Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 235+(13-13=0) /258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Monday December 16th, 2019 10:08:23 PM You know, I don't think I've been part of any other groups. I was lucky and joined up with the Iron Adventurers from the beginning.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 221/221 Spells Monday December 16th, 2019 11:18:06 PM
Bosk recalls the spider all too well. "Let's just say it was large enough to attempt to swallow a Minotaur whole."
DM Hugh - The interview Tuesday December 17th, 2019 3:07:34 AM Restlin suggests it was actually Sesha that robbed his cradle before deferring the tale of the chaos bell to others. When asked about unorthodox strategies Restlin introduces Oewellian to waddles and explains it used to be the brain of a nerve cluster in a living asteroid in Jericho Space.
The mendicant then goes into more depth concerning the story of the dragon and the razor explaining that he was on a luck quest and had found the razor so when pitted against a dragon in single combat he figured he might as well test his luck. Luckily, it was all a ruse and the mendicant ended up in a treasure room where he could help the dragon by dispelling a curse that turned its gold gramma into a goldfish. The Mage Priest demonstrates he won shiny as a reward and also explains that he was actually the first Iron Dragon to ride a dragon.
Oewellian says, “Interesting. So did you folks get to go to Jericho space often in your adventures or even places stranger than Jericho space? Besides waddles wasn’t that trip where you guys picked up the Starblazer? And then later you acquired that other crystalline transport?”
Garret accuses Oewellian at not being that good of a story teller.
Oewellian looks at Garret and says, “I am a fine story teller and would direct you to the Hook City Herald back issues to see evidence of my skill. However, I’m not in story telling mode write now. I am in fact finding mode. I’m trying to make you guys look good as your Mage Priest friend Restlin asked me too. In order to make you folks look the best I’m trying to compile all sorts of interesting notes about your adventures. I am writing a noble / ignoble interest story about you all from your humble beginnings to the others who joined along the way. It will of course culminate in your saving of the Wold but I’m trying to pepper it with interesting points along the way. Now you mentioned you rode not nice dragons a couple of times. I have dry historical texts from the hall of records that talk vaguely about the times you lot have tangled with dragons but it doesn’t say on such and such date in such and such place Garret Goodbarrel wrestled a dragon or anything like that so if you want to elaborate on your dragon wrangling prowress now would be the time to do that and it can get added to the record.” Zane explains he hadn’t adventured with other groups but he had went on walkabouts several times. He then explains that the body of the spider was 10 to 12 feet in length and 8 to 9 feet high with 12 foot long legs and that for a stint of time the Taur had made sure he got rid of all spiders in his vacinity at least until he opened up a gift of a fuzzy spider named Skitterz that rests on the his shoulder.
Beri explains that he too hadn’t been with other groups as he was with the Iron Adventurers from the beginning.
Oewellian says to Beri, “As a druid who has been adventuring with the Iron Dragons from the beginning was it especially hard to be based in this urban setting? I mean you folks obviously built this tower castle to suit your tastes as part of your dragon ceremony but before that when you were coming up and making your way in the world was it hard to feel that connection to nature in a magical city?”
Bosk elaborates the spider was large enough to swallow a taur whole.
Oewellian checks his notes and says, “Oh yes magical city; Do you have any memories or stories from your run-ins with the various magics, teucri artificacts, etc. this city happens to be home to? What of your run-in with the chit machine?”
======================================================================== Later that night, Restlin proposes to Sesha using a ring he crafted with a platinum band, a single diamond, several flawless moonstones and 10 luck points.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 164/260 Ki:18/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Tuesday December 17th, 2019 11:22:01 AM
Garret keeps squinting at the fellow, not sure if he believes him or not...but then he gets excited and tells all about the time he jumped on a the dragon and made it fly where he wanted it to fly...
Sesha watches Restlin quiety for a moment, then takes the moonstone ring from the box. She holds it up, admiring it. Then she looks down, and admires him.
Their whole relationship he had been perfect. When she needed space, he respected it. When she needed attention, he gave it. When no one else understood her impetuousness and anger, he not only understood it, but accepted it as a part of who she was.
She takes a knee, across from him, and slips the ring onto her finger. She places her hands in his, locking her slender fingers through his.
"I accept your token, Mage Priest, and will do you this honor. In return you have my heart, for as long as yours beats, and likely much much longer."
She smiles and stands, then retrieves a small cloth wrapped packet from under the pillows in her bedroll. She returns and offers it to him, unwrapped.
"It's a much more macabre trinket than yours, my husband, but I do wish you would treasure it. It quite literally nearly cost me my life."
The ring is quite clearly carved from bone, jointed in some areas, carved with dancing runes scrawled in undercommon. There is a small ruby set in what appears to be the divot of a knuckle.
"Red is the most ostentatious color I can think of, so it fits you Restlin. The ring itself.. well.", she hesitates for a bit, not entirely sure of her gift. "There was an old spell bloodwitches used to know, forgotten to us now. We could remove our own little finger, preserve it magically, and it served as a phylactery of sorts. Now that the old magic is gone and things are different, it serves no real purpose, but I still consider it important. It symbolizes my life, in a tiny, delicate way. So there's no one else whom should hold it, but you now."
She blushes a little, and looks up at the door. Closed, and secure.
"We've got some time, husband to the Matron of House Avon. And heirs don't produce themselves..."
Zane (JCC) AC 43(37), CMB 25, CMD 32, HP 144/311, Blindsense 60' Character Tuesday December 17th, 2019 1:46:19 PM
Zane, the next morning, "I'll meet you all at the Ghost, I'm taking Starblazer and making a few stops, I might be late." He packs a duffel and walks out on the "sternwalk" at his rooms level, where the ship and Dock also moors himself most of the time. As he goes out, "Hey Dock, I'm headed out for a while, got a few stops to make, if you need me, just let the Tribe Leader know, she knows how to get a hold of me. Just becareful, oh, and I like that change at the prow, I think it makes you look more you." Zane says as he walks by to Starblazer. "All ship shape Kip?, we got places to go." Zane yells as he approaches around the tower. He tosses his duffel aboard and 3 of the Kobolds quickly grab it and start trying to drag it to his cabin. "We're headed to The Brothers of the lotus and the Way of the Dragon, it's east along the shore about 40 miles or so." Zane says as Kip gives him one of those, WHERE? looks.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 235+(13-13=0) /258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Tuesday December 17th, 2019 7:08:23 PM Actually, I started life as a rogue so that wasn't an issue. But one day I looked around and realized that the old ways were no longer a part of this Wold. There just wasn't a way to keep doing what I had been doing. When it was brought to my attention that my old job role just wasn't possible anymore I figured as long as I was going to retraining myself for a new role I'd go all the way and try my hand at being a druid.
Beri's ears perk up at the mention of certain artifacts. Teucri artifacts... the chit machine... I am sure that any stories involving such things would have resulted in a stern warning from that they are never to be spoken of and would need a signed statement from Auslander to discuss... but I'm guessing anyone asking such pointed questions has already permission. Is that correct?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 15/29 Quest Items Tuesday December 17th, 2019 10:47:44 PM
"Dock? More Zane's thing. Not trying to minimize Dock, mind you. It's a remarkable device and was instrumental in our last mission. Zane really took a shining to it, though.
"As far as weird spaces, the weirdest had to be that fight with Korrine. Physics didn't behave itself during that battle. We basically only existed in four physical spaces at any given moment, but that space was large enough for an ancient umbral dragon. It's hard to explain. Two ants could stand at opposite corners of what should have been a 50' long platform and been able to smack each other. There are probably arcanists who could spend their careers experimenting with that space, but we made sure it wasn't accessible anymore. It was for the best."
***
Restlin briefly considers the fact that Sesha, very literally, has him wrapped around her little finger. He chuckles to himself and admits that it's more or less accurate in a metaphorical way too. He puts the thought aside as the lights dim and the music swells.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 170/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Tuesday December 17th, 2019 10:58:47 PM
Tink sits back quietly as the others reminisce. The group sure has been through a lot.
DM Hugh - The interview Wednesday December 18th, 2019 4:31:08 AM Garret keeps squinting at the elf journo not sure if he believes him before finally relenting and telling about the time he made the dragon go where he wanted it to go.
Beri explains to Oewellian that he started out as a rogue and later converted to Druidaism. The man’s ear perks up at mentions of the Chit machine and Teucri artifacts and the Druid brings up that discussion of that topic generally come with stern warnings and a written order from Auslander in order to even discuss.
Oewellian reaches into his satchel and takes out an envelope stamped with Auslander’s seal. He hands it over to Beri and says, “Go ahead. Open it. You will find I have been granted permission to discuss your run-ins with the Teucri artifacts. Things have been relatively quiet here for a while, life has settled down with the end of the chit machine and the Sargrass crisis kind of put things into perspective a little. The authorities are starting to think that maybe secrets aren’t all that they are cracked up to be and it might be time for transparency in some things.”
Restlin explains that Dock is more of Zane’s thing and that while not trying to downplay the remarkable nature of the construct that Zane really took a shine to it.
Restlin then explains that the battle with Korrine was probably the oddest space they had ever been in, going so far to describe it as best he could.
Tink sits back quietly while the group reminesces.
Oewellian says, “Well if you can answer my question about the Teucri artifacts and Chit Machine I will not take up more of your time. You folks have been more than helpful and I think I can write a piece that will be worthy of your legacy.”
(OOC: assuming someone will answer the question tomorrow and we will conclude the interview; besides Zane taking off for visiting the monastery and Sesha and Restlin making it official with an exchange of rings anyone else have any unfinished business to attend in game?)
======================================================================== Sesha accepts Restlin’s token and offers one of her own. Her’s is made of bone, jointed in areas with undercommon scrawled in places. It has a single large ruby set into it. She explains that it is the remnant of a spell that no longer functions when things changed for bloodwitches and that for her it symbolizes her life
The next morning Zane tells the others he will meet them at the ghost. He explains to Dock that if Zane is needed the ship should let the Tribe Leader know. He then stows his duffel and tells Kip to set course for The Brothers of the lotus and the Way of the Dragon
Sesha's been waiting for a chance at some of her pink fizzy stuff. She still didn't even really know what to call it.
"I'm going. I'll see you all there!"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 164/260 Ki:18/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Wednesday December 18th, 2019 11:26:33 AM
While Garret wraps up his story, he wanders into the kitchen, still talking about flying on a dragon, and returns with meat on a stick. He offers a half-eaten one to Oewellian.
Later, as the others are considering and doing... things... Garret wanders back outside to look for his favorite meat on a stick vendor. He looks up at the stars and wonders if his path should take him back to a place oh so far away and if that statue still stands of him and the crazy group of adventurers...
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 15/29 Quest Items Wednesday December 18th, 2019 3:59:08 PM
Restlin agrees that it's time to retire for the night. The Ghost awaits. He bids the reporter farewell and heads out with his friends.
As he closes the tower door behind him, he wonders just how many forests have been felled keeping Garret supplied with sticks.
Zane (JCC) AC 43(37), CMB 25, CMD 32, HP 144/311, Blindsense 60' Character Wednesday December 18th, 2019 10:28:27 PM
As the Starblazer begins to settle to the ground just outside of The Temple of the Lotus and the Way of the Dragon temple, Zane leaps from the rail and spreads his wings, landing lightly, for such a weighty 'Taur. At least he doesn't break any of the paving stones. As he approaches the Temple's head monk, Zane calls upon his training in his youth, and greets him in as a respectful manner as he knows how. As he givers his Bow the ancient Monk, raps him between the horns with his cane. As Zane reaches up and runs his head, the old man says, "I expected you months ago, where you been you ungrateful whelp?" This said by a hunched over bald old man. Zane replies, "I've been a bit busy the couple years, first In Jericko Space, then with my new Tribe, I guess. I already informed the guards they're with me. Then we had that darned Red Grass stuff and an Escaping God to deal with. But yes, I meant to be back sooner...." One of the monk trainees brings in tea and performs a ceremony, one Zane knew, but could rarely pull off without making a mistake. At one point Zane catches one of the cups as it was falling and puts it back where it should have been, and nods for the youngster to continue. The Old man almost smiles... Afterwards the youth leaves the room, slightly embarrassed. "There are things which must be taken care of, they are your responsibility as will others once I continue my journey. I have a list." Leaving things unsaid, he produces a scroll, on with is written a lot of tasks. Zane bows and heads out, a few hours later the tasks are done and The Starblazer is one crew member shorter. "Kip, set sail for the Float, The Iron Dragons, at least those that go in person, may need a quick get away." Zane stays behind at the Temple because he knows there's more at hand, not the least of which is getting the Kobold Youth settled in and the Brothers used to the Idea that a Kobold is not target practice....
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 235+(13-13=0) /258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Wednesday December 18th, 2019 10:29:50 PM Well, the chit machine is a sad story. You see, there was an attempt to steal it and she was "damaged beyond sanity" . In the end we were able to talk her down and she realized she needed to do something she referred to as "rebooting" and to await repairs. We haven't heard the latest news, clearly we still don't have chits in circulation, but hopefully enough repairs were made that the poor thing's sanity has returned. Being the strictly confidential nature of the chit machine, news hasn't even reached those of us that were helping that night. If Auslander filled you in on that for your article, an udpate on her sanity's recovery would be appreciated.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 170/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Thursday December 19th, 2019 4:21:15 AM "To the Ghost it is then"
OOC: Tink has no unfinished business left. As long as Agatha doesn't get a position of power, she can retire in relative peace
DM Hugh - The interview Thursday December 19th, 2019 10:03:47 AM Sesha heads out for the Giggling ghost.
Garret wonders into the kitchen and returns with meat on a stick. He offers a half eaten one to Oewellian.
Oewellian looks at the halfling’s offering and says,”No thank you, I ate before I came.”
Later on Garret wanders over to his favorite meat vendor thinking about the statue that captured his group of adventurers
Restlin agrees it is time to retire for the night and head for the Ghost.
Beri explains the story of the chit machine and that she was the victim of a robbery attempt and this damaged her sanity beyond repair. She said she had to do something called rebooting while awaiting repairs. The druid asks for an update on the Chit machine’s recovery if the elvish reporter was privy to more information.
Oewellian says, “I’ll do what I can”
He then says, “I bid you all good evening. Hopefully I will have something to share with you all soon.”
Zane meets with the head monk of the temple he studied at. The old master asks the Taur why it took him so long to return. Zane fills the monk in on his most recent adventures.
He then sees to the list of tasks the old master has set for him before ordering Kip to take Starblazer to the Float.
Kip says, “Aye, sir”
Zane stays behind to see to the settling in of the Kobold youth.
Meanwhile back at the Tower Torm and Auslander show up to visit.
Auslander says, “I hope the interview with Oewellian went well.” Torm says, “HOW...Is...THE…...RETIRING...LIFE….SUITING...YOU...ALL?”
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 164/260 Ki:18/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Thursday December 19th, 2019 11:40:25 AM
"Oh... Torm... "
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 15/29 Quest Items Thursday December 19th, 2019 12:29:23 PM
Restlin catches Auslander on the way out. He's never been close to Torm, though he respects the turtle, but Auslander's been a steady ally for years.
"Auslander, my favorite bureaucrat. Interview went fine, but my throat's all dried out from answering so many questions. Come to the Ghost with us. Drinks are on me."
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 235+(13-13=0) /258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Thursday December 19th, 2019 7:38:48 PM
Beri turns to Master Torm I don't think retirement has really set in yet, but I've been planning to start work on my own Druid grove once things settle down. I'm also hoping I can do something about that barren muddy waste outside of Hook City, plant some grasses with a good root network that can be a foundation for other plants and wildlife to return to it.
He then addresses Auslander. Good afternoon, the interview went pretty well. He did bring up an interesting question though, has any progress been made with the chit machine? Is here sanity starting to return? Or is she still shut down?
Zane (JCC) AC 43(37), CMB 25, CMD 32, HP 144/311, Blindsense 60' Character Thursday December 19th, 2019 11:30:30 PM
Zane goes about re-acquainting himself with the Temple and it's workings.... He introduces the Kobold to the other initiates and when asked what name he wanted to go by, the Kobold said "Maak". Zane handed him over to those in charge of that part of the place, and is glad it's not him. The enthusiastic kobold might make it, but each must discover their own path. As he is headed back to the Old Man's rooms, he's dumb struck.... A mural, or rather A MURAL in lettering 3 times the size. In the middle is a picture of Zane, starting near the bottom left and going up, over and down the other side is Zane's story, at the bottom right is a spot left unpainted as if his future has yet to be decided.... Next to the mural is a door over which is written Beyond is The Way of the Dragon and he can see there are full contact combat areas, something the Temple never had before, it had been all defensive training when he was a young boy here. He rejoins the Old Man and they chat well into the night. Afterwards Zane retires to a guest room that's been set up for him and as he falls asleep, he enters the Giggling Ghost.....
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 221/221 Spells Friday December 20th, 2019 1:15:22 AM
Bosk laughs. It is not retirement so much as a changing of roles and giving the next generation their turn in the lime light.
DM Hugh - The interview Friday December 20th, 2019 10:07:01 AM Garret says, “oh...Torm” Restlin catches Auslander on the way out and invites the stalwart ally to the Ghost.
Auslander says to Restlin, “If you insist.”
Torm says, “CAN…………..I……………….COME………..TOO?”
Beri informs Torm that they haven’t really had much time for retirement to set in though the man is hoping to start his own Druid Grove and hopefully do something about the nearby wastes. He then asks Auslander about the Chit machine.
Auslander says to Beri, “She’s still rebooting. Honestly I’m not sure how long it will take for that process to end or when we can expect a technician to appear. We found some leads in the ancient texts about some things called ‘autorecovery’ and ‘boot disk.’ Autorecovery sounds like what we want but why anyone would want disk shaped boots and what they have to do with the Chit Machine is beyond me. Those Teucri were a strange people”
Bosk laughs at Torm’s question telling the turtle it isn’t retirement so much as giving the next generation their turn in the limelight.
================================================== Meanwhile...at the monastery Zane sees that Maak the Kobold gets where he needs to be. He notices a new tapestry that is partially unfinished and partially of him before eventually settling down for sleep and entering the ghost.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 164/260 Ki:18/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Friday December 20th, 2019 11:41:22 AM
OOC:
So, hey, is that it? Will this board be archived, or will the next thing start in here? And when was that? I should do something towards that...
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 15/29 Quest Items Friday December 20th, 2019 11:46:21 AM
"Torm, you're welcome wherever we go. Come, it's going to be a heck of a party..."
Zane (JCC) AC 43(37), CMB 25, CMD 32, HP 144/311, Blindsense 60' Character Friday December 20th, 2019 11:38:07 PM
Zane rolls over and continues to Snore.....
Sesha - 305/320. AC 37 Saturday December 21st, 2019 12:08:30 PM
Sesha does stop and give a wistful look towards the tower. She hadn't known it yet, but there won't be much more time spent here. At least not for her.
There was a family to raise, house to run, and a goddess to revive. Elves were long lived, but there was a lot to do.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 221/221 Spells Saturday December 21st, 2019 10:53:42 PM
Bosk gives everyone a final wave. We should be headed to the Giggling Ghost for our retirement party, but the can always reach us at our tower. Thanks to the portal Hook City provided us, I will be here for the Dragon Consortium or working at my vineyard in the Taur Isle. It has been a blessing serving this city, and we look forward to guiding the next generation of Adventures.
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