Getting Blood...er...Rare Metallic Salts From Stone
DM Mitch Thursday July 8th, 2021 7:51:03 AM Succotash explains to Hobie that they will get the orcs their ore back and a little extra from the mastermind behind the heists and then remarks that 16000 gold is a small price to pay to prevent a dinosaur disembowelment from Valerie. He then volunteers to teleport half the party to Troll
CatBliss says they’ll make sure everyone is whole the next time they split up loot and then changes into cat form. Pressi remarks that Troll is probably a good place to do some recon and they might even get lucky if the buyer decided to go to the same outpost. Tali hands over the money and uses teleport to assist with getting everyone to their destination.
The beastfolk are very grateful for the unexpected windfall. ”This’ll make turning over a new leaf much easier. We’ll make sure to do good with it.” The party assembles into its two groups and teleports to the small trading outpost of Troll on the border of the culverwood. The outpost has high wooden walls and the gate is manned by a guard who asks, “Who goes there and what business do you have in Troll?”
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Thursday July 8th, 2021 9:10:20 AM
Bliss winds around Mookie's legs, and the crow speaks out brazenly, resplendent in his usual crisp white vest and a little white top hat.
"Yes, yes, my good fellow. We are powerful adventurers and heroes from Humbles Ford, come to your settlement here as part of our current quest. Our business is as it always is, to protect the weak, stand up to evil, and serve the Wold as needed."
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+26=40 ; Thursday July 8th, 2021 10:01:41 AM
Succotash stifles a laugh at the image of a raven, as the spokesman, before adding, "It is as our spokes-bird has said, we are the adventurers known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us? We did slay a dragon at the battle of the Sargrass Plains and apparently, with the retirement of the Sea Dragons, and the Keepers of the Vale, we are now the premier adventuring group of the Wold. Well anyway, as our bird friend has said, we are on a quest that has lead us to this fine settlement/trading post. If you would be so kind as to allow us entrance to this lovely place, we would be most grateful. Also if you happen to know the whereabouts of a cave that supposedly has rocks that appear to be bleeding, that would be appreciated as well." (Diplomacy 40)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday July 8th, 2021 3:11:38 PM
"I know that it's a lot to ask for that a large group of halflings be subtle when approaching a new town, but... can we at least pretend that we'll make an attempt to be subtle? How about the next town, just this once?"
As others begin to view the area, Pressi took a look around.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Thursday July 8th, 2021 3:42:07 PM
"Wait, we're the premier adventuring group now?" asks Kezzem. "Wow, the Wold is really up the creek then."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=37 ; d20+26=31 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+14=21 ; Thursday July 8th, 2021 10:34:59 PM We're off to see the Troll...
Tali resume her 3 foot hover [Skill check | Fly: 37] above the ground and shakes off any dust from her travels. Hovering over to the guard, Tali bats her eyelids at the guard and diplomatically says, "do you have provisions for sale here in Troll? Perhaps you also have an inn nearby so my friends and I can rest our weary bones?" [Skill check | Diplomacy check: 31] Tali tries to determine the motives of the guard. [Skill check | Sense Motive: 25]
Tali, given the opportunity, will try to perceive what she can of Troll [Skill check | Perception: 21] specifically, anything out of the ordinary.
Skills Check Fly: 37 Diplomacy: 31
Spells in Effect Message |Duration 168 minutes Overland Flight |Duration 1068 minutes Mage Armor |Duration 1068 minutes | +4 to AC
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Friday July 9th, 2021 1:28:40 AM
along with Tali, Hobie also hovers about 3 feet above the ground, keeping himself at eye level with whatever people they are meeting in Troll.
He keeps his eyes peeled for any Fletcher shops or any Scroll shops.
DM Mitch Friday July 9th, 2021 8:34:23 AM CatBliss winds himself around his spirit companion’s legs as Mookie introduces the party
Succotash elaborates on the introduction that Mookie made sharing some tales of their exploits asking further about the cave that appears to have bleeding stones.
Pressi asks if it was too much to ask for the team to try subtlety for once before inquiring if they can try that next time.
Kezzem observes that if Humble’s sword is the premier adventuring group then the wold is up a creek.
Tali bats her eyelashes at the guard and asks after provisions and lodging
Hobie is interested in fletcher or scroll shops.
The guard triggers the gate mechanism and you are able to enter Troll. He says, “Yes well it isn’t everyday you get such illustrious guests as yourselves. I just hope you aren’t put off by what a small trading outpost we are. You have a few choices with wear you can buy provisions but we have one small inn and a bar and that is pretty much it. You know it’s been an interesting week between yourselves and that other eccentric who game through not too long ago.”
Tali is able to see that Troll is as the guard describes. There is a small inn, a place that seems to be a bar, a warehouse, a small store and a stand of sorts as far as structures go.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=40 ; d20+26=37 ; Friday July 9th, 2021 8:37:15 PM That other eccentric...
Tali's, still hovering her accustomed 3 feet above the ground [Skill check | Fly: 40] ears perks up when she hears the guard mention "that other eccentric". Spinning around to face the guard once again, Tali bats her eyelids at the guard and diplomatically says, "What can you tell us about "that other eccentric" that came through here through not too long ago? Could you describe him/ her? Enough so my colleagues can draw a picture from your description? [Skill check | Diplomacy check: 37] Tali tries to persuade the guard to reveal as much as he can about that other eccentric. What do you remember about the eccentric? Was he friendly? Kind? Generous? Did he talk a lot or stay to himself? We don't see many eccentrics these days, and you have just piqued my curiosity. I wanna know all about a kindred spirit!" says Tali in her most charming manner.
Pointing to Murphy, then to each of her companions in turns as if pointing something out... Tali uses her Message spell to convey, " I think the guard just dropped the bomb about our quarry. He said that other Eccentric that came through not too long ago." Perhaps we can ask around and find others that can tell us more about this "Eccentric" person.
Skills Check Fly: 40 Diplomacy: 37
Spells in Effect Message |Duration 167 minutes Overland Flight |Duration 1067 minutes Mage Armor |Duration 1067 minutes | +4 to AC
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+14=26 ; Saturday July 10th, 2021 8:22:28 AM
Mookie stays with the party, but Bliss in cat form wanders the town, spying and listening and smelling.
Diplomacy check to gather info, especially about this "bleeding rocks cave" ... 26.
Bliss relays any news back to Mookie telepathically so the bird can share.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Saturday July 10th, 2021 10:27:12 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.”
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Monday July 12th, 2021 12:28:55 AM
"I think we need to have words with this 'other eccentric' person," says Kezzem. "Maybe even should sue him for trademark infringement."
DM Mitch Monday July 12th, 2021 8:39:22 AM Tali inquires more about the other eccentric diplomatically while suggesting to the others that that might be who they are looking for.
CatBliss wonders around the settlement in cat form, spying and listening and smelling. Pressi appears to be caught in a loop.
Kezz’m suggests suing for trademark infringement.
The guard says to Tali, “Well the reason why I called him eccentric was he used magic to obscure his identity, but his coin was as good as anyone else’s.”
Bliss hears some about the eccentric person that came through obscured by magic and how he bought spelunking gear then disappeared into the Culverwood. He hasn’t been seen since.
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+26=43 ; Monday July 12th, 2021 9:39:07 AM Why would someone hide there identity, unless they were up to no good." Succotash asks the guard rhetorically, then before the guard can answer, he walks away, heading into the settlement. He looks around for the local inn, and when he finds it, he goes in and after ordering a pint, of the establishments best ale, he asks the bar keep, "Hello good sir, I'm on a bit of an errand, or quest if you will, and I've heard there is a cave near here that has rocks that look like they are bleeding. Such a sight is not to be missed, or so I've been told, and I was wondering if you could direct me to the place?" (diplomacy 43)
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Monday July 12th, 2021 8:51:43 PM
CatBliss rejoins the party after communicating his findings via Mookie.
"The Kid says, maybe we can follow this fellow either by scent and tracking or by divination."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=31 ; d20+26=33 ; Monday July 12th, 2021 8:58:04 PM Oh a spelunking we will go...
After learning all she can from the guard, Tali hovers over to the general store in order to get an idea of what kind of equipment the "other Eccentric" purchased before he/she/it disappeared into The Culver-woods. Diplomatically, Tali asks the store clerk about the other Eccentric person that came to town, and purchase rock climbing gear on a search for self-discovery. She also asks about the "Bleeding Rocks if they ever heard of such a thing perhaps in a cave or something like that.
Skills Check
Fly: 31
Diplomacy: 33
Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 166 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1066 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1066 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
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Monday July 12th, 2021 9:51:37 PM
Pressi kind of agrees with Succotash, but figures as the team identity obscurer she might want to keep quiet on that. Bliss obscured his identity and let it go without comment so she figured she'd do the same.
She figured that Murphy will cover supplies and that the others seem to be covering the new follower. She wonders why their quarry would do this part themselves rather than by mercenaries. But for now, she focuses on getting an idea of what kinds of things someone could mine or dive for out there.
She also takes some time to detect magic through the camps.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 3:32:13 AM
Murphy helps with the shopping.
DM Mitch Tuesday July 13th, 2021 8:22:51 AM Succotash rhetorically asks why someone would hide their identity unless they are up to no good before going to the bar and asking more about the cave with rocks that look like they are bleeding.
Catbliss rejoins the party after communicating his findings with Mookie and Mookie suggests they use scent or divination to track their query.
Tali purchases rock climbing gear and makes inquires into the other eccentric and the bleeding rocks while she is at it.
Pressi defers to the other on gathering supplies and information. She tries to figure out what kind of things someone could gather from the cave and casts detect magic as she wonders around.
Murphy helps with the shopping.
The barkeeper says to Succotash, “Well there is a cave nearby, but this outpost is on the border of the Culverwood and it might not necessarily always be in the same location, as the Culverwood can play tricks on the unwary. I’d give it a pass unless I had a really good reason to go that way as the Culverwood can be dangerous.”
The merchant says to Tali, “The eccentric bought mundane ways to make light, rope, climbing gear, several flasks, a portable alchemical lab, trail rations and water skins and they was muttering something about having to do something themselves if they wanted it right whatever that means.”
Pressi learns the innkeeper has some magic items on him.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Tuesday July 13th, 2021 1:53:08 PM
Hobie will ask around about the most experienced arcane magic user in town, and if he can find that person he will ask some questions about the form of magical identity concealing.
"Were you able to distinguish what spell this eccentric was using to conceal him/herself? Was the magic coming from any sort of item they carried, like a hat of disguise? Or was it a spell they cast like Alter Self? Any information you could give would be quite helpful to us."
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 13th, 2021 3:34:54 PM "Thanks for the warning barkeep, but I grew up in Merrydale, and am well versed in the dangers of the Culverwood. I would normally give the forest a wide berth, but my friends and I were hired to track down some stolen merchandise, and it seems that the cave I mentioned is where they may be found. To be honest, I fear something most nefarious is at play, and am bent on ending it before bad things happen."
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Tuesday July 13th, 2021 8:00:10 PM
When the group is ready, Mookie and Bliss will lead the way, Mookie from above trying to see things from the air, and Bliss in cat form sniffing and tracking from the ground.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday July 13th, 2021 9:51:46 PM
"That's fantastic. And there's no way for someone to hit a particular cave out there? No map, no pattern, no divination spell. Nobody going out there before in search of anything worthwhile? Not even a legend of some treasure that was buried long ago by a ghost pirate?"
Pressi was silent for a moment. "Ok, that would happen if we entered the ground. Has anyone ever tried flying over around here?"
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=24 ; d20+26=33 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2021 11:51:28 PM Oh a spelunking we will go...
Tali points in the direction of each of her teammates and shares what she has learned using the Message spell with each. She goes over what the merchant said: “The eccentric bought mundane ways to make light, rope, climbing gear, several flasks, a portable alchemical lab, trail rations and water skins and they was muttering something about having to do something themselves if they wanted it right whatever that means.”
Tali continues with, "I get the feeling that something didn't go as planned. That if we can close distance between us and he/she/it, we may be able to bring this entire affair to a close. Anyone find out anything else? Are we staying the night?"
Skills Check Fly: 24 Diplomacy: 33
Spells in Effect Message |Duration 165 minutes Overland Flight |Duration 1065 minutes Mage Armor |Duration 1065 minutes | +4 to AC
DM Mitch Wednesday July 14th, 2021 8:27:26 AM Hobie ironically finds that the innkeep is probably the most knowledgeable person about magic in the small outpost. He used to be an adventurer like you guys until he took an arrow to the knee apparently. That is why he still has those magic items. Succotash thanks the barkeep for the warning, but then goes into their reason for going into the Culverwood. Catbliss and Mookie volunteer to lead the way whenever the group is ready. Pressi inquires further about the cave and approaching it from the air. Tali shares the information she learned with the rest of the team and asks if the team wants to set out tomorrow morning instead.
The innkeep tells Hobie, “Well it was an illusion of some kind and a darn good one. Like he wanted people to know he was a skilled arcanist, I think it was a way of discouraging people from trying to find too much out about him. Like he wreathed himself in a sort of magical flame with a visage that alternated between alien and horrifying depending on his reaction. He didn’t like the way the supply stand treated him and so it turned into this horrifyingly twisted demonic face and gave the stand owner quite a fright.”
The barkeep says to Succotash, “Suit yourself. I just know there are strange plants and animals out there.”
The barkeep says to Pressi, “Odd things happen in the Culverwood. We don’t tend to get many magic users out this way but the canopy of the culverwood is fairly thick so I don’t know if one could find the cave from the air or not. Supposedly it is a marvel of nature with red mineral deposits seeping from the stone as if the stone bleeds. Of course it isn’t a magical bleeding stone but some kind of metallic salt mixing with water and running off through the stones. An alchemist came through here once to see it. He made it out there the first time. He went out there a second time and no one has seen him since. That is why I dissuade people from seeking the cave, but people can ultimately do what they want I suppose.”
It is getting rather late in the day. Meanwhile while you were doing your investigation, “Your lizardfolk ‘guides’ were talking to the gatekeeper.
They come back to you and say, “Can we stay here? We spoke to the guard and he says they could use folks with combat experience to guard this place what with that magic guy and you folks coming through here things could be changing. The innkeep also says he’d have someone to talk to and trade stories with.”
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 14th, 2021 10:56:54 AM "Of course you can stay here, if that is you desire, you're free people after all. I'm glad you guys have found a place to make a new start, a place where you can use your skills for the good of others." Turning to the Swords, Succotash asks, "It's getting late, do we want to spend the night here, and head out in search of the cave in the morning?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday July 14th, 2021 2:57:59 PM
Pressi wants instead to press on. "Our alchemist friend already has too much of a head start on us. I think we need to continue ourselves. We'll just have to find a way to be smarter about it."
When the group is ready, Pressi suggests tracking first, then "Find the Path."
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Wednesday July 14th, 2021 7:51:33 PM
"Pressi, when have you ever known us to go about it smarter?" asks Kezzem.
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Wednesday July 14th, 2021 8:22:08 PM
Bliss has no problem with folks settling here. He telepathically tells Mookie to wish them well.
"The Kid says it makes no nevermind to him. Have a nice life," the big raven caws.
Bliss is eager to get going, even if it is late afternoon.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=32 ; d20+21=24 ; Thursday July 15th, 2021 12:14:46 AM Oh a spelunking we will go in the Culverwoods!
Tali wonders about prepping for the next leg of their journey. Diplomatically, Tali is trying to convince the group, especially Pressi & CatBliss, "that having a chance to recoup lost spells / spell slots might be a better way to go, especially when treading into the Culverwoods. Would really suck is we were ambushed with our pants down!", exclaims Tali!
Skills Check Fly: 24 Diplomacy: 32
Spells in Effect Message |Duration 164 minutes Overland Flight |Duration 1064 minutes Mage Armor |Duration 1064 minutes | +4 to AC
DM Mitch Thursday July 15th, 2021 7:21:45 AM Succotash tells the lizard folk they can stay and wishes them well. He also asks if they want to spend the night and set out in the morning. Pressi argues they should press on but be smart about it because the person they are after has a headstart on them already. Kezz’em asks when has she known them to be be smarter about things. Bliss is eager to get going and has Mookie wish the lizard folk well.
Tali tries to convince Pressi and CatBliss to wait till the morning to head out so they can have a chance to recover spells and not get potentially ambushed in the Culverwood.
Jarry clears his throat and says, “Um, just one more thing. When you guys bested us you did take our weapons. I mean we could probably get new ones but I don’t suppose we could have them back?”
The innkeep overhears the debate about staying and chimes in, “We don’t really get that many people usually. You seem like a good lot. How about this. You can stay here overnight, on the house, in exchange for a story about your adventures?”
It seems like Succotash and Tali have voted to stay the night and Pressi and CatBliss would like to press on. How do Murphy, Hobie and Kezz’m feel?
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 July 15th, 2021 10:15:28 AM "Hey guys, Jarry has a point, they are going to need their gear if they are going to help defend this community. I have no problem returning it to them, they have proven themselves to be reformed, and have even taken up a noble cause, shall we return their stuff? By the way, even though I would prefer to head out in the morning, I'm willing to leave now. However, you all should know though, that the Culverwood can be a treacherous journey during the day, at night, well lets just say we should keep our guard up. Remember, I grew up on the edge of the Culverwood, over in Merrydale, so I know of what I speak."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Thursday July 15th, 2021 10:26:30 AM
"I'm good to go now," says Kezzem.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Thursday July 15th, 2021 12:02:12 PM
"I'd definitely prefer waiting one more night, so I can get prepared for the morning. I definitely want to prepare True Seeing now that we know we are dealing with an illusionist."
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Thursday July 15th, 2021 12:02:12 PM
"I'd definitely prefer waiting one more night, so I can get prepared for the morning. I definitely want to prepare True Seeing now that we know we are dealing with an illusionist."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday July 15th, 2021 4:33:44 PM
Pressi turned to Murphy. “Ok, looks like you’re the tiebreaker.”
(I’m assuming we recharged from after some confrontation or other, and there haven’t been a lot of spellcasts recently. But I’ll update the headers if there was a number of casts.)
If Pressi loses, I’ll list later some of the divinations she begins before they rest for the night.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Thursday July 15th, 2021 7:04:36 PM
"No, Succotash. Absolutely not," Murphy states. "They have not agreed to meet with the dwarfs from whom they stole, some of whom they killed. And they repeated their robberies four times after their first attack. We do NOT return their gear to them unless they agree to meet with them to effect some sort of restitution, and AFTER such a meeting, then I'll consider returning a portion of it. I'd be fine with setting aside a few hundred gold to allow them to obtain mundane gear, IF they agree to the terms I set. Honestly, Succotash, mercy is lovely, and we have shown them such. But Justice - and a portion of mercy - require that they do what they can to set things aright with those they have attacked and wronged. What you're advocating is license, and you are missing the redemptive nature of restitution."
Regarding going now or in the morning, Murphy says, "Though I am ready to go, for I see the benefit of haste, our paladin and arcane archer make good points. So, how about this? I was born in the Culverwood, and have lived there for a time. Would anyone want to accompany me to scout things out before the sun sets? We then could return, and share bits of our stories with these good folk. Maybe have some music, eh?"
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=40 ; d20+21=26 ; Thursday July 15th, 2021 9:52:15 PM Into the Culverwoods!
Tali agrees with Mister Murphy's suggestion as she herself has expended at least 7 spells and hasn't rested within the last 24 hours she explains to her companions diplomatically.
Tali adjusts her hover to just about 6 inches off the ground.
Skills Check Fly: 26 Diplomacy: 40
Spells in Effect Message |Duration 163 minutes Overland Flight |Duration 1063 minutes Mage Armor |Duration 1063 minutes | +4 to AC
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Thursday July 15th, 2021 11:45:44 PM
Bliss changes into a halfling for dinner and camping. He concedes the point and agrees with druidic wisdom. "Okay, Mister Murphy. We give these guys a few hundred gold so they can buy decent nonmagical weapons. That's the price they pay for stealing. And we can wait the night."
Mookie and Bliss take first watch.
DM Mitch Friday July 16th, 2021 7:54:17 AM Succotash argues that Jarry and company should have their gear if they are going to defend the settlement. He also notes a willingness to set out now despite preferring to spend the night first. He notes the Culverwood is a place to not get caught unwary. Kezz’em remarks he’s good to move on now. Hobie prefers waiting one more night so that he can have true seeing. Pressi points out that Murphy is the tie breaker before turning her thoughts to what spells she’ll cast tonight if the consensus is to rest first. Murphy argues with Succotash over the fact that the lizard folk have not met with the dwarves they wronged to make restitution. He stipulates that only then should they get their gear back. He is not opposed to giving them a few hundred gold for mundane gear should they agree to his terms. He suggests a compromise in the debate between pressing on and staying the night where he leads a scouting party into the culverwood to return before the sun sets and then they would set out in the morrow after some rest. Tali agrees with Murphy’s plan as she really needs to recover spells before they continue. Bliss goes halfling and concedes Murphy's point on the robberies.
Jarry says to Murphy, “We told you. The idea to rob and keep robbing originated with Shee and Shanks and they payed the ultimate price for their folly when they tangoed with you. Sure we went along with it but you didn’t know Shee and Shanks. They weren’t ones to take no for an answer. How come you lot just rained a bunch of gold on those other thieves? How do you know they didn’t kill anyone?”
A little later Murphy leads a scouting party into the Culverwood. The warnings from the village about the thickness of the canopy were no joke. Despite the fact that it is daytime the foliage is so thick that light reaching the forest is considerably dimmed.
Perception: 35 Highlight to display spoiler: {It has been a few days since your quarry has come this way. It will likely be hard to find the trail given the hardness of the forest floor, the time that has passed and the lighting situation inside the forest. Still though you think you can make out some broken branches and tramped underbrush indicative of someone moving in the direction of the cave per the accounts of the alchemist as told by the barkeep}
Perception 40 Highlight to display spoiler: {You’ve moved just about as far as you are going to before turning back to rest the night but you notice the ground ahead is unusually more thicketted than that of which you passed. You think you also see glimpses of strange colors higher up but you cannot say for certain in this low light. }
After everyone has returned from scouting the innkeep sets out a meal of beef stew with rustic bread and ale. He has a peach cobbler for dessert. While it is simple fair there is plenty of it, so much in fact that even the hungriest amongst you can have their fill. After the meal is done he clears the table and beckons you to sit near the fire so he can hear tales told of your exploits from Humble’s Sword themselves. He says, “It’s not everyday one is visited by the Wold’s premier adventuring group”
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=42 ; Friday July 16th, 2021 10:39:53 AM
Perception 42
As one who grew up on the edge of the Culverwood, Succotash volunteers to go on Murphy's scouting mission. "It appears that someone came through here, though it was a while ago, wait something seems strange about this thicket, it seems denser than it's surroundings, and is that some unusual colors I see up there? Succotash casts detect magic on the unusual thicket, taking the time to determain the school of magic if any. If it pings as magical, he makes a mental note and says to his cohorts, "Hey, this isn't a natural thicket, let's come back here in the morning and dispel it." If it doesn't ping as magical, than he still makes a mental note that it seems unusual and should be investigated in the morning.
Back at the inn, Succotash shares the story of his first adventure with the Swords. "When I joined the Swords, the blood crystals had come, and the blood grasses where causing their havoc. I ran into the Swords as we were both working on figuring out how to deal with this threat, in the old Sargrass Plains, somewhere, while it was still in a different dimension. Well, we returned just in time for the battle of the Sargrass Plains, when the Sarr split into three people, and we fought a hard won battle. The climax of the fight was us fighting a Umber Dragon, a dragon that killed my friend Murphy here, as well as my animal friend, a pig named Miss Piggy, Thanks to the fast actions of Bliss and Pressi, who both used breath of life, Murph and Piggy were brought back without having to make a visit with Lord Gargul."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Friday July 16th, 2021 6:19:10 PM
Murphy listens to Jarry's complaint. "We don't know much about what the group led by the druid has done. But they chose not to fight us. You know I am not fully satisfied with that interaction, but it is done, and they did provide us useful information, and no one got killed."
Then he addresses the lizard folks' chief matter. "I agree with you that Shee and Shanks, as leaders, were most to blame, but those who follow and carry out evil orders do not lack culpability. Look, Jarry, and all, my purpose, though you may not fully understand this, is not punishment. But it is a huge step toward reform. I was raised this way. If I do something wrong to someone, I need to step up to what I did. To confess it. To ask forgiveness. And, one hopes, to effect a reconcilation. Our parents' policy lead to being able to getting along, for the most part, with siblings and neighbors, and to keeping accounts short.
"If you will come with us before the dwarfs whose things you stole, whom you harmed, I and my friends will stand to vouch for you. We can see you are open to change toward what is good. Your offer to help out here at Troll's Corner is evidence of that. You shall be under our protection. But I ask you to be brave enough to face those whom you wronged, and admit what you did to be wrong. Now, we are working on getting back what you had stolen and given to the one we seek. And thus to provide a measure of restitution on your behalf.
"'Restitution' means to restore something to its rightful owner. It means to make good or give an equivalent for an injury.
"If you will do this, I think, though I cannot promise, that the dwarfs will at first grumble at the notion of forgiving you. Repaying them all or at least a portion of what they lost will help quiet down the grumbling. But with some persuasion, some cajoling, I think many of them will find a place in their hearts to offer you forgiveness. Perhaps they will ask you for some sort of help, even - though that is iffy. Part of the agreement I hope to arrange is that they will not consider you enemies any longer, and you will not ever again make of them your victims. I want us to work together toward a true peace.
"If it was Shee or Shanks who killed the dwarf, or dwarfs, then the deaths of your leaders may be seen by the dwarfs as a type of justice.
"The point is this: You will not have to run from them the rest of your lives. We have seen enemies become friends. Some of those who started off by fighting us, attacking us, now are our friends, and some live with us.
"I am asking you to be brave, to show a different type of courage. The courage of facing the truth. The courage of humility. The courage of placing yourselves, to an extent, at the mercy of those you have wronged. I predict, if you show that courage, that good of it will come of it to you.
"Also, you do that, and the only gear we will keep, after you have met the dwarfs, is that belonging to your two dead leaders. The rest of your gear will be yours again, so long as my friends agree to this offer - and we will clear that question up as soon as they weigh in. Different members of our group lead in different ways, but we try to respect each other, and come to a workable consensus."
Murphy, having delivered this appeal, gives it a chance to sink in. "You do not have to give an answer now. Talk it over among yourselves. When we return, and we will return, give us your answer. And now, if you will, join with us tonight as we share stories with the folk of this outpost. In the morning, I will provide 500 gold pieces for you to equip yourselves. No, make that 600. One hundred gold each."
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+29=44 ; d20+29=41 ; Saturday July 17th, 2021 10:52:06 AM
Bliss, scouting with Murphy, is glad that they seem to have found the right spot. He thinks Sir Succotash has the right idea.
And he thinks Murphy's offer is fine. "100 gold each is enough."
"Yeah," caws Mookie, "Be glad it's not zero. Be glad you're not dead."
"Hush, Mookie," says Bliss.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Saturday July 17th, 2021 12:53:53 PM
"Eh, dying not all that bad," says Kezzem. "I think all of here have done it at some point."
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+26=37 ; Sunday July 18th, 2021 9:09:52 PM Wait just a moment, please!
Tali, shocked to her core, rises to 7 feet above the ground, and looking onto all assembled says, diplomatically, "Er, wait just a moment friends...what happened to the 5,000 Gold coins, and (2) Wands of Cure Moderate wounds totaling 14,000 Gold Pieces, with a free full bottle of wine and a sack to carry it all in, where did all of that go that I gave you, the "beast Folks", not more than a day ago, before coming here?! Well?! The answer, please, before I summon dire creatures upon you! Almost yelling, Tali shouts, "Out with it!""
Skills Check Fly: 38 Diplomacy: 37
Spells in Effect Message |Duration 162 minutes Overland Flight |Duration 1062 minutes Mage Armor |Duration 1062 minutes | +4 to AC
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=47 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+11=31 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 12:29:03 AM
Scouting: "Thanks, Succotash & Bliss, for joining me out here," Murphy whispers quietly as they follow the path. When they get to the thicker growth, the druid knows how to pass without trace even through the densest brush, but that is not a skill his two companions share. "Cast on me, if you will, a message spell. I promise not to go over far, but I can get us a closer look..."
If they are game for this notion, he first spits on the ground, and makes mud to cover his fair face, hood up over his sandy hair, and the druid's vestment over all else. He wends with care his way through the overgrowth until he can catch a clearer view of the colors above. Any insight gained regarding bleeding rocks? Keeping his promise, after gathering what visual and auditory information he might by a closer look, he returns with the same care back to his friends, letting them know what he has learned, and passes on the same information telepathically to Pressi. What he really wanted to do, was to assume an animal form that might allow him to take a closer look, but he has been chewed out so many times for taking what his friends thought risks too great, he restrains this impulse. Still, he feels a loss at not doing so.
Story Time at the Inn Murphy asks if someone might have a lute he can borrow. He starts by humming a tune (Perform, singing 17), then begins by strumming and picking it out on the lute (Perform, lute 16). "Hobie, can you pick up this tune?" Surely Hobie will play it more skillfully than he (Perform, lute 16), but he can at least accurately get the right notes and pacing.
"Wolpertingers," he says as he strums and picks. "Wolpertingers. Who here has ever seen a Wolpertinger?" he asks those assembled. He withdraws from his haversack a leather folder, and pulls out a parchment from it, pausing from his lutework to do so. He displays two of his sketches of the legendary critters (I love the sketches here. Head like that of a hare with ears of suitable length; a pair of antlers; fangs; wings of a pheasant on the body of a squirrel.
"Succotash, Kezzem - we need a good beat on the drum.
"Behold, the dread Wolpertinger!" he says. "Tough, elusive, able to hide in thick brush, and fly to escape - or attack. Very soft fur, though." He moves the sketches around so all can see, then passes them out. "Take a look, then return them." He resumes playing the lute.
"There was to be a wedding. The mayor of our town, at the age of 40, was finally going to settle down with a bride. Oh, and what a bride..."
He invites his friends to add to the story. He runs through the search for the critters, their strange beauty, their cleverness. But he weaves a story of the hunting of the wolpertinger from within the great forest... He weaves a story of humorous bickering among the hunting party, of stumbles, of woodland surprises, of noble gestures, clever tactics, then getting a glimpse of the elusive prey. He tells the story of the Hunting of the Snipe. I mean, Wolpertinger. Of the snarling creatures, nasty during the day, sweet in their sleep, the wedding party, the pranks and joviality - and the kindness and forebearance of those who want to keep an old tradition, but also think of preserving so rare and odd a creature. [Oratory 31 -nat20]
And he enjoys listening to the other stories his friends may tell, and adds a quick embellishment or grace note from time to time to their tales.
Backstep to Tali's reaction to the Lizardfolk's complaint (well, Jarry's) Murphy smiles at his good friend's outburst. Keeping his smile, he follow's Tali's outburst by saying to the semi-repentent robbers, "Yes. Out with it!"
=========== Perception: 47 Survival: 31 Perform, singing: 17 Perform, instrument: 16 Perform, oratory: 31 (nat 20) =========== Yes, this post exceeds the ~20-line limit... 23 lines if the headers and rolls are excluded.
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Monday July 19th, 2021 10:00:45 AM
Bliss is confused. What did we give to which group?
Mookie, sensing telepathically the disorder in his master's mind, sighs. The halfling-size crow shakes his head quickly back and forth, as if to clear it. "Come on! 'Humble Swords'?! It's true that you're not the sharpest tools in the shed, but at level 18 you should be more on the ball!"
"We're really only supposed to be level 17," Bliss mutters.
Mookie hits the halfling in the head with a wing buffet.
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+7=26 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 10:05:28 AM
At Murphy's request, Succotash pulls Bonham, his masterwork Djembe out of his handy haversack and begins playing. He keeps a solid beat for his friend's oratory performance (performance percussion 26), and even manages to pull of a few nice fills.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Monday July 19th, 2021 3:55:11 PM
(My apologies, I'm just back from my trip and my wife's birthday is in a week, so I'm not keeping track of any of these bribes or spells or anything.)
Pressi stays back to rest. But not before she casts a divination asking whether there are ways to track a cave through the culverwood.
DM Mitch d20=16 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 6:45:31 PM Succotash explores Culverwood with Murphy. He finds evidence that someone came through at some point and then notices the thicket with unusual colors in it, but it is not magical so he makes a note to check it out. Later at the inn he tells the innkeep about the time he first joined Humble’s Sword during the Sarrgrass incursion. Murphy makes an impassioned speech to the Lizardfolk about making true restitution and asks them to think it over. He then allocates 600 gold in the short term for the lizard folk to equip themselves while they help Troll. CatBliss is in agreement with Succotash and Murphy. Mookie tells the lizardfolk to be glad the gold isn’t zero and they aren’t dead while Bliss tells him to hush.
Kezzem opines that dying isn’t that bad as they’ve all done it at some point. Tali asks the beast folks where the gold, wine, sack and wands she gave them a few days ago went. Murphy decides to do a little scouting off the path, then provides some entertainment to the people at the Inn. Bliss is confused and has lost track of what has been given to which group Succotash joins in on the performance Pressi casts a quick divination wondering about caves and things.
Murphy takes a closer look at the colorful things they spotted. They just look like plants, very thickly grown, he’d be struggling through difficult terrain if he wasn’t a druid. Lots of vines and voilage. They’re actually very pretty.
Jarry tells Tali, “We still have it and we appreciate it but we kind of wanted our weapons and armor. We’ve grown accustomed to our gear. We are limited to whatever this outpost has and given its remote nature the resources that we have probably won’t be able to fund exact replacements and even then I’m not sure about how well they will fit us. This place looks like a settlement for big folks not small folks like us. How about this. Murphy keeps his 600 gold and we use what Tali gave us to equip ourselves temporarily as we can. We will talk amongst ourselves about your other offer and give you an answer later.”
The Innkeep says to Succotash, “That’s a fine story lad. I was already retired when Sarr rose up so I didn’t have to beat it back myself but I mean it isn’t every day all the heroes of the Wold rise up to fight an existential threat. That was certainly worth your room and board for this evening.”
Everyone seems to enjoy the groups performance. A few people call for an encore and offer the group coins (about 10g if you want to accept it).
The innkeeper shows you to your rooms. They aren’t that spacious but they were designed for medium folks so they are plenty spacious for halflings. In place of beds there are 4 hammocks strong up between large posts in each room.
He says, “I’m making muffins for breakfast tomorrow. What time were you planning to wake up to set off for the Culverwood and I’ll make sure to have plenty ready for you when you wake up and coffee.”
Pressi’s divination indicates that with the map and their survival skills there should be no trouble finding the cave.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Monday July 19th, 2021 7:55:04 PM
Pressi turned to Murphy. “Ok, looks like you’re the tiebreaker.”
(I’m assuming we recharged from after some confrontation or other, and there haven’t been a lot of spellcasts recently. But I’ll update the headers if there was a number of casts.)
If Pressi loses, I’ll list later some of the divinations she begins before they rest for the night.
As the Humble's break for early retirement so as to get a good start on the day, Tali calls "dibs" on the 2 AM watch, then heads off for 2 hours of meditation while hovering 3 inches (NAT 1) above the floor, but ends up on the floor anyway.
After the two (2) mediation is completed, she will cast her "after meditation" spells:
* Overland Flight, * Mage Armor, & * Message
After casting her standard "after meditation spells", she will cast Invisibility upon herself, don her Googles of the Night, and then exiting the inn itself, fly up to the roof of the inn, to watch silently for signs of trouble. If she perceivers' anything out of the ordinary for the area, she uses her Message Spell to warn the others by pointing in their general direction and telling them what is happening, even waking them, if she has to!
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Tuesday July 20th, 2021 9:13:18 AM
The former prisoners make a reasonable suggestion and that's good enough for Bliss.
The halfling is content with staying the night, and even more content with the muffins. "My good fellow," he says, smiling, to the inkeeper, "add some bacon to that breakfast and we will leave deep in your debt."
In the morning, he is ready to go out into the Mighty Culverwood.
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=38 ; d20+12=15 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 11:02:04 AM
In the morning, Succotash spends a hour praying to the various gods of the Wold, and preparing his spells for the day. He eats his fill of the inns fine breakfast, than when his friends are ready to leave, he leads them back to the odd thicket. He casts Air Walk on Valerie and mounts up. He than rides to the top of the thicket to investigate the odd colors, making sure to not ride higher than the top of the thicket, so that the thicket conceals his location still. (Perception 38, Stealth 15)
Spells active:
Valerie -- Air Walk
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Tuesday July 20th, 2021 1:18:29 PM
At Murphey's request for drums, Kezzem starts beatboxing.
To Bliss, he says, "Bliss, no! I just finished patching up the fourth wall after the last time we broke it!"
"Did someone say muffins? Are they Heroes Muffins? Or blueberry? I hope they're blueberry."
Kezzem will cast Greater Magic Weapon on his two main daggers before heading out.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday July 20th, 2021 9:16:15 PM
Pressi, tired of these strange time loops, vows to throw her phone into a lake and check in only via computer.
Feeling better after her divinations, she (uncharacteristically for a halfling) wonders if she can skip the muffins and sleep in. However, the fact that they gave this person a head start means that she can't really afford a delay.
Morning brings the usual rituals (blood catch, ritual of warding, ritual of healing unless Bliss wants to share shield again, anyone casting for heroes feast?) and the usual prayers to her goddess (stay out of my way). (She may also do a contingency or spite, but I'll decide that in the morning.)
Harper grooms herself and prepares for battle.
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Tuesday July 20th, 2021 10:07:20 PM
Bliss was so enamored of muffins, he almost forgot!
"I guess it is Heroes' Second Breakfast today," he grins.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Tuesday July 20th, 2021 11:50:30 PM Lizard Folk Conversation "That is understandable, what you say about your gear," Murphy says with a small measure of sympathy. But he does not yield. "Let's see how you decide when we return. Have fun here!"
Inn wrap up "Good innkeep, might I ask your name?" I think he already has gotten all of our names.
Of the orcs he asks, "Is there aught you'd ask of us before we go? As stated elsewhere, we intend to return, but one never knows quite how long a task will take. I don't know how safe it would be for you to join us. Likely not very." He waits to get their thoughts on the matter.
Murphy snuggles into one of the big hammocks with Pressi. In the morning he has room for muffins AND Heroes' Breakfast, both! He prays, and revamps his spell selection. [Will get to that tomorrow, am prepping for an interview in the morning.]
"There are these beautifully colored plants on the way to the cave - I think it's the way to the cave. Very thick. Even as a druid, it was a tough squeeze. We can try to plow through, but it might be easier to go up and over, or around if possible. Don't know which would be better."
He sees that Succotash thinks overflight is the way to go. And Tali is, as per usual, flying. "Anyone need Greater Magic Fang? I'm keeping one for myself, and have one to give to another."
DM Mitch d20=18 ; d10=7 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2021 5:49:10 AM
Tali calls dibs on the 2am slot and then does her 2 hours of meditation while hovering 3 inches off the floor. She then casts her normal spells and goes to the roof with her goggles and prepares to send messages if she notices any threats.
CatBliss is fine with their former prisoner’s reasonable suggestion. He requests that the innkeep prepare bacon the next morning to go with the muffins.
Succotash spends an hour praying to the various gods of the Wold before casting air walk, mounting up and leading the way to the thicket. Kezzem is his jocular self in the evening and in the morning he makes his 2 main daggers magicked. Pressi wonders if she can skip the muffins and sleep in but their quarry has a long head start already so she makes with her normal bloodwitch ritual in the morning instead with CatBliss partaking where he normally does. Murphy decides it best to make a decision after they return from their trip to the cave. He briefly forgets the orcs stayed behind already and did not come to Troll with you, specifically because it would be to dangerous for them to keep going along to these fights. The innkeeper is named Bob.
The night passes uneventfully for any of the ersatz watchfolk. The next morning fresh muffins and bacon are available as promised and like with the food the previous evening the innkeep provides you with all the muffins you could eat, even enough for second breakfast on the road if you want.
It isn’t that hard to follow the trail the scouts set out on the previous evening and you find yourself near the thicketted area Murphy investigated the previous the day.
As Succotash flies to the top of the thicket the colorful vines lash out in an attempt to grapple him.
Succotash is grappled by the colorful vine and he has to make a DC 25 will save or lose a 7th level spell.
Now that it’s light and you can get a better look at them - Knowledge[Nature or Arcana]: 28 - Highlight to display spoiler: { This natural hazard is known as mage drain vines. Colorful plants thirsty for magic with the ability to drain spells from casters or usages from magic items. Any spellcaster caught by a mage drain vine can purposely sacrifice 2 spell slots from the level being drained to overload the vine causing it to explode dealing 1d6 x spell level sacrificed in a 10 foot radius }
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=30 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+24=27 ; 2d6+14=25 ; 2d6+14=17 ; d8+14=18 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=17 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2021 10:55:51 AM
Will Save 30 (pass) Knowledge Nature 23 (fail)
Succotash gasps a bit, as he is grappled and yanked off of Valerie's back by the vines. "Careful guys, I'm not sure what this thing is, but I swear it just tried to steal some of my magical power" The cleric tries to break the grapple, but fails to do so (CMB 19).
Seeing her master and friend in trouble, Valerie quickly goes into attack mode, lashing out with a full round attack, against the plant creature.
Left Talon hits AC 41 for 25 damage + 2 shock and 6 frost Right Talon hits AC 40 for 17 damage + 6 shock and 1 frost Bite hits AC 29 for 18 damage + 3 shock and 5 frost Left Claw hits AC 33 for 17 damage + 4 shock and 1 frost Right Claw hits AC 27 for 17 damage + 3 shock and 2 frost
Spells active:
Valerie -- Air Walk
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Wednesday July 21st, 2021 1:51:36 PM
Kezzem will move next to Succotash and draw his daggers. He will Detect Evil on the creature (just in case).
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=22 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+21=36 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2021 11:23:31 PM Flora & Fauna of Culerwood
As the morning rolls around, Tali drops her invisibility and removes her Googles, placing them into her front pocket, left side. As is customary for her statue, Tali hovers above the ground and takes up the rear position. Seeing the plant grip Succotash, Tali thinks back to what she recalls and making her knowledge check recalls:
This natural hazard is known as mage drain vines. Colorful plants are thirsty for magic with the ability to drain spells from casters or usages from magic items. Any spellcaster caught by a mage drain vine can purposely sacrifice 2 spell slots from the level being drained to overload the vine causing it to explode dealing 1d6 x spell level sacrificed in a 10-foot radius; which she then shares with all of her companions by way of her Message spell by pointing to each one of her companions and repeating what she remembers. She adds, we need to be on guard as this is not the normal woods...stuff here is delicate.
After explaining about the Mage Drain Vines, Tali will fly up to just out of range for the vines and hover in the last position.
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Thursday July 22nd, 2021 12:56:15 AM
Bliss asks Mookie to fly up high and see if he can see what's behind the overgrowth. The bird grumbles but takes to the air.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=52 ; d20+25=31 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 3:01:08 AM
Murphy earlier, when he asked who else wanted greater magic fang before leaving the inn, went ahead and cast it upon himself. Another standard he casts when setting forth is longstrider.
As the colorful plant lashes out and grabs the cleric, the druid casts freedom of movement on himself, clicks his heels together as a free action to invoke haste. He is about to wildshape...
And he says, "Yes - Tali has the right of it. Succotash needs freedom of movement. I can get that to him shortly." ============= Perception: 52 Knowledge, Nature: 31
Active Things Heroes' Breakfast Longstrider Magic Fang, Greater (+4) Freedom of Movement
DM Mitch d20=20 ; d20=14 ; d20=9 ; d10=3 ; d10=5 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 6:58:19 AM Succotash gets grappled by the magedrain vine and doesn’t lose any of his spell power though he isn’t quite sure what it is. Valerie meanwhile goes into full combat mode against the vine trying to free her master. Kezzem draws his daggers and gets nearish to Succotash or rather as nearish to Succotash someone can be (about 10 - 15 feet away) seeing as Succotash was riding air walking Valerie when the vines grabbed him he is pretty much out of reach of anyone not currently flying. Kezzem also notices that the ground is difficult terrain so it is kind of awkward to get nearish wear Succotash is. Tali is able to identify the colorful hazard and get out of its way while informing the rest of the party about it. Bliss sends Mookie scouting. Murphy suggests freedom of movement and prepares to go into the thicket after Succotash.
As Kezzem is trying to get nearer to Succotash in the thicket more vines snake out and attempt to ensnare the paladin. They attach firmly and start draining his magic, getting a level 3 slot unless he makes a DC 25 will save.
Even as Succotash is freed the vines move to try to grab him again. He fails to get out of their reach before being wrapped up once more. At first the vines seem to have no interest in the non-magical Valerie, but then several snake out and wrap around the magical belt she’s wearing and soon she’s all wrapped up as well. Succotash must make a DC 25 will save or lose a 5th level spell slot.
Mookie is able to get high enough to see past the thicket. There doesn't seem to be more hazards past here, but the canopy is so thick it's hard to tell. Mostly it's evident that, though this patch of magedrain vines is very thick, they can be gone over or the long way around if they can just get people out of the entanglement.
Succotash tries to break free again (CMD 30), and once free he heroically attempts to cast Flame strike defensibly, making sure to only hit the magedrain vine. (Concentration check rolled 33 needed 25, please ignore second concentration roll, double clicked the mouse) The creature takes 61 damage (DC 25 reflex for 1/2 damage) (SR roll 41)
Meanwhile, Valerie ignores the fact that she is grappled and goes all chompy, slashy
Left Talon hits AC 36 for 20 damage + 6 shock and 4 frost Right Talon hits AC 38 for 19 damage + 3 shock and 3 frost Bite hits AC 42 for 18 damage + 4 shock and 2 frost Left Claw hits AC 29 for 15 damage + 2 shock and 4 frost Right Claw hits AC 28 for 17 damage + 4 shock and 6 frost
Spells active:
Valerie -- Air Walk
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+27=35 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 8:48:43 PM
(OOC: sorry, looks like yesterday's posting got eaten.)
Pressi orders Harper to stand watch at a spot just outside of the vine's reach. To the others, she warns them that they might need to just get the rest away if they can't cut a path, but for now follow her lead and don't kill her.
Her body began to rattle, shake, twist. Her eyes began to spin. Her armor began to fall toward the ground.
Quick Cast: Surrender Blood for a quick boost to spell level 20.
"Hey, over here! You want to eat some magic?" she called to the vines, with what was left of her face. "Dinner is served!"
Pressi collapsed to the ground, a mass of clothes and equipment. For the moment, she was silent.
Standard Action: swarm skin (1 army ant swarm, 1 wasp swarm, 1 rat swarm. They move 30 ft, 40 ft and 15 feet, respectively, focusing at the vine's roots. They also distract the vines, DC 15.)
As Harper watched over the clothes, vermin began to spill out beyond the armor, running straight for the vines, a massive wave.
----------
Ritual of Warding Ritual of Healing
L5: 1 L6: 1
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=23 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+27=36 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 11:30:41 PM Flora & Fauna of Culerwood; Part 2
Tali will continue to stay just out of range for the vines hovering in the rear guard position. Tali will use her Perception and her knowledge skills to try to identify any other hazards, relaying back to the team using her Message spell.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 10d6=31 ; Friday July 23rd, 2021 5:35:32 AM
Sorry for the absence- Hobie will cast fireball on the fireball on a group of these vines, trying to keep Succotash out of his blast if possible
31 fire damage, Reflex DC 19 for half
DM Mitch d3=3 ; d10=6 ; d10=7 ; d20=16 ; Friday July 23rd, 2021 7:29:50 AM Succotash attempts to break free again and cast a spell but doesn’t beat the CMD of the vines (CMD 40) while Valerie goes all cuisinart and takes care of the one that Pressi tells Harper to stay back and then uses swarm skin to become 3 separate swarms in an attempt to distract the vines. Some of the vines seem distracted by the bloodwitch’s attempt and try to ensnare the separate pieces that now make up the witch but swarms are immune to grappling so the vines can’t really get a good grip. Tali continues to remain on overwatch being careful to stay out of reach of the vines Hobie fireballs a section of the fines.
The area of effect spells meet mixed success. On the one hand they clear large swaths of the vines and forest. On the other hand they do nothing to the vines actually grappling people since no one wants to hit their friends. Mainly it opens a clear space allowing people to approach the ensnared, but it’s hard to tell if there’s enough vines around them to just grab someone who did do that.
Pressi’s ant swarms are a bit more effective. The vines can’t affect tiny insects like the swarm and the tiny bug mandibles can dig into the wood and tear out the roots. Unfortunately the vines are a confusing tangled mess and it takes a lot of work to dislodge a vine like that since the roots are dug into the tree all along it. With concentrated effort she causes a few vines to no longer be able to support themselves and fall to the ground.
Kezz’m and Succotash, still trapped, both have spell slots attacked again. Both must make the DC 25 will save - Kezz’m wil lose a 6th level slot if he fails, Succotash a 7th level slot (if the vines drain a slot higher then you have then just remove the highest).
In the struggle Valerie’s magic belt and other items slip off. Having what they want, they stop clinging to the raptor entirely, merely holding onto the objects. Those looking on from above can see there's still over a dozen vines holding onto the other two that will need to be removed (as you clear vines off people, the CMD to escape gets lower. Note that overloading a vine as earlier described immediately frees you)
Vine CMD 38
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=35 ; d20+28=29 ; 3d8+18=29 ; Friday July 23rd, 2021 10:29:10 AM
Will Save 35
Succotash defensibly casts Mass Inflict Serious Wounds (rolled 29, needed 25) inflicting 29 damage on all the vines (DC 27 will save for half)
With her armor gone, Succotash orders Valerie to retreat.
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Friday July 23rd, 2021 11:34:38 AM
Bliss steps into a burned area next to Succotash, reaches in, rages, grabs his friend, and pulls!
He has a +8 Str check. Can the DM please roll? Something odd is going on with my die roller.
CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+8=25 ; Friday July 23rd, 2021 11:35:20 AM
Oh I think I fixed it by logging out and then in.
Str check 25!
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=60 ; Friday July 23rd, 2021 2:46:19 PM
Last round Murphy wildshaped into a huge air elemental. This round he flies up and over the vines, out of range, then swoops down, casts freedom of movement on Succotash, and flies back up and out of range (using the flyby attack feat (which allows a mid-movement standard action)).
He then drops the haste (free action). ============= Perception: 60
Active Things Heroes' Breakfast Longstrider Magic Fang, Greater (+4) Freedom of Movement
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d6=6 ; 3d6=15 ; d20+25=45 ; Friday July 23rd, 2021 7:36:36 PM
Pressi the army ant mass chooses instead to try clinging to the vine that Kezzem is holding on to (43/49 for that mass). If some of the army ants can find and cling on to the vine that holds Kezzem, she does 15 pts damage to that vine.
Pressi the rat and wasp masses continue to dig, hoping that they can find the roots to the vines that hold Kezzem or Succotash (Perception Natural 20 for 45), and this is officially the strangest sentence I have ever written.
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+14=31 ; d20+27=45 ; Friday July 23rd, 2021 10:49:29 PM Flora & Fauna of Culerwood; Part 2
Tali will continue to stay just out of range for the vines hovering in the rear guard position.
Tali uses her Perception and her knowledge skills to try to identify any Mage Drain Vines in the area. Once she determines how many are in the area, Tali will Cast Polymorph Any Object on all Mage Drain Vines up to 18 of them including the ones holding her teammates into every day climbing fern vines.
Spell: Polymorph Any Object Casting time: 1 stand action Range: 25 ft + 45 ft = 70 ft
DM Mitch Saturday July 24th, 2021 7:51:44 AM Succotash tries to cast a spell on the vines. Bliss moves into the burned area and tries to pull Succotash free Murphy uses Freedom of Movement on Succotash. Pressi works to free Kezz’m Tali uses Polymorph Any Object
Between the parties various actions the vines around Succotash and Kezz’m are withered with negative energy, pulled apart, blown apart by a passing wind elemental, eaten by ants, or polymorphed. Valerie’s magic items fall to the ground below. The party now stands in a bit open spot in the canopy where all the leaves and vines have been destroyed. A few magedrain vines remain at the outer edges, but they’re easy enough to spot and avoid.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Saturday July 24th, 2021 10:43:24 PM
"I wonder, if someone made a tossed salad using mage vines, whether one might imbue oneself with augmented magical power?" Air Elemental Murphy posits aloud.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Saturday July 24th, 2021 10:43:24 PM
"I wonder, if someone made a tossed salad using mage vines, whether one might imbue oneself with augmented magical power?" Air Elemental Murphy posits aloud.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Sunday July 25th, 2021 12:44:27 AM
He adds, "By the way, I've never seen you look so creepy, dear."
DM Mitch Monday July 26th, 2021 5:30:25 AM
The party regroups
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 July 26th, 2021 10:17:29 AM
Succotash stands up and brushes himself off, and says, "Well, that was exciting, I wonder what other fun and exciting things the Culverwood has in store for us." He calls Valerie to himself and puts her magical items back on her.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Monday July 26th, 2021 1:24:43 PM
Pressi somehow managed to wrinkle her nose as her body began to reform, jerking this way and that. "Just a little something to keep the romance fresh."
Pressi peered down past the path. "I wonder how our friend got past this point without any signs of downed vines. At any rate, we've lost time dealing with this. Lets see if we can pick up the trail on the other side."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d20+20=30 ; d20+20=40 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 2:02:58 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 30. Spell not lost.
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 40. Spell not lost.
"Ack, that thing was clouding my mind and making me stupid!" says Kezzem. "But I'm better now. I'm back to my normal semi-intelligent self."
OOC: Sorry my posting has been so sporadic. It's hard to keep track of days when your not working (don't worry, I'm a teacher and just have off for the summer semester).
Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+22=33 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 8:54:39 PM
Bliss sighs as he looks around at the destruction. "So it goes, I guess. At least nobody was much hurt."
The halfling looks at his friends and himself, noting that many are wounded. "Good Brother Succotash, is there anything you can do to fix us up maybe?"
He compliments Mookie on the scouting and then, as cat and halfling, joining Pressi, sniffs and looks around beyond the destruction for any sign of passage of our quarry.
Survival 33
=====
OOC: All three PC sheets (halfling, cat, octopus) are in sync for the first time in a long time. Link above has other links on the sheets. And that feat is fixed, oh kindly DMs.
DM Mitch Tuesday July 27th, 2021 8:08:12 AM Murphy wonders about making a salad with magedrain vines and remarks on his wife’s creepiness. Succotash stands up, brushes himself off and remarks how exciting that was while wondering what else the Culverwood has in store for them. Pressi wrinkles her nose as her body reforms from being insects and tells her husband she’s trying to keep the romance fresh. She questions out loud how their friend got past this point and suggests they try to pick up the trail on the other side. Kezzem remarks that the vines were clouding his mind and making him stupid being happy to be back to his semi-intelligent self.
Bliss sighs as he looks around the destruction before asking Succotash to attend to the wounded. He then joins Pressi in trying to find the trail.
Bliss is able to find signs that someone was moving through the thick undergrowth around the thicket and then forward beyond it. If you had to guess, the one you are after was aware of the magedrain vines somehow and decided to give them a wide berth. You saw the thicket in the distance with the bright colors of the vines, went in and investigated and got burned. Maybe going toward the bright colors in a magical wood isn’t always the best idea considering in nature bright colors often signify poison or some other danger.
Now aware of the Vines and with many ways to fly or otherwise avoid them the party is able to continue on their way. They are able to get to the general area marked on the map where the cave should be and indeed the druid was right about it being hard to miss. A large rock, dark grey in the shadow of the canopy, juts out of the forest in front of a rocky mound with hole gaping into it. The rock has red deposits centered at the and trailing down it, looking almost as if there’s a great wound that bled down the sides of it. The rock of the mound has similar deposits making the whole area look veined or bleeding.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Tuesday July 27th, 2021 10:58:29 AM
Hobie will fly around the around the rock, looking for signs of any other people/creatures
Upon seeing the cave entrance, Succotash says, "They weren't kidding, this place looks like the Wold has been wounded, and is bleeding. It's kinda cool actually, are we ready to go underground again?" Succotash than casts light on the pink bow on Valerie's head.
Daily Stuff: Channel Energy 10/10 Dimensional Hop 180/180 Agile Feet 13/13 Speak with Animals 21/21
Active Spells: Valerie Light Air Walk
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Tuesday July 27th, 2021 1:35:31 PM
"Time to go spel...spul...spol...cave diving!" says Kezzem.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday July 27th, 2021 2:39:40 PM
Pressi spent some time casting detect magic on the cave and the red deposits, while trying to figure out anything of note. "Anybody know anything about rocks? Or want to take a final guess as to who our masked villain is?"
As for spelunking... "I don't know, I still want to play this a little subtle. Maybe even wait for this guy to come out, or at least send an arcane eye down there..."
She looks at the tracks and listens quietly, trying to determine if he's still down there. "This guy knows his casting, and knows anyone who enters this cave is a threat. We could be sitting ducks if we're climbing down in view of this guy. Any plans?"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=54 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 3:59:23 PM
"Bat spy," Murphy answers Pressi. "Arcane eye is not a bad idea, either, but a bat, if noticed, might seem less threatening than an arcane eye, if noticed. I think going in as a duck is not a good plan," Murphy adds with a smile. Having lived in a few places around the Culverwood, the druid knows what sorts of bats are common to the forest.
He then says, as he currently is in air elemental form, "I'll do a quick look up, over and around, then report in." Unless some object, he does a fly-around and over of the hill, travelling fairly fast - only slowing down if something seems to favor a more leisurely gander. He gives Pressi salient notes on what he observes as he is doing so, and sums up for all when he gets back.
"Any more ideas?" he asks upon his return.
======== Perception: 54 for flying reconnaissance.
Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+12=17 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 11:00:44 PM
Nature here is so unusual. Bliss tries to figure it out.
Know Nature 17
Bliss realizes that this may be the calm before the storm, so he casts Greater Magic Weapon on his Staff Sling and Resist Energy for fire and cold on himself and Mookie.
"Let's go," he says.
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+14=20 ; d20+27=42 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 11:19:11 PM Spelunking in the Cuvlerwood
Tali will continue to stay just out of range for the vines hovering in the rear guard position. Tali, via Message spell, explains to her comrades that she purchased a set of spelunking gear for those of you that cannot fly.
While maintaining her pace and hover speeds, Tali will keep a perceptive lookout for anything out of the ordinary while traveling towards the cave of "bleeding stones". Watching Bliss spell up, Tali removes from her haversack, her wand of endure elements and casts a spell of Endure Elements onto herself, then turn to her comrades and asks if anyone needs a casting of Endure Elements?
Before Tali enters the cave, she dons her pair of Googles of the Night.
DM Mitch Wednesday July 28th, 2021 7:48:16 AM Hobie flies around the rock looking for any signs of people or creatures but doesn’t find anything. Succotash remarks that the cave appears as billed and asks if people are ready to go underground again. Kezzem is ready to go cave diving. Pressi spends some time casting detect magic on the cave and the red deposits. She asks the others if they know anything about the rocks or if they have a guess as to who the villain is. She also suggests they play things cool and send some kind of scout down in case of ambush. Murphy suggests he goes down in bat form instead of sending an arcane eye. Bliss tries to figure out the mystery of the bleeding rocks before casting some magical preparations. Tali explains to her comrades she purchased some spelunking gear before they left. She makes her own magical preparations too and offers endure elements to some of the others if they want. Murphy flies down into the cave as a bat and has a looksee. The cave is expansive and has many chambers. In one chamber there is a shallow pool of silty water. In a room next to it there is some sort of poster on one of the cave walls. He does not see any being in the cave with him. He’d probably need to go back in halfling form to investigate the pool room and the room next to it further. Bliss knows mineral deposits can cause strange colors to appear under certain conditions.
Outside the party doesn’t detect any magic. They find signs that someone entered the cave, but none showing someone leaving. Of course with magic that doesn’t mean whoever it was is still in there.
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 28th, 2021 10:10:18 AM "Well, my friends, I think we have no choice but to enter in. Pressi, if you want to have your arcane eye lead the way, that may be helpful, especially since it's invisible. It's always nice to know what's around the next corner."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=34 ; Wednesday July 28th, 2021 10:25:44 AM
Pressi is gobsmacked that a time Murphy changed into an animal to scout actually worked. The times it didn't work were numerous enough to prove that the planet itself hated bats.
Pressi activates her arcane eye and a moment of prescience. She also casts her shield spell.
Preparations done, she heads in, and first makes her way to the poster. During this time, she continues to move her arcane eye ahead, and also takes her time to search for traps (Perception 34, 35 for trapfinding).
----------
Ritual of Warding Ritual of Healing arcane eye shield spell moment of precognition
L1: 1 L4: 1 L5: 1 L6: 1 L8: 1
Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Wednesday July 28th, 2021 12:24:11 PM
Bliss facepalms when Murphy changes into a bat and just flies in. He turns to Pressi and gives her a sympathetic look.
Mookie sighs, and says, "Kid, at my age, you learn that some people just never change."
Bliss nods and thanks his familiar spirit. "I'm glad I got you to peck me when I need to change. Or at least not do dumb stuff."
The nature lover tells his friends that the colors we see likely have to do with rare minerals below the surface.
Bliss thanks Tali for the Endure Elements.
Bliss turns on his Shield of Faith, as does Mookie, but if there's no danger after a minute, he'll turn it off.
"Let's enter, shall we?" He changes into a cat for the entrance.
Active Effects: Endure Elements Resist Energy Fire and Cold Heroes' Feast Threefold Aspect Ritual of Grimalkin Ritual of Sharing (+4 Shield of Faith) +5 Barkskin Greater Magic Weapon +3
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Wednesday July 28th, 2021 3:08:57 PM
Kim is amazed that Murphy went in as a bat, too. When we left him, he had suggested bat recon, but was still in air elemental form, asking if any had other ideas. But that's okay. I had somehow missed that Hobie already had gone on a 'round the hill reconnaissance, which Murphy needlessly duplicated. :-)
Murphy relates the layout of what he has seen so far. "Tali, mind starting a little map for us?" he asks. "And, sure, endure elements sounds like a great idea - thanks!"
Wait, he's a bat. He has lost the ability to speak in creature forms that do not typically speak. He'll have to relay his queries and comments through Pressi for now. "I'll be interested to see how you translate what I say, Press." He waggles his bat eyebrows, if such be possible.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Thursday July 29th, 2021 12:08:32 AM
"Maybe next time I'll be a druid," says Kezzem. "Being able to shapeshift my companion into whatever is needed would be a really cool ability to have. You know, like Mookie does with Bliss."
"Eh, who am I kidding, I hate having to pick spells every day. I'll probably just end up being a sorcerer again instead."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=51 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+10=22 ; Thursday July 29th, 2021 3:28:25 AM
"Oh, yes, Bliss. Let us go," he tries to say... then just enters back into the cave, flying a slightly variant path to what he used earlier, just to gain additional perspective.
DM Mitch Thursday July 29th, 2021 7:08:31 AM Succotash realizes they have no choice but to enter and suggest Pressi lead the way with her arcane eye Pressi is gobsmacked that her husband scouting as a bat actually worked and prepares a few spells to protect herself / aid in their exploration. She uses her arcane eye while checking for traps. Bliss gives Pressi a sympathetic look while Mookie gives him some advice. He fills the others in about the mineral deposits while using an abjuration on both himself and Mookie. Murphy relays what he found on his scouting mission to Pressi to share with the others, asking her to ask Tali to create a map and give him a cast of endure elements. (OOC: forgive your DMs for actually having you scout; we must have misread your previous post; we will be more careful in the future) Kezzem breaks the 4th wall by discussing what class his next PC reincarnation will take.
The party moves into the multi-chambered cavern. Eventually they find themselves in the room with the shallow pool Bat-Murphy had found previously.
Getting a good look at the pool the party can see that the water in the pool is somewhat discolored and slightly reddened.
Perception: 25 (Pressie and Murphy already rolled high enough go ahead and look) Highlight to display spoiler: {There is indications that someone had done some digging based on indentations in the side of the pool.}
The other chamber Bat-Murphy noted (the one with the poster) is in the next room over from the pool room.
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=45 ; d20+11=15 ; Thursday July 29th, 2021 10:43:52 AM
Perception 45 Knowledge Nature 15
Succotash notices the evidence of the digging and takes a closer look to see if there is anything in the pool. He also tries to decipher what is causing the discoloration of the water, as well as the pool's source.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday July 29th, 2021 8:26:33 PM
Pressi frowns. "Whatever was under the surface, I think our friend found some. Or it. It could be a buried object."
Pressi tries to detect magic some more. Normally, she'd try getting an idea of the hole, but the pond probably obscured that. She looks to see if she can see any tracks before moving the arcane eye towards the other room.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=31 ; d20+14=29 ; Thursday July 29th, 2021 10:47:45 PM Spelunking in the Deep Under Cuvlerwood
Tali will continue to stay in the rear guard position. Tali, via a Message spell, explains to her comrades. As Tali has donned her Googles of the Night for the purpose of seeing in the dark cave, hopefully, her perception doesn't play tricks on her.
Skills Check Fly: 31 Perception: 29
Spells in Effect Overland Flight |Duration 1075 minutes Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1075 minutes Message |Duration 175 minutes
{OOC: Sorry guys lost power last night and it wasn't restored until 1:30AM. I sent an email asking someone to post for me. }
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=53 ; Friday July 30th, 2021 5:30:04 AM
As his friends examine the room with the pool, Murphy flits over to examine more closely the poster in the next room. And the rest of the room in which it dwells. If a poster can be said to 'dwell.'
=========== Perception: 53
DM Mitch Friday July 30th, 2021 7:10:44 AM Succotash notices the evidence of digging and takes a closer look to see if there is anything in there. Pressi remarks that whatever was under the surface it’s been found. She continues to look for evidence of magic but she doesn’t find any. Tali stays in rear guard position keeping in contact with her friends over message spells. Murphy looks at the poster.
Succotash, Pressi and Tali all see that what was dug up was the soft silt in the bottom of the pool. The silt itself has a reddish hue like the deposits coming out of the rock at the surface.
In the next room over Murphy presumably produces some sort of light so he can read the paper on the wall. This room seems to be some sort of portable lab, with lots of vials, some fallen on the floor broken. The poster is a large illustration of the Humbles Ford stronghold. A large x painted in red is on it, as if indicating a position to target on it.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Friday July 30th, 2021 10:50:22 AM
"Why is everyone wanting to attack us?" asks Kezzem. "You'd think they'd have heard what happened to the giants and think, you know what, let's try somewhere else."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=44 ; Friday July 30th, 2021 5:26:52 PM "Pressi, have everyone come in here. I hope we're not too late," Murphy telepaths. "I never thought the alloys were being gathered to be used to form a weapon against us. Who is this guy? I think we should have come yesterday afternoon, after all."
Once the pool room and laboratory are explored, Bat-Murph looks to see if there are tunnels further in. ======== Perception: 44
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Sunday August 1st, 2021 2:42:18 PM
Hobie, flies into the room with Murphy and searches the papers, trying to find what the specific target at Humbles Ford is.
DM Mitch Monday August 2nd, 2021 7:32:39 AM Kezzem asks why everyone is wanting to attack them after what happened with the giants. Bat-Murph asks his wife over their telepathic bond to gather everyone in the next room before he checks for other interesting tunnels. Hobie bursts into the next room and starts searching as to what is the specific target only to realize it is the Humble’s Swords very own base of operations that have been singled out for attack.
He also notices the scuff marks in the floor and the broken glass vials with some sort of substance in them. Know arcana 20 or Craft Alchemy 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Someone was using their portable alchemy lab to try to refine rare metallic salts from the mineral deposits found in the pool}
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 August 2nd, 2021 10:11:40 AM
Seeing the plans to attack the Sanctuary, Succotash's face turns totally serious, as he says, "My fellow Swords, no matter what the reason, our home is under attack, and we need to get home now to defend her! Tali, are you ready to teleport the other half of our crew home? If so we should depart."
If Tali and everyone else is ready, Succotash will cast Teleport to take himself and half of the Sword's home, arriving in the compounds courtyard.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Monday August 2nd, 2021 1:51:04 PM
"I'm ready," says Kezzem drawing his daggers.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Monday August 2nd, 2021 2:40:48 PM
Hobie activates his ring of invisibility and grabs hold of Succotash ready to teleport
Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+17=22 ; Monday August 2nd, 2021 3:53:18 PM
Bliss stares at the map of his home. "Wowsy, somebody is being very mean."
At the idea of teleporting home right now, Bliss is mostly supportive. Mostly.
"First off, do let's take whatever personal things we can find that might help us cast divination and scrying."
"But what if this map is a trick to fool us into thinking our home is in danger? Maybe we should just take the time to double check ... like maybe with a Vision spell?"
If three other people think it is worth it, Bliss will cast the spell, focusing on what happened right here in this place, and hoping for info about the fellow who did his thing here, like when they were making this map.
First he'll cast Surrender Blood to boost his caster level check by +2. Caster Level check is also boosted by his +1 vestment. Thus his caster level check is a +17.
Bliss rolls a 22. Hopefully that will work. If it does not, he'll add a retroactive +4 with one of his three hero points.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+18=35 ; d20+43=56 ; d20+15=25 ; Monday August 2nd, 2021 7:27:22 PM
Murphy comes out of his bat-form wild shape, supremely frustrated that for some reason he cannot seem to talk in some forms as we was able to for a long time, and his normal halfling body re-forms.
"Hold, Succotash and all. Bliss is correct - let us uncover what we can from here before flying off. With that said, it would be prudent to have at least one of us return to our Sanctuary. And we have our beast-folk acquaintances to consider. Let them know we're flying off? Bring them with us? They'll probably be fine not knowing for the moment - I agree that defense of our place is of greater urgency than letting them know," he concludes, answering some of his own questions.
"I have word of recall, could get there in a moment when I so choose. Pressi, too. I can plant an oak tree near here in order to return to this place if such would be useful. And I can take up to six of you with me via transport via plants.
"So, I'm going to spend a few minutes looking through what's been left behind here. I know a few things about alchemy, so will examine the lab in more detail for clues. If some of you feel you would be more useful at the Sanctuary giving prudent warnings and readying to thwart or defend against an attack rather than helping here, that's fine."
DM Mitch: Besides the two rooms we have found, do tunnels and additional spaces extend beyond the points we have reached? It sounds like maybe there are, but that is not crystal clear to me yet. If there are, Murphy will first spend a few minutes here checking out the lab.
He will within the first minute of checking it out announce, "Someone was using tools typical of a portable alchemical lab to try to refine rare metallic salts from the mineral deposits found in the pool." With his Craft, Alchemy roll of 35, it's a fair bet he will be able to identify those salts. He will take some samples in a bucket. He also looks around in the lab to see if he can find any remnants of the metal alloys, whether dwarven or meteor-based or both, in the area. And, are any collectible traces of the refined salts available? Any hairs or bits of clothing, dandruff leftover from the person(s) (you mentioned scuffle marks) who were in the lab or around the pool?
Long and short of it: He supports Bliss's plan, is open to suggestions from Pressi, Tali, and others, and takes at least a bit of time to further explore the area, hoping the group will gain some additional information
Tali (Kim McCoy for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=26 ; d20+14=33 ; Monday August 2nd, 2021 8:38:59 PM Spelunking in the Deep Under Culverwood
A little confused as to whether to go or stay, she hears Bliss's idea, and Murphy's comments. "I have goggles that help me see in the dark. I'll go with someone deeper into the cave to see if there is anything else. And, sure, Succotash, after a few of us check a little more here, I can teleport the rest who don't go with you."
"Who wants to come with me?" she asks. If no one answers, she sets off, flying, a bit nervous, to see what is further on. She hopes that there is nothing too bad farther in.
Skills Check Fly: 26 Perception: 33
Spells in Effect Overland Flight |Duration 1073 minutes Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1073 minutes Message |Duration 173 minutes
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Monday August 2nd, 2021 9:12:01 PM
Pressi just stares as Murphy calls her toward the map of Humbles Ford, scrambling as people around discuss the various possibilities. "I don't know why anyone would attack us, or with what. But I can't believe that someone would set this up. How would he know... if he wasn't divining us from the beginning."
Pressi considers a mind blank on herself. Probably should have done that from the beginning, though she couldn't possibly cast it on the entire group.
"Ok, hold on, let me.... Ok." She tries to read the map, determining where the X is (or at least where the nearest landmark is). "I think I have to agree that we need to rush back, and this is going to sound strange but I have a funny feeling one of the people that rushes back has to be me, and I can't explain why. With Word of Recall, I can teleport right into the coven, and maybe get some eyes in the sky. Bliss, you stay here. You can message me directly through the cauldron if you figure out what he's making."
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 August 3rd, 2021 3:48:34 AM "Save your Spell Pressi, I'll take you, along with anyone else who wants to get home ASAP. If a few of you want to stay behind with Tali, Bliss, and Murphy, that's fine, since Tali can get you home, but please don't dilly dally, I fear time is of the essence!" With that, Succotash casts teleport taking himself, Valerie, Pressi, and whomever else wants to go along for the ride. He arrives inside Pressi and Bliss's coven, saving his friend a few steps.
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