DM Kathy Tuesday August 4th, 2020 2:18:01 PM
It has been 15 minutes since the kraken fight.
Kezzem finds he is a halfling again, much to his disappointment.
Bliss casts Dancing Lights, and Succotash lights up Valerie's bow.
Murphy tries to deduce what may have caused the holes, but Pressi thinks there are too many possibilities to really narrow it down.
You make your way down the corridor. It is 10 feet wide and 10 feet high. The walls and floor seem to be metallic. You pass occasional metal boxes that seem bolted to the walls; you have no idea what they're for.
You reach a 4-way intersection; your corridor continues ahead, but there are also corridors to the left and right. You hear something approaching down the right-hand corridor. It sounds like feet. Lots and lots of little feet.
Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Tuesday August 4th, 2020 3:00:35 PM
"We've got company," says Kezzem activates detect evil down the corridor with the feet coming his way. "From the sounds of it, either one big thing with lots of feet or many small things with the normal amount of feet."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20=17 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2020 4:50:16 PM
Murphy imitates a puddle on the floor, gently flowing around the corner, with just enough ocular protuberances to see what is coming our way.
And here is a d20 roll with no adjustments given in case DM Kathy needs me to roll something to succeed more or less in what I'm attempting. [Sorry, limited time here]
Bliss sneaks on walls and ceiling toward the sound of the pitter-patter, using those boxes and the shifting light of his dancing lights to make shadows to hide in.
Stealth 50
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+11=20 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+10=29 ; Wednesday August 5th, 2020 6:30:58 AM
Knowing that they aren't near as sneaky as Bliss is while in cat mode, Succotash and Valerie leave plenty of distance between them and Mr fluffy, but try to proceed as quietly as possible, trying to stay alert.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=27 ; Wednesday August 5th, 2020 1:27:41 PM
Pressi performs a couple of tasks.
First, she adjusts the glammer on her armor until it matches the markings of the priestess from the castle. Second, she casts detect thoughts in an attempt to determine what's coming, whether it heard them, and what it wants.
Third, she overcomes her instinct to try talking out of trouble first in favor of the other's stealth. Instead, she uses her obscure mist and the varied boxes, and calls over Succotash and Kezzem (so they can hide, too).
(Stealth 27)
DM Kathy Wednesday August 5th, 2020 1:52:33 PM Kezzem detects for evil, but senses none.
Murphy flows around the corner.
Bliss sneaks, remaining hidden.
Succotash and Valerie hang back so as not to give the party away.
Pressi uses her armor's glamor to look like Kerra. She casts Detect Thoughts.
All of you "hear" in your minds: Intruders! State your business or be consumed!
Kezzem, who had been detecting for evil, and Murphy, who had slipped around the corner, see the creatures approach. You have all seen minotaurs, of course, and centaurs, and lion-taurs. These creatures, for want of a better word, are ant-taurs. Their lower bodies resemble ants; their many feet are what you heard approaching. Their upper bodies...well, they also resemble ants, except they are upright and carrying javelins.
And a map, just to sketch in where I think people are.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Wednesday August 5th, 2020 2:01:10 PM
Hobie moves accross the way and behind Murphy and Kezzem. He casts Heroism on himself, and waits to see if these anttaurs move to attack.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=29 ; Wednesday August 5th, 2020 7:38:36 PM
Kezzem is eager to cast holy sword, but decides to hold off for now in case he needs it for a "boss fight" later.
"In case the 'or be consumed' was not a tip off, these guys are detecting as not-very-nice," says Kezzem quietly to the group. "They're quite popular with beetletaurs...especially my friends John, Paul, George, and Ringo."
"I don't suppose you fellows would rather consume some buttery mushrooms instead?" offers Kezzem as he positions him in front of the group and offers up some mushroom samples.
Bliss smiles internally at Sir Kezzem's jest, but fears the antfolk will not have a sense of humor.
He turns back into a halfling and declares, "We are friends of Kerracles here at the invitation of his servant the Lady Kerra. We come to help repair this place. We are not your enemies."
Diplomacy 32!
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 Thursday August 6th, 2020 1:30:11 AM
Murphy rises off the floor, still in his water elemental form. "Oil floats up from broken pipes, and spoils the water above. We seek to stop this damage. What place is this? What functions are performed by the pipes and structures? Have you a Queen?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=43 ; Thursday August 6th, 2020 6:06:32 AM
Diplomacy 43
Succotash adds to his friends words by saying, "We simply want to help, do you know what caused the oil leak, and do you have any idea as how we can fix it?
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) Thursday August 6th, 2020 1:16:35 PM
Pressi continues to concentrate on her detect thoughts, hoping to glean their reactions to any of this.
With everyone else being diplomatic, Pressi chooses instead to try and read them (using sense motive). She's quite aware that these guys might not be Kerracles fans.
DM Kathy Thursday August 6th, 2020 2:28:37 PM Hobie repositions himself and casts Heroism.
Pressi continues concentrating on her spell. The minds she touches are quite alien. You're pretty sure they've never heard of Kerracles or Kerra. Their priority seems to be defending the tunnels they see as their territory. And, although they seem to think of this as their territory, a certain unfamiliarity hints that they haven't been here long. The moonlings said that the oil stain started about three weeks ago.
Kezzem asks whether they would like mushrooms instead. The closest ant-taur responds verbally rather than telepathically. "You have mushrooms," he says in Common. "Tell us where we might find mushrooms for the hive!"
Bliss assures the creatures that you are not enemies, and mentions both Kerracles and Kerra. "These creatures are of no interest to us," the ant-taur replies. "These tunnels now belong to the hive, and we will handle any needed repairs."
Murphy talks about the oil leaks, and says you need to stop them. He asks if they have a queen. "Of course we have a queen!" is the reply.
Succotash reiterates that you need to fix the oil leak. There is a pause. You think they may be communicating telepathically among themselves. Then the speaker says, "Since you are here, you may make these repairs. But do not return."
Knowledge: Local DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {These are formian myrmarchs, which means there are probably other kinds of formians here as well.}
Knowledge: Local DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {These are formian myrmarchs. Formians are giant, antlike interplanetary expansionists with an alien hive intelligence. They are not evil, but they are aggressive in the propagation of their kind into new territories. If there are myrmarchs, you can probably expect there to be workers and warriors as well.}
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Thursday August 6th, 2020 3:35:07 PM
"Murph, can you do your druid thing and make some more mushrooms for these fine gents?" asks Kezzem with a smile from ear to ear, happy that the mushroom ploy has seemingly finally played off.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+14=23 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+17=24 ; Thursday August 6th, 2020 3:54:02 PM
To Kezzem Murphy says, "Well, I could. But it would take a few days to set up something that would allow for a sustainable supply."
"Some of the parts for repair are missing," Murphy tells the formians. "We fixed one of the leaks with what was available. But we need the proper parts to effect the rest of the repairs. Surely there is within this complex a place where spare parts are kept. Please tell your queen that to prevent damage to this place, we need access. We request to meet with the queen. I am an engineer - though you may find it surprising that a blob of water can be an engineer." ========== Knowledge Local: 23 Sense Motive: 31 Diplomacy: 24
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 Thursday August 6th, 2020 8:14:34 PM
Murphy also communicates telepathically with Pressi. Highlight to display spoiler: {"These are formian myrmarchs. So there are other formians in the area. Myrmarchs are pretty tough cookies. Do you know anything about them?"}
Bliss says, "Hey, you just got here. Did you cause this leak? Did you have permission to live here? Did you know this is the palace-world of a god? How did you even get here?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=36 ; Friday August 7th, 2020 5:54:57 AM
Succotash Bristles a bit at the whole fix it and get out attitude, but remains in control. "Like my wet friend here has said, we need to find the means to fix the leak. I fixed what I could, but one can only do so much without the appropriate materials. If we could have your leave to search for them, and mayhaps seek the wisdom of your queen, We can get the job done, and be on our way."
Diplomacy: 36
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+11=13 ; d20+19=29 ; Friday August 7th, 2020 1:01:38 PM
To Kezzem, "Congratulations. You're the dog that caught the carriage. Now what do you do with it?"
Pressi tries to concentrate on Murphy's question (Know Local Roll 13), but she know only that they are good at boxing and having their own grill.
She reacts a bit at Bliss' overt questioning, smoothing things over as needed.
If the bugs turn aggressive, Pressi casts like to like (DC 18) and makes her own diplomacy check (Diplomacy 29+14 if succeed). She explains that, as blunt as the group is, it can get the job done. And she ensures the bugs that they are only interested in fixing the leak, but that may require the requested information and limited access.
DM Kathy Friday August 7th, 2020 1:57:21 PM Kezzem is very pleased that the whole mushroom thing is about to bear fruit. Er, spores. He asks Murphy about it.
Murphy would need a few days to create a sustainable mushroom supply for the hive, but it could be done. He requests spare parts and an audience with the queen.
Bliss has questions!
"We do not know anything about a leak," the spokes-ant replies. "We take what we will, and we do not need permission. We arrived by our own means, to establish this new colony."
Pressi, still using her Detect Thoughts, gets the impression of magical travel--some kind of teleportation effect.
Succotash attempts to smooth things over with some diplomacy. The ant-creatures do seem to be somewhat mollified. They do that thing again where they seem to be having a telepathic discussion. Finally, the spokes-ant says, "We cannot allow you to roam the hive's tunnels unescorted. We will take you to the queen."
The logistics are a little awkward, as the ant-creatures are Large in size and the tunnels are only 10 feet wide. At last, however, they get turned in the right direction, and begin escorting you through the tunnels, some moving ahead of you and some behind. You cross a couple more intersections, then you turn a corner and find yourselves in a larger space.
Looking around, you guess that this may have been a workroom of some kind. There are lockers along one wall; maybe there are supplies in them? A couple of work-tables have been shoved out of the way, to make room for the queen.
She is half-reclining in the center of the chamber. She is not much larger than the ant-creatures who escorted you, but her abdomen is very large and pulses slightly--probably with eggs. She is tended by several smaller versions of the ant-taurs who escorted you.
She regards you, mandibles clicking slightly. None of the ant-creatures have spoken, but of course, you don't know what they may have communicated telepathically.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+30=31 ; d20+41=45 ; d20+19=31 ; Saturday August 8th, 2020 12:45:06 AM
As they travel along, Murphy makes a point of making odd noises. Blurps, bloops, raspberries, squirts, what have you, so that the escort gets used to him being somewhat non-quiet as they move along. As they enter the chamber, Murphy casts owl's wisdom, with a small appropriate belch, then, as the group comes to a stop before the queen and they take in the scene, he communicates telepathically with Pressi - wishing he could do so with all.
For Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {"So these formians have come from elsewhere - not from the Wold, I should think. They don't really understand much about where they are. The queen is about to launch a whole brood of new ants. They will overrun and destroy these tunnels - the purpose of which they do not understand. They are arrogant and aggressive. But also uncertain, and tentatively open to negotiations. Perhaps a better place than where they have landed might be found for them... like, say, the lands of recent giant depopulation? Or in a world far, far away? This looks like a bad place for them. Or, better said, they are bad for this place, unless they can figure out how to live here without wreaking havoc on the local systems."}
Murphy slides forward about five feet. "May I speak?"
He then begins: "Welcome to this satellite. I am Murphy. These are my mates.
"I am going to ask some hard questions. Do not take offense. It may be good for you to live long and grow your hive. I ask these questions because you are at risk. Truth between people is good. Truth can save lives." He uses his octopus limbs to shape what he says in his speech.
"Do you understand where you are? And the system you have come to? And that you risk drowning your whole recently moved colony because you do not fully understand what you are doing? Will you allow your ignorance to lead to your destruction? May you live long and prosper - but let's help each other figure out how to do so without you accidentally killing yourselves, harming many you do not know, and ruining a moon to which you came ... uninvited?
"Shall we discuss this? We are here because it seems some of your people have hurt a system they do not yet understand, and may cause further hurt to yourselves and others. If we work together, we may better learn, together, how for you to be safe.
"Shall we explore how you can survive? And thrive? One of my mates," and he nods toward Kezzem, "has one means to provide a source of food for you. It would take a few days to set up sustainable growth, and another few days for some of you to understand how to grow and farm it.
"Here there are many pipes, tubes, that carry precious fluids. Those fluids do good work when contained and channeled. They can cause harm when control of them is lost. We have fixed one of three damaged pipes. We need to find parts in these chambers to repair the others. I am an engineer - a master builder, and we have other skills among us, just as your people have many skills to help the hive.
"Shall we help each other? And learn from each other?" He slides back about two and a half feet, indicating he has finished his speech. ============ Sense Motive: 31; Perception: 45; Diplomacy: 31
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=29 ; d20+22=33 ; Sunday August 9th, 2020 1:50:13 PM
Kezzem will aid Murphy in his Diplomacy by giving out mushroom samples.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 24 = 29.
+2 to Murphy for a total of 33.
Kezzem will also Sense Motive while he is at it.
Sense Motive: 33
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Sunday August 9th, 2020 9:12:09 PM
Header Update
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Sunday August 9th, 2020 9:30:57 PM
Header and Footer Update
Pressi
Ritual of Healing (D12s) Ritual of Warding (+1 to saves and AC) Heroes Feast (10 HP) shield of faith (+4 AC) Water Breathing (from other) word of recall set (to palace) flying broom
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=43 ; Monday August 10th, 2020 6:05:46 AM
Succotash isn't certain what is to come of this, though he will lend his 2 cents to help Murphy (Aid another diplomacy, with a +23 bonus, it's an auto pass) he also will stay on his toes in case things go south (Perception 43)
CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle Monday August 10th, 2020 7:16:15 AM
Bliss waits to see how this diplomacy is received.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Monday August 10th, 2020 10:22:37 AM
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { I don't disagree, but this may not be the time and the place to press them on this broader issue. We don't exactly have authority to represent the moon or the giant lands. In the meantime, we need stuff from this group that doesn't trust us, doesn't want to just give it, and is now surrounding us while armed to the teeth. So I frankly would dial it back if you can, because I'm not exactly getting a chill vibe. }
Since Murphy insists on continuing with diplomacy, Pressi squeezes Murphy's hand and casts Like to Like on him. (Will DC 18 to add +14 to Diplomacy). The primary purpose, though, is to have Murphy pull back to the issue at hand should they become hostile.
"Please understand that we are hoping to work with you. But for the moment, our main purpose is to help in the oil leak that plagues us both. All we ask is that we are granted a chance to prove ourselves to your hive."
Pressi
Ritual of Healing (D12s) Ritual of Warding (+1 to saves and AC) Heroes Feast (10 HP) shield of faith (+4 AC) Water Breathing (from other) word of recall set (to palace) flying broom
DM Kathy Monday August 10th, 2020 1:57:41 PM Murphy asks permission to speak.
"Speak, soft creature," the queen replies.
Murphy mentions drowning. The queen is scornful. "We know how to obtain water for the hive without flooding the tunnels," she says. "Much of the water here is polluted, but we found a clean source at last."
Murphy talks about food. The queen's mandibles click a little faster. "We have farms," she says. Pressi, still concentrating on her Detect Thoughts can tell that this is an exaggeration. They have started farms. "But fresh crops might be of interest to the hive," the queen continues.
Murphy talks about pipes, and honestly the queen doesn't seem to follow the explanation. "The hive has no use for these fluids," she says at last.
People sensing motives--which I think is Murphy and Kezzem, plus Pressi with her Detect Thoughts can tell that, for all the arrogant bluster, the formians are starting to be a little concerned that they have bitten off more than they can chew. Negotiations are definitely possible, though you'll need to proceed with caution.
Bliss takes off his hat and bows to the queen. "I'm Bliss, son of Vauhwyt, your majesty! At your service and your family's."
Bliss whispers to his friends, "That's the dwarvish way to make a good introduction, you know."
Turning back to the queen, Bliss says, "Sure, we'll help you. You help us patch these oil leaks, and we'll help you with anything we can!"
Diplomacy 26
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+19=37 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2020 12:54:17 AM
Murphy looks up at Pressi as she speaks.
Heeding Pressi's counsel to walk lightly, and the example Bliss gives, Murphy slithers forward a few steps and responds thusly. "How about this? Let us investigate, and determine how to repair the damage. The oils and liquids are beneficial when properly used, but can slowly pollute the clean water if not channeled. Let us look about, and see if we can find what is needed to fix the leaks. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if those lockers might have something useful," he says, pointing a few of his octopus tentacles towards them. "Once we've done that, then we can look to see what we can do by way of mushrooms. I have a large box full of mushroom varieties. We can grow samples, see which ones take to the environment, and of those, which ones you find tasty."
"So, it is up to you. Would you like us to see what we can do to help? And, with your collective intelligence, surely you can teach us things, too." He then moves back to where he had been. Then he thinks to add one more thing. "I am an engineer, I also am a farmer. And Kezzem here is a bit of an expert on mushrooms. Anyway, I can speed up the growth of plants considerably, thanks to Eberyon." He is pretty sure that none of the formians know who Eberyon is, but he feels he must give credit where credit it due. ============ Diplomacy: 37 (not including various bonuses from several people who have been helping out in the diplomatic arena)
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+28=30 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2020 6:42:53 AM "Your highness, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, and this is Valerie. You mentioned that the water was polluted, but that you found a clean source. Well, that pollution is the very reason we are here, and the very thing we wish to stop. With your leave, and perhaps the help of your people, we can fix the leaks, which are causing the pollution."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Tuesday August 11th, 2020 2:30:50 PM
Pressi smiles as Murphy's activities begin to bear fruit.
As others begin to bargain, Pressi mostly keeps her eyes open.
DM Kathy Tuesday August 11th, 2020 2:57:58 PM
Encouraged, Bliss introduces himself. The queen's mandibles click, but she makes no other response.
Murphy asks again to fix the leaks, aided by Succotash.
"Very well," the queen says. "Make your repairs, and stop the pollution. Then we will see about these mushrooms of yours." She waves a couple of arms in the direction of the lockers.
Taking her invitation, you open the lockers and examine the contents. You see jars of oil and other supplies, and small tools. You don't see pipe material, but you do see a quantity of thin, sturdy, flexible stuff that you think could be made into patches. If you can just figure out how to cut it.
As you examine the lockers, the formians watch you, without attempting to help or hinder you.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 Tuesday August 11th, 2020 7:15:50 PM
"Thank you," Murphy responds. He joins with his friends, and begins to perform an inventory of the items, placing tools from the lockers in a fairly orderly fashion upon one of the tables. Likely most common tools he would be acquainted with. His father has an extensive shop in Humble's Ford, and he watched him using most of them as he was growing up. Any tools that are unfamiliar, he places at one end of the table.
Surely there must be something for cutting, slicing, that sort of thing. A knife is among the most basic of tools, and scissors (even in a medieval setting) not too uncommon. "Can one of you write a list of what we have here? Tali, you have ink and paper, right?"
[will post 2nd half of his post tonight - must run now]
"If we just slap this material over the holes and cast Make Whole, would that do it, do you think, Brother Succotash?"
"Maybe we have to wait for tomorrow for the spell?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Wednesday August 12th, 2020 12:31:48 AM
"I hope we have enough space for everything we need," says Kezzem. "I don't know how mush-room we have left."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+21=35 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2020 3:33:58 AM
"Perhaps we could effect the repair in two stages," Murphy comments after Bliss makes his suggestion. "First we shape, cut, fashion this material to cover the damaged area, and use mending for a quick patch, then with Make Whole on the morrow, really do it up right and fully seal it? Now, some of the other materials and tools here may help us out." [Waiting upon DM report to know what we have in inventory. Any glues? Other useful goodies?]
Having seen the two leaky parts already, and having determined that additional resources were necessary to getting them fixed, and armed with the tools and materials found in the lockers, Murphy mentally puts together a way to engineer a repair [Knowledge: Engineering: 35]. Would that be sufficient to get things fixed even without resorting to spells?
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Wednesday August 12th, 2020 6:37:51 AM
"Both make whole, which would require me to prepare it tomorrow, and mending, which I almost always have prepared, require all the parts to be there. the only differences between the spells is make whole fixes more damage per casting then mending, and it allows me to repair completely destroyed things, versus just broken things, like the pipes. I know that the original parts are missing, but if we were able to manufacture substitute parts, either spell should work, I think. The question is how do we fashion the parts. If only their was a spell like stone shape that works with metal, this would be a lot easier."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Wednesday August 12th, 2020 10:26:54 AM
"Blocking the oil from the water is probably a necessary first step," Pressi admitted, "But then we'd just be trapping this sludge somewhere else. We might need to eventually track it to its source."
As the others discuss how to mend the machines, Pressi takes some time to size up the guards a little bit. "So, when did you see this oil begin to form in the tunnels, exactly. And... how did you guys wind up on the moon in the first place? Have any of you contacted the nearby cities?"
Finally, she shows one of the guards the talisman from the temple, and looks to see if anyone finds it familiar.
DM Kathy Wednesday August 12th, 2020 4:54:26 PM Murphy does an inventory of the tools. You find several hammers and mallets, a couple of chisels, pliers in various sizes, assorted screwdrivers, various wrenches, different kinds of saws, a small axe, and some cutting blades. Accompanying them are different sizes of nails and screws, as well as lengths of wire.
The patch material is tough, but one of the saws seems designed to cut it; anyway it does the job with a bit of elbow grease.
Kezzem worries about having enough room.
Bliss suggests a Make Whole, which Succotash could cast, but not today.
Pressi worries about the source of the oil, but it was flowing through pipes that seemed designed to carry it. Presumably, once the repairs are complete, the system will operate properly again. And Pressi has already seen that the lake can eventually clean itself of the pollution.
Pressi has some questions for the formians, but they aren't very forthcoming with the answers. You learn that the oil never got into the tunnels (it stayed in the water), and that they haven't contacted anybody nearby. They don't say how they arrived here.
Giving it some thought, Murphy determines that you can probably do makeshift repairs today, placing the patches and holding them temporarily with twists of wire wrapped around the pipes. Tomorrow, you can remove the wire and cast your Make Whole spells, and that will make the repairs permanent.
Bliss looks through the lockers and also searches for secret doors inside them. Perception 42
He bows and explains to the queen. "Your Majesty, we'll do a patch job right now, and finish the work with a permanent repair tomorrow. We'll go do the patching work now, by your leave."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Thursday August 13th, 2020 12:02:30 AM
"I always get all my work done tomorrow," offers Kezzem.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Thursday August 13th, 2020 6:48:29 AM
Succotash expounds on what Bliss says, "Your majesty, to explain what my friend means, we have found the means to repair the oil leaks, and we can do a temporary fix today, however, to make it permanent, I will have to cast some magics on it, magics I need a day to prepare. would you prefer we left and returned in the morning, to finish the job, or would you prefer we stay here until the job is complete?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Thursday August 13th, 2020 1:01:02 PM
Pressi considers whether she can do anything besides cheerlead at this point, but the answer is "not much."
She does wonder how a planetary body with 1/6 the gravity has so many physical strength activities. Oh well, she's sure the team will get back to stealth missions next week.
More seriously, she can at least twist the wire around the pipes.
DM Kathy Thursday August 13th, 2020 4:04:32 PM
You plan to make temporary repairs today, then return tomorrow to make them magically more permanent. The formians seem to understand the basic concepts you're explaining.
Succotash asks the queen whether you can leave and return, or whether you must stay here.
That kicks off a longer discussion, the gist of which is that you have a choice. You can stay here, and they will find a "suitable" place for you to sleep. Whatever that means. Or, you can leave and return, but you must take one of the myrmarchs (the larger ant-taurs) with you.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+30=39 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 12:23:19 AM
"Well, if you can travel underwater with us," Murphy says.
Telepathically to Pressi he says, Highlight to display spoiler: {"We want to check out the kraken's lair, too, and I'm not excited about bringing along a myrmarch. If you are up for it, perhaps a few of us could stay here - so they know we won't abandon our work - and a few can track down the lair, before someone else gets to it. What do you think?"}
"We do have something we need to take care of elsewhere. Perhaps a few of us can remain with you, and the rest will return on the morrow," Murphy suggests. "Perhaps Hobie and Tali might stay here overnight? I'm open to suggestions."
Then he asks, "Do you like seafood? Meat from water dwellers?"
[OOC: I hope we don't have a Friday DM Kathy post, then have several of us not post until Monday - that has been happening recently] ============= Sense Motive: 39 - Getting more of a feel for how these ant-people operate. He now thinks it would be great to learn how they communicate.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Friday August 14th, 2020 6:43:08 AM
Succotash is fine either way. though sleeping in a comfy bed does seem preferable to what ever arrangements may be found down here.
OOC.. Based on the damage, approximately how may times will Succotash need to prepare Make Whole?
OOC: No secret door or compartments in the lockers, then?
Bliss is more interested in returning to the surface, he says, so that Mookie and Miss Kerra do not worry. "Plus, it would be good for this ant-taur to see the surface so that the queen can meet her new neighbors."
Secretly, just to himself, he also wants to know what Miss Kerra would say about these uninvited ... colonists? homesteaders? refugees?
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Friday August 14th, 2020 2:27:32 PM
Pressi messages back to Murpjy
Highlight to display spoiler: {Actually, I was kind of leaning towards dragging one of these guys back to the castle. Just to see how our priestess would react to it or it to her. I'm betting they could keep our ant friend occupied while the kracken nest got a good look, too.
Beyond that, I'm not terribly worried about the kracken's lair. If someone else DID get to it first, we would have maybe three suspects to track down, none of which actually seem at all interested in treasure gathering. So I'm fine waiting another day.
But if its that big of a deal, a couple of us could slip out later. I don't think there's enough security to counteract all our spell choices.}
DM Kathy Friday August 14th, 2020 3:19:28 PM
The lockers are very utilitarian and workmanlike, and do not contain secret compartments.
You debate the question among yourselves, but ultimately decide to leave and come back the next day. The myrmarch will be responsible for getting himself through the water, but as this will be accomplished by holding his breath and swimming, he's going to need to get to the surface as quickly as possible.
A smaller, humanoid ant-being accompanies you as far as the "well" you came through. She explains that she is there to get the myrmarch through, since he is too big to squeeze through with you. She uses some kind of dimensional door or dimensional hop to pop out into the lake with the myrmarch, and then climbs back up through the well. You slip out through the well and follow the myrmarch up to the surface.
He's not a great swimmer, but he begins thrashing through the water towards the raft.
Most of you still have Water Breathing active, so if you wanted to make a quick search for the kraken's lair before bringing the raft back in, you certainly could. The myrmarch will await you on the raft.
Succotash knows he will need two Make Whole spells the next day.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+31=46 ; d20+24=25 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 4:19:17 PM
Murphy is happy to offer the rope to help tow the myrmarch behind him to the raft. Unless Bliss or someone does so first, he introduces the fomian to Mookie. "Perhaps a few of my friends can keep you company here on the raft. We have a task we just need to wrap up that we were working on before we found the problem with the pipes. Less than an hour, and we should be back."
"If any want to stay on the raft, that's fine. Perhaps a few of us can scout - who swims the fastest, besides me?" Murphy asks the crew.
Once it's determined who wants to search out the lair, Murphy will set out with them, and search. ========== Perception: 46 Survival: 25
Before the group leaves, he suggests that the teleport artists in the group memorize a location so that we can just blip back in tomorrow.
He helps the ant-taur get into the boat. He introduces Mookie, and mentally tells the bird to be nice.
He makes a trip down to the lair of the Kraken, in Octobliss form, using BSIII. "Anyone else coming?"
Meanwhile, Mookie talks with the ant fellow. "So you got big ants where you come from? How about big worms?" The raven drools a bit at the thought.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 Sunday August 16th, 2020 5:10:12 AM
"Hobie? Tali?" Murphy asks once they break the surface. "Why are you two so quiet? You want to come with us to the lair, or rest on the raft? How about you, Kezzem, and Succotash? Pressi, my love?"
As with Bliss, he goes in search of the kraken's lair in the company of any who join them.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Sunday August 16th, 2020 12:36:47 PM
Succotash and Valerie never get out of the water after they surface to help the ant-taur. "Let's get this done! I wonder what a kraken lair looks like, and what kind of adventure awaits us there". With that, he directs Valerie to grab onto Murphy's rope again and to the bottom of the lake they go.
Tali(JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:108/108 Monday August 17th, 2020 8:47:13 AM Krken's Lair
Tali answers Mister Murphy, "Ah, sure, I'll go with you to the Kraken's Lair!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Monday August 17th, 2020 10:11:46 AM
"Well, if everyone else is going.... I mean, you might need your support rogue for finding stuff more than you do as a babysitter."
Pressi swims along behind everyone else.
CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle Monday August 17th, 2020 10:49:27 AM
Large OctoBliss is happy to use a tentacle to drag along anyone trying to swim in slow halfling shape.
[OOC: If we get into combat, I'll change the header!]
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 Monday August 17th, 2020 12:13:42 PM
Murphy trails the rope behind him. Between the small water elemental octopus and the large OctoBliss, everyone should have a good ride. Murphy maintains a distance of about forty feet between himself and Bliss, and swims slightly lower. "Let's sweep the area in a back and forth grid pattern," the druid suggests.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Monday August 17th, 2020 1:36:45 PM
"Um, I'll sink," says Kezzem. "Unless somebody sharks me again."
DM Kathy Monday August 17th, 2020 2:33:34 PM
"We are not ants," the formian tells Mookie. "We are formians, a superior race. Ordinary worms do not concern us. There are larger worms, which can threaten the hive, but they are rare."
Murphy and Bliss are keen to visit the kraken's lair, and offer to help tow those without a swim speed. Tali, Pressi, Succotash, and Valerie take them up on it. Kezzem is less sure. He can stay on the raft if he prefers, or he can get towed and make the whole "sinking" thing somebody else's problem.
Those of you who go back underwater spend some time looking for the lair. With so many of you dependent on being towed, you can't really split up to expand your search area, so it takes time. At last, however, Murphy spots a promising-looking hole near the bottom of the lake. You swim through a short passage, and find the kraken's lair!
You find treasure in the lair, and you'll eventually figure out what everything is, so here's the list: Staff of Abjuration, Lesser Rod of Metamagic: Quicken, +4 rapier, Ring of Protection +4, Carpet of Flying 10x10, +3 Breastplate of Acid Resistance (Improved) (Small sized), Belt of Giant Strength +6, Instant Fortress, plus 50,000 gp in coin and jewelry.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Monday August 17th, 2020 4:13:10 PM
Kezzem stays on the raft to keep watch.
"I better hold onto to the rapier for the time being," he offers. "I love my daggers and all, but that's a pretty nice blade!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Monday August 17th, 2020 5:07:06 PM
Succotash's eyes go as big as saucers when he sees the quicken rod. "Well, now that's one heck of a coincidence, I was planning on buying one of those, does anyone mind if I save myself a trip to the catacombs? Oh and unless anyone else wants it, Valerie would love that +6 belt of strength, she would donate her +4 belt in exchange of course."
Highlight to display spoiler: {"That meta quicken rod is pretty sweet,"} thinks Bliss. Highlight to display spoiler: {"I can't really use the other stuff. I'll have to tell the guys when we get back to the boat."}
[OOC: Please mention if your PC can use any of this stuff.]
Octobliss helps carry the loot back.
"Glub."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental, Huge, then Halfling) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+14=31 ; Monday August 17th, 2020 6:18:31 PM
Murphy delights in finding the lair. Of course the treasure interests him, and he helps the others in collecting it all. However, he also spends several minutes studying the lair. He gets a feel for the layout, the dimensions. Signs of any other critters in the area? He figures that krakens have to eat something or other, so he is curious as to the local flora and fauna. Druids, y'know?
He can speak underwater. There in the lair he says, in a voice as clear and distinct as possible, "Let's not open up all the treasure on the raft, all right? First we'll get back to the castle, introduce our formian escort to Kerra and the moonlings, then lay the gear out in a private room. Sound reasonable? Bliss, bloop twice if that sounds like a good idea to you."
Once the team is ready to leave the lair, Murphy changes to a huge-sized water elemental - more wave-shaped this time. Once they arrive back on the raft, and all others are aboard, Murphy recommends, "Let's sort things out once we get inside." He then helps propel the raft back to the docks. Once the raft is secured, by others, he changes back into his own halfling shape. He says to the formian myrmarch, "When we first met, I was a watery octopus. Just now, a large water creature. And now, myself, Murphy. What would you have us call you? What name do you have, Myrmarch?"
Once he hears the name, Murphy makes certain he pronounces it correctly, and asks to verify he has it right.
=========== Linguistics: 31 (to ensure he acquires and properly repeats the myrmarch's name - if he gives one)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Tuesday August 18th, 2020 1:27:05 PM
Pressi can't really use any of it (and at any rate, has a WBL higher than everyone else).
She is happy to ring the stuff back.
DM Kathy Tuesday August 18th, 2020 2:50:01 PM Murphy examines the kraken's lair for clues about what it ate. The lair is pretty clean, though. You know that krakens are intelligent, so it probably disposed of bones and other refuse outside its lair. You could probably find the creature's trash pile with a bit of searching, but your companions are anxious to examine their new toys. Getting them to pause and look for a pile of fish bones might be a tough sell.
Succotash casts a covetous eye on the metamagic rod and the belt of strength.
Bliss makes octo-noises, which could mean anything, and helps carry the loot back.
Pressi can't really use any of the items, but Kezzem has his eye on the rapier. Unfortunately, it is sized for Medium creatures, so Kezzem would have a hard time using it.
Murphy powers the raft back to the boat-house. You leave it in the water for now, since you plan on returning to the formians tomorrow.
Harper awaits the group on the terrace, as does the faithful Mooncalf, who begins following Mookie around as soon as it is able to.
Asked his name, the myrmarch responds with a series of hisses and mandible clicks which most of you eventually boil down to Scax. Murphy is able to pronounce the name more exactly, but it's pretty much impossible to spell, so Scax he shall be.
Bliss reverts to halfling form and asks any moonlings around to lead them to Miss Kerra, or to let her know we have returned with news and a guest.
"No worries," he says to Scax. "These little fellows are super helpful and will try to make you comfy here. The most important person here is Miss Kerra, though. She is the god's right hand. And she is very nice."
He confides to Scorx in a whisper, "I'm thinking of inviting her to come work for us."
Mookie gives Mooncalf a pat on the head and tells him he has been doing a very good job."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d10=3 ; Wednesday August 19th, 2020 2:46:10 AM
Item distribution
Staff of Abjuration Lesser Rod of Metamagic: Quicken - at least two people want (Succotash and Bliss) +4 rapier - medium sized - could that be traded in at the Catacombs for an equivalent small-sized version? Ring of Protection +4 - Murphy requests Carpet of Flying 10x10 - party? Talia? +3 Breastplate of Acid Resistance (Improved) (Small sized) Belt of Giant Strength +6 - For our velociraptor (in exchange for a +4 belt) Instant Fortress - party? Who would carry it? 50,000 gp in coin and jewelry
"I have a Ring of Protection +3. I'd like to offer it to the party, and take the Ring of Protection +4," offers Murphy.
"For the party, that carpet of flying could come in very handy. Talia, you fly all the time. How would you like a carpet where you could fly us around all the time? And, say, we could sew a portable hole in the middle, and have lots of flyable storage!
"Likewise, an Instant Fortress would be terrific for us to use when traveling. A place to rest, recover."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Wednesday August 19th, 2020 7:39:23 AM
“I agree that the Instant Fortress would make an amazing party item, though with Kezzem being the only one of us without a flight mode, that flying carpet my be best used in his hands. Heck, If he was riding Rumpus, he could even give Harper a lift!”, Succotash reasons. “Bliss if you want the quicken rod go for it, I’ll pick one up next chance I get. (When we make level 17 WBL) but I still would like that belt for Valerie!”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Wednesday August 19th, 2020 11:24:25 AM
Pressi greets Scax as best as she can, hoping to smooth over some of the seeming friction from before.
Otherwise, she remains quiet as they ride back, unsure of what might happen when they arrive or of when they get to work tomorrow. She seems barely interested in any of the gear, though having the cash influx does mean she can pay back her debts.
Harper sniffs at Scax but doesn't otherwise react.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Wednesday August 19th, 2020 12:10:01 PM
"[Scax]," Murphy says (the '[ ]' indicating as close to native pronunciation as Murphy can get), "I am glad you are with us. We can learn of each other, I trust. Ask any questions you wish as we spend time together." ------ "Makes sense, Succotash, on the carpet. I'm fine with Valerie having the belt. Kezzem, what do you think? You want to fly in comfort?" Murphy asks.
If none object, he takes off his Ring of Protection +3, and replaces it on his finger with the newly found Ring of Protection +4. The +3 ring is now party treasure. ------ "Pressi, how about you and I go flying together before it gets dark, and get a good overview of the area - and maybe just talk a little? You seem pensive." ------ Eye of Kraken Murphy has some canvas. He oils it, squeezes out the excess, then carefully wraps the eye which so recently glared balefully at them. He wraps non-oily canvas around the oiled canvas wrap. Then he finds a good place for it in the portable hole (taking all his typical precautions to divest himself of magical holding items before placing it therein).
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Wednesday August 19th, 2020 1:11:08 PM
"Hey, this rapier is do big! It's like a lance!"
"Rumpus can run along the surface, but he can't get any height if that were an issue."
"I don't know about flying, but generally speaking I like to do things in comfort, Murph."
DM Kathy Wednesday August 19th, 2020 2:29:47 PM
Back at the palace, Bliss changes back into a halfling and introduces Scax to Kerra. Kerra is polite, but seems troubled by Scax's presence.
Much of the conversation at the palace, understandably, is about the kraken treasure and how to distribute it.
Murphy offers to answer Scax's questions, but the myrmarch seems very uncurious about his surroundings.
The moonlings attempt to make Scax welcome, and it's difficult to tell how well they succeeded.
Your time with the formians took up much of the day, so you are extra hungry for dinner when the moonlings serve it! Today's meal is roasted lamb, served with rice and vegetables. At his request, Scax is served additional vegetables, raw, although he also eats the cooked ones and a bit of the rice. He does not eat the lamb.
Bliss explains the whole situation to Kerra. After filling in the details, he is saying, "... so you see, Miss, basically a small colony of ant-people refugees found their way to the under-tunnels and is making a home. Is that okay with you? If not, maybe we can help them find a home where they will be welcome."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Thursday August 20th, 2020 4:21:13 AM
Murphy had mentioned an afternoon area flyover, inviting Pressi to join in. If she did so, sweet. If someone else wanted to come, great. But he takes a large winged form if others participate, or his huge air elemental form if none do. He wants to get a good high-level aerial view of the area, and compare that with his map.
He enjoys the meal, and loves the lamb. "Your people need food, [Scax]. I see you enjoy the vegetables, and avoid the meat. If we are to augment your food supply, what sorts of things do you suppose you would like included in your farm?"
"Do your people make music?" he asks.
The druid discusses the plans for tomorrow, including final repairs, and also looking to help the formians with mushroom farming. "Kezzem, I have many many samples with me of mushrooms from the southern end of the Red Hills. We'll want to see what areas they have that might be good for raising mushrooms."
He finds a moment to talk with Kerra, apart from the presence of the myrmarch, if possible. "I noted the concern on your face when we introduced Scax." He uses the pronunciation most of his friends use. "We know little of them so far." He details the numbers they saw, the different types, and the burgeoning belly of the queen. Their arrogant and assertive stance, as well as their current uncertainy.
"How would you counsel us, Lady Kerra?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Thursday August 20th, 2020 6:34:55 AM
Succotash was about to pull Kerra aside himself, but Murphy beat him to it, so he joins in on their conversation. He adds, "As you know we headed down there to fix the oil leak, and though it is temporarily fixed, we will finish the job in the morning. When we were confronted by the myrmarch, we felt it better to use diplomacy, as opposed to violence, to gain access to the under-moon. Did we make the wrong choice?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Thursday August 20th, 2020 10:30:46 AM
Since Murphy seems to be interested in speed, and since nobody needs more spells for the night, Pressi breaks out yet another trick: Wind Walk (up to 60 MPH).
She is hardly the most elegant in this form, buffing back and forth as nearly a mist. But she should be able to keep up with whatever form Murphy wants, sweetly enough.
Regarding the counsel, she listens carefully but doesn't think they made a "wrong" choice. The goal is to stop poisoning the lake, followed by protecting anyone who needs it.
DM Kathy Thursday August 20th, 2020 4:36:21 PM
At dinner, Murphy asks Scax what sorts of things the formians might want to grow. "Mushrooms," Scax replies promptly. "The Kezz'm said you had mushrooms. There are also root vegetables and grains which we brought with us."
Murphy asks about music, and Scax says that yes, they have it, but Scax himself is no musician.
Later, most of the group gathers to talk with Kerra about the situation. "Formian colonies spread very aggressively," Kerra says. "They could easily overrun this moon. And, since they don't know how it operates, they could do tremendous amounts of damage. They could damage the workings that keep the moon in the sky, send it crashing back down to the ground. We can't allow that.
"I agree that a diplomatic solution is best," she continues. "If you can, persuade them to either go elsewhere, or to limit the size of their colony here. If you cannot get them to agree to one of those," she takes a deep breath, "then they must be destroyed."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Thursday August 20th, 2020 7:32:30 PM
"The Kezz'm is wise," says the Kezz'm.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Thursday August 20th, 2020 8:58:28 PM
"Well, mushrooms we have, as The Kezz'm has told you.
With Kerra's explanation, Murphy mentions the layout of the piping system, the oil, and whatever other substance(s) they encountered. "Can you explain the function, design, and overall purpose of the system? I would love to understand at least the gist of it. If the first two options are not agreed to, then... and I think the 'limit the size of their colony here' option may be honored only for a short time... then a better understanding may be useful in carrying out the third option. I pray diplomacy is effective."
He waits for others to offer their counsel, then requests, "Is there a book, or are there documents that would help me understand the workings you describe, which help keep the moon called Kerracles in the sky? If so, may I have the chance to peruse such? You know us very little, and I understand what I ask may seem much. We have helped save many people, even a continent of the Wold. We have negotiated past violence into peace. And, when such was not possible, we destroyed a thousand giants who sought to overrun, slay, and dominate the halflings of Crescent Valley.
"As the potential you mention means that the welfare of Kerracles is essential to our world's existence -- would you accede to my request?"
"Can you guide them to understand what they can safely do, and what they can not do to make sure everything works the way it should?"
"Murphy, can you teach them how to grow mushrooms, really?"
He looks at Wise Kezz'm and laughs.
Meanwhile, Mookie is asking Mooncalf about the basements of this place. How far down can you go? He is thinking aobut alternate paths to the new Ant Hive.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Friday August 21st, 2020 8:37:08 AM "I would rather not slay the ant-people, They have done nothing wrong and have harmed no one as of yet, but if it needed to be done to save the Wold from a cataclysmic event, well, I guess I could take up arms against them, though I would hate every minute of it! I pray that the gods give us wisdom when dealing with them tomorrow so we don't have to do something so distasteful!"
Succotash overhears Mookie's conversation, and says, "I'm pretty sure Tali and I can teleport everyone there safely, we shouldn't have to go for a swim this time, if that's what everyone wants".
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Friday August 21st, 2020 10:02:36 AM
"Teach them to grow mushrooms?" Murphy echoes Bliss's query. "Well, not as fast as druids can, but I reckon they are teachable as far as farming is concerned. We shall see whether they be teachable otherwise."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Friday August 21st, 2020 10:47:56 AM
Listening to Kerra, "And let me guess. Your men have no idea how the kracken or the formians got here or when, because that's the kind of thing that just slips under the radar. So you can't then tell me much about them or what they want."
DM Kathy Friday August 21st, 2020 2:45:50 PM Kezzem declares himself wise. The mushroom bit has certainly paid off.
Bliss asks how many formians is too many. Kerra frowns. "Well, that's the real question, isn't it," she says. "A village or maybe a town, but we can't have a city. They can take over existing tunnels, but they shouldn't try to dig new ones. And, even in tunnels they claim as their own, they have to let maintenance people through. Although that won't happen very often."
Mookie asks Mooncalf about the basements. The palace has a wine cellar, under the kitchens, but otherwise no basement area.
Succotash is reluctant to kill the formians, since they haven't actually hurt anybody yet. Overhearing Mookie, he assures him that Tali can teleport the group, but your DM thinks that Mookie (and Bliss) are exploring the possibility of relocating the formians to new tunnels under the palace.
Murphy is confident he can teach the formians to grow mushrooms. He is also curious about the inner workings of the moon, but Kerra knows little and he can find no books on the subject. Apparently some things are not for mortals to know. And outside the scope of the current adventure.
Pressi confronts Kerra about the kraken and the formians. "A moon kraken was placed in the lake a long time ago," she says. "I had been told it was slain. Either that information was incorrect, or it managed to reproduce before it was killed, and you faced a second kraken. The formians are recent arrivals. When Lord Kerracles was...present, such a thing would have been noticed instantly, but we are diminished. So, yes, if this particular group of formians wants something other than what all formians want, then I don't know what it is."
Meanwhile, the moonlings show Scax to guest quarters and the palace prepares for the night.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Friday August 21st, 2020 3:20:38 PM
Murphy thinks to add some counsel. "Let us not present them with stark choices immediately. Let's consider this the discovery stage. I already told them it will take a few days minimum to get a proper mushroom garden as suggested by our resident unheralded genius The Kezz'm - as it will. So gentle getting-to-know-you time today, maybe tomorrow. Sound all right?" he asks.
The formians can have a colony under these conditions: - No more than 5,000 individuals. - Use existing tunnels, but do not dig new ones.. - Must allow maintenance workers into your tunnels on rare occasions. - Murphy will teach them how to grow mushrooms.
OR we will help them to relocate to the Wold proper.
OR we will have to defeat you and move you ourselves. We'll try not to kill anybody, but no promises.
Is everybody on board with presenting these terms to the Hive Queen? In a few days, like Murphy says?
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Friday August 21st, 2020 8:25:15 PM
"I love it when a mushroom plan comes mushroom together," says the Kezz'm. "Mushroom."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Sunday August 23rd, 2020 3:40:13 AM
"Another alternative: They go back to where they came from," Murphy adds to the list Bliss offered. "Why 5,000? Why not 1,000? That is still many, especially considering their size."
"Will the existing tunnels suffice for their needs, should they be allowed to remain?
"Also, we need to learn where they came from, how they learned of this place, and how they managed to get here. And, maybe, as we work on the garden, we can get a sample of their music."
Murphy has about a dozen different varieties of mushrooms he bought in the south end of the Red Hills. He takes some time to review them, and to evaluate which might work best here on the moon of Kerracles. He talks about the options with The Kezz'm. He discusses with Kerra whatever she may know of the local soil types. "Perhaps I should go earth elemental and see what I can learn by exploring underground for an hour or so."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Monday August 24th, 2020 6:26:40 AM
Succotash nods as Bliss and Murphy put together the ultimatum, "That seems about right!" He really hopes diplomacy will rule the day, and that the formians, will listen to reason, as he shudders a little when considering the alternative,
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Monday August 24th, 2020 9:19:30 AM
"I think we may be over our heads on some of the specific demands, especially when it comes to raw numbers," Pressi tells the group. "We have no idea of what the system can support or of what resources the "Kerra"ns are using themselves. We don't even know who these Kerrans are or what claim they have to the moon. Are we really going to make demands on population control to a species that barely trusts us on mushrooms? And what's the deal with no new tunnels, anyway?
"I get Kerra to a degree. Formians aren't exactly known for their sustainable farming practices or for living within "reasonableness" limits. But I don't think we have the tools to state specific numbers... and I don't think Formians are known for accepting population control limits either.
"Personally, I think Murphy's initial instinct is correct. Let's do the work, get to know them better, get them to trust us before we make any specific demands."
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Monday August 24th, 2020 12:34:00 PM
Hobie speaks up after being silent for two weeks. “I hope the diplomacy will work, but I’m gonna get myself ready for the war if they say no.”
He will make sure his quiver is fully stocked with arrows from his haversack, and he will have one of his scrolls of Flame Arrow at the ready to cast before they present the ultimatum.
“Hey Kez, if you really wanna use that Rapier, I can always make you bigger.”
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Monday August 24th, 2020 1:51:27 PM
"I have heard that many people have a hard time being diplomatic to Kerrans," speaks the Kezz'm. "Kerrans can be quite entitled and unreasonable. I even heard that one Kerran trashed a shop just because he was selling masks."
DM Kathy Monday August 24th, 2020 1:59:15 PM Bliss sorts through the various things you need to require from the formians.
Murphy suggests a gradual approach as you set up the mushroom farm, an approach Pressi endorses.
Hobie supports a diplomatic solution, but prepares himself for battle just in case.
Kezzem warns the group about Kerrans, but as there don't seem to be any shops hereabouts, perhaps you are safe.
You further discuss plans and strategies that evening, then enjoy a restful night in your quarters. The next morning, the moonlings have breakfast ready, and then you are ready to return to the formians with new spells prepared. You can, if you like, take the raft out again, and then swim through the well, as you did before. Or, you can teleport directly into the tunnels. Or, you can take some other approach. How do you return to the hive?
Bliss sees no need for swimming, if we can teleport. "And take Scorx with us, right?"
At least, we can do a permanent fix for the patch job and just have conversation with the Hive Queen.
"She seems nice, I think. We just have to put things on a friendly basis."
"Plus, what are they even eating down there. If it is just empty tunnels, what's the food sitch?"
Bliss actually pauses to ask Scorx about that. What do the Formians eat now, and how do they get enough food down in the tunnels? The thing about mushrooms is that they don't grow on nothing. "You need, you know, dirt and rotten wood and stuff. Where's the input for growing mushrooms, anyway, Mister Murphy? Knowing how to grow them doesn't replace the need for plain od dirt and stuff. And over time, without replacement or magic, the nutrients in the dirt get used up."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Monday August 24th, 2020 3:13:28 PM
Succotash is all for teleporting back, if Tali is up to helping him get everyone down.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Monday August 24th, 2020 4:42:20 PM
"Correct, Bliss. They indicated they have started some farming. We need to see the soil, and get to know the local flora. Some fungi grow underground. Aside from the utility tunnels we already have seen some of, we need to see something more natural. Lots to learn. I think I'll be doing some earth elemental research here. Maybe all of us can see what we can learn."
He asks Kerra to help him for a moment in the library, and while there, and in particular away from Scax, asks, "Can you tell me something about the plants and animals here on this moon? Is farming possible, or even easy? I have this map of the moon, which shows some major geographical features, but it's wanting in important details. Are there enough resources that the formians could make a living here? There are lakes. How about rivers? Mountains, hills, valleys, forests?
"How is food here provided? Is it magically produced? I'm a druid. Is it conceivable there are enough biological materials that non-magical farming would be feasible? The formians, at least Scax, seem to eat vegetables and not meat, maybe, so that's something.
"I know that the moon is smaller than the Wold. And you've said things are carefully balanced here. I just need to understand more of that balance. Lady Kerra, you already have said that you are not privy to all of what makes it work. But surely you know far more than we do at the moment - and some of what you know about this place can help me, help us, as we figure how to negotiate with the formians."
As he talks with her, he mentally communicates Pressi what he is learning from her.
When people are ready, Murphy says, "Teleportation sounds fine." He looks at Talia. He has been thinking about her, and how detached she has seemed of late.
"Tali, you seem to have a faraway look in your eyes. Are you fine being here? Is there something else you may need to take care of? If not, that's great. If so - what would you say to this? Help to teleport us back to the place - well wherever you and Succotash would be the best - perhaps near the repair area. Then, if you need to leave - Save a teleport to get back to where you need to be on the Wold. Get us all to the repair site, then head home, or to where you feel you need to go. When you can, rejoin us. Tell me if I have gone wide the mark, my friend."
If she seems open to this notion, he plucks a few hairs from his head, folds them in a bit of cloth, and says, "If you need to return to us, this may be helpful." ========= OOC: The lunar environment is part of the module, even if not written up - especially where a druid is involved :-) ]
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Tuesday August 25th, 2020 10:39:47 AM
Pressi is less excited about teleporting - using the boat at least opens contingency options and gives them time to approach - but she's willing to go along with it. She reminds the group that she can technically transport 5 small or medium creatures, plus herself, via word of recall.... maybe. (I need a DM ruling as to whether the moon castle can be designated as the sanctuary spot, but I'm pretty sure it counts as one.)
She continues to listen in to Murphy's messages, but remains uncommitted to any strategy until more information arrives.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Tuesday August 25th, 2020 1:07:55 PM
"Teleporting is definitely faster, but it takes away the opportunity to meet another Kraken or other fun adventure along the way. I'll vote how Pressi votes."
DM Kathy Tuesday August 25th, 2020 4:04:29 PM
You discuss teleportation options. Pressi is pretty sure that Word of Recall will get a group of you back to the palace. [OOC: yes, it totally counts] She believes that using the raft opens up more options, although you could still take the raft out and teleport from there. You would stay dry, but the raft would be there if you needed it.
Bliss and Succotash are all in favor of teleporting, but Hobie doesn't like the idea of missing out on another kraken, or a similarly exciting encounter!
Murphy has questions! You learn that the food in the palaces is magically produced, and there are no large-scale farming operations. There are various kinds of environments on Kerracles, including forest, grasslands, mountains, and tundra. There are naturally-occurring flora and fauna. Farming is theoretically possible, but the moon's interior is riddled with the kind of maintenance tunnel you have already encountered. Digging through the topsoil, therefore, is kind of risky. You know that the formians would want tunnels rather than living on the surface. It is probably better to have them use existing tunnels rather than having them dig new ones and damage the ones that are already there.
As you prepare to leave for the day, Tali says she isn't feeling well and wants to stay behind in the palace. The moonlings are more than happy to look after her. Her absence, however, will make teleportation somewhat difficult.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Wednesday August 26th, 2020 6:13:33 AM
Succotash is saddened a bit at the loss of Tali, but tells her to take her rest, and hopefully get better soon.
"Well, I guess we are swimming again guys, I can't take all of us in one teleport, and unlike most of my spells, I can only prepare teleport, and greater teleport once per day. I may have to look into purchasing some device to increase my teleportation prowess in the future".
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Wednesday August 26th, 2020 12:11:28 PM
To Kerra's explanation of the tunnels, Pressi nods. "Ok, I think I'm getting a better picture of Kerracles as a whole, thank you."
Harper stays behind again, to watch over Talia.
In between snacks and nap.
"It's fine to not teleport, we could use the exercise. And I'd rather have the options to teleport back than teleport here."
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Wednesday August 26th, 2020 12:34:25 PM
ooc: Does anyone know why my posts will sometimes repost again days later? this is the third time I've noticed it happening
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Wednesday August 26th, 2020 12:45:18 PM
"I agree I'd rather just take the trip than teleport there, but I also always keep two scrolls of Teleport if we need them."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Wednesday August 26th, 2020 3:00:16 PM
"All right. Raft. Water breathing," says Murphy.
DM Kathy Wednesday August 26th, 2020 3:11:17 PM
Without Tali, you're going to need to swim. Succotash or Hobie can teleport you in an emergency, but this isn't one.
[OOC: Nick, didn't the reposting have something to do with checking the site on your phone? Or am I misremembering? Anyway, I'll delete the extra post.]
Accordingly, you return to the raft, once again leaving Harper on shore. You move the raft out to approximately the same place you had it yesterday, then polymorph or get Water Breathing as your preference. I'm going to assume Scax gets included in the Water Breathing.
You slip into the water and head for the "wells." The makeshift repairs held well; now you just need to make them permanent. Do you do that now, or pay your respects to the queen first?
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Wednesday August 26th, 2020 4:58:18 PM
"I'd probably be okay with water breathing," says Kezzem. "As long as the water is calm at least. Though it was fun being a shark!"
Bliss is sad that Tali needs some rest, but he understands.
The raft is fun anyway. Bliss likes jetting through the water.
He is in favor of making the repairs permanent.
After that, it is just to visit the Queen, talk about mushrooms, and leave the tougher issues for later.
Aid Another on the repair: natural d20 = 14 plus whatever should suffice.
Diplomacy to talk with Scorx and then the queen about mushrooms. 14.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Thursday August 27th, 2020 6:16:55 AM
Succotash casts Water Breathing twice, including everyone in the party, including their guest.
Before we head off to talk to the queen, allow me to make these repairs permanent.", Succotash says as he casts make whole twice to make the repairs complete. He has mending on deck just in case he spies a crack or two that the make whole spells may have missed. After the job is done, he says to his friends, "And now the real work begins, shall we proceed?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+20=22 ; Thursday August 27th, 2020 9:59:47 AM
Pressi figures it's important to visit the queen before and after, preferring to keep the before to light pleasantries and reports of what they will do next. (If needed, Diplomacy 22).
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Thursday August 27th, 2020 12:12:51 PM
Hobie will follow along with Succotash, casting Mending on dents or cracks that are probably just superficial.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+14=28 ; Thursday August 27th, 2020 2:24:03 PM
Murphy agrees with Pressi. "Succotash," he says as they emerge back into the tunnels, "Let's forestall the repairs until we say good morning to the Queen. Then do the repairs, then visit the farm."
He asks Scax to help him with the name of the Queen before they remeet her. Linguistics 28 to replicate the correct pronunciation of her name, if Scax tells him. As they walk together, he also asks what a good greeting would be in their tongue. [Murphy is going to try to pick up formian as his next language - at least the spoken version, as I don't know that he can do the telepathic version very well.]
DM Kathy Thursday August 27th, 2020 4:01:55 PM
You enter the water. Kezzem drops hints about being a shark again, but so far nobody has obliged.
Succotash wants to complete the repairs right away, but Pressi and Murphy think it's best to check in with the queen first.
That takes some time. First a little formian (or the same one from yesterday?) needs to be summoned to blip Scax through the too-small opening. Then you all have to climb in and dry off, and then, at last, Scax can lead you to the queen.
Murphy asks about greetings in the formian language. "But you are speaking the formian language," Scax replies. "Indeed, it is a mark of our vast reach across the worlds that so many people speak our language!" [OOC: Formians do not have their own language; they speak Common and communicate telepathically. And I decided that they think Common is their language because they totally would.]
You ask the queen's name, and manage to pronounce it credibly. It sounds something like Hrakikh.
You are again escorted to the queen's chamber. It appears unchanged from yesterday. The formians seem to communicate telepathically, then the queen gives you a distracted greeting and gives you permission to resume your work.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Friday August 28th, 2020 12:00:55 AM
"Wait, I thought we were going back in the lake," says Kezzem. "I was hoping to be a shark again. It's no fun being a shark without water. Unless I was some kind of land-shark, but surely such a creature doesn't exist."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+21=40 ; Friday August 28th, 2020 3:12:06 AM
"Kezzem, you ride the raft that I propel, Succotash gives you water breathing as an outstanding halfling - sorry, I cannot sharkify you - you grab one of the loops on the rope, I pull us down, deeper, and deeper - pretend like you're chewing some tough meat as we descend into the water, to help keep your ears from hurting. Or burp a lot - that works, too. Yes, we're on the lake... in the lake... under the lake... and back in the tunnels. Pay attention."
He had gone to huge water elemental for the aqueous transportation segment, and back to halfling as the last to enter the tunnels.
Murphy ponders the answer to the formian language. Huh. Common. From big ants? He is not quick to buy all aspects of Scax's explanation, but offers no counters. "Uh, all right. I did not know that."
The druid also asks the name of the little formian who helps Scax make it through the small passage. When they speak with Queen Hrakikh, Murphy thanks her, and adds, "Once the repairs are made, perhaps Scax or {little formian} can take us to the farming area, so we can see how we might help out there. I brought a dozen different types of mushrooms. We'll look at the environment, and that will help us see which ones might serve best."
At the repair site, Murphy uses his engineering skills both better to understand the system they are repairing, as well as the quality of work that Succotash is able to perform.
"Everyone up for farming?" Murphy asks. As they travel the tunnels, Murphy updates his mental maps, intending to place on paper later. ============== Knowledge, Engineering: 40
[Thanks for names, Kathy! It helps to be able to refer to specific persons]
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Friday August 28th, 2020 6:19:23 AM
Succotash doesn't like the idea of walking right past the repair job, only to come back to it later, as it seems counter productive but what ever, he'll go with the flow. "It will literally take less then a minute, less then half a minute really, but if you want to wait, so be it, though I could have the job done before the teleporter dude got here. Actually, I could take care of that too, but I would rather save the spell, in case we need it later."
CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle Friday August 28th, 2020 7:35:22 AM
"Yup, shoulda done the repair first, but, you know, half of six, dozen of something else."
Bliss sticks with the group, does the repair work, then comes back to the queen.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Friday August 28th, 2020 10:17:51 AM
"If all we were doing was fixing some plumbing, I'd be all in with efficiency. We're the diplomats. Fixing the pipes is just how we get in the door... And I don't really know how long we can stay after the job is done, if you get my drift."
Pressi watches Bliss and Succotash closely. "And if we are serious about asking them to do half the things you want them to do, the least we can do is say hello on our way in. Wipe your feet, too."
Nodding along, Pressi brings up that Succotash might want to take a look at other construction sites. She asks some more questions about what other rooms they have in the colony.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Friday August 28th, 2020 12:13:39 PM
Hobie was also gungho about the fixing, but Pressi's explanation makes a lot of sense to him. He's now eager to put off the fixing as long as possible.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Friday August 28th, 2020 1:05:41 PM
"I wouldn't have to pretend to chew on some tough meat is I were a shark," pouts Kezzem.
DM Kathy Friday August 28th, 2020 3:46:51 PM Kezzem is not letting the shark thing go.
Hobie and Succotash really wanted to get to the repairs first, but as Pressi pointed out, you're after more than repairs and it's probably better to be as diplomatic as possible.
After saying howdy to the queen, Succotash proceeds with the repairs, supported by Hobie, Bliss, and Murphy.
Pressi stays behind to chat with the queen about the colony. You learn that there are rooms for sleeping, rooms for raising the young, rooms for storage, and of course the farm rooms.
The repairs go off without a hitch, and soon you are inspecting the farm rooms. You are accompanied by Scax, but not the little formian named Raqi, who has duties elsewhere.
The formians have laid down a thin layer of soil, mixed with organic material. Disturbingly, the organic material contains what are clearly chopped-up formian parts. They are still conditioning the soil, and haven't planted anything yet.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+20=22 ; d20+14=29 ; Friday August 28th, 2020 6:45:59 PM
Murphy takes in important details. How many and how large are the areas have they prepared with the developing soil? What light sources are available? How deep is the thin layer of soil, and over what is it laid?
"Along with mushrooms, what other sorts of foods do you plan to grow here?" the druid asks.
He considers the mushrooms. Likely half of them will not do well here. A couple types could do quite well, one with added manure. Two or three others may be suitable. Perhaps enough to work with. Ah, kraken flesh. That could serve to help the soil. "I'm going to fetch the flesh of a creature which tried to kill us. It's flesh may help enrich this soil. To be sure, though, we should at first place in only in a small area, and observe its effects."
With whoever wishes to accompany him, Murphy sets out to recover some flesh from a tentacle, some from the body. Perhaps thirty pounds all together. As the water breathing will still be in effect, he asks Scax if he wants to join in the expedition. "That way, you will know where to find more such flesh over the next several days, if this works well."
If there are no huge obstacles to carrying out this task, the group likely will be back within 20 to 30 minutes, I reckon. And if we get the meat, Murphy works on grinding it up, and scattering it in differing amounts. One out of twenty parts in one section. One out of ten in another. One out of five in another. "It may begin to have a strong smell, but we shall see."
He takes a few spores of one of the mushrooms he thinks may do well with the fishy food, and carefully distributes tiny bits in each of the areas, and in an untreated area. He uses half of the mushroom's total spores - so this is a sparse planting, indeed.
He plants an acorn in a room with the highest ceiling.
============ For this first mushroom and its planting: Knowledge, nature: 22; Knowledge, gardening: 29
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Friday August 28th, 2020 8:59:39 PM
Being a shark is Kezzem's nee mushroom apparently.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Saturday August 29th, 2020 12:20:14 AM
"Wow, this is a lot of work, actually," says Kezzem. "Remind me to stop offering people mushrooms."
Bliss keeps a mental count as they see the sites, trying to get a guess at the hive's total population. He wonders how many these "farm" rooms will support.
Intelligence check: nat 17 = 21! "Maybe this thinking cap of mine is working for a change!"
"Hold your breath!" Bliss tells Kezzem. Then he casts Polymorph and changes him into a shark.
Mookie gasps at Bliss's spell -- and gets a good whiff of this so-called dirt.
The raven exclaims, "Holy Crap, Kid!"
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Sunday August 30th, 2020 1:06:05 AM
[Just noticed the 'still conditioning the soil' phrase.]
Murphy recalls he has bundles of firewood in his portable hole. He takes off his pair of pants - 'Bill's Splendid Pants O' Plenty', and anything of an extradimensional nature, lays out his portable hole, descends within, and in a few minutes has about 10 wood bundles tossed up, and he brings a few other things out of the portable hole as well. Then he reclads himself as before.
As he works, he compliments the formians for what they have done thus far in the preparing of the soil. He asks where they obtained the various ingredients for the soil, and how they pass on their farming knowledge from one to another. He asks other questions, answers any they may ask of him that he knows how to answer.
To some of the formians nearby, he suggests, "Wood is a good thing to help in the growing of some plants - and is essential for some of the mushrooms I have in my collection. Your mandibles look like they may be quite capable of crushing these logs and wood pieces into tiny pieces of wood. See what you can do with them. Or maybe you have another way to make tiny pieces of wood." He takes a small of bit wood, and, using his knife, cuts some small pieces, from a quarter-inch in size up to an inch or two, and slender. "About like these little pieces could work well. Let's work them into half of the soil treated with kraken meat, and also into some soil not yet touched by the fishy flesh. Once that is done, I will cast a spell to help speed things up."
Murphy is thinking through the plant growth spell. He has it memorized several times, including using a higher-level slot than normal. He considers how he might modify it to help accelerate the conditioning of the soil. The druid may use a hero point toward that end. He will want to try to affect a good portion of soil in one room.
Meanwhile, he gets down on his hands and knees, sniffs about, notes the formian body parts scattered here and there, uses a shovel to turn the soil. He has a few buckets he fills with water to dampen the soil. In the fishy parts, some he dampens a fair bit, some only lightly, and some he leaves dry. He puts little stakes to mark out the different areas, and colors the tops with different colored inks to help distinguish among them.
"Uncle Orby told me he likes to try different things to see which work best. He is one of the best farmers and arborists in our little valley."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells Monday August 31st, 2020 6:29:01 AM
Succotash know next to nothing about farming and or gardening, but he goes along in case his skills are needed.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Monday August 31st, 2020 11:11:32 AM
Pressi, still hanging back, probes a bit about whether there are already kids being born. She also begins to ask if there are any libraries or prayer shrines.
Eventually, she begins to probe the queen about expansion plans, population and construction wise. She's very careful in her phrasing, avoiding any mention about the other's desires, keeping things from becoming too personal, backing off at the slightest sign of agitation.
Finally, she asks what they think about the moon men and if they have spoken to Kerra yet.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Monday August 31st, 2020 2:53:32 PM
Hobie will nudge Succotash "Buddy, are those body parts mixed in the soil?"
DM Kathy Monday August 31st, 2020 4:13:13 PM Bliss finally indulges Kezzem, turning him into a shark. For his part, Kezzem is surprised at how much work goes into mushrooms when they aren't a throwaway gag.
Murphy examines the farming areas. You find that the soil is being laid over the floor of the corridor, which you think is some kind of metal but you aren't sure. You add wood chips, kraken bits, and water--although you find the soil was pretty well-watered already. You learn that the soil was brought with the formians when they came, and that the chopped-up formian bodies have been gradually added.
Pressi learns that eggs have been laid, but not yet hatched, and that the formians basically plan to expand until they cover this entire world, because that's what they do. You learn that, apart from Scax, who accompanied you, they haven't left the tunnels, preferring to remain out of sight here until they built up their numbers.
Hobie alerts Succotash to the bodies in the soil. Thanks to Murphy's efforts, they are now mixed in with wood chips and bits of tentacle.
If asked about the body parts, the formians explain that they needed more organic matter to condition the soil, and that several workers were happy to volunteer.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Monday August 31st, 2020 7:14:47 PM
Is Kezzem in water? Or is he a beached shark?
Kezzem is in the tunnels when Bliss casts the Polymorph. That's why Bliss told him to hold his breath (That's the same thing Bliss does when he is an Octopus on dry land). But the spell only affects a willing target, so Kezzem does not have to be a beached shark if he does not want to be!
Bliss ponders what the party learns but does not say anything. He'll speak his mind tonight at dinner, privately. And he has a lot to say.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 Monday August 31st, 2020 11:41:33 PM
Kezzem is confused as he is suddenly unable to breath and starts thrashing about. He then regains his normal halfling form.
"No good, I can't breath!" says Kezzem. "Or move!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=30 ; Tuesday September 1st, 2020 6:28:46 AM
Succotash is more than a little disgusted at the complete lack of of concern for life from the formians, but he keeps his thoughts to himself. When he hears that they intend to completely take over the place and fill the place, he has a bad feeling that things are going to get messy, though he is hoping that diplomacy will win the day.
"Your majesty", He says to the queen, "Please reconsider this plan of yours to fill this moon, as to do so would be suicide for your people, and would have devastating effects on the planet below! We have recently learned that this moon has a very delicate system that keeps it aloft, and to overwhelm the place would cause it to plummet to the planet below causing catastrophic damage to the planet and completely destroying the moon and anyone aboard it!" Diplomacy 30
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Tuesday September 1st, 2020 11:24:48 AM
Pressi nodded. "Still, one can wonder what brings you to the moon in the first place. Is it exploration? Curiosity? Legacy?"
She studies the queen carefully. "Because one might think that something else occurred, to have you explore so far from home. One might even wonder how you arrived here in the first place, how hard it might have been. Why, one might even speculate that it might have been borne of tragedy and trial, or that maybe the old ways meant you ran out of something."
Pressi shrugged. "But that's just idle speculation. I'm sure you guys will do fine."
Casting of Like Calls to Like Diplomacy and sense motive rolls
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Tuesday September 1st, 2020 11:54:04 AM
Hobie stands by as Pressi and Succotash talk. He nods in agreement with them.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 4:09:29 PM
Surely Pressi communicates with Murphy about what the queen, or others, had to say. For Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {}"Yeah, we'll want to handle this one with care. Let's wait until tomorrow before we bring it up," he suggests. "And have a strong offensive and defensive posture available spell and preparation-wise, yet in such a way that we do not appear girded for battle. They are an existential threat to the Wold, though I bear them no particular animosity. Apparently, it is their nature. But their nature will threaten our nuture."
I'm assuming that Murphy is up to his knees in soil and growth, not palavering with the queen, as the group had agreed ahead of time to let today be a learning opportunity, and not a day for confrontation. Build relationships, then have a stronger platform for negotiations.
DM Kathy Tuesday September 1st, 2020 4:20:30 PM Bliss turns Kezzem into a shark, which Kezzem ends up not liking because he can't breathe. There's just no pleasing some people.
Meanwhile, Bliss is saving up things to say to his companions this evening.
Succotash finds the formians more than a little disturbing, but he sets that aside to make a diplomatic plea to the queen. Formians are difficult to read, but she listens and seems to think about what you said. And she doesn't order you summarily executed, so...progress?
Hobie supports the diplomatic efforts, but is not himself a diplomat, so he is a spectator for now.
Pressi would like to cast Like Calls to Like, but it is a touch spell, so you'll need to get close enough to touch the queen. She doesn't really seem like the touchy-feely type, so you'll need a plan if you're going to cast this spell on her.
"Our scouts came here first," the queen replies. "Many years ago. They sent this location to the home hive. Now we have come to colonize."
Murphy communicates with Pressi, but he is still helping with the agriculture side of things. He's going to have to trust his companions to handle diplomacy with the queen.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=27 ; Tuesday September 1st, 2020 6:54:28 PM
Kezzem attempts diplomacy.
"I have this apple here," says Kezzem. "Now if I only need to feed me, one apple's good. If I need to share with one other, I still get half an apple, and I'm still pretty content. But if I tried to split that apple with everyone here, we'd only each get a single bite, and some might not even get that. Now if there are only so many apples, mushrooms, or whatever else you like to eat on this moon, you can only feed so many formians, right? You bring too many here and there will not be enough food for everybody. Some will starve, and others will fight over what food there is. Surely that is not what you want for your subjects. Also, not that it's related to anything else, but it turns out, sharks can't breath on land. Who knew!"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 24 = 27.
OOC: Kezzem always seems to roll poorly on Diplomacy checks!
Bliss does his best to support his most excellent sharktitude, the wise Kez'm. "My friend here is right. With limited resources, conservation and regulated growth are much more likely to meet with success compared with unchecked growth to limits."
[That thinkin cap is getting a workout today!]
Diplomacy at +12 guarantees a +2, I think.
Bliss is grateful to the Queen for her consideration towards his friends, and he says so, trying to be as gracious and formal as he can.
He's ready to head back for the day, but asks the Queen for permission to return tomorrow.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 2:30:00 AM
"Worms," says Murphy. "We need worms to help accelerate the soil conditioning. I can go get some, and bring them back in a few hours," he tells Scax. "Tonight we give them a chance to get started working through the evening. I'm looking to a spell modification to help, too."
Based upon what he has learned about the area surrounding the castle, he looks for a suitable place to plant an oak. With a feather token, that is. He seeks Kerra's permission prior to proceeding. And brings her up to date on what the party has thus far learned. He asks for a small-to-medium-sized storage room, takes suitable precautions, and empties his portable hole. "I'm on a mission to recover soil and worms. All while trying to see if we can persuade the new-come visitors to return from whence they came, and never again return. And seeing if we can do this without having to engage in a lot of killing. The kraken was bad enough. I generally do not like to kill. It seems those in our profession often end up doing so, regardless."
He relays his plan to his friends. "As usual, if someone wants to join in, well, step in through the tree with me. We're heading out for worms and soil. And mushrooms, with help from a friend." Scax is not invited for this journey. Most of the team will be staying behind, anyhow.
Murphy steps into the newly sprouted and yet fully grown oak, and out into a place only a few hundred paces from Humble's Sword Sanctuary. He asks their dwarf friend who is working on growing mushrooms in the area just north of the walled portion of the Sanctuary how his work progresses, and his need for worms, soil and mushrooms. He describes the growing conditions he is facing, the state of the soil, and seeks any recommendations he may have.
He checks with his mother, who is a druid (about 4th or 5th level, but she has the advantage of many years on him) if she knows of any particular spells helpful for enriching soil. They have a relative who is a greenmage, but she lives at the edge of the Culverwood, fairly close to Hovel, who might know. He does not have have time to visit her.
With the fact that topsoil in Crescent Valley can be up to dozens of feet deep in parts, and that he has acquainted himself with much of it, by wild shaping into a small earth elemental, he should be able to fill the portable hole with good stuff. And worms. And mushrooms. And his head with dwarfish mushroom farmer suggestions.
Figure two hours, or maybe three, in the Wold, then back through a local oak to the now Kerracles' oak, he brings the filled portable hole, and returns to the tunnels.
"Here is additional soil. Mix it around with what you have already. Then scatter worms, and they will get to work for you." He helps them get started, and makes sure they understand his instructions, then says, "I must go eat and sleep. We will return in the morning. Here are three buckets of mushrooms. Let your queen try some, and some of you. It is a small sample."
Murphy leaves to join his friends. "What have I missed?"
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 2:35:16 AM
One thing I forgot to mention: Murphy brings seeds and some vegetables, such as turnips, carrots, and squash. He does not yet turn those over to the formians.
Oh, and Murphy takes the emptied portable hole with him, once the soil and other things have been emptied from it. After evening meal and conversation, he washes out the inside of the portable hole, replaces the items and gear he took out earlier back inside the container.
And in the morning will memorize a number of spells useful for offense and defense and persuasion.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=28 ; Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 6:57:29 AM "Make no mistake you majesty" Succotash begins, "I have no wish to disrupt the ways of your people, but I also don't wish to see unnecessary death and carnage, which is sure to happen if you chose to colonize this moon in the way your people normally do. My friends bring up an interesting point about food supplies, though, my guess is your people take things like that into consideration when choosing a colony location, but how could you take into consideration the fragile state of this moon, how could anyone? My guess is your scouts discovered these tunnels, which are actually maintenance corridors, and thought they hit the jackpot, but in reality, they found something that they, or for that matter most anyone, could never understand, I know I don't, but I believe the source of my obtained knowledge. Please, your majesty, consider relocating, of at the least establish strict, conservative colonization practices." diplomacy 28
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 9:48:39 AM
Pressi agrees with Murphy, herself a believer that these guys need to be in balance with... well, whatever passes for natural on a planet like this. But she wonders if there is any way to convince these guys to give up what probably makes some internal sense.
At any rate, she drops the subject in favor of learning as much of their origins as she can. She hopes to find an opening.
(Normally, I'd take the moment to actually start some decently crafted arguments. But I'm partially in charge of virtual schooling our kindergartener so my attention and time is divided. I may lay out a strategy tonight.)
Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 1:06:34 PM
Hobie turns to Pressi "If you want to cast your spell, I can cast Invisibility or Greater Invisibility so you can sneak up on the Queen."
DM Kathy Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 10:03:11 PM Murphy realizes that a few earthworms would help the soil quite a bit. He wants to return to the palace to possibly plant an oak tree. However, he is currently in tunnels underground, and the only exits he knows about lead underwater. Your DM assumes you intend to Wildshape into something that swims? Assuming you have a way of getting to the palace, you do get Kerra's permission to plant an oak tree. You choose a spot near the lake shore, where the tree's roots can get to the lake water, because it appears rainfall here is sparse. I'm going to hold off on your remaining actions because your timeline is already pretty far ahead of the rest of the group.
Kezzem supports the diplomatic efforts with a practical illustration, and Bliss supports it with general information.
Succotash builds on his theme, and ends by asking the queen to relocate or establish strict, conservative colonization practices.
"What kind of practices do you have in mind?" the queen replies.
Meanwhile, Hobie offers to make Pressi invisible so she can cast her spell. Pressi continues to evaluate her options.
Bliss tries to be subtle and say to his friends (using Bluff) -- I thought we had agreed to give it a few days before we pushed the queen to restrict her growth!
Pass a complex secret message: a 24 beats the needed 20 DC.
Bliss is inclined to follow Murphy out, but he at least prefers to not go haring off alone. "Come on everybody. We can come back tomorrow. We should stick together and see what Mister Murphy is getting up to."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=26 ; Thursday September 3rd, 2020 6:07:21 AM
Succotash answers Bliss in halfling, "Sorry Bliss, but it felt like the time was right, and besides, you know I've never been one to beat around the bush, Also, I don't feel as though it would be prudent to break off the discussion now, since we seem to be making some progress."
Turning back to the queen he answers, "According to my source, a population of no more than 1000, may be sustainable, but any additional tunneling would have to be strictly forbidden, and maintenance crews would have to be allowed to make inspections, and repairs, if needed. I can introduce you to my source if you like, but it would involve teleporting you to the surface." Diplomacy 26 (Seriously, what's with these low rolls?)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+20=33 ; Thursday September 3rd, 2020 10:15:09 AM
To Bliss and Succotash (No fail for 20 DC): "I wasn't trying to push for the entire agenda. Just get an idea of what's driving them and how flexible they might be before we pushed for growth restriction. Maybe play the game a bit."
To Hobie, on her own. "While deception may be required, I'd rather not do anything that might be seen as an attack or outright trick. Besides, these guys have telepathy and monitor us. Who knows if an invisibility spell will set something off.... Maybe keep one in the pocket for when we need to make a bigger push. You know, just in case."
As Succotash blurts it out, Pressi calculates the odds over whether foreplay is his strong suit.
"Please forgive such bluntness," Pressi replies. "But what Succotash says isn't just a desire of a benefactor. There are limits to what the moon can can handle, population and tunnel wise. And to ignore this possibility is to put your own people at risk.
"We otherwise have no dog in this fight, except as mediators. But since you asked... You may have noticed that Murphy has been hard at work doing things you may not have seen before but that you are willing to trust. He's been placing the soil into balance, adding creatures and plants that work with him. When he's done, you will have a farm that can produce food year after year, long after we go home. A farm that won't need to be expanded to produce food.
"So for now, just think about it and watch what Murphy is attempting. And as you watch, consider that there are alternatives to expanding."
(Diplomacy 33)
Pressi eventually moves on to help Murphy in any way she can. There are a few things she can do, like create water or further summon earthworms and spiders.
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