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Diara's Lament

DM Kathy
Monday October 5th, 2020 2:08:09 PM
Upon hearing that somebody is looking to speak with you, Succotash and Murphy try to find her, hopefully gathering the rest of the party along the way. It takes longer than you would have expected--she doesn't seem to be frequenting the taverns or other public places.

You finally catch up with her on a little hillock overlooking the Crescent River. It has (of course) started to rain again, and she is standing under the boughs of a spreading cedar tree. She is, as Murphy suspected, a half-elf, looking human to some and elvish to others.

Succotash invites her back to your headquarters, but she demurs. "Enclosed spaces," she says. "They--I'm not comfortable in them now. If you don't mind, could we talk here?"

"My name is Diara Fayst," she says. "I'm an adventurer. Or maybe I should say I was an adventurer. I don't think I have the heart for it anymore.

"My companions and I heard about a pocket realm," she continues. "A dark fae place called The Ruins. It's a gloomy, cheerless realm where the undead seem to thrive. But there was adventure there, and possibly treasure, so we decided to find our way there.

"We were exploring one particular ruin complex when everything started to go wrong. Clovis and Vitaly just--wandered off. We tried to follow, but they had a head start, and we had a hard time figuring out which way they went. Clovis was our tracker, you see.

"I was scouting ahead. I'm the party rogue, you see; me and Clovis usually took it in turns. Anyway, I heard Elora and Harmet yelling and screaming behind me. So I turned around and tried to find them. I went back to where I'd left them, but they weren't there. And I'm no tracker; I couldn't see where they went.

"So I started looking, but all I found was a bunch of wraiths, who attacked me. I barely escaped, and could still see no sign of the others, so I decided to try to find help. And now, here I am. Please, can you help me? I know the odds aren't good, and my companions are most likely dead. But they deserve to be laid to rest. And if there's even a chance one of them is still alive, I won't give up on them."

Both Succotash and Murphy, sensing motive, feel that Diara is being sincere. Her distress over her lost companions is very real. She really does want your help, and means no harm to your group.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday October 5th, 2020 5:52:35 PM
"Miss Diara, I can say, for certainty, that my friends and I will do all within our power to help, I can also say for certainty that you will be safe at our compound, which we call our Sanctuary and home, but I won't try to force you to join us there. I have to return to gather my equipment, as well as my scaly friend, and I know Murphy has to gather his gear as well. Add to that we need to inform the rest of the Swords, so they can make ready as well. Will you at least travel with us to the gate of your abode, it would make this process a lot easier?"

If Diara is willing to travel with them to the Sanctuary's gates, he will lead her there, and then gather the troops, grab his handy haversack, don his armor, and saddle and bard Valerie. If not he will do all the above and then head back to meet her at her location.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday October 5th, 2020 8:32:09 PM

Bliss bows and agrees with Succotash. "We would be happy to help you, Miss. But we need more information. How do you get to this demi-plane? Does magic or anything work differently there? What do your friends look like? How can we tell who they are?"

"Will you come with us? If not, can you tell us something to tell them so that they will trust us?"

"When should we leave? Right this second? Tomorrow?"

Bliss thinks about the 100,000 gold burning a hole in his pocket.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 5th, 2020 9:44:04 PM
Before leaving to the grotto, Pressi asks Bliss about Granny's abilities and spells. (She wants to know, before promoting one to cohort herself, if Bliss went arcane or divine.)

She also realizes she needs to book it to the catacombs herself.

But that can wait for another time.

The near ghostly red headed figure that looks like her? Not so much.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 5th, 2020 10:02:01 PM

No sooner does Murphy finish his speech than Pressi begins to laugh, strongly, hollowly.

"Oh, you foolish, foolish little child. Thinking that you've lived a meaningful life. Thinking that you know anything about family. Oh, that is...

"Very well, allow me to give you my long awaited answer...."

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

"This is why you left?" the real Pressi got asked by her sister. "All that posturing, all that principled stance. Such distaste at being a thief and an enchantress. And for what?"

"I warn you," Pressi whispered to her sister. "You can still leave now, in peace. But if it's a fight you want..."

"No, I don't need a fight." Pressi's sister raised her arms in a familiar unarmed pose. "Just an idea of what you truly are capable of...."

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

"Pressi" stared at Murphy with green eyes, shifting and shimmering into a much older woman with a cane. "The answer is that you no longer control your destinies. But yes, we do choose you for life, all of us... for better or for worse...."

She glanced upwards at yet another Silverglove sister. This sister stood in silence. Nobody moved. It was clear that no Silverglove would attack yet.

The old woman fingered the skull ring Murphy once kissed. Plants seemed to die where she stood. "And Pressi's wishes are now irrelevant. Murphy was it? You wanted to meet the family? Oh, we so wanted to meet you too...."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday October 5th, 2020 11:53:27 PM
OOC: Granny is a level 12 Bloodwitch. Not sure which domain or immortal power yet.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 11:44:26 AM
Hearing of Diara's plight, Hobie gathers up all of his gear, and gets himself ready to go.

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 2:17:59 PM
Succotash promises that your group will help, and asks Diara to come with you to the Sanctuary.

"I'll come with you," she says, "but I prefer to wait outside."

You make your way through the rain. Although it's spring, winter's chill has lingered long enough to make the rain uncomfortably cold. Diara puts her hood up and slogs along with the rest of you.

When you reach your headquarters, Hobie immediately starts gathering gear, with Succotash not far behind.

Diara remains outside, finding another tree to shelter under. Bliss stays behind to talk to her. He asks about her companions.

"Well, there's Clovis," she says. "Clovis Bylee. He's a halfling, like you. A ranger, skilled in wilderness lore. He's our tracker, and helps me scout. Elora's our wizard. Elora Helethar, an elf. And then there are our two humans: Vitaly Cev and Harmet Ells. Vitaly's a cleric, and Harmet's a paladin. Harmet's very dashing. Don't tell him, but Elora and I are both kind of sweet on him." She describes her companions, well enough that you're pretty sure you'll know them if you see them.

Bliss also asks when they need to leave. Diara frowns. "They've already been there so long," she says anxiously. "So my heart says, hurry! Not a moment to lose! But my head says, they've been there so long already, another day probably won't make a difference. So do what you need to be prepared, but please, don't take too long."

You ask how to get there. "We used a Plane Shift spell," Diara says. "I have the planar fork here." She drops a small, oddly twisted stone into Bliss's hand.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 8:01:40 PM
As Succotash is getting himself and Valerie ready, he realizes he and his crew aren't going anywhere today, as he needs to prepare plane shift. He realizes he won't be able to transport everyone in one go. With the six halflings, and 10 animals, plus Miss Diara, he figures that makes 11 total, or 10 if Miss Diara doesn't wish to return to the pocket realm. Either way he will have to take the group in two trips, which will require him to prepare plane shift no less then 3 times. Frustrated, he stops his preparations and heads back outside. "Sorry guys, and Miss Diara, I just realized a few things. First I need to prepare plane shift a few time to get us all there, and well I can't do that until tomorrow, second, I need a planer fork attuned to the pocket realm to make the spell work, and third, I need a planer fork attuned to the Wold to get us home. I have no idea where I am to find either of the forks."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 10:02:16 PM

Pressi's mother, Yamyra, continued to stare at the slack jawed yokel before her. "Speechless already?" she scoffed. "How odd. My sources assured me that you could give an hour long diatribe during a coma."

She moved off to the side opening a case full of liquors. "Come, let us at least toast to your good fortune, and to knowing what you want. You do know that, don't you son? I'm sure that you've already talked about that a good deal with my daughter. About how a small town and a couple of diversionary bandits won't be enough for her? About how she won't change diapers? About how much she talks of honor, even as she pursues power?"

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 11:39:53 PM

Bliss shows Succotash the tuning fork to get there.

"Wait," he says to the half-elf, "How did you get back here?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 2:47:13 AM

Grotto Rendezvous
Shocked at Pressi's uncharacteristic response, realization dawns upon Murphy that this is not ... Pressi.

He rises, silently taking in the woman's shifting countenance, posture, demeanor. He mentally reaches out. "Pressi - Pressi - where are you? Are you all right, my love?"

He hopes to 'hear' her response, but understands he also needs to answer the woman before him. "You are - Pressi's mother?" he asks. He could challenge her assertion that Pressi's wishes are irrelevant, but chooses not to verbalize that challenge.

His face is serious for a moment. He joins the woman's upwards glance. An eyebrow raises as he sees someone who strongly resembles what Pressi looked like when he first met her. Then, he can't help it. A smile begins to work its way into the corner of his mouth. He returns his attention to the woman with the cane.

"Yes. I can see where she gets it. Yes, I wanted, and want, to meet her family." He steps forward, no threat in his posture or face. "May I kiss your forehead, mother of my love?" Should she allow it, he does so.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 2:58:57 AM

[The above was written based upon Pressi's Monday post. I had not yet seen the Tuesday post.]

Murphy laughs. "Of course, a toast. To family, to families joined, and to diapers."

"Now, join in the toast, will, you sister of Pressi, and tell me which one you are?" he says to the sister nearby.

And after the toast, he says, "I'm a talker? When ready, you'll have to meet my mother."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 3:45:56 AM

At Humble's Sword Sanctuary

"Diara, under a cedar tree we found you. Perhaps I can introduce you to Quercus, our oak treant friend, in the south east corner - the walls are opened there, so you can come in and go out as you please. He likes to talk, and listen. In the opposite corner is Dderwen (pronounced 'There when'), an awakened oak. He likes to help halfling children into his branches. And we have a yew treehouse, 60' tall, next to the rocky mound in which we dwell. We've a small grove of fruit trees and nut trees, Bliss's fountain, gardens, even a water slide. Fear not to enter - but of course only should you choose to do so." Map of the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword

"I should think it might take us from a few hours minimum to prepare," Murphy says to his mates, and Diana, "or perhaps we'll want to spend time, learn more of what you know, and choose appropriate spells in the early morning following a good night's rest, then enter your pocket plane.

"How does that sound to you, my friends?" he asks.

He listens to what each has to say. He asks what special preparations they might make for dealing with the undead, "Do you know ghost touch, Succotash?" and with unpredictable fae. "I'll need a quick trip to the Catacombs."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 6:33:07 AM
Succotash shakes his head negatively at Murphy's question, saying, "Though I'm sure it's a great spell, it's one of those spells the gods only allow with special permission, and I haven't received their approval. Oh and um Murph did you miss the whole I can't cast the spell until tomorrow thing? We won't be able to leave until the morning" Turning to Bliss he says, "That will get us there, though it is a kinda strange looking fork, now we need a way home, you wouldn't happen to have your Wold fork by chance Miss Diara? I promise to take good care of it, my way home depends on it!"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 9:18:15 AM
"I am all for killing undead things an whatnot, but are we sure going into the demiplane of certain death is wise? There's no way this will turn out well for us."

Kezzem prepares his spells and is sure to stock up on plenty lesser restorations as he remembers that time we shadowwalked and got ambushed by shadows. Not fun.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 11:41:16 AM

"O, right, Succo - well, I was hoping for the morning in any event," Murphy responds. "My father has made tuning forks, but he's getting ready for a short trip to the Culverwood. Say, does anyone have a wand of lesser restoration?" he asks.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 12:46:00 PM
"I suppose if we have a small amount of time, and especially if we know we'll be dealing with undead, it couldn't hurt to take the time to rest and prepare the right spells. And I'll make another run to the catacombs quickly to get a few items that might be helpful. Anyone have any requests to add to my shopping list?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 1:33:01 PM

"Sure, Hobie, and thanks. How about a wand of lesser restoration?" Murphy requests. "I'll split the cost with anyone who wants to chip in, or will pay for the whole thing if needed. But it's for the party, and like as not someone besides me would be better at using it. I don't know what it costs, but here's 5000 gp. If more or less is needed, let me know."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 2:09:43 PM
"I believe they cost 4500 gp," says Kezzem. "And I'm good with an even share for everyone who wants to chip in for it. And if we're wand, I'll probably rethink my spell selection. I could save us some charges, but there might be other useful things I can do instead. This divine favor spell looks pretty nice, for instance."

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 2:20:32 PM
Succotash mentions that he needs to prepare multiple Plane Shift spells for the next day.

"It's worse than that," Diara says. "You won't be able to rest in The Ruins, so you'll need enough to get back, too. And, hopefully, you'll have at least some of my companions with you."

Bliss asks Diara how she got back.

"We had scrolls," she replies. "Scrolls of Plane Shift. Elora had one, and Vitaly had one. They may still have them, if you can find them. Maybe that would help you get back. I had another one. Sort of our emergency scroll. I'm not a caster, but I can coax a scroll to work for me." [OOC: Diara has ranks in Use Magic Device.]

Murphy introduces Diara to the trees. She takes a liking to Quercus.

Kezzem expresses some misgivings, but gets ready to go.

Hobie proposes a Catacombs run.

Diara, now seated at Quercus's roots, seems fine with you taking the time to make your preparations. Indeed, she seems pleased that you are taking the task seriously.

[OOC: Regarding planar forks, I've always held that you don't need a fork to return to your home plane. The spell is a little ambiguous, and not all DMs will agree with me, but for our purposes, you don't need a fork to return to the Prime Material Plane. Of course, you can get one if you want one, but you don't need one.]

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 3:52:33 PM

"Sure, Mister Murphy, I've got a wand of lesser restoration," says Bliss.

"Don't leave home without one!" caws Mookie.

"By the way," the raven continues, "You guys want me to carry the fortress? It might come in handy on this one, and I can turn it on and off for us."

The raven practices activating the Instant Fortress until he gets the hang of it and is fine with it.

"Hey Diary, uh," he says to the half elf, "were there many incorporeal undead there? You know, ghosts, shadows, wraiths, spirits, etc? Fortress ain't no good against them!"

"Since we gotta take a day to prep the spells, Ima go spend some money at the catacombs! Undead bane tears and negative energy protection, here I come!"

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 4:18:06 PM
Bliss dashes back, and casts two Contingency spells, one for himself, one shared with Mookie ... Cure Critical Wounds as soon as hit points reach 1/3 max.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 5:12:08 PM
Upon hearing that he won't be able to regain spells in the pocket dimension, Succotash's heart sinks. The idea of having to ration his spells isn't very comforting, and having to be able to cast plane shift 6 times, completely wipes out his 5th level spell slots. An idea finally comes to mind, and he turns to Hobie and says, "I know you can't cast plane shift yet, as for some reason us clerics get access to it sooner then you arcane types, but eventually you will be able to, meaning that you could cast it from a scroll right? If two of us cast the spell we will need a total of 4 scrolls, 2 arcane, and 2 divine, and we would be able to carry a total of 8 people each, or 16 people total. If I cast the spell by myself it will cost me a lot of my spell slots, and if I can't rest and recover them while in the pocket dimension, that will weaken us quite a bit, so scrolls is absolutely the way to go, the question is do I buy 2 or 6?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 6:46:37 PM
"Actually, I only have about 750 gp to contribute to the wand of lesser restoration," says Kezzem. "Bliss talked me into spending a bit more at the Catacombs. Just now, while I'm in the middle of this conversation with you. Time is weird."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 8:19:48 PM

"Sir Kezzem! I already HAVE a wand of Lesser Restoration! Fully charged! We're good on that front! And I'm buying a Wand of Death Ward too!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 10:10:16 PM
Yamyra finds herself quickly taken aback, clearly not being at the other end of the charm offensive. "Hhm, well you are a pliant sort, aren't you. Personally, I prefer men with a little more spirit, but I suppose diplomacy has its options."

Murphy can hear the battle outside, but Pressi is able to communicate that she's fine. Outside, it's clear despite the spell ballet that the sister just wants to keep Pressi busy (and she can rather hold her own).

The sister watching Murphy just continues to watch in silence.

"Still, I'm curious as to what you hoped to get out of such a meeting. A dream of reconciliation with the daughter that rejected us? A hope that I would somehow provide my blessing to either of you? The hope that despite all the stories coming out of dirt city, we would prove to be just as ordinary as your family?

"Or maybe it's something else? Maybe you've been seeking reassurances yourself, hoping that you haven't made a mistake. Knowing, deep down, that you won't be enough when Pressi's true nature begins to appear. Thinking that somewhere under all the spell slinging and cackling, you'll learn she is someone OTHER than a woman with designs to rule the world and the lineage to do so. Or maybe, deep down, thinking maybe you need a woman just like that, no matter what you say to the outside world."

Yamyra looked straight at Murphy. "Let me reassure you. Deep down, she is as evil as any of us. That deep pull to harm, to trick, to gain power and fame? She may protest and fight, but her nature will take over. You think you know ornery? You haven't seen ornery."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 11:25:47 PM
"Well, I guess I don't need to prepare that spell then either," says Kezzem.

He offers Bliss 750 gp to help reimburse him for his wand purchases.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174 d10=3 ;
Thursday October 8th, 2020 12:26:45 AM

Grotto fencing
"Nearly everyone has the capacity to do evil, or good. To turn toward darkness, or light," Murphy begins. "To treat others well, or poorly. We will be held accountable for our choices. You, mother of my love, and I, both will face judgment.

"'The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children�s teeth are set on edge.' Is that what you're saying? A child may walk in the way of the parents, or choose - albeit, perhaps, with difficulty - to walk in another way. If I begin in righteousness, yet end in evil, I should be judged for my end, not that of my forbears who did well. If I begin in evil, yet repent and walk in righteousness, I may receive forgiveness, mercy, and justification - even if my parents walked in darkness their whole life, and rejected the light when it was offered to them.

"My family is 'ordinary'? It seems extraordinary to me. If all those about you are a certain way, how are you not ordinary if you do exactly as they do? Are all from Dirt City wicked? Why not be different from them, then? The option of changing one's mind can be available at times, no? Don't get swallowed up in Dirt-City-ordinary, if there is a better way."

"I trust Pressi, despite the temptations we all may face, to ever move toward what is right. I bear witness to her having done so over the past few years.

"Life is complex. I won't pretend every choice is facile. True wisdom is a hard-fought attribute.

"We can banter, Mother of Pressi and her siblings. But what do I want? I want to join for life with Pressi, and join where I may with you, her family, and for her to do so with my family. What do I aim for? Good domesticity. What do you want?

"Iron sharpens iron. Let us sharpen one another. But not slice each other up." ... "Mother Yamyra. Who changed Pressi's diapers?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+24=35 ; d12=11 ;
Thursday October 8th, 2020 2:43:19 AM

Murphy takes about half an hour to join Diara over with Quercus.

"Hallo Druid Murphy" the large oak intones. "Diara is charming. Diara, do you speak the sylvan tongue? Not many do. We can practice, if you'd like."

Murphy joins in speaking sylvan for a few sentences. If she does not understand, he translates. If she does understand, he enjoys the opening conversation. Then he says, "I have spent some time on different planes, studying some of their characteristics. Would you mind if I were to go into a bit more depth with you on this pocket plane?" He spends time learned what more he can from her about this particular plane, its inhabitants, foliage, characteristics. He uses his fairly extensive knowledge of planar variants to delve more deeply into this one [Knowledge, Planes: 35]. If ideas for additional preparations the group might take arise from the interview, he passes them on to other members of the Sword.

Then he heads off to the Catacombs via the General Store in town.

DM Kathy
Thursday October 8th, 2020 4:02:25 PM
Bliss has a wand of lesser restoration. Concerned about the Instant Fortress, Mookie asks Diara about incorporeal undead. Of course, she already told you there were wraiths. "There were wraiths," she says now. "But everything else was corporeal. A pack of ghouls, a few zombies. Some creatures--we never did figure out what they were." Bliss casts a couple of Contingency spells.

Succotash is doing Plane Shift calculations. He wonders whether Hobie might be able to cast from a scroll, so that Succotash doesn't have to go back and forth. A scroll for Hobie would be higher level, and therefore more expensive, but it would probably be better overall.

Kezzem, having just spent a bunch in the Catacombs, doesn't have much to contribute toward a wand, and is relieved to learn that Bliss already has one. He offers his coin anyway.

Murphy speaks with Quercus and Diara. The rogue does not speak Sylvan, but Murphy translates. You ask Diara more about the plane, but she's told you what she knows. "Elora's the smart one," she says. "She's the one who found out about the plane and suggested we go there." You haven't heard of this specific plane, but that's not surprising. There are lots of these pocket realms, and each is really a world unto itself. If you had a month or so, you could probably research it, but you don't have a month.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday October 8th, 2020 5:55:54 PM
Succotash returns from the Catacombs and shows everyone his new wand of searing light. "I got this sucker maxed out, so against the undead it should be pretty effective, assuming I can hit my target of course. I also got a couple of scrolls of Plane Shift. I haven't heard back from Hobie, but I'm hoping he'll pick up a couple also, that will make the trip, there and back, a lot smoother. Otherwise, I'll have to run back and purchase 4 more scrolls, and I'll have to take everyone in two trips, which will work, assuming we don't get jumped upon arrival, or need to make a hasty return."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday October 8th, 2020 9:20:18 PM

After the business with the grotto and more preparations, Pressi finally gets some briefings on what they are up against.

"Ok, a couple of observations. First, we are doing a good job about the undead, but we seem to have forgotten the fae part of the pocket plane. People who wander off are in enchantment or illusion territory, and the place itself may be a maze. Better add "divination counters" to my shopping list (for Find the Path). I don't have much in the way of protections beforehand, so we'll have to focus on the will saves and beating them at their game.

"As for undead, I do have a few options. I can upgrade weapons, control undead, hand out death wards and "hide from undead" spells, along with some of the other tricks like summons or ill omen. Though I will need to hold on to some spells for divinations and the occasional far less healing. Good thing I actually picked up some melee stuff, but I'm open to further suggestions to buy. And everyone should remember to pick up extra healing supplies. There could be some long fights ahead."

She does begin to worry about what happens when the spell slots run out. But she personally should be fine as long as she's judicious in her casting.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday October 8th, 2020 9:53:10 PM

This may or may not be what he was going for, but a lot of what Murphy said - in that calm, pleasant demeanor - began to make Yamyra madder. (Murphy did get a couple of chuckles out of the stone faced sister, though.)

"We had people for the diapers, and a couple of men bent to our will, really don't need to go into the details. Just know a weapon is useless if you can't even threaten with it. Oh, but who am I to lecture about the power of words to someone with such a gifted tongue.

"And do not speak of me as ordinary because I didn't change the world. I saw the world for what it was, and I rode it, and it was glorious. But in the end, I did what I did for my family... and then that ungrateful street rat you so idealize struck iron against us first, damaged us in ways you cannot even begin to appreciate.

"And then you come to... What? Join us? Convert us? Make us see the light? I almost feel sorry for you, a true believer. But Pressi has always known deep down the truth about a lot of things. She is the living embodiment that a single random act can wipe out a number of good deeds."

She smiled, twisting the red liquid in her goblet. "Garron, wasn't it? She walks in a monk of justice and honor, and how does she walk out again? Tsk, such a seemingly random event. But tell me. If she were truly as you describe, a simple failure of a soul gem wouldn't have such an effect, would it? That arcane darkness, that is her true form, just as we predicted...."

From the top of the grotto, a black dragon burst through a wall. "Where is she?" Pressi demanded.

But Murphy and Pressi were now alone.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Thursday October 8th, 2020 11:38:53 PM
"I could head back to the catacombs and pick up a second healing wand," offers Kezzem (assuming Bliss hasn't taken the last of his coin).

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday October 9th, 2020 10:30:01 AM
Bliss has not taken Kezzem's coin! "Nah, thanks but no thanks! I got plenty of my own still!"

Bliss tries to think about fey and what you need to fight them. Cold iron, right? Will his Amulet of Mighty Fists +5 work like cold iron to get past damage reduction? "Does anyone know about that stuff? Arcane lore? Fey stuff?"

"I'm never really studied that stuff!" (Bliss has no knowledge ranks.)

"What other stuff do we know about fey and undead?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Friday October 9th, 2020 12:47:22 PM
"Okay, I'll get that healing wand then," says Kezzem.

DM Kathy
Friday October 9th, 2020 3:03:12 PM
You continue to make preparations. Succotash returns from the Catacombs with his scrolls, still unclear whether Hobie will be able to help with the plane shifting. [If he does agree, your DM will let you share the planar fork, so don't worry about that.]

Pressi advises stocking up on healing, and finding ways to boost Will saves.

Kezzem heads for the Catacombs to get another healing wand.

Bliss wonders aloud about fae. Diara doesn't seem to think her group encountered anything specifically fae, but that doesn't mean there aren't any there.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Saturday October 10th, 2020 1:23:12 PM
"I can prepare some protection spells that can help ward of mental effects," says Kezzem. "Assuming they come from an evil source that is."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Sunday October 11th, 2020 3:11:56 AM

Grotto - A change of audience
As Yamyra spoke, Murphy was attentive to what she said in reply. He nodded acknowledgment of some things, agreement with others. His eyes showed interest as she spoke of riding the world, and he wondered at what things she may have done, and how whatever it was served to benefit her family.

What did she mean by indicating Pressi 'struck iron' against them? Against her family? What things had they done, had her mother done, which would have moved her towards, towards whatever action it was she took?

He had hoped to continue the conversation, and explore further how they might weave together ...

A black dragon. How did he know she was Pressi?

Murphy looks at where Yamyra stood a moment before. Up at where a sister had been observing - vacillating between stony stare and tacit amusement.

"Hi. They disappeared upon your bold entrance, sweets. The conversation was just getting interesting. I've never seen you in that form before, Pressi.

"It will be well beyond fascinating to get to know your family better, I dare say. Now, who was keeping you busy? And, who came with your mother?" He describes the sister who had stood above him and Yamyra. "I didn't get many names."

Murphy takes bits of moss from other places around the stone island and places it where Yamyra had stood. Then he casts plant growth in that specific area, to compensate for the withering effect the older woman had when she was there.

"Now that you're here - I have a picnic for you. And many questions. Would you like to change into something, uh, more comfortable, first?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Sunday October 11th, 2020 4:39:45 AM

Grotto addition

Murphy relates what they said to him. And asks how they kept her away. And puts his arm around her, if she returns to halfling form.

What are the fey like?
"Well, Bliss, according to Eberyon, we, we halflings, are fae in a sense. At least that's what he told Kendry, Airin, Selithe, Morpth, Olo, Patterton, and a bunch of others who witnessed his rebirth as a satyr some years ago.

"I serve Eberyon. He says that the Jericko, the creator, took bits and pieces to form us hobbits. Here is how he put it, according to what Kendry wrote in his journal."

'After the creator finished his journey, he pondered about creating another race that had all the positive aspects of all his other races. A group he could be content with ... a race that pleased him completely. So the creator began his journey again and visited the fey in the forests. He seized a sprite and bound her with magic. The creator then revisited each race again and took from them a portion of what they were. From the elves he took agility and grace. He added it to the fey and it grew. From the dwarves he took devotion to family and added it to the sprite and she began to grow and change. Boldness and fearlessness he takes from the orcs and the fey grew even larger. The creator visited the humans once again and took from them the spark of creativity and the ability to adapt. After all these thing are collected, the creator adds them to the fey and the hobbit was born. A tall, strong, formidable creature that knew no fear. Who had bold ambitions and the creativity to do what they will.

'The creator stood back and admired his craftsmanship. So very pleased he was. And great favor he bestowed on his beloved hobbits. The other races grew jealous and fearful of such a race and made war against them. The creator, in his ultimate wisdom, sought to halt the hostility by making his beloved hobbits smaller in size to lessen the threat they imposed on others. This made the hobbits more elusive to their enemies. It taught them to hide and use the shadows for cover. Gave them patience and cunning. Peace was soon restored and the creator was satisfied. After deciding that his work was complete, the Jericko stepped away from the Wold and rested.'"

So, you see, Bliss, we, in part, are fey. 'All hobbits were created from the body of a fey,' Eberyon told them. Though, I suppose, with enough other bits mixed together that I don't think we are especially susceptible to cold iron - at least no more so than other iron.

"But the fey usually have some sort of exceptional ability. Supernatural, perhaps? And a connection to nature, or to a particular force or place. Tricky, capricious, generous, cruel. Some may be friendly. Some are good at engendering confusion. Some help those they favor. Brownies, sprites, dryads, nereids, nixies, leprechauns, spriggans, satyrs, redcaps, pixies, grig, gremlins, kelpies - those are all fey. Many more types there are.

"Not sure the best way to prepare for them. Keep your wits about you, and mind each other. We also could rope up to keep one or more of us from wandering off without others knowing."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Sunday October 11th, 2020 3:37:57 PM
"I say we concentrate more on what we know for sure, and speculate less on things we don't." Succotash begins. "For example, we know for sure that we need to get there first, and Hobie seems reluctant to help me make that happen, so I'm wondering if I have to head back to the catacombs to pick up a few more scrolls, and we know that the place is infested with undead, and if an undead infestation becomes to big, there is a distinct possibility that that is all there is left. We don't know that for sure of course, but even if there is some living fey still, chances are they would thank us for any thinning of the undead numbers, as even killing one increases their chance of survival."

DM Kathy
Monday October 12th, 2020 1:38:54 PM
Kezzem offers to prepare spells to help against evil mind affects.

Murphy goes over what he knows about fae. But, as Succotash points out, the main problem seems to be undead.

The other Swords are strangely silent.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday October 12th, 2020 5:11:40 PM
Succotash is waiting for a response from Hobie. If Hobie is able to help with the plane shifting, he is ready to do, and lets his friends know, however, if Hobie is unable to help, he needs to make a second trip to the Catacombs, before he is ready to take everyone to the pocket dimension.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Monday October 12th, 2020 7:20:42 PM
"Okay chums, let's do this," says Kezzem trying to get the ball rolling. "Kezzzzzzzzzzzzzem Blacklynggggggggggg."

He runs off in a random direction, and after running for about twenty yards, stops and turns around and walks back to the group.

"Um, which way to go?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday October 12th, 2020 10:26:01 PM

"Hobie - can you help with reading the plane shifting scrolls, as Succotash was suggesting? I might be able to do it via use magic device, but I'll bet you'd do better than I," Murphy says.

"Meanwhile, I've got a few things percolating in the Catacombs..."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday October 12th, 2020 11:54:40 PM

Bliss rises with a happy yawn. "Thank you for the bedtime stories, Mister Murphy! Better than warm milk, they are!"

After rising, Bliss performs his rituals with all the members of the Coven. He uses the Sharing and Grimalkin rituals himself, and Mookie helps with Pressi's Warding basic ritual (I'm assuming that's your basic ritual, Pressi!) He is fully kited out in his new gear.

[OOC: It was a daunting task, but my main PC sheet is now up to date. As is Mookie's. I have to double check the CatBliss sheet.]

Bliss casts his usual buff spells too: Threefold Form on himself and Mookie, Extended Barkskin on both, Shield of Faith for the Ritual of Sharing, and the daily Hero's Breakfast. Those last four are boosted with witch magic that costs him 40 hp, but Granny and the other Adepts of the Coven fix that up in short order.

[OOC: Everybody please remember to roll 1d8+7 temp hit points for your character! Please recall that HF grants a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects]

After breakfast, Bliss is all set. "Okay are we ready to go? I'm ready."

Two rounds before the Plane Shift is cast, Bliss taps himself and Mookie with the Death Ward wand. In the round before he changes into a cat.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d8+7=8 ;
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 3:55:16 AM
ooc: Bliss, so that Heroes Breakfast is a ritual you do every day? and it gives us a +1 on attack rolls every day? basicially permanent?
Hobie gets 8 temporary HP

"Succotash, I absolutely can cast Plane shift from a scroll with you, the only caveat is this, I've practice with scrolls and I know my chance of success for spells I haven't learned. With Plane Shift, I have a 35% chance of failing, which is no problem, I can just try again, EXCEPT, after failing to activate the scroll, theres another 25% chance that I REALLY failed, and the spell can react in an unpredictable way. If it was something like Cone of Cold, and we all had full HP, we could just heal up and laugh about it later, but with PLANE SHIFT...... It could end up taking some but not all of us to the intended location, or it could take all of us to a completely unintended plane. Quite risky."

"So Mathematically, I calculate that we've got a 65% chance it works great, a 26% chance that we just have to repeat the process, and a 9% chance that it goes quite poorly. Remember that I'm the Wold's Greatest Archer, when it comes to the arcane, I'm more of a hobbyist."

"Is it worth the risk? Or should we just teleport to a large city where we could hire a more experienced spellcaster to do it for us?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 4:08:32 AM
"Hold on, I made a mistake in my calculations, Here are the accurate ones."

Success- 75%
Try Again - 19%
Bad News- 6%

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 6:01:28 AM
OOC: Yes, we have Hero's Breakfast every day, as a rule! There's bacon and mushrooms!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 7:03:04 AM
�I completely forgot about the possibility of things going bad, I�ll run back to the Catacombs and pick up 4 more scrolls, and we�ll have go in two trips, well for me it will be three, but that�s another story.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 10:04:22 AM
�I completely forgot about the possibility of things going bad, I�ll run back to the Catacombs and pick up 4 more scrolls, and we�ll have go in two trips, well for me it will be three, but that�s another story.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 1:00:19 PM
Pressi points out that she can do the plane shift scroll (UMD 28 and she has a few tricks to boost that if needed.)

She also points out that they aren't going to buy their way out of all problems. Scouting and divinations are going to be key for this mission, as is avoiding battle where they can.

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 3:01:34 PM
Kezzem screams his name and runs off in a random direction, but it doesn't go well. At least he has chicken.

Hobie does some math to demonstrate that maybe having him try to activate a scroll of Plane Shift isn't a great idea.

Resigned, Succotash plans on acquiring four more scrolls, but since Pressi may be able to activate one, he may only need to get two more.

Murphy also has things he needs from the Catacombs.

The next day, Bliss casts a Heroes' Feast for his companions, and you start your last-minute preparations.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 5:52:31 PM
"I'll just go get 4 scrolls to be on the safe side. Even with your skill at figuring magical devices out Pressi, their is still the catastrophic failure option, and I'm not comfortable with that, especially since I can do it worry free." Succotash then runs off to the catacombs to purchase the need scrolls. in the morning he rises ready to depart.

OOC.. I placed the order this morning, just waiting for it to be processed.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 9:40:52 PM

Pressi considers a last minute divination, but I'm going to give the DM a break.

Most of her preparations are somewhat haphazard, as she's still rather rattled from her family the literal supervillains dropping by. As best as she can tell, Murphy held his own, and she has no idea how he did that but it freaks her out.

The big thing, besides yet another nice weapon, is that she loaded up on divination materials. In hindsight, she wished she could afford some other things like more buffing and invisibility scrolls. But money was tight as usual... and she figured that she can always make due with what resources she has, whatever they may be.

She just hoped the paladin beefsticks understood they couldn't afford to get hit as often, and that they had a backup strategy in mind. Then again, her own backup strategy once the spells ran out was to beefstick away so...

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 5:56:06 AM
"Good luck to us!"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 8:56:27 AM
"Okay, got my spells prepared. Got a couple of protection spells in case anyone gets enchanted, got a couple of divine favors ready to boost my attacks, good all shield other spells so I can tank your damage, a couple of prayers for the group, and a holy sword for the big bad evil guy."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 11:31:17 AM
Out of nowhere, Kezzem feels a friendly punch to his stomach as Hobie suddenly appears.

"All that preparation, and you still can't see the inivisible enemy right in front of you. I got a new ring!"

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 12:33:07 PM
Kim, sir you have email. :) Kathy, you were cced. Once you've read your mail, Kim, you may ask Kathy to remove this OOC post.

::waves at everyone::

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