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The Enemy of My Enemy...
Aftermath

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15   d20+15=26 ; d20+26=45 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+43=47 ;
Friday August 13th, 2021 4:41:25 PM

Murphy works for a while examining the machinery involved - seeing what tied together with what, how energy was deployed and fluids distributed, how gears and springs and motive power worked together (knowledge, engineering: 45. He incorporates his arcane knowledge into the examination (knowledge, arcana: 26). He takes advantage of his alchemical understandings (craft, alchemy: 29) to evaluate and identify the composition of the component parts and liquids.

He starts his evaluation in his earth elemental form, then comes out of wildshape as a halfling. After that change the druid begins to take copious notes while the remnants are fresh. He works to get a fair notion of the total mass of the juggernaut, along with a breakdown by component parts.

Murphy had spent many hours performing a similar examination of the ancient artifact known as the Iron Giant (though he liked the term Iron Colossus) a year or so ago. Its creator also took advantage of various alloyed metals. He also has looked into some aspects of Teucri technology.

He sketches many of the parts. He asks someone from the compound to fetch both his father who is quite skilled at assembling complex machines, and Hugo & Primula PipeLeaf of the Slings and Arrows shop. Hugo, premier crafter, and Primula, his beautiful wife, the town's best blacksmith, also had examined some of the Iron Giant, in particular the fighting machine constructs. He'd like their take on the wreckage in the north field. He attempts to sketch a reconstruction of what it must have been like prior to the explosion.

"Just how did it explode, now? Was it the reverse gravity of Pressi, or did Hobie's arrows do the trick, or was it a combination of everyone's efforts?" He tries to determine the most likely, most consequential cause, or causes.

Murphy does take a break to speak with Hazel and Alouryn, both earliest members of Humble's Sword and now caretakers for the Sanctuary. He asks if they will ensure that all of the folk who help out and reside there are accounted for. He finds Kade, near whose underground home the Juggarnaut just traveled. Kade was befriended from the crew of the Iron Giant. Former foe, now friend and mushroom grower - and he has extensive underground tunnels below the fields, including parts the war wagon rolled over. How fare the animals in the menagerie on the other side of the field? Especially Grnta the bear, whom villagers regard with fondness for her shy and gentle ways.

============
Knowledge, Arcana: 26
Knowledge, Engineering: 45
Craft, Alchemy: 29
Perception: 47

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+21=39 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+27=28 ; d20+23=37 ;
Friday August 13th, 2021 11:40:10 PM
Symbols of a former Construct

Tali will look over the symbols and have the unseen servant carry pieces that contain those symbols so she can add them to her notes.

Skills Check

Fly: 39
Perception: 29
Knowledge (Arcana): 28 {NAT 1}
Spellcraft: 37

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1066 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1066 minutes
Message | Duration 166 minutes

Used Spells

Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}
1x Unseen servant (Duration 1079 minutes)

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle 
Saturday August 14th, 2021 10:39:58 AM

Bliss tries to relate what he saw in his vision to what his friends are trying to figure out with the ruins of the construct.

He also asks if anyone has a Make Whole spell to cast on the Instant Fort? Or does it seem like the magic item is a total loss?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Saturday August 14th, 2021 2:30:29 PM
"Press said it was Hobie's arrows," says Kezzem. "Press is always right. Therefore it was Hobie's arrows."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Sunday August 15th, 2021 8:14:02 PM
"Well, thank you Kezzem. I do try," Pressi replied.

"So, as the person who tries to always be right, my next decision is to... pack it in. It's disappointing, I know, having a mystery that won't have a conclusion. But my divine inspiration is that the mystery isn't over and we just aren't meant to know right now. And when my God is that much of a jerk, there's nothing more you can do about it.

"Anyway, the big thing is that we need to return to the various groups, tell them what happened, and maybe we'll get a guilty conscience from this thief or that. I'll maybe shake down some suspects at the dwarf camp, and see what's happening. And we'll take the mixed alloy, maybe someone there has something that can separate the ore."

Pressi shook her head at Succotash. "Even if we somehow could pull something like that off, our friend would just change tactics. We're better off being ready and flexible, and hoping that we can figure out the next thing faster."

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 
Sunday August 15th, 2021 11:35:20 PM
"I hope our orc and dwarf friends are OK with everything be6all mixed together, because it's pretty much impossible to separate the different metals now!"

DM Mitch 
Monday August 16th, 2021 8:09:10 AM
Murphy examines the remains of the juggernaut. He is able to piece a few bits and pieces of its construction together but the explosion really did a number on a lot of the mechanisms that made it function. He then follows up with many of the halflings and other denizens of the area that is their stronghold. The animals in the menagerie are fine as is Kade, Hazel and Alouryn. Some of the crops in the field though got completely ruined by the tonnage of war machine that trod right over them. The druid asks what caused the explosion. From his examination it looks like the attacks of several of the group damaged it’s armor, allowing Hobie’s arrows to penetrate to it’s guts and take out key components. The resulting problems compounded until the whole thing tore itself out from the inside out.
Tali adds the symbols to her notes
Catbliss relates his vision to his friends. He tries to cast make whole on the instant fortress but he is unable to restore its magical properties. If he could somehow boost his CL to 26 then he could restore the instant fortress to its former glory. (OOC: you need double the CL of a broken magic item to bring back functionality)
Kezzem says since Pressi is always right and she attributed the explosion to Hobie’s arrows it was Hobie’s arrows that caused the war machine to detonate.
Pressi thanks Kezzem for the vote of confidence then suggests they start following up with everyone as her God is being kind of a jerk right now.
Succotash hopes the Dwarves are okay with everything being mixed together. An Iron Skymetal alloy in their mithral steel alloy? That is like peanut butter mixed in chocolate

You have your options, you can return to the Orcs, the Dwarves or go to Troll and see the lizard folk finish the rest of their journey of atonement


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 16th, 2021 11:21:52 AM
"Well guys, what would you like to do first? Normally I would suggest going to Troll first, and asking the lizardfolk, one more time, to meet with the dwarves, asking forgiveness, but under the circumstances, it may be wise to talk to the dwarves first, and break the news to them, about their metal, feeling them out, as we do so, to determine how they might react to our lizardfolk friends, assuming they wished to seek forgiveness. I won't bring the lizardfolk, to meet the dwarves, if the dwarves are going to execute them. Than again, those orc ladies have been on the road for a long time, and it would be nice if they could find some closer. so maybe we should return to them first."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  
Monday August 16th, 2021 8:14:33 PM

"Our current nemesis gathered from at least 3 different sources, perhaps more," Murphy says, discussing the dividing up of the might construct. "Let us inventory the total weight of the alloyed remnants of the juggernaut. The orcs did not tell us the quantity of materials they had. We have a rough idea of the dwarfs' losses. I would guess the dwarfs lost more than the orcs. At this point, the hybrid alloy incorporates materials from 3 or more sources. It's not impossible to smelt and separate, but that would be a huge undertaking.

"Here is my thought. We provide 35% of the new alloy to the dwarfs. We provide 25% of the alloy to the orcs. We retain the balance, 40%. We used resources, took the risks, and recovered the fruits of our enemy's labors. I've some notion on how we might use the alloy to fashion a few things for our own purposes - some tools, perhaps you have some ideas on weapons, armor, or the like.

"Yes, it would be prudent, Succotash, to lay the groundwork for reconciliation with the dwarfs first. If they appear at all amenable, then that can help assuage the understandable anxiety of our lizardfolk charges. Perhaps some of us can sketch out an outline for an agreement, and get the reactions and recommendations of both sides. Then hold a meeting. Exchange appropriate words of rebuke, confession, perhaps contrition and perhaps forgiveness, or at least a willingness to work through a resolution, some sort of reconciliation..

"Maybe we give 20% of the recovered metals to the dwarfs before the meeting. And 15% more to total 35% at the conclusion of a successful meeting, and the lizardfolk get their gear back. We don't frame it that way to the dwarfs, but I'll bet they'd be delighted to get 75% more alloy back after we hand over the first portion. It could soften their hearts further."

And to Pressi, quietly, "Um, you think your god is a jerk?" he prompts her. Later, he asks if he can whisk her away to Angel Springs for a nice dinner in the near future. "I heard a new restaurant just opened up there."

"Succotash, Tali, Hobie, Bliss, Pressi - are any of you able to cast the Make Whole spell, or the Greater version of it, to try to repair our fallen tower - our instant fortress?" [OOC: Make Whole, Greater, is more likely to succeed.] "What if we had a rod or staff or wand of Greater Make Whole? Like as not, we're going to have other items that need fixing as time goes on."

Summary: Finish inventory of juggernaut. Divide up pieces. Retain 40%. Two piles for dwarfs: 20% and 15%. One pile for orcs: 25%. Visit dwarfs first, with downpayment, and talking over working things out with the robbers? Then to the orcs and lizardfolk. Then with lizardfolk back to dwarfs?

Note to DMs: See email from Kim about some NPCs that Murphy asked to look over the wreckage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday August 16th, 2021 8:51:04 PM
Pressi shook her head. "I cannot cast any form of repair, it's not really my wheelhouse. I can cast surrender blood until Bliss gets to 25, then lend her my sentanos vestment for a CL+1. That may be our best bet." (Pressi does so if CatBliss agrees to try it.)

"Well, jerk is a harsh word. It's a correct one for Lady Justice, a rather twisty form of law and justice. One who once allowed me free divinations until I collapsed from blood loss." Pressi shrugged. "Comes with the territory. The important thing is that she gets out of my way."

Pressi votes to go to the dwarves first.

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle 
Monday August 16th, 2021 11:19:54 PM

Bliss does some math on his fingers. "I'm only a base CL14, myself, so there are not enough Surrender Bloods that we can cast to stack that up to 25. Remember that the spell is based on witch levels, not caster levels, so I myself only cast for a +2. Pressi, you could add a +3, and Granny could add a +2. That's a +7, not good enough ... but more to the point, none of us can even cast Make Whole!"

"Well, maybe we can come back later with a Wish scroll or something."

Mookie sighs.

"Sorry about your tower, old chap," says Bliss to Mookie consolingly.

"Nah," says Mookie, "All I have to say is, Daern!"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Monday August 16th, 2021 11:47:22 PM
SLEEP

“I don’t care what we do as long as I can meditate for two hours first! Please!” Exclaims Lady Talia. “Im in need of much decompression after all this!” as she throws her arms about!

Hobie (Kim McCoy for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 2:49:44 AM

"I don't know, Murphy. Don't have that spell. But, I could see about getting a scroll from the Catacombs. Greater Make Whole, huh? So I'll check."

"Yeah, take a good nap, Tali. All that flapping of your wings has got to wear you out," he says with a grin to the lady sorcerer.

"I'm going to find Roscoe, and let him know what's been going on. How about we head out to visit the dwarves tomorrow morning?" he suggests. He visits the Catacombs through the general store, then stops by to see his cousin, the town constable.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 7:56:15 AM
Succotash asks the others what they’d like to do first. He says he would normally go to Troll first but he’s concerned about the Dwarves potentially wanting to still execute the Lizardfolk. He also points out the orc ladies have been on the road for a long time.
Murphy suggests they inventory the total weight of the alloy and divide it up that way among the people who were stolen from with them taking a share too. He suggests then going to the Dwarves to break the news about the alloy and feel them out about the lizard folk. They’d then do the Orcs or Lizard folk after the Dwarves. He also suggests him and Pressi go to dinner in the near future and queries Succotash, Hobie, Tali, Bliss and Pressi about being able to cast Greater Make Whole to fix the instant fortress.
Pressi tells the others she can’t cast any form of repair but she could boost someone with surrender blood and let them borrow her Setanos Vestment. She clarifies to her husband her remarks about Lady Justice. She also agrees to go to the Dwarves first.
Catbliss does some caster math figuring between the 2 of them and granny they could boost someone 7 caster levels but it isn’t good enough to get to CL 26. He also points out none of them can cast make whole. He suggests they come back with a scroll of wish at some point.
Tali suggests they get some rest first before continuing on as she needs to recover some spells.
Hobie isn’t sure about fixing it and says a scroll might work. He suggests they leave to see the dwarves tomorrow so they can rest some.

Murphy’s gathered panel of experts hrm and hum over the wreckage for a while. Between them they estimate it’s worth about 25,000 gold. And that’s just the ruined, non-functioning scrap metal, they seem rather impressed that someone would spend so much to fight their hometown heroes.

Murphy's father, Samell 'Fingers' Pastna Pipewood, asks, "What are the chances I could use a few of these gears, sprockets, and I think I can fix these two belts? I'm working out finishing up my carousel, and these would be quite helpful. Uh, maybe one of the faces that's not too broken up, too."

It's a fair bet that Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf of the Slings and Arrows shop would like to take a sample of the alloyed metal. "Maybe we can shape some of it for arrowheads for Hobie, and to fashion some pretty tough bracers, armor, or other weaponry. Mind if we give that a whirl?" the town's best weapons craftsman and blacksmith ask

Rosco takes Hobies report stoically. He’s glad they took care of the problem and got out ok


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 17th, 2021 1:01:12 PM
"Well, Bliss your statement that none of us can cast make whole isn't quite accurate, as I can easily prepare it in the morning, but I assume you were referring to yourself, Pressi, and your collective covens. Unfortunately, I don't think I can cast at high enough level to make it work. (would need a way to boost level 18 caster level to level 26, an 8 level bump!) Murphy, You mentioned Greater Make Whole, and though that sounds like an amazing spell, I've never heard of it. (sadly Greater Make Whole isn't a core spell)

I can still cast Greater Teleport once today, but already cast Teleport. I know you planted a tree at the dwarves place, Murph, and I assume Tali can carry the other half, so if you don't mind, I would rather hold onto my Spell, to take us, or at least half of us somewhere else, if we chose to make more than one stop today. Are we ready to leave than? Even if we can somehow boost my skill level high enough it would still require a good nights sleep for me to cast Make Whole.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 3:57:37 PM
"To be fair, Succotash, I agree with Talia that it might be good to rest for the night. I'm not in any hurry to rush back and deal with this stuff."

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle 
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 11:23:25 PM

"Tomorrow morning is good enough, plus what if our anonymous enemy returns with another wagon?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 5:50:11 AM

"Perhaps we should develop layers of early warning ... I've had many ideas for building out the Sanctuary in various ways. Anyone else among us interested in working over some ideas with me and Foreman George?" Murphy inquires.

"Sure, Hugo and Primula - I'm interested in what you can do with it. Hobie - you want some new arrows made by Hugo, with arrowheads fashioned by Primula? Anyone else want them to work on something?

"Say, do you suppose you could make an easy setup, easy takedown tripod for hanging a cooking pot from? And a grill we can place over the campfire for cooking? Something with a handle, and little holes. Seems the metal should be good for cooking, I'd wager." He kicks around a few other ideas with them as little tools to aid in aspects of adventuring.

"Friends - is it all right with you if my father takes the items he mentioned? I've gotta see what your carousel is looking like so far, Papa."

"All right, then. Let's head over to Angel Springs for dinner at, say, six, dear?"

Hobie (Kim McCoy for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 5:51:00 AM

Hobie shows the arrows he has to the PipeLeafs. "I can always use more arrows, sure. Say, how about some bird blunts? Maybe some trick arrows? Um, how about bracers of archery?"

DM Mitch 
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 8:18:54 AM
Succotash says that he can cast make whole but he doesn’t think he can boost his CL high enough to repair the instant fortress. He also speaks about the logistics of getting to the dwarves suggesting they use the tree and Tali to get there
Pressi says she agrees with Tali about taking a night off before following up with anyone.
Bliss concurs
Murphy theorizes an early warning system of some sort and asks about some camping gear.
Hobie agrees on the arrow idea and talks arrows with the fletcher.

The merchants are agreeable to the various ideas and soon tentative plans are drawn up and ready for experimentation and itineration. Hobie will have to get Bracers of Archery from the Black Genie as the magic item is beyond PineLeaf’s skill. The evening passes as everyone works on their various projects and soon it’s time for bed. The next morning it’s raining a bit on and off as people start to get up.


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 August 18th, 2021 10:42:35 AM
In the morning, Succotash, goes off to his quiet place, as usual, and spends his daily hour communing with his gods, and preparing his spells. when that is done, he meets with his friends where he says, "I wonder if its raining in the Scab as well, I guess there is only one way to tell. Shall we depart, and who's going to do the honors of transporting us? I can, of course, take half our crew, unless Murph would like me to hold onto my spell for traveling beyond the dwarf's mine and foundry."

Hobie (Kim McCoy for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 7:33:29 PM

Hobie thanks Hugo and Primula for what they plan to do with the arrows.

He prepares for the morrow, and is ready to go in the morning to visit the dwarfs. "Are we eating Heroes' Breakfast today?" he asks Bliss.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 8:06:00 PM

Murphy takes Pressi in the evening to the fairly new restaurant called Dryad's Song. One of the druidic elves from outside the walls of Angel Springs has partnered with a halfling druid and chef to weave marvelous menus which change from time to time, anchored by some popular favorites. Tiny trees fill corners of the place, and a stream runs through. Music, sometimes tranquil, occasionally more spirited, is performed by a trio on instruments. The clientele is varied. Among those present are a few adventurers apparently enjoying the fruits of a recent victory, some city officials, what looks like an awkward halfling fellow with an amused, sympathetic, and lovely lass, a small group of merchants, and a few dressed in druidical garb. "Thought it might be good for the two of us to enjoy a dinner together under relatively unthreatening circumstances, Press." He chats and listens as they dine, soaking in the time with his wife.

In the morning Murphy goes to the area of the shrines along the northeast side of the Sanctuary, most of his time in prayer and meditation before the shrine to Eberyon. He enjoys the rain.

"I can take myself plus six via oak trees," he answers Succotash. "Tali or Hobie can take any others. Then once we leave the dwarfs - for Troll, I presume? - you can have the transport honors, Otash."

He stows 20% of the metal to give to the dwarfs, and 25% for the orcs, keeping them in separate containers stowed in his portable hole - if there is enough room to handle that much metal in the container. "Who can take the other 15% of the metal to give the dwarfs their second share - AFTER they meet with the lizardfolk and those things get worked out?" he asks his friends. "I don't want anyone spilling the beans prematurely on telling the dwarfs about it. Though, depending upon how the conversation goes, perhaps we can mention it as an added incentive toward reconciliation if it seems wise."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 10:01:20 PM

Pressi does her best to be pleasant company during dinner, but she can't stop thinking about the case or about the attack on the town. It's a lot of quiet and pushing around food before she finally speaks.

"I can't believe this guy's going to get away with it. After all these thefts and deaths, and an attack. He gets away with it, and... I let everyone down. I was sure that by this point, I'd be able to figure it out or divine it out and I've got nothing. And I wonder if I missed something or this guy is just smarter than I am, and I don't think I like either answer. And any associates he had are unknown or we paid them off so nobody's going to jail for that either. And now we and the people they stole from are going to have to wonder if they get hit again, or maybe he just waits a while..."

Pressi stops herself, trying to calm down. "What was even the point of all this? We could have just stayed home and we'd be in the same position."

The night is otherwise lovely as Pressi pulls herself together for the sake of a nice night. And it isn't too long before she gets lost in the night air.

As the night gets later and Murphy prepares for bed, Pressi makes one last attempt and scrying, casting at all their their suspects. She's got enough L4+ spells to burn, and a hope that one of them will have the same mind blank that she keeps running into. Mafrid Steelbeard, Vokwabyrn Smeltshaper, Thirmid Deepmantle, Novid Coalhelm, the Barkeep, Botheal Steelbraid....

At the last one, she stops, thinking. Quickly, she casts scrying, and then vision, on Aden Steelbraid.

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

In the morning, Pressi asks Bliss if they want to do the Ritual of the Third Eye. "You and I can each take a region like the dwarf forge and see if we can "not see" a guy with permanent mind blank. Use that fuzzy picture to track our quarry."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 11:32:46 PM
Rayya

After Tali's two-hour meditation period, she casts her traditional start of the new "day" spells and then goes off to find Rayya, her trusty familiar. Finding Rayya basically where she left her, the two spend some time reveling in each other's company when Talia explains that she never wants to be without her friend, and with that, she holds and then snuggles her familiar. "Oh, how I have missed you Rayya! Let's go find our friends!"

After rejoining their friends, Tali tells Mister Murphy she can take the other 15% of the metal. How much does the 15% metal actually weigh Mister Murphy? I don't wish to exceed my Haversack's capacity. Just to be sure, Tali transfers all the gear from the central compartments to the two side compartments, freeing up the central compartment for the Metal.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1080 minutes
Message | Duration 180 minutes

Used Spells

Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x



Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Thursday August 19th, 2021 2:26:35 AM

"Thanks, Tali," Murphy expresses his appreciation. "The haversack will take a little, but we'll likely need a decent-sized bag of holding or two, or another portable hole. We could leave the metal here, and retrieve it later. But, sure, if you have room in the central bag, that will allow a small portion of the 15%."

"Hi, Rayya! Good to see you!"

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle 
Thursday August 19th, 2021 9:03:21 AM

Bliss is happy with his high strength to help wrangle the metal around.

DM Mitch 
Thursday August 19th, 2021 9:07:50 AM
Succotash communes with his Gods before asking if they want to proceed to the Scab and who is going to get them there.
Hobie thanks Hugo and Primula and inquires about their normal breakfast of heroes.
Murphy treats his wife to dinner at the restaurant Dryad’s song. The next morning he discusses transport logistics as well as carrying the metal to go to the Dwarves and the Orcs. He also discusses the plan with respect to the Dwarves’ second share and using it as an incentive to get them to treat with the Lizardfolk.
Pressi tries to be good company at the dinner table but she is disappointed that whoever was behind it all got away. She finally pulls herself together in the night air and later that night she starts scrying on everyone she possibly could think of.

When she scries on Mafrid and Vokwabyrn she sees the two of them eating dinner together in the Motherlode the low candlelight seems to convey a sense of intimacy between the two of them.

Thirmid is hard at work mining ore trying to produce enough to get out of debt
Novid is reading a book that appears to be a treatise on a new theory of metal working.
The barkeep is serving drinks at the bar
Botheal is eating a sad meal of hardtack at a dining table, alone
Aden is in a bedroom, crying, a decanter of wine on her night stand

The next morning she discusses with Bliss using the ritual of the Third Eye before visiting the dwarves in order to potentially find the person who attacked them.

Tali does her meditation, casts her spells and then goes off to find her familiar. She volunteers to take the remaining 15% of the metal for the Dwarves if her handy sack will carry it.
Murphy says the handisack will take a little but they could always leave it here and get it later.
Bliss helps wrangle the metal.

Presumably after preparations are complete the party teleports to the dwarven compound. The party is able to fit the metal the party is planning to give to them in their various packs and what they'll give to the orcs but they'll have to go back to get the extra 15% they were planning to bargain with.

Several dwarves note your magical arrival and congregate curiously. One runs off to fetch the managers.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday August 19th, 2021 12:01:58 PM
Sorry, I've been extremely busy this week getting ready for the Fall semester. Could someone post for Kezzem please? I will get back into the swing of things hopefully next week.

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=39 ;
Thursday August 19th, 2021 12:05:42 PM
As Succotash arrives at the dwarven community, he takes a look around (perception 39) before saying to his friends, "It's kinda nice being transported, as opposed to being the the transportation source from time to time, though I'm probably going to be put back into service before the day is out. I really need to get a staff of teleportation, to boost my effectiveness as a long distance beast of burden."

When he sees people going to fetch the managers, he waves at the remaining dwarves and says, in dwarven, "May your beards grow ever longer, may your forge fires never die, and may your mine, as well as your mugs, never run dry!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday August 19th, 2021 9:22:46 PM

Pressi for the most part lets the investigation drop. As of now, she prefers to just provide their report and see how the dwarves wish to proceed.

She cannot, however, simply let this Botheal thing go, and proceeds to simply track him down. "I know what you've been up to, and I can't simply look the other way on this. I don't exactly expect you to talk to me about it, but it ends now."

DM Mitch 
Friday August 20th, 2021 4:01:49 AM
Succotash enjoys being transported for once and offers up a greeting in Dwarvish as Vokwabyrn and Mafrid are fetched.
Pressi cryptically threatens Botheal

Botheal says to her, “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Vokwabyrn and Mafrid are fetched.
Vowabyrn says to the Halflings, “What news of our missing ingots do you bring?”


CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle 
Friday August 20th, 2021 9:00:01 AM

Bliss laughs at Sir Succotash. "Beast you may be, my friend, but never a burden!"

"And you, oh wise Kez'm, you seem very quiet. Surely you have a bon mot for the occasion?"



Kezzem (Sub-Cayzle) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Friday August 20th, 2021 9:04:40 AM

Vowabyrn asks about the missing ingots. Kezzem cocks his head for a moment, in thought.

"We deposited them in the goblin bank. Keep in mind, you can't have Gringotts without ingots!"

The fellow's wide grin reveals that he is joking.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Saturday August 21st, 2021 3:11:04 AM

Murphy gives a suitable greeting, then says, "The fellow who bought the stolen goods mixed the ingots together with a metal from a fallen rock, and with a third and possibly fourth source of alloyed metal, and created a juggernaut. Imagine a very large rectangular metallic wagon, fully magical, electrified, nearly impervious, strongly resistant to magic, and sent against our own stronghold. That is what happened to your ingots."

The druid opens his portable hole, and takes a few minutes to empty out the scraps they gathered together for them. "This we recovered for you."

He turns toward his companions. "And these are the ones who tracked the maker, though usually a step or two behind. He is fiendishly clever. These my friends nonetheless defeated the relentless juggernaut. And Hobie's arrows performed put the finishing touches to its destruction."

There is more to say, but in its time.

(lOn a camping trip. No signal reaches camp. Will be back Monday pm.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Saturday August 21st, 2021 3:12:37 AM
Can someone post for Hobie?

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Saturday August 21st, 2021 10:36:14 AM
After Murphy tells the story, Bliss (in halfling form, of course) bows to the managers in the dwarfish fashion.

"I am Bliss, at your service, and I must agree with my friend here that we have been ill-served by fate and the malice of our unseen foeman. Honestly, this web is so tangled, that we should, I think, simply offer you these metal fragments, to make of them what you will, and then say our farewells. Until we have brought the miscreant to justice, I fear to stray from our undefended home, and remaining here simply makes you targets."

"Please ask any questions you might have, and then we shall depart."

Kezzem (Sub-Cayzle) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91  d20+24=25 ;
Saturday August 21st, 2021 10:40:03 AM

Kezzem stares at Bliss and says, "I have a question! How are you suddenly talking like Gandalf?"

He also turns to the dwarf managers. "Plus, tell us this is not a joke or a prank. You're not in on it, are you?"

Sense Motive 25 plus detect evil.

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick) 
Sunday August 22nd, 2021 6:02:05 PM
"We took care of the gang trying to rob your caravan," Hobie says. "They might want to come back and say they are sorry. Their two leaders died. You wanna talk with 'em?"

DM Mitch 
Monday August 23rd, 2021 6:34:53 AM
Bliss tells Succotash he may be a beast but never a burden before asking why Kezz’m is so silent
Kezzem makes a joke about depositing ingots at gringots
Murphy explains the situation about the juggernaut and begins producing the portion of the metal they left for the dwarves
Bliss bows and suggests that the dwarves take their metal and ask any questions and then the adventurers be on their way lest the dwarves become target of their foe again
Kezzem is suspicious of Bliss and casts detect evil
Hobie mentions that they took care of the gang that tried to rob them and that their leaders are dead and asks if they should be brought

Mafrid examines the metal that has been given to them and says, “This is absolutely fascinating. I am most interested in the composition of this new metal and its properties. I don’t suppose you have anymore? We’d be more than willing to pay in gold pieces for any more of this metal that you have” He talks with Vokwabyrn for a moment as they try to figure out it’s worth. ”We’d estimate this material is about as valuable as the shipments we lost. A job well done! We’ll pay you your fee and for any more of this metal you can provide us.”

Vokwabyrn say to Hobie, “Take the criminals to the next nearest town or city to face justice. We are a small mining outpost and do not have the facilities to deal with them.”


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Monday August 23rd, 2021 7:21:47 AM
Alloys

Tali hovers along, lending help when & where she can.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1075 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1075 minutes
Message | Duration 175 minutes


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 23rd, 2021 10:13:49 AM
Succotash chimes in, "What my friend Hobie just said is true, we defeated the thieves after slaying their foolish leaders. The remaining thieves, no longer under the influence of said leaders, have a desire to change their ways and are as we speak joining the security force in Troll, where they will put their skills to work, working for the city guard. In a true form of reformation, we have encouraged them to seek your forgiveness, and at least try to pay any restitution you may require. It should be added that they claim, and I for one believe them, that the ones responsible for the deaths of those few slain dwarves, from the early thefts, are the same as the ones we slew. What say you good dwarves, can you find it in your hearts to forgive some mislead fellows who have seen the err of their ways, and wish to start anew? After all we all know how easy it is to follow ones we trust, and sometimes the ones we trust can lead us down the wrong path. I know that doesn't make one innocent, as we all have the power to say no, but it is at least understandable, and there are few things more lovely than a reformation of the heart"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday August 23rd, 2021 9:53:36 PM

Pressi eyes Botheal carefully. "I think you do. Maybe you and the tavern keeper should discuss it. If you want to talk afterwards, its up to you. I'd just tread lighter from this point further. Oh, be a dear and let her know that I found the job I was working for."

Pressi otherwise drops any discussions with potential suspects.

Moving on, she comes in as the discussions are made. Chiming in, "Feel free to disagree, but know that we made a decision regarding justice and are willing to stand by it. At any rate, I'm afraid the person we are really after, the one that hired all these bandits, the trail has run cold on it."

Kezzem (Sub-Cayzle) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91  d20+24=26
Monday August 23rd, 2021 11:11:36 PM

"Huh!" Kezzem mutters, "Now that I know I can trust Bliss, let's see if I can trust these dwarves. They seem to be trying to alloy our fears."

Detect evil on the dwarves and Sense Motive 26.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Monday August 23rd, 2021 11:14:19 PM

"Heck," exclaims Bliss, "let's give them all the metal and take as much as they have in coin to give."

Mookie whaps Bliss in the head. "First of all, your mom should hear you use such language?!"

"And second of all, you don't dicker by showing you are eager to offload your goods. Have I taught you nothing over all these years?"

"Hush," says Bliss, embarrassed.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 12:06:52 AM
"Don't get cocky, Bliss," says Kezzem. "I've still got my eye on you. Your a shifty halfling, alright. Get it? Cause you're always shifting your form. Into a cat. Or a octopus. Or a Mookie...no, wait."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 12:11:13 AM
Alloys

Tali hovers along, lending help when & where she can, but for now she is amused what hing the grumbles & mumbles of the alloy puzzle with Rayya.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1074 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1074minutes
Message | Duration 174 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+28=31 ;
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 6:54:22 AM

"The miscreants are beastfolk - lizardmen. I do sense they are repentant, but are worried about appearing before you after what they have done," Murphy explains. "Now, to the best of my understanding, the person who killed one of yours is now, himself, deceased. We've shown them other ways they might behave going forward. It is up to you. Are you willing to take half a day to help us resolve this matter, at least as far as it might be resolved between the wrongdoers and those whom they wronged? - That is, you." Murphy waits silently for their answer.

If they continue to want to avoid such a meeting, then he says, "I suppose we can find someone else, then, to sell the remaining metal to. And the information we gathered on how it was fashioned, well, there's no need to pass that on to you." He only uses that leverage if they continue to resist what Succotash has recommended.

However, if they seem to acquiesce, he is amenable to later getting the additional 15% of the metal they set aside for them. And, after talking it over with the party, perhaps more. He thinks that keeping about 10% for the Humble's Ford local crafters to work with is a good idea, though.

==========
Diplomacy: 31

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick)  
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 6:56:51 AM

Hobie says to Vokwabyrn, "Nope. I think you need to meet with them, with us to help out. I'm going to get a drink while you all figure this out."

And he heads to the tavern to get that drink.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 8:40:47 AM
Succotash further explains the situation with the lizard folk and their desire to make amends.
Tali hovers lending help where she can. She is amused by the grumblings and mumblings of her friends.
Pressi eyes Botheal carefully and further warns him before opining further on the robberies and how the trail went cold on who is ultimately behind them
Kezzem now casts detect evil and senses the dwarves motives.
Kezzem does not detect evil though he does sense a little frustration from the 2 dwarves that own the outpost.
Bliss suggests they offload the rest of the metal using colorful language, Mookie rebukes him on his choice of language and his poor negotiating skills
Kezzem makes a joke about Bliss being a shape changer
Tali hovers overhead.

Vokwabyrn says to Succotash, “Well you have made us whole with the recovery of this alloy; although the caravan guards were contracted to us per Dwarven law it would be up to the clans that the dead guards belonged to or the caravaneer company if they were clanless. We can get you the name of caravan from our records if you like but you’d probably be further ahead just going to the nearest large settlement if you want to bring the thieves to some kind of just ending.”
Botheal blanches when Pressi mentions the tavern keeper this time then snaps, “What I do on my own time is none of your business.”
Mafrid observes Kezzem and says, “Have we not treated with you folks fairly? Why are you so suspicious?”

Mafrid says to Bliss, “How much more of the metal do you have?”


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 10:57:32 AM
"Beats me," says Kezzem. "Bliss made me do it."

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 24th, 2021 11:28:13 AM
Succotash says in dwarven, "Please excuse my paladin friend, he's not usually this mistrusting. Kezzem is, well Kezzem, a great friend, trusted ally, and powerful warrior, but I'm not sure his head is always screwed down tightly." In common he says, "I understand your position, and why you can't make a decision regarding the wrong doing and redemption of some mislead individuals. Thank you for your time, on the issue, and even if you have no legal say in the matter, I pray you would find it in your own hearts to forgive them, and wish them well in their pursuit of a better and productive life. I for one am willing to let things stand as they are, but if my friends wish to procure the clan name, and seek them out, I am fine with that as well."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+25=27 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+14=20 ;
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 8:55:19 PM
Special Alloys

Tali diplomatically says in her best dwarven tongue, while looking towards "Mafrid" & the assembled, "Er, allow me to ask you, What do you think the new alloy actually is? Do you have any means of discovering what its composition is? Perhaps, if you think to name this new alloy, you'd think fondly of us, in your naming?"

Tali uses her skills to try to perceive any scheming motives Mafrid and the assembled might be displaying.

Skill Checks
Diplomacy: 28 (checked the sheet, applied wrong bonus)
Sense Motive: 18
Perception: 20

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1073 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1073 minutes
Message | Duration 173 minutes

Languages Spoken
Elven (Elf)
Dwarven
Common
Halfling
and (1) mystery language

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 9:15:36 PM

At Botheal's remarks, "I saw her, your wife. And I have to say, I do not appreciate this attitude, and I can't rule out that the thefts are a direct result of your personal business."

Pressi straightened up. "But you are correct. It IS none of my affair, for now. Pray that I don't change my mind on this. Or you can straighten up, end this, make it right, and NOT find me in your room one night when you least expect it, your fate already sealed."

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

Pressi supposed that they did have to make their reports to the proper authorities, beginning with the name of the caravan and the settlement ahead.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 11:37:53 PM

Bliss apologizes to Kezzem and the dwarf, and tells all he knows about how much of the metal the party has.

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick)  
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 2:41:34 AM
(Already posted for Murphy & Hobie w/o response... Will let those stand awaiting resolution.)

DM Mitch 
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 7:28:23 AM
Murphy tries to use the ore as leverage to get the dwarves to meet with the lizardfolk.
Hobie goes to get a drink.
Kezzem says Bliss made him do it.
Succotash apologizes for Kezzem’s behavior and says he understands the dwarves position.
Tali wants to know more about the metal and if they could possibly get it named after them.
Pressi supposes that it isn’t her business, but advises Botheal to straighten up before she makes it her business.
Bliss apologizes and lets the dwarves know how much metal they have.

The dwarves seem a little annoyed at the party’s insistence on forgiveness. ”Look, we’re businessmen. We got our ore back, possibly even something more valuable then it. As far as we’re concerned we’re square with the thieves, but if you want them to be able to show their faces around here you’ll have to deal with the families and the lawmen. Go to Undertow, it’s the nearest town, and talk to the caravan company and guard officer there. If you want to sell the ore to us then we’ll happily take it, otherwise we wish you luck and a good day.”

Tali doesn’t sense any deceit from the dwarves, just annoyance at the moral complications showing up in their nice clean business dealings. At her questions/suggestions they simply say that they’ll have to run some tests - it’s not just what it’s made of, but the ratio that makes an alloy after all. They’ll keep her naming suggestion in mind.

Botheal meekly agrees to Pressi’s requests that he straighten out.


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 August 25th, 2021 10:34:41 AM
"Well friends, should we head to Undertow, or just let this thing drop?" Succotash says to his friends. He than adds, "Other than the portion that belongs to the orc ladies, and the wee bit our local artisans wish to mess around with, I see no reason not to sell the remaining portion to these fine dwarves. As they have said, they are business people, and we may as well give them our business."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 8:35:54 PM

Pressi shakes her head. "They do have a point. We took it upon ourselves to determine how these various thieves should be processed. If we truly want these thieves to reform, we have to be responsible for them. And if they don't, we're accountable."

Pressi turned to the dwarves. "We would be happy to go to the authorities. And we have no problems with selling you the ore... though I am curious as to the process myself. And to determining who could produce such an ore that you wouldn't even attempt to bargain the price for it. I'm glad that our business is concluded but I still want to find the guy who bought all the stolen ore."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+26=30 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+14=23 ;
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 10:57:47 PM
Bold Reforms

Tali diplomatically says to the assembled Humble Sword, and by using her Message spell as she points to each any every Humble, "just what was the end goal with the thieves -N- Lizard folks? Was this a Neutral party gesture? Was this a religious mission? Someone, please enlighten me so I might be able to explain all of this; Tali waves her hands about; to Rayya; she has missed quite a lot of goings-on!"

[b][u]Skill Checks
Diplomacy(+26): 30
Sense Motive(+9): 19
Perception(+14): 23

[b][u]Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1072 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1072 minutes
Message | Duration 172 minutes

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 11:51:08 PM

Bliss favors selling the dwarves all the rest of the metal, and then letting matters drop.

"Honestly, I'm more afraid of another surprise assault on our hometown."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday August 26th, 2021 12:06:03 AM
"I doubt there will be another surprise attack in the Ford," says Kezzem. "Kind of hard to ambush us if we're expecting it."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15   d20+28=34 ;
Thursday August 26th, 2021 6:21:55 AM

"Yes, we should visit Undertow," Murphy says addressing the party, and aiming to answer Tali's query, but in the presence of the dwarfs, "and discuss the matter with them, and find the family of the guard who was lost. I thought there was one of them. Were there two? If so, well, find both families.

"If we deem justice good, then that must be addressed, lest we support lawlessness. If we deem mercy, reform, and redemption good, then we must let that work its way through. The lizardmen, whom we have taken under our charge - whom we chose NOT to kill in hopes of reform and redemption, though they say, 'Oh, we'll be good,' ought to face those they wronged, that they may see the evil they have wrought, the hurt they have caused.

"And, for you dwarfs who work so diligently here," the halfling druid faces those they have helped directly, "It was YOUR alloy that was stolen. It was the caravans YOU hired that were attacked four times successfully, and thwarted on the fifth attack. YOU were robbed.

"At the risk of causing you irritation and taking up a bit of your time, I have some questions. If you have no interest whatsoever in facing those who robbed you MULTIPLE TIMES, now that the material value lost has been restored to you by our efforts, because you are too busy, and don't care... my questions include these: Are you good? Are you just? Are you open to facing those who wronged you - in more ways than harming your economic self-interest - and describing the hurt, sorrow, anxiety, and fear their actions caused? And perhaps, by giving them space to bear the fruits of repentence, gaining friends and allies? Turning enemies, if one dare go so far, turning enemies into friends, attackers into defenders.

"Or not. We will go to Undertow, as you recommend. If you will, however, agree to meet with them after we have dealt with the caravan companies and the justice system there - or even have some of you join us there when a time for a hearing has been set - then I am quite willing to cooperate with my friends of Humble's Sword in providing a larger quantity of the metal that was turned against us. If you are too busy to consider matters of justice and perhaps mercy, then I think we might find other uses for the metal."

He pauses, then adds, "You dwell not by the sea, but perhaps have heard how pearls are formed? An oyster, minding its own business, has some sand kicked up nearby, and one or more grains of it find its way into its flesh. That sand is an irritant - as perhaps you find us and our line of communication, and surely the beastfolk were a huge irritant. Well, the oyster, when that grit gets in and causes discomfort begins to exude a whitish substance with wraps a smooth, hard coat around the grit. Out of that grows the beautiful pearl, fit to adorn and enhance the comeliness of those who wear it. Not to mention of great value. So, are you willing to turn the irritation you have gone through into a pearl of great price?"

To his party members, he says, "And perhaps we'll help form other pearls, eh?" He senses there are some who find Murphy's moral sense a source of irritation from time to time.

He shrugs his shoulders. "Look, we'll follow your recommendations regarding Undertow. Will you follow ours concerning trying to help these outlaws turn towards what is good and right? Think it over. We can leave now, I think, unless anyone else has something to add?"

==============
Diplomacy 34

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick) 
Thursday August 26th, 2021 6:28:03 AM

Hobie had gone to grab a drink at the tavern, but decided to bring the mug with him to go back out and listen to the rest of the conversations. It was much easier to swallow all the back and forth with the decent ale to wash it down.

"Where to next, then. How do we get to Undertow?"

DM Mitch 
Thursday August 26th, 2021 8:31:21 AM
Succotash asks if they should head to Undertow or let things drop. He also is in favor of selling the rest of the ore minus what they are planning to give the orcs and local artisans of Humble’s Ford to the Dwarves
Pressi says they took it upon themselves to be responsible for the Lizardfolk so they should press on to Undertow. She also is curious as to the process of the ore selling and who could have made it that they would offer to buy it without negotiating as they are still trying to find who is behind its construction.
Tali uses her message spells to communicate with her friends and try to understand more of the end goal with the lizard folk thieves so she can explain it to Rayya as her familiar has missed so much.
Bliss wants to sell the metal but he fears for another attack on their hometown
Kezzem doubts there will be another attack on the Ford as they on guard now
Murphy gives a long speech about repentance, good and evil, and morality.
Hobie comes back out with his drink and listens in.

Mafrid says to Pressi, “I never said we wouldn’t negotiate. I said we’d pay gold for the alloy but I didn’t say how much. I’d like to know how much you have left then I’ll make you an offer and we can negotiate further if you don’t like my offer. We have a range we are willing to pay for this metal. Granted you are right this investment could prove to be a folly but our alloy was amazing enough as it is, adding sky metal and other rare compounds to it, should make for something even better and if we learn things that improve our processes in the course of studying this new alloy even the better. I see it as an investment in research and development and with you folks putting an end to the robberies we do have the money to invest now. If over the course of our investigation into the alloy and its properties we find anything that might be relevant to you finding the person who made it we will dispatch a messenger to Humble’s Ford with the information. Unless you have an easier way for us to get a hold of you”

The dwarves look bored at Murphy’s speech, then increasingly outraged. ”We are well aware of the crimes inflicted on us.” Manfrid says. ”Perhaps you yourself should review them before continuing your self-righteous posturing. All we lost was stuff. Objects. Things that, no matter how valuable, could not hold a copper piece in value to that of a single life. These thieves you’re so eager to redeem are murderers. Four times we were robbed and three good men died for it. From what little we could learn the thieves were hardened criminals who had murdered many beforehand. You stand here and demand we try to forgive and forget - go talk to the families of the murdered! Talk to those who truly suffered from their actions. Track down all those lives ended and address each in turn and tell those crying widows they should forgive the murderers of their loved ones for they have changed. Then once those truly serious crimes are addressed return here and we can talk about minor crimes of temporary loss of property. If the thieves have repented and gotten forgiveness from all of their past victims of far worse crimes then we will face them, tell them of the minor pain they inflicted on us, and forgive them for it.”

Taking a bag of gold out of a pocket he throws it at Murphy. ”Here is your pay. Should you wish to sell us the rest of this alloy return. Until then our business is done. Good day to you.” And with that the pair march off back to their duties.


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 August 26th, 2021 11:22:29 AM
"Murph, he has a point." Succotash says to his druid friend. Than to everyone he says, "As one who used to follow Pantheon exclusively, and now collectively, I understand Murph's desire to see justice and redemption, as both are basic tenants of Pantheon, but I also see that if we choose to proceed, in the possibly fruitless task, of seeking out everyone who may have been wronged by our lizardfolk friends, we may be prowling about for the rest of our lives. They have found a new life for themselves, one with a noble purpose, and our act of mercy is the reason for their life change. We should feel a sense of pride in that, and remember, like Pressi said, we are responsible for them. We could head to undertow, but I feel we may be wasting our time, and I must confess that though this endeavor seemed right when we set out from the Sanctuary, after talking with our dwarf friends here, I'm beginning to think we should just move on, and like Bliss, I feel a sense of concern for the safety of our home, and more importantly, those who dwell there, under our care. I feel we should skip Undertow, and teleport over to where we left the Orc ladies, give them their share of the metal, check in on the lizardfolk, and then head home. After that, we can calculate the amount of metal we have available, and sell it to our dwarf friends, and be done with this whole affair, with the knowledge that we did our job, and we did it well."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday August 26th, 2021 4:10:31 PM

Pressi raised an eyebrow at how things went out of control. "Hold on, wait.

"First, I meant no disrespect back there with regard to your business capabilities.. I was merely commenting that this guy seems to have created an alloy beyond even your frankly amazing capabilities. Which is a big deal to me because I'm still attempting to track the guy who did this, the guy who used other bandits as a weapon.

"Second, I do want to step back on any moral posturing or frustration. We had to make a call and now we have to own it, to the best that we can. As part of that call, we thought that cutting deals would net us the person that hired them, and it didn't. I won't defend this call any further. But I do need you to protect yourself. And... if they do go back to thieving, I apologize in advance. But if it appears that they have moved on to nobler purposes, maybe just keep an open mind."

Moving back, "I don't intend to get forgiveness from everyone, but we promised the bandits at least a chance. It sounds like we have to cut a deal with Undertow to do it. Besides, maybe we'll get lucky and get a better idea of what's going on in the region."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday August 26th, 2021 4:30:59 PM
"I don't know," says Kezzem. "I'm not sure we should be forcing our version of justice on others. If they're willing to look the other way and honor our offer of amnesty, that's good enough for me. Reconciliation is nice and all, but that's not something you can force."

"Wow, that's a lot of sentences for me with no bad jokes in them. It might be my new record."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+14=15 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+27=31 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+26=37 ;
Thursday August 26th, 2021 11:24:13 PM
Strange Ways

Diplomatically, Tali suggests to her friend, "that we should try to learn for ourselves as much as we can about this new alloy, for we might learn for ourselves what this new metal may do for us and possibly it may be used to fortify our compound against all enemies, foreign and domestic!"

Tali reaches into the Haversack containing some of the remaining new alloy and withdraws a small piece. She then tries to use her feats, skills, and magic to get an understanding of what this new alloy actually is. She descends to the ground, places Rayya onto her left shoulder, and then starts by using her skills:

Perception: NAT 1 -- nope, Tali doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Appraise: 16 -- what does Tali discover while appraising this new chunk of metal?

Knowledge (arcana): 31 -- what does Tali discover while using her knowledge of arcana on this new chunk of metal, as it was once a piece of the once formidable Juggernaught?

Tali then casts Identity to boost her Spellcraft skill -- Spellcraft (+23): 45 ( Identify +10 to spellcraft) -- what does Tali discover while using her knowledge of Spellcraft on this new chunk of metal, as it was once a piece of the once formidable Juggernaught?

Skill Checks
Appraise (+4): 16
Diplomacy(+26): 37
Knowledge (Arcana) (+27): 31
Perception(+14): 15 (NAT 1)
Spellcraft (+23): 35

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1071 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1071 minutes
Message | Duration 171 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Friday August 27th, 2021 2:24:46 AM

Murphy listens to Manfrid. He is quiet for a while.

He takes out paper and pen, and jots something down. His note outlines what he and Bliss and Tali were able to discern about the composition. Murphy's note will be far more complete, but at the end he writes: Along with the mithril and sky metal, there also were some rare metallic salts joined to the admixture of iron and steel. Tell us when, and we might be able to get you to the place where those salts may be obtained. He hands the note to Mafrid.

Then he asks, "Would you be so kind as to write the names of the three who lost their lives?"

Meanwhile, he signals mental appreciation to Pressi for the tack she is taking.



DM Mitch 
Friday August 27th, 2021 6:03:39 AM
Succotash points out that Mafrid has a point and that it might be fruitless to talk to everyone who was wronged by the lizard folk. He suggests they skip undertow, go to the orc ladies, give them their share, check in on the lizard folk then regroup at home before selling the rest of the alloy off and putting the whole thing behind them.
Pressi tries to smooths things over with the Dwarves explaining some of what was said and did. She then suggests they press on to Undertow since they promised the bandits a chance. She also figures they might get a better idea of what is going on in the region.
Kezzem suggests maybe they don’t try focing their version of justice on others and while reconciliation is nice it isn’t something that can be forced. He also remarks on his own lack of jokes
Tali suggests studying the alloy themselves and potentially using it to further fortify their compound. She reaches in to the haversack withdraws a small piece and starts examining it, her familiar on her shoulder.
Hobie tries to make some notes and get the names of the dead.

Pressi and Murphy’s attempts at smoothing things over end up being wasted breath. The dwarves are done with the conversation and already left, ignoring anything the party says to their retreating backs.

Tali’s appraisal of the alloy is that it is certainly valuable. It isn’t every day that one comes across a compound that is part steel, mithral, sky metal and other metals.

Tali doesn’t really get anything magical from the piece she pulled out as it is small and doesn’t really appear to have been part of one of the decorative carvings or anything. Although it was once part of the juggernaut it is now inert and just a non magical piece of metal albeit an interesting metal nonetheless.

With the dwarves no longer willing to engage the party in conversation there's nothing left to do but leave. Some want to go to Undertow, some want to drop the matter.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+4=8 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+23=34 ;
Friday August 27th, 2021 9:43:34 PM
Strange Ways

Tali shakes the Haversack containing the remaining alloy spilling all that she has of the alloy upon the ground, looking for any of the pieces that contain symbols. She then tries to use her feats, skills, and magic to get an understanding of what this new alloy actually is & what she can learn from the residue magic that maybe contained within.

Perception: 26 -- does Tali find any pieces having symbols?

Appraise: 8 -- what does Tali discover while appraising this new chunk of metal?

Knowledge (arcana): 32 -- what does Tali discover while using her knowledge of arcana on this new chunk of metal, as it was once a piece of the once formidable Juggernaught that may contain symbols?

Tali then casts Identity to boost her Spellcraft skill -- Spellcraft (+23): 44 ( Identify +10 to spellcraft) -- what does Tali discover while using her knowledge of Spellcraft on this new chunk of metal with symbols?

When all is said and done and Tali has felt she has exhausted all she can learn, then Tali places back into the Haversack all the alloy plus anything else that fell out.
Turning to her fellowship, as I am not a Justicar, pursuing that line of work I do not find engaging.

Skill Checks
Appraise (+4): 16
Knowledge (Arcana) (+27): 32
Perception(+14): 26
Spellcraft (+23): 34

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1070 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1070 minutes
Message | Duration 170 minutes



Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+4=20 ;
Friday August 27th, 2021 11:54:04 PM

"Well, I still want to drop it. Who cares about the law in this Undertow place? I never even heard of it."

Know Geography (untrained) 20

"Or have I?"

"Maybe someone should cast a Divination or Commune to see if it would serve fate to go to this place I probably never heard of."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Saturday August 28th, 2021 2:05:27 PM
"I thought undertow was that thing in the ocean where you get pulled under the water," says Kezzem. "I'd prefer to avoid that."

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Sunday August 29th, 2021 10:36:46 AM

"No, wise Kezz'm, that's the UnderToad. It lived in the sea and pulls down unwary swimmers."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Monday August 30th, 2021 4:41:58 AM
"I understand." Murphy says. "Most of you do not have the interest or heart to do as I am suggesting. That is all right - it should not take all of us to talk with the folks in Undertow.

"I'll go with whoever wishes to join me. Sure and there are plenty of other ways you might spend your time. If no one wishes to join in, I'll go it alone."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Monday August 30th, 2021 4:45:03 AM

"Go ahead, Murph," Hobie says. "I want to see what the folks at Slings and arrows come up with. I wonder if they can make some fishing arrows for me?"

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick) 
Monday August 30th, 2021 4:47:35 AM
"Go ahead, Murph," Hobie says. "I want to see what the folks at Slings and arrows come up with. I wonder if they can make some fishing arrows for me?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday August 30th, 2021 8:34:40 AM
Pressi nods. "I'd like to come along too, assuming nobody needs my help to get back. It was partly my calculation so I'd like to defend my reasoning. And I might poke around while I'm there."

"As for the rest of you, you can head on to the orc camp without incident."

DM Mitch 
Monday August 30th, 2021 10:36:15 AM
Tali is really gung ho about determining what she can from the pieces of the juggernaut that the party collected after the battle. She finds that she does have some pieces that were part of the outer sculpture but they are badly disfigured and only bits and pieces of what they once represented. Without a proper library it is really a shot in the dark to compare them with anything. Tali then casts identify on the new piece of juggernaut but alas it too like the previous piece is no longer a magic item, having been destroyed and therefore losing whatever magical properties it had. She also votes against undertow.
Kezem says he thought Undertow was the thing that pulls you under the ocean and he’d prefer to avoid that.
Bliss is in agreement concerning dropping the undertow matter. He tries to think if he’s heard of it before and he has albeit vaguely. He also suggests someone cast some sort of divination to figure if it is worth going to undertow. He corrects Kezem concerning the undertoad.
Murphy decides to go to Undertow on his own, though others can join him if they want.
Hobie wants to check in with his arrow project.
Pressi joins Murphy for his trip.

The party splits. Most retrieve the ore and head out to the orcs. Hobie is told they’ll need a little more time as the metal is proving difficult to reshape. The group arrives back at the initial camp where they met the orcs. One of them is waiting there, looking bored, and perks up when the party shows up.

Murphy and Pressi find their way to Undertow. It is an underground town near the surface built next to an underground river, thus the name. The town is set in a large cave along the river, built as a series of caves and dwellings built into the wall and connected by stairs. No building or cave is lower than a dozen feet off the cave floor - presumably the river floods in heavy rains. The locals are used to strangers showing up and are happy to point the pair to the local law enforcement office. Inside a low roofed cave a dwarf sits at a desk with his feet on it and a pipe in his hands. He nods a greeting and looks at them inquisitively.


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 30th, 2021 11:26:04 AM
Succotash quickly addresses the Orcs, "We have returned as promised, though we ran into a bit of a hiccup. You see, who ever stole your metal melted the sky metal down and mixed it with a steel and mithril alloy, as well as some rare metallic salts, and who knows what else. This new alloy was used to make a construct designed to destroy our home by some unknown assailant, who escaped our grasp. Luckily we were able to destroy the automaton before any serious damage was done, or anyone was seriously hurt.

We have recently learned that this new alloy, that I think we should call Humble's Steel, may actually be more valuable than any of the parent metals used to create it. You are welcome to a portion equal to the amount of sky metal that was stolen from you. If you are worried that your people may be unhappy with this development, than may I suggest relocating to the new community, by the Culverwood, a place called "Freedoms Landing". There you will find a fledgling community that could use you metal working skills. Also, a goodly portion of the community is comprised of orcs who have shaken off the evil stigma that sadly seems to follow your people. I by no means am judging your kind, as I believe we decide how we are going to live our lives. In the same way that goodly orcs aren't the norm, but exist, evil halflings aren't the norm, yet they also exist, as such we should never judge someone based on appearance, but on the content of their character."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday August 30th, 2021 1:01:39 PM
In response to Succo's long speech, Kezzem turns to Bliss and says, "Wow, I didn't know being Murphey was contagious. We'll have to be careful or we'll be next!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday August 30th, 2021 7:36:33 PM
In response to Succo's long speech, Kezzem turns to Bliss and says, "Wow, I didn't know being Murphey was contagious. We'll have to be careful or we'll be next!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+24=43 ;
Monday August 30th, 2021 8:46:39 PM

After the introductions have been made, Pressi eyes the dwarf carefully, thinking of the best way to proceed.

"We were hired by a local smelting company to provide security. Bandits had been raiding caravans, stealing the metal and selling it to an unknown buyer. And..." Pressi took some time before proceeding. "We were able to capture a good number of the bandits alive, and we promised not to bring them to trial. They gave us information, helped us track the buyer, and generally took steps to reform, and we made the decision that interrupting that with jail time would not be beneficial for those involved. We are here to advocate on their behalf and to tie up any loose ends and accountability that might require.

"We are also here because we never found the buyer. He used thieves to steal metal from camps all over the area and has thus far avoided all of my divinations. Some form of mind blank or dimensional activity. He also managed to create a juggernaut with the various alloys and some mineral deposits from the culverwood, and apparently uses illusion magic when dealing with community members. I'm also here to see if I might luck into any further leads. A stranger of immense power traveling through the city, or some insight into the purchasers of various alloys, perhaps."

(Diplomacy 43)

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

Pressi takes some time afterwards to sightsee, ask around, look to see if anyone heard even a whisper of a relevant rumor. She isn't quite ready to let go.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Monday August 30th, 2021 10:47:45 PM
Bliss snickers at Kezzem’s words. But he backs Sir Succotash up 100%.

“You’re doing great, brother,” he says.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 12:52:09 AM
Loss fer Words...

Tali goes with Succotash & Kezzem to return the Orcs' portion of the ore.

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

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+28=30 ;
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 3:39:15 AM

Before leaving the smelting operation behind, Murphy does take a few minutes to hand off the paper that described what the party was able to discern about the process [as described in an earlier post].

Murphy listens to Pressi's presentation. To her privately (via telecommunication) he says, 'I don't think we promised no trial. I do think we promised to advocate on their behalf. Which I'll join you in doing.'

"We spoke to those who hired us to stop the bandits," Murphy adds to his wife's explanation. "They said we ought to come to bring the matter to your attention, as guards from here were working for them in providing caravan deliveries. Do you know any who may have done so? And any family members? I ask that as I believe there may have been loss of life in at least one robbery. That matter needs serious attention. Whom should we speak with, meet with?"

==============
Diplomacy: 30 to boost Pressi's by +2 to 45.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 7:10:18 AM
Succotash explains the situation to the orcs and says they are welcome to a portion of the new metal equal to what they lost in sky metal but if their tribal leaders wouldn’t be happy with that they are free to resettle in Freedom’s Landing.

Kezzem tells Bliss after Succotash’s long speech that being near Murphy is contagious and they’ll have to be careful or they’ll be next.
Bliss snickers at Kezzem but backs Succotash up.
Tali goes with thim.
Dura says to Succotash, “I do not know how our tribe will react. We were told to recover the stolen iron and sky metal allow and we end up bring back a new alloy albeit supposedly more valuable but what properties does it have? How hard is it to shape? Our original metal was in ingots that we could repurpose for whatever tools or weapons we needed but all this stuff is in fairly small pieces. We could try to smelt this into ingots but the question remains will our leaders be comfortable with this arrangement? I honestly do not know. Let me talk with my sisters about what we should do; mayhap we leave the metal in its current form and set off for this settlement of yours.”

===================
Meanwhile in Undertow

Pressi explains their situation to the constabulary letting them know she is looking for leads on whoever attacked them and a way for the lizard folk to reform.
Murphy leaves behind some information for the dwarves and heads to undertow. He asks about the caravan guards.

The constable considers a moment and consults some paperwork on his desk. Then he says to Pressi “Only gang a lizard folk I know is a hardened gang of criminals. I’d reckon they’d sooner die than reform. If this group is the same as your group then they have multiple warrants out as well as several bounties some calling for them to be brought in dead or alive. If you are serious about reforming them you’d have to parade them in courts throughout the scab and they could plead their case but they are more than likely to draw hard labor or capital punishment depending on the judge. Even if the judges believe them this whole affair would take years to settle and likely be a pretty big hassle for law officers such as myself. Are you sure this is the same gang and we don’t just have a case of mistaken identity? Can you give me names and a description?”

Sense Motive 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {The Dwarven constable doesn’t really seem to much care one way or the other and he is interested in giving you an out}

”The guards would be from one of the local companies. A small mercenary band that hire themselves out to guard caravans and the like. I’ll give you their address.” He writes directions to them on a small piece of parchment and hands it over.

He continues, “Now onto the other criminal. We haven’t really had anyone running around wielding immense magical power or illusions. As for your other inquiry about metal we do have a few small mining operations working veins in some of the caves. I’m not sure if they’d know anything about any metal thieves or purchases but you are welcome to ask.”


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 31st, 2021 10:58:19 AM
"Please do, take your time, and make sure you make the decision that is right for you and your sisters. Truth is, either option can be a good one. If you deem your tribal leaders as reasonable folk, than going home may be preferable, but it is nice to know you have another option, in case you may be no longer welcome at home, due to circumstances beyond your control. If you decide to relocate to freedom's landing, I can teleport you there, and introduce you to a half-orc friend of mine, named Grindar, who has taken up residence there. I'm sure Grindar can help you get settled"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 8:41:13 PM

Pressi can pretty much read the constable like a book. "Er, yes... Well, in all fairness, let me start with the names of the leadership, all of whom did prefer to die rather than reform. The prevailing theory is that the ones that gave up were latecomers or bystanders, probably from some group expansion in the wake of our outside funding and thus probably innocent of the warrants and bounties you describe. I would like to take a look at them to be on the safe side and to collect rewards. Maybe get some more information about the local companies as well, like that address." (Pressi describes the ones that died but keeps the ones that were left silent.)

"And of course, I'd be glad to give you ours, just in case a mistake was made and we need to come back out."

Pressi considers following up on some of the other operations, but suspects their quarry would be careful around them. "We are looking particularly for companies known for research or alchemy, maybe some that have staked out the Culverwood itself. Groups with an axe to grind against halflings, maybe."

Pressi thinks for a bit. "Just out of curiosity, if someone did want to hire a bunch of bandits in this area, how would they find this lizardfolk band? Because I presume they would lie low, unless there's a thieves guild around here."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 11:34:55 PM
"I thought grinder was a type of sandwich," says Kezzem. "Or maybe I'm just hungry. Is it time for second breakfast yet?"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 11:42:11 PM

"No Sir Kezzem, that's a hero. 'A hero ain't nothing but a sandwich,' they say."

Bliss starts to talk about how nice Freedom's Landing is, and how they need migrants, and how they should definitely move there. But then he is confused about how his characters' worlds are colliding. "I though it was Zazu the Elf who knew about this Freedom's Landing? Have we even been there or heard of the place? I'm so confused!"

Mookie says, "I always wanted to be the cutest bunny in the Wold!

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 12:26:43 AM
Rayya..

Tali plays with Rayya while her troupe concludes their business with the Orc ladies.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1068 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 1:51:26 AM

"You are wonderfully canny, DiamondDust," Murphy telepaths his wife.

"Yes, we would like to visit them." He takes up the paper with the address. "As we're new here - have you a map we could take a quick look at to help us find this place? Thank you for your help, sir."

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 September 1st, 2021 3:47:09 AM
OOC... Grinda

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 September 1st, 2021 3:56:32 AM
OOC...Grindar is a PC I played in the Sargrass Plains game, and then moved to the Champions of the Culverwood game. I recently resigned from DMing, due to mental fatigue, and as such I had to put Grindar on hold, and he is now farming at Freedom's Landing. The reason Succotash knows about Freedom's Landing is two fold. 1st, he has met many of the characters, from that game, at the Giggling Ghost, and second, Succotash, who is a friend of Grindar, is the one that teleported Grindar from the southern continent, to the northern continent, and Freedom's Landing, thus he's been there personally.

DM Mitch 
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 7:16:04 AM
Succotash tells Dura to take their time in making their decision what they want to do. He offers to teleport the orc ladies over to Freedom’s Landing and introduce them to a friend named Grindar.
Kezzem says he though Grinder was a type of sandwich and asks if it is time for second breakfast yet.
Bliss tells Kezzem that a hero is a sandwich and then talks up Freedom’s landing briefly confusing himself and Mookie for Zazu and Boyo
Tali plays with Raya while the party concludes their business.

Dura considers the offer and promises to discuss with the others and return. She sets a specific time to meet the party after there’s been time to discuss.

(OOC: We’ve emailed Kathy about adopting the Orc NPCs into the Freedom’s Landing townfolk; lets see how that goes)

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

Pressi reads the constable like a book. She gives him the names of the dead leadership and theorizes that the rest of them were latecomers or bystanders and gives the names and descriptions of the dead lizardfolk.
Murphy compliment’s Pressi and asks about a map.

She also says she’ll provide her contact details.

She says she’s particularly interested in alchemy companies, companies that have explored the Culverwood or Companies with an axe to grind against halflings.

Lastly she asks how one would go about hiring bandits considering they would probably lie low unless there is a thieve’s guild

The constable considers all that Pressi has said.

He says “The dead lizard folk you describe do seem to match the description of the leaders of the bandit gang of lizard folk that we know of. The whole group is wanted by multiple clans. If you're interested in helping them reform in dwarven lands you'll be facing a whole lot of trouble I'm afraid. Probably better and easier for them to just make a new start elsewhere, where they aren't known and wanted by so many groups.”

He then says, “We are a relatively small settlement. We don’t really have fancy alchemists or culverwood explorers and no one here that we know of has any particular grudge against your kind.”

He then says, “Well there isn’t an organized thieves guild per se but the bandits and thieves do tend to still network. There are people who know people so that if one is looking for a certain type of service they can at a tavern make an inquiry and if the fixer is comfortable they’ll take the meeting. If the fixer thinks the inquiry is a trap or isn’t interested in the potential client or passing along the potential job then that is the end of that. Knowing and being in contact with these bands isn’t necessarily in and of itself a crime and so it is kind of hard for us to shut these fixers down, plus they are a cagey lot so it isn’t worth the effort really.”


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 September 1st, 2021 11:49:55 AM
Succotash is happy to wait for an answer from the orc ladies, and in the meantime, he plays fetch with Valerie, tossing the dino's favorite tug-of-war rope toy, for her to retrieve.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 12:37:39 PM
"What, I thought were were heroes?" asks Kezzem. "Are we...sandwiches? If I get hungry enough am I a going to eat myself?"

Kezzem's stomach rumbles.

"Oh no, it's starting!"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 4:42:45 PM

"That's my cue!" Bliss declares as he casts his Heroes Lunch spell.

"Come on everybody, dig in!" He insists that there is food enough for all.

"Try this eggplant parm hero! Or this club sub! We have some nice macaroonski salad. Chips and cookies for dessert, and the chocolate milk is sooo good."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 8:46:38 PM

Pressi thanked the constable for his time, trying to mask her frustration. For a moment, she wondered if she could get away with pounding the pavement, maybe reaching out to the underworld.

At this point, though, she figured that she was out of time, and probably grasping at straws.

Returning to Murphy, "I think we have to go back. I can't explain it but I can actually feel the rest of the team growing more stupid by the second."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 3:13:34 AM

"Really? I thought we'd at least try to..." Images run through Murphy's mind of meeting dwarven families, making inquiries, seeing anger, sorrow, rage, and other emotions crossing their faces. And of things getting very complicated. He allows Pressi to 'see' what he is thinking.

"All right. There may be a time for this, but I think it will be later." "You have word of recall?" he asks his wife. "I do. Wanna race?" He makes certain she can travel that way... if not, then exiting the underground city, plopping down an oak tree, and going home that way can suffice. If so - then he pops home to the Sanctuary among the shrines, not far from her customary spot.

"Miss us much? Or at least Pressi?" Murphy asks of whoever might be at the Sanctuary.

After spending a few hours making the rounds with the folks who live with or near them, Murphy meets with Foreman George, goes over the crushed crops area... and sees about getting people to help plough the soil to help decompress it, that plants might be regrown. He will memorize plant growth several times, and apply that to speed things along. He check in with Slings and Arrows, and has ideas for some camping gear made from the metal, if they've figured how to work it.

Also - with the help of his bardic brother, Kendry, who has moved into the compound with wife Airin and their three toddlers, the number of his followers is growing. He considers how to get them engaged, and find places for them to stay, and see how they might further the work of Humble's Sword, and benefit Humble's Ford and Crescent Valley. They will need more land, and to plant more crops, and help people set up housing.

When the whole team is gathered, Murphy brings these things up to them. He thinks that he and Pressi - and whoever else is interested - may need to talk some things over with Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck and his wife May Greenbottle. Can additional land around the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword be purchased? Should they expand westward, or fill some of the gap between the town and the compound with places for the newcomers?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 3:34:07 AM

[I have surgery in a few hours, and the doc says I'll be out of it for about a day or two. So I'm cheating and putting in another post regarding asking how we should frame things for the lizardmen, as I may not be able to post again until Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. -Kim]

Meanwhile, the lizardmen
Murphy asks Tali and Succotash and Mookie and Hobie and Kezzem and Bliss how we should frame things for the beastmen. And Pressi. "What do we tell them? Something like this?" Murphy asks.
"'You are wanted far and wide in the dwarven lands. Some want you dead. Some want you imprisoned for a long time. And your evil work has made enemies in many locales. If you will promise not to return there, but to do what good you can here over the next year, time may quiet things down a bit. One of the constables knows your two leaders are dead, but we gave no details about you as we tried to feel things out. There will come a time when you will need to face at least some of those folks. But we want you to have a chance. Prove you can do good, and help others, and stop attacking people who have done you no wrong. Let's give it a few months, then a review. Then if you do well, up to a year from now, with people checking in from time to time along the way. I'm a druid. I have animal friends. Some will be watching. I want the good things you do to be reported. I want you to help old ladies across the street. What do you say?'"
"There is MUCH room for improvement on this. How do we present to them? Succotash? Anybody?"

[Mind you - this is not what he says to the lizardmen - he wants the whole team to figure out the best way to communicate to them that will encourage them, support them, and put a bit of fear into them regarding temptations to return to old ways.]

DM Mitch 
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 8:06:08 AM
Succotash encourages the orc ladies to take their time while he plays fetch with Valerie.
Kezzem says he thought they were the heroes and then ponders if they are really sandwiches and if they get hungry would they have to eat themselves?
Bliss casts the hero’s lunch spell making a number of sandwiches, salads, chips, cookies and chocolate milk.
Meanwhile at Undertow
Pressi masks her frustration at getting nothing from the constable. She is considering ponding the pavement but has a strong feeling they need to get back as their friends are getting dumber.
Murphy kind of wants to track down all the dwarven families but they don’t have time now. He offers to race Pressi and once home talks to various people. He asks the other’s how to break the news to the beastfolk.

After a couple hours wait Dura returns. She seems to be in a very good mood. ”We’re good. The others spun a tail of how we tracked down the thieves and used our knowledge of metal craft to take down the construct they made that would have assailed the whole clan. They were so convincing we’re celebrated heroes now. I need to get back to the party before I’m missed.

Oh, and you should probably make yourselves scarce, we may have told them it was a bunch of evil halflings who stole it and ran away when we defeated their construct.”

Presumably, with both group’s business done, the party reconvenes at their home. The Foreman is happy for the help and the folks at the Slings and Arrows are close to figuring out how to smelt the odd metal.


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 10:52:04 AM
Kezzem holds up an eggplant parm hero. "Alas, poor Eggplant Parm. I knew him, Bliss. A fellow of infinite jest! Oh wait, that's me."



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 September 2nd, 2021 12:54:14 PM
Succotash just shakes his head at Kezzem's usual oddities. He loves the paladin dearly, but is convinced he was dropped on his head as a child. After lunch, as the orc ladies share their story, Succotash gathers everyone and teleports them home. Once home he relays the story to Pressi and Murphy, as well as Hobie who had already gone home. "That's as good a thing to say as any Murph", He says as Murphy shares his idea as to what to say to the lizardfolk. "We want to give them a chance to prove themselves, and working with the city guard in Troll is a good place to start. An occasional scry spell, cast by one of our many casters would also be a good means to keep tabs on them, and we can mention that in out dialogue as well. I don't want them to think we are watching them like a hawk, per say, but I want them to know we are keeping an eye on them, so as to encourage them to continue to make good choices, not so much out of fear, but more because they have an audience."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 9:32:27 PM

Pressi figures its about time the group moved on, though they probably need to say goodbye to the lizardfolk.

If anyone told her about the orcs, she's still cheesed enough to go full evil halfling on them but she chooses not to. After presumably some light prodding from the group.

Is there anything left to do?

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 11:29:38 PM
Saving Face

Tali & Rayya, while back at home, are both convinced that the Orc ladies used the Humbles after we did all the work. "Must make a mental note to avoid that particular clan in the future." thinks Tali.



Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 11:29:39 PM
Saving Face

Tali & Rayya, while back at home, are both convinced that the Orc ladies used the Humbles after we did all the work. "Must make a mental note to avoid that particular clan in the future." thinks Tali.



Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 11:49:24 PM

"Wait, wait, is it time to go already?"

Bliss shares out the food to everyone nearby and grabs a Parm Sub as big as he is to munch on the way home.

Once the party is together again, Bliss laughs. "Murphy and Pressi, are you guys hungry? I can rustle us up another lunch. Kezzem, you still hungry?"

DM Mitch 
Friday September 3rd, 2021 7:13:20 AM
Kezzem holds up an Eggplant Parm and makes a jest
Succotash shakes his head at Kezzem’s oddities. He then teleports everyone home. He likes Murphy’s suggestion with respect to the lizardfolk and adds that they can occasionally scry on the lizard folk to keep tabs on them and encourage them to continue to make good choices.
Pressi figures it is time the group moves on but agrees saying goodbye to the Lizardfolk is probably on their todo list.
Tali is a bit miffed in the way the Orcs are portraying things and says they should avoid that clan in the future.
Bliss shares his food with everyone and grabs a hero parm for himself. He offers to cast the spell again for Pressi and Murphy.

Presumably with Murphy, Pressi and Succotash in agreements on the Lizardfolk you make your way to them in Troll and you give them an update on their situation in the way that Murphy outlined in his previous post.

Jarry looks at the druid and says, “We accept your offer to avoid the Dwarven lands for the next year. We will do good where we can and continue to help out the guard situation in Troll at least for now. “


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 
Friday September 3rd, 2021 12:02:51 PM
"I am glad to here that Jerry, if you guys ever need help, please feel free to ask, it shouldn't be to hard to find Humble's Ford, and our Sanctuary just outside town."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday September 3rd, 2021 8:55:44 PM

Pressi shakes Jarry's hand. "We wish you all the best of luck. I hope that you do well with the chance you were given."

(Because if I hear about anything else, I'll personally see to it you regret every remaining moment of your life.)

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Friday September 3rd, 2021 11:23:18 PM

[OOC: So if I understand correctly, we are now home in HF?]

Looking around, Bliss is so happy to be home. He searches out Granny (his Number Two in the coven and his NPC cohort).

He makes sure she understand all the current events.

"What do you make of it, Granny? Who would want to target Humbles Ford? With a mega war wagon! And why?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Sunday September 5th, 2021 12:56:18 AM
"Am I hungry?" asks Kezzem. "Is a bear pantheistic? Wait, no, that's not it."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Sunday September 5th, 2021 7:10:12 AM
Home in Humble Ford

Tali has a deep discussion with Rayya about traveling with her and the combat roles she might function in. After a long discussion, and much deliberation, coupled with some tear-jerking moments, Rayya will be traveling with Talia for the rest of her days.

Tali discusses with the team if she has enough time to visit the nearest WLA chapter and a Catacombs location.



Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Sunday September 5th, 2021 2:08:55 PM
With the team back in Humbles Ford, Hobie heads straight back to Roscoe's house and pours a glass of whatever alcohol his cousin has on hand. He sits back and kicks his feet up on the table and takes a long drink before filling Roscoe in on the events.

ooc: Back from holiday, thanks Kim for posting for Hobie while I was gone, I really appreciate it.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Monday September 6th, 2021 4:26:40 AM

Yes, Murphy, et al, meet with the lizardfolk, and he gives the talk outlined before. To it he adds asking each one of the beastfolk individually for his or her personal commitment to this agreement, looking each in the eye as they make the pledge. Chee, Mac, Permi, Oni, Vron and Jarry. Jarry already has said yes, but he wants to hear it from the rest of them.

If they agree, and - he would have talked this over with the group ahead of time [so, speak now or hold your peace] - they return the gear to each individual, no including that which belonged to the two now dead leaders.

Once that matter is concluded, I'm assuming we return to Humble's Ford.

Regarding Tali's question, "Yes, friend, should circumstances so allow, let's see if we can take a few weeks off. Visit the WLA in Angel Springs. I have followers to organize and figure out how to accommodate. There is a bit of repair to the fields and replanting of crops. We might want to look to local defense of the Sanctuary. And my father tells me that he is Very Close to finishing his carousel, as he calls it. I'd love to see that working.

"We should go bother the BadApples gang and tousle their hair. Talk a few things over with the local officials. And I want to add a good-sized pool for swimming and such on the north side."

==========
ooc: You're welcome, Nick! I kind of ran out of things over the past half week... :-) I'm glad you are back with us.

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