


	LOG ON

Humble's Ford Archives

Return To Index

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=35 ;
Thursday September 3rd, 2020 3:54:46 PM
"I encourage diplomacy!" says Kezzem as he continues to aid their efforts. "Finding a solution that works for all parties is ideal. Fighting rarely works out for either side as there are lots of dead even on the winning side."

Diplomacy: 35.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 3rd, 2020 10:08:42 PM

Murphy continues on his course as outlined above, hoping his friends will hold to the agreement to simply gather information today. Yes, he would wild-shape, and help any who decide to come with him get water breathing to navigate to the surface of the water. Then tree by the shore, transport via plants to Humble's Ford, make the contacts and grab the ingredients, etc.

DM Kathy
Thursday September 3rd, 2020 10:39:09 PM
Pressi declines Hobie's offer, deciding that spellcasting may not be the best idea right now.

Bliss cautions his companions about talking specific terms this early in the proceedings.

Succotash, however, senses an opportunity and presses on. He outlines the specifics: no more than 1,000 population, no new tunnels, access as required. Kezzem supports his efforts. Pressi points out all that you have done for the hive to this point.

"This is something to think on," the queen says. She is silent after that, and it soon becomes clear that she is discussing the idea with the assembled myrmarchs. You cannot hear their conversation, but you believe there is still opportunity to sway more of them to your cause if you are persuasive enough.

In the throne room: Knowledge Nature 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's likely that if the colony got big enough, they would need additional queens. If they kept the colony small, this queen could remain the sole queen of the hive. That might be a good thing to bring up.}

Meanwhile, Murphy travels through the oak tree and returns to Humble's. He begins gathering the things he needs. At the mushroom farm, he is able to gather earthworms, potting soil, and several mushroom samples. "There's enough here for planting, but not for eating," your dwarf friend cautions you. "They'll have to wait until after the harvest to sample them."

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=30 ; d20+13=18 ;
Friday September 4th, 2020 12:41:48 AM
Know Nature check: 30

Bliss tries to be diplomatic and brings up the issue of competition.

"Your majesty, thank you for listening. And may I mention the issue of population numbers? At a certain point, you will want daughter-queens for a population that is too big. And daughters can be, um, troublesome."

Diplomacy 18

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+6=21 ; d20+23=41 ;
Friday September 4th, 2020 9:51:23 AM
Knowledge nature 21

Piggy-backing on what Bliss said, Succotash adds. "Less population means less competition for you your majesty, being the sole monarch of this colony diffidently has it's advantages." Diplomacy 41

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday September 4th, 2020 11:22:06 AM
"Listen to Bliss, you don't want daughters. My parents had daughters. Eventually I had to leave the house for good."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday September 4th, 2020 2:27:56 PM
Pressi remains silent, preferring to watch for the moment.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d100=49 ;
Friday September 4th, 2020 6:59:12 PM
Murphy listens to Kade's advice regarding mushroom distribution and planting. He gets his advice, also, on the best growing conditions for each type. He lets Pressi know what's up, asks how things are going on Kerracles.

If Bliss is along, he asks if he has some ideas on anything else they might do or pick up here before they return. He'll swaps stories with his friend along the way, too

As previously mentioned, he goes to see his mother about possible magical or druidic augmentations to soil - such an important element in plant growth.

DM Kathy
Friday September 4th, 2020 11:10:38 PM
Bliss points out to the queen that a larger colony would require more queens, and surely there are advantages in being the only one? Succotash supports this and adds his own diplomatic touch. Hobie chimes in that daughters are a problem and he has the childhood trauma to prove it.

After some more telepathic discussion, the queen says, "Very well, we shall be an outpost. We can still serve as a jumping off point, even with a reduced population. But even an outpost cannot survive with fewer than 1500."

Sense Motive 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {They can totally survive with fewer; the queen is negotiating.}

Murphy consults his mother, but aside from some advice about lights, she has nothing more to add. Murphy gathers his things and jumps back into the oak tree by the palace.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=27 ;
Friday September 4th, 2020 11:31:57 PM

Bliss thinks that's a fine idea. "I agree, your Majesty. You can send out seeds to make colonies in other places. We can help you find potential colony sites in the future."

"In fact, if you do not mind, I think it would be grand for us to remain in touch. Maybe you can send a worker or two of yours with us back to our home, and we can send a couple of our followers to you. We can send messages back and forth. We could even set up trade. You can send us things you make, and we can trade you for things you need."

Bliss tries to sound out the Queen about what the formians might be able to make or craft that would have value. We could trade raw materials and food for finished goods for export. Heck, with the kobold crafters back near our dacha, we can set up a mutual trade association.

ALSO, Bliss sounds out the Queen about locking all this in with a treaty that everybody would sign and swear to uphold. Bliss privately figures that if the queen agrees to a deal that has no wiggle room, we can feel pretty good about it, since she seems the type to keep her word.

Diplomacy 27

[OOC to DM and Pressi: Bliss is proposing stationing two of his followers here on a rotating permanent basis. Or one of his and one of Pressi's. We can communicate via cauldron-phone, and if Murphy can figure out how to grow an oak tree down here in the tunnels, we can visit back and forth at will. ALSO, I know Bliss needs a new follower and a new cohort. Does Pressi need to recruit a follower? Maybe one of us could adopt Scorx as a follower?]

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Saturday September 5th, 2020 3:43:19 PM
Kezzem will differ to the others over the exact size of the outpost. He's just happy they are talking and not fighting.

He instead turns to Bliss, "What about a flying shark that can breath air? That would be cool."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Sunday September 6th, 2020 4:07:47 PM

Murphy, back from Humble's Ford, lets Pressi know, asks her to update him on the conversation now that he has stepped out of the tree. He wild shapes, this time as a giant gar, swims down, and enters the complex as a halfling. He navigates back to the Queen, lets her know he has more soil and such, then offers the following.

"Whatever population this small moon may support is not fully known. Is it a thousand, as Succotash has suggested, or fifteen hundred, as you, Queen Hrakikh, have proposed? Or, is it closer to 300 or 500? Or 2,000? We simply do not know for certain.

"My thought is this. We need better to understand the mechanisms that these tunnels support. We need to know whether burrowing may be harmful, or not. Perhaps a little would be all right, but too much may lead to tragedy. More study and periodic review may be what will serve us all wisely.

"And, this heavenly body is largely a peaceful place, to the best of my knowledge, though surely there may be challenges. If you Formians are to make a home here, we need to ensure you will be able to live at peace with the others, and they with you, with reasonble levels of harmony, and with no harm to this small planet.

"But, please, there is much to think about, and many things to learn - of Kerracles, which this place is called - and of one another.

"Let me show you a gift I have brought, in this little pouch."

Murphy places the portable hole on the floor, and opens it up. He reaches in, and extracts a bucket. "This contains lumbricina, or worms." He lifts up a handful, with four or five. "May I approach to show you, Queen Hrakikh?" he inquires. If she allows, he holds out his hand to allow her to take them up, or will let them drop into her - well, hand? - if she holds it below his hand. "No doubt you have such where you come from, but I did not see any in the mix here.

"They eat dirt and help enrich the soil. And there are many good and tiny creatures we cannot even see in healthy soil, or so I am told." He steps back, and takes a handful of soil out of the hole. "This is very fertile." And he picks three different mushroom types out. "And these are for planting here.

"If you will give me leave, I will go work with some of your people, and distribute the soil to mix with yours, and plant some mushrooms. I have a spell, then, to speed up the growth of the mushrooms. Perhaps by morning, or in the day beyond that, we can have our first, small harvest to try. I brought a few other plants and seeds, too."

He briefly awaits her reply. Then is ready to return to the soil / planting project. To keep it short: He will spread the soil with the help of others. "Join me in this, Kezzem. And anyone else who care to assist." He plants the mushrooms, each in its appropriate type of soil. He sets aside a few small spots for turnips, carrots, lettuce, radishes, and squash. When all seems ready, he has four different plant growth spells available (two at 4th level), and could even do a fifth plant growth spell. The first of the spells he casts to help ensure good general growth over the course of the full year. The three (or four) more he uses to allow specific areas of planting to grow up quickly.

"Take a sample of these items to Queen Hrakikh. Let the rest of the harvest sit overnight. We must now go and rest ourselves, and eat, for the day has been long."

Unless their hosts object, Murphy will go with his friends, and assist them on their return to the castle, and meal, and conversation, and rest. If Skax wishes to come back up to the castle, he helps him, too.

[Please, DM Kathy, truncate what may have gone too far. I will have spotty time over the next few days, so thought to put down Murphy's intentions.]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday September 7th, 2020 8:31:12 AM
At Bliss's suggestion Hobie mutters under his breath, "Do we really want some of these guys coming down to live in the Wold? What if they start colonies all over the place?"

DM Kathy
Monday September 7th, 2020 3:36:10 PM
Bliss proposes a cultural exchange of sorts, to which the queen seems (initially) indifferent, but you can pursue this avenue if you want to. Hobie does have a point, though; it might not be a good idea to encourage them to set up a colony on the Wold itself.

Kezzem is still thinking of shark improvements.

Murphy shows up with earthworms. He has this whole lecture prepared on what they are and what they do, but the formians are already pretty familiar with worms. They help you place the worms in the farm corridors, and they help you plant and water your crops. They brought seeds and roots of their own to plant, and they do that now, consulting with you to figure out which crops should go next to each other to ensure healthy growth.

You do not get all the planting done today, although you can cast your spells over what you did plant. You are sure you can complete the task tomorrow.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday September 7th, 2020 7:21:25 PM
That night, back at the Palace, Bliss wants to go over everything with his halfling friends and Miss Kerra.

He goes over the agreement that they hope to achieve.

No more than 1500 formians.
No digging new tunnels or damaging the workings of the world.
Peace with and access for the moonlings and others who may need to do maintenance.

Any others?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 3:41:32 AM

Murphy ensures that Lady Kerra is including in this council. He then begins this these words. "We acquiesce to 1,500 formians without knowing with some degree of certainty what the moon can sustain, Bliss? Jumping immediately to the number the queen suggested is not a strong negotiating tactic. We need better to understand what Kerricles and others have done to form and sustain this moon, and its vulnerabilities.

"Should Queen Hrakikh perish, will others of her people, by their customs, be bound to an agreement she has made?

"What if only a few hundred constitute the limit? The cleanest arrangement is to have them leave this moon, Kerricles, entirely, and to go neither to the Wold nor to Wardd. But, if you cannot tell by my efforts thus far, I am not necessarily going for the 'cleanest' arrangement.

"I like how we are working together reasonably well, but we must not overpromise when we have so large an area of ignorance of environmental consequences. Succotash, I thought we had agreed together to have today be one of gathering information, rather than making solid offers or negotiating on whether they might remain here or not. It's like we had agreed among ourselves to a starting line. Then you moved that line. Impatience can lead to a weakened position. On the other hand, you did raise some worthwhile points, and got the formians to perhaps modify their default stance.

"What if we learn that their inhabiting these tunnels will damage, even destroy the local infrastructure, even if that is not their intention? Even with only a few hundred formians? How wise will the offer you have made seem then?

"My proposal, which you heard the beginning of just before we left the tunnels tonight, includes further investigation on our part. A reasonably representative exploration of this moon, spending time in the libraries, engaging in divinations, and learning more of its present inhabitants and getting their input on this formian invasion is important before giving a flat promise.

"Let us not mistake clarity of limits made out of ignorance for wisdom. Let us gain knowledge and understanding - then wisdom may help us shape fair and sustainable boundaries.

"Lady Kerra, can you suggest the best way for us to gain an understanding of the way things work on this moon? Who besides you can teach us more? You have told us things are in a delicate balance here, and upsetting that balance risks an orbital decay, and collision of Kerracles with the Wold. How much damage can the moon sustain from these large burrowing creatures without upsetting that balance? How many miles of corridors run beneath the surface? Is the whole subterranean area laced with tunnels and pipes and systems? Or are these corridors found only in this limited area?"

Murphy catches his breath, wanting to hear everyone else's thoughts and insights.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 6:20:21 AM
"I acted because It seemed right based on the conversation Pressi and I were having with the queen. I had every intention of sticking to the original plan Murph but well, sometimes you have to go with the flow, and that was the direction I felt things were flowing so to speak" Succotash offers as way of explanation. It is clear he feels he did the right thing and won't accept any rebuke for his actions, though he won't be confrontational with his friends either.

OOC.. Sorry for failing to post yesterday, with the holiday weekend, here in the states, it simply slipped my mind.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+22=28 ;
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 8:53:09 AM
(Sense motive 28. She can tell that the queen is negotiating, and allows herself some satisfaction.)

(Like Jeremy, also slipped my mind to post and sorry. At least I have the kid to blame.)(First day of school for her.)

As the day moves onward, Pressi performs the following tasks.

1) Discussing with Bliss re cohorts and followers. (I haven't updated my list in a while, but yes. I figure I will start recruiting cohorts and followers when we return to earth, and we can certainly station some followers on the moon.)

2) Updates with Murphy and smoothing out some internal communications. She has no strong feelings on any particular strategy or move so far. (And interpreted Bliss' list as a communication back to the other side, not as an agreement. They are, in the end, as much mediators as they are a 3rd party.) She kind of backs up Succotash as "it worked." Aside from that... If I missed anything, Kim can repeat and highlight.

3) Responding to Hobie. "The spread of any species is inevitable. But we can at least try to live in balance with them, and maybe they can balance with us."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 12:03:08 PM
"I defer to the druid in terms of how many of these guys the moon can handle. If he doesn't think we should jump right to the queens number then maybe hes right"

DM Kathy
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 3:39:42 PM
Back at the palace, you discuss strategy and communication.

"You have done well," Kerra tells you. "Thinking it over, I believe I will accompany you tomorrow, bringing a written agreement that the queen and I will both sign. The terms you have mentioned, 1500 formians, no new digging, allowing maintenance, are acceptable to me, and should not cause undue strain to this world. A written agreement will persist beyond the death of the queen, and will give us time to put contingencies in place."

[OOC: I don't think I made it very clear, but the queen already agreed to the other terms. It was only the size of the colony she was trying to negotiate. If you guys don't want to agree to 1500 that's fine, but it won't hurt anything to agree.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 6:20:20 PM

Murphy nods when Succotash explains himself. Then when Pressi adds her view that 'it worked,' the druid says, "All right. I suppose that flow did go well. I withdraw my objection, friend."

"Thank you, Hobie," he says as the archer voices support for further study.

Yet, since Kerra, who knows much more about Kerracles than any of them, seems fine with the 1,500 limit on formian population, Murphy's concerns, and desire for deeper investigation, are greatly allayed.

"Very well. If you, Lady Kerra, believe it to be a sound plan, then we will support the plan as laid out." He offers to assist in the writing out of the agreement.

"I like this arrangement much more than having to fight them. Also, Bliss made a great suggestion regarding trade. I don't know how open they are to that notion, but mutually beneficial and peaceful trade can help to cement relations between disparate peoples. Perhaps we could have a section regarding that in the agreement."

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=16 ;
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 2:06:01 AM

Bliss bows to Miss Kerra and agrees with her wisdom. "I think a written agreement is a fine idea," he says. He explains the idea of stationing a couple coven members here for easy communication and to forge bonds among the formians, the moonlings, herself, and

He finds a private moment to speak with Miss Kerra, asking if she would mind if he offered Mooncalf a job working and living with him and in his coven. He mentions that he hopes to invite Scorx the Formian into his employ as well. "Honestly, I just wish I could find someone as smart and organized and talented as you to join my team," he tells her. "It must get kind of boring up here just waiting for Lord Kerracles to return."

Diplomacy 16, meh.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 6:46:45 AM
Succotash excepts Murphy's objection withdrawal with a smile and a nod in return, then say's,"I'm just glad it didn't resort to bloodshed, such senseless killing would have left me feeling mighty low!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 8:17:40 AM
As the negotiations wind down, Pressi takes some time to see more of the area. More walking the grounds. More broom flying. More thinking.

She also turns her attention to Lady Kerra. "So, what now for you? Do you return to your normal job? Wait for Kerracles to return? Are you at all interested in expanding to other religions?"

She takes some time to boost Bliss' attempts at diplomacy (aid another no fail), explaining what they do and who they are.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 9:05:43 AM
"Have you heard the word about the bird?" asks Kezzem.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 10:46:49 AM
Mookie says to Kezzem, "It's 'love' right? That's the word?"

The bird hums a tune.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 1:19:20 PM
With the negotations seeming to be finished, Hobie will ask the group "OK, so what do we do now?"

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 2:01:43 PM
"Well, we have to escort Miss Kerra to the Queen so they can sign the treaty."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 3:56:31 PM

"Right. After we sleep and renew spells in the morning," Murphy says. "Regarding Kezzem's query and Mookie's response, though I think that love is one of the the words. But also, according to Hin Billy, Flimsipond 'Hin Billy' Williewhim, I think he'd say that bird, bird is the word. Everybody's talking about the bird."

DM Kathy
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 4:09:55 PM
You accept Kerra's offer to accompany you and sign a written agreement. She spends some time that evening writing the agreement, asking you about your detailed observations so that the treaty can be as specific as possible.

Bliss asks about recruiting Mooncalf and the formian called Scax, whose name Bliss should probably learn to get right. "The moonlings cannot leave the palaces," Kerra reminds Bliss. "I have no objection if you want to ask formians to join you. Whether they accept or not is, of course, up to them."

Pressi asks Kerra what she will do next. "I will return to my normal duties," she says. "I have not yet considered, um, 'branching out' into other religions, though such a time may come."

The next morning, Kerra teleports your entire group into the tunnels. You are escorted to the queen, whom you introduce to Kerra. The two begin discussing the treaty Kerra brought with her.

Meanwhile, Murphy and his helpers finish planting the remaining crops. Murphy casts his spells to ensure good growth. In return, the formians take you to the hatching room so you can see how the eggs are coming along. They look as if they will hatch soon.

Queen Hrakikh and Kerra sign their treaty, and each receives a copy. By the end of the day, you are back in the Palace of the Moon.

"You have done well," Kerra tells you. "By negotiating a peace with the formians, you have preserved this moon for future generations. Your service has been invaluable. My power is diminished in Kerracles' absence, but I would very much like to give you each a gift, which you can name."

[OOC: Kerra will give each of you one Wondrous Item from the core rulebook. Yes, any item. Well, okay, any item that isn't specifically prohibited by Woldian House Rules, but I don't think any are.]

[OOC: If anyone would like a formian and/or moonling follower, let's discuss that in email.]

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 4:40:31 PM

Kerra makes her generous offer, and Bliss is stunned for a moment.

"Wowsy. Just ... wowsy."

He sits for a good five minutes thinking. He consults with Mookie, who after all has worked in the Catacombs.

Finally, he is ready. "Miss, I already have an amulet of fists, but of the weakest kind. If you have one, I'd like a better one please."

Mookie pecks Bliss on the head.

"Yeah, well, the best one you have, if you please?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 5:38:01 PM
Succotash ponders what he should ask for finally, he says, "Well, Miss Kerra, I guess, what would be most helpful to me would be a +5 tome of understanding. I'm am blessed with a fair amount of wisdom, but adding more would help my friends and myself a fair bit in the future."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 11:55:58 PM
"I would like a better belt," says Kezzem. "One that boosts my strength, dexterity, and my constitution."

OOC: Belt of Physical Perfection +6

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 10th, 2020 2:53:44 AM

"What an astonishing offer, Lady Kerra!" the druid says, feeling a strong sense of awe. He takes a few minutes to consider, and writes down a few ideas, crossing most of them out, then circling one. He smiles as Bliss increases his offensive power, nods in agreement when the former paladin and now cleric voices his sagacious choice. He looks up with a bit of shock as Kezzem tells Kerra his desire.

"You beat me to the punch, Kezz'm," Murphy smiles. "Should it be possible, what Kezzem has asked for is also my request," he says. "The Belt of Physical Perfection +6" (Also see here). The name of the item on the sheet is circled and underscored. Crossed out are Tome of Clear Thought, Headband of Mental Superiority, and a few other items.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 10th, 2020 3:19:30 AM

In the care of the plants, since plant growth seems either to increase the growth of flora by a third over the course of a year, or to cause growth so rapid that plants twist and turn about each other, making passage exceedingly slow through the overgrown area, Murphy sees if he might dampen down the twisting aspect, while keeping a fair bit of the fruitfulness. If nothing else, as he is able to control the growth so that only certain sections grow, and pathways through the growth are every three or four feet along the rows, and just a bit longer along the sides of the vegetation.

On the morrow, he somewhat adjusts his spell selection. He thanks Eberyon for granting the party wisdom in negotiations, and success, for the preservation of the moon.

He tells Pressi, "There is a grotto that I should like to take you to when we have completed our work here. Though I'd love to explore this moon further. But I think we will return from time to time."

Murphy thinks through what he knows of plants, and natural growth, and nature spells. He must enlarge his ability to work growth magic on plants, to increase yield, to improve soils, to help enhance nutritional elements of plants. He talks some of these things over with the formians. He asks them about the world they came from, and tries to learn some of their farming practices. "Here I'm coming as some sort of plant expert, but there are so many things I still have to learn. Teach me things you know that I am not doing here." He especially is curious as to what things they have decided to plant.

When shown the hatchery, he feels a sense of awe. "Soon you will have many little ones to join in. How do you teach them? Will most survive to adulthood? There seem to be among you some clear delineations of skills and abilities. How can one tell what one will become? Does the Queen decide as she lays the eggs?" He has many more such questions. "How can I learn to communicate telepathically, as you do?" he asks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday September 10th, 2020 8:50:10 AM
Pressi tries her best to decide which gear she wants (and waits to see just how much of an upgrade people can get). Like most of her teammates, it's probably going to be an upgrade to one of her (or Harper's) gear pieces, though. (Might be an ioun stone.)

(I'd like to take to the weekend to decide, and if so I might try to pull something out of the box. But if not, I can try to get you an answer before the end of the day.)

She smiles and agrees to go with Murphy to the Grotto.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday September 10th, 2020 12:00:16 PM
"Wow, what a generous gift! I am in agreement with my friend Kezzem, for me, increasing my physical skills will allow me to better defend the Wold. I would also request a Belt of Physical Perfection +6"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday September 10th, 2020 1:49:58 PM
"Ooo ooo ooo, we could be all be belt buddies!" says Kezzem.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday September 10th, 2020 2:55:52 PM

" 'I'll belt ya one,' as my good Aunt Priss used to say."

Mookie sighs. "She wasn't shy about using it either."

"She used it more on you than me," Bliss laughs.

DM Kathy
Thursday September 10th, 2020 3:53:25 PM
You immediately get down to the serious business of figuring out what you want!

Bliss opts for an Amulet of Mighty Fists +5.

Succotash gets a Tome of Understanding +5.

Murphy gets a Belt of Physical Perfection +6.

Kezzem also opts for a Belt of Physical Perfection +6, probably because there's no item that will turn the wearer into a flying, air-breathing shark.

Hobie joins the belt club with his own Belt of Physical Perfection +6.

Pressi wants more time to think about her choice! [OOC: Yes, I had planned on giving everyone over the weekend to think about this.]

Bliss and Pressi are considering options about followers.

In the meantime, of course, the moonlings are making you welcome. They will make you snacks, fetch and carry for you, even clean and repair your gear. You have but to ask. [No, none of them can turn anybody into a shark.]

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday September 10th, 2020 6:28:53 PM
Kezzem takes off his Belt of Mighty Constitution +2 and contributes it to the party fund.

"Well, that was a quite of an upgrade. I am feeling quite more hearty. And I'm strong now too! Plus, I am even more agile that ever, even if I can't really dodge any better in this armor. You would think with the boost in Strength it wouldn't weigh me down so much but I guess that's not how things work in the crazy Wold."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Friday September 11th, 2020 12:03:54 AM
Header update

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday September 11th, 2020 2:10:19 AM

"Your gifts are overwhelming, Lady Kerra," Murphy says as she gives each person what was requested. He holds the belt in his hand, looking over the platinum buckle, and the beauty of the cincture.

He looks up at her. "Um, er, I was wondering, if, um, that is... could you pray a blessing over this belt, noble servant of Kerracles?" He holds it out, somewhat shyly.

===========

Recap of Murphy's interactions with farming formians:

Murphy asks them about the world they came from, and tries to learn some of their farming practices. "Here I'm coming as some sort of plant expert, but there are so many things I still have to learn. Teach me things you know that I am not doing here." He especially is curious as to what things they have decided to plant.

When shown the hatchery, he feels a sense of awe. "Soon you will have many little ones to join in. How do you teach them? Will most survive to adulthood? There seem to be among you some clear delineations of skills and abilities. How can one tell what one will become? Does the Queen decide as she lays the eggs?" He has many more such questions. "How can I learn to communicate telepathically, as you do?" he asks.

After examining the recent work of the worms, he plans out the next spots for the plant growth spell, discussing it with the formian farmers. He will learn everyone's name - but does not need the DM to come up with naming them. Again, he ponders how to fine-tune the spell, and come up with off-shoots of it, refinements. Plant shaping. Plant fertility. How to increase yields. Accelerating soil preparation, enrichment. [Might have a trip to the Black Genie coming up soon.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday September 11th, 2020 6:05:34 AM
Succotash is beyond thankful as Kerra hands him his tome, and the best he can do is stutter out a sincere thank-you. As Murphy spends a few days making sure the crops are growing properly, and Bliss and Pressi are trying to recruit followers from among the ant people, Succotash will spend the time studying the tome so that the magic can take affect. (48 hours over a minimum of 6 days)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday September 11th, 2020 1:16:33 PM

Earlier, when Pressi agreed to accompany him to the grotto sometime after they return to the Wold, Murphy squeezed her hand. "It'll be... good, I trust."

"Say, friends, what would you say about a flight around the moon of Kerracles?" Murphy asks. "I know that you, Succotash, will be busy with your studies. And Bliss and Pressi are busy with some aspects of coven building. But if anyone would like to join me - if not all the way around the moon, I'd like at least to get to one or more of the forested areas, and maybe a mountain. Sometimes, once you've planted things, you don't have to stay around and watch them grow."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+20=33 ;
Friday September 11th, 2020 2:09:29 PM
During the ceremony, Pressi takes some time to pull Raqi aside. Having seen some potential talent and a new way of looking at the world, she begins determining whether he is happy in his current position. (Diplomacy 33 - the gal can be rather persuasive at times).

Pressi will provide her answer soon, but it's probably going to be the headband of all three stats.

She takes some time to fly around. The rest of recruitment will occur when they get back.

DM Kathy
Friday September 11th, 2020 3:21:41 PM
Kezzem and Succotash are pleased with their new gifts. Murphy is as well, and asks for a small blessing, which Kerra provides.

Pressi speaks with Raqi, the worker formian (all workers are female) about possibly expanding her horizons. Raqi is interested.

Speaking of expanded horizons, Murphy is offering to take people on flights to visit other parts of Kerracles.

You are able to do all of that stuff. Kerra and the moonlings seem content to host you for as long as you want to stay here, and as far as your DM is concerned, you can stay here as long as you want. But there are no more adventures planned, and at some point, Auntie and her village would like to get their talisman back.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Friday September 11th, 2020 3:34:41 PM
Kezzem gives thanks to Kerra and the K'thy for the generous gift.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday September 11th, 2020 4:02:25 PM
updating header

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Saturday September 12th, 2020 10:50:47 AM

Bliss invites Pressi to chat with the Queen. "Especially if you want a follower from her people, which would be super keen, I think."

Bliss (and Pressi?) confers with the Hive Queen after the treaty is signed. He tells her that we hope she will think of us as friends, and we hope to come back to visit. He talks about his hopes for trade. And he talks about what she and her Formians can make that woluld be good for trade. Bliss talks about bringing in raw materials and tools, so that the Formians can import finished goods. He asks the Queen if she would be interested in a permanent teleportal back to Bliss's home, so that we can travel back and forth easily. If so, would she be willing to sign a treaty so that she promises not to send invaders or a conquering army through the portal?

While they are down there, Mookie pulls Bliss aside for a chat. "Look, Kid, we're not leaving Mooncalf behind, are we? He should be in the coven, right?"

"I think that would be peaches, old pal. I'll have a word with Miss Kerra about it. But we gotta be sure he really wants to, you know, not just because he thinks we want him."

So back at the palace, Bliss asks Mooncalf to sit so that they have a little chat. Bliss explains about what the coven is like, what we do, and stuff like that. He uses his cauldron ability to talk to one of his followers back home, and has her tell Mooncalf what it is like from her point of view. He says he wants to invite Mooncalf to join the coven and come down to the Wold, but only if HE wants to, for himself. He asks the moonling what he thinks, honestly. "It would please Mookie and me to hear what you yourself think, and whatever you say, we will be happy because you are our friend and we want to know what our friends think about things."

We'll see what he says!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Saturday September 12th, 2020 11:08:45 AM
As everyone does what they are doing, Succotash powers through his tome, and finishes it in only a few days. After finishing he asks Lady Kerra if she would be able to help him return his friends to the kobold village, when everyone is ready to go. With the loss of Tali, he simply doesn't have the juice to make it happen by himself, and the thought weighs on him a bit. He's pretty sure a standard teleport wouldn't be powerful enough, and he only can cast greater teleport once per day. of course he can only cast teleport once per day as well.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Saturday September 12th, 2020 8:15:52 PM

Checking on Tali
As she has not been feeling well, Murphy goes to see Tali each day, inviting Pressi and anyone else who wants to check up on her. Surely the moonlings care for her as well as they might. He gives her highlights of what has been going on each day and relates interesting things he has learned about the formians. And gardening in tunnels.

Murphy's Sky Tour
Consulting the portion of his atlas of the moons of the Wold pertaining to Kerracles, as well as discussing it with Kerra, Murphy plots a course to the nearest forest. Likewise, to the nearest mountain or mountains. And grasslands, and tundra. Not a full moon tour, but representative of the main terrain types.

He sets up a harness designed to allow him to carry along up to four halflings with him, riding beneath his huge air elemental form. "This way, we can travel swiftly with a reasonable degree of safety. When I'm going fast the wind will make your eyes watery I imagine, so if you have goggles, it might be good to wear them. Will keep high-flying bugs out of your eyes, too. Or, just squint a lot." Movement will be 13.63 mph (120 feet/round), 27.27 mph while hustling, 68.18 mph while 'running'.

He and those who go with him will touch down occasionally. Murphy will catalogue and take small samples and seeds of local flora and will bag some local soil for future analysis. He does check to see in the forest for the types of trees that grow therein. And if oaks are included. If so, he marks their location and size. He will find a good spot to plant 3 acorns within a reasonable distance from each other in the forested area, and cast plant growth on them. Heeding the counsel of the druid who intercepted him last year, he avoids doing so in an equilateral triangle formation. Instead he goes for a 3,4,5 right triangle arrangement. If there are other large trees of other species, he also notes them. And he'll be on the alert for fauna, as well. Are there other castles or structures in the areas they travel over?

Who wants to join him on this Kerraclesian tour?

Artistic Endeavors
Another thing that Murphy does is to make a painting of the surface of the Wold from this lunar perspective. Likewise, of the moon Wardd. And he contemplates the other planets and heavenly bodies in the evening. He'd be fine if Pressi would want to join him in this out-of-the-Wold contemplation. Other skygazers welcome, too.

Friends
Succotash's rush through the Tome of Understanding will take a minimum of six (6) days. Cramming for wisdom takes time :-)

Murphy supports his friends as he is able in their respective endeavors - mainly with moral support and encouragement, or a bit of practicality where possible.

Circle of Life
Also, if permitted, Murphy would love to be there at the time of the hatching of the infant formians.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday September 13th, 2020 9:08:30 PM
Pressi picks a headband of mental superiority (+6 to all three stats) and moves aside her circlet of persuasion and her current +4 Int headband.

She does take some time to ask how exactly they get back. After all, it was a bit of a concern when they first arrived.

The rest of the time is spent assisting Bliss and Murphy, though they seem to have their discussions well in hand.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Monday September 14th, 2020 2:51:25 AM

Return Transportation
Murphy offers this. "I can take some of us via the oak tree - if I memorize three spells, that would do it, plus I can use my slingstaff if we need another move. Succotash can take the balance via teleportation. Maybe Tali will feel well enough by the time we're ready to leave to help out. Any formians coming with us? Or moonlings? I thought Kerra said they can't really leave the castle..."

"Nice headband, beautiful!"

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday September 14th, 2020 8:13:23 AM

"I was thinking that Mooncalf can fit in a magic backpack or bag of holding. He does not have to breathe, right?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday September 14th, 2020 11:46:08 AM
"I also have 2 scrolls of teleport in my bag that I always keep for emergencies. I know you guys think I'm just an archer, but I'm also a scroll junkie!"

DM Kathy
Monday September 14th, 2020 3:08:29 PM
You stay at the Moon Palace for another week. Succotash completes his tome. Pressi decides on a Headband of Mental Superiority +6. Kezzem thanks Kerra for his gift.

Murphy leads tours of the moon's surface. Many are the wonders you behold, but they will remain undescribed because your DM lacks imagination. Murphy would also like to be present at the hatching, but he is rebuffed. Apparently hatching is kind of a Thing for formians.

Bliss talks to Mooncalf about coming to the Wold. "Mister Mookie said to come with him," Mooncalf replies serenely. "This I shall do to the best of my ability."

"Moonlings must obey any command given them," Kerra explains. "Some time ago, Mookie said, 'come on, Mooncalf,' and has not rescinded that order. If you are truly interested in Mooncalf's opinion, you have to tell it to stop following Mookie. And obviously," she continues, "if Mooncalf decides to come with you, you have to be very careful what you, or anybody else, says to it. Tell it to 'get lost' and you will never see it again."

You begin to be concerned how you are going to get back. Hobie has Teleport scrolls to offer, and Murphy has his oak trees, but it appears none of that will be necessary. Kerra assures you she can return you to the Wold when the time comes.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday September 14th, 2020 7:57:41 PM

Bliss asks Mooncalf to write down all the orders under which he is currently working. Then, one by one, he cancels each order, so that the being has no orders. Then he says, "Please tell me honestly if you would like to join my coven, and come to the Wold to live and work for me and Mookie."

Since Pressi is likely to bring Raqi on to join the coven, Bliss decides to ask Aunti Kobold to recommend a kobold coven member. Then the Coven will have a kobold, a moonling, and a formian, which seems good to Bliss.

He checks with Miss Kerra about whether she minds if people under our guidance use the temple machine to arrive here on the regular.

"You know, Miss Kerra, this place is so beautiful, it is like a monument for Lord Kerracles. Would you consider filling this palace with things related to him, and maybe working with artists and writers and bards that we would hire to create the story of Lord Kerracles? I think it would be a shame for his lore to be lost in the Wold, and if there were a, a, a palace of memories here, then people could visit and learn. I bet a lot of sages would come, and those who want to know more. And anyone who appreciates art and beauty."

Bliss also describes the temple back in the jungle, and asks Miss Kerra if she thinks maybe it was a Temple of Kerracles once upon a time?

The party would probably want to set up a teleportation circle so that people can go home without troubling Miss Kerra (Or one of us) for transport every time.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday September 14th, 2020 9:03:51 PM
Pressi signs off on the idea of requesting a Kobold.

Since Bliss is considering elevating Granny, whom always struck Pressi as arcane, Pressi proposes elevating Dolgrin (divine based).

Otherwise, Pressi worries that people like Bliss and Murphy are getting ahead of themselves. The purpose of this place remains obscure and the idea of trying to force some kind of vacation spot just seems under-ripe.

She does, however, give Kerra a respectful goodbye, one mysterious arcane-divine caster to another.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 12:00:54 AM
"They do whatever you tell them?" asks Kezzem.

He tells one mooncalf to lift its left leg, then tells it to lift its right leg to see what happens.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 6:35:36 AM
Succotash thanks Miss Kerra for offering to return him and his friends back to the Wold, as well as all the hospitality. He asks if she could drop them off just outside of the kobold village, saving them some time trekking through the jungle.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 7:19:28 AM

"Hey! Be nice!" says Bliss, telling the moonling to put down one leg before trying to raise the other.

Return To Index Next Scene (Farewells)