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Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Monday May 3rd, 2021 9:06:55 AM
"If it wasn't for the fact that I can create enough water to supply Humble's Ford with clean drinking water, I would chose the spring, but since water is not needed, I vote for the wooded area. We should be able to find enough dead and hopefully dry wood for a nice campfire tonight, and maybe even gain a bit of shelter from any winds and such."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Monday May 3rd, 2021 1:05:34 PM
"I also vote for the woods, I can climb a tree and get a good vantage during my watch."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Monday May 3rd, 2021 1:07:39 PM
For the "marching orders" Hobie is sitting on top of the front vehicle if possible, or next to the driver if the direct top isn't possible, and he's using his ring for constant invisibility.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday May 3rd, 2021 9:29:37 PM
Pressi nods at the explanation and the first description. "Hard to tell how to counteract, since we are going in with some vague descriptions of magic. Maybe we'll heed Murphy's advice and try not to just fight them head on ourselves. On the other hand, your fighters do have some access to magic now. Maybe we keep to more defensive actions, but I can magic enchant your weapons and do some other things.

In response to the request, Pressi would prefer if they were so far apart that the bandits can't see both caravans at the same time. In part, she's hoping that it protects the main caravan (and many of the guards), and she relies on her telepathic link and Murphy's speed, along with her own skills to keep things at a simmer. That said, she recognizes a number of risks - a lack of numbers, and a good chance that the bandits won't take the bait.

As for taking them alive, "turning them to stone counts, right?"

Pressi votes for the easier to secure windbreak, but she isn't opposed to the woods. If that's the way they are leaning, she floats a rope system to secure the area. From this point forward, she basically spams detect magic.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8 
Monday May 3rd, 2021 11:59:09 PM
"Each spot has its charms, sounds like," Murphy says to Henmil. "Pressi, I like the windbreak idea, too... but if we're going to have the decoy out ahead, what if we place the first wagon at a separate camp site? No, that's too complicated. We'll simply have #1 leave ahead of the others. The woods should serve us all tonight," Murphy concurs with Succo and Hobie. He joins Pressi in perimeter defense and enlists some help to lay out some of his standard early-warning systems which include trip lines, bells, little pits covered over with moss, leaves or other ground debris, lights that will alight if some of the trip lines are activated, and so forth. He has been doing this for years now. For fires, a pit with a tunnel leading a few feet away to a separate hole, such that air is pulled in from one side, and, so long as dry rather than damp wood is used, there is little or no smoke, and no visible flame unless looking down at a fairly sharp angle from above. A couple holes dug for privies, to be covered over at breaking of camp.

"Say, Bliss, you lent me this pearl of power, 3rd level, a while back for Mookie's sake, so that I might cast Greater Magic Fang upon him daily. Since now though he has that on a permanent basis, could I simply buy the pearl from you? It has come in handy a few times in helping others. If it is fine with you, I can pay you 9,000 gp. If you want it back, though, say the word and I return it now, or when you want me to."

"Say, Mookie. You want to have the Instant Fortress ready to place upon an attacker or two if they get too pesky? The fort can hold them down until the end of combat, eh?"

"For many reasons, I miss Tali. Talia. One of those reasons is she used to cast invisibility upon me when I needed it. I'd like to do a patrol up ahead. If someone wants to come with, I'd enjoy the company, and an extra set of eyes. Henmil - how far ahead to the pass?" he asks the caravan boss.

If someone (Hobie? someone else?) can enable Murphy to go invisible, he'll take advantage of that and race ahead at about 70 miles per hour to overview the pass, noting based upon the map he was shown earlier the spots where prior attacks took place, and going a bit farther still. With 18 minutes of invisibility, he could travel a total of 21.3 miles. Depending upon how far ahead the pass lies, and how long the passage goes will determine how much of that area he can preview for the group.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 7:28:24 AM

Bliss, changing briefly back from kitty form, blushes at having forgotten about the pearl. "Ha," he laughs, "no Mister Murphy, it's a gift. Please keep it, no worries."

Mookie, feeling a bit nervous, is definitely ready to go with the fortress. "Heck, now that we are camped, I'll set it up right now." The raven plucks it out of a tiny pouch he wears and activates it. You can tell he is nervous because he does not crack wise.

"Maybe the civilians and folks who are not as sturdy can sleep in the fortress for the night," suggests Bliss.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 8:03:00 AM
Succotash points out water isn’t needed and suggests the woods.
Hobie also likes the woods for the vantage point trees give.
Pressi discusses options and plans for the inevitable ambush.
Murphy settles the decoy question, agrees to the woods, and talks magic items and tactics with the group. He asks if anyone can make him invisible.
Bliss had totally forgotten the pearl Murphy asked about. He sets up the fortress and offers to let the dwarves sleep there. Some accept, others seem leery of it.

The consensus seems to be to camp at the scraggly wooded area. The trees are short and stunted so it might be hard to get a good vantage point climbing one but Hobie is a halfling so one of these trees could probably bear his weight at least. However, what they lack in climbing potential they make up for in firewood potential.

Pressi finds no magical auras in the wood. The dwarves are easily able to help Murphy build his fire pit and latrines.

The plan seems to be that on the morrow Pressi, Succotash and Valerie in their mostly cleared decoy wagon, that contains Valerie, a crate of scrap metal and some supplies will leave before the main group so as to look like a separate caravan.

Henmil says to Murphy, “I’m a caravaneer not a mage so I can’t turn you invisible. I mean I do know a little bushcraft so I could probably whip up some camouflage given time that would make you near invisible to the naked eye if you held still but a keen eye still might detect something is amiss. I don’t think that is quite what you had in mind. As for how far we are away from the pass about a day and a third’s worth of travel which is about 20 miles.”

Henmil says, “Don’t any of your companions have magic? Couldn’t they turn you invisible somehow? The one who is somewhat of a sidekick to your comedian as I understand it, Hobie, I think his name was, nearly gave my driver quite a fright when he suddenly stopped being invisible when we broke for camp.”

As no one has offered to turn Murphy invisible we are assuming no long range recon is done at this time.

The night passes uneventfully and Succotash, Valerie and Pressi head out ahead of the main group.

The main group heads out after they lose sight of the decoy wagon per Pressi’s preference that the two groups not be visible at the same time to any potential bandits.

Looks like you have another day’s travel ahead of you.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 10:59:13 AM
"Another fine day for an ambush!" Succotash says as they depart the camp, "I wonder if we will have any company today."

Before departure, Succotash spends his hour in prayer and spell prep. He doesn't see the time as an obligation, but truly enjoys his time communing with the gods. Assuming Bliss casts his daily "Hero's Feast, Succotash says, "Your Hero's Breakfast is is splendid as ever Bliss! You know I can cast that spell too, but it's nice not to have to prepare it every morning."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 3:41:01 PM
"I can certainly turn you invisible Murph."

Hobie will cast it on him

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 9:13:38 PM
Pressi holds Murphy off from doing his own recon. "This plan only works if there's a way to message between the two convoys. Besides, I need someone who can hit hard if they do attack the second convoy. I think we go subtle, and then we go flashy. Show these boys what we can do.

"And maybe I'm a tad overconfident and we might need to retreat or cut a deal. But so far, I haven't heard anything that out of the ordinary... Might need some haste breakers or some walls, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem."

In the morning, Pressi does her usual preparations (Ritual of warding, shared ritual of shield with bliss and Harper) and tells Harper to stay with the second set of cars. She also takes some time to ink herself (cast Spite, triggers Calcific Touch). After some thought, she cases Moment of Prescience (17 hr duration) upon herself. Finally, she sets the bar as her place of Word of Recall.

During the ride, she continues with the detect magic and her perception.

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

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Shield
Moment of Prescience
Spite: Calcific Touch

L3: 1
L4: 1
L8: 1

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 12:30:54 AM
Kezzem checks in with his sidekick, Hobie.

"So do you think we'll get into some trouble today?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10  d8+8=10 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=47 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=49 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=46 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=53 ; d20+45=56 ; d20+45=52 ; d20+45=57 ; d20+45=58 ; d20+45=60 ; d20+45=63 ; d20+45=55 ; d20+45=49 ; d3=3 ; d20+45=53 ; d3=2 ; d20+45=51 ; d20+45=55 ; d20+45=64 ; d20+45=54 ; d20+45=46 ; d20+45=52 ; d20+45=57 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+27=45 ; d20+27=47 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+27=44 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+25=45 ;
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 3:27:12 AM

[For clarification, Murphy did ask Henmil about the distance to the pass, but not for help with invisibility :-) ]

He likes Pressi's notion of setting the bar as her place for work of recall, so he chooses a place right next to the oak as his landing space for that spell during his morning preparations. "Thanks for the inspiring grub, Bliss!"

"Let us travel today, yes. Pressi, here is a tree feather token. We'll stay in touch, and, if you sense an attack forming, feel free to quick plant the oak stored within this plume. I can do likewise on my side, and pull some of the group quickly to where you are. It's for you to decide, though, if and when you use it. Succotash here's one for you, too." He gives a tree feather token also to Bliss. "Thank you, Bliss for the pearl. I'll figure something nice for you later."

"Late in the afternoon, Hobie, touch me with that invisibility. We'll do it out of sight of the others, such as behind a rock or the like, and I'll switch to air elemental only after you've concealed me. Pressi, I do want to do a flyover, invisibly - not flashy, but only when we're close enough for it to make a difference. So, my intention is to head out about 5:30 - maybe an hour before sundown, and perform a quick visual inspection of the pass. Starting at a point maybe five or six miles from the pass, I can take off, and cover six or seven miles of the pass itself in a double flyover. That will help fill out the map considerably, and perhaps I can identify a few good ambush points. Who knows? Maybe I'll witness the beast folk setting up for an ambush. Or not."

"Good scouting is unlikely to do worse than increasing our odds. And I seriously doubt any wagon will be attacked during my 20 minute sojourn in late afternoon, outside the area of the pass. We live in the Wold, so anything could happen. But I choose not to let very low odds of something bad happening while I'm away keep me from looking ahead. Because, y'know, I can get back quickly, right?" He takes a couple of things he carries with him, setting them on the ground before wild shaping, and hiding them on himself after the transformation, including a feather token.

"However, it might be time for us to start thinking about increasing our distance communications capabilities. Like, Hobie - at the risk of terrifying you - how would you like to be in telepathic communication with me, or with another, at a moment's notice? Kezzem, I think I might be terrified at that arrangement with you, though. Maybe you and Hobie could have some mind sharing. Bliss, Succotash, would you be open to one of us being able to get under your thinking caps?" [We're talking a series of permanent telepathic bond here.]

As they travel today, Murphy makes a point of getting to know each of the dwarfs who have come along on the delivery train. He tries to get a little of their backgrounds, clan associations, and what brought them to work with this new enterprise. He speaks dwarf. He tries to find out if any are acquainted with the precursor to the modern dwarf tongue, which was spoken in the Scab in eons past, and which Murphy studied via the WLA after being exposed to it by the leaders of the dwarven raiders who brought the Iron Giant south in their plan to crush Humble's Ford - as a practice run.

==============
[i]Murphy gets d8+8 temp hit points from Heroes' Feast
Ignore d8+45 rolls, and the two d3 rolls (the cursor location bounces up and down sometimes during multiple clicks)
Perception, per mile of the mountain pass flown over:
Mile 1 over & back: 56 52
Mile 2 over & back: 57 58
Mile 3 over & back: 60 63
Mile 4 over & back: 55 49
Mile 5 over & back: 53 51
Mile 6 over & back: 55 64
Mile 7 over & back: 54 46
Lead in to pass over & back: 52 57
Seven Survival Rolls (tracking, noting points of interest in anticipation of wagon journey): 32 45 47 40 40 44 36
& 4 Knowledge Nature rolls: 41 44 36 45

Bliss HP222 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 6:19:55 AM
In the morning, Bliss does cast his usual Heroes' Breakfast and his other typical rituals and spells.

Cat-Bliss will stay with the decoy caravan, and Mookie will stay with the real caravan. Their telepathy will keep the two halves connected.

DM Mitch 
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 7:59:34 AM
Succotash wonders if they’ll have company today and thanks Bliss for the breakfast.
Hobie can turn Murphy invisible
Pessi holds Murphy off a moment and talks about ways to keep in touch and deal with the inevitable ambush.
Kezz’m asks Hobie if they’ll see trouble today.
Murphy decides to go scout anyway. He is also friendly to the dwarves and establishes some communication options.
Bliss does his usual morning feast.

The next morning prior to everyone setting off:

Hobie offers to cast invisibility on Murphy but Pressi is leery of splitting the party up too much so no recon is done. It’s decided to do it in the evening.

Henmil points out on the map Pressi and Succotash have in their wagon where his caravan typically makes camp on the second day of travel. There is a natural rock formation that offers some shelter from the wind and elements about 16 miles from their current position.

While on the trail:
The road while long and winding at times offers little cover for this stretch of it. As you understand it the pass is still over a day’s travel away so you can see for a decent distance what is in front of you and behind.

The decoy wagon remains just out of visual sight from the main group so any communication between the two groups will have to be done with magic. Murphy gets to know the caravaneers and they’re pretty standard affair, a mix of guards and freelancers who enjoy the travel, the occasional fight, and choosing their own work. Several of them find the party a little confusing, especially Kezz’m, but they’re glad for the extra hands with such obvious access to powerful magics.

Pressi as caravan guard to the decoy wagon does not detect any magic or see anything amiss. Finally as the sun starts to cast long shadows she thinks she sees the rock formation Henmil described. This puts you at roughly 16 miles from the camp near the wood and 4 miles from the pass, meaning when you leave tomorrow you would arrive at the infamous pass after roughly a quarter day’s worth of travel.

Now late in the day Murphy is able to do his flyover. It quickly becomes evident why the thieves have been so successful. The pass is long and narrow, going slowly up with many switchbacks. From the bottom you can’t see up the steep cliff sides, but anyone higher up on the pass can easily spot any group traveling below. WIth good eyes and/or a spyglass you could see caravans as they closed in on the pass and have all day to pick the ambush spot of your choosing. Throw in their ability to ‘appear from thin air’ and literally anywhere would make a decent ambush spot. He doesn’t spy out anyone doing any spying from the top of the pass, but it is late in the day when no one is going to be crossing so that’s not surprising.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+35=41 ; d20+11=19 ;
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 10:33:57 AM
"Unless we have a break down, we should make the pass by late morning tomorrow." Succotash says while sitting around camp, "If things are going to go south, it should be sometime after that, and thanks to Murph's re-con, we now know that there are too many ambush points to count, so lets be extra careful."

"I like your mind link idea Murph, your's and Pressi's has come in handy on many an occasion. What say you Bliss, are you up for a permanent link?"

That night, while on his watch, Succotash does his best to remain alert to any threats. (perception 41) He also asks Valerie to keep her nose to the air. (perception 19)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 11:17:56 AM
"I wouldn't be opposed to the telepathic bond with you all, I think it would serve us quite well. Is anyone able to cast the spell for this particular mission though?"

"Tomorrow, once we have the caravan moving, I will cast Overand Flight on myself, allowing me to fly for 12 hours. With that and the ring of invisibility, I can provide silent, stealthy overwatch for the entire trip. How should I give a signal if I spot an ambush while flying? I could simply fire an arrow at the caravan, or I could use Major Image to create some sort of signal."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 11:18:02 AM
"I wouldn't be opposed to the telepathic bond with you all, I think it would serve us quite well. Is anyone able to cast the spell for this particular mission though?"

"Tomorrow, once we have the caravan moving, I will cast Overand Flight on myself, allowing me to fly for 12 hours. With that and the ring of invisibility, I can provide silent, stealthy overwatch for the entire trip. How should I give a signal if I spot an ambush while flying? I could simply fire an arrow at the caravan, or I could use Major Image to create some sort of signal."

Bliss HP222 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 10:23:00 PM
Bliss is fine with all that prep, but if it comes to it, he plans to climb. Even in cat form, his spider cloak lets him go nuts up and down walls.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Thursday May 6th, 2021 2:04:00 AM
"But Murphey, you hear my thoughts all the time!" says Kezzem. "Every time I open my mouth. I don't hold any of the good stuff back."

DM Mitch 
Thursday May 6th, 2021 8:04:58 AM
Succotash suggests making a permanent link via telepathic bond.
Hobie wonders if they even have the spell available. He offers to provide overwatch for the caravan.
Blizz plans to climb in cat form as a scout.
Kezz’m suggests that he already says everything he thinks of

While encamped at the natural rock formation the party discusses plans for tomorrow.

(OOC: A note on Telepathic Bond and Permanency:
Telepathic bond has a normal duration of 10 minutes per level; any permanency applied to a casting of it can only apply to 2 creatures per casting of permanency. Each casting of permanency applied to telepathic bond costs 12,500 gp in diamond dust.

The party has 6 people. Murphy and Pressi are already bonded so it would take 14 additional castings of permanency to make enough 2 way telepathic bonds permanent to cover the rest of the party.

Do you have 175,000 gold in diamond dust to make a telepathic bond permanent for the whole party? Do you have enough spell slots for 14 castings of permanency?
If not how many folks can you permanently bond with the diamond dust and spell slots you have on hand?)

During Succotash’s and Valerie’s watch everything is still. The pair is hyper alert for everything so they notice a few scorpions, some lizards and a spider move about their natural environs. While any of these could be potentially poisonous the fauna is probably more scared of the caravan than anyone in the caravan needs to be scared of them unless they did something stupid.

Aside from the random vermin and animals that Succotash and Valerie notice during the night, nothing else of interest is noted.

Day breaks and you are about a few hours journey from the infamous pass. Please make any additional preparations you feel you need to.

Please correct any misunderstandings the DMs have in your marching order as you approach to the pass:

Decoy party

Bliss / Mookie - cat and bird advance scouts (Presumably acting like a normal bird or cat and not part of the decoy party; if so roll disguise, bluff or stealth)

Decoy wagon - Pressi(mind link w/ Murphy) and Succotash with Valerie in the wagon

Invisible Flying Hobie on overwatch (roll perception) watching over things; roll stealth just in case (even though you get insane bonuses for being invisible)

Main group <- out of visual range of the decoy group so as to appear a separate caravan

Caravan outriders

Main Caravan
Murphy(mind link w/ Pressi)
Kezz’m <- has flying carpet


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+35=38 ;
Thursday May 6th, 2021 10:41:25 AM
As the decoy enters the pass, Succotash casts true seeing on himself. He has a hunch that the bandits may have been using invisibility, and he wants to be ready. As always he keeps his eyes peeled for any threats. (perception 38)

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 108/108

Valerie:

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10 
Thursday May 6th, 2021 11:06:02 AM

"What if a few of us work our way up to the very top, in various guises, then work our way down to the ambushers?" Murphy asks in the morning before they get on the road. "I could be a mountain hawk or some other bird. Bliss the cat. Hobie flying invisibly. Some we should keep with or near the wagons. The point is, we might be able to ambush the ambushers."

[Telepathic bond: Murphy was not suggesting that every person be permanently telepathically bonded to every other person. But a chain of connections, yes. Each person to one to three others. For today, should someone have that spell, it could be cast on the party right before the main part of the ascent, and last, what 180 minutes or so? One casting covers everyone within a 30' radius, then they can split up and still communicate for the duration. The area of effect only covers the moment of casting, and after that - you only have to be on the same plane of existence.]

[More to post, but have to rush off to work now...]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells  d20+41=60 ;
Thursday May 6th, 2021 4:44:27 PM
Hobie will fly to a good vantage point where he can see the caravan for hundreds of meters and then hover there (he auto succeeds on a hover check unless it’s a hurricane).

Stealth while moving = 60. 80 once he’s still.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday May 6th, 2021 9:59:37 PM
Pressi takes some time before leaving to go over some maneuvers with the other guards, should something go down. Like using the cars and trench walls for cover, and using run and gun tactics as much as possible. Or to use torch smoke and flour bags to further cut down on visibility.

She considered the possibility of being up there all night laying traps, but it's too late for that now. She indicates that a major image is still a good idea, hoping to trap some of the villains down with her. She agrees to the acorn thing and places it in her bandolier for sleight of hand, along with her "cry on cue" device from the holiday party.

In the morning, she does the same as before, changes her armor to look like a normal guard's armor (under poncho and 10 gallon hat), and continues to detect magic as they ride through the canyon.

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

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Shield
Moment of Prescience
Spite: Calcific Touch

L3: 1
L4: 1
L8: 1


Bliss HP222 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+35=40 ; d20+12=23 ;
Thursday May 6th, 2021 10:45:38 PM

Bliss continues to play the cat as the decoy caravan advances.

Stealth 40
Bluff 23

Mookie remains back with the real caravan. He does not look inconspicuous, given his white fancy vest and top hat.


The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Friday May 7th, 2021 1:01:17 AM
"Man, who knew waiting to get robbed would be so boring," says Kezzem to Murphey. "Feels funny keeping Rumpus out, but I figured a heavily armored warpony might not blend in with the pack animals well. I mean, I suppose we could remove his armor, but I don't want to send the boy in unprotected, you know? Hey, did I ever tell you about the time we pretended to be mushroom farmers? Oh wait, you were there. Well, I'll tell you anyway since we're not busy."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10  d20+43=57 ; d20+27=33 ;
Friday May 7th, 2021 3:19:25 AM

"There have been a few mushroom farmer incidents among us, friend Kezzem," Murphy replies. "I love the old stories, though, so feel free to tell. Also, Rumpus is one of my favorite war ponies."

Not wanting to give up on the idea of spying from above, Murphy tells the group that he is going to perform early reconnaissance. He has been observing the various types of birds in the Scab - this is about the 4th or 5th time he's been in the vicinity, and he is a druid, so he chooses a type that would not seem out of place. Say a mountain hawk, no? But he starts as a swallow, and heads away from the party, after the first wagon departs, going out roughly 75 to 90 degrees to the left of the wagon's direction of travel. He looks at the local topography, wanting to find a locale that will provide cover for him to fly across, up and over as a bird. Once on the other side, and out of sight of any possible vantage view point from the pass, he wildshapes into a huge air elemental, and races around the mountains until he can work his way around to find the far side of the pass, coming in a few miles beyond any of the previous attack points. Then he changes into a mountain hawk, and begins working his way back along the pass in the general direction of the party. He will be alert for signs of critters, beastfolk, whatever along the way. As does a hawk, he will fly from place to plan, landing on this promontory, that snag. A bit of sharp eye out, a bit of preening, then fly on. Catch the occasional updraft. In short, be a bird spy, in as birdy a way as possible. IF he spots anyone, he takes in enough to mentally pass on to Pressi what he has seen, and where, and whether they are on the move, setting up, or the like.

Based upon yesterday's flyover, and today's recon, he then determines the best course of action after that. Should he come under attack, he'll take evasive maneuvers as a mountain hawk would.

If at any point Pressi communicates essential information that would require his quick return, then he has a few ideas on what to do.

Otherwise, he figures a way to return to the 2nd set of wagons, and give a report.
=============
Perception: 57
Survival: 33

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells  d20+21=27 ;
Friday May 7th, 2021 8:19:35 AM
Sorry, I missed the call for a perception check, here it is =27

DM Mitch  d20=1 ; d100=1 ; d100=17 ; d100=38 ; d100=65 ; d20+27=39 ;
Friday May 7th, 2021 8:41:48 PM
Succotash makes some preparations as they approach the pass
Pressi does the same in her own way
Hobie does aerial surveillance
Bliss plays the cat while Mookie stays back with the main caravan
Kezz’m discusses the time they pretended to be Mushroom farmers
Murphy chats with Kezz’m before going on a scouting run.

Several hours pass as the party slowly ascends. Murphy's aerial surveillance spies all up and down the trail. Distance could be a problem for spying out sneaky bandits but his perch and move and sharp perception means he’s low to the ground often enough to spot out anyone who happens to be near where he lands. He has no such luck though and it’s a boring few hours. Along the way he notes many a cave that could serve as a hideout, mostly up off the mountain pass or down small side trails like an animal might use.

At one point he stops in a small grove of trees and stumbles upon one. A small cave, well hidden, and showing signs of recent habitation. The smell of smoke, trampled grass, and a spot near the ridge cleared off so someone can lay there and look down on the pass. He doesn’t see or hear anyone here now though, and it’s unlikely they’d be creeping around their own hidden camp.

Meanwhile Bliss meanders a good way ahead of the decoy caravan playing a cat. It’s a boring few hours, At one point while pretending to be utterly fascinated by hunting grasshoppers like a normal cat would (ok maybe only slightly pretending) something catches the corner of his eye, but when he turns to look it’s gone. There’s a narrow ledge partway up the wall where for a second it looked like someone was concealing themselves but now it’s very definitely a plain stone wall.

Succotash and Pressi don’t notice anything yet with their combined detect magic and true sight, but then scouts are no good if they aren’t far enough ahead to give advance warning so they aren’t close enough to observe either area. The main caravan rolls along with no problems either, though some of the dwarves look like they’re getting annoyed at Kezz’m.


The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Saturday May 8th, 2021 1:32:39 PM
Kezzem starts juggling his daggers to pass the time, though as they are enchanted to magically return to his hand, it's not as impressive as one might think.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10  d20=9 ; d20+27=43 ; d20+43=52 ;
Monday May 10th, 2021 2:51:46 AM

When Murphy finds the cave within the grove of trees, he sniffs about, trying to catch the scents of those who were here. He looks over foot prints. Shoes, boots, bare feet - human-like, or beast-like? Size, rough weight based upon impressions. He flits over to the ridge viewpoint. Can he see far enough to note the camping site from which the party departed? He looks down to observe the progress of the wagons for a moment, and then to see if there are places as one follows the switchbacks that look like plausible ambush spots.

He flies up to a higher place. He finds a place where sounds he makes will be shielded from areas below. Why? He wants to cast a pair of spells. The first is foresight (please read). The second is true seeing.

He then begins a descent down the trail. Not following the trail precisely as though walking, but again from perch to perch (trees, tops of rocks, etc.), sometimes left, sometimes right, or more directly downwards. Taking a few moments to preen in one spot. Looking up in the air to see if other birds are about. Looking down as if trying to find his next meal. If he spots a critter that a mountain hawk might find tasty, he may dive for it, but will flip the critter into a crevice or spot which will make it hard for him to retrieve, and he will sound out his birdish frustration, then take back to the air. The true seeing spell will afford him a better opportunity to spot folks who are invisible - to see things as they really are. The range for true seeing is 120 feet. Might he miss spotting potential ambushers? Sure. But his odds should be better. True seeing lasts 18 minutes, and he will use up 12 to 14 minutes of it during his descent. He will pace himself for that time frame to get down to just a bit above the leading wagon. If he notices anything along, he does not make a big deal about it, pretending not to see what he should not see.

But Pressi will be told immediately. When he gets a bit above the leading wagon, he veers off to his right, finding a place to land a hundred or so yards off the trail in a place that will put him out of the line of sight of anyone looking down from higher up the trail.

If foresight warns him of an imminent threat, he considers what to do based upon how the spell forewarns him.

If he spotted no hiders up until he got to the leading wagon, then after a 45 second pause hidden from sight, he will launch forth again to cover the area toward the second group, looking to see what he sees, taking up another 2 minutes.
=============
Ignore d20=9 - was trying to do pull-down arrow to the left of the Roll button
Survival (visual tracking, scent): 43
Perception: 52 (and true seeing takes it to perhaps 72?)

Active spells
Magic Fang, Greater [cast before leaving camp]. 15 hours remaining
Foresight: 180 minutes minus ~12 minutes = 168 min.
True seeing: 18 minutes minus ~12 minutes = 6 min, or 4 min. (if observing between the wagons is needed) (DM call)

DM Mitch 
Monday May 10th, 2021 8:21:55 AM
Kezz’em juggles daggers that are enchanted to magically return to his hands when he throws them.
Murphy investigates

In his bird form Murphy lacks the sent ability but presuming he switches to a form that does he’s able to detect at least 6 creatures that were camped here. Possibly more, things get confused at points. He’s able to find small, clawed footprints, not halfling but about that size. The ridge gives you a pretty clare view of most of the pass. He can’t really pick out last night’s campsite clearly from here, it’s just too far away, but with a good spyglass you could probably closely examine any caravans coming for about a mile before they hit the pass. Again he spots plenty of good ambush spots, to many to guess which would be picked.

On his way down he doesn’t detect much of anything until he gets close enough to catch sight of the other scouts. Bliss, in cat form, is sitting on the trail pretending to be a cat. It looks really weird with true seeing showing the halfling doing cat-like actions - he’s currently licking his foot in a way halfling legs don’t usually bend. More alarming is the Beastfolk in full leather armor crouching a few feet away and staring at the cat suspiciously. He’s right in the open but from Bliss’s lack of reaction he’s almost certainly invisible. Murphy’s about 300 feet away when he sees them. They’re just at a bend in the trail, one the decoy wagon should be circling around ina few minutes.


Bliss HP222 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+12=24 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+29=31 ;
Monday May 10th, 2021 9:45:25 AM

Bliss continues pretending to be a cat as he wanders closer to where the fellow he glimpsed disappeared. He telepathically lets Mookie know what he is doing, and Mookie relays the info.

He is suspecting an illusion, and as he gets closer, hopping after grasshoppers or chasing a butterfly, if there is no other interesting thing happening, he brushes his tail up against where he thinks an illusion might be.

Bluff (though personally I think Bliss should get a bonus on this because he IS a cat and has been one more days than not in his career) 24

Will save vs potential illusion (includes +1 from heroes breakfast) 32

Perception to look for clues or footprints or smell someone nearby (cats have scent) 31

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Monday May 10th, 2021 10:14:37 AM
Assuming Murphy alerts Pressi about the invisible ambusher, when the decoy wagon is just about to turn the corner to the ambusher's location, Succotash casts invisibility purge. Anything invisible, within a 90ft radius, centered on the cleric, is instantly visible.

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 107/108
Invisibility purge (90ft radius) 108/108

Valerie:

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Monday May 10th, 2021 11:09:03 AM
After seeing the camp and not seeing any people, Hobie will cast See Invisibility. He'll curse himself for not thinking of it earlier considering the story was that the guys would show up out of nowhere.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10  d20+43=48 ; d20+27=39 ;
Monday May 10th, 2021 1:15:18 PM
[Right, I actually planned to wildshape into something with a good nose (a weasel), then back into a mountain hawk, but forgot to include that in my post. Consider it happened that way, and I'll mark off two more wild shapes for the day.]

Murphy notes the hidden beast fellow, and is amused at his cat/halfling friend's posture.

He telepathically lets Pressi know, and adds, "Ask people not to react yet. There are six of them, but I only know where one is as of yet. Keep the climb going. If Bliss does not flush him out, I want them to think we don't even notice them. Let's hold our fire until we know where the others are. I'm going to dive on Bliss - oh, Bliss is moving on him, with his tail. This may be dicey."

He tucks his wings and dives directly down toward Bliss. When he gets close, he whooshes over him, talons extended (clearly toward the cat, not the beast guy), and just barely misses, perhaps brushing the fur. He lets out a hawkish screech as he rises on the other side. He had let everyone know his general plan, so

He lets his wife know how that went. He looks around for Hobie. If he spots him, he flies up near him, makes a hawk's cry followed by a whispered, "Find, but don't yet act," followed by another hawk's cry and circled ascent.
================
Perception: 48
Survival: 39

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday May 10th, 2021 9:32:36 PM

Pressi gets an alert from Murphy (his conditional triggered) that there are invisible beastfolk ahead.

"Acknowledged," she messages back while speaking to Succotash at the same time. "Now comes the tricky part... Do not engage them. I want them to come to us, and I want them cocky. Get them talking, get them scanned or enchanted, maybe even have them open the back. Most importantly, lets get them around here.

"Speaking of which, I've been thinking of casting control weather so that we can make things a little miserable for them, but I'm assuming I need to start that cast now. If anyone has a similar spell or idea, or even just a sleet storm at the right time, it might be time to prepare it."

"Also, just invisible is kind of a bummer. I was sure these guys were plane jumping and that's why divination wasn't working. Actually lost some respect for these guys."

As some last minute preparations, Pressi casts her flying broom and places it next to her (and asks if Succotash has anything for flight). She also prepares to cast spectral hand as soon as they come close to the caravan.

Finally, she orders both caravans to stop moving, and gets off as if about to prepare to camp right then and there.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 7:41:51 AM
Bliss continues to pretend to be a cat, suspecting a potential illusion and moving closer to investigate.

Succotash goes to cast invisibility purge but Pressi stops him

Hobie casts see invisibility

Murphy instructs Pressi to tell the others not to react and mock dives at Bliss in warning, purposely missing the cat before flying back to Hobie.

Pressi cautions Succotash against his course of action and starts a cast of control weather to interfere with the raiders.

Bliss continues to be very catlike as he moves to the spot where he saw the guy vanish. Murphy is able to observe the invisible one look increasingly alarmed as Bliss does so, until the beastfolk stands and determinedly moves towards the cat. Bliss touches the spot where whoever it was vanished, but doesn't feel anything. If it’s an illusion then he should be feeling fur or armor but he just feels cold stone. The beastfolk, invisibly, goes to grab Bliss, but his misses and falls right over in shock as the hawk that is Murphy dives down at the cat. The attempted grapple dispils the invisibility, allowing Bliss to catch on that he was almost grabbed and get away from the grabby thief.

Standing up and looking about, the man seems to make a decision. ”Oi, everyone out I’m calling it!” He bangs a dagger against the rock, and soon four more beastfolk emerge from the solid stone and three invisible ones come out of hiding. Murphy’s too high up to overhear, but Bliss is still close enough to listen in.

What’s the problem now shanks?” says one of the women who emerged fro meth stone. The now visible one answers, ”Two caravans instead of one, halflings with the usual dwarves, and a cat just so happened to wander up to your exact hiding spot and gets warned off by a hawk right before I grab it. This all adds up to trouble, a powerful druid or something. It’s time to pack it in and get out while the gettin’s good.”

The others consider, then nod along, some more reluctantly then others. The four that had been inside the stone walls all draw bows and start scanning the skies. The invisible guys draw throwing daggers and keep an eye on the ground around them. Any further spying will require stealth to not get shot or shanked.

The decoy caravan is about 10 minutes from the spot the ambush was set up. The main caravan is about a half hour behind that. Bliss and Murphy are nearby, presumably hiding to not get shot. Pressi just started her control weather spell - it's a ten minute cast and it's been about 30 seconds.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d8+8=12 ; d3=1 ; d8+8=12 ;
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 11:20:24 AM
"If it's miserable for the baddies, Press, it will be miserable for us as well, I would hold off on that, but do as you feel is best." Succotash warns. "Flight isn't a problem, I can either cast fly, or airwalk. I'm also keen on casting longstrider and airwalk on Valerie and riding her."(70ft move speed)

When Murphy relays the information, Succotash casts Longstrider and Airwalk on Valerie

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 106/108
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 12:05:37 PM
Hobie keeps observing the group of bad guys while flying invisibly with see invisibilty activated. He'll fly over the group just within earshot of their conversations. He'll put himself quite out in the open above them, watching to see if any of them notice him.

CatBliss HP186 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+40=56 ; d20+29=38 ;
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 12:07:51 PM

Bliss relays events via telepathy and just stays quiet hiding and observing.

Stealth 56
Perception (with scent) 38

But Bliss quickly gets bored with that. He turns on his shield of faith and casts a still silent death ward.

[OOC: CatBliss and OctoBliss PC sheets are now up to date for level 18. Main sheet still needs work.]

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10  d20+43=57 ; d20+32=35 ;
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 4:16:02 PM

Up in the air a ways, Murphy casts Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin, and Call Lightning Storm. He tells Pressi what happened with the fellow revealing himself. "Looks like more are stepping out of the rocks now. Meld with stone, a nice effect. I'm going to talk with them." He then dives back down to near where the beastfolk are gathered.

"Hello, hello, and peace, I hope," he says as he changes from a dive to a circle about 60 feet above their heads. "Mind if I land, and we can talk?" he asks. "And you can stop trying to hit me with arrows and such, right? Likely you'll not want to see what can be sent your way if you choose to keep that up."

He passes on his chat to Pressi, and the impressions he gets from the group.
==============
Perception: 57
Sense Motive: 35

Active spells
Magic Fang, Greater [cast before leaving camp]. 15 hours remaining
Foresight: 167 minutes
True seeing: 5 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 180 minutes
Stoneskin: 180 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 18 minutes

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 4:46:39 PM
If Kezzem is aware of trouble, he hop on his magic carpet and make for the others.

Otherwise, he chats up an unfortunate dwarf.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 9:12:57 PM
Pressi is stopped before she can begin casting control weather. (OOC to DMs: Sorry for the confusion, but I really was waiting for a quick vote before casting, which is why she asked a couple of people. I'll also retcon that Pressi listened to Murphy and didn't stop the cart, since we posted at the same time.)

Pressi frowns as she continues to ride. "If Murphy scares them off or gets attacked, we may never get close enough to actually grill or trap one.... unless you can convince them to continue their advance. Might be a good time for some serious bluffing about what a fat target we are. But I'd prefer if you hold back."

(I've been going back and forth as to whether Murphy told Pressi they were going to break off, since he doesn't mention it specifically. Really don't want to metagame here.)

For now, she continues to ride, while trying to play the "eager but over her head" part as best as she can through a telescope.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 48/T27/F43 CMB 22 CMD 45 HP 196+10 
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 1:19:54 AM
To Pressi, he communicates, "Yes, keep on coming up, love. Ask people not to get too flashy yet."

It sounds like there are at least eight total in the group. Shank, who tried to grab Bliss. Three more who are still invisible. Four who had been melded into stone.

Meanwhile, Murphy realizes that the 2nd set of wagons - how can they communicate with them? Maybe a lightning bolt up into the sky? He does not yet do that. Things are too delicate at the moment.

His vision, though, is on the group below, arrows pointing into the air as the archers have the bow strings pulled back... have any been loosed?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 2:07:32 AM
With Murphy descending to talk to them, Hobie flies nearby, still invisible, still seeing invisible, with his bow at the ready. He is focusing on the one who seems to be the leader of the bunch, the one who spoke out to the group earlier.

DM Mitch  d20+27=45 ; d3=1 ; d20+27=31 ; d20+27=46 ;
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 6:51:58 AM
Succotash casts longstrider and airwalk on his dinosaur.

Hobie keeps flying over the bad guys while flying invisibly and being able to see invisible things. He brings himself closer

Cat-Bliss relays events to Mookie while preparing himself with some protective abjurations.

Murphy casts several spells while up in the air, while telling Pressi what happened. He then goes to land, changes forms and asks the bandits to talk.

Mookie tells Kezz’em about events from Cat-Bliss so Kezz’em is able to take a magic carpet ride. He is tempted to look inside, close his eyes and let the sound take him away.

Pressi continues to ride while worrying that Murphy’s brash actions will result in their quarry getting away

Murphy quickly finds the bandits are twitchy,. A couple arrows fly his way and narrowly miss him before he’s close enough to talk. They stop shooting when he calls for a ceasefire and chat. ”Fine then, talk and walk. We aren’t sitting here while you’re friends catch up down below.” The bandits take off at an easy, ground eating jog. The non-invisible ones pull out small vials and drink them, vanishing to anyone who doesn’t have true sight/see invisibility.

Due to the winding nature of the trail, Pressie, Succotash, and Hobie(? See e-mail) should be able to catch up in a few minutes with flight, going up and over the cliffs. Kezz’m, about half an hour behind and lower on the trial, is going to take about as much time just flying up the cliff to the higher section but will end up in front of the thieves. That is if someone has telepathy or something set up to tell him there's trouble.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 11:10:15 AM
OCC>> Love the Steppenwolf quote!

Succotash calls Valerie to his side, and she is more then happy to get out from underneath the tarp. He will mount his companion, and have her take off, airwalking, at a gallop. (Running speed, AKA 4x movement = 280 ft per round). As he mounts up, he casts invisibility purge, creating a 90ft radius no invisible zone centered on himself.

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 105/108
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 108/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 11:10:39 AM
Hobie will fly ahead to catch up to Murphy and Bliss

CatBliss HP186 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+29=46 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+35=46 ;
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 5:54:20 PM

CatBliss stalks the retreating bandits, using scent and survival and perception to keep up, and stealth (at -5 to move at speed 50) to stay hid.

Perception 46
Survival 42
Stealth 46

Scent can help keep track of invisible foes if you are close enough. Perception can pinpoint locations based on sound at a -20 modifier.

Bliss tells Mookie to tell everyone that the bandits are running away, and they should shadow walk or teleport or dim door or fly or whatever as fast as they can.

Bliss has his merciful tear for his mouth (because nobody likes the taste of bad guys) and two holy undead bane tears for his paws. He has his standard array of spells up and running: Heroes Breakfast, Threefold Aspect, and Extended Barkskin. He has already turned on his Death Ward and Shield of Faith.

He'll cast Divine Favor as a quickened spell-like ability.

If he can get three or more in a 30 ft cone, he'll cast a still silent Waves of Fatigue spell.

If they are too spread out for that, Bliss casts a still silent Wall of Thorns to trap as many as possible in a open square with ten ft thick walls a square about 30 ft on a side (if I have calculated that right). Bliss is happy to capture even just one or two, and he wants to be inside the square so he can subdue them.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 9:02:40 PM
"Hey Pressi, look at my!" says Kezzem as he gives chase. "I've found that flying skateboard you were talking about, only it's not so much a board as it is, you know, a rug. Let me know if you see any sharks I can jump over!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 9:33:51 PM
Pressi frowns as person after person gives chase. "You know these guys could still go after these carts, right? Oh, for..."

She leans back towards whoever's the dwarf in charge. "Pull this cart back, have them join up with the other caravan and tell them to keep going but keep an eye out. Turtle if anything falls but do not stop this train."

With that, she hops on her broom and takes off after everyone else.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 48/T27/F43 CMB 22 CMD 45 HP 196+10  5d6=19 ; d20+43=45 ; d20+32=44 ;
Thursday May 13th, 2021 12:50:57 AM

Murphy did not yet land, nor did he change form. As a mountain hawk he can talk perfectly well (wild speech feat). He had planned to land until he saw them starting to lope up the hillside.

A 10'-wide, 20'-tall wall of fire, 90' in diameter from inner wall across to inner wall springs up around the fleeing group. The center of the ring is at the front edge of the fleeing group, so that they have time to slow and stop before running near the flames. Wall of Fire

If Bliss cast the wall of thorns rather than the waves of fatigue, Murphy takes its positioning into account, that it not be close enough to catch on flames.

"NO. WE STAY IN ONE PLACE FOR NOW, AND TALK," Murphy-mountain hawk says. "Five times you have attacked these caravans. So long as people complied with your commands, you did not kill. This time, so long as you comply with our commands, we will not kill. Those who resist, beware. DROP YOUR WEAPONS."

"So, let's talk. Where are the prior shipments? Who has hired you?"
=================
Perception: 45
Sense Motive: 44
The 5d6=19? A 5'-wide, 30'-tall bolt of lightning centers on the aggressor for 19 hp damage, Reflex DC32 for half electrical damage - only if someone attacks Murphy - from call lightning storm spell cast a few rounds ago.

Active spells
Magic Fang, Greater [cast before leaving camp]. ~15 hours remaining
Foresight: 166.4 minutes
True seeing: 4.4 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 179.4 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.5 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.6 minutes

DM Mitch  d20+27=36 ; d20+27=29 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+27=28 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+21=29 ; d8+1=2 ; d6=4 ; d4=1 ; d20+22=41 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+17=31 ; 3d8+1=12 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday May 13th, 2021 7:20:05 AM
Succotash calls Valerie to his side and mounts up while casting invisibility purge centered on himself.

Hobie flies after Murphy and Bliss

CatBliss stalks after the` retreating bandits.He traps the bandits in his Wall of Thorns

Kezz’m tells Pressi to look at him on the carpet and let him know if there is any sharks to jump over.

Pressi tells the Dwarves to be prepared to circle the wagons and turtle and joins the pursuit herself on her broom.

Murphy casts Wall of Fire to try to prevent the bandits from escaping.

(OOC: see our email about our interpretation of events; Wildspeech is from Ultimate Magic and is not Wold legal)

The beastfolk are clearly very experienced - their’s at least 15 feet between each of them and they're staggered so a cone or fireball can’t catch more then 2 of them. His wall of thorns, combined with Murphy’s wall of fire, completely blocks off the pass trapping the entire group (Well the wall of thorns was plenty to do that)

The bandits seem unimpressed by Murphy’s wall of fire and threats. Rather than be intimidated, they immediately attempt to kill him. He takes 19 piercing damage and 15 cold damage. One of the archers takes a lightning bolt for his troubles… and is completely unaffected. Shee sneers. Oh yeah, big scary druid, cept now you’ve gone and put yourself in a 1v8 and you’re friends are minutes away. Should have talked birdman. We aren’t going to quietly surrender so you can turn us in to be executed.”

Hobie is almost close enough to help, he should make it the round after next. Succotash is 5 rounds away. Pressi is using her broom, which per the flight spell cannot use the run action. Therefore she’s stuck at 120 feet a round and will take 13 more rounds to get there. Kezz’m, starting farther back but able to cut off some of the trip the wagons would have taken is 17 rounds away.


CatBliss HP222+11 of 222 AC32 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+41=53 ; d8=4 ; d20+28=47 ; d3=3 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday May 13th, 2021 8:31:22 AM
Bliss meows plaintively. Them attacking Mister Murphy was not a good thing. He had expected this to come to blows. And now it is time to fight. Bliss tries not to kill anyone, hoping his merciful tear will prevent most loss of life.

So far he is buffed up with all his standards and the death ward. He activates his arcane strike feat as a swift action and starts raging as a free action. He attacks the nearest foe, either by moving 50 ft and attacking or by charging up to 100 ft and attacking.

Bliss uses his tumbling check to avoid AoOs as the tiny fellow moves into an enemy square as part of his attack routine. Acrobatics 53.

[Updating post header for rage hit points and AC and adding Heroes' Breakfast temp hp of 1d8+7= +11 hp]

Nom Nom Nom! Bliss's cat bite attack hits AC47 for 1d3+27+1d6 merciful = 33 nonlethal damage.

[If Bliss had to charge, that hits AC49 and his AC is 30.]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 
Thursday May 13th, 2021 8:42:47 AM
Hobie sees that his druid friend is in trouble, but Hobie is just out of range. He flies as quickly as possible to get in position (double move), and casts Greater Invisibility on himself (Cashing in a hero point)

Ready to rain arrows down in the next round
=================================================
Greater Invisibility 12/12 rounds
See Invisibility 115/120 minutes
Overland Flight (How many hours have we been out here?)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+25=43 ;
Thursday May 13th, 2021 8:58:01 AM

Pressi signals to Murphy that he and Bliss need to withdraw. "Forget them, we'll track them later and check their hiding spots for clues. Just let them go."

Recognizing the difficulty of making it there in time, Pressi chooses not to head towards Murphy. Instead, she slowly floats underneath a cliff ledge and keeps an eye out for further dangers to the carts (Perception 43).

And as she does, she moves to block the sun, a shadow passing over her (move to dim light, no standard action used yet).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Thursday May 13th, 2021 1:26:31 PM
Succotash and Valerie continue to gallop towards their friends.

Arrive time: 4/5

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday May 13th, 2021 9:12:42 PM
As discussed in email, Pressi uses her round to look for an area of dim light before beginning shadow walk.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 41/T28/[F33-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196  d20+43=45 ; 2d6+15=24 ; 2d6+15=25 ; 2d6+15=21 ; 2d6+15=25 ; 2d6+15=20 ; 2d6+15=17 ; 2d6+15=24 ; 2d6+15=23 ;
Friday May 14th, 2021 3:01:17 AM

"So you feel guilty?"

Foregoing further banter, Murphy wildshapes from mountain hawk into a huge air elemental with booted feet (because, sometimes air elementals have feet), as a free action clicks them together (boots of speed, now hasted), uses a hero point to go immediately into a whirlwind, and descends upon the guilty robbers. As he enter the space of each, they will receive the equivalent of a slam attack unless they succeed at a Reflex Save DC 24.

He avoids Bliss and those immediately adjacent to him. He moves the minimum necessary to attempt to sweep up the others. He has perfect movement. To his normal move of 120', Fleet feat adds 5', and haste adds 30' totalling 155'. His initial altitude is 40', and he wildshapes at Q15. He is not subject in whirlwind form to attacks of opportunity.

Based upon Bliss's & DM's descriptions, here is an unofficial Beastfolk fight map (wall of thorns and wall of fire area only). The beastfolk are spaced out to an extent. On this map, Murphy flies directly down to Q15 where BF4 is, and sweeps onward into contact with the BF# (Beastfolk number) in this order, with possible attendant damage, and possibly being sucked into the airy vortex:

BF4 Reflex save DC 24 or take 24 damage, 2nd DC24 save or be pulled up into whirlwind
BF3 Reflex DC24 else 25 damage, 2nd DC24 save or hoovered
BF5 Reflex DC24 else 21 damage, 2nd save or upsie-daisy
BF6 Reflex DC24 else 25 damage, 2nd or it's Kirby time
BF7 Reflex DC24 else 20 damage, 2nd or dysoned
BF8 Reflex DC24 else 17 damage, 2nd or welcome to the cyclone
Creatures caught in the whirlwind take a –4 penalty to Dexterity and a –2 penalty on attack rolls. Read whirlwind for additional details.

Descent: 37' (if he touches the ground, it kicks up massive debris). Then sweeping these beastfolk uses 60' of movement. If he has caught up fewer than two beastfolk, he will spend an extra 10, maybe 15 feet of movement to make two more attempts (with double saves (and additional possible damage - 24, 23 hp) as above) on two who earlier made their saves. He just needs to reach the space adjacent to them.

From BF8 (likely) he rises just high enough to clear the thorns (8' gain in altitude), and flies up, over the flames below then beyond the edge of the cliff, seeing the pathway falling quickly below him. He will at best be only 20-25' beyond the flames. Because of the angle he took, it may be tough for arrows to hit him, but not impossible. They likely, if on the far right of the map within the thorns, might be able to see the top 10-25' of his 50'-tall whirlwind. Of course, if they shoot at him while carrying their comrades... we'll see what they decide.

The distance from the ground to where he is likely grows quickly as the hill falls away below. Our DM can give us the figures. Murphy is not planning to let any drop - though if one wanted to escape, and made the Reflex save to so do after 1 round inside, he or she could.
============== (Sorry, long post, because of math, geometry, and hero point) =======
Perception: 45

Active spells & effects
Haste (+1 attack, +1 dodge & Reflex, +30 move) (up to 10 rounds, this is the 1st)
Magic Fang, Greater (+4 att/+4 dam). ~15 hours remaining
Heroes' Feast (+1 morale on attack & Will saves, +4 morale on saves vs poison & fear) ~8.5 hours left
Foresight: 166.3 minutes
True seeing: 4.3 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 179.3 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.4 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.5 minutes (1 of 15 bolts used)

Damage received: 19 piercing canceled by DR/10 from Stoneskin and 9 of 10 temporary from Heroes' Feast. 15 cold - 1 canceled by remaining temp from Feast. 14 hp cold damage.

DM Mitch  d20+20=27 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=26 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=30 ; d20+23=25 ; d20+23=25 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=22 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=6 ; 10d6=41 ; 10d6=37 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=24 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+27=34 ; d20+27=29 ; d20+27=28 ; d20+22=34 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+17=30 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Friday May 14th, 2021 7:56:53 AM
CatBliss attacks the nearest bandit. He hits and does 33 nonlethal damage with his bite.
Hobie heroically speeds to get within range of battle
Pressi tries to signal to Murphy that he and CatBliss need to get out of there. She looks for an area of dim light to begin her shadow walk.
Succotash atop his flying dinosaur mount is off, trying to reach his friends
Murphy misunderstands the bandits and heroically tries to scoop most of them up in a single turn. All but one avoid him with easy. The last avoids the damage, but slips on a rock and gets pulled in. Soon their dangling over thin air.

Now it’s Bliss left all alone with the enemies. They quickly move to flank, rapiers flashing. The first two miss as they approach, but the third waits until he has flanking advantage and uses it to deadly effect, critting, sneak attacking, and doing 100 damage. Bliss is staggered from the heavy blow (critical Stagger feat). The archers do another 14 damage, plus 11 cold damage.

Murphy finds the thief inside him objecting strenuously with a rapier. He only manages 6 damage though.
Health Tracker

Thief 1: 33
Thief 2
Thief 3
Thief 4

Archer 1
Archer 2
Archer 3
Archer 4

Map, now official!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Friday May 14th, 2021 8:57:13 AM
Succotash and Valerie continue to gallop towards his friends. He's worried for their safety, and his inability to be there to help. He grumbles under his breath saying, "If only Murphy would have stuck to the plan, instead of insisting on going solo, I hope him and Bliss are going to be OK!"

CatBliss HP133 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+19=23 ;
Friday May 14th, 2021 10:13:03 AM

Bliss realizes that he needs to boost his defense and nullify these sneak attacks. He casts a Still Silent Blink on the defensive. His concentration check is at +19 vs a DC25 for a spell using a fifth level slot. He plans to use a hero point if he fails.

He rolls a 23 and uses a hero point retroactively for a +4 to ensure success.

As a blinking cat, he has a 50% miss chance and concealment -- and sneak attacks do not work against foes with concealment.

As a swift action he activates his arcane strike feat.

As a free action he activates his bramble armor. For the next 10 rounds, anyone who hits him takes 1d6+5 thorn damage plus 4 arcane strike damage.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Friday May 14th, 2021 11:39:59 AM
"Wow, this is taking long than I thought," says Kezzem as he continues his flying carpet ride.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday May 14th, 2021 8:49:08 PM
(I'm going to handwave what Murphy passes along/omits and assume Pressi has a general sense of what's going on.)

Pressi casts Shadow Walk and fires as fast as possible.

"If you're not going to be smart about retreating, it's time to be smart about fighting. Grab Bliss, head for some cover, and spell sling them range. Remind Bliss he can do things like reverse gravity if he has to. Use height, use rocks, use environment spells instead of direct damage. If we liquidate them, we might as well have let them go.

"Above all, continue to dangle letting them go as a reward. We want the person that hired them, not them personally."

Pressi continued to rocket along up the cliff.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 41/T28/[F33-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196  2d6+15=23 ; 2d6+15=21 ; 2d6+15=22 ; 2d6+15=20 ; 2d6+15=17 ; 2d6+15=23 ; 2d6+6=15 ; d20+43=55 ;
Saturday May 15th, 2021 2:47:10 AM
[OOC To DM Mitch: Found out I forgot to adjust for size on AC. Fixed now. Thanks for great help!]

HAE (Huge Air Elemental) Murphy, whirlwinding, flies back over the thorny area. Let's call the fellow with the rapier inside the vortex 'T3'. T3 takes another 23 hp damage from the whirlwind. Murphy, adding insult to injury, drops off T3 to land on T2 (at P12) from ~40 feet in the air, says in Halfling, "Cat, I am going to scoop you up, so jump up into my vortex," and comes right down on top of CatBliss. [Note: A character can willingly fail a save, which is what Bliss will need to do to come up into Murphy's whirlwind. He doesn't even need to roll - but does take 15 hp damage.]

As the 5'-diameter opening descends on Bliss, Murphy causes it to touch the ground. "If the whirlwind’s base touches the ground, it creates a swirling cloud of debris. This cloud is centered on the creature and has a diameter equal to half the whirlwind’s height (50' height, 25' diameter). The cloud obscures all vision, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. Creatures 5 feet away have concealment, while those farther away have total concealment. Those caught in the cloud of debris must succeed on a concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) to cast a spell."

Coming down where Murphy does, T1, T2, T3, T4 and A1 will need to make their Reflex DC24 saves or suffer damage (21, 22, 20, 17, 23), and again or be pulled into the vortex.

If any of the five are pulled in, they join the ascent for 30 feet, then fall one after another at about 25 to 30' on top of any who were left and each other, as Murphy and Bliss speed off up and over the ledge to the right of the map.

He whispers to Bliss in Halfling with a susurrant Auran undertone, "She told me to do that." He figures Bliss will know who 'she' is.

Total move: 45+50+30+30=155

=======
Perception: 55

Active spells & effects
Haste (+1 attack, +1 dodge & Reflex, +30 move) (up to 10 rounds, this is the 2nd)
Magic Fang, Greater (+4 att/+4 dam). ~15 hours remaining
Heroes' Feast (+1 morale on attack & Will saves, +4 morale on saves vs poison & fear) ~8.5 hours left
Foresight: 166.2 minutes
True seeing: 4.2 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 179.2 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.3 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.4 minutes (1 of 15 bolts used)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 41/T28/[F33-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 
Saturday May 15th, 2021 2:51:31 AM
Oh, 6 hp damage absorbed by stoneskin.

CatBliss HP133 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d100=49 ; d20+14=22 ; d6=6 ;
Saturday May 15th, 2021 1:30:04 PM

[OOC: If we were playing face to face, we could have table chat along the lines of "Don't try to pick me up." It is not unreasonable to simulate table chat via a courtesy email or OOC comments. Honestly, bro, don't pick me up. Failing that ...]

First of all, Bliss has a 50% Blink miss chance, so did Murphy touch down while Bliss was ethereal? If I'm rolling, then he misses on a 1-50, and I roll a 49, so no, he does not pick up Bliss.

Second of all, Bliss does NOT want to be picked up, so he rolls his save vs Reflex DC24: 22. Depending on the miss chance and the blinking, if Bliss IS touched, he fails the save, takes 15 damage, is picked up, and yowls his head off.

EEEoooooowwwwwWWWWWWWWWWW

Finally, if he IS picked up, Bliss is a hot mess of bramble armor and is hoping to inflict 1d6+9 = 15 damage back to Murphy.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 41/T28/[F33-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 
Sunday May 16th, 2021 10:06:02 PM

[Clarification post, based upon CatBliss's post above, and a concord reached via email]

Murphy does not manage to 'scoop up' CatBliss, as at the moment of contact (which lasted about 0.2 second), the re-shaped feline-like adventurer was on the ethereal side of a blink. The cat did not voluntarily leap aboard, either. So, when ascending back into the air, Whirlwind-Murphy did not have his beloved friend in his gusty grasp. He rose up (with somewhere between zero and 4 opponents in the vortex). Sensing Bliss's absence, he realized he could not drop any others directly upon the head of his friend, so instead rose diagonally, dropping off robbers along the east side (assuming east is to the right on the map), mainly within the thorny enclosure. Maybe one landed on the thorns, who knows?) He himself ended up on the ledge to the right - still as a whirlwind (in other words, he does not drop his current state, as he would have were Bliss with him). He takes the free action of halting the hasted condition with a heel click.

Left behind for the balance of this round is the 25' diameter dust cloud, obscuring vision, etc. The DM will need to reposition any hoovered opponents (A1, or T1, T2, T3, T4 as may apply) mainly along Q12 and R12, their landing points.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells  d20+29=38 ; d20+29=46 ; d20+29=39 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+14=32 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=36 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=27 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=5 ;
Monday May 17th, 2021 1:12:09 AM
Hobie lets loose with a barrage of arrows at any who weren't caught in the whirwind.
He has Greater Invisibility so they will hopefully be caught off guard.
All damage is nonlethal because of Merciful

Manyshot- 38
Piercing 31, electric 4= 35
Piercing 32, electric 5= 37

Rapid shot - 46
Piercing 36, Electric 6 = 42

Haste- 39
Piercing 27, electric 6 = 33

Iterative 1 - 32
Piercing 29, electric 2= 31

Iterative 2 - 35
Piercing 31, electric 2= 33

Iterative 3 - 32
Piercing 29, electric 5 = 34

=====================

Boots of Speed used 1/10
Greater Invisibility used 2/12 rounds
See Invisibility 115/120 minutes



DM Mitch  d20+24=34 ; d20+24=27 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=28 ; d20+24=26 ; d20+24=31 ; d100=82 ; d100=9 ; d100=52 ; d100=24 ; d20+27=43 ; d20+27=42 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d100=79 ; d100=26 ; d100=44 ; d100=46 ; d100=3 ; d100=29 ; d100=34 ; d100=65 ; d100=32 ; d100=90 ; d100=74 ; d100=45 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+18=23 ;
Monday May 17th, 2021 7:31:24 AM
Succotash and Valerie continue to air-gallop towards their friends.

CatBliss realizes he has to do something about all those sneak attacks and defensively casts a stilled, silent blink, swiftly charges himself with magic and activates bramble armor

Kezz’em also continues to fly towards his friends.

Pressi tells Murphy to be smart about fighting if he isn’t going to be smart about retreating and shadow flies towards her friends

Murphy drops down in an attempt to grab CatBliss and retreat or at least take some of the bandits with him but his whirlwind is empty as he ascends to the ledge

Hobie rains down arrows in the target rich environment. He drops the thief CatBliss bit using 5 arrows and hits one of the other thieves with the last 2.

The Achers move to the wall closest to Hobie, preventing him from having line of sight on them unless he moves directly above the thorns. They shoot an arrow each at Bliss, 2 hitting for 9 damage +6 cold damage. None of the thieves manage to hit the blinking cat, but some of the damage from last round was bleeding damage (forgot to mention that sorry) and Bliss takes 22 bleed every round until healed..

Health Tracker

Thief 1: 201 nonlethal, 10 lethal; unconscious
Thief 2: 77 nonlethal
Thief 3
Thief 4

Archer 1
Archer 2
Archer 3
Archer 4

Map, now official!


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+24=32 ; 2d6+14=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:25:14 AM
OOC... After 3 out of 5 rounds (Still 2 rounds, or 560ft away), of hard air galloping, I'm assuming Succotash has crested the hill and has a visual on the fight 2 rounds away.

Succotash crests the hill that has been blocking his vision, and sees things don't look good for Bliss. From his distance he can't see the wounds Bliss has sustained, but he can easily see that he is surrounded. Succotash casts dimensional door and him and Valerie appear right behind T3 creating a flanking situation with Valerie and Bliss. Upon arrival, Succotash will dig deep and through a heroic effort, (Hero Point) manages to channel energy selectively, so that only Bliss, and assuming Murphy is within the 30ft radius, Murphy receive the healing of 46 HP (nice rolls!). Also his presence instantly shows anyone who still may be hiding with invisibility, within 90ft of him, due to his active invisibility purge. He also still has true seeing active.

Valerie reaches out and takes a swipe with one of her talons at T3, hitting AC 35 for 22 damage + 5 frost and 4 shock damage. (Ooops, forgot to add the +2 for flanking, and the +1 for heroes feast. I rolled 32, then added the bonuses achieving the 35)

Since Succotash is in Valerie's saddle, I didn't add him to the map, I only added Valerie.

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 107/108
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 106/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 37/T24/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:30:03 AM

[OOC: Quick question: What is the height of the ledge?]

DM Mitch 
Monday May 17th, 2021 12:13:53 PM
(Long enough it takes time to fly over, let’s say a few hundred feet)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:20:50 PM
Pressi continues to fly (2nd round)

CatBliss HP164 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+28=29 ; d20+28=40 ; d2+27=28 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=40 ; d3+27=28 ; d6=6 ; d3+27=28 ; d6=4 ; d100=55 ; d100=48 ;
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:37:12 PM

Bliss is hit for 15, then is healed for 46, and thus avoids the bleed damage, starting the round at 164 hp.

The witch-in-cat's-clothing is very grateful when Brother Succotash shows up, and makes a mental note to thank him later.

Right now there are enemies to scratch! He activates his arcane strike, takes a five ft step into the square of a rogue flanking him, and attacks with two claws and a bite.

Claw one misses with a natural one!
Claw two hits AC40, inflicting 28 lethal damage plus 3 more if it is evil.
Bite hits AC48! That's a nat 20 and a crit threat. The follow up confirms against AC40.
Bite damage 34 nonlethal damage
Crit damage (if AC 40 or worse) 32 nonlethal damage

BUT! Bliss is blinking! Roll 1-20 to miss ... claw 2 is not a blink miss ... bite is not a blink miss!

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:57:30 PM
"Can't this thing go any faster?" asks Kezzem. "Andale, andale! Schnell, schnell!

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196  2d6+15=18 ; 2d6+15=23 ; 2d6+15=25 ; 5d6=15 ; 18d6=72 ; 4d6=19 ; 3d6=15 ; 3d6=10 ; d20+43=46 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 1:07:37 AM

Huge air elemental 50' tall whirlwind Murphy casts sunbeam. He flies down to M16 and immediately looses a horizontal bolt of light out to brighten the countenances of A3, A1, and A2. Each is blinded and takes 19 hp damage, unless Reflex save DC34 is made in which case no blinding, and half damage.
A4 takes 18 hp slam-like damage on a failed Reflex DC24 save, is pulled up into vortex if 2nd failed Reflex DC24, and later in the round 15 hp falling damage from 30' drop.
A3 takes 23 hp slam-like damage on a failed Reflex DC24 save, is pulled up 2nd failed Reflex DC24, and later in the round 10 hp falling damage from 30' drop.
As Murphy flies back, he drops off A3 and/or A4 if either has come aboard from a height of 30' into square Q16 on top of A2. Probably A2 takes some similar damage if any comrades fall on him, too. Falling - land prone. He ends his turn at V16.

He is glad that Bliss is doing better, and Succotash and Valerie have arrived, and Hobie is doing his thing. He misses Kezzem, and lets Pressi know what he sees. He looks forward to a conversation with the beastfolk after they have been softened up more.

=======
Perception: 46

Active spells & effects
Haste (+1 attack, +1 dodge & Reflex, +30 move) [on hold, 2/10 rounds used]
Magic Fang, Greater (+4 att/+4 dam). ~15 hours remaining
Heroes' Feast (+1 morale on attack & Will saves, +4 morale on saves vs poison & fear) ~8.5 hours left
Foresight: 166.1 minutes
True seeing: 4.1 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 179.1 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.2 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.3 minutes (1 of 15 bolts used)
Sunbeam: 18 rounds (1 of 6 sunbeam bolts used)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  d20+35=43 ; 2d6+17=22 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6=11 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=7 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 5:59:32 AM
Hobie will double move to get to where he can see the archers, and then (burning Hero Point for extra action) he will do his Arcane Archer thing.

He casts a spell and fires a single arrow at A3

Attack =43 (Hobie is still invisible)
Damage = 22 piercing, 1 electric = 23

If the arrow hits the archer, then thick, green, acidic fog will quickly spew forth from the archer's wound, to a 20 foot radius, and up to 20 feet high.

Spell is Acid Fog

Everyone and every object in the acid fog takes 2d6 acid damage, cannot see through it, and moves at half speed through the fog.

T4= 7
A1=6
A2=12
A3=11
A4=9

I'm particularly interested in the damage of every object in the acid fog, so I'm gonna roll for acid damage on the weapons. Not sure what weapon T4 has, but mundane Bows have 5 hardness and 5 HP, so (unless their bows are magical) A3 and A4 will suffer 2 damage to their bows, and for the others, the acid won't bypass hardness.

T4=4
A1=3
A2=4
A3=7
A4=7

=====================

Boots of Speed used 1/10
Greater Invisibility used 3/12 rounds
Acid Fog used 1/12 rounds
See Invisibility 115/120 minutes

DM Mitch  d20+24=39 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+23=26 ; d6+23=29 ; d6+4=9 ; 10d6=41 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=14 ; d6=1 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+21=30 ; d100=20 ; d100=21 ; d100=54 ; d100=42 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 7:55:00 AM
Succotash manages to get within visual range of the battle and activates his dimension door to get near Bliss. While there he heroically channels healing energy to heal his allies while excluding enemies. Meanwhile Valerie swipes at one of the Thieves dealing 31 damage total.

Pressi continues her shadow flight

CatBliss is healed by Succotash and makes a mental note to thank him later. He then activates arcane strike, takes a 5 foot step and scratches and bites at the rogue. He misses once, hits once and bites the rogue in a particularly vulnerable area.

Kezz’m urges his flying carpet forward.

Murphy casts sunbeam and tries to scoop up some archers, but they continue to be incredibly dexterous and avoid everything.

Hobie heroically advances to hit the archers and hits them with an acidic fog. The acid doesn’t seem to affect their weapons, but they don’t seem to be immune to the damage like they were to the electric attacks.

The thieves have a new, non-concealed target now, so they pile onto Succotash. Thief 2 tries to tumble past catbliss but fails, drawing an AoO or he would have but CatBliss is a tiny cat who threatens no square so he doesn't get AOOs. Due to the cloud he’s also the only one who gets a flanking sneak attack, which succeeds in hitting for 50 damage +22 bleeding. Thief 3 hits once for 5 damage +1 bleeding.

The archers are blinded by the cloud and unable to use their bows. Grumbling, they move out of the cloud swiftly and move to surround catBliss who phases right through all of their attacks.


CatBliss HP164 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+28=44 ; d3+27=29 ; d6=1 ; d20+28=45 ; d20+28=43 ; d20+28=31 ; d3+27=30 ; d6=6 ; d2+27=29 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d2+27=29 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d100=47 ; d100=67 ; d100=75 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 8:33:53 AM

Bliss takes a bite AoO as a rogue leaves the square they share:

Bite hits AC44 for 30 nonlethal damage

When it is his turn, he activates his arcane strike and takes a five ft step into the square occupied by T3.

Bite hits AC45 for 36 nonlethal
Claw1 hits AC43 for 38 lethal
Claw2 hits AC31 for 33 lethal

(Assuming they are evil for the purposes of holy tears.)

BUT WAIT! Bliss is blinking ... the Bite lands, Claw 1 lands, and Claw 2 lands!

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  2d6=6 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+30=47 ; d20+30=36 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+15=20 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=30 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=34 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=34 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 8:57:11 AM
Having not left the acid fog, T4 will take 6 acid damage.

Hobie will aim first for A4, and switch to A3 then A1 should they fall
(not bothering to roll electric damage because youve said they are immune)
all damage is nonlethal

Click the heels

Manyshot = 35
Piercing 32
Piercing 30

Rapid shot = 47
Piercing 35

Haste = 36
Piercing 35

Iter 1 = 34
Piercing 34

Iter 2 = 24
Piercing 32

Iter 2 = 20
Piercing 34

=====================

Boots of Speed used 2/10
Greater Invisibility used 4/12 rounds
Acid Fog used 2/12 rounds
See Invisibility used 6/120 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d20=8 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+31=45 ; d20+31=44 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=44 ; d20+31=51 ; d20+31=45 ; 2d6+20=31 ; 2d6+20=22 ; 2d6+20=29 ; d8+20=26 ; d4+20=24 ; 2d4+40=46 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 10:35:38 AM
"Now that wasn't very nice," Succotash grunts as he gets hit. Now inn the thick of things, Succotash can see that Bliss is still wounded, and he knows that some of his wounds aren't going to stop bleeding on their own, so he channels energy again, making sure to exclude the baddies. He heals himself and Bliss 35 damage. He than heroically casts Divine Power on Valerie, defensively. (Needed a 23 add 28, so unless I rolled a 1, I made the check, rolled an 8)

Meanwhile, Valerie starts to do what she does best, (Is that a smile on her dino face?) and she full round attacks T2. If T2 drops before she runs out of attacks, Valerie will switch to T3

Left Talon: Hits AC 41 for 31 + 4 shock and 5 frost

Right Talon: Hits AC 45 for 22 + 2 shock and 6 frost

Divine Talon: Hits AC 44 for 29 + 5 shock and 3 frost

Bite: Hits AC 49 for 26 + 5 shock and 6 frost

Left Claw: Hits AC 44 for 24 + 1 shock and 4 frost

Right Claw: Natural 20 (45 to confirm) for 46 + 5 shock and 5 frost

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 8/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 104/108
Heroes feast
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 105/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Divine power (+6): 18 temp HP 18/18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 9:30:56 PM
Pressi can hear the sounds of fighting, but can't entirely determine who's winning, or what the endgame is.

She can tell, though, that Bliss did not take her advice.

At round 3 of 4, she begins to drop out of hyperspace, er, I mean shadow space.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 1:06:44 AM

Murphy casts on himself resist acid (protects from 30 hp acid damage per round). He flies down to M14. He drops the whirlwind. He talks with Pressi about what's going on, and asks what she is doing.

DM Mitch  d100=75 ; d100=75 ; d100=5 ; d100=95 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+13=27 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+11=13 ; d12=12 ; d100=54 ; d100=8 ; d100=10 ; d100=65 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=24 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 6:51:53 AM

CatBliss hits with his AOO. He then 5 foot steps into another thieves square and proceeds to scratch and bite again. (its’ the green box on the map)

Hobie continues to rain arrows choosing the archers this time as targets. The last 3 iterative attacks all miss

Succotash channels more energy for Bliss and himself then heroically casts divine favor on his faithful dino-steed. Meanwhile Valerie attacks thief 2, dropping him with her first attack. She then proceeds to attack thief 3. She gets so far as biting him that he goes down so she proceeds to thief 4. He is still standing but bloody after taking a few claw swipes.

Pressi prepares to drop out of shadow space

Murphy casts a defensive spell and talks to Pressi.

The archer takes a 5 foot step to provide flanking and attacks with the last thief. The thief lands 2 hits for 12+2 bleeding damage. The archer hits once for 14 damage. The archer next to Bliss continues to fail to get past his blinking.

The archers further back switch to bows again and shoot Succotash for 24 physical and 12 cold damage. Overall the bandits seem to know they’re losing, but they’re grimly determined to take one of you with them if they can.

Health Tracker

Thief 1: 201 nonlethal, 10 lethal; unconscious
Thief 2: 204 nonlethal, 40 lethal, unconscious
Thief 3: 135 damage; 107 nonlethal damage, unconscious
Thief 4: 93 damage

Archer 1: 6 damage
Archer 2: 12 damage
Archer 3: 33 damage
Archer 4: 13 damage; 132 nonlethal

Map, now official!


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 100/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 10:38:12 AM
"Hey guys, remind me to add mercy to Valerie's Amulet of Mighty Fists!", Succotash says, as he sees the carnage his dino friend left behind, "Seems like less bloodshed may be nice." Turning to the baddies he says, "You do know that surrender is a viable option right? I mean really, if you drop your weapons now, no one else needs to die!"

If the bandits drop their weapons, Succotash will reign in Valerie, otherwise she will continue her full round assault, starting on T4 and ending with A2. Either way, he will channel energy again. If the baddies surrender, he will even include them in the healing. He heals himself and Bliss 38 HP.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 100/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+31=33 ; d20+31=39 ; d20+31=45 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=43 ; 2d6+20=26 ; 2d6+20=30 ; 2d6+20=30 ; d8+20=28 ; d4+20=24 ; d4+20=23 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 10:49:31 AM
Oops, submitted my post, before rolling Valerie's attacks.

Left Talon: Hits AC 33 for 26 + 5 shock and 3 frost

Right Talon: Hits AC 39 for 30 + 4 shock and 6 frost

Divine Talon: Hits AC 45 for 30 + 4 shock and 6 frost

Bite: Hits AC 49 for 28 + 6 shock and 1 frost

Left Claw: Hits AC 49 for 24 + 6 shock and 6 frost

Right Claw: Hits AC 43 for 23 + 4 shock and 4 frost

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 7/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 103/108
Heroes feast
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 104/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Divine power (+6): 18 temp HP 17/18

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  2d6=10 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 3:59:35 PM
T4 takes 10 acid damage.

Hobie will fire his full complement of arrows on the foes

(I’m sorry I am using an iPad before bed and can’t roll Hobie’s damage right now, I’ll do it from my PC first thing in the morning Central Europe Time/very late evening USA time)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 6:56:32 PM

Murphy wildshapes from the insubstantial air elemental to the quite substantial huge earth elemental. He steps forward, emerging from the acid fog, and walking right up to the thorn wall, nudging/ trapping archer A3 firmly into the spikes and thorns, and he says in a deep, gravelly voice, "Greetings," to archer A4, who is now on the receiving end of some of the contents from Hobie's quiver. "We really don't want to kill you folks. But we do want these robberies to cease, and to find out who has put you up to this economic warfare, as well as payment of restitution. Or do you prefer I bash you on the head?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)  d8=2 ; d100=85 ; d8=4 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 9:29:32 PM
Pressi continues to rise through the shadows as her broom begins to slow (lets say she chooses to stop at the edge of the ledge T13, just beyond the wall of thorns. She still has her broom so she can use it to her advantage).

"Ok, I just need to take her out, slowly, slowly..."

(Direction 2, which I believe is NE. Distance 85).

Pressi screamed as the broom kicked into high gear, the team's experiences with shadow walk remaining a perfect record. (Seriously, we should just ban the spell and buy her 20 scrolls of teleport.)

(I'm assuming that the edge of the ledge area is another wall, so direction 4.)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  2d6=10 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 11:03:17 PM
T4 takes 10 acid damage.

Hobie will fire his full complement of arrows on the foes

(I’m sorry I am using an iPad before bed and can’t roll Hobie’s damage right now, I’ll do it from my PC first thing in the morning Central Europe Time/very late evening USA time)

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 11:31:00 PM
Kezzem continues his magic carpet ride.

"You know, when they sang 'I can show you the world,' they neglected to mention it would take like 10 minutes to get there."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  d20+30=32 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+15=24 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=30 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=31 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 1:47:51 AM
The invisible flying Hobie keeps firing away

Manyshot = 32
Piercing 35
Piercing 32

Rapid shot = 38
Piercing 30

Haste = 42
Piercing 32

Iter 1 = 29
Piercing 32

Iter 2 = 23
Piercing 32

Iter 3= 24
Piercing 31
=====================

Boots of Speed used 3/10
Greater Invisibility used 5/12 rounds
Acid Fog used 3/12 rounds
See Invisibility used 6/120 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196  d20+43=61 ; d20+32=39 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 2:57:24 AM
[Had only a moment in which to post earlier. Wanted to add Perception and Sense Motive - does this archer care anything about Murphy's statement, or just want to kill him? Anything else in the environment he would be aware of with that epic-level perception?

Also, it may be that you did not apply the 9 hp damage to A1, A2, and A3, assuming they made their DC34 Reflex save vs the Sunbeam and did not take full (19) damage or get blinded from early Tues. post.]
=======
Perception: 61
Sense Motive: 39

Active spells & effects
Haste (+1 attack, +1 dodge & Reflex, +30 move) [on hold, 2/10 rounds used]
Magic Fang, Greater (+4 att/+4 dam). ~15 hours remaining
Heroes' Feast (+1 morale on attack & Will saves, +4 morale on saves vs poison & fear) ~8.5 hours left
Foresight (9th level spell: 6th sense warns of impending danger. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves.): 165.9 minutes
True seeing: 3.9 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 178.9 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.0 minutes
Resist Acid (protects from 30 hp acid damage per round): 179.8 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.1 minutes (1 of 15 bolts used)
Sunbeam: 16 rounds (1 of 6 sunbeam bolts used)

CatBliss HP164 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+28=46 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+28=34 ; d3+27=28 ; d6=5 ; d2+27=29 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d2+27=29 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d100=11 ; d100=23 ; d100=75 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 6:34:14 AM

Bliss takes a five ft step into the square of an enemy, depending on which one looks most damaged to him.

He attacks!

Bite: AC46 for 33 nonlethal - BUT MISSES BLINKING
Claw1: AC37 for 31 lethal
Claw2: AC34 for 36 lethal

Blink miss chances: The Bite Misses!

DM Mitch  d20+27=35 ; d20+27=46 ; d20+26=31 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=20 ; 7d6=24 ; 7d8+7=38 ; 7d8+1=26 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+11=13 ; d100=13 ; d100=88 ; d100=80 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+11=17 ; d12=8 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 6:48:32 AM
Succotash tells the others to remind him to add mercy to Valerie’s Amulet of Might Fists. He calls out to the bandits to surrender

Hobie continues to rain arrows down

Murphy wildshapes into an earth elemental and adds his voice to Succotashes in calling for surrender (you canoot force an enemy into a space unless you roll for a bull rush combat action, which provokes an AoO, so you’re still in the acid this round)

Pressi finishes materializing out of shadow space on her broom in the material plane. (The blue “ledge” area to the right is thin air, so you’d appear 85 feet northeast from the fight in the air on your broom)

Kezz’m comes to realize that the whole new world he is in while on his magic carpet ride is a slow one; something the song failed to mention.

The thief Succotash talks to spits on him in response. ”We’re dead either way lawman. Might as well make you work for it.” Valerie kills the man in response. Murphy doesn’t get any better response to his call for surrender.

The archers remember that, hey, they’re rangers, and 5 foot step into the thorns to get a better attack angle. Succotash gets shot 6 times for 36 piercing damage and 24 cold. Of the two stuck in melee only 1 lands a hit on Succotash for another 10 damage.

Health Tracker

Thief 1: 201 nonlethal, 10 lethal; unconscious
Thief 2: 204 nonlethal, 40 lethal, unconscious
Thief 3: 135 damage; 107 nonlethal damage, unconscious
Thief 4: Thief 4: 233; dead

Archer 1: 6 damage, 161 nonlethal
Archer 2: 98 damage
Archer 3: 33 damage
Archer 4: 23 damage; 132 nonlethal

Map, now official!


DM Mitch 
Thursday May 20th, 2021 8:21:45 AM
(Adding Bliss damage)

Health Tracker

Thief 1: 201 nonlethal, 10 lethal; unconscious
Thief 2: 204 nonlethal, 40 lethal, unconscious
Thief 3: 135 damage; 107 nonlethal damage, unconscious
Thief 4: Thief 4: 233; dead

Archer 1: 73 damage, 161 nonlethal, unconsicious
Archer 2: 98 damage
Archer 3: 33 damage
Archer 4: 23 damage; 132 nonlethal


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 30/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  3d6+18=30 ; d20+31=44 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+31=39 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=33 ; 2d6+20=26 ; 2d6+20=27 ; 2d6+20=30 ; d8+20=22 ; d4+20=21 ; d4+20=22 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d20=16 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 10:14:07 AM
"Maybe you should have made better life choices, but SO BE IT!" Succotash says as he casts Mass Inflict Serious Wounds, while dismounting inflicting 30 damage on all three archers (DC 27 will save for half). The wise cleric waits for Valerie to do her thing before dismounting, and casting, so as to avoid an AoO. Meanwhile, Valerie attempts to eviscerate her enemy.

Left Talon: Hits AC 44 for 26 + 6 shock and 1 frost

Right Talon: Hits AC 37 for 30 + 5 shock and 4 frost

Divine Talon: Hits AC 41 for 27 + 4 shock and 6 frost

Bite: Hits AC 39 for 22 + 6 shock and 2 frost

Left Claw: Hits AC 49 for 21 + 1 shock and 4 frost

Right Claw: Hits AC 33 for 22 + 3 shock and 4 frost

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 7/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 102/108
Heroes feast
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 103/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Divine power (+6): 18 temp HP 16/18

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  d20+30=36 ; d20+30=50 ; d20+30=33 ; d20+30=43 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+15=28 ; 2d6+25=29 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=30 ; 4d6+50=61 ; 2d6+25=28 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 4d6+50=59 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 2:26:23 PM
I'm assuming that since the archers can shoot out of the thorns still, and Hobie has all the feats so he takes no penalties for cover besides total cover, that Hobie can fire on these archers still. Let me know if that's not the case, he'll cast a spell if thats so

He keeps firing if he can

Manyshot = 36
Piercing = 29
Piercing = 32

Rapid shot = Nat 20 (33 to confirm)
Piercing = 30 (If Crit confirms = 91)

Haste = 43
Piercing =28

Iter 1 = Nat 1

Iter 2 = Nate 20 (36 to confirm)
Piercing = 35 (If Crit confirms = 91)

Iter 3 = 28
Piercing =32

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday May 20th, 2021 4:05:04 PM
(My apologies, I misread the map. Also, please delete the last Pressi post, it's a glitch copy from my phone.)

If any of the thieves remain standing, Pressi casts Living Voodoo (blindness) on whoever's left, especially the archers.


The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Thursday May 20th, 2021 5:27:52 PM
I don't see Kezzem on the map (lol).

Kezzem keeps doing what he is doing.

"This why they shouldn't let me plan things."

CDM Jerry [OOC post] 
Thursday May 20th, 2021 6:52:54 PM
Hear Ye Hear Ye!

I'm starting a Woldian recruitment blitz to fill what looks to be 10 spots.  We have 2 new games starting which accounts for 6 of the openings.  The other 4 are in existing non-veteran games.  The two new games will be called:

Bearclaw Keep
and
Heranmar.

The icons for these are already up on in the Career Games section, but the links just go to the LnB until the games begin.  [THANKS ROB FOR DESIGNING THOSE!!!]

I want to start with recruiting from 1) you good people and 2) inactive players.
SO!!!  If you have a friend [someone that still talks to you] talk to them and see if they want to play!  All they have to do to start the progress is to email me. [gericko@gmail.com].

I am going to send out some emails starting tonight to former players so I do not know whether this push will fill us up quickly or not.  :)  Better to play it on the safe side and talk to your friends immediately!

Enjoy your evening and the weekend AND talking to your friends about joining us!

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 
Friday May 21st, 2021 2:22:14 AM

Murphy has concluded that these people disgust him. They have behaved in a wicked manner in robbing the dwarfs and their intended customers of what they honestly labored for, and paid for. They killed in their first robbery.

And now they have no notion that there is any way out other than to kill and escape. And they have shown themselves foolish, thinking that after five robberies, that nothing would be done to deter or defeat them.

He is sorely tempted simply to cast finger of death on the Archer before him and have done with it.

Face to face pounding is not his strong suit. Perhaps he could grab the bow and break the string.

Murphy casts transmute rock to mud to take away the footing of the two archers before him. The mud is 10' deep. Perhaps they will sink up to their chests in the mud. If they need help in that possibility, he stands ready to help shove them down a ways. Especially A4.

He does not change as much of the local stony roadway into mud as he might. On the map, the brown area representing the mud covers J8,9,10 to P8,9,10, as well as J11 to L11.

DM Mitch 
Friday May 21st, 2021 6:17:07 AM
Succotash tells the archers they’ve should have made better life choices before dismounting and casting inflict serious wounds. 2 of the archers shrug some of the necromantic energy off but the last takes the full brunt of it. While all this is happening Valerie has killed another combatant; this time an archer.

Hobie continues to rain arrows down on the 2 remaining archers, knocking them out

None of the archers are standing for Pressi to cast Living Voodoo on.

Kezz’m keeps keeping on on his magic carpet away from where all the action is

Murphy decides he does not like these guys and is ready to bury them in mud, but they’re all down and out.

Things quiet down suddenly. With 2 dead thieves and 6 battered to unconsciousness, now there’s nothing left to do but figure out what to do with them. Kezz’m finely catches up too.


CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Friday May 21st, 2021 6:32:28 AM
Bliss helps bind the captives so that they can't run away. Then, one by one, he talks to each one.

First, he wants to know if this is the entire source of the problems the party was sent to solve. Are there other bandits? Other reasons the caravans have been lost?

Second, he has some harsh words for these bandits. Why are these talented and experienced people wasting their lives? What are the very questionable life choices that brought them to this place?

"Look, there are lots of rogues who have been incredible heroes. Like Dahlia Lightfingers the Platinum Dragon, and Renik Dacour, and my mom, Vauhwyt the Grim Trickster of Blackbird Lake. Note that all of these heroes, in addition to be beloved heroes, were also fabulously rich!"

Bliss shows off all his gear, worth hundreds of thousands of gold.

"Honestly, the hero business is very well paying, and you can show your face around without fear of being arrested!"

"Look, we're not going to kill you. If we were going to, we would have killed you in battle. Instead, we're giving you a chance to do better. Think about it. You don't have to be crooks and criminals."

Bliss turns to his friends. "See if you can talk some sense into these guys."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 30/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Friday May 21st, 2021 9:12:34 AM
"I don't know if you can talk sense to these types Bliss. While it's true we could each afford to buy our own small kingdom, we had to work for it, and these types would rather make their fortune off the backs of someone else." Succotash turns to the thieves, and says, What my friend says is true, we won't kill you, but your level of cooperation will help us determine what we will do with you. I see two options for you. Either help us, at which point, I'll place a geas on you, forcing you to turn over a new leaf, and then turning you loose, or keep your mouths shut, and we turn you over to the authorities, and since you have a death sentence looming over your heads, well..."

Murphy (KimMc) As Earth Elem AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222 
Friday May 21st, 2021 6:42:01 PM
Murph post 20210521

Murphy pulls the two unconscious archers out of the mud and thorns. It is nice being a druid, as he can navigate the brambles with relative ease. Once the two are clear, and lying upon the hard road, he asks if anyone can think of a good reason not to turn the mud back into rock. He does ask Bliss to take out the wall of thorns first, and ensures the surface, afterwards, is smooth, nice for wagons and such to traverse. Then, if there are no objections, he casts transmute mud to rock.

Murphy suggests each unconscious person be stripped of anything magical. That their clothing be inspected, ensuring they carry no concealed weapons - daggers, etc. He takes all the bow strings (including those held in reserve) from the archers.

He is good with rope. Bonds are made secure, and multiple restrictions on movement are ensured. Legs are hobbled. Silk rope binds well.

He talks over with members of Humble's Sword just what we need to learn.
* Who hired the rogues.
* What arrangements were made for delivery and disposition of the alloyed steel
* Names, payments, conduits, conveyance.

"This one robbery was stopped. We need to go after those who set it in motion."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday May 21st, 2021 7:53:03 PM
Pressi watches intently as the others begin to work, her broom nudging its way carefully to the ledge.

After she helps with the binding, she suggests that maybe she should take one or two of the unconscious thieves aside and talk to them separately... "And I wouldn't mind doing it without the eye of paladins, or anyone who needs a little plausible deniability."

For now, however, she hits one of the thieves with charm person (DC 20). "Look, in the end, we really are trying to help you. All we are looking for is a name," she whispers.

Murphy (KimMc) As Earth Elem AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222 
Saturday May 22nd, 2021 12:15:41 PM

Oh, and while most are unconscious, Murphy (now back in his own halfling form) snips a lock of hair from each of the robbers (say, enough hair for 3 scryings). He makes a sketch of the face of each on a separate piece of paper, rolls and folds the paper to contain the hair. Should we need to keep a remote eye on them in the future, having their image and hair should aid considerably.

The two who died he does likewise, should the robbers try to get them resurrected,

He asks the name of each. There already are two whose names we have heard.

DM Mitch 
Monday May 24th, 2021 6:12:02 AM
CatBliss helps with the bindings, then individually questions and admonishes the bandits regarding their life choices. He asks if the bandits are the source of the problem or if there are other bandits or reasons why the caravans were attacked.

Succotash isn’t sure there’s any point in talking sense to the bandits. He threatens them with death if they don’t talk and a geas if they do.

Murphy asks if there’s any good reason not to restore the road and searches the captured robbers. He collects materials to help him with scrying them if needed.

Pressi wonders if she should pull some of them aside fro a private talk. She decides to just cast Charm Person on one of them.

The party disarms, separates and binds their assailants.

After one hour one of the thieves and one of the archers come around while the other 4 are still out of it.

The thief says, “Look we wuz paid to do a job and we did it, delivering the metal to the camp in the Red Hills we were told to.”

The archer chimes in, “The shipments we already nicked were what the client’s agreement was for, but we thought the caravans were such easy pickin’s we’d keep hitting ‘em a time or two. We didn’t count on no shapeshifting halflings.”

Pressi’s charm person was on the Archer and the archer failed to resist the spell.

The archer tilts his head and says, “That pack there, there’s a journal in it. In that journal is a map of the Red Hills indicating where the camp the client told us to drop the previous shipments off at. Clearly this route is no longer profitable and we should have quit while we were ahead. We never got a name from the client, he was some kind of magic user though and took precautions to obscure his identity, but his coin was good so what did it matter?”

The Archer replies to Murphy’s question, “Well Shee and Shanks both didn’t make it. I’m Mac and the conscious thief is Chee.”

It has been a little over one hour since your battle. The other 4 bandits are still unconscious.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Monday May 24th, 2021 9:31:39 AM
"That was very helpful, thank you Mac!" Succotash says as the charmed archer shares what he knows. He walks over and retrieves the mentioned journal, and quickly scans the contents, looking for any clues. He hands it to whomever else would like to take a look, then says, in halfling, "So what do we do now? I did say that I could geas them and set them loose if they cooperated, but it seems that the only reason Mac here was so forthcoming, was due to Pressie's charm spell. I try to be a halfling of my word, so I'm inclined to geas them and set them free, though that will have to wait until morning, as I don't have the spell prepared enough times. I suppose if they fight against the spell, we will have to hand them over to the authorities, and they should be warned before hand. Unless someone has a problem with me doing so, I'm going to wake up our unconscious friends." Succotash will then channel energy again healing himself and his friends 31 HP. Unless someone stops him, he includes the baddies, thus removing any non-lethal damage, and waking up the unconscious ones.

Succotash:
Channel energy 6/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 101/108
Heroes feast
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 102/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Divine power (+6): 18 temp HP 15/18

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222 
Monday May 24th, 2021 1:29:19 PM

"Shanks is the one who tried to tackle the cat. Was he more or less the leader of the group? Or is it someone else? Mac, I'm Murphy. What are the names of those still asleep?" [If we can tie them into the T1-4, A1-4 identities, that would be appreciated. How many male, which ones are female? Shee was female, right?]

"Hello, Chee. You can call me Murphy. Looks like your group has been together for a while - you all have competent skill sets. Who came up with the tactic of hiding in the rocks? Very clever, that. Hungry?" He offers him some trail rations, some water.

Murphy accepts the hand-off of the journal from Succotash. Murphy is fairly acquainted with the Red Hills, and has with him a map to which he has added details over the years. He seeks to find the place of the camp for drop shipments to add to his map. He assiduously studies the journal, and copies salient portions into his own journal.

Just before the cleric sends out a healing wave, Murphy says, "Well, Succotash, none of them particularly accepted your conditions prior to the end of the fight. Let's see how things go before we make a final decision. I'm open to the alternatives you suggested, but there may be another route that close questioning and cajoling may reveal. Sound all all right?" He is fine with the full group healing.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Monday May 24th, 2021 4:22:14 PM
Hobie will ask the charmed person for the truth on their actions, he wants to know specifically if these guys are just thieves, taking property, or if they will typically kill innocents as part of their work.

If they are a simply thieves he will tell them about how he started his adventuring as a burglar, and turned himself around to do what he’s doing now. And he will urge them to turn towards more community good actions

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday May 24th, 2021 8:10:19 PM
Pressi nodded and winked at the archer. "Much obliged. I think we can take it from here."

Pressi flipped through a couple of pages of the journal as Murphy and Succotash discussed what to do. "I wouldn't hold my breath on a massive conversion. These guys here aren't going to change until they're ready to listen and I don't hear much listening. I kind of want to release them to live but 'make them work for it.' I suppose they should face justice, though I was also leaning towards ignoring them for their buyer.

"If we want to do geas, don't forget that Bliss and I can both cast it. Don't really know what you plan to attach to it, though. Of course, we do have another option. Way I see it is that we can still trust them, as much as we have the coin."

Pressi turned back to the thieves. "Hey, quick hypothetical. About how much did these buyers of yours pay you? Cause it sounds like you might be looking for another buyer, maybe one that can pay more."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Monday May 24th, 2021 10:19:45 PM

Bliss (no longer in the shape of a cat, of course, and with all his short-term combat buffs turned off right after the battle ended) helps gather all the enemy gear together.

He goes around casting cures on the ones who are unconscious, making sure they do not die, and giving them the same questions and lectures once they are awake.

"See, we'll take all your wealth that you gained through your evil deeds. But if you swear to turn to goodness and stop preying on the weak and innocent, then we will let you free."

DM Mitch 
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 7:17:02 AM
Succotash thanks the man for the information, debates about if they’ve fulfilled their part of the deal, and heals everyone.

Murphy asks for introductions and looks at the journal. He also comments on how the bandits didn’t technically agree to the deal and suggests further debate.

Hobie gives career advice.

Pressi looks through the book briefly and comments on the likelihood of the thieves having a mass conversion to good. She asks what they were being paid for the job.

Bliss loots, heals, and lectures

Mac says to Murphy, “Shanks was the leader” (OOC: Thief 4 was Shanks (male), Archer 2 was Shee(female) )
Chee adds, “Those still asleep are Vron(male; archer 1), jarry(male thief 2), permi(female thief 3) and oni(female; archer 4)”

She continues, “The tactics were Shanks’ idea and yes I am hungry and thirsty.”

Chee says to Hobie, “We didn’t want to hurt nobody but that one caravan those guards tried to be heroes, and one thing lead to another and they ended up worse off for it in the dead sort of way. All the other caravans we robbed were completely compliant so we took the metal ingots the client wanted and went on our way.”

With respect to Hobie’s career advice Chee says, “I’ll take it under advisement”

Chee says to Pressi, “Well the client paid us 36,000 gold pieces for the entire lot, 7,200 gold for each shipment we dropped off. After we completed the contract Shanks realized we were making silvers on the gold for the price of the alloy and that we could probably make more assuming we could find the right buyer. How much are you offering? What do you want us to do?”

As Succotash’s healings wash over the thieves and archers the rest wake up.

Bliss goes among them lecturing them on their poor life choices.


Vron says to the halfling, “You lot weren’t so weak and innocent, neither wuz those caravan guards. You don’t know what we did to get that gear, you’re just assuming and making excuses so you can rob us same as we were trying to do.”

Jarry chimes in, “Yeah, easy for you to say. Magical halfling. We can’t exactly go do good deeds if you take everything we own and turn us out in the wild with nothin.”

Permi and Oni don’t say anything

You have the journal detailing the location of the camp in the Red Hills the shipments were dropped off to a mysterious patron, 2 dead thieves and 6 alive, awake but tied up thieves. What would you like to do next?


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 10:18:20 AM
In halfling, Succotash says, "If we geased them, we could simply order them to assume the life of a hero. They have the skill set for the career change, and the Wold can always use more heroes"

Turning to the thieves he says, in common, "We are in a bit of a predicament here. one one hand, the majority of us, if not all of us, would love to give you a second chance at life, and on the other hand, justice must be served. If what you say is true, handing you over to the authorities, which would be an act of justice, would be the same as killing you, and well, that kinda ends any chance at a redeemed life. I would love to be able to take you at your word, if you all said you were going to turn over a new leaf, but unless I cast a zone of truth spell, which you could possibly overcome anyway, we would have no way of knowing for certain that you were telling us the truth, and we can't have you going back to your lives of crime, and, as I said, justice must be served.

As I see it, you have two options. We put a geas on you, forcing you to take up the life of adventuring heroes, which I must say you would be great at, and as my friends have said, is something you should have been doing all along. We could then, return your gear, and turn you loose on the evils of the Wold. Otherwise, we have no choice but to hand you over to the authorities. Now we could just force the geas on you and be on our merry way, but I for one am not in favor of taking away ones freewill. So what do you think, do you want to be adventures? This business is very lucrative!" As Succotash says the last bit, he pulls down his robe a bit revealing his mithril breastplate, as a means to show his wealth, and the wealth that can be obtained as an adventurer.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 12:41:30 PM

"Yeah, we would give you some of their gear and money, say one or two thousand gold each or so. And you promise to reform and go off to live new lives. Or we turn you in to the authorities. Easy Peasy."

Privately, Bliss says to Sir Succotash, "Meh, geas seems like overkill to me, but sure, can't hurt. You're doing great, my friend!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222 
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 3:12:49 PM

Murphy plays the bad cop

As Vron and Jarry make their complaints, Murphy says fiercely, "You have repeatedly robbed - stolen that which in no wise belongs to you. You have killed. You have terrorized. When we came upon you, lurking in stone, ready to way-lay our wagons, and threaten our lives, and unjustly take what is not yours, we gave you chance after chance to stop fighting, to surrender, yet your fear and rapacity and guilt would not let you do so. Do NOT complain to us about what is fair. You have forfeited any 'right' to your possessions in your categorical willingness to abrogate the right of others to keep their own.

"We deliberately used many different weapons of a merciful bent - meant to subdue, rather than kill. When you kept on trying to kill us, yes, the raptor was set upon you. Each. One. Of. You. Ought. To. Have. DIED!

"So, shut up about what you deem fair, you whiners, who have shown little fairness to others. Stop whining. Acknowledge your wickedness. I am prone to mercy, as are my companions. But keep up your grumbling in the face of underserved kindness, and I'm of a mind to turn back into a whirlwind and drop any who complain again from a thousand feet in the air onto the rocks below. Dodge that when you're bound with ropes." He takes three deep breaths, then says without vehemence to the few who have not grumbled, "However, if you choose not to appeal to unearned 'fairness' in the face of what my friends are discussing, I have no motivation to unleash the whirlwind against you."

And to all, "After you tried diligently to kill us, we have healed you."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222 
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 3:23:47 PM

Sorry, addendum. Murphy does feed Chee, and gives the thief some water to wash it down, and offers likewise to Mac, to Permi and Oni. He is not untying anyone as of yet. But until he sees how Vron and Jarry respond, he does not yet offer them the same.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 5:46:31 PM
Kezzem finally arrives by flying carpet.

"Okay, I'm hear, who do I stab?"

After getting caught up on the situation.

"Well, leaving them their gear is one thing, but I'm all for reallocated their payment for this robbery job of theirs to put to better use, such as, I don't know, a some time of engine that shoots jets of flame and makes the flying carpet go faster!"



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+24=42 ;
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 9:41:27 PM
To Succotash, "I think you have a rather skewed view of what Geas can do, and whether it counts. We can make them turn in to the authorities but be heroes for all time, without working on the things that make us heroes, that actually made us thieves in the first place..."

If anyone starts looking at her funny. "Ex thief, descendent of thieves by a couple of generations, twisted by woldsblood... probably on the cusp of going full supervillain on the planet myself. Couple of more ex thieves there, there... maybe there.... Nice to meet you. Look, I'm not going to ask you to go full poverty monk and I'm not going to explain ourselves, except to say we try our best here.

"In the meantime, I did have another option. See, it seems to me that if you were to take to your buyers a message we crafted, or even a new hostage or partner you could vouch for... well, sometimes you can be a good guy and still get some money. I'm still working out the details but I think we can compensate you for this botched job well enough. Is that something you might be interested in, or shall we go back to the whole turn you in and take your gear discussion?"

(Diplomacy 42)


DM Mitch 
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 6:52:15 AM
Succotash talks about geases, free will, and hero work.
Bliss says they wouldn’t actually turn the thieves loose in the wilderness with nothing.
Murphy plays bad cop. He also offers food and drink, which might be mixing his message a little.
Kezz’m wants to take their payment of the job to somehow make his carpet faster.
Pressi points out that Geas may not do what Succotash want’s it to do. She suggests the thieves help him track down their employer.

There appears to be confusion amongst the thieves. Some of the party wants to put geas on the thieves to get them to reform while others in the party want to hire them. Murphy playing bad cop has left an impression on some of the thieves.
Chee says, “If my new friends want me to be geased then I’m okay being geased.” It is hard to tell if this is Chee’s actual opinion or the charm talking.
Mac says, “Well I’d really not like to die, but I’m not sure how I feel about this geas business.”
Permi and Oni say nothing except to say, “Mister Murphy sir, we’d like some of that food and drink.”

Vron says, “Well if we was dashed on the stone by the whirlwind it would be quicker than any death penalty the constabulary would mete out”
Jarry says, “Seems to me Vron there exists another option as long as we agree to be magicked into being good.”
When Pressi makes her salespitch Chee says, “That’s all well and good but we didn’t have a buyer prearranged for this shipment. We were going to look for one after we secured the alloy. Our contract concluded with our previous client. I don’t even know if they will be at that camp in the Red Hills if it existed as a drop off point for our purloined shipments. I mean we can try to return to the camp and try to arrange a meeting with the client if they are still there but I’d reckon he’d be suspicious considering our business had concluded and here we are showing up unannounced at their camp with someone who wants to meet them

There's a sudden warping of the air and an old friend and former party member pops out of thin air nearby.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 9:11:49 AM
Succotash is about to say something to encourage those that are considering the geas, and taking up a life of goodness and heroism, but then Tali appears, and he completely loses his train of thought. He runs over to the sorceress and gives her a big hug, and says, "Tali! It is so good to see you! Last I saw you, you were feeling under the weather, after our trip to the moon. I'm so glad to see you are feeling more yourself again, and decided to rejoin our entourage. I'd ask how you found us, but such trifles are nothing to a powerful sorceress like yourself.

By the way, we were hired, by some friendly dwarves to find out who has been robbing their caravans of this steel/ mithril alloy stuff, the dwarves had invented, and put a stop to the robberies. We had a small scrap with these bandits here, and are trying to convince them that turning from a life of crime, to a life of heroic adventuring would be a good career move, and I've floated the idea of a geas, for our piece of mind, but only if they agree to it, as I hate the idea of taking away someones freewill. Some of the bandits seem cool with the geas, preferring that to being turned over to the authorities, which would be a death sentence for them, and we were able to convince them of the wealth that can be obtain from such an occupation. Of course some are holding out. One was even considering Murphy's offer of being dropped off a cliff, which seems a bit rash to me, but he believes it would be quicker and less painful than an authorized execution, carried out by the authorities. By the gods, it's good to see you."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 11:44:11 AM
"I don't think we need to Geas these guys, they are simply thieves doing a job, dumb thieves aparently, but we need to set our sights on finding the guy who hired them. I say we just take a couple hairs, let them know we can scry whenever we like, and that we'll come find them if we find out they are harming innocents again."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 3:10:07 PM
"Honestly, I'm kind of iffy on the geas thing myself," says Kezzem.

Kezzem gives Tali a hug.

"Sure, now you come back, not 10 minutes earlier when I could have used some faster magical transportation than the world's slowest magic carpet."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222 
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 7:53:57 PM

Murphy listens to the responses. He says, "Sure," and gives Permi and Oni food and drink.

"We'll figure out a way we can move ahead without, hopefully, having to drop anyone from a cliff," he says to Jarry. "You folks have shown yourselves to be somewhat inventive - albeit a touch repetitive. It does not pay to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Nevertheless, I think that my dear one here," and he indicates Pressi, "has some clever notions, as well as my other friends. And some of you."

And Tali pops in. Succotash sees her first, and Kezzem. Murphy waits in line to pull Pressi by his side, so that the two of them may welcome the sorceress together. "So, so glad you have come here this day. What brings you, Tali?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 9:00:17 PM
Pressi more or less drops the subject, despite figuring that they could still use the relationship. They have the book, they have the camp, they can figure out their own way to the buyer. And since only Murphy has shown any interest, it might be better off just moving towards resolution.

On the other hand, "I'm not really interested in just letting these guys go, especially if we can't trust them to give a warning. And that's really what the geas and enchantments are for. To make sure they don't call ahead. We could just drop them back off with the rest of the caravan and let them take these guys back to camp. I'm sure we could draw the line with our buyers too, like no death by torture."

Before she can think further on the matter, she finds Murphy pulling her away. "Oh, you know this will not end... oh, hey!"

Pressi smiles at seeing Tali. "It's really good to see you again. For the mission, I mean. We haven't seen you in a while."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121 
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 10:00:48 PM
Seconds after Tali's arrival, she is surprised by Sir Succotash's hug and welcome back speech. Then as almost expected, one by one, she is greeted by the closest things she has ever had to a family.

"Well, Mister Murphy! Boy, have I missed you guys& gals! You have been the closest group I have ever had for a family. I missed the comradery & the banter of this wonderful group of people any Halfling would be proud to be a part of, to be honest!" she explains to the assembled group; save the thieves and cut-throats in the background.

"As you may know, I've been in a funk ever since the trip to the Moon; by the way, how'd that work out? What was that stain anyways? I needed some time to myself to remind myself of my mission & why I do what I do. I think I have come close to defining that for myself. Then one day I had an inkling that I was being missed, and I had to find the source of that very strong feeling...and here I am! The hug from Sir Succotash tells me I'm in the right place!"

"Mr. & Mrs. Pipewood, how was the wedding? Sorry, I didn't attend. Alas, the gift to you both, I left behind as I didn't realize we were going to cross paths today."

"Kezzem, I think we can find faster transport than your venerable carpet, going forward."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 10:14:19 PM

Bliss gapes for a long moment, then grabs Tali and gives her a big hug.

"It is so good to see you, old friend! This is a happy day!"

Mookie keeps watch on the prisoners to make sure there is no funny business. The big bird has no use for this sentimentality. He ducks his head under a wing to clear a mote of dust from his eye.

DM Mitch 
Thursday May 27th, 2021 7:11:48 AM
Succotash drops everything to hug the newcomer and explain the current situation.
Hobie doesn't think a Geas is necessary.
Kezz’m is also iffy on it. He complains about Tali’s timing.
Murphy thinks they can come to an agreement with the bandits. He waits in line for the hug train.
Pressi drops the notion of recruiting the bandits. She’s worried the bandits would call their former employer to warn them.
Tali explains why she’s returned and is surprised at where she ended up.
Bliss cannot resist the call of the hug train.

The party appears to be distracted by the appearance of their former companion seeking to rejoin them. While most of the comments are directed at Tali some are directed at the captured thieves.
Jarry says, “Look you guys beat us fair and square and cut our numbers down to 6. Shanks and Shee they were the ones really pushing us to do these things and 6 is somewhat of an unlucky number. Hypothetically what would happen if we were to agree to hang up the old bow and arrows and rapiers?”
Vron asks, “Are you serious?”
Jarry says, “What good is wealth if you aren’t around to spend it? Clearly we aren’t as good as we thought we were if we were bested so maybe now is the time to quit while we are behind before we dig our own graves.”
Chee says to Pressi, “Wait, is all you be wanting a guide to the camp? I mean that we can do. I just don’t know what we can do specifically with our mysterious client being that we concluded business with him and it would be highly unusual for us to show up unannounced. However, if all you be needin’ is a guide to the camp that we can do, easily enough.”

Jarry says, “So One last hurrah serving as guides for adventures doesn’t sound like the worst way of starting one’s retirement.”


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Thursday May 27th, 2021 10:34:59 AM
To Tali, Succotash answers, "There were these ant-taur dudes from another planet that were colonizing the moon, well the inside of the moon to be precise. Funny thing, the inside of the moon is mostly hollow, with all these corridors, lined with pipes and such, apparently they are part of the contraption that makes the moon stay in the sky, Anyway, one of the pipes had burst, whither due to the ant-taurs, or some other reason, and it was spewing oil up into the lake, which is what the black spot on the lake was. I was able to use mending to fix the pipe, and everything is good to go now, Oh and we convinced the ant-taurs to keep their colony size low, so as to avoid causing the moon to plummet to the Wold, causing Wold wide destruction."

To the rest of the party, "If you don't think a geas is needed, except maybe to assure our friends here don't alert our prey, than I'll submit to your collective wisdom."

To the thieves, "If you all are willing to guide us to the camp, and give us a few samples of your hair, so like my friend said, we can check up on you from time to time, them I for one am willing to let you guys go afterwards. If you chose to retire, I wouldn't blame you, though I still think you guys would make a steller team of adventures, especially if you got a cleric or some other healer to join your ranks."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Thursday May 27th, 2021 11:13:03 AM
"After you guide us, why don't you make your way to to WLA location and join up with the League of Adventurers? They could help you get a start as adventurers on the up and up."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Thursday May 27th, 2021 7:29:26 PM
"I sold them mushroom," says Kezzem, "and they called me...the Kezz'm. It...was...awesome!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday May 27th, 2021 9:26:46 PM
In answer to the question, "I may have overestimated your relationship. However, I do believe that if you had a valuable thing to offer, or even just information, your buyer might be willing to make another purchase or talk to you. For now, though, I believe a guide would be sufficient. And I honestly had no grander plans than to use you as a contact.

"Assuming that your buyer has not moved to another location, and a number of other possibilities, of course."

In the meantime, Pressi studied the gear they already wore. Her own armor began to shift until it matched that of the thieves.

Regardless, Pressi began to pack up, ready to move. "We should probably also tell the caravan it's safe to move on, and collect my pet real quick."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222 
Thursday May 27th, 2021 9:28:37 PM

"Tali, we did miss you, enormously. It is a joy to have you back, our friend." Murphy give her a wide grin and says, "Let us do great things together!"

"Succotash is mostly right about the ant-taurs, or formians, Tali, and the oil splotch on the lake," Murphy takes up. "One important detail, though: The moon called Kerracles is not mostly hollow. It does have tunnels that were constructed, and which apparently are key to the well-being of the moon. What was feared, though, is that the formians, being aggressive diggers and tunnelers, and with what we discerned was a mind for conquest, would disrupt the work, weaken the structure, and lead to the moon falling from the sky onto the Wold below it - killing vast numbers of people and critters. So, not, not a hollow moon. But one might say it is a moon with a bit of interior ventilation. And, yes, The Kezz'm came in to his own!"

"Yes," Murphy agrees with Hobie, "if you will come with us into the Red Hills, and we can get to know each other along the way, then, if it seems you are open to enlarging your virtues and opening your perspectives, perhaps we can recommend a bit of new formation via the auspices of the WLA. So retirement for you as adventurers? Perhaps. Or, perhaps a chance to repurpose your admirable skillset towards a higher aim, as my Lord Eberyon, chose the path of reformation."

Mentally he chats with Pressi. "Could they betray us? Easily. Will they? I say we give it a shot. If Bliss's notion of starting a new place over in the jungles of Cthonia bears fruit, they could be handy."

Answering Vron's question of Jarry, Murphy says, "You might also ask if we are serious, Vron. About giving you the option to work with us a bit? Yes. Are we totally serious about everything? Well, we do have Kezzem with us, so, no. We like to laugh, and look at the light side of life when we can. Are we serious about trying to do what is wise and good, and opposed to letting what is evil prosper? Yep, pretty much. Do we fail at times? Well, we're people, little ones by many standards, so, yes, we do. But we try to learn from our mistakes, figure out better ways, and move forward from there. I hope you are not serious about preferring to die at the moment, are you?"

"Jarry, I like the lines of some of your thoughts. I could see us working together. If you want to give up predatory adventuring, that's fine. If you'd like to consider a revised approach to adventuring, that may be an option."

Laying it on the line
Speaking to all of the captives, Murphy says. "The option of geas is there. I'd rather prefer you yourselves make your choices - though, due to your recent actions, under some constraints for at least a little while. One must accept responsibility for one's actions. Each one of you should think it over, then tell us, yea or nay, if you are willing to work with us for a period of time. Learn of us. Help us. Then, for those of you willing so to pledge, to consider remaining as adventurers, but operating under a different set of principles which many have found to have much greater long-term profitability.

"We cannot set aside the matter of the constabulary. But we have dealt with others who did things considered criminal, and worked with the enforcers of law to allow for, shall we say, creative justice? A chance for wrongdoers to repent, and do good. We have some of them working with us, and helping our community, or having gone elsewhere, and contributing in places new to them. If you do not at some point face the keepers of the law, then a lifetime of hiding, fleeing, or worse may be your lot. We will work with you to resolve these matters, make restitution. I believe this can be done without further needless loss of life. And you have some dwarfs whose lives and business you have harmed. What can make it up to them?

"We're going to give you a few minutes to think things over. I'm going to partially unbind you - because you can feed yourselves better than I can. One arm free, a bit awkward, but by your answers and actions, less restraint can be earned.

"Let my friends hear these words, and amend or improve them as they will."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121 
Thursday May 27th, 2021 10:54:22 PM
"Mister Murphy, those are very kind words to her. my friends" says Tali to her friends.

As Tali hovers higher than the trees, to get a better lay of the land, she flys over to Mister Murphy, asking while winking at her companions, "Do you think I could make a Mass Suggestion to this group to help us in find this camp you are speaking of? What else might I be able to assist you all with?" wonders Tali aloud.



CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Thursday May 27th, 2021 10:59:46 PM

Bliss shakes his head. 'Miss Tali, thank you, but i think we got all we're going to get from these guys. let's send them on their way.'

DM Mitch 
Friday May 28th, 2021 5:16:42 AM
Succotash summarizes the moon adventure and asks if the thieves would be willing to guide them to the drop off point
Hobie suggests the WLA
Kezz’m talks about mushrooms.
Pressi says she just wanted to use the thieves as a contact and may have overestimated their relationship with said buyer.
Murhpy tries to summarize
Tali asks about mass suggesting
Bliss suggests they just send the thieves on their way.

The party seems in agreement at least for now about not using geas or other methods like suggestion to compel the former thieves to help them. The group asks more questions of the thieves and explains some things

Jarry says to Succotash and ostensibly Murphy, “As I said I’ll help you at least. I hope you can figure out some of that creative justice you were talking about if we do so as what is the point of helping if you are going to turn us over to the constabulary anyway”
Vron chimes in albeit reluctantly, “I will too.” To Jarry he says, “I hope you are right about this.”
Chee says, “I already made up my mind. If my new friends ask this of me I’ll do it.”
Mac says, “sure”
Permi adds, “yes”
Oni says, “I’m in”

Jarry says to Hobie and Murphy, “We’ll take your career advice under advisement, perhaps we’ve had enough danger for now.” WIth Shanks and Shee out of the way it seems like Jarry is gradually becoming the group’s de facto leader

Vron says to Murphy in response to his comment on seriousness, “I was asking Jarry if he was serious about helping you. He has somewhat convinced me that doing so is the best course of action given the present circumstances we’ve found ourselves in.”

Chee clarifies to Pressi, “Our client seemed like the type who was not to be trifled with nor appreciative of solicitors. He knew what he wanted from us and we agreed to the transaction. After our most recent delivery he made it clear our business was concluded. I didn’t get the feeling that if we showed up unannounced with more alloy that he didn’t ask for he’d buy it. Furthermore we don’t know why he wanted the alloy for or what kinds of other items he might be interested in. He sought us out, gave us the info about the caravans and told us to grab the cargo and deliver it. We did it”

Jarry says, “I’m a little confused. Murphy has asked for our help but Bliss is suggesting you’ll just let us go. Which exactly is it?”

The thieves seem agreeable to helping you if you are serious about it for now, of course they’d also probably be happier to go on their way. Seems like mixed messaging is being projected with some in the party requesting assistance while others thinking they’ve gotten all they can from the thieves. Probably best to figure out if you are using the thieves’ help and if so how you plan to travel to the camp in the Red Hills


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121 
Friday May 28th, 2021 11:27:54 PM
"So, Mister Murphy, how are we to travel with our new trackers?" asks Tali. "What about watches? Is there a close estimate of where in the Red Hills our destination lies? How much ground can we cover with this large party? I have many, many questions about how this large troupe is to make it to the destination without causing an alarm? " asks Tali in an almost rapid-fire manner.

"Perhaps, we should offer our new guides a trade; they provide a map of where they believe their past employer resides in the Red Hills and a telling of their findings traversing the Red Hills and in turn, we allow them to make their way to the nearest WLA chapter with a recommendation put into the nearest chapter of the WLA from the Humble Swords? Of course, our bargain would involve 3 hairs from each of them to assure both parties of fair and equal treatment," explains Tali at length. "I would be so inclined as to offer each one of them a reward after completing their inductions in the WLA and of completion of their first rank within the WLA. What do you think of that idea Mister Murphy? " says Tali. "Anyone? " Tali says looking to Sir Succotash, then to Sir Hobie, then Kezz'em, then to Ms. Pressi, then lastly to Bliss...

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Saturday May 29th, 2021 12:19:45 AM

Bliss, honestly, does not like the idea of these guys ending up as cannon fodder. "Sure, you can come alond, make sure we're on the right path, act as guards and lookouts, but when it comes time to face the guys who hired you, you keep a low profile and let us do the heavy lifting."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222  d20+32=41 ;
Saturday May 29th, 2021 1:12:46 AM

"We work somewhat by consensus in our group," Murphy responds to Jarry. "As Bliss is the only one suggesting you just go on your way, that is not the direction the bulk of the group deems the wisest course. Let us work together. I concur with Bliss that putting you unnecessarily in harm's way is not our intention. There is the sticking point of somewhere in the not-too-distant future of negotiating with the authorities, the constabulary, for terms and conditions. Our aim, if you share that aim, is to persuade them that you have chosen to adopt, say, higher ethical standards. Make some sort of restitution. But then - and again, specifics will need to be worked out - a way toward freedom - from capital punishment, for one. And freedom to do those things that are right. Perhaps to thwart others bent on wrongdoing, eh?" he suggests with a bit of a smile.

"But, yes. Please consider yourselves to be joining with us for a time. Are we agreed?" If they seem to assent, Murphy then suggests, "Let us free you of the ropes."

"Well, Tali, we need to discuss a few things with the dwarfs behind us. They have their delivery to complete. Chances are fair that the balance of their journey can be handled safely. We could use our capabilities to quickly conclude the delivery, and obtain receipt for that, then allow the wagons to turn about and return to the camp on an earlier basis.

"Next, between Succotash, Hobie, you and me (with Pressi's shadow walking an honorable mention), we could in a few steps transport the lot of us to a place not far off from the place on the map they already have given us - you're on our train of thought, Tali." He takes out his Red Hills map, and indicates the location of their meeting place with the so-far-anonymous wizard. Turning to the beastmen (and beastwomen)* he lets them know he'd like to trace the paths they took through the Scab, how they either went through or around Crescent Valley, and then the Red Hills trail(s) used. He has a Scab map he has been working on that, not immediately, but as they spend time together, he'd like to add what details they might impart.

"Members of Humble's Sword - shall we follow the same paths that this group took to travel between here and the Red Hills? Or some other mode of travel?"

"Oh, and Tali - excellent idea regarding the WLA. If they are of a mind to join."

*[Question: Could we get a physical description of these people? What sort of beast, or beasts, might they resemble?]
============
Sense Motive: 41 - Who seems sincere? Who seems cagey? What other emotions, motivations is Murphy able to read in each person's responses?

DM Mitch 
Monday May 31st, 2021 7:42:40 AM
Tali offers some relevant questions about travel and distances. She suggests they just get a map and directions and let the thieves go.
Bliss doesn’t like using the bandits as cannon fodder
Murphy suggests they try to reach a group consensus, agrees to have the former bandits accompany them a ways, and suggests they go coordinate with the dwarves.

The beastfolk are a small lizard-like people whose scales are a variety of colors. Among them green, blue, red, bronze, yellow and black

Jarry says to Bliss, “Well if we were to be spared from death by the constabulary it wouldn’t do for us to die because we double crossed our former client and whatever magicks he has at his employ besides the ability to obscure his identity. We’ll be more than happy to stay out of your way when we reach the camp, if he is still there.”

Vron says, “You do have the map and you don’t want us to be your cannon fodder. I don’t suppose what your Tali recommended is an option? That way you don’t have to worry about anything our former client might do to us since we won’t be there when you show up”

Chee says to Murphy, “We got to the camp by tree striding through yew trees. Our rangers prepared the spell and scribed some scrolls and the rest of us tricked the scrolls into working for us. In that way all 8 of us at the time could travel together. We put the crates in a bag of holding the client provided so that it wasn’t that hard to maneuver getting the deliveries to the camp.”

The former bandits all seem agreeable to Murphy’s suggestion in the end. Jarry appears to be being honest. Vron still seems a little hesitant but not in a how do I bagstab my way out of this arrangement way and more of a resigned acceptance. Mac , Permi and Oni also seem sincere. It is hard to get a read on Chee being he is currently charmed by Pressi but for the time being Chee seems to go along with the others, albeit with maybe more enthusiasm considering it is what Pressi wants.

Whenever the party ventures back to rendezvous with Henmil and the rest of the caravan. As the party approaches the outriders form kind of an honor guard surrounding the company and escort them to Henmil’s wagon.

When Henmil sees the halflings he says, “What news? Is the trail safe from banditry from now on? Can we have our wagon back, now that your ruse has proven successful?”


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121 
Monday May 31st, 2021 10:28:13 PM
“As I am new to this situation, I will defer to your Wisdom in this matter, Mister Murphy” explains Tali.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday May 31st, 2021 10:30:19 PM
Pressi shrugged. “The narrow answer is that the bandits are gone, and it looks like the buyer doesn’t intend any robberies further. However, I’d like to continue our investigation, to figure out who the buyer is and what they intend.”

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196 
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 3:33:10 AM

"Vron, there is still the matter of restitution," Murphy answers the recalcitrant one, "and, shall we say, amending actions and intentions. There are a few more steps we need take together."

Just before rejoining the dwarfs, Murphy asks Jarry and Chee, "Do you bury your dead?" If so, he offers to bear them up the hill, and help dig a grave for them.

Murphy is trying to figure out what Pressi means by her opening sentence to Henmil. Gone? He shrugs his shoulders, too. "The bandits have agreed to amend their ways, and make steps towards restitution. We will work with them toward that end. They will travel with us for a ways. Then we intend to do what we might to ascertain what happened to the rest of the stolen steel alloy, and perhaps recover at least a portion of it."

Murphy gets some help to empty the crate from the leading wagon, and replaces the rocky contents with the genuine article stored in his portable hole.

"We'll report back to the camp once we've attained our goals. We're not aware of any other threats to the wagons conveying the cargo, if you're willing to continue on your way without us."

To Jarry, he says, "Let's visit the tree you spoke of."

DM Mitch 
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 7:21:12 AM
Tali defers to Murphy.
Pressi says the bandits are gone and they are investigating the person who paid for the hits.
Murphy points out restitution will be needed and offers to help with burial. He clarifies what happened to the bandits, returns the ore he hid away, and asks to see the tree.

Henmil says to Pressi, “Fine by me. I’m just the caravaneer contracted by Red Rock to transfer this stuff anyway but from what I know of Vokwabyrn and Mafrid they’ll appreciate your thoroughness.” He doesn’t seem to like the idea that the thieves are not being taken it but he doesn't argue with the powerful adventurers

The group moves back up the pass, retrieving the dead along the way. They’re given a short burial service at the bandits camp before Vron shows the group a particular tree. “So will we be tree-striding to the camp like we used to or do you folks have an alternative means of travel? We don’t have enough scrolls for your entire group.” Vron asks.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 9:52:29 AM
"Well, with Tali back, A good look at the map is all we need to get our crew there. The two of us can cast greater teleport, and be there in a blink of the eye. Of course Murph here could probably use your tree as well, taking some of us with him. Either way, we can get there, don't worry."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 12:44:26 PM

Bliss is happy to help with last rites for the dead.

And to report to the merchants that these bandits will not be bothering them any more.

"We can shadow walk too," Bliss adds. "I can do like 15 to 17 people with a shadow walk."

He thinks that's the best way to go, and says so.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 6:04:21 PM
"Hey Murph, just wondering, could you travel by mushroom too or does it have to be a tree?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 9:20:52 PM
Before anyone does anything, Pressi suggests that they either 1) teleport a bit away from the camp or 2) try to scry the area so they don't transport right into a trap.

She also asks if they are going to stop and regenerate spells (if not, I need to do some quick book-keeping.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196 
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 4:58:37 AM

"Thank you, Henmil," Murphy replies. "I know the tack we're taking may not sit entirely well with you, but give us time. I'll get back to you later to let you know how things turn out. Safe journey, good dwarf."

"Might not be a bad idea, as Pressi suggests, to take the time to rest up, and be able to show up with spells and such renewed. Also, perhaps we can spend some time together, swap stories. Scrying the area in advance also seems wise.

"Yes, Kezzem, if I wild shape into, say, a diminutive critter, such as a mouse, and the mushroom is a large one. Other plants could work as well. And some fungi can get quite large, such that I could travel through it as a halfling, so long as there is a similarly sized fungi near where I want to go."

"Teleport, tree-striding, transport via plants, shadow walking - we have many ways to get there."

"What say we set up camp here, where you camped?" Murphy suggests to their new acquaintances. "We have plenty of food we can share this afternoon and evening." The druid has in mind that helping others have a genuine change of heart can take some time, and stories, and positive examples.

"Have you heard the story of how Eberyon was reborn some years back, and threw the Wold into a huge upheaval? Yeah, he's my cousin. Did you also hear about some of the terrible things he did? But then, when confronted by adventurers from across the Wold, put on trial after a manner of speaking, did change his mind? He moved away from terror and vengeance, and toward genuine reform. If you'd like, I could send for a couple of people who were there the day he was born. One's a bard, and he can tell you the story directly. He, his sister and cousins and friends fought against the reborn power directly. And in time were among those who moved his heart towards repentence."

"Bliss, Mookie, you have some stories, right? And Succotash?" He encourages each of his friends to consider how they might reframe the beastmen's perspectives. And, asks if they might share some of their stories with the halflings. Music, stories, maybe even games of sorts might be appropriate.

He lets Pressi know he has used up all but one or two of his wildshapes for the day. However, if the rest of the group feels anxious to get to the Red Hills immediately, without waiting to recharge, he's open to hearing their reasoning.

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