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Tracking


DM Kathy 
Thursday December 5th, 2019 1:25:02 PM
[OOC: Jerry has asked all DMs to look at their games and bring them up to the expected level, based on when the game started. Humble's was just a touch behind, so everybody please level your character to 15th.]

You are feeling a sense of urgency, but you also realize you won't be much good to the halflings if you're exhausted and depleted. So you travel for a couple of hours before you stop and make camp.

Because the night is cold, you light a good-sized fire, and you soon find it isn't practical to try to sleep too far away from it--unless you have some magical means of keeping warm. You keep watch, but nothing disturbs your rest. Well, it snows a bit, but that's only to be expected this time of year.

[You made camp a little over three hours after you left the inn. It's now been about 12 hours since you left the inn.]

Pressi, who was growing used to not having her link to Murphy anymore, feels a little---something--where that link used to be. Static? Something like that. Not communication, exactly, but...something.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 
Thursday December 5th, 2019 5:04:09 PM
When the group wakes and gets ready to go for the next day, Hobie points out that he does have a wand of Endure Elements, so if the weather starts to get any worse than just uncomfortable, there are still 40 charges left on the wand, enough to get the whole group through for a week or so.

(I will level Hobie up this weekend. Should we also move ourselves up to level 15 WBL gold? or should we wait for a generous loot discovery in our future?)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Friday December 6th, 2019 5:55:14 AM
Succotash is wearing his cold weather outfit under his mithril breastplate, which he wears under his priestly robes, that accompanied by the combined heat trapping powers of his bedroll, and his winter blanket, keeps the cleric fairly warm, however he does like stay near the fire for the shear comfort of it. He insists, in spite of Hobie's concerns, on taking a watch, but requests the last watch. While on his watch, he prays to the various gods of the Wold in their turn, and prepares his spells for the day. He also gets breakfast started so that when the rest of the Swords awake, they are awoken to the smell of fresh brewed coffee, and the sound of bacon sizzling. After breakfast, he is ready to hit the road.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 
Friday December 6th, 2019 9:47:07 AM
(I probably will also take... maybe past the weekend. There's always a crunch around every other monday for my work, but I will try the best I can.)

Pressi and Bliss can both cast Rose Control (Endure Elements) on themselves and their pets.

Waking up to the static, her heart races at the possibilities. "Hello? Murphy? Guy we are tracking? Elsa? Samantha?"

She laughs to herself. "I don't even know an Elsa."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 
Friday December 6th, 2019 10:01:43 AM
(Hey, is it possible that Pressi can "Legend Lore" herself? Because I feel like that's the first thing she'd do upon learning such a spell.)

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+10=30 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+20=27 ;
Friday December 6th, 2019 10:22:03 AM
Last nite: Bliss used Rose's Temp Control spells to keep himself and Mookie warm.

Morning: "Ah, a new day of adventure," Bliss declares, "and a new level!"

Mookie, waking up, is a little grumpy. ::Kid! KID! Not so loud. I can hear you perfectly well in my mind!::

Bliss jumps. ::Mookie! I can hear you in my thoughts!::

Mookie sighs. ::Now it will be even harder to get my beauty sleep.::

[OOC: Witch level 9 gives Bliss telepathy with his spirit companion! Range 100 ft.]

After this revelation, Bliss pursues his morning rituals.

First, he draws Woldsblood to replace what he used yesterday to power his spells ... and to send his fair share to the Silver Lady, per his pact with her. His reflex roll of 30 ensures that he handles the woldsblood adroitly! [Waste of a perfectly good nat 20!]

Spells back, Bliss renews his (and Mookie's) Threefold Aspect spells.

Then on to his rituals. Today, he has a hunch, his cat form will not the tool he needs. So he consults with Pressi and suggests a Warding basic ritual for +1 to AC and Saves. However, he'll do his own Sharing Intermediate Ritual for Extended Shield of Faith for himself and Mookie.
Survival check for basic warding: no check needed at +22 to hit a DC20 check.
Spellcraft check for intermediate sharing: rolling at +27 to hit DC30 ... no prob. Note: The extended shared shield of faith gives 12 minutes each to Mookie and Bliss, startable and stoppable with a swift action.

Morning routine complete, Bliss is ready for the day. "Come on, everybody! Let's go!" He casts around, looking for clues or signs that the wagons have passed this way as the party moves forward. Survival 27.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27  d10=6 ; d8=1 ;
Friday December 6th, 2019 12:31:40 PM
Pressi, who iz Elsa? You know what, nevermind. Just let it go."

"So I'm about to pray to Gargul and ask for some spells. I can get spells to help uo to four of us Endure these Elements, or I can gets spells to help with the Restoration from fatigue by a Lesser amount so we can puah our ponies harder. Again, I can do up to four. Or I an mix and match. Any suggestions?"

DM Kathy 
Friday December 6th, 2019 2:28:17 PM
You awaken, finding yourselves perhaps a little stronger. There are new spells to be prepared, which means discussing strategy. Right now the weather is typical for this time of year, meaning that it is cold, but healthy people dressed for the cold should be fine. There is, of course, always the possibility of a cold snap, but it doesn't seem likely today, or tomorrow.

You make your plans and preparations accordingly, and start on your way. As you travel, it snows off and on, but so far the snow is not accumulating.

Bliss checks to see if you are on the right road. It's hard to imagine that you aren't. There's only been this one road; you haven't come to a crossroads yet. The odds that the menagerie would try to take its heavy wagons off the road and cross-country are pretty remote. And last night, Succotash's spell said this was the right road. If it was the right road last night, it's probably the right road today.

You see lots of wagon tracks, because this is a road. You do see a few tracks from heavier wagons with bigger wheels and longer axles. Are they the specific heavy wagons you're tracking? It's hard to tell without having some idea of how often heavy wagons use this road.

Around noon you reach the town of Idlewood. It's a rough-looking place, which is not too surprising given its location on the Izen frontier. There seem to be more half-orcs among the citizens than you normally see--and was that a goblin?

Of course, if the menagerie came through here, some of the locals might have information about it.

Pressi continues to feel the static (or whatever it is).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 
Saturday December 7th, 2019 3:11:02 AM
Hobie gets excited when seeing the people of Idlewood are more half-orcs and goblins than normal.
"I'm gonna go get some information guys."
He casts Disguise Self, and immediately is transformed into a form that is quite familiar to his friends. This time Goblin Hobie is only a disguise, as opposed to his usual use of Alter Self, but he looks the same as his usual use of that spell.

Hobie looks out for which taverns (if there are multiple) seem to be most frequented by the half orcs and goblins, and heads on in there and orders a drink. When he gets his beer, he makes sure to tip the bartender a full gold piece before he asks his question.
"Barkeep, What do you know about a group traveling with big wagons and a bunch of animals? Maybe they were here a few days to a week ago?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Saturday December 7th, 2019 4:16:11 AM
Ok I think I fixed it....

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Saturday December 7th, 2019 5:13:36 PM
Header update.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Sunday December 8th, 2019 4:19:24 PM
Unlike the human town, this place bothers Bliss. He remembers old stories about goblins, and recalls his mom's aversion to them. He sticks with his friends and stays quiet.

He thinks to Mookie, ::Probably they EAT cats here.::

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Sunday December 8th, 2019 8:35:26 PM
Much like before, Pressi uses Hide in Plain Sight, Clairvoyance and other tricks to figure out more about the town and what people seem to be like/respond to before she chooses whether to play, i.e. the villain, the lawman or the helpless girl to rescue.

One thing is for sure, however. To disguise as a bad guy, no glammer comes close to her armor's natural black spikes and witch's cowl and vestments.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells  d20+18=38 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 5:40:22 AM
Succotash is far from comfortable in this place so he keeps close to his friends, and keeps a tight reign on Valerie. He's not raciest, in fact he has friends who happen to be half-orcs, though the only goblins he has ever met were ones who he had to fight in the past, it's just the unpredictability of the situation. As such, he keeps a close watch his surroundings (perception 38) but, remains civil and friendly towards any who they may approach, or who may approach them.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92  d20+25=26 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+10=15 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 10:43:38 AM
BIg Baddies Town

Upon waking and prior to leaving with the group, Tali would have casted her two(2) most used spells:
Overlight Flight & Mage Armor prior to leaving that morning.

When Tali arrives in the new Big Baddie Town, unlike her friends, her Charisma usually wins out, so fear and dread do not overtake her like it does her friends.

Looking around, Tali will also try to gather information that may be of use to the group about this traveling mengerier. Bluffing her way des appear to help, but Diplomacy appears to be functioning as do, her her skills.

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 26 {NAT 1}
Diplomacy: 46
Gather Info: 20
Perception: 15

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 835 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 835 / 840 minutes



DM Kathy 
Monday December 9th, 2019 1:15:25 PM
You look around at the town of Idlewood. It is a rough place, hewn out of frontier. The streets are muddy; the buildings are simple; the people tend to be dirty and uncouth. It is still midday, but you're pretty sure that, come nightfall, there will be drinking, and brawling, and rowdy behavior.

But for all that it is a rough place, Idlewood isn't a den of thieves. You see people hard at work, or (since it is midday) stopping for a well-earned meal. And yes, many of them are dirty, but they've been mining or farming or hauling all morning.

As with many towns you've visited, most of the people you see are humans. Among the non-humans, you do see more half-orcs. And now you've seen a couple of goblins and what you're pretty sure was a full-blooded orc. But it's still a mostly-human town.

Taking advantage of the diverse population, Hobie changes into a goblin and heads for the local inn, the Hidden Hatchet. You do get some sideways glances; goblins are unusual here. But nobody bothers you, and you are able to order a beer from the innkeeper, and unusually tall and muscular human woman. You ask her about the wagons with animals.

"Oh, right, that menagerie thing!" she replies. "They was here a few weeks ago. It was great! I went to see it twice. They've moved on, of course; they're a traveling show."

Bliss and Succotash are uneasy, and watch the people around them. You do see a kind of shoving match break out between two human men, but they stop when they see a half-orc approaching, wearing a tin badge and a forbidding expression. Both men assure him that "there's no trouble here, sheriff," and everybody goes about their business.

Pressi is figuring out how best to approach the townsfolk. Bad guy is out--this isn't a bad-guy town. Lawman would probably be going too far the other way; they're not saints, either. And if you're going to do a damsel in distress, it needs to be a specific kind of damsel--a usually independent, self-reliant damsel who is up against something too big for her to handle. These aren't people with a lot of patience for weakness--tears and simpering aren't going to get it done.

Tali follows goblin-Hobie into the Hidden Hatchet. You notice some broken furniture, neatly cleared into the corners, but not yet removed. This place probably sees its fair share of brawls. You can find any number of people who remember the menagerie and can talk about it. There was a lioness, and a bear, and monkeys, and two mysterious dark elves, and a tribe of savage, cannibal halflings.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Monday December 9th, 2019 1:32:15 PM
"Oh great, it's my family," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Monday December 9th, 2019 2:01:54 PM
Hobie keeps up the conversation with the bartender "Was it popular in town? I have some questions, is there anyone particular in town who spent a lot of time with them, that I could go ask?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Monday December 9th, 2019 2:26:48 PM
"Oh great, it's my family," says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid  d20+38=50 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 7:29:34 PM

Murphy appears of a sudden in an otherwise unoccupied back alley. He breathes deeply, taking in the local scents of this place. Not a super-astute move when standing adjacent an overflowing trash cart. He walks out of the alley, sees and hears a blacksmith pounding some sort of ornamentation across the street. Not far off, he finds a bakery, and a much better smell wafts his direction than what was in the alleyway.

He enters, buys an armful of fresh bread (a silver piece or so?), which he places in his haversack, except for half a loaf he keeps to chew on as he explores the town further.

He walks through a few blocks, getting acquainted with this neighborhood, and the next.

Knowing she is near, based upon the report from planar scholar Eurodimes, he reaches out mentally. 'Pressi. Pressi, where are you? I just got back.' He pauses and looks around, describing the area he is in. 'I don't know the town yet. Shall I sent up a lightning bolt, and see if you can see it from where you are? I'm kidding on that. Or we can keep chatting until we find each other.' He pauses, then adds, 'If you want to be found, of course...'

'I missed you, Press. I was so far away, and no time to explain before I was wisked away.'

He keeps an eye out for his love, as well as for any of his friends whom he may run into. Kezzem, Talia, Mookie, Bliss, Hobie, Succotash, Miss Piggy, one of the ponies or cats or Rayya.

And takes in the people of the town.
=========
Looking about Perception: 50

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Monday December 9th, 2019 11:37:52 PM

Bliss waits for Hobie and Tali to report back, keeping alert for trouble.

When Bliss sees Murphy, he gives him a big hug.

"I missed you."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 5:44:14 AM
After a better assessment of the town, Succotash feels a bit more at ease. After all hard working people, with a solid wok ethic, are to be praised not feared. He is about to approach the sheriff for questioning, but spots Murphy coming towards them.

As Murphy approaches he notices two major differences about Succotash. First, his signature full plate armor embossed with Pantheon's holy symbol is gone, replaced by green silk priestly robes, embroidered with the various holy symbols of the whole pantheon of Woldian gods, and second, Miss Piggy is no where to be seen, but in her stead is a female velociraptor with a pink bow on her head, and wearing mithril breastplate barding.

Succotash rushes over to Murphy, and is about to give him a hug, but Bliss beat him to it, so instead, so he settles for a hearty pat on the back, and a very excited, "So glad to see you brother! I missed you something terrible!"

DM Kathy 
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 1:55:46 PM
In the Hidden Hatchet, Hobie asks whether the menagerie was popular, and whether anyone in town would be especially familiar with it. "It was real popular," the innkeeper says. "Just about everybody went to see it at least once. Umm..." she thinks for a moment. "I think they hired Jake here for some odd jobs. Hey, Jake!" She has an impressive bellow. A human man with a graying beard turns toward the bar. "Didn't you do some work for the menagerie folks?" Jake nods cautiously.

Kezzem thinks that savage, cannibal halflings sound like his family, which is probably an exaggeration.

But the real action is out on the street, with the return of Murphy! Where did he spring from? Bliss and Succotash greet him, but there's no word from Pressi yet.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92  d20+25=28 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+10=28 ;
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 2:52:28 PM
The Mengerier

Tali wonders to herself, what's a tribe of savage, cannibal halflings? Guess I should find out! Tali will ask all the people she can find about the traveling show and specifically about the cannibal halflings!

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 28
Diplomacy: 39
Gather Info: 17
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 4:45:45 PM
"Well, look what Harper dragged in," says Kezzem. "Where did you go? We really could have used you back at the Iron Giant. Succotash and Talia died! I mean, they got better, but still!"

Rumpus give Murphey a big slobbery pony kiss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid 
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 5:52:49 PM

Murphy welcomes Bliss's warm greeting, and returns the embrace. As Succotash joins, he pulls him in to a group hug. "I absolutely missed both of you, too."

As they conclude the greeting, he eyes the pink-ribboned velociraptor. "Was Miss Piggy polymorphed?" he asks the paladin. "And you - have you gone from serving Pantheon, to service to the entire pantheon? I have to hear the story."

Addressing both of them, he says, "Last I saw you all was in the midst of battle, which I fully intended to help conclude. But a fellow wisked me away to another plane, and I have not been able to contact Pressi since then. I'm trying to...

"Kezzem! Oooh, so romantic, Rumpus!" He scratches what used to be one of his own ponies behind the ears, then pulls out an apple, breaks it in half, and gives a portion to the now celestial pony.

"Talia, is she around? What are you - we - doing in Idlewood, anyhow? I - I've been trying to reach out to Pressi. I sense her, but - maybe she can't hear me?"

"Oh, how about Hobie? Is he here? Anyone else I should know about?"

He takes the other half of the apple, and gingerly offers it to the velociraptor, alert and ready to pull his flattened hand quickly should the creature try to bite more than the apple.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 7:06:12 PM
"Well long story short, as Kezzem mentioned, in the Humble's Ford invasion Talia, who prefers to go by Tali now, and I both got killed, when I fell, Miss Piggy returned to the celestial plane from which she originally came. Well, after meeting Lord Gargul for the first time, I realized how amazing he was, and as a result I decided I wanted to get to know the other gods as well, figuring that if both Pantheon and Gargul were this great, than the rest had to be pretty special as well. After the fight was over, Lord Gargul showed mercy to Tali and myself, and sent us both back, but we were both changed. Her just a bit, and me a complete overhaul. For Tali, she chose to drop her formal name and any formalities that went with it, choosing to go by Tali henceforth, and me, well, I lost all my Paladin abilities, including the ability to summon Miss Piggy, I sure miss her, but instead I gained these amazing cleric abilities, which include the ability to talk to animals, as well as, teleport short distances, I also gained the ability to cast cleric spells and some other cool spells like teleport and greater teleport. (Animal and Travel domains) Well after all this happened, I realized how much I missed Piggy, and still do, so I prayed that the gods would send me a new companion to fill the void, and they blessed me with Valerie. She's a pretty great little dinosaur, though I think she thinks she's a golden retriever".

Valerie the velociraptor takes the offered apple from Murphy, being careful not to bite the Druid, then gives him a sloppy kiss, and offers him one end of a tug-o-war rope dog toy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 8:08:14 PM
Pressi followed the link and half the team, eventually catching up with Murphy. It had been so long since they had laid eyes on each other.

Falling into his embrace, she let out a soft cry. "Don't you ever get kidnapped by naked trans-dimensional gardeners again. What is wrong with you?"

She let out a sigh. "I'm just glad you are back. I don't need to know where you went."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 11:44:44 PM
Rumpus wonders where his apple is and looks at Murphey with sad eyes.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 11:47:43 PM

Bliss is happy to all be together again, but he does not say anything when others praise the god of being a big jerk. That guy was a huge bully to his mom, just because she wanted one of her five dead kids back. And he was a little more than somewhat mean to Bliss, too, about having a shadow friend. But a hero does not fight with his comrades about religion, so he holds his peace.

Mookie listens in on his emotions. "It's okay, Kid. You'll see your mom in the Lands of Rest some day. Don't you worry. She'll wait for you there."

"Thanks, old friend."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 2:49:39 AM
Hobie, still unaware of Murphy's return outside, asks Jake to come sit near him and talk for a bit.
"That's great, Jake, how about you come over here and let me buy you a drink! I've got a few questions about that menagerie."
Hobie pulls out his coin purse and hands the bartender a few more gold pieces, making a point to let Jake see that he's carrying a lot more than your average townsperson. His dragonskin boots and quiver might also hint at Hobie's wealth.

"Good bartender, another ale for me, and whatever my friend is having. You hungry, Jake? We could order up some food. How about shots?" If Jake is willing to do shots, Hobie will say to the bartender "Bartender, two shots of your best whiskey! Actually, you know what, give me the whole bottle and two glasses."

If Jake is willing to come and talk, Hobie will ask him for as much information as possible about the menagerie: What do the wagons look like, how many wagons, how many people in their crew, what sort of people? What sort of animals do they have? Did they mention any future destinations, or maybe where they are originally from? What kind of work did Jake do for them? After all of the basic questions, if Jake is amenable, Hobie would ask if Jake ever noticed anything strange or suspicious about them? Only if this is a yes, will Hobie ask outright about the halflings, and if Jake noticed anything related to them.

As Jake is talking, Hobie will continuously pour more whiskey for Jake, trying to loosen his lips as much as possible, but not getting him too drunk to talk.


Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 2:52:16 AM
Oh shoot, I missed your description a few posts back about what was in the menagerie, especially the savage cannibal halflings. Hobie will absolutely ask Jake about the halflings.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid  d20+38=49 ; d20+27=45 ;
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 4:08:16 AM

"You and Talia - Tali - died?" Murphy's face grew pale. "I told that fellow it was NOT the time to take me away. Maybe I could have made a difference..." His breathing stopped for a moment, then he inhaled deeply. "Just glad you and she are back," he says as he claps the cleric on the shoulder. Just as he is going to join Valerie's tug-o-war game, his fiancee arrives, and all else is forgotten.

Murphy embraces, listens, gives Pressi a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll try to avoid the scenario you describe, sweets. Wrong with me? I found out there's a certain sort of rash you can get on the plane of hot dirt. Itches like crazy," he teases her.

"Suffice it to say, I was pulled into helping out - and just learning - on a number of different planes - and we're not talking the Sargrass here. Seems learning to deal with trans-dimensional exploration and survival is customary on the way to joining the Dragon Consortium." He gives her one more squeeze. "Or so they tell me."

"So, again," he addresses the gradually growing group - "what brings the Sword to this town, pray tell? Mookie, what do you say?"

He may have noticed the emotional exchange between Bliss and Mookie during the course of the interwoven conversations. He means to ask Bliss about it later when there is less hubbub.
=========
Perception: 49
Sense Motive: 45

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 11:44:25 AM

Bliss sees Murphy's look of concern. "It's okay," he says, rubbing at an eye and getting himself together. "Just that reunions make me think of someday seeing my mom again."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 12:46:02 PM
At Murphy's words, Pressi shoved him backwards. "Ew, ew, I'm going to have that image in my mind for a week! Oh my god! Ugh! I know you're just kidding, but it changes nothing!"

--------------

In response to Murphy's earlier query, Pressi fills him in on the halfling trader that came to them after no other town would help. How they arrived at the trader's town to find it completely abandoned, with only subtle hints of a fight. How they had lost any hope of a trail along the well trodden roads. How divinations had revealed the halflings alive but caged and in fur rags.

"So now we follow the only path we can. There's been a traveling 'animal show' moving from town to town, run by a couple of dark elves. Nobody seems to have given it much thought, so intel remains light. But we do have a good fix on the path it's been taking. So the plan remains traveling from town to town and hoping we eventually catch up.... at which point, we face a hostage situation and a number of creatures capable of quickly dragging a bunch of halflings from their homes."

DM Kathy 
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 1:44:42 PM
In the Hidden Hatchet, Tali asks the patrons about the "tribe of savage, cannibal halflings." You learn that the halflings were exhibited all together, in a rolling cage that had been rolled into a large tent. There were men, women, and children halflings, dressed in animal skins. Gnawed bones were scattered about in the cage. Some of the halflings appeared to be shouting, but made no noise.

"They didn't look all that savage," one woman said, sounding a bit disappointed. "Even though they were wearing those animal skins. They mostly just looked sad."

Hobie, meanwhile, is talking to Jake. When the bearded man comes to join you, you can see that he's already halfway through a plate of stew, but he doesn't turn down another ale--or a couple of shots of whiskey.

Jake is able to answer most of your questions. You learn that the menagerie has 11 wagons, of varying description. Some are rolling cages, some are cargo wagons. The menagerie owner has his own special wagon that he sleeps in; the other staff sleep in tents. The menagerie's owner is a half-orc named Olog Breaktooth. Olog has about a dozen low-level employees working for him--they drive the wagons, set up the tents, feed the animals, shovel the poop. In addition, there are four guards, whom Jake describes as "tough customers." They are on hand to deal with trouble, whether that trouble comes from the animals or from belligerent members of the public. The menagerie exhibits consist of: a lioness, a black bear, several monkeys, a peacock and peahen, a cage of tropical birds, another cage of stirges, a family of ocelots, two "mysterious dark elves," the "tribe of savage halflings," and "the world's largest baby."

Jake is able to give you a rundown of the towns the menagerie plans to visit next. Your DM declines to come up with a dozen town names, but you have the information. You ask specifically about the halflings, and learn basically the same information as Tali. "I'll tell you," Jake adds thoughtfully, "some of those animals weren't in very good shape. They fed 'em and everything, but some of 'em didn't look so good. That bear was missing patches of fur."

Outside, the reunion with Murphy continues. Kezzem and Succotash catch him up on the battle with the Iron Giant, the meeting with Gargul, and some of the fallout from it. Pressi catches him up on the current mission while Bliss struggles with his emotions.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 4:23:28 PM

"Thanks Jake, I really appreciate the info."
Hobie slides the rest of the whiskey bottle over to Jake, and leaves the bar.

When he gets outside and sees his friends gathered around Murphy, Hobie approaches gladly. "Murph! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes, where ya been?"

After the greetings, he goes to Pressi and relays all of the information he received from Jake in the bar.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 5:31:32 PM
"Well it seems our quarry is still ahead of us, shall we move on, or stay the night?", Succotash asks his friends as they are all assembled.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 5:48:19 PM

"Wowsy, I would rather camp out than stay here," declares Bliss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid 
Thursday December 12th, 2019 3:43:56 AM

"I getcha, Bliss. It's got to be so hard to have lost her. Like Mookie says, though, one day, one day, a reunion." He squeezes his small friend's shoulder. "Say, when we can catch a break, let's you and me sit down with my mom for milk and biscuits some day."

"Ah. Ah. Thanks for filling me in on the mission."

"Hobie!" he returns the greeting. "So good to see you again. You helped save so many lives that day, friend," he says, giving him a hand to forearm hand shake. "Out scouting multiple planes - elemental, ethereal, astral, and some really strange ones. Somewhere in our future, we'll likely be dealing with something out there. I'm slightly less ignorant about all that than I was a few weeks ago."

As he is nearby, he listens carefully to what Hobie reports to Pressi.

"You all are more aware of what's going on than I with the menagerie. I'm going to make a quick run on food and a few goodies - maybe half an hour? Then I'd be ready to head, if that's what you all think best. Or stay. Your call. You can take off before I'm done - just point the direction you're heading now."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Thursday December 12th, 2019 10:39:42 AM

Bliss tries to put the puzzle pieces of this challenge together.

"Well, at first I was kind of happy. We've been recovering artifacts and exploring hollow 200-ft-tall giants and stopping an invasion. It's kind of nice to not have to worry about Wold-shaking events and just track down some missing people."

"But heck, why would someone be so dumb as to shanghai halflings into slavery to be in a show? Unwilling people aren't even that good at performing! They seem more sad than savage! I mean, you could walk into Humbles Ford, put out word that you wanted to recruit performers to play "wild savages" for a travelling show, and you'd have plenty of volunteers, prolly for room, board, and a bit of coin, if the food was good!"

Bliss also wonders if the group isn't a bit overpowered for this mission. But he does not say anything, because he doesn't want to jinx it! He just thinks it to Mookie.

The bird thinks back, ::Maybe they are devil worshippers and they sacrifice one halfling every week for their Balor overlord. And you get to fight the balor!::

::You mean WE get to fight the balor!::

::No, I don't.::

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Thursday December 12th, 2019 11:36:06 AM
"Greed is blind," says Kezzem. "They don't care about the quality of the show, just that they pay as little as possible. Doesn't occur to them that they could get more money by putting on a good show even after paying their performers."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92  d20+25=29 ; d20+30=36 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+10=21 ;
Thursday December 12th, 2019 12:59:19 PM
The Return of Murphy

When Tali learns all she believes she is going to get out of the assembled peoples, she heads outside. Turning the corner, she she her friends gathered around her long lost pal, Murphy! She quickly hovers over to see if he's real and not a mirage!

"Mister Murphy!" gleefully shouts Tali. "How the heck are you, my friend?!"

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 29
Diplomacy: 36
Gather Info: 18
Perception: 21

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 / 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Thursday December 12th, 2019 1:19:13 PM
Pressi nods at Bliss and Kezzem. "Well, I don't quite want to speculate on motives yet. I'm still kind of raw on the fact that gathering information requires just playing it straight. I want to lie to someone, darn it.

"Somehow, I suspect that these half orcs just look upon us halflings as another animal to be pressed into service." Pressi thinks back to some of her own initial impressions of the town, the whole "they're criminals and we require disguises... aren't they?" statement unsaid only because of Murphy's interruption. "I guess we all struggle to some degree. But I'm not feeling a lot of empathy right now."

In response to Murphy, "That's unnecessary, I'm sure we can wait and resupply. But we should get moving as soon as we can, and we may need to skip a camp or two after all. The plan remains, though, slow and steady as we gather as much information as we can."

DM Kathy 
Thursday December 12th, 2019 1:48:24 PM
Hobie thanks Jake and heads outside to his friends. Tali likewise finishes up and heads outside. Both are delighted to see Murphy, who asks for a little time to gather supplies.

Bliss wonders aloud why the menagerie is kidnapping people when they could probably get better results just hiring and paying them. Kezzem has a good answer: greed and shortsightedness.

Succotash wonders whether to stay here or move on; Bliss and Pressi are in favor of moving on. Indeed, it is still early afternoon, and even with the days getting shorter, there are hours of daylight left. Murphy can find at least some of what he needs (it's a frontier town, so not everything is available), and you can continue on your journey.

The sun makes some effort to emerge as you travel, but by the time you stop to set up camp, more clouds have rolled in. The temperature remains chilly enough to be uncomfortable, but not cold enough to be dangerous. The overcast makes for a dark night, with neither moons nor stars visible.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Thursday December 12th, 2019 4:39:30 PM
"Pressi, anyone can lie," says Kezzem. "The real challenge is figuring how to mislead someone by telling the truth."

OOC: The paladin's code is really more of a guideline to Kezzem.

"Ooo, it's getting chilly out," observes Kezzem. "Now I'm wishing I prepared some of those element endurance spells instead or restorations!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Thursday December 12th, 2019 5:27:58 PM
“I should have bought that Cloak of Comfort I saw last time I was at the Catacombs, only 1000gp, and endure elements is always present”, Succotash says as he pulls his cloak tighter, “Probably should have gotten a slottless version for Valerie as well, or I could have just prepared the spell and save myself 3000gp, remind me to do that in the morning”.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid 
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:23:52 AM
"I'm the heck good, Talia," he responds. "I mean, Tali. Keep that up and in six months you'll be Tal, in a year Ta, and eventually just 'T'. Great to see you - glad Gargul was good to you. Tell me what happened on the way. Wanna help out with the shopping?"

Murphy gathers, with any who will help, food and other items to help his friends along the way.
-> Good quantities of fruit (fresh or dried, as available); vegetables (roots, turnips, rutabagas, carrots, leafy greens, etc.); meat - freshly butchered (lamb? beef? pork? -mmm, bacon) or dried/salted; fish -fresh or dried/salted; several blocks of cheese; seasonings; lots of salt; teas; coffee; two barrels (for water); 4 kegs/casks of wine; 4 kegs of ale.
-> Winter wools - blankets, sheets, wraps, coats, scarfs, hats, gloves/mittens, socks, boots. Sized, where possible, for halflings - enough for party and up to 10 additional halflings. 2 tents. 2 crowbars; 2 shovels; 2 pickaxes; 2 hammers; 1 sledge hammer.
-> Horse and horse-drawn wagon (or cart if no wagon is available), tack as appropriate. 5-6 sheep and/or goats to place in cart, with feed for the animals for the journey. Lions and velociraptors and bears can get hungry. If there happens to be a mama goat and nursing kid, all the better. The biggest baby in the world may need milk.
-> Healing salves, ointments, bandages. Wounds and abrasions may need care.
Our good DM can let us know Murphy's relative level of shopping success. He has up to 250gp to spend on this supply project, though he is willing to spend less. Probably took more than 1/2 hour.
.Once he is set and the horse is in harness, the wagon loaded, he says to Pressi, "Yep, slow and steady, as you prescribed."

"Giddup!" Murphy helps set up camp, makes sure that a latrine pit is dug per custom, wondering how much Bliss may comment on it. He lays up trip lines and bells which will ring if people or critters contact certain thin cords around the layered defenses. Those who have traveled with the druid will likely be familiar with these sorts of things. He lets others set up tents, and feed the animals. The cold-weather gear may be used by whoever needs it.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+25=41 ;
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:59:48 AM

Bliss uses Rose's Temperature Control spells for himself and Mookie for warmth, and to set up a couple warming stations around the camp.

"You know, your Mom used to travel with the original Rose," Mookie says. "She had a raven, too. Actually, there were three mages, and three ravens, in that party."

"Those were the days."

Bliss and Mookie take first watch. Perception 41

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 
Friday December 13th, 2019 10:41:42 AM
Oh Winter it's a coming...

Tali seeing Mister Murphy gearing up for the winter, will also try to purchase some winter gear for herself, know she has none. Tali will look for the same goods Mister Murphy is looking for.

Winter wools - blankets, sheets, wraps, coats, scarfs, hats, gloves/mittens, socks, boots. Sized, where possible, for halflings.

Tali has the money to purchase her own gear.

Tali will describe the basic Iron Giant story to Mister Murphy from her perspective during the journey.

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 / 840 minutes


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Friday December 13th, 2019 10:49:00 AM
Not much more happens at this point. Pressi, like Bliss, uses spells and equipment for warmth, and she takes the last watch right before morning. Like Murphy, she helps set up some traps in addition to setting up tents and animals. She even considers casting a contingency spell (but once again lacks the nutty focus element).

She takes Bliss' cue as to whether he wants to do the shared ritual of warding. For the intermediate ritual, she actually skips the shared shield of faith spell in favor of the ritual of healing (D12s for healing spells.)

DM Kathy 
Friday December 13th, 2019 2:05:05 PM
Murphy is able to acquire: salt, tea, coffee, a keg of ale, a barrel for water, 1 tent, 2 shovels, 2 pickaxes, 2 hammers, 1 sledge hammer, 3 blankets, a barrel of salt fish, and a bushel of root vegetables. There is no meat or fruit available. They did not have any ready-made clothes, although you could get warm fabric to make into clothes if anybody has that skill. They didn't have a healer's kit or anything that would go in one. There were no animals to spare, and in fact you had a bit of a hard time finding a horse to draw the cart. In the end, you wound up with a mule. You spent about 50 gold total.

By the time Tali goes looking, Murphy has cleaned it all out--although, again, there is warm woolen fabric available if you have the skill to turn it into something.

You will be passing through other towns as you travel, so you will have the opportunity to acquire more gear, depending on what the other towns have available.

You set up camp, complete with early-warning systems, and discuss ways of keeping yourselves warm.

The night is mostly quiet, until Pressi, on dawn watch, hears a clattering over on the west side of camp. Something has set off one of the warning traps.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:43:50 PM
"There were three ravens, Mookie? I don't know about that. Sounds like a...conspiracy...to me. "

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+25=38 ;
Friday December 13th, 2019 9:33:24 PM
BEFORE SLEEP:
"Um," Mookie ponders ... "Theo and Macaw. Rose and Piper. Vauhwyt and me. Yup, three!" he tells Kezzem.

DURING SLEEP:
Bliss makes a perception check to see if maybe he can wake up when the alarm goes off ... Perception 38?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid  d20+38=44 ;
Saturday December 14th, 2019 1:31:00 AM
Murphy post 20191213b

Shopping
Murphy was grateful for what he was able to buy - and does scoop up as much wool (maybe other fabrics to go with it, cotton, linen?) as the seller will allow - plus thread, and - scissors?

On the road
Murphy takes in Tali's recounting of the massive battled of the giants vs. Humble's Ford. He listens attentively, asks questions here and there. "Those dwarfs, whatever they may have claimed or not claimed about or for themselves, did evil. They would have had a much better shot at what they were aiming for had they either backed off, or waited until later. Fools. Wicked-acting fools. I am sorry about what they did against you, Tali. And proud of you for calling upon Madame Gem to work the fusion with the tower, at great personal cost, a signal victory for our people."

At the camp
"I can go to fire elemental, and you can use me as a source of warmth," he volunteers. The food he made available, as well as a couple cooking pots and utensils. He leaves it to others to cook. He also asks others to tell him their experiences in the giant fight. As he listens to the stories, he jots notes. If not flaming.

At dawn
Generally Murphy arises at or shortly before dawn, for prayers, meditation and spells restoral - plus putting on a fresh pot of water to heat for breakfast. Just in case he is still asleep, though, if Perception 44, including alertness feat/keen senses, is enough for the noise to awaken Murphy (he is rather used to using the noise of traps he sets to awaken him), then he arises. He moves off perhaps 30 feet away from Pressi. If it is still dark, he whaps hard with the palm of his hand a sunrod and tosses it in the general direction she is looking at to try to illuminate what is out there. If some ambient light is available, though, he simply looks outward, preparing to defend himself and friends.
========
Perception 44

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells  d20+18=29 ;
Saturday December 14th, 2019 10:59:51 AM
Since becoming cleric Succotash makes a point of rising early, so as to pray and prepare spells, and then gets the coffee brewing and hot water heating for those who prefer tea, as well as getting breakfast started, having Murphy back and on the same schedule as himself throws him off a bit at first, but he soon discovers he relishes the company, and the assistance getting breakfast going. He already has his own cold weather outfit, and heavy wool winter blanket, as well as a cooking pot and coffee/tea kettle. a throw back to his days as a traveling paladin, when he slept on the ground, and out of doors, as much if not more often than in a bed, but he thanks Murphy and Tali for their thoughtfulness, even though he has no need for their generosity at the moment..

If Succotash is still sleeping when the alarms go off, his perception is 29-10(for sleeping)=19

if he is awake, his perception is 29

CDM Jerry [OOC post] 
Saturday December 14th, 2019 11:52:26 AM
Everyone is invited to the retirement party for the

Iron Dragons!

To be held on the Giggling Ghost board!
Starting Monday, December 16
and continuing all week.

Please come help celebrate their incredible journey
from level 1 through level 20.
[June 29, 2009 - December 13, 2019]

There will be stories!
Speeches!
[yes we'll make them do this ::grin::]
Questions and Answers
Free imaginary food!

Feel free to head there now,
but the festivities start on Monday.

-----

Then starting Saturday, December 21st, our Woldian Slowdown begins along with our
YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS
in the Giggling Ghost.

ACDM Rob is in charge of the festivities in the Giggling Ghost during the Yuletide Slowdown. He will send out an email sometime before the 21st explaining how the Giggling Ghost activities will work.

As a reminder, all requirements to post daily in your Career game are banished until Monday, January 6, 2020. A reminder to begin posting will come out the weekend before to remind you.
During the Yuletide Slowdown:
--no game may be in combat
--no game may advance its story line in any significant way
--posting is allowed, but not required by players or DMs
--all games should be in a relatively safe location where those who desire may roleplay for fun

Everyone who wants to roleplay are encouraged to hang out and post as much as you like in the Giggling Ghost and participate in the activities happening there.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Sunday December 15th, 2019 2:38:50 PM
As others are waking up from the sound of the alarm, Hobie will jump up and look out as well for what could possibly have set off the trap. He quickly attaches his Efficient quiver and pulls Prowler from it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Monday December 16th, 2019 7:13:23 AM
Pressi considers checking it out herself but instead blasts a ghost sound (loud shriek) throughout the land.

DM Kathy 
Monday December 16th, 2019 2:01:52 PM
Pressi, alerted to something entering camp, uses Ghost Sound to sound the alarm.

You all jump awake and ready yourselves for combat.

Although dawn is coming soon, it isn't here yet. Your camp is fairly dark; clouds still hide the moons and stars.

In the dim light of the fire, you see--something--approaching.

Knowledge: Dungeoneering DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: {This is a Carnivorous Blob}.

And the map. You should be able to edit the map. Please move your own character when you move. Feel free to create ongoing spell effects (obscuring mist, etc.) on the map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28 
Monday December 16th, 2019 3:52:50 PM
Kezzem wakes up and stands. He draws his daggers (free action with Quick Draw).

"By Gargul's Grapefruits, what the heck is that thing?" he asks.

Kezzem attempts to Detect Evil on the creature.

Rumpus stands as well and gets ready for combat (total defense).

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells  d20+8=21 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+12=22 ; 2d6+21=24 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+21=32 ; d6=2 ; 6d6=18 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+21=27 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+21=28 ; d6=1 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 4:37:53 PM
Not knowing exactly what this thing is, but not being a fool, Hobie knows this creature is bad news.

Hobie steps back, clicks his heels, and lets a full barrage of arrows fly with deadly aim.

Manyshot = 26
Nonlethal Piercing 24, Electric 6
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Electric 2

Rapid Shot = Natural 20, Confirmation = 32
Nonlethal Piercing = (6d6+63) 81, Electric 2

Haste = 24
Nonlethal Piercing 27, Electric 5

Iterative 1 = Natural 1
MISS!!

Iterative 2 = 22
Nonlethal Piercing 28, Electric 1



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Monday December 16th, 2019 6:13:30 PM
Seeing the ooze type thing, in front of them, Succotash tells Valerie to stay, and then casts summon natures ally 8, his 8th level domain spell, and summons a purple worm which will appear next round, using his augmented summons feat.

Purple Worm CR 12

XP 19,200
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init –2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE

AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (–2 Dex, +22 natural, –4 size)
hp 232 (16d10+112)
Fort +18, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19–20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +34 (+38 grapple); CMD 42 (can’t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting—injury; save Fortitude DC 29; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92  d20+10=28 ; d20+21=33 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 8:00:46 PM
Preambling Night Visitor

Since this alert is still in the early AM, it should be been during Tali's 2AM watch. As Tali always meditates for two (2) hours before her watch, she is able to cast her stand spells at the begining of her watch:

Overland Flight & Mage Armor

If this intruder did in wander in during Tali's watch, Tali is hovering 7 feet above the ground. Tali did purchase a bolt of the fabric just to see what her cantrips could do with cloth. During the early part of her watch, she cut a portion "halfling sized" of the bolt of winter cloth, and in casting Presidigitation & Mending hopes that she can wear something usable, that the cantrips have made. {is there a DC check to be made here?}

Night Visitor | What is it?!

Not sure exactly what the thing is (Knowledge Arcana check), but perceving (Perception Check) its size, Tali will fly at least is size higher into the air, so, she will be monster height +7 feet above the ground. Using what she gains from her Knowledge Arcana skill, she hopes to be able to recall what the things vunerabilities are.

Aside from flying out of harms way, Tali will delay her attack, until she can recall what the weaknesses are...

Skill Checks:

Knowledge Arcana: 33
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Monday December 16th, 2019 10:40:50 PM
Bliss knows an enemy when he sees one! And even if he didn't, Hobie's barrage of arrows would tell him in any event.

Bliss backs up and casts his newest, most powerful spell: Living_Voodoo_Doll. It allows no saving throw or spell resistance! It causes both Bliss and the enemy to be SICKENED.

Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Mookie, concerned about Bliss, stays close and readies an attack in case the thing comes near.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid  d20+6=7 ; d20+38=58 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 11:08:37 PM

Murphy has no idea what that red tentacled blob is, but does not trust it. So he encircles it (ensquares it?) with a 10' wall of thorns.

================
Knowledge, dungeoneering: 7 (nat 1)
Perception: 58 (nat 20) - so, perhaps aided by the lit stick he sent last round, he can perceive it Real Well. If there is anything else around or about, he might have a clue on that, too.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 12:04:46 AM
Final

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 3:36:14 AM
Header update for Murphy

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 5:07:53 AM

Note: Added grid coordinates to map. Murphy started this round at q4 (about 25'-30' away from Pressi at k5/6), and moved by the end of the round to v2.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29  d20+4=15 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 10:16:17 AM
(OOC on a couple of items. 1) I'm assuming that this means for Pressi and Bliss full spell slots but no rituals. 2) I'm thinking early AM is closer to 6 AM, when Talia will have just gone to sleep.)

Pressi gives an attempt at identification "the old college try" but can only see this giant massive blob. She assumes that THIS is a creature outside of its natural element.

Harper gives a low growl.

In preparation, Pressi activates her spectral hand and figures she will have to figure it out the hard way.

DM Kathy  d20+17=34 ; 8d6+19=48 ; d4=1 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 2:26:15 PM
[OOC: I want to focus my attention on the combat, so we'll do Fun with Textiles after the combat wraps.]

Kezzem draws his weapons and attempts to detect whether the creature is evil. It is not.

Hobie fires several shots, which all hit, but do less piercing damage than you would have expected. The creature does not seem to take the electrical damage. It also doesn't seem to be subject to critical hits; the shot that would have been critical is just a normal hit. [I need you to roll normal damage for that one, please.]

Succotash begins casting a summoning spell; a Purple Worm will show up next round unless the spell is somehow disrupted.

Tali takes to the skies and tries to identify the creature, but all she is able to determine is that her Arcane knowledge is coming up blank. [It is a Dungeoneering check.]

Bliss sacrifices some of his own abilities to hamper the creature.

Murphy encircles the creature with a Wall of Thorns.

Pressi assumes the creature is out of its natural element. It really isn't, but it's trying to eat you, so fighting it is probably okay. She casts Spectral Hand.

The creature is momentarily confused by the Wall of Thorns, but it's also pretty hungry. After a moment's hesitation, it starts glorping over the wall. [It has a climb speed.] It's taking damage, but it doesn't seem to care. It's pretty determined.

It is now within melee range of a target, so a pseudopod lashes out at Pressi. It hits! Pressi takes 48 damage, plus 1 point of Constitution drain.

The creature is an amorphous blob, and you are experienced enough adventurers to peg it as "some kind of ooze." But to get more specifics, somebody's going to need to hit that DC 23 Dungeoneering check.

And the map.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 2:57:05 PM
Bliss and Mookie move south so that the friendly worm is between them and the blob.

Bliss uses a focused curse to cast Baleful Polymorph and change the blob into a toad. The focused curse gives it a -1 on the save, and the sickened condition gives it a -2. The save DC is 19 for a fort save and then a will save.

If the spell works, Bliss shouts, "DON'T HURT MY NEW PET FROGGIE!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162  d2=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+38=45 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 4:24:31 PM

Electricity does not seem to affect the blob. So: Fire or Ice? Fire if 1, Ice if 2. Rolled 2-Ice
Murphy casts Ice Storm. The creature takes 6 hp blugeoning damage, and 9 hp cold damage.

"Pressi! BACK WAY UP FRIENDS. IT CAN REACH FAR!" Murphy shouts. He thinks of about six or eight things that he might do, and hurts as she is hurt.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells  d20+22=29 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 4:26:37 PM
"Well, I don't think my daggers will be much use against this thing," says Kezzem. "Hopefully I can at least get it's attention. Here oozy, oozy, oozy, oozy, oozy!"

Kezzem and Rumpus move to protect Pressi.

IF Bliss's polymorph works, Kezzem will go total defense.

OTHERWISE, he will make one attack with his ice dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 2= 5.

Rumpus will go total defense either way.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells  d20+27=46 ; d20+27=43 ; 4d8+14=29 ; 2d8+14=25 ; 15d6=51 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 5:52:16 PM
Succotash yells out to Bliss, "I have know idea what kind it is, but unless I'm mistaken, all oozes are immune to Polymorph!" he then casts flame strike centered on the ooze inflicting 25 fire damage and 26 divine damage DC 21 reflex for half

The purple worm will use it's 15ft reach to attack the ooze with both it's bite and stinger

Bite hits AC 46 for 29 damage
Stinger hits AC 43 for 25 damage but since oozes are immune to poison, it doesn't have to make a con save.

Purple Worm CR 12

XP 19,200
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init –2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE

AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (–2 Dex, +22 natural, –4 size)
hp 232 (16d10+112)
Fort +18, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19–20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +34 (+38 grapple); CMD 42 (can’t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting—injury; save Fortitude DC 29; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92  d20+19=32 ; d20+10=28 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 10:31:15 PM
Obscure Ooze Oozing

While hovering Monster Size +7 feet above the ground at D3, Tali will fly over to O1, thinking about her next or rather first attack onto the creature directly below her, some 40' feet below.

When she can, Tali will cast Hold Monster on her turn directly into the living gianormous Ooze 40+ feet below her. With any of the spells her group casted, Tali hopes this spell will be successful!

Hold Monster Spell Effect

Range medium (100 ft. + 150 ft.)
Target one living creature
Duration: 15 rounds || 1 round/level (D); see text
Saving Throw Will negates; see text; Spell Resistance yes

Skill Checks:

Fly: 32
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells  2d6+21=26 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+17=20 ; d20+12=16 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=32 ; 2d6+21=29 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=25 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 3:29:17 AM
Arrow from previous round= 26 Nonlethal Piercing

Hobie knows his arrows aren't ideal against a blob, but he keeps firing away.

Manyshot= 26
Nonlethal Piercing = 28
Nonlethal Piercing = 32

Rapid shot = 33
Nonlethal Piercing = 29

Iterative 1= 20
Nonlethal Piercing = 28

Iterative 2 = 16
Nonlethal Piercing = 25

===============================
Rounds of Haste used 1/10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 63/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29  d20+15=18 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 12:08:46 PM
Pressi screams in pain, but she has the presence of mind to grab the tentacle and scan it with all her abilities.

(Attack Roll 18 vs touch AC. If it hits, she gets a full scan via Kowledge Domain: Lore Keeper, Dungeoneering Roll 31.)

With that, Pressi retreats back a bit, hoping to regroup. She calls a hissing Harper to move near her.

Her spectral hand remains left behind.

-----------------

con drain 1
spectral hand

L1: 1

DM Kathy  d20+3=7 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=28 ; 8d6+19=44 ; d4=4 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=20 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 2:39:04 PM
Bliss casts Baleful Polymorph. The spell seems to slide right off its intended target. It isn't that the creature made its save; it's as if the spell couldn't affect it at all. Succotash calls out that oozes might be immune to polymorph, and this appears to be the case.

Meanwhile, Murphy casts Ice Storm. The bludgeoning damage doesn't seem to affect the creature at all, but--this is interesting! It takes more damage from the cold!

Kezzem attempts to call the ooze like a cat, which doesn't even work on cats. He attacks with his ice dagger. Similar to Murphy's spell, the weapon damage doesn't seem to do anything at all, but the cold damage is even more than you thought it would be! However, in response to being hit, the creature lashes out at Kezzem! It misses.

Succotash hits the creature with a Flame Strike. The fire damage doesn't do anything at all, but the creature takes divine damage as normal. The purple worm bites! It hits! And then the ooze splits into two oozes! One of the oozes lashes out at the purple worm. It hits! The worm takes 44 damage and 4 points of Constitution drain. Then the worm stings! The ooze is not affected by the poison, and doesn't split again, so that's nice. It does lash out at the worm again, but misses this time.

Tali attempts a Hold Monster. Like Bliss, Tali finds that her spell just kind of slides off the creature, as if it can't be affected by it.

Hobie sends more arrows into the original ooze, which is starting to look pretty hurt.

Pressi is able to grab a tendril and use her ability. You learn that this is a Carnivorous Blob, a kind of ooze. Oozes are immune to a lot of things, including critical hits, sneak attack, flanking, mind-affecting spells (like Hold Monster), paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, and polymorph. Carnivorous Blobs have damage reduction 10/-. They resist fire and electricity, and are vulnerable to cold. If they are hit with a melee attack, they get an immediate attack in response, which doesn't count as an Attack of Opportunity. Slashing damage makes them split into more oozes, so maybe don't do that.

Pressi retreats, provoking an Attack of Opportunity from the original ooze, but it misses.

The original ooze continues glorping over the Wall of Thorns. It attacks Kezzem, but misses.

The new ooze attacks Succotash's Purple Worm, but misses.

And the map.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells  15d6=60 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 5:42:35 PM
Seeing the Purple Worm cause the ooze to split, Succotash quickly dismisses the Worm (a standard action) then he will burn a hero point to gain a second standard action, and cast blade barrier forming ring of force, 20ft tall that will drop on both oozes, inflicting 60 points of force damage (DC 22 reflex negates) and causing 15d6 to anyone who passes through it (DC 22 reflex for half)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells  d20+22=40 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+12=28 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 8:39:41 PM
OOC: Don't dismiss the worm! At the very least keep it to tank.

"Rumpus, I don't think your hooves are going to affect this thing," says Kezzem. "Let's see, Pressi has Harper, Succo has Valeria, Mookie has Bliss...go guard Hobbie I guess?"

Rumpus neighs and falls back by Hobbie. Total defense.

Kezzem attacks solely with his frost dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 5 = 9.

Attack: 1d20 + 17 = 18. Natural 1.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 5 = 9.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+36=39 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 11:35:08 PM

Bliss double checks that at least one of the blobs is still sickened by his magic. Maybe they both are? Bliss casts a Flesh to Stone spell on a sickened one. That's a DC19 Fort save.

Then he and Mookie back up, tumbling to avoid AoOs if any. Acrobatics 39.



Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92  d20+19=22 ; d20+10=23 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 11:56:13 PM
Duce Carnivorous Blobs

Discovering that her last spell was not very effective, Tali will hover from O2 to position E5, then cast a spell on one of the blobs at position FL 1318. Tali casts Wall of Force

Wall of Force

Range close (25 ft. + 35ft.) = 60 ft.
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level ~ 15 10-ft Squares
Duration 1 round /level (D) ~ 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Wall of force as seen on the map.

Skill Checks:

Fly: 22
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes


Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells  d20+21=33 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+11=22 ; 2d6+21=30 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=27 ; 2d6+21=27 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 6:28:42 AM
Hobie keeps firing away.

Manyshot = 33
Nonlethal Piercing = 30
Nonlethat Piercing = 28

Rapid shot = 38
Nonlethal Piercing = 27

Iterative 1= Natural 1

Iterative 2 = 22
Nonlethal Piercing = 27

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Thursday December 19th, 2019 6:54:26 AM

Murphy saw Pressi try to grab hold of the - tentacle? Pseudopod? of the creature, and knows she may have learned something. "Pressi, what did you learn? What is this thing?"

He wild shapes into a huge air elemental and flies 80 feet up into the air. Now has darkvision. And prepares to cast.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29  d4=1 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 11:18:02 AM
(Spectral Hand has 1 hp)

As Pressi dodges the blob's atttack. "One thing I definitely learned. Whoever said there's always room for jello is a LIAR."

Pressi casts message and proceeds to report as above. She also yells at Succotash to stop doing slashing damage.

"One more disadvantage. It may have ridiculous reach but it's still slow moving. And it's stupid. Continue to use environmental and range attacks, and lets put some distance between us and them."

With that, Pressi mounts Harper and moves herself back towards the group. "Let's ride."

DM Kathy  d20+12=20 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 2:32:23 PM
Succotash dismisses his Purple Worm, much to Kezzem's dismay.

Kezzem goes to work with his dagger. As before, the weapon damage doesn't do anything; it's all about the cold.

Hobie starts shooting. His Manyshot sends two arrows into the original ooze, and it dissolves into a puddle. He switches targets, and begins shooting the other ooze.

Bliss tries to turn the second ooze into stone, but it makes its save.

Murphy transforms himself into an elemental.

Pressi passes on what she learned.

Tali encircles the second ooze with a Wall of Force, trapping it on the Wall of Thorns. The damage from the thorns proves to be too much--that creature, too, collapses into a puddle of goo.

Succotash can save his Hero Point. The battle is over.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 2:56:02 PM

Bliss laughs and says to Mookie. "That one shoulda chose to fail its save vs my spell. Better to be a nifty statue than to be a puddle of goo."

Mookie nods. "Plus, as a statue, there was always a chance someone mighta changed it back someday."

A bit of breeze blows the smell of goo over to Bliss, and he promptly throws up.

"Ugh," says Bliss, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. He turns off the magic that made him sick. "Wowsy, now I feel better. I'm not sure I like that spell."

Bliss wanders over to his friends. "Great job guys! Murphy, that wall of thorns was cool. Tali, your wall of force was the key. Hobbie, good shooting. Brother Succotash, good flame strike. Kezzem, that dagger is the best! Pressi, at least you sucked up an attack."

Mookie caws a harsh laugh. "Kid, you did a good job contributing absolutely nothing to that fight!"

"Wowsy, I know, right!" declares Bliss, with a huge grin. "Well, at least I have chicken! I mean cures!"

He cures 35 to Pressi. (CCW)

"Who you calling chicken?" asks Mookie.

"You, Leeroy!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Thursday December 19th, 2019 4:04:25 PM
"I believe there is a 32.3 percent, repeating of course, that you are in fact a chicken, Mookie," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells  d100=92 ; d100=59 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 4:05:06 PM
Like any archer worth his salt, when the fight is done, Hobie sees if he can't retrieve the arrows that missed their target. To his luck, he finds them both intact and returns them to his quiver.

Once the group has calmed down, and sets about their morning rituals, Hobie will take the time to prepare his spells, and just in case they run into any creatures like this again, he will attune his elemental arrows to Frost for the day, instead of their usual Shock.

Boots of haste used 1/10


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells  d8=4 ; d8=2 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 5:19:43 PM
"Sorry Kezzem, that Worm had only slightly more intelligence than the ooze, and I had no way to stop it from attacking, which would continue to split the thing", Succotash says to explain his action, "I really had no other choice, at the time, but everything worked out anyways. Looking around Succotash notices that Pressi still isn't fully healed and that she looks a little less healthy than normal, so he walks over to her and casts lesser restoration removing the 1 con damage she had received (didn't bother rolling since it was only one con damage) than cast cure moderate wounds on her healing 16 hp, which along with Bliss's healing should top her up.

After making sure no one else needed any healing, depending on whither or not he got his full 8 hours of rest, he will either go back to bed to finish his 8 hours, then find a quiet place to pray and prepare his spells, or, head directly to the quiet space.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Thursday December 19th, 2019 7:27:35 PM

"Thank heavens for bravery, mighty arrows, and a much shorter combat than I anticipated."

Murphy soars up high into the sky to see if he can see any signs of light in the waning hours of the morning. Any nearby towns, cities, convenience stores...

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Thursday December 19th, 2019 10:43:23 PM

Mookie laughs. "I like those odds, Kezzie!"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92  d20+10=11 ;
Friday December 20th, 2019 11:25:25 AM
Dual Splooge Blobs

Tali returns to the ground with a slow decent. "Wow, team, that was intense!" Tali remarks! "I'm assuming they have no pockets and therefore no treasure?!" Tali inquiries.

"Perhaps we should sleep in the trees from now on or maybe someone has a Magic Mansion to sleep in?" suggests Tali to the group?! "Anyone know the time?" says Tali.

Skill Checks:

Perception: 11 {NAT 1}

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 of 840 minutes



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Friday December 20th, 2019 2:00:46 PM
Pressi wrinkled her nose at the absorb damage comment, but took the healing graciously.

“Yeah, I guess I could have done that, too.”

DM Kathy 
Friday December 20th, 2019 2:33:05 PM
[OOC: I'm awarding a Hero Point to Hobie, because his damage is really what killed the thing. And another one to Pressi for hanging in there even when she was attacked.]

After the battle, Bliss heals Pressi. Succotash adds some extra healing, and attempts to use Lesser Restoration to restore the lost point of Constitution. Alas, it was drain, not damage, so Lesser Restoration won't help. Pressi's Constitution loss will be permanent until she can get a full Restoration cast on her.

Murphy flies up in the air, but doesn't see any lights to speak of.

Tali speculates that the creature does not have treasure, and she is correct in that.

You return to camp, and attempt to rest until actual dawn, but that proves difficult. Adrenaline is high, and the dead oozes are starting to get a bit whiffy. The sky is barely light when you break camp and head out for the day.

As they travel, Murphy and Tali reflect on their experiments with fabric. Back in Idlewood, there had been 12 yards of woolen fabric available, for 5 gp per yard. Between you, you bought it all. Murphy was able to buy thread for 5 silver. It isn't very good thread, but it will do. They didn't have scissors, although they did have needles. In camp, Tali had experimented with cutting some of the cloth. Unless you already had scissors with you, you needed to use a knife, which was tricky but doable. You tried a Mending spell to see if it would create a garment. You cast the spell--and the cut piece of fabric re-attached itself to the fabric it had been cut from. Which is kind of nifty, but not really what you wanted.

So, you give it some thought. You think you can create very simple garments if you just pay attention and don't try anything fancy. [OOC: According to the Craft skill, it is a DC 10 to create a "typical item." Craft is Int-based and can be done untrained. So, providing you don't actually have an Int penalty, you should be able to take 10 and produce simple garments--drawstring trousers and smocks for men; loose-fitting dresses for women. It will take time, but you can do it. As far as spells go, an Unseen Servant is probably your best bet, but I'm not sure anybody can cast it.]

The sky continues to be overcast. About noon, it starts to snow. Within an hour, the snow starts to stick. By mid-afternoon, you are traveling through a wintry white landscape, wrapped in the gentle hush that always accompanies snowfall.

Travel is getting challenging when you reach the town of Blackthorn. It's similar to Idlewood, although perhaps a little bigger. When you arrive, the town is preparing for some kind of winter festival. A towering evergreen tree has been set up in the middle of town. People on ladders are decorating the tree with garlands and little baubles. A safe distance from the tree, logs for a bonfire have been set up, covered with canvas now to protect them from the still-falling snow. Evergreen wreaths, decorated with bright red bows, are hung on many of the buildings.

You go into the inn, called the Sleeping Pig. It's warm and bright inside, and delicious smells are coming from the kitchen. There aren't many customers yet at this early hour, and the staff are busy hanging evergreen boughs on the walls and rafters.

You are able to secure rooms for yourselves and stabling for the animals. You can look forward to a warm, festive night as the snow continues to fall outside.

[OOC: This marks the beginning of our holiday slowdown. You may post here if you like, or at the Giggling Ghost if nothing much is happening here. Or both.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162  d20+17=23 ; d20+17=20 ;
Friday December 20th, 2019 9:38:13 PM

Carnivorous Blob Cleanup
"Pressi - my heart sank when that blob reached out and touched you. Wish I could cast a full restoration for you, but druids can only cast lesser restoration. But, Succotash - is that something you can pray for twice and cast this morning - for yourself, and for Pressi? Your cheeks look wan, Succotash."

If the blob remains are downwind of the camp, Murphy changes into a huge fire elemental, and spends some time burning the remains. It might take a while, since there's a lot of mass, and the living creatures had some resistance to fire. If upwind of the camp, he waits until after he regains spells, and camp is broken. He can catch up to his friends pretty quickly once he has finished.

Tali/Murphy Sewing for Warmth Team
Murphy has the Sailor profession (7), in which sewing of sails (repair, etc.) may be a part. Also Survival skill (21), and sewing is useful in some survival situations. He has done a little leatherwork in the past. Sleight of hand (7) may or may not have some bearing. He has carried needles and thread for himself since early days. These items may factor in to how well he might do with working with fabric. Making simple woolen tunics and pants should not be too tough, and cloaks a piece of cake. Blurring together his sailor, survival, and sleight of hand scores: 35/3 = 12. Is it okay to use that for his skill roll? Assuming so (and +5 from INT): 23 for his first sewing project, a dress sized for Pressi (if she wants it). He takes care with it. I had asked, before we left (Dec14), whether there might be other fabrics, such as cotton, linen. If so, he may use such as a liner. Two layers are better than one for insulation. He checks with Tali, and perhaps they can aid another on their respective pieces. After Pressi's next he tries making a dress for Tali. "You want to try making pants, or tunics?" he asks her. For his dress for her: 20. Not too shabby.

Town of Blackthorn
Being in a place where he can lay things out a bit better, Murphy works on additional clothing for his companions, then gets to thinking about the mounts. He checks in town to see if additional fabrics may be available for purchase, and scissors. Maybe even some pre-made clothing, though that may be less likely. Better yet, a seamstress or tailor.

"Hobie - am I correct in thinking that your arrows now are doing non-lethal damage? If so, that is terrific. How does it work? Does the bow do it? Or are they special arrows? Regardless of how - your ability to take down bad guys or very large hungry things is phenomenal."

Taking a break from the clothing construction, Murphy takes time to talk with his friends, and catch up more on what he has missed out on during his time in other planes. He jots notes in his journal. And enjoys something warm to drink, and food to eat.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Friday December 20th, 2019 11:00:02 PM
Succotash answers Murphy: I actually have restoration prepared already, but alas, I don’t have the diamond dust needed to preform the spell. Not sure why I chose that spell without the proper components, perhaps I can find a vendor in town. As for myself, I’m fine, the blob never touched me. Succotash than makes a search through the town to see if he can find someone who sells diamond dust.

Since it’s ability drain and not negative levels, he needs 100gp worth, but he will buy as much as he can, for future use.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Saturday December 21st, 2019 8:31:54 AM

"Well, I have diamond dust. Here's 200gp worth. I mix it with granite dust for stoneskin," Murphy offers. He goes from having enough diamond dust for 9 castings of stoneskin, to enough for 8 castings.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Saturday December 21st, 2019 8:49:07 AM
Succotash gladly excepts the diamond dust, and using 100gps worth, of the 200gp gift casts restoration on Pressi, removing the con drain. He will still try to see if he can buy some more in town so as to be prepared for the future.

negative levels cost 1000gp, ability drain 100gp, and if for some reason he needs to prepare and cast greater restoration, 5000gp

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Saturday December 21st, 2019 10:06:40 AM

Bliss is glad to see that Murphy is prepared with the needed component. And that Sir Succotash thought ahead to prep the spell.

"Good job everybody!" Bliss says.

Now on to the party!

Bliss enjoys looking at the tree. Some latent kitty instinct makes him want to change into a cat and jump up into it, but he refrains.

The halfling warms his hands at the big fire and enjoys watching the flames.

"I'm cold," says Mookie. Bliss offers magical cold resistance, but sees that everybody is going inside.

"Come on, Mookie," he says. "Maybe they have hot chocolate."

THe bird cocks his head. "And worms."

DM Kathy  d4=4 ;
Monday December 23rd, 2019 2:50:58 PM
Murphy approaches the sewing project with a confident optimism. After all, he knows how to mend sails, and he has worked on his manual dexterity. Alas, he soon realizes that skills don't work like that. Sewing to create garments is its own thing, and although his past experience helps him a little, he is still basically a beginner. [OOC: I'll give you a +2 circumstance bonus, but you don't have any ranks in Craft: Sewing, so you're still doing it untrained. With your Int bonus, your total bonus is +7.] You were able to find some cotton fabric for 1 gp per square yard. Since making those purchases, you have had about 4 hours to work on your project. Your dress for Pressi is nearly finished; you haven't yet had time to begin other projects.

Succotash is able to cast a full Restoration, but he doesn't have the material component. Fortunately, Murphy is able to supply some diamond dust.

In Blackthorn, it is late afternoon when you arrive, and snowing, but luckily the stores are still open. Murphy (and presumably Tali) check to see what clothing or fabric they can acquire. The dry goods store does have some ready-made clothing. You find 4 flannel shirts, 6 pairs of warm socks, and 2 sets comprising of a hat, scarf, and mittens. Everything is sized for Big Folk. You also 3 different woolen fabrics, each at 5 gp per yard. There are 5 different cotton fabrics, each at 1gp per yard. There is thread, and needles, and 1 pair of scissors. There are 4 skeins of yarn, and a crochet hook.

Bliss has to suppress his cat instincts to climb into the tree and possibly play with some of the fascinating baubles. The bonfire hasn't been lit yet, so you go back into the inn. They do indeed have hot chocolate, as well as mulled wine and a strong tea flavored with lemon and cloves. Food is not yet being served, but the possibility of worms seems unlikely.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162  d20+17=20 ;
Tuesday December 24th, 2019 3:12:41 AM
Murph picks up the oversized ready-made clothing, with Tali, if she wants to join in, and enough additional wool and cotton of each type to help make attire for friends and animals - they can get cold, too. He does not feel as though he really knows what he is doing, but he's going to have some supplies to try it. The thread, needles, and scissors he buys. One of his aunts crochets, so he knows about that, but really never paid too close attention to exactly what she was doing. But, shucks, let's get some of that yarn and crochet needles, too - maybe three pairs?

He does ask about the festivities, the local traditions surrounding them.

At the dry goods store as he is picking up all these things, he quietly asks Tali for her help, "Can you ask them if there is someone here in town who is good at making clothing? Someone who can fit and tailor something? Maybe two or three people?" He lets her speak first, trusting in her high charisma to give them favor with the people who run the dry goods store, and nodding his head or agreeing with her as an aid another in diplomacy (rolled 20, for +2).

If it seems it would help to explain, he adds something along these lines: "We're a group of halflings, set to travel through the cold, but not really as ready as we ought to be. If you know who can help who would do a good job, put us in touch with them. In addition to buying these things from you, I'd be happy to provide you a finder's fee for putting us together, if that can happen quickly. As in, within the next hour?" He's willing to chip in perhaps 3-5gp as a finder's fee. And a bit more if more if two or three competent people can be found.

If they receive a good referral or two, he will join Tali in explaining their need, and asks how much can be done - fitting this afternoon, and the work ready on the morrow. He says he'd to watch and learn the work is done "So I'll know, maybe, what to do if I need to help mend it on a later date."

Usually Murphy would be busy getting to know all he can about such a place - but, aside from the question about the festivities, he is focused on helping to ensure his friends do not freeze in coming days.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Tuesday December 24th, 2019 3:14:21 AM

Oh, I guess he gets one crochet hook, since that's all they have. And the four skeins of yarn. What color(s)?

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+4=20 ;
Wednesday December 25th, 2019 9:37:05 AM

Bliss sees all of Murphy's activities regarding making clothes. "You are insightful and generous, my friend," he says. "When we rescue the captives, they will not want to wear filthy hides and fur. Making new clothes for them is super thoughtful. I'm no sewer, but I'll help if I can."

Aid Another ... Int check to support any craft roll ... rolled a 20 to give a +2.

"You may not be a sewer," says Mookie, cracking wise, "but you sure smell like one!"

Bliss laughs and says, "Oh snap! Stop needling me!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Thursday December 26th, 2019 5:37:25 AM

"Ah, a good thought, Bliss. Honestly, I was thinking of keeping us warm on the way, but surely they will be more in need of the clothing once we rescue them. I'm trying to find someone in town better than I at this task!"

He smiles at Mookie's pun, and laughs at Bliss's rejoinder.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Thursday December 26th, 2019 11:13:12 AM
In response to the town, Pressi proceeds to make several Whoville references. As a practitioner of a minor winter holiday religion, it's a bit much.

She also marvels at how this festival looks so similar to the winter festivals of so many disparate cultures. Almost as if they were modeled on some other culture's practice.

Press thanks Murphy and Succotash for working together. She's polite about the new clothes but the cold really hasn't been an issue.

DM Kathy 
Friday December 27th, 2019 11:37:06 AM
Murphy buys the shirts at 5 sp each; the socks at 1 sp per pair; the hat/gloves/scarf sets at 2 sp per set. He also buys the crochet hook for 1 gp and the skeins of yarn (1 brown, 1 blue, 2 undyed) for 1 gp each. He starts looking for somebody to teach him to make things, but here he hits a snag. The shopkeeper explains that there's a celebration this evening, and nobody is likely to want to teach sewing tonight. Your companions will probably want to leave town fairly early in the morning, as they feel a sense of urgency to reach the captive halflings. The shopkeeper's auntie shows you some crochet stitches, and gives you a pattern for socks, and that's about all you can get for now.

Bliss helps, and you are able to finish Pressi's dress and get started on crocheting some socks.

Pressi, for her part, makes some remarks about Whoville, little dreaming how close your DM came to naming the place Houville or something similar. You ask about the celebration and its origins, as does Murphy.

You learn that the town is celebrating Lastmoon, a holiday welcoming in the last month of the year. It is a time for being thankful and prepared for winter.

Inside the Sleeping Pig, dinner is being served. Dinner is roast beef with boiled potatoes and gravy, served with applesauce and fresh-baked rolls. Many of the townsfolk are eating in the inn rather than preparing their own meals at home, and the common room is lively and festive.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Saturday December 28th, 2019 10:49:59 AM
In spite of the need for expediency, and with many of his team going crafty, in hopes of giving the villagers something warm to ware, when rescued. Succotash gives into his halfling nature, and grabs a large plate of food, and for the first time since they left Humble’s Ford, the cleric takes a moment to enjoy himself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Saturday December 28th, 2019 10:26:57 PM
“It’s just that all my major holidays are spring and fall, so I guess I feel a humbug that’s cannot be shaken.”

Pressi sees the food.

“Of course, one should keep an open mind about the cultures of others. Wouldn’t want to be impolite.”

Joining Succotash, “So how is this cleric game treating you lately?”

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162  d20+26=33 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+38=39 ; d20+38=56 ; d20+13=25 ;
Sunday December 29th, 2019 4:58:05 AM

Murphy thanks and pays the shopkeeper [note below he wanted also to buy all the wool and cotton, too], and expresses appreciation to the auntie for the crochet instructions and pattern for socks.

The druid enjoys the food, and listens to his friends' conversation. At the time appointed for the festivities, he suggests the group go and join in on the celebration.

He tries to pick up on the thread of what people are saying, what meaning they attribute to the tree and décor, what history and what faith it might represent, and to learn any songs they sing or poems they recite.

He wants to enter in the spirit of the occasion. At the same time, he tries to make a few discrete inquiries. "We have a bit of an emergency need - to rescue some people who were kidnapped, and to keep ourselves from freezing on the way - surely in keeping with being prepared for winder - and to clad later those whom we are rescuing. Would it be in the spirit of this festival to do something which may aid in the saving of lives?"

He will offer 15 gp for the cutting and sewing of each outfit which would fit one of his friends, and 25gp for what would fit the animals (and 35 for Harper). He bought out the wool, and cotton [I may not have been clear earlier, but that was his intention] from the shop. In addition to the thread purchased there, he has his own thread acquired a while back - certainly enough for outfits.

"As much as can be done and ready at sunrise I will pay for," Murphy offers. "I know it may be a sleepless night, and it is a special holiday, but you'll be well compensated." He figures Tali, Hobie, Succotash, Bliss have a need. Also Mookie, Rayya, Harper, Pippa, Rumpus. There likely is not enough fabric to deal with Valerie, and perhaps not enough for some of the other animals...
=======
Rolls for negotiation, encouragement to help on this chilly night those who will be going through several chilly nights:
Sense motive: 33, 28
Diplomacy: 36, 31
Perception: 39, 56
Knowledge - Local: 25 (to help Murphy relate to the festival, pick up what he may concerning it)
The payments suggested above he is willing to modify, if it seems someone can actually do the job in a timely fashion.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Sunday December 29th, 2019 12:15:27 PM

Bliss reassures his friend. "No fear, Mister Murphy. We witches can keep ourselves and our spirit companions warm. I'm sorry we cannot use magic to do the same for our other companions."

He loads up a plate and enjoys the meal. Afterwards, he looks around for anyone who needs healing that he can provide. Failing that, he tries to entertain the gathered people with handstands, flips, and other such feats, as well as spells like Ghost Sound and Dancing Lights. It occurs to him how sad it is that all his most potent spells are dangerous and scary. Maybe he should research a powerful spell that is entertaining and wonderful.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Sunday December 29th, 2019 8:57:26 PM

"Ah, thank you for telling me, Bliss." "He suggests, "Perhaps Tali can wear what I made for Pressi, if she has no need for it. I also can forego the extra clothing. So, perhaps, Hobie, Succotash, and Kezzem, plus Tali, are the only halflings who need it. Not certain am I about the other animal companions and familiars."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Monday December 30th, 2019 5:38:11 AM
Succotash responses to Murphy’s concerns, “Don’t worry about Valerie and myself, Murph, I always carry cold weather clothing and have a extra winter blanket in my pack, even had them with me when we met in the Sargrass, dates back to my day’s as a traveling Paladin, and I’ve been preparing endure elements for Valerie. Preparing for the freed halflings is a great idea, and some may need it, but don’t underestimate the amount of warmth provided by animal skins, there’s a reason you don’t see Rumpas or Harper complaining about the cold, or Mookie for that matter. As a reptile, Valerie is different. Being cold blooded and all, no amount of blankets will trap body heat that isn’t there, that’s where magic kicks in, of course, as a Druid, you probably already know all that”.

DM Kathy 
Monday December 30th, 2019 2:33:19 PM
You eat and enjoy the feast. Afterward, Bliss provides some light entertainment, which seems to be appreciated. Murphy talks to the townsfolk about possibly helping out with the clothing project. At first, people are inclined to focus on their celebrations, but Murphy is very persuasive, and cleverly couches his arguments in terms of being prepared for winter, part of what this holiday celebrates. By the time everyone troops outside to the bonfire, you've had several people promise to help "a little later," and that's the best you can do for now.

Bliss and Succotash have assured Murphy that they can keep themselves and their animal companions warm enough. Pressi has already said the cold hasn't been an issue. Perhaps the clothing project can focus more on having clothes ready for the rescued halflings.

Outside, the bonfire has been lit. People gather around it, singing songs. A lot of the songs are of the "we are celebrating, yay!" variety. There's one about decking halls. As the songs continue, a silver-handled bowl of steaming hot liquid is passed around. You ask about it, and the townsfolk tell you that it is something called "wassail." When the bowl gets to you, the wassail is still plenty hot, and you can see slices of orange and lemon floating on the surface. Those who drink taste citrus, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and--is that wine? No, mead! It's quite tasty. The bowl comes by a few times, and it's possible to get quite warm and festive drinking it as it passes.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162  d20+5=6 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+26=41 ;
Tuesday December 31st, 2019 5:31:00 PM
He tries joining in the first song, but manages to mangle it significantly (Perform Singing: 6). Then Murphy tries some of the drink as it is passed to him. He smacks his lips. "This wassail is absolutely charming!" he exclaims. "We could have some of this on our honeymoon, Press - whenever that might be."

The drink seems to have cleared the frog in his throat. His next attempt to join in goes much better (Perform Singing: 19). He does manage to force himself, after a good drink from the second offering of the beverage, to simply let it pass by after that. Compelling as the wassail may be, he long ago chose never to let himself drink to the point of drunkenness. Still, he enjoys the good cheer and warmth of the crowd. Coming from a family of bards, musicians, and instrument makers, there is at least an off chance he would have heard at least a few of the songs - and he joins in on the ones he knows, and works at singing along with the ones that are 'pickupable'. It's always nice to learn new songs.

"It's been an action-packed year, friends. I'm grateful to have spent the bulk of it in your company."

When the time comes, later, he will see about sizing warm clothing for the few members of the group who need it, but major on two-sizes fit all clothing - some for halfling adults, and some for their children. He is happy to pay them for their help and kindness, if they will take it. Or, if not, he wants to set up a seed fund for helping strangers and the poor - using Sense Motive (41) to try to discern who might be best to administer such funds (whether an individual or small group of people). He has up to 250gp to spend on this.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+14=32 ;
Wednesday January 1st, 2020 9:42:22 AM

Bliss tastes the treats and drinks, but keeps his wits about him, and as the party-goers get tipsier, he asks around for any more info on this travelling menagerie or the wild cave-halflings in the show. He works his WLA badge into the conversation for an extra +2 prestige bonus to the roll.

Gather Info: 32

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells  d20+7=8 ; d20+7=21 ;
Wednesday January 1st, 2020 11:00:51 AM
Succotash tries the Wassail and finds it very much to his liking, but makes a point to not over indulge. When the music and merry making begins, he pulls Bonham, his masterwork drum from his handy haversack and tries to play along, though he seems to struggle at finding the beat. He hopes he didn’t throw anybody’s groove of, as he tries again to find the beat. This time he feels pretty confident that he nailed it.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 12:03:47 PM
ooc: When do we start up again?

ACDM Cayzle comments: Per Jerry's latest message to DMs, Monday, Jan. 6, is a full posting day!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 7:18:51 PM
"Yawn, that was a good nap," says Kezzem awakening form his food-coma. "So what have I missed? I've got some spells to help Rumpus and me endure the elements, so don't worry about us. I can also cast that spell on two others, though I won't have any spells left for restorations of the lesser and cheaper variety. Always good to have a few ready just in case. Never know when a halfling will find their strength drained after shadow-walk mishap. Again."

DM Kathy 
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 11:20:28 PM
Murphy, Succotash, and Bliss enjoy the wassail but are careful not to get tipsy. Well, only a little tipsy. Succotash tries to play along with the singing, with mixed success.

Meanwhile, Bliss is talking to townsfolk about the menagerie. It did come through here, and you find people quite willing to talk about it, but they don't really have new information for you. The savage halflings were in their own cage, wearing animal skins, with bones scattered on the floor. They didn't do anything particularly savage, and the inside of the cage was unnaturally quiet.

In the Sleeping Pig, Kezzem and Hobie rouse themselves from their food coma long enough to see that dinner has been cleared away, and a dessert buffet set out in its place. And what a dessert buffet! There is mince pie, and pumpkin pie, and apple pie. There is plum pudding and figgy pudding. There is sponge-cake, and chocolate cake, and gingerbread. There are macaroons and shortbreads, fudge and divinity. There is more mulled wine, tea, and hot cocoa.

At the bonfire, people start drifting back into the Sleeping Pig to have some dessert. Some choose to stay by the bonfire. In the inn, in between bites of dessert, several townsfolk help Murphy with his warm clothing project. One woman alters the human-sized flannel shirts, making them into dresses that will fit halfling women. A husband and wife team make several warm woolen trousers with drawstring waists, in both adult and child lengths. Another man makes loose-fitting smock tops, also in warm wool, which can also serve as dresses for halfling girls. A small army of grannies wields knitting needles and crochet hooks, making socks, hats, and mittens.

They do accept modest payment for their work, and express their intention to spend it on "something for the town."

It is well past midnight when the celebration begins winding down. Yawning inn staff begin wrapping up the uneaten desserts, sweeping the floors, and wiping down the tables. Outside, the bonfire has just about burned itself out. The warm clothing project has been a rousing success, and you think you have enough for most of the halfling villagers.

You had already arranged rooms at the Sleeping Pig, so you are not required to stay up through the entire celebration if you don't want to. Whenever you seek your bed, you find it clean and comfortable, if ridiculously oversized. The sheets are smooth, the pillows are soft, and it doesn't take long at all to fall into a deep, restful sleep.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Friday January 3rd, 2020 4:56:41 PM
Bliss and Mookie settle in for a good rest.

"Good night, Mookie."

"Sleep well, Kid."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Sunday January 5th, 2020 12:39:31 AM

Murphy expresses his gratitude to all who helped out, and is quite willing to meet their modest requests for compensation - plus 25% on top of what they asked. "It's a holiday. Thank you for acting in the spirit of it - and here's a little extra to help spread it further. If my brother, Kendry, were here, or our bardic friend Jack, surely they would come up with a song in your honor. That is not my strength, though. Since I am a druid, though, I shall right now cast a spell of plant growth. Over the coming year, all your vegetation within half mile of the bonfire shall yield another 25 to 30 percent more than usual." He walks out to the bonfire area in order to cast the spell. He concludes with, "Bless this town, Eberyon."

"Hobie, a couple of questions. Does anyone in the party that you know of have a wand of endure elements? Also, did I detect that your arrows of late are seeming to do more in the way of subdual damage, rather than lethal damage? How does that work? Or am I mistaken?"

He retires to the inn, partakes of some of the wonderful food - little bit of this and that - a good sampler plate, and washes it down with hot cocoa. He wishes his friends a good sleep, gives Pressi a good night kiss, and heads to his room to enter slumbertown.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Sunday January 5th, 2020 2:27:44 AM
"Aye, Murph, I've got a wand of Endure Elements, still with 40 charges. Anyone is welcome to it, but I'd prefer if we save it until the cold is actually dangerous, not just uncomfortable. And yeah, I've given Prowler the Merciful enchantment, it gives the bow a little more stopping power and makes the damage I do nonlethal. Although when you do nonlethal damage in the quantity Prowler does, it's still plenty lethal."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Sunday January 5th, 2020 10:59:04 PM
Pressi may be more of a dry liquor girl, but she's never been known for turning down a drink.

She's also been quite adept at ducking relationship questions.

Besides the obvious question of how to plan a wedding in the brief moments of not fighting robots, a sticking point had developed. To this day, Pressi hadn't spoken much about her parents, and Murphy expressed some hope in meeting them.

Pressi was much less enthusiastic about the idea.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Monday January 6th, 2020 5:47:06 AM
As the merry making winds down, Succotash heads to his bed. He chuckles to himself at the bed to occupant size difference and attempts to climb in. With a boost from Valerie, he is able to make it into bed and then seeing as though there is so much room left, Valerie jumps into the bed as well. The velociraptor curls up at the foot of the bed, and quickly falls asleep. Meanwhile, Succotash has time to think about how blessed he is to have such faithful friends, and to be part of such a band of heroes as Humble’s Sword, before sleep takes him.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Monday January 6th, 2020 8:44:48 AM
As the first of the group goes off the bed, Hobie goes too. He doesn't have much trouble falling asleep, and dreams of his family growing up. In the dream he and his cousins are chasing a chicken around the yard, attempting to capture the family's evening dinner. After the children grow tired and frustrated at their failures, their grandfather, H.R. Hornblower (from whom both Hobie and his cousin Roscoe take their names) stands on the porch holding a familiar bow, engraved with the name "Prowler." He smiles as he fires a perfectly aimed arrow directly into the chicken's tiny heart. Hobie is the first to grab the chicken and carry it to his grandfather, who pats Hobie's head, and says "Young legs are no match for a well aimed arrow, even from an old fart like your grandpa."

At this point in the dream Hobie wakes. He stretches and gets out of bed, removes Prowler from it's extradimensional space in his quiver, holds it out, and looks over it. He's filled with memories: his grandfather's stories, their archery lessons together, their hunting trips, and finally of his Gran's face, wet with tears of both joy and sadness as she gave Prowler to Hobie on the day of Grandpa's funeral.

Hobie wipes a tear from his own eye, and smiles as he puts his bow away. He dons his armor, puts on his cloak, and heads out the door, ready to get going with whatever adventure is next.

DM Kathy 
Monday January 6th, 2020 11:55:36 AM
Your night in the inn is peaceful and undisturbed. In the morning, you can have porridge for breakfast, or leftover pie and gingerbread. Or, you know, both.

You are soon back on the road, in pursuit of the menagerie which appears to have kidnapped the halfling village of Thaelhaven and forced the villagers to play the part of "savage cannibal halflings." The snow that fell last night is still on the ground, slowing your travel. Hopefully, the menagerie wagons are also having to deal with snow, so they aren't pulling away from you.

It is cold, but still not dangerously so. If you were caring for young children, or invalids, or elderly people, you might have been concerned for them, but you are all healthy adults, with healthy adult animals, and the cold is not a threat to you so far.

You pass through another human town that day, and can confirm that the menagerie stopped there. You push on, however, eager to make up time, and wind up camping that night in an alder grove near a small stream.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Monday January 6th, 2020 1:09:56 PM
Kezzem casts Endure Elements on both Rumpus and himself. No sense being cold when they don't have to be.

"Man, I can't wait to catch-up to this menagerie. I need to speak to their manager."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+26=34 ;
Monday January 6th, 2020 2:17:00 PM

Bliss thinks that Sir Kezzem has a good point. "What DO we do when we catch up at last?" he asks, as the group sits around a campfire that evening. They do not seem to have killed anyone? Is it "speak sternly" or "death to slavers"?" He ponders. "Our standard murderhobo tactics may not be the most appropriate response. Let's resolve to use nonlethal attacks until we get everything figured out?"

Bliss takes first watch with Mookie and stays alert. Perception 34.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Monday January 6th, 2020 6:22:33 PM
Succotash ponders Bliss's words for a bit than says, "While I agree with you Bliss, non-lethal isn't something Valerie can do, and other than buffs and heal spells, I don't have much in my bag of tricks either. I guess we have to hope they feel like surrendering without a fight, otherwise..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Monday January 6th, 2020 9:38:54 PM
Pressi scoffed at Bliss. “There are worse things than death, and this is one of them. When we find them, I intend to teach them what a true halfling savage can do. It will be quite the show.”

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Monday January 6th, 2020 10:05:28 PM
"I just want to be sure we are the heroes, not the villains," says Bliss.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 
Monday January 6th, 2020 11:39:46 PM
World Travelers

Tali sticks to her standard routine everyday, that is to say, mediate for two (2) hours before returning to sleep if in an inn, and to a 2am watch if in the wilds.

In the morning or before a 2am watch, Tali casts her standard spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor

Having observed many people the the previous towns, Tali says the proper command swords to change her Bill's Stylish pants o' Plenty into something more befitting the area & the peoples coupled with whatever she and Mister Murphy crafted with the warmer materials.

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 840 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 840 of 840 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:15:35 AM
Hobie will speak up to the issue that Bliss has brought up “Well you know me, I’m one to shoot arrows first and think second, so if provoked, I’m firing a barrage of nonlethal arrows. But maybe Bliss has a point, what if we at least kept them alive long enough to figure out what happened, and maybe after ending whatever curse they’re under we could let the halflings decide the outcome?”

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:16:30 AM
At the campsite, Murphy runs his usual security chores, and provides a pot and tripod, filling the pot and a few buckets with water - but leaves it to others to do the cooking. "Mookie - how would you like Magic Fang, Greater (+3 att/dam) before I fall asleep? With Bliss's Metamagic Rod of Extend, that should be good until bedtime tomorrow. I think I've fallen behind in my promised daily allotment to you." He offers one more casting to who asks for it to endure until midmorning. Or on himself, if no one takes him up.

Am going to assume that, through Murphy's promptings and questions over the past few days, he has been able to pry the following from his companions, who gathered most of this information prior to his return. "Based upon what you all have told us, there are 11 wagons - some rolling cages, some carry cargo. The manager - Olog Breaktooth, a half-orc - has a special wagon he sleeps in, the rest sleep in tents. There are four guards - 'tough customers' who keep order and quell trouble. And a dozen workers. There are two drow. Whether those two are always caged, or somehow assist when between towns, I do not know. If the latter, then perhaps one of them provided wizardly services, such as the spell of silence in the halflings' cage. Pure speculation, that.

"Then there are the lioness, a piebald black bear, several monkeys, peacock, peahen, tropical birds, an ocelot family, and a cage of stirges." He appends, "And the world's largest baby. A giant's baby, perchance?"

"If I were them, facing an assault, besides the four toughs, I might call into play the lioness, the bear, the stirges and, if they would help, the dark elves. They have their dozen other workers - some may help, some may hide. And if I were them, I might possibly threaten the halflings. 'Come any closer and I fireball 'em!'" Especially seeing that we are a bunch of halflings."

"So, what are some of our best plays to accomplish the halfling & circus liberation, while considering justice, and, where applicable, kindness, and a dash of mercy?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:22:15 AM
Forgot to include: "I have a spell, transmute metal to wood, that can make the metal cage quite easy to break. I could memorize it twice, for a second cage."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 1:31:48 AM
"That could be a helpful spell for sure Murph. And well, if we are concerned that our presence as halflings could lead to them using the other halflings for leverage, I can scribe a bunch of scrolls of Disguise Self or even Alter Self, and we could go in as a band of Goblin bandits. That could help a bit. It would probably lead to them underestimating our abilities."


DM Kathy 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:04:09 PM
As you travel and make camp, you discuss strategies for dealing with the menagerie once you've caught up with it. What should be your approach? Frontal assault? Stealthy recon? Demand to speak to the manager? Murphy reminds everyone of what you can expect to find. Will you have to fight the animals? The dark elves? It's hard to say.

The night is uneventful, and the next day you pass through two towns. In each, you are able to verify that the menagerie has come through. It spends at least three days in each town, so you are definitely catching up.

That night is also uneventful. The following day, it begins to rain, turning the snow into slush, and making travel a slow, frustrating, cold, wet experience. Just past noon, you arrive in the town of Yellowdale. There is an inn here, so you could stop for the day and continue tomorrow when the slush is (hopefully) gone. That would also give Hobie a chance to scribe his scrolls, if he's so inclined. Or, you could press on. You know you're getting very close.



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 6:37:31 PM
As they are discussing strategy, Succotash pipes in, "I have this spell called Animal Shapes which as of right now I can cast on up to 15 willing animals. What it does is polymorphs them all into a huge sized animal and gives them a boost to their strength (+6) and boasts their natural armor (+6) the down side is their dexterity suffers a bit (-4) and they all have to become the same animal. It lasts a crazy long time too! (1 hour per level) I can cast it on Mookie, Rumpas, Harper, and even Valerie if we can think of a critter type that would benefit us the most, like an allosaurus, though I think Valerie would lose more than she gained by the spell. I could hook up your pony too Hobie, or your owl Tali but I don't think it would be wise, at least not as a combatants, as they haven't learned to take a hit like the rest of the animals."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 7:52:08 PM
Just a Menagerie

Tali sticks to her standard routine everyday, that is to say, mediate for two (2) hours before returning to sleep if in an inn, and to a 2am watch if in the wilds. Tali goes through the motions, upon awaking, which is to say, in the morning or before a 2am watch, Tali casts her standard spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor .

Community Discussions

"Er, Succotash? I leave Rayya at home and she lives vicariously through my stories when we touch base again. Its best for her, she's a companion, a lover of Nature, but not a fighter." explains Tali to Mister Succotash.

Tali, will experiment with the command words that activate her pair of trousers better known as "Bill Stylish Pants o' Plenty. " Tali is trying to come up with a combination of winterish colors to compliment to additional clothing that Mister Murphy and her designed, sewed, stiched together, and in some cases, even lined with a cotton or linen fabric to cushion the winter blow. Perhaps a pattern like a snow lepord. {Dm Kathy, do you thnk this is possible, Winter Overalls with a snow lepord pattern? }

While working on her Stylish pants ol' plenty, Tali can be heard to be humming a tune and occasionally mutters words to accompany this tune.

Tali hums,"...Itąs a gutter ballet...Just a menagerie...Still the orchestra plays...On a dark and lonely night...To a distant fading light..."

So, clan, are we hunkering down in the nature or in an inn?

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes



Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:38:58 PM

Bliss cocks his head and looks at Brother Succotash. "Um, uh, that's a witch spell too, and you do not have to just cast it on animals. You could cast it on ALL of us. And you do not have to use only huge size shapes. Sure, you could change us all into elephants, but you could also change us all into diminutive bats and we could all fly in sneaky like."

"Trust me, I know from changing shapes!"

Answering Tali, Bliss thinks we should all press on. "We're hot on the trail, I feel it. We should go on! We're heroes, right? No need for comfy beds, at least not every night."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:40:01 PM
To Bliss, "Of course, any action should keep an eye on justice, morality, strategy, all that stuff. But as of now, I'm not worried about lethal damage corroding our souls."

Regarding the town, "I really wish that we had some better idea of how this circus traveled and how long they stayed. You'd think we'd have caught up by now, even with all the inn and camping stuff and the head start. Are they really only staying one night per town? Are they really with all those caravans and equipment outrunning what is frankly a rather speedy halfling strike force? For that matter, how do they decide which towns to go to in the first place and through what paths?

"I guess the bottom line is this. Is there any way, say through divinations or implanted dreams or well placed bribes, that we could force these guys to come to us? Or beat them to their next destination?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:48:09 PM
"Wait, could we change ourselfs into like super fast animals?" asks Kezzem. "That would allow us to make up ground quickly? Like some really fast leopards? Or woild that make us cheat-ahs."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162  d20+17=22 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=27 ;
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 4:34:52 AM
During travel Murphy plies his friends with questions - perhaps to the point of annoyance on the part of some, trying to pull out as many details as possible about what was learned before his arrival. At the two towns they pass through where the traveling circus has performed, Murphy invites any who wish to join in to do so, but beloved (and shrewd) Pressi especially, and Tali for charm and optics - and makes multiple queries about the circus - but splitting the queries among different people. He intersperses the following with fluffier queries, such as, "What was the most fun part of the show?" Fluffier, casual questions may outnumber more substantive ones. He'll buy drinks to loosen tongues, or offer other small inducements. And crosscheck with other sources.
- "What did the dark elves do? Did they perform?" [If so:] "How? Were you able to talk with them?"
- "Were any animals freed from their cages? Did they perform, do tricks?" He looks to learn which animals did what tricks.
- "What did they do with the stirges? Were they locked up well? They are nasty little birds, you know."
- "What order were the wagons in as they came into town? Did that order vary when they left town? Did they form into a circle or some other formation with their carts and wagons?"
- "How many horses, mules, oxen, other draft animals were there?"
- "Did they say where they were going next?" "How many days ago did they leave?"
Murphy spent a fair bit of his own funds during this trip already. He checks with his companions to see if any might reimburse him for coin spent to loosen people's tongues, where necessary.

In Yellowdale he asks when the animal show left. Once he gets an answer, he asks, out of earshot of townsfolk, "Pressi, does that new information help? They are staying on average 3 days. We're [X] days behind now - surely better than the 21 days lead they once held." [Our great DM can fill in the [X]]

"Let's stay here tonight. Talk over what we've picked up from the last two towns. Discuss spell selections based upon some of the things we have learned. Perhaps additional scrying and divinations can be done. I know, too, how much my scouting trips tend to cause anxiety among you my friends, but I can travel very, very fast as an air elemental. If someone wanted to come with me for backup - I could easily carry two - we can gather additional information. Another alternative, at twilight Pressi can shadow walk us to maybe two or so towns ahead, if we're willing to take that risk."

The druid sits back, awaiting his friends' responses.
==========
Town One: Diplomacy: 22; Knowledge, local: 25; Sense motive: 38
Town Two: Diplomacy: 37; Knowledge, local: 20; Sense motive: 44
Yellowdale: Diplomacy: 35; Knowledge, local: 32; Sense motive: 27

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 7:50:07 AM
“Bliss, I know that the spell works on people as well, I was just offering a way to boost our animal friends combat prowess, must a flashback to my Paladin days, you thinking offensively”.

“Murph, I’ll go along with you, you can fly us fast, and I can teleport us out of harms way, and back to our friends if trouble arrives”.

DM Kathy 
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 12:13:03 PM
You continue discussing strategy. Succotash has a spell that can turn your animal companions into large, ferocious beasts! Or, as Bliss points out, turn the whole party into little bats! Kezzem suggests turning everybody into something fast, which would mean figuring out what to do with the cart.

Pressi frets about how long it's taking to catch the menagerie, but really, it isn't taking long at all. The menagerie had about a month's head start on you by the time you left Salbe. Since then, you've traveled a little less than a week and you've almost got them. You're actually catching up pretty quickly.

Tali is just trying to get her pants to work. [If Tali has ever seen a snow leopard, or a snow leopard pelt, then you can have that pattern. Otherwise, no.]

Murphy works to gather additional information. You learn that the dark elves did perform magic tricks. One of the elves waved his hand and plunged the whole tent into total darkness, just like that! People were divided on whether it was scary or just impressive. The stirges were in a cage, similar to the tropical-bird cage. As far as you can tell, both cages remained closed the entire time. The peacock and peahen were free, strutting about their tent. The world's largest baby wasn't in a cage exactly, he or she was set up in a cart. The baby didn't seem able to walk yet, and showed no interest in trying to crawl. The other animals seemed to stay in their cages. There was an area set up near the bear's cage that seemed to be for a performance, but nobody you talked to actually saw the bear perform.

Nobody you talked to really noticed what order the wagons traveled in. There were 15-20 draft animals, mostly horses, although there were mules and oxen as well.

Murphy is inclined to stay in Yellowdale and discuss strategy; Bliss is in favor of pressing on. Your DM will strongly hint that you need a plan before you go too much further. And if you want Hobie to scribe his scrolls, you'll need to stop here.


Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:09:54 PM
"I don't know that going as an air elemental with two people in tow is such a great idea Murph, thats pretty conspicuous. But I do think we are pretty close, and perhaps if you, me, and anyone else who can polymorph themself into a bird, it could be good to do some very stealthy flyover recon. Perhaps we could go as owls and scout out their camp at night.

If we want to appear as something other than halflings, between the two scrolls in my pack and my daily prepared spells, I could cast disguise self on each of us.

Then in the end, it might be a good idea for us to sneak in and let the halflings out of their cages before we open up any kind of assault on the camp. Maybe I could cast Invisibility on Succotash and you could go in, because we are probably going to need you to cast Remove Curse on these halflings before they'll be able to escape."


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:33:20 PM
“Well, Hobie, I can only prepare remove curse 5 times, which means I can only remove cures on 5 individuals. Escape is out of the question if they are cursed, though I’m willing to go invisible and investigate then “pop” back when the time arrives!”

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+12=22 ;
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:44:33 PM

Bliss is willing to stay the night so that we can make the necessary preparations that we need to make. He practices that night doing the Magic Jar trick with Mookie ... he possesses Mookie, leaving his body behind. Then he looks out of Mookie's eyes and possesses that cockroach in the corner, say. He roams around as a cockroach for a while before switching back and letting the thing go free.

"But what the heck am I going to do with your body, Kid?" Mookie asks.

"What if I'm a kitty?"

"You can cast a still silent Magic Jar in cat shape?"

"Oh, yeah, no, not yet. If I had a rod of Silent Spell ... "

"That's the best use for your ONE 6th level slot?"

"Hmmm," Bliss ponders. "I should use a contingency, come to think of it." He calls out, "Anybody have an ivory statue of me I could have?" [OOC: That's the focus for a Contingency spell]

Finally listening to his friends, Bliss mentions that in cat form he is pretty sneaky, so he volunteers to sneak into the camp to free the captives.

And since we are in town here, he asks around to see if there are any ivory merchants in this village. Gather Info 22. [OOC: Dr. Google tells me that you can make ivory from warthog tusks. HEY! That Ypotryll had tusks! Missed opportunity! Anyway, maybe there is an ivory carver in town!]

"So here's our plan. We find the travelling menagerie quiet like so they do not know we are here. Some of us sneak in to rescue the halflings. Hobie, can you (or anybody) cast Knock?"

"If anyone wants to stay back, Mookie will stay with you and he and I can use telepathy to keep everyone in the loop."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 4:20:03 PM
Hobie reaches into his haversack and pulls out a scroll. “Of course I can cast Knock. What kind of wizard can’t cast knock? I can cast it, or with the scroll Talia or somebody else can cast it too”

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 11:29:59 PM
Planned Menagerie

Tali suggests to the group, when able, "I vote for a night in an inn, so we can sure up our plans. I get the feelings this may be as complex as the Iron Giant battle. I do not prefer to go into this confrontation with a simple "Hello?!" and a wave!"

"So, our plans are?" asks Tali.

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:48:04 AM
"I suggest not splitting up this time," says Kezzem. "We tried that during the giant invasion and it didn't work so well."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:01:04 AM
Murphy learns the caravan left only two days ago, and makes certain all know. He finds out from the locals the name of the next town, and the distance in miles.

The following Murphy communicates in the halfling tongue, as far as possible out of earshot of anyone else. "They're likely set up, or are getting set up, in the next town. Hobie, yes, if we swooped into the town directly as an elemental & friends - that would be conspicuous. You should know we can be more subtle than that. How we approach, use invisibility... I'm developing a growing appreciation for your scouting and information gathering skills. Were you not going to work on the scrolls, I'd suggest you come.

"Here's my suggestion. A few come with me. Those who can easily assume another form. Bird? Crow, or farm finch, or sparrow - something common, that does not fear a bit of snow. If the distance is within 18 to 20 miles, I can get us within sight of it in 15 minutes, dive to the ground well before we're spotted, then, if you haven't already done so, we change into our avian forms, fly to town, and observe the arrangements. Direct sight is one of the best ways to learn of others. So long as we act bird-like - if you see someone drop some food near the caravan, go for it - what is more birdlike? Squabble with competitors - but not overmuch. Fly to the top of a cage, sit there and observe those there for a moment. Don't raise a ruckus with them. Just watch. Dodge rocks. And don't stay in one place too long.

"Really, though, we could get there and back again in about, say, ninety minutes? Twenty there, scope things out - maybe watch a show, or at least find out when they tend to run their shows. Leave after a bit less than an hour, exit town, and fly back here. I'd be in contact with Pressi. If Bliss comes, he can talk remotely with Mookie, who will interpret Bliss in his own inimitable fashion to you all. You could be a cat, too, Bliss. If Succotash comes, he can teleport us back when needed, and perhaps detect evil here and there. If Tali comes, she has some spells - invisibility is lovely. And she loves flying. If Pressi comes, she can do all kinds of things, and make wisecracks suitable for a blackbird, though she won't be back where she can relay what's happening. [b]Kezzem, if you come, you could give us good bon mots in imitation sparrow language, and think about what you might do once you return as a paladin well armed - or maybe you have an even better idea that does not involve trying to give me a noogie.

"What do you say? A scouting outing, round trip between one and two hours. Once we report back, we have about as good intelligence as we are likely to get - unless you want me to embed with the caravan until you catch up. I know, I know, 'Don't go solo, Murphy!' Anyway, I'll bet our ideas for spell usage and tactics would be well fed by such a reconnoiter.

"What do you think, Pressi?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:07:44 AM
[Just saw Kezzem's post after mine was posted]. "Kezzem - when Tali and I went miles ahead of the party, and got the storm going - that went well. It slowed them way down, and we gained information. As for later in the battle, there were things to do both within the giant and outside of it - but I'll not gainsay you wholly." He stares at the ground for a moment, thinking with rue how he was plucked from the midst of battle, when he was of full heart to remain and defend his friends and their town.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 11:42:14 AM
Pressi boggles at all the questions and all the planning. "I don't think we recognize how much of this is from bits of pieces of eyewitness accounts and conjecture. It's not like I've got the caravan itinerary in my backpack."

As for the time, "It helps, but the fact remains we may wish to consider a plan under our terms. Though confronting them in a city, even if we arrive early, could raise further potential hostage situations. I do agree that scouting is a good idea, and this plan of Murphy's does seem thought out. I am fine to either hang back or join into sneaking my way in, though I think my skills are better suited than simply a messaging conduit.

"For example," Pressi patted her lockpick set. "I don't need some inelegant scroll to do the job."

Pressi can't really recommend much to Bliss about her body, having lost it the last soul gem excursion herself. (HIPS can help, but it still can be beaten.) She can lend a rod of (lesser) silent spell but not a contingency idol. (Also - did they change the BW class on us? I'm not getting the usual page.)

DM Kathy 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:44:46 PM
You seem to be forming a consensus that you want to stop in Yellowdale overnight. You arrange for rooms at the Pitchfork Inn.

You are able to learn that the next town is called Crofters Crossing, and it's a little less than 20 miles away.

Bliss is unable to find a source of ivory in town. Murphy begins planning a recon mission.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:58:06 PM
"I'll gladly join in the recon mission. I'm not sure scribing the scrolls is prudent right now, I can just prepare the spell enough times if we decide we all want to Disguise Self. I'd like to get a look at the enemy. I think Pressi's on to something as well, maybe approaching them in the town itself could lead to other innocents being hurt, and if were to know what town they will visit after this current one, we could go ahead of them and prepare an ambush. Dig pit traps that will crash under the weight of the wagons, get them stuck in a choke point, give me and Talia a place to provide proper ranged support, etc. Approaching them on our own terms sounds like a solid idea."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:59:00 PM
ooc: it would be super fun to do a recon and then planned out ambush.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:28:08 PM
“I have a better Idea!”, Succotash says with a smile, “How about I turn all of us into a nice winter bird, like a chickadee or a cardinal, and we all go on the recon mission, in the morning, together! That way we all know what to expect, we will all be there, with a single action, we will be our normal selves, if needed, and only one spell is used to do the job”.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 10:01:42 PM

Bliss likes that idea a lot. "Everyone should be little birds. Then we can all sneak right in!"

[OOC: there are good stats for a diminutive bird here. But I should mention that Wold House Rules say we are limited to Bestiary I and II animals. Nothing wrong with a flock of ravens or bats!]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Thursday January 9th, 2020 11:17:25 PM
"What about eagles?" asks Kezzem. "I don't want to be a bat or a raven."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Friday January 10th, 2020 12:51:11 AM

"I like eagles, too, Kezzem. Seeing 15 of them together? - I've never seen so many together."

"I have a way to boost the betterness of your idea, Succotash," Murphy says. "Yes, let us do that all together on the morrow. But yes, let also a few of us take an earlier look, today. I'm thinking of the notion of fairly non-invasive deal. We don't go there and try to interact with the caravan people or victims. We do a fly-by. Maybe land on top of a wagon to preen some feathers and take a bird-like, cursory look to see where obvious locks are on the halflings. Do they keep that cage covered when not performing? This is observation, not tight interaction. Maybe, we'll not land, but just circle for a good look - and fly fast elsewhere if one of those dark elves pulls out a bow.

"Perhaps we'll overhear when they will perform. Hear people talking about what has been going on, or what is coming up. Also, we can learn what types of birds are common to Crofters Crossing. If a few of us show up as ravens, then find out that owls or hawks or something else are more common, then, good. That can help us decide what feathers to don tomorrow.

"So, come. I will go in, say, an hour. If this idea is not terrible, then who will come with me at that time for a quick fly-by?"

He adds a suggestion that, when they come within a few miles of the town, they fly low in a semi-circle, and come in from a side a quarter section (90 degrees) to the right of (north of?) their approach. They flit around until the caravan is spotted. They fly over to the line up - perhaps one or two on one end, another from the other side toward the center. Show brief, birdlike curiosity, then fly on, not back the way they came, but toward the main exit on the other side of town - look to see the direction of that path. Maybe find out from the local layout why the town is called a crossing. Continue a mile or two, until out of direct view of the town. Then broad arc southward, and back to somewhere to land slightly out of visual range, go back to halfling, and walk back to Yellowdale.

"Hobie, when we go a ways on the other side of Crofters Crossing, maybe you'll see a reasonable spot for an ambush." "How does this sound to you, Succotash? Again, I love your idea. I'm just looking to multiply our intelligence."

With this plan, and with the additional walking - Murphy says he assumes he'll carry people as an air elemental to cover about 15 to 18 miles of the intermediate legs of the journey for speed purposes, as well as on the return. "If I fly us pretty low, well off the road, it's unlikely we'll be easily spotted."

Murphy asks the innkeep about the next town or two past Crofters Crossing. "Anyone have travel maps around here? Everything is so new here to me!"

Tali (Kim for Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Friday January 10th, 2020 1:29:21 AM

"Well, I'd be willing to go, but, I don't have means to change to a bird on my own. With enough diamond dust, I could. If you want me to go as myself - maybe I can wear some of the clothing we just put together to be less recognizable... and change my hair color?" She shrugs. "Probably I'll wait until tomorrow, when we all are chickadees, or eagles, or hummingbirds." She giggles.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:54:55 AM

"Or, you and I, Bliss, can go in as cats. Beg for scraps, and learn the lay of the land," Murphy suggests with a smile.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 
Friday January 10th, 2020 7:45:47 AM
“I’d be willing to do the cat walk”, Succotash says, “but I don’t have beast shape or animal shape prepared today, of course I’ll prepare animal shape tomorrow, but if someone is willing to hook me up, I would love to go. After we get the lay of the land, and we are out of sight, if I’m returned to normal, I can teleport us back so we still have time to get a good nights sleep before tomorrow’s encounter begins”.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29  d4=4 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 11:06:42 AM
"Tali, I have no idea what spell requires diamond dust, but I can absolutely help you, assuming that we are all going to just change to birds that fly around. Also, I can help you with the snow leapord pattern. Here's Harper, and here's a bag of flour. I can't say with absolute certainty that's what a snow leapord looks like, but I think it's a solid guess. You're welcome."

If the group is staying for the night, Pressi takes some time to attempt scrying on the caravan in an attempt to get a better idea of the location and layout. She also takes some time to "legend lore" the town (40 minutes) in an attempt to see the carnival or ringmaster (if either are "on hand", she legend lore's them.)

"So, are we all just going? I thought we would just send a few scouts."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Friday January 10th, 2020 1:41:06 PM
Hobie loves the idea of taking bird form and all flying together. Especially if Succotash can make them all birds with one spell. He'll make sure to fly past the town as well and scout out possible places where they might be able to ambush the caravan on their way out.

ooc: Maybe we could all commit to just observing, and then if theres not any dangers we could just hand wave the recon mission? That way we don't spend days and days of real life time on it and just get to the actual encounter of ambushing them?

DM Kathy 
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:40:15 PM
You decide, as your DM understands things, on two recon missions. The first, undertaken immediately, will involve Murphy and whoever he brings along, as birds, carried on the airstream of air-elemental-Murphy. The second, undertaken in the morning, will involve everyone, in animals forms still to be determined.

Murphy and his team: Highlight to display spoiler: { You are able to fly to Crofters Crossing by (mostly) following the road. You find another mostly-human frontier town. In a large open field on the outskirts of town, several wagons have been drawn up around three large tents and a few smaller tents. The large tents have been set up with entrances that lead from one to the next. Outside the main entrance, a human man stands ready to collect money from any townsfolk wanting to enter. Behind him stands a tough, rangy human with a rapier at his hip. There is nobody trying to enter at present. Another human is at one of the wagons, putting something into a bucket. As you watch, he leaves the wagon and carries the bucket into one of the large tents. }

Those of you in town find the Pitchfork Inn to be a decent place. It isn't time yet for the evening meal, but it's nice to be in out of the slush. The common room is warm, the ale is good, and they have hot cider available for those who prefer.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+25=28 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:52:50 PM

Bliss definitely went on the recon mission, and hopefully EVERYBODY went. He also looked on the road out of town to see a good spot to set up an ambush. While he was at the camp of the menagerie, he scouted around and looked for halflings.

Perception 28

The next day, he prepares with a Warding ritual. He expects to be polymorphing into a fighting form tomorrow, likely OctoBliss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162  d20+37=50 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=55 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+13=19 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 4:13:37 PM

Murphy thanks Bliss and any others who come. As they sit a few hundred yards away, his back to the caravan, and since he can talk normally in his current - let's say raven - form, the druid whispers in halfling to his adjacent friends, "Let's check this out first for 15, 30 minutes tops. When you hear me, or another of us, caw four times, then let's head into town, scatter a bit to get a lay of the town. Let's scatter, listen to different people talking here and there. About 20 minutes of that, then on to the road on the other side as we discussed. See if there is more than one road out of town. Anyone want speak with animals? Only lasts 15 minutes." He listens to any additional ideas and suggestions.

"You know how birds try, cautiously, to get close to sources of food? I'm thinking of getting over by where the fellow picked up the food, and search for bits along the path he walked. Alert to any who shoo me away, of course, flying up to the top of the food wagon. After a bit fly to the top of a tent pole, try to hear sounds within, then another tent. And listen, look, preen. Will do that for a bit - no more than 20 minutes. Sound okay? Caw once for yes, two for no." Unless outvoted, he does so. "Oh, and anyone caws three times? Means 'I'm in trouble.'"

He takes a measure of the dimensions of the tents. And absorbs what else he might. He longs to enter the tents, but that was not part of the agreement. Though he might be tempted to a quick peek if it looks like there is an opening to get inside along the edge of the canvas, or through a venting slit, but only if he is aware of a separate escape avenue. If someone else does, he'll be alert to running what interference he might if necessary.

If she is not along he keeps Pressi updated on what they are doing and seeing, so that all might know.

Are entrance fees listed on a sign by the money collector?
============
Perception rolls (apply as desired): 50, 42, 55
Sense motive: 39
Knowledge nature: 35 (to discern animal sounds)
Knowledge local: 19

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Friday January 10th, 2020 4:42:27 PM
It's all going to the birds!

"I guess I'm in the second wave, then?"asks Tali.

Before nightfall, Tali will mediatate for 2 hours as it has become her routine, everynight. Upon waking, she casts upon herself, two (2) Spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor.

Tali is still uncertain how she is to transform (polymorpth) into anything?!

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Saturday January 11th, 2020 11:46:41 AM
“I’m going to talk to the animals and see if they can fill me in on anything”, Succotash says in halfling. He than flys around until he finds the animal cages, then using his “Speak with Animals” spell like ability he goes from cage to cage until some critter is willing to share with his raven self. He tells the animals that they are there to rescue the halflings, but would gladly free any animal that wishes freedom, and for any that may be too domesticated he offers them a cage free home at the Swords Sanctuary.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29  d20+19=30 ;
Sunday January 12th, 2020 8:40:58 PM
Pressi, sighing, hits Tali with a polymorph spell and tells her to come on.

Assuming she can't stay behind (the pressure is for everyone to come), Pressi proceeds to Beast Shape 1 or 2 herself (depending on what is needed). If possible with a silent rod, she proceeds to detect magic during flight.

As for morning rituals, Pressi makes an attempt to reach for the healing intermediate ritual. (And remind me again. It's 18 for heal skill, +1 from Harper, +5 from her coven (via cauldron call), and I am assuming Bliss and Mookie would prefer to skip. Even if it's only +19, she hits 30. So all her heals are now D12s.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Monday January 13th, 2020 9:20:58 AM
Hobie spends his part of the flight mission flying past the town, exploring what might be their next road, looking for a good place for an ambush. Any luck spotting a good place?

DM Kathy 
Monday January 13th, 2020 12:56:53 PM
Bliss, Murphy, Succotash, and Hobie are definitely up for the first recon mission. Tali, Pressi, and Kezzem can go along, too, or they can stay in Yellowdale.

At the menagerie, Bliss looked for halflings. You don't see any. Presumably, they are in one of the tents. Then, he and Hobie begin scouting the road out of Crofters Crossing to the next town, looking for possible ambush sites. Nothing jumps out at you right away, although there are some spots that would be better than others. How far down the road do you go?

Murphy, playing the timid bird looking for food, flies down to the wagons and hops around a bit. You don't see any food along the path the worker took. You fly over to the wagon, and find no food there, either; just a large sack of charcoal. You fly to one of the tent poles. You hear a murmur of voices from the tent, then hear a voice saying clearly, "Jens, get away from that cage!" The air coming from the tent feels warmer than the air around you, and you smell some kind of fire. Possibly that is what the charcoal was for. You fly to another tent pole, and find much the same.

Succotash is looking for cages, but doesn't find any. Presumably, all the menagerie animals are inside the tents. If it's animals you want, though, you can see the oxen, mules, and horses that pull the menagerie wagons in the next field over.

Meanwhile in Yellowdale, the lamps are being lit as the short winter day comes to a close. Townsfolk begin coming into the Pitchfork after a hard days' work, looking for a drink, a bite of supper, and a bit of companionship. Shepherd's Pie is on the menu.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Monday January 13th, 2020 1:40:00 PM
"Eh, I better not," says Kezzem. "My cleric told me I need to cut down on shepherd. Do you have any vegan options?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Monday January 13th, 2020 4:55:05 PM
Succotas, the raven, flies over to the beasts of burden, and using his Speak with Animals SLA, tries to glean anything he can from them. Are they treated well, do they know what tent the halflings are in, do they know where the caged animals are, approximate how many bad guys are there, are the Drow masters or slaves, would they rather be taken care of by a bunch of good loving, kind hearted halflings, ECT...

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101  d20+30=49 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+15=34 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 12:28:54 AM
Yellowdale & The Pitchfork Tavern

Tali will venture into the Pitchfork tavern as to inquire about the menu. Looking at the specials, see's Shepard's Pie. Tali loves Shepard's Pie. "Yummy!" squeals Tali. Walking up to the bar, Tali orders a Shepard's Pie meal along with a goblet of mead if they have it. If no mead, then apple cider. If any of the others accompany Tali, she will pay for their food and one round of drinks. [Diplomacy Check: 49 | Bluff Check: 33]

Using her skills [Diplomacy Check: 49 | Bluff Check: 33 | Gather Information Check: 34], Tali will mingle with the bar tender, any person local looking for companionship, and any of the locals that recall the Mengagerie when it passed through.

When the tavern slows down, Tali makes her way back to whatever rooms we procured. If none were procured ahead of time, Tali will pay for lodging for the group. Then make her way to the rooms to tidy up before her friends arrive.

If any companions from her group { Pressi, or Kezzem} that didn't join Mister Murphy's recon efforts, are in the Tavern, she will wait for them unless waved off. If any Tavern townfolk tries to "pick her up", she will politly decline any invitation if it appears too sketchy.

NightWatch

If Murphy's group isn't back by Midnight, Tali meditates and awakens by 2AM, to take her watch.

{OOC: what time is it & how much was the tab in the tavern? The rooms?}

Skill Checks:
Diplomacy Check: 49
Bluff Check: 33
Gather Information Check: 34

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 750 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 750 of 840 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132  d20+40=52 ; d20+40=49 ; d20+40=49 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 12:40:49 AM
Since Pressi is along, Murphy mentally communicates, "So, you mind if I dash into the tents, see what and who are inside, then fly out?" He lets her know his plan as explained below.
-----
As indicated earlier, he had been on the lookout for small vents, openings along the bottom of the fabric, along the ground, or where various points came together. Also, the tent openings are said to go from one to another. It's unclear as to whether these are sealed with fabric, or if there is a gap or any opening whatsoever. Should he locate any opening anywhere along either of the two tents farther away from the entrance and the rapier-armed fellow (note earlier perception checks of 50,42,55 - they were for such a time as this), then he determines to use something other than the main entrance to pop in.

First he flies a distance away. Perhaps up into a tree a ways away, or up on top of a building. He takes a very good look about to ensure no one is in particular earshot or eyeshot - sitting on a branch opposite the tents, or on a suitable part of a roof. Then he casts on himself owl's wisdom; freedom of movement; magic fang, greater; bull's strength; cat's grace. He flits back. Then he slips in through whatever opening may be provided, and circumnavigates the whole exhibit. If after a lap, his entry point is available, he exits that way. If another opening he deems wiser, then there.

He takes care the whole time to ensure his movements are always raven-like. To add verisimilitude, if there's an obvious bit of food in easy reach without great risk, he'll grab it. Goal? Flyby-observe on the wing as much of the layout as he can, and learn who and what are where. Does anyone throw up a net to catch him? Elude, evade, escape. If he does not cause too much disruption, he moves as a curious/bold, but not too foolhardy, crow, quick to jump back if threatened (or, to one side or another). Mainly stays up high. Then, completing as much of the circuit as he can, he leaves, and flies toward town. He gives four caws ('time to go') as he wings away.
-----
If Pressi recommends against it, then he replies, "All right, what's your plan, then? Seen enough?
================
Perception rolls (one for each tent entered): 51, 48, 48 (subtract one from rolls above)

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle  d20+26=40 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 1:29:02 AM

Bliss will fly at least a mile down the road and then come back to scout for ambush spots. That's the whole idea, anyway. If there is time, he tries to overhear any news from the menagerie owners.

Perception 40

He also keeps in telepathic contact with Mookie, so that at least the folks left behind can know what is going on.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 11:31:07 AM
To Murphy, "Ok, but be careful. I don't want you trapped and trampled. I'll remain outside and prepare to cover you."

She continues to take a broader eye view, sizing up the ringmaster and the cashier first. She also uses her "remote viewing" ability (clairaudio) to make sure nobody is coming towards any of them.

There isn't much else she can do at this form and she left Harper in the village. (She can't cast spells with a somantic component, for example.) She does take stock of the type of people who are going to the carnival, and of how they seem to feel as they see the animals.

DM Kathy 
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 2:22:05 PM
Succotash flies over to talk with the draft animals. You learn that they are reasonably contented with their life. They get enough to eat, they are brushed regularly, illnesses and injuries are taken care of. Some of them would prefer a cozy barn to this slushy field, but it's clear none of them are actually suffering. They say that the other animals are in the tents, and attempt to tell you which animals are where, but they have some vocabulary trouble. They tend to refer to "that tent" and "the other tent" without making it clear which ones they are talking about. And they don't know the names of the kinds of animals, so you have to decipher "big predator" and "little predators." You end up with a vague idea of the same information Murphy uncovers (see below). You ask how many people take care of the menagerie, but none of them can count that high, so all you get is "lots." You ask whether the dark elves are masters or slaves, and they don't know. Most of them don't even understand the question. You ask if they would rather be taken care of by some nice halflings, and they seem fine either way.

Murphy prepares himself and then flies into the tents. The large central tent is easiest to fly into, so you start there. You fly a circle inside the tent and see the lioness, the bear, the monkeys, and the ocelots. The tent is fairly warm, and you see a couple of charcoal-burning braziers which are apparently the source of heat. There are a few townsfolk in here, looking at the animals, and you hear a small child say, "look! a birdie!" as you fly by. The entrances to the other tents are covered in drapes of canvas, too heavy for you to move in bird form. Luckily, the worker with the bucket of charcoal opens one drape to enter, and you are able to nip through before it closes. The worker yells "hey!", sets down his bucket, and starts after you. You fly around the smaller tent with the worker in hot pursuit. You see the stirges, the tropical birds, and the halflings. This tent is also warm, and you see another brazier in here. The worker is not trying to catch you; he is trying to shoo you out of the tent, and eventually you let him. You can infer that the other small tent contains the dark elves, the peafowl, and the large baby.

Bliss scouts for ambush spots, but doesn't see any especially good ones. You return to the menagerie and try to overhear conversations, but mostly you hear complaints about the slush and arrangements for the next day's schedule. From the latter conversation, you gather the menagerie plans to stay at least one more day.

Pressi doesn't detect anybody sneaking up on the group. The menagerie has no ringmaster, and the guy collecting money seems pretty ordinary. The fellow with him, the one with the rapier, seems more formidable.

In Yellowdale, Kezzem says he's trying to cut down on shepherd. "Oh, it isn't made from shepherd, sir," the innkeeper explains sincerely. "It's meat and veg, covered in mashed potato. You should try it." You ask about vegan options, and the innkeeper looks puzzled. "We don't raise vegans around these parts," he says at last.

Tali has some shepherd's pie. The potato topping is a little dry, but the beef and vegetables are moist and tasty. You can get mead with it. You ask about the menagerie, and since it only left town a few days ago, you find many people more than willing to talk about it. Nobody seems to have any new information, however.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 3:24:40 PM
"Why don't you just call it beef pie then?" asks Kezzem, continuing to play dumb.

He will relent and have some Shepard pie. And mead.

"Well Tali, at least we're eating well on an adventure for once!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 6:59:36 PM
Succotash flies over to where he hopes his friends are, and in raven speak, says, "We should head back, I don't think we'll get anymore intel tonight, let's fly out of town revert back to halflings, and since there is only 5 of us, I'll teleport us back, hopefully in time for dinner".

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 8:38:30 PM

Raven-Bliss tries to find his friends and fly back. He's not sure what they learned, other than that the menagerie folk are here, and that there is no good ambush spot.

Truth to tell, Bliss is not sure that an ambush is the right idea, Something is not right about this, and he is hesitant to go in spells a-blazing.

When at last everyone is together, finishing their second or third shepherd pie, Bliss says, "Look, friends, I think we should just walk in, pay our admission, and find the captive halflings. AND have a heart to heart with them to find out what is REALLY happening before we make a move we cannot take back."

Mookie cocks his head and stares. "Kid! Wowsy! You're talking like a grown-up."

"Ha!" says Bliss.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101  d20+8=16 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 11:54:30 PM
The Pitchfork Tavern in Yellowdale

NightWatch
Tali returns to the rooms procured for us by us {myself or others} to await the group. In the meantime, she will meditate up to two (2) hours in the room, or one of the rooms. Tali will hover prone towards the ceiling of the room is possible while meditating; so she can get the drop on violators.

Skill Checks:
Acrobatics check: 16

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 700 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 of 840 minutes


Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 6:10:30 AM

"Maybe teleport us back to the place where we took our guises, outside town, off the road a little ways, so that it will be unlikely people see us just popping in. Sound good, Succotash?" Murphy asks.

Murphy thanks Succotash for the great transportation. He relates what he observed, then repeats his observations when they rejoin the others. "It seems as though it is in some regards a source of entertainment and education for folks who go to see it. That they would kidnap hapless halflings, though, is a crime.

"However, I concur with you, Bliss. Rather than treating these caravan folks as if they are evil giants who will not be reasoned with, there may be a better way to go about this than simply blasting away and wreaking destruction. Succotash, were you able to discern whether any of the workers were of an evil bent? No doubt there may be a few who can be prone to at least occasional wickedness. But others seem normal.

"What do you suppose might happen were we to get a large crowd of people there in the tents, and one of us casts a dispel magic on the halfling's cage, and the silence effect dissipates, and then they tell their story in front of the gathered crowd? How might that sit?"

He tucks in to the shepherd's pie, and enjoys the mead. "What kinds of ideas do you all have? Mmm, this is good." He tips the cook and the server a gold piece for the good meal.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 12:18:04 PM
After the recon, Pressi discusses the next steps with Murphy and Bliss.

"I'm willing to concede that they probably aren't monsters who will fight to their last breath. Probably, at least not uniformally. However, they aren't just people who made a minor clerical error or stole a candy bar, either. They went in and kidnapped a bunch of people and threw them in cages, though I will concede that the story may have a twist or two later. But for now, I need justice to be done. And I am oathbound to pursue crimes, regardless.

"So, I think the idea remains that we can at least gain entry easily enough. We can probably walk in as unassuming halflings so long as we have the coin, though we certainly have some tricks even if they are keeping a lookout for halflings. Aside from diplomacy, we could always lie our way to the leadership, see if they are looking to buy more slaves, for example. Or as a circus in our own right, but I'd have to come up with the lie part.

"As for just releasing them and bringing them to the crowd? Could be trivial enough but we'd need some pretty strong crowd control. And remember, we still don't know how they managed to take down an entire town without signs of struggle, so I'm still expecting a last trick or two."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 12:49:16 PM
Hobie is happy to have some shepherd's pie when they get back. It's one of his favorite meals. He enjoys the mead, and thinks a long time about what spells he might prepare for the next day.

He really thinks that it would have been great if there was some spell that might make a pit under the vehicles of the caravan!

ooc: I just learned that all of the Pit spells didn't come until the APG! I thought for sure that Create Pit would have been a CRB spell. Alas!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 2:15:35 PM
OOC: Nick, I guess you could say...that's the pits!

DM Kathy 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 2:33:55 PM
The recon mission finished, you teleport back to Yellowdale for some tasty shepherd's pie and a strategy session. You discuss the possibility of simply paying admission to further scout the menagerie, perhaps with an eye to freeing the halflings. You wonder about the menagerie employees, whether they are good, bad, or somewhere in between, and how they managed to kidnap an entire village.

It's been weeks for you, but only days for your characters, so your DM will remind you that Hobie talked to a guy in Idlewood named Jake, who had been hired for odd jobs with the menagerie. Jake had said that the menagerie was owned by a half-orc, and that there were four guards that Jake described as "tough customers." The other employees seemed to be ordinary workers, and you can now confirm that the guy taking money, and the guy delivering charcoal, seemed pretty ordinary. If they do turn out to be evil, you're pretty sure you can defeat them without much bother. The guy with the rapier seemed like he'd be more of a challenge--no doubt one of the "tough customers." You saw no sign of the other three, or of the half-orc owner, but you have to assume they're around.

You continue discussing strategy, and eventually retire to bed. The night is largely uneventful--however, you do have odd dreams. You awaken somehow aware of the fact that Serenbeth is alive and has joined the Gods of the Wold, that Wardd has also joined the Gods of the Wold, and that Ceroldra is no more. These heaven-shaking events do not seem to have had much immediate impact on these simple frontier towns, but over time, who knows what kind of new world will come to be?

Casters can renew their spells as normal, and then there are decisions to make. Do you attempt further recon as animals, or do you load up your cart and travel to Crofters Crossing as yourselves?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 3:24:21 PM
"Didn't someone say they can make us look like biguns?" asks Kezzem. "We should probably not go as halflings. They might think we 'want' to join their act."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 5:57:49 PM
Succotash does his morning prayers and prepares his spells. He finds it interesting that Serenbeth and Wardd are now in his pantheon, and he makes sure to revere them along with rest. He is saddened by the knowledge of Ceroldra's death, but since it doesn't seem to have any effect on his abilities, he doesn't let it drag him down.

"I was thinking the same thing Kezzem. Hobie, was it you that mentioned having the appropriate scrolls, and would someone be able to turn Valerie invisible? I would prefer that she be at full fighting ability, but, I don't know how they would feel about me walking in with a dinosaur!"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 10:48:33 PM
The calm before the storm

NightWatch
Tali returns to the rooms procured for us by us {myself or others} to await the group. In the meantime, she will meditate up to two (2) hours in the room, or one of the rooms. Tali will hover prone towards the ceiling of the room is possible while meditating; so she can get the drop on violators.

Skill Checks:
Acrobatics check: 16

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 840 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 840 of 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle 
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 11:42:08 PM

"Maybe I'm getting too cocky," Bliss says, "but even these four 'tough customers' can't be all that tough. If they were as tough as us, they would be leading crime gangs, or taking over a town, or something besides running a travelling show for silvers and coppers. So either we are GROSSLY exagerrating the threat level here, or there are deeper waters of which we do not know."

"If we want to play it safe, then let's follow the plan, go in as guests, see what we can see, and that's it."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132 
Thursday January 16th, 2020 5:33:28 AM

"I can change my appearance a bit,"* says Murphy. His face adjusts, and now he looks like a dwarf with a full red beard, braided. He says in the dwarf tongue, "I am shopping for mushrooms. And want to see the menagerie, so I can sneer at the dark elves."

"Let's think carefully about the spells we will choose, and head out early on the morrow," he says in halfling, after reverting to his normal countenance.

*[Druidic A Thousand Faces ability, as alter self]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132 
Thursday January 16th, 2020 7:31:30 AM

He thinks to add, after hearing of Hobie's interest in pit spells, "I can cast expeditious excavation, Hobie. It makes a 5' cubic pit. I used that spell in this group's first adventure, the Crescent Valley Competition, where we went head-to-head in the finals against the BadApples - who cheated. Also at the Parley House in the Red Hills, against an ogre."

To Succotash, he comments, "You know we have shrines to many Woldian deities and powers at the Sanctuary. Looks like we may need to add at least one. Wardd's is already there."

He also rearranges his spells [which should be reflected on his CS by Saturday - super busy atm]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Thursday January 16th, 2020 12:29:17 PM
Kezzem throws his fists in the air triumphantly. "Mushrooms!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Thursday January 16th, 2020 1:08:27 PM
I’ll fill in later today. But for now, Pressi continues with planning.

DM Kathy 
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:16:56 PM
It is morning now, so Tali and Murphy have rested and renewed their spells. The Pitchfork is serving up breakfast hash.

As you plan strategy, Kezzem and Succotash discuss various options for disguise. Bliss opines that the guards can't possibly be as tough as all that.

The group seems to be agreeing to a plan of scouting the menagerie today as people--if not necessarily halflings--by simply paying the cost of admission.



Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:33:03 PM
"I mentioned that I can make us look not like halflings, but I can't make us look like biguns. I can prepare Disguise Self enough times for all of us, but at most I can make us look one foot taller. Seven super short humans all walking in together might look a little conspicuous. I can easily make us Goblins or Gnomes or something else roughly our size though. The spell would give us an hour in disguise."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:54:27 PM
"Goblins probably not a good idea. If we have to stay small, I guess gnomes would be better? They don't have any gnome acts, right? So there's that at least. What about dwarves? Or are they too bulky?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle  d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d20+18=24 ;
Thursday January 16th, 2020 4:42:10 PM
Bliss's spell prep for the day: Rolls a d20+16 vs DC16 ... cannot fail. He draws Woldsblood with no problem.
Bliss's rituals for the day:
Cat for Basic Ritual, rolls d20+18 vs DC20 ... rolls a 24 no problem.
Share Shield of Faith with Mookie and himself for Intermediate Ritual, rolls d20+29 vs DC30 ... cannot fail. As part of his internediate ritual he casts a Surrender self to boost the Shield bu +2 caster levels, and he uses a rod of extend spell to double the duration. He uses two charges from his wand of CLW to get back to top health.

"Miss Pressi, what's your basic ritual? If it is warding, can Mookie join you?"

Bliss figures he can travel in cat form and pose as a familiar or pet. Mookie will stay back (but in telepathy range (100 ft), just in case the group needs a rescue. "Murphy can be a dwarf for a long time. Disguise Self only works on the caster. But we can still be disguised enough!"

Bliss thanks Murphy very kindly for the +3 Greater Magic Fang for himself in cat form, and he casts a 2 hour +5 AC Barkskin on Murphy (or whatever other witch spell he wants) when he is ready for it, probably just before entering the show. Extended Shield of Faith is pretty good for 24 minutes; Stone Skin too but you have to pay for the 1,000 gp diamond dust yourself.

Mookie sets his armor to look like a black cape, so as to be the least noticeable option. "I'll try to find a tree of perch on a tent pole or something and just lay low. But I'll fly in to save the day against whatever took you all out, for sure, no worry!"

"Thanks old buddy," Bliss answers, ignoring the sarcasm.

[OOC: Have updated my Bliss Sheet, My CatBliss Sheet, and Mookie's Sheet.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Thursday January 16th, 2020 10:06:07 PM
Breakfast at the Pitchfork

Tali asks the assembled group, "What is the reason why it's as weird as it is, is "Silence"? What is every one of the critters/races has been the victim of a spell-like Silence?" Wouldn't that also be a cause for alarm or at least a serious precursor for extreme precaution on our behalfs?"

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 600 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 600 of 840 minutes

(OOC: What time is it?)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132 
Friday January 17th, 2020 4:03:40 AM

"I'd love to know the extent of witch spells available, Bliss. And Pressi. No one has ever sat down and gone over those with me," Murphy says. He is happy to cast the requested spell upon Bliss.

"I can look like a gnome," and he suddenly looks like a gnome, "but I don't know the language. Maybe I was raised by dwarfs. Though, in some ways, going in as a little bird on someone's shoulder might give us more options. Or, a weasel, owl, cat, dog, uh, elephant? I could clear the way as a skunk."

Setting aside his silliness, Murphy sighs. "I can only imagine the sorrow and despair the halfling captives can be feeling.

"When we go in, we can't let ourselves give way to acting out on our righteous indignation. Or to trying to whisper to the halflings that we plan to rescue them - because we might be overheard. Some of us might show appreciation at the exhibits. Awe at the tricks the dark elves display. We need to get to know those who have kidnapped a whole village. Then gauge our next actions..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:00:55 AM
"Ok, first of all, I think we can walk in at least still as halflings... though it might be prudent to keep the armor and weapons at least somewhat covered. I find that more of an issue than of race.

"Second, I think traveling in a large group without a decent cover story like "we're a school on a field trip" might also be a red flag. It might be prudent to break up into smaller groups: a family here, a traveling soldier there, and maybe a halfling or two actively trying to join the circus. For example, I could probably just walk in with Harper, a couple of whips, my entertainers outfit, and a couple of cantrips. Just ask to see the manager, then start negotiating salary while asking some "interview" questions. If someone would like to volunteer as an assistant, that would probably work too.

"I do agree that some subtlety will be required, but I don't know if halfling itself is a red flag. They do have halflings in this region, after all. And if you are worried, a disguise into small child should do the trick."

-------------

For routine:
Catching the Woldsblood - no fail
Basic - ritual of warding with Mookie and Bliss (no fail)
intermediate - raising heal dice to D12 (can I just use my last roll since I seem to have jumped the gun? Pass if so.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:20:54 AM
In answer to Murphy, "Ok, really quick, because I'm going over seven spell levels...

"Generally speaking, the blood allows a choice between 17 spells plus the domain per level. They include spells that are rarer in the universe (APG and homebrew), at the cost of some of the utility spells that tend to be relied on by others, like invisibility. Think of it as a sorcerer/cleric hybrid casting with a focus on flair.

"The spells can be subdivided into three categories. There's the clerical stuff (debuffs galore, heals, a few cures and buffs), the druid stuff (summons, polymorphs, flesh to stone), and the rogue stuff (the mind control, some divinations, a few interrogation tricks like pain strike). Domains and other abilities and gear can fill the gaps. Most witches focus on one of the categories and dip as needed. Bliss focuses on building himself into a tank with some self-healing. I tend to do the clerical casting in combat and the rogue stuff outside. But you don't get the "there's a spell for that" breadth of other casters, so you have to be a little more flexible and better at the planning. Particularly since the smartest move is to layer spell upon spell."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Friday January 17th, 2020 4:16:31 PM
"We could say we're mushroom farmers," suggests Kezzem. "Maybe it will work thia time."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Friday January 17th, 2020 5:45:00 PM
"Kez you should say you are an aspiring mushroom farmer, that wouldn't be a lie. I think perhaps I'll go in separately from everyone else and go as a gnome. If anyone else wants me to cast Disguise Person on them please tell me now as I am preparing my spells. I can make you any small humanoid (ooc: any that are approved) so, gnome, goblin, dwarves aren't much taller than us so I can pull that off, or a human child. I could even make you a Grippli if you wanna get crazy.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Friday January 17th, 2020 10:37:47 PM
“I have no polymorph spells but I could go invisible!” Says Tali.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle 
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:09:22 PM

Bliss nods at Pressi's wise summary, and he is happy to take an hour or three to go over the [link href="https://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Bloodwitch#Blood_Witch_Spell_List"}witch spell list[/link] with Murphy. "You can have any of these that you need," Bliss says.

And he loves the idea of being in the animal act! He changes into a cat and starts practicing acrobatic tricks as a cat. Walking on his forepaws, flips, leaps, etc.

So here's the disguise plan:

Group one
Pressi - halfling animal tamer (with Harper)
Bliss - cat (part of Pressi's act)

Group two
Hobie - gnome adventurer
Murphy - dwarf adventurer

Group three
Kezzem - halfling mushroom farmer
Succotash - ?halfling?
-- Valerie invisible
Tali - invisible

"Please make suggestions for where and what you want to be," says Bliss.

DM Kathy 
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:53:21 PM
You continue discussing spells, disguises, and strategies.

[OOC: It's around 8 am, unless that presents difficulties.]

As Pressi points out, it isn't necessarily a problem trying to go as halflings. Trying to go as a large group of obviously-heroic halflings will probably present more difficulty. There are a variety of ways to avoid looking like a rescue party.

Bliss begins practicing one, trying his acrobatic kitty act. Hobie and Murphy can look like gnomes. If all else fails, Tali can go invisible. There may be other options.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Saturday January 18th, 2020 7:03:28 AM
Succotash offers an idea to is friend, "Maybe if we divide into a couple of groups as Pressi suggested, and then have one group go in, as paying customer, and maybe Pressi as a cat trainer, than we can do one of two things. I can turn the rest into wee critters, maybe pet mice?, and ride in on the shoulders of the others, or someone on the inside sets up a message spell with either me or Tali, or Hobie,or all the above, and we stay just out of sight, then if or when the going gets tough, we use dimensional door to drop the rest of us right into the fray. I'm sorry, you guys know that spell right?".

OOC... Sorry for the missed post, I'm traveling, and even though I've had the opportunity, it completely slipped my mind.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132 
Sunday January 19th, 2020 9:35:55 PM

When Murphy flew through two of the three tents, how were the cages been arranged - what is their layout? Are the halflings still up on a cart or movable platform? Is there a harness attached to it? Likewise for the other exhibits. Are they placed upon the ground, or slightly elevated, or still resting upon the carts and wagons which drew them? If still resting upon mobile conveyances, how much effort might be required to pull one out of its parking spot?

"That is very helpful Pressi, Bliss. I'll let you know, Bliss, in a moment - maybe the one you suggested, but I want to think through this list a little more. Give me five, ten minutes tops."

"Hobie - how about I go in as a bat on your shoulder?" Murphy asks. "Or, I could go as a raven. 'Yeah, boss, I knew you'd like to see this circus.'"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132 
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:18:55 AM

"All right, after thinking it over for seven minutes - let's go with your first suggestion, natural armor - a few minutes before we come in earshot or clear view of the caravan. Thanks, Bliss."

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle  d20+38=46 ;
Monday January 20th, 2020 11:03:05 AM

Not bothering to change back, Bliss meows agreement with Murphy and continues to refine his "act." He starts using Harper as a platform, walking on his hind paws only from his larger pal's tail to shoulders, then jumping up and flipping, then landing on Harper's head!

Acrobatics 46!

"Wheeee!" says Bliss to anyone who understands cat (or has a telepathic connection to his brain).

"The Kid says 'Wheeee'," reports Mookie.

DM Kathy 
Monday January 20th, 2020 1:12:59 PM
You continue discussing strategy. Murphy recalls that the lioness, the bear, and the halflings were in rolling wagon/cages obviously intended to be hitched up to draft animals. You're pretty sure you saw wagon-tongues; you did not see actual harnesses. The stirges, tropical birds, ocelots, and monkeys were in large wire cages--smaller than the wagon/cages but still pretty big. You're not sure how they were moved into place--maybe dollies? None of the cages were elevated.

Succotash suggests two small groups, with extra party members changed into tiny animals.

Bliss continues to practice his kitty tricks.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Monday January 20th, 2020 2:47:06 PM
"Er, guys, what if someone goes back using a True seeing spells to see if there are any tricks afoot?"



Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle 
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:07:34 PM
Tali asks what if someone has True Seeing ...

"Then we FIGHT!" declares Bliss!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:32:38 PM
“No Bliss, Tali is talking about one of us looking around with true ceiling”, Succotash corrects his friend, “That’s a good idea Tali, does anyone have that ability?”

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle 
Monday January 20th, 2020 7:54:33 PM

"Oh" says Bliss, who has evidently turned back into a halfling for talking. "You mean if WE cast True Seeing. Well, can anybody do that?"

Just for the sake of further confusion, Bliss uses his spider cloak to walk on the ceiling.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 12:09:26 AM
"True Ceiling?" asks Kezzem. "That's a good spell. You don't want to have an imaginary ceiling after all: rain will get in."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 12:21:43 AM

"I may be able to cast True Ceiling. Uh, Seeing," affirms Murphy, looking upwards at Bliss. "It lasts for about fifteen minutes."

[I think a while back I said somewhere Murphy bought or acquired components for the various spells he can cast. But I don't remember whether he picked up the eye ointment for that spell. I did select that as one of his spells for the day... doh!]

"Say, what if a couple of us check to see if there's a store here in Yellowdale with a link to the Catacombs. And, if not, then that same couple of us can fly on ahead of the group to see if there is one in Crofters Crossing. I'm thinking Hobie and I could be that couple of us. You up for that, Hobie?" He scratches his nose. "That way, you and I could be among the first to visit and take a true seeing gander through the place. I can telepath to Pressi what we learn, so that the next people who come through will have the benefit of what information we can gather. I may have forgotten to get the special eye ointment for the spell."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:03:45 AM
"If you need to get to the catacombs Murph, I can teleport you there and back", Succotash offers.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 11:20:11 AM
The Planning Phase

Tali tells the assembled group, "Silly Boys, I have that spell, but I am out of the material component for it. I'm trying to be useful here, but you are making it difficult for me. Something is obviously awry here, you all but explained that with your reconnaissance. We know we have to be up against formidable odds, because what other reason could their be, unless all the captives believe they are supposed to be there and are happy with it. That's brainwashing!!!"

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 1:14:41 PM
"Well, I have no trouble going back, and I would be glad to cast true seeing," Pressi replies. "Or, if I happen not to have the component, I still have a number of tricks up my sleeve like detect thoughts and divinations."

(* I keep forgetting about the material component, I've been using it almost at will, and the DM never said anything. Someone really needs to add a key to the bloodwitch spell list or write up a shopping list.)

"But honestly, even if they have a massive amount of power, there have to be some question as to how they think and worry, how their psychology works. And they themselves have to balance security with the desire to make money.

"That's the beauty of my particular plan. There's no magic, and no direct assault on any potentially protected area. There isn't even technically a lie. I really am a halfling entertainer with a trained animal and a flair for the dramatic. And I do presume that I can attract the attention of a circus leader who might want to discuss employment."

DM Kathy 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 1:27:05 PM
You continue discussing strategies.

You have passed through several frontier towns in your pursuit of the menagerie, and you have yet to see one with a Catacombs entrance. It is extremely unlikely that there is one in Crofters Crossing. Teleportation is always an option, of course.

You discuss having somebody return to the menagerie with an active True Seeing spell to see if anything is different. It is probably doable, with a quick jaunt to the Catacombs. But is it necessary? Or do you have enough information to don your disguises and make the attempt?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 3:14:11 PM
That plan sounds good to me, Murph, I can even keep Dimension Door and some Invisibility Spells ready in case we need it

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 3:26:55 PM
Bliss says, "Let's go." Then he changes back to a cat and starts walking.

(He won't go far unless everyone is following.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 4:21:00 PM
"You heard the kitty, folks," says Kezzem. "Transform and roll out!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 6:52:55 PM

"Yep. We'll have to do without true seeing, looks like, and just use our eyes and ears," Murphy says. "Next time we can get to the Catacombs - let's stock up on things, like diamond dust, eye ointments, and other precious material components. Right, Tali uh, Tali?"

He responds to Tali's suppositions. "Brainwashing? Sounds messy. But, you could be right - perhaps some or all of the folks involved in the shows are fine with it. Only thing that might gainsay that, is pretty near everyone who has talked about the halflings agree they all look pretty sad. And they are enveloped in silence. Kind of listless, maybe?"

He proposes to the group, "Since we discussed separate, staged movements, what say Hobie and I go first, scope things out? Pressi and her talented and blissful kitty cat show up twenty minutes, half an hour later, and then the halfling mushroom team and their truffle-sniffing velociraptor show up after another, what, half an hour? Along with invisible Tali. What sort of timing - and order - do you all think would work out? We could go in the order Bliss suggested, or the way I flipped group one and two. Some advance intel for Pressi might be helpful, and ready backup near at hand should something go awry. Halfings at the end might be the best bet.

"If Bliss can have a message spell going with someone from team three and with Hobie and/or me, and Tali can have the same going with me and Hobie and Pressi, maybe? That way we can have another means of passing information around. How many can you include in your messaging?" he asks of Bliss, Tali, and Pressi. Those are all the people he knows who can cast that spell.

"I can cast detect magic when Hobie and I are a short but discreet distance from the tents, and have it up and running as we enter. Perhaps they have some sort of antimagic fields set up. I want to see what the dark elves do, what sort of act, if any, they have.

"Since by the time we get there, they may be running some of their last shows, those who have not yet seen the menagerie, or want to see it one more time, may be there. Blending in with the crowds - if such there are - may be helpful for some of us.

"Are there any sorts of code words we should arrange before we arrive?" he asks the group.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:02:00 PM
" 'Meow' " says Bliss.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:38:39 PM
“I’d be OK with that idea Murph”, Succotash says, then adds, “I have dispel magic at the ready, if we wish to try to break a silence spell, giving the crowd a glimpse of the truth, if we wish to go that way”.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132 
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 3:28:43 AM

Murphy's quick replies:

- "That's a good multipurpose code word there, Bliss."

- "Great, Succotash. Now, if through suasion alone we can figure out a way for the enterprise to do the right thing and let our people go, then, wonderful. It could turn out that more than words may need to be used. Anyhow, as usual, let us, as my father sometimes says, play it by ear."

- "Those are handy spells to have, Hobie. You are becoming an ever more complex person in my eyes, friend."

- "Pressi, Tali, Kezzum - any additions, redirections, concurrences?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle 
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 9:57:19 AM

"They probably don't open until the afternoon. Let's have breakfast now, and walk on over there around noon, and get there in time for lunch. I bet they have good carnie food. I like the sausages and funnel cakes, even in cat shape!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 11:46:04 AM

Pressi interjects into the brainwashing discussion. "It may be a messy business but... remember how we discussed witch magic? Squeezing the life force out of nature to twist innocent minds to my bidding is kind of my job. And I heal a little bit on the side to ensure you overlook it. As for what to expect, I'm trying not to overestimate them."

Regarding the plan, "I think the staggered order and messaging works well. Remember, the key is infiltration, not confrontation. And the code word, as always, is Roshambo. When you hear it, go man, go. (Pause.) Meow works too."

After the first group enters, Pressi begins preparing herself. She activates her glammer armor, switches her cowl for shades, and begins to touch up her makeup and drape some of the cloth Murphy spent gathering over Harper's armor. (She still intends to ride Harper, Bliss and Mookie tucked behind her, into the area before asking to speak to HR. Some touches of prestidigitation and ghost sound complete the costume and make her look more showmanlike.

----------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
glammers active

DM Kathy 
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 1:54:02 PM
You have the makings of the plan. You will forego a second reconnaissance, trusting in the information you already have. You will infiltrate the menagerie in small groups, and see what you can accomplish.

You can further refine the idea as you travel. Crofters Crossing is 20 miles from Yellowdale, so first you've got to head down the road a ways. Your DM is assuming you'll do this as a group, bringing the mule and cart that Murphy acquired, along with all your other animals.

The slush is mostly gone, but the road is muddy and sloppy. It rains off and on throughout the morning, which doesn't help the condition of the road one bit. After a few hours' travel, you see the smoke of several chimneys up ahead. You estimate that you are within a mile or two of the town.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle 
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 5:05:48 PM

Bliss changes back to halfling to cast extended CL12 Barkskin on Murphy. That's +5 bonus to natural armor lasting 4 hours.

What the heck, he casts it on Mookie and himself, just with the regular 2 hour duration.

"Anyone else want any spells?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 5:41:51 PM
Succotash uses his speak with animals ability to tell Valerie he is going to uses share spell to cast Beast Shape III to turn her in to a rat, and that she should ride on his shoulder, pretending to be a pet. He then casts the spell, and Valerie climbs onto his shoulder.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells  d20+23=30 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 7:24:52 PM
"Man, I wish I had fun spells to disguise myself with," says Kezzem. "Stupid paladin code. Let me practice my story. We did sell gather mushrooms for that dwarf fellow so it's not a lie!

Kezzem practices. "Yes, mushrooms are my trade. I am a shroomer. My name is Kezzem the Shroomer. I arrange, design, and sell mushrooms."

Diplomacy 30 (or Bluff 10).

"Wait, how does one design and arrange mushrooms? Maybe I should workshop that some more. Also, if I'm selling mushrooms, I should probably have some. Murphey, could you druid-up some mushrooms for me?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101  d20+10=14 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 9:30:26 PM
The Planning Phase II

Tali will hover 16 inches above the ground so as not to soil her clothes. When the times comes, Tali will cast invisibility on herself (1min / level). Then hover 15 feet above the ground to keep the group in her sights & to avoid obstacles in her flight path. {Perception Check = 14}

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132  d20+37=38 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+37=44 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 10:27:16 PM
Murphy is happy to search for mushrooms along the way for Succotash. Mushroom hunt score: Perception: 38; Survival: 28. Our DM can let us know how successful the druid was in this endeavor.

"Time to get this show going," he says. "I'll go as a raven, Hobie. Your very own, friend-of-a-gnome talking raven. Here are fifteen gold pieces to cover admission, snack items, tips for performers. I'll be Bombo, the Raven Talker. Got that, everyone? Just call me Bombo." ... "Thanks for the extra protection, Bliss!"

"When we go in, ask the fellow at the front whether he needs to pay for the bird to enter with you. They'll probably say no, but then that way they can't rebuke you later for not paying for me. Hope you don't mind me sitting on your shoulder. Though I don't promise to stay there the whole time. I might get down, and just hop next to you as we make the rounds. If someone tries to shoo me away - happened last time I was here - just tell me to get back on your shoulder, and maybe apologize to the shooer. 'He's just an inquisitive bird,' you can tell them. 'He's murder on worms, but don't worry about him trying to bother anyone overmuch.'"

He explains that he wants to see first what's in the first tent because, well, it's the first tent, and he didn't see inside the last time. Go for a nice stroll through the exhibits. He'll pass on a mental map to Pressi. By the way, for the halflings' cage, he can transmute metal to wood. Might be handy. It's easier to break through wood than it is iron or steel. Maybe he'll do that when no one seems to be looking. "You might not want to be right up next to it when I do so - any metal you're wearing could also be affected. If you want me to cast it, just say, 'Knock on wood,' and I'll take the hint."

A bit before the town, he takes out a few more items. He gives Hobie a couple pounds of cheese, and a couple loaves of bread - 'for the halflings, or to feed others, if you feel like it,' he explains. He also, if Hobie is willing to put it in his quiver (if there's room) his spell staff. "It has greater dispel magic stored in it. If I caw out, 'Staff, staff!', then pull it out. I can dispel magic in a 20' radius with that, or do a more targeted dispel. Also, if I touch it to the ground and say a command word, it will tranform into a treant-like creature." He asks if there are any more questions or plans before he wild shapes. When all else is ready and done, then he lays down in the wagon, and wild shapes into a raven. In common he says, "Caw! Bombo am I. Bombo am I! Caw!"

"So, Hobie, what name will you use? Your raven, Bombo, is too stupid to speak Gnome, by the way." He picks up in his beak a thin 9-inch strip of leather from near where he lay before wild shaping. "Hobie, can you tie this around my left ankle? Wrap it a few times and tuck it in tight, so there are no dangling ends."

Once they approach the tent, if that's what Hobie does, Murphy/Bombo perches on his right shoulder. Or left, if that is what the gnome prefers.

[Who casts message, and upon whom?]
===========
Perception at Tent Entrance area: 44

Spell effects at the time of reaching entrance to tent:
Extended Barkskin - Natural armor +5 for 4h 45m
Longstrider: 14h 44m
Magic Fang, Greater: 14h 45m

on Bliss:
Magic Fang, Greater: 29h 29m

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 2:47:23 AM
Hobie ties the leather strap around the raven's ankle, and places the staff in his quiver and the other things in his haversack.

He uses disguise self and turns into a meek blue haired gnome with looooong blue eye brows.

"You can call me 'Francis', Bombo"

Once they are ready, Francis will walk into the tent with Bombo on his shoulder. He enters with an excited and inquisitive expression and nature, eager to see anything new that he can see.

"Oooooh whats in here Bombo!? What kind of new things might we find?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 12:58:53 PM
Pressi watches Hobie and Murphy head into town, then begins to wait half an hour. Her messaging spells and telepathy begin to run overtime as she waits for the group to settle in.

If there are carts available (she wants Kezzem to have at least one cart), she piles Bliss and Mookie in there before getting on Harper.

DM Kathy 
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 2:33:21 PM
Bliss casts some protective spells.

Succotash makes Valerie travel-sized for his convenience.

Kezzem practices his role as a shroomer, getting the profession confused with that of a shrubber. Murphy is able to find some good mushrooms.

Tali turns invisible.

Hobie becomes Francis the Talking Gnome, and Murphy becomes his talking raven sidekick.

Pressi takes possession of the cart (and, by extension, the mule), and prepares to follow Hobie and Murphy.

So, as your DM understands things, Hobie (gnome) and Murphy (raven) will go in first. Tali (invisible) may be accompanying them. Everybody else is waiting for now, using Message spells to keep in contact.

Hobie and Murphy head into Crofters Crossing, and find it busy despite the rain. You see a lot of carts and wagons; Crofters Crossing, as its name suggests, stands at a crossroads. You go to the field where the menagerie has set up, and see the same arrangement as yesterday: three main tents, with smaller tents and vehicles nearby. A small crowd has gathered near the entrance, and it appears the menagerie is just opening for the day. A human man begins collecting money from the crowd as they move past. Behind him stands an imposing half-orc with a scimitar at his belt and a longbow on his back.

You get to the head of the line. "One silver piece, please," the human says pleasantly.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132  d20+37=49 ;
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 5:43:31 PM
Murphy - Bombo the talking raven - lets Hobie do the talking and paying. He looks about at the small gathered crowd, taking in the sorts of people who have showed up to enjoy the show. He looks at the orc, and gives a subdued 'Awk,' while eying the imposing fellow (taking a solid visual inventory of what he wears and carries). He looks at the human fare taker, and then takes a moment to preen an area under his right wing.

He passes on items of interest to Pressi. [i]"Maybe get here in fifteen to twenty minutes, Sweetcakes the Magnificent,"[i] he telepathically recommends.
========
Perception: 49 - take in members of the crowd, and the orc guard.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells  d20+25=43 ;
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 6:34:18 PM
“Oooooh what a great deal for such an interesting exhibit!!!!!”
The gnome fumbles with his coin purse and hands a silver piece to the man.
“TELL ME, TELL ME, TELL ME, What’s your favorite thing in the Menagerie!? What should I surely not miss?!"

Hobie. as a proud archer, will slyly pay attention to the half orc's longbow, and will even detect magic and use spellcraft to determine any magical properties it has. Spell craft= 43

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 6:38:54 PM
Succotash waits impatiently for his time to arrive. he figures he will fall in the last group with Kezzem pretending to be mushroom farmers, though he doesn't see how Kezzem's armor, and his clerical robes are going to pass as mushroom farming garb. He suggests to Kezzem, "I know you love the idea of pretending to be mushroom farmer, but it may be more convincing if we used the traveling priest and his protector as a cover story instead, besides you wouldn't even be telling a half truth, since we Swords make a point of protecting each other".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells 
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 8:10:02 PM
"Well, of course you need armor to farm mushrooms. You never know when they might sneak up on you and attack from behind. Oh wait, that's trees, not mushrooms."

"How about a traveling priest that sells mushrooms?" offers Kezzem in compromise. "You can even sell one to me for a copper now so it wouldn't even be a lie."



Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle 
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 8:17:26 PM
Bliss looks forward to heading out with Miss Pressi.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Friday January 24th, 2020 7:32:29 AM
Succotash smiles at Kezzem’s compromise. He loves how the Paladin has such a simple and uncomplicated outlook on life. He chuckles to himself as he says, ”OK, that seems possable-ish, Here, this ones one the House, but you’ll have to pay for the next one!” He than tosses his friend one of the mushrooms Murphy found, while trying not to bust out laughing.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Friday January 24th, 2020 8:51:09 AM
(Wait so doesn't that make Succotash the mushroom salesman, not Kezzem?


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Friday January 24th, 2020 10:05:23 AM
(OOC... Kezzem is Succotash’s bodyguard)

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101  d20+8=26 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+2=19 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 12:47:43 PM
The Menagerie

Invisible Tali using her skills {Skill checks - see below} will stick close to Mister Murphy as she casts a Message spell between her and him.

Pointing to Mister Murphy, Tali whispers under her breath, "Hey, Mister Murphy, I casted a Message spell between us..I'm hovering invisibly near you as reinforcement in case you need an emergency Sorcerer in a fight!

Spells Cast

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 26
Fly: 36
Perception:16
Sense Motives: 19

Spells in Affect

Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

DM Kathy 
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:23:41 PM
Murphy scans the crowd. You see families with children. You're not sure whether it's three families or two--or possibly one extended family. They all seem to know each other. You can see that the half-orc is wearing a chain shirt, and a fancy belt that is probably magical.

Hobie (with invisible Tali hovering nearby) pays his admission and asks the employee what his favorite exhibit is, and what shouldn't be missed.

"Ah, sir," the man replies, "all the exhibits are marvels. Fascinating and one-of-a-kind. Don't miss any of them!"

Hobie also eyes the half-orc's longbow. It is a good bow, well-crafted. You start to cast a Detect Magic, and that doesn't go well.

"Hey!" yells the admissions-taker.

"None of that!" growls the half-orc, drawing his scimitar. "No spells!"

Meanwhile, Succotash and Kezzem are refining their cover story, while Pressi and Bliss prepare to go in as a traveling cat-act.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:31:26 PM
“Oh sorry sir!! I’m just so excited by new things and your bow is so interesting to me!!!! Is it a maaaaaaaagic bow! ? My grandpa had a magic bow when I was but a tiny gnome. Well, a tiny-ER gnome!!”

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:36:07 PM
As the time continues, Pressi continues to wait and listen... to Kezzem and Succotash, apparently.

If nothing of note happens within a half hour (twenty minutes if needed), Pressi begins moving her cart and horse down towards the town below. Dancing lights, firework sounds and other prestidigitations fire off as she attempts to attract a crowd. (In the cart, with Bliss and Mookie, Harper begins to whine.)

At last, she makes her way to the front (or to any particular worker). It is here that a rather uncommon accent begins to leave her lips. "You take me now to boss, you take me, yes? He wishes to speak with me, even if he somehow knows me not."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 
Friday January 24th, 2020 4:00:10 PM
(OOC: Sorry, posted when Kathy posted.)

If Murphy warns her in advance, Pressi changes out of her armor into her actual entertainer's outfit (adjusting AC accordingly).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132  d20+14=29 ; d20+15=35 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 4:25:01 PM
Murphy/Bombo was hoping to be INSIDE the tents by now. "Boss, let's just go inside and look at the fun things. Sheesh! Sorry fellas, he just gets excited when he sees a bow. He likes blue ceramic bowls, too. I'll keep an eye on him for you. I'll bet you six worms he could barely pull back the string on your arrow, sir. I mean bow. Don't let him get started on his youthful adventures. Caw! Can we just go inside, sirs? That's why we're here, boss, to see the fun things inside, right?"

He holds up a wing to give a loud stage whisper as an aside to the man and orc. "I should get paid extra to take care of Francis, here. Really, he's pretty harmless - just curious all the time, and he makes silly comments. And he casts detect magic almost every day." He returns the wing to his side, and says, "Francis, pay them an extra silver for the trouble, and promise not to cast that spell again while we're here! Promise? I'll tell Pookie if you don't promise! Caw! And you won't get your bedtime story. And tell them you're sorry." He looks up at the ticket taker. "Are any talking animals inside? It's all right if there's not, but one can always hope."

He turns his attention to those still waiting in line. "You think this is fun? It's gotta be better inside, any day! Sorry for holding up the queue."

He hopes that Hobie plays along with him, and doesn't take offense at his attempt to defuse the situation. Who knows, maybe the druid is making it worse, himself.

Murphy/Bombo telepathically relays to Pressi, "Hobie decided to cast a spell in front of the ticket taker and orc muscle before we got in the tent. Hoping they'll just let us get inside. Sheesh! We'll need to hold classes on how not to draw undue attention to yourself when going undercover. So, I decided to add to the undue attention by talking as a raven. So, be ready to bring your best act, Press!"

============
Spellcraft: 29 (Murphy knows Hobie was casting detect magic)
Diplomacy: 35 (nat 20) to persuade man and orc to give them a break

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle  d20+38=52 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 9:06:43 PM

Bliss starts performing with his acrobatics, especially with flips and backflips.

Acrobatics 52

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 
Sunday January 26th, 2020 4:23:24 AM
Francis will go into his coin purse and get an extra silver like Bombo suggested.

“The bird is right, I don’t mean to make any trouble, I just love seeing all kinds of new things!!!! And I really love seeing the magic behind those things!!! I promise I was only detecting the magic auras!!!!!”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 
Sunday January 26th, 2020 11:01:47 AM
"Well Kezzem, my friend, I'd say I've always wanted my own personal body guard, but that would be a lie, as I've never even considered having one, but this could be fun!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132 
Monday January 27th, 2020 6:20:53 AM

"Yeah, yeah. Calm down, and we'll get you some hot cocoa later," Borbo says to Francis. "We'll just go in and look around. Y'know, without bouncing up and down on your toes."

"I'll try to help him pipe down," the raven tells the ticket taker. "Never knew how excitable purple eyebrows might make one."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101  d20+8=18 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+2=13 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 10:05:34 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali, using her skills {Skill checks - see below}, Tali will hover close to the tent top in order to cast Detect Magic in a 60 ft. cone to cover as many items as possible for 3 rounds of concentration. Upon discovering her findings, Tali will relay them via Message spell with Mister Murphy, she cast last round.

Pointing to Mister Murphy, Tali whispers under her breath, "Hey, Mister Murphy, I just cast a Detect Magic spell on a 60 ft. cone for as much as possible within this tent. I will tell you what I found after 3 rounds of concentration!"

Spells Cast

Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 28
Fly: 34
Perception:28 {NAT 20}
Sense Motives: 13

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 minutes / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

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