DM Kathy Sunday June 9th, 2019 10:17:10 PM
It has been about 10 days since you returned from placing the Freeman's Token. As far as you can tell, it is working as intended.
In Bonetown, you visit the Catacombs, go over your gear, brew a few potions, and perhaps train with the WLA. There is also the matter of your castle, which will be your base of operations as a Dragon group. Denizens of Bonetown are nearly unanimous in their opinion that a ground-floor brewpub is essential in a good castle. Brother Lansel and Brother Engev have hinted strongly that the ground floor should also include a clinic or infirmary. The Harbormaster has suggested that there should be a large, enclosed space--probably on the second floor--where people could flee in the event of another tsunami, or a hurricane. And, of course, you'll want living and sleeping quarters for everyone. But those are just suggestions. For now, the builders are laying the foundation near Portside House.
The building of the castle is by far the most interesting thing happening in Bonetown. That is, until the visitor arrives.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday June 10th, 2019 7:46:55 AM
Tahni tries not to be too visibly disappointed with her Dominate spell failing on Terser. There were so many things that could have been achieved.
She thoroughly enjoys her 'time off' from adventuring. She sneaks in a couple of days with the WLA and even spends a little time crafting a little.
It seems the locals already have the plans for the castle worked out. It seems they missed the living quarters though. Tahni pictures having a room quite high up, providing a nice view of the harbor as well as being somewhere quiet (and safe) to dabble in magic.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 29/39, channel 5/7) Monday June 10th, 2019 9:27:58 AM
Tahni should be glad that she was spared a terrible rendition of a popular song with a name replaced by the word Ogre.
He was an ogre boy, I said she ya later boy... No, that's terrible.
He's glad that the town likes his brewpub idea, and tries badly to start a new nickname for himself as the Beer Baron. He makes sure to consult Aexana in his recipes, hoping it will take her mind off of her potions a little bit, since there's no limit on the amount of beer and rum they can produce.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Monday June 10th, 2019 9:28:44 AM
updating header
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday June 10th, 2019 12:17:51 PM
With some long overdue rest and no more work to be done on her potions Aex is more than glad to aid Terser with his recipes for brewing beer.
"What beers would you want to brew? Blond? Amber? Dark?", she asks Terser. Aex will help him blend the finest hop... master a delicate balance of acids and herbs... some sweetness of wild berries perhaps... "every tried beer and chocolate?! You'll LOVE it... "
(ooc beer and chocolate - that's not a joke. The chocolatier where we buy our pralines has written a book on the blend of chocolate and beer. Yummy! Belgium... country of beer, chocolate and fries :-) ... enough said)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday June 10th, 2019 1:53:45 PM
Jozhur smiles at the thought of their own castle. "A brewpub in the castle? I may not want to ever leave. Make sure there are pretzels!"
Jozhur spends some time socializes with the denizens of Bonetown, catching up on the latest gossip and happenings.
The Visitor Arrives [DM Jerry] Monday June 10th, 2019 6:20:49 PM
BANG BANG BANG
A gavel sounds through the space. It is so loud that it is heard a mile away.
A godly voice booms!
"ALL RISE!!!"
A suitable pause for a few seconds.
POP
Then that tell-tale popping of a teleport's receiving end.
And Gimp, servant of Gargul, appears dressed in grey with gold trim--the traditional dress of priests of Pantheon!
"What? No I don't want to..."
He looks around and realizes he is not where he thought he was.
"No! I said I didn't...."
He realizes where he is and who is in front of him. He addresses the sky:
"I don't even work for you! I am not a messenger of the Gods of Wold! Everyone knows what happened to them and what is likely about to happ...."
He shuts up immediately.
"Okay."
He lowers his head.
"Yes sir, your Holiness."
He stands defiantly for a few seconds.
He opens his arms in a gesture, exactly NOT in ANY way like Gimp has ever done in his existence. The awkwardness of it is obvious. His face begins to glow, growing so bright that all are forced to look away.
"HONORABLE SEA DRAGONS OF BONETOWN, MEMBERS OF THE DRAGON CONSORTIUM, SAVIORS OF SLAVES EVERYWHERE, BID ME HEED!"
Gimp seems to concentrate hard and the glow lessens. It doesn't completely go away, however.
"Pantheon, himself, bringer of justice, and protector of the accused, brings you greetings. Before my new temporary....."
He pauses and grimaces in pain for a second.
"Before my master, Pantheon the Just, was bidden to join the Gods of Wold, and before he spent millennia floating dead on a far away plane, he was not a solitary being as he is now. He was made up of many gods, which some of you may have studied about named the Gods of Yore or The Guardians. The Creator tasked them with protecting the Wold from without for there were many evils outside of Jerichospace and a multi-system war was waging.
"Due to his experience with what is outside our crystal sphere, my master [no hesitation this time] has become aware of a great threat to not only the Wold, but to other distant worlds. This threat comes from a single being known as The Tinker. A master arcanist, he has devised what can be termed "devices." Some of these are mechanical and some are magical. Some may be some of both.
"Pantheon, my....my master [Gimp grimaces], bids you to follow this Tinker, find each device, and figure out how to deactivate each one. Finding and stopping the Tinker himself bringing him to justice is what is desired by His Honorableness, but is second of the priorities. The first priority is the finding and deactivating of the devices. If even one of them is allowed to go off, the ripples could spread through hundreds of worlds.
"You are to be cautioned that different worlds have different physical laws. Magic may work differently, or it may not work at all. It may be difficult to communicate with people on these other worlds, as their languages may bear no relation to ours spoken in the Wold. Note that each world will have its own customs and taboos.
"Once you accept this crusade, I, Gimp, uh.. servant of Pantheon the Just, will place a godly enchantment on your Dragon Consortium rings to enable you to shift to the locations, the Worlds my master has selected. PCs to the right worlds, placing you as close to the device as possible. Once a device has been deactivated, gather together and speak the command word to shift you to the next device.
"Stop, rest, and heal if you must; however, time is of the essence."
Gimp stops waiting for something more. After half a minute, he pulls out a mirror and sees that his glow has faded.
"Well, that's all I got."
He stands there looking kinda sheepish, like "what do I do now?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/154 - AC 30/17/28 - CMD 25 Monday June 10th, 2019 6:48:25 PM
Rill will walk over to Gimp and crouch down to the imp's level as he smiles.
"I guess what you do now Gimp is to accept our thanks for being Pantheon's message to us. You are a good and faithful servant of our Lord Gargul, and it seems that service sometimes requires the unexpected."
Then he stands. "I will let Tula know that she's in charge of the ship while we're away. I suppose that we should wrap up any catacombs purchases so we can be on our way."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 144/177 (152rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday June 10th, 2019 7:44:15 PM
Fang watches curiously as the strange creature speaks at them. While he's vaguely familiar, it's only in the "I maybe read a book about him once" kind of way. Figuring it's none of her business, she goes off to prepare for the upcoming adventure, which mostly involves packing survival gear just in case they end up stranded on a strange world somewhere (food, tents, that kind of stuff).
DM Kathy Monday June 10th, 2019 10:36:54 PM Aexana and Terser get started on a few brews, ensuring that the brewpub will have something to serve when it's time to open.
And then a remarkable figure appears and tells you some remarkable things.
Rill makes a mental note to inform Tula of your coming absence, and encourages his companions to wrap up their business in the Catacombs.
Fang starts packing camping gear.
Gimp is still here, so you may ask questions if you have them.
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/154 - AC 30/17/28 - CMD 25 d100=92 ; Tuesday June 11th, 2019 1:28:55 AM
Rill will prepare his gear. And he will cast a Divination. He was asking, "How can we best prepare for our fist destination?" But then he seems to get the "Reply hazy, try again" response. (rolled 97 - fail.)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday June 11th, 2019 7:45:16 AM "Gimp serving Pantheon? That's something new. I wonder if something bigger is going on? Perhaps Gimp upset Gargul one too many times and this is Gargul's version of a punishment?"
So many questions...
"What does he hope to achieve with these devices? What exactly do they do?"
Tahni has a whole bunch of other questions but doesn't want to overburden the poor little imp on what looks to be his first day. Best leave it at those key ones.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Tuesday June 11th, 2019 5:51:29 PM
"Sounds like trouble to me... ", Aex snickers. However, visiting different worlds with different physics does sound most intriguing... who knows what fauna and flora she'll stumble on!
"How should we prepare for these new places?!?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 144/177 (152rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday June 11th, 2019 7:24:37 PM "And what might we have to kill? Fang adds, still focused on her packing. It'd be good to know if they should bring holy water or something. Maybe a blunt weapon; she likes her axe, but some things just aren't bothered by being cut in half.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d100=89 ; Tuesday June 11th, 2019 9:32:46 PM
"Off day, Rill? Let me try.
Hey ancestors! Same question!"
Perhaps his sass is too high, since his question doesn't get an appropriate answer either.
"Can't rely on magic here, or in some the worlds we're to visit apparently. Good thing we had some practice on that golem."
DM Kathy Tuesday June 11th, 2019 10:27:20 PM Tahni asks what the devices will do, and you learn that they are intended to destroy...everything. Not just the Wold, or a world, but all worlds, everywhere. Complete annihilation. Unless you stop it.
Aexana and Fang want more information about the worlds you're going to visit, but Gimp doesn't know much. He knows that the first place you will visit is a realm of Koshe-Marr, but after that, he doesn't know.
Rill tries casting a Divination, but his only reply is: it is said that on one world there is a Magic Kingdom ruled by a mouse, which not only doesn't answer his question, it doesn't even make sense.
Terser tries the same question, but receives no reply at all.
There is time for more questions, if you like, or a few quick preparations if you need them. But you need to get on your way fairly soon if you're to save the world. Er, worlds.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+20Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday June 12th, 2019 6:43:07 AM "I mean, I can understand using the devices to wield supreme executive power, or to use to extort wealth, but to completely annihilate everything? Everything!?! Seems a weird way to go about doing things. I wonder why he wants to do this..."
That's when it occurs to Tahni. It might not be a he. It might not be an 'it'.
"What is the Tinker exactly? What does he - it - look like?"
Tahni is ready to go when the others are. Her spells for the day have been cast and are in effect. This includes Tishe's Weave Element watery vests for Terser, Bralin, Jozhur, Fang, and Rill. They take the chest slot and provide water breathing. Someone had to miss out and she figures Aex can wildshape into something that breathes water anyway.
-------------- OOC: Sheet updated with the assumption the CC order has been filled
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Wednesday June 12th, 2019 12:47:52 PM
Bralin emerges from his ale induced coma in time to hear and consider Gimp's words.
"Prevent the elimination of all? A worthy quest indeed." The dwarf tilts his head at the imp, curious.
"How is it you now call Pantheon master?"
Bralin is ready. He also wonders aloud if his quarters in the castle could be located underground.
Gimp [DM Jerry] Wednesday June 12th, 2019 1:36:40 PM
"I have told you all my master Pantheon gave me to say. He is observing this so..."
He looks up at the sky shrugging expectantly.....
He looks a bit worried.
Looking at Tahni he says. "My..I think that they would be destroyed." If not that, it would be equal to that. I think."
To Aexana and Fang, he says, "No idea."
Not being struck with a gavel yet, Gimp begins to act like himself a bit more. He looks back at Tahni and deadpans it. "He looks like a tinker."
He whips his head around at Bralin's question. A look of fury form in his eyes. "I don't. Gargul is on walka..."
BANG BANG BANG
With a loud popping sound, Gimp is gone.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 144/177 (152rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday June 12th, 2019 3:01:17 PM ”Nothing like a vaguely defined and confusing request from the gods to start your day with” Fang comments. ”Remind me to tell you about the Ferocious Foot Fungus of Ferdinand sometime. Even after we succeeded I’m not sure what Alemi’s orders actually meant or how he knew we’d find and solve the problem while flailing about in confusion.”
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Wednesday June 12th, 2019 4:02:20 PM
"Koshe-Marr... of all places in the Wold and beyond we have to start in the land of nightmare... sigh... ", Aex contemplates.
Somewhat startled with Gimp's little outburst at Bralin, Aex wonders what he wanted to say about Gargul being on walkabout ?!?
"What was that all about?!", the little greenmage asks to no one in particular.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday June 12th, 2019 7:25:55 PM
Jozhur stands pondering a moment. "Indeed, why would someone...or something, want to destroy everything? That makes no sense, there has to be a reason. And what's up with Gargul?" He shakes his head, "And we're given a vague task to save everything, I think I'd rather look for foot fungus."
DM Kathy Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:37:13 PM
Gimp answers a few of your questions, and then departs--perhaps before he is ready.
As he leaves, however, your Dragon rings glow briefly, and then you feel a lingering warmth from your ring.
Some of you are confused about the quest, which is as follows: speak the command word (which you have been given), and the rings will transport you to the next world. Find the device, deactivate it, and then speak the command word again to move on to the next world. Rinse and repeat until you save the multiverse. Time is of the essence, but do rest if you need to. If you find the Tinker, by all means try to stop him, but the priority is deactivating the devices.
You know that your first destination is Koshe-Marr, but you do not know about any of the other worlds.
When you are ready, speak the command word.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Thursday June 13th, 2019 12:53:46 AM
"Hmmn. I've known a few Tinkers in my day, but most of them seemed obsessed with building things rather than destroying them. I suppose maybe this one wanted to see if he could build a device to destroy a world, just to see if he could. That would make him the last and greatest tinkerer of all. "
With nothing else to do to prepare, Terser is ready to head off, and speaks the command word when everyone else is ready.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+20Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday June 13th, 2019 2:07:22 AM
Tahni gives a nod to Terser. She's also ready to say the command word.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d12=7 ; Thursday June 13th, 2019 6:39:26 AM
Fang says she's ready to go and hefts her pack onto her back. (finished leveling, updated header)
Rill (MarkB) HP 148/154 - AC 30/17/28 - CMD 25 Thursday June 13th, 2019 11:00:44 AM
Rill has checked to make sure things are in order.
Tula on the Lionfish has been made aware of our imminent departure, the Harbormaster is told we will be out for a while, Brothers Engev and Lansel (both clerics of Pantheon) are told that the Sea Dragons have been contacted by an emissary of Pantheon that we will need to travel to a number of different planes to stop some constructs that may destroy many worlds.
Preparatory to our leaving, Rill will cast Heroes' Feast. This will take an hour to consume and has the following benefits.
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.
"Koshe Marr, eh? Not a good destination, but I fear that may not be the worst place we will be called to.
"OK, so is there anything we're forgetting? If not, let's go."
Assuming all are ready, Rill will speak the command word along with the others.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday June 13th, 2019 2:10:02 PM
Bralin eats the Heroes' Feast in silence, his mind obviously elsewhere.
At the repeated reminders that Koshe Marr is their first destination, the dwarf's countenance darkens even more.
"There is a vampire on that plane I would see destroyed," he remarks coldly. "May the gods grant us the opportunity."
Bralin speaks the command word.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday June 13th, 2019 6:23:52 PM
After the feast Aex nods and will speak the command word with the rest of the squad... fools to go willingly into the Lands of Koshe Marr...
The Mire
DM Kathy Thursday June 13th, 2019 11:14:28 PM
[Everyone take 31,000 XP for the previous scene.]
Rill checks to be sure everything will run smoothly in your absence. Tula and the Harbormaster acknowledge your information. The Pantheon clerics are pleased with your mission, but also busy organizing for their new clinic. Your castle foundations will continue to be worked on while you are gone.
Rill casts a Heroes' Feast and invites his companions to partake. If you do, remember to roll your temporary hit points.
After the Feast, you gather to speak the command word. Bralin is interested in tracking down Baelfred the vampire, who is long overdue for a reckoning.
When you speak the command word, the world around you seems to shift and slide. And then you are standing in ankle-deep water. Looking around, you can see that you are in a vast swamp. Tufts dotted here and there might be hillocks of dry(ish) land, or they might be especially thick clumps of swamp grasses. It's hard to tell. The sky is overcast, with roiling clouds threatening rain. The whole place smells of rotting vegetation.
Bralin can tell at a glance that, though you are in Koshe-Marr, you are not in Fidelia's Realm where Baelfred dwells. His reckoning will have to wait.
In the meantime, everybody's feet are getting wet.
Survival DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {That clump over there is definitely dryer ground.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+9=21 ; d20+17=37 ; Friday June 14th, 2019 1:58:21 AM
Survival 21
"That way over there is safer. Well, drier at least. They said we'd be near the machine?"
Terser scans the area and the horizons for something Tinker-y. (Perception 37 - Nat 20)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+22=38 ; Friday June 14th, 2019 3:06:54 AM
"Yuk... ", Aex complains, "my dress is going to get dirty... Terser's right... it's far drier and safer over there. Move slowly. Don't make rush movements so you don't get stuck."
(survival 38)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+20Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+30=35 ; Friday June 14th, 2019 5:40:30 AM "Testing. Testing" Tahni checks that the telepathic ring communication still works. That thing is going to come in very handy! She also checks that the 'Status' ability of the ring is working.
With her overland flight spell in effect, Tahni keeps her feet dry (and her clothes clean) by flying around 5ft off the ground.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d8+8=14 ; Friday June 14th, 2019 4:56:20 PM
Rill turns to Tahani, "Hey my fancy flying femme fatale, mind popping up to get an ariel view?"
As for the dismal swamp, there is something Rill can do about that. He casts Water Walk, splitting it up among those on the ground. Everyone standing will rise to the surface of the water or mud.
"There, that won't last forever, but it will help for a while. Now - which way to go. Let's see if the Tinker's machines are considered to be constructs."
Rill concentrates, using his new-found ability to Sense Construct. (This allows him to sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,040 ft., even through solid objects.) He will share what he learns with the rest of the group.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+26=28 ; Friday June 14th, 2019 8:52:51 PM
With the others hopefully having things under control as far as finding the constructs, Jozhur does his best to keep an eye out for danger.
He sure is glad to be out of that yucky swamp water, hopefully nothing lurks below it...
Perception: 28
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) d8+8=13 ; Saturday June 15th, 2019 10:47:28 AM
[Heroes' Feast - +13 temp hp]
Bralin looks about, and concludes with a sour expression that his revenge will not be at hand. The dwarf mentally moves on to the task at hand.
I can hear you he replies to Tahni.
With Rill's assistance, Bralin is soon standing on the water. He waits for the Grim's assessment of the situation.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Sunday June 16th, 2019 5:34:46 PM
"Bah... I should have remembered to fly out of this mess... ", Aex says but with a quick wave of her hands her robes are clean again. (Prestidigitation).
"So... where are we heading?!"
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Sunday June 16th, 2019 6:46:07 PM
Rill is a bit startled by Tahni and Bralin's telepathic conversation.
Wow. Yeah I can hear you. This is gonna take some getting used to.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+8=9 ; Sunday June 16th, 2019 7:53:03 PM
Ankle deep is a bit deeper on the short Ratfolk, but she's been in a few swamps before and isn't really bothered to much by the muck. She tromps over to the dry land with the rest and tries to get a read on directions so that they can properly navigate once they set out (the only skill I have points in and I only have 8 XD. 9 on survival)
DM Kathy Sunday June 16th, 2019 9:35:24 PM Terser points the way to dry land. Aexana cautions her companions to move carefully or risk getting stuck.
Tahni goes airborne, and Rill casts a Water Walk spell to help his companions. Now everybody can walk on top of the water, which is a definite improvement.
You test your rings and find that both the telepathic link and the Status effect are working just fine.
You make your way to the dry land. It's a small hillock, with nothing much to recommend it other than being free of swamp water. Rill's Sense Construct ability isn't picking up anything, but Tahni, Terser, and Aexana all see signs that someone crossed this hillock not too long ago. The tracks lead that way.
It still looks like it's going to start raining at any moment.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+20Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+30=44 ; Sunday June 16th, 2019 10:36:08 PM "I'm not stealthy at the best of times, and if I stay 10 to 20 feet flying overhead I might be sending a big signal as to where we are. Still, it does give me a view of the surrounds"
Tahni will fly above the party but at the first sign of movement will drop down to ground level.
------------------ Perception: 44
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d8+8=16 ; d20+35=36 ; d20+26=29 ; Monday June 17th, 2019 1:03:29 AM
"Well, that way it is. I could lead the way, but never learned the science of tracking." Jozhur does his best to keep out of sight in hopes of catching any attacker off guard. "Perhaps I should stay near the front and watch for traps as we go."
--------------------------------------------- Now that we are on the trail, Jozhur will look for traps rather than watch for enemies Perception vs traps: 35 Stealth: 36
Heroes Feast temp HP: 16
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+13=26 d20+38=45 Monday June 17th, 2019 10:49:36 AM
Rill uses Prestidigitation from his circlet to clean the sodden and muddy parts of his clothing.
He proceeds with the others. As we go, even his limited survival skill allows him to see and follow these tracks through the dismal swamp (Survival roll 26). He also keeps a sharp eye out for trouble or hazards (Perception roll 45.)
I'm not sure which is more concerning - finding opponents in Koshe Marr or waiting for them to appear. As we go, I'll see if I can sense any outsiders or constructs.
Rill will use his Sense Outsider and Sense Construct abilities as we walk.
Also, if we do encounter anyone, Rill will use Deathwatch to see if they are undead and share that info with the others.
--------------------------- Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. --------------------------- Spells Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience
Spells/abilities available, * = cast/used: 0 (DC19): Create Water, Guidance, Detect Magic, Detect Posion 1 (DC20): True Strike (D), Bless, Detect Evil, Detect Undead, Greater Disrupt Undead, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith 2 (DC21): See Invisible (D), Augury, Calm Emotions, Delay Posion, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon 3 (DC22): Divination (D), Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic, Magic Circle Against Evil, Prayer, Searing Light, Water Walk 4 (DC23): Dimension Door (D), Air Walk, Air Walk, Death Ward, Death Ward, Freedom of Movement, Summon Monster IV 5 (DC24): Dimension Door (D), Breath of Life, Dispel Evil, Flame Strike, Flame Strike, True Seeing, Wall of Stone 6 (DC25): Find the Path (D), Blade Barrier, Blade Barrier, Heal, Greater Dispel Magic, Heroes' Feast 7 (DC26): Greater Teleport (D), Destruction, Destruction, Heightened Heal, Greater Restoration 8 (DC27): Moment of Prescience* (D), Animated Disjunction, Holy Aura, Summon Monster VIII 9 (DC28): Foresight (D), Implosion, Heightened Animated Disjunction
Abilities/Items Agile Feet (Su) 12/day - Dim. Hop (Sp) 170'/day - 0' used Greater Insight (Sp) 3/day - Channel Energy (Su) 7/day - 1 used Obscuring Mist (Item) 2/day - Deathwatch (Item) Continual Eagle's Splendor (Item) 1/day - Faerie Fire (Tattoo) - 3/day - MM Extend, Lesser (Item) - 6/day - MM Silent, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - MM Quicken, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - MM Quicken (Item) - 3/day - Tongues (class)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday June 17th, 2019 6:32:14 PM
Bralin tromps along beside Rill.
The dwarf can't track or be very quiet, and figures the best place to be in this environment is next to the guy who can sense undead, outsiders, and constructs.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+21=36 ; Monday June 17th, 2019 8:56:32 PM
Terser moves nimbly around, despite the sucking mud, but is still thankful for the spell to let them move around atop it. He will do his best to follow the tracks as they go, and move quickly so they don't become obscured by rain.
Survival 36
DM Kathy Monday June 17th, 2019 9:43:36 PM Tahni remains aloft, but sees no sign of life apart from your group. Likewise, Rill's Sense Outsider and Sense Construct abilities show nothing within range. Bralin trudges grimly along.
Terser is able to follow the tracks across the hillock. When the trail again moves into the swamp, Terser is able to figure out where the Tinker headed next, and leads the way to the next hillock, then the next.
Jozhur, alert for any signs of traps, sees the device first. It is a kind of wire cage or box, made of some matte black metal. Something inside gleams faintly.
You have found the first device. Now all you have to do is deactivate it.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+24=42 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+30=37 ; Monday June 17th, 2019 9:57:32 PM
Tahni starts to very slowly circle the box. She's looking for any signs of a lock, way to open it, weird looking panels, or a big red button that says "off".
"Let's take our time and not rush into touching this. If we do something wrong it might be bad"
------------ Knowl Engineering: 42 Disable Device: 24 - To get an idea on how to deactivate it. Not taking any action to do it yet though. Perception: 37 + Arcane Sight to check for magical auras Spellcraft: 42 (32+Take10) to ID any auras
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+38=41 ; d20+15=19 ; Tuesday June 18th, 2019 11:35:39 AM
Rill replies mentally, Yeah, that's probably a good idea Tahni. We may eventually want to summon an earth elemental to check it out from underneath or to just whack on this thing for us. But maybe we can figure some other things out first.
Rill look at the device for anything obvious (Perception 41). He will invoke his Tremorsense ability and walk a circle about 20' away from this thing to see if he can sense what or how much of this the device may be below ground. His Deathwatch would tell him if this is alive or undead. Finally, he will cast Detect Magic to see if it radiates magic, and if so, perhaps he can identify some properties (Spellcraft 19 - not a good roll.)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+11=22 ; d20+18=33 ; Tuesday June 18th, 2019 4:11:12 PM
Aex too looks at the device and what is inside. How large is this cage? Know Arcana 22 - what could be the gleeming thing inside? Know Nature 33 - what kind of material could this be?
While the rest also looks at the device Aexana checks the surroundings? Any trees nearby? Clouds overhead perhaps? Signs of animals?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday June 18th, 2019 6:52:49 PM
Fang is already pulling out her axe when Tahni advises caution. With a shrug she puts it back. Looks like she won't be cutting the thing in half just yet. Maybe after it's disarmed so it can't be put back together again.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Tuesday June 18th, 2019 7:09:50 PM Aye Bralin responds to Tahni.
Having nothing else to offer, the dwarf waits.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+27=31 ; d20+31=35 ; Tuesday June 18th, 2019 8:12:17 PM
Jozhur agrees, a large amount of caution is in order. He treads lightly and follows Tahni, to examine the device, looking for a way to disable it.
Perception: 31 (or 37 if it is considered a trap) Disable device: 35 (41 if considered a trap)
DM Kathy Tuesday June 18th, 2019 9:41:28 PM Tahni examines the box and quickly determines that this device is purely magical, without a mechanical component. You can see Evocation and Necromancy auras, but the actual spell is nothing you've seen before.
Rill and Jozhur can tell that the gleam inside is from some kind of gem.
Aexana is able to figure out that the metal box is black iron.
Fang wants to take the direct approach, but is dissuaded. Bralin simply waits.
As far as you can tell, the black metal box is just a housing. There is a spell inside, probably focused through whatever that gem is. And judging from its aura, the spell is pretty powerful.
Spellcraft or Knowledge Arcana 35 Highlight to display spoiler: {you're pretty sure this device can be deactivated with a burst of negative energy}.
Appraise 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {the gem is a black diamond, and it's probably pretty valuable.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Tuesday June 18th, 2019 10:04:23 PM
"Maybe we only have to figure it out once, and the rest of them will be the same. Still gotta figure this ones deal I guess. "
Not knowing anything about magic, Terser leaves that to the spell slingers. If the ground were rocky, maybe he'd have something else to add. Next time.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday June 19th, 2019 6:16:51 AM
Tahni looks over the device and nods knowingly.
"The gem looks valuable but first things first. I'm pretty sure the device can be deactivated with some negative energy. I mean, I think it can. I've no idea what will happen though if I try. It might be trapped to prevent this sort of thing. Still, it's the best I've got.
How about everyone stands clear - say 50ft back - and I'll hit it with an Enervation spell?"
Tahni steps back and if no objections will fire away.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday June 19th, 2019 12:47:40 PM
Fang walks back to what she thinks is a safe distance but it’s actually only about 30 feet away.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+6=26 ; d20+15=22 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2019 2:25:12 PM
Unable to puzzle out much more about this thing, Rill trusts Tahni's Judgement.
"A moment Tahni - let me cast a protection spell on us before you unleash on that thing. This will give some protection to anyone withing ten feet of me."
Rill will move back next to Tahni and cast Magic Circle Against Evilbefore she casts her Enervation spell, creating a 10' radius circle of protection for anyone that wants to be in it.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Wednesday June 19th, 2019 7:20:40 PM
Upon hearing the words of Tahni and Rill, Bralin immediately turns and paces off 50'.
The dwarf waits wordlessly for Rill to get beside him, and then nods to Tahni.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Wednesday June 19th, 2019 7:22:03 PM
Aex stands back as Tahi makes a move for the devce...
DM Kathy d20=5 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2019 10:27:50 PM
Having figured out the device, Tahni proposes hitting it with an Enervation, first giving her companions time to reach minimum safe distance.
Rill takes the added precaution of casting a Protection from Evil, before he, Aexana, Bralin, and Terser remove themselves 50 feet. Terser hopes that the other devices will be like this one, and if you figure out one, you'll have figured them all out. Your mission brief would seem to contradict that, but you never know.
Fang only removes herself 30 feet, wanting to be on hand in cast something goes sideways.
Tahni casts her spell. It requires an attack roll, but your DM doesn't want to wait a full extra day, so she will break all the rules and roll the attack for Tahni. It is not the best-aimed ray of all time, but it does hit the device. You hear a pop, then a fizzle. The device flares briefly, then the light subsides. The world doesn't end, which you take as a good sign.
And, in fact, your Detect Magic spells can confirm that only trace magic remains. The device has been deactivated.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+6=25 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2019 10:28:30 PM
Jozhur waits, ready to jump out of the way of some massive explosion he is sure will happen.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+30=39 ; Thursday June 20th, 2019 8:49:02 AM
Tahni takes a few cautious steps forward and then gives a satisfied nod "Well, we're all still alive and the universe is intact. I'd call that a good start"
"Now that it's deactivated I don't like the thought of just leaving it here. Just because it's deactivated doesn't mean it can't be reactivated, or that it doesn't still pose a threat." She feels like she can predict what some of the others might be thinking "And given how much power potential it had, smashing it might also be bad and certainly not worth the risk of destroying the Wold. I think it might be wise to take it with us. We stash it into a bag of holding and when we next see Gimp we can hand it over. Then we can be sure that it won't get into the wrong hands or cause any further trouble"
"That diamond still looks good though"
Tahni starts looking at the surrounding area. She's just a little wary that the area may be monitored. She also looks about the ground for any fresh footprints, or clues as to which way the Tinker may have gone.
Perception: 39.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday June 20th, 2019 9:34:47 AM
Fang is not impressed. ”That’s it? One spell and the Wold destroying device is disabled?” She walks over and looks at it. ”We should destroy it or at least dismantle it. It might reactivate or if we die to this Tinker he’d just replace it. Maybe take it apart then destroy the pieces so we don’t set it off?”
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday June 20th, 2019 11:20:45 AM
Rill will go up an touch the thing. Can he easily remove the diamond? If so, he will take that for the party.
Then he looks at Bralin's waraxe and Terser's adamantine gauntlet and says, "I think Bralin and Terser know how to disassemble things that we don't want used. I do agree that we cannot leave this thing here intact, but there are others so trying to carry them all around may become...problematic."
Then telepathically he adds, As for this Tinker, we will find him and end him when this is done.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday June 20th, 2019 5:38:09 PM
Aex too expected something a bit more spectacular from a Wold destroying device...
"Good start... so much for this one..."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Thursday June 20th, 2019 6:37:47 PM Hey Jozhur, you're good with traps and such. Maybe we take the diamond and then leave this device, but with a trap of our own. So if the Tinker tries to get it back up and running, it blows up in his face?
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday June 20th, 2019 7:14:02 PM
Given the various opinions being discussed, Bralin is not ready for any definitive action.
The fact that he reaches into his haversack and pulls out a warhammer may give some indication as to where his feelings lie.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Thursday June 20th, 2019 9:23:56 PM
Jozhur frowns at Terser, "I'm good at taking making traps no longer function, building them is another matter." He pauses a moment and looks around, "besides, we should be moving on, there are more of these things to dispose of. I say we smash it and go."
DM Kathy Thursday June 20th, 2019 10:54:29 PM Tahni moves cautiously toward the device, and suggests that the group just bring it along. It can go in a Bag of Holding. There's probably no downside to putting an unknown device into dimensional storage.
Fang is all for destroying or dismantling the device.
Rill checks to see whether the diamond can be removed easily. The answer is yes and no. Yes, it could be removed, and no, it wouldn't be all that easy. But you have people with the tools and know-how to do it. And there's probably no downside to trying.
Aexana is ready to move on to the next device.
Terser suggests trapping the device in case the Tinker doubles back and tries to reactivate it.
Jozhur doubts his ability to build a trap and suggests just smashing the thing. There's probably no downside to that, either.
Bralin pulls out a warhammer.
Overhead, the sky still threatens rain. Come to think of it, Survival DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {the sky looked like it would rain at any moment when you arrived, and it still looks like that. It hasn't changed at all, which isn't natural. Maybe that's part of the misery of this place--the sky constantly threatens rain, but never delivers.}
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+12=18 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 5:52:02 PM
Rill looks at the sky and says, "Tut tut, looks like rain."
Then he looks at our heavy hitters Bralin, Terser and Fang knowing they are best equipped to destroy the device and extract that diamond in the process.
"Once we've rendered that thing unusable, we can speak our special word to move to the next device." He looks around as he adds, "And were just asking for trouble the longer we linger here in Koshe Marr."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+27=34 ; d20+29=42 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 10:15:46 PM
Now that they can safely approach, Jozhur takes a close look at the device's remnants. He makes sure there aren't any traps that may go off when the device is disturbed or smashed and looks to see if the gem can be quickly and carefully removed.
He will try to disable any traps and remove the gem if possible. Otherwise, he gives the go ahead to smash it. -------------------------------------- Perception: 34 (40 vs traps) Disable device: 42 (48 vs traps)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+9=10 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 11:03:59 PM Yup. Rain. Nat 1
Smashy Smashy. Terser joins Bralin with his cestus and begins warping and dismantling the device. Once pieces are smallish, he'll also toss them into the swamp to sink.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20=3 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 11:11:33 PM
Tahni grimaces a little. Blindly smashing something with this much power is, well, an unfathomable risk. It's betting the entire life of the universe that it is a safe thing to do.
Assuming life goes on, a mending, make whole, or Lenna's spell could fix it back up again.
She hopes that Jozhur can do enough to permanently disable it and that there is no need to clobber it. At the very least, that there is no explosion when the pent-up adrenaline is released by the smashy-folk.
Tahni looks for her tools to give Jozhur a hand, but can't readily find them. Instead she just watches him intently.
She's in agreement with Rill. With the job done it's best to keep moving.
------------------------ Survival check vs DC25: 15 + Take10 = Pass Aid Another check: 3 = Fail Use Guide/Mislead ability: Jozhur gets a +2 insight bonus on his check
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Saturday June 22nd, 2019 8:50:26 AM
Bralin dutifully waits for the go-ahead from Jozhur.
Then he sets to seriously deforming the metal case with his war hammer.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday June 22nd, 2019 7:54:12 PM
Fang is all ready to get in on the smashing, but there's already a couple people on it with better tools so she holds back.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+22=23 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2019 5:20:46 PM
(Survival 23 - nat 1 - it's just one of these days where you have a +22 survival skill and consider a DC25 piece of cake... sure... not in the Wold. )
Despite her usual link with nature, here the little greenmage is totally lost. Aexana agrees with Terser that there will soon be some heavy rain.
"We'd better start looking for some shelter... , Aex mentally informs her friends.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Sunday June 23rd, 2019 8:24:08 PM
Fang looks at the sky, idly wondering if it'll ever actually rain (17 survival - forgot to total up my points apparently). Rain is rather annoying and wet fur moreso, but the real risk is all the dry land vanishing in this swamp.
(OOC: I rolled a 17, nat 1, but I posted on the wrong board by accident. Moving it here.)
DM Kathy Sunday June 23rd, 2019 9:45:13 PM Jozhur takes a look at the device's housing and doesn't find any traps. He does find that he can disassemble the thing using his tools. After a few minutes' work, two halves of the housing pop apart, reveling the black diamond inside. The world still doesn't end.
Terser, Bralin, and Fang are all ready to smash the thing, but Jozhur's skill made that unnecessary. They can still smash the halves of the housing if they like, just on general principle.
Aexana and Rill note that it looks like rain, and soon. Tahni expresses a wish to leave.
Meanwhile, the place still smells like rotting vegetation, and the sky still looks like it'll rain soon. Now that it's out in the open, the black diamond Appraise DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {looks to be worth about 2,000 gp}.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday June 24th, 2019 6:24:52 AM "Nice job, Jozhur. I'd put that diamond at around 1,000 - no - 2,000 gold pieces"
Tahni looks about
"I'm not so sure we need to look for shelter. Our job is done. We found and deactivated this device and can probably move onto the next one"
She is ready to speak the word and move on to the next one, hopeful they will all prove this easy.
Appraise check vs DC25: 18 + Take10 = 28 = Pass
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday June 24th, 2019 2:00:45 PM
Rill will grab one of the halves, and will silently say, Here, let's just take one half with us to the next location. We can still destroy it there if we need to, but distributing the pieces a bit may make it harder to put them back together. Even so, if this Tinker can make these things once he can make them again, so their destruction probably won't slow him down much anyway. And if the diamond powering the thing is worth about 2,000 GP ... well, I carry ten times that amount around in diamond dust.
Let's go.
Once all are ready, Rill will also speak the command word.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday June 24th, 2019 4:55:19 PM
When Tahno suggests it's time to leave, Aex nods and when the word is spoken she says it too...
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday June 24th, 2019 5:38:56 PM
Bralin nods in wordless agreement of Rill's thoughts.
He too speaks the command word.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Monday June 24th, 2019 8:06:58 PM
Tahni makes a good point about simple spells making repairing the device a trifle. Better to take the gems, since he probably can't replenish them forever. Probably.
HE speaks the word, ready to move on.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday June 24th, 2019 10:12:35 PM
Fang is also ready to move on, though first she smashes the part of the device they're leaving behind. "Scatter the pieces sure, but scatter them destroyed so even if he finds them he can't put them back together."
Suiting actions to words she takes some of the pieces of the part she destroyed so that even if magically mended it'd only be an incomplete part of an incomplete device.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday June 24th, 2019 11:12:47 PM
Also ready to move on, Jozhur speaks the command word. He has a suspicion they won't all be this simple.
The Empire
DM Kathy Monday June 24th, 2019 11:30:27 PM
[Everybody take 62,000 XP for the previous scene.]
Tahni reckons the diamond is worth around 2,000 gold. Rill dismisses that as chump change, but you never know when you'll need to bribe a chump, so the group decides to bring it along.
You also decide to destroy and scatter the parts of the housing, although Jozhur could tell you there's nothing really special about it. This device was magical, not mechanical. Still, it can't hurt to be careful.
More than ready to leave the Mire behind, you gather together and speak the command word. The swampy world around you seems to dissolve, and everything gets very cold.
You blink, and you are standing in a field. There is frost and snow on the ground, and whatever was growing here has long since been harvested. A few stray stalks indicate it was some kind of grain. Your breath puffs white when you exhale.
Anyone with Divine spellcasting abilities notices that they no longer have a connection with their god or power. That comforting presence that's been with you since you cast your first orison is gone now. It's an odd feeling. You're pretty sure you can still cast spells, but you don't think you can replenish spells until the connection is restored.
Looking around, you see other fields and fences. There's a line of trees off in the distance. And, directly ahead, something that looks like a road--though you'd need to get closer to know for sure. It's a crisp, clear winter day. Well, clear-ish. A faint pall of smoke lingers in the air, though at the moment you cannot see a source.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+30=37 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:28:35 AM
Tahni checks over her active spells to see if they are all still there or whether they have been dispelled by this strange place.
Here's hoping her Roses Temperature Control spell is still functioning to keep her warm.
She looks about the frost and snow for any signs of footprints - animal or humanoid.
Perception: 37
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday June 25th, 2019 11:42:19 AM
Rill touches his holy symbol. "The connection I have to Gargul has been severed here, which is something I have never encountered before. So wherever or whenever we are, it may be that Gargul as no influence here. So let's not die here, because who knows where our souls will wind up.
"I suppose whomever or whatever we encounter here may be fearful of us as alien invaders.
"The Water Walk spell still operating should make you able to walk on this snow if it becomes deep. Also, my 10' Circle Against Evil should still be working. I'll see if I can sense any constructs or outsiders nearby."
Rill casts Detect Magic to ensure his spells are still operating. He will use his Sense Outsider and Sense Construct abilities as we walk. Also, if we do encounter anyone, Rill will use Deathwatch to see if they are undead and share that info with the others.
--------------------------- Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Tuesday June 25th, 2019 6:37:16 PM
Bralin involuntarily snorts at "let's not die here, and quickly strives to regain his decorum.
He patiently waits for Rill's detection spells, and then glances toward the road.
"Jozhur?"
The dwarf will follow if Jozhur heads that way.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday June 25th, 2019 7:27:28 PM "I also feel no connection to Aemi. We are far from home here." It's been a long time since Fang had to rely solely on her strength and skill. Sure she always uses how own body, but often with the blessing of her god. She relishes the challenge of doing things without divine blessings even as she pangs for the long-familiar connection.
DM Kathy Tuesday June 25th, 2019 11:47:39 PM Tahni checks on her active spells, and they are still active.
Rill is likewise able to confirm that all spells that should be in place, are in place. He warns his companions not to die, which Bralin finds amusing.
Fang reports on her lost connection, and looks forward to just using strength and skill, which you are welcome to do. However, you're pretty sure you can still cast spells; you just can't pray for new ones.
Standing in an icy field is all very well, but it's cold and you're anxious to get moving. Especially those of you whose feet are still wet from the swamp. You head toward the road. Thin layers of ice crunch under your feet as you cross the field. You scramble over a low fence, and you are standing on the dirt road, which extends right to left. There are numerous ruts and tracks on the road; it would be impossible to pick out any one set of tracks from the muddle.
Perception or Survival DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The smoke seems a little thicker that way--to your right.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+17=33 ; Wednesday June 26th, 2019 12:26:54 AM
While it's quieter without the ancestral spirits chattering in his head, he still prefers to have the guidance. Still, he survived without it once, he'll do it again.
He looks up and down the road, and points out the extra thick smoke that's off to the right.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday June 26th, 2019 6:33:08 AM "Thicker smoke likely means more people" Tahni rationalises "or an out of control fire. Let's hope for the first"
Tahni looks for Jozhur to take the lead as a scout. He is clearly the best of the group at the job.
----------- Perception vs DC20: Autopass
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+22=23 ; Wednesday June 26th, 2019 9:25:10 AM
(note to self - don't wait till 2.30 a.m. to start making your post... you fail to hit submit button then... )
Survival 23 - not sure why but this roll was still in the die roll line... oh well. Natural 1 then :-)
Winter time... Aex's favorite time of year. The biting cold makes you feel very much alive. Aex is oblivious to Tahni's info about the thicker smoke. She doesn't notice the difference...
"Lead the way my friend... "
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+4=20 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+35=44 ; Wednesday June 26th, 2019 6:44:22 PM
Jozhur nods to Tahni and starts trudging ahead in the snow, building a gap between himself and the others. It's times like this he is thankful for his "magical underwear of comfortable temperatures". The rogue can move ahead stealthily without hindering the groups speed.
----------------------------------------- Survival check passed, not sure what happened to the die roller. Perception while scouting ahead: 32 Stealth: 44
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) d20+13=28 ; Wednesday June 26th, 2019 6:50:35 PM
[Perception 28]
Bralin takes in the road, noting the smoke.
He turns and follows Jozhur, allowing the man to pace ahead.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday June 26th, 2019 7:43:05 PM
Fang doesn't have any active anti-cold weather spells, but she came prepared and pulls out a thick fur coat to go over her regular fur coat out of her bag. "I brought gear for cold and warm weather, as well as some nice hot drinks we can prepare if we end up staying here long enough for a meal."
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday June 26th, 2019 7:49:23 PM
Rill proceeds with the others. He checks on their status through the Dragon ring he wears to make sure none of us are being adversely affected by the cold. He also uses his abilities to scan for outsiders and constructs.
DM Kathy Wednesday June 26th, 2019 11:44:30 PM Terser and Tahni notice the smoke is thicker in one direction, and Tahni reasons that's probably where the people are. Or the raging fire. Either way, it's probably more interesting down that way.
Fang pulls out a warm coat and puts it on. Rill keeps a careful watch over his companions. None of them seem adversely affected by the cold.
Aexana invites Jozhur to lead the way, which he does. Bralin and the others fall in behind him.
Depending on your view of cold, clear winter days, the walk is somewhere between tolerable and pleasant. The road is good, and leads between fenced fields, so you have good visibility of the area around you. You see the occasional farmhouse, none really close to the road. Smoke pours from their chimneys.
After about 15 minutes' walk, you get to a milestone. At least, you assume it's a milestone. It's an obviously worked stone, set close to the road, with symbols carved on it. And you can't read it. Even those of you with magic in place that lets you understand other languages can't read it. You don't recognize any of the symbols, not even numerals. If there are even numerals there.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Thursday June 27th, 2019 12:37:49 AM
Terser is in the pleasant frame of mind for the walk. It'd be nice if the end of the cosmos wasn't in the works. Not knowing many languages, he's not too concerned about being unable to translate the stone.
Hopefully we find a spot for a nice hot beverage soon.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+12=29 ; d20+38=43 ; Thursday June 27th, 2019 1:08:43 PM
Rill looks at the symbols carved in the stone. It doesn't seem to be a language he understands.
"Huh. Anyone know what this says?"
He will cast Detect Magic on the stone. Assuming it is not magical, he will reach out and touch the stone and the carving in it.
He looks around for any meaningful tracks or such. (Survival 29, Perception 43.)
He also uses his abilities to scan for outsiders and constructs within 1,080 feet, and will share the outcome.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+22=25 ; d20+18=19 ; Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:16:00 PM
With the odd sign on the milestone, no connection to the Gods of the Wold, Aex wonders where this place actually is... She looks at the sky to see where the sun stands. Those farmhouses... anything about their style of construction? Different regions in the Wold have different masonry styles so perhaps it can give us a clue. (survival 25 / know nature 19 - nat 1)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday June 27th, 2019 6:41:39 PM
Bralin shakes his head in response to Rill's query.
"This must be one of those other worlds Gimp spoke of," he surmises. "Interesting."
The dwarf continues down the road.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday June 27th, 2019 7:24:49 PM
Tahni tries to get a hunch as to what the symbols mean.
Linguistics: 16 + Take 10 = 26
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday June 27th, 2019 7:31:06 PM
Fang glances at it. "If it's not common and not pictures then no. Doesn't really matter, we know we're heading towards that smoke so unless it says "beware of monster" it doesn't do us much good."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+13=15 ; d20+13=25 ; Thursday June 27th, 2019 10:35:19 PM
Jozhur eyes the stone, "Interesting". He quickly tries to make sense of it, but it would likely take considerable time to decode the completely foreign writing, if he could even do it at all. "Fang is right, best keep moving."
Linguistics: 15
DM Kathy Thursday June 27th, 2019 11:53:12 PM Rill detects no magic on the milestone. You still do not sense any outsiders or constructs, and you don't see anything noteworthy. You touch the carving, and it seems like ordinary carving. It's cold, of course, because it's stone and the ground is frozen.
Tahni studies the carvings to try to assess a meaning, assisted by Jozhur. There just isn't enough here to go on. It probably says something along the line of "Name of Town some number." It may or may not say "miles" or however they measure distance here. If you had more text to work with....maybe. But you can't get anything at the moment.
Aexana realizes that you are on another world altogether, and any number of things could be very different. You try to figure out something of the world around you. Based on the position of the sun--and the way it's been moving--you tentatively decide that your group is traveling roughly northeast. The design of the farmhouses strikes your eye as very modern, unusually modern for farmhouses.
Terser, Bralin, and Fang don't recognize the writing, and don't let it bother them very much. Gimp had said you'd be visiting some very different places, and this seems to be one of them.
You keep moving. Another 15 minutes' walk brings you to the outskirts of a good-sized town. You see more of the very modern style houses, with their pitched slate roofs and precise, even lines. You see a lot more smoke curling into the sky. A lot of the smoke looks black, rather than the softer gray of woodsmoke. It doesn't smell much like woodsmoke, either. It's....stinkier.
Soon, you start to see people. And the people here are dressed very differently from anyone you've ever seen. None of them are wearing armor, and you see no weapons. The women are wearing very full skirts with cinched-in waists; the men wear trousers and long coats.
As you move through the cobbled streets, you go from an area of mostly houses, to one that seems to have shops and other businesses. Most of them have some kind of sign out front--and you can't read any of them. You are getting a lot of stares.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday June 28th, 2019 6:08:18 AM "We're drawing a lot of attention." Tahni says over the ring to the others "This might be a good time to try and blend in. If everyone is game, I've an idea"
She looks about for some sort of alley - or what looks like an alley equivalent in this place. Basically somewhere away from too many prying eyes.
Once safely out of sight, Tahni uses her arcane bond to cast a Seeming spell. Her intent is to dress the party up in clothing that looks like it would fit in here. Something the party could use to blend in to the crowd and move about freely.
"Now, this is just for appearances. Everything still works and feels the same"
Fang doesn't seem the sort that would wear fancy up-tight skirts though, so Tahni tries to very tactfully offer a suggestion "Uh, if full skirts don't suit I could make you appear, uh, to be a man? This is only for appearances though. Whichever you'd prefer"
------------------------ Seeming: As Disguise Self: "You make yourself—including clothing, armor, weapons, and equipment—look different. You can seem 1 foot shorter or taller, thin, fat, or in between. You cannot change your creature type (although you can appear as another subtype). Otherwise, the extent of the apparent change is up to you. You could add or obscure a minor feature or look like an entirely different person or gender."
Duration: 12hrs Targets: 7 people. The entire party
Tahni will: - Make it appear as though everyone is wearing similar clothes to the people she can see - Make any obvious weapons appear as canes / walking sticks. Smaller ones, like knives, will just have to blend in with the clothing. - If she can only see humans about, she will make everyone in the party appear to be human - If anyone prefers, Tahni can make them appear to be a different gender
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Friday June 28th, 2019 2:02:04 PM
Aex was planning to shapechange but she likes Tahni's solution. Her effort to bring the message carefully to Fang is definetely adorable...
"Strange place this is... "
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday June 28th, 2019 6:29:29 PM
Fang blinks at Tahni, obviously confused. "Why would you think...?" she mutters as she rubs her chin in thought. After a long minute or two she makes a soft noise of realization and gives Tahni a hurt look. "Did you not listen to the speech I just gave in the Giggling Ghost? I was in a dress and everything. I mean it's not like it's practical to go swinging a battleaxe around in a dress, but I like dressing up as much as the next person."
She seems more disappointed that no one listened to her speech then in the implication she wouldn't like dresses. She worked hard on the speech dang it! Planned it for months, the entire time she was looking for the Black Lions to become a dragon.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Friday June 28th, 2019 10:07:34 PM
Jozhur lays a hand in Fang's shoulder, "Friend, it may take more than a dress to make you fit in here. ". He glances about, is everyone a human? He also listens closely to the bustle to see if the language is familiar.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Saturday June 29th, 2019 10:25:11 AM
Bralin's thoughts mirror Jozhur's. If everyone they see is human, Tahni will need to take that into account.
Which is not the biggest challenge.
This next artifact could prove difficult to locate, he observes.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Sunday June 30th, 2019 5:55:00 PM
Aex eyeballs Jozhur... the guy's right... and I bet they've never seen a Gnome either... oopsie...
"Euhm.... how about Gnomes? They have Gnomes here?? Maybe it would be better if I just shapechange into a dog or something?!? They do know dogs here right??"
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Sunday June 30th, 2019 7:32:00 PM Smart thinking Tahni.
Fang, I must say you looked quite lovely in that dress at the Giggling Ghost. Perhaps because of your size you will appear to be a child here, though the spell can make you appear a bit taller.
Rill will wait until Tahni can cast her spell. Then he will proceed with the others toward the smoke with polite nods to these foreign (to us) onlookers.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Sunday June 30th, 2019 7:54:22 PM
OOC: For those wondering: "You cannot change your creature type (although you can appear as another subtype)." and "If she can only see humans about, she will make everyone in the party appear to be human"
Aex and Fang might need to be made to appear as children however given their size
DM Kathy Sunday June 30th, 2019 10:58:04 PM
Seeing that you're attracting a lot of attention, Tahni decides to try a new spell. You are able to find a quiet lane in which to cast it.
As you moved through the town, you saw a couple of elves and a dwarf. So they have those here. You didn't see any halflings or gnomes that you noticed, but in a crowd it can be difficult to tell them apart from human children.
You also recall that the spell alters people's appearance; it doesn't do anything with sound. So people wearing armor will still clank a bit, even if it looks like they're wearing street clothes. And you can make men look like women and vice versa, but you can't make anybody sound like the opposite sex. You can make Aex and Fang look taller, but their voices will seem to come from their belly buttons, which is just strange.
In the end, you make everybody look more or less like they do in the Wold, except Aex and Fang, who now look like human children. And, of course, everybody is dressed the way the locals are dressed.
Jozhur listens for languages that sound familiar, but doesn't hear any. [I think. What languages do you speak? I wasn't able to find it on your character sheet.]
Bralin remarks that the next device may be difficult to find. He has a point. You can't track the Tinker over cobbled streets and so far, you can't ask anyone if they've seen him.
You emerge from the lane and continue through the crowd, now drawing considerably less attention. Less than a minute after Tahni casts her spell, you emerge into a crowded square, the kind of place that often hosts a market. There is no market here. Instead, there is some kind of....contraption.
Based on the actions of the locals, this probably isn't the Tinker's device, which is good, because the thing is huge. And now you can see that there are people walking around on it. And there are people walking up a sort of gangplank to board it. It does look like a ship, but there's no water around. Maybe it flies?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday July 1st, 2019 8:44:57 AM "If it does fly it would give us a good view of the town. We'd be able to scout it out quickly and get a good map of the place. If luck is on our side we might even see the device"
Tahni tries to get a good mental picture of this vehicle. It might be possible to use some of these designs to uplift the Lionfish.
"All aboard?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+38=43 ; d20+32=33 ; Monday July 1st, 2019 10:48:50 AM Well, a ride through the air might be fun. And informative.
Rill wonders if magic is even used here. He casts (unless the spell is still running) Detect Magic. Are there any magical aura beside ours? He keeps a sharp eye out (Perception 43) for any spell casters or the normal casting accouterments (component pouch, holy symbol, etc.)
He will walk up the gang plank onto the strange balloon ship, ready to reach for his purse if he is asked for a fare of some sort. While he cannot speak the language, he is accustomed to reading body language (Sense Motive 33) - does someone object to our boarding? Are they hostile? If Rill offers some coin, it the right amount?
He also uses his Deathwatch ability to sense badly injured or undead people.
---------------------------- Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday July 1st, 2019 6:08:27 PM
Climb aboard a strange flying machine? Sure what could go wrong. Jozhur keeps his thoughts to himself and follows the others while looking for some writing in hopes of figuring out what languages are used here.
------------------------ ooc to DM: Oops, missed that when I converted my character sheet. Jozhur speaks common, halfling, orc, dwarven, elven, undercommon, tauren, and aquan.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday July 1st, 2019 6:32:41 PM
Fang looks around inquisitively at the various folks around them, wondering what strange tongue they speak. Her hide armor doesn't make any noise, but the rhythmic slap of her axe against her legs as she walks probably sounds odd since it's hidden by the illusion. Upon seeing the strange contraption she tilts her head curiously. Walking up to whoever looks like they might know, she tugs on their clothing and asks what it is. It's only afterwards that she realizes that this would probably blow their cover and she probably wouldn't understand the answer anyway. She resists the urge to facepalm and instead tries to look like a curious child.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday July 1st, 2019 6:43:25 PM
Bralin regards the contraption dubiously.
Bralin regards those companions favoring getting on board the contraption even more dubiously.
Nonetheless, with an exaggerated sigh, he follows Rill.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday July 1st, 2019 7:05:19 PM
Aex is no fan in climbing some flying thing that is not flying through magic... Instead she falls slightly behind and when no one keeps an eye on her she changes into an eagle shape.
DM Kathy Monday July 1st, 2019 11:18:30 PM
Seeing people boarding the airship, Tahni, Rill, and Jozhur think it sounds like a fine idea. Bralin thinks they're nuts. Aexana is also unsure about it, and discretely shapeshifts into an eagle.
From what I can tell, that doesn't actually cancel or negate the Seeming spell. So, where before Aexana was a gnome magicked to look like a human child, now she is an eagle magicked to look like a human child. Which is going to get weird when she starts flying.
Fang tugs on a woman's jacket and asks about the airship. The woman doesn't understand. She frowns and moves away, shooting a glare at Tahni whom she seems to think is in charge of this unruly child.
Rill does some subtle divining, and sees no magic auras that do not belong to the party.
You move closer to the airship. Now you can see that people boarding are first showing pieces of paper to a man standing at the foot of the gangplank. You tentatively decide he is wearing some kind of uniform. He looks at the papers, nods, and motions people to board. Sometimes he points as if giving directions. Many of the people boarding are carrying bags of some kind.
Now you are very close to the airship, and you see a small structure near it. It's like a little hut with a large open window at the front. Inside is a grizzled human man, wearing a uniform similar to the man by the gangplank. He looks bored.
Your eye is caught by a colorful poster plastered to the side of the hut. On it is a colorful drawing of an airship, much like the one you're looking at. Next to it are lines of text.
And to anybody who can read Goblin (Tahni for sure, and Rill with his Tongues spell, and there may be others) can read one of the lines of text. It says "Do fly with us!" The syntax is weird ("do fly?"), but it is quite understandable. [And I assume this information is shared over the link.]
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 12:06:03 AM Goblin, you say? Strange that we don't see any around. Are Goblins known for their innovations in air travel?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+16=18 ; Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 8:36:50 AM
Tahni smiles sheepishly to the woman, trying to appear apologetic for her runaway 'child'.
"I think we're going to need one of those papers. Looks like that guy there might be the one who can get us on board. I think we should have a word with him." Tahni looks over the party. The disguises seem to be holding up well but if someone tries to talk it might blow things.
She makes her way over to the hut and gives one of her best smiles.
"Hi. Can you help us? We've just come into town and we'd like to go aboard please." she says in goblin as clearly as she can. Tahni intentionally keeps it brief. If the syntax on the poster is weird it's possible the spoken word is too.
------------------- Linguistics check: 18. To try and get the syntax correct
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 1:50:59 PM
Rill awaits the outcome of Tahni's inquiry.
No undead, outsiders or constructs in the vicinity?
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 5:35:34 PM
(I'm sure Aex can choose to let go of the seeming spell to benefit from the shape changing no? - if not Aex will board the ship with the others.)
If Aex manages to change into a respectable bird she'll observe the ship from afar. But Leafy will be a whole different story to get on board... if someone touches him it'll be weird if his branches are poking out...
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+27=32 ; Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 6:44:07 PM
Jozhur raises an eyebrow. Goblin? He speaks many languages, but that isn't one of them.
If the people speak goblin, there must be goblins around somewhere. All the more reason to be on his toes. If the others board the flying thing, Jozhur will follow. As Tahni speaks to the man in the booth, Jozhur looks for something resembling the papers people are showing the man at the gangplank. (Perception: 32)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 7:00:42 PM
Bralin is not making any assumptions, about goblins or anything else.
The dwarf stands wordlessly, awaiting the result of Tahni's query.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 7:15:05 PM
Fang sticks her hands in her pockets and resolves to just follow along quietly until she knows what's going on. Or until it's obvious someone needs their head cut off. Or something else healed up.
DM Kathy Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 10:35:18 PM Rill is still scanning, but senses no outsiders, constructs, or undead within range.
Aexana can indeed shape-shift into an eagle with no problem. However, the Seeming spell will still be in place, so she will still look like a human child. She can fly, in which case she will look like a human child flying by flapping her little arms. That will probably attract attention.
Terser wonders whether goblins are known for air travel, and Jozhur takes the language as a sign to be cautious. Bralin makes no assumptions, and Fang just tries to go unnoticed.
Tahni approaches the ticket booth and speaks to the clerk. He frowns, clearly not understanding. He asks a question. He asks it again, slower and louder. Then he sighs, turns, and pulls out a small leather-covered book. He flips through a couple of pages, puts his finger on a particular passage, and asks a different question. When it's clear you don't understand, he flips more pages and tries again. You still don't understand. Flip, flip, then, "To where you wish to travel?"
His accent is appalling, but the question is clear enough. The problem is, you aren't sure of the answer.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+22=38 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 5:15:43 AM
(ROFL... Ok Aex won't shapechange then :-) )
Aex in human child disguise tags along. As she's the child, it's quite normal the 'elders' will make sure the party gets on board. Being a child with little manners it's not that unusual that she casually examines everything around her... until one of the elders grabs her by the ears of course to pull her close.
(perception 38)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 5:55:18 AM "Anywhere will be fine. We just want to try flying"Hopefully Tahni is able to make herself understood. If not, she will glance at the little book to see if there is a way she can translate.
"Sooo... if this place doesn't rely on gold coins we may have a little financial problem. I'm not sure how we're going to pay for these tickets. Let's all hope they're free. If not, some of the 'children' might have to break free and we 'parents' can give chase up the ramp"
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+12=24 ; d20+32=48 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 12:26:25 PM
Rill will step up with Tahni and try to help. Since his Tongues ability worked somewhat, and since there is a language this person just used that is close, maybe it will help.
"Kind sir. We are new to this place and we are most impressed by your ship. We wished to do some sightseeing in that general direction," Rill points in the direction of the smoke, the direction we were headed. [/b]"What destination would you suggest for us in that direction? Can you please help us?"[/b]
Rill adopts a respectful, submissive attitude with this man. He has found that sometimes the more lost or confused you seem the more people are willing to help. He uses his Diplomacy skill (24) to help with his conversation, and Sense Motive (48) to better understand what the man is trying to communicate to us.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 7:28:13 PM As sight seers, we enjoy seeing all things strange and wondrous and new. Is there anything like that we can see, or maybe a tour?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 7:35:25 PM
Fang openly gawks at the airship. Actually she doesn't care about it at all, it's just a boat that goes through the air instead of water, but she's supposed to be a curious child so she pretends as best she can.
DM Kathy Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 10:30:24 PM Aexana and Fang amuse themselves by acting like children.
Tahni attempts to answer the ticket clerk's question, and Rill and Terser try to help.
The clerk looks from one of you to the next, to the next, clearly bewildered. He does seem moved by Rill's body language, though, because he thrusts his head out of the window and calls something to the uniformed man by the gangplank. The man shrugs and shakes his head.
A man waiting his turn to board turns and says something to the ticket clerk. He comes over. He exchanges a few words with the clerk, then turns to you. "Hello," he says in that languages that is like Goblin, "my name is Tompkins. The ticket-man likes to know where you go today."
You offer your explanations. Tompkins looks puzzled, but relays the information to the clerk. There's some back-and-forth. The clerk turns and starts looking for something. Tompkins turns back to you. "There is not a tour, sorry," he says. "You want a trip of one day, or do you bring bags?"
Before you can answer, the clerk produces something, and Tompkins shows it to you. "This is a mapping," he says. You can tell that it is a map, but it is labeled in a language you can't read. "You see, we are here, in Seppering. This ship go to Mollerup, Etter, Skibble, Corg, and Redfurt."
You look at the map, but it doesn't mean much to you. There are dots, presumably towns, connected by colored lines, presumably where different air-ships go. You can't read any of the labels.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 11:28:32 PM
Jozhur lets out a long sigh and scratches his head. Good thing this guy was apparently bored.
He looks to the rising smoke. How far does it appear to be? Or was the smoke just coming from the town in general, whatever they are burning in their homes.
The book the man is looking at also draws young Jozhur's attention. Apparently the man is somewhat accustomed to dealing with this situation. Did the man speak in common tongue when he read from the book?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday July 4th, 2019 7:16:36 AM
Tahni looks at the map and points to whatever the nearest destination is from where they currently stand. "Here please. Just a day trip. No bags"
--------- OOC: My take on things was the smoke was coming from the town - not another direction where we would be headed. Do I have this right?
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday July 4th, 2019 12:07:16 PM
Bralin wordlessly waits, his expression typically impassive.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+16=18 ; Thursday July 4th, 2019 6:08:27 PM
Fang tries to spot the smoke again and judge the distance and direction they need to go to reach it (18 survival)
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday July 4th, 2019 7:04:08 PM
Rill will pay for a day trip and suggest we all board the ship.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday July 4th, 2019 8:05:27 PM
The child in Aex runs and hops around the clercks...
DM Kathy Thursday July 4th, 2019 11:28:23 PM
You look around for smoke, but you've pretty much found it. The town's many chimneys--not to mention the great metal chimneys of the airship--are undoubtedly what caused it.
Tahni points to the closest town on the map.
"Mollerup," Tompkins tells the clerk. The clerk nods, and says something in kind of an offhand manner. Tompkins appears to ask him about it. The clerk elaborates, gesturing a bit.
Tompkins turns to you. "The clerk says the other fellow went to Etter," he says. "Another man who spoke only Ghobish," he adds. "A friend of yours perhaps?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday July 5th, 2019 9:01:56 AM
Tahni breathes a loud sigh and smiles "Oh thank goodness. You know him? Yes! Could you take us to him? Please?"
She avoids the whole 'friend' thing.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Friday July 5th, 2019 12:06:46 PM "Yes, we need to go to Etter."
"Also good sir, is this cold weather normal for you this time of year?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Friday July 5th, 2019 7:16:49 PM
Curious, Jozhur reaches towards the book and motions a "may I?". Should the man not object, Jozhur grab the book and thumb through it for any languages he recognizes (halfling, orc, dwarven, elven, undercommon, tauren, and aquan).
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Saturday July 6th, 2019 8:51:28 AM
Bralin still has no idea what is going on, but picks up on his comrade's change in attitude.
Imperceptibly, the dwarf's stance relaxes. A bit.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday July 6th, 2019 11:44:43 AM
Fang doesn't speak goblin and has no idea what is going on. She just waits and hopes they're heading in the right direction.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Sunday July 7th, 2019 5:59:23 PM
Aex keeps hopping around...
DM Kathy Sunday July 7th, 2019 9:14:06 PM
Some of the group does not speak Goblin, but you are all telepathically linked via your Dragon rings. Your DM is assuming that somebody who is not currently speaking is providing a translation over the link.
Tahni asks Tompkins whether he can take you to the other man, and Tompkins looks confused by the request.
But Rill speaks up, saying the group wants to go to Etter.
The next question is whether you want to travel "First Rank" or "Second Rank": confusing terms which you eventually sort out. First Rank is nicer, and more expensive. The specific amenities are a little unclear, as they involve nouns that you aren't able to translate, but the basic question is whether you want to spend more money to have a nicer journey. Tompkins also tells you that children are cut in half, which is alarming until you realize that he means they're half price.
While that's being sorted out, Jozhur borrows the ticket clerk's book, but finds he cannot make head or tail of it. You don't see any alphabet you recognize. Giving it some thought, you hypothesize that the other languages are spelled out phonetically, in whatever alphabet they use for the Common Tongue here, rather than being rendered in their own alphabet. That way, even somebody who didn't actually speak those other languages (and it's clear the clerk doesn't) would be able to ask basic questions.
Meanwhile, Tompkins assures Rill that the weather is pretty normal for this time of year.
Whether you decide on First Rank or Second Rank, you are able to purchase your tickets, which the clerk validates with a very important-looking ink stamp. And, at last, you are able to make your way over to the airship.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday July 8th, 2019 5:14:31 AM "Yeah! We go flying!!", Aex says cheering and she immediately boards the vessel to find the best spot...
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Monday July 8th, 2019 6:19:39 PM
(oof I had a busy week. Sorry all)
Terser examines the imprint of the stamp, wondering if he can glean anything significant from it. He also makes a note of it for later, thinking they could recreate it if necessary.
Whatever he learns, he quickly board the ship with the others.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday July 8th, 2019 7:42:04 PM First Rank, Bralin sends.
If they must fly in this contraption, they must needs be as comfortable a possible.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday July 8th, 2019 8:25:37 PM
Fang looks worriedly at her stamp, wondering if it'll stick to her fur and hoping that if if comes off she won't be thrown off the flying machine. She tries not to touch it, worried that it might come off or it'll look odd through the illusion.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday July 8th, 2019 9:36:06 PM
Before they board, Jozhur will ask Rill to get a description of the man who went to Etter.
While he waits, he simply takes in the strange people and interesting flying machine.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday July 8th, 2019 9:57:59 PM
Riil chooses first rank accommodations. He asks for a description of the person that went to Etter.
DM Kathy Monday July 8th, 2019 10:23:23 PM
You decide to spring for first rank and luckily, this place does seem to accept gold coin as currency.
Fang worries about her stamp, but it is her ticket that is stamped, not herself, and as a "child," she wasn't entrusted with it anyway.
Terser examines the stamp, which has a little airship and some writing you can't read.
Rill asks for a description of the man who went to Etter. This causes some consternation, as both Tompkins and the ticket-clerk had been assuming you already knew him. But you are able to learn that he was an older fellow, rather short, with untidy gray hair.
"And he was carrying something," Tompkins translates from the clerk. "A strangely-shaped--" and he uses a word you aren't familiar with. "He said it was fragile."
You board the strange vessel. More uniformed people examine your tickets and direct you upward. You wind up in a large open area one one of the upper decks. One entire wall, facing forward, is made of windows. You can see out into the town, and once the ship leaves, the view should be amazing.
Comfortable chairs and couches are scattered about in conversation areas; about half of them are occupied. In front of the window wall is a bar, where a short line of patrons is being served by two men in striped waistcoats.
A spiral staircase leads from this lounge area up to the top deck. Here, a few people stroll about, well wrapped up against the cold.
At the back of the lounge, opposite the windows and bar, are several short passageways leading straight back. Off each passageway there are several tiny chambers with bunks. Most appear to be unoccupied, but there are a few with closed doors, presumably occupied.
Aexana is searching for the best spot, which is entirely a matter of taste. It could be up on the top deck, or directly in front of the window-wall, or lined up at the bar, or lounging on a couch.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday July 8th, 2019 11:11:55 PM
Tahni tries to find a seat with a view. It would be a good way to get a view of the land.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Tuesday July 9th, 2019 4:09:47 PM
Terser takes no mind of the cold, but can't show it off through the illusion of his traveling clothing. He goes through the lounge in search of a bar. anyone else need a drink?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday July 9th, 2019 6:31:53 PM
Fang stands at the windows, both enjoying the view, learning the lay of the land, and watching for potential threats. She probably looks very childlike with her stern, serious gaze.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 6:50:53 PM A drink sounds great Terser. Let me know what you find and I'll join you in a bit. I'm going to take a look around first.
Rill takes in his surroundings. He looks to see where people are headed as they board and how they behave. Do they get food and drink somewhere? Are they carrying luggage? Do they seem to go to staterooms of some sort?
He attempts to find some sort of restroom or cloakroom where he can pull a winter cloak out of an extra-dimensional pocket and then cast a Detect Magic spell without causing concern. He's wondering if perhaps this is a place where magic does not exist, and if so we may need to be rather careful in it's use. So, upon exiting, he will look for magic auras and such, either from magic items or from cast spells.
He also uses Deathwatch as he looks at the people aboard this ship, wondering if perhaps any there maybe some sort of undead creatures. And finally, he will again attempts to sense any outsiders or constructs about, curious if perhaps such creatures may be used to power or control this fancy airship we are on.
Eventually, Rill will make his way up top, pulling his winter cloak close against the chill air.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+22=40 ; Tuesday July 9th, 2019 7:02:20 PM
Acting as a child Aex can probably stroll around the ship rather unnoticed. As she walks from one place to another she keeps special attention to any and all that show too much interest in the Sea Dragons in disguise. (perception 40)
Should she detect something peculiar she'll relay it mentally to her friends.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Tuesday July 9th, 2019 7:03:36 PM
"Aye", Bralin answers Terser.
Staying away from windows that would tell the dwarf just how high he is off the ground in a contraption he has no control over, Bralin heads for the bar.
He drops a gold coin on the table, and points to anything that looks like ale.
DM Kathy Tuesday July 9th, 2019 10:58:57 PM Tahni tries to find a seat with a view. The seats in front of the window wall are already taken, but you are able to find a conversation area near one of the windows along the side of the room. There are several chairs and couches here; it's clearly intended for a large group of people, which might explain why nobody's claimed it yet.
Terser looks for a bar, and Rill looks for food and drink and staterooms. There is a large, prominent bar directly in front of the window-wall, where a line of passengers is being served by two men in striped waistcoats. Opposite the bar and the window-wall are several small hallways, leading to tiny rooms with bunks in them. You wouldn't precisely describe them as "staterooms," but if people want to sleep, this seems to be where they do it.
Rill can easily duck into one of the bunk rooms to pull out his cloak and cast his spell. As you had suspected, the only magic on board belongs to your party. You know that magic spells can be cast here, so there is magic available, but apparently the locals haven't figured out how to harness it. Your Deathwatch turns up nothing.
Fang stands in front of the window-wall. The ship hasn't departed yet, so you just see the town. Although activity near the ship suggests that it will leave soon.
Aexana wanders about, taking advantage of her Seeming. You don't see anybody paying particular attention to your group, though you see a few adults watching you with slight frowns, as though wondering whether you are lost and where your parents are.
Bralin approaches the bar in search of ale. You see a lot of fancy-looking bottles, but no kegs, which worries you. Most of the passengers seem to be getting hot beverages of some kind in porcelain cups. But eventually, a man is served a pint glass of something looking very much like ale. You are able to gesture toward it while placing your gold coin on the bar. The server sighs a little at the coin, but hands you a glass of your own, then counts out several silver and copper pieces as change. When you sample the stuff, it proves to be pilsner rather than ale, but it's a decent pilsner, once you adjust your expectations.
Soon, there is a bustle of activity. You hear shouts. From his position up top, Rill sees workers rushing around, casting off ropes, making ready to depart. A bell rings, loudly, then a few seconds later, rings again. Something at the back of the ship starts making a tremendous noise, and the thin line of smoke that had been rising from the chimneys becomes suddenly thicker and blacker. The vessel bumps, and shudders, nearly making Bralin spill his pilsner.
Then the ship begins rising off the ground, into the (sort of) clear blue sky.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday July 10th, 2019 11:33:22 AM
Rill will go back downstairs. He joins Bralin and Terser, ordering two of the same beer that Bralin ordered and pays in silver. Then he moves to the seating area where Tahni is, offering her the second beer he purchased.
Using the ring, he says, As I was beginning to suspect, magic is not used here that I can tell. There are no magical auras of any kind that I can sense beyond our party. Fortunately, I have also not seen any undead aboard, nor have I sensed any constructs, outsiders, fey or elementals.
We should be careful about any displays of magic while we are here. There's no way to know how that might be interpreted by these good folk. Tahni's casting of a Seeming spell was a good move, as her glowing eyes might have caused a good deal of concern.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Wednesday July 10th, 2019 2:39:57 PM
Hey Warren! I've sent you an email I need a reply to sir.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Wednesday July 10th, 2019 3:32:01 PM
Seeing the smoke plume into the air, Terser begins to wonder about the engine's efficiency and if something can't be done to help it burn more cleanly. He remembers all too well the air in the mines and pities the crew that has to work around it on a regular basis.
Still, the smoke led them here, so they'll use it to their advantage. He kicks back with his beer and waits to be ferried to their destination.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday July 10th, 2019 5:02:41 PM
Jozhur tries to obtain a drink of some sort, though he just has whatever some other random passenger is having. Something hot may be nice given the weather, though he's sure Bralin or Terser will poke fun at him.
Jozhur wonders to the others whether the device could be on this airship, though detect magic should find it, correct?
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Wednesday July 10th, 2019 6:47:48 PM
With nothing odd to be found Aex goes to sit with her friend. She craves a drink but looking like a child she'd better stick to some juice...
"How does the Tinker choose his locations to place the devices? Why here? Why Etter... I don't get if the location of the previous one and this one have something in common?? If we can understand how he selects his positions we might anticipate his next locations...
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Wednesday July 10th, 2019 7:21:29 PM
Bralin counts his change, and does some quick math to determine the cost of the drink.
He mentally relays this information to Rill and the others.
Then, he orders a second drink, and finds a seat.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday July 10th, 2019 8:27:15 PM
Tahni goes and claims one of the seats in the larger areas. It will make a good spot for the group.
If another group comes along though she'll do the courteous thing and move.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday July 10th, 2019 8:32:33 PM
Fang continues to keep an eye out and joins the mental conversation. "Pointless questions. We don't even know what these things do so how can we answer anything else about them? As long as we smash them all everything should be safe."
DM Kathy Wednesday July 10th, 2019 11:16:50 PM Bralin counts his change and tries to deduce the cost of his drink. It's not as easy as it first seemed. You realize that you've been given 19 silver pieces in change, so either the barman is terrible at his job, or a gold piece here is worth 20 silver, rather than 10 as in the Wold. In addition to the silver, you have three copper. So your pilsner may have been 17 copper (which would be an outrageous price in the Wold), or 7 copper (which would be steep but probably in keeping with the surroundings). Or even some other number, because there's no guarantee that the exchange rate is some multiple of 10.
Rill also gets a glass of pilsner, and pays in silver. He, too, receives 3 copper in change. For whatever that's worth.
Jozhur opts for one of the hot drinks, which proves to be tea. His payment is waved away; apparently tea is complimentary.
Terser wonders about the engine. So far, you haven't seen any way to get a close-up look at it; passenger areas seem to be kept separate. Or maybe you should have opted for second rank after all.
Eventually, you all gather at the the conversation area Tahni selected. There are enough seats for everyone, and little tables for people's drinks.
Aexana wonders about the devices, and how the Tinker comes to choose the locations he uses, but Fang dismisses it as a pointless question. And even if it were relevant, so far you only have a sample size of one, and it's difficult to draw conclusions.
You settle in for your journey. The window near your seating area is small, but does give a glimpse of the view outside. And you can always walk over to the window-wall, or up onto the upper deck, for a better view. Many passengers seem to be doing just that, going over for a view, and then returning to their seats, perhaps stopping for tea on the way. Other groups of passengers are playing cards or just chatting. An hour goes by. Then another.
Logistical concerns begin coming to the fore. One of these is solved when you discover a few privies tucked into one corner of the upper deck. But you're starting to get hungry, and the bar does not appear to serve food. You realize you have no idea how long your journey will take. You know you need to get off at the second stop, but so far, the ship hasn't even made its first stop. The Seeming spell lasts a total of 12 hours, which seemed like plenty when Tahni cast it--but how long are you going to be up here?
After nearly three hours, you realize that the ship is beginning to descend. The crew and some of the passengers begin to bustle about, and a uniformed crewman strolls through the lounge calling "Mollerup!" followed by a string of words you don't recognize. There is more bustle, and noise, and a town comes into view outside the window-wall. The ship jolts to a halt, and the engine noise, which you had become accustomed to, suddenly becomes much quieter. Some passengers rise and begin making their way down to the gangway.
You've reached the first stop--but are you halfway to your destination? More? Less? And where can a person get some food around here?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+16=31 ; Thursday July 11th, 2019 2:19:02 AM
Fang puts her nose to good use and tries to sniff out where they serve food here (survival 31 to track down food). Surely they sell something somewhere.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday July 11th, 2019 10:44:13 AM "I think the best way to find this device is to check each stop on our way. Let's disembark here and poke around. We may have time anyway before this ship takes off again.
Depending on what we find we might need to stay the night here. I can prepare multiple castings of the Seeming spell tomorrow so we can stay disguised longer. This casting will likely last another 8 hours or so I think. After that we will be exposed."
Tahni stands up and heads for the nearest exit, stopping to facepalm along the way "We should have asked the clerk what clothes our 'friend' was wearing and subtly asked what he looked like. He might be blending in as well"
She'll exit the gangway and head into the town.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Thursday July 11th, 2019 1:18:49 PM We can probably check around town and be back before it departs again. Did anyone get a time for takeoff?
Terser will trust to Fang's nose for getting some eats. He also tries to get a general sense of how quickly the ship was traveling. Could they catch up with an Air Walk like Rill often gives him? Or is it more the speed that Tahni and Aexana fly? Faster?
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday July 11th, 2019 2:08:12 PM
Rill is confused why Tahni is getting off in a strange city that is not our destination. He will try to stop her before she leaves. We are not yet to Etter. Why do you want to get off here? If other travellers are staying aboard, it is unlikely this ship will be stopped here long. We do not know when or how often a ship like this stops here, nor if the next ship that might stop here even goes to Etter. Getting off here could greatly delay our reaching the Tinker's machine. Perhaps we should find out a bit more first.
Rill will attempt to find someone that can perhaps speak the odd dialect of Goblin that seems to be understood here and he will politely ask, "How long will we be stopped here before this ship departs for Etter, and how long will the trip from here to Etter take? Also, where can we get some food?"
(I started an email thread so we can discuss this.)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday July 11th, 2019 7:35:07 PM
Bralin, also concerned about leaving prior to their destination, waits beside Rill.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday July 11th, 2019 7:51:24 PM
This ship is quite agreable and Aex does not want to walk that last strech towards Etter so she as well is a little surprised Tahni wants to get of the ship...
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Thursday July 11th, 2019 8:44:25 PM
Jozhur chimes in, "It's possible the fellow got off here, rather than continued on to Etter, that is if the ship he was on made a stop here. Perhaps inquire with the workers at the stop if they have seen him." Given the length of their journey so far, Jozhur is assuming the fellow they are after was on a separate airship.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday July 11th, 2019 9:22:29 PM
Tahni looks somewhat confused at Rill "It's going to take a while for new passengers to get their papers, tickets and luggage all sorted, and then they need to board. That may take an hour or two. I don't see the harm on disembarking and having a look around while that happens.
What if the Tinker is on a return voyage and is outside right now? As Jozhur has said, perhaps someone recalls seeing him when he passed this way the first time?
I don't see any reason to stay aboard right now when there is the chance to pop my head out. Just quickly.
I only suggested staying here if we find something."
Assuming there is going to be a small delay, Tahni will proceed out the door to stretch her legs and look around. She'll try and get an indication of the length of the delay from one of the staff members in what will no doubt sound broken: "How long leave?"
OOC: I'm looking at this like a modern flight stop-over. New passengers getting on and such.
DM Kathy Thursday July 11th, 2019 10:54:14 PM Fang decides to try to find some food. You are able to detect the smell of cooking food--it actually smells really good. It is coming from the lower decks. You find some stairs and go down. You go through what you assume is the second-rank area--and it is not as nice as the lounge where you've been traveling. The smell is still coming from below, though, so you keep going down, and down. You see signs posted on the walls, but of course they don't mean anything to you. You reach a deck where there's a lot of noise and bustle, and a strong smell of food. It's quite warm down here, almost uncomfortably so. A uniformed crew member pushes her way through a door toward you. You get a tantalizing glimpse of a kitchen beyond before she is in front of you. She asks a question, using that solicitous tone adults use with children out of place. When you don't answer, she sighs, then attempts to take your hand and lead you back up the stairs.
Meanwhile, Tahni wants to disembark and look around. Rill thinks that's a terrible idea. Aexana and Bralin, quite comfortable where they are, also question the wisdom of getting off the ship.
Terser does some mental calculations. A "fast" Wind Walk could certainly catch the ship. [From the spell description: If desired by the subject, a magical wind wafts a wind walker along at up to 600 feet per round (60 mph) with poor maneuverability.] You're not sure about Fly spells.
Jozhur suggests asking people, which is a sensible idea if you can find anybody to talk to.
Rill makes the attempt. The crew member he speaks do does not appear to understand, but he at least seems to recognize which language it is, because he fetches another crew member who does speak the Goblin-like language.
You ask how long you have before the ship departs, and she replies that it will be about ten somethings. You assume she used a word for a measurement of time, but you don't recognize it. Similarly, she says the journey to Etter will take five somethings. This "somethings" is different from the first "somethings;" a different unit of time. But you don't know how long either one is. Ten minutes until departure and five hours to Etter? Maybe. Or maybe their measurement of time is completely different.
You ask about food, and she says, "Lunch will be servered after we lift," which sounds like good news.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+30=35 ; d20+12=15 ; Friday July 12th, 2019 1:15:54 AM
Tahni takes a stroll to the bottom of the gangway. She doesn't venture any further than the crew though. The last thing she wants is to not be allowed to reboard.
She stops and stands to the side of it and watches the people come and go. If magic is unheard of in this place then anyone with a magical aura about them will be a person of interest. She also checks about for signs of any lingering auras in the area. Anything that stands out.
When it looks like the ship is ready to go (or she's prodded by a crew member) she'll head back aboard.
Perception: 35 + Arcane Sight + See Invisibility Sense Motive: 15
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Friday July 12th, 2019 8:24:00 PM
Lunch sounds just fine to Terser, so long as liftoff isn't too far away.
He stands near Tahni, making amiable chitchat as a cover for inspecting the comings and goings.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Saturday July 13th, 2019 8:56:33 AM
Upon "hearing" lunch is on the way, Bralin sees no need to go anywhere.
The dwarf remains in his seat, and waits.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Sunday July 14th, 2019 2:22:48 AM Sorry I misunderstood Tahni. I'll plan to stay aboard. Let us know if you run into any trouble and we will teleport there.
Rill sits quietly, concentrating on the locations and status of his friends with the rings we wear.
DM Kathy Sunday July 14th, 2019 9:55:59 PM
Accompanied by Terser, Tahni steps down the gangplank. The cold hits you as you exit the ship; you had grown accustomed to the cozy interior, and it's quite cold out here. You stop at the bottom of the gangplank, stepping aside so you're out of the way of boarding passengers. A crew member asks you a question, which you of course do not understand. He asks again, then seems to give up. You see no magical auras that do not belong to your party.
You do, however, see a lot more smoke than you saw at Seppering. And, in the next street, you see some other mechanical vehicle, with great chimneys spewing more black smoke. It makes a great clanking noise, and moves--apparently on its own. It does not seem to be an airship, but it's difficult to see what it is exactly.
Bralin stays where he is, glad to know that lunch is on the way.
Rill also remains where he is, using the rings to keep tabs on everybody.
Outside the ship, a bell rings and the crewman at the bottom of the gangplank yells something. Then he turns to Tahni and Terser, asking a question. Deducing that it's time to get back on, you re-board the ship and make your way back up to the lounge.
The departure of the ship is like what you remember before. There is a lot of activity, and then the bell rings, the engine roars to life, there's a jolt, and you begin to lift. Looking around, it appears that more passengers got on the ship than got off. The lounge isn't crowded, precisely, but it's starting to look full. A line of new passengers waits patiently at the bar, and the barmen are serving them as fast as they can.
There's no sign of lunch yet, but you just lifted.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday July 15th, 2019 9:20:28 AM
Tahni gives her report: "Nothing outside. No-one coming or going had a magical aura. No-one acting suspicious."
She tries to get the same seat that she had before.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+38=48 ; d20+32=46 ; Monday July 15th, 2019 3:23:51 PM
Rill pays careful attention as newcomers board, looking and listening for anything that would cause concern. (Perception 48, Sense Motive 46)
Also, are there any people carrying anything that appears to be a weapon?
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+22=38 ; Monday July 15th, 2019 5:11:33 PM
(Lost track if we are still looking like children... if not Aex uses a prestidigitation spell to change her hair from purple pink to something more acceptable around here... something dull brown)
Aex too wanders around observing... the trip is quite boring so far... perhaps a murder on the cloud express would ignite some suspense... horror abord the flying circus... bunjee jumping??
Perception 38
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday July 15th, 2019 6:52:03 PM
Bralin remains where he is, confident that Rill, Tahni, and Jozhur will alert him if anything suspicious occurs.
Also confident that this much promised lunch will soon be delivered.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday July 15th, 2019 7:13:04 PM
Fang dutifully waits for lunch. Right outside the kitchen since she doesn't know where the dining room is. She'll follow the staff once they start bringing food out.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Monday July 15th, 2019 7:29:37 PM
Terser wishes for a moment that he had some talent to share among the passengers. There doesn't seem to be much entertainment aboard. If he spoke the language, he'd lend a hand to the barmen, but as it is, it's probably more trouble than it's worth. He just kicks back and observes with the others until lunch time.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+27=45 ; Monday July 15th, 2019 9:22:58 PM
Jozhur meanders about, looking and listening for anything that stands out from what would be ordinary here while trying to blend in. Though he has no clue what he would be listening for with the strange languages.
Perception: 45
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday July 16th, 2019 6:21:02 PM
Rill relaxes with the ride once the vessel lifts off. Then he orders another beer.
Well, these people look human. They seem to have normal looking teeth and appear well fed and healthy. I'm hoping that is a good sign regarding what we will be served for lunch. As long as it's not moving we should be fine, right?
Hey Fang, any word from the kitchen area? Does stuff look and smell good?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+6=17 ; Tuesday July 16th, 2019 6:38:13 PM
Fang gets impatient and tries to sneak into the kitchens to snag some food (17 stealth)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday July 16th, 2019 9:29:15 PM
Tahni stays in the main area, watching the people about. She tries to relax a little.
DM Kathy Tuesday July 16th, 2019 9:39:58 PM
When last we left our intrepid explorer Fang, she had discovered the kitchen. But no sooner had she done so than a staff member appeared, concerned over an apparently lost child. She attempted to take Fang by the hand, presumably to lead her back to the passenger areas. Fang, it would appear, did not want to be led back to the passenger areas, so now there is a commotion. A tiny child is darting around in the kitchen, and surprised kitchen staff are trying to grab her. But, since they are reluctant to harm a child, and since Fang is, in reality, a seasoned adventurer, she is eluding them with ease. There is a lot of shouting, and arm-waving, and things being knocked over. Any attempt at stealth is going to fail; Fang is most definitely the center of attention in the kitchen.
Lunch will probably be delayed.
Aexana also still looks like a child. You think about changing your hair color, but then you remember what Rill said. The locals don't seem to be able to do magic, so any visibly magical effects will be noticed. Probably not in a good way.
Tahni reports nothing unusual outside.
Rill looks for weapons. You spot the occasional dagger, and once, a metal tube with a wooden handle. You're not sure whether that's a weapon or not. You ping Fang in the kitchen and boy howdy, do you get an earful.
Bralin waits for his lunch, while Terser wishes he had something to offer the passengers.
Jozhur listens. You don't understand what's being said, but you find you can pretty easily classify it as "polite chit-chat" just from the tone.
Eventually, of course, the fracas in the kitchen is sorted out and Fang is returned to her "family." And then lunch is served. Two servers approach each section, each with a plate of food. More servers follow, pushing a cart with covered dishes on it. Passengers look at the "sample" plates and choose one or the other (a few opting for no lunch at all). Then a fresh meal is served from the cart.
When they reach you, you see that one meal is some kind of dark meat in bite-sized pieces, in gravy. From the smell, you guess lamb. The other is a golden piece of fried--probably fish, though it doesn't have much of a smell to it. Or at least, not enough to overpower the smell of the lamb. Each is served with potatoes and vegetables.
When you get your plate of food, you are also given a small piece of paper. Those who ordered the lamb get blue paper, and those who ordered the fish get yellow. Except for Fang and Aexana, the two "children," who are given pink pieces of paper. The smiling server says something and gestures to the bar when she gives them out--so maybe you can trade them for a drink?
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Wednesday July 17th, 2019 1:11:40 AM Looks yum. Anyone want to go halfsies?
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday July 17th, 2019 11:09:43 AM
Rill smiles as he says verbally in common, "Well, it seems Fang has found a way to entertain herself. I believe Etter is the next stop, so I suppose there's really no harm if we get kicked off anyway.
"Hey Tahni - any way for you to gauge exactly when our clothing will change? We should be ready for that.
"Ahh, lunch! Sure Terser, I'll go haflsies with you - it would be good to taste both dishes here."
Rill will watch what others are doing with their slip of paper, and if they are exchanging them for something he will follow suit. He also looks out the windows to see where we are and where we are headed.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Wednesday July 17th, 2019 6:50:05 PM
Bralin has never turned down food before, and he's not about to start now.
The dwarf chooses lamb. He also takes the hint about the bar, rises, tromps over, sets the napkin down, and gives the bartender his best baffled look.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday July 17th, 2019 7:45:52 PM
Fang doesn't eat much, having managed to steal something from the kitchens during the chaos. She does go over to the counter and present the pink slip. She vaguely remembers hearing something about pink slips and being fired, but that can't be what this is since she doesn't work here. She's kind of curious about what will happen.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday July 17th, 2019 8:15:24 PM "I can tell down to the minute when the disguises will end, so when it gets close we'll probably need to find a way to excuse ourselves and find a place to hide"
Tahni will also order the lamb dish. She won't dig into it immediately but will instead start moving the pieces of meat around to try and gauge what is in the dish and also how it may have been cooked. She'll then start with a few small pieces and take it from there. If it's good enough she might try and replicate the recipe at home.
Like Rill she keeps an eye on what people are doing with their slips of paper. Whatever they are doing she will try as well.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday July 17th, 2019 9:40:59 PM
Jozhur opts for the fried option and follows Bralin to the drink counter, hoping to be rewarded with an ale to go with what he hopes is fish.
DM Kathy Wednesday July 17th, 2019 10:18:52 PM Terser and Rill decide to split their meals so that each can enjoy both dishes.
Bralin and Tahni opt for lamb. Tahni tries to determine what's in the recipe. You taste garlic, and rosemary, and some kind of citrus you can't quite define. You also taste red wine. You think the meat was probably braised. It is delicious.
Jozhur gets the fried something, and finds that it is indeed fish--a very tasty piece of fish, cooked to golden perfection.
You trade your slips of paper at the bar. The blue ones (for the lamb dish) get you a glass of red wine; the yellow ones (fish) get you a glass of white wine. Fang's pink ticket gets her a glass of fruit juice.
After the meal, smiling staff members circulate to remove plates and cutlery, and pass out warm, dampened towels for cleanup. And the journey continues.
Three more hours pass. Then, in the middle of the fourth hour, the ship begins to descend again. By this time, you feel like old hands at this. There is the bustle, and then the crewman walks through shouting "Etter!" along with some words you can't hear. This time, of course, you are among the passengers gathering your things and getting ready to disembark.
Gradually, the town comes into view. It seems like a smaller place than Seppering or Mollerup. Is that why the Tinker picked it? As you descend, you see a large body of water nearby--the ocean, or a very large lake. Is that why the Tinker picked this place?
The ship jolts to a halt, and the engine noise abates. You have arrived.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Wednesday July 17th, 2019 10:22:11 PM
ADM Mark, please read your email. I sent all ADMs an email Tues evening sir. Once you've read it, please follow the request sir and give me a reply.
Thanks!
[After you've read this, you may ask your DMs to delete this post.]
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday July 17th, 2019 11:31:38 PM
Jozhur scarfs down his fish and sips at the white wine, "Fancy" he remarks
Upon their arrival in Etter, the rogue frowns, the Tinkerer could have gone anywhere, they would need to find a lead of some sort. Perhaps they should split up.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+30=34 ; Thursday July 18th, 2019 3:39:50 AM
With the vessel finally at a halt, Tahni makes her way to the ramp. She doesn't want too many people to come or go without her being able to check them all out with her Arcane Eye.
Again she looks for any lingering auras that might be signs the Tinker had passed this way.
"It seems unlikely he'd place it near where it might be discovered or accidentally manipulated. Away from the town and near the water, perhaps?"
Perception: 34
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+38=51 ; d20+32=45 ; d20+12=26 ; Thursday July 18th, 2019 1:01:27 PM
Rill disembarks with the others. As he does so, he looks around for someone that seems to be observant - perhaps a person receiving and directing the newly arrived passengers, or maybe some sort of overseer or grounds person. He will talk to several people until he finds someone that seems to be knowledgeable and that understands the form of goblin that is sometimes understood here. (Perception 51, Sense Motive 45)
Rill will do his best to seem a bit lost and confused, which is not a complete stretch given this strange place. Rill knows the more lost you seem, the more most people tend to want to help.
"Pardon me. We are looking for a man that came through here recently, having departed a vessel like ours. He is older fellow, rather short, with untidy gray hair. He spoke Ghobish and was carrying a strangely-shaped item that he would have treated with great care. We need to speak with him, and we are rather concerned about his well being. Please, can you help us?"
(Diplomacy 26)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday July 18th, 2019 2:08:37 PM
When the meal was served Aex wanted to complain about the fruit juice but she realised soon enough that that would only stir the mood again. Better not... Too bad she didn't bring anything stronger to make a fine cocktail... But alas... fruitjuice it is...
"Next time someone else can play a kid... for the love of Mother Nature only Zeoll was older... "
When the ship arrives at its destination, Aex is happy to disembark.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday July 18th, 2019 6:47:47 PM
Normally, Bralin would pass the time working on his latest stone figurine. This time, he declines that option, concerned about drawing unwanted attention.
Instead, the dwarf falls into a near trance like state, and barely twitches for three hours.
Reaching their destination, Bralin disembarks with the others and looks around.
Would not this device radiate magic? he notes. Can we detect it?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday July 18th, 2019 7:10:12 PM
Fang rather enjoys the fruit juice. She's not in the habit of drinking alcohol with every meal. She tries to place it, wondering if it's a familiar juice or something unique to this world. Once off the boat she lets the others brainstorm how to track down the device.
DM Kathy Thursday July 18th, 2019 10:52:08 PM
During the meal, Fang enjoys her fruit juice. She doesn't immediately recognize it, though it has some familiar notes, including apple and grape. It might be a blend of different kinds of juice, or it might be a fruit that doesn't grow in the Wold. Whatever it is, it's tasty.
Aexana on the other hand, doesn't appreciate her juice, and complains about being the kid. You realize, however, that alcohol can still be purchased at the bar, though apparently they won't sell to a "child." But you can make a cocktail if you're determined enough.
As you disembark, Jozhur realizes that finding this thing is going to be tricky and wonders whether the party should split up. Tahni wonders whether the device had been placed near the water. She looks for lingering auras, but doesn't spot any.
Bralin wonders whether the device will detect as magic. It might; the first one did. But detection spells only have a range of 60 feet, which isn't very helpful if you have to search an entire town.
Rill decides to ask somebody. You try the crewman at the bottom of the gangplank, the man in the ticket booth, and a couple of shopkeepers, to no avail. You finally have success at a wooden booth selling newspapers--more newspapers than you've ever seen in one place in your entire life. There are also things that look like a cross between a newspaper and a book, with glossy picture covers. People here must read a lot.
The man there speaks the goblin language. "Yes," he says, "that man did come and talk at me. He wants to know where to hire a boat. I send him to Seldrake's." He pauses, then pulls a newspaper from a stack behind him. "Buy a paper?" he enquires. Glancing at the paper, you can see that it is in the goblin alphabet that you recognize. You can read some of the headlines. The Prime Minister gave a speech. There was a fire in someplace called Immar.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Friday July 19th, 2019 10:28:15 AM missed makeup post
Terser thanks Rill for the split, but scoffs a little at the outdated notion that red's go with meat and white's with fish. Everyone knows that Bubbles go with everything.
Still, the pairings were nice enough. And he'll sidle up to the bar for something stronger as an aperitif. He'll even set it to the side a little bit and look away in case Aexana wants to relax a bit.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Friday July 19th, 2019 10:31:13 AM
Terser will thank the crew after landing for a job well done. He would try to investigate more about how their aircraft technology works, but still thinks that magic is better. Wouldn't want any more smoke polluting the Woldian skies. It would be nice to have an engine backup in case of entering a null magic zone again.
When offered, he will buy a paper for the group to peruse. There may even be some tidbit about the stranger in town, if he was carrying something strange, or if a reporter stopped to ask his mind on an opinion piece. Or maybe there's a couple for a boat rental.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Friday July 19th, 2019 2:25:04 PM
Aex is very much interested in the shop selling papers and especially in the glossy books... she tries to see if there are any about wildlife or flora in this place. She would love to find some strange local plants to take home perhaps. Who knows she can grow a new plant in Bonetown... though she would need to be cautious not to bring any local diseases or plagues home...
If she spots such papers she will ask the 'grownups to buy some for her... (she refund later of course)
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Friday July 19th, 2019 7:24:03 PM
Rill thanks the man for the information, paying a few silver pieces for a copy of the paper written Ghobish and refusing any change. He politely asks the man where we can find this "Seldrake's".
He shares with the others, It seems that our Tinker came through here. He spoke with the man selling those papers, wanting to know where to hire a boat. The man sent him Seldrake's.
Tahni was right to suspect he went to the water. As it turns out, I carry several boats, so we should be good on that account. Let us head to that body of water and find this Seldrake's and see if they have more information.
Rill is glad that his purchase of a Folding Boat might prove useful.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Friday July 19th, 2019 8:11:48 PM
Bralin can only chuckle at the revelation the Rill is walking around with a bunch of boats in his pockets.
The dwarf turns and walks with the others to this Seldrake's.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Friday July 19th, 2019 11:20:28 PM
Jozhur smiles at news of the information. To the water, where they are as at home as anyone. He rushes Aex as she looks at the books, reminding her that time is of the essence, but he will happily purchase something for her.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Saturday July 20th, 2019 12:34:40 AM
Once Rill has dropped a few silver coins the man's way, Tahni will try and ask for an indication of how long ago the Tinker passed through. It may have been days, or may have been minutes. The information could be useful.
OOC: Realllly unfortunate typo with Aex's name there :D
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday July 20th, 2019 9:57:31 PM
Fang starts to look for the store mentioned, but then realizes she can't read anything here so she's wasting her time. She just follows along with everyone else.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday July 22nd, 2019 3:20:54 AM
As Jozhur tries to rush her from browsing through the magazines Aex cast an irritated eye at him...
"Yes yes... the end of the Wold isn't going anywhere without us you know...
Being still in child appearance to the public she's now acting like a spoiled brat going through puberty... (Ooc makes me think about my daughter though I don't think she's spoiled...)
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday July 22nd, 2019 2:57:23 PM
Rill reaches into his extra-dimensional pockets - as much to make sure that he has his feather tokens and folding boat as to confirm he still has access to that extradimensional space.
As usual he looks for any undead, and he senses for constructs and outsiders.
You know, I half wonder if this Tinker is a fey or a disguised demon. Heck, he could even be a clever construct for all we know.
I just hope he's not a gnome. Gnomes are trouble. He smiles as he looks sidelong at Aex.
Assuming none are detected, Rill proceeds with the others to Seldrake's.
--------------------------- Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Monday July 22nd, 2019 5:54:02 PM
(coupon, not couple!)
It seems talk of coupons is unnecessary with the pocket boat. He wonders how big and busy the docks are though. Maybe they don't want to advertise folding boats and extradimensional spaces. He looks for a coupon to clip, just in case.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday July 22nd, 2019 7:18:42 PM
Bralin, as usual, is content to wordlessly follow.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday July 22nd, 2019 10:00:19 PM
Jozhur wags his finger at Aex and scolds her, "Don't you give me that look, perhaps I shouldn't buy you anything."
...And I Feel Fine [DM Jerry] Monday July 22nd, 2019 11:11:01 PM
As the party begins to move to the harbor, Aexana looks at the newspaper that Terser buys for her. Opening it, there are two huge advertisements on opposing pages:
Seldrake Alt's Boats for Hire! When you want the best...and the cleanest! Where your gold is rewarded!
and across the page....
Seldrake Bol's Boats for Hire! Speed to escape even Bloatbeard the Pirate! Where your safety is paramount!
The harbor seems about a 10 minute walk. Large white birds with a 3 foot wingspan fly in circles overhead ignoring the nearby boys trying to hit them with slingshots.
A bread vendor cries out the varieties she is offering that day.
Three constables walk past keeping an eye on the boys who run scurrying into their houses. They laugh as if it is an every day occurrence.
A snippet of song escapes from an upper window:
"It's the end of the world as you know it...
And I feel fine."
-------
Kathy is still in the hospital, so you get a post from me. I feel sorry for ya....and yes I just totally messed with Kathy's plans. Hope she is not too mad at me. :)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 1:13:30 AM "Perhaps it would be best if we hired a boat rather than using any of our own transports. We'd blend in more, and perhaps be able to get closer to the Tinker before he realises it's us"
"Besides, let's talk to the Seldrake's to find out which - if any - hired a boat out to the Tinker. They can hopefully give us a few clues on direction and how long he had the boat for. It would also be interesting to know if he was travelling with any luggage or people"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 1:27:30 PM
Terser was about to do something himself had that constable not happened by. Someone should teach those boys a thing or two about not tormenting the wildlife. Hey Aex: maybe if we have time later, after saving the world and all, we can teach those boys a lesson?
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 3:38:04 PM
Rill hears the song from a window and figures it can't be the end of the world yet. He's heard that it starts with an earthquake, and that there are birds and snakes and aeroplanes. We haven't had an earthquake and he's not even sure what aeroplanes are.
But worst of all, it looks like Rill's gonna get to use his boats afterall.
Dang. You know, when you prepare for every eventuality it just means you may not use all the stuff you carry around. Ah well, I do agree it would be better to hire a local boat. It's much less conspicuous and give us a reason to talk to the proprietors.
I see the add mentions "Bloatbeard the Pirate." Technically speaking, we're pirates so we should fit in just fine. Let's go see about a boat at Alt's or Blo's and ask if they recall this Tinker.
Rill goes with the others. We will stop at either Alt's or Blo's - whichever one seems to recall Tinker.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 4:18:32 PM
Aex pouts her lips as she is scolded at by Jozhur... but shz does assume it's only for staying in his role.
Just like Terser Aex feels the need to give these kids something they deserve. She could shapechange and target some droppings at'm... tempting... but if the Wold comes to an end she does not need to worry about these kids anymore.
Live and let die...
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 7:16:04 PM
Bralin agrees that getting boats from the locals would draw less attention.
He eyes the boys balefully, but does nothing as the local constables scatter them.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 7:59:01 PM
Fang could just walk across the water with her ring, but that might not be normal here. She follows along towards the boats, eying the kids warily in case they decide she's a new playmate.
Stand in the Place Where You Live [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 11:24:56 PM
Our heroes continue down the road, but shortly...
Behind you the sound of boys exulting in the departure of the constables greet your ears. Then a stone flies over Aexana's head crashing through a 2nd story window of a nearby house. An old lady's face shows instantly, shouting, "Bixby, when I get ahold of you, I'll....."
The boys dive behind some barrels across the street.
Soft voices: "Did she actually see you or just call yoru name, Bix?"
"Dunno, but sometimes...you just have to take a stand against raving grandmaws, yaknow? Ya gotta stand in the place where you live. If ya don't grandmas everywhere will have it in for ya."
"You ain't doing nothing. You ain't stupid."
"Yeah I know."
"Hey look at those strangers, they are dressed really weird."
"Yeah."
"Wanna go see who they are?"
"Nope, see all the stuff they are carrying? Don't bother them AT ALL."
"Maan."
-----
Kathy asked me just now to post again tonight. All she has is her phone. Sorry all I have time for tonight and we're just spinning wheels anyway folks and having a bit of fun. :) Send good prayers Kathy's way please--no I don't have any details. :)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday July 24th, 2019 12:15:11 AM
Jozhur trundles along, wondering how many of these devices they will have to find.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday July 24th, 2019 9:04:42 AM
Tahni doesn't want to get involved in whatever disagreement the young boys are having with the woman. Anything she says will sound 'broken common' and might make her stick out. At least the disguises will help for a few more hours to make them appear to be in the same clothes as those about.
She has no doubt the others in the group will say something though.
Tahni stands to the side of the group and keeps a look out.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday July 24th, 2019 2:51:15 PM
Rill watches.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Wednesday July 24th, 2019 2:52:48 PM
Aex agrees with Tahni... already they are interfering with space and time... no need to put a mark on this age either. But still Aex has to bite her lip not to meddle with this...
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Wednesday July 24th, 2019 6:43:04 PM
Bralin glances at the boy's hiding spot, and then back at his comrades, and then back at the boys.
For now, he follows Tahni's lead.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Wednesday July 24th, 2019 8:02:43 PM
There's no use saving the worlds of you're going to let nonsense like kids breaking windows continue.
Bixby! You get over there and apologize for breaking that window, or you'll have more than a raving Grandma to worry about!
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday July 24th, 2019 8:31:11 PM
Fang wonders if the old lady is hurt and considers offering healing if she got hit by the rock or any glass. She even starts to walk over before remembering no one can understand her anyway.
Everybody Hurts [DM Jerry] Wednesday July 24th, 2019 10:25:55 PM
Our Sea Dragons avoid the high dangers of boys and their rocks as well as the wrath of grandmothers and heads to the sea.
The boys hear Terser's correction and run away, one of them turning over a table of jewelry at a stall down the road.
After a time, they arrive at the harbor by way of the main road. On the right corner is a building with a small yacht on the roof over the front door of the shop. Painted on the boat is a sign that reads, "SELDRAKE'S."
On the left corner is a building with a sign hanging from the roof by chains slightly waving in the wind. the sign says "SELDRAKE's" Instead of a door, a model of a sleek longship was perched vertically with a door cut into it.
Several yachts are nearby tied to the pier. Beside them several longships with bunches of oars sticking out of them are also tied to the pier.
Nearby, an old man selling breaded meat on a stick pushes his cart with a young man. They are dressed alike in bright orange to match the cart. The man's cart hits a rock and pinches the man's hand as the handle rubs roughly against the old cart. "Yikes!"
"You ok, granddad? Your hand almost got crushed again by the orange cart."
"I'm ok, kid. Everybody hurts."
-----
When I started, I was unaware of the disguises or the language problems. Thanks for the hints folks.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday July 24th, 2019 10:29:27 PM
Jozhur chuckles a little. He may not understand what is being said, but it reminds him all too much of his mischievous youth.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d8=2 ; Thursday July 25th, 2019 11:54:22 AM
Rill sees the old man flinch from almost getting hurt from his cart. He will pull a Cure Light Wounds charge out of his wand, holding the charge as he goes over to the old man and the boy. He smiles as he buys some breaded meat on a stick with two silver, refusing any change. As he does so, he makes it a point to touch the man's hand, healing him for 3 points.
Then we can proceed to the two shops.
I assume Tinker would have simply gone to the first boat place he came to. Let's see what we can find.
Rill will step into the first shop, either Alt's or Bol's. He hopes the man understands Ghobish. Knowing their communication may not be perfect, he imagines the proprietor hears something like, "Hello, I saw you, I know you, I knew you. I think I can remember your name. Do you have a boat for hire?"
(Ghobish is the only local dialect that we seem to be able to understand. It is similar to the Goblin tongue, but different enough that communication even in Ghobish is a bit stilted.)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday July 25th, 2019 5:51:43 PM
Looks like there's some rivalry here with the boat shops... Aex wonders if they are related somehow. But it seems likely that both of the owners will say they saw our good friend the TInker... both of them will probably be happy to sail a larger group anywhere... regardless if that isn't where they are supposed to go...
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+27=32 ; Thursday July 25th, 2019 6:04:24 PM
While the others who can communicate try to work things out, Jozhur casually pokes around the area looking for signs of the device, whatever it is.
Perception: 32
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday July 25th, 2019 6:22:11 PM
Bralin, secure in the knowledge that he has absolutely no idea what's going on, waits.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Thursday July 25th, 2019 6:50:53 PM
Now that negotiations and diplomacy are going on, Terser will concede to those that can speak the language (or at least a reasonable facsimile)
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday July 25th, 2019 6:55:45 PM
Rill will also ask the proprietors of each shop about Tinker, describing him as best he can.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday July 25th, 2019 7:14:20 PM
Fang decides screw hiding her magic and walks up to the man with the injured hand. Taking it somewhat forcefully she mutters a phrase and kisses it, healing the injury. Letting go, she smiles up at him brightly and moves on with the party.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday July 25th, 2019 9:27:51 PM
Tahni can't help but grin at Terser's threatening words to the young boy.
DM Kathy Thursday July 25th, 2019 9:57:33 PM
For a strange, surreal moment, it seems almost as if you can suddenly understand the language of this strange place. Obnoxious boys throwing rocks and hurling insults, a fed-up old lady yelling at them, a man explaining his injury to his worried apprentice. All seem like such normal, everyday events that you can almost convince yourselves that you understood every word.
Of course, you did not.
Looking along the waterfront, you tentatively decide that this place must be pretty popular in summer. The street is lined with shops, most with colorful signs and/or striped awnings. Painted illustrations show some kind of--is that food?--scooped into round balls in a dish. Other illustrations show smiling families in strange one-piece garments kind of resembling underwear. Looking around, you can almost picture the place with a summer sun beating down, filled with shiny, happy people.
Just now, though, there is ice on the beach and the vast majority of little shops are closed. Indeed, your "two Seldrake" problem is solved when you realize that one of the shops is closed and probably has been for some time.
Rill goes inside the open shop and asks about boats for hire. The man there does appear to speak Ghobish, and replies, "Well, yes I do, sir, but I might not [unknown word] setting out now. It will be night soon."
Meanwhile, the rest of the group is looking around. You see that there are a couple of rocks, or islands, or rocky islands, within a short distance from shore.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+12=29 ; d20+32=37 ; Friday July 26th, 2019 10:56:49 AM
(Shiny, happy people. Nice one Kathy.)
Rill puts a couple silver pieces on the counter as he smiles and says to the man he says, "We are looking for a man that came through here recently. He is older fellow, rather short, with untidy gray hair. He spoke Ghobish and may have been carrying a strangely-shaped item that he would have treated with great care. We need to speak with him, and we are rather concerned about his well being. Have you seen him?" (Diplomacy 29)
If the man's look suggests he wants more money, Rill will produce a couple gold. (Sense Motive 37)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Friday July 26th, 2019 6:05:26 PM
Not has not much to add in order to rent a boat. After all the Sea Dragons will feel most at home at sea.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday July 26th, 2019 7:01:57 PM
Fang double checks that her ring of water-walking is on. She's never been nervous about boats, but being around so many experienced sailors makes her self-conscious.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Friday July 26th, 2019 11:11:55 PM
Jozhur waits, giving the man his best friendly smile.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Saturday July 27th, 2019 8:49:57 AM
Bralin also waits, minus the friendly smile.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Saturday July 27th, 2019 10:28:43 AM
With the disguises still in place Tahni tries to maintain the illusion of keeping the 'children' in line while the grown-ups speak.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Saturday July 27th, 2019 9:00:27 PM Rill: Tell him we've no concern about the dangers of night time here. We're on too much of a time crunch, and despite how we may look, we're all experienced sailors who can handle anything this lake can throw at us.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Saturday July 27th, 2019 10:47:40 PM "I don't know Terser. It's been a long day"
OOC: PCs who don't get 8hrs rest each day could get the fatigued status
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Sunday July 28th, 2019 4:19:30 PM
Aex feels Tahni tries to do a little too much effort to keep the illusion in place...
She in turn stick out her tongue...
DM Kathy Sunday July 28th, 2019 9:16:34 PM Rill asks about the Tinker, and whether he came this way.
"Yes, I remember," the man says. "He hired a scoop." [Scoop? Probably a kind of boat.] "Said he was going to Little Hay Head. Bringed the scoop back about two [noun] ago."
The rest of the group works to keep up a disguise.
[Moving forward.] You ask to hire a scoop, but the man informs you that it won't hold your entire group. You want a binner, which fortunately he can hire to you for the low, low price of two silver pieces per [time unit]. He can also provide you with a map of the nearby coastline, and point out which rocky island is Little Hay Head.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Sunday July 28th, 2019 9:46:59 PM
Tahni listens carefully to the conversation. She learnt the words for "minutes" and "hours" during her chat with one of the crewman on the boarding ramp earlier. If she recognises one of the words it might give her an idea of how far behind the Tinker they are (and how much the 'binner' might end up costing).
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday July 29th, 2019 2:13:29 AM Following the email from Kathy...
"That word he used is pretty close to an hour" Tahni's eyes widen at the realization "The Tinker brought the boat back close to 2 hours ago. We just missed him."
She'll leave the haggling and cost to Rill to work out, while she asks a few questions
"Do you remember when he first hired the 'scoop'? How many nouns ago that might have been? How many nouns would it take to sail to Little Hay Head?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday July 29th, 2019 1:46:07 PM
Rill says silently to the others.
Hmmm. The man said "coastline" and not just "shoreline." A calm lake is one thing, but I'm reluctant to try to take a ship out into an unfamiliar ocean at night. We may have a few hours more of daylight, but we don' t know how long it will take to make it to this island he spoke of.
Partly depending on clarification of time in the man's response to Tahni's question.
"Good sir - we are new here. Can you recommend a good place to stay nearby?"
(To the DM - when we flew in on an airship, I imagine we would have noticed a large body of water. Are we dealing with an ocean or a lake? Is there wave action at the shore? Boats or ships large enough to carry us would be docked nearby - did we see any? Do they appear to our sailors' eyes to be ocean-going vessels? I'm getting a bit confused here.)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday July 29th, 2019 5:45:53 PM
The little child pulls Tahni's sleave...
"Can you try to get a description of the Tinker? He's the first one we come across who actually spoke to our guy... Perhaps we can ask around later and see where he went or how we can trace him. Perhaps some obvious features? Some tatoo's? Peculiar garments? Anything?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday July 29th, 2019 6:48:18 PM "If the tinker is nearby we should try to find him. Eliminating him prevents him from setting up more devices." Fang says over the rings.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday July 29th, 2019 6:49:56 PM
Bralin listens to the mental conversation, all while staring wordlessly at Seldrake.
You think he may still be in this town? he replies to Aex.
DM Kathy Monday July 29th, 2019 9:02:16 PM Tahni tries to work out a timeline. The Tinker did indeed bring the scoop back about two hours ago. According to the clerk, he rented it about two hours before that. He says it's less than an hour to get to Little Hay Head.
Rill tries to work out whether you have enough time to get to Little Hay Head before dark. You almost certainly do. While you were talking to the boat guy, your companions could look out and see these islands; they are not far at all. You could almost swim there. The body of water, whatever it is, is not open ocean. There are waves, but they are very small, gently lapping against the shore. This is either a large lake, or an inlet or some other offshoot of the main ocean. Also, don't read too much into "coastline" and "shoreline." That was your DM, who was not feeling well at all last night. The map is of the coastal areas in and around this town; not the whole length of the coast. The boats you see at the nearby docks could be taken into open ocean, or anyway some of them could, although it would be an exciting trip. They seem more than adequate to the task at hand, however.
Aexana asks about a description, but the boat man isn't able to add anything to what you already know about the Tinker's appearance.
Fang is intrigued by the prospect of catching the Tinker here; Bralin is more skeptical.
The boat man recommends one or two places where you could stay the night. "Perhaps it would be better in the forenoon," he says. But he will rent you the boat if you want it.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday July 29th, 2019 9:22:07 PM
Jozhur is ready to get sailing. He eyes the potential rentals, wondering if they sail the same here.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Monday July 29th, 2019 10:20:28 PM
You gotta learn to sleep when you're on an airship, Tahni!
He'll rest if need be, but he'll also carry Tahni in a Bjorn so she can sleep is she needs to while they're on the road.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday July 30th, 2019 7:10:51 AM "Hmmm. It seems he was only a little ahead of us. If we press on we may get to the device quickly and be that much closer in our pursuit of him. On the other hand, it is dark and we don't really know where would be sailing or the hazards ahead. We will need some rest at some stage. It has been a long day"
Tahni mentally goes over her long term buffs. Her False Life spell will end in around 3 hours. Her Moment of Prescience spell in around 6 hours. The rest will last until morning. Her Darkvision also means she would have no problem seeing at night.
She stands ready to go with whatever decision the rest of the party agree upon.
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+14=34 ; Tuesday July 30th, 2019 12:08:09 PM
(I am afraid that we could spend the rest of the week discussing this and be no closer to making an actual decision.)
Tinker is already ahead of us. We have a water voyage and a task ahead, so we are not likely to catch up with him. Tahni is right - we will eventually need sleep and we do not know where our quest will take us next. If our previous visit to Koshe Marr is any indication, we should get sleep while we can.
I will be creating a Hero's Feast in the morning. We can rent a boat in the morning and disguise our clothing, but I think a big table laden with food may blow our cover here. Hopefully we can find a place to create this quietly, but I think our readyness is more important than hiding who we are here.
But I'm worried about something else. I wonder how this Tinker is travelling from plane to plane. Why would he bother returning the boat and come back through here? Why not just transport from that island to his next destination? Could he be working with someone here? Are his devices stored here? Too many questions.
Rill turns to the boatmaster here, hoping his broken Ghobish is good enough. Perhaps a good demeanor will help. (Diplomacy 34)
Good sir - we would like to rent a boat that can carry us all, and purchase that map as well. We intend to get an early start in the morning. We do not know how long we will need the boat, and there is a possibility that it may remain out there on Little Hay Head. For the boat, your map, your kind advice, and possibly the inconvenience of fetching your boat from there - will this suffice?" Rill will respectfully place 20 GP on the counter.
"For the night, can you please recommend a nice place to stay?
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Tuesday July 30th, 2019 5:55:52 PM
Aex was struggling with the same questions Rill was. His appearance... his way of travelling and the odd choices along the way... the Sea Dragons are travelling only with help... how is he travelling?? Who is helping him?!? What kind of person is able to travel the way he does? A planewalker? Does he or... she?... perhaps possess the ability to detect the Sea Dragons chasing?? Like Rill says... too many questions...
Perhaps a good night sleep will help indeed.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Tuesday July 30th, 2019 6:52:12 PM
Terser had had the impression that several devices were out there already, so it's a bit surprising to be so close on the Tinker's tail already.
If they need to rest though, the Tinker will too. It can't be too much harm to sleep and take this on in the morning.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday July 30th, 2019 7:11:58 PM
Fang shrugs. While it would be nice to chase the Tinker, the others make good points. They can always catch him later.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Tuesday July 30th, 2019 7:12:46 PM
Bralin nods his assent at Rill's thoughts.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Tuesday July 30th, 2019 7:27:44 PM
Jozhur agrees, rest it is. They could be chasing him for days, they would have to sleep at some point. Better here in a warm bed than God knows where.
DM Kathy Tuesday July 30th, 2019 10:17:21 PM Jozhur looks over at the rentals. At this distance, it's hard to be sure, but apart from cosmetic differences, they look like the boats you are used to.
Tahni sums up your party's dilemma: if you press on, you may catch up with the Tinker, but you have no idea what the next world will be like, and you have a chance to rest here.
Aexana wonders how exactly the Tinker is managing all of this.
Rill decides to make an executive decision. He asks the boat man for a boat and the map, and warns him that the boat may not come back. He offers 20 gold.
The man's eyes widen. "The maps are gratuity," he says, sounding dazed. He gestures to a stack of maps on the counter. "This is very generous," he says, looking at the coin. After a moment's thought he takes 10 of the coins, and slides the rest back. More than sufficed," he says.
You ask about nearby accommodations. He has already told you of some, but now he grabs a piece of paper, and after a bit of fumbling, finds a writing instrument you don't recognize. "I don't think they speak Ghobish there," he explains, and writes something on the paper. On the back, he sketches a little map, showing you how to get to the nearby inn. "Show them this," he says.
Terser, Fang, Bralin, and Jozhur agree with the decision to rest first.
Glancing around, the boat man closes his shop and leads you down to the docks where the rental boats are stored. You see that most are small rowboats, probably the "scoops" mentioned earlier. There is also a big boat with tall metal chimneys like the kind on the airship. They are quiet for now, and you wonder what the engine does and what it runs on. You are directed to a medium-sized boat you would probably call a cog back in the Wold. It has a single sail, and also oars. "This one," the man says. "I can send Jan to bring it back if need be."
Knowing which boat to take in the morning, you follow the map to a nearby inn. The innkeeper reads the boat man's note, then smiles, nods, and hands you 4 keys. He holds up 4 fingers; you hand him 4 gold pieces, and the transaction seems complete. He gestures to a nearby common room where the smell of simmering onions and beef hint of a delicious dinner ready to be eaten.
You find that your evening meal is included in the cost of your room. The rooms are very nice, with metal bedsteads, and some device made of pipes on the wall that gives off heat. Rill reckons if he shoves the beds aside in one of the rooms, he will have just enough room to cast his Heroes Feast in the morning, away from prying eyes.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+8=27 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2019 1:56:05 PM
Not sure how the disguises worked on Leafy but none the less Aex asks him to keep guard during the night. After all, Leafy never sleeps... (leafy perception 27)
Assuming there's an uneventful night ahead of them Aexana soundly sleeps in this strange room. Intrigued with the hot pipes on the wall... perhaps something to commercialize back home??
When day breaks Aex meditates hoping to find connection with mother nature... but then again big mamma is everywhere is she not...
Rill (MarkB) HP 175/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d8+9=11 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2019 5:07:32 PM
Rill thanks the boatmaster for his help.
At the inn, he enjoys the provided meal with the others and retires to his room. He looks with curiosity at the warm pipes in his room, wondering if they have trapped a fire elemental or a steam mephit to provide the heat. And he is very glad to sleep in a warm room with a comfortable bed. Who knows when such accommodations will be available again?
In the morning, will will move the beds in his room aside and cast Heroes' Feast. Then he uses the ring to signal his friends to join him for breakfast.
Good morning my friends. I have conjured a wonderful breakfast for us all in my room.
(Don't forget to roll for your temp hit points!)
------------------------------------ Heroes' Feast - Takes 1 hour to consume. Creatures are cured of all sickness, nausea, poison and disease, and gains 1d8+9 temporary hit points. Also 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.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) d20+10=20 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2019 6:44:05 PM
More or less without anything to do for the evening, Bralin sets his sights on the heated pipes.
Squatting before them, he inspects the contraption, tracing pipes and generally trying things out in an attempt to figure out how it works.
[Knowledge - Engineering 20]
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday July 31st, 2019 7:58:27 PM
Fang eats quickly and goes strait to bed. In the morning she gets up and does her morning prayers; sure she doesn't get spells from it, but faith is about more then getting fancy magic. She eats heartily of the hero's feast. "Don't forget to disguise us again. The innkeeper will be confused if a different group leaves then entered."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday July 31st, 2019 8:18:18 PM
During her rest, Tahni prepares two Seeming spells for the following day. Just in case.
"Are there any special requests for today's disguises? Hats, canes, polished shoes?" She intends to make some small differences to the appearances of the clothes. Just minor changes to perhaps the colors and styles. It just doesn't seem proper in this place to be seen in the same set of clothes.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d8+9=11 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2019 9:24:12 PM
Hmmn. My mind seems extra open today. It's been a while since he's been running around without the benefits of a mind blank, so it's a bit off putting.
Still, he could get used to this life. Traveling, eating good meals, who even needs to speak the language? Gold seems to be universal.
How about a monocle and a top hat, Tahni?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d8+9=14 ; Wednesday July 31st, 2019 9:44:18 PM
Jozhur watches Bralin try to figure out the heat source. He's just as clueless, but is curious as to how it works.
In the morning, Jozhur jolts out of bed at the sound of Rill's voice in his head. He quickly gathers his things and prepare to set off before eating the feast.
DM Kathy Wednesday July 31st, 2019 11:01:21 PM
In your rooms, the heating pipes are the focus of attention for much of the party.
Aexana fiddles with them a little bit. She discovers that the valve on one end of the pipes controls the amount of heat flowing through them. It can, in fact, be shut off altogether--but that makes the room pretty cold. [I picture disguised Leafy looking like a pale, diffident young man with green eyes--but it's up to you guys.]
Bralin does a more in-depth study. He discovers that the exterior of the pipes can get hot enough to burn a careless hand, though not badly. You hear bubbling and hissing noises, which sound a lot like steam.
Rill hypothesizes an enslaved fire elemental or steam mephit. The mephit would seem like the obvious solution, but you've pretty well established that nobody in this world can do magic. So how would it be accomplished?
Jozhur watches, but has nothing to add.
In the morning, the arcane casters can prepare new spells. Tahni takes the opportunity to prepare an extra Seeming. The divine casters are still cut off from their gods and unable to acquire new spells.
Rill sets up his Heroes Feast, and Terser requests that his disguise include a monocle and top hat, which will be quite a sight as you sail the little "binner."
Your feast completed, you gather your things, leave the inn, and head to the dock where your rented boat is. When you arrive, you see a couple of young men, apparently waiting for you. One of them taps his chest. "Jan," he says. He says nothing else, so he probably doesn't speak Ghobish, but you remember that yesterday the boat man had mentioned he might send "Jan" to collect the boat. Jan and his companion climb into a small rowboat and make ready to follow you.
Your boat has a sail and oars. The sail is not great, but it will work. The oars seem to be in good shape. Which will you use? Or will you try to use both at the same time? Anybody trying to sail the boat should make Profession: Sailor rolls.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+13=32 ; Thursday August 1st, 2019 3:47:02 PM
(Profession: Sailor 32)
Rill steps aboard the sailboat. It will be tight quarters with all our people - inlcuding a large, ambulatory tree. As the boat rocks back and forth while everyone steps aboard, Rill feels just a little bit better. There's something reassuring about being back on the water. He will work with the others to set the small sail and see to the rigging. He especially looks to Jozhur for help and reassurance that he's doing everything right. He recalls that Jozhur in particular knows his way around a boat.
Once everyone is aboard and things are in order, Rill will see to casting off any moorings that may be holding the boat in place. He gives a nod to Jan and his friend aboard their row boat as he pulls out a small group of feathers in the shape of a tiny fan from his pocket.
He smiles as he says silently to his friends, I hope you'll forgive me this indiscretion. You all may want to hang on.
With everyone ready, Rill activates the Fan Feather Token. This conjures a huge flapping fan behind our boat that travels with us, causing a breeze of sufficient strength to propel the little boat at about 25 mph towards our destination. Since the fan does not work on land, it should disappear once the boat reaches the shore of Little Hay Head.
As the boat quickly sails along, he says to his friends, I was a bit worried that whatever happens with this next device may kill those young men as innocent bystanders. This breeze should get us to our destination with enough time to do what we must before Jan and his friend reach us. It will also give them something interesting to talk about after we're gone.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday August 1st, 2019 6:56:35 PM
Fang just finds a nice safe spot out of the way of the professional sailor types. She almost falls out of her seat at the sudden acceleration but manages not to.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday August 1st, 2019 7:14:28 PM
The boat rocks back and forth as everyone steps aboard, not reassuring Bralin in the slightest.
The dwarf sits someplace where he can grab two handfuls of solid wood as tightly as possible, and holds on.
The only relief from this sailing is Rill's feather token.
Amused, Bralin watches intently to see Jan's reaction.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday August 1st, 2019 7:37:28 PM
Aex greatly enjoyes the feast and feels she can take a thousand devices today. Once back on the water it's reassuring to know her friends have controle over the boat.
Did the shopowner see what the device looked like?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday August 1st, 2019 7:44:41 PM "They weren't supposed to be our guides, were they? Does anyone have a map?"
DM Kathy Thursday August 1st, 2019 11:14:45 PM Rill leads the way onto the boat and begins casting off. Fang and Bralin help by staying out of the way. Aexana wonders whether the shopkeeper caught a glimpse of the device, but nobody asked him that yesterday and he isn't here now.
Tahni wonders who your guide is going to be and whether there's a map. There is a map; you got it last night. Even better, you can actually see Little Hay Head from here. You could see it from the shop yesterday. It is small and rocky and right in front of you. The only difficulty is going to be where to put in; the side facing the beach looks pretty inhospitable. Maybe around on the other side.
Once you have cast off, Rill decides to speed things up by deploying a Feather Token. A large fan appears out of nowhere and begins blowing the cog toward the island.
Jan and his companion let out shrieks of pure terror. They continue yelling as they scramble out of their rowboat and sprint up the dock toward the beach. You think that at least one of them is yelling words, but you can't be sure because you don't speak the language.
And there isn't much time to wonder about it because the island is coming up awfully fast. You're traveling at about 25 miles per hour (per the item description), and the side of the island facing you is quite rocky. You're going to have to look sharp if you don't want your vessel dashed to pieces.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+15=27 ; Thursday August 1st, 2019 11:21:14 PM
Jozhur doubles over in laughter at the result of Rill's magic device use. Hopefully the Tinerker's contraption is on the island and they would not need to return.
Then he realizes they are perhaps moving a little too fast.
Jozhur springs into action, manning the rigging, as he has done many a time in rough seas.
Profession sailor: 27
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+13=15 ; Friday August 2nd, 2019 10:53:12 AM
Rill sit's in the stern of the boat to man the tiller.
"OK, now I feel a little bad. I figured those two lads would look with wonder and amazement at a magical fan, not run in terror. I suppose some cultures are just not as enlightened as others."
Even as the boat moves quickly towards the rocky shore, Rill remains calm. He knows that even with a strong wind, slowing a sail boat is as simple as reefing the sail and steering back and forth. And with the fan providing a constant tail wind no matter their direction their sailing should be even easier.
Working with Jozhur (aid another), Rill steers the boat around the rocky island, looking for a place to put in. Too bad we don't know where on the island this thing is located.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Friday August 2nd, 2019 7:03:16 PM
Bralin watches the two retreat.
It may be well not to return to the town when we are done, he notes.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday August 2nd, 2019 7:55:32 PM
Tahni nods with Bralin "I imagine quite a tale is being told there. Still, I'd feel bad not returning the boat when we are done"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+2=3 ; Saturday August 3rd, 2019 11:07:18 PM You may resort to magic just a little too quickly, Rill. I bet we had enough muscle (or discretely enhanced muscle) to outrow them anyway.
Terser leans to to try to help Jozhur steer the boat, but probably gets in the way more than he helps. profession sailor - 3
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Sunday August 4th, 2019 7:19:48 PM
Aex can't help but snickers a bit when the two jump overboard. Indeed it would have been wiser to just let Aex summon a gentle breeze to speed up the boat... But in any case the fan does the trick and the wind in her hair just feels great. At last back at sea...
"Just don't trash the boat on those rocks please... "
DM Kathy Sunday August 4th, 2019 9:16:22 PM Aexana thinks the panicked flight of the two men is amusing, but the rest of the group is at least mildly concerned. It's probably just as well you're nearly done on this world. Or at least, you think you are.
With Rill's help (and Terser's hindrance), Jozhur is able to steer the cog around the rocky island. The far side isn't noticeably less rocky than the near side was, but there is a cove of sorts--basically a calm place between two boulders--which looks to be as good a mooring place as you're going to get. You leave the boat there, and turn your attention to the problem of getting up onto the island.
It's not going to be easy. The rocks are steep, and sharp, and there doesn't seem to be any sort of path. You'll need to be strong, sure-footed, or canny to navigate your way up. [It is a DC 40 Climb, Acrobatics, or Survival check to get onto the island from the boat. Or you could try to use magic. You're reasonably certain you can't be seen from land.]
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Sunday August 4th, 2019 9:35:41 PM
Fang eyes the clifface. "I don't think I can scale that. Who's our best climber? Maybe they can get up there and set up a rope to help the rest of us." she pulls some out of the survival gear she packed.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday August 5th, 2019 12:35:29 AM "I might be able to help here"
Tahni gathers everyone in close and casts a wind walk spell. She's able to affect everyone with the exception of Leafy. For the next 18hrs people will be able to turn into (and out of) cloudlike vapors at will. Though they might not be able to speak, the telepathy from the dragon rings should be able to allow the party to communicate.
"Perhaps you might be able to transform into something with flight and strong enough to carry him?" she offers to Aex.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday August 5th, 2019 3:24:18 PM
Rill pushed his helmet up on his brow as he looks up at the cliff. The cleric is not really much of a rock climber.
Good idea Tahni. I'm good with the Wind Walk thing. We probaly shoulda' listened to you in the first place and used that to get out here. That giant feathered fan I made was a mistake.
If Aex cannot get her shrubbery up there, I can always throw Fly or Air Walk on him, though he won't be as fast as we will be in Wind Walk form. We don't want to "leaf" him behind.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday August 5th, 2019 5:17:42 PM
Jozhur agrees to the windwalk spell, curious as to what it is like to be a cloud-person. Maybe, just for fun, they should fly around town when they're done. He also volunteers that he does have a Rope of Climbing, should they want to do things the hard way.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday August 5th, 2019 6:50:25 PM
Aex narrows her eyes a little... are they making fun if Leafy now she thinks... argh those youngsters...
"Drink this my friend and never mind them...", Aex says to Leafy and hands him an Air Walk potion.
Leafy drinks it and walks with the group.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday August 5th, 2019 7:03:52 PM
Wind Walk spell in place, Bralin wafts up to the top of the cliff. As an experiment, he tries communicating telepathically in Wind Walk form.
Testing, testing. Am I heard?
DM Kathy Monday August 5th, 2019 9:55:29 PM
After sizing up the situation, you decide to go with magic. Tahni is able to Wind Walk everybody except Leafy, who gets an Air Walk potion from Aexana.
You ascend to the top of the little island. The device is easy to spot. There aren't many flat places up here, and the device is set squarely in the largest of these. It doesn't look at all like the device from the Mire. That one was basically a black steel cage with some magical components inside it; this one is a tall cylinder of some shiny metal.
Now you just have to figure out how to deactivate it.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Tuesday August 6th, 2019 1:42:47 AM
The wind walk is much less comfortable than the usual method of flying. He's glad to get up to the plateau and revert back to solid dwarf.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+30=44 ; Tuesday August 6th, 2019 6:57:55 AM
Tahni does a few flying laps around the device before returning to normal form.
She takes a careful look at the device but doesn't reach out to touch it. She looks for any mechanisms that might indicate a way to open it, any magical auras, and any abnormalities in the metal.
"Want to take first crack at it, Jozhur?" He's always been good with disabling objects (and the occasional deserving person).
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday August 6th, 2019 12:07:43 PM
Rill will land and assume a corporeal form. He looks at the shiny metal cylinder. While Tahni and her glowing blue eyes will likely already know if the thing detects as magic, Rill will cast both Detect Poison and then Detect Magic jsut to see for himself. He will also sense for any constructs, outsiders, fey or elementals, wondering if perhaps something is trapped inside to power the thing. Rill will share anything he finds out with the others.
Finally, he will cast Guidance on Jozhur to give the rogue an edge in dealing with this thing.
That will give you a slight boost in dealing with this thing Jozhur. Hey, can anyone tell what kind of metal that thing is made of?
(Guidance - Jozhur gets a +1 competence bonus on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check.)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Tuesday August 6th, 2019 7:12:46 PM
Bralin wordlessly reaches into his haversack, and withdraws his war hammer.
The dwarf rest the weapon on his shoulder as he awaits the results of the magical probing.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Tuesday August 6th, 2019 7:17:10 PM
No markings.on the device? For now there is insufficient information to go forward. Hiwever Aex has no intention touching the device just yet...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday August 6th, 2019 7:36:10 PM
Fang flies up the island and lands on the flat part. Pulling out her axe she sits cross legged and rests it across her knees. The others will hem and haw over it for a bit and when they're done disarming any traps she's ready to rend it asunder.
DM Kathy Tuesday August 6th, 2019 11:02:13 PM
Looking at the device, Tahni can tell that it is completely nonmagical. Rill's other detections also turn up nothing. He wonders aloud what the device is made of.
Appraise DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Some of the pieces are electrum, and are probably worth a few hundred gold pieces.}
Aexana sees no markings on the device.
Bralin and Fang stand by with weapons.
Since the device is not magical, it will need to be deactivated with a Disable check. The DC is 40.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+6=8 ; d20+33=45 ; d20+31=46 ; Tuesday August 6th, 2019 11:07:50 PM
Assuming it was time for him to do his work, Jozhur cautiously approaches the device. After a quick check for traps (perception: 45) he produces his tools of the trade and sets to work.
-------------------------------------------- Take 10 on disable check if able: 41 Otherwise:rolled a 46
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Tuesday August 6th, 2019 11:16:52 PM
Terser just watches as Jozhur's masterful hands go to work. Those metals are going to be worth something too, so once it's not dangerous anymore, he'll be ready to set about dismantling it.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday August 7th, 2019 6:30:16 AM
Tahni steps back to give Jozhur some space. She whispers quietly to the party "There's a few hundred worth of electrum there"
Appraise: 18 + Take 10 = 28
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday August 7th, 2019 12:38:47 PM
Rill will step to within arm's reach of Jozhur, but out of his way. Just in case.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) d20+6=7 ; Wednesday August 7th, 2019 6:55:11 PM
[Appraise 7]
With Jozhur working to disarm the device, and Tahni declaring how valuable the components are, Bralin reluctantly returns his waraxe to his haversack.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+18=23 ; d20+22=25 ; Wednesday August 7th, 2019 8:22:49 PM
Unable to help with disabling a thing like this Aex more or less keeps her distance. With everyone up and close around the device she dares not be the one to disturb it and make it go... Instead she observes her surroundings. Why here?!? Could there be a reason for installing that doomsday thing here?!? (know nature 23 - perception 25)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Wednesday August 7th, 2019 8:24:02 PM
Jozhur starts sweating as he disarms the device, wondering whether his friends should step back as he works. Then he remembers there probably is no such thing as a safe distance. A bead of sweat rolls down his face, even though the air is cool.
DM Kathy Wednesday August 7th, 2019 11:09:48 PM
Knowing that the device has to be deactivated, most of you are content to stand back and let Jozhur work. It's a tense job, and Jozhur finds himself sweating before it's done, but in the end he is able to remove the cover and disable the mechanism.
Tahni points out that some of the pieces are electrum, and worth a bit of coin. Now that the device has been rendered harmless, you can easily separate these and bring them with you if you like.
Aexana looks around, trying to figure out why a device would have been left here, specifically. All you can think is that this island is fairly close to shore, not that difficult to get to, but inhospitable, particularly at this time of year. The odds of one of the locals stumbling across it before it went off would seem remote. And you already know it wasn't visible from shore.
But, whatever the Tinker's reasons, the device was here and has now been disabled. You can move on to the next world, the only question being whether you are going to risk bringing the boat back.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Wednesday August 7th, 2019 11:48:15 PM
Before leaving, Terser looks around for evidence of how the Tinker got up here. He must have a bag of holding or some such thing. But does he use magic to fly, or help him climb, or is he a super athlete in addition to master tinker?
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday August 8th, 2019 12:16:52 PM
Once the electrum is removed, Rill looks at the thing.
"Well, we had to scale a cliff to get up here. How about we just roll what's left off that cliff to smash it up? And when we go back down the cliff to the boat we can check to make sure the device is properly busted up."
If I recall correctly, we move to the next location with a word, so let's sail our boat back and leave from there."
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday August 8th, 2019 7:24:37 PM
"Sail back, and then disappear," Bralin remarks. "That should leave quite a tale for the locals."
Nevertheless, the dwarf readily accepts Rill's plan, and Wind Walks back down to the boat.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday August 8th, 2019 8:24:06 PM
Fang nods and puts away her axe. Once they're at the bottom she makes extra sure it's in pieces and possibly throws a few in the water to make it harder to gather them for a repair spell.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Thursday August 8th, 2019 8:27:28 PM
Jozhur thinks maybe they shouldn't show themselves again here. "We told the man where to find his boat and he said he could send someone to fetch it. Perhaps we should leave it at that."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday August 8th, 2019 9:15:19 PM "And yet somehow I think this is gonig too easy... ", Aex says as she watches the left overs the device.
DM Kathy Thursday August 8th, 2019 11:10:05 PM Terser looks for evidence of how the Tinker got up here, but finds no clues on the sharp rocks. You know he is an arcanist, however, so it's safe to assume he could have gotten up here by magical means.
At Rill's suggestion, you roll the rest of the device off the rocky island and into the sea. It clanks and clatters on the rocks on its way down, shedding pieces that drop into the water. The main part drops in next to the boat with a little splash.
Rill suggests taking the boat back. Bralin and Fang concur, and returns to the boat.
Jozhur disagrees, reminding the group that the boat man knows where to retrieve the boat, and that maybe it isn't a good idea to show yourselves again.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday August 9th, 2019 1:24:33 AM "Well, we aren't too far behind the Tinker. Perhaps Jozhur is right. We can leave the boat properly moored here with a few extra coins in it for the boat man's troubles. We don't know how we'd be treated if we are seen back in that town."
Tahni is ready to move on to the next location if the rest of the party are.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Friday August 9th, 2019 11:41:58 AM
Rill rubs his eyes.
"I'm just fine leaving the boat here. Leave whatever coin you want to, but we already paid that guy extra to pick up his boat."
Rill is also ready to move on to the next location if everyone else is.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Friday August 9th, 2019 2:55:51 PM
Bralin nods.
He is ready to leave.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Friday August 9th, 2019 3:02:59 PM
Jozhur nods at Aex. "I wonder if he knows we're following him?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday August 9th, 2019 6:56:07 PM
Fang shrugs. [b]"I don't see how he'd know, but if he can remotely check the status of his devices he'll know soon enough. We'd best be prepared for this to get more difficult, just in case.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Saturday August 10th, 2019 12:09:25 AM
Tahni looks to the others and nods
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Sunday August 11th, 2019 6:58:26 PM
With a simple nod Aex agrees with the plan to leave the boat here. She's a little worried what effect their incursions will have on these people...
DM Kathy Sunday August 11th, 2019 9:09:03 PM
On second thought, you decide to leave the boat here. You have already paid the boat rental agent for the trouble of coming to fetch it, and he knows where it is. And it might be best not to return to shore.
Accordingly, you gather together and speak the command word.
[Everybody take 62,000 XP for this scene.]
Scorch
DM Kathy Sunday August 11th, 2019 9:12:49 PM
The seascape dissolves, and then the first thing you notice is the heat. It hits you like a blow. You had gotten used to the chill of winter in the Empire, but wherever you are now, it isn't winter. Or at least, you hope it isn't because if this is winter then summer would kill you.
It is very hot. Looking around, you see that you are standing on sandy soil, dotted here and there with low, scrubby vegetation. Overhead, the sun beats down from a cloudless blue sky. You see no people, or buildings, or even a road. You do, however, see tracks.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Sunday August 11th, 2019 9:49:15 PM
Fang instantly looks about judging for any threats. "Does anyone have protection from elements prepared? It might help us with this wildly changing weather."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+16=32 ; Sunday August 11th, 2019 10:38:54 PM
Fang looks at the tracks, trying to determine if they were made by their quarry or something unrelated (survival 32)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday August 12th, 2019 11:41:59 AM
“I have one,” Bralin replies to Fang .
The dwarf looks about, but other than the tracks, sees little of interest.
Leaving those to his more capable comrades, he retrieves his holy symbol and reaches out, seeking a connection not present in the last land.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+9=13 ; Monday August 12th, 2019 2:46:19 PM
Terser lends his two coppers to Fang's assessment. (Aid another survival for +2).
It's hot. But not too too hot. Certainly not as hot as it was cold in the ice vein. He'll be ok for now.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Monday August 12th, 2019 3:36:04 PM
Jozhur looks about. Seeing nothing but desert wasteland and the set of tracks he's content to let Fang do her thing. "Looks like we have only one clue here."
Jozhur lets Bralin know he will be fine with the heat, "My magical clothing will keep me cool enough."
Like Fang Aex observes the tracks in the sand.(Survival 39 - Know Nature 38 (nat 20))
When the temperature comes under discussion Aex rummages through her potions... "Well now... well... hmmm... ain't this... euhm... somewhat ... discomforting... it seems I have no potions here that would help us enduring this heat nor did I meditate such a spell... sorry... "
Aex, being a greenmage feels utterly useless for not counting on such locations...
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday August 12th, 2019 9:58:17 PM
Tahni mentally goes through her list of spells. "I have a Roses Temperature spell on myself, but no Endure Elements spells I'm afraid. I can create as much cool water as we need though.
If things get really bad I could cast a Control Weather spell I suppose"
DM Kathy Monday August 12th, 2019 10:04:25 PM Fang looks at the tracks. You can tell immediately that they belong to a humanoid, wearing boots, of the right size to be the Tinker. Odds are, those are his tracks. If you follow them, you may be able to find the device.
Meanwhile Bralin is wondering about his connection to his deity. Alas, it is still absent.
Divine casters are still cut off from their god or power, and are still unable to replenish their spells.
But there's more. Arcane casters can sense that the arcane magic on this world is scarce and sluggish. It's going to take a certain amount of skill and concentration to cast spells. [Casting any arcane spell--even a cantrip--will require a caster-level check of 15 + spell level.]
The rest of the group is concerned about the heat, which is extreme. Jozhur is protected by his clothing, and there may be magical protection available for others. For anybody without magical protection, you'll need to start making Fortitude saves after about 10 minutes in this heat. Anybody wearing armor takes a -4 penalty to this check. The survival skill can be used to help with the check.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday August 13th, 2019 12:55:26 AM
(Dang it! I'm not sure what happend to my post - maybe I failed to press send.)
Growing up near the sea, Rill has never been a fan of hot climates. And then you add armor to that.
"Awright, I've had enough of this."
Rill will read some Divine scrolls of Endure Elements to make sure everyone is protected from the heat. Everyone is protected from the heat for 24 hours. Rill notes that Jozhur and Bralin are already protected. And if Aex discovers that she has a remedy, well, that will be fewer scrolls that he needs to burn.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday August 13th, 2019 1:11:07 AM "Now, let's see what we can see."
Assuming the planar transition did not eliminate cast spells, Rill will use the Wind Walk spell still on him to assume mist form and rise up into the air to see where we are and where we're going - particularly in the direction of the tracks Fang found. He will share what he learns with his friends through the rings we wear.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday August 13th, 2019 8:32:29 AM
Tahni holds up her hand to stop Rill from using an Endure Elements spell on her. "I'm ok". She doesn't want him to have to use up any supplies on her when she is already protected.
The strange sensation of not having easy access to her spells is something new "Hopefully finding the next device will be as easy as the last two. I'm not exactly confident of having access to my spells should we get into a fight"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Tuesday August 13th, 2019 2:13:04 PM
Aex eyes Rill... what's he thinking of?!?
DUH!!
"Hang on hang on hang on... wait...", Aex starts rummaging again in her pockets and digs up a wand that has been there for a long time it seems... "Now that's the downside of Bill's Pants 'o Plenty... you put a lot of stuff in it and well... you tend to forget it's there!!"
Aex holds up a Wand of Endure Elements.
"Anyone?!?", she sheepishly says and does tap herself and Leafy already. Immediately the blistering heat becomes more bearable.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Tuesday August 13th, 2019 4:11:07 PM
Jozhur declines the wand, "I'm all set, thanks." (slotless cloak of comfort: Perm. Endure Elements).
If the wind walk spell is still active, we can use it to follow the tracks VERY quickly.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+16=20 ; Tuesday August 13th, 2019 6:10:03 PM
Fang accepts the spell gratfully. A fur coat with fur armor on top of it is rather warm, and she'd had to strip down to stay cool but be unarmored. Once someone mentions the arcane magic going down she wonders aloud, "Does that mean our enemy has lost access to his spells as well? Maybe he'll be easier to defeat."
She looks at the sand more closely, trying to determine if they're on a large beach or in the middle of a desert. She also tries to judge the time; if it's a desert they're going to have to worry about cold when the sun is down, though the spell should cover them for that as well (survival 20)
DM Kathy Tuesday August 13th, 2019 10:29:32 PM
As the danger from the heat becomes apparent, Rill pulls out several scrolls and begins casting Endure Elements. This prompts Aexana to pull out a wand and begin doing the same. Soon, the entire party is protected.
Fang looks at the terrain, and realizes almost immediately that you are in a desert. It is, as far as you can tell, afternoon. It will probably get considerably colder at night, but now that you all have magic protection, that's not a big concern.
Rill finds that his spell is indeed still active, so he rises up to get a view of the surrounding area. Almost immediately, you spot a village off to your right--the same direction the tracks are headed. In all likelihood, that is your destination.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday August 14th, 2019 7:14:16 AM "Good point, Fang. We can only hope"
Tahni is in agreement that using the Wind Walk form is a good idea.
"Whichever way we go we should perhaps try and find some shelter before nightfall"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Wednesday August 14th, 2019 9:37:52 AM
Terser mists up to follow the tracks. He's glad for the elemental protection, since it seems likely that the heat would be even worse on misty bodies.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+32=51 ; Wednesday August 14th, 2019 11:56:25 AM
Rill goes with the others, but will be sure to stay near Aex and her walking hedge as they move toward the town. (I seem to recall that not all of us were affected by Wind Walk.) While Leafy may be rather conspicuous here, a few man-shaped clouds in a cloudless sky may stand out as well. At the first sign of any creatures or trouble, Rill will start to transform back into his usual self (this takes 5 rounds.)
Hey Fang, can you tell from the foot prints if there are other creatures besides what we think are the Tinker's tracks? If so, so they look like big creatures?"
As we go, Rill looks around him. What sort of sand, rock and vegetation seems to be in this place? Are there insects or animals about? As we approach the town, what do the buildings look like? Do they seem to be built for medium sized creatures? Are there roosts or high doors that would suggest flying inhabitants? (Perception 51)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+16=27 ; Wednesday August 14th, 2019 6:31:58 PM
Fang is pretty sure it's just the Tinker's tracks. She should have noticed by now if there were two sets of tracks. She does check again to be sure, maybe he's being followed by a bodyguard that walks in his footprints or something (survival 27 to check for oddities or shenanigans with the tracks).
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Wednesday August 14th, 2019 7:47:27 PM
Even with the spell, the heat is enough to distract. It's almost as bad as walking around in Sacramento.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Wednesday August 14th, 2019 8:05:12 PM
Aex takes some time to think of what animals could be most common here. Perhaps she can shapechange in one of them and then scout the city rather unnoticed. Indeed it will be tricky going into a town with hr good friend leafy at her side.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Wednesday August 14th, 2019 9:55:14 PM
Bralin is about to cast his spell, but at Aex's revelation of the wand, he opts for that spell instead.
He moves wordlessly with the others.
DM Kathy Wednesday August 14th, 2019 10:00:39 PM Tahni says you should probably find shelter by nightfall. Perhaps, but you have hours before sunset.
Terser begins following the tracks, somewhat distracted by the heat.
At Rill's request, Fang takes a careful look at the tracks. The only tracks belong to the Tinker--or the person you assume is the Tinker. If he has companions, they are either flying or incorporeal.
Rill and Aexana look around, trying to suss out the local ecosystem. There does seem to be one. As dry, harsh, and inhospitable as the land seems, it still supports life. You've already seen several insects. You see birds flying--mostly songbirds. You can extrapolate that there are probably birds of prey, but you haven't seen any yet. There are probably several species of burrowing rodents, and lots of different lizards. There may or may not be something fox-like and/or some kind of desert cat. And there may be bigger, stranger things. It's difficult to say, since this isn't your world.
You follow the tracks for about 15 minutes, and then you reach the village Rill saw from above. It is a small place; a group of mud or earth huts clustered around an open area with a well in its center. Smoke rises from several chimneys. Human villagers sit in doorways, shielded from the sun, doing various tasks. Chickens wander about.
Your arrival causes a bit of a sensation. Several villagers scramble to their feet and approach you cautiously, They speak--and you don't understand a word they say.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+12=21 ; Thursday August 15th, 2019 1:34:23 PM
Rill remains puzzled that his Tongues spell works some places but not others. But if this Tinker could manage to navigate these places, seemingly alone, Rill remains confident that the Sea Dragons can do so as well. Who knows, maybe his tongues ability will eventually kick in here as it did in the previous place.
Rill does his best to smile and keep his hands wide and empty as he speaks, hoping his demeanor will override the fact that we are walking up clad in heavy clothing and armor with weapons hanging from our belts. (Diplomacy 21)
He will bow a bit as he speaks. "Greetings. We come in peace. We are seeking a small, older man with untidy gray hair. He may have been carrying a strangely-shaped item that he would have treated with great care. We need to speak with him. Have you seen such a person?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp d20+13=22 ; Thursday August 15th, 2019 2:16:13 PM
More people who speak a strange language apparently. He listens closely, before and after Rill speaks, seeing if it at least sounds similar to anything he knows. (Dwarven, halfling, orc, undercommon, elven, aquan)
If they can't understand each other, Jozhur tries to think of a way to act it out. "I can summon a shadow illusion of similar appearance to what we think the Tinkerer looks like, but who knows how they will take that." He keeps his hands away from his weapons, doing his best not to alarm these folks.
Linguistics: 22
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday August 15th, 2019 6:53:58 PM
Fang is all ready to pretend to be a child again before realizing no one cast the illusion spell again. She tries her best to look non threatening while simultaneously looking for escape routes in case the villagers decide to panic and attack the alien visitors.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Thursday August 15th, 2019 7:08:05 PM
Bralin takes in the desert during the walk.
These days, encountering a completely new environment is a rare event, and he dawdles a bit to enjoy the sensation.
Arriving at the village, the dwarf quickly deduces he cannot help, and thus wordlessly waits.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Thursday August 15th, 2019 8:18:09 PM
Terser wonders about the viability of traveling to some of these places again once their task is accomplished.
Through the rings, he says he doesn't think the Tinker need bother with interacting with the locals much, unless he has need of an airship or a boat. If this location is in walking distance, he may have ignored these people altogether.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Thursday August 15th, 2019 8:21:27 PM
Seeing Leafy will most likely not make the villagers feel more at ease... on the contrary... so Aex asks Leafy to stay a bit behind and play like a tree...sure...
She looks around to see if she sees any of the locals who could be ill or injured in some way. If there is perhaps Aex can usr her healing potions and make the tribe trust teh Sea Dragons.
DM Kathy Thursday August 15th, 2019 11:02:00 PM Rill addresses the villagers in Common, which they don't seem to understand. He is polite, however, which they seem to appreciate.
Jozhur listens, but nothing anybody has said so far sounds familiar. He offers to illustrate your queries with illusions.
Fang tries to look non-threatening while looking for escape routes. You can leave the village by pretty much any route you choose; the question really is whether the villagers can run faster than you.
Bralin waits. Terser wonders about the possibility of returning to some of these worlds, which is a very interesting question.
Aexana, having left Leafy a ways back, looks around at the villagers, looking for injuries or illness she might be able to help with. She doesn't see anything immediately.
One dark-haired villager steps forward hesitantly. He asks you a question, which you do not understand. He asks another question, and anybody who understands Gnomish clearly hears "do you speak Nomish?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday August 16th, 2019 6:35:25 AM "Why yes" Tahni tries to smile warmly to the man. She relays over the link to the rest of the party "He's speaking gnomish"
She makes a note to translate whatever she hears and to relay to the party across the rings so that they can understand what is going on.
"Please don't be afraid. We mean no harm."
Tahni takes things slowly. Sentence by sentence
"My name is Tahni, and these are my friends..." she gestures to each person as she says their name "Rill, Jozhur, Bralin, Terser, Fang, and Aexana. Oh, and that's Leafy"
She pauses to allow the others to smile, wave, nod, and so on.
"We don't mean to disturb you, however we are searching for a man who may have come by this way. He may have had an unusual item with him that we wish to speak with him about. Have you happened to see him?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Friday August 16th, 2019 5:56:02 PM
Hmm. Gnomish. Rill idly wonders if they serve Green Gnomish's here.
He will cast Detect Magic to see if there is magic here beyond what the party members are wearing. Then he looks around for any undead, and he senses for constructs and outsiders.
--------------------------- Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Friday August 16th, 2019 6:57:53 PM 'Mayhap a pattern. Our Tinker has only visited realms where they can converse with the natives,' Bralin observes.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday August 16th, 2019 8:13:06 PM "Not necessarily, we don't know what languages he speaks. Maybe we've just been lucky."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Saturday August 17th, 2019 2:58:39 PM
Even should they have a Green Gnomish here, it couldn't compete with the libations at the dragon party, so they won't even be worth partaking of.
Still, he does look forward to finding someplace where the locals speak dwarvish.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Sunday August 18th, 2019 10:00:54 AM
Jozhur smiles and waves as he is introduced, happy they can communicate with someone here.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+9=21 ; Sunday August 18th, 2019 4:31:36 PM
Fang eyes the crowd, trying to get a read on them (sense motive 21)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Sunday August 18th, 2019 7:30:51 PM
Happy that Tahni can speak to these people, Aex gently bows as she is introduced. Leafy raises a branch and rustles his leaves...
DM Kathy Sunday August 18th, 2019 10:05:46 PM Tahni understands the villager and replies, assuring him that your group means no harm and introducing everybody. Aexana and Leafy bow when introduced.
Rill casts Detect Magic and also scans for undead, constructs, and outsiders. The only magic you see belongs to the party; there are no creatures pinging your various detections.
Bralin hypothesizes that the Tinker chose worlds where he (and therefore you) could be understood, which would be very convenient if true. Fang is skeptical; it could be a coincidence.
Terser waits for the moment, Jozhur smiles to let the villagers know you mean no harm.
Fang, trying to read the crowd, senses that they were wary at first, but that Tahni's speech reassured them. You also notice that they are dressed quite differently from you, in long robes and head wraps.
"Greetings, Tahni," the man replies. "And everyone. This village has name Chasrakh. I have name Naseer."
It would seem like, as in the Empire, the version of the language they speak here does not quite match up with the version you know. But you can understand one another, which will be helpful.
"The man you ask did come here," he continues. "He had a sack. He buyed some desert things from us, then went north." He gives you a sorrowful look. "There is danger to north," he adds.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday August 19th, 2019 7:23:34 AM OOC: Please all assume that Tahni will happily act as a translator for anything anyone wishes to say
"Danger? Oh dear. I hope nothing happened to him. Did he return? Perhaps you remember what supplies he may have taken with him? That might help us find him"
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday August 19th, 2019 2:11:22 PM
Danger? Rill's ears perk up.
"What sort of danger lies to the north? If we go to find this person, how should we be prepared?"
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Monday August 19th, 2019 6:29:07 PM
Bralin waits, stonefaced.
Its hard to tell, but the idea that something dangerous lies ahead does get his attention.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday August 19th, 2019 7:52:29 PM
Fang is all ready to ask the obvious question but several other people beat her to it. She just waits for the answer.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Monday August 19th, 2019 7:54:21 PM
(ooc: sigh I really need to pay more attention... Aex IS Gnome... so let's assume she also understands... Gnomish?? )
Aex frowns as the villager informs them the Thinker went North and that again just happens to be the place where there's danger... oh well... danger is exactly what the Sea Dragons exactly seem to attract no?!?
DM Kathy Monday August 19th, 2019 10:18:28 PM Tahni asked what supplies the Tinker got. "Things for the desert," Naseer responds promptly. "Special lenses, desert shoes."
"Extra water bag," another man pipes up. Apparently Naseer isn't the only one who speaks Nomish.
Rill asks what kind of danger. "North lies the lair of the--" and then he uses a word you don't know. "It is a fearful beast. You must not go there."
Bralin and Fang simply watch.
Aexana finds it interesting that the Tinker seems to be going toward danger. It's almost as if he doesn't want people stumbling onto his devices before he's ready to set them off.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Monday August 19th, 2019 11:49:07 PM
"Did this man mention anything about us coming to meet him?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday August 20th, 2019 2:59:43 AM
Tahni puts her finger and thumb to her chin in consideration "Hmmm. A fearful beast? Unfortunately it sounds like we will have to brave it to find him"
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday August 20th, 2019 12:48:43 PM "Hmmm. Fearful beast you say. Probably a terrible monster with nasty, big, pointy teeth! We shall have to brave it."
Rill will purchase the special lenses and a pair of desert shoes. And anything else that seems necessary.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Tuesday August 20th, 2019 4:45:14 PM
Jozhur shrugs as the others inform him of the beast. He will gladly purchase whatever it is Rill is looking at, assuming it looks useful and there is enough to go around.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) Tuesday August 20th, 2019 6:57:27 PM
Bralin also digs out coin to pay for lenses, shoes, and an extra water bag.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Tuesday August 20th, 2019 7:41:16 PM
What's special about the lenses, Aex wants to know. And why the boots? With the endure elements scroll upon her she has no fear of the desert climate though...
DM Kathy Tuesday August 20th, 2019 10:29:17 PM Terser asks whether the Tinker said anything about you coming to meet him. "No," Naseer says.
Tahni and Rill seem ready to take on the fearsome beast, whatever it may prove to be.
Rill, Jozhur, and Bralin are also interested in buying desert gear. Naseer has a quick conversation with the other villagers, some of whom dart off to their homes. They return with a miscellaneous collection of items.
There are only two sets of special lenses available. The lenses have been smoked or darkened in some way, and are attached to a soft cloth that ties around the head. Naseer explains that they help to cut down on the sun's glare out in the desert. The villagers want 20 gold each for them.
The shoes look a little like snowshoes, for anyone familiar with those. Except these are sand shoes, made for traveling over the dunes. "It isn't hard to walk on the desert here," Naseer explains. "But there are dunes north, and the shoes help walking."
Looking at them, you can see how the shoes might help walk across loose sand, but boy, you wouldn't want to try to run in them! There are enough shoes (of varying quality) that everybody could buy a pair, if they wanted. The villagers want 5 gold apiece for them.
Finally, there are extra waterskins, and there are plenty of these. You can buy as many as you want. The villagers want 2 gold apiece for them.
Aexana, looking over the items, can see how they might be useful to somebody traveling across a desert. Then again, magic works just as well. Perhaps you don't even need these things. But they're available if you want them.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Tuesday August 20th, 2019 10:45:07 PM
Terser asks after some beard oil to keep things in line and prevent the sand from weighing him down. The shoes sound like a good idea too. And maybe a sled for riding down the back side of those dunes.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday August 21st, 2019 6:56:55 AM
Fang follows along with the others.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Wednesday August 21st, 2019 8:14:18 AM
Not planning to trot through the sand Aex plans to change shape into something more comfortable. Either a large camel like animal or else a vulture. Both animals that tend to frequent the desert here as well she assumes. A camel would allow her to carry some... a vulture will help spotting things from greater distance.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday August 21st, 2019 9:32:14 AM
Like Aex, Tahni has no plans to walk. She will be relying on her long lasting overland flight spell. She is also relying on her magic to create water.
"How long do you think until sun-down?" Tahni asks the locals. She's trying to gauge whether the party should depart soon or stay the night at this village.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday August 21st, 2019 12:04:20 PM
Rill will purchase the goggles, shoes and a couple waterskins and fill them.
Magic is good, but we are leaning it's not always dependable, so it's a good idea to have a back up plan in case the magic goes away. But for now,we can rely on the Wind Walk spell Tahni cast.
Then we can withdraw, turn to mist, and head north.
DM Kathy Wednesday August 21st, 2019 11:18:53 PM Terser asks about beard oil and a sled, but the villagers don't seem to have either. At least, none they're willing to part with. He is, however, able to buy a set of sand shoes.
Aexana plans to use magic, and declines any gear.
Rill also plans to use magic, but decides to get some gear anyway as a failsafe.
Tahni attempts to ascertain how much time you have before sundown. This becomes something of a comedy of errors. First, Naseer thinks you're asking about sundown because you plan to travel by night--not an unusual practice in places where the daytime can become dangerously hot. He offers you a shady place until nightfall. Realizing that you do intend to travel during the hottest part of the afternoon, he tries to tell you how much daylight you have. But again, the time units they use here aren't what you're used to.
After some discussion, you realize you have about five hours until dusk. Which, since you've already rested on night, really shouldn't be wasted.
Accordingly, you set out from the little village, Fang leading the way. You head north for a while, following the Tinker's tracks. From time to time, you also see animal tracks--mostly small mammals and lizards, with the occasional larger mammal. And then you see some tracks that are a bit more worrying.
DC 15 Survival Highlight to display spoiler: {These tracks belong to a Large or probably Huge creature, with six legs. The massive feet have claws, the tracks looking somewhat like a bear's. }
And right about the time you find those tracks, the Tinker's tracks disappear.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+9=26 ; Wednesday August 21st, 2019 11:33:40 PM
(survival 26)
"Some huge creature came here. I suppose it's too hopeful to think it ate him. Knowing how this quest is going, he's probably riding it.
Still, keep a lookout for more huge six legged sand creatures."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday August 22nd, 2019 4:23:01 AM "Yep. Huge, 6 legs, massive claws. I'm guessing we'll know it when we see it"
Tahni tests her Create Water cantrip to make sure it still works. It does take a little concentration but nothing she can't handle. She'll follow up with more castings to help keep the group cool.
------------------ Survival check vs DC15: Autopass Caster Level check vs DC15 (arcane catrip): Autopass
(MikeK)Bralin (AC38 T16 F33, HP 221/221) d20+10=20 ; Thursday August 22nd, 2019 7:00:07 PM
Bralin also purchases googles, shoes, and two waterskins.
On the way out with his companions, he tries the googles out.
Leaning over the tracks with Terser, he wordlessly nods agreement with his comrade's assessment. Glancing over at Fang, he notes, "Mayhap we will find an opportunity for some exercise."
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+38=52 ; Thursday August 22nd, 2019 7:16:36 PM "Heh. Maybe he hid the next device in the creature. That would be a twist.
"Now, while we still have some light, let's see if we can get the lay of the land around here."
Rill will don the darkened lenses. Assuming that Wind Walk is still in effect, Rill will assume mist form and rise up into the air to get a look. (If not, he has other ways to get himself aloft.)
Perception 52
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+22=40 ; Thursday August 22nd, 2019 7:26:13 PM
Once out of sight from the village Aex changed into a vulture. Flying overhead she hopes to spot any dangers well ahead of time. (Perception 40)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Thursday August 22nd, 2019 9:47:58 PM
Jozhur will purchase two waterskins to have as a backup, along with the lenses, if the second pair is still unspoken for.
WIth danger ahead, Jozhur offers to take the lead, but Aex-vulture should serve as a fairly inconspicuous scout.
DM Kathy Thursday August 22nd, 2019 11:26:41 PM Bralin buys shoes, googles, and waterskins.[/b]
Jozhur also buys waterskins, but finds that the goggles are already claimed by Bralin and Rill.
Bralin and Rill don their protective lenses, and Rill takes to the air. Aexana also goes aloft, in vulture form.
On the ground, Terser and Tahni report that the creature has six legs and claws. And it's big.
Just for practice, Tahni tries casting a spell; it works just fine.
You haven't gone much farther before you see the creature itself. Neither quite bear nor bull nor serpent, the immense, six-legged creature is bound in chains and covered with scintillating red scales. A DC 27 Knowledge Arcana check reveals that it is a Highlight to display spoiler: {thrasfyr.} It roars a challenge.
You could, conceivably, avoid the beast. It's not clear at the moment whether it's seen/smelled you yet or not. But the thing is, you don't know where the device is. Avoiding the creature now means playing cat-and-mouse with it while you try to find the device. Which may still be preferable to fighting it, but the choice is yours.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Friday August 23rd, 2019 5:24:44 PM
Jozhur eyes the...beast? "Are we going to fight that thing?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) Friday August 23rd, 2019 7:59:36 PM
"It looks like it's chained up to protect the device. Maybe he's getting wise to us.
Can the beast be freed, or even set against the Tinker?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+24=41 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+11=31 ; d4=1 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+17=37 ; Saturday August 24th, 2019 1:56:14 AM
Tahni squints a little. "It's a thrasfyr. The chains are a part of it, and it just roared a challenge. It's a tough critter too.
We could fly around it. But maybe it ate the Tinker, maybe the device is in it or maybe tied to it. All we know is that the tracks led to it."
She prepares for a fight. "If it helps, they tend to be evil creatures"
--------------------- Knowledge check vs DC27: 41 = Pass
Free action: Retrieve Lesser Quicken Rod Swift action: Cast Haste on everyone except Tahni and the shadow. Caster level check vs DC18: 23=Pass Move action: Fly 40ft east and closer to the thrasfyr Standard action: Spell Synthesis --- Cast Enervation. Caster level check vs DC19: 31=Pass. SR check:37 Hits Touch AC31. d4=1 temp negative level. No Save. –1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. --- Cast MindFog. Caster level check vs DC20: 34=Pass. SR check: 28. Will Save vs DC28 or take a –10 penalty on Wisdom checks and Will saves.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d20+18=32 ; Sunday August 25th, 2019 6:51:00 PM
Aex, shaped as a vulture does as vultures do... she circles over the beast and observes it first. She stays high enough not knowing how high this thing can reach... (know nature 32) Is there anything odd about it or is it just hungry and angry...
DM Kathy d20+14=29 ; 20d8=106 ; Sunday August 25th, 2019 10:04:32 PM
Spotting the beast, Jozhur wonders aloud whether you're going to fight it.
Aexana-vulture circles overhead, evaluating the situation. As far as you can tell, this is an ordinary creature of its type, just hungry and possibly territorial.
Terser is hopeful on seeing the chains, but Tahni explains that they're just part of this creature, called a thrasfyr. She casts a series of spells. The Enervation hits and takes off a level. Great. Now I have to do math. However, the creature makes its save against the Mind Fog.
The creature moves closer. It ascends as it moves, looking as if it's walking on air. Then it breathes at you. The 80-foot cone catches everybody except Aexana, who is circling overhead. Everybody takes 106 points of fire damage, DC 28 Reflex save for half.
Rill (MarkB) HP 172/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20=8 ; Sunday August 25th, 2019 11:49:05 PM
(Ugh, busy weekend - lots of family, lots of fun, but not much time for the Wold.)
With the DM's kind discretion, Rill's action last round would have been to cast Holy Aura.
As for the save, Rill will use his Moment of Prescience to add 25 to his save, ensuring success, so he takes 53 points of damage.
This round, Rill will use his quicken rod to cast a quickened Resist Energy, Fire on himself. Then he will move up 5 feet and cast Dimension Door and will transport Fang, Bralin and Terser next to the creature.
-------------------------------- Holy Aura - A brilliant divine radiance surrounds the subjects, protecting them from attacks, granting them resistance to spells cast by evil creatures, and causing evil creatures to become blinded when they strike the subjects. This abjuration has four effects.
First, each warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from evil, this benefit applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by evil creatures. Second, each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures. Third, the abjuration protects the recipient from possession and mental influence, just as protection from evil does. Finally, if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura’s save DC).
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20=10 ; d20+9=21 ; Monday August 26th, 2019 10:08:30 AM
Tahni manages to twist through the fiery breath and emerge unscathed. She's disappointed her mind fog spell didn't work so sets to trying to soften the creature up a little more.
------------------ Ref Save vs DC28: Use Moment of Prescience for a +18 bonus. 54=Pass. Evasion means no damage.
Swift action: Cast Spectral Hand. Caster Level check=autopass Standard action: Cast Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog (delivered via the spectral hand). Caster Level check=autopass. Hit Touch AC21. "The creature touched suffers a -2 penalty on save DCs against your spells and spell-like abilities, and a -2 penalty on attacks against you." Move action: Fly further east
Bralin has been woolgathering, and takes a face full of fire as penance. His ring helps, but the dwarf is still feeling less than amused.
Now fully alert, Bralin launches his assault. --- Full Attack Atk 1 hits ac 41 for 25 hp damage (4 cold) Atk 2 hits ac 24 for 15 hp damage (1 cold) Atk 3 hits ac 35 for 25 hp damage (6 cold) Haste Atk hits ac 41 for 27 hp damage (4 cold)
Spells in Effect: Haste
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/158 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 d3=2 ; d20+10=28 ; 5d6=14 ; Monday August 26th, 2019 7:25:56 PM
Leafy, not very into fire, makes quite a move and avoids part of the firecone... but he can't escape this a second time... (ref save 28)
From above Aex witnesses rhe cleansing fire washing over her friends...so far no one appears to be in any immediate danger.
It's been a while but none the les aex attemts to connect with mother nature...
Call lightning storm - 14 hp
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp d20+12=19 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+25=30 ; d6+8=13 ; 7d6=27 ; 2d6=8 ; d6=1 ; Monday August 26th, 2019 8:20:11 PM
Just as Jozhur realizes they are indeed fighting the monster, as he assumed they would, he notices the wave of fire coming at them. He ducks and flashes his cape just in time to deflect most of the heat, but his shadow isn't so lucky.
Jozhur has his shadow move up under the ground and emerge just on the other side of their opponent, as he moves forward and attacks. ---------------------------------- I keep forgetting the greater magic weapon, it's not included in rolls.
Shadow's save: failed (19), takes half damage due to being incorporal Jozhur's save: passed (39), takes no damage due to evasion
Attack with +3 frost holy shortsword hits AC32: 15 damage, 27 sneak damage, 8 damage if evil, 1 cold damage. Also deals 2 STR damage if sneak attack is successful.
Active effects: Tahni's Greater Magic Weapon (+3?)
DM Kathy 10d6=40 ; Monday August 26th, 2019 10:46:04 PM Tahni's Knowledge check was good enough that you know the creature has SR 28 and DR 15/cold iron and slashing. It is immune to fire, resists electricity, and is vulnerable to cold. Its special attacks include a breath weapon (which you've seen now), and an attack with its chains. It also has a special charge attack, but that seems to be less of an issue now that you are right up next to it. Oh, and it regenerates. Now, Tahni calls up a Spectral Hand and uses it to deliver Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog.
Rill, having cast Holy Aura last round, now casts Protection from Energy and Dimension Doors a group up to the thrasfyr.
Bralin wastes no time tearing into the creature. His blows don't do as much damage as it seems they should, but the cold damage seems to be amplified.
Aexana calls a lightning storm, but needs to overcome the creatures SR before she can use it to do damage.
Jozhur and his shadow combine for a sneak attack. Not all the weapon damage goes through, but the cold damage seems to hurt it more.
The thrasfyr roars! And, even though Tahni said they regenerate, this one doesn't. At least, not this round. The chains on its body shoot out, whipping the area in a 30-foot radius. Everybody within that radius (which I think is everybody except Aexana, Tahni, and Leafy) takes 40 points of slashing damage and becomes entangled. A DC 19 Reflex save halves the damage and negates the entangled condition.
Fang (Mark sub posting for Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236-73 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 d20+16=35 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+20=24 ; d10+15=20 ; d10+15=20 ; d10+15=20 ; d10+15=16 ; d10+15=19 ; d10+15=24 ; d10+15=16 ; d10+15=16 ; d10+15=23 ; d10+15=19 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+29=38 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+29=37 ; Tuesday August 27th, 2019 1:35:22 AM
(I don't know much about barbarians, but I'll take a crack at sub-posting.)
Fang flies into a rage.
Last Round - Fang makes her Reflex save and so takes only 53 points of damage. She attacks the thing (First 4 rolls above are at +9 more - used Ranged numbers instead and forgot to add Rage.) First Attack - 49, crit, 42 to confirm crit. Damage 60 Second Attack - 26, Damage 16 Third Attack - 29, Damage 19 Haste Attack - 33, Damage 24
This Round - Fang makes her save for half damage and not being entangled. Then she lays into the creature again. First Attack - 38, Damage 16 Second Attack - 41, Damage 16 Third Attack - 28, Damage 23 Haste Attack - 37, Damage 19
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240/240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+16=34 ; d20+16=31 ; Tuesday August 27th, 2019 8:09:55 AM
Last round
Once Tahni explains about the evil, he figures it's time to get big. CL check 34 = pass for enlarge person.
Good thing the haste makes up for him being a little slower on the reflex, and Rill's aura ain't so bad either. Reflex save 31= pass for 53 -3 for dr, regen 1.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday August 27th, 2019 8:44:23 AM
The monster might be a little softened up, but Tahni wants more.
She curses at it (casts Bestow Curse that it).
------------------- Note that the thrasfyr has -3 to its saves against these spells (-1 Enervation, -2 Eye of Newt)
Swift action: Cast Bestow Curse. Caster level check vs DC18=Autopass. Will Save vs DC26. Fail = –4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks
Standard action: Cast Bestow Curse. Caster level check vs DC18=Autopass. Will Save vs DC26. --- If it wasn't already affected: –4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks --- Otherwise additional curse: Each turn, the target has a 50% chance to act normally; otherwise, it takes no action.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+16=36 ; d20+31=47 ; d20+31=33 ; d20+26=31 ; d20+21=29 ; 2d8+18=29 ; 2d8+18=23 ; Tuesday August 27th, 2019 9:07:53 AM
Current round
Now that Rill has popped him into position and the shadow is being so kind as to provide a flank, Terser will lay into the creature. He avoids the worst of the chain storm with crazy reflexes. 20 damage -3DR -1 regen
He will puff himself up with his Rage, sharing it with Jozhur, Bralin, and Leafy +6 STR/CON, +3 Will Saves, -2AC
He hits it twice, and maybe again? attacks hit AC 47, 33, 31, 29 Damage 29 and 23 slashing and +3 weapon is enough to overcome cold iron DR, so should be full damage
Aex instructs Leafy to take a few steps back. The tree cant handle fire well...
Flying within 60ft of the beast Aex beackons the sun and calls forth a sunbeam...
Sunbeam CL21 - SR35 - damage 9HP
Lightning Lord CL21 - SR 32 - damage 13
(MikeK)Bralin (AC36 T14 F31, HP 95 (146)/221) d20+10=14 ; d20+25=39 ; 3d8+10=25 ; 2d6=7 ; Tuesday August 27th, 2019 6:59:38 PM
Bralin cannot avoid the chains. Fortunately, his Ring of Freedom of Movement keeps him from becoming hopeless entangled.
Hearing Tahni's description of the creature, the dwarf drops his waraxe. Reaching his hand overhead into his magical haversack, he pulls out a Holy Cold Iron Warhammer.
Bralin takes a tremendous swing.
--- Drop Waraxe. Draw Warhammer - Holy, Cold Iron Atk w/ Imp Vital Strike hits AC 39 for 32 hp damage (25 cold iron and 7 holy)
Spells in Effect: Haste Shared Rage +6 STR/CON, +3 Will Saves, -2AC
---------------------------------- Are this monster's chain attacks considered magical weapons for purposes of striking incorporeal? Shadow's reflex save: 22 (with holy aura), takes half of half (10 damage) Jozhur automatically makes reflex saves at that DC, no damage (evasion)
Shadow's Touch attack hits touch AC 18: 5 strength damage
Full hasted attack with +3 Frost Holy Short Swords (piecing damage) First attack hits AC 35: 14 damage, 19 sneak damage, 8 damage if evil, and 3 cold damage, also 2 STR damage
Haste attack natural 20, crit confirmed with 44: 30 damage, 22 sneak damage, 5 damage if evil 6 cold damage, also 2 STR damage
Second attack misses
Third attack natural 20 (no crit): 12 damage, 28 sneak damage, 10 damage if evil, and 3 cold damage, also 2 STR damage
-------------------------------------------- Active effects:
Boots of Haste used: 2/10 (+1 AC for round) Holy Aura Tahni's Greater Magic Weapon Terser's Rage (-2 AC, +6 STR/CON)
DM Kathy d20+13=22 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+24=26 ; d100=53 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=26 ; d100=94 ; d100=21 ; d8=5 ; d20+24=27 ; d20+24=43 ; d100=26 ; d20+24=25 ; Tuesday August 27th, 2019 10:37:21 PM Fang flies into a rage and attacks! Not all of her attacks hit, but when she does hit, she does impressive damage.
Terser embiggens himself and also flies into a rage. He attacks 4 times, and hits twice.
Aexana cautions Leafy to step back, then unleashes some natural damage on the thrasfyr. The creature is blinded by the sunbeam!
Bralin switches weapons, but he'll need to figure out a way to make his warhammer a slashing weapon if he wants to overcome DR. He attacks and does damage.
Jozhur's shadow is fine; the chains are not magical weapons. Jozhur attacks the creature, and does a lot more damage.
The thrasfyr is blind, and badly injured. It roars in pain, and attempts to lash out. Even blinded, it manages to bite Jozhur for 14 damage, and claw Terser for 14 damage. But you've got it on the ropes!
And then--oh, look. It's Mrs. Thrasfyr. Or maybe you've been fighting Mrs. Thrasfyr this whole time and the new one is Mr. Thrasfyr. Either way, there's another one now.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday August 28th, 2019 8:13:22 AM "Now all we need is for the kids to join in"
With no more charges left in it, Tahni pops her quicken rod back into her glove.
She tries to now curse the newcomer.
------------------------ Free action: Put Lesser Quicken Rod back into Glove of Storing Standard action: Cast Bestow Curse on the new Monster. Caster level check vs DC18=Autopass. Will Save vs DC26. Fail = –4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks Move action: Retrieve Lesser Maximise Rod from haversack
Rill (MarkB) HP 99/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+21=34 ; d20+21=37 ; 15d6=58 ; 10d6=35 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2019 2:54:36 PM "By Gargul's teeth! Now there are two of them?
"Kids? Tahni - that's not funny."
Rill uses Dimensional Step to move 50' away (move action.) Then he uses a rod to cast a quickend Blade Barrier in hopes of preventing charge from the new creature. (SR 34, Damage if moved through is 58, Reflex DC 25 for half. This "wall" is only 20 high and could be moved around, but it may prevent a charge - this round at least.)
Then he will cast Destruction on the new creature. (SR 37, 170 points of damage, Fort DC 26 for 35 damage instead.)
Rill (MarkB) HP 99/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday August 28th, 2019 3:10:35 PM
Also, just as a reminder, everyone but Aex and Tahni have Holy Aura on them.
-------------------------------- Holy Aura - A brilliant divine radiance surrounds the subjects, protecting them from attacks, granting them resistance to spells cast by evil creatures, and causing evil creatures to become blinded when they strike the subjects. This abjuration has four effects.
First, each warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from evil, this benefit applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by evil creatures. Second, each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures. Third, the abjuration protects the recipient from possession and mental influence, just as protection from evil does. Finally, if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save DC 27 negates, as blindness/deafness).
Fang (Mark sub posting for Mitch) HP: 130/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 d20+29=46 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+29=44 ; d10+15=23 ; d10+15=21 ; d10+15=19 ; d10+15=20 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2019 3:38:37 PM
(OK, I had some time, so here's a post for Mitch/Fang)
Fang attacks the badly wounded creature again.
First Attack - 46, Damage 23 Second Attack - 34, Damage 21 Third Attack - 24, Damage 19 Haste Attack - 44, Damage 20
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday August 28th, 2019 5:54:03 PM
(I'm back!)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 3d8+15=34 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2019 6:15:14 PM
Rill's been badly hurt but Aex figures the Cleric will be able to close his own wounds if he needs to... for now. Leafy's out of the battle unless Aex patches him up again... so she flies down towards Leafy and casts Cure Serious Wounds (CL15) on him.
Expecting the second beast to spit fire to welcome the party, Leafy waits a few seconds.
---- Full attack on critter Atk 1 hits ac 39 for 19 hp damage (6 holy) Atk 2 misses. Nat 1 Atk 3 hits ac 25 for 23 hp damage (11 holy) Speed Atk hits ac 28 for 24 hp damage ( 9 holy)
Spells in Effect: Haste Shared Rage +6 STR/CON, +3 Will Saves, -2AC Holy Aura: First, each warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from evil, this benefit applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by evil creatures. Second, each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures. Third, the abjuration protects the recipient from possession and mental influence, just as protection from evil does. Finally, if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save DC 27 negates, as blindness/deafness).
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp d20+28=44 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+17=33 ; d6+11=15 ; d6+10=15 ; 7d6=34 ; 7d6=32 ; 2d6=2 ; 2d6=10 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2019 7:23:25 PM
The first foe may be beaten, but Jozhur makes sure it is down before he shifts focus to the next.
Should the first monster be dead (or at least unconscious), he will move straight up on the map, staying on the same side of the blade barrier.
Not able to withstand another fire breath attack, Jozhur's shadow heads in the direction of the second thrasfyr underground.
---------------------------------- If an attack is needed: First attack vs AC 43 deals total of 51 piercing damage and 4 cold damage Second attack misses Third attack at AC 32 deals total of 57 piercing damage and 1 cold damage
Active effects: Boots of Haste used: 2/10 Holy Aura Tahni's Greater Magic Weapon Terser's Rage (-2 AC, +6 STR/CON)
DM Kathy d20+12=24 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+21=39 ; 20d8=87 ; Wednesday August 28th, 2019 11:05:20 PM Tahni casts another Bestow Curse, making me remember I didn't resolve the first set of Bestow Curses. D'oh! So, last round, the thrasfyr failed its first save but made its second, even with the substantial penalties it's racked up. This round, the new thrasfyr makes its save.
The thrasfyr had regenerated a little bit, but even so, Fang, Bralinm and Jozhur make short work of it. The first thrasfyr drops out of the sky, presumably dead.
Aexana swoops down to heal Leafy.
Rill focuses on the new creature. He throws up a Blade Barrier, then casts Destruction. The thrasfyr makes it save, and so takes 35 damage.
The new thrasfyr Air Walks up and over the Blade Barrier. Then, as a few of you anticipated, it breathes fire, catching Bralin, Terser, Fang, Jozhur, and Rill. They all take 87 points of fire damage, DC 29 reflex save for half.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+21=36 ; 10d6=41 ; Thursday August 29th, 2019 12:47:12 AM
Rill uses a hero point to ensure he makes his save, and he does (36). Still, even half that damage is a problem.
Rill will cast Heal on himself, bringing him back up to full. Then he hopes for the best and casts a quickened Destruction on the new creature. (SR 37, 170 points of damage, Fort DC 26 for 41 damage instead.)
-------------------------------- Holy Aura - A brilliant divine radiance surrounds the subjects, protecting them from attacks, granting them resistance to spells cast by evil creatures, and causing evil creatures to become blinded when they strike the subjects. This abjuration has four effects.
First, each warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from evil, this benefit applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by evil creatures. Second, each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures. Third, the abjuration protects the recipient from possession and mental influence, just as protection from evil does. Finally, if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save DC 27 negates, as blindness/deafness).
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+27=30 ; d20+27=37 ; 6d8+30=55 ; d20+16=34 ; Thursday August 29th, 2019 1:16:31 AM
Terser hopes he has the reach to get at the new one. Embiggened he should be able to reach 25 feet up. He dodges around some of the fire.
If so, he moves in and tries a vital power strike at the spouse. He burns heroic to bring his strike in line. (AC 37 for 55 damage, slashing and ignore cold iron resist)
AC 18 and current hp 193/308 Rage round 3
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+18=27 ; d20+20=26 ; Thursday August 29th, 2019 7:02:08 AM "Hmmm...."
Tahni changes her approach. She closes her eyes very tightly and casts Living Voodoo Doll. Doing so means she is now considered blind, but hopefully the Thrasfyr is too.
----------------- Standard: Cast Living Voodoo Doll. Caster Level check vs DC21: 27=Pass. SR check: 26. Tahni is blinded. If successful, Thrasfyr is blinded. No Save
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+21=23 ; 5d6=17 ; Thursday August 29th, 2019 6:00:49 PM
As expected the abomination spits fire again. Aex and Leafy are safe from it... some of her friends are not.
"Go my dearest friend! Go and attack..."
Aex shapes back to her own Gnome self and grabs a Stoneskin potion from her pockets. (move action). As a standard action she lands another Sunbeam... only this time on the second creature.
Sunbeam - SR23 - damage 17 + blindness - Reflex DC29 for half damage and avoid blindness
Leafy quaffs the potion as he hustles closer to the Trasfyr...
(MikeK)Bralin (AC40 T14 F35, HP 62 (123)/221) d20+10=30 ; Thursday August 29th, 2019 7:23:27 PM
[Reflex Save 30]
He sees this one coming. And with enough warning, even Bralin is able to scurry away from the center of the blast. His ring again helps absorb some damage, but by now the dwarf is smoldering.
Given a bit of time, he switches weapons, placing the warhammer back in his haversack, and retrieving his waraxe from the ground.
Mayhap a bit of healing he sends. -----
Spells in Effect: Haste Shared Rage +6 STR/CON, +3 Will Saves, -2AC Holy Aura: First, each warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from evil, this benefit applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by evil creatures. Second, each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures. Third, the abjuration protects the recipient from possession and mental influence, just as protection from evil does. Finally, if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save DC 27 negates, as blindness/deafness).]
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+16=17 ; d8=8 Thursday August 29th, 2019 7:51:21 PM
Fang grimaces as she takes the hit (17 save) then she drops out of rage to cast spiritual weapon at the creature. A glowing, spectral axe forms and starts striking at the creature; it looks similar to her own, though with enough differences it clearly is not hers.
42 to hit, 11 damage.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 203/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday August 29th, 2019 7:57:47 PM
hit roll
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 72/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp d20+22=26 ; d20+12=26 ; d6=1 ; d20+25=26 ; Thursday August 29th, 2019 9:33:38 PM
Unable to move quick enough, Jozhur takes the full brunt of the breath attack this time. In return, Jozhur activates his armor, allowing him to fly to the next Thrasfyr and lunge with his sword, but he comes up empty.
---------------------------- Shadow's touch hits touch AC 26: 1 STR damage Jozhur's reflex save failed Activate Celestial Armor to cast Fly on self Jozhur's attack misses
Active effects: Boots of Haste used: 2/10 Celestial Armor used: 1/1 Holy Aura Tahni's Greater Magic Weapon Terser's Rage (-2 AC, +6 STR/CON) CURRENT HP: 120/221
DM Kathy d20+21=27 ; 10d6=28 ; Thursday August 29th, 2019 11:08:44 PM Rill heals himself, then tries again with the Destruction. The thrasfyr again makes its save and takes the 35 damage.
Terser reaches up and slashes the beast, doing a lot of damage.
Tahni tries to cast Living Voodoo Doll, but unfortunately she can't quite overcome the creature's spell resistance.
Aexana hands a potion to Leafy and aims a Sunbeam at the thrasfyr. She, too, fails to overcome the creature's spell resistance. Leafy, meanwhile, moves closer to it.
Bralin switches weapons and sends a quick SOS over your shared link.
Fang drops out of her rage to cast a Spiritual Weapon. However, she needs to roll an SR check before we know whether it hit.
Jozhur uses his armor's power to fly over to the second thrasfyr, but isn't able to hit it. His shadow, on the other hand, hits and saps some strength.
The thrasfyr was damaged, but it regenerates a little bit. Then it shifts 5 feet and does the thing with the chains. Chains whip out in a radius of 30 feet, which will catch Jozhur, Leafy, Terser, and Bralin. They all take 28 points of slashing damage and become entangled; DC 20 Reflex save to halve the damage and negate the entangle.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday August 30th, 2019 3:14:33 AM "Well THAT didn't exactly go as planned"
It takes Tahni a moment to dismiss the spell and remove the blindness. Hopefully it is time the rest of the party have.
-------------------- Standard action: Dismiss spell
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday August 30th, 2019 5:49:24 AM "Hang on hang on... on my way...", Aex transmits as she hustles over to Bralin, Fang and Terser.
As she reaches Bralin she casts Heal (CL15) healing him for 150HP. The dwarf's back at full health...
"Go!"
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; Friday August 30th, 2019 1:35:50 PM
Rill moves forward a bit and will Channel Energy to heal his friends (excepet for Jozhur's shadow and Tahni) for 32 damage.
Remember, we were told this thing has a nasty charge, is it would be best of our fighters can close ranks with this thing. Also Jozhur is in a bad spot and will more need healing soon.
Again, Bralin is unable to avoid the chains. Again, his ring prevents the entanglement.
Aex and Rill arrive and completely heal the dwarf.
With a grin, he closes carefully on the creature, and takes a massive swing with his axe.
---- Move to attack, using Spring Attack Feat to avoid AoO.
NAT 20. Crit threat hits ac 37 for 65 hp damage (2 cold)
Spells in Effect: Haste Shared Rage +6 STR/CON, +3 Will Saves, -2AC Holy Aura: First, each warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from evil, this benefit applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by evil creatures. Second, each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures. Third, the abjuration protects the recipient from possession and mental influence, just as protection from evil does. Finally, if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save DC 27 negates, as blindness/deafness).
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 104/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp d20+12=31 ; d6=3 ; d20+24=42 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+13=27 ; d6+11=17 ; d6+11=13 ; d6+11=16 ; 7d6=31 ; 7d6=28 ; 7d6=22 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=8 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6+9=11 ; Friday August 30th, 2019 8:45:34 PM
Easily avoiding the chains, Jozhur counterattacks. This time he remembers the sword he holds in his left hand. He lets the others know he can stand on his own for now.
-----------------------------------------
Jozhur's reflex save is 22, auto succeed Hasted full two weapon attack (+3 Holy Frost Shortswords) First attacks hit AC 42 (60 piercing damage, 5 cold damage, 2 STR damage) and AC 31 (46 piercing damage, 3 cold damage, 2 STR damage) Haste attack hits AC 43 (46 piercing damage, 2 cold damage, 2 STR damage) Remaining attacks miss
Shadow's touch hits touch AC 31: 3 STR damage --------------------------------------- Active effects: Boots of Haste used: 2/10 Celestial Armor used: 1/1 Holy Aura Tahni's Greater Magic Weapon Terser's Rage (-2 AC, +6 STR/CON) CURRENT HP: 152/221
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 41/41, channel 7/7) d20+16=35 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+15=21 ; 2d8+30=35 ; 2d8+30=37 ; Friday August 30th, 2019 10:31:09 PM
Terser easily avoids the chains and entanglement. He takes the healing gladly and resumes the attack on the Thrasfyr.
Now that he has a flank, he decides to go for bigger hits, but apparently his hands are sweating and making him fumble his grip. He still manages two good strikes out of four though.
AC 33 and 36 35 and 37 damage Slashing, +3 overcomes cold iron dr
AC 18 and current hp 215/308 Rage round 4
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+19=33 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+17=36 ; 3d6+10=19 ; 3d6+10=23 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d2=2 ; 2d8+10=15 ; Sunday September 1st, 2019 10:03:07 AM
(additional post for Leafy)
Leafy will take a 5ft step closer to the Trasfyr and make a full attack. Most likely also taking advantage of some flanking bonus...
Slam 1 hits AC33 - damage 19 + 4 Sonic + Thorns -2 DEX (FORT Save DC20 to avoid thorn damage) Slam 2 hits AC36 - damage 23 + 4 Sonic Bite hits AC36 - damage 15
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Sunday September 1st, 2019 9:16:24 PM
Rill also uses the rings to check the status of the pretty members.
DM Kathy Sunday September 1st, 2019 9:48:35 PM Tahni dismisses her spell.
Aexana heals Bralin.
Rill channels energy to provide additional healing, then double-checks status through the rings.
Under a combined onslaught from Bralin, Jozhur, Terser, and Leafy, the second thrasfyr falls.
From her initial Knowledge check, Tahni knows that these things have lairs, and there is probably treasure.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; Sunday September 1st, 2019 10:39:07 PM
(oh good, now I don't have to figure out/remember how spell resistance works :P)
Fang spends the moment's rest healing herself just in case more threats appear shortly (22 healed)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Monday September 2nd, 2019 8:58:19 AM
Bralin rolls his neck, cleans off his axe, and looks around.
"Quite the beasts," he remarks.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday September 2nd, 2019 4:24:21 PM "Any sight of the device we are looking for... and euhm... how did our 'friend' get passed them?!? We needed our combined strength... "
Aexana will check to see if someone is in need of extra healing. Ever since she lost 80% of her potions she's not as generous with them as she used to be... sorry...
Leafy snorts at the creature and hustles back to the little Greenmage. It's still warm here and his roots can't find nice soil around here...
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 36/41, channel 7/7) Monday September 2nd, 2019 5:55:30 PM
Terser drops his rage from himself and his friends, leaving them panting a bit for the next minute. He lets his ring slowly tick up his health, but is ready to channel a cure for himself in case of a new threat.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 104/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp Monday September 2nd, 2019 9:11:29 PM
Jozhur stands with his hands on his hips, breathing heavily. To answer Aex "Are we sure he got by these things? Maybe we should check. He, or the device, could be in their lair...or their stomachs"
He begins the gruesome task of getting the the stomach contents of the fallen monsters.
DM Kathy Monday September 2nd, 2019 9:59:27 PM
In the aftermath of battle, Terser drops out of rage while Fang heals herself and Bralin cleans off his axe.
Aexana wonders aloud how the Tinker got past these creatures. Which brings up the obvious question of whether he got past them at all.
Jozhur decides to find out. He begins cutting open one of the creatures. The smell is unbelievable. Blood and ichor run from the corpse and begin soaking into the sand. You see some partially-digested desert creatures, but nothing that could come from a person--and no sign of a device.
Of course, there's still a second creature, and probably a lair as well.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d8=4 ; d20+38=45 ; Monday September 2nd, 2019 10:06:18 PM Nice work everyone! Another team effort for the Sea Dragons. I wonder if we should gut these creatures to see if they've swallowed the device we seek?
Rill will cast Cure Critical Wounds on Fang, healing her for 41 points of damage. Then he will use the the Wind Walk (still in effect from Tahni?) to rise up into the air and scout the environs here, looking for anything out of the usual - and especially one of the Tinker's devices. (Perception 45)
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday September 2nd, 2019 10:08:37 PM
(Oops, cross posted with the DM. Ah well, there still may be things to see aloft.)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 3:29:27 AM
When Jozhur starts the gruesome task of gutting these creatures Aex can feel her breakfast struggling hard to get back out... the smell is terrible enough...
"I trust we'll find a bath for Jozhur in this dreadful place?!?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 7:17:57 AM
Tahni takes a few steps back from Jozhur "A few castings of Create Water and Prestidigitation and we might get you fixed up"
She takes a look around the area "These things usually have a lair of some kind. It might be worth checking out. It might also make for shelter should the need arise"
(MikeK)Bralin (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 6:01:11 PM
Bralin observes Jozhur.
"Mayhap, we should first check the lair for the device, and THEN cut upon the creatures, rather than the other way around," he observes.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+11=31 ; Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 7:13:01 PM
Fang skips the discussion and does her best to search the area for the creature lair, along with any loot or devices (perception 31 if it's needed)
DM Kathy Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 10:48:13 PM Rill goes airborne to try to figure out where the creatures' lair might be. Aexana asks about cleaning the goop off of Jozhur, and Tahni figures water and Prestidigitation should do the trick.
Bralin suggests finding the lair before cutting up the second creature. Fang, aided by Rill as the eye in the sky, is soon able to locate the lair.
You do not find the device inside, alas, or the remains of the Tinker. You do find some coins scattered about, however, and two magic items that Tahni is able to identify. You now have a Strand of Prayer Beads, Greater, and a +3 wooden shield of Fire Resistance.
Additionally, you figure you've got around 5,000 gp in miscellaneous coins.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday September 4th, 2019 8:58:30 AM "Right. Anyone with blood and guts on them - or anyone who could use a cold bath - now's as good a time as any"
Tahni is prepared to cast as many Create Water and Prestidigitation cantrips as necessary to get things a little more hygienic. The smell of fresh blood may have also attracted more monsters, so all the more reason to wash it off now too.
Once done she asks the simple question: "Does anyone see any tracks? Any ideas on which way we go now?"
Caster level checks for Level 0 spells (cantrips) = Autopass
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday September 4th, 2019 11:51:10 AM
Assuming the second Trasfyr will also be dissected, Aexana waits for the outcome. She herself though does not like to get her hands nor clothes dirty with that thing's entrails... Aex can help with water perhaps... the little greenmage just hopes it's not just the dirt that will be washed away but also the smell...
"And what about our friend?!"
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday September 4th, 2019 12:52:48 PM "Heh. Somebody made a shield to battle fire monsters out of wood. Probably why it survived in the Trasfyr's attack even though its owner probably did not.
"Unless anyone has any objections, I can carry and use both this magic shield and the prayer beads until we sell things. But we have a number of people in our group that can use these beads as well. Anyone else interested in using these things for now?"
"I am concerned that we cannot renew divine spells on this quest the Gods sent us on. You think they would have mentioned such a thing. I could plane shift us to a place where we can rest and get back such spells."
(MikeK)Bralin (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) d20+13=29 ; Wednesday September 4th, 2019 6:31:52 PM
Rill has a point, and Bralin looks to the divine spellcasters who have been the most busy to discern their reaction his suggestion.
He also lends a hand in looking for Tinker tracks. [Perception 29]
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+16=24 ; d20+11=19 ; Wednesday September 4th, 2019 6:46:14 PM
Fang isn't particularly fussed about cleanliness, but she accepts Tahni's ministrations. She does her best to pick up the trail of their quary (survival 24, perception 19, whichever is needed.)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 104/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp Wednesday September 4th, 2019 8:55:56 PM
Jozhur works quickly to cut into the second Thrasfyr, holding back the vomit as he guts the monster.
DM Kathy Wednesday September 4th, 2019 10:25:21 PM
At the lair, Rill claims the shield and prayer beads, for now. He is concerned about being able to replenish Divine spells.
Jozhur cuts open the second monster, but the results are essentially the same as the first. Desert creatures, no humanoids, no device. A lot of smell.
Tahni helps with that last part, sluicing water over Jozhur until he is clean. Being splashed with cool water isn't the worst thing that can happen in this heat--and did Jozhur really need those last two douses, or is he just enjoying himself?
Meanwhile, Bralin and Fang have managed to find the Tinker's tracks once again, and you can resume your search.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 36/41, channel 7/7) Thursday September 5th, 2019 12:04:09 AM
Terser was getting ready to help locate some tracks, but it seems the others have already jumped on it. What he gets for being slow.
Having no need of the gear, he's more than happy to have others make use of it for now, even if it's to be sold off later.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday September 5th, 2019 2:34:59 AM
Tahni smiles and nods to Rill "I also have a Pearl of Power you can hold onto and use. It's pretty low powered, but it might help"
She reaches into her purse, pulls out the pearl and offers it. (OOC: 1st level PoP)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday September 5th, 2019 11:48:50 AM
Happy to follow the tracks again but still... do these tracks go by the former lair of these Trasfyr's? Then once again... how did he get passed unharmed?! Creepy fellow...
"Fang, do you notice if the Tinker's tracks were interrupted somewhere or left their straight line? Or didn't he react to these beasts at all?!?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday September 5th, 2019 2:06:06 PM
Rill replies to Tahni, "Thanks, Tahni - that's kind of you. Pleased hang on to that and I'll let you know if I need it.
"It's not really the lower level spells I'm worried about though. Add to that the fact that I prepared for different sorts of encounters, so I find the spells I have left, well, they may not be as helpful as I'd hoped. Which would not be an issue had we not lost our divine connection. But until that changes, we'll make do with what we have."
Rill will follow the trackers.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Thursday September 5th, 2019 6:16:25 PM
Modestly pleased with himself at having located the Tinker's footprints, Bralin falls into line to follow Fang.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 104/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp Thursday September 5th, 2019 6:34:53 PM
Happy to be clean again...and cool, Jozhur trundles along the Tinkerer's tracks.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+16=21 ; Thursday September 5th, 2019 7:09:04 PM
Fang pauses and considers. "Some sort of magical disguise or hiding spell? possibly." she takes a closer look at the tracks to try to determine what if any evasive actions he took. (21 survival)
DM Kathy Thursday September 5th, 2019 10:41:15 PM Aexana moves to follow the tracks, wondering how the Tinker bypassed the thrasfyr lair. Fang studies the tracks to try to find an answer, There are a few possible answers, but it's clear he did bypass it. You lost his tracks shortly before you encountered the first thrasfyr, then picked them up again once you were past the lair. He is a spellcaster--he could have flown over the area, or used a Dimension Door or similar spell to blip past it.
Meanwhile, Tahni offers her Pearl of Power, but Rill is more concerned about higher-level spells.
The rest of the group assists in following the tracks.
It doesn't take you long at all to reach the device. This one is a small, squat metal box, half-buried in a sand dune. Once you uncover it, you realize that this device has both magical and mechanical components. Deactivating it will require magical and mechanical skill--but luckily, not from the same person. Still it's likely to be a delicate operation.
[OOC: The device needs a DC 30 Spellcraft check and a DC 30 Disable check to be deactivated.]
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 36/41, channel 7/7) Friday September 6th, 2019 12:52:16 AM
Terser knows enough by now to leave this alone until the smart people have had their way with it. He flexes his knuckles inside his cestus, ready to destroy this one as thoroughly as the other two.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday September 6th, 2019 4:36:57 AM "Magical and mechanical in nature? The Tinker seems to be making these more difficult to disable as things go along. I wonder if he knows we are in pursuit?"
Tahni will cast her eyes over the device and look for the magical 'off' button.
"I can take care of the magical side to this, but I'd be all thumbs for the manual stuff. Someone else will have to take care of that"
Spellcraft check vs DC30: Autopass
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 36/41, channel 7/7) Friday September 6th, 2019 12:17:39 PM
"If we ever find one that has to be scared into non operation, I can yell really loud."
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Friday September 6th, 2019 6:43:07 PM "I am fully confident in Tahni's knowledge and Jozhur's ability. Just the same, it's always good to have a back up plan - in case things don't exactly go as planned."
Rill will move back about 50', cast Detect Magic to monitor the device, and then ready an action to cast Greater Dispel Magic on the device if things go sideways for Tahni or Jozhur.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday September 6th, 2019 9:19:00 PM
Fang plops down and awaits the machine's destruction. She keeps her eyes peeled for threats, though she doesn't expect any.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 104/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp d20+33=41 ; d20+29=45 ; Friday September 6th, 2019 9:48:20 PM
Jozhur is quite thankful for the good cleansing. At the moment, he's not sure there's enough water in the world to get the stench off himself.
Jozhur closely examines the device, checking for traps, wondering to himselfwhy the Tinkerer hasn't used any to safeguard his devices thus far.
"Well, the mechanical workings don't look too complex. Ready when you are Tahni."
---------------------------------- Perception for traps: 41 Disable device: 45
(MikeK)Bralin (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Saturday September 7th, 2019 9:06:57 AM
Bralin waits.
"When he begins trapping his devices, we shall know he is aware of our pursuit," he responds to Tahni.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday September 8th, 2019 10:11:14 AM
Tahni and Jozhur have everything covered to disable the next device so Aex observes her surroundings. Again... why here? Why teleporting near the village only to walk into the desert where diabolic creatures lurk.
By now he must be aware of our presence and still we do not understand nothing of his travels. We can only react and not yet anticipate...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Sunday September 8th, 2019 8:53:33 PM
Fang iddly wonders what the next realm will be. They've had marsh, snow, and desert. Maybe mountain? Ocean or island?
DM Kathy Sunday September 8th, 2019 10:05:02 PM Rill takes a few precautions before you attempt to disable this newest device. But between them, Tahni and Jozhur are able to deactivate it. Unlike the earlier devices, this one doesn't seem to include valuable components. You can destroy what's left of it if you like.
The rest of the group is concerned about whether the Tinker is aware of your pursuit, and what he might do as a consequence. Unfortunately, there's no way of knowing.
Fang wonders what kind of environment you're going to be in next, and there's only one way to find out.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday September 9th, 2019 7:53:57 AM
Tahni steps back from the device "There. That should do it. It should be safe now if anyone wants to bash it around a bit for good measure"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/166 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday September 9th, 2019 9:28:30 AM "If we're done with this place I don't mind getting the hell out of here... that blasted heat and wicked creatures give me the creeps. And from the look on Leafy's face I'm guessing he'd love to dig is toes... roots... into some nice rich soil instead.
Leafy indeed makes a great impersonation of a weeping willow...
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday September 9th, 2019 11:54:40 AM "Well, it would be prudent to bust this device up like we did the others. Perhaps Fang, Bralin and Terser would do the honors - just to make sure. Once that is accomplished, we should move on to ... whereever we move on to next."
Once the think is pretty much wrecked, Rill will speak our transport word unless someone beats him to it.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Monday September 9th, 2019 6:40:18 PM
Bralin is not adverse to busting up devices.
The dwarf pulls out his war hammer, and proceeds to bust it up quite nicely.
When he's done, he looks to Rill.
"I am ready."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 240, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank, SR21] (25% no crit, rage 36/41, channel 7/7) Monday September 9th, 2019 7:49:50 PM
Terser wrecks up the device a bit, checks if there are any fancy jewels hidden away again, then collects himself and says the magic word.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 104/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp Monday September 9th, 2019 8:09:37 PM
Jozhur breathes a short sigh of relief, when this device is disabled. But, it's on to the next one.
He pats poor leafy on his...top? "Who knows what the next place will be like, leafy may end up wishing for this hot, dry sand again."
The Glade
DM Kathy Monday September 9th, 2019 10:11:13 PM
[Everybody take 108,000 XP for the previous scene.]
The latest device deactivated, you gather up and speak the command word.
This transition is somehow a little different from the others. The world of Scorch dissolves, but then there is a flash, and you feel a sudden jerk.
You arrive safely enough, however. You are standing on a pleasant country road, surrounded by green fields and trees. The day is sunny, but not too hot. Birds twitter in the treetops, and flowers nod from the side of the road. It's nice here.
But somehow, you don't feel quite like yourself.
[OOC: Please read the DM email before you post today.]
Fang (or Tahni?) (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Tuesday September 10th, 2019 1:44:26 AM
Fang stumbles a bit coming out of the portal, feeling suddenly too large. No wait, I'm Tahni? With great confusion she tries to think back. She knows she came from the Scab. She remembers being ill and finding a kind priest who nursed her back to health. She remembered a great sorrow, she had been searching for her lover... or was it that her sister and tribe died?
Looking down at herself she decides she must be Tahni, she's a dwarf not a ratfolk after all. Looking about at the others she asks "What just happened?"
Rill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday September 10th, 2019 5:46:15 AM
Again the Sea Dragons jump to another location. Upon arrival Aex has a strange feeling... she stands almost twice as high! Huh?!? Instinctively she looks down at her feet to see what she's standing on...
"Hang on...", Aex thinks, "What's this?!? White robes? White cloak?! Symbol of Gargul... "
She... he... whatever... looks up and sees 'herself' standing a few feet from her with Leafy at her side... Suddenly it becomes clear she's in Rillet's body now! How is this possible?!? Rill is a lot taller... heavier... less nimble... mother nature what's this...
Yet where's mother nature?!? She has no sense of her nor does she feel any love for her anymore... seems she lost connection... instead... she now has the urge to call upon Gargul for guidance... Uncanny for her but her... his... arms reach up for the Symbol around his neck...
RobC - Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Tuesday September 10th, 2019 8:04:54 AM
Tahni stands stunned. For whatever reason, she can see herself standing right in front of her. This is very strange. The 'Tahni' then speaks in her own voice!
Looking down she realises that she's not in her own body anymore. This looks like... Fang?
"Hmmm. Possibly some sort of transmutation spell. Something like Alter Self or Polymorph" she deduces. Strange though. She has no recollection of her spells. This axe looks familiar though. Tahni-Fang grips it tightly, then swings and flourishes it with ease. "How do I know how to do that? Ok. Probably not a polymorph spell"
Time to get a few basics sorted out
"I'm Tahni, but somehow I'm in Fang's body. Do we want to sound off? Who's in my, er, Tahni's body?"
Fang (or Tahni?) (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Tuesday September 10th, 2019 8:46:30 AM "No, I'm Tahni. I think. For some reason I remember parts of Fang's life..." she considers. You're Tahni too? But you can't be me, I've never been that good with an axe, and I can't be Fang, she can't do this." she casts a cantrip to make a little light and is reassured that she can in fact still do that.
"Maybe we haven't switched bodies, maybe our memories just got messed up? What can you remember Fang-Tahni? Fahni? I can remember early life in the scab, getting captured, and Braugh, but I can also remember growing up in a barbarian tribe and everyone but me dying before becoming a priest. I'm not sure which are really mine."
Bralin - MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Tuesday September 10th, 2019 11:28:53 AM
Rill looks around at the setting - the road and the countryside look pretty normal.
And that's about where normal ends.
The first thing he notices is that everyone is a lot taller, and he looks down to see if he's standing in a hole. He sees black armor instead of his familiar white robes and pants, and his head jerks up. Uh oh. He can see himself standing a few feet away. That can't be good.
Memories, strange yet somehow familiar flood his mind. He remembers his dwarven brothers, dying and being brought back to life, and being trapped in the Ice Vein until - until the Black Lions brought him back with them. A bit stunned, his hand rests reassuringly on his axe. Axe? When did he get an axe? And a braided beard? And since when do I smell like I need a bath?
As the others speak, Rill tries to piece together what's going on.
"I am, er, was Rill, and I seem to be in Bralin's body." Rill takes out the axe, feels the familiar heft in his hand. Interesting. "If I had to guess, I would say that it was our souls that were switched, as I have both a vague recollection of my life as Rill, but I seem to have the full knowledge and abilities of Bralin."
Then he walks up to the figure of Rill standing before him. Strange that he has to look upwards at himself. "Not sure who's in there, but be careful with that body. You carry a lot of solutions to potential problems, so go over your inventory so you know what you have. Ask if you have any questions."
Then he turns and says, "So, who here is the original Bralin? Anything I need to know so I don't screw this up?"
"I am," s/he answers Rill. A very small voice from a very small body.
This is much worse than having two heads s/he notes, mentally.
The gnome considers the question his body just asked, while placing a hand on her hairless chin with some surprise. "Find the biggest foe. Hit it with the axe." s/he finally responds.
Aex looks up at Leafy. "Don't go anywhere," s/he instructs.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Tuesday September 10th, 2019 7:09:36 PM
The first thing he notices is lightness. His body, his clothes, his armor, his beard...hey wait. Where's my beard??? He looks down at himself and sees the change, and tries not to freak out. "It's ok. You don't feel like yourself when you're drunk either." But he feels almost frail, like getting drunk would be much easier now. So there's at least one upside.
With everyone else having sounded off, he looks at his own body. "Hey Cap. You in there?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 104/173 --Shadow Companion 33/86hp d20+17=22 ; Tuesday September 10th, 2019 8:15:44 PM
Jozhur suddenly finds himself looking up at his friends and...himself? What sort of sorcery was this?
He is snapped out of his racing thoughts when he hears his own voice, "Ye.... He's taken aback for a moment at the voice that comes from his mouth. Then he notices, he is a dwarf, Terser, in fact. "Yeah, it's me old pal. Please tell me this isn't permanent."
He considers asking for his swords, but he first hefts Terser's glaive and makes a couple slashes and lunges with it, finding it somehow feels natural to him.
Satisfied for now, he runs his fingers through his newfound beard and looks around for clues. (Perception: 22)
DM Kathy Tuesday September 10th, 2019 10:25:49 PM
Somehow, your souls and bodies have gotten mixed up! You spend a few moments trying to figure out who is who.
Now that the first strangeness has passed, you begin trying to figure out what sort of world you've come to. One word that sticks in your mind is "bountiful." The fields are green and lush, as are the trees. And there's magic everywhere. Spellcasters realize that, in direct contrast to the world you just left, this world makes it easy to cast spells. In fact, both arcane and divine casters realize that they can cast unlimited first-level spells, just as if they were cantrips or orisons.
Divine casters still do not have a connection to their god or power. But, crowded into your consciousness are a plethora of other, similarly-aligned gods and demigods, ready to step up and provide spells if you need them. There are 11 gods in the Wold, and perhaps twice that many powers. But here, you sense literally dozens of gods and demigods, reflecting all manner of alignments, portfolios, and domains.
Jozhur, excuse me, Terser, looks around. You see a few people in the fields, off in the distance. Down the road a ways is a farmhouse, and there seems to be a person in the yard.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday September 11th, 2019 7:10:03 AM
The more she thinks about it, the more Tang is convinced she's Fang in Tahni's body. She does remember early parts of Tahni's life, but it's vague and all her recent memories are of Fang. I guess the sooner we get done the sooner this hopefully gets fixed, hopefully when we transition to the next world. We should re-prepare spells before we move on from this world. I'll try to find tracks... no wait, I can't do that anymore. I'll..." she considers what, if anything, useful she can provide at the moment and draws a blank. So many options!
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 d20+16=27 ; Wednesday September 11th, 2019 7:56:21 AM
Fahni looks down the road to the farmhouse. That's probably the right way to go. "Maybe those people can help?"
She looks about the area to check for tracks. It feels almost instinctual to do so, and she finds herself better at it than she thought.
Survival to find/follow tracks: 27
Bralin - MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Wednesday September 11th, 2019 4:08:28 PM
As he opens himself up to the divine, Bralin/Rill is a bit startled to find so many gods and demigods crowd into his awareness. He begins to shut them out, searching for something singular like the God of Life and Death that Rill venerates, when, again, Bralin's thoughts come to the forefront. He realizes that Bralin's worship of Pantheon fits in rather nicely with this plethora a deities.
He uses the rings to talk to his friends. It seems that the deities here are eager to renew my divine spells! While we do not need to stop right now, we should take advantage of this before we leave this plane. Who know when we'll have this chance again. Bralin - any suggestions?
Also, Rill, you'll want to make sure you pray for spells. And ditch those Animated Disjunction spells - that was not useful with these inanimate devices the Tinker makes.
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday September 11th, 2019 6:47:05 PM I have not cast any, Aexana mentally replies to Rill.
The gnome looks about, thinks for a moment, and then turns into a hawk.
The hawk looks at one wing, and then another, flaps a couple times, and finally, launches itself into the air.
At a good distance up, the hawk swerves and descends toward the farmhouse, landing on the roof. The bird looks about.
Aex tries sending a telepathic thought, describing what she sees, while in bird form. Does that work?
Rill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday September 11th, 2019 7:39:58 PM
Aerill just had the idea to change shape and scout ahead... then sees her own body transform and take of... shaking her head she mentally hears Rill! While she now has all the sensation and knowledge to run thos body... she has little clue how to manouvre this tall body arround. So she nods at Bralin for somehow it seems Rill's mind is in there...
If they have enough time Aerill will meditate her spells.
DM Kathy Wednesday September 11th, 2019 10:28:16 PM
Sensing the incredible magical energy, Tahni suggests you renew spells before moving on.
Bralin is able to connect with a noble god of law and righteousness to get new spells. Rill is similarly able to connect with a neutral god of life and death.
The process for getting new spells takes about 15 minutes. While it is going on, Fang looks for tracks, and finds--all too many. This road seems to be well-traveled.
Aexana shifts into a hawk and tests her wings a bit. Satisfied that they seem to be working properly, she flies up to the farmhouse and perches on the roof. She watches the figure in the yard--a human farm-wife, hoeing a vegetable patch. Next to her, a second hoe seems to be hoeing all by itself. Aexana is able to relay this to the rest of the party.
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Thursday September 12th, 2019 7:10:48 AM
Fahni heaves the greataxe over her shoulder "I suppose we should go meet the locals"
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Thursday September 12th, 2019 8:55:02 AM
Jozhur almost has to work to not naturally blend into his surroundings. He finds himself wanting to jump around through the shadows just because he can. Too late he remembers that he could have sent his shadow ahead to scout as well.
He directs his shadow to stay firmly attached to his side, blending into where the light places his own so as not to scare any locals, just in case. Then he saunters down to the farm to greet the woman in the field.
He doffs his hat and carefully keeps his hands away from his weapons. He tries in common, then switches around languages if she doesn't understand. I wonder if I'll remember any of this in my old body? It'd be useful to speak more than just one tongue
Good day, ma'am. I hope it finds you well.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday September 12th, 2019 6:47:26 PM
Tang looks at Fahni disapprovingly. "Unless you intend to threaten the locals its' best to keep that sheathed. Most people don't like unsheathed weapons being waved about. Also, if you drop it on your foot - my foot - I'll be highly annoyed."
She then proves herself a hypocrite by getting distracted by her spell component pouch. Every item is both familiar and new, knowing their exact purpose but not being used to handling them. She walks along behind the others pulling out random components and playing with them like new toys without regard for how the magically inclined natives might think of a random stranger waving around casting components for dangerous spells.
She does stop short of casting anything and accidentally setting herself or someone else on fire at least.
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday September 12th, 2019 7:09:37 PM
While she now seems to control and own this body it still feels strange. Her sole is fighting the natural behaviour.
She never was the one to take the lead she does not in this state either. So Aerill waits for the others to take point.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Thursday September 12th, 2019 7:29:30 PM
Jozhur (or Terser?) trundles along clumsily, finding he has to walk rather fast to make up for his short stride. This lack of gracefulness would take some getting used to. He's sure to secure the polearm before meeting the locals.
He gives Terser some ribbing along the way. "This beard is driving me crazy. Anyone have a razor handy?"
Bralin - MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Thursday September 12th, 2019 8:40:53 PM
The new Breaking tires to the new Terser. "Well Jozhur, it seems were the new dwarven fighters in this group. Let's go be intimidating. Think we should burp and fart for added effect?"
Bralin will lead the way alongside Terser, actually trying to look somewhat friendly as we approach.
DM Kathy Thursday September 12th, 2019 10:08:25 PM Fang hefts her greataxe and proposes to go meet the locals, but Tahni reminds her that that's not how it's done. Then she gets distracted with her spell component pouch. Ooh, neat!
Bralin, Terser, and Rill seem content to let others make the approach--although Terser does threaten to shave his beard!
Jozhur goes up to greet the woman at the farmhouse. He starts with Common, and is perhaps not surprised when she doesn't seem to understand. He then tries other languages, but your DM was not able to find Jozhur's other languages on his character sheet.
The woman pauses, and comes over to stand next to her split-rail fence so she can talk to you. The second hoe continues hoeing by itself. She says something you don't understand, then seems to try again. And anybody who speaks Draconic hears, "Do you speak Draconic, by any chance?"
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Friday September 13th, 2019 9:29:55 AM
Fahni sighs a little as she reluctantly puts the greataxe away. It just feels so 'right' to hold in her hands. She isn't used to being able to swing such a mighty weapon. The thought of letting it crush down upon the skulls of ... "Whoa. Too far. Let's try and reign this in"
As they approach the farmhouse she does her best to appear non-threatening. She has absolutely no idea what the woman is saying though. Fahni looks to the others and shrugs. If need be she has a Comprehend Languages spell up her sleeve, but would rather keep it if she can.
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday September 13th, 2019 4:23:12 PM
The woman says something.
Hawk head tilted to one side, Aexana remains still, as she tries to decide whether she understands it. She is pretty sure she does not.
The hawk remains on the top of the farmhouse, and waits.
OOC - Love Aex's character sheet layout. I'm probably going to steal it for my next PC.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Friday September 13th, 2019 5:32:38 PM
Sorry, forgot to fix that on Jozhur's sheet. He knows Halfling, Dwarven, Orc, Elven, Undercommon, and Aquan.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Friday September 13th, 2019 6:03:22 PM
Not understanding much of anything being said, Terser is content to stand and wait. He excuses himself from the conversation for now, digging through his belongings to see what he has for later.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday September 13th, 2019 6:40:24 PM
Tang doesn't understand a word being said and wonders what languages she knows now. A mental review shows a startling array, but none that match what this person is saying. (I actually totally forgot Fang had that prepared - so many of her spells are combat only XD).
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Friday September 13th, 2019 9:01:17 PM
It took Tozhur a while to figure out what languages he remembered too, and when it comes down to it, he didn't have the right one. But it sounds familiar to what he's heard others speak, so he's confident someone can communicate.
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Friday September 13th, 2019 11:35:08 PM
Fahni looks to Rill... er... Rill's body. She's pretty sure there's a tongues spell or something in there somewhere.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Saturday September 14th, 2019 1:15:31 AM
Tang realizes that, oh yeah, spontaneous casting, and she casts Comprehend Languages. "Can you hear me now? Is this working?
Bralin - MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Saturday September 14th, 2019 12:48:19 PM
Bralin waits.
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Sunday September 15th, 2019 7:53:17 AM
Fahni too remembers the power of this land. Low level spells work just like cantrips! She too casts a Comprehend Languages spell. Whilst it means she'll understand what is going on, she won't be able to speak it.
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Sunday September 15th, 2019 4:37:03 PM
As usual Aex... or Aerill atm keeps her distance when it comes to talking to strangers... as the lady asks if anyone speaks Draconic Aerill shakes his head...
"... euhm... wait... I don't speak Draconic... how then can I understand what she's saying?! Oh duh.. of course the real Rill speaks almost if not any language! ... oh no... that means I have to talk to her. Perhaps if I just act as if I don't know Draconic???"
Of course Aerill can not act as if he doesn't speak Draconic... she'll address the woman and be as pompous... no Rill's not pompous... gracious! Yes that's the word...
"Well met My Lady... allow me to introduce us... My name is Rillet Savenport. Please call me Rill... " Aerill continues to introduce almost everyone. Not Aexana in bird shape...
"We are travelers exploring the wonders of this World... to finding people we may help... At your service..." he concludes with a light bow. If the woman doesn't come up with something Aerill will continue. "We're looking for a friend of ours who may have passed by not long ago... "
If needed she'll give whatever knowledge they have so far on his looks. With any luck the lady can point them on their way soon...
DM Kathy Sunday September 15th, 2019 10:04:00 PM Fang doesn't understand the woman, but she does manage to put her axe away.
Nobody else seems to recognize it, either, but Tahni is able to cast a Comprehend Languages, and Rill has the spell permanently active, so both of them understand just fine.
Rill greets the woman.
"Hello, Rill," she replies. "They call me Salley. I'm happy to help if I can. This friend of yours--what did he look like?"
In previous worlds, you had to make do with trying to speak a language that was almost--but not quite--like a language you knew from the Wold. That doesn't seem to be the case here. Salley is speaking Draconic--the same Draconic that is spoken in the Wold. The language doesn't seem to have been altered at all.
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday September 16th, 2019 5:09:24 PM
(oh I'm bad at this... I don't recall his description yet I do hope we have one?!?)
Aerill of course mentally relay's everything to her friends. Rill gazes at Salley hoping her friends will send the info she needs mentally... guess Rill needs to buy some time...
"Salley... that's a fine name... for a... aa... oh please forgive my nammers... manners... "
Hopefully by now Rill knows what to say so as he learns about the Tinker's description she'll immediately say the words to Salley. Please don't make him say silly things... not that he has not yet though...
Bralin - MikeK subbing for MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Monday September 16th, 2019 6:01:24 PM
Bralin stands stock still.
Mentally, Rill fills in AeRill on the Tinker's description, while adding helpful pointers like, And smile!
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday September 16th, 2019 6:03:05 PM
Aex remains on the farmhouse roof, as Bralin listens while the person in his body leads along the person whose body he occupies.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday September 16th, 2019 6:48:00 PM
Tang is all ready to hang back and let others to the talking then realizes she might be one of the more qualified people to talk now. She considers how diplomatic she feels and decide that no, she really isn't the person to talk. She helps with the description if help is needed - wait do they have a description of the guy? She curses herself for not understanding any of the previous conversations, especially since Fahni reminded her that she had the spell for it prepared and everything.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp Monday September 16th, 2019 7:03:33 PM
Jozhur tries to smile and keep up the charm to help Rill out. He only gets what's coming through the rings, but tries to nod and smile at the right times.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Monday September 16th, 2019 8:27:28 PM
Terser watches, and waits. Through his ring, he reminds the others the Tinkerer was possibly carrying something.
DM Kathy Monday September 16th, 2019 10:37:48 PM
With the 'help' of his companions buzzing in his ears, Rill talks to Salley. After a moment, he is able to give a description of the Tinker--an older human man, rather short, with untidy gray hair. Oh, and he was probably carrying something. In the middle of his speech, he suddenly smiles. Salley looks a bit taken aback.
"Um, well, yes, I did see somebody like that," she replies. Behind her, a bucket appears, moving by itself from somewhere behind the house. It "walks," bobbing up and down slightly, to a trough, then empties water into the trough. "To be honest, we were a bit worried about him," Salley continues. "He was determined to go into Deepgloom Forest. I tried to talk him out of it, and so did my Hob. It's a dangerous place, and travelers do not often return. But, as I said, he was determined, so up the North Road he went."
Behind her, the now-empty bucket begins making its way back behind the house. Salley ignores it.
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Tuesday September 17th, 2019 7:55:32 AM
Fahni can understand perfectly well what is going on. She just can't respond in kind.
"Hopefully we're not too far behind him. Perhaps we might even catch him in this place?"
She can't help but wonder why these particular worlds. Was he drawn to them somehow? How did he know they existed? Is there a connection she just isn't seeing?
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday September 17th, 2019 8:37:05 AM
Tang shrugs. We've survived many places from which none return. He is able to teleport as is our group so it's no surprise if he hasn't emerged. Hopefully we can catch him before he tears off somewhere else."
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday September 17th, 2019 6:42:09 PM
Happy her sad efforts for making conversation did pay off, Aerill hopes to learn some more about that forest the Tinker went in...
"What is so dangerous about Deepgloom forest Lady Salley? If our friend entered the forest we are bound to go find him... it would be good though to know what we might encounter...
Aerill does notice the animated bucket... or would it be sentient... as he and Salley talk Aerill observes the bucket, trying not to look too surprised though.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp Tuesday September 17th, 2019 9:21:09 PM
Tozhur reminds AeRill to ask about how long ago he set off down the road, how far away the Deepgloom is, and what might be so dangerous about it.
And which way is North, just in case.
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday September 17th, 2019 9:25:52 PM
Aex/Hawk/Bralin takes a bit of a look around from her perch, and locates North. From there, should the "North Road" be obvious enough, s/he takes flight, gains some altitude, and tries to locate this wood.
Bralin - MikeK subbing for MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Tuesday September 17th, 2019 9:27:58 PM
Bralin opens his mouth to answer, and then finds himself, or his Rill self already doing so.
The dwarf uncharacteristically nods approval, and then quite characteristically stands there, doing nothing, awaiting the answer.
DM Kathy Tuesday September 17th, 2019 10:10:54 PM Tahni and Fang are hopeful. Maybe you'll be able to catch the Tinker before much longer.
As Bralin waits (and possibly critiques), Rill asks what is so dangerous about Deepgloom Forest.
"Well, there's wild beasts," Salley replies. "Things worse than just wolves or bears--although those are bad enough! Murderous horrors that'll rip you to shreds! There's folk that live there, too, they say, strange folk without eyes or tongues. You take my advice; wait for your friend here. There's a real nice inn in the village, about a mile down the road."
Jozhur reminds Rill to ask how long ago the Tinker set off.
"Yesterday, it was," Salley replies. "So if he's coming out at all, he's coming out soon. You're best off waiting."
Meanwhile, Aexana does some scouting. You can easily determine which direction is north, and from there---yes, there's a narrow road leading northward, and what looks like thick forest a mile or two distant.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Wednesday September 18th, 2019 1:28:20 AM
Jozhur...or Terser, sighs. "Sounds like a party". He also wonders why these particular places, which seem to be getting more dangerous. Surely the Tinkerer knows they are after him.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+11=20 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2019 8:11:09 AM
Tang is feeling a little smarter than usual with Tahni's body. She tries to put those smarts to use and think of any commonality or link between the various places the machines are being left (20 int check)
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday September 18th, 2019 5:53:25 PM
"I'm affraid we can not leave our friend out there Lady Salley... we have to go search for him... but... I'm loking forward to have a drink in the Inn later... "
Aerill nods to his friends: "Shall we?"
Bralin - MikeK subbing for MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Wednesday September 18th, 2019 6:23:08 PM
"Absolutely, oh, I mean, Aye" Bralin responds, stomping his boots enthusiastically.
"Pretty sure Jozhur goes first," he points out.
Bralin will head out with the rest.
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday September 18th, 2019 6:24:17 PM
Aex stays in the air, watching the road to the wood, and relaying if she sees anyone on it.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp Wednesday September 18th, 2019 7:37:20 PM
"I don't think he, (I mean I?) do. I'm good at finding hidden things, but not so good at scouting a trail. Terser and Aexana are better at that."
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Wednesday September 18th, 2019 7:59:31 PM
Fahni looks off into the distance. They're really close to the Tinker now. She can feel it in her bones.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 d20+9=27 ; d20+17=27 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2019 10:08:03 PM
"Right, no time to waste." Jozhur still is not accustomed to the voice that comes from his mouth.
He adjusts his polearm, ensuring he can quickly bring it to bear and tries to help lead the group down the road, looking for signs of the Tinkerer's passing.
-------------------- Perception: 27 Survival: 27
DM Kathy Wednesday September 18th, 2019 10:21:25 PM
Armed with information from the helpful Salley, you organize yourselves into a decent marching order and begin making your way toward the Deepgloom Forest. You pass various townsfolk along the road, who greet you cheerfully. At least, you assume those are greetings; you don't understand the Common Tongue as spoken here.
You turn up the North Road. It is noticeably narrower and less traveled than the road you began on. There are farms and houses along this road, but they quickly give way to pasture, and then to scrubby forest. You see only one person here, a man driving some cows who gives you a puzzled look but says nothing.
About an hour after you left Salley's house, you enter Deepgloom Forest. It is, as the name suggests, a deep forest, where the trees block out a good portion of the light making a sort of dim twilight. You hear the cries of birds, and the scuttling of small animals. Those with magical abilities can tell that there is magic here. Those with knowledge of nature can tell that the place is teeming with life. And, probably, magical life.
The road soon diminishes to a footpath, leading deeper into the dim forest.
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 d20+11=18 ; d20+16=23 ; Thursday September 19th, 2019 9:02:17 AM
With her first level spells acting like cantrips, Fahni is quite happy to cast Entropic Shield and Protection from Evil on a regular basis.
She keeps alert, looking for any tracks to follow.
"The narrower the path, the better the ambush" Fahni rests her hand on the hilt of her axe.
Perception: 18 Survival: 23
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp d20+27=43 ; Thursday September 19th, 2019 5:01:12 PM
Tozhur is very thankful that his body's path led to his eyes being able to see in the dark. He didn't want to have to deal with that hurdle.
He uses his knowledge of the shadowy areas to keep extra alert for things that may go bump in the forest.
Perception 43
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday September 19th, 2019 6:54:46 PM A narrow path with no offshoots at least gives us the hope that he followed it and we'll just have to go along behind him. No telling how big this forest is or if we'd be able to trace him through it if he goes off the path."
Tang follows Fahni's lead and keeps up her own cantrip buffs of mage armor and protection from evil.
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday September 19th, 2019 7:25:17 PM
Aerill now more acting as the little Gnome would have done keeps to the center of the group. She rummages through Rill's vast itemlist looking for goodies that might help them in this forest.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 d20+9=17 ; d20+17=34 ; Thursday September 19th, 2019 7:43:04 PM
Dwarven Jozhur continues looking along the trail for any signs of the tinkerer's passing, but surely that wouldn't be easy, not with a days old trail to follow. He decides to carry his oversized weapon in hand and use it as a walking stick, just in case.
--------------------- Survival: 17 Perception: 34
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday September 19th, 2019 7:51:49 PM
With the wood closing in, Aex descends to join her companions, and reverts to her gnome form.
She follows along behind Rill, and in front of Leafy, taking in the woods around her.
It eventually dawns on her that she can speak with the trees that the Tinker most likely passed by not that long ago.
"Hello tree," she says, addressing one of the bigger and presumably older ones. "We are looking for a man carrying a metal box. Have you seen him pass this way?"
Bralin - MikeK subbing for MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Thursday September 19th, 2019 7:53:58 PM
Well, at least the dwarf can see in the dark, because not having access to his various Status spells is driving Rill nuts.
There is really very little to do but march along and wait to get attacked.
DM Kathy Thursday September 19th, 2019 11:04:12 PM Tahni is discovering the joy of casting first-level spells as cantrips, but is also concerned about the narrow path and the dim forest. Fang likewise takes advantage of the ability to cast buffs without limit.
Bralin and Jozhur enjoy the benefits of darkvision; Terser pulls a weapon to use as a walking stick.
Meanwhile Rill is rummaging through his pack, every now and again saying something like, "I wonder what this does? Oh, right, now I remember."
Aexana realizes she can talk to trees, and asks one whether the Tinker passed by this way. Talking to trees requires patience. You ask your question, then have to wait a good minute to hear "hello" in reply.
Given enough time, however, you learn that a man carrying a box did come by this way. The tree's idea of time is different from yours; she seems vaguely surprised that the box man isn't still here. From this, you can surmise that the Tinker passed by recently, at least by a tree's definition of "recently." Salley had said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Terser and Jozhur are pretty sure that you're being watched.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday September 20th, 2019 7:31:07 PM
Tang is all ready to go. "If he was carrying a large box it's unlikely he could take it off the trail. let us be quick to follow him before whatever gives this forest it's reputation finds us."
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp d20+35=39 ; Saturday September 21st, 2019 7:50:38 PM
With plenty of shadows around, Tozhur takes the opportunity to melt into the shadows. Hide in plain sight - stealth 39
He moves off into the trees a bit to find the hidden eyes spying on them.
RobC - (Fahni) Tahni in Fang's body - HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Sunday September 22nd, 2019 4:02:08 AM
Fahni wordlessly nods in agreement with Tang. She unsheathes the axe she has been yearning to use.
Bralin - MikeK subbing for MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Sunday September 22nd, 2019 3:32:01 PM
Bralin trots along the path.
"Let's go get him, then."
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20=8 ; Sunday September 22nd, 2019 3:32:42 PM
Aexana thanks the tree, and then continues down the path.
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+38=40 ; d20+12=17 Sunday September 22nd, 2019 5:11:56 PM
(Perception 40, survival 17)
"Be alert friends", Aerill says while keeping a keen eye out himself. They got a clear warning that there are foul things lurking these woods...
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 d20+17=21 ; Sunday September 22nd, 2019 8:27:24 PM
Terser quietly mutters to himself about retaining his sense of impending doom. The dwarf now clutches his weapon in a fighting grip. He also notices that his old self has disappeared and smiles as he scans the dark for danger.
Perception: 21
DM Kathy Sunday September 22nd, 2019 10:23:41 PM
You stop talking to the tree and move on, conscious that there is something here taking an interest in you.
Jozhur slips behind a tree, blending into the shadows to gain an advantage over a potential foe.
As you move along, Rill spots a creature stalking you. It is a bandersnatch! Several of you fought one in the arena of Dirt City, and now it seems you need to fight another one. This would be a lot easier if you were in your own body.
Here is the map. Remember to only move your current character, which is not your usual character. :) You have one round before the bandersnatch attacks.
Fahni (RobC) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+15=31 ; d10+15=17 ; Monday September 23rd, 2019 7:50:28 AM
Fahni can feel an adrenaline rush unlike anything she has felt before. She rolls with it and charges the beast.
-------------- Free action: Enter rage! Move action: Move to attack Standard action: Attack with Axe. Hit AC31 for 17pts
OOC: Have we had a chance to rest since the last battle? I think we have
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+24=42 ; d8+5=7 ; Monday September 23rd, 2019 5:48:10 PM
Feeling totally uncomfortable in this body Aerill is more nervous than ever... spells that look rather unfamiliar are in fact most accessible now...
"Here goes... ", Aerill hisses and casts Spritiual weapon.
A hammer springs into existance and veers towards the Bandersnatch... hit first... talk later... Spiritual Hammer hits AC42 - no saving throw - damage 7...
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 17d6=55 ; Monday September 23rd, 2019 7:27:05 PM
Aexana regards the bandersnatch and scours her .. self ... for possible responses.
This one seems interesting
The gnome casts a spell, instantly engulfing the creature in a cube of fire. Curiously, none of the trees or other vegetation seems affected.
Meanwhile, Leafy starts working its way around.
Cast Fire Storm, stacking blocks vertically to totally engulf bandersnatch. 55 hp damage. Reflex DC 27 halves.
DM Kathy d20+20=35 ; d20+32=51 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d20+44=51 ; d20+32=41 ; d20+32=49 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Monday September 23rd, 2019 10:34:54 PM
[OOC: You have not had a chance to rest since the last battle, though some people were able to renew spells.]
On seeing the creature, Fang enters rage! She moves up and attacks, but her axe skips off the creature's hide.
Rill casts Spiritual Weapon, and thwacks the beast a good one!
Aexana decides this is a good place for a Fire Storm. The creature manages to avoid some of the damage, but hisses in pain. Meanwhile, Leafy starts working his way around behind the bandersnatch.
The creature turns its fearsome gaze on Bralin. Bralin must make a DC 29 Fortitude save or become Confused for one round. Then it attacks Fang! Fang is bitten for 25 damage and is grappled! Then the claws hit for another 36 points of damage.
Bralin - MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) Tuesday September 24th, 2019 1:17:34 AM
(back from my travels. Will post for Bralin in the morning)
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp d20+35=55 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2019 1:19:40 AM The it's still Monday post!
Tozhur spends his first round sneaking closer to the creature, and his shadow detaches and slithers through the ground, ready to pop up on the other side. stealth 55 - nat 20
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp d20+12=26 ; d6=5 ; d20+25=27 ; d6+7=11 d6=1 7d6(2+3+1+1+2+4+3)=16 Tuesday September 24th, 2019 1:28:46 AM
Once he's close enough, the shadow pops up behind the creature and tries to drain its strength to help Tang out of its grasp.
vs Touch AC 26 - 5 strength damage
Then Tozhur dances quickly in and out of range to attack, but may not have been able to penetrate the creature's armor. spring attack to avoid AoO - AC27 (may hit if flatfooted from stealth)
11 damage, 1 cold damage, 16 sneak, 2 str damage
Bralin - MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) d20+24=32 ; d20+29=39 ; d10+13=22 ; d6=2 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2019 4:08:07 PM
Bralin steels himself against the fearsome gaze of the creature (Fort save 32) and charges using his Boots of Flying. Thanks to the flanking shadow, Bralin hits AC 39, inflicting 22 points of damage with his axe, plus an additional 2 points of cold damage.
(Charging, Bralin's AC is 36 against the thing this round, and AC 40 against any attacks of opportunity as he closes with the creature.)
Through Bralin's body, the spirit of Rill smiles at the nearby form of Terser. "This whole dwarf thing is kinda fun, eh Jozhur?"
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+24=38 ; d8+5=8 ; 10d6=38 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2019 5:32:13 PM
Aerill guides the spiritual hammer again (hits AC38 - damage 8HP)
"Interesting... seems I now know something like... this!"
With that the Cleric casts Destruction dealing 170HP damage!! (Fort save DC26 for 38HP dam instead)
"POWER... LIMITLESS POWER...", Aerill shouts!
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+19=32 ; 3d6+10=16 ; d8=4 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2019 6:08:45 PM
Aex jogs ahead along the path, and tucks in behind a nearby tree.
Meanwhile, Leafy steps up and delivers a blow.
-- Aex double move. Leafy moves up and attacks, Hits ac 32 for 20 hp damage
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday September 24th, 2019 6:56:54 PM
(bah I checked for a post being up yesterday but I guess I missed it)
Tang casts a spell to light up the area and dispel the shadows of the forest around the beast. (dancing lights in the area)
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 d20+29=41 ; 3d10=10 ; d20+29=42 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+19=35 ; d10+12=19 ; d10+12=13 ; d10+12=14 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2019 7:10:00 PM Another Bandersnatch? Perhaps we will face a Jobberwocky next.
Terser moves feeling his strength grow, and subconsciously letting a loud battle cry escape his mouth. He wants to smack himself for doing so, surely that just alerted everything within an hours march.
The dwarf then starts swinging his glaive, putting everything he has into the first slash, then following up with more flowing strikes. He is surprised at how naturally he swings the lumbering weapon.
If I can make up yesterday's missed post (sorry!), Terser will make a full attack as well. 1st hits AC 42: 22 damage Second hits AC 33: 16 damage Third hits AC 35: 17 damage
Share rage with Jozhur, Bralin: +6 STR/CON, +3 Will Saves, -2AC Raging: +6 STR/CON/CHA +3 Will Saves, -2 AC
Fahni (RobC) HP: 93/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+20=39 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2019 7:52:01 PM
It takes a moment for Fahni to come to her senses. She's just been hit - hard. Restrained as she is she can't use her axe either. All she can do is try to escape.
Casting a spell would seem practically impossible against this grip. How she'd like to cast Freedom of Movement.
No. All she can do is try and wriggle free the old fashioned way.
CMB to break free: 39
DM Kathy d20+21=34 ; d20+44=53 ; d8=7 ; d8=8 ; d20+32=39 ; d20+32=52 ; d20+32=42 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d20+27=36 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2019 10:24:31 PM
Sneaky Jozhur darts in and attempts a surprise attack, but it looks as if the Bandersnatch knew you were coming, so it is not caught flat-footed. Your attack misses.
Bralin does not miss, charging forward to sink his axe into the creature's shoulder.
Rill, clearly going mad with power, launches a destructive spell! The results aren't as spectacular as you were hoping, but the bandersnatch does take 38 points damage.
Aexana changes position, and Leafy strikes a mighty blow! The tree hits!
Tahni casts a spell to light up the area. Jozhur will have to conceal his disappointment.
Terser lets out a dwarfish battle cry and swings his glaive! He hits! And then he hits some more because your DM is an old softie!
Fang tries to wriggle free of the grapple, but is held fast.
This time, the bandersnatch glares at Jozhur, who must make a DC 29 Fortitude save or be Confused for one round.
It crunches down on Fang for another 28 damage. It lashes out with its claws, hitting Leafy, and scoring a critical hit on Bralin! Leafy takes 17 damage; Bralin takes 39 damage and is Fatigued. It aims a tail slap at Terser, hitting for 25 damage. Terser must make a DC 28 Reflex save, or a bandersnatch quill lodges in his flesh, causing him to become Sickened.
Bralin - MarkB - (AC40 T14 F35, HP 221/221) d20+26=37 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+16=28 ; d10+13=19 ; d10+13=16 ; d10+13=22 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2019 11:12:42 AM
Bralin feels the attack of the thing sap his strength. He can also sense that Fang is in real trouble, locked in the creatures jaws. The part of him that is still Rill pulls at him to rescue Fang, but that's not who he is any more. Bralin has a different job to do.
One, two! One, two! And through and through his Dwarven axe went snicker-snack! Hits AC 39 for 19 points plus 4 cold damage Hits AC 31 for 16 points plus 2 cold damage Hits AC 30 for 22 points plus 1 cold damage (added flanking here)
He shouts out, "Fang is in trouble! She needs healing!"
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 6d6=12 ; d20+29=47 ; d10=1 ; d10=10 ; d10=9 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2019 5:10:30 PM
Terser makes another deep cut in the Bandersnatch. He then realizes that he has power within him to help Fang. He channels energy, healing those around him, but more importantly, providing the effects of a Freedom of Movement spell.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- Improved vital strike hits AC 47: 35 damage Spend 2 rounds of rage to Rapid Channel Energy Cure effecting Terser, Bralin, Aex, Leafy, Fang, and Jozhur: Receive a whopping 12 points of healing, but also providing Freedom of Movement to all That's how that works, right?
Share rage with Jozhur, Bralin: +6 STR/CON, +3 Will Saves, -2AC Raging: +6 STR/CON/CHA +3 Will Saves, -2 AC rounds of rage used: 4 Channels used: 1 Channel cure used: 1
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday September 25th, 2019 5:26:14 PM
Aerill hears Bralin shouting: "Fang is in trouble! She needs healing!"
"Fang", Aerill thinks, "Fang? Tang of Fahni... oh Lord... this is messed up..."
Moving up close behind Fang, Aerill casts Heal on the furry friend. Fang is immediately healed for 150HP!
"Back on your feet friend"
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP81/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 3d6=15 ; d10=6 ; 3d6=8 ; 3d6=14 ; 3d6=14 ; 3d6=12 ; d20+19=25 ; 3d6+10=21 ; d8=7 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=28 ; 3d6+10=18 ; 3d6+10=23 ; d8=3 ; d20+17=27 ; 2d8+10=18 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2019 6:29:40 PM
Aex hears the call to heal Fang, and is tugged to move that way. Rill gets there first.
Just as well, she wanted to try this...
The gnome steps out from behind the tree, and casts as spell. Five balls of lightning appear in front of her, and she directs them into the bandersnatch.
Leafy takes the blow, and continues to attack.
-- Aex. 5' step. Cast Ball Lightning (standard action). Direct 20' into foe (move action) Lightning causes 15, 8, 14, 14, and 12 hp damage. Reflex DC 26 halves
Leafy. Full attack Slam 1 hits ac 25 for 28 hp damage Slam 2 Nat 20, Crit threat hits ac 28 for either 21 or 43 hp damage Bite hits ac27 for 18 hp damage
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+20=40 ; d4=2 ; d4=3 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2019 6:56:19 PM
Tang is all ready to unless devastating and impressive magical power on the thing before she realizes that she's really not sure what spell to choose. Hesitantly she tries to polymorph the creature, but then realizes that doesn't work against unwilling targets. She eventually settles on energy drain (40 spell penetration, save fortitude DC 29?, 5 negative levels)
Fahni (RobC) HP: 236/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+29=37 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+17=29 ; d10+15=17 ; d10+15=24 ; d10+15=18 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2019 9:46:47 PM
Right. Now we're talking! Between the Freedom of Movement and the heal spells, Fahni has never felt better! Time to dish out a little payback.
"Thanks guys. Now lets put this monster in the ground!"
Now she gets to swing the axe.
5ft step east to flank with Leafy Hit AC39 for 17pts Hit AC36 for 25pts Hit AC31 for 18pts
DM Kathy d20+20=28 ; d20+32=46 ; d20+32=48 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d20+27=45 ; d8=3 ; d8=8 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2019 11:07:10 PM Bralin's dwarven axe goes snicker-snack! He does a lot of damage.
Terser thwacks the beast once, then shares some healing and Freedom of Movement with his companions.
Rill heals Fang. But, speaking of thwacking, his Spiritual Weapon should still be thwacking the bandersnatch. Remember to roll those attacks!
Aexana hits the beast with lightning, which only does half damage. Leafy attacks, and hits once.
Tahni, oddly hesitant, tries energy drain. This is a ranged touch attack, but you can roll it next time. (The save is to keep the negative levels from being permanent, which honestly will be the least of this critter's problems.)
Fang, now covered in bandersnatch slobber, lashes out with her axe and does still more damage!
You have the creature on the ropes now, but it is still fighting! It glares at Jozhur again--DC 29 Fortitude save to keep from becoming Confused. It tries to bite Jozhur's shadow, which goes about as well as you'd expect. It claws at Terser and Fang! Terser is hit for 17 damage; Fang is hit for 19 damage. Its tail slaps at Bralin! Bralin takes 30 damage, and must succeed at a DC 28 Reflex save or a quill lodges in his flesh, making him Sickened.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp d20+19=22 ; d20+12=15 ; d6=1 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2019 11:57:23 PM
Tozhur loses a round to his confusion, but the shadow still knows what to do.
Touch AC17 for 1 strength damage
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp d20+19=34 ; d20+25=39 ; d6+10=16 ; d6=6 ; 7d6=31 ; Thursday September 26th, 2019 12:00:38 AM
Tozhur is able to slip his mind around the second confusion gaze and attack again, slipping in and around the claws with ease.
This attack goes a lot better, and he continues leeching this thing of its strength.
16 damage, 31 sneak, 6 strength damage
Fahni (RobC) HP: 217/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+29=45 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+19=33 ; d10+15=23 ; d10+15=22 ; d10+15=16 ; Thursday September 26th, 2019 2:49:51 AM "Why"*smash*"won't*hack*"you"*slash*"DIE!?"
Fahni keeps up her rage, swinging her axe around with great fury
Hit AC45 for 23pts Hit AC29 for 22pts Hit AC33 for 16pts
Bralin - MarkB - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 152/221) d20+10=11 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+14=30 ; d10+10=14 ; d10+10=17 ; d10+10=18 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; Thursday September 26th, 2019 12:21:26 PM
(Reflex save - Rolled a 1! Now he is both Fatigued and Sickened.)
Bralin feels the quills of the creature embed in his flesh. He tries to ignore them, but an achiness spreads quickly though his body and he begins to sweat a bit. Terser's shared rage bolsters him though and he fights on.
Hits AC 34 for 17 points plus 5 cold damage Hits AC 33 for 20 points plus 3 cold damage Hits AC 35 for 21 points plus 3 cold damage (added flanking here. Also added Terser's Rage - I forgot about that earlier)
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+24=32 ; d8+5=10 ; Thursday September 26th, 2019 5:53:44 PM
The Spiritual Hammer got lost in the forest last turn... he's back in full force now! Hammer hits AC32 - damage 10HP
Aerill considers his friends almost got rid of the creature so he saves his spells for another day... he'll patch up his friends once the thing is down.
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP81/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 3d6=11 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=9 ; 3d6=10 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+17=22 ; 3d6+10=25 ; d8=4 ; Thursday September 26th, 2019 6:10:30 PM
Aexana reviews the situation, and also decides to wait.
The balls of lightning continue to shock the bandersnatch.
And Leafy continues it's attack.
-- Lightning causes 11, 12, 10, 9, and 10 hp damage. Reflex DC 26 halves
Leafy. Full attack Slam 1 misses (ac 21) Slam 2 hits ac 37 for 29 hp damage Bite misses (ac 22)
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+11=17 ; d4=2 ; Thursday September 26th, 2019 6:42:57 PM
Tang again stands about wondering what on earth she should cast. Did that last ray even hit? (17 touch), she's not sure. She tries to blind the thing this round with Power Word: Blind - it's blinded for 3 rounds if it has 100-200 hp or 3 minutes if it's under 100.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 d20+29=38 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+19=30 ; d10+15=25 ; d10+15=19 ; d10+15=18 ; Thursday September 26th, 2019 9:39:26 PM
Terser continues the flowing strikes with his glaive, grinning at the gashes he leaves in his foe.
-------------------------- Full attack First hits AC 38: 25 damage Second hits AC 39: 19 damage Third misses(?) AC 30: 18 damage
Share rage with Jozhur, Bralin: +6 STR/CON, +3 Will Saves, -2AC Raging: +6 STR/CON/CHA +3 Will Saves, -2 AC rounds of rage used: 5 Channels used: 1 Channel cure used: 1
DM Kathy Thursday September 26th, 2019 10:33:02 PM Bralin isn't feeling so good, but continues to attack. And hit. And do damage.
Aexana lets her lightning and Leafy do the damage while she assesses the situation.
Similarly, Rill is content to let his Spiritual Weapon do the work while he readies to help his companions.
Terser hits twice with his glaive; Jozhur hits once with his Sneak Attack.
Fang, well into her rage, hacks into the beast and asks why it doesn't just DIE already!! At which point it dies, already.
Tahni can save her spell, because the battle is over.
Bralin, however, is still feeling unwell. Removing the quill will make him feel better, and it is a DC 20 Heal check. Failing the check still removes the quill; it just does damage.
Once that is taken care of, you are free to resume your search for the device.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday September 27th, 2019 7:40:15 PM
Tang starts to go look at the wounded before remembering she's someone else at the moment. She considers her spell list and decides to let the others do any required healing.
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP81/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+16=21 ; Saturday September 28th, 2019 8:52:35 AM
Aexana strolls over to Bralin, and removes the quill.
"You should hold the shield higher," she points out, helpfully.
[Heal 21]
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp d20+27=46 ; Saturday September 28th, 2019 8:19:37 PM
Jozhur looks around at where the beast came from, seeing if it had any goodies, or if there are mates and kids around to worry about.
Perception 46
Fahni (RobC) HP: 217/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Sunday September 29th, 2019 1:10:39 AM
Fahni drops her rage and feels the exhaustion start to set in. Being up close in the combat, that rush of adrenaline - it was exhilarating.
With the exception of Bralin, everyone else looked to be in ok condition
"Thanks for that healing back there" she says to the group in general "It was a close one"
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Sunday September 29th, 2019 8:56:35 AM
Tang goes up to Fahni and looks down at her own body. It feels weird to be looking at herself like this. "Some advice for being me; cast a few spells before you rage. Most of my magic makes you a more effective warrior and you can get in two spells before attacking afterwards."
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Sunday September 29th, 2019 7:02:22 PM
Glad the beast is dead, Aerill follows the rest of the group.
"No sight of him yet? "
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 d20+22=31 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+9=18 ; Sunday September 29th, 2019 7:49:25 PM
Terser comes down from his rage and takes a moment to catch his breath. When he's had a moment, he goes right back to checking the path ahead for danger and signs of the TInkerer passing.
DM Kathy Sunday September 29th, 2019 10:00:38 PM Aexana is able to remove the quill from Bralin without causing further damage.
Jozhur has a look around, but sees no sign of a den, any goodies, or (thankfully) any more bandersnatches.
Fang and Terser stop their rage and begin dealing with the aftermath.
Tahni has some advice for Fang, seeing as how she usually is Fang.
Rill wonders whether there's any sign of the Tinker.
The answer is "not really." There is, however, still the faint forest trail you've been following.
Bralin - MarkB - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 152/221) Sunday September 29th, 2019 11:25:10 PM
Old habits die hard. As Bralin cleans and stowes his axe, he uses the Status effect of the rings to determine if anyone is injured. As far as he can tell, Only Bralin, Terser and Aexana are injured.
He turns to the form of Aexana. "Thank you for removing that quill. Now, if you or Rill will be so kind as to see to the injuries of Terser and me we can be on our way."
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Monday September 30th, 2019 3:19:28 PM
Ready to get on with it, Terser informs the others his ring will take care of the rest of his patching up.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp d20+35=52 ; Monday September 30th, 2019 3:21:01 PM
"Time should take care of that, BrRill. So long as he didn't take off my ring for some reason."
Without anything else to take their immediate attention, he continues down the trail, being naturally stealthy at full speed.
Stealth 52
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday September 30th, 2019 5:56:57 PM
Whomever needs some more patching up will get help from Aerill.
So where's back on the trail... back on the trail gang...
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Monday September 30th, 2019 6:41:24 PM
Tang heads back to the trail and hesitates. "Do we go left or right to keep going into the forest? I don't know for sure." she's a bit confused about being confused. Normally she's so used to surviving the wilds she can always tell her directions but now that knowledge is dim and useless.
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP81/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday September 30th, 2019 6:52:07 PM
"That way," Aexana replies to Tang, pointing down the trail.
The gnome follows along.
Fahni (RobC) HP: 217/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday September 30th, 2019 10:16:51 PM
Aexana seems to know whcich way to go. Fahni cleans the excess blood from her axe and follows along.
DM Kathy Monday September 30th, 2019 10:48:19 PM
You spend a few moments making sure everyone is healed, then start down the trail again. You are alert for more danger, but none comes. After about 15 minutes, you find the device.
It's a delicate-looking thing of wrought brass, surrounding a matched pair of pinkish-white baubles. Appraise DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The baubles are actually pink pearls, worth about 100 gold each.}
You assess the device, and conclude that it can be deactivated with a combination of arcane and divine energies.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+18=23 ; d20+24=38 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2019 8:01:46 AM
Tang sits down ready to wait for the more magically inclined to turn off the device. It takes almost a minute, or the urging of her companions, to realize that oh yeah she's a mage at the moment. She gets up and considers it before sharing with the group what she finds out (appraise 23, Knowledge: Arcana 38).
Bralin - MarkB - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 152/221) d20+6=24 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2019 3:12:06 PM
Bralin looks at the delicate machine.
"Well, those pink things look like they have value. I reckon we could bust the thing up, but if you think magic will do the trick, the wizards and the priests should try that first. Them maybe we pop those pink things out and wreck the rest just for good measure."
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+6=18 ; d20+15=17 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2019 5:33:48 PM
Aerill swallows as it seems he should now take the lead in deactivating this thing... inside there's a humble greenmage that rarely steps forward on her own...
Know Arcana 18 Spellcraft 17
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP81/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday October 1st, 2019 6:43:20 PM
The taciturn dwarf inside the humble greenmage waits.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp Tuesday October 1st, 2019 6:58:50 PM
Tozhur had been looking forward to getting his hands into the latest device, but it seems this is the first to not need deft hands and trap manipulation tools.
He still looks thoroughly around the area to see if there are any traps in the area.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Tuesday October 1st, 2019 8:48:37 PM
New to this magic thing, Jerser waits, content to let Tahni and Rill handle this.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 1st, 2019 10:43:13 PM
You spend some more time studying the device. The pearls inside are valuable. However, to get them out safely, you should probably deactivate the device first.
That requires combined arcane and divine energies. For example, one person could cast an arcane spell on the device, and another could channel positive (divine) energy.
This one is up to the spellcasters; the rest of the group can only wait.
Fahni (RobC) HP: 217/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 3:18:47 AM
Fahni tightly grasps the handle of her axe. One word from the rest of the party and she's ready to start swinging.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 7:59:14 AM "I can cover arcane or divine. Who's helping me?" Tang starts channeling the abundant local magical energy into the device using whichever energy isn't covered by whoever volunteers to help.
Bralin - MarkB - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 11:20:40 AM
The spirit of Rill rummages around in Bralin's mind and finds that he has the capacity to address this situation. The dwarf steps toward the thing as he addressedls the form of Tahni.
"Good work Tahni. I think you're the only arcane caster here. You cast an arcane spell on the thing, and as you do so I will channel energy. That should do the trick. If Rill wants to add to that it certainly can't hurt.
"Once that's done Tahni, your arcane sight should notice a change in the thing."
So when Tahni is ready, Bralin will Channel Energy at the same time she casts her spell. And just for good measure, he will then cast a Detect Magic to make sure the magic has gone out of device.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 6:02:30 PM
Wait and watch. If he knew anything about magic, he'd suggest an arcane and divine dispel at the same time.
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 6:13:47 PM
Aerill follows the lead of the other casters and will either help them in their chants or else he will cast Dispel Magic...
DM Kathy Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 10:45:20 PM
Belatedly, Tahni realizes that she is the only source of arcane energy in the group. She casts a spell at the device, while Bralin channels divine energy. Nothing seems to happen, but when you use your Detect Magic and other abilities, you can see that the device is no longer active.
Fang gleefully disposes of the brass casing, leaving the pearls ready for the taking.
Your work here is done. You can move on to the next destination whenever you are ready.
Bralin - MarkB - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Thursday October 3rd, 2019 11:58:18 AM
Bralin will walk over and use his skills (Craft Sculpture, Craft Stonemasonry) to carefully pop the pearls out of the thing. Then he gives it a whack with his axe for good measure.
"OK, let's go."
While he waits, he says a quiet prayer to Pantheon and Gargul that they restore everyone to their rightful bodies. Although, if that does not happen Rill can live with being a dwarf. There are worse things.
New Jozhur (WarrenG) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 173 --Shadow Companion 86hp Thursday October 3rd, 2019 12:59:53 PM
Tozhur sheathes his swords and calls his shadow back to his side, making sure that the magic doesn't leave it behind.
Then he says the magic word along with the others.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Thursday October 3rd, 2019 4:27:08 PM
Terser hopes his dwarven body experience has come to an end. He is more than ready to move onto the next place.
MikeK Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP81/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday October 3rd, 2019 6:26:04 PM
With a silent prayer to the gods, Aexana speaks the command word.
AeRill (STEVENVDB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday October 3rd, 2019 6:47:46 PM
Aerill nods... prey's all will be back to normal, and speaks the command
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday October 3rd, 2019 7:17:26 PM Five gold says we all turn into fish or something next world." Tang says before joining in on saying the words to send them onwards.
Fahni (RobC) HP: 217/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday October 3rd, 2019 8:50:28 PM
Fahni isn't sure she wants to take that bet. Which pouch would the five gold come from? The one that Tang is wearing, or the one that she is wearing?
She speaks the command word and waits to see what will happen
Nightfall
DM Kathy Thursday October 3rd, 2019 10:44:33 PM
[Everybody take 108,000 XP for the previous scene.]
You gather together and speak the command word, wondering what the next world has in store. The green dimness of the Deepgloom Forest fades away, replaced by--well, more dimness, really. You feel a sudden jolt when you arrive.
The jolt gives you hope, and looking down, you can see that, praise be to every god you've ever heard of, you are back in your own body. You are yourself agin!
You look around, but honestly, there isn't much to see. For one thing, it's pretty dark out. The sky is quite dark, with just the faintest glimmer near the horizon, suggesting the sun might rise soon. Those of you who can see in this light discover that the land here is dry, barren, and featureless. There is no road; there are no tracks; there is no way to determine which way you need to travel.
Knowledge Planes DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {This is one of the many levels of the Abyss.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) d20=9 ; Friday October 4th, 2019 12:29:17 PM
Well, there's the scars back. And he doesn't feel like dancing through the shadows anymore. But there will be something to be missed, being so mobile and quiet.
It's dark. Where would it be so dark? He doesn't know. Hopefully someone does.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+4=16 ; Friday October 4th, 2019 4:09:34 PM
Rill looks around, but sees little in the darkness.
Wait - he cannot see in the darkness? He feels his face and his clothing. He reaches for his circlet and his holy symbol.
"Yippie! It looks like we're back to our old selves! Now, lemme see what I can do about this darkness."
Rill pulls out a ring from his pocket with Continual Flame cast on it. He holds it tightly in his fingers to limit the light to just their general area for now. He breathes a sigh of relief when he see Bralin standing nearby. He looks at their surroundings as well, and can surmise where they might be. "Hey Bralin - thanks for the use of your body for a bit. It worked well, and I tried to take good care of it. As for where we are, I would guess from our surroundings it one of the infernal planes - probably one of the levels of the Abyss. That's bad."
Then Rill will reach out with his senses to determine if there are any constructs or outsiders within 1,080 feet. He will share what he learns with the others.
--------------------------- Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+30=44 ; Saturday October 5th, 2019 6:38:37 AM "Ahhhh. That's better" Tahni pats herself down. That axe sure was fun though. Maybe something she could pick up in the future.
She is in agreement with Rill "The Abyss is right"
Knowl Planes vs DC15: Autopass Perception: 44 + Darkvision
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) d20+4=5 ; Sunday October 6th, 2019 2:36:55 PM
Bralin sighs in relief as familiar sensations and memories flood over him.
He pauses for several minutes just to silently revel in being himself.
Opening his eyes, he takes in his surroundings, and hears the assessment of Rill and Tahni.
The dwarf checks his axe as he awaits further developments.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP166/166 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 26 Sunday October 6th, 2019 4:35:32 PM
Aex is so glad to be her own little purple pink haired self again. She checks her body for any puncturings or scars but it turns out it was still well preserved.
"... the Abyss?!... " Aex whispers in disbelief. She'd rather spend another day in Rill's body than spend one second in this place.
Tang (Tahni's body, Fang's player). AC 23/14/20 -- CMD 22 -- HP 163+34Temp/163 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Sunday October 6th, 2019 9:53:44 PM
Fang doesn't realize how much she missed her fur until she has it again. She runs her hands through it, feeling warm and fuzzy again. "Then come, let us carve are way through here quickly. If I remember my lessons correctly anything we kill here dies it's final death; perhaps we'll rid the world of a few fiends while we accomplish our mission."
DM Kathy Sunday October 6th, 2019 10:52:30 PM
For a moment, you just appreciate being back in your own body--perhaps, with a newfound appreciation for some of your teammates.
The news that you are in the Abyss, however, proves to be a bit of a mood-killer. You tend to feel that you should accomplish your task and leave quickly, as this place has the potential to be quite dangerous.
There is, of course, a problem with that, which is that you aren't sure which way to go. The land here is flat and featureless. The dry, packed soil does not hold footprints. There is no road, no track, no landmarks. Rill detects no constructs or outsiders. There does not seem to be any indication of which way to go.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d4+1=4 ; Monday October 7th, 2019 2:40:43 AM "Hmmm. It is most certainly a bad place to be and we should look to move on quickly. However we haven't had much chance to rest and may not be at our strongest. At least here it looks like nothing could sneak up on us. Do we want to take the break for a few hours or keep on going?" She's quite aware that the divine casters haven't had the opportunity to regain spells for quite some time, but is happy to push on.
-------------- Highlight to display spoiler: {OOC: Please ignore the d4+1=4 roll. I was going to cast a summons spell but then read the details a little more closely and was reminded they can't use their teleport abilities, darn it! :) }
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday October 7th, 2019 7:20:42 AM "We were supposed to rest at the last world, but I guess everyone forgot." Fang grumbles, annoyed that she forgot herself. Trying to rest here might well be suicide. We should press on quickly.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+38=48 ; Monday October 7th, 2019 4:49:06 PM "I agree that this is not the most ... hospitable place to rest. But i'm not really sure where to go. I suggest an aerial view might help. Aexana - would you be so kind as to go aloft and see if perhaps a higer vantage point will yield some clue as to where Tinker may have gone?"
If for some reason, Aexana does not with to do this, Rill will use a Fly scroll and take a look around himself. (Perception 48. It may be dark, but that means any light source should be visible from a great distance.)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) Monday October 7th, 2019 6:11:03 PM
Terser takes a minute to concentrate, then casts Commune with Nature. He searches a 17 mile radius for people, unnatural creatures, and the general state of the terrain.
He briefly wonders if the tinker will show up as unnatural and demons as people while on this plane, but either way, it will be useful information.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Monday October 7th, 2019 6:44:59 PM
Bralin pulls out his axe, and goes through a series of practice sets, just to enjoy the feel of it.
If Terser finds nothing at the distance he is checking, the dwarf will agree that rest may be in order.
POSTING HEADER: (StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 d20+30=33 ; Monday October 7th, 2019 7:40:50 PM
Of course Aex is happy to take it to the sky... no matter how grim the sky looks in the Abyss and will circle over the group, as an eagle, while she takes in her surroundings.
(perception 33)
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Monday October 7th, 2019 9:52:01 PM
Jozhur shudders when he hears where they are now. Happy to be back to his old self, he melds into the darkness and keeps his eyes open.
DM Kathy Monday October 7th, 2019 10:39:33 PM
Some of you are concerned about depleted resources and a lack of opportunity to rest. To clarify, divine casters could have renewed their spells back in The Glade. Of course, you weren't in your own bodies, so some of the specific spell choices may have been--unusual--but you could have done it. I'm sorry that wasn't clear. If you want to do the bookkeeping, you can still update spells if you like.
Rill suggests that Aexana go aloft, which she gladly does.
Meanwhile Terser casts Commune with Nature and finds...a whole lot of nothing. You have never encountered a place so desolate in your entire life. There's nothing here. Nothing at--oh, wait. Over there. Something mineral. Ordinarily, a little blob of mineral like that would barely register among more interesting things, but here....here it's the only thing remotely noteworthy.
Similarly, Aexana sees a lot of nothing, even from a height. Her low-light vision helps penetrate the darkness, but it's awfully dark and it's difficult to make anything out. Of course, it doesn't look like there's much to make out anyway. But...over there. That may be something. You can't see it clearly at that distance because of the darkness, but you think, probably, there's something there.
When Aexana lands, she and Terser can compare notes, and the blob of minerals and the maybe-something are in the same location. Which would seem to invite further exploration.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday October 8th, 2019 6:49:52 AM "Sooo.... that way then?" It seems to be the only thing the party have to go on.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday October 8th, 2019 8:14:19 AM Tiny metal machine, tiny blob of minerals, it seems like the right direction. Lets get moving." Fang says and she starts heading that way.
(Brock) (Jozhur in Terser's body) Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 3 Tuesday October 8th, 2019 4:48:39 PM
Normally at home in such darkness. Jozhur feels very uneasy here. He stays in the shadows and steps softly, but dares not to venture far from the others. "Right, lets get this done and move on." he whispers.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday October 8th, 2019 5:01:21 PM
Rill will follow the lead of those that can see better in the dim light of the Abyss. He holds a Continual Flame source in his hand, concealing the light but ready to let let it fall if we are attacked.
"Those that can see in this dim light - please lead us to this device. I have a light source at the ready but it can likely be seen at a great distance in this place, and I rather not draw the attention of anything that actually lives in a place like this."
As we go, Rill will continue to reach out with his senses to Detect both Constructs and Outsiders in this place.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY d20+30=46 ; Tuesday October 8th, 2019 5:21:04 PM
Once the heading is set, Aex returns to the sky and follows the group over hear. She makes wide circles with the Seadragons in the centre of it. Constantly keeping an eye out for dire things... what she assumes this place is filled with. As she flies she does activate her ring of invisibility so hopefully no one can see her. What ever she sees is mentally transferred to the group below...
Perception 46
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) d20+13=26 ; Tuesday October 8th, 2019 6:37:09 PM
Bralin moves to the front of the group with Terser, and moves in the direction indicated by his fellow dwarf.
He warily scans the horizon, as well as the ground in front of him.
[Perception 26]
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) Tuesday October 8th, 2019 6:58:09 PM
"I couldn't detect any life. But who knows what the rules are in hell. "
He keeps himself pointed at the source of minerals and tries to pretend he's just in a huge underground cavern, seeking some precious gems to mine.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 8th, 2019 10:25:08 PM
You decide against showing a light source, relying instead on those who can see in this dim light. And the light remains dim. When you got here, the sky was dark except for a faint glow on the horizon, which seemed to indicate the sun would rise soon. As you walk, the sky remains dark, except for a faint glow on the horizon which your brain insists on interpreting as "sunrise soon" even though by now you know better. Perhaps this is one of the torments of this place--a perpetual hope, perpetually dashed.
You've been walking for nearly an hour when you reach it. It is a metal and stone obelisk, about 15 feet high, set inexplicably in the middle of this vast plain. It has clearly been here for a while, and is therefore not the Tinker's device.
Closer examination reveals a seam on one side. It may be possible to open this thing up.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+24=36 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+24=28 ; d20+30=32 ; Wednesday October 9th, 2019 6:59:09 AM
Tahni sets to walking around the obelish to get a good view from all sides. She looks for any sorts of symbols or glyphs, anything that might give an indication as to what it is doing here. Is it natural? Does it appear constructed? Perhaps it is dedicated to a deity? Her brain is already ticking through all the different things to consider.
------------------------ Knowl Engineering: 36 - to try and get an idea on whether it is natural or may have been constructed, and if possible, what sort of metal Knowl Religion: 38 - does she recall anything such as this being used as a symbol for the worship of a Wold god? Knowl The Planes: 38 - does it seem natural to this place/plane? Perception: 32 + Dark Vision + Arcane Sight (to check for magical auras)
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d100=47 ; Wednesday October 9th, 2019 3:14:30 PM "Hmmm. Metal and stone obelisk. I wonder what it's doing here? I'll cast an Augury to see what will happen if we open this thing up."
Rill casts Augury, asking "Will it bring weal or woe for us to open this obelisk?"
He will share the result with the others.
(Woo hoo! Rolled a 47 - success!)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) d20+18=38 ; Wednesday October 9th, 2019 5:24:30 PM
Bralin eyes the obelisk warily.
"Once before I dared tread in a stone tower," he mutters. "I spent two years in the Ice Vein for my efforts."
Nevertheless, the dwarf moves closer to carefully inspect the stonework for any other signs of unusual stonework. [Perception 38]
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY Wednesday October 9th, 2019 6:53:28 PM
Up in the air Aexeagle notices what her friends intend to do...
"... euhm... anyone knows what happens if you OPEN some kind of Obelix here in these vast plains of the Abbyss?? Sounds imminent carnage if you ask me... do we have any reason to believe the Thinker opened this before us??"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday October 9th, 2019 7:28:05 PM
Fang looks at the obelisk with only mild curiosity. "Is there any way to be sure this has anything to do with our search? Opening it may cause is a world of trouble and have nothing to do with the Tinker's devices."
DM Kathy Wednesday October 9th, 2019 10:49:07 PM
Tahni takes a look at the obelisk. You see no runes or writing on the outside. You can tell that it is constructed, and surmise that the metal is probably iron or steel. You do not see anything you associate with religious significance. You're not sure why it's here.
Bralin also inspects the obelisk, and finds that the stonework is pretty standard stuff.
Aexana and Fang caution against trying to open it.
However, Rill casts an Augury and receives a definite weal in response.
The trouble would seem to be getting the thing opened. The process seems complex. You find what you think is a keyhole, but of course, you have no key. You do, however, have a rogue.
[Opening the obelisk is a DC 45 Disable check.]
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) Thursday October 10th, 2019 1:05:59 AM
Terser readies himself, and if the lock can't be jimmied, it can be bashed with adamantine.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday October 10th, 2019 4:39:53 PM "Well Jozhur, I can't really help much with this thing. But I can provide a small blessing on your efforts."
Rill will say a prayer to the Lord of Life and Death, casting Guidance (which adds a +1 competence bonus to Jozhur's attempt.)
Jozhur (Brock) d20+33=50 ; Thursday October 10th, 2019 5:51:26 PM
Jozhur carefully looks over the obleisk, checking for traps. He is also wary about opening the thing, half expecting a bunch of demons to come pouring out.
But if Rill says it's okay...
He notices the lock looks very finely made. "Probably a some fancy pins in there, I'll need a few moments of silence please."
---------------- Perception (traps): 50 Take 20 disable device: 52
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Thursday October 10th, 2019 6:43:36 PM
Bralin finds he is quite capable of providing moments of silence.
He does so.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 and LEAFY Thursday October 10th, 2019 6:48:28 PM
Still circling overhead the eagle mutters : "Note to the Sea Dragons... what is sealed in the Abyss is suppose to be sealed... why in the name of the 7th start cluster would you want to open it?!?"
In any case, Aex is quite nervous...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List d20+11=18 ; Thursday October 10th, 2019 6:48:48 PM
Fang stands guard, alert for any trouble (perception 18). No telling what nasty monster could stumble on them here.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday October 10th, 2019 7:45:46 PM
Tahni takes a step back from the obelisk as Jozhur sets to work. Realising that something might spring out she takes another 3 or 4 steps back just to be safe.
DM Kathy Thursday October 10th, 2019 10:30:44 PM
You can give him moral support and a bit of silence, but mainly this is Jozhur's moment, and he doesn't disappoint. He studies the obelisk carefully, takes out his tools, then painstakingly begins coaxing the door open. It's fiddly, exacting work, and at times it looks as if Jozhur isn't really doing anything apart from holding a lockpick with an odd expression on his face.
At last, however, he steps back with a look of triumph as one side of the obelisk swings open.
Inside, resting on the ground, is a device. This one is intricate twists of silver and brass and iron, coming together to make a rough egg shape.
Also, Perception 40 Highlight to display spoiler: {high up on the opposite wall, almost out of sight, is a rotting leather satchel hanging on a nail.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) d20=15 ; Friday October 11th, 2019 1:59:37 PM
"Any signs of hatching?"
Tester's eyes aren't sharp enough to notice anything else about the clockwork egg.
Jozhur (Brock) d20+27=37 ; d20+27=40 ; Friday October 11th, 2019 8:54:11 PM
Jozhur eyes the odd item. "What is this contraption?" Without touching it, he looks it over, trying to determine his purpose. Is it a mechanical device which can be disabled?
Perception: 37 Disable device: 40
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday October 11th, 2019 9:54:50 PM "Nice work Jozhur"
Tahni stands back and gives the rogue space to keep doing his thing.
"There's a bag hanging up over there." she says pointing high up the opposite wall "Maybe there's something inside that will give us a clue" Tahni casts a Mage Hand spell to reach up and bring the bag down for the party to inspect.
Perception vs DC40: 40 (30 + Take10)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday October 12th, 2019 12:37:45 AM
Fang draws her axe and stands ready just in case the bag is some sort of trap or trigger or a native wanders over while they disable the device.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) d20+16=24 ; Saturday October 12th, 2019 8:54:08 AM
Even Bralin is starting to feel the tension.
The dwarf calms himself by walking a slow circuit around the outer perimeter of the group, checking the horizon for anything else that may be headed this way.
[Perception 24]
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Sunday October 13th, 2019 10:29:02 AM
Rill will inspect the bag with Tahni.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 d20+30=38 ; Sunday October 13th, 2019 4:38:04 PM
Aex flies round the obelisk. Her nerves keep her from seeing things clear. She's worried about opening this thing and expects demons to sprout from every crevice in these dreadful and barren lands.
DM Kathy Sunday October 13th, 2019 10:17:44 PM Terser wonders aloud whether the egg-shaped device will hatch. Jozhur takes the time to look it over, and concludes that this particular device cannot be deactivated mechanically. Somebody who knows about magic is going to have to take a look at it.
But Tahni is distracted, having spotted a rotting leather satchel hanging higher up inside the obelisk. She uses Mage Hand to retrieve it. Inside, she and Rill find:
Ring of Spell Storing; Staff of Illusion; Potion of Fly; Scroll of Breath of Life
They do not, alas, find any clues about how to deactivate the device. Indeed, from the look of it, the satchel has been here for a long, long time. The Tinker either didn't notice it when he placed the device in here, or didn't care enough to investigate it.
Fang, Bralin, and Aexana stand ready, but they see nothing untoward--or interesting for that matter.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision d20+32=38 ; d20+24=37 ; Monday October 14th, 2019 7:37:47 AM "Alright then. The bag wasn't exactly helpful. Guess we're going to have to do this the hard way"
Tahni looks over the device for any magical way to disable it
Spellcraft: 38 (+ Arcane Sight) Knowl Arcana: 37
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+15=20 ; Monday October 14th, 2019 10:48:47 AM
Rill will assist Tahni in her examinations.
(Spellcraft to assist 20, success so he adds +2)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) d20+8=13 ; Monday October 14th, 2019 12:53:43 PM
Terser leans his head over Tahni's shoulder and tries to contribute. Luckily, she probably knows by now that he doesn't know the first thing about magic, and rightfully ignores his commentary.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Monday October 14th, 2019 6:44:54 PM
Bralin continues working off nervous energy by pacing around the perimeter of the group.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 Monday October 14th, 2019 7:42:05 PM
A satchel holding a breath of Life spell doesn't predict much good... Aex continues to circle around yet she also casts Call Lightning just in case. No lightning bolts crashing down just yet but the spell has been activated and is ready to launch.
Jozhur (Brock) Monday October 14th, 2019 8:41:42 PM
Jozhur looks around nervously as he waits for the device to be deactivated. The sooner they are out of this place, the better.
DM Kathy Monday October 14th, 2019 10:30:57 PM
As Bralin, Aexana, and Jozhur watch nervously, Tahni makes a thorough, painstaking study of the device. With Rill's help (and in spite of Terser's help), she is able to weave a subtle change into the magic that powers the "egg."
It is deactivated. You can pull it apart if you like, but it is no longer a threat.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday October 15th, 2019 7:29:37 AM "I... I think that does it. Anyone want to do the honors of doing some 'physical' changes to it?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) Tuesday October 15th, 2019 8:04:41 AM
"It's kinda neat. If it weren't for the whole destroy the multiverse aspect, I'd keep it as a souvenir. "
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 Tuesday October 15th, 2019 6:01:40 PM "Wait... that's it?!? " Aex says with a lot of disbelieve.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday October 15th, 2019 6:30:31 PM
Fang is not one for souvenirs and she is precise in her utter destruction of the thing. "Are we ready to move on? I was expecting more danger from this place."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Tuesday October 15th, 2019 6:31:09 PM
At Tahni's comment, Bralin pulls out his waraxe, and proceeds to inflict some physical changes upon the device.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday October 15th, 2019 8:48:59 PM
Rill watches as the thing is destroyed.
"Well, there's no telling where we're headed next. This is not a good place to rest. But let's get prepared before we leave. I suggest someone capable of casting divine spells hold the Breath of Life scroll. I already carry one, so it should be someone else. As for the staff, who can cast Illusion spells? I'll see if I can tell what's in the ring - it may be important."
Rill puts on the Ring of Spell Storing to see what spell(s) may be stored in it.
Jozhur (Brock) Tuesday October 15th, 2019 9:33:36 PM
Jozhur breathes a big sigh of relief, "Good job, Tahni".
"This place gives me the willies, let's get out of here."
Home
DM Kathy Tuesday October 15th, 2019 10:32:37 PM
[Everybody take 92,000 XP for the previous scene]
Some of you are surprised that this world proved to be so easy to solve. It's almost as if some cosmic force wants you to finish your mission by a certain time so that you're ready for the next one.
Fang and Bralin destroy the device, while Rill hands out prizes.
You gather together, and speak the command word. And then....
You are home. You are standing in the street outside Portside house, in the middle of a rather chilly, overcast day. Waiting for you, smiling, is Flora, Queen Maab's nymph messenger. She is not at all dressed for the cold, but she doesn't seem to feel it.
"Oh, you made it!" she exclaims, clapping her hands. "My lady will be so pleased. And the gods, of course. I'm sorry there's nobody more important to greet you, but everyone is so happy you succeeded!"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Wednesday October 16th, 2019 7:40:14 AM
Tahni smiles to the nymph "You being here is more than enough, Flora".
She looks about to check that the rest of the party are accounted for
"So... where to now? Do we need to report to the Queen directly?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) Wednesday October 16th, 2019 3:03:42 PM
Terser keeps his initial thoughts through the ring. "I thought we were supposed to catch up to the Tinker? If we don't catch and stop him, what's to keep him from trying again? Something seems suspicious."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Wednesday October 16th, 2019 6:16:11 PM
"I can take the scroll," Bralin tells Rill. "I have limited spellcasting ability, but it should suffice."
And then, they are back in Bonetown.
Like Terser, Bralin feels the trip is unfinished. But, he has long given up attempting to understand the workings of the gods.
Instead, he heads to the tavern. It has been some time since he's had a decent ale.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 Wednesday October 16th, 2019 6:57:38 PM
Aex's head spins... going from one world to the other has proven to weigh heavy on her mind... not finding the Tinker... being trapped in another body earlier... the Abyss that will be etched in her memory for all eternity... Too much... this is too much...
The little greenmage does nothing but shaking her head and looking rather bewildered.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday October 16th, 2019 7:00:07 PM
Fang doesn't buy this for a second. "That's it? The universe might end, go break a few things and then come back, don't worry about the guy responsible? I'm a healer and you don't treat the symptoms, you cure the disease, and leaving this unfinished is just asking for the problem to repeat."
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday October 16th, 2019 7:25:47 PM
Rill will bow to this messenger of Queen Maab.
"Flora, we are most pleased that you are here. You are indeed an important personage, but I am a bit confused. We were sent on this quest by Gimp on behalf of Pantheon, not the good Queen Maab. And while we were told that our first priority was disabling these devices, we also need to stop this Tinker person that created them lest he simply make more.
"Do you know anything about Tinker, where he may be now, what he's up to? Have you heard from Pantheon on this matter? If not, is there some way we can perhaps speak to Gimp as well about this?"
DM Kathy Wednesday October 16th, 2019 10:51:35 PM
The abrupt end to your adventure leaves many of you bewildered. What of the Tinker?
Rill asks about Pantheon.
"The gods were united on this," Flora replies. She wrinkles her nose. "Well, most of them. It was--what's the expression?--a team effort. My Lady played a part, too, albeit a very small one. I'm here now because," she shrugs, "I was available."
Rill also asks about the Tinker. "Bringing the Tinker to justice was secondary," Flora replies. "The primary concern was the devices, and you succeeded at deactivating those. I do not know what future plans the gods have for the Tinker, but I know they have not forgotten about him."
Tahni asks whether you need to report to Queen Maab. "That won't be necessary," Flora replies. "But that reminds me. I do have a gift for you." She produces a lacquered box, and opens it to show you what is inside. You see five Planar Forks, neatly labeled: The Mire, The Empire, Scorch, The Glade, Nightfall. "So that you may return, if you wish." She hands the box over.
"Again, you have the heartfelt thanks of my Lady and all the gods," she says. "You saved millions of lives. You are true heroes."
[OOC: The Planar Forks are Fate items that cannot be sold.]
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Wednesday October 16th, 2019 11:12:57 PM
(OOC: Very cool Fate Item Kathy!)
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday October 17th, 2019 3:22:00 PM
Rill looks at the forks, curious about their use. Rill would like to know the limits of these things before he tries to use them in a pinch.
"Thank you for the gift Flora. Can these items only be used once, or are they permanent items? How are they used, and will they transport our entire group at once? Will they also return us to the Wold, and if so how?
"As for the Tinker, it seems odd to me that he is allowed to roam about after he tried to end everything everywhere. Please convey to Maab that I respectfully request to know more about why the Tinker did what he did, and why we were not allowed to pursue him further.
"After unquestioningly doing as the gods commanded, it seems reasonable to ask how this story ends."
Rill will take some time to pray later, asking Gargul these same things.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) Thursday October 17th, 2019 5:18:23 PM
If the others don't sense any trickery, then Terser is satisfied. Perhaps the Tinker has run out of places for his devices. Hopefully, someone will bring him in before he hatches a new scheme.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Thursday October 17th, 2019 6:26:12 PM
Bralin nods.
He's still looking for that ale.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 Thursday October 17th, 2019 6:26:51 PM
Aex has never been a fan of leaving loose ends behind but it seems they were merely pawns in Queen Maab's game...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday October 17th, 2019 6:52:25 PM
Fang grumbles a little but has no idea what to do about it. They have no way of tracking the Tinker after all. "If we have to do this whole thing over again in a month then I reserve the right to say "I told you so."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday October 17th, 2019 8:19:27 PM "That they have not forgotten about him" Tahni wonders if perhaps there is another group in the Wold that might be in pursuit of him. Perhaps this was a coordinated effort where one team disables the devices whilst another hunts the source? It wouldn't be the first time such a thing was to happen.
Jozhur (Brock) d20+23=31 ; d20+27=42 ; Thursday October 17th, 2019 8:39:41 PM
Jozhur isn't very willing to just blindly trust what he is being told. He doesn't entirely trust that this is actually Flora. He stares at her, rather uncomfortably, trying to discern any fraud. He certainly got a very good look at her the first time they met.
Sense motive: 31 Perception: 42
DM Kathy Thursday October 17th, 2019 10:40:48 PM
You won't be tracking down the Tinker, at least not anytime soon, and your reactions range from disappointment to suspicion. However, Jozhur notices nothing untoward, and is pretty convinced this is the same Flora.
Fang, however, reserves the right to say "I told you so." "I think that's reasonable," Flora says, "but I don't think we need worry about it."
Rill asks about the Planar Forks. "There is a spell called Plane Shift," she replies. "I cannot cast it, so I'm not sure how it works exactly, but I know you need a fork tuned to the plane you want to visit. I believe that a single casting of the spell would move all of you, but I'm not sure."
She smiles at you once last time, you say your farewells, and she is gone. And Bralin can finally get that ale.
[Please take 31,000 XP for this last scene. It has been a pleasure being your DM.]
Bralin - MikeK - (AC35 T14 F31, HP 221/221) Friday October 18th, 2019 2:28:22 PM
Bralin nods farewell to Flora.
The dwarf gets his ale, and then returns to the group's house.
Once more feeling a pull toward rock and stone, he resolves to spend more free time in the company of the local stonemasons and artisans, comparing notes.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Friday October 18th, 2019 3:26:07 PM
Rill will cast Detect Magic on the tuning forks in the box, and perhaps work with Tahni to identify them. These could be quite useful in a pinch.
(OOC: The DM got back to me on these Fate Item tuning forks. They are not magic items. They are the tuning fork foci that allow someone casting Plane Shift to access five of the locations we visited in the last adventure. If anyone is up for a vacation, Rill can cast Plane Shift to get you there.)
---------------------------------------- Rill will visit the Lionfish, check-in with Tula on the condition of the ship and the crew. He will also go to the Temple of Rest, the local Gargul temple to check in with the head priest there and see what news there may be of things that have happened in town since the Sea Dragons have been gone.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 152/203 (236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday October 19th, 2019 1:08:41 PM
Fang goes with Bralin to relax and unwind for a while.
Jozhur (Brock) Saturday October 19th, 2019 10:27:52 PM
"So, we're done then. Ale it is." Jozhur trundles off with Bralin for a watering hole.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 230/230, DR 3/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 39/39, channel 7/7) Sunday October 20th, 2019 5:18:34 PM
Since Jozhur has confirmed her identify, Terser tips his non-existent hat to Flora and thanks her for conveying the message. It's been such a mad dash around the last few days that it will be nice to take a bit of a break.
He conveys some extra thanks to those that have been directing them in their attempts at good deeds, both for becoming dragons and after. He can only trust the Gods that their future guidance will be so inspired.
thanks Kathy, it's been a blast =D
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Sunday October 20th, 2019 8:32:51 PM
Tahni gives a nod to Flora, hoping one day to see her - and Queen Maab - again.
For now though she is in need of a good bath and change of clothes. It's been a wild few days.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday October 21st, 2019 12:19:15 PM
Rill will visit the Lionfish and check-in with Tula on the condition of the ship and the crew, and any news she may have heard.
He will also go to the Temple of Rest (the local Gargul temple) to check in with the head priest there and see what news there may be of things that have happened in town since the Sea Dragons have been gone.
Once back with the others, he will say, "Aren't we supposed to build some sort of fortress as a Dragon Consortium group? I still think a floating fortress would be best."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP166/166 - AC31/23/25 - CMD 27 Monday October 21st, 2019 5:18:08 PM
With Flora now gone (ooc along with DM Kathy - it's been a wonderful ride Kathy and I hate to see you go - but welcome of course to our new DM's!!) Aex considers it's about time to head into the forest with Leafy for some time crafting, training and enjoying the calm of the forest.
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