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.
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=23 ; d20+6=17 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 6:52:39 AM
Grindar tries explaining New Rattledam, "I assume you've heard of Rattledam, the city that once was, well mam, we are attempting to rebuild it. People from all over the continent, and, in my case at least, other parts of the Wold are attempting to make a new life for themselves, and the site of old Rattledam was deemed the best place to start, hence new Rattledam. As far as your weaving, and why it is so important, I would say is a two fold answer. first their is the issue with the protective dome over Rattledam, which as I'm sure you're aware, Old Rattledam had, and it is the belief of many that New Rattledam should have one as well. The other reason, and possibly the more pressing of the two is we are building a small fleet of druid wood boats, to make travel on the plains safer, and as you may know, much of the hull of the boats were made from the woven grasses of your people."
OOC.. sorry for failing to post yesterday, with the holiday weekend here in the states, it simply slipped my mind.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Tuesday September 8th, 2020 7:09:12 AM
Sol simply remains quiet, knowing his skills don't lie in talking to people, and also seems very shocked at the talk about Fand, he remains quiet with a furrowed brow, not talking, and only answering with the shortest and simplest answers when spoken to, and making no effort to keep a conversation going.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Tuesday September 8th, 2020 10:33:34 AM
When the food is brought, Akuno seems instantly lifted out of her melancholy. "Thank you! I appreciate the food.", she says as she pops a little watery egg in her mouth. "The food is good! What are these eggs?" Akuno wonders if the eggs come from a bird of some kind? She skips right over the vegetables, on her first pass, but is sure to eat at least one of everything before she's done. Her eyes brighten up, and she begs about a dozen of her salt fish from 'Lil, at least one for each Manfri in the hut, and maybe a few more?
"In thanks, I would like to offer something that is my own personal favorite. I admit that out here, it isn't a very practical food, but fish is a creature that swims in the salty waters of the oceans or the freshwater lakes of other continents." She wraps the bundle of fish and offers it. "This fish is great tasting, but to make it safe you have to soak it in water or alcohol for awhile, to pull the salt out of it. Prestidigitation magic might do it too." She smiles happily and pats her tummy. "Once its soaked, you can either smoke it, grill it, brew it in a stew, dry it out and flake it on top of other foods, or just eat it plain." She suddenly casts a mischievous glance towards the Manfri. "Or you can knock the obvious salt off and serve it as is to someone, and that big salty bite is quite a shock! Its a good joke and no one gets hurt!"
She rubs her hands together, following the line of thought. "Or, you could make a party game out of it! One piece for everyone, including a salty piece. No one knows who gets it, and everyone has to take a big hearty first bite!" She falls on her back and sighs happily, envisioning Caelywns bossy face all scrunched up with salt. She finds her composure and sits back up. "However you want to use them is up to you, but fish are my number one favorite and you can't really get them here in the Sargrass, but I'm happy to share them with new friends." She smiles genuinely, then is suddenly aware that she did it again, and went off on a tangent.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Tuesday September 8th, 2020 10:34:12 AM
Haemir listens and when the Manfri asks "Do you offer anything specific?" he asks "Is there anything specific your village needs"?
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Tuesday September 8th, 2020 11:17:23 AM
'Lil gives Mark a side glance, wonderin' why he decided to go so specific so fast. They just met this lady, maybe start with big picture stuff...
Anyway, the lady asked questions. She learned last time she dealt with these folks they didn't much appreciate when questions were answered with more questions. She's glad her dudes answered her straight forward. Well, except for Akuno, but she's gonna be herself and the cat girl was growing on her.
She likely notices Mark and Joseph's reaction to these eggs. Are they a delicacy, she wonders? She'll try one. Then, she'll answer a question no one else did.
"What would the goodwill of our community mean to you? Maybe nothing." She wipes her mouth off; those eggs were juicier than she expected. "We aim to be straight with you here. It's real possible we ain't got nothing to offer that's gonna interest you. May be we end up appealing to your goodwill, but I ain't gonna blame if you that ain't enough. Truth is there's a lot we don't know about you folk. Makes it hard to know what to offer.
"That said, we have a bunch of goodhearted folks with a lotta different backgrounds. My friends and I got a wide range of skills and can handle ourselves in most situations. Back in town we got merchants, farmers, sailors and a bunch else. We also have relations with the monks and druids who live here, but I can't much say they're super strong relations. Some'a those druids ain't fond of no one who ain't a druid, but we fought with them against something called a mutation bloom and bonded with a bunch of them.
"Besides all that, it's my personal philosophy that goodwill between goodhearted communities is always better than indifference or animosity. If we're gonna be sharing these grasses, I know I'd personally like to be on good terms with our neighbors."
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday September 8th, 2020 1:27:47 PM "It is clear you have everything you need to survive here in the grass, quite comfortably in fact." Thorondir says to the manfri woman.
"Lil here is a cleric, and has power to heal. I can also do a bit. Perhaps there is someone who may need healing at times, though your salve is good I see. Her healing can mend broken bones or deep wounds. Perhaps we could set up a traveling clinic that can come occasionally to help heal those in need? I can also help you communicate with the animals if ever needed, I can speak their language."
"Lil is right though, helping for the sake of friendship is what we should strive for. I will help if you ever need it even if we can not come to an agreement in trade."
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Tuesday September 8th, 2020 1:52:21 PM
Bigby listens to the conversation and trusts his pack to do what needs to be done. When it is a good time to ask, Bigby asks about the eggs with water in them. "These eggs seem special. Can you tell me more about them?"
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+11=18 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 9:01:03 PM
Caelwyn nods as he listens to Thorondir and Lil's words. "I would be happy to offer my own healing services as well, in Domi's name." He also adds to Grindar's remark - "Indeed, we have an agreement with one of the druids to craft a special vessel, that will allow us to bring supplies in and out of New Rattledam. We have the materials for the craft, but your people have unparalleled skill as weavers. If you were willing to help us, we would be able to get our vessel ready sooner. Then we would have access to more and better goods and equipment, that we would be able to trade and share with you, our neighbors."
Diplomacy 18
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+1, late morning d20=15 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 11:44:40 PM
The party has a long and friendly discussion with the manfri woman.
This manfri has indeed heard of Rattledam, the hidden village. She seems interested to learn it is being rebuilt by outsiders. It was a monk stronghold, you know.
The manfri never had a hand in building or maintaining the domes of Rattledam and Oddholme. Why is it that you find a need to dome the village again?
Hulls for druid wood boats, that would be well within their skill. How is it that druid wood was found for the building of boats?
The eggs? Oh, those aren't eggs, they are seed pods from a particular grass that have been prepared to be edible. If you tried to eat an untreated pod, well it would be much like eating a stone. One or two provide enough water for a manfri for a day.
Fish? Fish sound strange. They would be willing to try salt fish, after making sure that it is safe for them to eat. Thank you for the gift.
The taudo is self-sufficient, so there is nothing specific they would ask for on a continuing basis. That is why she was curious as to what you felt you had to offer.
She is interested in the mutation bloom. Can you describe what that is?
She agrees that goodwill is better than indifference or animosity, but the manfri have not seen much goodwill from outsiders as a whole. Still, she has not heard that most outsiders are the sharing sort, so it is good to hear you phrase it that way.
It is true that there are times when healing magic would be a great boon. But those times are not scheduled. Would the travelling healers use this vessel you propose to construct?
By the middle of the afternoon, the woman says she is inclined to help, but must consult with others about it. Would the sentinels please camp outside of the boundary to the taudo? A scout will be sent to return them in the morning.
Assuming that you agree to wait for word on the next day, the process of leaving is similar to that of arriving, Any medium size characters taking the path away from the taudo need to make a DC 10 save vs the better of reflex or fortitude.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+3=12 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 2:34:05 AM
Sol manages to pass the check, but doesn't seem that interested in worrying about it, he is still remaining almost completely silent.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 d20+5=13 ; d20+5=19 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 4:44:50 AM
After hearing the outcome of the successful meeting Haemir passes through the grass looking happy (Fort:13).
"Quite impressive negotiations. Well done" he says smiling with an even greater respect for the sentinels now.
Noticing Sol's reflective mood (sense motive:19) he waits till a quiet moment - setting up camp perhaps?!
"Sol, are you ok?" he asks with concern on his face.
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 9th, 2020 6:54:30 AM
Grindar would try to answer any questions as honestly as he could, deferring to his friends if a question was asked that he didn't feel he could answer properly. After they are back at camp, Grindar doesn't say much, as he is pondering the out come of the negotiations, and praying the other Manfri see things as their leader does.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Wednesday September 9th, 2020 11:10:18 AM
As soon as they break away from the Taudo, Akuno immediately resumes her castings of Rose's Temperature control. She offers one to anyone else who is tired of the constant heat. "Whew! Much better!", she says as she starts arranging pillows on a floating disk again. "That seemed to go okay. Now what?"
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Wednesday September 9th, 2020 12:03:15 PM
'Lil tells the woman the story of the mutation bloom, the druids, the tree what died in the fighting and the hotly contested decision to turn it into a boat...all of it.
She's really impressed by the seed pod thing.
Later on the outskirts, she pokes Haemir. "The only thing they said would be helpful is magical healing, but they're right that we can't just show up quick when they need us. Any chance you can make potions?"
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+8=11 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 2:11:30 PM "Can you show us how to find and prepare these seed pods?" Bigby not sure if he was asking too much or not, but he decided that the information could come in handy out in the Sargrass. Fort save 11. Bigby narrowly makes it through the sharp grass but makes it nonetheless. "potions sound like a good idea. If we can't make them at the very least we have access to them. or can pay to get them for the manfri. Just a thought."
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+8=10 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 11:12:09 PM
Caelwyn barely avoids the sharp grasses, but manages to make it through. He is pleased about how negotiations have gone so far. He is also concerned about being able to make it to help heal quickly when need be, so maybe making potions is the best idea...
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+2, early morning d20=15 ; d20=17 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 11:21:49 PM
The manfri woman declines to promise to teach about the seed pods for now. It's a complicated process, and there is no time today.
Once the Sentinels are back just beyond the boulders, Mark and Joseph begin setting up camp. "Well, that went well," they say, but then they caution you not to get your hopes up. It's only the first step. The hard step will be to get the old man to agree. "You see, that woman acts as nominal leader. It's kind of complicated. She's a good leader, but the old man actually has the authority. The rest of the taudo like her, and accept her opinions on just about anything. But the old man likes to make the important decisions, and this will be one he weighs in on. No telling for sure how he will react, but if and when you get to see him, you'd best all line up behind one spokesman and help him make the case for goodwill being worthwhile." Joseph adds, "They liked that gesture with the fish, but the old man won't. Too foreign for his notions."
The night passes without event. In the morning, 'Lil discovers that the scratches she had received on the way into the taudo have healed overnight. Joseph's have, too.
After breakfast, Mark and Joseph make sure their metal items are tucked back away, and wait. Before long, the guide shows up to take you 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 Thursday September 10th, 2020 6:07:40 AM
Grindar two puts his metal objects away leaving Bwyell and his daggers behind. He knows that as they talk to the old man, he is not the one to speak. His speech isn't as colorful as Lil's, or as expressive as Caelwyn's. He is a strait forward, shoot from the hip, honest kind of guy, and he knows that colorful and expressive speech is what will be needed. He prepares himself, ready to help out as much as he can, but he knows the heavy lifting will be up to his more charismatic friends.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Thursday September 10th, 2020 1:23:30 PM
'Lil wonders at the cuts that are gone. Maybe these folks don't need magical healing as much as she thought. She leaves her metal again and considers the upcoming diplomacy.
"I figure you and I are the best diplomats we got, Cae," she says as they walk. "You talk really pretty, which I ain't too good at. Not sure that's gonna win these folks over, but what do I know?" She asks Mark and Joseph. "What do you guys think? Reckon they'd respond better to Caelwyn's more proper diplomacy or my own?" 'Lil is more than happy to respect their experience here.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Thursday September 10th, 2020 1:38:23 PM
Bigby puts away any metal which he doesn't think he has much of. But he does make sure to do so. "I wonder if we could just ask if there's anything we can do to prove our goodwill to them?" After saying so, Bigby let's 'Lil and Caelwyn do thier thing. or whoever else does that stuff.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Thursday September 10th, 2020 4:50:01 PM
Akuno tries not to look grumpy. "I'll have you know, Lil, that some people consider me pretty cute to talk to. And I am something of an expert at considering the needs of races other than my own." Her hands rest on her hips. "I think my record speaks for itself."
Akuno did show a tendency towards trying to understand others, and she knew some fancy enough words and talking tricks. Whether or not it ever worked out 'quite' right, and whether or not the Manfri were more or less suited to her style than a bunch of dwarves was another question. "There might come a day when there's someone who prefers my attempts at humor, empathy and more earnest diplomacy."
The little sorcerers tail whips back and forth erratically, as if punctuating her point. "I'm not saying that I need to be the one doing the talking today, but I won't be overlooked either, especially in one of the few ways I can help." There's probably more to unpack in that last sentence, but Akuno doesn't seem to be in the mood to explain further. "I'll support either of you, of course. Leadership and followership go hand in hand, and being a successful ruler is a lot about knowing what the people around you are capable of doing." She points her finger at 'Lil. "But don't sell me short yet! I've just begun to show you my true pow..."
Akuno's tirade is suddenly cut short, and her hands both stick straight up in the air. She slowly turns in a circle and pleads with 'Lil. "I felt a bug land in my hair!", she cries. "Please help?"
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Thursday September 10th, 2020 5:37:00 PM
"I've not made any potions yet but it it helps I can start. I'm inclined to agree they seem capable of making their own though!" Haemir listens to the exchange as he packs his rapier away again.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=30 ; d20+10=19 ; Thursday September 10th, 2020 9:01:04 PM
Thorondir smiles as Akuno makes her speech.
"Wouldn't hurt to have a group leader, but I'm happy to continue to provide support and try and keep you alive. Akuno makes a good point, these folks might not be partial to the normal citified diplomacy. Not that your's is not dignified Akuno, it is just more heartfelt it seems."
Thorondir never picked up his metal objects, and leaves them where he had placed them previously.
"I'm going to spend some time with Aewen, I'll meet you at their camp."
Thorondir wildshapes into an eagle and he and Aewen fly in circles, looking for some prey if it shows itself. Perception Thorondir 30 Perception Aewen 19
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Thursday September 10th, 2020 9:57:43 PM
Caelywn nods at Lil's words. "I am sure either of us could do it. I am happy to, if that is what the group wishes. But whoever speaks, I know Domi will guide our words."
He also waits to see who the group thinks will be the best spokesperson.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Thursday September 10th, 2020 11:19:27 PM
After hearing Caelwyns and Thorondir's suggestion of leader or speaker or whatever you want to call it, Bigby lifts a finger and says, "not it."
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+2, morning d20=10 d20=7 Thursday September 10th, 2020 11:59:39 PM
Unsure whether he should offer advice here, Mark explains, "I'm not saying you don't each say your piece, I'm saying he'll react better if it all tells the same story. Don't expect that courtly or direct much matter to this manfri, neither follows the old ways he likes. Rest of the taudo is pretty casual."
Joseph also tells 'Lil, "Fastgrow ointment ain't magic. It has its limits."
The guide takes the party through the grasses again. Make the DC 10 save again (fort or reflex) to avoid being cut by the grass. Bigby and Akuno are small, and don't need to make saving throws. Thorondir didn't take the path. Anyone who gets cut will be treated, but I need to know the results.
Once inside, the party learns that as Mark and Joseph predicted, they will have to make their case to the eldest. The rest of the village is prepared to help the Sentinels if he agrees. Although the eldest has heard from the woman they talked with, he will form his own judgement based on the request as it is presented to him. The manfri -- who seemed curious the day before -- seem just as curious now, but are more subdued about showing it.
The Sentinels may restate the case they made to she who acts as nominal leader, add to it, or rethink it entirely. Success this time around requires a DC 30 diplomacy check. Other players may aid in the check, but will have to have their characters speak. The first successfully aiding player adds 2 to the best roll; the second adds +1. Changing the proposal may adjust the DC a small amount.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+3=21 ; Friday September 11th, 2020 2:35:00 AM
((Sol passes the Reflex save))
Sol remains quiet, when asked by Haemir if he's okay, he simply nods.
"I am not sure yet..."
He remains silent the rest of the trip, and even during the process of deciding on a temporary or defacto "leader" he says little, which is certainly very unusual for his happy go lucky, smiley self.
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=14 ; d20+6=13 ; Friday September 11th, 2020 6:38:28 AM
Grindar's save 14 Llew's save 13
Grindar isn't keen on adopting a leader, even a temporary one. He feels that such a distinction puts one above the others, which is something he doesn't see as something that should be in their pack/family. He does agree that assigning a main spokes person based on that person's skill in diplomacy is prudent, with the rest of the party backing that person up, but that isn't the same as a de facto leader. To him it's no different than him taking point while traveling, or leading the charge into battle, it is all about ones skill set, and not about authority. As such, Grindar suggests assigning the role of spokes person to Caelwyn as he has the highest Diplomacy of the three charismatic pack mates. (Caelwyn 11, Lil 10, Akuno 9)
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 d20+5=7 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+5=22 ; Friday September 11th, 2020 11:49:14 AM
Haemir tries to fathom why Sol seems distracted, but concludes such matters are beyond his ken. (Sense Motive:7). He decides the wizard will speak his mind when ready and accords him distance with a gentle, reassuring pat on his shoulder.
After some thinking Haemir speaks up "I don't think we should be discussing leadership right now. It seems to be distracting us! The task ahead is what we say to the Manfri not who leads us in combat or during negotiations. Let's work with the strengths we have. Personally, Akuno, you masterfully put your case forward and I believe you are right. There may well be a time for your style of negotiation. Lil, speaks her mind and Caelwyn despite his eloquent touch maybe lacks a certain confidence in what to offer?! Never-the-less they were with us from the start and where privy to the Dukes accords. For my part I will assist.".
As the group passes through the grass Haemir yet again manages to twist around the sharp bits (Reflex:17).
As the group meets the Manfri Haemir stares at each member of the party. In his mind he focuses on them (including himself) until only he sees a slight gold aura around them. 'may Ma'ab guide you' he thinks to himself.
He really has no intent to say much, but something shifts inside him and before he realises it he is speaking. Maybe a sentence of two in he realises - his eyes widen and he looks slightly surprised. But it's like something has built up inside and he just keeps going... Feeling that stopping now will just make matters worse!
"Greetings good Sir" Haemir says with a bow. "We are here on behalf of New Rattledam to talk about opening relations with the Manfri. We have already learned that there is a lot we need to know about staying alive in Sargrass and would like to learn from you about the plains and how to weave. We humbly ask for your help. It would be best to learn from the masters!
With your blessing we are intending to rebuild Rattledam. This would make us neighbours. In times of strife or conflict we would help defend the Sargrass and our neighbours" he says gesturing to the Manfri with a slight bow. "We can offer a wide range of skills and can handle ourselves in most situations. We have merchants, farmers, sailors and can offer, once we have built some, training and perhaps even one of or druid-wood-ships you may have heard about? Using these boats we can travel quickly to assist with healing and such! Through magic we can provide we can create fast ways that our villages may speak with each other and can provide new ways to help grow food.
I am here personally because Queen Ma'ab willed it, I believe she helped some people survive the catastrophe that beset the Sargrass by saving some of the people here. I am also here because something within Sargrass itself - saved my life not to long ago. I was no where near this place. In fact I was sailing across the sea and when my ship was smashed by a magical storm I think one of the immortal powers of the Sargrass Plains saved me, gave me powers and bought me here. I am yet to discover the purpose. If I am to die here defending the Sargrass then such is my fate. If I am to do some good here and make the lives of those who live here better then that is the will of the plains " looking like he is about to stop - he adds after some soul searching. "I am here because I love Sargrass. Just like the strange plants that birth the young here, I too have been -'reborn' here. Because a dream once said 'that in the newness of time would strangers see (y)our ways and understand them' Because we wish to celebrate the double full moon of Kerracles and Wardd and make it sacred to us as well as the Manfri peoples. Because the Sargrass reacts to danger and transmits emotions to the native creatures that belong to it. I wish to understand - to hear it. To defend it from the mutations! Because the Manfri Seer Mahyawu saw things in mine and my colleague's futures here!" He allows it to sink in before finishing. "I, for my part, will defend the Manfri with everything I have if you teach us wise one"! (Diplomacy:24 - including bonus to self below).
(OOC: each party member may add +2 to their diplomacy check or to the first skill check they make during the conversation with the Manfri leader if someone else does the speech then make mine a support one to assist them!)
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+10=21 ; Friday September 11th, 2020 3:19:32 PM
'Lil realizes Akuno's not wrong, and there may be a time when her courtly knowledge may come in handy. She picks the bug out of her hair and flicks it to Aewen if (s)he's around.
She's surprised when Haemir starts talking. She don't remember him saying anything like this before. This boy's been through something. He's good, though. 'Lil thinks he nailed it, but guesses that remains to be seen.
"We may not all share his personal connection to the Sargrass, but we're all ready to protect our new home and the folks what live here."
Diplomacy aid other: 21
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+2=4 ; Friday September 11th, 2020 4:43:28 PM
Grindar realizee he has nothing to add so keeps his mouth shut (diplomacy 4)
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Friday September 11th, 2020 6:28:59 PM
Bigby recognizes diplomacy skill when he sees it and decides to emulate Grindars skill by keeping his mouth shut and nodding the head.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Friday September 11th, 2020 7:05:05 PM
Aewen sits upon Thorondir's shoulder, and she swallows down the bug that Lil flips towards her. Silently, they preen one another as the group negotiates.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Friday September 11th, 2020 11:40:00 PM
Like Lil, Caelwyn watches in surprise as Haemir speaks. He had not been expecting this outburst, but as he listens he feels a dramatic openness in Haemir's words. This might be worth more than all the eloquent promises he could have given. Feeling that more words would be superfluous, he remains silent and waits for the Manfri's response.
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+2, morning d20+5=8 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=15 ; Saturday September 12th, 2020 1:23:44 PM
Seeing most of the Sentinels watch in silence, Mark and Joseph chime in. "Sir, you have dealt with the monks at the Stone Temple before, and are on peaceful terms with them. They are helping with this enterprise. These people are trying to build similar relationships for their new community."
"You speak pretty words, young elf, but you fail to convince me," the gray-haired old manfri says at the end of it all. "I do not know the people of New Rattledam, or your authority to speak for them. They are not proven, and they are outsiders. Wisdom counsels that we wait and see if you are good neighbors before committing ourselves to your aid." He pauses before continuing. "However, your speech has also touched us. You deserve some reminder, some promise that in time this friendship you seek may flourish. Please dine with us while this is arranged." The eldest manfri speaks to others in their tongue, and the party is escorted to another hut -- one that is large and empty.
She who acts as nominal leader arrives shortly after the Sentinels do, and offers her consolation. Perhaps they will try again. Shortly thereafter, a child brings in items for Haemir and 'Lil.
Haemir and 'Lil: Highlight to display spoiler: {You each receive an implement that looks much like the writing end of a quill pen. It is made from some sort of reed. With it is a stoppered vial, also made from reed.}
The manfri woman engages the party in conversation until the meal is ready. It is not exactly a feast, being much the same as the fare the party had the previous day, but it is attended by a majority of the taudo. The eldest does not attend.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Saturday September 12th, 2020 2:53:54 PM
Akuno watches Haemir talk, and is immediately surprised. When its time for the community dinner, Akuno sits by him. "I didn't think a guy birthed from a slime pod would be silver tongued. You are one interesting character!" She stares at him for for a second or two. "The things you said, are they true? Do you think Maab really wanted you here?" She pulls a little pair of sticks from her pocket and starts picking through her food with them. "It would be pretty great to have that much direction in life. All I know is one day I started getting powers that made my life -waaaaay- easier. Trying to understand it brought me here. Everyone else here either trained in the military or bargained with a god or at least went to school to get where they are. I went to bed after reading a storybook on princesses and woke up with invisible servants and the ability to change the temperature so I didn't get too hot and sweaty."
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Sunday September 13th, 2020 1:51:11 PM
Haemir simply nods to the Manfri elder when he rejects the proposal. 'Hmmm well we tried for the shortcut. Guess we will have to do this the longer way' he thinks. Even more determined now to crack open the secrets of the grass... He seems a little perplexed when half a quill-pen is given to the ex-professor but thanks the lad and pockets it. 'Are they telling me I should go back to teaching'?
At the meal when Akuno sits near him and asks him about Ma'ab he replies "Obviously not that silver tongued but I do believe Queen Ma'ab and Something else bought me here. I dreamt of her in the form of a silver dragon". He listens to Akuno's story "Wow that must have been some book! You know? That temperature spell is very handy! It saved me from hyperthermia when my ship capsized".
Tucking in to the food he ponders Akuno's words about what he is supposed to do here now. What any of them are to do!? He can't help but feel his spontaneous outburst didn't help. Then maybe the Manfri are right. Time will tell...
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday September 13th, 2020 10:21:17 PM
Caelwyn is disappointed by the outcome, but not overly surprised. "I honestly don't blame them...we are unknown to them, and it makes sense that they would want to see if we are trustworthy before committing to a real friendship. If we can prove this fairly quickly, maybe we can acquire their help before too long."
He doesn't feel like he could have done much better than Haemir, but he can't help but feel a bit irritated at the elf for breaking ranks like that. Ah well. It will do no good to be angry now.
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 September 14th, 2020 6:56:20 AM
Grindar is frustrated by the outcome, in truth he dislikes all the diplomacy stuff, it just isn't his comfort zone. He is also beginning to think that Manfri are a rather fickle people, as both groups he has met have been less than helpful, when their help was really needed most. and he has little desire to stay any longer than needed. He keeps to himself, as he isn't in the best of moods, and he barely touches his food.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Monday September 14th, 2020 11:57:31 AM "Well now, it seems we are to be on our way soon. Do any require healing before we go?"
Thorondir eats lightly and hopes to soon hunt with Aewen so she may eat as well.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Monday September 14th, 2020 12:47:48 PM "what you guys get there?" Bigby directed his question towards Haemir and 'Lil. When the meal is ready, Bigby will eat.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Monday September 14th, 2020 2:47:43 PM
'Lil seems to be the only one who thinks this was a win.
"Come on dudes. That was the best result we could realistically hope for! If I was in that guy's place I'd have made the same call. If we're really as decent and worthy as we say we are, then this relationship with the Manfri will get better." She also wonders why Mark and Joseph chimed in like that after specifically sayin' let one dude talk.
She takes a knee as the little Manfri child gives her this...thing. She starts to ask what it is, but remembers they don't speak their language. She smile without showing teeth and accepts it. When they're alone again, she turns to her dudes and show them.
"Anyone know what this thing is? We supposed to sign something?" She checks the vial, seeing if something is in it. She has a thought pop into her head: maybe they're supposed to bleed in this thing so they signed in blood? That's hardcore if it's true.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Monday September 14th, 2020 6:12:10 PM
Sol is a bit taken aback by Haemir's ability to speak, as if he wasn't quite expecting it, but he's happy with the outcome, he seems a little perkier now, but still more subdued than normal.
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+2, morning Monday September 14th, 2020 8:12:54 PM
In response to her question about what she received, the manfri tell 'Lil that it is a pen. They also say the choice of gift was intended to honor the speaker.
'Lil: Highlight to display spoiler: {There is something sloshing in the vial. Perhaps an ounce or so's worth.}
The meal ends, and conversation continues -- being translated by a few of the manfri to the rest of the taudo -- until Joseph indicates it might be polite to leave now. It still takes a bit to get the services of a guide and escort back to the campsite.
When the group is alone, Joseph asks, "Sounded like you're planning on leaving now. Seems to me they said you could stay and try again. We'll support you either way. Don't expect it will get easier unless you can show some reason for them to take your word for things." Mark adds, "If you're worried about going back empty-handed, we can make a detour to see some harvester weavers. Or we can try again here. Manfri weaving is considered the best."
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Monday September 14th, 2020 9:00:41 PM
Haemir shows the Sentinels the quill and examines the ink and bottle seeing if they fit together or he dips one in the other. Out of curiosity he detects magic and then resumes "I must confess when the Manfri said he would wait and see if we are good neighbours, I wasn't left with the impression he meant 5 heartbeats! I guessed he meant more like months, years even... " .
After a while of twisting and turning the quill: "I kind of feel bad for not gifting them something back. Maybe good neighbours give gifts in return?"
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday September 14th, 2020 11:10:51 PM
Caelwyn thinks. "It's clear that the Sargarass remains a dangerous place...we have seen attacks from mutation blooms, etc...maybe if we explain some of those dangers more clearly they will appreciate the offer of our friendship and help more."
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 15th, 2020 6:45:00 AM
Grindar personally wants nothing more to do with the Manfri, but keeps his thoughts on that to himself. he does say, "Well if we can't get help from the Manfri I guess we can ask the Harvesters."
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Tuesday September 15th, 2020 11:32:55 AM "What would we even say to them? Pretty please? I don't think telling the Manfri, probably the most famous of the Sargrass' folks, how dangerous this place is will make us any friends. That's like tellin' a mouse they should really be careful around cats.
"They's right about not having a reason to trust us. I think long term we ought to show'em we can be trusted rather than see if we can say the right words. A bond that can be formed easily with the right words can be broken just as easily with the wrong ones."
'Lil looks around for something to write on, wanting to test her pen. "In the meantime, let's go meet the Harvesters."
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Tuesday September 15th, 2020 1:38:42 PM "not sure what we can figure out immediately with the Manfri. Feels like banging head against something." Bigby thinks about banging his head as a way of fighting in close combat. Could be effective but they'd have to be the same height. So maybe not. "ok so whats the deal with the pen things? I kind of feel like we need to figure that out. It just seems weird to get that as a gift and not know why or figure it out before we move on. If that doesn't work then sure lets go to the harvesters."
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 d20+9=16 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2020 3:27:31 PM
Hearing Bigby's suggestion Haemir applies a tiny bit of ink grabs some parchment and scribbles... (Knowledge Arcana:16)
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp d20=3 ; d20=4 ; d20+2=6 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2020 6:40:32 PM
First, Akuno tries to help with magical identification.
Spellcraft: 9. Fail Know Arcane: 9 Fail.
Akuno frowns. "I gave them the greatest gift of all. Fish. FISH. Out here where they can't get any normally. I think the pen is a nice gesture. If we think we should reciprocate, please allow me!" And so the pen and ink continues it's journey.
Akuno works hard over a piece of parchment, for about a good ten minutes. From time to time, her little tongue sticks out while she works. She casts the odd prestidigitation spell, making subtle changes to the hue of the ink. Sometimes its a dark pink, others its a dark blue. Finally, she holds up a picture. "When I was little, my parents.. I mean.. the humans who raised me, once gave me some colored inks. I wanted to repay them, but they said that me using them was good enough."
She holds up a picture of a pink salmon in a blue basin of water that she is obviously proud of. Its hardly an award winner, with a few smudges and scribbles here and there. But she offers it up proudly. "Here, a gift!"
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday September 15th, 2020 6:52:05 PM "I offered healing services, but apparently they didn't need them. I got no response. We have nothing they need, and I think we can make the ships without them. I can shape the wood, and we can use animal skins for the sails. While it would be nice to have woven grass, it isn't necessary I don't think. I say we move on, and perhaps in time they will find us useful. Then, perhaps we could use their services."
Thorondir isn't too keen on begging for help, and is ready to move on.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Tuesday September 15th, 2020 11:16:55 PM
Caelwyn turns to Mark and Joseph. "What is the Manfri stance on religious belief?"
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+3, morning Tuesday September 15th, 2020 11:25:41 PM
Some of the Sentinels try out the new pens, others set up for the evening. Akuno has an easier time using the pen than Haemir, but then her hands are closer to the manfri's than the elf's are. Neither the pens nor the ink appears to be magic.
In the morning, after an uneventful night, it looks like the majority favors visiting the harvesters. Mark and Joseph lead the way -- or, rather, allow Grindar to take the lead and keep him headed the right way.
Haemir was not with the group the last time marching order was set. Let me know the order and any precautions the party takes.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+12=22 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 2:28:54 AM
Sol, after a little while snaps out of his fugue completely and tries to identify this pens himself.
((Knowledge Arcana - 22))
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=24 ; d20+6=26 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 6:51:58 AM
Grindar is glad to be back on the move. He is in his element there, but he knows, if they are to convince the harvesters to help, diplomacy will once again be required, and he will once again be out of his element. He tries not to think about that for the moment, as he keeps his mind on the task ahead, keeping his friends appraised of any threats ahead.
Grindar's perception 24 Llew's perception 26
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Wednesday September 16th, 2020 12:42:54 PM "Looks like we've got a consensus that we're moving on. We should say a proper goodbye to our hosts, though. Let'em know we respect their answer and hope to be able to show'em that we're decent folk worth workin' with. Ya know?" She pokes Haemir. "You wanna do the talking again? Did a bang up job last time."
'Lil puts the pen somewhere safe. It was a gift; wouldn't be right not to treat it with some respect.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 26/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 d20+1=21 ; d20+4=18 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 2:57:04 PM
Haemir has a proud grin as Akuno grabs the pen like an exuberant youngster and patiently watches her work. When finished he holds it up and with an even bigger grin: "It's perfect dude!" before handing the parchment to one of the Manfri and carefully wrapping the pen/ink away.
"You gave us a pen to remember you and we used it to give you a picture of a fish - something to remember us by!" he doesn't mind that the Manfri probably doesn't understand a word. With two hopes he turns away - firstly that it wasn't some kind of magical ink destined to save the world & secondly - to see the drawing hanging somewhere on his return, just to see Akuno's smile.
As the group gathers to set off he is surprised at Lil's suggestion & humbly approaches the Manfri. Not far from the hut he prays to the weaver-Sar (actually the first time he ever has spoken directly) "By your grace I am here - if this is to be our path Weaver-Sar give the Manfri a sign and grant this audience a blessing that helps them see!"
(Diplomacy:28 (nat 20) - but excuse the +1 - should be +6/+2 for +8 total).
"Wise leader we are learning everyday to let the space between where we are now and where we want to be inspire us. We will be patient & allow you to see. Meanwhile the gift you gave us was received with open hearts and has already returned fruit to your village" 'well technically fish'' he thinks "May I grant you these in return"?
He places three items down. A hat weaved by Tishe' (who made a crazy high weave roll (30+ if I remember correct) in the inn & gave Haemir a sargrass weaved hat). An anti-toxin vial and a folding travel stool (made from oak & sail-cloth which was a yule-tide gift) for an extra boss-man seat.
And if nothing happens with a bow to the village he walks away from that chapter of his life. (Reflex:18 - dodging sharp grass)
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Wednesday September 16th, 2020 3:17:38 PM
Akuno waves a happy goodbye to the Manfri, and is only a little bummed that they didn't say anything at all about her fish. It wasn't perfect, but it wasn't something to put in the trash bin either. The things Haemir says and does are all super nice. "T-t-hanks Haemir.", she mumbles. She eyes him for awhile, as if making up her mind about something, before she starts packing up to head out with everyone else.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Wednesday September 16th, 2020 5:28:58 PM
Bigby is happy to move along with the party. Bigby thinks to himself the claws are mightier than the pen anyhow.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=30 ; d20+10=25 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 7:03:17 PM
Glad to be on his way, Thorondir wildshapes into an eagle and joins Aewen for a quick hunt while everyone gets ready. Hopefully, upon successful completion of their hunt, Thorondir (as an eagle) and Aewen eat their fill. When the group starts moving, they will fly high above the group in circles looking for any threats.
Perception Thorondir 30 Perception Aewen 25
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+2=20 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 10:21:58 PM
Caelwyn takes up his place at the end of the column, watching out for any danger.
Perception 20
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+3, late morning d20+12=25 ; d20=9 ; d20=14 ; d4+4=7 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 11:13:42 PM
After saying goodbyes to the manfri, and receiving wishes of success, the Sentinels head out. The day is like most days here in the grass, dry and rapidly becoming hot. The grasses are above the heads of everyone in the party, preventing any comforting breezes from reaching them. and going is slow.
The Sentinels fall into the rhythm of travelling through the grass. Thorondir's wild shape is nearing the end of its duration. Akuno is the only one not feeling the heat.
The group has made steady progress in the direction Mark and Joseph say to go when there is an unexpected movement in the grass. It appears to be movement by -- well, the layer of grass pieces that litter this land the way leaves litter a forest. Whatever it is, the group is upon it before you notice it.
Thorondir, Aewen, and Llew notice the movement in time to react, although Thorondir and Aewen are 70' away above it all. The movement appears to be directed towards Grindar and sudden enough to be threatening, although they're still not sure what they've seen.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Thursday September 17th, 2020 2:39:10 AM
Sol kind of jumps at the movement, unsure what it is and what is happening, and is not ready to react right now.
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+2=10 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+2=18 ; d6+1=4 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ; Thursday September 17th, 2020 6:55:51 AM
Llew lets out a roar, as he senses danger, which alerts Grindar to said danger, who in turn warns everyone that danger is a foot. Llew takes a 5ft step in front of Grindar (10,C)and attacks whatever it is that may harm his master.
Bite hits AC 10 for 4 damage Left Claw hits AC 16 for 2 damage Right Claw hits AC 18 for 4 damage
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Thursday September 17th, 2020 7:37:03 AM
Haemir plods on sweating...
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Thursday September 17th, 2020 7:39:33 AM
If the shout allows him to be will prepare to cast. If something leaps out and attacks he casts Lesser Confusion
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d20+6=23 ; d20+6=24 ; d8+4=5 ; d8+4=12 ; d20+6=15 ; d8+3=6 ; Thursday September 17th, 2020 12:32:02 PM
What the? Is the grass attacking them? She hopes not, seein' as how it would be real hard to stab blades of grass.
She pulls Maya out and takes a 5' step forward before stabbin' forward into whatever this is. She hopes its something what warrants stabbing.
Hit AC 23 for 5 damage.
'Lil's ready to keep stabbin if this thing gives her an opening.
***
Move: 5' step Standard: Attack whatever this is, hitting AC 23 for 5 damage
If her target IS in square C9 and moves, 'Lil gets an AoO.
Hit AC 24 for 12 damage. Hit AC 15 for 6 damage (combat reflexes)
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+11=24 ; Thursday September 17th, 2020 4:14:06 PM
Here we go again Bigby thought to himself. The land is trying to kill us again. Bigby waits to see what the enemy is. perception 24.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Thursday September 17th, 2020 9:18:52 PM
Thorondir casts entangle so that it just misses Grindar. OOC: I’m headed out backpacking in Idaho and I won’t have the ability to post until Tuesday. Will someone take over Thorondir?
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Thursday September 17th, 2020 11:24:33 PM
(I got ya Kelly. Have fun in the Sar... I mean Idaho)
Akuno is happily drolling on and on in Bigby's ears about suits and dresses. ".. And THAT one is risque because its not made to button above the second button! Can you believe it?" When Bigby stiffens, she frowns. "Ney ney, are you listening to me? You are the only male beastfolk I know! I can't.. wait. Whats that?"
Akuno watches her friends and colleagues start stabbing grass. "Are you guys trying to fool me or something? Oh ho ho, stupid Akuno Neko, watch out for the grass monster! Hey guys, lets watch her panic!" She huffs, ready to move on, until Thorondir starts casting spells at it. "Ney! 'Lil! Kill it already. Stop messing around!" Her voice is a bit distressed, like a kid wanting a mean game to be over. She touches 'Lil on the back and gives her a small shove forward. 'Lil feels herself.. inspired..by Akunos command, or something like that.
Touch of Destiny (Sp): At 1st level, you can touch a creature as a standard action, giving it an insight bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws equal to ( 2) for 1 round. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Charisma modifier.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Thursday September 17th, 2020 11:30:03 PM
Caelwyn moves forward, ready to attack if anything shows itself. Here we go again, he thinks...
DM Steve -- Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+3, late morning d20+3=23 ; d20+3=13 ; 2d3+1=6 ; d20+5=16 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 12:47:00 AM Llew rips into whatever is moving and Thorondir casts an entagle on the area while a pile of decomposing dead grasses flows over to Grindar.
The grasses flow through the entangled area, but Llew must make a DC 14 reflex save to avoid being caught by the effect. The small blob of grasses slams into Grindar, inflicting 6 points of damage, and clings to his leg.
Meanwhile, the remainder of the party realizes what is happening and is able to react.
'Lil and Akuno can use their stated actions and rolls, or can change plans based on the description above. Everyone can act now.
Sol: Highlight to display spoiler: {I should have told you this last round. Magic was used in the construction of the pens, but they are not magical.}
==== Grass Ooze: 10 damage
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+1=15 ; d20+3=10 ; d3=3 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 2:32:20 AM
Sol, immediately realising they are under attack, looks around for others assailants beyond the one they can see.
((Perception 15))
If he spots another creature trying to attack, he will cast Ray of Frost on the new creature, if he cannot find another creature, he will cast it on the one attacking Grindar.
10 to hit 3 damage
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+6=16 ; d20+2=20 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=8 ; d6+1=6 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=21 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=11 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 6:50:32 AM
Llew's reflex 16 pass
Llew lashes out again at the grass ooze, as Grindar offers the ooze both ends of his ax.
Llew Bite hits AC 16 for 6 damage Claw hits AC 10 for 2 damage Claw hits AC 8 for 2 damage
Grindar Main hits AC 13 for 11 damage Off-hand hits AC 21 for 11 damage
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp d20+9=19 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 12:30:34 PM
-----------------Posting for Thorondir---------------------
"Aewen, stay back! I don't trust that you can hurt it." Realizing that the entanglement spell didn't do much, he wants to summon some help. First though, he has to not move.
Fly Check: 19 vs DC 15. Pass.
Hovering in place, he begins summoning a fire elemental to try and counter the grass blob.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp d20+6=13 ; d3=2 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 12:42:41 PM
(Go ahead and keep that as my action for last round. Lil's got a +2 bonus on her attacks.)
Akuno herself still isn't really sure what to make of the little blob of grasses. She also isn't quite sure what to make of her magic with 'Lil. She felt something when she gave 'Lil a boost. That was a first. She's still pondering what it means when she sees the ooze crawl up Grindars leg.
"Oh shoot.", she grumbles. She watches Sol try to freeze it off, and figures she will try the same with the acid spell she knows.
Hit touch AC 9 for 2 acid damage.(Akuno doesn't have point blank shot, so I assume she's -4. If not, its good vs touch ac 13)
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 3:56:45 PM
Oh, 'Lil feels somethin' about being shoved at the monster. That's for sure. Oddly enough, she does feel inspired to do better. That's weird.
If there's a big enough blob on Grindar's leg to stab, she uses her roll from last round to stab it.
Hit AC 25 for 5 damage. That's including Akuno's bonus.
Her options are a lot more limited if she's not able to attack it. She'll channel energy, hoping to keep Grindar's leg from getting melted off. It will heal 10 damage.
Attacks of Opportunity, should they arise: Hit AC 26 for 12 damage. Hit AC 17 for 6 damage (combat reflexes)
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Friday September 18th, 2020 8:29:21 PM
For a second Haemir thinks he can smell it. Undead .. they have a certain stink. He waits till he is sure and everyone has acted and casts Command Undead "Stay still and do no one harm" he says (non-intelligent undead gain no Sv. / intelligent have a Will DC:19). To the Sentinels he says "wait.. Let me see if I can command it... but if it tries to attack kill it!" he says fixing it with his gaze and muttering.
DM Steve -- After Leaving the Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+3, late morning d6=1 ; Saturday September 19th, 2020 9:38:48 AM
Between Llew, Grindar, Sol, 'Lil, and Akuno raining attacks on it, the blob of grasses quickly loses all cohesion. It is no longer a blob.
Haemir tries to control the blob, but finds nothing undead to connect to. Thorondir begins a spell.
Bigby and Caelwyn move to help Grindar, but aren't sure what to do. Although the grass blob is no longer a blob, it is still on Grindar. It has flowed over him like a second skin, and any attacks made on it may hurt him as well.
Grindar takes 1 point of damage from the grass swarm. Grindar must make a fort save vs. DC 11 or become nauseated.
===== Grass ooze --> Grass swarm, no apparent damage
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday September 21st, 2020 12:36:38 AM
Caelwyn is nonplussed by this strange enemy. He attempts to brush the blob off with the haft of his trident, hoping he can then attack it without hurting Grindar.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Monday September 21st, 2020 6:13:28 AM
Haemir waves his hands around and mutters and a glowing transparent Spectral Hand appears near Grindar. "I can protect Grindar against fire if anyone has a torch...? Maybe we can burn them" he says as he prepares to cast another spell through the hand.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 22/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20+5=8 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 6:14:57 AM
Grindar fails his fort save, and begins to look a little more green then normal. he drops Bwyell, and tries ripping the grass swarm off him with his hands.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Monday September 21st, 2020 11:46:03 AM
'Lil ain't got no bright ideas, but Haemir may be onto something. "I ain't got no fire beyond lighting a torch. Sol, you got anything?"
She holds her action, ready to heal up Grindar if he needs it.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+7=27 ; d6+4=6 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 1:14:27 PM
Bigby concentrates and casts produce flame and touches the green on Grindar. "eh, this may sting a little bit." attack 27(nat 20) dmg: (6x2) 12dmg. Bigby strikes with the flame hand and it hits harder than he imagined it would.
ooc: sorry for the nat 20 Grindar
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Monday September 21st, 2020 2:52:30 PM
Haemir nearly soils himself in shock when he sees Bigby enthusiastically following his lead .. If somewhat premature... "Arrrrgh" he says almost sounding like a pirate. 'Hang in there Grin... Oh crap that looks like it hurts' he thinks.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+3=23 ; d20+3=21 ; d3=3 ; d3=3 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 6:06:55 PM
Sol frowns...
"I am afraid not, nothing that is fire based at least... I am sorry..."
He still tries to cast Ray of Frost at the swarm. He knows it won't be very effective but it's all he has at this point.
((Nat 20, 21 to confirm, 3 damage, plus a further 3 if the crit is successful))
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Monday September 21st, 2020 9:35:54 PM
ooc: do you have to confirm a crit roll?
DM Steve -- After Leaving the Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+3, late morning Monday September 21st, 2020 10:41:39 PM Caelwyn attempts to gently brush the grassy attacker off of Grindar, without much success. Meanwhile Grindar clearly shows some distress. Haemir starts discussing a plan to remove the things, with 'Lil volunteering to help, when Bigby and Sol move ahead before everyone else is ready.
Between the burning and the freezing, the grass swarm disappears. Where the grass was, a number of tiny crystals form and fall. However, Grindar also takes damage.
Grindar: Highlight to display spoiler: {Grindar takes 14 points damage from the enthusiastic efforts of his fellows to protect him. The nausea passes after a few minutes of rest.}
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday September 21st, 2020 11:07:56 PM
Caelwyn hurries forward to check on Grindar. "By Domi, this land never ceases to amaze me with it's desire to kill us all...are you alright?"
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 11:09:10 PM
'Lil immediately heals Grindar soon as he's hurt, casting cure moderate wounds to restore 9 hp.
"Still a little charred there, love. Hold on a sec." Once she's sure the ooze is really dead, she'll channel positive energy, healing another 8 hp.
"If we had some time, probably could'a come up with a better plan then that." She puts a hand on Grindar's shoulder and rubs his back a bit till he's done barfin'.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 9:28:22 AM
Seeing Grindar well attended Haemir helps him up when he's finished recovering. "You ok brother"?
"Aye Caelwyn. It does seem this place is still testing us! Ok so when this happens again... Is fire the best plan? Seems a fair bit of ice came out. I will happily protect whoever gets swarmed from flame or ice or something else if you prefer?"
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 4:28:25 PM
Bigby looks up to Grindar and apologizes without speaking. But to add to good measure he speaks the words, "sorry." There. Bigby shared enough feelings for the day.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 25/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 5:24:55 PM
Grindar grimaces in pain as his friends burn the swarm off him, though he refuses to cry out and show weakness. He does let's out a audible sigh of relief as Lil's healing power washes over him though. He tries to thank his friends, but finds himself gagging and vomiting instead. He is visibly touched by Lil's comforting hand as he empties the contents of his stomach in the grass. After the nausea passes, he takes a huge drink from his waterskin and the says, "Thanks guys for getting that thing off me, and as always thanks sister for the healing. I'm beginning to think I'm you number one patient, I really need to figure a way to boost my armor, so your not always patching me up! Sol or Akuno, could one you use your magic to clean me up a bit, I think I got some breakfast on myself, and it don't smell pretty."
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 5:51:36 PM
Sol chuckles, and with a few simple gestures and a couple of words, casts Prestidigitation on Grindar to clean him up.
"Yes... well... I could perhaps cast Mage Armour on you as required... it lasts a fair while, but I am not certain if it would be more beneficial for another in our party? Perhaps one who has no armour... besides I am not certain the spell would help given that you already have armour on my friend."
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 10:49:29 PM
Akuno ponders whether or not she needs the Mage Armor spell. She has a few scrolls of the spell already. "Maybe the animals?, she suggests.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 10:50:14 PM
-----------Post for Thorondir-----------------
Thorondir considers his bird and Llew. "Without barding, they are vulnerable. Aewen being protected would bring me a bit of peace of mind."
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 11:00:13 PM
Caelwyn nods at Haemir's words. "Aye, that's a good idea - it seems elemental attacks are the best way to deal with these things, and protecting ourselves from the effects is sensible."
DM Steve -- After Leaving the Manfri Taudo -- Module 4, day ??+3, late morning Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 12:02:49 AM
When it's clear that Grindar is recovering well, Joseph asks if the group wants to rest here or move on. Mark asks if they want those crystals. Eventually they regroup and head on toward the Harvester village. The rest of the trip seems humdrum in comparison.
The Harvester "village" turns out to be more of a camp. It is clearly less permanent than Rattledam, the village at the Stone Temple, or the manfri taudo. The Sentinels arrive at a cluster of tents, surrounded by a ring of dozens of bulbgrass plants. The people there are mostly human, with few members of other races. Aside from favoring a weapon like a club with a row of obsidian flakes up and down its length, they look much like the people living around the monks. With Joseph and Mark making introductions, the Sentinels are welcomed to the village. Almost everyone seems to speak Common, although they clearly have their own language as well.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 2:17:24 PM
Haemir will collect some crystals and at the camp - introduce himself
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 5:20:17 PM
'Lil makes sure her weapons are stowed as she strolls into the camp.
She keeps things simple. "Hi everyone, I'm 'Lil. We're hopin' to make introductions and relations with folks in the Sargrass. Not sure how well known this is, but we're rebuildin' Rattledam. There's a bunch of survival skills we need learning if we're going to make it here.
"We got sent out to try and make friends with folks who have them skills. Hopefully we can find some way to make that tenable for both of us." Her demeanor is real friendly-like.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 25/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 d20=18 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 5:31:05 PM
Grindar attempt to appraise the crystals (Appraise check 18) but falls short on his own. He says, [b]"I think I'm close to figuring out the value of these crystals, maybe with some help I can figure it out. (The DC for determining value of ordinary items is typically 20) He also casts Detect Magic on them.
At the camp, Grindar introduces himself as well. He was told Harvesters have the skills to turn giant beetle caprices into armor, and he wonders if any of these Harvesters have the skills to turn one of the two giant beetle caprices they own into armor that might offer better protection than his hide armor, perhaps a breastplate, or Scale Mail. As such he keeps his eyes peeled for a smith of sorts, though he stays with the group, until they have had a chance to share why they came. He also looks about to see if these harvesters are covered in piercings like Freakshow, or if Freakshow is one of a kind.
OOC... I know at one time it was established that they made Lamellar Armor, but since Lamellar isn't core, I was wondering if that could be changed to something we can use without special permission, and I figured it wouldn't be a stretch to cut an already convexed caprice into a convexed breastplate, and of course, Scale Mail would be the closest thing to Lemallar in core.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 5:59:57 PM
Sol introduces himself politely, but then immediately goes to investigate the Bulbgrass, trying to see if there appears to be a special way to grow it defensively like this, unless he is warned off by how people act towards him when he goes over to investigate.
If they seem happy to let him poke and figure it out he'll even ask a couple of questions about how to get it to grow safely.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 8:22:50 PM
Bigby comes in with the rest and nods and waves. "Nice clubs," Bigby says. Bigby awaits thier response to 'Lils introduction.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 8:41:28 PM
OOC: Thanks Ken
Thorondir has now changed back into his elf self, and walks into the camp with Aewen on his shoulder. "I'm Thorondir, a druid charged with helping these folks. Aewen here is my friend, so don't consider eating her. In fact, she can help hunt food for you if you are in need."
Thorondir looks at Grindar's leg. "Sorry I wasn't much help back there, never seen anything like that. Next time I will be ready. I almost summoned a fire elemental, but the situation ended before I could bring it. I think that will help in the future. If anyone else has suggestions on how to handle the creeping grass I would be happy to hear it."
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+11=19 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 10:27:35 PM
Caelwyn cautions Thorondir "While fire may have helped to remove the problem, it might have caused a far bigger disaster in the Sargrass itself...we would need to be very careful with that, to avoid causing a serious fire."
Caelwyn attempts to identify the leader of the Harvesters and initiate talks with them, if appropriate, about the weaving needed for the ship. "As my friends have said, we offer you our friendship, trade, and any other help we can provide in exchange for these services. The creation of these vessels, I think, would be of great value to all of us who live here."
Diplomacy 19
DM Steve -- Interlude in a Harvester Village -- Module 4 Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 11:34:11 PM Haemir and Grindar examine the crystals. They are small, 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter. Although Grindar can't be certain he thinks they must be worth a small amount each. However, at that size there are hundreds of them.
'Lil, Caelwyn, Bigby, Sol, and Thorondir introduce themselves to the Harvesters, then separate according to individual interests.
Caelwyn and 'Lil set about establishing some sort of deal with the Harvesters. The people are interested in news of Rattledam and of the ship being built. They seem quite willing to negotiate terms for their services to help build the boats. It becomes clear within a few hours that they have questions that the Sentinels can't answer, however. They will need details from the shipwrights on what is to be done.
Sol shows an interest in the bulbgrass surrounding the encampment. He learns that it is a fast-growing grass that is easily transported, but that there is skill involved in selecting and getting the most rapid growth out of the bulbs. The Harvesters only use it when they plan to stay in one place for at least three months.
Bigby shows an interest in the clubs carried by the Harvesters. Although he does not see the difference, they assure him that some of the weapons are clubs and others are swords. That is, some are made to slash and others to bludgeon.
Grindar asks about obtaining armor, and is told that they can indeed make armor from the giant beetle carapaces. A few options are described, which may be superior to Grindar's hide armor. If he wants to see them, he should return with the bazaar is held.
OOC: Some items unique to the Sargrass were written into the module and approved.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Thursday September 24th, 2020 9:30:53 AM
Bazaar? That piqued 'Lil's interest.
'Lil thinks back on the diplomatic meetings they had back at Rattledam before they left. She knows Harvesters were present at the meeting, but that don't mean these particular folks were aware or had a say in anything. She decides to be straight with them.
"We had a bunch of diplomatic meetings in New Rattledam before we got jumpy and had to go adventure again. Some folks what represented themselves as Harvesters were in on those talks. I realize that don't necessarily mean you fine folks were represented. I honestly ain't sure how close knit you different groups are out here in the grass." 'Lil ponders what to say next, but decides to just see how they respond first.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Thursday September 24th, 2020 6:11:39 PM
Sol takes notes of the best ways to grow the bulbgrass, and keeps it in his diary, he hopes that they Sentinels can use it to protect Rattledam, as needed as he learned previously that it can help keep some of the dangers of the Sargrass at bay.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 25/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Thursday September 24th, 2020 7:12:16 PM
The idea of the Bazaar sound beyond intriguing to Grindar, So he asks, "When will the next Bazaar be held, because it sounds amazing!"
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Thursday September 24th, 2020 7:29:09 PM
Apart from the Sargrass being a very bizarre place, Thorondir isn't too keen on a Bazaar. "I guess we could come back and do some shopping during the Bazaar, but it is difficult enough already to carry all of my possessions. Perhaps I need a bag like Lil has, either that or be content with what I have. I hope there never comes a day when people seek possessions for their status alone, and neglect their needs and others in the process. I'm sure that will never happen though."
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Thursday September 24th, 2020 9:36:33 PM
Haemir joins Sol taking notes and drawing in his note book
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Thursday September 24th, 2020 11:12:58 PM
Bigby asks more about the clubs and swords. "how did you guys make these?"
DM Steve -- Interlude in a Harvester Village -- Module 4 Friday September 25th, 2020 12:31:56 AM
The Harvesters seem to find 'Lil's notion that one village would be bound by the agreements made by another village amusing. But they will send someone to Stone Temple with the Sentinels to find out more, if that's what 'Lil and Caelwyn want.
Sol and Haemir learn a bit about growing bulbgrass. Bigby learns a bit about making clubs in the local fashion.
Grindar and Thorondir find out there will be a bazaar here in a couple of months. Several villages get together to trade with each other about once a year. Although a travelling group might manage to find more such meetings each year.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 25/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Friday September 25th, 2020 5:34:21 PM
Grindar is a little bummed out that the bazaar isn't going to be happening anytime soon, but he understands and makes a mental note to come back when the bazaar is held. He is glad that the harvesters are sending someone along to learn about the agreement of some of the other people in the Sargrass Plains. He would love to see a mass coalition of Plains dwellers all working together for a common goal, and maybe this will be another step in that direction.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 d20+10=20 ; d20+5=12 ; Friday September 25th, 2020 6:06:38 PM
Haemir quietly contemplates the shipbuilding side of things and thinks back to when the group built the small druid-wood boat before and weighs up if he would be able to guide the builders. He figures he spent enough time on ships to build one, it can't be that hard can it? He tells himself as he sketches copious notes in his book and stares occasionally up at the sky.
(knowledge engineering:20 (not nat)/prof-sailing:12 if needed?)
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Friday September 25th, 2020 6:27:04 PM "Well then, one or more of you can come to Rattledam with us and see what all this fuss is about. Then, perhaps we can come back and visit your bazaar? What items are unique to the bazaar, as opposed to the markets in town? I don't like to own things I can't carry, but perhaps a nice steel grass shirt or the like?"
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Friday September 25th, 2020 8:26:12 PM "Are we going to Stone Temple next?" 'Lil wonders to herself. Sometimes she gets forgetful.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Friday September 25th, 2020 9:18:45 PM
This wasn't the first time Akuno had heard folks talk about steel grass. she had tried armor on once, and hated it. So instead, she tags along behind Haemir and takes great interest in his notebook. "I keep one too.", she offers. "But mine is full of dresses and clothes. It's not really useful to anyone but me. And maybe Bigby, if he lets me stuff him into a suit."
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Saturday September 26th, 2020 7:05:02 AM
Haemir looks up from his notes started when Akuno speaks. Smiling he passes her a second parchment & quill. "Why not design a dress made from grass? Pretty armor just how you like it"
DM Steve -- Interlude in a Harvester Village -- Module 4 Saturday September 26th, 2020 11:30:18 AM 'Lil wonders if the group is going back to the Stone Temple next. It's a good question. Thorondir seems to think that Rattledam should be their next destination. And there will always be work there that needs doing. Grindar wants to see the bazaar, which will happen where they are now, but not for a couple of months.
Haemir would like to help construct the ships. Akuno is more interested in fashion. Sadly, there does not seem to be any place in the Sargrass where fashion is given its due. The Harvesters and Manfri seem to have more resources for fashionable pursuits than the monks or the folks in Rattledam, though.
Bigby, Caelwyn, and Sol may have their own opinions about where to go next, as well. Or whether a canine in a tuxedo would be fashionable. No doubt that would give Sol lots of notes, though.
Joseph and Mark are ready to take a group of Harvesters the Stone Temple if the Sentinels have some other destination in mind.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday September 27th, 2020 11:07:46 PM
Caelwyn thinks it would be worthwhile to see this mission through and make sure the Harvesters reach their destination safely. We need their help, after all.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Monday September 28th, 2020 2:40:08 PM
'Lil agrees it would be good to get'em to Stone Temple if that's where they're going, but why are they going there in the first place?
"We came here to obtain skills we need to rebuild Rattledam, so why are we talking about leaving while two'a these Harvesters go up to Stone Temple? Seems like we ain't done what we've gone through all this to do."
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Monday September 28th, 2020 4:01:52 PM
Bigby feels a little confused about what their purpose is anymore. He nods to 'Lils concern about obtaining skills. Seems like thats why they came out here. So far all they got was a pen and some ink and more people to accompany to somewhere else. Ah the Sargrass...leave for one thing and end up with ten more quests. Bigby just chuckles. He wasn't one to think too much on these things.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Monday September 28th, 2020 6:23:20 PM
Sol agrees that they need to see things through, however he was torn, he really wants to understand how to make the boats.
"We are not needed as an escort for the Harvesters, but they would I like to think, be safe with us along for the journey. However, learning how to grow Bulb grass and how to craft the boat could both be very useful skills in the longer term for helping Rattledam... also returning to Rattledam to try and help out there could be a good idea also. Why is it we are so useful but limited to only being in one place?"
Sol smirks clearly intending the last part to be a bit of a self deprecating joke.
"I am certain I would be happy to go anywhere, and I would hopefully be able to find a way to make myself useful, however my curiosity insists I learn about the boat and the bulbgrass... but I do not wish to make a decision for all of the Sentinels, it is not my place to do so."
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 25/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Monday September 28th, 2020 6:25:39 PM "Um guys, If you remember we set out of Stone Temple to try to convince the Manfri to help with the boats, with Rattledam help being a possible added perk. I think you have lost sight of our current mission, which is the construction of the boats.", Grindar reminds his friends, "So yes we should definitely head to Stone Temple First!"
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Monday September 28th, 2020 6:41:07 PM "My mistake, I of course meant we go to the Stone Temple. This heat does strange things to ones mind. I'm ready to continue in the proper direction when all are ready."
Thorondir preens Aewen and finds a bit of time to go and hunt for a meal for the two of them. Thorondir eats while in eagle form, then flies back to the group and awaits the group.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Monday September 28th, 2020 7:18:06 PM
Haemir thrives on meeting new cultures, the amount of coasts he's sailed along he takes it all in his stride. He is friendly and helps out here and there with his presdigitation or simple labor. But he can't shrug a feeling and as for the headaches!? Haemir was also born of something water and here in the grass, today water was rare. Over the course of the day 'knowing' gives way to 'unsure' like high tide gives way to low and his head swims with glimpses of moments. These daydreams are of a battle, bravery, oaths, ents, stampedes, a corridor of death, royalty, high woldian, clovers and congruence. Blurring together yet each carrying different weight. A weight that cannot be processed, un-packed or reasoned with.
But then (((CrASh))) some crazy chick called reality stamps down and the dreams fade. 'The unity between our hearts and minds is taxed to process at such speed' he reasons noting that the day-dreams are coming more and more frequent. Pushing a palm against his forehead in vain hope the pressure will ease the pain the irony of the situation further reveals itself when it sinks in: 'Heck I haven't even had one ale'
---
Taking a seat quietly he watches each of the sentinels in turn: 'You have walked an incredible path... Just to get this far' he wants to say but sits quietly listening to each speak.
At a quiet moment his eyes shine slightly more sea-blue: "The wood comes from the cosantóir na bhféarach, a singing Oak or druid tree named Genyielt who passed over" he falters staring at something unseen before gathering himself "bravely defending and so, out of courtesy of the old times Gargul passed Genyielt to Eberyon who laid the Ent-soul somewhere special. Genyielt now bends to the moonlight breeze within Queen Ma'ab's Vales of Twilight knowing peace ".
"I'm sorry, I mean to say..." ' oh crap I'm just letting more water in here - I can't even explain all of these crazy... Wait 207 people in Rattledam?', Haemir takes a deep breath breathing out slowly. "Sorry, carry on... Don't mind me" turning his back on the party he takes out a pipe and fills it and begins to puff away. 'Maybe they won't notice me if I stand still like a tree' the 115 year old child tells himself.
After gathering himself: "Surely we must continue towards honouring that sacrifice by the fastest means possible?" he says before blowing smoke rings (away from everyone) contemplating what prestidigitation shapes he could make with the smoke. 'Perhaps a sailing ship? No of course that would be stupid'
DM Steve -- Interlude in a Harvester Village -- Module 4 Monday September 28th, 2020 11:26:09 PM Caelwyn wants to make sure the Harvesters reach their destination safely. Grindar seconds the idea, pointing out that their trip to the Manfri was all about constructing the boats. Thorondir adds his support for returning to the Stone Temple.
'Lil questions whether to go to the Stone Temple. She seems to favor staying and looking for help for Rattledam. Bigby supports her, although a bit confusedly. The list of things to be done just seems to keep growing.
Sol wants to both work on the boat -- at the Stone Temple -- and learn about bulbgrass (and other useful things) here with the Harvesters.
Haemir is having a difficult time focusing his words, like something is intruding upon them as he speaks. He may even be in pain before he comes to himself and concludes, "Surely we must continue towards honoring that sacrifice" -- Genyielt's, maybe? at least, he mentioned Genyielt -- "by the fastest means possible?"
No matter where the Sentinels decide to go, they will have something to contribute. Only Akuno has voiced no opinion.
Mark and Joseph will take a day or two to resupply here, and will head back to the Stone Temple. Given the three druids with the Sentinels, they have no doubt the Harvesters can give them good directions to that or any other destination they choose.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 11:28:59 AM
OOC: This is not me griping at our awesome DMs. Sometimes when these arcs go on a long time we forget a lot. What seems like a cohesive story when together on a few pages can run into issues when it's played out over months at one action/day. I think that's where we are now. I know it's where I am now. There have been a lot of meetings and a lot of people. Maybe I'm the only one, but I could really use a "the story so far" summary here.
"We're already here. If the Harvesters are able to teach us the skills we need, we should stay. If they're too hard to learn quick, maybe we ask a couple'a them to let us escort them back to New Rattledam?" That seems like the best course of action to 'Lil, at least.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Tuesday September 29th, 2020 5:53:17 PM
((OoC: I second Carl's comment, I for one am a little lost, and it doesn't help that I've not been as responsive as I should have been over the last couple of weeks, it's been a bit stressful so a brief reminder of what's going on would be really helpful.))
Sol nods at Grindar's words.
"There's definitely wisdom there... I think you make a good point, we should stay on task and not allow ourselves to get too distracted at all... no matter how easy that may be..." He smiles self-deprecatingly.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Tuesday September 29th, 2020 6:08:06 PM
"I've yet to see the Stone Temple.", says Akuno. At least, she thinks she hasn't. She's done a bit of traveling now and its hard to keep it all straight.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 6:51:37 PM
Haemir listens in having said his bit already
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 25/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 6:53:08 PM "Sister", Grindar says to Lil, "I totally admire your dedication to the building of New Rattledam, and would love nothing else then to gain the help of the harvesters in building her up, but we have to go back to Stone Temple first, for three reasons, first, we need their help building the boats, second that is where the council met, and third, we can't leave Sprocket there forever, and I wouldn't feel right about letting him walk home without us escorting him, these grasses aren't very forgiving.
OOC.. I need a sub for the rest of the week, I’m going to be away from the internet
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 8:59:37 PM
Bigby sees the logic in what Grindar says and thinks that it is a practical decision. "sounds good to me."
ooc: I can help Jeremy, but probably wont be lengthy responses. Its been tough year and im a bit off my game. No pun intended.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 9:05:42 PM
Thorondir and Aewen enjoy the blind prairie swallow they caught. The two eagles feast on the bird, eating the entrails first and then the tender meat. When they are done Thorondir flies back to the group and changes back into his self. Wiping a bit of blood off his mouth he says “Ready to go when and where you all request.”
DM Steve -- Interlude in a Harvester Village -- Module 4 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 11:10:38 PM
I think asking for a summary is a fair request. . .
Past modules: * Duke Abelard Rowan gathers a group daring enough to help build a foothold within the wild region of the Sargrass Plains. * The group set sail into the unknown and start exercising a diplomatic path to reach a landing point. But after they meet their new neighbours for the first time they start to wonder if diplomacy will be enough... * Things take a twist when a strange little fellow turns up who enlightens the adventurers and shows them things that will change their outlooks forever! * The survivors head to the remains of what was once Rattledam to try and start afresh. * Guided by a scarred monk the group slowly traverse the dangerous grasses as they head towards the crystal mountains. * The group spends time among the monks before undertaking a quest to find druidwood. * With the help of a druid and some fey creatures, the group survives a mutation bloom that sets the creatures of the grasslands into a frenzy of fighting. * The group aids the main body of druids in a battle with the mutated creatures of the Sargrass, and witness the death in battle of the greatest of the druid trees. * The group returns to the monks at Stone Temple village; the druids have given them the dead druid tree to use.
More recently: * Thorondir and Akuno joined the group * The group travelled from the Stone Temple to Rattledam and helped stage an election * The group escorted Sprocket back to the Stone Temple to participate in negotiations about the boat to be built * Discussions on boat-building were attended by several groups of plains-dwellers * A decision was made to build two or three boats with woven grass hulls; this may take years * The group went to the manfri seeking help because manfri are known to be the best weavers * On the way, they met Haemir again -- but a changed Haemir * After the manfri turned them down, the group went to the Harvesters looking for weavers . . . And that is where they are now.
If anyone wants to add detail or emphasis, please do. My stint as a DM started about the time the group set out from the monks looking for druid wood. Shane's started during negotiations about the boat.
Don't forget to post in response to this.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Wednesday September 30th, 2020 9:56:20 AM
OOC: Thank you, Steve. I see where my disconnect was: I thought the tree was in Rattledam. I've updated the game's wiki page with this info, plus updated a bunch of things I found wrong or missing.
'Lil listens to Grindar, nodding along as he talks. "Ok dude. Ya convinced me. We'll head to Stone Temple with these folks."
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Wednesday September 30th, 2020 10:49:37 AM
Laying on her belly in a sea of cushions and pillows, Akuno hums and kicks her legs while working on a drawing. She's using the quill and parchment that Haemir loaned her, and seems to be pretty focused. She uses prestidigitation magic from time to time, changing the color of the ink in the vial from one shade of green to another.
"This is harder than I thought." More than once, she uses magic to erase a failed idea, and starts up a new one. "Sargrass is so tall and thick that I can see more than just a blade or two here and there. I'll be happy to meet some weavers who can show me examples."
Finally, she finishes a sketch she doesn't hate. It has large flat bands of sargrass in loops around the waist and chest, affixed to heavy padding. Its woven again around boot tops and forearm guards, and pleated to make a flexible skirt. It seems to be unisex. "Without actually having any idea of what woven sargrass looks like, this is the best I can do!", she yells. Clearly, she isn't in the mood to get up out of her cushions and walk across the camp to Haemir. Frowning, she hands it to an Unseen Servant, and shoves it off his direction.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 16/13/13 - CMD:14 Wednesday September 30th, 2020 12:56:41 PM
Haemir really isn't paying attention .. Maybe the headaches or maybe it's the fact he's trying to sketch his own armor. Clearly the unseen servant gets tired of trying to attract his attention wafting the parchment at him and virtually slaps him in the face with it.
"Whoa ok tough guy" he says jumping up and catching the parchment as it flutters towards the ground. Examining it he smiles , "Nice! You missed a calling there dude". He pockets the parchment to give is it to the weaver (along with his own design).
Hearing that the group has made its decision he smiles - he hasn't been to the stone temple yet and has heard that Queen Ma'ab has a presence there. As he has a day or two (whilst the two guides resupply) he decides to find a local and learn some of the harvesters language.
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+11=18 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2020 1:54:39 PM
Bigby thinks that the Sentinels are in agreement and moves along with the group. Bigby will do some hunting whent the time is right. survival: 18
ooc: thanks for the update. that is helpful.
Grindar Wednesday September 30th, 2020 1:58:21 PM
Grindar is glad to see that the Sentinels were all on the same page and that everyone was able to see his point about their goal. It wasn't easy being firm on the goal and communicating it in a way that wouldn't offend. Because sometimes you gotta say something when you know its the right thing. But it seems like turned out and the Sentinels were on track. "Alright let's get moving Sentinels." Grindar and Llew join Bigby and Wolfgang on their hunt when appropriate (camp is set sort of thing).
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Wednesday September 30th, 2020 6:33:08 PM
Sol ensures his gear is all ready to be moved and gets prepared to leave. He does give one last sorrowful look back at the bulbgrass, hopefully he has learned enough to grow it elsewhere as needed.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Wednesday September 30th, 2020 9:45:27 PM
Caelwyn, likewise, is glad to see that all the Sentinels are in agreement on the direction to take. He gathers his weapons and armor, ready to move out and make sure the Harvesters reach their destination safely.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday September 30th, 2020 10:22:36 PM "Nice sketch Akuno, can you do one of Aewen?"
Thorondir has all his gear, what there is of it, packed and is ready to go.
DM Steve -- Interlude in a Harvester Village -- Module 4 Wednesday September 30th, 2020 11:51:18 PM
The Sentinels, Joseph, Mark, and a couple of Harvesters head out the next day for the Stone Temple. The trip is uneventful.
The party is well greeted on their return, although there is quite a mix of reactions from the different groups now at the Stone Temple village. Virgil seems unsurprised that the manfri declined to help, and thanks them for securing other weavers. Some of the other folks are obviously disappointed. The Harvesters that came back with the Sentinels start talking with the shipwrights about the work they might do, while Virgil suggests the Sentinels look at the progress from just a few weeks.
Genyielt had been a colossal tree, and already has been cut and shaped into a number of timbers. The result is still far from a boat, and there is more cutting and shaping to be done obviously. But the people working directly on the project seem proud of what they've managed already. That group seems to be composed of the shipwrights and a few sailors, plus one druid.
Virgil asks the group to come see him in the morning, but seems to expect they will want to spend at least one evening relaxing or catching up with others after their latest trek.
Akuno: Highlight to display spoiler: {Word reaches Akuno she remains welcome for dinner at Cullivers any day she likes.}
'Lil and Caelwyn: Highlight to display spoiler: {Sprocket finds 'Lil and Caelwyn. He's been somewhat at loose ends here, as he can't contribute directly to the construction effort, and has been learning more about the Sar. He wonders if they have learned anything on their journey.}
Thorondir, Grindar, and Bigby: Highlight to display spoiler: {The three druids are approached by some of the locals. Hunting has been declining lately, and their help gathering food for the village would be appreciated.}
Sol: Highlight to display spoiler: {Flitch has found a text in the museum that he would like Sol's help deciphering. It seems to be about the earlier boats.}
Haemir: Highlight to display spoiler: {Having never been here before, Haemir can explore or ask the others to show him around. He at least manages to learn where the group stays at night.}
Grindar Thursday October 1st, 2020 3:52:48 PM
Grindar is glad to see Virgil and greets him. It was nice to be at the Stone Temple once again. At the news of the need for hunting, Grindar smiles and agrees to help. "Come on Llew, lets do some hunting. Bigby and Thorondir...shall we?"
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 d20+11=31 ; Thursday October 1st, 2020 3:54:20 PM
Bigby agrees to the hunt. "now we're talking. Thorondir you go high and we will go low." Bigby is pumped up for the hunt. survival 31.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=22 ; d20+10=22 ; Thursday October 1st, 2020 6:32:07 PM
Thorondir is also ready to help supply food. "Yes, Aewen and I will go and look from above. If we see small game we will go for the kill. Large game I will signal by a loud cry and short dive above them."
Perception Thorondir 22 Perception Aewen 22
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None d20+5=13 ; Thursday October 1st, 2020 6:54:22 PM
After completing the usual greetings and such, Sol begins reading the document and tried to decipher it.
Intelligence roll of 13.
Haemir (Rich) HP: 27/27 - AC: 15/13/13 - CMD:14 Thursday October 1st, 2020 9:23:29 PM
Finding some shade Haemir takes off his goggles: "Greetings Virgil. I am Haemir. I travelled here with the Sentinels but .. well I wasn't with you when Genyielt fell. It saddens me to see..." he decides not to say any more and nods towards the work-in-progress allowing the druid to see respect in his own eyes as they shake hands.
Later Haemir kidnaps Sol pointing some bread at him like a cutlass: "Show me the museum land lubber"! He says with his best pirate grin.
Examining the skiff first he moves to the large stone ball, coiled chain, grass doll, cracked crystal, broken sword and has to restrain himself from salivating over the ancient closed book. Making fervent notes and detecting magic. Kid in a sweet-shop...
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Thursday October 1st, 2020 9:45:04 PM
Akuno is happy to go to Cullivers. She's quick to tell tales of the nefarious plant blob they battled. This place to her represents the utmost in high Sargrass society. It isn't saying much, but she'd rather be an adored princess of the tavern than the noble of nothing.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Thursday October 1st, 2020 10:27:48 PM
'Lil's walkin' with Cae when Sprocket finds'em.
"We had another one'a them powers show up in our campsite and question us, then leave before we could answer. I think they just like messin' with folks.
"Manfri were a lot nicer than I was expectin'. I don't much blame'em for not jumping on our bandwagon. I decided I'd rather show'em we were trustworthy rather than try'n talk them into helping us right away. Figured it was best to develop a strong bond that wasn't gonna break when we stopped talkin' right." She nudges Caelwyn. "What am I forgetting, dude?"
She will also fill him in on any political machinations that he missed in Rattledam.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Thursday October 1st, 2020 10:37:52 PM
Caelwyn adds a bit more about the aspects of the Sargrass they have seen.
"I'm just not sure what exactly they want from us...non of them ever sticks around long enough to get a real answer to their questions, and I actually want to have a conversation with them. If we are to survive here, we must establish good relations with the powers that govern this land as well as the people who live here."
DM Steve -- Stone Temple village Friday October 2nd, 2020 12:11:35 AM
That evening, Akuno is the most popular patron at Edith's tavern. 'Lil and Caelwyn spend a good deal of time talking with Sprocket about the local Power. The next morning, after a brief visit with Virgil in which he brings the Sentinels up to speed on what's been happening with construction (all good, just slower than he'd hoped), Grindar, Bigby, and Thorondir go hunting with the locals. Sol is co-opted to work at the museum, and Haemir takes the opportunity to explore it.
Most of you have seen its description before, but. . . The Stone Temple is a large structure clearly built with stone that is not from the local environment or at least not in its current state. It is constructed of simple gray stones with some sandstone mixed in to highlight and contrast colors in places. At only one story tall but wide, the images of druid trees are carved into the stone in various places. The druid trees appear to be looking towards the door. The doors, also built from materials not consistent with the environment, are hard wood with iron bandings. Carved into the door is an image of what appears to be a ancient god.
It is very easy for the Sentinels to get swept up in ongoing events, especially as the locals try to make use of their different talents. They are variously consulted on different items -- often even things they have no real expertise on. A few days pass before they really realize it, and it seems like it will go on this way as long as they let it.
Negotiations with the Harvesters go well, and a deal is struck without the need for much diplomacy (Caelwyn and 'Lil are consulted). Word needs to be taken to the Harvester village for several more people to come help. More hunters are always helpful, And although the monks never leave then there unattended, Sol and Haemir could become regulars at the museum if they want. Work on the boat continues at the same pace. Akuno is admired. Virgil makes a point of seeing them every couple of days.
Haemir (Rich) AC: 15/13/13 - HP: 27/27 - CMD:14 Fand: AC: 20/24 - HP:32/32 Friday October 2nd, 2020 9:30:50 AM
Haemir enjoys learning and divides his time between helping/learning to build the ship (being a sailor for decades and enjoying engineering he reasons it a sensible step becoming a shipwright) and also continues learning Manfri. In his spare time he spends time in the museum.
After a few days his companion - a beautiful blue macaw/parrot flies in to camp and the two enjoy a reunion. He introduces Fand to everyone who hasn't met her (sharp eyed/druids will probably note that despite Haemir referring to Fand as 'she' and 'her' the parrot is actually male?!).
Haemir will also recruit a local in to his coven (if someone is available).
At some point - perhaps an evening when everyone is chilling he says: "I'm planning on sending a report back, to update on our progress. Is there anything anyone wants to add"? He takes on board any feedback and that evening sends a dream to the Dukes Seneshal Father Nokter Labeo back at Hook city telling him of the numbers, progress, etc. plus any additional info the party suggests.
"Also, I wondered if any of you would like to send a message home yourselves? It's a simple process... You lay down as if resting and I place my hand on your forehead. You think of who you wish to send the dream to and you remain in a trance till they sleep. When they do you will visit them in their dream and will be able to talk to them. Unfortunately it's only a one way communication but they will remember everything you say when they wake up. I can send one dream a night".
DM Steve -- Stone Temple village Saturday October 3rd, 2020 1:08:19 PM
Haemir: Highlight to display spoiler: {I do not see Dream in the Bloodwitch spell list. Does Haemir have access to it some other way? You should be getting a request via Google Docs.}
Haemir brings up the question of reporting back to Duke Abelard Rowan. Half the party has never met the Duke, only (probably) heard of him from the others.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Saturday October 3rd, 2020 4:09:54 PM
'Lil's just pleased as heck about the Harvesters helping out. She feels like she's done some good.
Regarding Duke Abelard, 'Lil doesn't see much need. "Dude that rich in Hook City can peep in on us anytime he pleases. I bet he knows all about what we've been up to. Plus, we were geased when we signed up for this gig. We ain't dying, so we must be doing something right.
"Couldn't hurt, but I ain't got no way of doing it myself."
After a few days, 'Lil starts to wonder if they should be gettin' back to Rattledam. This place has use of them, but getting Rattledam up and going is kinda their main job. She questions her dudes on what they think about the matter.
Haemir (Rich) AC: 15/13/13 - HP: 27/27 - CMD:14 Fand: AC: 20/24 - HP:32/32 d20+9=14 ; Saturday October 3rd, 2020 10:45:36 PM
"Rattledam sounds good I haven't seen it since my um... Hmm, so I'll hold off talking to the Duke's man. The last dreamwalk went adrift anyway which eats grass and probably means you're correct Lil"! He squints up conspiratorially trying to catch someone scrying on them: "So, any pack .. er Sentinels who wish to send a message to their loved ones or family ... speak up anytime in the future. It's all weft and web and I'll guide you".
Sometime later feeling inspired by Akuno's artistic creativity Haemir spends a few hours cutting up his old socks, scarf and cloak and with prestidigitation darkens bits (soiling in dust) before stitching strips together (craft-clothing:16 with m/w tools). When finished he has a cloak that despite being made of cloth - takes on the appearance of raven feathers. Not his best work he concludes but it allows the air to move around him and offers protection from the sun.
(Note to ref: Not sending dream to Duke's man & Highlight to display spoiler: {yes APG alt Dreamspeaker granted 21/Jul/18 - should show on character sheet, lmk if you can't access. Thx.})
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Sunday October 4th, 2020 10:13:50 PM
Akuno is wow'd by Haemirs new duds.
"Wait, you can sew?" For Akuno, this is a bit of a revelation. "What else can you make? I can craft some simple things, like cloaks and boots and even some magical items. Maybe we could make some things together sometime?"
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday October 4th, 2020 10:38:06 PM
Caelwyn is also pleased about the progress they have made, but does not want to risk staying away from Rattledam too long. "It's our job to ensure they survive...and we sort of left just after the new government was put into place. We should definitely return soon to be sure everything is alright."
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 25/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Monday October 5th, 2020 6:10:22 PM
Grindar tells Haemir that he would love to talk to his mom and dad sometime, though he agrees with Caelwyn that getting home to Rattledam would be prudent, and it should probably wait until some other time.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Monday October 5th, 2020 7:05:39 PM
Thorondir admires Haemir's macaw friend. "I'm Thorondir and this is Aewen." he says to Fand using speak with animals. "You are welcome to fly with us whenever you wish, I take the form of an eagle often as the group travels."
"Nice cloak" Thorondir says to Haemir. "The more you can mimic a birds appearance the better I say."
Thorondir spends most of his time with Aewen as they are waiting around the village. He is ready to
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Monday October 5th, 2020 8:35:20 PM
Bigby appreciates Haemirs offer but find he's not got much to say to the Duke. If he were having a hand at sarcasm perhaps he might say to the Duke, Hey duck, thanks for sending us out to a place that doesn't want us. But it would probably come across all wrong, and so Bigby did what he did best. He nodded his head and went on about his buisness.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday October 5th, 2020 10:29:33 PM
Caelwyn thinks about the Duke. "Is there anyone with the ability to communicate magically with him who lives nearby? That would be far easier and faster than the long journey back to the city..."
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 15 / CMD 17 - 20/20 Hp Monday October 5th, 2020 10:32:07 PM
Akuno shakes her head. "No. That's on the short list of things I'd like to learn though."
DM Steve -- Stone Temple village d20=14 ; Monday October 5th, 2020 11:28:22 PM
Over the couple of weeks, Haemir brings up the notion of reporting back to the Duke. 'Lil seems to think he has magical ways to tell what's happening. Bigby seems disinclined to send any messages. Caelwyn wonders who would be able to communicate with them. Haemir's dreams only work one way, so there the group can report to the Duke but he would have to find his own ways of getting messages back to the Sentinels. Grindar thinks Haemir's talent would be a good way to send a message to his parents.
Haemir finds a youngster who might make a fine adept and coven member here in the Stone Temple village.
'Lil's glad to find the Harvesters helping out. She brings up the idea of heading back to Rattledam. She feels they are needed more there than here. Caelwyn emphatically agrees. Grindar also thinks it prudent.
Thorondir spends some time getting to know Fand. Akuno spends some time encouraging Haemir's fashion sense. She says she might learn to communicate over long distances sometime. Sometimes if feels like Sol has practically disappeared into the museum.
Rumors spread about the Sentinels leaving the Stone Temple for Rattledam. Virgil doesn't seem too surprised by this, but he suggests that they might escort the Harvesters back to their village and bring more here. If they wait a week or two to go, they'll be with the Harvesters in time for the bazaar. "I'm sure you'll be coming and going a lot if we're going to keep this effort going."
...
OOC: From a game perspective, it's no problem if a message is or isn't sent to the Duke.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy Canaday) AC 17/12/15, CMD 17, HP 25/29 Llew AC 15/14/11, CMD 15, HP 17/17 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 6:08:13 AM
Grindar slaps himself on the forehead, "Of course, the Harvesters! We can't leave them to their own devices, like a bunch of white hands! What were we thinking? Thank you Virgil for pointing that out. Guys, I think we have one more escort mission before we can return to Rattledam. Besides, if the bazaar is happening, I can't help it, I need better armor if I'm going to stay alive on the front line in this place!"
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: None Tuesday October 6th, 2020 11:23:32 AM
Sol, having been working at the museum is constantly checking and re-checking his notes to ensure he got them correct, he wants to have more useful information to take back to Rattledam.
'Lil - (Carl) - 36/36 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 12:18:09 PM
'Lil wonders if these folks think more highly of her and her dudes than is warranted. The Harvesters have been around these parts a lot longer than the Sentinels have. Surely they'd be ok without them?
That don't mean it don't make sense to wait and go with the Harvesters. Strength in numbers and all that, ya know? She's just surprised folks are putting stock in them.
She decides to put some thought into armor for herself. She was trained to use the heavy metal stuff, but that wasn't so great out here. It was hot and slowed her down too much. Steelgrass plate would be great, but she's been watching Grindar try'n get some without any luck. Probably just beyond their means right now.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 27/27 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 6:59:03 PM "I am willing to go where ever you all choose. I am ready to travel at a moments notice as well, just let me know when you are ready. Meanwhile, Aewen and I will continue to hunt. Hopefully Bigby and Grindar will join us as well."
Thorondir has little to do but to wait for instructions, so he spends his time with Aewen.
Haemir (Rich) AC: 15/13/13 - HP: 27/27 - CMD:14 Fand: AC: 20/24 - HP:32/32 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 7:35:17 PM
When Fand catches Thorondir admiring her the blue macaw literally puffs her chest out striking her best super-hero pose and when the druid speaks to her in her own tongue her eyes widen and she tilts her head sideways listening - before replying (with her parrot voice in common): "Well, well! Tell me are all druid gentlemen so polite and well mannered. Who bought you up this way?".
The more time Thorondir and Aewen spend around Fand the more likely they will realise her sense of humour is far more quirky than any kind bird they've met. She guffaws over jokes that a bird shouldn't and appears to know more than a few drinking jokes and songs (and if she's serious - she even knows what it's like to be drunk and one of two remedies for a hangover).
Haemir smiles at the 'Nice cloak' comment from Thorondir: "Oh to fly like you do..." he mumbles to himself. "Close enough I can almost taste it ".
Haemir is happy to wait or escort when the group is ready and uses the time to ask about the museum - especially if there are any high woldian runes.
When Akuno asks him about making things: "Thanks. Nah not made much else. You tend to learn how to sew when you're at sea. Always up for some creativity though - keeps me young"!
BigbyWolf ( Michael) 34/34 HP - AC/T/FF: 16 /13 /14 - CMD 13 -Animal Companion: HP: 27/27 -AC 17 Tuesday October 6th, 2020 8:59:35 PM
at the mention of hunting Bigbys ears turn up and a smile. "We're in."
"what's this bazzar thing you guys keep talking about?"
LOG ON