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The Red Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Iron Thievery


DM Mitch 
Monday June 7th, 2021 6:04:02 AM

Succotash decides to just go.
Hobie wonders how they’re going to target it.
Murphy clarifies the plan
Tali has teleport to and gets clarification
Bliss isn’t sure if they have enough

Chee says to Murphy, “Well the Yew tree is kind of on the edge of the camp. So if you used it you would arrive on the outer edge of the camp. I’m not sure if that is far enough away fro your liking.”

Jarry points out, “We’ve given you a detailed sketch of the location of the camp, but we really haven’t been in the area around it. We would pretty much tree travel in, walk to this table the client had setup, unload the bag of holding near the table and take a heavy coin purse for our troubles. On the last trip we just left the bag of holding and took a heavy coin purse in exchange. I mean I suppose just outside of camp and diagonally from the yew tree there was a mossy boulder, based on what we have given you, you could probably get to either the yew tree or maybe that mossy boulder using greater teleport”

The party travel in the way Murphy specified with those who greater teleport arriving between the yew tree and boulder just outside of camp.

Vron says, “That is definitely the Yew tree. I wonder if we were worried about nothing because I don’t see a tent or table and I think we should have been able to see something like that from here.”

From your vantage point near the boulder you can see the yew tree and a little beyond. There does not appear to be any tables or tents beyond the yew tree visible at this time as your lizard folk have described from the last time they were here. You’d likely need to get closer to the location to investigate further.


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  d20+12=15 ; d20+35=55 ;
Monday June 7th, 2021 10:22:59 AM

Knowing that stealth isn't his greatest strong suit, Succotash decides to give it a try any why (stealth 15). He is pretty sure only something with the perception skills of a tree stump would miss him, as he moves forward, but at least he tried. All the while he is moving towards the location indicated by the scaly dudes, scanning the area for signs of trouble, and if the place is deserted, for any clues as to where the buyer may be found. (perception 55)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  d20+41=48 ;
Monday June 7th, 2021 1:12:37 PM

"I'll scout a bit"
Hobie will activate his ring of Invisibility and scout ahead
48 Stealth

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121  d20+14=25 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+50=57 ;
Monday June 7th, 2021 10:14:32 PM

Tali points in the direction to where she believes Mister Murphy to be, using the Message Spell asks, what time of the day do you believe it to be, Mister Murphy?

If the answer Mister Murphy gives to Tali, is around dusk, she will don her Goggles of Night, casting invisibility on herself and fly 30 feet into the dusk sky and hover while searching the area for signs of life & to gather information.

Skills Check

Fly: 22
Gather Information: 39
Perception: 25
Stealth: (+40 for being still and invisible & +12 for skill): 59

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes
Invisibility |Duration 18 minutes (1 min./level)



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday June 7th, 2021 11:29:08 PM

Pressi begins by casting arcane eye and sending it outward.

After that, she uses her remote viewing ability and detect magic as the team moves forward.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Monday June 7th, 2021 11:34:18 PM

Kezzem casts Greater Magic Weapon on his two main daggers and gets ready for trouble, even if it isnmade double.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+43=45 ;
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 3:08:27 AM


"We slept, Tali. We awoke. We had a wonderful breakfast. Some meditated, some memorized, some prayed. We packed and traveled here. Swiftly. It's mid-morning, far as I can tell."

Murphy talks with the beastfolk. "If you have any ideas, or insights, let us know. As you've said, your employer was fairly mysterious. But if anything comes to mind, do tell."

He casts longstrider on himself.

And takes a good look around as teammates scatter to do their own observation.
==========
Perception: 45

DM Mitch 
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 7:18:58 AM

Succotash tries stealth anywhy.
Hobie is a bit more successful
Tali checks the time of day and takes to the air
Pressi casts arcane eye
Kezz’m magics up his weapons
Murphy think’s it’s midmorning.

It is around midday.

Hobie and Succotash advance forward. One very stealthily the other kinda stealthily meanwhile Pressi starts working on casting an arcane eye to send out. Creating an Arcane Eye takes 10 minutes so Hobie can move 1200 feet stealthily from their original position in this time and Succotash can move 2400 feet stealthily forward in this time. They do not have to use all this movement to get to the center of camp or rather what used to be a camp.

They and Pressi’s sensor when it catches up observe some signs of habitation not too long ago. It isn’t hard to find the remains of a fire pit, a latrine ditch and garbage that is mostly made up of food waste and empty bottles.

Any tents, tables or other structures are gone.

Hobie and (Succotash if he passes DC 40 perception Check) Highlight to display spoiler: {You think you hear about a dozen creatures approaching your position roughly 400 feet in the direction opposite the one you used to enter the camp}


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  d20+35=49 ;
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 9:27:28 AM

Perception 49

Realizing they are about to have company, Succotash gives hand signals to alert everyone to the sound of approaching people. He knows that his stealth skills aren't going to cut it, so he pulls his chair out of his bag of holding, calls Valerie to his side, instructing her to stand right beside him, as he takes a seat, and acts all nonchalant, as if he has been waiting for the new arrivals for sometime.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 12:59:49 PM

Kezzem casts Divine Favor on himself and move towards the direction of trouble.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+40=55 ; d20+29=30 ;
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 2:04:05 PM

Bliss changes into cat form and sneaks up to the edge of the camp. He's not quite ready to just walk right in. He keeps to the concealment of the grasses aroundabouts.

Stealth 55
Perception 30

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 2:23:47 PM

Still invisible, Hobie will fly up over the camp to get a vantage point where he can see the whole camp and possibly the approaching creatures.

(We are still within 12 hours of when Hobie started flying overwatch above the Caravan right? If not, Hobie will use one charge of the wand of Fly)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+20=30 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+50=58 ;
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 4:19:52 PM

Approaching Guests

Tali removes the Googe of Night placing them into her front pocket as she flies to the center of the would-be camp area staying 33 feet above the ground hovering, awaiting the newcomer guests. When she finalizes her position above the camp per se, Tali will ready the spell, Confusion .

Skills Check
Fly: 26
Gather Information: 30
Perception: 22
Stealth: (+40 for being still and invisible & +12 for skill): 60

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes
Invisibility |Duration 18 minutes (1 min./level)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+43=53 ;
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 5:51:04 AM


Having spoken with the six beastfolk, and not yet having any of them respond to his query... [he had asked if they had any ideas, insights, or if anything came to mind, to let him know]. "Would you like a safe place to hide?" he asks them.

Via the message spell Tali shared a moment ago, Murphy whispers to her, "See if Mookie can set up the instant fortress. We need a place to protect the beastfolk, as we have not re-armed them." At the same time, he mentally communicates the same message to Pressi, adding, "if you come across him and have time."

He looks around the other directions than the one everyone is heading toward, just to check to see if anyone might be coming from somewhere else unexpected.
==========
Perception: 53
Active spells & effects
Longstrider
Heroes' Feast
Magic Fang, Greater
Message (Tali)


DM Mitch 
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 7:28:56 AM

Succotash lets the others know something is coming and pulls out a chair to sit in and act confident.
Kezz’m buffs himself
Bliss goes sneaky kitty mode.
Hobie takes to the air (You should be fine for another hour or two)
Tali prepares to confuse the enemy.
Murphy checks on the beastfolk. Presumably if they had something to suggest they would do so.

The party prepares for company in various ways.

Succotash makes himself comfortable, his faithful dino steed at his side while Catbliss, Tali, Hobie and Kezz’em make some magical preparations

Tali, Hobie and Pressi (if she has her sensor fly overhead) Highlight to display spoiler: { You see 12 orcs approaching the camp from the opposite side of where you came from }

Your company are about to clear the perimeter of the camp and will be able to see Succotash and his dinosaur presumably at some point soon.

(OOC: Is Tali sure she wants to cast confusion on their visitors as they enter the camp or is she going to wait until they get closer for any casting?)

Murphy looks over at the beastfolk and finds they’ve already expertly concealed themselves. They’re still unarmed so won’t be helping with the fight but are more than skilled enough to stay hidden while the party deals with whatever is coming. Presumably they figure you're the experts here and are just staying out of the way.


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 June 9th, 2021 10:57:27 AM

Succotash continues to wait for their visitor's arrival. He readies Fire Storm, just in case the new arrivals decide to attack first, and ask questions later. He will only cast Fire Storm if they attack, and then he will do his best to hit as many as possible.

As the visitors enter the clearing, Succotash will continue to act nonchalant and wait for them to address him.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 3:22:40 PM

As Pressi is warned about the visitors, she continues to move her arcane eye slowly past the camp. "Twelve orcs," she passes along to Murphy.

She considers her options, but the group as a whole seems to want to try diplomacy first, which means they may need her skills. So she moves her way forward into the camp.

As the group comes forward, she hits them with detect thoughts in an attempt to determine their desires. She also casts spectral hand, just in case.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 4:32:36 PM

Hobie keeps hovering over the camp with an arrow pulled back watching what the orcs will do.

In game terms he has readied an action
Trigger- The Orcs attack Succotash
Standard Action Result- Arrow imbued with Fireball Cast at an orc, targeted to get the most orcs in the blast as possible.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 7:27:54 PM


"Thanks, Pressi. "Tali, no need for cover for our companions, they are good at hiding."

"You didn't get a name of your employer, did you?" He asks Chee, and perhaps Mac, who gave them the notebook and map. "Or anyone who works with him? Was there anything he did or you did to communicate, other than just showing up in camp once you had the haul to deliver? Any other associates?" Anything else in the journal/notebook that Mac provided? Murphy read through the whole thing yesterday.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=35 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+50=66 ;
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 11:14:40 PM

12 Orc Surprise

As Tali has a readied action but remembering she doesn't speak Orcish, she lets the spell dissipate. Instead, she will cast Summon Monster VII, if the Orcs attack Succotash:

Tali Summons a Tyrannosaurus Dinosaur, at a height of 40 feet above the Orc Mass.

Casting Time 1 round,
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect one summoned creature
Duration 1 round/level (D) | 18 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Skills Check
Fly: 35
Gather Information: 36
Perception: 33
Stealth: (+40 for being still and invisible & +12 for skill): 68

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes
Invisibility |Duration 18 minutes (1 min./level)

DM Mitch 
Thursday June 10th, 2021 6:50:03 AM

Succotash is ready to unleash fire if needed but acts nonchalant
Pressi joins Succotash and reads their thoughts.
Hobie remains prepared
Murphy asks questions about the employer
Tali swaps her prepared action.

Succotash continues to sit nonchalantly in the center of camp and Pressi joins him. Talli and Hobie are flying invisible sentinels while Murphy hangs back with the lizard folk.

Chee whispers to Murphy, “He never gave us a name and there was never anyone with him that we could see. Our interactions were purely transactional after that initial meeting where he proposed the job and there was some negotiation on price”

The Twelve Orcs enter the clearing at the center of former camp to see Succotash sitting nonchalantly in a chair with a dinosaur and Pressi nearby.

Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {
Detect Thoughts Round 1 - The Orcs have thoughts
Detect Thoughts Round 2 - There are 12 thinking minds among the 12 orcs and their intelligences range from 8 to 13
Detect Thoughts Round 3 - From some of them you get thoughts of “thief!”, “Where is it?”
“Where is the sky forged iron?” and one has the odd thought of “Uh oh. Is that the burglar of legend, Bag, Bag[what] oh I can’t remember the name. His first name was dumb sounding though. Baggins that was it”
}

One of the orcs addresses Succotash as he sits there nonchalantly. She says, “Several moons ago someone stole our skyforged iron from our camp. We had spent many moons tracking the star that would later fall from the sky into the Red Hills as our Shaman had commanded. The smelting of the iron was our responsibility and yet it was stolen from under our very noses shortly after we had completed the work. The shaman said we had to retrieve what we failed to protect or to not come back. We tracked a trail from our camp to this place and here you sit, looking pleased with yourself. Halflings are notorious for being thieves, so tell us thief what did you do with our skyforged iron? We want it back.”

Another adds, “Tell us what you did with it or else!”
One calls out “Are you the Baggins?”

Succotash and Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {There are 12 female orcs in the group. None of them appear to wear armor though they carry hammers as weapons}


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 June 10th, 2021 9:52:28 AM

In Orc. Succotash answers, "Ladies, No my name is not Baggins, it's Slenderstick, Succotash Slenderstick to be precise." With that Succotash stands and gives a respectful bow. He then goes on to say, "Not only am I not a Baggins, I'm not a thief either. In fact I am a cleric, a cleric who reveres all of the Woldian deities, and I think you have been sent on a perhaps noble, but decidedly unfair quest. When you say skyforged iron, are you referring to adamantine, and how much was stolen? I am a halfling of means and I may be willing to purchase some for you, if possible, so you can finally end your quest. Of course if the skyforged iron, to which you refer, is something different, than I'm not sure I can help, though I'm inclined to try. And for the record, though we halflings are small in stature, and tend to be of a nimble sort, not all of us, in fact very few of us are thieves. Most of our kind are honest folk, who would prefer to help not harm others."

Succotash translates his words to common for everyone who doesn't speak orc's benefit.

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  d20+26=33 ; d20+26=34 ;
Thursday June 10th, 2021 9:57:27 AM

Oop, forgot to make my diplomacy roll. Rolled a 33. Please ignore the second roll, accidentally double clicked the mouse.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Thursday June 10th, 2021 3:31:36 PM

Hobie keeps watching, staying prepared, letting Sucker and Pressi do the talking.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday June 10th, 2021 4:11:04 PM

Pressi messages Murphy to hold as they continue their position. "They are who they say they are. Looks like things are going to get interesting."

"We are actually here looking for our own stolen metal alloys," Pressi adds. "I'm going to take a shot in the dark that you tracked the thieves to the same buyer." (That she is, technically, a thief? That remains somewhat unsaid.)

"Can I get an idea of who besides your camp knows this iron alloy even existed. Any dwarven clan suppliers or buyers, perhaps?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Thursday June 10th, 2021 7:02:51 PM


[Sounds like the orcs have done something similar to what the dwarfs have done, and someone (our beastfolk? someone else?) stole the products of their work. Did the same wizard hire the work done? Multiple victims in a similar situation.]

"All right, Pressi," Murphy messages in response. "Let me know what you can about the negotiation process."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=30 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+50=66 ;
Thursday June 10th, 2021 10:32:37 PM

12 Orc Surprise

Realizing that this Orc Mass isn't a war party but something inquisitive, Tali lets her prepared Summons spell dissipate as well and just hovers. She points towards various members of her troop using the spell:

Message
Pointing towards Mister Murphy, Whispering, "Mister Murphy, what's going on, I don't speak Orcish! Also, they look like Female OrcScouts! "
Pointing towards Succotash, Whispering, "Slenderstick, thanks for the Common translation, as I don't speak Orcish, but what's up with all Female OrcScouts?!"
Pointing towards Hobie, Whispering, " What's your take on this group?"
Pointing towards Pressi, whispers, "Do you have anything to share about the OrcScouts?!"

Skills Check
Fly: 30
Displomacy: 28
Gather Information: 35
Perception: 17
Stealth: (+40 for being still and invisible & +12 for skill): 68

[bSpells in Effect[/b]
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes
Invisibility |Duration 18 minutes (1 min./level)

{OOC: Disregard the second roll, there was lag and I didn't realize I double clicked}

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Thursday June 10th, 2021 11:59:15 PM

"Baggins! Where!" asks Kezzem. "The filthy hobbit stole my precious!"

DM Mitch 
Friday June 11th, 2021 7:38:48 AM

Succotash engages with the orcs and translates
Hobie keeps watch.
Pressi explains they’re here after their own stolen goods
Murphy confirms the request to hold position.
Tali uses message to ask questions.
Kezz’m wants to know where Baggins went.

The Orc that inquired if Succotash was the Baggins says to the other Orcs, “Good news, it isn’t the burglar of legend.” She appears to be a younger, slimmer orc than some of the others.

She says to the Kezz’em, “You encountered the Baggins and lived? Tell us the tale”

The Orc that had done most of the talking says to Succotash, “We are aware of what adamantine is and the answer to your question is possibly. The star that fell was mostly iron, but it wasn’t pure iron, however it smelted stronger than normal iron, so it could be perhaps a natural occurring mixture of iron and adamantine or some other metal or metals that when combined with the mostly iron made a stronger metal than normal iron would have. Simply put it cut better and was more durable than other iron we have made before. As I said we are not from these hills but we had been tracking the star with our clan at the behest of our shaman. We are all smiths by trade and it was our job to take the ore from the star and convert it into ingots that we could later use for other things like weapons, armor or trade. Especially since we had a gathering of the Orc clans we were going to attend. This metal could bring much honor to my people, considering its quality. As to how much was stolen from us, it was a fair amount. We had spent a lot of time in the forge refining the raw ore into ingots for easier shaping in the future. When we had finished we had several large piles laid out and ready to be secured for travel. Shortly after that though everyone fell asleep and when we woke up the ingots were completely gone. Our shaman showed up after that and told us we had to recover what we had failed to protect or to not come back. We then searched the area for clues and found a trail. We have been following the trail ever since and it lead us here, so you can see why we would think you were the thieves being the only people around, however it would appear that despite your chair, this camp doesn’t appear to be actively in use”

The Orc continues to Pressi, “No, we do not typically traffick with Dwarves. Our tribe is originally from Izen but we tracked the star at the behest of our Shaman who said if we followed it we could expect a boon. The ore from the sky was that boon. Typically beside the odd goblin or hobgoblin tribe most of our clan’s dealing are with other Orcs, though our shaman may have magical means of conversing with others, perhaps other shamans or mages but such things are not our business being mere smiths.”

The orc then turns back to Succotash and says, “When you say you are a cleric, does that make you an adventurer? Maybe you and the other halfing and your dinosaur could help us in finding what happened to our iron?”

She adds to Pressi, “You said you are tracking your own metal thievery, do you think the same culprit is behind both thefts if we ended up in the same place?”

The orc doing most of the talking is around middle age. There are orcs both younger and older in the group, but they appear to defer to her as if she is the leader of the group.

Now that you’ve gotten a good look at the orcs, they appear to be a rather rag tag bunch. They carry hammers better suited to forge work than military action and they wear a patchwork of artisan outfits designed around working in a forge. Some appear to be holding up better than others. It would appear that they have been on the trail for days. They are various ages, heights and weight but they are all female.

What is your next move?


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 
Friday June 11th, 2021 9:56:20 AM

Succotash says, "My friend here and I are indeed adventurers. We are but two of a larger band of heroes known as Humble's Sword. Perhaps you have heard of us? We fought at the battle of the Sargrass Plains, where we fought and slew a dragon, but that isn't what's important. Allow me to call the rest of my friends out of hiding. They are using stealth, in hopes of getting the upper hand, in a fight. Of course we had no way of knowing that we would be encountering such friendly orc ladies in need of our help."

Succotash than shouts to his friends, "You can come out, these lovely orc lasses are in need of our help, and do't seem to be a threat." As soon as the words came out of his mouth, he realized the humor in combining the words "lovely and orc", but then remembers that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday June 11th, 2021 1:47:32 PM

Pressi shrugs. "For now, it's just a suspicious coincidence. Here's the kicker, though. There's no overlap between you and our other clients aside of the particular item stolen and the location. I'm pretty sure they didn't even use the same bandits, since it wasn't a road attack. And because if you tracked a bunch of beastfolk here, someone would have noticed they weren't halfling tracks.

"At the moment, even the motive is obscure. These guys are only stealing certain amounts of differing metals, no more and no less. With no desire for more metal or anything else.... My best guess is that they are building something, that this isn't about money."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Friday June 11th, 2021 4:09:08 PM


"Do one or two of you, or all of you, want to join me while we head toward camp? There are several female orcs there, who said that they think some halflings stole their sky metal. As many as want to come, join me. Any others, you can stay hidden for a while if you want."

Murphy walks to the campsite, sees Succotash in the chair, and the bevy of orc searchers. In orcish, he says, "Hello. I'm Murphy. Sounds like you could use some help."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=34 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+14=31 ;
Friday June 11th, 2021 4:37:16 PM

12 Orc Surprise

Hearing Mister Slendersticks proclamation, Tali drops her invisibility and then descends to 7 feet above the campsite ground, hovering for emphasis.

Tali, not only a beautiful and svelte female halfling but also a Charismatic powerhouse of an Arcane Sorcerer, hovers over to the perceived leader of the Orc Smiths while delivering an "air courtesy", remembers she doesn't speak "Orcish!"

Skills Check
Fly: 34
Diplomacy: 37
Gather Information: 38
Perception: 31

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes


CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Friday June 11th, 2021 11:11:18 PM


"Mister Murphy, I'll come with you. Come on Mookie."

Bliss is eager to accompany his friend.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Saturday June 12th, 2021 4:45:13 PM

"You don't want to know what he did to poor Taters," says Kezzem. "He boiled 'em, mashed 'em, and stuck 'em in a stew."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday June 14th, 2021 10:13:41 AM

Pressi stared at Kezzem before turning back to the orcs. "I have to be honest with you. I've never seen that halfling talking about taters before in my life and he's starting to creep me out. That said, I'm actually a bit relieved I'm not the only one that can see him."

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 
Monday June 14th, 2021 10:20:32 AM

Succotash simply shakes his head when Kezzem, well, acts like Kezzem. In orc he says, "Please ignore the paladin, we love him dearly, and he's deadly with his daggers, but he's a little cracked in the noggin"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Monday June 14th, 2021 3:36:43 PM

Hobie will deactivate his ring of invisibility and slowly come down to earth to join the group.

DM Mitch 
Monday June 14th, 2021 7:28:49 PM

The Orc leader introduces the band to the heroes. The leader’s name is Dura and the inquisitive younger one talking to Kezzem is Morn. The rest of the group is named Badbog, Bum, Gul, Snak, Bashuk, Mogak, Shadbak, Bulak, Ushug and Homraz.

She says to Succotash, “Does that mean your group will help us?”

Dura says to Pressi, “Well we can’t say for certain the group we were tracking were halflings, the trail was kind of difficult to follow at times, one had to know what one was looking for to find it. We just followed a trail to this camp and saw a smug halfling seated at a chair and assumed he had something to do with it. Sorry for that assumption by the way. You think the person behind the thief is building something? What would someone be building with large quantities of metal?”

The lizard folk all join Murphy and Catbliss as they advance towards the orcs

Dura makes introductions again and then says to Murphy, “Yes, we do need your help.”

Tali tries to remind the others she doesn’t speak Orcish, which lucky for her Dura has been speaking common this whole time as was Morn. The others haven’t really be talking.

Morn asks Kess’em, “I take it Taters was a friend of yours?”

Dura asks the assembled members of Humble’s Sword, “So our group and your group tracked two sets of thieves to this location but there is no sign of any thieves nor of the person who put them up to it. What do we do now?”



The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Tuesday June 15th, 2021 12:24:09 AM

To Pressi, "Well, the Baggins stole my ring of invisibility, so of course everyone can see me now!"

"I don't feel like talking about him anymore," says Kezzem to Morn. "So your name is Morn? I knew a Morn once. He was always at a bar I used to visit and whenever he would enter, we would all shout Morn. Talkative fellow. He would never let anyone get a word in."



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 15th, 2021 2:50:42 AM

"I can't make that decision for everyone", Succotash answers, "but since solving your predicament, seems inline with the quest we already are on, my vote is to assist you as well as those who hired us."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+6=12 ; d20+17=28 ;
Tuesday June 15th, 2021 10:28:17 AM

Dura asks "You think the person behind the thief is building something? What would someone be building with large quantities of metal?”

"Nothing good," Pressi answers.

As for what to do, "It's time to start investigating the camp for clues, obviously. This part needs a light touch, the slightest movement could make the trail cold. I would love to cast retrocognition and see our friend myself, but that could take days. So instead, I'm going to start with a vision.

"The rest of you, I need you to look around, detect magic, make some tracking, see if there are any notes, you know, the usual." She notes that Harper has already begun to start sniffing around the camp (Perception 12).

Pressi draws her pentagram, drops her incense and ivory, and begins to bond with the universe. "Show me, in the darkness, show me the face of the buyer that camped here."

(Caster roll 28)

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday June 15th, 2021 10:26:30 PM


Bliss is always a sucker for someone asking for help. "I think that's our job, actually, to help people out."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 1:43:33 AM

My laptop died. Can someone post for Murphy for a few days?

DM Hugh - Less than 20/20 vision  d20+14=31 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+12=17 ; d100+16=51 ; d100=95 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=7 ;
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 8:53:45 AM

Kezz’m is done talking about Baggins. So he talks about some other guy named Morn
Succotash votes to help them.
Pressi says it’s time to search for clues.

Morn says to Pressi and Succotash, “So he made the thing up about Taters?”

Morn says to Kezz’em, “I never met another Morn before.”

Dura says to Succotash and CatBliss, “Thank you”

The Orcs and Lizardfolk start searching around the former campsite themselves looking for clues.

Pressi casts the spell vision.

Pressi waits for her vision and nothing happens. She thinks about what they know of the person they are after and it isn’t really that much. He likes to hide his identity and he has a penchant for hiring thieves to steal rare metal. She doesn’t even have a name or a face to go on. The information they have must not be detailed enough. Then she remembers that scrying failed too and how mindblank could foil scrying and that it also works on other forms of divination. Also she doesn’t really think this campsite is prominent enough to be considered legendary though the one they are after probably is.

While Pressi is casting her spell and the Orcs and Lizardfolk are investigating on their own what are the rest of you up to?



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  d20+35=41 ;
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 10:08:05 AM

Succotash answers Morn, "I would say that that is a very safe bet." As Pressi is casting, Succotash begins investigating, looking for clues. (perception 41)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 8:00:57 PM

Pressi, I assume, continues her divination until the time expires, all the while grumbling.

As a note, she asks the group if they think a divination is worthwhile. She figures something oblique, like "where did the metal go", would avoid whatever mindblank she's facing.



Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=36 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+14=27 ;
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 9:58:34 PM

And so the Journey Begins...

Tali seems somewhat taken aback to discover that Common has been in use the entire time. Tali, not only a beautiful and svelte female halfling but also a Charismatic powerhouse of an Arcane Sorcerer, hover over to the perceived leader of the Orc Smiths, Dura while delivering a very Diplomatic (Skill check: 38) "air courtesy", "allow me to introduce myself, I am Tali. A member of the Humble Sword troop & resident Sorcerer.

Using her various skills, and with the use of the Googles of Night during the dusk hours, Tali will use her perceive skill to uncover something that might help her team.

Skills Check
Fly: 36
Diplomacy: 38
Perception: 27

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 178 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1078 minutes

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 11:00:17 PM


Bliss is willing to talk with Dura. He tells the tale of how the party negotiated with kobolds, and also talked a race of constructs and a race of ant people out of a war.

He tries to avoid the inevitable "some of my best friends are ignoble" vibe as best he can.

Mookie chimes in, "Sure, we're all weirdos here."

Dura is female right? Bliss asks if she has any kids, if that's not too personal.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 11:42:16 PM

Kezzem turn to Tali. "Was that kid taking me seriously? I don't know what to do with that. If people are going to start taking me seriously, it's going to ruin my perfectly no good reputation!"

DM Hugh - The trail less traveled... 
Thursday June 17th, 2021 11:53:56 AM

Succotash searches around for clues

The outcome of Pressi’s attempted spell does not change.

(OOC: per the description of the spell vision it says it functions like legend lore except it takes a lot less time to cast and it puts a strain on the caster. Legend lore states that the thing you are asking a question about must be legendary; the campsite is not legendary; the person you are after is; however said person took precautions)

Dura replies to Tali, “Pleased to meet you and glad to have you helping us.”

Tali then joins Succotash in searching the area.

Dura listens politely to Bliss’s tale and Dura says in answer to his question, “I had a son, however orc ways are different. When he came of age he joined the clan’s warriors and stopped being my son. It does not do for an orc warrior to have the weakness of familial bonds or so they say.”

Tali and Succotash search around the campsite like some of the orcs and lizard folk are doing. Tali and Succotash being adventures and highly skilled seem to have an easier time of things for not long after they join the search they find a third trail leading out of the camp in a different direction than the way the orcs came or near the yew where Humble’s sword entered. The trail is faint and to follow it might take some skill as whoever left it seems like they took measures to obscure their tracks.


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Thursday June 17th, 2021 12:44:44 PM

While his friends are searching for clues, Hobie is in the sky keeping his eyes out for any other living creatures or threats that could be around the area.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+43=54 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+27=39 ;
Thursday June 17th, 2021 6:27:17 PM


Murphy is fine with listening to the others. When it comes time to try to figure out the mixture of folk who took the third pathway, he follows it, staying off to one side for the most part so as not to occlude the marks of those who went before.

After getting perhaps half a mile down the trail, and before anyone has had a chance to go over it, Murphy changes into a small furry animal with a great sense of smell, and seeks to discern by scent those who made the trail.
==========
Perception: 54
Survival (tracking) as halfling: 28
Survival (tracking) at a later point taking scent into account: 39


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+25=29 ; d20+31=49 ;
Thursday June 17th, 2021 9:37:45 PM

Finally ending her attempts at divination, Pressi instead detects magic through the entire campsite, and practically tears apart every object in the campsite (Perception 29). (I'm holding off on discern location for now because of all the mind blank hints.)

If anyone brings Pressi's attention to the tracks, she activates her relentless tracker ability (Survival Tracking Roll 49, but the person leaving the tracks knows she's in pursuit.)

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 
Friday June 18th, 2021 2:22:42 AM

Succotash makes sure to point out the tracks to everyone, but defers to those better equipped for tracking.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Friday June 18th, 2021 3:03:57 AM


Bliss bows to the orc mother, and says, "Nonetheless, as a person who grew up without a mom, I have great respect for you, Dura Mater."

Bliss was excited to try tracking, but Mister Murphy and Brother Succotash have it well in hand. He bids the orcs farewell and changes to a cat to follow his friends on the hunt. Mookie circles overhead, watching.

[OOC: Sorry for poor posting; been sick.]

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Friday June 18th, 2021 2:23:44 PM


Murphy lets Pressi know about the tracks. Are the orcs coming with us? Where do they live so we can contact them if they don't come with us?

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=39 ; d20+26=45 ; d20+14=25 ;
Saturday June 19th, 2021 12:01:15 AM

Oh, a Tracking we will go!

Still donning the NGoggles of Night, Tali assists with tracking where she can.

Skills Check
Fly: 39
Diplomacy: 45
Perception: 25

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 178 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1078 minutes


CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+22=32 ;
Saturday June 19th, 2021 2:17:38 PM

What the heck, Bliss helps with tracking too.

Aid Another check 32

DM Hugh - On the Trail 
Saturday June 19th, 2021 8:08:33 PM

Hobie keeps overwatch from the air but doesn’t notice anything at this time.

Succotash points out the trail to those better equipped to follow it.

Murphy follows the trail before turning into a small critter to track by smell, he then lets Pressi know about the trail and tries to ascertain if the orcs are coming with them.

Pressi does not find any magic auras as she tears across the campsite before activating her relentless tracking ability after Succotash points it out to her.
Bliss and Mookie follow the others on the hunt then helps Murphy with the tracking.
Tali also helps in tracking.

The orcs and lizard folk follow the halflings as they follow the trail.

Dura says, “We’re going with you until we get our iron back. We appreciate your help but we were told not to return until we come back.”

Jarry says, “We better stick with you guys.”

When Murphy turns into an animal he smells 6 separate smells headed down the path.

You follow the trail aways until you come to a junction where it looks like the trail continues in both directions. (OOC: roll another survival check to see if you sus out the false trail from the true one)

Are there any other actions you want to take as you follow the trail?



CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+22=35 ;
Saturday June 19th, 2021 11:01:29 PM


Bliss changes into a cat to help with the sniffing.

Survival (with scent) 35

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+27=37 ;
Sunday June 20th, 2021 3:36:34 PM


Murphy lets Pressi know about the six different scents he is picking up.

He checks out the left trail for 100 yards, then checks out the right trail for 100 yards, to see if he can discern which is the better trail. He lets Pressi know what he figures.
===============
Survival (tracking) 37

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  d20+35=45 ;
Sunday June 20th, 2021 9:10:00 PM

Succotash follows along, with Valerie, by his side. He keeps his eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. (Perception 45)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=32 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+14=21 ;
Sunday June 20th, 2021 10:54:04 PM

Shhh! Tracking

Tali tries to lend a hand with the tracking and the survival as best she can. Tali will rise to about 33 feet above the ground and go back invisible.

Skills Check
Fly: 32
Diplomacy: 36
Perception: 21
Survival: 8

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 177 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1077 minutes
Invisible | Duration 18 minutes

DM Mitch 
Monday June 21st, 2021 8:33:21 AM

Bliss changes into a cat to help with the tracking

Murphy lets Pressi know about the 6 different scents and then works to sort things out between the 2 trails.

Succotash follows with Valerie, keeping his eyes peeled for anything out of ordinary.

Tali rises into the air and go back to being invisible


With the skill of their trackers the party is able to pick out the right trail. They’re able to follow it quickly and are able to find the end of it rather quickly. They know they’ve found the end of the trail because suddenly the entire group has Hold Person cast on them. Tali, invisible, is missed. Everyone else must make a DC 27 will save or be paralized.

Knowledge: Arcana 32 Highlight to display spoiler: { to target that many people spread out that much there had to be multiple casters.}

A booming voice rings out from above you on a hill. ”Who dares disturb us? What fool brings these orc sipmletons here?” it demands. You don’t see the source, well unless you have active invisibility detection up, if so then… Highlight to display spoiler: { you see a tall elf in forrest brown robes looming over the group at the crown of the hill. Several others, further back and spread out so they can’t be hit all at once by a spell, stand to either side. They’re all invisible and there are 6 of them that you can see. }


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+31=43 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+24=29 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 9:42:35 AM

(Second survival roll 43)

(Will save roll 24+4 from hero point)

(Arcana roll 30)

Pressi manages to shake off her paralysis but she can’t see what’s going on or figure out what’s happening.

“Who are we? We’re just people passing through and probably avoiding you as much as possible. Who are you and why are you expending so much energy just coming to talk to us? Are you lonely and bored? Or maybe you’re expecting someone in particular?”

(Diplomacy 29)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+24=28 ; d20+24=33 ; 2d6+14=25 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 10:24:16 AM

Will save 28

Succotash feels the hold person try to take over, and but barely manages to break its grip, through a mighty act of will power. He then casts invisibility purge, after saying, "How rude! Let's see what such rude people look like." Every invisible person or thing, within 90 ft of Succotash, is made visible. ( The spell lasts 180 min) Since Tali is probably within that radius, Succotash says, "Sorry Tali, I didn't mean to blow your cover, but these guys aren't playing fair!"

At his command, Valerie readies an action to charge the nearest magic user, if they attack. If she attacks, she it's AC 36 for 25 slashing plus 6 shock and 4 frost (forgot to add the +1 for heroes feast, and the +2 for charging to the attack roll.) Valerie moves 60 ft per round, so while charging, she can move up to 120 ft.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+29=36 ; d20+43=51 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 11:10:58 AM


Murphy changes back into halfling. "Hello, fearsome elf. Well, would not you be that fool, who stole from them that which is theirs, thus leading them to pursue you? Unless we are mistaken, you have stolen from orcs, and from dwarfs. Taking things of value from those who have not wronged you, without payment or permission, constitutes theft. Of course, we perhaps are open to hearing your defense."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Monday June 21st, 2021 11:11:31 AM

Oh - rolls in Murphy's post were:
Will save: 36
Perception: 51

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Monday June 21st, 2021 2:46:59 PM

Hobie can't see them when he hears the voice, but being frequently invisible himself, he's smart enough to know that hearing disembodied voices is a good time to cast See Invisibility.

He'll cast it on himself and whisper what he sees to Pressi

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Monday June 21st, 2021 2:48:37 PM

Oh super dumb. I didn't read Succotash's post. Hobie will only cast See Invisibility if the Invisibility Purge doesn't work for some reason. Either way, he has his bow at the ready.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB  d20+20=39 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 3:06:52 PM

SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 29.

Kezzem will move 25 feet towards the voices. If he can see one, he will use Detect Evil on the nearest creature. Otherwise, total defense (+4 AC).

"This simpleton does, you halfling!" shouts Kezzem. "No, wait!"

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+14=16 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 9:09:48 PM

Bliss rolls a 16 and is held.

Mookie is not a person and is immune.

"Hey!" Mookie declares in his crowing voice. "Not cool!"

He activates the party's Instant Iron Fortress (standard action), picks up CatBliss (move action) and takes a five ft step into the fortress.

CatBliss casts a still silent Break Enchantment, using a seventh level slot, which I think should auto-work to break the hold. He wriggles out of Mookie's grasp and peeks out through an arrow slit.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=39 ; d20+27=35 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+6=23 ;
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 12:08:44 AM

Who Dares...Wins

Tali, who is now visible and hovering some 33 feet above the ground, should be able to see all of the attackers up on the hill. (Perception check: 20) Can Tali judge the distance between herself and the lead elf in the forest robes? How far to either side are the other figures and roughly how far apart?

Tali will cast a still silent version of invisibility using a 4th level spell slot to disappear again. Once Invisible, she will fly to a height of 42 feet above the rear magic users behind the lead elf & then hover stationary in order to gain the bonus to stealth. (+40)

Skills Check

Fly: 39
Diplomacy: 36
Knowledge Arcana: 35
Perception: 20
Survival: 23

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 176 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1076 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1076 minutes | +4 to AC
Invisible | Duration 17 minutes || possibly removed by Succotash's spell

DM Mitch  d20+19=34 ;
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 8:24:51 AM

Pressi shakes off the paralysis and explains they are people passing through and probably avoiding the speaker as much as possible. She also inquires as to who the speaker is and why they expended so much spell energy.

Succotash feels the spell and also avoids its effect before casting invisibility purge while Valerie prepares for trouble

Murphy changes back into halfling form and explains to the elf that the party believes the elf stole from the orcs and dwarves but they are open to hearing the elf’s defense

Hobie readies his bow and a see invisibility spell in case Succotash’s spell fails

Kezz’m implies he’s the simpleton that lead the orcs there and moves 25 feet forward while trying to detect evil.

CatBliss is held but Mookie is not. Mookie activates the party’s instant Iron Fortress and picks up CatBliss while moving 5 feet into the fortress. Meanwhile CatBliss uses a still, silent break enchantment.

Tali casts a still / silent invisibility to disappear herself before flying 42 feat above rear magic users behind the lead elf. She just manages to clear Succotash’s purge area and turn invisible as she does, but her approach is not hidden.

The Elf looks briefly confused. ”Dwaves, what Dwarves?” he asks before catching himself and resuming his impressive boom. ”It is natures way for the strong to take from the weak. The ore was crucial for reasons that need not concern you. This is not some civilized land where mortal authorities enforce their views, but the wild. Do not interfere and be glad we were kind enough to spare their lives. Their own people wouldn’t be so kind.”

His companions take umbrage with Kezz’m trying to close. The party was about 50 feet away so he closes half the distance. Two of them point at him and mutter two words. He must make two will saves vs DC 29, if he fails either then Highlight to display spoiler: { you hear a voice you are compelled to obey. “Act as you normally would in this situation, but do no harm to myself or my companions. If any of us are attacked, kill the attacker.”}

Another of the figures casts something in Tali’s direction and she pops back into visibility.


DM Mitch 
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 8:26:17 AM

Kezz'm is able to get a look at the Elf and he doesn't seem evil.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 9:06:13 AM

Hobie will cast Overland Flight on himself, then activate his ring of invisibility, then move up 40 feet or so into the sky.

He'll let some of the others do the talking.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+37=50 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 10:40:44 AM

"As a halfling, I've heard that rhetoric my whole life, and I have news for you, It's garbage! The idea of taking from those weaker than you is flat out wrong. This mode of thinking is one of the reasons we have so much strife in the Wold! The only way for harmony is to treat others the way you wish to be treated, and if more people embraced that way of life, there would be less need for adventurers like us. As to that, you asked who we are, and so allow me to introduce us. We are Humble's Sword, perhaps you heard of us? We did slay a dragon at the battle of the Sargrass Plains, after all. Anyway, whether or not you have heard of us is not relevant, what matters is that we are here to put an end to your thieving ways, and to return what was stolen to the rightful owners! Oh and if you are planning some nefarious scheme, we are here to end that as well. So as I see it, you have two options. You can peacefully return that which isn't yours, and go about your merry way, or you can face justice by our hands, and we will return what was stolen. Personally, I would prefer the former, but my raptor friend here would prefer the latter.

Valerie again readies a charge, as Succotash readies an action to cast Divine Power on his animal friend. If they act aggressively, Valerie will charge the spokes person, hitting AC 50 for 27 slashing, 2 shock, and 6 frost.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+32=43 ; d20+43=59 ; d20+19=21 ;
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 10:52:56 AM


"How about we fix some tea and talk this over? There seems to be a growing interest here in the Red Hills for special metals, and, due to circumstances we could explain, we think that the 'reasons that need not concern' us do indeed concern us. I'll get out my cooking pot and tripod to heat the water. Don't worry. It's just a cooking pot, and I'll call forth enough water to fill the pot. You like tea, right? Oh, and I must say you have an impressive voice. Did you receive special training for that? Are you a bard, or just a mighty wizard?"

He proceeds to do as he described. As he sets up the pot on the tripod chain, he adds, "I think it's possible we can do some sorting of things without having to resort to attacking each other. Do you all agree?" he asks the elf and his assistants as well as his own party. He adds conjured water to the pot, and gets out some firewood. "We can tell you about some of our adventures, and we can swap stories, and points of mutual interest."
==========
Sense Motive on elf: 43
Perception: 59
Spellcraft: 21 (to discern what spellcasters cast on Kezzem)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 3:10:04 PM

Pressi's eyes narrowed as they admitted to everything except for knowing about dwarven ore. "I've never heard the words 'weak over the strong' over someone who wasn't weak and didn't know it. Tell me, do we really need not concern ourselves with what's being built? Or is that what the people you sold the ore to said to you? The actual strong ones that did nature upon you?"

If they object, "We are actually tracking two sets of ore thefts, and I saw at least two other sets of tracks to your buyers. If you only know about the orc's ore, you've been robbed as much as these orcs, and should probably be thankful you're alive yourselves. Tell us who you sold the ore to, and as my friend Succotash said we'll pretend we never even saw you."

Pressi casts shield of faith and quick casts spectral hand.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 12:35:30 AM

Bliss changes into his native form and calls out through an arrow slit, "Hey! What's with the spell casting?"

"That's just not nice."

"Come on, let's talk about this."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB  d20+20=39 ; d20+20=31 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 1:40:57 AM

SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 39.
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 31.

Got to love those Paladin saves!

"Hey, if you're going to try an charm me, you could at least buy me second dinner first!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 3:15:45 AM


"I can serve coffee, too," Murphy adds.

What do the others besides the elf wizard look like? Race? Distinguishing characteristics? Clothing styles? Visible gear worn / carried?

DM Mitch 
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 8:14:14 AM

Hobie casts overland flight and activates his ring of invisibility before moving 40 feet into the air

Succotash tells the speaker that he’s heard the rhetoric about the strong preying on the weak all his life and that it is part of the reason why there is so much wrong with the Wold. He gives an ultimatum while Valerie prepares for a charge.

Murphy suggests they have some tea and discuss things. He gets his cooking pot, tripod and water and goes about fixing things. He also has coffee

Pressi implies the speaker is weak and doesn’t know it. She then explains more about what they are after and asks for details on who they sold the ore to.

Catbliss complains about the spellcasting.

Kezz’m requests second dinner if they want to charm him.

The Druid scowls at the group. ”You speak of peace while moving to surround us. You complain about us casting spells to defend ourselves while casting spells of your own to hide and ambush us. You talk about rightful owners as if the orcs do not constantly murder and pillage from others. Do you even know where the ore came from, or did you just assume the orcs dug it up themselves?

If you truly want to talk peacefully then stop trying to approach or surround us. Gather around your little camp pot and dispel any invisibility.”


Murphy takes a good look at the rest of the group. They’re all Elves or Half-elves, and they are all clearly experienced spellcasters. They were forrest green robes and various spell casting tools can be seen. Some apparently have some martial skill as well judging from the shape of the bulges in the robes that look like weapons. The Elf who seems to be in charge is wary and doesn’t seem to like the situation so his attempts to de-escalate, or at least improve his tactical situation, seem genuine.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+31=43 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+24=29 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 9:19:00 AM

(Second survival roll 43)

(Will save roll 24+4 from hero point)

(Arcana roll 30)

Pressi manages to shake off her paralysis but she can’t see what’s going on or figure out what’s happening.

“Who are we? We’re just people passing through and probably avoiding you as much as possible. Who are you and why are you expending so much energy just coming to talk to us? Are you lonely and bored? Or maybe you’re expecting someone in particular?”

(Diplomacy 29)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+37=49 ; 2d6+20=31 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 10:00:53 AM

"I have to say you seem to have a pretty short memory, because it was you guys who started our meeting with spell casting and ambush. Now after I nullified your invisibility, and we try to get ourselves into a stronger position you start blaming us for doing the same to you? I assure you we aren't the types to attack while unprovoked, but in point of fact we have been provoked. You attacked us with hold person, granted it failed for the most part, but still, you attacked us none the less, and then based on how my friend with the daggers has reacted, it sounds like you tried to charm him, of course you can't charm a paladin like Kezzem, he's immune to charms. I used to be a paladin so I know this to be true, but the fact remains that you tried to charm him. We have every right to attack and remove you from the Wold for good, but we show restraint! Why, because, while we aren't fools, we do desire a peaceful resolution. Now the ball is in your court, and my options stand as the only options you have, so make up your minds before we change ours, and decide a peaceful resolution isn't worth it."

Succotash keeps Divine Power as a readied action, and Valerie is still ready to charge if provoked. (Hits AC 49 for 31 slashing, 6 frost and 2 shock.)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 11:02:01 AM

Hobie will deactivate his invisibility, and descend most of the way to the ground. He stops himself and hovers so that his head is just slightly higher than the tallest elf.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB  d20+26=36 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 1:00:29 PM

"How about a joke to ease tensions," says Kezzem. "An elf, and an orc, and a dwarf walked into a bar. The halfing walked under it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 26 = 36.

"Now can we sit down and discuss this like mature adults? I believe someone mentioned something about a second dinner."



CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 2:37:58 PM


"Look, casting Hold spells and making us vulnerable to assassination is not a good way to start either. Let's agree to not cast on each other, okay?"

Bliss will step out (as a halfling). Mookie stays in the Instant Fort.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 2:59:05 PM

(OOC: Sorry, got to stop accessing this from my phone. Please delete earlier extra post.)

"Yeah, I got to be honest. I missed the last fight and I'm feeling a lot of stress and punching trees isn't doing it for me anymore. So willingness to protect myself aside, I'm kind of leaning towards just making it all burn.

"But if you're truly willing to talk, so are we... apparently."

Pressi moved towards the camp pot as asked, but readied a blink if anyone starts casting.

"First off, do YOU know where the ore came from? Or is an assumption of your own? I'll admit I just assumed they made it, and I'm willing to hear other evidence."

(As a side whisper to the orcs, "You know that if you did steal this ore, I'm treating you like a tree.")

"At any rate, where they got it is irrelevant. The question is, why did you steal it?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=38 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=30 ; d20+26=36 ; d4+6=10 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 4:03:50 PM

Who Dares...Wins

Tali, visible and hovering 42 feet above the group and slightly behind the last row of Spellchuckers apparently is very distracting. Must be my fantastic Charisma, Tali thinks to herself.
Looking down upon the spread-out spellcasters, Tali, says to the assembled, and very diplomatically," Oh, you have misinterpreted my actions. I always fly everywhere. When you attacked my friends, I came to investigate. Had you not, I would have flown on by. When you felt that my being invisible was a problem, and forcefully removed and therefore disrobed me that was an attack against me. YOU as spellcasters, if you know anything about being invisible, if I were the aggressor here, you would not have had the need to disrobe me. You're point is MOOT!"

Batting her eyes at the lead Elf, and being diplomatic, Tali, says, "Why sir, the ore was skyborne...it fell from the sky...As for your flippant dismissal towards our group, perhaps, if you made the first move in this little soiree, and went to your grouped corner, say, some 100 feet into the opposite direction, we might do the same. We could send emissaries back and forth if that is what you wished? If on the other hand, you would prefer armed confrontation, I am sure for at least a few moments, that could also be considered. What say you, Sir Elf? What is it to be, calm and diplomatic or aggressive and deadly?"

Tali while speaking to the lead Elf, will start a Silent still Mirror Image spell just in case the answer is aggressive.

Skills Check

Fly: 38
Diplomacy: 44, 30, 36
Perception: 31
Spellcraft: 36

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 175 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1075 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1076 minutes | +4 to AC
Mirror immage ((1d4 +6) = 8 images when cast.) | 18 minutes

[ub]Used Spells[/b]

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
mirror Image | 1x (@ slot 4)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+28=33 ; d20+32=38 ; d20+43=49 ;
Thursday June 24th, 2021 3:54:09 AM


"Great, everyone has excellent posture!" Murphy says. "We're just posturing all over the place. As for me, I'm making tea. Do you prefer black, or green tea? Coffee also is available." He lit the fire as all were conversing. The pot he already had filled with water. He casts heat metal on the cooking pot to accelerate the process and to bring it more quickly to a boil.

"If others have other items that we might snack as we sip, feel free to lay out good nibbling food." He gets out a half block of cheese. "This is quite good cheese." And he adds a few loafs of bread.

"My name is Murphy. A druid." In the druidic tongue to the chief spokes-elf, he says, if you speak druidic Highlight to display spoiler: { "Some of us have offered our names. A sign of trust?"}

And to his own friends, though the elf contingent can hear him, he says, "Let's cut down on the bristling, and see if there may be a measure of reciprocity."

=========
Murphy adds his own style of Diplomacy: 33 to that of his friends.
Ongoing Sense Motive: 38
Perception to pick up on actions of elf contingent: 49

DM Mitch 
Thursday June 24th, 2021 8:31:19 AM

Succotash reminds the speakers that they are the aggressors and that his group is the one showing restraint because they want a peaceful resolution and says the ball is in the elves’s court.

Hobie deactivates his invisibility, descends most of the way to ground and hovers just so his head is slightly higher than the tallest elf.

Kezz’m tries to diffuse tensions with a joke and then asks if they can discuss things like civilized adults over second dinner.

Bliss points out that casting hold spells which make them vulnerable to assassination is not a good way to start things and suggests a spell casting ceasefire on each other’s groups. He then steps out of the fortress as himself.

Pressi explains that she missed the last fight and punching trees is wearing thin but she is willing to talk if the other group is. She moves toward the pot and asks th other goup where the ore came from and then whispers at the orcs inquiring if they stole it she isn’t helping them.

Dura says to Pressi, “We were honest with you. That ore was ours. We followed a star in the sky and when it fell to the Wold we processed it into the ingots they stole. How could a shooting star belong to anyone? Clearly this is a case of finders keepers as it fell from the sky.”

Tali explains that she flies everywhere and when her friends were attacked she investigated and that the removing of her invisibility was an attack on her and reiterates as previously stated by others in the party that the other group is the aggressors. She reiterates what Dura said about the ore and suggests they go to opposite corners and send emissaries back and forth to discuss things instead of an armed confrontation.

Murphy comments on posturing and says an experimental phrase in Druidic. He continues to try to start a meal to calm things down.

The Druid raises his eye at Murphy. He responds in druidic, Highlight to display spoiler: {”I am called Aimon. I am willing to talk as fellow druids, but not while your companions continue to threaten myself and my friends..”}

The rest of his group don’t seem happy at all about this turn of events though. One sneers at Tali. ”You dispelled our Invisibility first. All we did was cast a spell to prevent a heavily armored group from charging right into our camp ready for a fight.”

The leader glances at his crew. ”Peace. Let them prove their good intentions.” ”Should have just killed the orcs when we could.” mutters another. The leader sighs and ignores the mutterers, apparently confident that is all they’ll do.


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Thursday June 24th, 2021 9:04:28 AM

Hobie turns to the one who made the comment about killing the orcs.
As always he has his bow in his left hand, and his right hand he places on his quiver. (not drawing an arrow just yet, but hand on quiver)

"If you would kill those weaker than you just to steal their ore, then I have no problem killing you to make the Wold a better place."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Thursday June 24th, 2021 10:13:40 AM

"As I've been saying from the beginning, we would rather have a peaceful resolution, but we will do what we must, and if anyone tries to harm those in our care, which includes these orc ladies, that will be the last mistake that person ever makes. Since you are speaking with Murphy in his private language, I surmise that you are a druid, which means that you are most likely one who has a higher level of wisdom than most. As such, I'm sure you can see the wisdom in what I've been saying, and that a peaceful resolution would be most beneficial. Murph, in true halfling form has offered the greatest peace offering a halfling can give, and that's food. I will add to that if you will join us. I have a keg of Brock's Best Beer in my handy haversack, and some really nice sausages to go with Murphy's cheese. Add a loaf of bread or two, and we have our selves a lovely snack. I think I may even have a good sized crock of pickles I got from my mother, last time I visited my parents, over in Merrydale. She makes the best pickles, and I've been waiting for the right moment to bust them out, and if it means a peaceful resolution, than I'm willing to share with everyone. Now, I'm also willing to throw down if that would be your preference. Though I fail to see the wisdom in such an act, as I've always found needless bloodshed to be greatly foolish, and a total waste."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Thursday June 24th, 2021 10:33:06 AM


"Yes. Let us all stand down. More than one of 'us'," and here he draws a circle with an arm to include both groups, "have offered words of offense. But now, let the heat be concentrated in our tea, and the heat of our words be channeled into light. They say as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Now, none of us are exactly, or even approximately men, but, let's see if we can all walk away made better, and more just, as the the result of our meeting - and teatime. Agreed, my friends?" he asks members of the Sword, then the elves, and orca. The beast folk seem to be staying out of the discussion and action, but he includes any of them who may be nearby in the question, too.

"Aimon, let you and I share the first cup, and let's see if we might have a fruitful discussion." He lays out about a dozen cups that he sets on a board. He fills two teapots, one with black tea, one with green tea. And a coffeepot.
≈=========
I have a little more to add, but must rush off to work...

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday June 24th, 2021 3:28:45 PM


Pressi got really quiet as Dura's words finally sunk in with her. "Are you telling me that we were tracking starmetal?" she finally asked. "And that you didn't see fit to mention that until now?"

A couple of times, the group had engaged with Tecuri artifacts, and Pressi's follower Dolgrin had even tracked a falling star for its ore once before. If such metal was now in the hands of someone who understood it, in the same lab as the dwarves' special ore....

Pressi bit back any possible retorts to "we only cast invisibility," responding only with a grunt. "I suppose if you were tracking through my homeland, I might react similarly. So I will hold my fire. But I should remind you that if you did sell the ore, there is a 90% chance that your employer screwed us all. For our employer, it's only 30%.... 35%, tops."



The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Friday June 25th, 2021 12:40:34 AM

"I think the only solutions is to cut the ore in two, and whoever is willing to let the other side have it than let it be cut apart is the rightful owner of the ore," says Kezzem. "Oh wait, I said the secret part aloud. Maybe...if you both call to the ore and see who it goes to?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=36 ; d20+26=27 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=25 ;
Friday June 25th, 2021 6:54:07 AM

Who Dares...

Taliseeing that the aggressive approach isn't being taken, stops the casting of the mirror image spell and flies over to be next to Mister Murphy for a nice cup of Green Tea. Diplomatically, Tali reaches into her front pocket producing about a pound of fresh ginger if anyone cares for a nice spicy addition to their tea or as a pre-meal pick me up; but seeing that the process didn't go as it sounded in her head, will break off a piece and put the rest back into her front pocket of the pants she is wearing; her pair of Bill's Pants o' Plenty.

While milling about, Tali will try to sense the motive of the spokes-Elf & then the rest of that group, after hearing their mumbles.

Tali also points a message to Mister Murphy using the Message Spell explaining the reservations she has about the rest of the Spokes-Elf's group especially after the comment about how they should have killed the orcs when they had the chance.

Skills Check

Fly: 36
Diplomacy: Nat 1
Perception: 31
Sense Motive: 12, 25

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 174 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1074 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1074 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x


DM Mitch 
Friday June 25th, 2021 7:45:31 AM

Hobie turns to the one who made the comment about killing the orcs and mentions that removing murdering thieves makes the wold a better place.
Succotash reiterates Murphy’s offer of food raising the offering with some of his own provisions.

Murphy prepares the tea time truce and offers the first cup to Aimon.

Jarry says, “It would track for our employer to hire other groups if he had other things on his shopping list. He seemed like the paranoid sort.”

Pressi asks if Dura was tracking starmetal and that they didn’t see fit to mention it till now. She thinks about her own experience with it before giving the elves the benefit of the doubt while warning them about selling the ore.

Kezz’m flubs the classic cut the thing in two solution in multiple ways.

Tali joins Murphy, but looks over the rest of the druid’s group with suspicion.

Dura says to Pressi, “I was very clear about the source of the metal. I said our shaman was tracking a star we followed it until it fell and we processed it into ingots. This was always what we had said ever since we met you at the camp. The star metal though was mostly iron with some other types of metal blended it that made it stronger and sharper than normal iron but we know iron and that star was mostly iron.”

With some of the party moving to go have tea and others continuing to glare it seems tea time isn’t going to happen. Tali and any others trying ot get a good read on the others in the group can tell that while the leader is willing the talk, the rest of them seem to want a fight and might even engage despite the leader's words if they see an opening.

Aimon, the druid who seems to be in charge gives a sigh of frustration. ”The ore is gone ok?” the rest of his group make noises objecting but he stares them down. ”And no, I don’t know where it ended up, a guy showed up and hired us to secure him some. We knew about the meteor but the orcs beat us to it. So a few simple sleep spells let us get it and we gave it to the guy who hired us. I have no idea where he is now, but from what you’ve said he’s gathering a bunch of stuff and I can guess where he’s going for his next item. I’ll tell you, if you can pay us for the information.” He looks at the others in his group smugly, as if to say ‘there, I’m getting us paid twice by not fighting’.

One of them mutters, ”We could still kill them and take all their money.”

”Oh shut up, they already resisted your best spell.” Aimon tells him crossly.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Friday June 25th, 2021 10:34:41 AM

Succotash slowly shakes his head and pinches the bridge of his nose. it is clear the cleric is exasperated, but he keeps his cool. "Why does it always come down to money?" He looks at the one who suggested killing them, staring him dead in the eye before saying, "You should listen to your friend, you'll live longer!" After shrugging his shoulders, he says, "How much is it going to cost? We are adventurers, and as such the vast majority of our wealth is made up in gear, and provisions. We can't just hand you a bag of gold and send you on your merry way, but I have a suggestion, if you tell us where you believe the ore is, and accompany us, assuming my friends are OK with this arrangement, how about we give you an equal portion of whatever wealth we gain from the ore collectors? When I say equal portion, I mean you will all be able to split the same amount that we as individuals would obtain. The reason for this is simple, we will be doing the heavy lifting, and we will be taking all, if any, risks, and since you are simply being paid for information, with no need to get involved, an equal share for each of you, seems a bit unrealistic. If we are able to stop the ore collectors, and there is no wealth to be had, we can reassess our bargain, and try to offer something fair. Again this is all contingent on my friends and comrades being OK with the arrangement."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday June 25th, 2021 4:14:50 PM

Pressi seems somewhat mollified for the moment, in both forms. "We would be glad to make such a payment," she glared at Succotash, "and if we can't pay up front, I'm sure we can make a financial relationship then. And if you do try instead to kill us and take our stuff without checking to see if I cursed it first, you are welcome to try. Can I bring popcorn?"

Pressi shrugged at Succotash's comment. "Because if it instead always came down to ground peppercorns, that might get strange real quick. I'll think of something more cynical and vague later, but for now I'm going with this one."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=29 ; d20+26=30 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+9=13 ;
Friday June 25th, 2021 10:31:21 PM

Who Dares...

Tali takes to fly once more hovering about 7 feet about "Aimon's head. Looking at Aimon, and in her best Diplomatic tone & voice, begins, "You do realize we can hear your companions comments and muttering's, yes?! I understand you, like Mister Murphy, choose to walk the peaceful road less traveled path of negotiations. Tali looks at each and every companion of Aimon's including Aimon himself trying to perceive something not yet detected and also tries to understand their motives aside from money.

Tali tries to get a read (Sense Motive) from the muttering Companion.

Tali points to Mister Murphy using the Message Spell says, "I have about 6,000 worth of gold pieces and gems if we need them."

Skills Check

Fly: 29
Diplomacy: 30
Perception: 23, 31
Sense Motive: 21, 13

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 173 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1073 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1073 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Saturday June 26th, 2021 8:42:52 PM


Bliss is willing to pay a fair price. Heck, even a slightly unfair price. We have the cash, why not use it in a good cause?

He tries to bargain a bit for the sake of appearances, but he agrees in the end pretty easy like.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+28=48
Sunday June 27th, 2021 6:02:42 AM


"Wait!" Murphy interjects. "Thanks, friends, but is justice, or expedience on our hearts?" he asks. He faces Aimon and his companions and says, "So, your group were hired to steal the ingots. Keep in mind that the orcs had not only found the sky metal, but mined and melted and produced ingots from it. You put them to sleep - thank you for not killing them, despite the murderous heart of at least one of your team," he says, looking with scorn directly at the one who complained about not killing them.

"After stealing their processed ingots, you got paid by the one who hired you. Some of you want to kill us and take our money. Good luck with that. We killed 1,000 giants at the battle of Humble's Ford before they could reach our town. We wrested control over a 250 foot tall ancient iron giant from murderous dwarfs. We slew countless monsters at the battle of Sargrass Plains, including a huge dragon, to bring under control an awesome power - the latter with the aid of other top Woldian adventuring groups. We have been to the moon Kerracles and back, saving the Wold from destruction due to invaders from afar. I need not enumerate further, I trust.

"Now, you want us to pay you for your felonious feat and murderous intentions? How about you turn over the funds to the orcs you gained from stealing from them? And help us find your employer of questionable ethics? Were you to do that, then I might join my friends in finding it in my heart to be somewhat generous with you.

"And ratify such an agreement by having this tea that I have prepared. And my friends will stand down, won't they? As will your people. And release the beastmen and orcs from your hold spell."

Murphy knows that several of his friends, even his beloved, have tacitly agreed to Aimon's request.

He is open to a bit more haggling, but simply handing over funds before they have found the fellow behind all this he is not particularly open to.
===============
Diplomacy: 48 (nat 20)

[OOC: Post edited by Cayzle]

DM Mitch 
Monday June 28th, 2021 8:18:01 AM

Succotash laments that things always come down to money and explains that as adventurers most of their money is tied up in gear but suggests that the second set of thieves accompany them and receive a portion of what they recover from their employer for their trouble.

Pressi indicates she is happy to go along with Succotash’s suggestion and explains she’d find it amusing to see if the thieves could figure out if the gear was cursed or not if they decided to test their luck. She also makes a joke about peppercorns in response to Succotash’s money comment.

Tali explains that they can hear the mutterings while she tries to get a read on the folks they are facing off against. She lets Murphy know she has money to bargain with if they need it.

CatBliss is also up for bargaining.

Murphy warns the thieves against trying to fight Humble’s Sword for their stuff with a listing of some of the feats they accomplished. He also explains he might be open to paying the bandits if they helped them to locate their previous employer and suggests they ratify an agreement over tea while the bandits release their spells on the orcs and lizard folk.

Aimon rolls his eyes. ”We’re not talking about us going into some established mine or something. It was a rock that fell from the sky in the wilderness. Everyone who lives nearby knew of it. The only reason the orcs even touched the thing was because I went to find a buyer before digging it up. They had no better right to it then anyone else in the area.

Look if you want the information then pay up. 20 grand. Otherwise I’m leaving, and you want to try to start a fight and beat it out of me then there goes your moral high ground. At this point I don’t think we’re going to be having some tea regardless.”


Indeed, his companions still look ready for a fight, but the mention of an easy 20 grand seems to have given them pause. Likely they’d be willing to leave once paid off, but they’re getting impatient and strike you as the type to use violence as a first resort.


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Monday June 28th, 2021 8:18:52 AM

Hobie will fly up 7 feet to be next to Tali, at this point he has an arrow on the string of his bow, but not directly pointed at anyone yet.

"I'm not going to give a single piece of copper to these thieves. Personally I think they should be required to pay their debt to the orcs simply in return for me staying my bow."

As Murphy is explaining our exploits, Hobie will add "You find yourself at the mercy of the greatest archer in the history of the Wold. If you want to start a fight, I promise you that I can finish it in seconds. And pray that I do, because trust this, you'd rather go quickly to an arrow than try your luck with the cat."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  d20+32=46 ; 2d6+26=30 ; d6=3 ;
Monday June 28th, 2021 8:27:06 AM

ooc: Sorry, I posted as the DM was posting. Hobie's words will carry over, and I'll add this

He readies an action- the moment a weapon is unsheathed, or an offensive spell is cast (+31 Spellcraft, Hobie can identify any spell as it's being cast)

he will fire an arrow at the offender

Attack = 46
Damage = 30 Piercing, 3 Electric



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Monday June 28th, 2021 10:10:15 AM

"As I see it, we have a disagreement within our group. Half of us are in favor of chucking you the coin, and the other half feel you should be paying restitution to the orcs. Personally, I'm not in favor of paying off unrepentant souls such as yourselves. I mean if you would have decided to turn over a new leaf, and given some indication of a change of heart, like our lizard-folk friends did, that would be something, but you still have those, within your ranks, who would like to try their luck against us. I can only reiterate what my friends have said, and add that my scaly friend here isn't your typical raptor, in fact, she has been known to take down powerful assailants single-handedly. You couple that with the various skills of powerful adventurers, and I fear things wouldn't go well with you. So since we are are at an impasse within our ranks, I have to ask, Why are you seemingly afraid to join us in the hunt, but not join us in battle? I mean really, you should know by our exploits that we aren't to be trifled with, and yet you would rather fight us than face an enemy who's strength has yet to be determined. An enemy, by the way, that we are determined to face off against, assuming a peaceful solution can't be agreed upon, when we finally meet them."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Monday June 28th, 2021 3:48:36 PM


"Hold on, hold on, no need to fight today. These fellows have something we want, and we have stuff they want. It's fair." Bliss takes off his belt of Strength +6.

"Here you go," he says explaining the item and its worth. "You can sell this for the 20 grand or keep it, if you like, since it is worth far more unsold."

"Stupid merchants never give you more than half of what a thing's worth," complains Mookie.

"Yeah," says Bliss, "but the worst thing is having to recalculate all my combat numbers if we get in a fight before I replace it." He hands over the belt.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday June 28th, 2021 4:16:42 PM

Pressi looked at Murphy. "Expedience. It's the buyers and the thing they're building that we want, not some two bit hoods that can't even hide correctly. Besides, what's beating these guys up going to teach them? I can bend their bodies in half but they can smell their own farts pretty well already."

Pressi's eyes go wide at Bliss' generous offer. "You know that we're not going to replace it any time soon, right? I'd rather hand them some gear we don't need. And I have to admit, 20K is a decent chunk of change without some reassurances that the information is good."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday June 28th, 2021 4:18:15 PM

(Pressi is willing to give up the Rod of Thunder and Lightning. That's only 16K sold but it's a rather flashy weapon. It's also not one that she really uses.)

CDM Jerry [OOC post] 
Monday June 28th, 2021 4:30:15 PM

Greetings Woldians!

We have TWO games that have achieved Level 20 and just retired over the weekend! So in our usual tradition, we're holding a celebration for the next few days on the Giggling Ghost board!

Folks are already beginning to gather. We expect everyone to join in and post daily on the GG board, but all are excused from posting in their "regular career game" through Wednesday at least. :) It doesn't mean you can't post, just that you don't have to.

DMs if you're in combat, feel free to just post a "pause until after Wednesday" if you'd like, or you can do that anyway. These celebrations are important as both of these games have players who have been working for at least 9 years to achieve this retirement for their PCs.

--DMs may take the role of an NPC or 2 if they wish and hand out dishes, create action, help out, etc.
--Anyone may take the stage and tell a story or sing a song.
--Post as many times a day as you'd like on the Giggling Ghost board.

Entertain yourselves and enjoy!

Yes you may go there now and post.
Yes you should go there now and post.
What are you waiting for?
Yes, now is fine.
Are you still reading this? Why?

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+26=35 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+14=19 ;
Monday June 28th, 2021 6:02:38 PM

Who Dares...

Tali takes to flight again rising to 33 feet above the ground. After listening to the back and forth of the assembled groups, diplomatically asks why we are dealing with these uncouth brigands who seem so eager to just take our stuff and then kill us? As if standing onto a podium, she continues, and why do these brigands believe everyone is a mark for the taking? You have no idea who we are! You think 'cause we're small, you can push us around? Take our gear and leave us for dead?! That somehow you can defeat us?! At this point Tali is becoming visibly upset, you can see her face and the trembling in her voice as if trying to quell an inner battle, to contain her rage at the mere thought of this going sideways.

Tali slowly begins to rotate upon the spot she is hovering on...as if her inner battle is growing as she tries to contain it.

Skills Check

Fly: 36
Diplomacy: 35
Perception: 19

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 173 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1073 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1073 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x

DM Hugh - Celebrationary Pause 
Tuesday June 29th, 2021 2:25:46 AM

(OOC: Hey folks in honor of Jerry's announcement we are on a DM pause until after the Giggling ghost celebration)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+35=46 ; d20+17=35 ;
Thursday July 1st, 2021 10:46:38 AM

Perception 46
Sense Motives 35

Tensions are high, and Succotash, after watching Tali's actions is certain his friend is up to something, as she isn't acting in her normally cool and collective fashion. He is worried that she may do something rash, but then he considers the situation, and wonders what would be considered rash? Bliss, as it turns out, answers his question for him, as he removes and offers his belt. In a very frustrated, and perhaps a bit angry tone, Succotash says, "Bliss put that belt back on! If we are going to pay for information that may, or may not be of any value, We will use things that are of less value, to our fighting strength!" The cleric sighs and says, to the druid, "I have 16,000 in coin, that is my final offer! I've been saving for a metamagic staff of quicken, but that can wait, I guess."

Succotash is feeling the tension himself and realized he just snapped at Bliss for no reason, and so he says to his friend, in halfling, "Sorry friend, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. The tensions are so high right now, I lost my cool, but seriously, your belt is way to expensive an item to offer in such a way. If they don't take my counter offer, we'll think of something, but your belt should be off the table."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Thursday July 1st, 2021 11:29:30 AM


Murphy knows the belt Bliss offers is worth far more than the amount that Aimon demands. He sees Tali begin to spin in the air. And hears the cleric's offer.

"You don't want to see what my spinning friend can do when she gets angry. And my archer friend can kill you five times over without being mad at all. I realize you, too, think you're pretty tough folk - likely you are. My recommendation: Take our cleric's offer, give us the information you have, or we fight. So, your option: The best deal you're going to get, or the worst. I recommend the peaceful option."

DM Mitch 
Thursday July 1st, 2021 9:34:28 PM

Hobie flies up 7 feet next to Tali and states his opposition to giving them anything and further extrapolates on his archery prowess.

Succotash explains the disagreement within the party to the group of thieves and adds additional information about what Valerie can do and asks why they don’t want to join them in hunting the person behind the metal thefts but do want to engage in battle.

CatBliss tries to stave off a confrontation and takes off his belt of strength +6 and offers it in exchange for the information they seek as it can be sold for 20k, but it is actually worth much more than that.

Pressi cautions Bliss about doing that and instead says to give them something they don’t really need like her rod of thunder and lightning though it isn’t worth as much as the thieves are asking.

Tali rises 33 feet above the ground and questions why they are trying to barter with brigands who would just as soon take their stuff and leave them for dead. She is getting really angry.

Succotash offers coin instead of an item that’s worth far more then the stated price. He’s kind of mad at Bliss offering something so valuable.

Murphy goes through the options out loud.

The druid seems surprised at Bliss’s generous offer, then annoyed at everyone else's threats. He ignores the more threatening members and addresses those willing to deal. ”Keep your belt, a deal’s a deal and I’m not going to take something that valuable from you. Besides, cash is usually better, we’ll take the 16k. For all your posturing about having the moral high ground your companions seem to be as eager to kill as mine so lets end this quickly and peacefully before someone does something we’ll all regret later.”

He pulls out a small book, maybe a journal or diary. ”I track valuable natural resources that civilization can't really access easily. It’s kind of my thing as a druid and helps make ends meet for myself and my friends now and again. Call me a thief if you will, but I still say the orcs had no better claim to the ore then I did; we both tracked it to it’s landing spot, they just got there between me leaving and returning with a buyer and enough help to extract it.

Point being, with my experience in rare items in the wilderness, and you’re information about the other stollen ore, I’m almost certain your mystery man will need the regents in the cave here in the Culverwood for whatever his mysterious purpose is. It’s about a day’s hike east of the Troll trading outpost. No, it’s not run by trolls, I don’t remember why they call it that.

If you go there you can almost certainly either find our employer or more information to find out where he went and what he’s doing. You’ll know you’re at the right cave when you see the stone that looks like it’s bleeding. Rather striking set of mineral deposits, you can’t miss it.”


He tears out a page and offers it, moving to the halfway point between the two groups. His companions remain alert and suspicious. ”Here’s a rough map with the spot marked on it. Now I’ve honored my end of the bargain, you can go get the ore back for the orcs from the guy who bought it from us. Heaven's only know what mayhem they'll enact with it but whatever makes you happy. We will not be accompanying you, accosting someone who hired us and paid us for what I consider an honest job is bad for business, and I doubt your comrades or mine feel they could trust each other.”


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=29 ; d20+26=32 ; d20+14=27 ; d3=2 ;
Thursday July 1st, 2021 10:13:00 PM

Who Dares...

As Tali continues to rotate upon the spot she is hovering in for what seems to be an extra ordinarily long period of time, the rotational spin increases as it looks like she is in deep though or perhaps trying to quell an inner battle. Her friends can her her mumbling something that sounds like, " You think you have won? You think I don't know what I gained for my life?"

When the this time period ends, if the current transaction hasn't concluded successfully...Highlight to display spoiler: {there will be two new visitors and Tali will have stopped spinning.}

Skills Check

Fly: 29
Diplomacy: 32
Perception: 27

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 172 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1072 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1072 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday July 1st, 2021 10:20:42 PM


Pressi shrugged at his comments about the moral high ground. "I do indeed have an impassioned defense of our moral high ground... which I won't deign to go into. Life is too short to drag this out further.

"I do, however, find this tracking of rare items to be... somewhat fascinating, and worth pursuit at a later time. For now, we thank you for your business."

Pressi turns to Hobie and Talia. "We've got what we came for. Save the fire for the guys we actually are tracking."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Friday July 2nd, 2021 2:27:53 AM


"That sounds like a good deal!"

Bliss kicks 3,000 gp in coin and gems into the kitty for the 16 grand. And puts his belt back on.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Friday July 2nd, 2021 8:00:49 AM

Since Bliss chipped in 3 grand, Succotash reaches into his handy haversack and pulls out his coin purse. He counts out 13,000 gp and hand it to the druid, along with Bliss's contribution. "You made a wise decision, avoiding bloodshed, hopefully your followers will learn from your decision."

Kind DMs, would Succotash know if the description given would be enough for greater teleport?

DM Mitch  d20=14 ; d20=10 ;
Saturday July 3rd, 2021 6:30:36 AM

Tali rotates in the air silently casting her summon spell to bring forth 2 celestial dire crocodiles

Pressi deigns not to give a defense of their moral high ground in the interest of time and instead remarks about how the tracking of rare items is fascinating and she would like to know more in the future. She tells Hobie and Tali to save the fire for the guys we are tracking.

Bliss likes the deal and contributes some coin.
Succotash pays the man.

Things are going well. The gold and map are exchanged. Between the description, the map, and some extra details you get on request Succotash is pretty certain they can greater teleport over.

Then Tali loses control and drops some giant crocodiles in the middle of the scene.

The Druid’s companions freak out, shouting things like ‘Trechery’ and ‘I knew it!’. The druid keeps calm though, and with a muttered spell and wave of his hand causes the crocs to vanish. ”Calm. Calm! Everyone’s gotten what they wanted. Lets just leave.”

And so they do, with most of the druid’s group glaring angrily at Tali and with spells on the tip of their tongues as they vanish into the trees. The spell holding your NPC companions is dispelled as soon as they’re safely out of sight.


DM Mitch 
Monday July 5th, 2021 9:22:26 AM

Free from the hold spell, the orcs and former thieves congregate around the group. The thieves look especially sheepish. "Now I just feel stupid. If we had stopped fighting and just talked maybe we'd have gotten a payday instead of our buts kicked." Jarry observes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday July 5th, 2021 4:04:22 PM

Pressi nodded. "I'm pretty sure that's word for word what Murphy said to you." She looked up with a glare at Tali. "Sometimes it's just easier to act than to observe, I suppose."

Snapping back to the mission, "Ok, we have a trading post, a cave and a group of people that's probably heading there already. Is there any possibility that anyone in either group can act as a guide? And does anyone have any opinions as to how we want to play this?"

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Monday July 5th, 2021 6:01:15 PM


"First of all, I think our new friends here have done their best for us. Do you guys have any other insight, info, or advice for us? If not, I think we're good."

"As for us hero types, we know enough to blip in, right? Can we ferry everybody in one go? That takes two spells? If so, let's just show up and see what happens, right? Buff and blip, easy peasy."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Monday July 5th, 2021 9:47:10 PM

Tali, looks at Pressi, then says, Aimon’s group just got under my skin.

I can take some, like last time, so how do we wish to proceed? Buff and blip as Catbliss suggests?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+43=50 ; d20+25=34 ;
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 3:18:17 AM


Murphy had hoped to talk more with Aimon. The druid's methodical gathering and reporting of information in some regards matched his own style. He was planning to tell him about the druidic convocation he has been discussing with others.

The druid looks over the document given them by the druid. "We may be able to use this should we need to try to scry upon him," Murphy says. He quickly reads it and looks it over to absorb the contents.

He walks over to where their recent near-combatants were standing. He takes out a few bags. He checks to see whether any of them may have dropped any of their possessions, and examines footprints. He picks up dust that their feet touched - in particular where Aimon stood, and where the clearly murderous team member stood, though he does alike for the others. Perhaps a bit of spell components or pouch - whatever he might find which may be useful for future scrying attempts.

"Jarry, we really do prefer to avoid killing, but will do so if necessary. We often give our opponents more than one opportunity to consider alternatives to continue to beat on one another."

He checks on the welfare of the two groups. To the beastfolk he says, "I have a thought. Should we manage to recover the alloy that you stole in several sessions, would you be open to accompanying us as we return it to the dwarfs? Your two leaders died on the mountain pass. Your making at least partially right the wrong you did may go a long way toward softening stubborn hearts, and showing true signs of repentance - of which restitution is an important ingredient. Talk it over, think it over. If you do not wish to accompany us to meet your former employer, as Bliss indicated, this might be a good time to take our leave of each other, until we have finished what we can of the recovery effort. We could arrange to meet you at a set time and place perhaps in a day or two. And, if you will work with us, and do what can be done to resolve the issue with the dwarfs, you may have a professional pathway to take as travelling security consultants. It can pay well from time to time." He pauses. "If you do wish to join us as we pursue the buyer of metals, tell us now."

And to the orcs. "Do you wish to come with us? It is not required, but that option is open to you."

Murphy is not particularly upset with Tali. She typically avoids getting too riled up, but can see how this last group managed to raise her ire.

"Well played, friends. We escaped without having to harm anyone, or having ourselves or our companions injured."

Entering into the discussion on options, the gap-toothed druid says, "Teleport, scout. Plant an oak tree if necessary. Scrying has proven less than auspicious so far. The target has protections up."

==============
Perception: 50
Survival: 34

DM Mitch 
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 8:09:06 AM

Pressi reminds Jarry that is what Murphy said to them and then glares at Tali about how it is easier to act than observe sometimes. She asks if anyone can guide them to the trading post and then cave.

CatBliss suggests blipping in directly and seeing what happens

Tali agrees with the buff and blip strategy after explaining Aimon got under her skin.

Murphy had so many things he wanted to talk to Aimon about but it looks like he won’t get the chance. He decides to search for scryable items and talks to the beastfolk and orcs. He suggests they teleport in and scout.

Murphy leads a search the area for belongings they might have left behind. It’s quickly discovered that they were camped at the top of the hill. No wonder they acted as they did, an armed group of almost 20 people were about to walk right into their camp with presumed hostile intentions. There isn’t much left behind, a few simple tents, the ashes of a fire and some discarded food remains. It doesn’t look like anything useful for scrying.

The beastfolk admit Pressi’s point. ”Yeah but seeing is believing, and now we’ve seen it and get to feel extra stupid.” They also immediately shoot down Murphy’s suggestion. ”No way, we’re wanted in dwarven lands. We show our faces there and a fight is going to start regardless of our good intentions. We’d be far better off starting over in a new land where no one knows us. A clean slate we can start honest lives with.”

The orcs, in turn, seem to realize how out of their depths they are. They decide to make camp and await the parties return rather than risk all dying to a stray fireball or something.

The teleport discussion is disrupted by a problem; they don’t have a good enough description. They got to the camp because the beastfolk had been there and gave a detailed description, but a crude, if clear, map and mention of some neat looking rocks just isn’t enough to aim a teleport spell. Aimon could provide the needed details but he’s gone and chasing him would probably end in violence considering how things ended.

One of the beastfolk, looking at the map, notes that he’s been to Troll trading outpost. Recently enough you could probably teleport there at least.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 9:47:55 AM

Succotash asks, Are we going to head to Troll than? Maybe someone can give us directions to the cave with theses "bleeding rocks"? I'm happy that things went down without bloodshed, but dang, any more encounters like that, and my coin purse is going to be empty!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 10:16:41 AM

Hobie continues to hover, and has a quite angry face

"That gold should have gone to the orcs, you guys should be ashamed of yourselves for paying off the thieves instead of their victims."


The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB 
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 1:42:21 PM

"I'm with Hobie on this one," says Kezzem. "Those elves were real jerkfaces!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 10:05:42 PM

Pressi shrugged at Hobie. “We made a call, we got the information, we didn’t have to fight yet another group of bandits because if we fight everyone in the area that deserves it, we’ll be here all year.”

She turns back to the beast folk. “Sounds like the trading post is our next stop. Anything you can tell us about the people or services there.”

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 10:10:49 PM


"You guys want we should give something to the orcs? I'm out of coin, but be my guest."

"Blip to Troll and hoof it from there? A fine plan."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=26 ; d20+26=46 ;
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 11:14:43 PM

Amends...

Diplomatically, Tali offers to give the beast folks:

-- 5,000 Gold coins, and
-- (2) Wands of Cure Moderate wounds valued at 4500 Gold Pieces each

for a total of 14,000 Gold Pieces, it's the best she can do on short notice & if her companions agree.

"What say, you Mister Murphy? Friends? Your Thoughts on the matter?" asks Tali to her friends. "I can throw in a free full bottle of wine and a sack to carry it all in!" says Tali.

Skills Check

Fly:26
Diplomacy: 46 {NAT 20}

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 170 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1070 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1070 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}

DM Mitch 
Wednesday July 7th, 2021 8:01:03 AM

Succotash asks if the party is going to head to Troll to see if they can direction to the cave with bleeding rocks. He says he’s happy things went down without bloodshed but if they keep this up his coin purse will end up empty.

Hobie is angry the money went to the thieves instead of the orcs.
Kezzem agrees with Hobie
Pressi explains that they’d be there all year if they fought every single bandit group they came across. She then asks the lizard folk about the people or services offered at Troll.

Catbliss is okay with giving something to the Orcs but he’s out of money. He likes plan blip to Troll and then hoof it.

Tali offers to give the beast folk 2 wands of moderate wounds, 5000 gold coins, a bottle of wine and a sack to carry it in.

Dura asks Murphy, “Are you sure you guys are heroes? You seem to be giving away a lot of gold to thieves?”

Jarry says to Pressi, “Well you know Troll is a trading outpost. It has provisions you’d need for roughing it, being on the border of the culverwood and maybe information depending on what you want to know and if anything worth noting happened in the vicinity.”

Vron says, “Well now it looks like we might be getting somewhat of a payday after all courtesy of miss Tali.”


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Wednesday July 7th, 2021 10:53:45 AM

To Hobie, Succotash says, "We will get the orcs their ore back, and maybe a little something else, from the ore collectors, when we find them, I have no doubt about that, and while I know those druids didn't deserve a pay-off, since when are we a bunch of murder hobos? We have always done our best to avoid bloodshed, whenever possible, and though I would have rather things gone differently, 16,000 gold is a small price to pay to keep Valerie from disemboweling someone."

To the rest of the party, Succotash says, "If Miss Tali is ready, her and I can get everyone, who is going, to Troll." Than assuming Tali is ready, Succotash will cast greater teleport, due to his unfamiliarity with the place, and take half the group to Troll.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday July 7th, 2021 12:59:12 PM


Bliss thanks Tali. "We'll make sure everybody is whole the next time we split up loot."

He changes to a cat and is ready to blip.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday July 7th, 2021 2:27:53 PM

Pressi nods. "Ok, might be a good place to get some recon. We might even get lucky, if our buyer chooses to go through the same trading post."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=28 ; d20+26=30 ;
Thursday July 8th, 2021 2:57:58 AM

Resolving Differences...

Tali places the 5,000 gold coins into one sack and then the two (2) wands of moderate wounds, and a bottle of wine into another sack and gives both sacks to the beast folk.

Turning to Mister Murphy, says, "Whose is coming with me?" as she prepares to cast Greater Teleport she makes sure she gets at least a reliable description of the place to which she will be teleporting from everyone involved including the Beast Folk of the "Troll". Tali knows it is in the Far East of Culverwoods and learns it is roughly half way between Trader's corner and Edenmoor. Pointing at Mister Murphy, Tali uses the Message spell to say, "Mister Murphy, I can take up to five (5) other people!" Since she has to be within touch range of the others, she only hovers a few inches off the ground as she gets ready to finish the Greater Teleport spell.

Skills Check
Fly: 28
Diplomacy: 30

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 169 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1069 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1069 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells
Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}
Greater Teleport | 1x

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