DM Shane. d20=17 ; Monday August 10th, 2020 11:18:05 PM Grindar continues to listen to the brothers speak.
'Lil' lectures Akuno on the dangers of eating salted fish without ample water. and also on the dangers of exposing water in this grassland. The brothers back her up on this. it's not all bad though. so far you have had fresh meat in the form of chicken,.
Caelwyntakes the Walker Sar in stride,
Bigbybelches on purpose. get an unmodified 17 for his belch. You did not scare off all the wildlife in the area. but you did startle a flock of birds from a nearby bunch of grass.
Akuno ponders the simplicity of the Manfri laws. Joseph correct her on it No missus, thems not the laws, thems the social mores fo the manfri. and those are only the ones we've been able to suss out from our interactions with them. there's been times when a whole tribe just our right ignored us and for the life of us we could not figure out what we did wrong. .
The brother chuckle at Thorondars discomfort about the belch. to be fair it was a pretty good "straight man" line for a joke.
Thorondarroll a perception check for me. DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {You seem some large movement up ahead of the party about 400 yards away.. party seems to be moving towards it. }
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Tuesday August 11th, 2020 3:17:59 AM
Sol simply remains listening and introspective. Why am I here? I mean... I came on this excursion to learn more about magic and become more skilled in it... but is that the real reason I am here... or are we here because some entity wants us here? That thought is a little unsettling.
He simply thinks to himself, and makes notes on it, theories and such, while also documenting what the guides tell them about the Manfri.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Tuesday August 11th, 2020 6:51:03 AM
Grindar chuckles at Bigby's gaseous release, "Brother if you tried that it my mothers table she would have flayed you alive, though if it is truly what the Manfri wish to hear, then you will make the cook blush with such a complement!"
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=12 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2020 9:41:42 AM
All of this talk about crude habits has Thorondir a bit flustered. He moves along, trying to keep a watch out for the party. Perception 12
[OOC] Not sure of the time of day, if in the morning he is flying as an eagle. The afternoon he walks with the party.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Tuesday August 11th, 2020 1:23:56 PM
'Lil ain't one to burp. She's a city girl, and always aware'a the fact that she represents Domi all the hours of the day. She figures it's especially important here down South where lots of folk don't worship gods at all. She'll try though, for the good of the mission and all that.
She wonders briefly if they'll give her a wife too. That would be somethin'.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Tuesday August 11th, 2020 2:18:18 PM
Bigby looks over to Grindar and laughs a little then looks seriously. "flayed alive? That's a very serious mother to never cross. Is that how you lost your fur Grindar? Did you mother skin your fur? Or do half orcs not have fur?"it would be strange indeed to lose ones fur. Remember to never cross Grindars mother.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Tuesday August 11th, 2020 10:47:13 PM
Akuno ponders Bigby's new question, which begged another one. A little flustered, she swallows her inherent unease of Bigby and points a finger his direction from the back of her floating disk.
"Bigby! How old are you? Also, when did you get your fur?" She frowns. "I mean, not that I WANT fur, because I think that would mean lots of sweating, and a lady certainly does not sweat. But I only have a little extra fur by my ears and on my tail. Your practically covered in it!"
There was a certain amount of fluster and uncertainty that came from being part of a race of people who didn't have a long and settled history, like that of a human or elf. Her tail flicks twice, clearly agitated by some thought or another.
DM Shane. Tuesday August 11th, 2020 11:43:32 PM Sol ponders deep philosophical and existential questions to keep his mind off the hardships of the Sargrass.
Grindar. lets it be known that he is the product of a strict strict upbringing. but also that he is flexible enough to deal with other cultures. truely a cosmopolitan Half orc for the times.
Thorondar (you would have noticed this while flying.) all this talk of burping has offended his delicate sensibilities.
"Lil" is willing to do anything to complete the mission, but is unsure if a wife would be a good thing or not.
Bigby. shows his lack of familiarity with the world, but shows his wisdom by acknowledging the power of Grindars Mother.
Akuno tries to talk down to Bigby, but kind of sticks her foot in her mouth
I am going to have to have a perception check from everyone this next round.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+2=20 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2020 11:57:15 PM
Caelwyn is lost in thought as they walk, feeling like their missions' success may hang on his words with the Manfri. And he knows very little about their customs. Hopefully he can avoid making any serious mistakes. He keep an eye out as he walks.
Perception 20 (with +2 bonus)
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+1=13 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2020 2:38:57 AM
((Perception 13))
Sol continues pondering, almost entirely distracting himself from the uncomfortable walking and stifling heat. He is sweating somewhat, but doesn't appear to be paying all that much attention to it, as he is still lost deep in thought, every now and again scribbling in his book.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+11=30 ; d20+8=14 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2020 6:52:28 AM
Perception 30 (Grindar) Perception 14 (Llew)
Grindar lets out a hearty laugh at Bigby's confusion, "No brother, it was but a figure of speech,. Growing up, my mother taught me the manners of the noble races, and would strictly enforce them as rules of the house. She would never truly flay someone alive for burping at the dinner table, though the look she would give often made it feel like being flayed alive. You may not be familiar with it, but mothers have that look they can give that let's you know you messed up, and it scared the crap out of you, especially when she says, "Wait tell your father gets home!" If you think I'm big and strong, you should see my father, I'm pretty sure he could bench press a horse! Oh and half-orcs don't have fur."
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=12 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2020 9:33:04 AM
Thorondir and Aewen fly in concentric circles above the group as they work their way through the Sargrass. Perception 12
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+8=20 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2020 10:29:45 AM
Perception: 20
How hard must it be to jump into the world without any kinda real culture or even understanding of how your own body's supposed to develop? 'Lil's keepin' an eye out, but she's kinda lost in thought.
Bigby listens to Grindar talk about his family. Family...now that's a word that was funny to Bigby. He never knew a family to be his. Bigby wondered what it would it must be like to have a mother and a father. Would he have liked them, or would he have not liked them? Did Bigby even feel sad about it? He decided to shake it off. Thinking about it wouldn't change anything. And being in a sour mood didn't feel practical right now. Would it ever be practical to be in a sour mood. Ah he was getting distracted in his thoughts again.
Bigby continued to listen and attempted a chuckle at what he thought maybe was supposed to be funny in the story. "Good one Grindar. Ok good to know. No fur. Gotcha."No fur????? How could...Bigby would have to wrap his mind around that later. But for now keep smiling Bigby told himself
Bigby hears Akuna and responds, " I don't know how old I am. Do you know Wolfgang?" After not getting a response from Wolfgang, he again addresses Akuna, "Oh man, fur is great. Let's see...keeping warm, keeping safe, keeping hidden, and just having something fun to run my paws through. I like that last one especially." Bigby smiles at Akuna having felt he successfully convinced her of the benefits of fur. To Bigby it was a no brainer. The world would be a better place with more fur Bigby thought.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Wednesday August 12th, 2020 10:48:39 PM
Akuno just shakes her head. "I hope I don't get fur all over, not that it looks bad on you, I just hate being hot." She suddenly blushes. "N-n-not that I'm calling you a handsome person in particular. I mean, you aren't bad, but I mean. I-I mean.. " She suddenly takes a intense interest in whatever her invisible Unseen Servants are doing. "Stupid mutt-man.", she mumbles. She tosses herself back on her floating disk and watches the sky crawl by.
"Liiiiiiil. Caeeeeeelwyn. Are we there yet?" She suddenly props herself up on an elbow. "Ney ney! Caelwyn, do you want me to help you talk to the Manfri? I think we might know enough about them for me to help now. I could think of some good jokes? The only restriction is we don't want to -really- hurt someone, right? That's how their jokes work?"
DM Shane. d20+15=20 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+2=8 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 12:11:00 AM
for everyone who got a 20 or better on Perception Highlight to display spoiler: { You don't know what it is. Did the constant cacophony of insects and wildlife suddenly quiet a bit? was their a barely perceived smell in the air? or perhaps you heard a twig snap beneath somethings tread. You don't know, but suddenly you are on high alert, something is coming, something bad. }.
"Sol" is lost within his thoughts and wanders on with the group oblivious.
Grindar with a laugh explains his figure of speech to Bigby, but his laugh dies in his throat and his face grows serious.
Caelwyn see the spoiler above.
Thorondar and Aewen float above the party searching for danger.
'Lil' see the spoiler above.
Bigby engages in friendly banter with his team mates, and makes some good points about the utility of fur. The smile gets fixed and his eyes begin to scan for...something.
Akunois as clueless as always.
Both Mark and Joseph who have been pathfinding and breaking trail towards the Manfi village stop and begin to slowly back towards the group. Spears raised, eyes scanning, and whispering to each other.
for everyone who didn't roll or who rolled below 20 you are unprepared for what comes next and do not get to act next round.
From in front of the two scouts/diplomats a large beast bursts out of the grass. it stands taller than a man at the shoulder has a long sinuous neck and moves fast. it bounds out and lets forth a scream that makes your teeth rattle. (everyone but Thorondar and Akuno make a will save vs DC 12 or be stunned for 1d4 rounds.). the noise is so great that Mark falls to the ground clutching his head.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+7=21 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+10=27 ; d8+7=10 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 7:01:29 AM
Grindar's will save: 21 Llew's will save: 16
Grindar lets out a roar of his own, at he rushes towards the beast (knowledge nature check to identify the beast 18) he brings Bwyell down in a mighty two handed swing hitting AC 27 for 10 damage. Llew can't act this round due to too low of a perception check
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+6=8 ; d4=3 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 12:58:08 PM
Caelwyn is on alert for whatever new danger might appear, but is completely surprised by the beast's scream. His head feels like it's about to split in two and he drops to one knee, trying not to black out.
(Caelwyn is stunned for three rounds)
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+8=22 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=23 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+3=5 ; d20+6=23 ; d8+3=10 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 1:51:04 PM
'Lil's ears perk up when Akuno asks if they're there yet. "Who said that? Sounded kinda like Akuno, but royalty isn't supposed to whine about stuff..." She's half smiling, congratulating herself on a good dig, when this thing pounces. She easily shrugs off the thing's scream (will save 22).
She heard the rustlin' and ain't surprised by this thing, but she's still kinda shocked seein' how it's so darn creepy. "Mark, these things travel in packs or what?" When she gets no reply, she looks to see the dude on the ground. She groans. "Joseph, same question." She listens for the answer, but don't wait on it. She takes her place behind Grindar and stabs past him with Maya. Probably shoulda waited, though...
Hit AC 10 - Miss
Attacks of Opportunity:
Hit 18 for 9 damage Hit 23 for 5 damage Hit 23 for 10 damage
Note to DM Shane: 'Lil has the combat reflexes feat and a 10' reach. I roll a bunch of attacks of opportunity each post just in case they get used. If they don't, I use them as attack rolls the following turn.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+5=13 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+12=31 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 3:22:27 PM
will save 13.
Bigby and Wolfgang charge at one of those things. claw attack 13, wolfgangs bite 7. Depending on the distance if they can will charge past them with ride by attack feat. Also will use mounted combat to dodge an attack that may come at them: 31 for the mounted combat roll. Bigby thinks, well that didn't go as planned.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=16 ; d20+5=19 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 4:01:18 PM
Upon hearing the loud scream below them, Thorondir and Aewen circle and gain altitude. They are looking for additional danger. "Let me know if you see more danger" Thorondir says to Aewen in the eagle language. --Speak with Animals-- Perception Thorondir 16 Perception Aewen 19
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp d20=5 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 4:15:18 PM
Akuno jumps up, started at the sudden appearance of a .. a .. honest to goodness monster! (Akuno's perception score is -1. She absolutely missed it!)
DM Shane. d20+8=10 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=9 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 10:19:07 PM Grindar rushes in and whallops the beat for 10 points of damage. (we also now know that it's AC is no more than 37 and it has more than 10 hp. I will track this at the bottom of the page for all monsters during combat. ) oh and it's a Highlight to display spoiler: {Rapky, large dangerous predator of the Sargrass plains. some times the are solitary sometimes they run in packs. }.
Caelwyn's head rings from the force of the sonic attack!
Lil stacks up behind Grindarand thrusts with her spear! but the beast is too fast and it's skin too tough for her attack to find success (we know now that it's AC is more than 10)
Bigby rides up and harrasses the thing but his attacks do no damage. (AC is greater than 13 ).
Joseph steps over his prostrate brother and Thrusts at the thing with his spear as well. while doing so he speaks in a loud clear voice to the rest of the party. It's a Rapky, look to the sides they favor flaking attacks if there is more than one! worried about protecting his brother both of his attacks miss the beast.
Part of the party move while the other part are either incapacitated or surprised by the attack (just so you know we do not use the initiative rules in this pathfinder game, but we do allow for a surprise round at times like these). The Rapky reacts to Grindars attack, but before he can attack him, Bigby's ride by distracts the monster and it goes after him. But Bigby is too fast and it's bite and claws find nothing but air.
Rapky AC between 13 and 37 10hp damage.
Map find and post your sprites for the map to the map, if you don't have editing premissons email me. be sure and put your name below your sprite.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+6=20 ; d20+3=12 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 2:55:21 AM
Sol's head also rings from the sonic attack, but shakes it off in the next round.
Sol simply ensures he's not adjacent to any of the Rapky, and if possible positions either Lil, Caelwyn or Grindar between him and the Rapky.
He will then fire a Ray of Frost at the nearest one, however his shot goes wide.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+8=26 ; d20+8=19 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=7 ; d20+2=9 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 6:51:55 AM
OOC... I can't access the map
Grindar goes presses his attack going for a full round attack, as Llew bounds to his side and attempts to bit the beast.
Primary hand hits AC 26 for 11 damage
Off hand hits AC 19 for 7 damage
Llew's bite misses
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+7=9 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 11:20:52 AM
*I was able to edit the map. I put 'Lil on there, and Grindar since I'm purposly standing behind him. Jeremy, if the position I put you wasn't appropriate, go ahead and move both of us.
'Lil looks up, seein' what she sure hopes is Thorondir and his bird. "Hope they spot any more before they jump on us," she remarks to no one in particular. Hearin' Joseph say they hunt in packs, she takes a step back and grabs Ramona on her back. "Gonna need some extra help here, girl," she says before whipping her hand forward and throwing a translucent copy of her hammer at the rapke.
Misc: 5' step back Standard: Cast Spiritual Weapon and sick it on the rapke. Hits AC 9 - miss
Attacks of Opportunity rolled forward from last round:
Hit 18 for 9 damage Hit 23 for 5 damage Hit 23 for 10 damage
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Friday August 14th, 2020 12:55:03 PM
"Servant! Untie yourself and retrieve a blue scroll!" The order was clear and precise, and she had tied colored bands around her scrolls to help her servants out since they weren't the smartest of creatures. Speaking of which, what should she do? She was warned about fire elementals, and water elementals might draw more creatures!
In a panic, she closes her eyes and begins to summon, well, something. She didn't really have a good grip on this stuff yet.
Servant 1: MA - Untie rope connecting it to floating disk. MA - Retrieve blue banded scroll from Akuno's magical bag.
Akuno: F. Round A- Begin summoning, via Summon Monster II.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+7=25 ; d2+3=4 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+11=21 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 2:26:01 PM
ooc: I'm a Luddite and struggling with map. I'll move up and attack one of them.
A feral feeling overcomes Bigby, which makes him feel the need to howl as he and Wolfgang move towards the creature again to attack. Claw att: 25, 4dmg. Wolfgang bite 11.
mounted combat dodge for possible attack against them: 21.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=24 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 4:07:43 PM
OOC: [I don't know how to edit the map, every time I try I delete everyone. Thorondir is 20 feet east and 60 feet in the air. Aewen is above the Rapke and 80 feet high]
"Aewen, keep searching for more of these and let me know if you see more" Thorondir casts Hold Animal on the Rapke
Perception Aewen 24
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Friday August 14th, 2020 5:02:48 PM
(ooc. I find it works better to make a google image than a google sheet. You can set and adjust layers that way.)
DM Shane. d20+8=14 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=24 ; 2d8+8=12; d4+4=5 ; d20+4=10 Friday August 14th, 2020 8:42:29 PM
Dm note: you should all have editing rights to the document now. my apologies for not including them in the hyperlink.
Sol stays behind the brawlers and attempts to kite the creature. however, nerves get the better of him and his shot fails to land. (you do know about Total defense rules correct? )
Grindar lays into the big Rapky, his first blow lands clean but the second bounces off the creature's thick hide. (narrowing down on the AC it's now 26 or lower. )
Joseph step over his brother and faces the beast, and thrusts at it with his speak, but neither blow penetrates its hide.
Lil brings some magic into the fray but fails to connect with her foe.
Akuno although panicked, issues commands and moves with a purpose, it's in times like these that we see a person's true colors come to the fore. (I am very impressed with the color code for the unseen servant...brilliant! Also, Ken, I would be grateful if you would work your magic with the map, your kung fu is superior to mine in the map-making dept. )
Bigby(Dm: did you get the editing link I sent to your email? ) Howels as he turns and attacks the beast. He connects! (we've brought ourselves closer to the AC its 25 or lower now.
Thorondar casts Hold monster on the beast. Rapky AC 19 to 25 25 damage
The Rapky really did not like what Grindar did to him and ignores all the other gnats around him to give Grindar some special attention. it bites into his arm and one of its flailing claws catches him in the shoulder. bite 12 shoulder 5 total 17 points + poison. (make a DC 12 fort save or take 2d8 DEX damage, you must make another save in 10 rounds or take another 2d8 DEX damage. ). just about the time its attacks land Thorondar's spell lands and it freezes in place, then falls over, overbalanced on one foot.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Friday August 14th, 2020 11:20:28 PM
Caelwyn stabilizes slightly, but still cannot muster the strength to rise.
(Stunned for two more turns)
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=18 ; d20+5=11 ; Saturday August 15th, 2020 1:33:53 PM
Thorondir lets out an eagle scream as his spell does it work and the beast falls. Turning to Aewen he says in eagle : "Keep looking for danger my friend."
Perception Thorondir 18 Perception Aewen 11
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+5=22 ; 2d8+14=27 ; Saturday August 15th, 2020 5:42:01 PM
Fort save 22 (save)
Grindar raises Bwyell over his head in an attempt to deliver a coup de grace, delivering 27 damage, with a two-handed swing, requiring a DC 37 fort save or it dies.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 11/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d8+7=15 ; Saturday August 15th, 2020 5:49:20 PM
I forgot that the Orc Double Ax has a times 3 crit multiplier so it actually does 42 damage and requires a DC 52 fort save or die.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Sunday August 16th, 2020 12:26:31 PM
OOC: Sorry new to pathfinder and have researched Perception for Thorondir and his eagle Aewen. I fixed my CS, perception checks for this round should be: Perception Thorondir 22 Perception Aewen 16
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+3=22 ; d3=2 ; Sunday August 16th, 2020 12:52:41 PM
Sol will again fire a ray of Frost, also keeping an eye out for anything else coming to flank them.
To hit - 22 Damage - 2
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday August 16th, 2020 9:25:32 PM
Caelwyn remains stunned.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Monday August 17th, 2020 12:45:00 PM
'Lil keeps an eye out, unsure there ain't more'a these varmints around. Her hammer floats happily beside her, also wanting to do its job and smash something. She punches Grindar in the arm. "That's for beatin' me to it," she says with a smile.
Attacks of Opportunity rolled forward from last round:
Hit 18 for 9 damage Hit 23 for 5 damage Hit 23 for 10 damage
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Monday August 17th, 2020 3:08:36 PM
Akuno finishes summoning, and a rather runty looking earth elemental arrives on the scene. She takes the blue banded scroll from her servant, then sighs.
"Is that it?" Just to be safe, gives as clear of instructions to the elemental as she can. "Punch anything that looks mean and ugly!" When the elemental starts lumbering towards Grindar, she corrects herself and points at a spot on the ground. "Nevermind! Just sit there unless I tell you to do something else!"
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+9=28 ; d20+6=18 ; d20=8 ; d2+3=4 ; d6+1=4 ; Monday August 17th, 2020 3:35:35 PM
assuming the creature next to bigby is dead, bigby and wolfgang charge whatever creature is left. claw att:28, 4 dmg, Wolfgangs bite att: 18, dmg: 4, trip attack 8+4=12. If there are no creatures to kill, Bigby and Wolfgang charge around their enemies like bloodthirsty wolves howling and such.
DM Shane. d20+6=20 ; Monday August 17th, 2020 10:53:36 PM Grindar's Urgrosh rises and falls with a grim finality separating the Rapkys cat/snake head from its long sinuous neck.
Silence descends upon the group as Rapkys are known to hunt in packs, and everyone is either waiting for the other shoe to drop or busy trying to get over the effects of the sonic attack. (I'm going to rule that spell casters can hold the spell that they would have cast this round if Grindar had not obviously coup de graced the beast.
Except for Bigby who, full of blood lust, charges around the flattened grass howling
and Akuno who is having communication problems with her earth elemental.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday August 17th, 2020 11:11:43 PM
Caelwyn shakes his head, trying to clear away the aftereffects of the rapke's vicious screech. He can't quite get up yet.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Tuesday August 18th, 2020 3:37:44 AM
Sol will hold his Ray of Frost for a round, to see if anything else pokes it's ugly head out.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 11/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+11=29 ; Tuesday August 18th, 2020 6:27:19 AM
Grindar wipes the blood off of Bwyell, as he continues to scan for any more. perception 29
He grunts a bit, and his face grimaces as Lil punches him in the shoulder, the same one the rapky wounded. "Is everyone else OK?" He asks. He is too proud to ask for healing for himself, though he's pretty sure his grunt of discomfort would alert Lil that something was wrong.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 2d8+4=18 ; Tuesday August 18th, 2020 8:44:02 AM
I mean...obviously 'Lil didn't punch him in a wounded shoulder. She ain't cruel or nothin'...
He is pretty beat up though, ain't he? She didn't notice him being that hurt in such a short time. "That's a lotta blood. Too much for just channelin' energy. Here, let's try this." She burns her Bulls Strength spell for a CMW, healing 18 HP of damage. Should be just enough to get Grindar back to full strength.
"There ya go," she says, patting him gently on his newly healed shoulder.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=12 ; d20+10=17 ; Tuesday August 18th, 2020 1:55:39 PM
Thorondir and Aewen continue to fly and look for more creatures moving towards the party. The make slow circles around the party. Perception Thorondir 12 Perception Aewen 17
Active spell: speak with animals
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Tuesday August 18th, 2020 9:05:53 PM
Caelwyn finally gets to his feet, shaking his head. "By Domi...I am sorry my friends, I was worse than useless in that fight."
DM Shane. 2d8=12 ; Tuesday August 18th, 2020 10:52:00 PM Caelwyn's head finally quits ringing and his equilibrium comes back. Chagrined he apologizes for his lack of showing.
Sol scanned the area, a fell spell of cold hell, waiting at his fingertips.
Grindar understands that when you do something heroic and competent, you play it off. but his arm and shoulder sure do hurt, Luckily his companions read him well and attend to his needs without ruining his vibe. (I have a rule that healing spells create a sensory effect in the recipient. could be color flashing or goosebumps, ringing in the ears, smells, or tastes. the choice is up to the player, but it makes for interesting color text, use it if you wish. )
Lil lays some healing on her companion,
Thorondarcontinue to circle the area looking for signs of attack. (You see nothing. )
Mark begins to come around as well. he speaks to Caelwyn You and me both my friend, I think that thing hit me square in the face with that screech. i don't know if it was the sound of its bad breath that put me down.
Joseph Aye, Mom always told you not to lead with your head. but you'd never listen. [/b]
a few minutes pass (Grindar needs to make another DC 12 Fort save or take 2d8 points of DEX damage. 12 points in this case. side note if your Dex is brought down to 0 you are immobile and must b carried, you can neither attack nor defend yourself. )
Josephlooks over the body of the Rapky bull, he then addresses the party.
This looks like a freshly turned out bull, he probably hasn't had time to find a bachelor pack yet, so chances are he is alone. Still, he will attract others now that his blood is on the grass, we had best get far away from here.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Wednesday August 19th, 2020 3:37:05 AM
"We should get moving, Grindar, are you okay? Can you move?"
Sol is filled with concern for his friend, still keeping the spell at the ready just in case.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 11/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+9=28 ; Wednesday August 19th, 2020 7:48:22 AM
Fort save 28 (pass)
Grindar feels Lil’s healing magic rush over his body like a rush of adrenaline. Fired up he says, “Thanks sister! Oh and I’m good Sol, thanks for asking! Joseph’s right though, we need to get going!”
OOC.. Since Grindar passed both saves I’m playing it as though he didn’t even know he was poisoned.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Wednesday August 19th, 2020 12:30:18 PM
After hooting and hollering around, Bigby and Wolfgang calms down and takes in his surroundings. Bigby looks at Grindar and sniffs him. Something bad happened to him, but he looks ok now. He looks up to Grindar and nods. "good job Grindar. Shake it off." The thought of leaving the meat behind make Bigby sad. The Sargrass truly is an unforgiving place. And at times like this, just no fun. "Oh well, live to hunt again," Bigby says out loud and follows the rest.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Wednesday August 19th, 2020 2:18:49 PM
'Lil didn't even get to stab this thing once. She sighs a bit, then moves on. "Akuno, you wanna magic the blood off Grindar's weapon? Don't want more'a these things following it."
She kinda did, but it ain't worth riskin' someone else getting hurt just so she can get a few more fights in.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=26 ; d20+10=19 ; Wednesday August 19th, 2020 3:15:49 PM
Thorondir flies down and lands on the Rapke. He looks around at his companions and moves his head back and forth, and shrugs his wings. He starts to screech at Bibgy and Grindar:
If you understand eagle Highlight to display spoiler: {"We don't see more of these, but we should have seen this one moving. Sorry you were caught off guard. We will continue to watch from above, hopefully we will spot the next one before he is on you. Remember, if I see danger I will fly high above it and give a loud scream."}
Thorondir launches himself back into the sky and he and Aewen continue to look for more creatures that might threaten the party. They make slow circles around the party. Perception Thorondir 26 Perception Aewen 19
Active spell: speak with animals
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Wednesday August 19th, 2020 4:51:57 PM
Akuno looks sadly at her earth elemental. It was kind of cute, in its own way, but she didn't get to see what it could do at all. Maybe though..maybe it could work as a mud mask? She had heard fancy ladies used them to keep fresh faces.
Akuno prods the elemental. She doesn't speak Terran, or any elemental language, but she tries anyways. "Hey, can you help me prevent wrinkles?"
--
Amberjack wasn't quite sure what to make of his tiny sized summoner. He had been in the middle of sessing out a deposit of tasty calcite, when all of a sudden he got pulled through to this world. Usually, that meant fighting, but this girl was asking about face masks and wrinkles!. He spoke common, but he wasn't about to tell this crazy catwoman that. Instead, he steps on a bug and pretends not to hear her. Amberjack hates bugs.
--
With a sigh, Akuno dismissed her elemental. "Maybe if I collect more badges he'll listen next time." Her melancholy is interrupted with a simple request. She nods, and wiggles her fingers and cleans the bloody bits from Grindars axe.
DM Shane. Wednesday August 19th, 2020 7:35:09 PM Sol is ready to move or fight.
Grindar get healed and passes his saves, your blood probably washed the toxin from the wound before it could take effect.
Bigby is a bit disappointed to be leaving meat behind, but he understands the need, even if he does not understand magical healing.
Lil helps to get the stank off Grindar for the jounry ahead, by asking Akuno for a little prestidigitation action.
If anyone speaks Eagle they understand Thorondir, if not they hear "Whedle, whedle, Twill Skree chrip chirp Whistle. Thorondir resumes his scouting for trouble. Highlight to display spoiler: { This time you do see movement in the grass at a tangent to your position you see several large shapes shaking the grass as the home in on the dead Rapky, The are about 800 meters away, if you get a move on you should not even see them}.
Akuno experiences the sorry of the monster summoner, all dressed up and no where to go, and dang it if the bloody things don't have a mind of their own.
it's about an hour till noon. Thorondir's wild shape usually end by noon. so you have a bit before he has to come down.
The party moves off in silence and with a bit of urgency, trying to get as much distance between themselves and the monster lure they left behind..
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+2=5 ; Wednesday August 19th, 2020 9:37:10 PM
Caelwyn takes rear guard again, hoping to hold up better in whatever fight comes next. With his shield and trident at the ready, he tries to hasten the party along while keeping his ears open for any potential pursuit. As long as they don't have any blood or water on their bodies, they should be fine - predators should go after the fallen rapke instead.
Unfortunately, his ears are still ringing slightly and he is not particularly observant at the moment.
Perception 5
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=25 ; d20+10=25 ; Wednesday August 19th, 2020 11:32:50 PM
Thorondir flies down and nudges Grindar along. He looks back towards the dead rapke and shakes his head, then flies quickly in the direction the group is going. He lands on the ground and uses one wing in a sweeping motion towards the direction of travel. He then leaps into the air and again flies quickly forward. He does this all quietly, then he gain altitude and joins Aewen looking carefully around.
Perception Thorondir 25 Perception Aewen 25
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Thursday August 20th, 2020 3:38:31 AM
Sol stays in the middle of the group, unwinding his spell so it doesn't hit anyone. He takes a deep breath as they head off. He really wasn't built for long carrying tasks...
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 11/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+11=13 ; d20+8=12 ; Thursday August 20th, 2020 7:00:04 AM
When Bigby applauds him for "shaking it off" Grindar is blank faced, as he has no idea what his friend is talking about. As Thorondir speaks in eagle, Grindar quickly casts speak with animals, and then answers, "No worries brother, we are fine down here, and that hold monster spell, saved our backsides!" He does his best to keep an eye out for trouble.
Grindar's perception 13 Llew's perception 12
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Thursday August 20th, 2020 9:42:29 AM
Since Grindar used Speak with Animals then he also heard Thorondir tell him on his quick return: "They are coming for the body, hurry away from it quickly and quietly."
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Thursday August 20th, 2020 11:01:25 AM
There ain't nothing quiet about 'Lil, but she don't make no more noise than she has to while movin' away from that dead critter.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Thursday August 20th, 2020 12:18:33 PM
Bigby casts speak animal to hear from the eagle and nods his head in understanding. Bigby also agrees in nodding his head to what Grindar says. Say something about Bigby...he's one with few words. Bigby moves to his place in line.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Thursday August 20th, 2020 11:14:09 PM
Caelwyn hears what Thorondir has said, and moves as quickly and quietly as possible.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Friday August 21st, 2020 2:46:03 PM
Akuno keeps her mage armor scroll in hand, and re-mounts her unseen servant palanquin. Then she adjusts her Rose's temperature control, and shivers a little. Nice and cool, just like she liked it. Adventuring was hard, but it didn't need to be pure suffering.
DM Shane. Friday August 21st, 2020 6:14:07 PM Caelwyn Head still spinning from the attack he pushes on. Thorondir is awful expressive in bird form, and lets it be known that the party needs to hurry. Solstores his magic and soldiers on. Grindar fails to understand Bigby's words of encouragement. His speak with animals spell lets him know that there are more rapky inbound about 800 yards away. Lil you get the feeling that of the two stealth and speed the speed portion is what is more apropos at this time. Bigby casts speak with animals and now know what is coming for them if they don't shag.
Akunogets comfortable for the long trip ahead. .
Joseph and Mark push you hard for the next 6 hours, even Thorondir who got to fly for the first half of the day is pooped by the time you make camp for the night.
gonna need a watch order or are you going to trust to the winds of fate that you won't have an encounter during the night.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Friday August 21st, 2020 11:36:32 PM
Caelwyn will gladly take the hours before dawn as his watch, or whatever else is needed. Tired or not, they cannot risk being taken by surprise, especially in such hostile country as the Sargrass has proved to be.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Saturday August 22nd, 2020 3:07:38 AM
As usual, Sol can take either one the first or the last watch, as long as he gets 8 hours rest to recharge any spells. Though he's not used any today, so could take watch at any time.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Saturday August 22nd, 2020 2:16:04 PM
Bigby takes midnight shift. He and Wolfgang lick each other clean while the watch for whatever danger may lurk in the grass.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+9=13 ; d20+10=11 ; Saturday August 22nd, 2020 4:25:24 PM
Thorondir will take the watch right after Bigby.
Responding to Grindar: "Well, I'm glad the spell took hold of the creature. It doesn't always seem to work, sometimes they can shake off the effects. Though it looks like you might have had it about killed without me. Anyway, I see you take this bleeding for the group seriously. You have noticed though haven't you, nobody else seems to take it quite as seriously? Myself, I haven't even had a scratch yet. Though I'm sure my time will come. It is good to see Lil can heal so well, that was amazing."
Rolls for watch Perception Thorondir 13 Perception Aewen 11
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday August 23rd, 2020 10:17:51 PM
Caelwyn prepares to rest until it's his turn to watch.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Monday August 24th, 2020 6:37:07 AM
Grindar and LLew will fill whatever watch is needed, as they aren't fussy.
To Thorondir, "Believe me brother, I don't bleed by choice, it's just an occupational hazard. Though I would rather it be my blood that is spilled, then the blood of my pack mates!"
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Monday August 24th, 2020 11:08:15 AM
'Lil can't help but overhear Grindar and Thorondir chattin'. Her fighting style had kinda morphed into her standing behind Grindar and stabbin' past him with Maya, then healing Grindar when he needed it.
Was that brave? She was still there in the front durin' fights, but Thorondir's right: she ain't been hurt in some time. Part of her stomach don't feel right about all of it, but she can't argue that she ain't a lot more successful doing that than she was swinging Ramona around. Her hammer was just too heavy.
She knows she's still willing to stand up front, and knows that if anything happened to Grindar she'd do everything in her power to protect him. She reminds herself that she chose to be a cleric, not a paladin, and that meant she served and protected her team. She takes a breathe and makes peace with all this, then moves on.
***
'Lil can't see in the dark, so volunteers for first or last watch. She don't much care which, long as there's some light to see by. Growing up in a town with continual flame lights every 20 feet or so, she ain't accustomed to being in total dark yet.
DM Shane: don't fret a lot about standing in ranks behind Grindar. you are doubling your firepower and if you haven't thought of it, you can also aid another from that position to help Grindar out. increased AC increased hit probability. it's the perfect position to turn aid another into an OP rule.
DM Shane. d100=93 ; Monday August 24th, 2020 6:33:51 PM
The night passes without a hitch. most sleep well the sleep of the tired. except for those on the watch. Morning comes and the crew arises. Folk are in the midst of their morning absolution when Josephs shout makes everyone turn towards the campfire.
standing beside the fire is a 8ft tall Manfri with glowing eyes. Something tells you that this is the Weaver-Sar. the camp goes quiet as all eyes turn to this being. He seems to lock eyes with everyone as he speaks.
Who Are You?
he then disappears with a slight pop as air rushes in to fill the space he left.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Monday August 24th, 2020 6:54:22 PM
Akuno isn't sure what to think of teleporting giant manfri. Her ears pin back and her tail starts thrashing, but Akuno wouldn't be Akuno unless, well, she Akuno'd.
"I .. will be honest friends. I have no idea what to do with a giant smoldering, fireproof grass midget who can pop in and out of reality. Maybe we should work on a joke? Manfri like those, right?"
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday August 24th, 2020 11:17:53 PM
Caelwyn is barely surprised at this point. "Is this a rhetorical question, or would you really like an answer?" he asks into the air, as there is no one left to speak to.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 7:49:49 AM
“First the Walker-Sarr , and now the Weaver, will any of these guys give us a chance to answer there questions?”, Grindar sighs, “These guys aren’t much for conversation are they!”
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 11:00:06 AM ”What is the point of having a watch if these folk can keep showing up in the middle of our camp?” Thorondir is obviously annoyed. He stands with Aewen on his shoulder, preening his friend.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Tuesday August 25th, 2020 12:34:37 PM
Sol simply has a bright smile on his face, he's excited to have been face to face with one of the Powers again.
"Why are we all so frustrated with this? Do you not understand how lucky we are to meet these beings? And to have them show an interest in us? As I have mentioned before, I do not believe they want us to answer the questions to them, they simply want us to meditate and think on them. Understand our own drives and beliefs so we can be sure of what we do."
He seems in incredibly good spirits and is almost bouncing with energy and excitement.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 12:38:21 PM
Bigby puts his hand to his chest, "I am Bigby Wolf." Bigby being a little disappointed that his diplomacy effort was all for not. Perhaps they were all in some bigger philosophical plot or was this all a dream? Eh best not to think too deeply on these things.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 1:05:13 PM
'Lil sighs. This again.
"Dude, we ain't a complicated bunch. I'm guessin' you can hear and say everything we say in our land, so...what ya see is what you get."
If they can't see and hear everything, then they should stick around.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 3:45:16 PM ”What is the point of having a watch if these folk can keep showing up in the middle of our camp?” Thorondir is obviously annoyed. He stands with Aewen on his shoulder, preening his friend.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 11:28:05 PM
Caelwyn chuckles at his comrade's responses, and shakes his head. They had best be moving out soon.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Wednesday August 26th, 2020 10:55:49 PM
Caelwyn wonders to himself when the Sarr figures will stick around long enough to have a real conversation. He wants to have an honest talk with the walker and weaver, since he sees the Warper Sarr as the most hostile to them and the one he trusts the least.
DM Shane. Thursday August 27th, 2020 1:06:20 AM
OOC: sorry guys I had to bug out. Lake Charles is getting a Hurricane tonite and I left to texas on Tuesday. so I was unavailable.
Caelwyn[b] expresses his frustration at the Sar's method of communication.
[b]Akuno wonders about the Sar herself.
Grindar states the obvious.
Sol thinks about things in a different way, that perhaps make more sense
Bigby Takes things literally.
Lil does so as well, and shows a good bit of creative wisdom in her interpretation of the Sars power.
Thorondir wonders about keeping a watch if it can be infiltrated so easily by immortal powers and such.
Joseph and Mark both just shrug and continue to get ready to move, JosephI think he's just asking about stuff in an existential way, what do you think, Mark?[/b] Mark nods. aye, it's kind of stupid for an immortal power to ask base questions. I think it's a deeper thing that they are asking.
the camp gets cleaned up quickly, and you get on the trail in good time. about 2 hours after getting on trail, you come across a broad streach of ground where the grass has been mowed down to almost roots and dirt. Joseph and Mark confer for a few minutes and come to a consensus. they call a halt at the edge and gather everyone around.
Mark okay, this is an interesting find. it's a fresh track of a Great Ranthom herd. They are strange-looking beasts. the lower jaw is razor-sharp, and instead of having rear legs, it's got a great broad wheel. when they eat they leave the ground like this. this track is going north-south, we are running a track that is running southeast. we can take this trail and maybe shave a couple of days off the track to the village. it's a good find, but it has its dangers. Raiders like to travel behind the Ranthom, it's obvious why...easy travel. and so do everything else. so we'lll take the path, but we have to be really really careful or we'll get caught up in some stuff we don't want to be in. if you guys have any ideas to help us keep a good watch, it would be good to hash it all out now, before we go any further.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Thursday August 27th, 2020 3:13:51 AM
Sol nods as they are told about the Great Ranthoms, and immediately starts writing in his journal about them, as they continue he asks questions about them, and tries his best to either get Joseph or Mark to draw them, or draw them himself from their description, constantly asking if it looks right.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+11=30 ; Thursday August 27th, 2020 6:33:03 AM
Grindar says, "In the Sargrass, I am pretty good at spotting trouble before it spots us, perhaps I should take my usual spot at the head of the party." Perception 30
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Thursday August 27th, 2020 12:43:33 PM "Wait, they gotta wheel instead of back legs? How'd nature pull that one off?" That's just about the strangest thing she's heard in this place, and she's heard plenty of strange.
'Lil had good eyes and could notice stuff, but she wasn't always sure what to look for out here in the wild. She can figure out the basics: be careful going around blind corners, keep the toughest dudes on the perimeter of the group, but mostly she relied on the party's druids.
"Plus, Thorondir and Aewen have eyes up there. They should spot anything out in the open on this path way before we do."
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+11=21 ; Thursday August 27th, 2020 3:29:59 PM
Bigby looks back at Wolfgangs hind legs to imagine a wheel there. Bigby chuckles and says outloud, "nah." Bigby trusts Grindar to take the lead but will help with keeping an eye out. perception: 21
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=21 ; d20+10=20 ; Thursday August 27th, 2020 8:44:07 PM "We will keep watch from above"" Thorondir says to Lil.
Thorondir wild shapes into an eagle and joins Aewen flying above the party.
Perception Thorondir 21 Perception Aewen 20
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+2=4 ; Thursday August 27th, 2020 11:21:14 PM
Caelwyn is happy to take the final spot in the party as usual, watching for anyone who might be approaching from behind.
Perception 4
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Friday August 28th, 2020 1:41:48 PM
Akuno very much wants to see a wheel monster. "I know a spell that rings alarms, but it doesn't work while moving. I can set up a few of them and some unseen servants as watch when the time comes to camp."
DM Steve -- Middle of Nowhere -- Module 4, day ??, daybreak Friday August 28th, 2020 10:20:00 PM
The group makes good time following the ranthom trail until nightfall. Joseph and Mark are divided about whether to camp in or off the trail when evening comes. On the one hand, whatever advantages the trail might give to predators it gives more to people -- who aren't as at home in the Sargrass as the creatures -- on the other hand, anything travelling the trail is sure to find them, while in the grass it might not. Ultimately, they decide that the group has enough folks with low light vision to call the trail better.
With watches set as before, the night passes somewhat restlessly. There are things moving on the trail, but they are all small and don't approach the party very closely.
In the morning. as the group is preparing to resume their trek, Smithira rises out of the ground in the midst of them. As she opens her mouth, it is a rapke who says in a deep, rich voice that you hear in your head more than your ears, "What do" the manfri continues "you want? a richly-clad man concludes. As the vision of the moth fades from before the party, a large mass remains.
If you were in the campaign from the beginning: Highlight to display spoiler: {You recognize the manfri as Mahyawu and the man as Duke Abelard Rowan.}
The mass is larger than a person. As the group watches, it starts to move. A rip starts to appear in the side, as if something is trying to get out.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+5=12 ; d20+12=30 ; Saturday August 29th, 2020 3:27:50 AM
Sol looks puzzled and tries to figure out what it is. Seeing if any of his studies have ever indicated what this sort of thing could be and whether it's dangerous or not...
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp d20+5=23 ; Saturday August 29th, 2020 12:14:40 PM
Akuno casts detect magic, then tries to consider the chrysalis. Is it something arcane?
Know Arcane: 23
As for what she wants, this question is tough. Does it want to know what she wants personally, or what the Sentinels are currently doing?
"Well, I want to find my family. The Sentinels just want to help people. And YOU seem to want to get out of that mass? Would you like help?" She doesn't have much in the way of claws, but she's willing to pull as best she can.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Saturday August 29th, 2020 7:15:58 PM "I don't like this." Thorondir says.
"I'll be up there ready to cast entangle or something in case it is needed."
Thorondir wildshapes into an eagle and joins Aewen circling the moving mass of something, staying about 100 feet away from the object.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 d20=16 ; Sunday August 30th, 2020 4:55:56 PM
Familiar faces form Hook city swim in and out of focus until a gentle silver dragon claw gently plucks the dreamer and thrusts him towards the excruciating light and a rude awakening.
'Can't breathe... Gotta move...' Struggles. Arms flailing. Legs kicking.
A gash appears in the chrysalis and murky ichor drips quickly evaporating in to mist. As Akuno casts her magic and reaches out an arm tears through the membrane and grabs her hand (touch attack:16). Her question goes unheard but her warm support allows the upside-down-slime-figure to pull itself out unceremoniously, before releasing its grip and landing with a squelch and a moan.
Steam evaporates leaving the figure face down coughing and spluttering. Slowly it rolls over just in time for bits and pieces of kit falling from the cocoon to smash down on and around it. "Really?" (resigned) followed by another groan. "By the grace of Maab who ran me over with a horse and cart?" he says in a voice that cracks as if unused for some time.
To those who knew Haemir before - he looks different. At first the slim elf's pale skin had simply darkened but now it is more like mottled weatherbeaten grey marble. His long blue hair - now white-grey is braided into locks that support a fair amount of Sargrass' dust. In fact he's probably unrecognizable but for the unmistakable bright sea-blue eyes and his fashion sense, which still consists of studded black leather and a pendant of feathers, beads and shells. He radiates a sailor, geek, professor vibe mixed with a haunting fey aura.
There is no sign of Fand (the blue parrot) but a familiar rusty black rapier with an engraved kraken-head hilt that looks like it's been underwater for years lays across his lap.
Squinting up at the sky he feels around searching for something. 'No way I can be dead... Everything hurts too much. Ugh bright light! Where are my goggles?' he thinks before remembering someone is nearby.
"Sorry. Please forgive my manners. Thank you ... Whoever you are! That must have taken some bravery on your part".
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday August 30th, 2020 9:39:50 PM
Caelwyn steps forward to see if Haemir is hurt, his eyes wide in surprise. "Haemir, is that you? Are you alright? How on earth did you come to be here?"
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Monday August 31st, 2020 6:37:01 AM
Grindar rushes forward to the newcomer and helps him to his feet. Upon seeing his eyes, and hearing his voice, he says, "Haemir, is that you?" Than turning to Sol he says, "Quick brother, use your magic to clean this slime from our friend!"
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Monday August 31st, 2020 11:22:41 AM
Bigby wonders about the events going on. What does it all mean? The Duke and the Manfri. It all sounded like the title of some side adventure. Looking a little more closely at the mass and the person who appears out of it. "Haemir? Is that you? Or am I seeing things?"
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+9=18 ; Monday August 31st, 2020 12:19:46 PM
'Lil ain't sure if this is really her dude Haemir, or just another vision like the ones that keep poppin' up. The rest of her dudes seem to think it's him, and she trusts them and all...
She decides it's better to fall for a trap than not be happy Haemir's back. That kinda thinkin's likely to get her killed one-a these days, but she ain't gonna live forever anyway.
"Don't move too quickly, dude," is all she says as she checks him out (heal: 18 - he ok?). She spares a glance for Akuno, wonderin' if she's gonna freak out over this.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Monday August 31st, 2020 1:46:09 PM
Poor Akuno.
She was trying, really she was. She had started cleaning camps, she had stopped fussing quite so much over her laces and dresses, and sometimes she was even willing to go an hour or two without Rose's Temperature Control active, so she had alarm spells for night watch. There were things she could handle now that she couldn't before.
This was not one of them.
She was willing to pull on the membrane, but getting grabbed by an icky slime hand was simply far too much for a fledgling adventurer to take! Her eyes widen and she yanks backwards, helping birth the sticky elf from the puddle of goo. A sticky gross elf that suddenly talks right at her.
"Aaaaaaah!", is her reply. Recoiling from the horror of whatever the heck this was, she scoops up her Unseen Servant and starts swinging wildly, wielding the poor spirit like its only logical use is pummeling gross elves. Only when people start calling the fellow by his name, does she stop and come to her senses. She turns and bounds backwards, tail tucked, scampering on all fours and skidding to a stop behind Lil. She shakes something invisible, probably her unfortunate servant, at Haemir. She looks around wild eyed for someone, anyone, willing to explain.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Monday August 31st, 2020 5:59:12 PM
Upon seeing the elf expelled from the slimy mass, and some of the group move forward and talk to the elf like an old friend, Thorondir starts to fly in lower circles towards them. He screeches as he flies tight circles just above the group.
in eagle Highlight to display spoiler: {"What is that, is it safe? Should I kill it?"}
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Monday August 31st, 2020 6:28:59 PM
"That must have taken some bravery on your... Pffpflblm" Haemir stops the sentence as his hair puffs up wild from Akuno's assault with an Unseen Servant. "Um what just happened"? He says looking somewhat perplexed.
"Caelwyn? Grindar? Bigby? Lil? Yes of course it's me!? Why do you sound so shocked? I can't have slept more than a few hours" he says sitting up slowly. He looks healthy enough - maybe a scratch or two from his kit landing on him but he seems happy judging by the smile on his face as his vision slowly returns.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday August 31st, 2020 9:58:49 PM
Caelwyn glances at his companions, then back to Haemir. He keeps his face composed as he asks, "Haemir, what is the last thing you remember?"
DM Steve -- Middle of Nowhere -- Module 4, day ??, daybreak Monday August 31st, 2020 10:15:44 PM
Joseph can't help himself. "You know this guy?" Clearly Joseph and Mark are more than a little surprised by the events of the morning so far. But perhaps the question isn't such a clear cut one.
The Haemir that came out of the cocoon looks far different from the Haemir that some of the group adventured with from Hook City. And those that weren't with the group when Haemir joined the caravan wagon are clearly perplexed.
"Um. Not to rush you or anything, but we can make it to the village by nightfall." Joseph continues, "Is he coming with us?"
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 5:38:52 AM
Hearing urgency in Joseph's voice Haemir grabs his kit and secures it. "Hi. My name is Haemir..." he says to him "and I'm sure I'm not staying here. Let's go!"
"The last thing was yesterday when we were being chased by that gargantuan monster and Fand dropped a thunderstone on it... Then I remember feeling odd - tired I guess. The elderly woman from the caravan - 'Auntie' offered me somewhere to rest and... Here I am the next morning? Same day? Actually I feel pretty good! So where are we going anyway? The Crystal mountains wasn't it?"
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 6:47:22 AM "Brother Haemir, we are traveling to meet with a village of Manfri", Grindar offers to his lost friend, then looks around and asks, "What happened to change your appearance so, and why isn't Fand with you? Oh where are my manners, allow me to introduce the newest members of our pack. That's Akuno, she's a little green, but has a good heart, and has great potential. the Eagle squawking at us is actually an elf named Thorondir and his bird friends name is Aewen, and this is my new animal friend Llew", he says indicating a male white lion.
He casts speak with animals, when Thorondir starts squawking and after learning what the druid is saying he says, in eagle, "Don't worry he's part of the pack!" Turning back to Haemir, he says, "Oh our pack calls itself the Sargrass Sentinels now!"
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Tuesday September 1st, 2020 7:59:34 AM
Sol's eyes go wide as he sees Haemir again.
Without saying a word he walks up to Haemir and wraps his arms around him, apparently ignoring the sludge and slime, hugging him tightly.
"It is good to see you again..."
He then casts Prestidigitation to clean both himself and Haemir.
"But we should get moving, we do not want to be caught up by Rapke or anything else that will swarm over here at night. Welcome back my friend, no rest for the wicked as they say."
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 12:18:25 PM
'Lil wonders if Haemir's even aware of how different he looks. Ain't no mirrors handy unless Akuno's got one. She realizes the cat girl probably does have a mirror, actually.
She takes Akuno's hand and raises her back to two legs again, then wipes a bunch of the slime off it. Akuno can just magic the slime off, but 'Lil wants her to know she's got Akuno's back. "I'd a probably flipped out a little too. You got a mirror Haemir can use in that pack of yours?"
Haemir can look as he walks, though. Joseph's right about needing to keep moving.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 2:06:48 PM
Bigby goes over to hug Haemir but then stops. "Sorry it's terribly hard to get that stuff out of fur. But good to have you back." Bigby smiles at Haemir and just nods to what Grindar and the rest say in order to fill Haemir and the new guys in."[/b]
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Tuesday September 1st, 2020 5:51:52 PM
"Mirror. Yes. So this one is a friend?" Akuno thinks about her own question. Of course he is. No one splatted him yet, and he was being kind to her, now that she considered his words.
The catgirl is short, as are all beastfolk. She is wearing an impossible amount of lace in a heavy red and black dress covered with silk frills, pompous ribbons, and all of it is bedecked in gems and stones. It's an outfit reserved for nobility, to be sure. Her face betrays some trepidation, and Haemir is sure there's a healthy dose of scrutiny in her pouty features. She slaps her own cheeks twice, then steps out from behind Lil. She slips her silvered mirror from her haversack, and bravely meets Haemir in the open.
That Bigby seems to be within arms reach is purely coincidence.
She offers the mirror, without getting too close. She plops what he can figure is yet another unseen servant on the ground, gives it the mirror, and scoots it towards Haemir. "I'm sorry I screamed at you. I didn't even scream when I saw Bigby, and well. Look at him." She points towards his obvious, doglike features. Then she wriggles own cat-styled ears and tail. She figures the implication is clear. "If he can fuzzy and kind of cute, then I'm sure you have your charms too. And THAT means that your probably okay. Nice to meet you, I'm Princess Akuno Neko." She offers a practiced curtsy. "Lil has given me the title of Dude. If you are one of her friends, then its agreeable that you just call me Akuno, or dude, unless you like mouthfuls of names and titles."
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=25 ; d20+10=13 ; Tuesday September 1st, 2020 9:18:43 PM
Since Grindar can communicate with Thorondir, he says “I’ll meet your friend when we get to the city, for now I’ll stay with Aewen and keep watch until we are out of the grass.”
Perception Thorondir 25 Aewen 13
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 9:27:55 PM
"Brother Grindar a village of Manfri you say? Excellent!" his smile is genuine and warm.
'I love this group' he thinks as he listens 'but it's not like I've been gone long. Wait it must be a few hours extra. Maybe I slept for a whole day. They have a name - that must have taken an hour and they have new companions... Three extra tops!?!'.
He listens squinting till the painful glare of the sun forces him to don some smoked goggles and he slightly surprises himself when the first thing he really sees is Llew calmly looking at him. "WHOA" he says almost jumping back 'When did he creep up on me?" But after regaining his composure he executes a well practiced bow to the lion and calls up "Greetings Thorondir" in Elven and tips his head.
Returning Sol's hug with a light back slap he is genuinely touched by the welcomes if somewhat perplexed himself.
When Bigby stands back he takes a moment to look at everyone and returns the greeting with a warm smile .. In truth a little nervous now that everyone is saying such a lovely 'good morning' to him.
Meeting all questions about his appearance with a curious raised eyebrow he accepts the mirror and returns Akuno's curtsy with a "Thank you very much" and another well executed bow. "Sorry about the slime dude".
As the group sets off Haemir waits till no one is looking and nudges Bigby. "Hey buddy.. I dunno what you took from that but Akuno said you were cute" he whispers with a conspiratorial boyish grin and a cheeky wink before straightening up and moving on as if nothing happened.
A while later remembering the mirror in his hand he examines his face. Several gasps and shocks tell you all you need to know and as he walks on in silence every now-&-then he suddenly raises the mirror, perhaps in hope of catching it off guard and seeing his old features again. After ensuring the mirror returned he plods on occasionally glimpsing sky-ward. A few times he sees Thorondir and Aewen and mistakes the second eagle for Fand briefly but then reminds himself that the witty soul can look after herself. Still he catches himself worrying: 'Where are you Fand...? I hope you're ok...!' far too many times.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 9:57:43 PM
Caelwyn walks in the back of the group, keeping a careful eye on Haemir. "It's hard to believe, but a significant amount of time has passed since we last saw you. I'm sure you are a bit shocked by all this, but do not worry - I'm sure we can figure out exactly what happens. We are glad to have you back safe!"
DM Steve -- Middle of Nowhere -- Module 4, day ??, evening Tuesday September 1st, 2020 11:11:51 PM
Joseph and Mark lead the party through the ranthom path most of the day, then decide it is time to turn off. After another hour of travel through the grasses, the group encounters a couple of large boulders. Mark becomes agitated. "We aren't in time today," he says, "We need to go back a bit." Joseph just shrugs, "Then we'll see them first thing tomorrow." and suggests they halt there.
Joseph and Mark start discussing whether this is too close to the village to camp. It becomes clear that the problem isn't camping here, but camping here without first having gotten permission. Mark doesn't want to risk insulting the nearby manfri. Joseph maintains that there is no other place as good to camp nearby.
"Manfri can be very untrusting," Mark explains. "If they decide we are a threat, it will go worse for our mission than if we meet them in broad daylight. The rocks mark the border of their taudo. We absolutely must not go past them without permission. As it is, we will be on their doorstep -- so to speak -- if we stay here. Joseph is right, we would be less likely to encounter animals here than further away. But we have not been having troubles at night, and are likely to have them tomorrow if we don't move back."
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 10:10:41 AM
I have no desire to offend the Manfri, let’s move away a bit, it’s not like it’s going to throw off our meeting in the morning.”
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 11:29:35 AM "Yea, why come all this way then go and upset'em just because this place is cozier?" She still don't much like having to deal with all these rules, customs, and assorted mores these Manfri seem to have. What does it say about a people when they insist on havin' so many ways to upset them? How exhausting must it be to live in a place like that?
Or, maybe she's puttin' the cart before the rapke. Maybe it's all intentional. Maybe it gives'em an excuse to act however they feel like. "Yes, you all died in agony after hours of torture, but you should have known better than to step past these rocks without permission."
"Hey guys," she starts addressing Joseph and Mark. "What happens when we break these Manfri rules anyway? Do they get violent, or just indignant?"
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 7:24:03 PM
"I concur. We want to make a good impression, let us get permission before we press on."
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 7:34:23 PM
Thorondir speaks to Haemir in elfish “I am Thorondir and was sent by the druids to look after this group. Apparently my mission will take years and they have offered me membership in the Sargrass Sentinels, Grindar claims there is a blood oath involved, but so far it is only he that bleeds.”
Thorondir is in agreement, “We should withdraw and make camp”
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 10:02:39 PM "I believe that Manfri guy walked away last time when we offended him when we weren't paying attention to what he was saying. I remember not understanding that moment at the time. I'm guessing they get indignant, but I can't fully otherwise. Anyhow, yeah make camp sounds good." That felt like the most Bigby had said in a while. Bigby must be tired if he's talking so much like this.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 10:57:47 PM
Caeleyn agrees with the majority of the group. "Better to set a more careful watch than jeopardize the entire mission. We'll set watches in pairs tonight, perhaps?"
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp d20=2 ; d20=10 ; Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 11:00:00 PM
Akuno watches Haemir walk away with her mirror. She raises a small hand, but drops it without saying anything. It's not like he'd be leaving them in the dead of night to abscond with her mirror or anything. When its time for watches, she has an alarm spell she can cast.
During downtime, she flips through her picture books, looking at different suits and dresses, sighing at some and making little sketches next to others. She looks at Haemir a few times, and finally seems to come to a decision. She makes a note or two, then closes her book. She starts arranging the throw pillows and her bedroll on her floating disk, then calls it a night wherever the others decide is best.
Tomorrow was another big day.
--------------
Perception for herself during watch: 1 Perception from the Unseen Servant: 10
DM Steve -- Middle of Nowhere -- Module 4, day ??+1, morning Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 11:50:35 PM
The group moves away to a less desirable campsite, and Mark does his best to answer Lil's question.
"I've never seen a violent Manfri, but there are those who say they can be very fierce. Still, if you're serious about not offending them, which considering why we're here we'd best not do, best not carry metal into their taudo. In fact, they don't care for anything brought into the Sargrass from outside. I wouldn't suggest that you do without your religious symbols or the cat lady there leave her frilly dresses. Don't think that would seem like yourselves. Just don't draw attention to them, either." Beyond that, the guides say not to expect to stay in the taudo overnight.
Despite the arguments about the best campsite, the night passes without incident. In the morning, the Sentinels return to the rocks that mark the border of the Manfri's land. Mark and Joseph carefully remove their metal items, and place them in tarp under the edge of one of the rocks. Then they wait.
By mid-morning, a manfri has shown up. The little, black humanoid is a head shorter than Akuno, He looks rather like a four or five year old human, except for his large eyes. His armor is woven grass, and he carries something that at first glance looks like a bow, until you realize the curved part is the "string" and the straight part a reed. His first question is direct, "You wish to visit the taudo. What message should I take as to why?"
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Thursday September 3rd, 2020 2:29:47 AM
Having already given the mirror back (above) Haemir nodded in agreement to all the suggestions and keeps silent (not knowing what bought the group here) when the Manfri arrives.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Thursday September 3rd, 2020 6:25:08 AM
Grindar stashes Bwyell and his daggers with the brothers gear in the tarp, though he keeps his quarterstaff, and leans on it like a walking stick. When the manfri arrives, he keeps quiet, and allows his more charismatic pack mates to do the talking.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Thursday September 3rd, 2020 10:30:16 AM
The last Manfri they had met called her a spoiled brat. "Its pretty darn hard to be spoiled surrounded by grass, bugs, and monsters." thinks Akuno. Still, for now she would forgo all of her creature comfort spells. "I don't know any jokes.", she says aloud to whomever is listening. Her eyes lock on Caelwyn. "But this child I met when I was younger taught me how to make a silly noise with my armpit. I could give that a try?"
-------------------------------------
After the Manfri arrives, she silently mouths some words to Caelwyn. "Just tell me when." She says. Then with an impressive amount of conspiracy driven innuendo, she slowly points to her armpit just to make dead sure he knows what she's talking about. Otherwise, she's on her best behavior, and tries to be polite in all the right places.
(Original post was eaten. Passed an aid another check in diplomacy for whomever might use the skill. So someone gets +2 to their diplomacy check.)
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+10=18 ; Thursday September 3rd, 2020 11:20:03 AM
'Lil's gotta lotta metal on her.
She puts Ramona, Maya, and her breastplate in her fancy backpack. She also puts the quilted jerkin she wears under it in the pack since she ain't gotta worry about chafin'. She's left wearing a pair of loose cotton pants and a midriff-exposing tank-top. Her holy symbol is tattooed on her chest, so she's able to enter Manfri lands without a bit'a metal on her. She ain't overly modest, but she feels naked without her stuff. She does her best to make sure her body language don't give that away.
'Lil's diplomacy game is pretty strong, but she's in a situation that's still kinda alien to her. She trusts Cae's more flowery diplomacy to her own straight-to-the-point approach here. She'll get ready to nod appropriately or elbow her paladin dude if he starts to go down a bad path.
Diplomacy aid other: 18. Should give a +2 on top of Akuno's.
She gently takes the hand that was about to go into Akuno's armpit, then gives it a friendly squeeze. She holds on to it...
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Thursday September 3rd, 2020 3:19:07 PM
Thorondir doesn't have much metal, he puts his dagger and a few sling bullets beneath the rock. Thinking, he reaches into his pack and pulls out the steel from his flint and steel kit. "Metal is highly overrated anyway, you should be able to survive without it."
Thorondir waits to let others answer the question. Aewen sits on his shoulder, and they preen each other.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Thursday September 3rd, 2020 4:47:47 PM
Bigby doesn't think he has metal on him but he double checks to make sure and removes anything metal. Bigby moves in place with the rest and trust the talking party to do their thing. Bigby was curious as to the armpit thing that Akuno suggested. Bigby decided to ask her about it later.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Thursday September 3rd, 2020 7:36:48 PM
Sol also removes anything metal from his person, though he wouldn't have much beyond things like belts and coins.
DM Steve -- Middle of Nowhere -- Module 4, day ??+1, mid-morning d20=4 ; Thursday September 3rd, 2020 11:58:51 PM
With no explanation forthcoming from the Sentinels, Joseph pitches in. "We would like to bargain for the skills of the Manfri." He sounds somewhat unsure of himself, clearly not expecting to be in the position of speaking. The manfri watches impassively for a moment, then promises to return soon.
"What you have to go and say it like that for?" Mark asks after the little fellow leaves. "Well, I didn't see you pitching in," is the only reply he gets.
The manfri isn't gone very long before he returns and says to follow him. He moves through the grass very quickly, but even the non-druids in the party find themselves keeping up.
After fifteen or twenty minutes or travel, everyone but Thorondir and Akuno make a DC 15 perception roll, or Thorondir make a DC 20 Know Nature roll. Highlight to display spoiler: {The manfri is about to enter a patch of glassgrass. While it makes a nice liquor, the blades do considerable damage if you walk through them.}
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 d20+1=19 ; Friday September 4th, 2020 5:26:47 AM
Haemir replied to Thorondir in Elvish. "It's an honour to meet you. Yes there was a blood oath we took before we left." He thinks for a second before wrapping his rapier in cloth and stashing it in his bag before continuing , " Would you do me a favour? when you are up in the sky .. Magnificent by the way. I wish I could fly... Should you see a bright blue bird. A Macaw actually. It's my friend and travelling companion. Could you let her know I am here please"
As they walk Haemir (Perception:19) spots the glassgrass "WHOA steady this is the grass that will shed your skin... Careful!" he says pointing to it.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 29/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+9=26 ; Friday September 4th, 2020 9:58:08 AM
Perception 26
Grindar too notices the Glassgrass, and says to their Manfri guide, "We are ill equipped to walk through such grass, is there another way?"
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+9=24 ; Friday September 4th, 2020 10:07:14 AM
Thorondir follows the manfri along through the grass with the others. As the grass changes Thorondir says "Careful, this is glass grass ahead. It can give a terrible cuts from the sharp blades. We best walk around this grass, especially Lil without her armor."
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+8=22 ; Friday September 4th, 2020 4:57:56 PM
Maybe she shoulda gone ahead and spoke up after all.
She sees that grass they's talking about, but doubts she woulda noticed it for what it is. She ignores Thorondir's judgements, seein' how it ain't him she's out here tryin'a serve. Her arm finds its way inside Haemir's elbow as they walk. "Good eye, dude. Hope ya find your friend soon."
Is there an obvious way around it? She wonders if this was a test from the Manfri to see if they're seasoned enough to spot that stuff...or maybe they think they should have to walk through it if they're gonna ask for help?
She shakes that last thought away. Ain't gonna do no one no good to keep assuming the worst like this.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Friday September 4th, 2020 6:18:12 PM
Sol goes over to Haemir, a thoughtful questioning look on his face.
"So what happened to you? You said you were only asleep for a short period of time, but in reality you have been gone for quite some time..."
He looks concerned for his friend.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Friday September 4th, 2020 10:23:39 PM
Akuno stops, ears perked and tail stiff. "The grass can cut me?" She looks distraught. She clearly doesn't want to be the one to offend the Manfri with her .. taste for luxury and ease.. but she also isn't about to get hurt.
She looks from Thorondir to their Manfri guide, then to the grass and finally back to the Manfri. "Maybe he's trying to pull a joke?" She points out the guides saying that pretty much anything was fair game with these people. "Ya know, drag the urban folk through the ol' dangerous grass or something?"
Either way, she wasn't having it. What if her dresses got ripped? Grindar feels a tug at his hand. He finds big, sad eyes looking up at him. She points up at his large, broad shoulders. "Up?, she politely asks. One eye innocently slides over towards Llew. That too, would work nicely.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Friday September 4th, 2020 11:10:46 PM
Caelwyn thinks as he walks. "I am happy to speak to them next time...I think we need to represent this as an agreement for mutual advantage. Let's make sure we are all in agreement - what do the Manfri have that we want, and what are we willing to trade for it? I want to be respectful in making this deal."
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+11=15 ; Friday September 4th, 2020 11:27:07 PM
perception 15. Bigby nods to Thorondir. "be careful with that grass."
DM Steve -- Middle of Nowhere -- Module 4, day ??+1, late morning d20=2 ; d20=16 ; Saturday September 5th, 2020 11:45:41 AM
The manfri barely breaks its stride as it heads into the glass grass, although it does grin.
Sense motive DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The manfri may be pleased that the party spotted the danger. It does not seem upset like you would expect if this had been a trap.}
The manfri begins humming tunelessly, and a path parts in the glass grass. While the path may seem amply wide for manfri moving single file or the beast folk in the party, large creatures would be unable to travel it, and medium creatures require a DC 10 save to avoid damage -- use the better of reflex or fortitude. The path is neither short nor straight, but Joseph and Mark assure the Sentinels that, "There is no way around," as the guides move forward.
Once through the glass grass, the party steps into a wide clear space with many grass huts in it. A large number of manfri look on curiously at their arrival, Several cluck and point to Joseph, who has a line of fresh blood on his arm. Moments later a seeming toddler comes over from one of the huts -- maybe a child, you see no others as small -- with an ointment for Joseph's cut.
The village appears rustic and organic. You see nothing not made from grass, no sign of material comforts that would contribute to physical ease, no sign of wealth. The ground you are standing on is rocky, maybe a big shelf of rock that the grass cannot grow on.
"Welcome to the taudo," your manfri guide says, and heads towards another hut. "She who acts as nominal leader will consider your request." In a lower voice he adds, as he leaves you at the door to the hut, "Please do not worry if we seem rude. Most of us do not speak your language, and all of us are curious. I will see that the midday meal is brought."
Inside, an older woman sits on the ground beside a small loom. She looks at you curiously for a while before somewhat self-consciously asking, "How may I help you?"
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+4=7 ; Saturday September 5th, 2020 12:10:51 PM
Thorondir nods as Haemir tells him about his friend. "Really, there is nothing like flying. We must find a way for you to do that someday. I will look for your friend, and more importantly I will ask Aewen to look and to not kill it for food. I'm sure once they know each other they will become friends."
When his warnings about the glass grass has mixed responses and then the group starts to walk through it on a very thin path controlled by the manfri. Thorondir shrugs, and wildshapes into an eagle and joins Aewen up in the sky. While there, he explains to Aewen to look for the blue macaw and to not harm it.
Upon arrival at the village, Thorondir lands and changes back into himself. Aewen joins him to rest for a while. He waits for someone in the group to answer the manfri's questions. This would be a good reason to have a leader. Thorondir thinks.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 d20+5=24 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+11=22 ; Monday September 7th, 2020 4:48:50 AM
Haemir seems a little surprised at first when Lil slides her arm through his then relaxes and looks again up to the sky when Fand is mentioned. "Thanks Lil. So how long I was asleep?"
Hearing Sol's question (and mention of 'quite some time') he begins to dread the answer. "I don't really understand how it happened but Fand is very special. When I was close to drowning she saved my life. Our bond is different to yours and Corbins. Not that it's any less of course but I think of Fand as having a dual nature - a beautiful bird mixed with the spirit of a grouchy, sarcastic old Bloodwitch inside. That part of her was once human. If that bond has failed due to my sleep .. If it broke ..." his voice falters briefly "then Fand Netley will be lost forever and the bird will just be ... well simply a bird again".
Haemir doesn't give away the fact that his eyes are welling up... all manly? Nah it's all in the goggles.
When Thorondir mentions flying Haemir purses his lips and seems to be chewing his tongue lost in imagination of what it must be like to fly!
As the group fans out and passes between the sharp grasses the elf is careful (Fort:17) and assists anyone around him.
As they arrive at the village he is in his element. Rustic, simple cultures often know things that civilisation forgets or never knew .. He is bubbling with excitement at the potential and smiles at everyone - As curious about them as they are the party! If any of the kids come near him - he performs simple (Sleight of hand:17) tricks making a small shell disappear then reappear etc. He also checks out the huts and designs (knowledge Engineering:22).
When the old woman greets the group he imagines saying a dozen things but falls short of saying anything (Diplomacy:8) and settles with a nice bow to her.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+5=7 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=15 ; Monday September 7th, 2020 6:53:28 PM
'Lil tries her darndest to get through that grass ok, but she ends up gettin' sliced (fort save 7). If that Manfri had any kinda purpose behind this, she misses it (sense motive 12).
She tries thinkin' back about how long Haemir's been gone. So much has happened that she can't even remember when he vanished. "Several weeks, at least," is the answer she settles on. "We're gonna have to spend some time catching you up. Lot's happened." It ain't the right time to do that, though.
Following Haemir's bow, she does the same. She figures this is probably "she who acts as a nominal leader." She decides against waiting for someone else to talk this time.
"Well ma'am, we're here on behalf'a New Rattledam to talk about opening relations with the Manfri. We're quickly learning there's a lot to know about staying alive and thriving in this place, and could use all the help we can get. We're hopin' we got sometime to offer that'll help get us working together."
Boy, she sure hopes she didn't step on any toes by sayin' that.
Diplomacy: 15
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+8=24 ; Monday September 7th, 2020 7:22:01 PM
for:24. Moving through the grass and watching out for sharp slicers from the grass. Bigby not being one for diplomacy himself, but he can appreciate it when it's being done by others for a good cause. Bigby just continues to nod as 'Lil and Caelwyn diplomacize the Manfri.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+11=20 ; Monday September 7th, 2020 8:57:42 PM
Caelwyn echoes Lil'l words, inclining his head to the manfri leader as he speaks. "It is an honor to meet you. As my companion said, the people we speak for are new to the Sargrass and the challenges and opportunities it presents. We hope to establish friendly relations with your people, and trade as well. But we also hope to obtain help, that our new community may take root and flourish, to the benefit of both our peoples."
Diplomacy 20
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+8=24 ; Monday September 7th, 2020 8:58:47 PM
Caelwyn has no blood upon him as he speaks, having managed to navigate the grasses without getting cut.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Monday September 7th, 2020 9:28:12 PM
Akuno is quiet. She's learned that people don't really like her point of view on things. She wasn't sure that she could stay that way. Being impulsive was part of who she was.
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+1, late morning Monday September 7th, 2020 10:50:37 PM 'Lil was also given some ointment for her cuts and scrapes when Joseph was. It cuts down on the stinging.
"Begging your pardon, ma'am, but I think that while we are interested in diplomatic relations with the Manfri, our immediate concern is to ask if there is anything we could trade in exchange for help from some of your weavers," Mark says, as it was thought that manfri weavers would make the best hull for the ship. Joseph remains silent and hangs near the back of the group.
The manfri woman considers for a few moments, and says, "Very well." Then she carefully asks several questions, taking time to choose her words and listening closely to the answers. "What is New Rattledam? Please describe it to me. Why is our weaving your immediate need if you need knowledge to stay alive? What would the goodwill of your community mean to us? Do you offer anything specific?"
It is not long before other manfri bring food. Perhaps not surprisingly there is no drink offered. Mostly the food tastes bland, although it is varied with meat, vegetables, flatbread, and pastes. All of it seems to have been spiced with the same thing. However, you find that what appear to be tiny, rubbery eggs actually contain little water centers. There are not many of these eggs, and Mark and Joseph seem to be surprised to see them.
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