DM shane d20+11=14 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=29 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2021 2:23:11 AM
apologies to all. this encouter is taking place after you have been on the boat for a week. I thought that I made that apparent in the color text but it seems I have not. I was a bit too subtle. that isn't like me, but you see I've been sick. ;-)
The crew consists of Donald- XO, competent but a bit rough. not above thumping a head to get things done. Thomas ships pilot. smart, educated, but also a bit rough. cusses like a sailor. Randy Sailing master/ships carpenter. older, salty, quiet, has a sneaky sense of humor. Bob ships surgeon/cook. called bones by the crew, good with a knife, really outgoing guy, totally unaffected by gore. but runs a clean kitchen and operating room. Lance Chief Boatswain. decent guy knows rope like you would not believe. Has lots of stories and tells them well. well-spoken in general. Padre ABS Bosuns mate. loves to talk, good at it. can climb rigging like a monkey Mark ABS carpenters apprentice. big-bearded, lots of scars, does not drink on the boat. Lucas ABS. the kid. still a really good sailor. Tim ABS/Ships Marine. good sailor, retired Mailed Fist mercenary, bloody-minded, works all conversations back around to some form of combat. really talented at doing it though...
Donald looks at Haemir, looks at the approaching bogies then looks at the heading. a grin crosses his face then a snarl as he turns to the men and starts shouting. YOU HEARD THE MAN, 5 DEGREES STARBOARD, BUT DONT' USE THE RUDDER, TAKE DOWN THE STARBOARD FLYING SAIL, THEN TRIM DOWN THE PORT AS WE REACH THE HEADING. THOMAS OPEN UP THE WEAPONS LOCKER AND GET EVERYBODY ARMED. RANDY, SET OUT THE FIREFIGHTING BUCKETS YOU BOB ARE ON DAMAGE CONTROL. PITCH IN WHERE YOU CAN, BUT DONT' LET THE SHIP BURN DOWN. TIM GET EVERYONE ORDERD FOR BATTLE. (you were doing about 45" but with the flying sails taken down you are down to about 30" or thereabouts sails probably got you 10" but tacking like you are now probably cost you 5" )
"Lil" gives everyone the blessing of her god. (Unless you don't want it of course, then you are welcome to go to the extreme ends of the ship to avoid it. )
Thorondir casts his spell. Tacking into the wind like they are, seems to bunch the bogies up a bit more, you spell covers the lot of them, three sets of movement quit moving while the other two circle back around to the ones entangled. (3 rounds has now been pushed back indefinitely. )
Sol comes up from below decks and casts mage armor on himself. he don't know what's happening but it smells like folk are rigging for battle. best to be prepared.
Caelwyn holds his shot, 350 yards is a bit much for pin point accuracy.
Akuno flies up into the rigging, but i think she might be waiting for mage armor first though..
in due time the weapons locker is unlocked, pikes halberds, spears swords and crossbows are distributed to any who needs them. Buckets of sand are positioned around the ship from below. Randy and Bob are quick to tell everyone that if a fire starts, throw sand on it and put it out. Tim, Lance, Padre and Tim come back up on deck and start assembling what looks to be a Ballesta, looks like it's going to be mounted on a gimble on the bridge railing. Tim peels off once they get started on the Ballesta, and starts positioning men and going over who does what. he looks over to the party, thinks for a minute then walks over. he takes his hat off as he does, then salutes, looks embarrassed for doing so, blushes a bit, clears his throat, and then speaks.
Pardon, but it seems to me that you all may be contemplating engaging the enemy if that is what this group turns out to be? If I knew your various strengths I might be able to position you in the lineup where you can do the most good.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 d20+10=13 ; d20+10=23 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2021 5:21:07 PM
Thorondir (as an eagle) and Aewen launch from the eagle's nest and fly high to get an overhead look at the entangled area, trying to determine what sort of creatures they are dealing with. The wind whistles over their wings as they move as fast as they can during the round. (fly up and towards the entangled area, mostly gaining height).
Perception Thorondir 13 Perception Aewen 23
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Fand AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 d20+14=15 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2021 6:41:50 PM
Haemir takes out the wand and tries it on himself to no avail, then passes it to Akuno. ---
(use magic device:15 - fails but not enough to suffer a mishap).
(Note to ref: technically Donald is the first mate, unless there's been a mutiny) ;-) using magical devices outside of combat, you are allowed to take 10 if you wish.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Wednesday January 27th, 2021 7:13:51 PM
Sol will nods.
"I am a wizard. So put me where you think I will do the most good. I currently have Light, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Mending, Mage Armour which I have cast on myself already, Magic Missile, twice, Unseen Servant, Charm Person, Scorching Ray twice, Bull’s Strength and Hold Person twice prepared."
After no doubt recieving a somewhat blank look he will try to be clearer.
"I am prepared for a degree of ranged combat. Where do you think I will be best positioned?"
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp d20+13=31 ; d20+13=19 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2021 9:25:01 PM
Akuno winces as Haemir fails it. Maybe it wasn't enough for a mishap, but she could tell he just made the wand cranky. She casts guidance before each try. (Nat 1's that are fails lock you out of the item for 24 hours.)
She manages to pull it off, both for her and Haemir. "I'll pass it back after this is all over."
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Fand AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Wednesday January 27th, 2021 9:30:47 PM
"Keep it.. It clearly doesn't like me"!
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Wednesday January 27th, 2021 10:05:37 PM
Caelwyn volunteers himself and his weapons where needed. "I can fight from range and in close combat, tell me where you think I would do best! Fighting from a ship is not my forte..."
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17Spells Thursday January 28th, 2021 12:28:33 AM
'Lil frowns a bit. "Well, I used to stand behind Grindar and stab folks and beasties what needed stabbing, but he ain't here no more." She pulls out Maya, her magic long spear. "I can drop Maya here and pull out Ramona," she motions to the giant hammer on her back with a thumb before continuing, "but I'm better with Maya. Stuff gets too close to me, and Maya ain't no good no more.
"I can also heal and cast a few beneficial spells, but not many. Domi ain't seen fit to elevate me to high priestess. Least not yet..."
She figures if she's fighting something that ain't in the ship yet, being able to stab at range with Maya may work out super well.
DM shane Thursday January 28th, 2021 2:08:33 AM
OOC: Oh! did not see where Haemir was chosen as Captain, that changes things a bit. Are you really sure you want to be the captain of this ship? it's going to put a crimp in your adventuring away from the ship, and it's going to entail a lot of micromanaging that will slow the game down a bunch. I could just roll daily against your captain skill, and rp any failures you might experience. That does not seem like it would be fun as it singles you out to the exclusion of everyone else. I'm going to pause things for a bit. you really need to think about the consequences of captaining a ship.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Thursday January 28th, 2021 10:13:52 AM
OOC: Well, if we are in pause mode, lets go with this.
Extra stuff? How about we just don't make that a thing. It wasn't at all hinted at previously, and "extra stuff", or invasive scenario needling, is kinda why we lost Grindar. We have a player who wants to steer the boat and make the calls at "sea" using skill checks.
It doesn't HAVE to get any deeper than that, especially in a way that detracts from our main job, being adventurers. You could shift the day to day issues to the personality of the first mate, and from time to time have Haemir either offer correction or guidance based on our choice of who to select. (Which we put -some- thought into.) But we don't need the idea of "consequences" to make this anymore burdensome than it has to be, imo.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Thursday January 28th, 2021 11:19:58 AM
OOC: I agree with Ken, make it simple please. Once a day posting doesn't allow for complexities, otherwise we go through 1 hour in game time during a year for us.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Fand AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Thursday January 28th, 2021 11:59:55 AM
Thanks for bringing this to our attention! The way I pictured this was... If I may draw upon star trek here? :-) The no.1 runs things (translates to first mate) when Picard runs off on adventures and you never see micro-managing because everyone knows what to do. Also I imagined the no.1 (middle-management) directing the crew on a day-to-day basis (basically doing what he does now). I also totally agree that it's impracticable for me to be rolling every 5 minutes!
Please don't worry I won't be upset handing over captaincy if that helps everything. My concerns are all IC! The thing is - after taking 2.5 years to create this ship, the death of a treant and multiple promises to keep it and the compass safe -- why would we let a bunch of rowdy sailors (we only met last week) who have no oath-bond or loyalty to us - be in charge of what is currently the most sought after and unique ship in the plains!? :-)
However, as I said that is all IC concerns. In the interest of making your life easier and game flow - please ret-con (is that the right word?) things so as to make it all smooth and peachy - No problemo!
PS Just read the other replies - I honestly don't mind OOC - my concern is really IC! Let's just get the game flowing and have fun. I promise there are no ill feelings with Haemir stepping down. :-)
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17Spells Thursday January 28th, 2021 12:04:33 PM
Yea, what they said.
DM shane d20+14=20 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=23 ; Friday January 29th, 2021 1:22:32 AM
OOC: Very well then lets go with it. I'll do Star Trek, though I despise it.
Tim listens to the rest of the crew tell him their skills. He puts Sol and Caelwyn up on the quarterdeck so that they have clear vision over the rest of the ship. He tells Caelwyn to protect Sol until they get all the bogies in the "Pocket" and have them engaged then he can drop his bow and join the melee, should he be unengaged. He tells Sol that he doesn't know spellcasting but that he should make himself as much a threat to the bogies as he can, and as much a help to the rest of the crew as he can.
Akuno gets mage armor on herself and Haemir, but here is a tip for you, when out of combat you can "take 10" on a roll. there is a big difference between calmly casting a spell or activating a wand when things are peaceful, versus activating a wand or casting a spell when someone is trying to shove a 3ft sword in your guts.
Tim walks up to "Lil and looks over both Maya and Ramona then gives a long appreciative whistle. Those are some nice weapons you got there he thinks for a second. You know I got half a mind to put you out near the railing when the come up with your hammer, smash their hands, and send them back down to the grass, but I'm probably just indulging in fantasy...you say you are used to filling back rank? we are going to form a battle line around the mainmast. you can support the sailors, they will screen for you so you can use the spear, most of these guys aren't so much fighters as they are brawlers, if I can get them to just concentrate on not getting gutted and let you and me do the killing, we might be able to keep everyone alive.
[b]Thorondir Highlight to display spoiler: { it's strange you see what appears to be little people, only they are hard to make out, when they move they move quickly, but when they stop they just seem to disappear. the ones entangled are moving at a fairly good clip out of the sargrass entanglement, it seems they have slipped the spell and are just dealing with the rough terrain, at about twice the speed of a man walking, the two who did not get caught are invisible, you don't know where they are. they will be out of the entangle this round. }
Tim gives final instructions for the crew including the Sentinels. Okay if they board us. we are creating a battle line around the mainmast. ranged troops, he points toSol and Akuno, and Caelwyndon't fire until they have engaged the battle line. I'm going to have the crew fighting defensively, I want them concentrating on us, once they do, let them have it. I want to do a hammer and anvil maneuver on them. the battle line is the anvil, you guys are the hammer.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17Spells Friday January 29th, 2021 11:12:35 AM
'Lil puts a hand on Tim's shoulder and squeezes. Hard. She looks him dead in the eye.
"Tim, you got lots of experience we don't, and I appreciate that, but we ain't part of the crew. I ain't got no doubt we all got a bunch to learn from you, but let me tell you a little thing about adventurers." She leans in close and drops her voice an octave. "We don't take kindly to being treated like soldiers. If we wanted to be soldiers, we would'a become soldiers. My dudes and I ain't green, and this won't be our first fight on a ship. Now, maybe you should go deal with the actual crew. The Sentinels can handle themselves."
Was it harsh? Yea, probably, but they're in potential danger and her and her dudes' position on this ship needs to be understood now. Tim seems like a tough guy. He'll get over it.
***
Rather than being told where to go and what to do by a crew member that I think technically works for us, can we maybe just get a map so we can place ourselves?
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 d20+10=18 ; d20+10=26 ; Friday January 29th, 2021 12:27:41 PM
Asking Aewen to stay high and keep watch, Thorondir flies down and swoops over the deck squawking and screaming in the noble language of eagles: Highlight to display spoiler: {"They are the small magical folk, two of them are invisible. They have escaped the entangle and are coming fast."}.
With satisfaction at doing a great job scouting, Thorondir then flies upward to rejoin Aewen. He then realizes that with both Bigby and Grindar gone, probably nobody left in the Sentinels is smart enough to understand such a noble language.
Perception Thorondir 18 Perception Aewen 26
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Friday January 29th, 2021 4:17:06 PM
Sol nods, listening to Tim's words.
"I understand, though becoming someone's target is never high on my list of priorities, I suppose I will have to live with it.." he says smirking.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Fand AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Friday January 29th, 2021 8:49:29 PM
Haemir looks up at Thorondir and shrugs.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Friday January 29th, 2021 8:51:45 PM
Akuno hears Aewen's screeches and sighs. Bigby and Grindar would both be missed. She was suddenly... scared. She talked about wanting adventure and monsters to bag, but this felt more like hostile warfare than adventuring. It was hard to explain, but combat between two intelligent groups was much nastier than a team of adventurers killing a monster. A monster was stupid, it could be baited and taunted. Other people were.. well.. much more cunning. Someone could get hurt.
"Lil', one second please." She starts to walk to her friend, then starts awkwardly floating upwards. "Dogsbreath and dungheaps!", she curses. She stretches her small hand out as far as it will go and boops 'Lil on the forehead. "Protection spell! I manifested it by accident trying to sneak around like a commoner! Best of luck!" She gets a handle on her levitation boots, and scoots upwards 20 feet.
She tightens her gear and readies herself for whatever comes next.
Move: Levitate up 20 feet. Standard: Cast Blur on Lil. (20% miss chance for enemies. 5 minutes / 50 rounds)
DM shane Saturday January 30th, 2021 5:55:04 PM
contact in 4 round.
Tim looks taken aback by the venom in 'Lil's tone, then his face clears and he leans forward and whispers to her. Ma'am I'm not trying to treat you as a soldier, but the thing is I've seen a lot of soldiers more experienced and tougher than those sailors behind me, laying on the ground screaming as they bled out and tried to push their guts back into their slit bellies, and I don't want that to happen to these men. you may be the Mistress of Battle, and I'm glad if you are, I'm trying to position you where you can keep these men alive. I'm also trying to get the men bloodied a bit so that they are better able to face the challenges on the Sargrass. if you have a better plan that accomplishes those two goals I'm keen to hear it. you may not be part of the crew but if whatever comes over those rails is hostile, I don't think they are going to care if you aren't part of the crew. so it behooves us to work together. also this ship is tiny, there is not enough room for all of us to do as we wish.
Akuno glides...no..glomps down and casts blur on 'Lil".
Thorondir has to scream out his scouting report. The bogies are moving just slightly slower than you you are flying and you are still 2 rounds out from the boat. the bogies are 4 rounds out
Haemir watches as things develop, his mind planning moves ahead to get his ship through this encounter.
The crew is donning leather armor. Rany and lance are manning the Ballista up on the upper deck with Sol and Caelwyn. Donald, Thomas, Bob, Padre, Mark and Lucas are standing on the port side of rear mast back near the captain's quarters, making a line with the flank anchored at the stairs and hold.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday January 31st, 2021 10:30:11 PM
Caelwyn casts his eyes to the sky, praying silently for Domi's aid. He then nocks an arrow onto his longbow and smiles at Sol. "Stand strong, my friend, and let your aim be true! We will triumph this day."
He prepares to lose to the arrow as soon as the enemy is within range.
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/13/14 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 (Active:Mage Armor/Bless) - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Monday February 1st, 2021 7:57:26 AM
Haemir is beginning to wonder if having the crew near the edge may get half of them killed. He looks at them scrambling to put on leather armor and at some of the party in heavy armor. Heck he'd rather stand there himself than have lightly armored, inexperienced crew there acting as a shield!
He takes out a cloth and unrolls it - inside are 20 xbow bolts and he casts Gtr Magic Weapon on it, taking a bolt out he loads his (normal - not hand-bow) xbow and then places the roll on the floor near the majority of crossbow users. "Help yourselves... Sentinels do we leave them at the front"? ---
Thorondir is in bird form still so we don't understand him no matter how hard he yells right? Is Fand (who went to look a few rounds back) able to report in yet (in common)?
(Ref Q. Is that a house rule? The normal rule for UMD says you can't take a 10).
(Note to party/ref/npc's the bolts act as +2 (also stacks with 'Lil's bless I believe?) - so anyone using them gets +3 to hit and they do d8+2).
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp d20=3 ; Monday February 1st, 2021 1:43:58 PM
Akuno is starting to worry along the same lines as Haemir. She was starting to get along with these sailors, and she knew that they enjoyed having her around. In her mind, it was better if the Sentinels protected them, and only gave them enough room to maybe flank or fight defensively one at a time, with as little danger as possible to the sailors.
She's too far away to hear 'Lil and Tim. So instead, she scans the skies. Was that a bird? Her fangs twitch in anticipation.
Perception: 2
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17Spells Monday February 1st, 2021 3:20:08 PM
Now now. There weren't no venom in 'Lil's voice, just some sternness. "I ain't doubting your intentions, Tim." She leaves it there. Ain't no time to sit down and talk it over.
She waves her hand in front of her face when Akuno casts her spell. "How are those varmints gonna know how pretty I am, Akuno?" she asks with faux worry. She's grateful, though. Don't much feel like getting stabbed or worse.
Her dudes and her sufficiently blessed, Maya at the ready, and Akuno's spell making her hard to target, 'Lil's ready. She positions herself behind the line of crewmen, ready to stab past'em or patch them up should she need to.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Monday February 1st, 2021 5:36:16 PM
Seeing Fand flying ahead of him toward the ship, Thorondir hopes the scouting report will be delivered. Thorondir and Aewen fly up above the ship, at a height of about 100 feet and begin to circle.
DM: Highlight to display spoiler: { If Thorondir can see where the invisible creatures are by movement in the grass, he will cast Faerie Fire on them. Readied action: cast Faerie Fire, outlining creatures in the area in a violet glow.}
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) d20+3=19 ; d3=1 ; Monday February 1st, 2021 6:17:54 PM
Sol smiles at Caelwyn, standing in the centre of the aftcastle with Randy.
"My aim is rarely true unfortunately... but hopefully that will change today..." he smirks ruefully and prepares to cast Ray of Frost on any enemy that gets within range/near to him.
He does frown at the sailors looking to protect the Sentinels, after all aren't Sentinels supposed to be defenders? However he has little knowledge of actual tactics and less of battles on ships, so while he's unsure, he is trusting others know better than he does.
((OoC: 19 to hit the first enemy to get into range of Ray of Frost, range 35 ft, and 1 damage if a 19 hits))
DM shane Monday February 1st, 2021 8:37:02 PM
3 rounds left till contact. bogies are about 360 ft away from the boat but hidden in tall grass. Fand and Thorondir are visible and are now 60 ft from the boat.
Haemir puts out some better arrows for the ranged folk to use. he also spots some problems with the line as laid out, Call attention to it? or let if pass? Tim may have been working with what he had, he may not be fully apprised of what the Sentinels are capable of.
OOC: whoops!. You are correct, can't take 10 on UMD rolls. You may or may not have been able to understand Thorondir and Fand, Macaws are pretty loud. but I didn't really think that since the cat was already out of the bag it was worth a roll. Meta-communication between players is a given anyway. and he really didn't give you any game-changing data anyway. lets assume that Fand reported with Thorondir. if that's okay with Thorondir.
Caelwyngets ready and calls words of encouragement meant to the rest of the team. Your trained archer's eye thinks that you may be able to get a shot off when they get within 20' or so, after that the lee of the boat will obscure them, and before that the grass obscures them.
Akuno sees the same thing as Haemir but she stands her post and watches the skies.
"Lil takes her friend's blessing with a bit of humor and gets behind the line, but she's now better armored than the men in the front row..
The sailors get organized like they have been drilled in it. but even after getting in line, you can see that they are a bit green, this may well be their first time fighting for their lives rather than just for fun.
Thorondir cast something at the bogies, if you are Thorondir Highlight to display spoiler: {you light one up, but the other 4 continue on unaffected. they were outside the effect of yous spell. }
Sol prepares a spell to hit the creatures speeding towards them.
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 (Active:M-Armr/Bless/S.o.f) - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 4:12:15 PM
Seeing some of the crew still scrambling into their leathers, it didn't feel right. Sure he'd shielded behind Caelwn and Lil but they were tough as nails. With not much time to debate he casts a spell and steps up. "I think we need to move the crew back. I fear we've seen more combat than them n' I won't shield behind them". Yeah he had to admit they sounded like 'famous-last-words'.
"'Lil, Caelwyn will you stand with me"? He may not be 100% sure what his role was but he knew what it wasn't. He'd never forgive himself if he watched one of the crew killed on the spot. Besides he had to admit standing near Caelwyn made him feel braver?!
(Heamir locks out his 'create water' and 'touch of fatigue' cantrips for the day and Coalesce Spells Shield of Faith on himself).
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17Spells Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 4:14:49 PM "Anyone got any idea what we're up against?" She's just talking to talk as she looks at the men in front of her. She ain't ever stood behind anyone in cowardice, it's just how she fought and it meant she could stab and heal both. These dudes weren't hardened adventurers and soldiers, though. She couldn't right let them be the front line here. She finds the one who looks like the greenest, scrawniest, whatever, then takes his place.
"Hey, Haemir left some bolts and a crossbow. Pretty sure there's magic on it. I can't aim for squat, so why don't you grab it and help cover us?" She hopes that's not too transparent an effort to relieve him of his front line duty.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 6:08:28 PM
Sol, holding the spell ready, not a major spell, but he dislikes responding with the full force of his arcane might, however he manages to find a moment to open his cloak and allow Corbin to fly out.
"Corbin, do you think you could fly over whatever it is that is approaching as and report back to my and my fellows? It would be useful to know what is advancing on us."
He speaks politely to the bird before giving it space to fly off should it choose to.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 6:12:27 PM
Calling upon his Pearl of Power, Thorondir recalls a spell he has just cast. Moving his talons he casts Faerie Fire again, this time making one of the creatures glow green.
He calls down to his shipmates again, but it is starting to become clear they don't understand the noble language of eagles. Hopefully the Macaw will tell them what he saw.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 10:39:20 PM
Caelwyn notes his position relative to Haemir and Lil. "I will use my bow for a moment, Haemir, and ensure Sol is safe - then I will immediately come assist you in the front line!" He prepares to loose his arrow at the first target he sees.
DM shane Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 1:14:49 AM
At Haemir's words Tim snaps to action, he starts moving the crew to the back row. the crew for their part move back, equal parts relieved and shamed that they will take the back row...well probably a touch more relief than shame.
"Lil offers to trade places with the youngest, you think his name is Lucas, he seems rather overjoyed to be in the back row, and even happier at taking a magic bolt. he scrambles up the rigging until he has good overview and then loads his crossbow.
Sol lets his bird go so that it can do some scouting of its own.
Thorondir lights another one of the bogies up. he Macaw Fand lands on the ship starts jabbering.
AWWWK! looks like 5 or so small elves. they move really fast and disappear when they stand still. Mutated halflings if you ask me. SQUAWK! .
Caelwyn loyal to salt, informs Haemir of his course of action.
Akuno ?
the bogies are 230' away now. coming almost directly into the Port side of the ship. by the time they get here it will directly into the side of the ship. They are running in a loose group in a 25' circle. at least that's what you can see of the rustling grass.
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 8:01:24 AM
Despite the tension Haemir can't help but secretly smile at the graceful way 'Lil suggested the crewman fell back a layer. For all the diplomacy he'd seen here that simple act stood out above all and he felt proud to stand beside her. Taking a page out of her book he moves up and picks someone looking worried or green, "Like 'Lil here says why don't you drop back a layer"? He didn't have 'Lil's grace but standing next to the cleric he smiles and nods: 'thankyou', then tells her, "If you don't have one? I'm going t'cast ye a shield of faith"?!
Seeing the crewman climb a mast with only one bolt he says, "Akuno, do you think one of your invisible servants pass the magical bolts around the crew as and when they need them"? ---
(Heamir locks out his 'Prestidigitation' and 'detect poison' cantrips for the day and Coalesce Spells 'Shield of Faith' on 'Lil who gains a shimmering magical field that grants her a +2 deflection bonus to AC for 5 minutes. If 'Lil tells him she already has one (of objects) he will cast it on Caelwyn of Tim, whichever is near the edge).
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 5:09:05 PM
Akuno realizes she's being asked to do something. "I can try! Its a matter of range! They have a 45 foot range!"
If she can be 20ft up, and still within 45ft of the bolts, she'll have her servant help pass them around or even reload extra crossbows if needed.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 19/12/17 - CMD 17Spells Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 5:20:03 PM
Blurred and shielded? Shoot, 'Lil's feeling pretty good about her odds all the sudden. She also felt pretty good about there only being 5 of them, but when Fand says they can up and vanish just by standing still she feels a little less steady. Who knows how many could be out there.
"So these things can just be invisible in the grass? Seems we need to give our lookouts some kinda magic that lets'em see stuff what's invisible. Maybe some goggles that can detect life even. Those'd be handy, eh?" She nudges the guy on her left as she talks. She thinks his name is Bob. She keeps talking, a little louder. "Any'a you guys get hurt too bad, drop to the deck and call for me. I can heal most'a you from here." She looks towards the aft, judging if she can get everyone with one channel. "Hey cap, switch with me. Can't quite heal them folks in the back from here."
That'll put her next to Tim. "Hey Tim, I ever introduce you to Maya?" She holds out her spear. "Lass was just a plain looking rod when I found her. Slept with her under my pillow and woke up to this beauty." Maya is, in fact, an exceedingly plain looking longspear. Especially so for a magical one.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 d20+10=25 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 6:00:27 PM
Wiggling his talons, Thorondir casts a spell in the direction of the invaders. The grasses in a semi-circular area (150 foot radius) shrink to about one-third normal size, becoming untangled and less bushy. The affected vegetation appears to have been carefully pruned and trimmed. Thorondir sets the area so that when the creatures get to the ship the ship will be alongside the center of the semicircle. Careful not to shrink the grasses that the ship is riding upon.
Aewen continues to fly above him, looking carefully. She will call to Thorondir in the eagle's tongue should she see anything new. Perception 25
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 11:04:21 PM
Caelwyn, seeking what Thorondir is aiming to do, aims in the same direction, waiting for his spell to take affect and give him a clearer shot at the creatures.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 11:15:44 PM
Forgot to mention Cast Spell: Diminish plants
DM shane Thursday February 4th, 2021 1:43:17 AM Haemir's act of bravery, though copied from "Lil" has an effect on the men, heads come up a bit more, they whisper and nod in his direction. looks like they aren't used to having the captain take the front rank.
Akuno your unseen servant can reach everyone who has a ranged weapon. Though the Ballista cannot use crossbow bolt
Lil talks to Tim. he is just finishing up directing the guys and answering some last min questions. but he turns to you and smiles, Yes, I've heard of magic items that do that. I've always wondered if flour would work as well. unfortunately, I've not any flour on me, and this is the first time I've fought invisible creatures.
He takes the spear, reverently, tests the weight, sights down the shaft, and even tests the edge of the spear with his thumbnail. all in just a few seconds. it's a good spear, looks to be well used, and well-loved. My first weapon was a spear, I like them better than swords for most work. . He hands the spear back to you.
Thorondir gets a sneaky plan together. next round the bogies should pop out in the cleared area, exposed to the tender mercies of anyone on the ship with a ranged attack besides that, it's going to make it harder for them to board the ship. (if you guys survive this you are getting a hero point for that one brother!)
Caelwyn and indeed everyone with a ranged weapon including the Ballistia swings their weapons around to point at the areas.
combat will start on the plains next round.
Haemir (Rich) AC:24/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Thursday February 4th, 2021 9:08:44 AM
Haemir looks surprised when the grass recedes and wonders if Thorondir had anything to do with it!? He looks to the sky and mutters "Nice one brother" then casts a spell. His form shimmers and shifts, now looking like some kind of mutant lizard/monster he raises his crossbow and shouts a rally: "FOR THE MAIDEN"... Then assumes a ready-to-fire pose (yeah there may have even been an involuntary 'hisssss' somewhere)?!
Fand readies herself - timing it so she can drop into an attacker. ---
(Note to Carl/'Lil - happy to swap places - move me on the map to wherever + don't forget to amend your AC/header).
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Thursday February 4th, 2021 12:36:47 PM
(Haemir Coalesce Spells two 1st level slots to cast his Alter Self)
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Thursday February 4th, 2021 1:52:56 PM
Thorondir flaps his wings and flies to the port side of the ship as the grass shrinks. As soon as he sees the invaders enter the diminished grass, he casts another spell.
Cast: Spike Growth, hopefully when they are about 5-10 feet inside of the diminished plants area. Should be a square about 45' on each side. I want to catch them 5-10 feet inside the area so that they will have spikes if they retreat or continue forward.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Thursday February 4th, 2021 4:02:13 PM
'Lil smiles as she takes the spear back from Tim. "I hear that. Swords always seemed more 'cool' than 'effective' if ya know what I mean." She looks in amazement as the grass recedes. "That is gonna be a useful spell," she half whispers to herself.
She tries to keep her cool when Haemir turns into a monster, but only barely makes it. She chuckles nervously. "Like there aren't enough monsters out there already, we gotta make our own."
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Thursday February 4th, 2021 4:58:13 PM
Sol is somewhat taken aback by all this tactical talk and decision making. He is very clearly out of his element, not so much fighting, he can do that well enough. Ish. But more trying to lead others in combat... but he supposed it wasn't up to him, he after all, was not the captain.
He looks to watch Corbin to see if anything happens to his Familiar, and in any case keeps his spell prepared.
DM shane d20+9=24 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=10 ; 25d4=63 ; 25d4=74 ; 25d4=52 ; 25d4=64 ; 25d4=57 ; 9d4(1+1+2+4+2+3+4+3+4)=24 9d4(3+2+1+4+1+3+2+1+1)=18 9d4(1+3+1+2+2+1+4+2+2)=18 9d4(1+4+3+1+4+4+4+4+3)=28 9d4(1+4+4+1+1+2+2+2+4)=21 Friday February 5th, 2021 7:35:46 PM Sol Corbin is just fine, circling 200' above the action, not much can reach him unless they have a bow.
Haemir Turns into a monster and souts to motivate the troops. good thing they were behind you when you did that. some of them might have jumped off.
"Lil" barely keeps from jumping off herself. she's also in the know about spears and monsters.
Thorondir casts his spell,
hmmm...I guess Caelwyn and Akuno were busy.
The bogies burst from the overgrowth onto the lawn. their speed increases dramatically. they are visible. small, a little over 2' maybe 2 and a half ft tall, lightly built, fast and they have the long ears and the slanted eyes of fey,
at speed they hit Thorondir's spiked growth spell, not a one of them notices it and they move across it at speed. spiked growth does 1d4 per 5 ft, the spell covers a 20 sq per caster level. so 100 sq ft. I am going to assume you positioned it to get all of them so 25 x 4 = 100 each of the bogies, if my math is correct take 25x1d4 points of damage. Any other DMs that are playing this game, please check my interpretation of the data. but I think Thorondidr Just got a TPK on these bogies with 2 spells.
it's a 20' square per level he laid it out 45x45 square. the speed that these things move they are going to cross the trap in 1/2 of second. I'm ruling that they cannot stop in time to miss crossing it. so re-roll at 9x1d4
bogie 1 takes 28 hp his body flops lifelessly on to the gound opposite the spiked growth and slides up against the grass on the other side. bogie 2 takes 18 hp and takes a header into the spiked growth as well. bogie 3 takes 18 hp tries to put on the breaks but cannot stop before he crosses the trap, he shreds his feet and starts bleeding out on the other side of the trap. bogie 4 takes 18 hp and goes the same route as 3 bogie 5 takes 21 hp he was with 1 and crosses only to bleed out at the edge of the sargrass on the other side. they all made it across the spiked growth but not as a cohesive fighting force, but as a bloody and wretched ruin.
a stain of off-color magenta blood and torn bodies now litter the lawn that Thorondir made.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Friday February 5th, 2021 11:54:53 PM
Caelwyn loses an arrow at the creatures...only to watch in disbelief, and a bit of disgust, as Thorondir's spells shred these things into pieces, parts littering the ground. His arrow lands in a dead body with a dull *thump*, completely useless. He glances over at the druid. "By Domi...have I ever mentioned that I'm glad you're on our side, Thorondir?"
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Saturday February 6th, 2021 12:20:54 AM
OOC: I sent an email, I think the spike growth wasn't calculated correctly.
re-rolled, thanks Kelly.
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Saturday February 6th, 2021 4:45:06 AM
Haemir's lizard trigger finger is itching .. Aiming at the spot where he thinks they will show.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Saturday February 6th, 2021 10:15:41 AM
Flying at top speed towards where a couple of the invaders made it to through the spikes, when he is within 40 feet he wiggles his talons and casts a spell.
Cast: Stabilize on one of the creatures bleeding out.
DM shane Saturday February 6th, 2021 3:23:50 PM
Guys, I feel I need to apologize a bit. this encounter just goes to show that everything in this world has its foil. if you haven't figured out what the bogies were roll DC 21 dungeoneering . DC 19 Plaines, DC 23 nature, to Highlight to display spoiler: {they were Quicklings}. I had hoped to give you a good tight corners fight on the deck of the ship. but the set up that Thorondir put together was just too perfect to nerf for the fight.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Saturday February 6th, 2021 6:50:32 PM
Akuno watches the monsters fall down in little blossoms of red all over Thorndirs plants. Her pre-combat buzz overflows. "Yikes! Well done, Murder Bird!" Stupid monsters. She lands slowly on the deck, then peeks over the side of the ship. "Um, hello!" she shouts. "That'll teach you to mess with us!"
If one of them so much as makes a gurgling noise, a terrified and startled Akuno will throw glitter magic all over it.
Held action: Cast Glitterdust. Will DC 17 vs blinding. No save vs the shiny pretty dusty bits that prevent invisibility.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Saturday February 6th, 2021 7:39:15 PM "Well," starts 'Lil. "Guess we know who wins the most valuable combatant trophy this time around."
She looks at the corpses but ain't never seen anything like'em before (no knowledge skills, meaning I'm capped at a DC of 10). "ANY OF YOU KNOW WHAT THOSE THINGS ARE?" she asks loudly.
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Sunday February 7th, 2021 4:55:16 AM
It's way too quiet so Haemir looks over the edge with Akuno. Seeing all the mess down there he whistles and dismisses his lizard form before turning back around...
"Murder bird"?! He chuckles, well it did have a good ring to it.
[OOC - no need for an apology - it's all been good fun! Cudos to Kelly).
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Sunday February 7th, 2021 10:39:46 AM
Sol looks confused at the spells and watching them work.
"Thorondir! You are going to HAVE to show me how to do that!" He calls after his compatriot.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Sunday February 7th, 2021 11:46:25 AM
Thorondir lands on the ship and shifts back into his elven form. He shakes his head and says:
"I tried to slow them with an entangle, but it didn't work. Fearing they would attack the Maiden, oh and you folks as well, I set up a spike trap to slow them. I did not expect them to continue through it until their death. They were much faster than anything I have seen before. I did stabilize one of them, but I don't know if he lives or not. I do not have any ability to heal them at this time. I could also not carry him to the ship as the ship was still moving too fast for me to carry him and catch the ship. They did appear to be attacking us didn't they?"
He looks around at the Sentinels
"What should we do?"
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Sunday February 7th, 2021 11:12:38 PM
Akuno points to the one that was stabilized, and floats near enough for as many unseen servants as necessary to carry it back to the ship. "Gently." She adds, as an afterthought.
DM shane Monday February 8th, 2021 4:55:24 PM
Luckily for you guys it's SOP for ships crews to stop and look for loot after a battle. the Sailors are already at the sails waiting for [Haemir[/b]'s command. If he gives the command, the unseen servants can retrieve the stabilized bogie, otherwise you sail out of reach.
Thorodir frets over whether or not he did the right thing. but that question will be answered by the survivor, the sailors have their opinions though, it boils down to this. "If they was needin' help and all. they would have lit a fire or waved their underwater in the air or something. Nah they was tracking on us like shark to a wounded fish. "
but he gets high praise and even a new nickname from the Sentinals.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells d8+5=13 ; Monday February 8th, 2021 6:52:41 PM "So, can we question it? Does it talk or know our language or anything?" She looks around. "And no one answered my question about what these things are. No one knows?"
'Lil's ready to cast a CLW on the thing if it needs it to wake up. The spell will heal for 13 HP.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 d20+9=19 ; Monday February 8th, 2021 7:26:18 PM "I'm not sure what they are, but they are fast. Better to bind it before you heal it, just in case. Thorondir will go out and check the ones that did not make it. He dismisses the spike growth, and puts the bodies on one of Akuno's discs or has the servants move them to the ship."
When they get back to the ship, he turns to Sol: "Can you check these things for clues as to what they are? Maybe check them for magic or valuables too?"
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Monday February 8th, 2021 8:14:15 PM
Haemir leans over the edge and peers down before straightening "I'm going to be honest here but I'm seeing".. his hands motion a kind of surf that becomes a smear... emphasizing little arterial sprays of blood, almost jester-like, either way it looks messy.
He walks over to "Thorondir, they fought tooth and claw through yer entangle, they were definitely coming for us! Your conscience should be clear brother". He pats Thorondir on the back. "Fine trap, using their own inertia against them". He looks proud.
He looks around at the crew in armor, some of them wide-eyed still, it would take a lot of work for them to suddenly stop the maiden, even then it would be quite distant, turning would take ages (or splitting up dangerous) plus returning to search through that mess really wasn't calling him. Afterwards it would also take a while to build up the speed again, he ponders for a second. "If you feel the need to check them, we can stay at this speed? You'd be able to catch up in a few minutes. Just stabilize n' leave them be. You don't interview the lion about why he wanted to eat you and we certainly don't want them onboard"!
(Haemir is happy to stop if that's the decision - he feels like we've avoided a crash and wants to move on. He will however go with the majority).
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Monday February 8th, 2021 8:27:49 PM ”Tell you what, I’ll check on them and gather up any valuables that might be on the bodies. I can change into an eagle again today and fly back to you if I need to. Can’t carry the body, it if you don’t want it aboard then it doesn’t matter.”
Thorondir adjusts his plan to meet with Haemir’s suggestions.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday February 8th, 2021 11:10:39 PM
Caelwyn makes an effort to bind the creature before any attempt is made to awaken it and find out what it is and what it hoped to do. "Domi was with us today...we were spared a hard fight and possible death among our crew." He stands ready with his trident and shield should they decide to awaken and question the creature.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Tuesday February 9th, 2021 6:51:05 PM
Sol watches with interest as the loot is gathered up, and gets ready to Detect Magic to look for any magical items.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Tuesday February 9th, 2021 6:57:46 PM "Good idea. We got a bunch of sailors around here. You guys are good with rope, right?" 'Lil asks cause she ain't.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Tuesday February 9th, 2021 7:03:13 PM
Akuno is extra glad she made her boots. She's not climbing a rope.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Tuesday February 9th, 2021 10:46:39 PM
Caelwyn seconds Lil's idea - the sailors probably know more about ropes than he does.
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Wednesday February 10th, 2021 2:11:16 PM
Seeing the eager crew how could he refuse? With a grin he gives them his blessing.
"Slow the maiden lads. There may be some booty".
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Wednesday February 10th, 2021 8:35:10 PM
'Lil chuckles. "He said booty," she snorts while elbowing Caelwyn.
DM shane Wednesday February 10th, 2021 11:34:24 PM
OOC: these things weigh about 15 lbs. that may be too much for one bird to carry, but two or three eagle surely can lift one.
it is discussed and finally decided to stop and look for booty. the one that was stabilized is going to be down for a while unless someone spends a healing spell on him.
The Maiden is brought to a standstill and anchored to some of the grass, with an iron attachment that looks something like a comb, but with two ropes attached. a net is dropped over the side and Tim who is now looking at Thorondir with a bit of hero worship asks if you want the "boys" to go do it or if the Sentinels want to it.
Each of the bodies has a short sword, 100 gold and a vial on them. the contents of the vial are red, and it seems that the blades have the red smeared on them.
Tim suggests tracking them back and seeing where their camp was. It cannot be but a dozen hundred yard back the way they came. we probably ran up on their camp.
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Thursday February 11th, 2021 6:51:50 AM
Fand will carry the creature.
As the unconscious form is bought on board - Haemir concludes he's seen nothing like it... Leaning forward he places a hand on it and closes his eyes.
"It's a quickling" he says standing up. ---
(Lore Keeper: May touch a creature to learn about it and it's abilities/weaknesses. Gains info as if made the appropriate Knowledge skill check with a result equal to (15 + BW level + Int mod) = 25).
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Thursday February 11th, 2021 7:02:37 AM
[Fand's carrying capacity is: Light: 37˝ lbs. Excluding his barding that leaves 30lbs. Not sure of any rules regarding flying and carrying)?!
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Thursday February 11th, 2021 3:35:18 PM
'Lil casts stabilize on the quickling, just to make sure he don't bleed on the ship. She ain't sure about Tim's suggestion. "Are they evil, Cae? If they're not bad and just defending their territory, I ain't inclined to go bringing more trouble their way."
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 d20+10=13 ; Thursday February 11th, 2021 4:19:36 PM ”I’m glad they were stopped before they could reach the Maiden, but I am just a bit shocked. To tell you the truth that is the first time I’ve used those two spells in battle. I’ll keep them handy in the future.”
Thorondir solemnly gathers the equipment from the three deceased quicklings.
Aewen circles overhead looking for any potential adversaries while they deal with the bodies. Perception 13
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Thursday February 11th, 2021 4:33:53 PM
Sol looks to the injured Quickling and it's fellows.
"Perhaps we should see if they have a particular manner of giving due to their dead, and ensure we complete it? It may help earn us some goodwill, whether or not they were attacking..."
He puts his arm out so Corbin can land on it. The bird then clambers up onto his shoulder, also watching intently.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Thursday February 11th, 2021 6:03:59 PM
Akuno isn't sure WHAT to think.
"It's small, like me.", she says. She reaches out and touches its ear, then pulls her hand back. Maybe they were poisonous. She had best be careful.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Thursday February 11th, 2021 11:15:17 PM
Caelwyn looks suspiciously at the vial. "That looks like some kind of poison, perhaps, I would be careful handling it." Frowning, he reaches out a hand toward the creature and closes his eyes, searching for Domi's guidance as to whether this creature is good or evil.
Casts Detect Evil
DM shane Friday February 12th, 2021 2:51:45 AM Caelwyn your detect evil, even on the dead ones, it brings back Highlight to display spoiler: {a strong evil signal. chaotic too. }.
Akuno touches a dead one's ear, gown cold, even in the heat of the Sargrass, death tends to leach the heat from your bones.
Sol questions what their death rites are, perhaps Haemir can give some insight?
Thorondir is stunned to realize the effectiveness of those two spells in the sargrass.
Lil asks if they are evil, perhaps Caelwyn knows.
Haemir presses his hand upon the injured one and finds out a lot about it. if you are Haemir Highlight to display spoiler: {Few creatures can match the speed of a quickling. These malicious fey creatures delight in striking with blinding speed and accuracy, often killing their victims without ever fully revealing themselves; the victim simply spurts blood and falls over dead, with no witnesses to the quickling's deed. Though related to brownies and grigs, quicklings share none of their kin's generosity or merriment, choosing instead to live a life of cruelty and viciousness. Quicklings pride themselves on insults and brutality, and frequently stalk and harass their quarry until the victim gives up the chase. While quicklings are naturally invisible when motionless, they rarely contain themselves, and bob and twitch while standing and talking to other creatures. Quicklings hate every other race of creature, particularly elves, gnomes, and other kinds of fey. They barely tolerate their own kind, and rarely work together for longer than a few weeks.
Quicklings stand just over 2-1/2 feet tall and weigh 15 pounds.}
soon the site of the slaughter is picked of all of value, do you dare to venture deeper to find their lair?
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Friday February 12th, 2021 6:32:41 PM
When the subject of loot turns up Haemir suggests an even split crew & Sentinels (at least on this occasion).
“Here’s what I know. Quicklings are malicious, cruel and vicious xenophobes who delight in brutality. Sometimes they taunt their victims and other times they’ll move so quick the first thing you know is when someone falls over spurting blood - quite dead, with no witnesses. That’s how fast they are. Also you can hardly see them when they stand still””.
He paces for a second or two then adds: “Here’s the strange thing, they barely tolerate their own kind, it's rare for them to work together for longer than a week or two, So, either something's going on here or this was the rare exception”.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 d20+10=28 ; Friday February 12th, 2021 6:41:48 PM
Thorondir hands all of the gear he has taken from the quicklings to Haemir. "Here you go, do with it what you want."
He then looks at the quickling he stabilzed before he realized that they were evil. "I kept that one from dying by stabilizing him. I don't have it in me to kill it now. You decide what you will do with it. Also, if you plan on seeking out their camp, realize I can't do those spells again today. We will be at a disadvantage if there are more of them."
Aewen flies above: Perception 28
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Friday February 12th, 2021 10:41:12 PM
'Lil groans. "If they're evil and there's a bunch'a them nearby, we can't just ignore it. If they're as bad as Haemir says they are, we should go clear'em out if we can." She looks around, hoping someone will say something to prove her wrong and let'em continue on to civilization.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Friday February 12th, 2021 11:05:07 PM ”Well, I’m not sure if you are aware since I did it in eagle form far from the Maiden. I was quite busy and cast all my most powerful spells to try to protect the Maiden and all of you. I’m a bit spent at the moment.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Saturday February 13th, 2021 10:41:02 AM
Sol thinks for a moment.
"If these creatures are as brutish as Haemir claims, it is entirely possible this group only go together to try and attack The Maiden, and as such there may not be a camp out here... but... I would feel remiss and distraught if it turns out there was a camp out here and we did nothing while it pillages another set of travellers. I cannot say in good conscience that we can move on until we are relatively certain this route is safe for others."
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Saturday February 13th, 2021 11:29:03 AM
(Sorry, I was waiting for a queue from either the paladin or the witch!)
Akuno yanks her hand back. Cold and dead, that was something she hadn't got to see much of. Suddenly, slaying monsters was suddenly a little less appealing. Random thoughts tumble about in her brain. "What makes these monsters?", she asks. "I certainly hope its their behavior, and not their appearance or their... otherness". She closes her eyes and falls back into her Floating Disk palanquin of pillows. "I am fortunate enough to have both peak human charm AND beastly attributes that add to my cuteness. Some of the beastfolk are not so fortunate. Take our homely and departed dog-boy. That scruffy lumpkin could have easily been mistaken as a monster by someone who didn't take the time to feel him out. I guess even I could be mistaken too, if someone were to consider any beast-traits a sign of being monstrous."
Whether she's really taken in by this line of thought, or just wanted a chance to be smug over how cute she thinks herself to be is anyone's guess. She does have a more solid thought on the quicklings. "Even without Thorondirs spells, we should pursue the monster lair if this area is traveled regularly at all. Or if we want it to be so in the future. If this is a random encounter unlikely to ever be repeated by other travelers, we can probably consider our duty done."
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Monday February 15th, 2021 12:57:45 AM
Caelwyn's eyes narrow, and he lowers his hand slowly. They are not just "other", I fear...Haemir is right. The taint of evil and chaos are both present, and they are strong."
He looks around the ship at the landscape. "We should probably make sure there are no more in the vicinity. If our ultimate goal is to make the Sargrass a safer place for our own settlers and for others as well, we cannot allow a group of creatures like this to flourish."
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Monday February 15th, 2021 3:01:27 PM
'Lil hears Thorondir mention he's tapped, which makes sense since he's the only one who did anything of importance.
"We can just look today and plan our next move, yea? No need to go in swords swinging and spears stabbin'."
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Monday February 15th, 2021 9:41:01 PM
"My thoughts too" Haemir says nodding after [/b]Lil[/b] speaks.
DM shane Tuesday February 16th, 2021 3:27:49 AM
things are discussed, questions asked, and information exchanged. but the one thing to come out of it is that monsters such as these cannot be allowed to flourish. it's is decided to find the lair.
does the party traipse blindly through the sargrass following the trail or do they have the ship follow them to aid if need be and also prevent a long walk back?
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Tuesday February 16th, 2021 12:58:21 PM
'Lil ain't sure why they'd leave the ship in the first place. Let's stay aboard as we look.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Tuesday February 16th, 2021 12:59:21 PM
Akuno nods. "Understood then."
She doesn't even consider the possibility that someone wants to walk through the grass on purpose when they could ride on the ship.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 d20+9=19 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+6=20 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2021 1:40:02 PM
Dismissing the spike growth first, Thorondir will follow the trail back to where the quicklings came from, as the ship follows behind him. If he has trouble finding the trail, he will shape change into a wolf to use the scent to track. Otherwise, he stays in his elven form. Aewen flies overhead looking for signs as well.
"Okay, I will see if I can follow their trail while you come behind me on the ship. Go around the pruned grasses."
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) d20+6=10 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2021 6:25:32 PM
Sol nods at Lil's words.
"[b]Staying on the Maiden is a good idea. It will help us move more swiftly.[b]"
Corbin will fly above us and keep an eye out for the camp. ((10 on Perception))
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:Active - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 d20+7=17 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2021 7:50:23 PM
"Good plan. We'll follow up".. He nods to Fand who takes to the sky and starts to search (Perception:17).
DM shane Wednesday February 17th, 2021 5:24:10 PM
it's easy to follow the path. the little fey tears the ground up good when the run, broken grass, and churned dirt lead like the yellow brick road back several hundred yards to the quicklings camp.
it's an Abbitor, luckily there were only 5 of them, and apparently, they had been preying on some Manfri, the bodies of 2 unlucky folk are in the camp. their deaths were not easy or quick.
Tim quickly moves to cut their bonds and to cover them with his shirt.
The quicklings have small backpacks. and in among the odd and grotesque "trophies" there are another 500 gp a jar of some sort of salve, and two really nice star sapphires about the size of a marble.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Wednesday February 17th, 2021 7:05:37 PM
Sol looks saddened by the dead bodies, and even tries to help cover them.
"Tim, is there a particular manner we can lay these poor souls to rest?"
Haemir (Rich) AC:19/15/16 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/411 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 7:52:49 PM
Haemir is appalled at the scene but quick to help recover the bodies...
Laying them out with reverence he crouches down next to one and zones out for a while. Then he starts brushing off little bits of dirt here and there, like a fussing parent he scoops funk from its mouth: "There we can't have that can we"? ... Some of his words can be heard quite clearly, others not so much. "How did you..? No, what do.. body, remains? No"... He carries on for a minute or two.
If you avidly watch him (and into spell-casting) he sort of trances out somewhere in the process and casts (domain: 'Speak with dead') without flourish and snaps back. "I am sorry for your passing and wish you peace, what should we do with .. those of you left here"? Haemir isn't expecting a reply - so he jumps to his feet if it does but calms quickly.
He thinks his last question through: "[i]It's his last chance to tell someone something important, or maybe just a warning "don't turn your back on Jon"? At the end of the day he could imagine some people would choose to tell who killed them, but it was obvious here, so perhaps his dying wish or maybe the funniest joke he'd ever heard, or a secret? Dealers choice. "What is the most important thing you wish to say"?
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 10:07:45 PM
Caelwyn shakes his head at the carnage. "Looks like Thorondir's actions earlier were more than merited...this is truly tragic. May the gods grant them rest...and may Domi give us strength to fight the evil of this land."
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Thursday February 18th, 2021 11:32:41 AM
Thorondir is shocked by the brutal murder of the two Manfri, but it is good to see that his actions were merited.
"So now we know what the quickling creatures are. We must be prepared. They were going in and out of invisibility, so we must have a way to counter that. I'll keep those grass spells handy, but my strength limits me to once per day for each at the moment."
He then notices that Haemir is communing with the dead, and Thorondir falls silent.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Thursday February 18th, 2021 3:45:13 PM
'Lil's pretty disgusted. As the only thing passin' for a priest around here, she's ready to give the two manfri their last rites unless a more suitable ceremony presents itself. Haemir starts questioning the corpses. That don't sit well with her, but she ain't a cleric of Gargul or nothing. She waits to see what they say.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/411 Thursday February 18th, 2021 5:45:13 PM
"Ok, so yeah quicklings are naturally invisible when motionless, but they can rarely contain themselves, they bob and twitch like they've eaten a shop full o'sweets. Maybe we can learn to look for their movement"?
DM shane Friday February 19th, 2021 3:38:31 AM Haemir The bruised, cut, and tortured body is cold, but the magic makes its lips move, its lungs pump air, and its tongue form words. The quicklings did not defile their mouths, maybe they liked the way they screamed, maybe they died before they could. the corpse has a nice voice, deep for such a tiny body, and even in death you can tell it belong to a man more used to laughing than anything else.
Bury us, so that the sargrass can be nourished by our passing. if you have them, plant Chorley seeds upon our plot, so that others in the sargrass may be nourished by our passing. it is good that you killed the quick ones, it pleases us, that no one else will die by their hand. I know your kind, the tall folk from across the great water, if you were my people i could tell you how to find my home so that you could tell my people I have passed, but you are not, and I have not the words to tell you how to find them. My name was Tomix of the weeping bellflower tribe, son of Malus, the person who died with me was Talina, we were to be wed, he father was Lorix she was of my tribe. if you should see grass folk like me, tell them what happened here, and eventually, word will reach my tribe.
[b]Caelwyn comments on the justness of his friend's actions.
Thorondir starts thinking of how better to interdict the murderous fey.
Lil isn't too keen on casting spells on the dead, but waits to see what will happen first.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Friday February 19th, 2021 11:21:27 AM
'Lil ain't sure she can keep them names in her head, but Haemir's head's much better than hers. She grabs a shovel, remembering the tools that she stores in her backpack, and starts digging. She's got extras for the crew members and her own dudes who have the muscles for digging through such parched, tough ground.
...
The graves dug, she helps put the Manfri in them and cover it all up. "Domi, there's a lot we don't know about the Manfri, but I've found young folks in love act pretty much the same in all cultures. What happened here was a tragedy, and I pray for their safe passage into their rest. I hope they can be together in the next life, even if this one was cut short too soon."
She's angry, but holds it together. She makes a mental note that quicklings ain't to be talked to before attacking. There's still a little soreness at doubting Thorondir's decision to attack them druids first. She won't be doing that again.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/411 Friday February 19th, 2021 7:04:35 PM
Haemir takes his cauldron out and waves his hands over it. Then starts to speak to the coven of the silver dragon. In particular the Manfri he recruited recently. He tells 'stardust' all about what happened and asks if he can help pass the message on or locate the tribe.
When the magic fades and Tomix's body becomes lifeless again Haemir gently closes the mouth and stands, seeing Lil's obvious distaste for what occurred, he tries to speak, just to say something but he can't. They were about to wed and in the prime of their lives...
He helps with laying them to rest under Lil's direction then after he quietly adds: "Rest in peace Tomix son of Malus and Talina daughter of Lorix of the weeping bellflower tribe. May your souls recycle n' know each other once more".
He reaches in his bag of holding and searches all the seeds he's been collecting over the years, Chorley was fairly common after all...
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Friday February 19th, 2021 8:26:02 PM
Akuno watches the proceedings both quietly, and with some obvious amount of sadness. What a terrible day! Or was it a good day, since they buried someone and put them to rest? Good on what sort of scale?
She wasn't sure she was cut out for this life sometimes. "But I'm not in it for the lifestyle, I'm in it to be found and reclaimed. Respected and adored. Endure the bad and bask in the good. It's the only way."
She pulls a bit of lace from her dress around each of their fingers. She wasn't a priest or anything, but it made her feel like she did something nice.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Saturday February 20th, 2021 12:18:35 AM
Thorondir listens to the wisdom of the dead Manfri about nourishing the grasses and comes to a decision. After the Manfri are buried he grabs the shovel and walks back to the quickling killing ground. He digs a large hole and tosses the dead creatures into it. He uses the shovel to dice them up a bit to make the nutrients more readily available. He covers up the creatures and pulls a feather token from his bag. Looking about at the pruned down version of the sargrass, he lays the feather on the ground. Uttering a command, a large Oak tree grows above the dead bodies he buried. Once everyone is on the ship, he casts create water in the soil beneath the tree, so that no water sits upon the ground. Hoping the tree and soil will take the water up before anything else has the chance.
“A monument to what has happened here, so we will never forget. The oak will use water wisely and when we come this way again I will give it a drink.”
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Saturday February 20th, 2021 11:19:59 PM
Caelwyn does what he can to help lay the poor souls to rest, but also makes sure to keep an eye out for any other approaching enemies. He listens with appreciation to Lil's words, and utters his own silent prayer asking that Domi give them the strength to resist evil in the days ahead.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Monday February 22nd, 2021 5:28:08 PM
Sol also does what he can to help lay these poor souls to rest as well, he isn't strong or able, but does his best and tries to help where he can.
DM shane Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 2:33:10 AM
the deceased final requests are fulfilled, and with it, a sense of sorrow, pain, and loss that you didn't even realize were affecting the space is replaced by a feeling of completion, peace, and continuance. The Maiden pulls up about 50 yards from the area and drops a rope ladder, while the crew scans the area for danger.
in the distance an Oak Tree springs to life in the cleared area where the Qucklings died.
does anyone try to appraise the value of the two star sapphires?
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 1:49:17 PM
Wait, an oak tree springs to life? Like, a tree grew there...oh wait, Thorondir's spell.
'Lil can't appraise anything and is eager to get moving again.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) d20+15=17 ; d20+15=26 ; Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 3:55:12 PM
Sol will attempt to appraise the stones, showing some interest in them ((17 and 26 respectively)).
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 4:47:03 PM
As the men are prepping to leave Haemir stops and smiles when a distant tree suddenly sprouts up. He smiles and offers the new-born a salute by tipping an imaginary hat.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 9:57:03 PM
Akuno too, waves a happy wave at the tree. "Well, that was not something I expected today. Are we all ready to get moving again?"
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20=17 ; Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 11:11:09 PM
Caelwyn smiles at the sight of the tree, a welcome sight to him on these open plains. He takes a wild guess at the worth of the sapphires (17)
DM shane Wednesday February 24th, 2021 4:44:50 PM
The scene of the slaughter fades as the ships makes its way toward it's destination. a few weeks pass and during that time Caelwym gets a read on how much the Sapphires are worth. but the little jar of Ungent is still a mystery.
two robins eggs sapphires are of real pristine quality. and you estimate that they are worth about 7000gp a piece.
the pilots book takes you to where Zaran City was the first time, but it's not there now. Donald gets excited. if its moved and you can find it. he can sell the info for a pretty gp.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Wednesday February 24th, 2021 6:02:43 PM
OOC: Sorry to not post, Mom has been in the hospital.
Once the oak has grown, Thorondir wild shapes into an eagle and he and Aewen perch in the tree until the ship is almost out of sight. The feeling of having a tree beneath you is something he has sorely missed, and after the carnage it helps ground him. He assumes that is because the tree's roots connect him to the ground, as his talons connect him to the tree. He must find some way to bring more trees into the grasses.
During the voyage Thorondir spends lots of time with Aewen, as the two eagles soar above the boat.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) d20+13=26 ; Wednesday February 24th, 2021 7:03:41 PM
Sol will spend most of the voyage trying to learn a little about how the boat works, what the different roles on the ship are and how they interact, writing it all down in his journal.
He also shares the value of the two sapphires, and perhaps tries to figure out what the ungent is? ((Spellcraft - 26))
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Wednesday February 24th, 2021 7:58:02 PM
Haemir enjoys the wind in his hair with Fand flying beside the maiden and spends freetime working on a theory/spell.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Wednesday February 24th, 2021 8:31:54 PM
'Lil does not share Donald's excitement. How was he planning on finding said city? It could have moved pretty darned far.
"Thorondir, maybe it's close enough for you or Aewen to find it from the air?"
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Wednesday February 24th, 2021 10:27:21 PM
Caelwyn is pleased at the value of the sapphires, and speaks with Sol and the others about it. He, like Lil, is less than pleased to discover that the city has moved. "That's unfortunate...is there any rhyme or reason to how things move around here?"
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 d20+10=26 ; d20+10=15 ; Wednesday February 24th, 2021 11:13:13 PM
Thorondir and Aewen fly high and look for the lost city. Perceptions 26, 15
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Thursday February 25th, 2021 2:51:08 PM
Haemir will offer to compare the angel blood he has against the ungent to see if they look similar.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Thursday February 25th, 2021 6:19:42 PM
Akuno doesn't get it. "How does Zaran city up and move? Or does the path there move? How did we miss it?"
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