(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday January 8th, 2020 6:18:44 PM
Aex lifts an eyebrow at the Abbot... either this guy has smoked something or his cook put some herbs in his afternoon cake... but the little greenmage holds her tongue and waits to see how this unfolds...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Wednesday January 8th, 2020 6:29:07 PM
Bralin casts about, glancing at the faces of his comrades to ascertain if they are as confused as he.
He is somewhat relieved that they are.
Rill's request to destroy the constructs will surely generate some reaction. Bralin waits to see what it will be.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday January 8th, 2020 9:27:35 PM
Fang tries to start paying attention again since everyone is acting alarmed now, but it takes her a little time to catch up.
Those trying to sense the motives of the abbot find themselves certain that there's no deception here. He truly had no idea that constructs disguised as acolytes had appeared. They are also quite certain that he truly, honestly, does not seem to care.
The gnome takes a moment studying your faces, then answers more questions. He starts with Terser.
"Perhaps, good Dragon, you are correct. There is never harm in knowing, unless its something you aren't meant to know. I don't think that is the case in this case, so feel free to learn as much as you would like!"
To Rill and Tahni, he is a bit more stern.
"Absolutely not. They've done no harm, and for all we know there could be an order of Domi's monks out there somewhere, all of whom are golems or constructs. Even though that does seem rather unlikely...Domi asked for available hands to be present for the tournament. Many of his monks have traveled from very far away. It's a shame we weren't allowed to compete!"
He loses himself for several more long moments of thought, then shakes his head.
"The answer is no. Unless you are attacked, or observe others being attacked by these constructs, you are not to test yourselves against them. Domi has given our order very, very clear instructions. This tournament is to proceed, unhindered, until its completion." Jumping to his feet, he wags his finger at Fang, who is pretty certain she did nothing wrong at all. "He was very clear with me on that..and I'll not allow any actions that might upset the flow of things."
Rill and Tahni and any others trying to get a sense of the gnome sense that he is telling the truth, and not trying to obfuscate any facts or information. As he calms himself down, he sits again on his knees.
"You are all free to investigate, but may do no harm. It might be better if you just forget the whole affair of constructs for now and just consider them monks of Domi, and naught else."
He thinks for a moment then calmly asks. "Is there anything else?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:51:42 AM "I don't think we're going to get much more from him" Tahni messages the others via the rings "What time is the first contest? Do we have enough time to find out more about these constructs or should we turn in?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) Thursday January 9th, 2020 11:34:42 AM Do we have some way of easily identifying them now? I'm pretty sure I would have gone the whole tournament not knowing if Rill hadn't pointed it out.
We would do well to take a count of how many there are right now, and then go about checking with the living monks if they know, how they feel about partnering with constructs, and so on.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Thursday January 9th, 2020 5:45:29 PM "Thank you, my good Abbot. You have given us much to think on. I cannot imagine any reason that the Sea Dragons would find themselves in opposition to Domi. As I said before, we are most grateful that your order is here to vouch for our safety and security. However, as you are no doubt aware, a construct is a creation under the direct control of their creator. That may give you pause when you consider that your order is providing security using creatures that are likely under the control of someone or something else.
"If we may be of service to you while we are here, please do not hesitate to ask."
With sidelong looks at Terser and Bralin he concludes, "Now, let's get these dwarves back into their shoes."
He says via the rings, "Yeah, we have a problem here. Constructs are typically not autonomous beings. They are creations under the authority and control of others. So the wholescale and covert replacement of humanoids with constructs is actually a much bigger concern than just a soulseekers' prejudice against such creations. Who is creating such things? How far does this go? Are there rulers in the Wold that have been replaced with such constructs?"
Rill will leave with the others if this gnome has nothing more to say about this.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday January 9th, 2020 6:25:52 PM
Aex nods at Rill's conclusion of this matter - especially the bit about dwarves and their boots - and it eager to get back to the inn. Perhaps there's some desert still...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday January 9th, 2020 7:26:19 PM
Fang is skeptical of Rill's fears but not enough to argue. It's weird to be certain, but they just visited fairy land and fought with giants against living stone trees. Weird things are just to be expected and when/if they prove dangerous they can already identify the constructs and eliminate them.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Thursday January 9th, 2020 7:54:05 PM
"Aye, for they are such fine shoes," Bralin agrees, choosing to miss the point entirely.
Tis a long leap from constructs on this island to a Woldian conspiracy, Bralin replies. Yet, it would be advantageous to know how many monks on this island are constructs, and if they all came from the same creator.
The dwarf dutifully puts on his footgear, and accompanies his comrades back to their house.
DM Ken: Somethings afoot. Thursday January 9th, 2020 10:41:09 PM
The monk seems to think about what Rill has to say.
"I wonder then, what the will of the creator is? Are they all made by the same person? I wonder what the Chancers are serving for dinner tonight."
For awhile, the gnome watches you all gather your things. Before you leave, he tosses out a final bit of conversation.
"I wouldn't let yourselves become too distracted here, honorable Dragons. You are here because you need to be, and I think that you are here is far more important than what you do, while you are here. Make sure you attend the Ceremony of Odds tonight, as well as the dinner the Chancers are putting on. You fine folks should mingle a little before things start in earnest tomorrow."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) Thursday January 9th, 2020 10:49:57 PM
Dessert sounds like a great idea. And they'll be so active in the coming days that they can probably afford to carbo load.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Friday January 10th, 2020 4:48:08 AM "Ceremony of Odds it is then"
Tahni leaves with the others and gives some consideration to the name of the Ceremony. Probably going to have the odds declared, people placing bets, money changing hands and what not. It will likely be a good way to size up the competition.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Friday January 10th, 2020 11:47:29 AM
Once back at the tent, Rill will sense to see if one of our guards still registers as a construct.
Then he will cast Commune to find out what he can about what lies ahead.
(I'll send out an email asking for questions to ask.)
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp Friday January 10th, 2020 12:37:15 PM
Jozhur lets the others know he is a bit unsettled by the presence of the constructs, especially given the knowledge the Abbot didn't even have knowledge of their presence. But, there is nothing that can be done about them now without causing quite the scene.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Friday January 10th, 2020 7:06:59 PM
Bralin considers the abbot's words as he walks back to the house.
"Mayhap the abbot is correct. Mayhap our mere presence at these games is of import. Not having great magical powers to gauge these constructs, I believe I shall go out and 'mingle a little'."
The dwarf considers.
"Tis likely best to begin mingling at a tavern, I suspect."
The dwarf heads out into the gathering to see what he can get himself into.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Friday January 10th, 2020 7:12:08 PM
Fang goes with Bralin - a little mingling sounds nice about now and she's kind of useless solving the great construct mystery.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) Saturday January 11th, 2020 12:45:32 PM
While out at dinner, Terser will ask around about whether some of the other guests have been to these tournaments before and what their impressions of them were.
He will make sure not to drink so much that he forgets to head to the Ceremony though.
DM Ken: Somethings afoot. Saturday January 11th, 2020 1:55:03 PM
The Sea Dragons finds themselves exploring various parts and areas of the island. As they take their searches and time for spells, after a bit they all find themselves back in their room, readying themselves to make their way to the ceremony of odds.
Here, Rill casts his commune spell.
(Please let me know what you want to know. I havent advanced yet because I was waiting on the details of the spell.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Sunday January 12th, 2020 2:30:52 AM
Tahni sticks by Rill as he casts the Commune spell. She's hopeful the results will better prepare them for what's to come.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday January 12th, 2020 7:01:18 PM
For now there isn't much Aex can do to help. She'll have to wait to see how things will unfold and what her companions will learn.
So she makes it an early night. Leafy never sleeps so she's confident no constructs will come to tickle her pink painted toes.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Sunday January 12th, 2020 11:54:24 PM
Rill will find a quiet place to cast Commune. Rill will share the answers to the spell with his friends. He asks,
1 - Do the construct monks on this island pose a threat to us if we do not attack them? 2 - Do the construct monks on this island pose a threat to the Wold? 3 - Are the constructs monks on this island under the control of a single entity? 4 - Can we trust Heather? 5 - Can we trust the Abbot? 6 - Will all of our organized challenges take place in the arena here? 7 - Will we face constructs as part of these challenges? 8 - Will we face outsiders part of these challenges? 9 - Does attending the Ceremony of Odds pose a significant threat to us? 10 - Does participating in the challenges pose a significant threat to us? 11 - Is someone on the island already planning to kill one or more of the Sea Dragons? 12 - If yes, is that person one of the Sapphire Seven? 13 - Do the Sapphire Seven pose a significant threat to our safety? 14 - Are the Sapphire Seven planning to cheat in the challenges? 15 - If there is a larger threat than the challenges, can the Sea Dragons rely on the Sapphire Seven for help? 16 - Is it Gargul’s will that the construct monks be destoryed? 17 - Will the Lionfish remain safe while we compete? 18 - Can Bralin's feet be adequately cleaned?
(Note, we only get 17 questions. Question 18 will only be asked if Question 12 is not necessary.)
Afterward, Rill will use the Status function of the rings to monitor the health as well being of the Sea Dragons.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Monday January 13th, 2020 5:16:00 PM
For the DM, I subtracted the 500 gp in incense the Commune spell costs. The language of the spell says:
You contact your deity–or agents thereof–and ask questions that can be answered by a simple yes or no. (A cleric of no particular deity contacts a philosophically allied deity.) You are allowed one such question per caster level. The answers given are correct within the limits of the entity’s knowledge. “Unclear” is a legitimate answer, because powerful beings of the Outer Planes are not necessarily omniscient. In cases where a one-word answer would be misleading or contrary to the deity’s interests, a short phrase (five words or less) may be given as an answer instead.
The spell, at best, provides information to aid character decisions. The entities contacted structure their answers to further their own purposes. If you lag, discuss the answers, or go off to do anything else, the spell ends.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) d20+21=30 ; Monday January 13th, 2020 6:28:00 PM
Bralin walks with Fang into the heart of the festivities, looking for a place where dwarves are doing some drinking.
Finding one, he'll buy the place a round, regale the group with tales of the Dragon's exploits, and call for other tales to be told, especially of this contest - who's in it, who's won it, etc, etc.
Diplomacy 30 interacting with other dwarves.
DM Ken: Communion Monday January 13th, 2020 7:10:56 PM
Rill asks Gargul his question, and soon after, begins to receive his answers.
1 - Do the construct monks on this island pose a threat to us if we do not attack them?
No.
2 - Do the construct monks on this island pose a threat to the Wold?
No.
3 - Are the constructs monks on this island under the control of a single entity?
Yes.
4 - Can we trust Heather?
Yes.
5 - Can we trust the Abbot?
Yes.
6 - Will all of our organized challenges take place in the arena here?
Unclear.
7 - Will we face constructs as part of these challenges?
Yes.
8 - Will we face outsiders part of these challenges?
Yes.
9 - Does attending the Ceremony of Odds pose a significant threat to us?
No.
10 - Does participating in the challenges pose a significant threat to us?
No.
11 - Is someone on the island already planning to kill one or more of the Sea Dragons?
Unclear.
13 - Do the Sapphire Seven pose a significant threat to our safety?
No.
14 - Are the Sapphire Seven planning to cheat in the challenges?
No.
15 - If there is a larger threat than the challenges, can the Sea Dragons rely on the Sapphire Seven for help?
Unclear.
16 - Is it Gargul’s will that the construct monks be destoryed?
Yes.
17 - Will the Lionfish remain safe while we compete?
Yes.
18 - Can Bralin's feet be adequately cleaned?
The skies darken and there is a crack of thunder and lightning. Two large blocks of soap appear, coarse like sandpaper and dense like stone. Next to them is a pair of adamantine nail clippers. Beside these are a note.
"Thanks for fielding this one Sea Dragons. Its going to be pretty dicey for you guys, but not for the reasons you might think. Boss definitely is going to want those constructs gone, but not nearly as much as the entire pantheon is going to want you guys to see this tournament all the way through."
-G."
--
Outside, Fang Bralin and Terser find themselves politely interrupted by a shaven monk. He doesn't LOOK like a construct, but then, none of them did in the first place. He politely lets Bralin finish his story, which goes over smashingly well, before interrupting.
"Excuse me, Dragons. Its nearly time for the Ceremony of Odds. Please return to your rooms and gather your companions. The whole teams presence is requested."
He bows, and seems to be waiting for some sort of confirmation.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday January 13th, 2020 7:29:50 PM
Assumingly someone will wake up Aex from her beauty sleep so she'll join the rest for the gathering...
Finally... the little Gnome is curious about what is to come..
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Monday January 13th, 2020 7:41:03 PM
Fang shrugs and heads out to gather the others. She wakes up Aexana by yelling at her, then if that doesn't work a rough shake. She's not good at subtle or gentle.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) Monday January 13th, 2020 9:55:24 PM
Terser will run back to the group, hoping to implore upon Tahni for a quick cleaning spell. On the way, he cleans the alcohol from his system with a quick restorative spell. It wouldn't do to be too inebriated before going to the official function. Plus, that will mean he can enjoy a few more drinks during and after.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 Tuesday January 14th, 2020 11:37:53 AM
Rill picks up the Holy Nail Clippers and the soap. When Bralin returns he will give them to the dwarf, letting him know that Gargul sent them for his feet.
With Fang's return, Rill will use the rings to make sure anyone not there is aware, "It is time. We are summoned to the Ceremony of Odds, whatever that is."
Once everyone is back he will share what he learned from his Commune spell. He uses the Prestidigitation spell in his circlet to make himself presentable, and uses the Rod of Splendor to change his clothing to an all white version of "magically created clothing of the finest fabrics,... furs and jewels."
As we gather our things, Rill will use the button Heather left to summon her so she can guide us to where we need to go.
Tahni (Mark Bradley substitute posting for Rob) Tuesday January 14th, 2020 11:39:59 AM
Tahni responds to Terser's request, making sure he'd tidied up and presentable, offering the same. Or at least she does her best with what she has to work with. She gathers her things and prepares to go.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday January 14th, 2020 6:49:20 PM
Aex nearly falls out of her bed when Fang wakes her...
"WUT... WHO... WHERE... YOU! YOU!!... "
Aex races down after Fang in a desperate attempt to catch her... all in vain though for Aex won't run as fast...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Tuesday January 14th, 2020 6:59:14 PM
Bralin nods to the monk, and replies "Of course." He then sends out a mental update to his comrades.
Fang is already moving, and Bralin follows.
--
Gargul's gift of nail clippers and soap leave the dwarf completely flummoxed. "GARGUL sent these? Truly?" Not one to offend gods, the dwarf takes the items, retreats to a back room, and performs some apparently necessary maintenance on his toes.
He then puts on the same Black Lion outfit from their entrance to the harbor, and joins his comrades.
DM Ken: Communion Tuesday January 14th, 2020 7:44:04 PM
Heathers vision appears, as before. With a smirk, she puts her hands on her hips. She practically purrs as she teases her summoners.
"Miss me already, Dragons?"
She waits until you are all ready, then leads you out the door. The path she takes leads you down a stoneway that winds through the many suites of the assembled teams.
“We have begun calling this area “The Village.” Since you all arrived, it’s been quite lively. Right now though, everyone is by the water, drinking and feasting before the odds are revealed.”,
After about ten minutes or so of walking, the path leads to sandy stone steps, which in turn leads back to the white-sand beach. Bonfires and tents are everywhere, as well as tables and stalls full of food and drink of every kind.
There is one very large table, set upon a raised platform, that you are informed is reserved only for the top competitors. There’s a block of seats left open, with cards labeling them as “Reserved for Sea Dragons.” Other placards are arranged around the table, giving away team names, but little else.
A quick murmur passes through the crowd, and eventually to the raised table itself and those seated there. Most people stop their conversations, and look your direction. Heathers image smiles, then waves goodbye and vanishes.
What do you do?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 154+9Temp/154 -- See Invis,ArcaneSight,DarkVision Tuesday January 14th, 2020 9:27:32 PM
Tahni has no intention of giving any grand speeches. She quietly take a seat at the table and looks about for signs of any other competitors.
"Psst! Rill. Any idea if any of these folk are constructs? Is it just those monks or are there some posing as citizens as well?" she relays over the rings.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 43/43, channel 7/7) Tuesday January 14th, 2020 9:30:42 PM
Terser doesn't want to be the focus of everyone so much. He grabs a horn of mead and lifts it.
"A toast! To our hosts, and the competition!"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(236 rage) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, +1 while hasted) DR 1 CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday January 15th, 2020 1:21:57 AM
Fang tries to read as many as the cards as she can while they pass, curious as to their competitors and their names.
Jozhur (Brock) AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 33--HP 185/185 --Shadow Companion 92/92hp Wednesday January 15th, 2020 10:13:13 AM
Jozhur takes everything in, scanning the tables for familiar faces. When Terser toasts the hosts, he scrambles to find a drink to partake.
Rill (MarkB) HP 161/161 - AC 29/16/27 - SR 20 - CMD 26 d20+38=47 ; d20+33=44 ; Wednesday January 15th, 2020 2:59:26 PM
Rill will respond to the image of Heather when she appears, smiling as he chides her, "You know, if you really cared, you would be here in person." He follows with the others and nods to her image as she waves goodbye.
Rill looks at the others seated on the raised platform. He makes a point of stopping to make a respectful nod and acknowledgement to the Saphire Seven, and will quietly say to the Half-Orc Crall, "I would like a chance to speak with you before the challenges if I may." Depending on the seating arrangements, he will sit by the man if he can.
As he raises his cup to Terser's toast, Tahni's silent reminder causes Rill to use his magical abilities to get an idea about the crowd around them. He uses his Deathwatch ability from his circlet, and his class abilities to Sense Outsiders and Constructs.
He also looks for anything unusual or concerning. Perception 47 Sense Motive 44
---------------------------- 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.
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.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC40 T16 F35, HP 251/251) Wednesday January 15th, 2020 6:17:38 PM
Bralin ascends the platform with his comrades, making eye contact with the other people and supplying a quick nod of greeting.
As Terser makes his toast, the dwarf grabs his own flagon and raises it high. "Hear, Hear," he replies.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP177/177 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday January 15th, 2020 7:04:25 PM
Aex walks towards the designated seats and ... decides she'd better shut up... she has a tendency to offend people with her sarcasm so perhaps today is not the day...
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