the heroes who held the gates and restored the tower.
Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+24=36 ; d20+5=22 ; Saturday October 12th, 2019 8:41:12 AM
Bliss points out the treasure and helps stow it away.
He changes back into a halfling and says to his friends, "Let's make sure that there are no more enemies outside, and that all the warriors are ok."
Bliss is expecting that there may be people in need of first aid or healing around the battlefield.
"Mookie, can you fly around and look for anyone who needs help?"
"Sure," says the small raven. "And I'll look for loot too."
Perception checks: Bliss: 36, Mookie 22
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Monday October 14th, 2019 5:43:06 AM
Succotash answers Talia, “Good idea, let’s go!”. Seeing everyone going different directions, Succotash decides to follow Kezzem, as he seems to be heading towards the bodies. Upon arrival, Succotash hears Kezzem’s prayer and is moved by the love that he is expressing for his fallen friends.
ACDM RobC - "Let's follow the group in case they gather our bodies" Monday October 14th, 2019 7:25:43 AM "take mine instead"
When these words are uttered by Kezzem, the Wold goes quiet. It only takes you a moment to realize that it is because time has ground to a halt. Everything is frozen in place, silent and still... except for you.
"Let's see. Humble's Sword, party of six?" The high pitched voice that breaks the silence is quite familiar. Stepping over the bodies of the orcs and walking (not flying) towards the party comes the little imp figure: Gimp.
He looks at the corpses of Succotash and Talia and gives a small whistle. "Oooh. A two-fer. Haven't had one of these for a while" He nudges Succotash's corpse with his foot "Well. You have some time before the boss man gets here. Might want to get your stories straight and put your bargaining faces on. That or perhaps say some final goodbyes"
Gimp gives two claps in quick succession and the translucent spirits of Succotash and Talia become visible to you. Pinkie fingers attached.
Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain Monday October 14th, 2019 8:43:38 AM Gimp the messenger...
"Nice to meet you, Gimp! So, what is Lord Gargul like? Is there a Protocol we are too adopt in his presence? Anything we should or should not do, other than offending him and what would offend him?"asks Talia to the Imp, Gimp. "I've never really recall anyone having met him; looking towards Succotash, have you?" says Talia.
Talia notices, that her spirit is in tact, but the bodies are missing their pinkies! "Hey, what gives?" exclaims Talia! "Our Pinkies are gone! What, is not enough to kill us, they have to take trophies too!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Monday October 14th, 2019 10:13:21 AM
Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon, more out of instinct than anything else, reaches for Twinklesting, his holy great sword, and his holy symbol to detect evil, upon seeing an imp, then quickly checks himself and leaves Twinklesting in her scabbard and releases his holy symbol, when he remembers he is dead, as such than this can be none other than Gimp, Gargul’s companion. “No Talia, this is a first for me too” Succotash answers his friend. He is a bit upset about the missing pinkies, but keeps his anger I check. Turning to Gimp, Succotash says, “I have no need to get my story straight, as a Paladin I am forbidden to lie, and if your master sees fit to return me to life, good, but if my final journey is at hand I will face it without fear!”
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 Monday October 14th, 2019 3:30:03 PM
ooc: Am I reading it correct that the spirits of Talia and Sucker appear visible in front of the rest of Humbles Ford? if so this is Hobie's post, and if not, see below:
As the spirits of his dead friends appear, Hobie is filled with a feeling of failure. He takes his hat from his head and places it on his heart. "My friends! I'm so sorry for your pain, I should have done more to protect you. Succotash, I left you when I went after the spell caster. I should have stayed by your side! Talia! I shouldn't have let you run ahead of me like you did, I should have prepared different spells so that I might have torn down the walls and been there to protect you.
Hobie puts his head down and sings-
There's a grief that can't be spoken, There's a pain goes on and on. Empty chairs at empty tables, Now my friends are dead and gone.
Oh my friends, my friends forgive me That I live and you are gone There's a grief that can't be spoken, And there's a pain goes on and on"
If I misread that, and Hobie doesn't see the spirits of his friends, Hobie will rush off, still flying and still in Goblin form, to find his cousin, the town Constable Roscoe. I imagine Roscoe would be confused about the goblin, but would surely recognize Hobie's hat and dragon skin boots.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Monday October 14th, 2019 3:55:09 PM
Pressi looks down at the celebration below, a familiar leapord cavorting with the halflings. She continued to speak with Tiana. "I have to say, I can't exactly call this a victory. This feels like a tie at best. A few men down each, a broken machine, an uneasy peace. The woman who did this won't let this go. I made her mad. That makes me feel a little better."
She switches gears. "Can... I still speak to Madam Gem? I think I do owe her an apology."
She thinks about the missing pinkies and word of recall. "Tomorrow, when my spells come back, it's going to be time to hit some divinations of my own. And we need to hit the books hard, and maybe the inns of some of the surrounding towns. Figure out who these guys are. It's supposed to be my thing."
-------------
At Gimp's appearance, "A sight as always, to our popular figure. Not really in the mood for barbs. You may not have noticed, but it's been a day."
She listened to Gimp say some words. "Give it to me straight. How mad is the guy upstairs? Because I am thinking the truth is rather straightforward... and the destruction of a major war machine that almost wound up in the wrong hands must count for something."
To Talia, "Yeah... just a trophy taking. Definitely not worse than that." She explains that she's been in this situation a time or two.
Bliss nods and says quietly, "We're heroes, so all we need to do is tell the truth."
"I think."
You all note that Bliss is much more subdued -- apprehensive, even -- about this meeting.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 Tuesday October 15th, 2019 1:20:33 AM
"Succo, Talia...my apologies. I've lived my time, and then some thanks to Gargul last time I was here. Ot should have been me."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Tuesday October 15th, 2019 5:26:31 AM "Friends" Succotash begins, referring to Hobie and Kezzem, "Don't beat yourselves up over this, we're adventurers, death happens!"
ACDM RobC - "Don't beat yourselves up over this, we're adventurers, death happens!" Tuesday October 15th, 2019 7:26:01 AM
Apologies are made and actions questioned.
"Protocol?" Gimp raises an eyebrow and looks to Talia "Just the basics. Mind your language, show respect, and try not to upset him. He's the one that decides the fate of your immortal souls after all"
He turns to give a few nods to Pressi "It's been a busy day, sure, but the big guy isn't letting it show. Truth be told, knowing what happened here and how it went down, well, I think you'll do ok. I'm usually right on these things."
There is an ominous thumping noise approaching and it's getting louder. Thump. Thump. THUMP. A massive, dark robed figure - far larger than that of any giant - is walking this way. In his right hand he holds a staff that he strikes down sharply as he walks. You have no doubt in your mind as to who it is.
Lord Gargul stops some fifty feet away from the party and looks down at you all. He sighs deeply and leans heavily on his staff. "These are the ones you called me here for, Gimp?" His voice is so deep you can feel the vibrations in your chest. As to his mood? You can't quite make out his face from under his hood.
Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle Tuesday October 15th, 2019 10:30:27 AM
Bliss bows low and waits for the right time to speak. Mookie stands behind him, but being the same size as Bliss, the spirit familiar raven is not really very well hidden.
Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain Tuesday October 15th, 2019 10:32:12 AM Lord Gargul Approaches
As the massive, dark robed figure - far larger than that of any giant approaches the vibrations from his Thumping sets up a similar resonance within Talia, that Talia feels the only thing to do is follow her own ideal Protocol and kneel before Lord Gargul. She will stay in this position until otherwise directed.
Thinking to herself, "Wow, this is awesome, such power flows through Lord Gargul...I wonder if I will survive this opportunity!
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Tuesday October 15th, 2019 12:17:33 PM
"Normally, I'd be the first out of the gate to give a speech about my own failures or how I'm accountable, but I won't. Normally, I'd agree that death is the nature of the job, but you won't get that speech either.
"Let's not allow those invaders off the hook. They didn't fight out of need or self defense. They didn't challenge us to fair duels or take advantage of some oversight. They deliberately attacked us at our weakest point with our very town on the line. They attacked without mercy and without a moment to breathe. Talia died because those two saw the fighting was over, and ganged up on her anyway. No amount of strategy obviates that simple fact.
"So I will be making one lie of admission. I won't say out loud what I'm going to do once I've discovered where they went and who their loved ones and townspeople are. Going to let that be a surprise."
(There is a modest chance that Pressi won't actually go through with it.)
----------------
Pressi continues to stand, with nothing but a head bow. She tries her best not to show any emotion.
"Oh, great and powerful Gargul... It has been a while. I am Pressi Silverglove, leader of Humble's Sword. And we come before you to request that you return our fallen heroes. Not just out of mercy, but because a grave injustice has occurred and may continue to occur without your wisdom and intervention."
Through his empathic link, Bliss senses indignation from Mookie. Translated into words, he knows it would be something like, "Leader! Who elected her leader!?"
Bliss sends back an empathic kick that says, "Hush, Mookie!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 d20+21=31 ; Tuesday October 15th, 2019 4:56:24 PM
"Oh Great Gargul, by your mercy I have lived past normal days. If any member of the Sword must fall this day, let it be me."
Diplomacy: 31.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Tuesday October 15th, 2019 6:27:04 PM
Turning to Kezzem, Succotash says. "I don't fear death brother, on the contrary, if Lord Gargul decides that I should stay dead, I look forward to the rest my life has earned", Then turning to Gargul, and after a quick bow of respect, Succotash says, "Lord Gargul, I will neither grovel, or beg, as I feel your judgment will be just, instead I will only share what I believe is the sum of my life. As a servant of Pantheon, I have done my best to treat and judge everyone I've come in contact with both fairly and justly, and have striven to be a hero of justice. Though I abhor unnecessary blood shed, I am the first to charge into battle, when diplomacy fails, and am the last to retreat from the battlefield, doing so only for the greater good of the party, which often frustrates Pressi. If you see fit to send me back, I will continue to live my life in this fashion, but I have no fear of death, and if you decide not to, I will face my final journey with anticipation. I do ask that if you feel one of us should stay, then please send back Talia, and keep me, for her to die without unlocking the mysteries of her past would be tragic".
ACDM RobC - "If any member of the Sword must fall this day, let it be me." Wednesday October 16th, 2019 7:32:22 AM
Bliss bows low, Talia kneels, Pressi lowers her head and Succotash gives a bow.
Most of the party have something to say, and Gargul listens patiently to each of you in turn. He doesn't rush you or interrupt and seems to consider all you have to say. Gimp meanwhile just walks circles around the group and smiles broadly.
"Hmmm. An injustice you say? And what might that be?" Lord Gargul responds to Pressi. You just can't get a read on his mood. You don't think he's asking it to put you on the spot, and he certainly doesn't sound angry in any way. That's a good start at least.
Succotash has quite a bit to get off his chest. "Interesting. Kezzem offers to take the place of someone else whilst Succotash asks on behalf of someone else. You see, Gimp. This is what makes heroes"
Gimp crosses his arms in defiance "Yeah, well, it's easy to have no fear of death when you're already dead"
"Perhaps, though the good of heart needn't fear it at all" Gargul responds in kind, before turning back to the party "You have done well today. All of you. Noone could have asked more. But still.." He pauses to shift his weight a little against the staff "what did you learn today? What would you have done differently? If there was nothing left to learn then perhaps the journey is at an end"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 Wednesday October 16th, 2019 9:51:01 AM
"I learned it is best to heal your allies when you have the chance, because you never know when a battle cleric might drop a fireball in the room," says Kezzem. "Uh, can't tell you how sorry I am about that, Succotash."
Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain Wednesday October 16th, 2019 11:28:46 AM The Plea
Still from a kneeling position, lady Talia makes her plea. Lord Gargul, I would prefer, that if there is a choice to be made, that you send the honorable and loyal Paladin, Sir Succotash Slenderestick back to the living as he is virtuous and a great defender of the faith, women, and small children.
As the newest member of this Humble group, I have much less to offer. I do not recall my past, nor do I recall any family, and I willing sacrificed my life to save lady Tianana, the rest of the troop, everyone else in the Crescent Valley, and the rest of the Wold from the Giant invasion. I believe with the exception of my owl friend Rayya and this group...it's hard to know what I would have to offer as I do not know what I have done, except through this sacrifice.
If you deem it appropriate to return me to the living, could you tweak my essence a bit on the way back? I'm sure if I had a more broad skillset and/or a different set of feats I could have been in a better support role and could have been able to save at least the virtuous Paladin. I'm sure there could be an additional area or two to improve upon, I'm certain of this.
Thinking back, we should have realized what would have happened by upsetting that Primordial Lava entity that dwells in the land of the The mountains of the Scab, by using its Iron Giant tool as a means to recharge the Giant Towers I'm sure we should have pieced together that his followers would have wanted to pleasure their master in exacting revenge, but for whatever reason that simple idea escaped us.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 Wednesday October 16th, 2019 1:26:20 PM
Hobie knelt to the ground at the sight of Lord Gargul, head bowed in reverence.
When asked what he learned, with head still bowed, Hobie speaks up. "I have learned to never turn my back on friends, even for a second. I have learned that my arrows should defend my party, not go off alone in pursuit of blood."
"I also would lay down my life for my friends. If you should take someone, let it be me, I'm the one who lived a life of thievery and committed murder. Let it be my life to come to end."
"Well," says Bliss, shyly, "we should have better communication so we can coordinate better."
"And we should work on mobility, so we can aid each other faster."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Wednesday October 16th, 2019 9:14:15 PM
“Yeah, I could have done the whole sacrifice thing too,” Pressi said as person after person stood up. “But I’ve always believed in quieter forms of heroism. So before we all offer the big guns, how do you feel about recycling?”
In answer to the question of injustice, Pressi explains what happened in her best prosecutor voice... and with a focus on what Keita said. “I don’t know how much of this you know, whether you and Scald get together. But when an ancient god demands a war machine, and let nothing stand in the way... well I can’t help but see signs of war.
“And what did I learn?” Pressi was silent for a while, save for the popping of a molar. It’s pretty clear she’s reluctant to answer.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Thursday October 17th, 2019 5:06:01 AM "What have I learned?" Succotash repeats the question to himself. He thinks about it for a while, and one can tell by the look in his face, that he is really thinking hard, and one can clearly see that he is soul searching, until finally he answers, "Well sir, you see, when I joined this team, which has rapidly become more of a second family to me, I vowed to do anything within my power to protect my comrades, including laying down my life if needed. I figured that one of the best ways to do that, based on my current skill set, was to put myself in harms way before my friends are put in harms way by the enemy, and use the healing magic gifted to all paladins when appropriate. I feel the methodology has worked fairly well, though I'm sure their is a better way, but for the life of me, I can't come up with one. I am open to suggestions, observations, ECT..., and have a willingness to learn, change, and/or try new things".
ACDM RobC - "I am open to suggestions" Thursday October 17th, 2019 8:35:23 AM
In turn you explain what it is that you have learnt from the experience. Gargul turns his attention to each of you, and beneath his hood you can just make out his eyes - unblinking and focused, as if peering into your very soul.
"It sounds like a common theme is how you work together. Support, communication, and tactics. Perhaps it was good that you learned this now with only two lives lost. It wouldn't do for you all to perish at the same time."
"There's always next time!" Gimp pipes up with a huge grin. He looks to Gargul and can sense the mood. Gimp looks away quite sheepishly and tries to hide from Gargul's view by standing behind Hobie.
Gargul pauses to look at Talia for a moment in consideration, before turning his attention to Pressi. "Why do you remain silent?" His eyes linger on you "Hopefully you are not tempted to follow the path of Jancassis. Such a course would not be wise"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Thursday October 17th, 2019 11:10:22 AM
"How dare you even...."
Pressi paused for a moment, aware of the eyes upon her, before moving to a full bow, a voice much softer. "Forgive me for forgetting my place. I simply wish to assure you that I am aware of the dangers of such a course. I remain in control, and I remain committed to the principles of justice and mercy that I am sworn by. I am, as always, a soldier for peace, and gods willing a light in the darkness.
"I remain silent because I do not wish to lose sight of what has transpired or what might transpire in the future. My moral and strategic failings cannot be allowed to absolve them of theirs. And if we lose sight of these dangers just out of view...
"I do have one apology that I should have made before. I can be arrogant. Short sighted. I left my post at a critical time to show off what my single level six spell can do... which in this case could have been recalling right behind Succotash with a breath of life at the ready. I gave Talia the order to shut down the statue because I was sure a supposedly non-evil person would not simply and callously murder out of revenge, and that left her trapped. I am sorry for both deaths, and I hope you both can forgive me.
"But I cannot be held responsible for the actions of others. These followers of Scald chose once again to invade our home, and may do so again. They took the pinkies of our dead. That is a sign that they intend to scry upon us... or worse. They were prepared to leave our entire town defenseless against a giant army, and the best they could offer in return for a massive war machine is that they will leave us alone if they feel like it. They chose to fight even when there was nothing for them to gain. They were unyielding in negotiation, and unyielding in battle, and when I gave Talia the breath of life so we could retreat, they killed her again. They may not detect as evil, and I'm sure they have some choice words about me. But they clearly don't follow the path of Gargul, or any form of goodness or nature, either. I didn't pursue when they retreated, but I don't intend to be played by these followers of Scald twice. "
Pressi takes a few deep breaths, wondering if she made things worse.
(OOC: This is how Pressi sees Keita, and does not necessarily reflect how she actually is. Also, sorry for the post length.)
Bliss listens carefully and respectfully. He's just happy that the god has not made any comments about witches. But he wants to support Pressi, so he speaks up.
"Um, sir, everybody makes mistakes, but Miss Pressi is a true hero, if I may say."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 Thursday October 17th, 2019 6:20:01 PM
"Yeah, I am starting to think maybe she had some kind of magic to stop us from thinking she was evil," says Kezzem. "Her actions certainly seemed evil to me."
Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain Thursday October 17th, 2019 9:17:08 PM The Plea
Still in a kneeling position since Lord Gargul made his approach, Lady Talia remains silent, having made her plea. The only thing that remains is the Judgement from Lord Gargul.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Friday October 18th, 2019 2:32:27 AM
Succotash feels he has said all he can, and so he remains silent, awaiting Gargul’s Judgment.
ACDM RobC - " I am, as always, a soldier for peace" Friday October 18th, 2019 6:30:47 AM "How dare you even..."
As the words leave Pressi's lips you can see Gargul's hand squeeze his hand around his walking staff, his knuckles going tight and staff takes on a soft white glow. He says nothing, and waits for her to finish.
When all has been said he is still silent. He just stands there for a moment that seems to last and last.
Not even Gimp dares to say anything right now, though does take a few cautious steps back from the party.
Then Gargul looks at Pressi and walks towards her. As he does so, he decreases in size until he is the same height as Pressi. Oh, there's no doubt of the power within the god and one still sees the burden of responsibility that causes his shoulders to sag a bit. As he stops in front of Pressi, he says in a very stern tone "I am Gargul, God of Life and Death. I am tasked with judging the dead and placing them in their proper place in the afterlife. I judge whether those of the Noble Races should live again or remain dead."
He looks about at the party before settling his gaze once more on Pressi.
With little warning he steps forward and gives her a great big hug. He whispers so only Pressi can hear. "Pressi Silverglove, I wouldn't change a thing about you." He then slaps her on the back almost knocking her over and begins walking away, fading from view with Gimp by his side.
Next time someone thinks to look, 2 halflings, once dead are breathing again. Succotash and Talia find their souls returned to their bodies. Pinkies intact.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 Friday October 18th, 2019 8:07:41 AM
Succotash wakes up with a gasp, and immediately sits up. While doing so he notices something strange, the weight of his signature full plate armor isn't there! He quickly looks down at what he is wearing and sees green silk robes, of the kind often worn by Clerics. The robes are beautifully embroidered, in gold thread, with the holy symbols of all the Woldian gods. Reaching for his holy symbol he finds the familiar Gavel of Pantheon has been replaced by a silver disk that has the various holy symbols, of the Woldian gods, exquisitely carved in relief. He instinctively pats himself down, and notices something hard under the robes. A brief examination reveals a mithril breastplate hidden there. He stands up and says to his friends, "I don't think I'm a paladin anymore!"
Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle Friday October 18th, 2019 8:54:52 AM
"Meh," says Bliss to Brother Succotash, "Paladins are overrated. Right Sir Kezzem?" The young-looking halfling elbows the party's remaining paladin in the ribs.
Mookie caws, "Oh snap!"
Bliss grins. "Come on everybody! We have to celebrate this victory. It took us long enough, but the Tower is finally fixed!"
"But what about the loot?" asks Mookie.
"Ah, a volunteer. Mookie old pal, you gather up all the loot and take care of it for us, OK?"
Mookie caws, "Oh snap."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 Friday October 18th, 2019 11:10:41 AM
"Hey!" says Kezzem to Bliss.
"Yeah, dying does that to you. I used to be a rogue, then I died. Now I'm a paladin like you! Er, not like you anymore I guess? Also, I did take a few levels of rogues to get some abilities back. Gods, this is confusing."
"Wait, what happens to Miss Piggy? I liked that pig!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Friday October 18th, 2019 2:07:44 PM
Succotash looks around quickly, and then he remembers that he saw Piggy head home to the celestial plane when he was dead. Instinctively, he reaches for his new holy symbol, and concentrates on trying to summon Miss Piggy. After a few moments, he hangs his head in failure, and sadly says, "I guess shes gone along with my paladin abilities".
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday October 18th, 2019 2:09:19 PM
As she returns to earth, Pressi begins breathing again.
Having been hugged by Gargul himself, there's nothing Pressi can even think to quip.
"So uh... that was... okay, I think we need to get settled in. First, congratulations all and welcome back as applied. And yeah, I switched from monk to this after a soul gem mishap, but it's kind of similar. Before we say goodbye to the pig, maybe make sure she isn't still around.
"Second, there will be time to get treasure later. For now, we need to check to make sure everything and everyone is okay. Check on Roscoe too. And... maybe get some help cleaning up around here."
Bliss of course agrees with Pressi about helping people from the battle ... but ... "I thought we did that before the visit to get back Succotash and Talia," says Bliss.
"Wait wait wait!" caws Mookie. "Isn't anybody else gonna comment on Gargul giving Pressi a hug?"
Bliss laughs and starts to sing, "Gargul and Pressi ... sitting in a tree ... K I S S I N G! ... First comes love ... Then comes marriage ... Then comes MOOKIE in the baby carriage!"
Mookie says, "Ha, but that does not even begin to make sense."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 Friday October 18th, 2019 5:04:56 PM
"No, Mookie, Gargul is your father. Search your feelings. You know it to be true."
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 Monday October 21st, 2019 5:34:08 AM
Hobie is taken aback by Succotash's change, he looks the same. "what are you wearing Sucker? who's gonna stand between me and the baddies now?"
He turns to the group "Okay, I'm gonna run and check on Roscoe and see how the town is doing."
He grips his bow tightly and casts Mount. A beautiful painted pony appears, and Hobie hops on. With haste he runs to the town in search of the constable.
When he finds him, "Cousin! the battle is over. I wouldn't quite say it's won, but it's over. Some villains escaped, and two of ours were killed, but Lord Gargul is merciful, and they have been returned to us. How are things in the town? As soon as is manageable, we could use a lot of hands to clean up outside the town. We will be burying giants for weeks, I fear , and unfortunately we are without Murphy's abilities to move earth."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells Monday October 21st, 2019 7:49:14 AM
Succotash looks at Hobie and answers, ”I’m not sure what’s going on myself yet. There are only 2 things I’m certain of at the moment. 1, I’m not a Paladin anymore, and 2, my time with Gargul increased my interest in the rest of the Wolds Pantheon of gods. Though based on my current attire, I’m beginning to believe, I may be a cleric, and based on my holy symbol, I serve all the gods”.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 Monday October 21st, 2019 10:40:00 AM
Pressi looks askew at Mookie. "Say of me what you will," she replies. "But a god embraced me because I make this look good."
Before Mookie can make any more comments, Harper gives a soft chuckle and a shake of her head. A little reminder of who's remaining on top of the food chain.
(OOC: Valerie's a what, now?)
----------------
"So I figured that I should hit the library in an attempt to find more about Scald," Pressi showed Bliss and their followers later. "And... so after some research on rabbit holes, not sure how I got there, I found... this."
Leafing through a book covered in pentagrams and smiley faces, "It's strange to think about, but it might be possible to perform rituals far beyond what we perform so far. I always figured personally that I would focus on the Justicar training and learn how to find objects and hit things harder while flanking. But this... This could be interesting.
"I would like to open it to the rest of the coven, however. I think we should also discuss what if anything needs to be done about these religious zealots that attacked us."
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