DM shane Friday February 26th, 2021 3:41:29 AM
the ships begins the search...it's called a wagon wheel pattern. only there are no spokes in this wheel. it' is known that Zaran City is in the Crystal Mountains. so basically you sail till you find them and then follow the ridgeline till you reach the city. it all takes about 2 days. until you see the gleamins spires of the city in the distance. Zaran City does not have a Dock. and they keep the grasses trimmed out to about a mile from the base of the mountain.
OOC: sorry guys. got this done earlier, but darned if I didn't fail to post it.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Friday February 26th, 2021 10:58:16 AM
If the grasses are trimmed out a mile from the city, it looks like she and her dudes are walking. That's fine. It'll give her a chance to get her land-legs back.
She wonders what a massive undertaking it must be to keep the grasses trimmed back a mile. "There's gotta be a whole department in their government for keeping sure they don't get overrun by grasses," she muses out loud. Regardless, she looks forward to a long walk without weaving through grass.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Friday February 26th, 2021 2:09:06 PM "I can't say I'm glad to be in a city, but I suppose we should go since that is our destination."
Thorondir looks around at the grass and wonders if it is trimmed by manual methods or if druids have done this.
"They could provide employment to keep the grasses at bay, though it would take a lot of folks to keep at it. The trick I used to diminish the grasses when we were being attacked could also be used to do this. Though it would take a long time for druids to do such a large area. Still, it has a more permanent effect than traditional pruning would have."
DM shane Saturday February 27th, 2021 3:13:58 AM
The party is impressed with the thousands of square feet that are kept cut down by the citizen of the city. you weigh anchor, it's a half-circle with each end butting up against the mountain to each side. in the distance, you can make out a guard post or something set up in front of the trail heading up the mountain.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Saturday February 27th, 2021 4:17:25 AM
"This should be fun"...
After a couple of weeks on the maiden - stretching their legs and exploring a city was enough to bring a smile to Haemir's face.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Saturday February 27th, 2021 12:39:02 PM
Thorondir tucks the compass into his bag as they leave the ship. "Are we keeping watch on the ship while we are in town?" He asks Haemir.
"If the ship does get moved for any reason, we will need the compass to find it again. I'll ask Aewen to stay near the ship and keep watch. She will come look for me if there is something wrong."
Thorondir speaks with Aewen (using speak with animals) and asks her to watch the ship and fly to the city and find him if needed.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Saturday February 27th, 2021 2:18:42 PM
"Actually leaving someone here is a brilliant idea"! Haemir agrees but then ponders for a second, "May I suggest Fand instead or as well? Fand and I share a sort of bond, it's difficult to explain but if someone steals the Maiden I will know instantly. That way Aewen won't have to come find us .. wherever we are"?!
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday February 28th, 2021 11:30:37 PM
Caelwyn wonders also if it is feasible to leave some crewmen as guards, with Fand perhaps. "We certainly cannot risk leaving the Maiden unguarded, that could prove disastrous."
DM shane Monday March 1st, 2021 2:35:40 AM
Don't forget the Jar of ointment you found in the backpacks. no one has checked on it. magic not magic, potion or poison.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Monday March 1st, 2021 2:45:57 PM
'Lil was born in a city much bigger than this one. She's very much looking forward to being back in one. She walks up to the guards, hands not by her weapons and a smile on her face.
"Hey dudes! I'm 'Lil, these are my friends. We're the Sentinels out of New Rattledam. Mind if we head up into your city?"
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp d20+10=22 ; Monday March 1st, 2021 3:31:59 PM
Akuno has some skills with magic items. She tries to figure out the ointment. "Can you guys lend me a hand with this please? It looks like its gross to touch. I need a volunteer to do all the icky parts."
Spellcraft: 22
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 32/32 -- Aewen: AC 11 -- HP 16/16 Monday March 1st, 2021 4:40:01 PM
Looking at Akuno and the ointment she is examining, Thorondir smiles: "This is when we miss Grindar and Bigby the most. They both would love to do the icky parts for you. Perhaps Haemir is the next most likely to get slimy? I don't want that stuff on me. Maybe Sol?"
Having Fand and Aewen stay back to guard the ship makes sense, though having folks there may be a good idea too.
When they are out of hearing from the crew: "Haemir, do you want to keep some of the crew on watch, and rotate so that they can go into the city and take care of whatever their needs are? Also, do you plan on sharing some of the loot with the crew? Might make them a bit more loyal if they share in the plunder."
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Monday March 1st, 2021 4:46:38 PM
"Hmm, I don't know much about such things but".. he takes out his angel blood and compares it against the ungent to see if they look similar. Then he watches Akuno do her thing. ---
(Guide(Su): Gaze imposes a +2 insight bonus on Akuno's next skill check).
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:34/34 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:20/24 - HP:41/41 Monday March 1st, 2021 4:54:49 PM
"I believe we should share but it's not only my say... Also we can let them go in stages but let's go check it ourselves first maybe"? Haemir checks in with the crew to ensure they don't mind watching the Maiden for a while. They can visit later... If they wish.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Monday March 1st, 2021 5:21:31 PM
((OoC: Sol did try to identify the ointment, but never got a response! :P))
Sol is happy to finally be in another bigger city, he begins getting excited about getting new spells for his spellbook.
DM shane Monday March 1st, 2021 9:28:53 PM
it's a restorative ointment, good roll Akuno. With that, each of you give yourself enough exp to bring yourself up to the next level. email me at Texsoroban@gmail.com with a link to your updated character sheet.
who all is going on the away mission to the city? crewmembers? how many are staying behind? do they have enough food and water? Everyone wants to go to the city, do you let them? do you set up a rotation?
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:14 - Fand AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 5:29:32 PM
"Look lads" Haemir says to the crew. "Great work finding the place! Whatever reward there is for charting it n' telling everyone where the city is, that's up to you! Share amongst yourselves. Also each of the quicklings had 100 gold, which after we have bought some supplies n' if the rest o' the Sentinels agree, I am happy to for that to be yours.. But I have to ask! I know you got some great singers n' I've heard" he grins cheekily: "some o' yer 'Ballard's', but this is new territory now n' I don't mean the town, I mean the title. Yer all crew o' the Maiden n' I'm not sure if we're still New Rattledam envoys, but ye gotta put on a clean show, no fighting, damaging, n' so on. Keep a low profile here n' best behaviour"! To emphasize how serious he is Haemir adds: "Cause a stir n' ye'll be walking home"! He says it all gently and politely with a smile but it's clear he doesn't have room for idiots who will harm reputation here...
Haemir would like to take the party (leaving the crew in case there is trouble/taxes/questions - who knows!?) then a rota. He duggets The Maiden always has at least 4-6 people to guard it. Sometimes crew and one or two of the party, and all variations, keeping it fair.
"Everyone has earned some shore leave"! Yeah it sounded weird when you thought about it ehen you consider they sailed land now-a-days!? "We'll bring food n' supplies back to the ship, people can eat here or in town when they go in".
If everyone agrees he's up for setting off (eager to explore find the WLA place he'd heard about) and look around.
Rich L. subbing for Caelwyn Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 5:39:33 PM
With his arms crossed the Paladin looked over the edge of the Maiden. The grass swayed in multi-hued colours, sometimes beautiful, sometimes eerie. He couldn't shake the feeling something was out there...
The wind tugs at his long hair as he stairs in to the distance "I'll take the first watch. I have a bad feeling about this place"... Yep he could brood with the best of them!
"I'll see you in the inn later"!
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 5:44:09 PM "Buy food and then give the crew the rest of the gold. It wasn't a good kill, so I want none of it. Aewen doesn't care for cities, nor do I, and she has been trained to guard. She will keep by the Maiden and guard it, excepts when she needs to hunt for food. I'll go in for a bit, but I'm sure I'll be back to the Maiden quickly and can relieve crew to go into town."
Thorondir will go and look for some fresh berries at the market to use for the goodberry spell. He will also look for a berry bush that he can put in a pot to keep aboard the Maiden.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 9:46:57 PM
'Lil's also excited to check out the WLA. They had a chapter house in Hook City, of course, but she wasn't really comfortable saying she was an adventurer when she hadn't been on any actual adventures yet. She hooks elbows with Haemir when they make it inside the city and makes her way to their HQ.
DM Steve -- Base of the Mountains Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 11:17:24 PM
The mountains tower over the Maiden and dwarf the rather impressively sized lawn that's been made here.
In the cut-short grass, the mile to the guard station goes quickly, with the mountains looming above the perty. For years now, the Sentinels have not encountered such easy-to-walk-on terrain except for the patch in and around Rattledam where nothing grows anymore.
The crew of the Maiden has remained on board the ship, having been promised a chance to visit the city a few at a time and money recovered from the quicklings to spend there. They have food enough for two weeks. Aewen and Fand are watching the boat as well, for the moment. "We'll bring food n' supplies back to the ship, people can eat here or in town when they go in". Haemir promised. As the party leaves, they can hear the sailors swapping rumors about the place -- "D'you think it's true you have to know magic to live there?" "Bet it's cold way up there." "I heard they have flying machines."
'Lil walks up to the guards, hands not by her weapons and a smile on her face. "Hey dudes! I'm 'Lil, these are my friends. We're the Sentinels out of New Rattledam. Mind if we head up into your city?"
There is no particular path to the guard post on this side, but clearly on the other side a marked trail starts and winds up and onto the back side of the mountain.
The two gnome guards look over the Sentinels carefully, for all that these gnomes seem friendly enough. "You can head on up if you want, but don't you want to dress warmer?" The mountains seem to go straight up from the plain, and the city is above the snow line. "I know it looks close, but it takes most of a day to reach Zaran City from here." The way he pronounces Zaran sounds almost like Zarnan. The guards talk among themselves a moment (Sol can tell you later that they were discussing what they could do to help the group stay warm) and one disappears into the shack only to come back with a heavy coat for Akuno, if she wants it. Clearly, nothing that fits them is going to help the larger party members, though.
Thorondir wants to find berries. Haemir and 'Lil are really looking forward to the WLA. And, of course, the Catacombs will be there.
After a little more discussion, the guards also say that if you decide you need heavier clothing, there is a barbarian village not far off -- just go left at the only fork in the path. The Sentinels could easily reach it, stay the night, and reach Zaran City tomorrow.
===== OOC: The characters are close enough that if you want to start your character's business in the Catacombs now, you may.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 2:24:41 PM
'Lil can use her magic to protect herself from the cold, but can't help anyone else.
"What do ya say, dudes? Buy some coats from that village then head on up? Probably a good idea to buy a few if they have it so we can lend'em out to the crew."
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 4:02:30 PM
When Lil locked arms with Haemir he gave her an almost boyish grin. "Quite exciting isn't it? What's it been.. nearly three years since we've seen a new town or city"!?
He thanks the gnome guards for their kindness and agrees - even though between them the Sentinels could probably march right on up there he was interested in visiting the village on the way!
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 4:11:31 PM "All I need is my cloak, but we can check out the village on the way. Are you sure three years is a long enough time between visits to a city? Seems like a few more years could go by, we have all we need in my opinion. Though I guess folks always want more, and what better place to find what you don't need than in a city, where everyone else has it."
Thorondir is ready to go, but you don't see the same excitement on his face as Haemir and Lil show.
Rich - subbing for Caelwyn Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 4:12:31 PM
Seeing the generousity of the guards Caelwyn speaks up. "Thank you kindly. May I ask is there anything we should know before entering your good city or the Barbarian village? Anything unique to this area"?
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 7:25:28 PM
Sol nods.
"Yes, some warm clothes would be helpful, my constitution is not particularly formidable..."
DM Steve -- Base of the Mountains Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 11:47:52 PM Caelwyn's question about anything unique to the area gets some laughter in response. The guard seems a bit embarrassed at having laughed, and clearly isn't trying to tease anyone, but the only explanation is, "What hasn't been these last years?"
It's a few hours to Smashed in Teeth village. Folks there are seem friendly enough, but very surprised to have visitors. The Sentinels are easily able to obtain winter clothing and find a place to stay for the night. At a few hundred souls, this is the largest village they've seen since coming to the Sargrass. About half of the place are gnomes, and most of the rest are dwarves, with humans making up the remainder. They are thirsty for news. In return, they tell the Sentinels of the great change that happened a few years back. This used to be a flat, icy wasteland surrounded by mountains. When the Sargrass appeared, there was upheaval. Afterward, they were among the mountains but below the ice. Oddest thing -- no one was injured by the shifting.
The next day, the group journeys up to Zaran City. It does not take as long as the gnomes had said it would, but still takes a little more than half the day. As they climb the mountain it does get colder, and by noon they are among snow. The glimpses of the city they manage on the way up are enough to show that it is a walled city, with at least two more walls inside the outer one. The whole place seems to glitter, as if everything is covered in ice up there.
And so by mid-afternoon, the Sentinels are standing at the gates to Zaran City, on a trail that is occasionally being used by others as well. The guards challenge them in a way that says this is just routine, asking them to "State your business. What reason do you have for entering Zaran City."
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Thursday March 4th, 2021 3:04:35 PM
'Lil nods as the villagers well of the upheaval. "Well, this looks like a better place to live than an icy wasteland." She makes little air quotes when she says icy wasteland, showin' she was using their words and not making judgement calls of her own. "We're real glad for the clothes, though. Don't get much ice and snow in the Sargrass." She invites the villagers to come visit New Rattledam anytime, figuring a little tourism money wouldn't hurt anyone.
***
"We're just here to spend our money, good sir. Food, supplies, maybe a trip to The Catacombs. Few of us also wanna check out the WLA." She cocks her thumb back down the mountain. "We also got crew what's gonna come rotate in for some shore leave. We made'm promise to behave and they're good folks. Shouldn't give you trouble."
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Thursday March 4th, 2021 5:16:43 PM
Sol smiles upon seeing the city proper, and begins to relax, he was more at home in cities that were hustling and bustling, but oddly enough he wanted a quiet life eventually, but there would be time enough for that.
Sol let's Lil do all the talking, he's skills don't like in the diplomatic.
Rich - subbing for Caelwyn Thursday March 4th, 2021 6:02:01 PM
Caelwyn wonders if there are any temples of Domi here but asks where the best place to buy armor is. The temple will be obvious...
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:47/47 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Thursday March 4th, 2021 6:17:12 PM
Smashed in Teeth was an interesting name for a village but 'why is your village called ...' could surely only end up with the inevitable. He's didn't ask.
Haemir stops to admire the walls and glistening city from the track. "This place gets more interesting with each step".
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 2d4=5 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 7:44:47 PM
As they climb up to the city, Thorondir casts Endure Elements on himself. His light cloak over his shoulders allows him to easily move without a cumbersome coat weighing him down. He looks for a berry bush along the way, hoping to put one in a container to have aboard the Maiden. Thorondir will either pick berries along the trail (if they are available), or purchase some in the market. Once he has them, he will cast Goodberry on them. (5 berries affected if he was able to procure them)
"Well, this is a nice change from the grasses. Nice to see some variety of plants and animals."
Thorondir keeps note of the types of plants and animals he sees as they climb, knowing that elevation and temperature play a key roll on distribution of plants and animals.
DM Steve -- Zaran City d100=47 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 11:08:07 PM
On the way to the city, Thorondir has found some berries, visible from but not right along the path. Haemir admires the city when he glimpses it.
When challenged by the guards, 'Lil says that the group is here to buy food and supplies. When she mentions the Catacombs, the guards talk to each other in gnomish momentarily before the one who issued the challenge says, "Be welcome, then. Catacombs and WLA are in Fitzrovia -- the outer sodality south of this one. You'll find lodging in King's Cross. This, of course, is Westgate." In response to Calewyn asking about armor, the group is told "Most of the outer sodalities have an armorer or two, but I'd recommend Portman's, in Mayfair." He gives directions that would take you north.
Sol begins to relax, being in a real city for the first time in years. He catches the gnomish the guards are speaking to each other. They are referring to the Sentinels -- except for Akuno -- as "the big ones," and find them a bit strange. Still, their conduct towards the party is very professional, and they say nothing in Common that could even remotely give offense (gnomish accent not withstanding).
Once past the gate and a couple of blocks east into the city, the party finds a wide north-south road intersected by a maze of smaller ones. A good three-quarters of the people in the streets here are gnomes. Once again, dwarves are the second most common race. The buildings seem to be made of ice on stony foundations. From the sounds and smells, there are numerous businesses. It is simply up to the Sentinels to decide where to go, or where to meet up.
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Friday March 5th, 2021 10:50:44 AM
"I'm going to find this Portman's, in Mayfair. Shall we meet later at the King's Cross in Westgate"?
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Friday March 5th, 2021 11:00:41 AM
Akuno snaps out of a strange reverie. She ashamedly realizes she has no idea whats going on, but they are in Zaran City, which is a good thing. She wrinkles her nose at the idea of a coat. "Lacey dresses are ideal for all weather. A coat is bulky and makes me look fat."
When the chance is available, Akuno is happy to start checking out the town. Her goal? Fish. She KNOWS its the sargrass, but with magic and things... maybe someone somewhere is selling some fish not coated in a salty barrel?
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Friday March 5th, 2021 11:07:51 AM "Akuno, we are in the mountains and the snow melt will form streams ideal for fish. They should have fish at a market, or we can go and catch some ourselves. I'm headed to the market to look for a berry bush in a planter, if you want to go along with me we could both look for our food together."
Thorondir will either purchase a berry bush if available, or he will buy a small planter and move the berry bush he found earlier into it.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:47/47 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Friday March 5th, 2021 11:25:25 AM
Haemir grins at Akuno's fish obsession and scratches his head contemplating a long term fix.
"I'm probably going to need a couple of days here, the guild I'm looking for does some training".. he looks at 'Lil before continuing, "Guessing that's the same for you"? He grins. "Coming"? Intending to get tougher he knows it's probably gonna end with aches and pains...
On the way he also detours to the catacombs to buy a scroll.
DM Steve -- Zaran City Saturday March 6th, 2021 10:09:56 AM Caelwyn and Haemir discuss going separate ways and meeting back at the King's Cross. Thorondir invites Akuno to find a market with him; Haemir asks 'Lil if she wants to go to the Catacombs. Sol is left to tag along with whoever he wants, or to strike off on his own.
Those going to Mayfair notice that as they move from Westgate to Mayfair, the number of non-gnomes increases dramatically. Non-gnomes seem to outnumber gnomes here, although gnome is still the most common race to be found. Portman's specializes in exotic armors -- that is, suits big enough for dwarves or humans. It also specializes in metal, although leather and hide are readily available nearby. Down the road is a place that handles exotic weapons, as well.
Those going to Fitzrovia also notice a distinct change of atmosphere when moving to that sodality from Westgate, although it's difficult to identify what has changed. The area seems to be a little rougher, maybe. The Catacombs and WLA are here. Folks tend to be a bit more focused on where they're going.
Anyone poking around Westgate finds warehouses, stabling, and a collection of repair shops and other shops catering to specialized needs or out-of-towners, but no big market. It's as if many people come here to drop off or pick up goods for distribution elsewhere.
King's Cross is actually the sodality south of Fitzrovia -- not a particular business, but sort of the hospitality district. It has a market, numerous inns, taverns, and a generally laissez-faire attitude to the crowds. The atmosphere here is subtly more welcoming than the other areas, and definitely louder.
Each of these neighborhoods is ten or thirty times as big as Rattledam, and they're only the outlying parts of Zaran City. Anyone not from Plateau City, Hook City, or the Float could reasonably find it a bit overwhelming.
The Sentinels manage to find each other again in the market at King's Cross as evening starts -- the market does have (expensive, because they are imported) fish and a container Thorondir finds suitable for his needs.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:47/47 - CMD:14 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Saturday March 6th, 2021 10:48:13 AM
Haemir had been collecting members of his coven in every place he'd visited since his arrival. So far The Coven of the Silver thread (a.k.a. 'The Fate Weavers') had a member in New Rattledam and another at the Stone Temple. The surprise was 'Stardust' the Manfri who'd also joined at New Rattledam, but un/fortunately(?) the Manfri roamed around so you could never quite know where he would be! There was definitely room for one more member though and after befriending a halfling on his WLA training the pair took lunch together. Galdysa was feisty and had an uncanny knack of being able to throw absolutely anything with amazing accuracy. A strange talent but one both he (and the instructors) had enjoyed, finding many uses for during the days intense physical training! When Galdysa accepted Haemir's offer to join he gave his new friend a hug and treated her to a new cauldron.
Before meeting the Sentinels Haemir waves his hand over his own cauldron and hears Galdysa's chime next to him (an indication that they were all linked and active), it was time to introduce the new member to his coven and catch up on any Sargrass news.
Later, he catches up with the party, more than a little achy. "Ugh, that was quite a hard days training". The first ale went down rather well! Only one more day to go...
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Saturday March 6th, 2021 11:22:32 PM
Price? No object. Akuno quite happily buys a good amount of the stuff. Fish is life. She briefly considers the catacombs, but doesn't have much in the way of funds at the moment. Besides, her dress needed some attention and the threads could be quite expensive. (Updating WBL for legacy item)
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Sunday March 7th, 2021 11:56:37 AM
Perplexed that they have to import fish to a snow covered mountainous area, Thorondir decides to investigate. Snow is everywhere high in the mountain (as reported), and at some point below, the snow melts and must run into a stream. Thorondir finds the place where the snow begins to melt and follows the trickle down hill. He looks for signs of aquatic insects and anything living in the water. if the water doesn't form a pool anywhere, he will use Stone Shape and create a small dam and a reservoir of water behind it. If he does see a large stream or pool, he wild shapes into a water elemental and goes into the water searching for signs of life.
Once a pool has been established Thorondir will take his remaining token and plant an oak tree at the waters edge. Casting plant growth enrichment, he makes sure the tree and surrounding vegetation thrives.
This will likely take a couple of days of his time, unless of course he can't find a small stream of water.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:47/47 - CMD:16 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 d20+25=31 ; Sunday March 7th, 2021 2:30:10 PM
After his second boot-camp day Haemir plods back to the WLA chapterhouse to do a few hours research, then feeling more like a hundred year old human (as opposed to an elf) he seeks out Thorondir (with Fand's aid) and admires the work the druid has done/or if he doesn't find him meets back at the Maiden.
"Look I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, but I've hit barrier with all my green-finger skills n' so I've done some research that says experiencing life as a tree for a day has helped others"... he waits for Thorondir to laugh in his face, even he had to admit it sounded mad! "So, I've purchased a scroll that will hopefully allow me to do that! If I can make it work would you be so kind as t'watch over me please..? Hey did you make another tree grow here"? He grins.
For too long Haemir had wanted to know what it would be like (especially here in the plains) and if it offered some respite from all the aches - 'Why not today'? He reasoned. Choosing a place near the Maiden he digs deep within himself and blesses his next action with some Bloodwitch luck before taking out the scroll and attempting to cast it. ---
(Using his Guide/Mislead Ability Haemir grants himself a +2 insight bonus on his next skill check. He also uses a hero point in advance and then tries to read his scroll of Extended Tree Shape (written with a caster level of 12)).
(Use Magic Device:34 - sorry forgot to include skill focus: U.M.D. (+3) in the above roll).
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Monday March 8th, 2021 7:50:37 AM
Caelwyn explores the shops, checks out if there is a temple to Domi and listens in on any news of gossip. After a few weeks on the ship - land feels good. The food here is good too...
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Monday March 8th, 2021 10:06:09 AM
Thorondir grins at Haemir. "Of course I'll watch over you, I may be a tree for a while myself. Why don't you do it by the pool I built, that way you can drink with your roots. Nothing like it."
Thorondir also moves the berry bush into the container, and uses his plant growth enrichment to include it.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Monday March 8th, 2021 11:49:00 AM
'Lil shakes her head. "Yea dude," she replies to Haemir. "Let's go do some shopping before hitting the WLA. You think they got some kinda hazing ritual at the WLA? Make the newbies stand naked in a bucket of water for a few hours or something? I hope not. Seems like that'd be unprofessional, ya know?"
She finds herself immediately at home in the city. It's no Hook City, but what was? She pays attention to how comfortable she found her large frame to be in a city mostly of gnomes. How much effort was spent making taller guests feel comfortable? How often did she have to stoop low to get through a door way. Were there big girl tables and chairs when she ate?
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Monday March 8th, 2021 5:18:49 PM
Sol spends his time looking for any other like minded Magical folk to see if he can learn anything new, or start making some more alliances. He's seen Haemir forge bonds with other casters, and is yearning to do the same. He does ensure he has some decent quality cold weather gear however.
When meeting up with the rest of the group his appears bright and happy, and greets them all in his normal friendly if formal fashion.
"Did everyone get everything that they felt they needed? Or must we spend some more time shopping?"
DM Steve -- Zaran City Monday March 8th, 2021 10:34:44 PM
On the evening of the fourth day after leaving the boat, with over a week left before they need to take supplies back, the Sentinels gather in the upstairs taproom of their inn, the Girgrielzallua Blaevrums. Apparently that means the "Idle Dragon" to the locals, although Sol thinks the translation mischievous might be better than idle. They have each had a couple of days to explore the city and buy or learn what they could. And while they can't see the stars through the roof with the glare from inside the room, they can tell that it's dark out.
Haemir talks about training at the WLA and about this halfling he's hit it off with. He asks Thorondir for help with gaining a tree's perspective.
Akuno is happy to have found fish. Unsalted fish, at that.
Thorondir left the city to satisfy his curiosity, and learned that the ecosystems around here have suffered some trauma. They are not mature.
Caelwyn has explored the shops and found that Domi is one of the few gods who has a temple here. Caelwyn had to go to one of the other sodalities to find it, standing near but on this side of the gate through the first inner wall of the city.
'Lil did some shopping before heading to the WLA. As she's paying attention to it, she has noticed that King's Cross and Mayfair are physically more accommodating -- they have establishments suited to human-sized creatures, and even larger in some cases, without making her feel confined.
Sol has looked for folk who study magic and found school after school after school dedicated to the magical arts. It seems that most folks raised here know some magic, specializing in what they call ice magic. Given that the buildings and sometimes the furniture are made of ice, it's easy to believe. A majority of the gnomes in the city seem to carry a wand or two -- he has no idea how many can do magic with (or without) them.
While the Sentinels are comparing notes and enjoying their food and drinks, a dashing gnome comes in with his entourage in tow. His armor appears to be made of ice, as does the hilt of his rapier (the scabbard is not ice, however). Many of the group have similar armor. Under the armor, their clothing is a bright crimson. "Drinks for the house! We had a successful hunt today," he exclaims. This gets a roar of approval from the room, which is supplied more enthusiastically by the non-gnomish patrons of the place than by the gnomes. In fact, a couple of tables over a group of gnomes in yellow uniform start grumbling amongst themselves.
As the evening wears on, it becomes apparent that the red-dressed and yellow-dressed gnomes have some sort of rivalry, and the red ones are here to brag about the major coup they just scored. Apparently the beast they fought was noteworthy somehow.
==== OOC: * Day 1, left boat and stayed with barbarians. Day 2, arrived at Zaran City. Days 3 and 4, exploring the town. * Haemir can spend time as a tree, but has not had the opportunity yet.
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Tuesday March 9th, 2021 3:00:13 AM
Caelwyn looks up from his ale, "Can't say that armor looks very warm to wear"!
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Tuesday March 9th, 2021 11:55:07 AM
Akuno is happily doodling in her notebook, kicking her legs under the table. The louder the gnomes get, the harder it is to concentrate. She doesn't want to spoil a celebration so she puts away her half sketched cloak and gloves set, drawn on a model that looked suspiciously like Sol.
She glances at her untouched mug, then finally notices the armor made of ice. Ice! She slips quietly from the table at shoves her mug into arms of her unseen servant. "Come on then, carry my drink and follow me!" Before long, she's taking notes on the icy armor, rapid firing questions at the gnomes. "Thanks for the drinks! What's this armor? Is it cold? Can I touch it? Can you shape it? Is it permanent or do you remake it every day? What'd you fight? What's it look like? Can I sit here? I'm Princess Akuno, who are you?"
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Tuesday March 9th, 2021 3:33:19 PM
Sol nudges Lil.
"Perhaps we can find out more about this rivalry, may be a good way to get some people on our side and open up trade with New Rattledam?"
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:47/47 - CMD:16 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 6:36:22 PM
What Haemir loved about the feline princess was he could sit back and chill whilst she asked all the geeky-sounding questions he was dying to ask! Teamwork!
DM Steve -- Zaran City Tuesday March 9th, 2021 10:34:16 PM
While the rest of the group watches, Akuno goes to make the acquaintance of these gnomes. "Thanks for the drinks! What's this armor? Is it cold? Can I touch it? Can you shape it? Is it permanent or do you remake it every day? What'd you fight? What's it look like? Can I sit here? I'm Princess Akuno, who are you?"
A handful of gnomes welcome Akuno The answers to her questions seem to be -- and maybe in the right order -- Ice armor. / No, it's not cold. / Begnym. / Yes. No. We mean, we can't shape it, but gnomes can. The ones who know how. / It's magic. / Jinzic. Borwass. / He means it lasts. / Yes, you may. / Snaanbag. Labkost.
"What did we fight? Well, we fought a dire polar bear. As big as three ogres, and much more viscious." The leader of the group starts telling the tale of fighting the bear, doubtlessly embellishing a bit for effect, and flirting casually with Akuno as he talks. Still, the crowd is impressed as soon as he names the beast.
While the victorious gnomes are enjoying the spotlight, Sol gets the attention of one of the fellows in yellow. This gnome explains that the people of Zaran City are still adapting to the changes that occurred when the Sargrass returned -- changes that separated them from the civilized (albeit dwarven) kingdoms of the Ice Vein. Many people are still upset by it, some are of the “makes no difference to me” viewpoint, and most have adjusted to the way things are now simply because they had to move on. But the move stirred up a number of dangerous creatures living in the mountains. The sodalities have a competition to see which can hunt the mightiest monster. Of course, nobles like those fellows have an advantage in arms, armor, and magic. Sometimes they even hire outsiders to help them.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Tuesday March 9th, 2021 11:19:52 PM
Hey, 'Lil was an outsider. So were the rest of her dudes.
This sounds like an adventure to 'Lil, who realizes she's been so busy with what's best for New Rattledam that she hasn't had time for a proper "punch monsters and take their stuff" adventure. She wonders if she has time now.
Truth be told, she don't much like the thought of being a rich gnome's ringer. She sits down the those yellow fellows. "So, why don't you hire outsiders to help you?" She asks earnestly, even though she figures the answer is "cause we ain't rich."
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 11:30:01 PM
Thorondir listens intently to the gnomes and their fights with the mountain animals. "Have you tried making friends with the bears?"
Looking about the the probably glaring faces he adds: "Every creature has the same needs, perhaps I could talk to them for you?"
He goes back to sipping on his drink, oblivious to the reactions to his comments.
Thorondir also asks Akuno: "Were the fish you bought gutted? I would very much like to examine the contents of their stomachs if that is possible."
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:47/47 - CMD:16 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 5:38:54 AM
"Ice armor .. Who'd have thought? Maybe you should check it out Caelwyn"?
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Wednesday March 10th, 2021 6:44:15 PM
Caelwyn listens in and/or asks how to find someone capable of making ice armor.
DM Steve -- Zaran City Wednesday March 10th, 2021 11:42:59 PM 'Lil considers whether she has time for an adventure. If Rattledam needs help, Haemir will learn of it through his coven but it will take a few weeks to sail back. Short of that, the party left the sailors with two weeks of food four days ago. "So, why don't you hire outsiders to help you?"
Thorondir irritates the locals -- except for the fellows in yellow, who chuckle -- without quite knowing why they feel that way. Akuno, among the celebrants, doesn't answer his question about the fish right now.
Caelwyn asks about ice armor.
'Lil gets pretty much the answer she expects. "We don't have the time to go on long hunts, and can't afford to hire people who could face something like a dire polar bear." Her new drinking companion drains his mug. "That lot's celebrating right now, so they're not looking to hire. But some other nobles will be by in a day or two, hoping to find someone who heard about this and wants to try their luck."
Caelwyn learns that no one in the outer sodalities sells ice armor, and the gnomes aren't even sure anyone makes it in his size. "They don't," says another gnome, taking the seat Akuno abandoned. This fellow is wearing a cape and a white mask that covers the top half of his face -- an affectation some of the local businessmen follow. "You'd have to commission someone to make it. My nephew worked his rotation last week, talked to you down at the border. I can help you with that commission if you want, but you can get armor that protects as well for less. I wouldn't expect the fashions of our city to mean much to folks from the Sargrass."
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Thursday March 11th, 2021 4:49:33 AM
Caelwyn can't help but feel nervous about the idea of armor made of frozen water... Perhaps in the mountains it didn't matter, but n the Sargrass!?
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Thursday March 11th, 2021 10:00:23 AM
Akuno is happy for the answers and conversation, and starts doing her best to pick up on some of the gnomish slang and lingo. She hadn't considered making friends with a dire animal before, but with all the friendly companions she'd met lately... it shouldn't be such a foreign idea at this point.
When Thorondir asks about her fish, her eyes narrow in suspicion. "Of course you can examine my fishes. Just don't eat them all Thorondir, or I'll bite you harder than Llew could've."
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Thursday March 11th, 2021 12:53:42 PM "I won't eat your fishes, I promise. I just want to see if I can harvest some plant material or insects from their stomach, these streams need to be replenished with life. Maybe even there are some eggs and sperm from some of the fish, I could try and get our own stock of fish going. It is an outside chance, but something needs to be done here. I think you will agree that a stream without fish is a problem."
Thorondir nods to the gnomes in yellow. "Please let me know if I can be of service. This land can be settled I'm sure of it."
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Thursday March 11th, 2021 3:11:11 PM
'Lil thinks her and her dudes could take a dire polar bear, but she don't much like the idea of killing an animal just to prove it. Do they at least eat the prizes they kill? She looks at their food, wondering if it's bear meat.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:47/47 - CMD:16 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 d20+13=18 ; Thursday March 11th, 2021 9:19:28 PM
"Hmmm, We used to hunt for food in my tribe, but sport..? He scowls into his ale.
Haemir didn't see why the druid wanted a bio-life now? He guessed the recent "Move" wouldn't necessarily bring all the wild life, but nature seemed to catch up in her own time. He shrugged. He was either more patient or missing something and opted for the latter because Thorondir knew far more than him and it must be important if he was prepared to trawl around the insides of fish guts...
Later that night when everyone was snoring the witch opened his window, crouched down and shifted in to a raven. Flying out the window he makes his way to the clearing with the new tree. If he doesn't find it somewhere near the river will do. Either way not overlooked and people free.
Reverting to his normal form he looks to see if nature has been ripped apart on some level, if insects don't exist (like Thorondir was hinting at earlier) then he silently vomits up spiders and concentrates on the swarm moving it in and around the rocks, near the stream. Maybe 1 or 2 will stay, maybe they will lay eggs? who knows. Maybe nature just needed the door opening. He'd read tales of spiders crossing oceans on nothing but a breeze. He repeats the spell throwing up a new one when the first swarm disapears. He understood magical summons vanished afterwards, but nature could take things from that moment. Who was he to decide? She deserved all he could give. He says a silent prayer to both Ma'ab and then Gargul for wildlife to recycle and life to start afresh and before he leaves plants a few beneficial herbs/plants (nothing Sargrass tainted!!!) that will promote the eco-system (from his bag of holding).
Later raven lands on the window and pecks at the snow cleaning its beak. If there was one thing Haemir hated more than throwing up spiders it was the after taste.
Minutes later the witch was warming his hands by the fireplace lost in thought and willing a drink. It was the first time he'd flown and on several levels it actually beat sailing! The night had been strange and wonderful and he slept well dreaming of moonlight thermal winds and feathered wings above crisp white mountains. ---
Casts 2 x beast shape 1, 2 x vomit swarm. Any attacks on him he leaves using beast shape asap. (knowledge: nature:18).
DM Steve -- Zaran City d100=17 ; d100=77 ; Thursday March 11th, 2021 11:44:22 PM Caelwyn decides not to try to find ice armor.
Akuno enjoys the attention from the gnomes and making new friends. She agrees to let Thorondir examine her fish, but that will have to wait until they are out of the bar.
Thorondir talks about needing to repair the ecosystem, and manages to upset the gnomes once again. They don't want to settle this new land, they want it returned to its former, icy glory. "Celsiun will bring the winter back, I know it," becomes a oft-repeated toast that evening. (In gnomish: Bydd Celsiun yn dod â'r gaeaf yn ôl, dwi'n gwybod.)
'Lil decides against the hunt, and hopes that the gnomes at least make some use of their prizes.
Haemir wonders if Thorondir isn't rushing something that will happen in time anyway.
The evening continues, with conversations about the Sargrass, the isolation the gnomes have felt since the Sargrass returned, and defending the hunts as necessary to protect their road crews and patrols. They still send out patrols hoping to find others in the tundra -- and most of the land is still tundra, for all that there are now warm lowlands beside the Sargrass. They have tried hunting in the grasslands, too, but never with mush success. In that respect, the barbarians have adapted better.
Eventually the evening ends and the Sentinels wander off to their rooms. THorondir inspects Akuno's fish, which have been gutted. Haemir makes a trip in the night to try to help along Thorondir's goals. It is uneventful, but uncomfortable knowing that monsters are out there. Perhaps they, too, like to stay above the snowline.
In the morning, the Sentinels have learned more about the place. This is the fifth day since leaving the crew to watch the boat. There's still time to do more if there is more they want to do.
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Saturday March 13th, 2021 3:25:12 AM
"What else does everyone want to do here"?
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Saturday March 13th, 2021 3:57:05 AM
Sol continues searching for access to more spells to add to his spell book, as he wishes to increase his access to arcane power, until he's certain that either A) He's spoken to all groups of spellcasters in the city, or B) He's satisfied there are none, he will keep searching.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:47/47 - CMD:16 - Spells:None - Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 d20+28=44 ; d20+11=31 ; Saturday March 13th, 2021 8:23:18 AM
In the morning Haemir (Concentration:31) regains his spells and heads down to breakfast.
Afterwards he tells the Sentinels: "I think I'll head back to the Maiden for a day and let some of the crew come into the city". Then turns to: "Thorondir, I'm going to do my tree thing, so if you could watch over me please? I appreciate your suggestion about doing this near the river, but it feels important to try this in the Sargrass, since it's the plains I'm reaching out to". In truth he has no idea if it makes any difference (and will admit such), he's just going with a gut feeling.
Heading to the market he buys some food and a few extra tasty treats for the crew and stashes it all in his bag of holding, then heading back he let's some of the crew go in (half) and tells them what he knows of 'Smashed in teeth' (probably best not to ask why it's called that), and reminds them to behave. Also if it hasn't been done already he shares the gold from the Quicklings with them. After they depart he chooses a spot near the Maiden and takes out the tree-shape scroll. Digging deep within himself (and also blessing his next action with some Bloodwitch luck) he attempts to cast it.
Fand sits in the branches/or on the Maiden pruning herself and dozing. ---
(Using his Guide/Mislead Ability Haemir grants himself a +2 insight bonus on his next skill check. He also uses a hero point in advance and then reads his scroll of Extended Tree Shape (written with a caster level of 12). He has sufficient Wisdom to cast the scroll so doesn't need to make a second roll to emulate that).
(Use Magic Device:44).
If nothing unexpected happens Haemir assumes the shape of a pretty, pale tree with silver-white bark that fades darker nearer the base. At just under 20 feet tall it forms a canopy with elegant, drooping branches that offer shade. (If you know about trees: Highlight to display spoiler: {it's a Silver Birch}).
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Saturday March 13th, 2021 11:56:12 AM
Thorondir examines the fish Akuno has, and if they have not been cleaned he will take the stomach out and examine the contents. He then takes the contents and puts them in a small pool at the edge of the small reservoir he built. He is hoping some of the plant material can grow still.
He agrees to go with Haemir back to the Maiden, but along the way he takes his container and carefully transplants the berry bush into it. "I'm hoping to keep berries available to cast goodberry. Sometimes those are just the thing you need."
He then makes it back to the Maiden and spends some time with Aewen, making sure she is doing well. Thorondir speaks to Aewen in the eagle language, asking her to perch in the new tree that Haemir will make. For his part, Thorondir will stay in elven form as he keeps watch over the tree.
"Okay Haemir, we will keep watch."
DM Steve -- Zaran City Saturday March 13th, 2021 1:05:49 PM Caelwyn asks the big question: "What else does everyone want to do here"? Over the course of the next eight or nine days, the sailors are brought to town for short leaves, always leaving someone with the Maiden of the Plains, and always having a Sentinel in town when the sailors are.
Sol continues searching for access to more spells to add to his spell book, as he wishes to increase his access to arcane power. He asks throughout the outer city, encountering more neighborhoods with their own unique atmospheres, and is able to find a number of low level spells. To reach other sodalities requires passing through an inner wall of the city, where guards once again challenge Sol as to his business. Questioning takes longer than at the outer wall, but Sol is allowed to pass. He finds himself in areas even more dominated by gnomes, with accommodations less suited to creatures of his size. Once more, he is able to find spells, including some he can't understand -- what the gnomes call hud ia, or ice magic. He also sees that there is another inner wall, but within eight or nine days his studies haven't exhausted the sodalities he has reached. (Have Shane or Cayzle adjudicate the spells Sol finds and any costs.)
Haemir spends some time as a tree, with Thorondir and Aewen watching him. Since he chose the Sargrass as the place to do this, he discovers that the Sargrass is a very uncomfortable place to be a tree. As best as he can explain later, something about the area seems to push against his birch-ness. It's easy to withstand for a day; he imagines that over years he would end up bending in response to the push and that he would thereafter remain bent.
Thorondir examines the fish Akuno has, which have been cleaned. Asking around, they are cleaned before they arrive in Zaran City, not after. He would be able to figure out a way obtain stomach contents from creatures he can summon without harming those creatures, if he wants. Thorondir takes a potted berry bush to the Maiden.
Akuno and 'Lil split their time between the city and the boat, with perhaps a bit more affinity for the city.
Restocking the boat and making a few minor repairs so that it is ready for a return trip will cost 50 gp from the party as a whole.
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Saturday March 13th, 2021 5:32:32 PM
Caelwyn is on a mission to find some medium/heavy armor and an improved weapon so he would definitely ask more about the ice armor and weapons .. Are there any stats we can see please?
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:16 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Sunday March 14th, 2021 12:21:12 PM
After 24 hours when Haemir's spell ended his eyes seem different, previously they were dazzling blue but now there's no particular colour, more multi-coloured, bits of yellow, hazel, violet, green in fact they reflect every hue of the plains.
Fand also seems to have undergone a slight change, where as the parrot was a very dark blue, she now seems more black with a red blob (as if someone dripped paint on her). Maybe something to do with what happened or delayed from his rebirth from the cocoon!?
He tells Thorondir: "I was careful not to drink anything, it was strange I could feel a push from the Sargrass and it's stayed with me, kind of like after-burn when you stare at a bright light. It's fading now though, feels more like a memory"!?
He sits for a while remembering all the stories, visions and knowledge the Sentinels had been exposed to since their arrival here, trying to put it all together and make sense of the Sargrass' history.
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Monday March 15th, 2021 12:03:02 PM
'Lil's very much enjoyed her time in the city. She's got some shopping done, joined the WLA, and generally shed a few layers of stress built up from being out of her element for so long.
She's willing to pay her part of the 50gp if there's no party funds to cover it.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Monday March 15th, 2021 12:37:31 PM
Prior to leaving the pool he has made, Thorondir will summon some giant frogs. He implores them to vomit into the pool, to give the water resources it will need.
Listening to Haemir's experience as a tree, Thorondir decides to try it himself. "Watch over me please. I will choose a tree that loves the desert soil." He tells Aewen and Haemir. He casts Tree Shape and becomes an Acacia tree for 6 hours.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Monday March 15th, 2021 5:45:22 PM
"Of course, Fand and I have your back"!
Haemir enjoys Zayan too for the week he's there .. The ice stuff is interesting and so are the people. He's also happy to spend time on the Maiden so others can visit and checks in with his coven every couple of days for news.
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Monday March 15th, 2021 6:06:58 PM
After looking around the shops Caelwyn purchases a suit of armor (the same as his current set but magical) and matching magical longsword (either from the shops or catacombs). ---
(2k from party funds)
DM shane Tuesday March 16th, 2021 2:29:42 AM Caelwyn quickly learns that the armor is not actually ice, but an illusion cast upon the armor to make it look like it's ice.
betweenAkuno and Lil the reds and the yellows are both favorably inclined toward you all.
the speaker for the yellow gnomes speaks for his group to Lil. well you see, most of the..ehrm...larger folk hereabouts are workmen and manual laborers, we've not seen any larger folk with martial skill around these parts since the...erhm...troubles...but if you and your friends would be willing to help us I'm sure we could find something to...erhm...show those guys up.
to AkunoYou are awfully cute, with your ears and all. You are a princess you say? what are your people? where do they come from? what are they called?
Thorondir gets some strange looks from the gnomes one of them even speaks up. It's easy to be an Dire Ice bears friend. Just don't struggle too much while he's devouring you, but you know you go right ahead and go talk to one, there's enough meat on your bones he may be full enough he won't come after us for a few days. The peanut gallery finds his little speech hilarious and little gnomish elbow bumps and booty whacks make their way through the patrons of the bar.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Tuesday March 16th, 2021 3:02:57 AM
Sol purchases several spells and takes time scribing them into his spellbook.
((Actual list of spells is TBD))
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 1:15:25 PM
Thorondir shrugged off the gnomes comments, those who hunt for sport aren't high on his list. He is already back at the Maiden, and he comes out of the Tree Shape spell.
"Well Haemir, I see what you mean. The grasses do push back against the trees. I felt it in my roots. I thought an Acacia, not needing much water would fare better than a Silver Birch. But it isn't the lack of water, it is something else. They don't want us here, well us trees anyway. What is your take on the gnomes and their sport hunting. I don't think we can stop it, so I suppose we should be on our way? Wherever that is."
'Lil - (Carl) - 43/43 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Tuesday March 16th, 2021 2:05:53 PM
'Lil ponders helpin' out these yellow gnomes. There's always space in her heart for the underdog. "I gotta talk about it with my dudes, and if it involves hunting beasts just for sport it's gonna be a hard no and I'll get some flack for even asking. Before you say the beasts put you in danger, I'll say the druid ain't gonna care. Something about the natural order...you get it. He might be inclined to ask the beasts to leave you alone."
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 6:19:03 PM
To Thorondir: "Hmm, I think we should talk on this more. I need to think on this a while to process it, there's so much going on in my head" ...
As for hunts (both Thorondir and 'Lil): "I'm no fan of hunting for sport, in fact it makes me sick! But they did say they're necessary to protect their road crews and patrols, etc. I suspect there's some truth to that. I don't doubt your ability to persuade some of the local wildlife Thorondir, but what do you persuade them to do? They have nowhere else to go other than the tundra or plains n' the plains will be something totally different to them, in fact could lead to them being corrupted! I really don't know what to do"! Haemir is interested in hearing everyone's thoughts.
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Tuesday March 16th, 2021 6:23:57 PM
"Check out my new armor" The paladin strikes a pose in his new ice glistening gear. It even refracts the light.
As for hunting he will go with the group decision.
DM shane Tuesday March 16th, 2021 9:25:56 PM
OCC: wow sorry guys I don't guess I saw Stephens last post. I really blew that one. lets just pretend it didn't exist. Stephen is going to be moving to another game and Cazyle and I will be taking you on your way in the future. Sorry Thorondir. and all other parties involved.
Sol purchases some spells (remember to send your purchases to me as per the catacombs instructions. )
Thorondir finds that the Acacia tree fared no better in the resource-hungry sargrass plain.
Lil good ol' Lil, thank you for following a confused DM's lead even though it was a few posts too late.
Hamir brings up some problems that hunting may solve.
Caelwyn really likes his new armor.
it seems the crew has completed their business in Zaran City, the boat is resupplied, the party has new shiny things to play with and the city has been confirmed to still exist, indeed it's thriving! Are there any last-minute tasks or things you want to do before you all load up on the boat and leave?
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Tuesday March 16th, 2021 11:26:42 PM
Akuno isn't quite sure how to answer. It's not often anyone bothers to believe her. "Eeeyaah! Well, so you see, the ears are pretty cute, I know. I think its a royalty thing. I've not seen any other catgirls besides myself..."
She spends as much time as needed to weave a complex and totally inaccurate tale of her missed youth. The core truth is there. In her mind, someone born who develops magical powers useful to princesses.. must be a princess. Its the stories she was raised on, and she believes them fiercely. As far as hard truths go?
.."So.. I know they are out there. I can feel it. WHERE they are, I have no idea. The only way to catch their attention right now is to go out and make them notice me. And, well, rulership is servitude to common person, and I'm trying my best to learn that."
Last minute items? Please see Akuno's shopping list in the AM. (Sorry guys, tax season is super hard for me to stay as current as I can. At least I'm leveled up! Sorry to the party in advance, I didn't take haste at 3rd level.)
'Lil - (Carl) - 50/50 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Wednesday March 17th, 2021 3:16:56 PM
OOC: Finally got my sheet updated to 6 and waiting on my Catacombs receipt.
***
'Lil spends the last of her days at the WLA. She's got her dues money ready and jumps into her training.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Wednesday March 17th, 2021 3:50:44 PM
A day or two later Haemir approaches Thorondir. "You know a long time ago there were trees here on the Plains, they only grew a few feet but they were here. Then a sickness came n' the old trees died but the new grass adapted n' thrived mutating" as he speaks he stares out over the grasses.
"What do you know about 'Wolds Blood'? It's a strange ole thing. I think of it like veins in a leaf, carrying nutrients, except they are in another realm. The Realm of Shadows which coexists or overlaps with us right here. In this other place there are rivulets n' entire rivers of Wolds blood - n' whereas Clerics gain spells from their Gods n' Druids draw spells from Nature itself"... He pauses and looks at Thorondir as if weighing up weather he can trust the druid with his secret. "My kind are sometimes called Blood Witches because on a mental and spiritual level, we reach into the Realm of Shadows and draw knowledge n' power from Wolds blood directly. We store some of the energy within us n' are then able to cast our spells on the fly. With me So far"?
"Here's where it gets strange .. Wolds blood holds knowledge n' power but is exceptionally dangerous! I remember once back in Hook city where it went wrong and the Blood drained me. One of the first times I did it. It's nasty stuff! I was sick for a few days after. If I were to draw some now n' mess up it would effect everyone within fifty foot of us, they wouldn't even know why but they would suddenly feel quite ill and potentially it could harm them too! That's why I always refresh my spells away from everyone. I can easily imagine Wolds blood being responsible for the sickness! I wasn't there but didn't Ma'am say something like that to you all? I dunno if it's nearer the surface here but maybe that's the push we felt?! It felt like something was trying to bend me to it's design! Bend or break is the way of nature right"? ---
(ref Q; When Haemir refreshes how does it compare to drawing Woods blood in Hook City or other places. Is it any easier? Does it feel any different?)
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Wednesday March 17th, 2021 7:35:08 PM
Sol has completed his shopping, and has a few new spells and scrolls to help the party as needed, and is very much looking forward to using them!
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Wednesday March 17th, 2021 10:43:07 PM
“Wolds Blood needs to be accessed with caution, though your analogy of the veins in a plant is spot on. Many plants you can access the sap for food or medical purposes. If not careful, the extraction can kill the plant. Likewise many animals suck the blood of a host. In either case the death of the source is in the long term detrimental. So must be true with Wolds Blood, extracting it incorrectly or taking too much will cause unpredictable damage. It is good you are careful, for the sake of us and the Wold.”
Finally Thorondir is able to discuss ecological implications with someone who understands. He is glad Haemir is here.
Talking to everyone: “Finish what you need here and let me know if I can be of service. I am done with cities for a few more years.” Thorondir spends time with Aewen and tends his whortle berry in his planter.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Thursday March 18th, 2021 1:27:13 PM
Haemir agrees with Thorondir and enjoyed the chat too.
"I see there's a play on in the city anyone fancy it"?
DM shane Thursday March 18th, 2021 1:55:04 PM
ooc: excuse me, the internet went out last night and when I refreshed the page it posts the last thing I posted to this site.
Akuno enjoys flirting with the gnomes and telling them her tale of royalty. she at least has the right attitude for a royal. the gnomes agree that her ears are indeed cute. OOC: preserver Ken I know this time of year is hard, it don't help that they put the tax date to May 17 or June 15 depending on where you are from.
Haemir shares with Thorondir some very closely held information about himself, and the structure of the world in general.
Sol enjoys his new shinies.
Thorondir rather than be horrified at the thought of a bloodwitch in his midst is overjoyed to finally have someone he can talk Thaumaturgic ecology with. OOC: if you are done with cities are you staying on the boat?
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Thursday March 18th, 2021 7:37:04 PM
"Any of you guys that haven't joined a guild should before we leave here! There may not be another chance for a while. I can recommend my guild The Woldian League of Adventurers! They offer training that will help you live longer, there's enough party funds still for you to do all the training you need"!
'Lil - (Carl) - 50/50 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Thursday March 18th, 2021 8:31:39 PM
'Lil's already signed on with the WLA. She's ready to go.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Thursday March 18th, 2021 11:49:40 PM "I'm just a druid, not an adventurer as you say. Like I have said, I am here to protect the Maiden and those who sail her. I can't see answering to a guild or league of adventurers. Following orders or doing combat training really doesn't soot me, I'll just keep learning from natural interactions if that is okay. I'm ready to sail on, but if someone is going to go up and deal with the gnomes and their hunting I best go along."
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Friday March 19th, 2021 3:03:50 AM
Sol list's to Haemir.
"I had considered it, but the StarMages are more of a magical bent... I was wondering if they might be somewhat better for myself, though I would listen to any input any of you have about it."
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Friday March 19th, 2021 7:33:23 AM
Caelwyn heads off to check it out/or doesn't (OOC: I'll lead Casey to decide on return but here is where he joins if he does).
Rich. Subbing for Caelwyn Friday March 19th, 2021 10:12:18 AM
Haemir briefly lays a reassuring hand on Sol's shoulder: "Sounds like you have things sewn up well my friend. Let me know if you need anything"!
To Thorondir: "I hear you brother, they have other training, research libraries n' all sorts. I'll gladly show you around if you wanna get a feel for the place? I just want us all to be the best we can be out here". He accepts everyone's path is different. "I'll not mention it again but if you change your mind"...
He then looks for a temple of Gargul, knowing they're not major Bloodwitch fans he leaves Fand with the Maiden. Having been a follower for over a century it still grated that when his powers were thrust upon him (just before leaving Hook city), the fact they could potentially cause friction between him and some of Gargul's followers were he to openly admit them..! It was a shame they couldn't see past where his powers came from. Nevertheless they had saved his life 'beggars and choosers'.
He understood that he would have to continue to work hard (if not harder) before he could be more open and honest, but Haemir has known a few human Eyes all of their life. In fact they had even tried to recruit him a few times, but the pull to the sea had been too great back in his youth.
Knowing the score he isn't stupid enough to admit what he is and keeps a low profile. There are only a few souls in existence that actually know what he is and he has been cautious to tell his coven to remain secret. He will say some prayers and check out if there is any work they need help with or anything else the temple might need. He wasn't about to blindly switch allegiances just because something thrust these powers into his lap!
Haemir is enthusiastic about urging his comrades to consider joi9ning an organization, like the Star Mages or the Sages' Guild, or especially the Woldian League of Adventurers.
'Lil has already signed on with the WLA. All she has left to do is to speak the vow.
Thorondir has no interest in these organizations. Perhaps someday the naturalist will find a group of like-minded people who have Mother Wold's best interests at heart.
Sol has considered both the WLA and the Star Mages. The Star Mages have the great advantage of being much less expensive, but lacks the intensive training and the amazing feats that the WLA bestows. The time has come to make a choice, at least for now ... [OOC: If you would like my own opinions and advice, please feel free to email cayzle@cayzle.com.]
Caelwyn too has a choice to make ...
Well, at the least, here is a chance to learn a bit more, seeing as you are all invited to 'Lil's Enrollment Ceremony.
The WLA Chapterhouse here is actually both a tavern and a training facility. On the wall are the sigils that identify this place as WLA ground. The prices for food and drink are high, but the adventurers who come here have gold to burn -- the successful ones do, at least.
Inside, the chapterhouse leader, a Captain Jharom, welcomes you all into a spacious and well-appointed chamber. There are chairs lining the walls, except for a buffet along a far wall. Jharom gives a short speech about the WLA ... the way that adventurers serve to protect innocents and nations alike when guards and soldiers cannot ... the commitment to self-improvement and the ideal of heroes who are not so humble as to refuse to be the best that the Wold needs them to be.
There are a number of portraits around the walls of famous heroes of the League. Tahni Wyrmrider of the Bone Dragons, Restlin of the Iron Dragons, Tishe’ Weaver of the Keepers of the Vale, Bliss of Humbles Ford, to name a few.
Since 'Lil has already paid the dues [for a 6th level character, that's 3,500 gp preferred, or 1,000 minimum, let me know, please], it is time to induct her with the lifelong vow.
The Captain says, "Repeat after me."
"I, Lillian Sarramont, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it.”
[OOC: Please recite your vow in your post, please, 'Lil.]
Then the Captain presents 'Lil with her official WLA badge. "This means something, young champion," he says, "so wear it proudly."
After the ceremony, a few of the WLA vets who happen to be in residence mingle with you all, welcoming 'Lil, chatting with Haemir, making the sell to everyone else, talking about the truly amazing skills and feat training that the WLA offers, as well as the opportunities to do good and make a difference in the Wold. Also, the food and drink are delicious, and the bacon hors d'oeuvres are to die for.
[OOC: Anyone else want to join, or do anything else here in the city? Last call!]
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Saturday March 20th, 2021 10:55:14 AM
Akuno thinks about all the options available, and when Sol talks about the Star Mages, she is interested. She tugs his sleeves. "Ney ney! Sol! Heey. I'll make you a super special once in a lifetime offer. If YOU go join the Star Mages, I'LL escort you there and join up alongside you to keep you out of trouble. Its not everyday royalty offers to join in ones endeavors, Mr. Sol." She wriggles her eyebrows at the man, cat ears flicking at the same time. Are you really going to turn her down?
(I'd like to enroll up to the CL 5 if possible, but I don't know if the teach a class requirement comes before or after being accepted to Tier 2.)
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Saturday March 20th, 2021 1:07:51 PM
Before the ceremony, Caelwyn looks around the WLA chapterhouse, thinking of the Captain's words and the great deeds of the heroes whose images line the walls. He has already sworn his life to defend the innocent and combat evil in the Wold in Domi's name, and it would make perfect sense to become a part of this organization as well. "Capain, it would be my great honor to join the Woldian League of Adventurers."
If allowed, Caelwyn would like to take the oath alongside Lil.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Saturday March 20th, 2021 1:10:06 PM
Well now, it seems the Sentinels have decided to take their adventuring seriously by joining guilds and the like. Thorondir supposes that will add strength, but he is a bit worried too. He has seen mercenary groups let their power go to their head. He will have to be extra cautious looking out over the Sentinels in the future.
"Go do your training and join your guilds. I'll look after the Maiden and tend to my garden." Thorondir gestures to the potted whortle berry bush that he has put in a spot on the ship that will not be too much in the way. "I still have too much I need to study and practice without learning a new skill at the moment."
Thorondir will spend time while at the Maiden wildshaping into forms that are new to him. He will start as an Earth Elemental for a few hours, then after a brief rest he will try out the Air Elemental. He has already been a Water Elemental, but he is avoiding trying out the Fire Elemental. Hopefully, he can avoid flames while on the Sargrass.
Aewen flies about, hunting for her food as Thorondir gets in touch with the elements.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Saturday March 20th, 2021 1:22:04 PM
Haemir looks up at the portraits of hero's and smiles. He points to the one of Tishe’.
"I've met that one. She's really good good at weaving n' has been a great inspiration to me"! Hmmm he thinks. Trying to remember quite wherever was. Was it a dreamwalk? The ghost something keeps coming to mind.
Caelwyn asks to join the Woldian League of Adventurers alongside Lil.
Thorondir, a nature-oriented person, is ready to leave the urban areas, and does not even deign to attend the WLA initiation of his friends. He stays at the boat, practicing natural arts.
Haemir, on the other hand, seems proud to stand up and witness his friends joining. He is glad to recall the story if meeting Tishe’ herself, even if the details are a bit fuzzy.
"Caelwyn, please recite your oath with 'Lil," the Captain asks. "But with your own name, of course."
After the ceremony, are Sol and Akuno headed to the Star Mages? Sol, what do you say?
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Sunday March 21st, 2021 1:11:07 PM
Caelwyn is proud to stand alongside Lill and speak his own oath when she has finished.
"I, Caelwyn Alterius, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it.”
He thinks about his oath to Domi, sworn years ago. This new vow would reinforce the old, providing him with new friends and resources to help defend the innocent of the Wold.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Sunday March 21st, 2021 8:20:05 PM
Curious about how the grasses survive with little to no rain, Thorondir changes into an Earth Elemental and moves beneath the ground. He is curious about the root pattern for different grasses, are some shallow to take up any moisture as soon as it hits the surface or are they deep to gather water from below? He assumes some grasses have shallow roots while other species have deep root systems, but he plans to find out. He also seeks out moisture in the ground. Does soil moisture increase as he goes down? Can he find groundwater deeper? He has lots of time, so he goes deep to see if a water table exists below the grasses. He also experiments with casting create water while underground, hoping to fill the pore spaces in the soil with water at the base of the root systems.
OOC: no worries about specifics, you don't need to research prairie ecosystems to answer my questions.
'Lil - (Carl) - 50/50 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Monday March 22nd, 2021 3:38:56 PM
'Lil wasn't expectin' an actual ceremony, but she does her best to put on a brave face as she repeats the vow.
"I, Lillian Sarramont, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it." It's the first time she's spoken her surname out loud. She hopes her companions don't catch it as she's not big on being called anything other than 'Lil.
She takes the pin and affixes it to the bit of cloak visible from her front. Surprisingly, she does feel something. She chats with her new compatriots, wondering how many other of the Wold's heroes started out like this.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 d20+1=20 ; Monday March 22nd, 2021 4:09:54 PM
Haemir sees 'Lil's oath (Sense Motive:20 - wow rolled 19) and strangely picks up on her discomfort. Her doesn't indicate he's heard anything at all - her secret is safe with him.
Before they leave Haemir goes back to Gargul's temple. Determined to find a way to help, even if it's just import/export/merchant stuff. He says some prayers and makes his enquiries. Maybe a quick visit to the market again then he's pretty much done in Zayan.
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Monday March 22nd, 2021 7:26:49 PM
Sol smirks at Akuno.
"Very well, let us sign up together. We can perhaps help one another in our training. It would be useful to have someone else to bounce ideas off of."
DM Cayzle - The Star Mages and other Errands Monday March 22nd, 2021 11:55:14 PM
'Lil and Caelwyn speak their oaths proudly -- and are welcomed warmly into the WLA. The reception continues into the evening, and there is much revelry. The two initiates are invited to stay the night at the chapterhouse, and to jump into some intensive training the next day.
But the revels and the city proper hold no attraction for Thorondir, who instead finds deeply fascinating the study of an ecology that is a hybrid of the Sargrass, and here, on the border of Zaran City, that has a comparably large amount of water available. He investigates the way the system works, and in his delvings, finds a curious mole a-burrowing in the dirt. Maybe the mole has some insights for the naturalist? Sensing that there is no danger from Thorondir, the diminutive mammal shamelessly begs for any worms that have been turned up in the druid's passage through the ground.
The next day, Haemir visits the small temple of Gargul. In general, the people of the Southern Continent prefer to honor the local Powers, but wherever there are people gathered, the prayers to the God of Life and Death will be spoken.
Of course, witches do not wear symbols of their craft; they are not branded nor marked. Haemir does not wear a pointy hat, and the parrot is no giveaway. If someone notices the cauldron ... but such is not the case today. If Haemir does not introduce himself as a witch, he'll not find himself in poor regard.
And therefore, he is left to say his prayers in peace, and his offer of trade goods is well received. "My son," an old bald Eye of Gargul says to him, "we are always grateful for donations. Any goods you might want to share with us would be most appreciated!" How much does Haemir donate to the church?
Then, at the market, Haemir finds the perfect violin on display. Indeed, he feels a connection to it as soon as he lays eyes on it. He asks permission to try it out, and when he touches it, he feels a connection, an emotional connection, a sense, a communication of deep satisfaction. He makes the purchase, and has a solid intuition that this musical device is more than it seems, and will bear investigation.
Sol and Akuno follow some leads (the helpful folks at the WLA can surely do the trick) to locate the Star Mages representative here in Zaran City. "Very well, let us sign up together," says Sol. "We can perhaps help one another in our training. It would be useful to have someone else to bounce ideas off of."
The two casters learn that there is a wizard in a tower at the edge of the town who serves the needs of those who require advanced magical casting or training. It is an elderly gnome, named Zalatsar, who has seen the South through TWO migrations, it is said. You note a deep chill as you approach his tower; perhaps he misses the cold from before Zaran City was divorced from the realm of Ice Vein.
Inside, the tower is no less chilly. The old gnome, dressed in luxurious white furs, makes you welcome. "So, you want to join the Star Mages, eh? I'll take down your information and send it on in the next pouch to Hook City. It'll reach the mothership in New Elenna in a few weeks. Now, what's your name and class? Adventurer or freelance? What's your group name? Where are you based?"
Zalatsar explains the rules. "No evil magic or acts. No casting spells for free. You can cast in your group so long as you're getting a share of treasure."
He tests your capabilities and makes you cast spells. He sniffs when he learns that Akuno is just a sorcerer. "You know you are not allowed to advance past the Third Tier. Sorry, but that's the rules. You both qualify for Tier 2, that's 1,000 gp, and you have to come back in the afternoon to teach a class. I'll gather a few students for you to damage."
Sol and Akuno, please say that you will pay the fee, agree to the rules, and then describe your class. Make a Spellcraft or Know Arcana check as well, and list any spells you may cast as a demonstration.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp d20+9=23 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=32 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 4:43:27 AM
Akuno is happy to pay the fee, and doesn't seem to be worried about having a cap on her advancement. "Oh? A limit? Held down like a commoner? Left to toil just outside of greatness?, she twitches her tail once or twice in excitement. "Servitude is the essence of leadership after all."
Name and Class? "I'm Akuno Neko, Prrrincess Akuno Neko, and I'm a magical maiden without compare! 'Destined for greatness', is what you book wizards will be writing about me after I'm done here."
Akuno does a fine enough job talking about mechanics of magic. (Spellcraft 23) Its stuff she never bothered with until meeting Sol and 'Lil. Where she shined however, was in her biggest passions.
"There's more to magic than just casting it you know." With a huff, she starts displaying the various magical enhancements woven into her lacy frills. "The ability to create permanent magic is useful. A spell woven into equipment is more expensive, but it means that you wizards can just vary up your spells that much more." She taps her pretty black boots on the floor."If your boots levitate, you don't need to prepare that spell." She flips an elemental gem in the air and snatches it. "If you can break a gem to unleash an elemental, you don't have to spend six seconds summoning one." She passes the gem around, then collects it from the last student.
She then draws a pair of wands, one red and one white. "Of course, magic items aren't just about making your own spells in a can to save on magic economy and mental brainspace. If it were, we'd buy nothing but wizard scrolls and haste rods. Sometimes, just being able to use someone elses magic at a novice level is just as important as mastering your own." She waves the first wand around in the air, then suddenly points it at a front row student. "If a friends dying.." she pauses for effect, pointing the wand at a second student sitting next to the first, "...you don't have to wait on the healer if you can use the cure wand without them." She taps the white wand against her hand, activating it flawlessly and blowing the twinkly magic bits via kiss at the classroom. She then switches to the red wand, and a controlled flame erupts suddenly in her small hand. "And why should druids be the only ones to produce such an efficient flame? Its a magic weapon that lasts for minutes, can be used sparingly or all out, and allows us to fight from a safer range than scorching ray." (UMD 34 and 32)
She snuffs the magical flame and wraps up. "Learning magic for the sake of magic is great, especially for you wizards, who can literally learn every spell there is. I don't want you getting big heads, but its pretty amazing what you can do. But don't neglect versatility, economy, and emergency planning, especially if you plan to adventure." She twirls a finger through a lock of perfectly silky hair, then rests it behind a perky cat ear. "It's something we sorcerers understand perhaps a bit better than you do, because we don't always "have a spell for that." And sometimes, you might not either. And when that happens, knowing how to use magic you otherwise can't, or having a useful bauble, can save your life."
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 d20+5=9 ; Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 3:02:13 PM
Haemir donates a grand of gold/equipment (from his share) to the church, chats about some of the old Eyes he used to know (a few may be from before the human's time) and swaps news about the Sargrass if the cleric is interested. "'Twas good meeting you honourable Eye. See you again next time we sail by". He says before leaving.
On the way back to the Maiden he starts to teach himself to play the violin (Perform:9). He's a beginner so it's not fantastic, but at least being on his own spared everyone from occasional novice scrapes!
Back on board he greets Fand and checks all is well.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 4:27:28 PM
Casting Speak with Animals, Thorondir decides to talk to the mole. "Hey friend, of course. Let us hunt worms together."
Thorondir will glide through the ground as an Earth Elemental, collecting worms as he goes. He puts them within reach of the mole.
"There you go, that should fill your belly." After the mole eats its fill he adds "Tell me about your home here, the ground here seems very nice compared the deep in the Sargrass plains. You have chosen a home wisely. What other creatures are about? Please let me know if there is something more I can help you with."
Sol let's Akuno go first, and listens closely to her, and what the Guild Member says.
"Very well... I am Elijah Solomon, known as Sol. I am a Wizard, and am currently a member of the adventuring group, the Sargrass Sentinels, based out of New Rattledam."
He doesn't embellish much about who he is or his skills, and simply let's his abilities and knowledge speak for himself. He will show off a few decent spells, including Hold Person, Magic Missile and Bull's Strength.
"Magic, is a fickle force. But can be marshalled to do as you command with proper training and practice. It is an ally that you sometimes have to bend to your will. But beware that you do not allow it to get the best of you. If you do not shape it to your will, it will do as it wants, and that is rarely good for you. You must not be afraid, and be safe in the knowledge that your skills can always advance."
'Lil - (Carl) - 50/50 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 11:15:05 PM
'Lil's happy to spend the night with her new friends. She spends the next day workin' on her soft skills. She wonders if maybe she should branch out more, though. Before she was the only one of her dudes who could talk without puttin' a foot in their mouth. Haemir came back all talkative, though.
She'll accompany Akuno to the Star Mage's tower if she's able, but the place don't seem as welcoming to non-wizards as the WLA is. It's unlikely she's welcome, which is just as well as the Star Mage's policy about castin' spells for free is pretty much the opposite of what she's supposed to do as a priest of Domi.
As much as she's enjoyed her stay, she finds herself itchin' to get back to the grass. "That's new," she thinks to herself. It's the first time she looked forward to settin' out into the wilderness.
DM Cayzle - Final Business in Zaran City Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 11:55:04 PM
Akuno and Sol are both impressive in their ways! Their classes are instructive and demonstrate their expertise. One of the students approaches Sol after the class and asks him to come back often to teach here!
[OOC: Please both accept roleplay awards of 250 xp each.]
Haemir wraps up his business with the priest of Gargul by offering a very generous donation. "Your support of the church does you great credit, my son," says the priest. "Next time you are in toen, please visit me. I'm Brother Wierwood."
[OOC: You have two choices for contributions when you are playing at my table. (1) remove your donation from your wealth. Eventually you will come back up to your WBL as the party gains loot. The effect of your generosity is short lived. OR (2) Track your donations under your wealth on your PC sheet. Treat it like dues or a magic item. The effect of the donation is log-lived. Let me know if this policy is unclear.]
Thorondir's new mole friend loves the worms and in fact shows great affection for Thorondir. She clearly wants to go with you and let you feed her worms on the regular. She has lots to say about root systems and clay vs sandy soils and water tables and such like. Do you want a new animal pal?
[OOC: You can treat this animal as a roleplay companion, if you like, and it will duck for cover when there is danger and as a rule not be subject to damage.]
'Lil is welcome to observe at the Star Mage's Tower, but must remain silent. Also, her shopping in the Catacombs is a great success (purchase approved).
OOC: We'll assume that any other pending Catacombs purchases are received at this time.
That's it for the party's stay in Zaran City! You all converge on your ship the next morning and make preparations to sail off. Which way are you headed? And, by the way, do you have a 5 ft sq map of the ship? How is a DM to plan for pirates boarding or landsharks attacking if there is no map? Muahaha!
'Lil - (Carl) - 50/50 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Wednesday March 24th, 2021 8:14:34 AM
'Lil's honestly a little surprised that Akuno's hijinks don't illicit some kinda haughty reaction from the Star Mages, but realizes that snooty magic types are pretty much at home here. She's happy for her friends, though. To each their own, yea?
They had agreed to let their crew have some shore leave while they were here. 'Lil's sure to make certain they got it before it's time to head out. They're a good crew and deserve it. Domi help them if they start anything while they're here, though...
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 9:00:03 AM
Haemir is looking forward to setting sail, but with no news from his coven (indicating problems anywhere) or a mission he has no suggestions: "Time to vote, does anyone need to go anywhere or have any suggestions Sentinels"?
(Note to Cayzle. I'd like to keep the donation to Gargul's temple on my WBL (option 2), this feels more of a sacrifice than just donating my share of party funds. However, this puts me over my WBL, so I have emailed a proposal to further strip my legacy item of abilities to make this even possible).
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 12:20:09 PM
Thorondir gathers up a handful of worms and picks up his new friend. "I'll call you Talpid unless you have another name you prefer?" He carries his new friend and the worms up to his planter with the chortle berry bush. He digs up some of the soil around the plant and puts the worms into the planter where they start to burrow down. He calls down Aewen takes turns speaking in mole and eagle. It must sound strange to those around him. "Aewen, this is Talpid. He is our friend, so please don't eat him." turning to the mole "Talpid, this is Aewen. She seems very scary, but she is my friend. I have asked her not to eat you. In fact, if another animal threatens you she will attack it and protect you. I have made a home for you in this soil with a bush. The worms are in there for you to eat, please be careful with the bush. I need it to survive, but you are a master soil engineer. I'm sure with you and the worms the bush will be very healthy."
Thorondir seems very pleased. He might not be able to fix the whole Wold, but this part of the Wold seems good. He isn't sure what his friends accomplished in the city, but he doubts it can be any better than what he was able to do.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Wednesday March 24th, 2021 4:22:22 PM
Akuno takes a moment to look at the library and appreciate her new star heart. She nudges Sol. "The benefit for you here is amazing. All these spells you can scribe now, for just the cost of your inks!" Most of it is greek to her, and she doesn't get much help since she's not an prepared caster anyways, but she was happy to be around some other people who could teach her a bit more about magic than she knew already. "Ney, Sol. This star heart lets me cast a new spell like its one I know. That's pretty neat, but I have no idea what to pick. My first level spells are Unseen Servant, Roses Temperate Control, Alarm, Floating Disk, and Color Spray. I don't need Mage Armor because of our wand. Maybe pick a good one for me?" She waits patiently, and follows his advice.
(applying the skill ranks to my char sheet tonight)
After things die down at the school, Akuno is exhausted from having to expend effort for a change. The walk to the ship is a bit longer than she likes, so she falls into her floating disk, arranges her pillows, and lets her unseen servant drag her the rest of the way back home. As she floats up to the ship, she finds Thorondir looking quite pleased with himself.
"Hello!" She waves exuberantly, and when the servants don't (and cant) scoot her forward any faster, she finally tumbles out of her magic litter and bounces up to the druid. "Did you have a good day today Thornidir? It was pretty interesting for my part. I got a pretty bauble that lets me cast a new spell that Sol picked out. I also got to teach a class on using items to a bunch of wizards who think they are better than me. Do you know where we are going next? I'm ready to add to my legend, seeing those stuffy book-mages got me all fired up!" She swishes her Produce Flame wand through the air, burninating mock bad guys left and right.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 8:58:19 PM
Thorondir smiles broadly at Akuno. “I had the best day ever, I made a new friend. Meet Talpid!” He holds up the mole proudly.
DM Cayzle - Final Business in Zaran City Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:37:10 PM
'Lil is a little surprised that Zalatsar the star mage is not snootier. Perhaps being far from the main headquarters, or with the wisdom of centuries, Zalatsar is just more laid back?
'Lil alerts the crew that it is time to set sail.
Haemir hears from his coven after a little delay. Something about misplacing the main cauldron, but all is fine now.
He calls on his friends to weigh on on weighing anchor.
Thorondir is happy to show off his new friend. The mole is not sure that she likes being hoisted above ground, but trusts in her new friend. And in all the worms he has provided so far. Note that the new pal, named Talpid, is a female. She blinks when introduced to the eagle, but she also seems relatively fearless for a mole -- she only cowers when directly looked at.
Akuno shows off her new toys and lore to Sol and Thorondir. She seems quite delighted as well.
But the question still remains, as the crew take their positions and everyone has returned to the Maiden. Where to?
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 Thursday March 25th, 2021 12:00:37 AM
Caelwyn is happy to have become a member of the WLA, and is eager to continue on their journey. He frowns as he examines a map. "Back to Rattledam, perhaps? I feel like we ought to be checking in there regularly..."
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 d20+15=23 ; Thursday March 25th, 2021 12:09:39 PM
When Haemir discovers the chortle berry bush he grins, feeling inspired he reaches inside his bag of holding and deposits a fair few seeds on a shelf. He begins potting up a few herbs and pretty soon the shelf running around the lower deck looks like the inside of a greenhouse.
When introduced to Talpid he asks Fand to grab a few worms for him and allows Thorondir to introduce them all. Haemir doesn't speak with animals like the druid does but makes an attempt at making the new addition to the Maiden feel welcome (Animal Handling:23).
"I vote for New Rattledam, unless anyone knows of any other places for us to search for"!?
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Thursday March 25th, 2021 4:50:29 PM
(Placeholding for Sol to either pick or decline to pick Akunos spell.)
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 Thursday March 25th, 2021 4:51:58 PM "Talpid is a female, which of course was evident as I held her up for you to meet. She prefers to be in her burrow, which is here in my potted berry plant. She can sense vibrations, so I will ask her to let me know if anything feels wrong with the Maiden as we go along. Otherwise, she will eat her worms and help the small garden habitat that I have. Please don't harvest these berries. I will use them to enchant with as goodberries. That means they will each provide a complete meal and do some healing. I must say, I made a small pond up on the mountain, planted a tree at the edge and summoned some frogs that I hope helped to add some plant spores into the area. Then, I have created this small garden and have a mole to help tend it. I'm not sure what was going on with you and your guilds, but I have had some very productive days."
Thorondir is content, and Aewen is happy too. She is sitting in the eagles nest above the mast and eating something she caught.
"I don't care where we go, we could stay here and I could work to stock my pool with fish."
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Thursday March 25th, 2021 7:09:14 PM
Sol will think when asked by Akuno for his advice.
"Colour Spray is a spell that has always served me well. And yes, I will be making use of the books here so I can add additional spells to my spellbook. I would hope that eventually I could have every spell ever created appear in my spellbook, or perhaps craft my own... would that not be a wonderful think? 'Sol's Fire and Forget Chain Lightning' or something like that..."
Sol then gets distracted into his own mind, apparently thinking of all the different interesting spells he could create, or would if he had the time.
'Lil - (Carl) - 50/50 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Thursday March 25th, 2021 9:27:18 PM "Yea, we need to check back with the Rattledam folks. Make sure the place is still standing and whatnot."
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Thursday March 25th, 2021 11:14:14 PM
Akuno frowns. "Hey! I told you I had Color Spray already! Aren't you listening to me?" She frowns again, so hard her eyebrows look like they'll touch her nose. "Don't tell me you're going to blow me off because I'm a sorcerer, just like those snooty mages?"
She settles on Magic Missile.
Later, when its time to decide where to go next, she's also for a trip back to anywhere they'll give her a quest.
DM Cayzle - Leaving Zaran City Friday March 26th, 2021 8:51:23 AM
A consensus develops, after a fashion, and the destination is selected.
The Maiden sets out, and the wind is fair and hot coming off the Sargrass Plains.
You travel for a few hours, and now you are deep in the grasses. The city is invisible in the distance.
Please make perception checks, and alert your DMs to any ability or such that would affect your perception beyond the skill check.
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 d20+1=17 ; d20+8=16 ; Friday March 26th, 2021 9:14:25 AM
Haemir is on deck (Perception:17 - nothing changes unless it's dark - in which case darkvision:120').
Fand is probably flying. (I believe she flies faster than the ship so probably fluctuates between scouting and resting ([i]Perception:16).
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp d20=15 ; Friday March 26th, 2021 9:52:37 AM
Akuno sits at the edge of the ship, her feet dangling over the side. She got an unseen servant squeezed under her arms, like a favorite teddy bear. She was still a little grumpy that Sol hadn't listened to her. "Jeez, that guy, Edward." Edward was her unseen servant, he hadn't had a name until this moment, and it knew somehow, that its name was going to be subject to Akuno's whims.
She looks at her star heart, it was pretty cute. She had chosen one shaped like a little red key. As she turns it over in her hand, something in the distance catches her eye for just a second, maybe? (Perception 14)
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 d20+9=25 ; d20+10=28 ; Friday March 26th, 2021 11:45:08 AM
Thorondir spends each morning (6 hours) in eagle form, flying with Aewen and hunting if there is game. The rest of the day, he spends aboard the Maiden tending his small garden and looking about across the grasses. Aewen spends that time typically in the eagle's nest (a crows nest I made at the top of the mast but named it eagles nest for obvious reasons?). Talpid, spends his time in the soil eating worms.
Perception Thorondir 25 Perception Aewen 28 Tremorsense Talpid the Mole
'Lil - (Carl) - 50/50 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells d20+12=23 ; Friday March 26th, 2021 10:57:22 PM
Perception: 23
'Lil continues being surprised with herself by enjoying being back in the grass on her boa...ship. It's a ship, not a boat.
She spies Akuno pouting again and decides to join her. "Hey dude," she says as she plops her legs off the side of the ship. "Who's Edward? A boy you met back in Zaran?" It's a tease, but she delivers it with fake genuineness.
DM Cayzle - Leaving Zaran City Friday March 26th, 2021 11:58:18 PM
Haemir is on deck, and Fand is flying.
Akuno enjoys the scenery as it goes by, thinking of her new toy and the unfair outrage of those who are unjustly ignored.
'Lil tries to cheer up Akuno.
Keen-eyed Thorondir is flying with Fand and Aewen.
The ship has not been too long underway, and is navigating around an out-thrust spur of the Crystal Mountains.
'Lil, looking at the horizon, sees a lone gnome, incapacitated or dead, lying on the grounds where the stone thrusts out and the grass is sparse. You can tell it's a gnome by the pointy red hat, common in Zaran City. The body is maybe 600-800 feet from you at this point.
With the advantage of altitude, Thonorondir and his fine feathered friend can see more. They see a group of gnomes racing away from the downed gnome. Are they afraid of their fallen comrade? Or is there something dangerous that you have not perceived from the vicinity of the Maiden?
If you wish to sail in, you will not be able to approach closer than a couple hundred feet of the downed gnome, seeing that as you approach the rocky outcroppings, the soil is too shallow to support the abundance of plant life that the druidwood vessel requires to avoid "running aground."
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP: 17/20 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 Active Spells: Mage Armour (duration - 5 hours) Saturday March 27th, 2021 6:08:02 PM
Sol has been keeping to himself, reading his spellbook and trying to ensure he's learned everything he can from Zaran City, although they've left, he's trying to ensure he doesn't have to go back...
Because of this he doesn't notice anything untoward.
Thorondir (KellyB) -- AC 18/14/14 -- HP: 39/39 -- Aewen: AC 14 -- HP 16/16 d20+10=14 ; d20+10=29 ; Sunday March 28th, 2021 7:31:12 PM
Thorondir looks to Fand and motions back to the Maiden. Squaking at Aewen he says "Quickly, lets fly above the gnome and see what has happened." They move at quad speed towards the downed gnome, keeping about 100 feet above the ground. (240'/round Thorondir and 320'/round Aewen) They should get there in 2-4 rounds.
Perception Thorondir 14 Perception Aewen 29
Haemir (Rich) AC:13/13/10 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:23/27 - HP:50/50 Sunday March 28th, 2021 10:58:15 PM
Fand is unable to see anything but notices Thorondir nod back to the Maiden. She can't report what she doesn't see, but something has clearly caught the druids attention. Keeping pace with Aewen she allows concern to radiate through her empathic link with Haemir, who looks up suddenly. Dropping the rope he was about to secure he strides to the front of the Maiden.
Thomas the XO and ships pilot looks at Haemir with a questioning look and receives the reply: "Slow the Maiden Thomas, somethings up"..!
Closing his eyes Haemir takes a deep breath he concentrates activating 'Remote Viewing': - clairaudience/Clairvoyance for one round (as SLA 640' range) and takes a better look at the stone that thrusts out in the distance.
Akuno Neko (Ken) AC 19 / CMD 17 - 26/26 Hp Monday March 29th, 2021 12:56:22 AM
Akuno pops up to her feet. "Boys? The only boy I've given any notice to at all was that scruffy mutt Bigby, and that was just because I had to make sure he didn't drool on me. Edward he is a gentleman servant. My need is his joy and pleasure." She pats the unseen servant.
Edward, aware as an unseen servant can be, has a vague concept of joy and pleasure. He wasn't sure that he agreed hauling Akuno around was either of those things.
-------------------
Somethings up? Akuno starts gathering her items up. She uses the Mage Armor wand on herself, and anyone else who needs it. (Sol and Haemir? Confirm if you need Mage Armor.)
'Lil - (Carl) - 50/50 HP - AC 21/14/19 - CMD 17Spells Monday March 29th, 2021 9:38:39 PM "Apologies, your highness," she chuckles, even though she's not. She's enjoying the moment until she sees the downed gnome. "Ah blast it all. Put your war face on, dude. We got casualties." 'Lil ain't got much to do for prep before battle other than pray. [b]"Domi," she starts out loud, "I pray my dudes and I'll do you proud. If you wants to watch over us, I'd rightly appreciate it."
When she's about a minute away from the gnome she casts a bless on anyone who can squeeze in, then also casts a bull's strength on herself.
Caelwyn Alterius (Casey M.) AC: 19/10/19; HP: 44/44; CMD: 15 d20+2=12 ; Monday March 29th, 2021 9:49:22 PM
Caelwyn, scanning the horizon, picks up on Thorondir's sudden movement, as well as Haemir's concern. He instinctively reaches for his longbow and an arrow, and begins looking around to see what may be happening. "Haemir, what is it? Has Thorondir spotted something?"
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