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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.

A Blast from the Past


DM Mitch 
Monday September 6th, 2021 6:57:30 AM
Succotash is glad that Jarry and the lizardfolk are ready to turn over a new leaf. He says if they ever need help to please reach out to Humble’s Ford.
Pressi shakes Jarry’s hand and wishes them well.
Bliss goes to ask Granny’s opinions on the matter of everything that has been happening lately.
Kezzem rhetorically asks if the bear is Pantheistic in response to him being hungry.
Tali decides to bring Rayya on her adventures here on out. She also wants to visit the nearest WLA chapter an a catacombs location.
Hobie goes to cousin’s Roscoe’s and has a pint of mead and puts his feet up.
Murphy gets oaths from the lizardfolk to reform and makes big plans to spend some time off building things.

The group returns home and proceeds with further plans. Tali visits the WLA and Murphy starts on some plans. Meanwhile Bliss gets some unexpected news from his cohort.
Granny tells Bliss “I don’t know what to make of all that but have you tried talking to your guests? A miss Scaldstone and associate came to visit while you were all at Troll. She said it was a matter of utmost importance so I had her wait with her friend in the library. I prepared a light refreshment of tea and biscuits as well.”


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday September 6th, 2021 9:43:13 PM
Pressi made her way back to the dancing pig, still a bit stinging from her feeling of failure but finding herself glad to be home.

Not much was done at this time, besides working through the normal aspects of her job.

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 September 6th, 2021 11:40:24 PM
Succotash decides to go to the library in hopes of finding an interesting book. When he arrives, he sees the guests Granny sent there and says, "Well bless my buttons, I didn’t know we had guests. My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and this is my trusted friend Valerie. Is there anything we can do for you?"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 1:48:16 AM

Bliss gathers his friends and leads them to the coven library.

"Come on everybody, we have guests to greet."

DM Mitch 
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 6:20:56 AM
Pressi makes her way back to the dancing pig working through the normal aspects of her job.
Succotash goes to the library and starts to introduce himself when he realizes he has seen the two ladies before.
Bliss leads everyone to the library.

Seated at the library table are a female dwarf and a female drow noble who are talking pleasantly to one of Bliss’s lesser cohort members. As the party enters the room they stand and give a respectful bow. The woman is immediately recognizable as Ketia.

She holds her hands up in a non-threatening manner. ”Parley?” she says pleasantly.


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 September 7th, 2021 9:57:17 AM
Seeing who the "guests" are, Succotash stiffens, as the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Sensing her masters discomfort and defensiveness, Valerie begins growling. "Down girl" Succotash commands, and even though she stops growling, she doesn't take her eyes off the two, staying in a position of readiness.

You have a lot of nerve showing your faces here, I owe you a visit to Lord Gargul, and should send you there now! Before I allow my scaly friend to disembowel you, say your piece! Only someone desperate or a fool would show up here after our last meeting, so which one are you?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+26=36 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+14=20 ;
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 7:52:16 PM
Ketia?

Tali says diplomatically, "Excuse my lack of memory, but who is Ketia, Succotash?" Apparently, I have drawn a blank as to the name. Using her perception coupled with her Sense Motive skills, Tali tries to decypher the reason why these two ladies are here and their true intentions.

Skill Checks
Diplomacy: 36
Sense Motive: 14
Perception: 20

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

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:13:36 PM

"Once again, on the odd chance that this time I'll actually be listened to. We have GOT to start screening people. Like, at least have someone write their names on a piece of paper, maybe?"

Pressi sighed, looking across the room at the woman she once battled wits with to a stalemate, but she does take a moment to pull Succotash back and sit down herself. "Well, well, it's been a while, hasn't it. I'll save you some time. If that's your juggernaut out front, we already destroyed it for your convenience.
Let us know if we have anything else of yours to destroy."

Pressi takes some time to detect magic and signal the coven and Harper to search the perimeter. "Not that I expect this to be an out and out attack, but I'd like to be sure."

At least this time, Pressi looks more... presentable, coming as she is in her work uniform.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:26:10 PM

Who Are These Women?
Murphy endeavors to help his friend Tali understand. "You recall the Iron Giant, of course, right? After all, you fought there, and died there. I happened to have been whisked away to another plane, not in accordance with my will, shortly before these women and their entourage made themselves known, Tali. But I closely interviewed everyone in our group upon my return several weeks later. If not mistaken, I believe this woman," and he indicates the dwarf, "Would be Ketia, priestess of Scald. And the other woman," and he gestures toward the drow, "is an illusionist of sorts, who happened to have generated a number of magical walls up in the head area of the Iron Giant, along with various fantasms. Sashe - that is your name?" he asks for verification of the drow. Then back to Tali, "Did not your freed-from-the-body soul enter her body for a moment? Likely to no avail - I don't know that she gained any of your good nature, but we shall see.

"Pressi had told them at the time she was open to having them take the Iron Giant, but our group was rather busy at the time, defending our town and valley from an invading force of over one thousand giants down from the Scab, and the metal gargantua was key to our defense for a few more minutes. Heedless of any concern whatsoever for the far-outnumbered halflings, they would hear of no delay, but demanded immediate surrender of the ancient artifact, as Ketia claimed they were on a mission from their god. Really, had they waited ten minutes, our purposes would have been fulfilled, and there would have been no need for them to attack us. However, as they forced our hand, it was you, Tali, of whom circumstances demanded, as the new pilot, to issue the order for the Iron Giant simply to fuse with the Tower, having taken the place of our slain friend Succotash. Really, just three or four more minutes would have done, preserving the utility of the Iron Giant, and repowering the tower. But Ketia would not wait. She was relentless. And proved herself a fool, losing her goal through her own pride and genuine lack of wisdom. She is a tool, and ineptly bungled her assignment - though she is efficient at killing. Speaking of...

"Between the two of them, they killed Succotash, and you, Tali. Thus, meet your murderers. In fact, Ketia killed you twice, dear, after Pressi revived you once.

Murphy pulls few punches
"Oh, and she took fingers from those of us she had laid low. Should we ask if she still has yours? If so, she really should return it, along with that of Succotash, and any others she might have happened upon. Especially if she wants to have a serious parley. She stole the Giant Tower from her god through her decisions. And some fingers."

He turns toward Ketia and Sashe. "Tali is brilliant, but forgetful of some things. Getting killed can affect one's memory. Some of us have not forgotten, though. Parley? About what?" He was strongly inclined to use a dire insult for a female dwarf against Ketia in her own tongue, but restrained himself. With some difficulty.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:27:26 PM

[I was writing the same time as Pressi's post came, so did not see it until now.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:49:17 PM
"How many dwarves or drow does it take to screw in a light bulb?" asks Kezzem. "Beats me, they both can see in the Dark so neither ever bothered. No go away or I shall taunt you a second time."

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 10:32:37 PM

Bliss squints. "Oh yeah, I remember. I was looking at the world through spider-kin eyes at the time."

Mookie says, "Sure, Kid, good job remembering these gals. Good brain you got there, that's the ticket."

"Thanks, Mooks old pal."

The raven rolls his eyes.

DM Mitch 
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 7:31:32 AM
Succotash stiffens and orders Valerie to back down as she begins growling at their visitors. He says he owes them a visit to Gargul and he should send them there now but only someone desperate or a fool would show up after their last encounter so which are they.
Tali asks Succotash who Ketia is and then observes the two.
From what little Tali can glean considering all Ketia said so far was Parley the dwarf woman seems earnest in that at least.
Pressi says that they have got to start screening people and in the future have their people write guests’ names down on pieces of paper. She informs the two that if that was their juggernaut it has already been destroyed and to let them know if they have anything else of theirs to destroy. She also casts detect magic and has her people check the perimeter.
Ketia and Sashe’s gear radiate magic and they have some wards and other defensive buffs cast on them but she doesn’t get anything overtly hostile from her divination and her people checking the perimeter don’t find anything either.

Murphy reminds the others of their previous encounters with the pair now in their library and how they fought over the Iron Giant and because of their battle the tower and the giant was lost and how they killed Succotash once and Tali twice. He also reminds the others of the missing fingers taken from the dead and grills them about what they want to parley about.

Kezzem tells the pair to go away involving a joke about screwing in something called a ligthbulb
Bliss says he remembers the 2 now and Mookie offers a backhanded sarcastic comment that the witch thanks his spirit companion for.

Ketia looks at Succotash and says, “Come now is that anyway to speak to your guests who have approached non-threateningly under a banner of parley? I thought you were supposed to be the good guys? As to why we came here well as Murphy has eloquently recounted our foolhardiness of the past, I can assure you that losing the Iron Giant for Scald was a learning experience that shall we say tempered our impatience. Still, though, desperate times do call for desperate measures.”

Ketia says to Pressi, “Rest assured that the Juggernaut you destroyed was not our device. In fact if my hunch is right I think we can help you get to the bottom of who made it in exchange for your consideration with respect to another matter which I will get into in good time..”

To Murphy Ketia says, “As I previously stated I regret the hastiness of my past actions and the outcome of losing the Iron Giant and I think I have learned some patience since our last encounter with respect to getting what I want. Perhaps that was the wisdom that Tali’s soul imparted? Regardless, I am earnest in my request for a parley and to that end I figured you might ask for those digits back, so I came prepared.” She takes out a small pouch and carefully unties the string before emptying the contents on the table they were previously sitting at but away from the tea service and food.

The fingers of Succotash and Tali, preserved with a gentle repose spell are the contents of the pouch.
“I was saving these for a contingency that has not come to pass. In the interest of the spirit of our new cooperation let me return these to you as you requested.”

Ketia clears her throat and says, “Now that all that is out of the way. Let me reiterate that we mean you no harm, this time around.. We never would have come here, except it is a matter of life and death. As much as it pains me to say it, we do need your help. I think the same entity that set that terrifying metal contraption after your home is also murdering Skald’s faithful and I have reason to believe that I am next in line for the slaughter. Therefore, I propose an unlikely alliance of sorts in the interest of unifying against a common threat, figuring out who that threat is and then neutralizing them. What say you, heroes? I know you don’t like me, but I also know that whoever is behind the juggernaut threatens your home and to some extent this entire valley and you have no idea as to what their greater motivations could be or what their endgame is. Can you afford to let hostilities over events that happened in the past get in the way of dealing with the clear and present danger of a new evil? Would you be so petty?”

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 9:35:24 AM

Mookie eyes the contents of the pouch. "I've heard of tea and finger foods, but this is ridiculous!"

"Hush, Mookie," says Bliss, stifling a chortle.

Bliss turns to the guests. "Look, ladies, let's get down to business. We want to hear what you have to say. We'll probably do whatever it is you need in exchange for the info we seek. No need to draw this out. Fair enough?"

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 8th, 2021 12:11:05 PM
Succotash growls, "Normally I would say the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but I don't think that quite applies here does it? That said, though I owe you a nice destruction spell, or some other such life ending experience, I will consead, our need to work together. Through your foolishness, Tali and I we forced to stand before Lord Gargul, but you meant our home and the innocent halflings, living in the valley, no harm. This new threat is a threat to many innocent people, so I will set aside my desire for revenge and attempt to work with you. Tell us what you know."

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 8th, 2021 12:14:57 PM
"By the way, you wouldn't happen to have the appropriate spell prepared to reattach Tali and my digits? I could prepare it a few times in the morning, but, I would like to be reacquainted with mine as soon as possible."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91  d20+24=35 ;
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 12:48:58 PM
"Honestly?" says Kezzem. "I'm more inclined to form an unlikely alliance with the other guys than you two. Nobody died when they attacked us."

Detect Evil

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 24 = 35.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 1:37:07 PM

The befreckled towhead listens to Ketia's acknowledgements.

"When wisdom is gained, wrong is acknowledged and forsaken, forgiveness can be granted. I forgive you, Ketia, and if you'll have it, Sashe."

Murphy thought that his two friends regained the missing digits when life was granted them again by Gargul, but perhaps not? He double-checks to see if Succotash and Tali bear nine or ten fingers at the moment.

"Under the circumstances, if we face a common foe, it may be best to work together," Murphy states. "My father, though, taught me not to promise a thing if I do not know what the thing is. You said there is something you will get to in good time. So allow me to set a fence. First, we would know what that matter is. If you are reluctant to tell us now, then here are the boundaries. If what you request brings harm to our people, or to other innocents, then no. If we deem it of questionable morality or wisdom, then no. If what you ask is righteous, and just, and proper, and is within our power to do, then yes, we are open to considering what you plan to ask. That is not a promise to do it, but a statement of willingness to hear you out. If it meets these parameters, perhaps we will say yes. When I see a person in whom wisdom is taking root, I do not wish the destruction of that person, and am willing to do what I properly can to help. If you can accept that tentative arrangement, then, please, proceed."

He takes up a cup of tea and takes his first sip as he opens his ears.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 2:18:17 PM
Hobie particularly did not like Ketia.

after the others speak up, he takes out an adamantine arrow and adds "my companions who are wiser than myself seem to think working with you is a good idea. But mark my words, if you turn on us in any way, this arrow will find itself lodged in your throat."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 9:02:18 PM

Pressi watched as the rest of the group put in their votes for whether to throw in already or break out the bombs and weapons right now. "See, now it's a parlay party. And yes, we would absolutely be that petty. Congratulations on meeting halflings for the first time, apparently."

Sighing, "You said that there's a foe slaughtering your people left and right, and you are correct in that I won't turn a blind eye to that, common foe or not. Regardless of our quarrels, we will help. For now. I should note that Skald related activity has been involving us a lot recently. Not your fault alone, but I'm expecting some very long discussions of what this religion is and what your people have been doing."

As to discussions of learning patience, Pressi lets out a scoff. Although... "For what it's worth, I do feel some empathy on how things must have looked to you. And I suppose that we all could have used a bit of patience that day."

With all that out of the way, Pressi signals that she is ready to hear Ketia's story.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 10:53:28 PM
Killers

"Oh, Thank you my friend for reminding me of these two beings"...says Tali to Mister Murphy. Turning to Rayya, silently, Tali tells Rayya, remember these two...for later.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1079 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1079 minutes
Message | Duration 179 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY 
Thursday September 9th, 2021 2:29:52 AM

[OOC: It's parley, NOT parlay. Parley refers to speech, conversation, negotiations, the setting of terms, and comes from French parler - to speak.

Parlay is a betting term. As a noun, it means “a cumulative series of bets.” The winnings of subsequent bets are bet again. As the bettor continues to win, the gains continue to increase. As a verb, parlay means “to use the winnings from a previous bet to make another bet.”]

DM Mitch 
Thursday September 9th, 2021 6:01:50 AM
Mookie makes a joke concerning Tea and Finger Food
Bliss tells his spirit companion to hush, stifling a chortle. He then suggests they ge tdown to business and asks their guests to tell them what they are after.
Succotash says normally he’d say the enemy of my enemy is my friend but this time it is different. He still concedes the need to work together and says he will set aside his desire for revenge and attempt to work with them and asks for what they know. He also asks for the digits to be reattached.
Kezzem says he’s more likely to form an unlikely alliance with the other guys than you.
He casts detect evil on the pair. Ketia does not radiate evil, Sashe is moderately evil. He gets the feeling Ketia is being honest in what she is saying so far.
Murphy listens to Ketia’s acknowledgements and offers forgiveness. He says if they do face a common foe it may be best to work together but first they must know what is being asked to verify it is something they can do. He also offers boundaries around what Humble’s Sword is willing to do. He takes a cup of tea
Hobie whips out an adamantium arrow and threatens with lodging the arrow in their throat if they get betrayed.
Pressi says that they would indeed be that petty and welcomes their guests to meeting halflings for the first time. She asks more about the foe slaughtering their people and suggests that they will hear them out for now and that maybe they all could have used some patience in the past feeling some empathy.
Tali thanks Murphy for the reminder and silently tells Raya to mark the 2.
Ketia says to Succotash, “I did come prepared for your second request and she ushers Succotash and Tali to approach.”

If they do she casts regeneration allowing the severed fingers to be reattached to the halflings’ hands.

Ketia says to Kezzem and Hobie, “I suppose those reactions could be warranted given what transpired last time. Let us hope the rest of your companions continue to be more reasonable and we can continue on in our spirit of cooperation.”

She then says, “You mentioned Skald’s faithful, well truth be told we are a secretive lot. The way we normally organize is in cells where few members of a given cell are aware of the existence of any of the other cells and even then no one in a given cell knows the full membership of any other cells but sometimes paths do cross between cells. I am aware of at least 3 other cells that have reported murders but the number could be greater than that given our organization’s secretive nature. I have heard enough to be worried as someone who is able to track down the very hidden members of our religion and kill them indicates someone incredibly powerful or someone with inside knowledge somehow. Recently 2 former members of my own cell who actually got out of the life were murdered in their home.

Simply put we want you to investigate their murders and report on your progress. It would be difficult for myself and Sesha to get close to the scene of the crime and if it turns out the murderer has ties to our religion we will assist you in your investigation in that direction. Given your many interactions with our religion as Pressi pointed out and the timing of the attacks on you and attacks on certain cells I do not believe recent events to be mere coincidence. Someone powerful and/or with knowledge of our religion is looking for something and for some reason their attention was turned towards both our groups. If we are wrong and the serial killer of Skald’s faithful is not the same person who attacked your group then we are still willing to offer information and other potential aid in your further inquiries to your assailant but I have strong reason to believe based on divinations I have cast querying Skald himself that in this matter our paths are intertwined.”


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 9th, 2021 11:52:44 AM
Succotash flexes his now reattached finger, testing it for functionality. Satisfied with the results, he thanks Ketia, than says, [b]"Well, even if the person, or persons, responsible for your murders and the lowlife who threatened our home isn't the same person, we Swords can't turn a blind eye to the taking of innocent lives. Do you have any information that may assist us in our investigation, or at least give us a place to start?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday September 9th, 2021 2:18:50 PM
"If they are knowledgeable about your 'religion', which by your own words you describe as a secretive bunch *cough*cult*cough*, it would stand to reason that this is an inside job," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Thursday September 9th, 2021 3:46:53 PM
"Ok, so whats the first place to start in hunting this killer?"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Thursday September 9th, 2021 7:22:01 PM

"Well, tracking down a serial killer does sound like a good job for us," says Bliss. "What the heck, I'm in."

"Do you have any hints or clues about the killer? Maybe a drop of blood or a bit of thread?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday September 9th, 2021 9:28:45 PM
Pressi listened carefully, hard as it was to hear again the question of power or inside knowledge. "If our quarry does have inside knowledge, he certainly has managed to infiltrate a number of camps. I assume that any divinations on him led to strange blanks and nobody got a good look at him.

"It's an intriguing mystery that I hope returns my confidence. But I'm not sure how you came to decide that a group of stranger halflings wandering a bunch of secret cells on high alert would be less conspicuous than two people already known within the camp. Because if the answer is mushroom farmers, I swear to spirit..."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday September 9th, 2021 11:26:33 PM
"Come on, Press, we'll be wrapping up our adventuring careers soon," says Kezzem. "We've got to try the mushroom farmer bit one more time at least!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY 
Friday September 10th, 2021 5:51:21 AM

"Scald and I spoke together once," Murphy says.

He hears what his friends and proposed allies have to say. "What do you suggest we do to infiltrate? How do we learn what we need to?"

DM Mitch 
Friday September 10th, 2021 7:30:40 AM
Succotash is happy to have his fingers reattached and says that even if the two assailants aren’t one in the same Humble’s Swords can’t turn a blind eye to the taking of life. He asks if they have any further information to aid the investigation.
Kezzem suggests the murders were an inside job.
Hobie asks where should they go to hunt a killer
Bliss is interested in tracking down the serial killer and also asks for any hints or clues.
Pressi asks about strange blanks and no one getting a good look at the killer. She also asks what their cover will be if they are to investigate the different cells and that it better not be mushroom farmers.
Kezzem says they need to try being mushroom farmers at least one more time.
Murphy asks about infiltrating.

Ketia says to the group, “Well like I said the most recent victims were Anur and Shan former members of my cell who ceased being a part of my cell after a run-in with the law. They resettled in the Caverns of Glimstone following a jail sentence and I thought they’d be able to live the rest of their days in peace. However the Caverns of Glimstone aren’t a place where Sesha and I can just walk into so we were hoping you could offer the investigators there the help of the premier adventuring group of the Wold in solving their case. Should your investigation in Glimstone provide any evidence that point to any of the cells I am aware of or an inside job as Kezzem put it, I will help you in regards to investigating said cells but for right now the place to start is the Caverns of Glimstone, so no disguises needed. You can travel as yourselves and live up to your reputation of being heroes by helping the constabulary with their murder. Sesha and I just want to also be kept abreast of your progress when you have the chance of course.”


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+26=27 ;
Friday September 10th, 2021 11:12:07 AM
Killers

Tali will step forward to regain her missing finger. Tali diplomatically curtseys towards Lady Ketia and fails to pull it off, instead she just flys back to the group.

Skill Checks
Diplomacy (+26) : 27

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1077 minutes
Message | Duration 177 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday September 10th, 2021 3:02:05 PM
Pressi snapped her eyes wide. "You most certainly did NOT mention before who the recent victims were, because that's something I would have commented... Okay... okay."

For a while, Pressi was silent.

"I am sorry for your loss," Pressi finally said, "though I suspect we both are feeling rather complex emotions about it all.

"Before we head off, are there any other clues that you have? Other things we should bring or be prepared for?"

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 10th, 2021 3:03:27 PM
"Well my friends, we have a place to start, when shall we leave?"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20-1=15
Friday September 10th, 2021 4:17:57 PM
Bliss is careful to listen and try to get a gut check about these guys. They are not just sending us off on a wild goose chase, just to attack our homes when our backs are turned?

Sense Motive 15

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Friday September 10th, 2021 5:24:34 PM
"Wait, are we famous?" asks Kezzem. "No wonder the mushroom farmer bit never works."

Kezzem pauses for a minute deep in thought.

"Maybe we could be mushroom farmer adventurers?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Saturday September 11th, 2021 12:23:46 PM
"Also, if we are famous and are known for doing the mushroom farmer bit, if we don't pretend to be mushroom farmers, they might think we're not really us!"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+4=5 ;
Saturday September 11th, 2021 3:32:55 PM

Meanwhile, Bliss tries hard to recall where the Caverns of Glimstone actually are. Has he ever heard of that place?

Untrained Know Geography 5

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY 
Monday September 13th, 2021 3:16:13 AM

"There are a few preparations to take," Murphy says. "More on that in a bit, but I suggest we do whatever any of us need to do, and prepare to leave in the morning. If sooner is desired, we could leave at evening. I have a few things to set in motion here prior to our departure.

"Meanwhile, yes, please, Ketia and Sesha, any additional information, suggestions you may have for us, our ears are open. Sesha, we have not heard from you. What insights, perspectives, recommendations have you for us?" he asks of the dark elf who has so far been silent.

"Bliss, and all, you may recall that we visited the dwarfs who mine the gems of Glimstone to the north of us, and a ways inside later learned of the giants' plan to invade our valley. It was from there that we fulfilled the mission that Tiana Taithen set us upon. I planted acorns along the way between here and just before the entrance to the Caverns, and they are growing up, and among other things, I had planned to use plant growth to speed them along. A path from Humble's Ford to the Caverns of Glimstone demarcated by triplets of oaks along the way. I plan to use my wand of plant growth from here to there to grow them up."

He also reminds them, as Hobie well knows, of the multitude of scrolls they obtained from the Iron Giant, which contain a good deal of lore regarding the Scab. "It might do well for us to peruse those before we leave here." [Can give us a +5 on knowledge rolls regarding Scab history, geography, lore, and such according to DM Carl (if my recollection from 2019 is sound).]

There's a fair-size list of things Murphy needs to do prior to departure... will save for the next post.

DM Mitch 
Monday September 13th, 2021 6:27:24 AM
Tali attempts to curtsy and flies back to the group
Pressi says that Ketia did not mention who the victims were and then says she’s sorry for their loss. She asks for any other clues or anything to be prepared for.
Succotash asks when they should leave
Bliss listens hard to make sure this isn’t a ploy to lure them away from home for an attack and thinks about the Caverns of Glimstone recalling they are in the Scab.
Kezzem suggests their fame is why the mushroom farmer bit never works then wonders if they need to be mushroom farmer adventurers or if they are known for being mushroom farmers if they aren’t posing as mushroom farmers people won’t think they are who they say they are.
Murphy reminds the party they’ve been there once before and has lots of plans to make.
Bliss gets the feeling that Ketia is telling the truth.

Ketia says, “I’m not really sure what else to add. I mean I did say the latest victims were two former members of my cell. I just didn’t specify which members they were until recently. So you can see with them being the target why I think I could be next in line. Sesha and I will travel with you to the Caverns but we will disguise ourselves once in the area and keep a low profile. We can figure out a place to meet and discuss your progress when we get closer. We should be fine if we don’t bring attention to ourselves but inserting ourselves into a murder investigation would definitely bring the wrong kind of attention so that is where you fine folks come in.”

Sesha doesn’t have any more information then Ketia and generally agrees with her.


Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Monday September 13th, 2021 8:39:33 AM

"Oh yeah, I remember now, thanks Mister Murphy."

"What were the names of the dead people we're investigating? And what did they look like? Do you have any personal item they might have owned? If not, where can we get something like that? Did they have a residence? I have a spell to give us info, but the more we know ahead of time, the better."

"Remember to eat a good meal in the morning before we go! Successful adventures start with a complete Heroes' Breakfast!"

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 September 13th, 2021 11:39:42 AM
"I'm ready to leave when ever. This evening, now, tomorrow morning, I'm fine whichever way."

"By the way, thanks for always preparing such a scrumptious feast every day Bliss, I could prepare it each morning, and I know Pressi can cast the spell as well, and we would probably be casting at a higher level even, but this gives us more spell options."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday September 13th, 2021 3:53:09 PM
"Here's the deal," says Kezzem, "if this is a trap, you die. If we find out any information you gave us is false, you die. If we find out you have personalized license plates, you die. If you cough without covering your mouth, you die."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY 
Monday September 13th, 2021 7:43:13 PM

"Bliss, Ketia gave us two names already, and we know a great deal about them. Anur Daron and Shan Shalutch. Anur was the monomaniacal dwarf who slew many dwarfs to take over and pilot the Iron Giant, and was bringing it on a battle-testing run to pummel Humble's Ford. Shan was his wife, with whom Pressi had a tęte-ŕ-tęte, before we killed her when we knew the conversation had headed south - but whom Anur later was able on the Giant to bring back to life through an ancient spell empowered by the wonders inside the artifact. The gnome Ix Revon, 'herald of Skald and right hand of Anur Daron,' was their adoptive son who helped and hindered us while we worked on taking over the Iron Giant, and whom Anur vaporized upon learning of his son's betrayal. So, we know two names. We still have Anur's abandoned holy symbol, if you want to use that as a focus - but, as he is now dead, I'm not sure how that would work. We have Shan's teapot, I suppose, too, as a focus.

"Regarding additional names, Ketia, if Bliss or others think it would be helpful to know before we leave, perhaps you can let them know. If not, you can let us know along the way or at an appropriate time."

"Sesha, along the way, would you be willing to talk with me about what drew you into devotion to Skald? Also, you are an accomplished - illusionist? - if I'm not mistaken. And you seem to have taken one type of creature, and altered its appearance to seem like a different, more deadly creature. I'd love to understand, at least theoretically, how you can accomplish that. Not that I'll ever be an illusionist - I just like to learn things from those more knowledgeable than I. Tali - can you cast illusions? If so, maybe you can swap stories." He has heard Ketia quite a bit now, but wants to know Sesha better.

"Kezzem, nobody dies for having whatever kind of plates you're talking about, or for coughing."

Thinking he was going to have more time to handle many more Humble's Ford-based tasks, he does the following, letting people know, "I can leave by an hour past sundown, or in the morning. I need to set several things in motion though before this evening." "Pressi here are the things I'm thinking of doing before we leave. Do you want to join me in any of them? And, have you any 'honey-doos' you want me to handle?" If any others wish to join him, say so.

BEFORE-LEAVING-HOME TASKS FOR MURPHY

Short list (You should have seen it before I cut it down!)
* Ask our caretakers to have someone wash his adventuring clothing, and have them ready by evening. Even if they're still wet.
* Cohort Kendry (his bardic brother) spends the day with Murphy. Among other things, they discuss leadership and how to work with new followers, get them engaged.
* Talk with dwarf Kade about mushroom progress on the north field (mainly on the east side, but some deep under the center). (Should take ~10 minutes)
* Meet with Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck and his brilliant wife, and any others who wish to join in, and hopefully Foreman George, to discuss expansion of the land available to Humble's Sword's Sanctuary - with the notion of expanding to the west toward Hovel, to help accommodate his growing number of followers. IF they approve, then run some ideas through George about housing, etc.
* Talk with BadApples and Roscoe about what sort of shape the tunnels are in. He intends, when time can be found, to shore up and expand the underground system. If the mayoral meeting did not extend too long, he wild shapes into a small air elemental, and quickly tours the tunnels for a once-over.
* Plant Growth From Here To There: Wild shaping into an air elemental, then flying northward from here to just shy of the Caverns of Glimstone, and about every quarter mile (third of a mile? -gotta check archives) find each set of the three little oaks growing up where he planted them (back in 2019 external game time), each 35' apart, and use his new Wand of Plant Growth to accelerate their maturation. He flies very fast. If any want to join him (he's already bringing Kendry), then just say you'll go along. He'll carry you under an arm, or use the old rope-harness for you to fasten yourself firmly onboard. Once done, he races back.
* Get home, change back into his adventuring gear - or, if we decide to leave in the morning, ask who wants to visit the Belly Buster for a good meal, then the Dancing Pig for socializing and such.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday September 13th, 2021 8:57:52 PM

Pressi doesn't have any honey dos per se... Well, she does, but they all involve after they gain XP to level.

(I dunno, I always assumed that clothes washing and checking tunnels basically got handwaved.)

Focusing on the matter at hand, "the big thing is going to be protection against divination of our own. I can't cast enough mind blanks so we need to go with lead sheeting. Some alcohol for bribes will probably go a long way with dwarves. Unfortunately, we still don't know what his abilities are so we don't know how to best counteract them. We don't even know how our victims died, though I suppose I could try some divinations before we leave."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 12:09:10 AM
"Okay, okay, Murphey, nobody dies in those cases," says Kezzem before pointing at Ketia. "But that's still not an open invitation to cough without covering your mouth!"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle  d20+15=34 ;
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 12:47:35 AM

"Thank you, Murphy! I'd be lost without you!"

Bliss takes care to write down all he knows about the two victims. He gathers his writings and the personal possessions of the dead people together. He thinks long and hard on them.

Then he casts a Vision spell, concentrating on the murders of these people, and asking to see the crimes and those who are responsible.

Caster Level check: 34, woo hoo!

DM Mitch 
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:37:21 AM
Bliss thanks Murphy for the geographic reminder and asks more questions about the victims saying he has a spell to get them info but it works better the more they know. He suggests resting and having a good meal before setting out in the morning.
Succotash states he is ready to leave whenever and thanks Bliss for making breakfast each morning.
Kezzem threatens Ketia and Sesha if things turn out to be a trap or they are lying or if they have personalized license plates or if they cough without covering their mouth.
Murphy reminds Bliss about the names they were just given and reiterates a little of their past dealings during the Iron Giant incident. He points out they have Anur’s holy symbol and Shan’s teapot to use as focuses for Bliss’s spell if they need it but since both are dead he isn’t sure if it would work. He queries Sesha more about herself and says to Kezzem that noone dies for coughing or having license plate. He also takes care of a lot of chores with respect to growing their stronghold and talking to a variety of folks who live among the sanctuary with a variety of different tasks including the mushroom fields, the tunnels and acquiring land for a westward expansion towards Hovel. He also flies around as an air elemental magically enhancing the growth of the oak trees he planted along the way to the caverns of Glimstone going there and back in his task.

Sesha says to Murphy, “We can discuss magical theory more in depth at another time. As for now I became a follower of Skald because Ketia’s cell took me in when I was cutoff from my own people. With respect to disguising one creature as another more deadlier creature it is a simple enough effect to manage if you know the right illusion spells. I have found that It helps to tie an illusion to a real threat so that those you employ said tactic against are surprised.”
Pressi suggests they pick up some lead sheeting and alcohol for bribes before they go and also that they could cast some divinations before they leave.
Kezzem reluctantly agrees to Murphy’s conditions on the license plates and coughing

Bliss is soon engulfed in his vision. He sees a cave, laid out like a small home. A pair of dwarves sit at a table eating a meal nad chatting pleasantly. A fire burns merily in a hearth on the other side of the room, and a tall bookshelf and thick carpet complete the homey look. Though Bliss hears nothing, something catches the dwares’ attention as they look at the door. Grumbling about the interruption, the male dwarf goes to the door and opens it. No one is there.

The Dwarf spends a few moments talking to empty air before stepping aside as if to let someone in. Closing the door, he motions to the table, possibly inviting the invisible guest to join them. He starts back to the table before halting and looking back to the space by the door. Both dwarves look concerned, then alarmed. The male reaches for a holy symbol that isn’t there. The female jumps off her chair sending it to the floor. One of them starts to object, saying something about it not being Anur’s fault, he only turned in… something. They are both immobilized by some spell before the sentence can be finished. Both are taken to the chairs and tied up there by whoever or whatever came into the room Bliss’s spell cannot detect. Once secure their deaths are slow and agonizing, but the magic prevents them from making a sound. The vision mercifully ends without showing the entire gruesome process.

Back in the real world Murphy has a busy afternoon of the chores planned out so that the earliest you could set out for the caverns is sometime in the evening or you could always decide to set off first thing in the morning.

If you decide to leave in the morning what do you tell your guests with respect to staying the night?

If you decide to leave in the evening is anyone going to keep Sesha and Ketia company while some of your number prepare or are you going to leave them to their own devices till you meet up at a designated point to set out for the Caverns later that day?

Does anyone besides Murphy with his tree growing bonanza want to formally cast any spells before you set off?


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:35:04 AM
Kezzem casts greater magic weapon on his daggers.

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 September 14th, 2021 10:45:16 AM
Succotash says, "The evening it is than." than proceeds to keep the guest company company. He does his best to be civil, and put the past behind him, and for the most part, he acts the gracious host, offering food and drink at the appropriate times, as well as conversation. In truth, even though he is playing nice, he doesn't wholly trust the guests, and wishes to keep an eye on them.

Murphy (KimMc) Well, Murph's family and friends 
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 5:38:08 PM

Kendry the bard, Murph's brother, asks Allouryn (one of the first members of Humble's Sword, and a healer, and with her husband Hazel the caretakers of the Sanctuary) and his wife Airin (super tough adventurer, and engaging) to help accompany and entertain the dwarf and drow. "We have a nice guest room for you ladies," the very pregnant Allouryn informs them. "Or, if you would prefer, we have two rooms side by side. The bath is just down the hallway, the beds are made, there are towels and a mirror in each room, with a washbasin." She tells them of the two pubs in town, and gives a fairly good description of their character.

Airin has a pair of Murphy's followers (Lanky and his sister Daisy Plumcheeks) she knows from Hovel watch over her triplet toddlers when they go out bar hopping. They used to babysit for her back in Hovel. Airin tells some of the stories of her early adventuring life with Kendry, Podo, Selinthe & others, and asks the northern adventurers if they have any stories of their adventures to share. Airin also asks Succotash about his career so far.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:40:17 PM

Bliss manages to tell everybody what he saw; then he has to sit down and recover.

"Well, we know they are evil, that's for sure. They had no need to be so cruel."

Bliss tries to think back to the "blank spots" in his vision and figure out if the miscreants were small or medium in size.

In the morning, after a Heroes' Breakfast and his usual complement of casting and ritual, he is ready to go.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 9:34:45 PM
Back into the fray

Tali meets up with Rayya, if the troupe are to leave in the morning, Tali will Meditate for two hours, then take the 2AM watch casting her usual spells after finishing her meditation.

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

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:11:46 PM

Pressi is silent for a moment. "They... let him in. A couple of people with god knows how many enemies trying to live in retirement after trouble with the law... let him in..."

Pressi slammed the table. "I am so stupid. Of course our victims knew the murderer. This guy's probably been moving through the community all along. I just couldn't see it."

The rest of the time, Pressi mostly avoids the two dwarves. They can stay at the guild hall or the Dancing Pig until they leave in the morning, but otherwise, she avoids the group.

In the morning, she performs the usual rituals.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 1:33:55 AM

Additional space request for the Sanctuary: Murphy had met (if such succeeded) with Mayor Bumbleluck, asking about - essentially doubling the space, on the side of their compound along the route to Hovel, not wanting to crowd closer to Humble's Ford. He said they would be willing to pay who owns the land, wanting it to be a just and fair transaction. Did the Mayor and his collection of leading citizens accede to the request? Any questions or conditions?

==== Family interactions ====

In the evening, he also would ensure that he spend an hour or two with his family - father, mother, various siblings. He hopes Pressi will join them, as Leska Rose is there tonight. His father, Samell, has been working on the carousel for almost a year, and had taken a few of the remnants of the Juggernaut to help put some finishing touches. "Primula thinks she just about has figured the right temperature to allow the metal to be worked. It is very hard material. With the pieces you Swords let me take, I'm working to fasten together one of the faces that broke down the middle for one of the rides. When you all get back, our carousel might be about ready to try." Murphy has given up on trying to correct his father calling them the 'Swords.' "Yes, sounds like fun! The kids should really love it. And maybe lads pitching woo to the lasses."

Leska asks Pressi how she is faring with all the weight put on her shoulders, and those of the Sword. She is an empathetic listener. And she has a small wrapped box she offers as a gift. "Wait a few days to open it," she asks.

Mama Bekka offers some excellent pies, fresh cream, mixed berries, smiles, and a good ear.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle 
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 7:04:34 AM
Bliss sleeps very poorly. The scene from the Vision is still with him in its sad gruesomeness, and in his dreams it is his friends who are under the lash, brand, and knife.

In fact, he has no appetite at all for the breakfast he conjures up.

Telepathically linked, Mookie is reeling too.

"Kid, hero or no, your head is not in the right spot."

"I know, my old friend. between these recent bouts of forgetting stuff and this vision ... I dunno."

Mookie cocks his head and thinks hard.

"Executive decision," the halfling-sized crow declares. "You're sitting this one out. I'm placing you under Granny's care!"

Bliss is surprised. "But Mookie! Everybody needs me!"

"Nonsense. They are all big grown adults with as much power as you. And you need some rest."

Bliss does not fight too hard. "I am very tired, my friend."

Bliss tells everybody about "his" decision and gives them best wishes. He's obviously a bit torn up about it. "But I just need a break."

[OOC: Real life concerns are hitting me, Cayzle, hard these days, friends. I'm walking away for at least six months. I'll still be around the site helping Jerry, and playing my easy PC in Culvers. But I'm taking a break from Bliss and DMing. Thanks for a great great time.]

Let's Play Clue


DM Mitch 
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 7:29:21 AM
Kezzem casts greater magic weapon on his daggers.
Succotash argues for the evening and does his best to be civil and entertain the dwarf and drow women in the meantime.
Murphy and some of his family prepare for bar-hopping while others of his company keep company with their guests and Succotash showing Sesha and Ketia to their quarters.
Bliss tells his vision to his friends and tries to go over the blank spots for more clues. His best guess is that they were dwarf size or smaller, as he didn’t note any indications they had difficulty navigating the dwarf sized home.
Tali meets up with Raya and mediates then takes her customary 2 am watch before casting her normal spells.
Pressi surmises that letting the killer in means that the victims knew their killer and whoever it was probably moved through the community all along. Pressi avoids Ketia and Sesha and the next morning prepares the usual ritual.
Murphy takes care of more errands around town. The mayor did agree to the expansion and will be happy to work with the adventurers on talking to the land owners when they have the time. He spends some time with his family as well.

The party is ready to go and about to leave, but Bliss has to stay behind for reasons.

With all the information gotten that they can get from afar the party heads out. With magic it’s pretty easy to get to Glimmer and soon they’re outside the town. The town is underground inside the mountain and has a large population of gnomes and dwarves. This time of day most people are home from work and getting ready for bed. There are a few town guards about and one is happy to give the visitors directions to wherever they decide to go first.


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  d6+26=28 ;
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 11:31:56 AM
Succotash gets directions to the town constablary, than when he arrives he says, "Good day, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, and I am a member of the adventuring party known as Humble's Sword. It has come to my attention that a certain coople has recently been brutally murdered here, and my friends and I are most curious about the crime, and would like to help you bring the killer or killers to justice. You see, we had history with the victims, not 100% good history, but history none the less, also we have reason to believe that the one or ones responsible is also guilty of attacking our home. Luckily no one was killed, and only minor damage was done to property, but we would still like to get to the bottom of the matter. Do you happen to have any evidence , have you heard any rumors, or have anything at all that may help in our investigation? We of course have no desire to side step you and your fellow constables, but as adventurers, we have skills, that the average constable doesn't have, and would like to offer them to you to aid your investigation. " (diplomacy 28)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 4:35:17 PM
"Also, let's just pretend that we pretended to be mushroom farmers," says Kezzem. "That way you'll now that we're really us and instead of somebody else who is definitely not us."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 4:50:37 PM

Pressi wishes Bliss the best of luck, knowing the toll that such visions can take on a witch.

Beyond that, Pressi is willing for Succotash and others to take the lead for now. Her investigations are about to begin.

(Jewish holiday begins soon. Just getting something out, will post longer tomorrow night.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 6:49:06 PM
Farewell to Bliss and Mookie
"Oh, my good friend," Murphy says when Bliss announces his decision to take a break from being active with the group. "I've watched you grow up in maturity as you excelled as an adventurer. My concern has risen lately, when you seemed to forget aspects of adventures in which you played such a huge role. Yes, rest, Bliss, that you may return when ready, refinding the meaning of your name. Maybe you'll find an additional name along the way. And, thanks for the breakfasts."

He opens his arms, embracing his shorter friend. Then he steps back for a moment, hands on his shoulders, looking into his eyes. "Take good care of Mookie. Mooks, you'll know what to do." He takes another step back, reaches into a bag, and pulls out a canvas bucket. "It's full of worms I picked up near the oaks on the pathway into the Scab. Planned to give it to you later, Mookie." He sets down the container, and loose, rich soil rests as high as 3" below the top. A fair-sized earthworm protrudes a couple of inches above the dirt and probes the air above.

Caverns of Glimstone - Glimmer town
When last they were here, the adventurers had gone into the mining portions of Glimstone, but had not, to the best of Murphy's recollection, seen the town of Glimmer. [Where does the town lie in relation to the cavern entrance? Am I right it is the same as the entrance to the mining area - or is there a separate entrance to the town?]

Murphy notes that people go to bed a few hours after sunrise down here - where the sun does not rise.

The druid makes a note when the appropriate time arrives to not spill the whole story to someone until we can get a feel for who they are, but, well, we'll see how it goes. He offers his name, and asks who they might be talking with. "Looks like a nice town, from the little we've seen of it. Might seem an abrupt question, but we are halflings. Might there be a place we could find lodging for the night? All right, that's not too abrupt. Here you go - Are you aware of any murders that have occurred of late in the area?"

[Melvin - G’mar chatima tova.]

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday September 16th, 2021 12:10:39 AM
Glimmer

Tali goes along for the journey with Rayya not wanting to be too far from her. Tali remains quiet while being observing as she takes it all in.

DM Mitch 
Thursday September 16th, 2021 8:50:20 AM
Bliss is really warn out from his vision so Mookie decides its best if the youngster reside in the care of granny for now.
Murphy also wishes Bliss well and says he should return when he is ready and thanks him for breakfast.
He then sees to it that they return to Glimstone only this time they are going to the town area instead of the mine area which is kind of in the same general vicinity just in a different part of the cave.
He asks a question about murders recently and the dwarf he asks says, “Yeah, talk of the town. An elderly couple supposedly was murdered most foul in their homes”

Succotash introduces himself and the team to the town constabulary giving their bona fides and reasons for why they wish to help.
Kezzem throws in that the constabulary should pretend that the party pretended to be Mushroom farmers because that way they would know it is them.
Pressi wishes Bliss the best and defers to Succotash for the time being.
Tali remains quite and observes everything.

The desk sergeant looks at Succotash and then looks at Kezzem and says, “You’ll be wanting to talk to detective IceHammer. She’s the one that was assigned lead on this case so she can read you in. I think she’ll be happy to have your help.”

He checks some kind of time tracking device. ”This time of day she’s probably at the dinner getting some food before going home. You might be able to catch her and introduce yourself or just come back in the morning.”


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday September 16th, 2021 11:04:40 AM
"We already had one dinner," says Kezzem, "but I could always go for second dinner. Hey guys, maybe we could form a club...a second Second Dinner Club, if you will."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Thursday September 16th, 2021 3:22:46 PM

Murphy speaks. "Thank you, Sergeant. Mind if I ask your name?"

"I think some members of our group occasionally called the Second Breakfast

He says, "Let's go," and heads in the direction the sergeant indicated to find IceHammer. When they get to or near the place indicated, he makes a few inquiries to see if someone nearby might know of her whereabouts.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Thursday September 16th, 2021 5:28:04 PM

[finishing the uncompleted 2nd paragraph above]

"I think some members of our group occasionally called the Second Breakfast Club the 'Second Dinner Club.' So they may have a prior claim on the phrase, as a derivative trademark, Kezzem. But if you want to use it, I won't tell on you," Murphy says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday September 16th, 2021 8:48:13 PM
"I'm hearing a disappointing amount of chatter about second dinner, and almost nothing regarding cocktail hours."

Pressi agrees to talk to the detective before doing anything else.

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 17th, 2021 4:13:08 AM
As they Swords find Detective Icehammer, he introduces himself and the rest if the party, than basically says the same thing he said to the desk Sargent.

DM Mitch 
Friday September 17th, 2021 8:13:38 AM
Kezzem replies that they already had one dinner but he could always go for a second and thinks they should form the second dinner club.
Murphy asks the sergeant his name, shares some info about another group calling themselves the second dinner club but promises not to tell if Kezzem won’t and then asks around the diner after the detective.
Pressi asks about cocktail hours and agrees to talk to the detective first.
Succotash introduces himself and gives the same speil as before.

Before you depart the constabulary the Sergeant gives Murphy his name as Gloin Copperbottom.

At the restaurant you find a dwarf woman with flaxen hair and penetrating blue eyes seated at a table drinking a cup of coffee. She studies you carefully before saying “Yes I’m Detective Arrin Icehammer. How may I help you?”

After Succotash’s spiel she considers. ”I have respect for the skills of adventurers, but too many of them are the fight first find answers later kind. Tell me about your history with the victims and what you know of the murder. If you tell me everything I’ll share what I know and maybe we can figure this out together.”


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 17th, 2021 1:09:56 PM
[b]"I understand your trepidation, Detective. However we, members of Humble's Sword, Have a long history of attempting diplomacy first, and blood letting only as a last resort. Even if things turn to violence, we still prefer to give our opponents a chance to surrender, and if at all possible, we strive to reform our captured foes, setting them on the good and honorable path. Sadly too many choose death over surrender, and we have no choice but to fight to the death.

To answer your question, the victims were once in ownership of a ginormous iron giant. They intended to use the ancient and powerful device to free their immortal power Scald. To test out the power of the device, they sought a target that they could destroy, and of course that target was Humble's Ford. In order to defend our town, we infiltrated the automaton, and defeated the unfortunate couple. As is our M.O., we gave them the chance to surrender, along with their followers, one of whom now dwells at our compound, as a trusted friend. The unfortunate couple promised never to return to the Crescent Valley, and we set them free. The last we saw of them was them walking away towards the Scab. Just yesterday, individuals, who desire to remain nameless, visited our humble abode, and informed us of the evil deed. They asked for our help, and of course we can't turn a blind eye to cold blooded murder. One of ours cast a divination spell, and witnessed the murder, in all it's gruesome detail, minus one, and that being the murderer's identity. The vision was such an ordeal, it shook our friend to the marrow, and he felt the need to stay home, as the effect was so taxing on his soul. As I said, when I introduced us, we believe this evil-doer is the same as the one who attempted to destroy our home, and us. We have no idea as to why this person or persons would wish us harm, or for that matter, the death of another, but we do know, via our friends divination, that the culprit was known to the victims. We also know via our informers, that this isn't the only murder, and that the culprit seems to be targeting followers of Scald."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+26=30 ;
Friday September 17th, 2021 1:13:18 PM
Forgot to roll diplomacy. Rolled a 30.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Friday September 17th, 2021 3:47:53 PM
"Don't worry, we're more the talk first, talk second, talk so more, and then fight after all the talking goes belly up type of adventurers," says Kezzem. "Actually, maybe you should worry. I think maybe the fights just start because we talk so much they can't get us to otherwise shut up."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Friday September 17th, 2021 9:43:33 PM

Murphy nods a couple of times as Succotash gives a good rundown. He squints as Kezzem has his typical off-the-wall, but perhaps not too far off summary of what types of adventurers we are.

Then he says, simply, "Anur Daron and Shan Shalutch."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+26=29 ;
Friday September 17th, 2021 11:12:21 PM
And then there were...none!

Tali curtseys towards the Detective & starts with her short tale, very diplomatically, "Detective Arrin Icehammer, I would second my colleagues accounting of our story as I do not recall much of the big Iron Giant fight as I was temporarily out of it towards the end of the scuffle...dead in fact"

Skill Checks
Diplomacy (+26): 29

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

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Saturday September 18th, 2021 5:18:42 PM

"That was a later fight, Tali," Murphy says. "You didn't die when we faced Shan, nor Agur. It was later you perished. A thousand giants tried to attack and overrun our town, and as we were about to draw near to victory, the bad people tried to take the Iron Giant from us that you died. That was a few weeks, maybe a month, after we first took over the Iron Giant.

"You might recall our first time on the Iron Giant, when, after dealing with Pilot Anur, you swept up Ix's ashes into, what, a little box? - as we bid farewell to the couple upon whom we showed mercy, when they accepted our terms of surrender."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Sunday September 19th, 2021 8:37:38 PM
Pressi finally speaks up. "I believe the amount of talking should be sufficient that we can begin? Oh, we should mention that our approach to the Iron Giant proves we aren't the fight first type, and that we actually do continue on until someone says stop.

"We should also mention two things. First, we actually did leave on fairly good terms with the victims, for someone planning to steamroll our town. It was... a rather emotional day for most of us. Second, there is another connection. We believe that the perpetrator may also have a connection to a number of thefts and alchemical activities, and protection against most forms of divination magic, so... something to keep an eye on.

"I was hoping that we could start at the beginning. Get a good idea of what Scald followers believe and some idea of regional history. From there, we could talk about whether our victims had any enemies. Besides us, I mean."

DM Mitch 
Monday September 20th, 2021 8:08:21 AM
Succotash diplomatically gives a rundown of their style of adventuring followed by the connection the party had to the victims and then lastly wraps things up by mentioning what they know of the murder.
Kezzem adds his own color commentary to interpreting what kind of adventurers that the party is.
Tali curtseys to the detective and gives her own recollection of events with the Iron Giant.
Murphy adds the names of the victims to Succotash’s rundown. He then reminds Tali that she died in the second Iron Giant fight not the first.
Pressi argues that their approach to the Iron Giant proves they aren’t the fight first type. She mentions that they left on good terms with the victims and that they believe the perpetrator may have a connection to a number of thefts, alchemical activities and protections against divination. She asks what the detective knows of Skald followers and what the detective knows about regional history. She also wants to know if the Skald had any enemies.

Story told the detective again leans back and considers. You get the feeling she always considers before doing anything. ”Given your own history I’m surprised you haven’t already learned all about how Scald, the giants, and the cult are all tied up. I’m no religious scholar, but this case is probably tied up in this stuff so I did my research. The giants, especially the fire giants, serve an immortal power called Fhorge. Fhorge is a mountain, but also hold some power over the entire scab. He’s a jailer, supposedly put in place by the gods themselves to contain ancient things that defied the gods but were to powerful to kill outright in the creation of the world.

Now there’s nothing wrong with that in and of itself, plenty of dwarves worship Fhorge to, but the fire giants believe they are Fhorge’s chosen race, creating cities on the volcano itself and raiding other places to drive people away from the prisons or secure sacrifices to make to their god. Nasty stuff usually. Scald is one of the prisoners who’s managed to gain a little power in the world again by fusing himself with the land that is his prison much as Fhorge has. Scald now inhabits a large hot spring, more of a lake really, and his minions seek to expand his influence to other waters or destroy Fhorge and free their master.

Scald’s folk tend to be pretty nasty. They tend to preach freedom and personal power at the expense of everyone else. Lots of murders and crime tend to crop up around them so the cult is generally not allowed in dwarven lands. Makes those that do worship him hide their loyalties.

As for the murder itself, I’ve formed some theories, but I don’t want to taint your own investigation. If I tell you what I think you’ll go in looking for evidence to support my conclusions instead of forming your own and that might make you miss a line of thought I didn’t think of. So I’ll make you a deal. I’ll let the constuables know to let you have access to the murder scene and any other information you want. You do your own investigation, see what you can figure out. Then we can meet and compare notes and we’ll see if we’ve all come to the same conclusion or if you’ve seen something I missed or vice versa. That gives us the best odds of hitting on the right answer to solve this.”


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday September 20th, 2021 12:49:21 PM
"Well then, I guess we shall *forge* ahead with our investigation," says Kezzzem. "What? Making bad puns isn't against the paladin code. At least, I think it's not."

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 September 20th, 2021 2:08:42 PM
Succotash pats Kezzem on the shoulder and says, "We shall "hotly" pursue the villain, with a "fiery" vengeance, and "steel" ourselves to the investigation. Let us not "Melt" under the stress, and let us bring the "hammer" of justice.

To the detective he says, "Your plan is wise when can we begin, and how do we find the murder scene."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Monday September 20th, 2021 6:46:50 PM

"Thank you, Detective Arrin Icehammer. We look forward to seeing what we might uncover, then comparing notes with you," replies Murphy. "Would we be able to get started right away? I know that folks here are preparing for bedtime, but from our perspective, it's still morning time."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+26=40 ;
Monday September 20th, 2021 8:21:18 PM
Fhorge, Scald, & the other Prisons

Tali own again curtseys speaking diplomatically as she does; "Thank you, Detective Arrin Icehammer. You kindness is much appreciated."

Skill Checks
Diplomacy (+26): 40

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1079 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1079 minutes
Message | Duration 179 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday September 20th, 2021 9:09:15 PM

Pressi nods attentively, trying to pretend that any of this stuff makes sense. It does partially explain why giants kept knocking on Humble's door for a while.

As soon as they get to the crime scene, she begins looking around (Perception 25) and detecting magic.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 7:11:27 AM
Kezzem says they should forge ahead with the investigation.
Succotash not to be outdone by their paladin makes even more puns about their plans
Murphy thanks the detective and asks if they can get started right away.
Tali thanks the detective
Pressi pretends that the detective’s explanation makes sense but at least gets an idea of why the giants kept attacking Humble’s Ford for a while.
Detective Icehammer gives the party the directions to the scene of the crime as well as a handwritten note to give to the constable on duty guarding it. It isn’t to far of a walk and upon arrival the deputy reads the note, salutes, and opens the door for you.

When you get there Pressi starts taking a look around. The home opens up with the room Bliss described in his vision. A thick carpet covers the floor, now stained with blood. A hearth with the stale ashes of many old fires in inset in one wall and a tall bookshelf full of books sits nearby. A table and four chairs is on the other end of the room, the table not quite lined up with the carpet and one chair knocked over.

Two curtains hang on the walls and you can see spaces beyond them, probably other rooms in the small home.

Pressi does not detect any signs of magic in this first room. Any signs of spellcasting would have faded in the days since the murder.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 9:43:03 AM
Hobie enters the room and looks around, he notices the table and carpet not lined up, and thinks maybe there could be something important under the carpet. He will wait to lift the carpet until after his colleagues have had a chance to look around.

He also notices the bookshelf, and takes a look at what books are there.

OOC: Guys I'm sorry for disappearing for a week, I should have asked for a sub, but my wife is pregnant, and she has been really sick (everything is okay, it's normal first trimester pregnancy sickness) and she's taken all my focus, I just straight forgot about the Wold in all of it. Sorry.

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+50=69 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 10:11:46 AM
OOC... Hey Nick, I hope your wife is feeling better soon!!!

Succotash also is curious as to what maybe found under the rug, and waits for Hobie to lift it up for investigation. He gives the room a once over, taking his time, being thorough in his search for clues. (taking 20) (perception 74{I normally add 35 taking 20 makes that 55, but the die roller bonus adder only goes to 50, so I added another 5})

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91  d20+28=31 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 3:43:32 PM
"There murder scene is right here," says Kezzem."Succotash just murdered that joke."

Kezzem detects evil to see if his divine senses can detect anything as he looks around.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 = 31.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+18=33 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=26 ; d3=2 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+18=27 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 5:55:52 PM
[My wife had one rough 1st trimester years ago, so, I feel for you two. I hope things even out for her, Nick.

Murphy gets out his inks paper and a paper-sized backing board. "Let me make some sketches before we move things about, if that's all right with you all." He begins sketching the view into the room from the entry, then goes to the other side, and sketches back towards the door. Then from the two sides. And on to the next rooms, doing as he did in the main room. If a particular piece of evidence warrants more detail, he makes the detailed sketches.

Then he puts in a new roll of film. -j/k

Once done with the sketches, he looks to note whether it looks as though there are any spots on the bookshelf where books were missing - evidence of them having been there, but now removed. Then pays attention to titles. As he wants to learn the ancient language Anur used, he sees if there are any tomes or scrolls that seem to include reference to that tongue. Then, book by book, he fans through, seeing if anything was left inside the pages, other than the bound pages.

All of this will likely take a while.

==========
Profession, Artist rolls: 33, 21, 29, 19, 20, 32, 37, 32, 26, (skip the d3=2 accidental roll), 31, 22, 24.
And rolls for details: 26, 31, 35, 27.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+14=20 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 6:59:39 PM
The Investigation...

As Tali gets a chance to enter the area to add to the investigation, she sends Rayya aloft to see what she can in the shadows and to provide a bonus to her own perception skills in the shadows.

Skill Checks
Perception (+14): 20

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1078 minutes
Message | Duration 178 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+25=45 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 9:01:33 PM
With the perimeter well covered, Pressi considers the murder scene itself.

Kneeling at the bloodstain, "Ok, according to Bliss. Our killer comes in, immobilizes both, ties them to chairs, and kills them slowly... without asking questions or looking for anything first. Remind me we need a better idea of how they died, not a lot of spells that cause you to bleed, but I'm not getting great melee from this guy either..."

Pressi stood up. "Need some strength to get them to the chairs, wish I had a better way to judge height...."

From there, she moves on to poke around the hearth and ashes absentmindedly. (Perception 45).

DM Mitch 
Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 1:01:35 PM
Hobie enters the room and notices the table and carpet not lined up and surmises that there could be something important under the carpet. He wants to give his colleagues a chance to look around before doing anything about the carpet. He also goes to investigate the bookshelf.
Succotash thoroughly investigates the room, waiting for Hobie to lift the rug to give the room a once over.
Kezzem being Kezzem cracks a joke and then casts detect evil as he searches the room.
Murphy being Murphy breaks out the art supplies and starts making sketches of the rooms. When he is finally finished with that task he joins Hobie in scoping out the bookshelf, noting the language used, the content if possible and if anything is hidden in any of the tomes.
Tali uses Rayya to boost her perceptiveness as she takes in the crime scene.
Pressi considers the murder scene itself, rehashing the details of Bliss’s vision. She says they need to get a better idea of how the couple died as not a lot of spells cause folks to bleed but she doesn’t see this mage person being a skilled melee combatant. She suggests whoever does it needs strength to get the couple to the chairs though and then wishes she has a better way to judge height before absentmindedly poking around the fireplace ashes.

Murphy and Hobie are looking at the bookshelf. This bookshelf seems to be for entertainment. The books are a mix of how to guides on various hobbies, fictional tales of multiple genres, and a few religious texts. He is unable to dertermine if anything is obviously missing - the books are only loosely sorted and there’s still space on the shelves. He finds nothing between the pages.

Succotash and Hobie scope out the area under the carpet. They find that, most likely, the table was merely jarred in the murder. There are deep imprints in the carpet where the table legs must have previously rested, and the spots under where the legs ended up are far less bloodstained. Two the the chairs, those farthest from the table facing away from it, are about as stained as the carpet, with small sections less stained as if something like a rope reduced the blood flow over that spot.

Moving table and carpet and thoroughly searching the floor reveals no hidden compartments. Neither are any found in the walls, at least not in this room.

Kezzem turns his evil detecting cone on but alas if anything in the room was evil at some point in time recently there is nothing to indicate this not even a lingering aura.

Pressi pokes around in the ashes of the hearth. Whilst there she notices that there is an alcove next to the hearth that contains a variety of cooking utensils. The hearth is well tended, with the signs of many a previous meal prepared there. Small, charred bits of old food that fell off into the fire along with the ashes of old wood. It looks well maintained, but not particularly clean, no doubt due to the murder interrupting a meal in progress.

Murphy looks at the other rooms after finishing his first drawing. One room seems to be a lavatory - a chamber pot, partially full, sits inside along with a mirror over a small basin built into the wall and some hygiene supplies sitting on it’s edge. The basin is currently dry and has no obvious water source to fill it with.

The other room seems to be a bedroom. A large bed takes up most of the room, which is slightly smaller then the main one. It looks comfortable and possibly expensive. Against the right wall is a small desk with a large candle on it and various writing implements. A shelf sits over the desk holding more books, this one about 75% full of tomes.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+25=40 ;
Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 8:21:21 PM

Pressi looked around at the bedroom, checking the desk and books over (Perception 40) and casting detect magic through the room.

On a whim, she also pulls on the candlestick, half expecting the wall to spin her into the next room (but not really believing that will happen).

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+14=18 ;
Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 8:34:58 PM
The Investigation...continues

Tali will look upon the book shelf above the desk using her perception for any sign of a well used book or marks left in the dust by a book.

Skill Checks
Perception (+14): 18

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1077 minutes
Message | Duration 177 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 8:51:52 PM
"Okay, I'm going to have to talk to Gargul about my powers," says Kezzem as he pinches his nose. "I specifically searched the room for evil or lingering evil. Someone not emptying their chamber pot when their done is totally evil in my book, and it is certainly lingering."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+43=60 ;
Thursday September 23rd, 2021 5:14:52 AM

The druid jots down the titles of each of the books. "I'd like to see their bodies. Let's check with the local constable on that once we've finished up here." He is not rushing anyone. He will continue to collect information.
============
Perception: 60

DM Mitch  d20+8=21 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=13 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday September 23rd, 2021 6:45:34 AM
Pressi looks around the bedroom and checks the desk and books over while casting detect magic. She also experiments with one of the candlesticks.
Tali joins Pressi at the book shelf. She studies the dust.
Kezzem proves the old adage about Paladins being trained to detect evil but not sarcasm wrong; well actually I don’t know about detecting but at least he can certainly employ it. How dare the murdered pair get murdered before being able to empty the chamber pot.

Pressi pulls a candle stick and….
Nothing happens

Tali and Pressi take a look at the bookshelf. Upon inspection of the books they appear to be written in Common and are memoirs or diaries of sorts with date references. The books appear to be in chronological order and nothing appears to be hidden in any of their pages. Taking the time the 2 halflings are able to tell that a book appears to be missing. One book ends with Anur talking about returning from his defeat at the Iron Giant, the loss of his son, and his promise to Humbles to reform. It goes on to say the constables are after him for previous murders and he’ll have to do something to lessen his sentence. The next book chronologically speaking picks up 2 years after he got out of jail and the first page has a footnote referencing a previous volume that seems to be missing.

Murphy documents the titles of the books in the main room. The ones in the bedroom do not have titles on the spine or cover, just a note on the first page saying “volume X”


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday September 23rd, 2021 8:40:07 PM

Pressi rolls her eyes at Kezzem but does take the reminder to look over the basin, seeing how it works. (She suspects, though, that they just used create water and prestidigitation like she does.)

Thinking over the missing volume, she takes a step back and forth to look through some of the other volumes. At the other murders he committed. At the activities he did after getting out of prison.

"Still, looks like our one lead is to whoever can tell us what happened while he was in prison and how he got out."

Something about the son's death needled Pressi's mind, but she ignored that for the moment.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Friday September 24th, 2021 3:28:32 AM

Murphy reads over Anur's description of what happened on the bridge of the Iron Giant. The confrontation by the party. One or two of the group relating to Anur the betrayal by his adoptive gnome son, Ix. The agreement he made with the group, his casting of an ancient spell to bring his wife back to life due in part to the ambiance of the Iron Giant. And the disintegration of Ix in severe paternal judgment. His forsaking of his holy symbol representing his faith in Skald, and surrender of his weapons and armor, and the walk home with his wife.

"I wonder whether, by whatever means, Ix may be the one who has returned to work vengeance against those he believed wronged him," Murphy asks aloud. "He certainly had a broad skill set."

After a pause he adds, "I'm not stating that as fact. Just speculating."

He reads from earlier texts, trying to learn how to came to know of the Iron Giant, and what moved Anur to come against the halflings.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Friday September 24th, 2021 1:36:23 PM
Kezzem, not much for reading, juggles his daggers. Occasionally he drops one, but thanks to the returning enchantment they return to his hand, and he hopes nobody notices.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday September 24th, 2021 8:47:21 PM

"Yeah," Pressi muttered back to Murphy as she finished washing her hands. "Though it would be difficult for him to find his way to revenge, what with him being dead and then reincarnated in the middle of a forest because I felt sorry for him but not so much."

Pressi thought for a bit. "Oh, right, THAT's the part I forgot that kept nagging me. Whew, good thing I can concentrate on other things now, huh."

Pressi frowned. "It might not be a bad idea to start scrying or messaging Ix. But, for now, we need to make our way to the prison, start asking some questions."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15  d20+43=50 ;
Saturday September 25th, 2021 3:46:20 AM

"Yeah. I could try scrying for him," her husband responds to Pressi. He nods his head at the suggestion to visit the prison. "I wouldn't mind ready more of Anur's journals before we go, but we may be looking at the law of diminishing returns. Or, maybe, find a startling revelation that leads us more quickly to resolving some issues."

He looks under the bed. Then starts searching the place for secret compartments, trap doors under carpets, and, if there is an attic, exploring what might be there.

As he tries to move toward wrapping up a thorough investigation of the place, and having heard from Pressi & Kezz'm (well, at least he's juggling), Murphy asks, "Tali. Hobie. Succotash. Anything new? Insights? Suppositions? Anyone have any ideas?"

========
Perception: 50

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 
Saturday September 25th, 2021 3:49:07 AM

Sorry - also, Murphy determines which numerical volume is missing. Presuming he started with I, then II, III... VII, VIII, IX, X. Is it volume 'IX' that is missing from the series?

DM Mitch  d10=4 ; d10=10 ;
Saturday September 25th, 2021 6:55:41 AM
Pressi rolls her eyes at Kezzem but she does check out the basin anyway. It’s non-magical and just a basin with a drain on the bottom so you can put water in it and drain it out later. Thinking as to the missing volume she thinks their lead involves whatever happened while Anur was in prison and how he got out. Anur’s son’s death needles Pressi’s mind but she ignores it to focus on the case.

Murphy speculates maybe Ix came back somehow. He searches the last two rooms for secret compartments but finds nothing under the bed. Volume 7 is the missing one. He manages to find the volume where Anur became aware of the giant and learns that it was actually blind luck. An expedition he joined just to make some extra cash stumbled across the artifact. As soon as he realized what it was he murdered everyone else to keep the existence of the thing a secret - over a dozen murders of people he knew and worked with for weeks.

Kezzem juggles in a corner.

Pressi comments that he’s probably dead but it might be worth scrying Ix

Anything else anyone wants to do at the crime scene?


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Saturday September 25th, 2021 10:26:09 AM
"I truly don't know what to do next, could it be helpful for us to inquire at the prison he escaped from?"


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91  d20+25=37 ;
Saturday September 25th, 2021 7:02:17 PM
"Well, I have learned a little bit about religious stuff since I've become a paladin. Let me check. Gargul, grant me knowledge beyond knowledge!"

Kezzem wracks his brain to see if it knows something relevant.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 25 = 37.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Sunday September 26th, 2021 8:37:49 PM

Pressi shook her head at Anur's murder spree at finding the iron giant. "Such a waste. Not even a little bit of showmanship, or a nice speech. If you're going to murder everyone, at least milk it a little."

Pressi reiterates that the prison is probably the next stop.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+14=29 ;
Sunday September 26th, 2021 8:54:37 PM
The next step...

Learning that the missing volume is "Volume 7", Tali will quickly review all the volumes, Journals, books, and tomes, looking for a sequence. "Does anyone know what Prison "Anur" was actually in?" asks Tali to her assembled friends?

Skill Checks
Perception (+14): 29

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1077 minutes
Message | Duration 177 minutes

DM Mitch 
Monday September 27th, 2021 7:58:34 AM
Hobie suggests they inquire at the prison he escaped from.
Kezzem wracks his brain for anything relevant. He knows that in settlements with a lot of industry like the Caverns of Glimstone, Ffloy and Pantheon are typically held in high esteem. Ffloy because He oversees deals and Pantheon because He helps bring to justice those that break the law. Kezzem finds it strange that if Anur did escape from prison in a jailbreak that he would be living out in the open in a place like the Caverns of Glmstone. Perhaps Anur came to some other type of arrangement with the authorities to get out so soon?
Pressi agrees that the prison is probably the next step.
Tali asks if anyone knows what prison that Anur was in.

Tali notes that Anur seems to have been writing his memoirs. Volumes 1-6 start with his early life and up through to his defeat at the iron giant and ends with him worrying about capture for past crimes. Volume 8 picks up some time after he was no longer in prison and seems to not quite catch up to present day.

Everyone agrees Anur’s time in prison is the next step and this late at night there’s no way to follow up on that so a halt is called. They find lodging in the town (or teleport home and back in the morning) and have a good night’s rest before meeting with the detective in the morning.

She’s in the same cafe she was in the previous day staring her day with a warm cup of coffee. She nods respectfully to the group as they enter, finishing her drink and ordering another before asking, ”I hope you had a good nights rest. What have you concluded so far?”


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  d8+9=15 ; d8+9=13 ;
Monday September 27th, 2021 9:34:06 AM
Succotash does his normal morning routine, of pray, meditation, and spell prep. With Bliss absent, he prepares and casts Hero's Feast with his friends before heading out to meet the detective. (Everone roll 1d8+9 to determine your temp HP.)

At the Cafe, Succotash doesn't have much to say, as he feels that their time at the murder scene was a bit of a bust. He does mention the missing volume, as well as the adopted son Ix, but beyond that he allows his friends to do most of the talking.

Active spells:
Hero's Feast (Valerie's temp HP 15, Succotash's temp HP, 13)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Monday September 27th, 2021 1:44:34 PM
“Who do we think took that volume? Was it him? Or was it someone else? Also maybe let’s go visit the prison next”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday September 27th, 2021 2:11:28 PM
"Hold on, my brain is doing something," announces Kezzem.

"It's strange that if Anur did escape from prison in a jailbreak that he would be living out in the open in a place like the Caverns of Glmstone. Perhaps Anur came to some other type of arrangement with the authorities to get out so soon?"

"Okay, I think I need to lie down now. One hour of a thinking a day and I'm done."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday September 27th, 2021 2:12:33 PM
"Press, I'm so glad you're not a supervillain," adds Kezzem. "You'd be a really good one...er, bad one...er, you know what I mean."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday September 27th, 2021 8:58:53 PM

Pressi nodded. "Without a doubt, I could absolutely take over the world. Wouldn't really know what to do with it.

"But more seriously, we still don't really know what HE thought he would do with it, or what he was thinking once he failed. That, I think, is why we keep getting into more and more strange paradoxes, like the one you considered."

Turning back to the detective, she filled in the gaps on what little they picked up. "We were hoping we could get some blanks filled in, like on what happened when he made his way back here, and as to whether he might have some information another person could find useful."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12  d20+9=12 ;
Monday September 27th, 2021 10:51:38 PM

"Thank you for the excellent breakfast, Succotash," Murphy says, followed by a discrete eructation.

"Thanks for taking the time to think, Kezzem. Did your thoughts reveal any other insights, friend?" he asks.

Murphy lays out the sketches he made before Detective Arrin Icehammer, and fills in any things his friends did not cover. "The missing volume, should we find it, may hold more clues - but if we find that, it may be in the possession of the murderer. If possible, I should like to examine their bodies, though as I understand it several days have passed. If not, then it might be well to find someone who was able to do so closer to the time of death."

He concurs with Pressi's thoughts, and considers Hobie's notion as to visiting the prison. "Detective Icehammer, I'm curious about your recommendations as to the next steps we might take. Does anything we have brought before you add anything to your understandings, or is it simply a rehash of what you already know?"

DM Mitch 
Tuesday September 28th, 2021 6:44:16 AM
Succotash does his normal morning routine. Then when at the cafe he mentions the missing volume and adopted son Ix.
Hobie asks who do we think took the volume, the murderer or another robber and asks if they can visit the prison next.
Kezzem brings up that if Anur escaped prison he probably wouldn’t be living out in the open like he had been. He also thanks Pressi for not being a super villain.
Pressi suggests she could take over the Wold but she wouldn’t know what to do with it and then points out they don’t know what Anur would have done if his plan had succeeded which is why so many things seem paradoxical now. She tells Icehammer she was hoping that they could get some blanks filled in with respect to what happened when he made his way back to the caverns and if he might possess knowledge someone might want to kill over.
Murphy gives thanks to Succotash and Kezzem and then shares his sketches with the detective. He asks about being able to examine the bodies or failing that talk to the coroner and he asks the detective to share anything she’s been sitting on.

The Detective says, “Well the books were the major thing I hit on too. We’ve looked for the missing one and it doesn’t seem to be in town. He didn’t just leave it at a friend's house by accident or anything. I’ve spent the past few days doing what you were thinking about doing, talking to the prison and legal system about his capture and sentence.

He did not escape from jail. He swore he’d turned over a new leaf and gave up everything he knew on the cult. It turned into a big operation and multiple cells were taken in, a lot of unsolved crimes were solved with his testimony. Even with that some wanted to throw him in jail to rot for what he’d done, but between the favors he earned testifying and the fact magical tests indicated he was genuinely a changed man meant he got out after a couple of years. He moved here afterwards and has been a model citizen since.

You can see the bodies. They’re still being held as there’s no living family to release them to. Just a warning, they’re nasty. Whoever did it took their time to make it really hurt. Of course your vision told you that, but it’s different seeing the end result.”

Her fresh cup of coffee arrives and she stops talking to add a few things to it and take a long sip.


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 September 28th, 2021 1:07:24 PM
"That explains why they were released, I'm a big fan of giving people a chance at redemption, and rewarding the changing of ones ways. I wonder if our encounter, with them, played any role in the changing of the ways."

"As far as nasty is concerned, We've all seen some seriously messed up stuff in our travels, though that doesn't make it much easier to witness. I prepared "Speak With Dead" this morning, in preparation for the viewing, maybe our unfortunate individuals can shed some light on our investigation. We should be able to ask up to 9 questions. Besides the obvious, that being the identity of the killer, anyone have any other questions they would like asked, and does anyone have a preference as to whom I cast the spell on?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday September 28th, 2021 6:02:06 PM
"Bah, anyone can speak with dead," says Kezzem. "You don't even need a spell for that. It's getting them to talk back that's the problem."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday September 28th, 2021 8:50:37 PM

Pressi listened to the explanation. "Well, that gives us a couple of potential motives but still no suspects. And it still doesn't answer why anyone would steal the book. What could they have included in such a volume?" Still thinking, "It could still turn out that this wasn't just parole and turning stuff over. Maybe he gave the prison something else. Or maybe he DIDN'T give back everything and that's what's in the book."

Pressi points out that she can also speak with dead, but doesn't have much hope for a direct ask. "It seems strange that our friend would overlook such an easy track to cover. That's why I'm hoping an autopsy might be a better route. Obviously, the book might be a good direction, as is if they had done any alchemical or other research.

DM Mitch 
Wednesday September 29th, 2021 7:13:46 AM
Succotash remarks that they got their explanation as to why they were released and he wonders if the encounter with their group played a role in that. He mentions he prepared speaks with dead and they can ask 9 questions so he asks for suggestions besides the identity of the killer. He also asks for a preference on who he casts on.
Kezzem points out that anyone can speak with dead but its getting them to talk back that is the problem.
Pressi points out they have a couple potential motives but still no suspects and it doesn’t explain why the book was stolen. She theorizes that Anur didn’t give everything back to the prison or maybe there was some other knowledge hidden away in the pages. She suggests an autopsy might be the better route.

Icehammer finishes drinking and considers the party's statements. ”I’m not too familiar with magic so I wouldn’t know how helpful that spell would be. You’re welcome to try. My next move had to be following up on those he betrayed. I of course asked about them and a lot of them were executed for their crimes. Not all of them though, and I was eager to either interview them or get local law enforcement where they lived to do it.”

She shakes her head. ”They’ve all vanished or been murdered. Law enforcement’s kept a close eye on them all, even had some of them turn state’s evidence and go back into the cult to learn more, but someone either got them out without anyone seeing or got close enough to leave a corpse behind that couldn't answer questions.

To me, that says inside job. Couldn’t be from inside law enforcement, the information was too scattered for any one person to know all the names without making inquiries that would be known about, like myself. Had to be someone with intimate knowledge of the cult. And that’s where I’m stuck. The only possible sources of inside information have been taken out and I’m staring at a brick wall. Maybe your group with your bigger resources can find out more”


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday September 29th, 2021 8:07:28 AM
"Would it be possible for us to infiltrate the cult?"
"You said they've all vanished or been murdered, can we get that list of names, in particular the list of the ones who fit the vanished category. Perhaps we could track some of them down."

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 29th, 2021 10:54:33 AM
"So if I'm hearing you right, both active members, and those who have left the Cult are being hunted down by someone they know. I must confess this is leaving me even more confused."

"Press, while it's true,the dead are normally not very forthcoming coming, in this case, it may be different. This time we have bodies of people who have redeemed themselves, and who may want their killer brought to justice. In other words, it's worth a shot, we don't seem to have anything else to go on."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday September 29th, 2021 9:05:47 PM
Pressi gives it some thought. "There is one other possibility. The list of names may have been in the missing book. Either way, it sounds like someone is covering their tracks, and it may or may not be a cult member."

She agrees with Hobie that they do have some ability to track down vanished people or infiltrate cults. "Might not be a bad idea to follow up with the law enforcement or prison staff that initially interrogated Anur as well."

As for the bodies, "Asking doesn't cost anything, but I don't expect it to be that easy. We may, however, still get some information that's useful. And I really do want to run some tests on the bodies themselves."


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday September 30th, 2021 4:10:30 AM
Keeping Pace...

Tali keeps silent on the topic while she plays with Rayya.

Skill Checks
Perception (+14): 29

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

DM Mitch 
Thursday September 30th, 2021 8:24:30 AM
Hobie asks if it would be possible to infiltrate the cult and that maybe they could get a list of names or people that vanished and try to track some of them down.
Succotash says that he is hearing that active members and people who have left the cult are being hunted down. He raises the possibility that the speak with dead might be a useful spell here considering the diseased redeemed themselves and may want their killer brought to justice.
Pressi surmises that the list of names might be in the missing book and agrees it sounds like someone is covering their tracks. She agrees it makes sense to talk to the law enforcement or prison staff who process anur as well as the corpses.
Tali keeps silent.

With nothing further to ask and the party having nothing to add it seems the detective lets them go. Those interested in inspecting the bodies are allowed to do os. As stated, the bodies are a mess, especially on the extremities that lack vitals that might lead to accidental death before the torture was over. A close inspection shows that the face and mouth are mostly intact though, so speak of dead may work.

The morgue is a fairly small building and even with the party being halflings only 3 or 4 at most can fit inside the room to inspect the bodies. As the rest wait outside someone signals them over. It’s Ketia, wearing a simple disguise that is easy to see through if you no her but makes it harder for anyone working off a wanted poster to recognize her. ”So, how are things going?” she asks as she lounges in the alleyway trying to look casual to any passersby. Not that there are many of those near the Morgue.


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday September 30th, 2021 3:58:42 PM
"Great," says Kezzem. "We're building a list of suspects. Too many suspects one might say. Narrowing it down might be a problem."

"Maybe I should start accusing everyone we meet and see who runs away," suggest Kezzem. "And I don't know anyone more random me, except maybe Bliss. Quick, someone accuse me and see if I try and run away!"

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 30th, 2021 4:00:25 PM
Succotash answers his former enemy, "We haven't gained much of anything, but I'm about to cast "Speak With Dead", and hopefully we can gain some answers then."

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 30th, 2021 4:00:25 PM
Succotash answers his former enemy, "We haven't gained much of anything, but I'm about to cast "Speak With Dead", and hopefully we can gain some answers then."

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 30th, 2021 4:07:38 PM
Before casting the spell, Succotash asks, [b]"Well we get 9 questions when I cast the spell, and so we need to make sure we are on the same page here. Besides the identity of the killer, what else do we want to ask, and who should I cast the spell on?"[/ b]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+25=44 ; d20+30=42 ;
Thursday September 30th, 2021 8:33:44 PM
"Hey, has anyone seen Murphy? The last time he was silent for this long, he was dead."

Pressi decides it's up to her to quickly fill in Ketia about the missing book and the conversation, figuring others can keep Ketia company.

To Succotash, "Let's focus on Anur. Ask him what was in the book, did the killer steal it, did you know the killer. If he can't answer, lets at least get some evidence like why did he kill you or were you in the cult? Oh, and you should ask what he thinks the killer will do next."

When they do enter the morgue, Pressi hesitates at first, a wave of pity and regret awash over her. "I really need to keep in touch with the people we come across better. I hope you two found at least a brief moment of peace."

Pressi looks over the body as best as she can for any clues (Perception 44) or signs of how he died (spellcraft 42). She casts detect magic, followed by detect poison.

While Succotash is busy casting speak with dead, she casts Vision again. This time, she chooses to look into the day that he left prison.

And with that, she says goodbye. A fleeting moment given to the day she sat down with Shan to discuss motherhood, the time she faced off with Ix, the time that Anur so grieved before them....

... The time that Anur literally brought Shan from the dead....

Pressi marched back to Ketia. "This is going to sound like a really stupid question, but did anyone at all try to raise them? Or at least find the Raise Dead scrolls they keep on themselves at all times for just this contingency?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday September 30th, 2021 11:29:11 PM
Keeping Pace with the dead

Tali laughs when she hears what Lady Pressi says about Mister Murphy!

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

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12  d6=5 ;
Friday October 1st, 2021 1:04:50 AM
[Motherboard died Tuesday. New one tomorrow. Thus, Murphy's (Kim's) absence.]

Murphy smiles at his wife's remark about his silence, and Tali's tittering. "Sometimes, I am just listening, and thinking, if I cannot find anything of value to add to the conversation. Besides, everyone is always saying I talk too much. I thought some might find my silence refreshing."

He finally does have some things to add to the conversation, though. "Guys, I studied, through the Woldian League of Adventurers, the ancient language spoken in the Scab - it is a precursor to the language of today's dwarfs. It's what Anur was reading from the scroll that, I suppose we can say, 'repaired' Shan, his wife. Should we find a scroll or text written in that tongue, I could at least read what was written, though I have not the power of a cleric to bring a divine scroll to its intended effect. At least, I do not think I have such power. Oh, and it seems that scroll could be effective specifically within the Iron Giant, but I do not know of its effect outside of that ancient artifact.

"And, since Anur's clerical power seemed to have left him shortly after bringing Shan back to life, who knows whether he kept such a scroll on him? If he did - does the coroner have whatever personal effects were on them at the time the couple were remanded to his care?" He takes a moment to ask the coroner that very question.

He wishes to be among those who go in to look over the Woldly remains of the two slain dwarfs. "Succotash, if I may ask, do you suppose you can ask perhaps 3 or 4 questions to begin? Based upon the responses, that may help key us into what additional queries we may make. If something occurs to me, I will give you my thoughts. Like as not, with your wisdom, your own thoughts will also lead you toward the sum of the nine questions."

He nods as Ketia shows herself, but does not say her name, as it is apparent she has taken a guise.

Then he thinks to suggest to Succotash that he ask Anur, "'Have you hidden anything within your dwelling which might aid us in finding the one who slew you and Shan?' If so," he wonders aloud to the cleric, "how can we delve into what it might be?"

As well as, "Would you want us to appeal to have you raised from the dead?"

He turns to Kezzem. "Did you do this?" as he points toward the morgue.
========
d6=5 - My mouse did this without me formally requesting it.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Friday October 1st, 2021 2:01:03 AM
"Ask him if he's the killer, Succo," suggests Kezzem. "Better yet, ask him if he knows who the killer is. Wait, he could just say yes and then we wasted the question. Ask who the killer is--yes, that check's out."

"No, it's wasn't me," says Kezzem to Murphey. "Whew, that's a relief. I was worried I did it for a moment."

DM Mitch 
Friday October 1st, 2021 8:23:48 AM
Kezzem points out they are building perhaps too big a list of suspects and that maybe they should accuse everyone they meet and see who runs away.
Succotash says they haven’t gained much of anything but he’s going to cast speaks with dead and see if they get some answers. He asks the others what kind of things they want to ask the corpse beside the identity of the killer and who he should cast on.
Pressi questions if Murphy is dead and knows that it is up to her to fill in Ketia about their progress. She suggests they focus on Anur asking if he knows the killer, why did the killer kill him or were you in the cult together. She also suggests they ask Anur what the killer would do next.
Pressi looks over the bodies casting detect magic and detect poison
She casts a vision spell focusing on the day Anur left prison and she sees Anur being escorted to a counter and given a sack that the person on the other side of the glass reads the contents of. Anur then moves to a locker room of sorts where he slowly changes out of his prison uniform putting the clothes that were in the sack on in their place. The clothes look slightly big for him as if he had lost a little weight during his stent in prison. After he is dressed the person who escorted him to get his stuff enters the door and says, “Are you ready to return to society?”
Anur replies, “Yes, though I do not know if I’ll have to pay a price sometime down the road for some of the names I gave you to get out early myself.”

She then marches back to Ketia and asks if anyone tried to raise them or use the scrolls they used to keep on them for just such an eventuality
Tali laughs at the things Pressi has to say about Murphy.
Murphy says that sometimes he stays quiet to just listen. He mentions the old language Anur knew and comments that if Anur lost his clerical powers he might not keep scrolls on him anymore. He asks about personal effects and greets Ketia non-verbally before suggesting a few questions and fulfilling Kezzem’s request.
Kezzem discovers he did not do the murder. Everyone is greatly relieved.

Ketia says to Pressi, “Like I had previously said, typically our kind aren’t usually welcome around here. Therefore I haven’t been exactly able to pop in see if Anur and Shah’s old scrolls were still in good working order or not and as far as I know no one else in the cult has tried to resurrect them either.”

At Pressi’s summary she considers. ”I knew a few of our number had been murdered, but not about the disappearances. If you can give me the list of names I can make some contacts and find out if there’s anyone Anur sold out that hasn’t been vanished or murdered yet.”

There were a few personal effects, but not much. They were at home eating dinner so they only had some evening clothes and a small money pouch on them. The clothing is torn up and bloodsoaked scraps now, cut up in several places by the murderer.


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Sunday October 3rd, 2021 11:20:45 PM
XXX...

Tali looking at the group, says, "So, how did they die in the end?"

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

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12 
Monday October 4th, 2021 12:24:31 AM

"So, how do we get a list of the names?" Murphy inquires. "And for those murdered along the way, can we either read the coroner's reports or see the bodies?

"And, Succotash, how soon until you start asking questions?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12 
Monday October 4th, 2021 1:03:40 AM

And Murphy gives Tali as good a description as he can after talking with the Coroner, and looking over the remains of the husband and wife.

DM Mitch 
Monday October 4th, 2021 6:08:27 AM
Tali wonders what finally did them in.
Murphy wonders how to get a list of name and points out they can just ask or look at the bodies themselves.

A quick question to the morgue employee gets him to tell you that the doctor reported blood loss was the cause of death. A heal check will let you try to determine it yourself.

Ketia clarifies "I mean a list from the detective of those she knows have vanished or died, as well as a list of who Anur sold out. She should have that information and be willing to share with you, just not with 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 
Monday October 4th, 2021 9:25:33 AM
"Well Murph, the spell has a 10 min casting time, so let's begin. I think you are right Murphy starting with one, two, or at the most 3 questions and going from there is probably best as receiving answers often lead to more questions.

Succotash begins casting the spell, and 10 min later, he asks Anur, "Sorry to disturb your slumber, but we are trying to bring your murderer to justice. Could you tell me who it was that is responsible, what their motive is and do you have any idea where we can find them?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday October 4th, 2021 3:43:31 PM
"Ask him to tell Gargul I said hi," offers Kezzem.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+5=17 ; d20+5=21 ;
Monday October 4th, 2021 8:06:00 PM
Testing Theories...

Tali will try to discover anything she can when she makes a heal check against both bodies in the morgue.

"Any idea what their names where, these two in the morgue?" asks Tali of the group.

Skill Checks
Heal (+5): 17, 21

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

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday October 4th, 2021 8:36:47 PM

Pressi stops in her tracks for a little bit, considering Ketia's request and her statements about the bodies.

"I have to be honest, I'm still struggling to figure out anything regarding our killer except that there seems to be both magic and melee involved. And as I struggle to unravel who's what tribe and who betrayed whom and who happens to be non grata and yet strangely involved, I begin to wonder what exactly your relationship to Anur and Shan were, except for the moment when you were less than excited they stole something from you.

"So lets start at the beginning before we give you any more sensitive information. Where, exactly, were you two at the time of the murder? You know I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask."

After Ketia's answer, "So where exactly do your allegiances fit in all this?"

Assuming we have the list of names, Pressi would prefer to use her own divinations to track down the missing ones.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12 
Monday October 4th, 2021 8:47:32 PM

"Yes, Tali. Dwarfs. He was Anur Daron, who was once described to you as a shale-muncher, and the pilot of the Iron Giant. She was Shan Shalutch, his wife, who shared tea with Pressi as you and the rest of us stood outside her quarters in the upper parts of the metal monstrosity. We met them both on the Iron Giant. And we just spent several hours going through their house, reading their books." He says, with a wide grin, "You have the astonishing beauty of a butterfly, and sometimes the memory of that colorful critter, too, good Talia." He hopes she does not mind his jest.

He otherwise attends to what Succotash reports on how Anur chooses to answer from the far side.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 6:31:59 AM
Succotash starts casting the 10 minute spell. He agrees with Murphy that starting with one 2 or 3 questions and then going from there is probably the best idea since sometimes receiving answers leads to more questions.
He says to Anur’s corpse, “Sorry to disturb your slumber, but we are trying to bring your murderer to justice. Could you tell me who it was that is responsible, what their motive is and do you have any idea where we can find them?”
Kezzem tells Succotash to tell Anur to tell Gargul he said hi
Tali examines the bodies in the morgue from what she can tell exsanguination seems as likely a cause as anything else. She asks what their names were
Pressi asks Ketia and Sashe where they were at the time of Anur and Shan’s murder.
Murphy reminds Tali who the victims were.

The spell works, which is nice because there was still a chance it would have been blocked. The corpse takes several seconds to answer the rapid fire questions. ”Flamescorn.” it whispers, barely able to get the word out of it’s damaged form. ”Revenge… Home…”

Ketia says to Pressi, “Were that I was the killer, then I wouldn’t be looking over my shoulder constantly. I bore Anur and Shan no ill will after they got out. Losing their son seemed a cost enough for me and I knew they wouldn’t betray my secrets. If you must know, Sashe and I were in Plateau City seeing to some business with some members of the Plateau City cell. Yes teleportation spells are a thing but we were in the city for days. It was only later when I was on my way back home that I became aware of the passing of Anur and Shan and the possibility that it was a targeted hit and my name might be next on the list. I wouldn’t have come to you if I didn’t believe that my life was in legitimate danger. As to where my allegiances fit in well I am still loyal to Skald and to my cell mates including my former cell mates like Anur and Shan. I am temporarily in a truce with your Humble’s Sword and I will not betray that for now, nor would I have come to you had I killed Anur and Shan as based on your track record that would seem like an exceedingly stupid thing to do.


Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:47:25 AM

"Succotash- you might ask the location of Flamescorn's home," Murphy suggests.

(More later, gotta run)

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 October 5th, 2021 10:27:29 AM
"Mr Anur, could you be a little more specific as to the location of this Flamescorn's home. If justice is to be had, we need to be able to locate the fiend. The location of his home would make that a lot easier.

Succotash asks either Murphy or Tali if they would be so kind as to step out of the room and run the name Flamescorn by Ketia. In hopes that she may be able to shed some light on the subject.

Questions asked 4 out of 9

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+26=27 ;
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:48:06 PM
Flamescorn

Tali strolls outside to find Lady Ketia. When she sees her, Tali hovers closer to ask diplomatically about the name "Flamescorn". "Ms. Ketia, does the name "Flamescorn" mean anything to you?" asks Tali. "Is it a humanoid, fiend, or power" wonders Tali.

Skill Checks
Diplomacy(+26 ): 27

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

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:49:10 PM

Murphy relays the question via their telepathic bond to wife Pressi, letting her know the answers that Anur gave - 'Who killed you?' -Flamescorn. 'For what reason?' -Revenge. 'Where is your killer?' -Home. 'DD,' [short for Diamond Dust, one of Pressi's monikers, and an occasional term of endearment he uses for her] '- see if 'Flamescorn' rings a bell for Ketia, would you? Succo is next asking if Anur can identify which 'Home' he is referring to - Anur's own, or Flamescorn's.'

To Tali, he says, "If you want to do so, you can ask Ketia directly? I just let Pressi know of the report also, but depending upon where they are in their conversation, Pressi may or may not pass it on quickly."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:50:16 PM

[AH! JP and I posted close to simultaneously. Way to go, Tali!]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:58:59 PM

Pressi listens carefully at Ketia's explanation. Aside from the brief mention of the track record, she remains impassive but she does not that the answer is satisfactory.

Pressi begins to look through the names of those missing, but I'm assuming someone interrupts them before she can give any information out.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 9:00:42 PM
(OOC: As expected, I posted around the time of both Tali and Murphy.)

Pressi looks up as she gets the message and as Tali asks the question.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 11:24:33 PM
"Flamescorn. Well, that's not an ominous name at all. Does that mean he's attacks us with flames or that he doesn't like flames," wonders Kezzem aloud. "Flamescorn...sounds like a dragon. Ask him if Flamescorn is a dragon...or, better yet, ask what type of creature Flamescorn is."

DM Mitch 
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 7:52:42 AM
Murphy suggests Succotash ask the location of Flamescorn’s home. He relays the answers they got to Pressi over the telepathic link also asking her to ask Ketia about Flamescorn
Succotash asks Anur to be more specific as to the location of Flamescorn’s home. He asks either Murphy or Tali to run the name by Ketia
Tali asks Ketia what the name Flamescorn means to her
Pressi listens carefully to Ketia’s explanation remaining impassive. She then looks at the names of the missing to see if any ring any bell. She looks up from her reading as Tali asks her question.
Kezzem suggests that Succotash should ask Anur what type of creature Flamescorn is.

Succotashes follow up question gets another pause, then, ”Don’t.. know…” Intelligence check 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {corpses being spoken with only know what they knew at the time of death and tend to be cryptic and confusing. It’s possible the corpse is just reporting the last place he saw the murderer, IE his own home.}

Pressi doesn’t recognize any of the names on the list. Ketia frowns and things for a minute before shaking her head. ”I’ve never met or heard of anyone named Flamescorn.”


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+2=11 ;
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 12:03:30 PM
Int check 11 (fail)

Succotash frowns a bit after receiving the answer to his most recent question, than asks ,"Does Flamescorn go by any other aliases, why does he want revenge, and how do you know him?"

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 October 6th, 2021 12:04:05 PM
8 out of 9 questions asked

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 2:08:27 PM

"What did he say?" Murphy asks Succotash. Assuming he replies...

"Huh. It's been several days since he was killed by Flamescorn. So, he does not know whether his and Shan's murderer is at Anur's home, or his murderer's home. Or elsewhere. He likely has not been able to track him since he got killed."

He passes on to Pressi Anur's latest answer, and Succotash's latest queries.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 8:24:05 PM
FlameScorn

While outside with the rest, Tali ponders for a few while hovering above the ground some 7 feet. After a considerable amount of time has past and as Tali ponders, Tali continues out loud her synopsis, "It appears to me, that after the fall of the Iron Giant at the Battle of Humble's Sword at the boarder of the Scaab, that someone, something, or even an Immortal power(s), decided that Vengeance was in order for those that have failed to bring about the release of Skald. Perhaps, there are even closer minions of Skald that are carrying out it's desires or perhaps it's Skald's Angel of Death?!"

"Is there anything we can use to help us in this line of thought?" asks Tali to the Humble Sword and to Ketia and her friend

[/b][/u]Spells in Effect[/b][/u]
Overland Flight | Duration 1068 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 8:35:45 PM

Pressi files away the idea that some more divinations might be needed, as well as a return trip to the house. (Though she can't imagine anything they could have overlooked. She does in part want to clean it up, though. One last nicety for the dead.)

Pressi finally hands Ketia the list of names.

DM Mitch 
Thursday October 7th, 2021 1:36:23 AM
Succotash frowns after receiving the most recent answers to his questions then asks, “Does Flamescorn go by any other aliases? Why does he want revenge? How do you know him?”
Murphy asks Succotash for a recap of what the corpse said. Murphy surmises that since it has been several days since Anur was killed by Flamescorn and the corpse does not know if Flamescorn is at Anur’s home, his murderer’s home or elsewhere.
Tali ponders for a few while hovering for a bit. She observes that after the fall of the Iron Giant at the battle of Humble’s Ford at the boarder of the Scaab, that someone, something or even an immortal power, decided that Vengeance was in order for those that have failed to bring about the release of Skald. She asks could it be Skald’s Angel of Death that is behind the attacks? She also asks if there is anything to this line of thought.
Pressi files away the idea that more divinations might be needed as well as a return trip to the house, although she can’t imagine anything they might have overlooked considering how thorough a job they did. She does in part want to clean it up as a final nicety for the departed and finally hands the list over to Ketia.

The corpse replies ”don’t...know…. Betrayed… him… cultist…”

Ketia looks over the list. ”I know some of these, them and Anur are what led me to contact you. Some of these others not so much, but I should be able to find out.”


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Thursday October 7th, 2021 2:58:22 AM
Hobie kindly waits while his wiser companions question the corpse. He waits for Ketia to get them the info about the people on the list.

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 October 7th, 2021 11:33:13 AM
Succotash asks Murphy if he can think of any other question, reminding him that they only have one left. He asks that the Druid relay the question to Pressi, to see if either she or someone outside, including Ketia may have a good question to ask.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday October 7th, 2021 3:45:39 PM

"When this all turns out to be backwards dream logic and the killer is actually named Nirocs Emalf, I'll try very hard not to look disappointed."

Pressi thinks for a second, knowing that any answer they get will be a cryptic message. "I'd personally go with 'What does he look like?' or maybe 'Does he know alchemy?' Maybe 'What color is is soul?' if we're feeling whimsical.... Wait, I got it. If it is our shapeshifting friend, we should ask what he looked like at the time he came in."

To Ketia, "Well, lets start with the people you do know. Can you help us contact them, or maybe help with some scrying? Last known addresses might be a start."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Thursday October 7th, 2021 5:30:39 PM

"Pressi's question is good," Murphy says. "'What does Flamescorn look like?' Or, we could ask, 'Would you like to be raised from the dead?' If he says yes to the latter, and if means can be obtained to effect that change in status, then he may be able to provide a good deal more information, and perhaps help us find the murderer."

[OOC: Weird - thought I'd posted already from my phone.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday October 7th, 2021 6:21:14 PM
"Ask him what's his favorite color?"

DM Mitch 
Friday October 8th, 2021 6:49:12 AM
Hobie waits while his companions question the corpse and for Ketia to get them info on the list.
Succotash asks Murphy if he can think of any other questions reminding the druid they only have one left and that he should also relay this to Pressi and those outside as they may have a good question to ask.
Pressi suggests they go with what does he look like or Does he know alchemy or if they are feeling whimsical what color is his soul. She then hits upon, “What did he look like when he came in to your house.” To Ketia she asks if they can start with the people on the list the Dwarf woman knows, can she help them scry or put them in contact with any of them.
Murphy suggests Pressi’s question is good until he thinks maybe they should ask Anur if he wants to be raised from the dead as a revived Anur may prove more cooperative in answering questions.
Kezzem suggests they ask Anur what his favorite color is

Ketia nods. ”Give me a couple hours, I”m going to go contact some people and go through the list. I’ll also ask if anyone knows who Flamescorn is. With what you’ve found I’m sure I’ll be able to turn up someone who knows something, maybe even the next target of our mysterious assailant.”

One question remains, though you do still have a second corpse to cast the spell on possibly.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Sunday October 10th, 2021 11:58:57 AM

Murphy wonders what question Succotash will ask.

DM Mitch 
Monday October 11th, 2021 5:34:00 AM
Murphy wonders what questions Succotash will ask.

Ketia makes herself scarce, presumably to ask the questions and do the research mentioned. Just in time too, Detective Icehammer shows up with a half-elf and a human, male and female. ”Hello again. While I was asking my questions of the other deaths I learned another place hired some ex-Fist agents to investigate. They seemed competent and combining forces seemed optimal so I brought them over.”


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 October 11th, 2021 9:11:37 AM
Succotash takes Pressi's suggestions and asks for a description of the killer, not sure if it will help, but hopeful none the less.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Monday October 11th, 2021 1:23:36 PM
The human woman is dressed in a simple white robe. Her hair is fiery red, worn in a thick braid and kept in place by a shining headband. An orange pearl orbits her head. The force of her presence is almost like a fiery blast from a furnace. [OOC: 24 Charisma]

By contrast, the smile she offers is warm and friendly. "Not hired," she explains. With a little laugh, she adds, "I'm not sure anybody can afford us these days. But the deaths are concerning, and we'd like to help get to the bottom of this. I'm Prudence, by the way. Prudence Komonov. And this is my husband, Nikolai."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday October 11th, 2021 4:13:45 PM
"Funny," says Kezzem. "I feel like I know you from somewhere."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Monday October 11th, 2021 5:00:37 PM

Being inside the morgue with cleric, coroner, and corpses, Murphy is not yet aware of the new arrivals, so that greeting will have to wait. He awaits Anur's response and descriptive capabilities.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday October 11th, 2021 9:00:12 PM

Pressi keeps an eye carefully on the newcomers but overall remains polite. Her outfit is a remarkable contrast to Prudence's: ornate black armor in chains and weapon holsters, ghostly face paint, a witch's cowl covering her own headband.

"Charmed, though hardly in any need of assistance or volunteers, I assure you." She gives a small bow. "Pressi Silverglove. Humble's Sword liasion. Exactly how much have you been briefed so far, about us or the murders?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Monday October 11th, 2021 9:37:35 PM
OOC: test post.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday October 11th, 2021 11:28:46 PM
"If you've been briefed on us, then I feel like I should add that I'm the one you were warned about," says Kezzem.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 1:17:49 AM

As he awaits Anur's response to Succotash's question, he thinks to mention... no, he waits until Anur answers. THEN he mentions, "Y'know, Succotash, I'm glad you joined up with us a while back. You are a real asset to Humble's Sword."

DM Mitch 
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 7:21:49 AM
Succotash uses his last question to ask for a description of the killer.
Prudence Komonov introduces herself and Nikolai explaining that her and her husband have heard about the deaths and they want to help
Kezzem feels like he knows Prudence from somewhere. He also lets the newcomers know that he’s the one they were warned about.
Murphy being inside the morgue is unaware of the new arrivals. He awaits Anur’s response. He also compliments Succotash.
Pressi greets Pru explaining she’s a Humble’s Sword liaison and asks how much the two humans have been briefed on Humble’s Sword and the Murders.

Anur’s body speaks it’s last works. ”Disguise… giant…”


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 October 12th, 2021 10:45:58 AM
With Anur's final words, Succotash sighs and says under his breath, "Great a disguised giant, how in the name of the gods did he make it past the giant towers? He must have taken the long way around avoiding them all together. Would have been nice if he just tried walking past them, then this whole mess would have never happened,"

As he and Murphy are leaving the morgue, Succotash thanks Murphy for his complement, "Thanks Murph, that means a lot. Though you probably don't have a ready answer, nor do I expect one, but I wonder which version has been the most helpful, Succotash the Paladin or Succotash the Cleric, Personally, I think the gods were on to something when they changed me, after I went to visit Lord Gargul. I now have a whole lot more versatile skill set than I did then, though I must confess I sometimes miss charging into battle, wielding Twinklesting with Miss Piggy by my side. I have to say though, Valerie has been an amazing friend, even if she doesn't share Piggy's intelligence, and the ability to drop fire and such on our enemies is a lot of fun.".

When they exit the room, and see the new comers, Prudence and Nikolai see a very handsome halfling who's charisma, though not as in your face as Prudence's, defiantly forces one to take notice. (Chr 20) Succotash is dressed in green clerical robes, with the holy symbols of all the gods embroidered in gold thread evenly scattered about. around his neck he is wearing a platinum holy symbol that appears to be a conglomerate of all the god's holy symbols combined. by his side is an armored velocaraptor with a pink bow on top of her head. "Hello who might you be? My named is Succotash Slenderstick, Pantheon Devotee, and this is my friend Valerie" He rests his hand on Valerie as he mentions his friend, and than adds, "Just in case you didn't know, a Pantheon Devotee is a cleric that serves all the Woldian gods at the same time. How can we help you?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 7:23:11 PM
New Comers

Feeling as useful as ever, Tali casts Invisibility onto herself as she continues to hover about the ground above everyone's head so as to keep out of sight and out of mind, and as a sort of watchful eye over her group.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1065 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1065 minutes
Message | Duration 165 minutes
Invisibility | Duration 18 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 8:53:33 PM

Ok, couple of non-halflings joining the team. Guess it was inevitable but I was beginning to think it wouldn't happen.

After shaking hands (and scanning) the newcomers, Pressi turned her attention back to Succotash. "Not really sure he meant 'disguised giant' there. But I think I'm going to hit Anur's home again until our friend comes back. Take another look at the rest of those tomes of his, maybe get things cleaned up."

She turned to Detective Icehammer (or a guard if the detective left). "Unless Flamescorn rings a bell? Or maybe there's a library around here I can hit?"

Whispering to Murphy, "Or unless you want me to follow Ketia and make sure she's trustworthy."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 9:17:17 PM
"So Flamescorn was a disguised giant I guess?" says Kezzem. "How does that work? Did he have a fake beard and just say he was a really tall dwarf?"

"I wonder if he was fire giant or a frost giant. Flamescorn sounds like a fire giant, but if he has scorn for flames, maybe he's a frost giant insead? Ack, my brain hurts!"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 10:10:39 PM
"Flamescorn," Pru repeats to herself. "Flamescorn. Does that sound like a dragon's name to anybody else?" She shrugs and glances at her husband. "Maybe I just have dragons on the brain; I don't know. We fought one not long ago. But a dragon could disguise itself as a giant, couldn't it?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 12:06:44 AM

"Succotash, your move to cleric has been stellar. Bless Lord Gargul," Murphy says. "And Valerie is a very tough puppy."

"Nikolai, and Prudence, right?" towhead Murphy says as he comes out into the fresher air of the alley. "Saw you at the Giggling Ghost some years back. Carpenter Aunts - I had just missed those, but we worked on hanging wreaths. Ma'am, your hair was quite a bit more brown from what I recall. Red hair is lovely, too.

"That's when I met Bliss, who brought Mookie, and Alleah - Dirtfist was the family name she gave then, back when they were with the Fist, a good while before they joined up with us. I got the sense they were from two different branches of the Fist - but I don't know a lot about that. Adomorn and Shel from Humble's Sword were there. And as I recall it, Prudence, ma'am, you favored mince pie. And won a little music box."

Suddenly his face flushes, and he says, "Oh, forgot to say - I'm Murphy. Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood, of Humble's Ford, with Humble's Sword, a druid, and at your service. Oh, and Nikolai, I think you won a skin of Taurian Fortified Purple Wine from Centaur Isle, for doing so well on the wreath-hanging. I did see you folks there a few other times at other Yuletides, and read a tiny bit about some of your adventuring exploits while going through the WLA stacks.

"Looks you've met my brilliant wife, Pressi, here, and my friends. I'm the only one left from the original group. I used to be the leader of the group, but some of the newcomers grew disgruntled with the notion of anyone leading. So now, leadership in the group is very vaguely defined. But we're halflings, and all in our little group are competent and trusted, so, that suits us fine."

After that flurry of recollections from a situation which most of the present company would not even recall, the druid asks, "So, what brings you two here to Glimmer? And, yes, 'Flamescorn' sounds like a plausible dragon name. Many dragons can take on various guises. I understand some even get involved in politics here and there in their other forms."

He mentally says to Pressi, 'Following Ketia may be an astute move, and sounds good. Have you seen Sashe anywhere about? If you go, let's stay in touch about anything significant.'

DM Mitch 
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 8:41:09 AM
Succotash asks how a disguised giant made it past the giant towers. He thanks Murphy for his complement as the 2 halflings leave the morgue. He wonders if how he changed after his visit to Lord Gargul if Succotash the Paladin or Succotash the Cleric would be more useful in the long run. When he gets outside he introduces himself to Prudence and Nikolai.
Tali turns invisible and watches the proceedings with the newcomers.
Pressi accepts the fact that non halflings are joining their little group. I mean are humans and halflings really that different besides the size thing and the hairy feet? She then wonders if Anur really meant disguised giant and thinks about going back to Anur’s house to tidy up unless to the nearest of the Constabulary the name Flamescorn rings a bell or there is a library she could visit. She asks Murphy in a whisper if he wants her to follow Ketia to ensure the Dwarf’s trustworthiness.
Kezzem gets to wondering how disguising a giant works, like did he put on a fake beard and say he was a really tall dwarf. He also wonders what type of giant Flamescorn is as frost or fire seem the most likely.
Pru brings up another possibility suggesting that Flamescorn might be a dragon and they might be chasing a dragon disguised as a disguised giant instead. She admits the Fist fought a dragon not long ago as she looks at her husband.
Murphy reassures Succotash that his move to Cleric has been stellar and that Valerie is a tough puppy. He greats Pru and Nikolai giving them a bit of his backstory and the backstory of Humble’s Sword. He mentions that he saw Pru and Nikolai at yuletide in the giggling ghost before. He also explains that he is the only one left from the original group and agrees that Flamescorn could be a dragon. He mentally tells Pressi that following Ketia might be astute and asks if she’s seen Sashe as well.

Following Ketia may be a good idea but it’s a little late for that because she left 5 minutes and two posts ago. Done with the bodies, the group has some time to burn and probably some food to eat as it’s getting towards lunch time. Nothing further is found at Anur’s home though his book collection is pretty interesting.

After a couple hours Ketia returns. ”I couldn’t find anything on the name Flamescorn, but I think I found a lead. One of the names Anur gave to the authorities was a man called Ironbane. He fought his way out of town and was never captured though, and another cultist took supplies to his camp just a few days ago so he hasn’t been murdered or vanished yet either. He was close with Anur once and might have the information we need.”

She hesitates before adding. ”Getting it out of him may prove difficult though. He’s gotten more and more unstable over time. Flies into a rage at the smallest things nad will murder you as soon as look at you. Don’t get me wrong I’m a cultist and I’ve done a few murders here and there when it was necessary but this guy’s just unhinged. You’ll have to beat him into submission and probably get him to boast the information to you, otherwise he’ll refuse to talk just to spite you.”


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 October 13th, 2021 10:05:48 AM
"Ironbane, hopefully we can get something to go on from him. I'm beginning to think we may never get a break in this case. Just so you know Ketia, if your in a religion that requires murder, you may want to reconsider your faith, If you can't see how wrong such a religion is, you may have seared your conscience. Fighting for ones faith can be justified, I suppose, but murder... Murder is never justified!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 5:15:10 PM
Kezzem tries to detect evil on Ketia again. Assuming she still does not ping, he looks up and goes, "Really?"

"Flamescorn, Ironbane....why don't we ever get to go see someome named Puppyfriend instead?"



Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 8:00:24 PM
Happy Pirate Nicknames

Tali, being both invisible and in flight, giggles when Kezzem discusses the happy Pirate Nicknames of the Cultists...Flamescorn, Ironbane...

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1064 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1064 minutes
Message | Duration 164 minutes
Invisibility | Duration 17 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 8:41:24 PM
"You know, you could always try my religion," Pressi suggested to Ketia. "Get away from the whole religion requires you to murder bit and then you can murder for fun. Much less stress and paperwork."

At Succotash's inevitable side-eye. "It was that or an inevitable argument of whether a religion that doesn't require murder exists. I thought this way would be better."

Pressi took a moment, having forgotten what they were talking about.

"Getting back on track, I don't have too much worry that I can get him to talk, with or without fighting him. It's kind of my thing, so I just need to know (knuckle crack) how messy we're allowed to get. My serious suspicion, however, is that we might avoid confrontation with some decent operational intelligence and a plan. Good cop, bad halfling, maybe? Ketia, is there anything that he currently wants?"


Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 9:19:39 PM
Pru looks a little alarmed when Pressi starts talking about "messy" conversations. "You know," she says, "I've had pretty good success with just asking nicely. Maybe we could start there."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 11:55:06 PM
"Press, just give him that look you give me whenever I do something stupid," says Kezzem. "Yes, that one right there!"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Thursday October 14th, 2021 1:09:53 AM
The half-elf that receives the 'this is my husband' introduction is a big contrast to Prudence. He wears monk robes and carries a nunchaku and kama strapped to his body. A couple of ioun stones circle his head and a thick necklace that goes under the robes. Something odd and bulging at the end of it but since it is under his robes, it is a mystery.

On his robes there is an emblem, Knowledge (History) DC10.

Nikolai smiles, "In our experience... well, it doesn't work with me, but Pru does have a way with words."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Thursday October 14th, 2021 1:09:58 AM

"Nikolai. Have you a voice? Prudence - could you hear my voice?" Murphy is unaccustomed to being entirely ignored after making an attempt to make a connection. He is fine with working with folks in pursuing the bad guys, and will give these newcomers a chance to see what they can do. "Gee, where I come from - which is Humble's Ford - we were taught to interact when meeting new people. I know you come from a great group with a huge reputation. Do I just need to ask nicely?"

DM Mitch 
Thursday October 14th, 2021 6:51:07 AM
Succotash hopes they can get something to go on from Ironbane. He wonders if they’ll never get a break in the case before asking Ketia if she wants to reconsider her religion if it requires murder.
Kezzem tries to detect evil on Ketia again but she does not ping as evil. The paladin then asks why they can’t ever deal with someone named puppy friend instead of names like Ironbane and Flamescorn.
Tali being invisible and flying laughs at Kezzem’s comment.
Pressi suggests that Ketia try her religion instead of the one she has now. She says if Ketia gets away from the religious murder she could murder for fun. She tells Kezzem she doesn’t want to get into the argument over whether a religion that doesn’t require murder exists. She isn’t affraid to get messy with Ironbane but wonders if they can have some operational intelligence and a plan if maybe they can get what they want without fighting. She asks if there is anything Ironbane wants.
Pru gets a little perturbed by Pressi’s discussion of getting messy and suggests they
Kezzem suggests Pressi just gives Ironbane the look she gives Kezzem whenever he does something stupid.
Nikolai speaks! He comments that asking nicely doesn’t work as well for him as his wife.
Murhpy is confused that no one responded to him and wonders if people have lost their voice.

Ketia seems happy to debate religion with the group. ”One man’s murder is another man’s justified homicide. My religion doesn’t require anything of anyone strictly speaking. It teaches freedom from everything that restricts our freedom to do what we want. That includes freedom from the morale codes of society. Society would deem me a murderer because I’ve killed in cold blood to protect secrets that the reveal of would cause me great harm or threaten those of my faith. I consider it self defense and justified as I’d be dead now if I hadn’t.

Ironbane though takes things a bit farther than I would. I draw the line and murder for no reason and try not to hurt people if it’s not required. Ironbane feels he should be able to kill anyone he doesn’t like. Or angers him. Or looks at him slightly funny. I won’t restrict his freedom or argue he’s interpreting our god’s teaching wrong, but that doesn’t mean that me or a lot of other cultists don’t think he’s a madman and refuse to associate with him. Most of those who do associate with him are afraid of him and would take of if they could do it without him tracking them down and killing them.

That being said, I’m not sure if I should come with you. Ironbane and I do not get along and the last time we saw each other he promised to kill me next time we saw each other. I’m not afraid of him but getting answers out of him might be harder if I’m there. Up to you. I can’t really suggest anything you can offer him either, all he wants is the ability to keep doing what he’s doing already”


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday October 14th, 2021 11:00:54 AM
"So, hypothetically speaking, let's say our town was under attack by, I don't know, let's say an army of giants," says Kezzem. "And let's say we had this weapon that was critical to our town defense. Then if we knew somebody was going to try and steal said weapon and compromise our defenses, it would be perfectly morale, according to your religion, for us to sneak up and murder them in their sleep beforehand. You know, hypothetically speaking. Also, I'm asking for a friend."

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 October 14th, 2021 11:15:20 AM
"Well great, we get to deal with a homicidal maniac, Yeah! Not that I would ever take a person's life in cold blood, but this guy sounds like the kind who be doing the Wold a favor by dying.'

"Don't worry Prudence, we always try to avoid bloodshed whenever possible, preferring diplomacy over violence. However we won't shy away from a fight, if there is no other option, but even then we like to offer the surrender option. Due to our preference for peaceful outcomes, and applications, we have been blessed to witness the reformation of some, though sadly not nearly enough of our adversaries."

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 October 14th, 2021 11:28:10 AM
"Kezzem, as a former paladin, I can safely say that for you to murder someone would be in violation of your paladin code, even if said murder was "justified". I use the term justified loosely, as I don't personally believe such a thing is possible. Some would argue that assassinations, which is what you are describing, aren't necessarily murder, assuming it is done for the right reason, but the thought of it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I would never partake in such an activity, nor would I approve of it. I accept the fact that sometimes, for the greater good, an assassination may be the best course of action, but acceptance does not equate approval."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Thursday October 14th, 2021 5:31:46 PM
"Of course I heard you," Pru tells Murphy. "Though I have to confess, I don't remember most of those details. I do have a vague memory of a Yule celebration, but...it's all muddled. Like a dream."



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Thursday October 14th, 2021 7:47:14 PM
"Succo, I'm not asking if it is okay to assassinate someone," says Kezzem. "I'm asking if she thinks it's okay to assassinate someone, who's resemblance to any characters real or fictitious is completely coincidental."


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday October 14th, 2021 9:05:41 PM
I'll be a Happy Phantom

Tali, being both invisible and in flight, points her finger towards Mister Murphy using her Message Spell and asks him, "what do you think the next few moves should be towards finding the next logical play in this investigation? Do we pursue this IronBane character?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1063 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1063 minutes
Message | Duration 163 minutes
Invisibility | Duration 16 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday October 14th, 2021 9:21:34 PM
Pressi's eyes widened at Ketia's description of her religion. "Oh, my god. I finally know how Kezzem feels when I start talking. And the rest of you... I can't even do my line about how a gal could do a lot with such freedom and how I'd never stoop to murder or other unimaginative... Nope, no longer fun. Moment ruined. Thanks, team. Good job, all. This close to Halloween, too."

Pressi closed her eyes and calmed herself. "Of course there are a few ways I could personally play it, even without a team. Niceties, trickery, charm spells, torture, mind reading... I don't necessarily use all the tools in my tool box. I just like to know I have the option. Hey, look at that. Joking about being evil got fun again."

Harper let out a soft growl.

"I haven't forgotten you, don't worry. Having giant cats sit on his chest... I just need to know the right tool. And while I'd normally start out with diplomacy and a reminder that we're trying to save his life, I'm not getting a lot of feedback that this is a good call.

"So this Ironbane guy, I'm thinking group con, unless we just want to punch this guy until he complies. Which in turn means I'm thinking some divinations to know how he fights, what forces he has, what protections, what weaknesses. Unless Ketia happens to know any of this stuff already and can save us some time. Also, could you answer Kezzem's questions? Freedom from morality people are usually such wimps and equivocators but I'm actually hoping you're a game respects game type of gal."

DM Mitch 
Friday October 15th, 2021 8:19:43 AM
Kezzem posses Ketia with a hypothetical involving someone trying to compromise their defense against giants and if it would be perfectly moral according to Ketia’s religion to sneak up and murder the people who are going to compromise their defenses in their sleep before hand. He makes it clear hypothetically speaking and asking for a friend.
Succotash suggests they’d be doing the Wold a favor if Ironbane ended up dying as a result of their confrontation. He reassures Pru that they prefer peaceful solutions to violence but can dish it out if it comes to it and that some of the people they’ve resolved things peacefully with have even reformed. He then tells Kezzem that that even a “justified” murder would likely break the paladin code and then briefly discusses the philosophical implications of assassination.
Kezzem tells Succotash he isn’t asking if it is okay to assinate someone he is asking if Ketia thinks it is okay to assassinate someone whose resemblance to characters real or imaginary is entirely coincidental.
Pru tells Murphy she remembers him but the events during Yule are kind of a bit muddled like in a dream.
Tali who is both invisible and flying shoots Murphy with a message spell asking him what the next moves in the investigation should be and if they should pursue Ironbane.

Pressi says that Ketia makes her understand how Kezzem and the others must feel when she talks and that some of her jokes are no longer fun. She then closes her eyes and mentions all the ways she could play things even without a team and that just because a tool exists in her toolbox doesn’t mean she’d use it she just likes to have options and just like that joking about evil got fun again. Harper makes his presence known and Pressi tells the cat she hasn’t forgotten about him. She suggests either group con or beating Ironbane into submission and for that she suggests divinations to know how he fights, what protections he has, what his forces are and what his weaknesses are unless Ketia happens to know any of that. She then reflects that freedom from morality folks are usually wimps and equivocators but she hopes Ketia is a game respects game kind of girl.

Ketia flashes a smile. ”That all depends on you. That’s the point, freedom from the rules of others still means you still have to justify your actions to yourself. If it was my town and loved ones in danger when these thieves showed up I’d murder them in their sleep and not lose any sleep over it. And according to my religion that would be ok as long as I was ok with it. You, I imagine, would lose a lot more sleep over it then me, but if you felt it was justified then do it and forget what others would think of you.”

“Now again there are always consequences. Say those people I killed in their sleep had loved ones, they'd’ be in their rights to come and try to muder me in my sleep. They’d fail, but they could try. The key point is not letting other people control you or bind you with their own viewpoints and rules.”

At Pressi’s question Ketia gives a quick response. ”Barbarian type. Fleis into a rage and pounds you until you are a smear on the ground. It’s been years so I don't know what his gear is like these days, but try not to take him in melee if you can avoid it, he’ll tear you apart. He has a bit of magic to him too, just enough to complicate things. Usually uses it to make his followers as full of frothing, insane rage as he is.”


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 October 15th, 2021 10:27:32 AM
"So he likes the rage spell does he? Not a bad spell really, especially for it's level. I wonder if they have a Catacombs entrance here in Glimmer, I wouldn't mind picking up a few things before we go "chat" with Ironbane."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Friday October 15th, 2021 1:01:48 PM
At the talk of fighting Ironbane, Hobie breaks his long silence

"I'm not afraid of any barbarian I've ever seen. The angrier they get the dumber they get. Let's kill this son of a gun"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday October 15th, 2021 8:50:21 PM

"Well, now hold on there soldier," Pressi responded to Hobie. "By 'kill him,' you mean 'keep him alive and get him talking', right? Because he's kind of the only lead we've got."

Looking around, "Also, are you sure we want to just go in bows blazing? Not even try to see if he can handle a will save or a nice bluff? Like, I know we're treating him like crazy and paranoid but we seem to be validating his choice and we don't even know if he'll make it. At least maybe discuss a strategy?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Friday October 15th, 2021 10:31:21 PM
One thing Ketia says makes Pru a little worried. "Um....followers?" she says. "He has followers? Are any of them with him? Or have you all taken care of that already?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Saturday October 16th, 2021 4:03:32 AM
So, let me get this right...

Tali, having been listening to Ketia; her murderer; spew information since her friends began their inquisitive quest of her, chooses to become visible, moves into range that her friends can here here and begins to sum up the information gathered from her perspective:

"So, let me get this right...Ketia here explains that these Cultists of Skald, have a "freedom from the rules of others" ethos, and it is believed that someone from her group has decided to remove others within the group by murder? It could be an entity called "Ironbane" -- Barbarian type, or an entity called Flamescorn -- type unknown, or an entity entirely unknown to us doing the actual removal? In addition, it is our groups desire to bring this / these murderers to Justice?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Saturday October 16th, 2021 4:04:32 AM
OOC: can someone fix the markup at the end of my last post, please ? just add [/i][/b] to the back end.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Saturday October 16th, 2021 12:47:24 PM
"Hey Succo, if Ironbane likes to rage, perhaps you could prepare some type of spell to *calm* his *emotions*," suggest Kezzem. "I would, but my spell 'deecee' is kind of low, and also paladin's can't cast such spells anyway."

To Pressi, he says, "I bet you this Ironbane guy is all like, 'You think iron is your ally. But you merely adopted the metal. I was born in it. Formed by it. For the truth is...the truth is...I am...Ironbane.'"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Sunday October 17th, 2021 3:19:14 PM
To Keizer “if he’s born of iron, all the better, these adamantine arrows will pierce his skull without issue”

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Sunday October 17th, 2021 3:20:05 PM
Ooc: don’t know why autocorrect changed Kezzem to Keizer

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 October 17th, 2021 11:16:38 PM
"That's a great idea, Kezzem, I'll prepare it in the morning."

DM Mitch 
Monday October 18th, 2021 8:14:53 AM
Succotash remarks that Ironbane likes the rage spell, which isn’t a bad spell. He wonders if there is a catacombs entrance nearby as he wouldn’t mind picking a few things up before their “chat”
(OOC: You may visit the catacombs if you need to)
Hobie says he isn’t afraid of barbarians for the angrier they get the dumber they get and that they should kill this son of a gun.
Pressi tells Hobie to hold his horses as they need to keep Ironbane alive and talking as he is the only lead they have. She also asks if they are sure they just want to go in bows blazing and if they can’t discuss a strategy.
Prudence is concerned about Ironbane’s followers and asks if they are with him or have they been taken care of already.
Tali becomes visible and asks if they are sure they want to do what they are planning to do as the cultists of Skald have a “freedom from the rules” ethos and someone whether it is Ironbane, Flamescorn or whoever is removing them. She asks are they sure they want to bring whoever it is to justice.
Kezzem asks Succotash to prepare some calm emotions spells if Ironbane likes to rage as he can’t being a paladin.
He asks Pressi if Ironbane’s catchphrase is, "I bet you this Ironbane guy is all like, 'You think iron is your ally. But you merely adopted the metal. I was born in it. Formed by it. For the truth is...the truth is...I am...Ironbane."
Hobie remarks that if he’s born of iron all the better as the adamantine arrows will pierce his skull without issue.
Succotash likes Kezzem’s idea.

Ketia nods. ”He usually has a crew of people he’s intimidated into following him hanging around. Some are thugs like him and just follow him because he’s bigger and stronger, others are just too scared of him to try to run away. You’ll have to deal with them as well. And yes that summery is about right, but Ironbane definitely didn't do this. He's not smart enough and it's way to subtle for him. He should know who Firescorn is though.”

With most questions seemingly answered Ketia gives a description of the area Ironbane was sighted. A remote region in the already remote scab with a large geyser field. The description is good enough for the party to teleport close, though not right on top of him so they can plan their advance after arrival. ”He’ll probably be in the geyser field somewhere.”


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 October 18th, 2021 9:47:53 AM
"Though I like the idea of preparing calm emotions, that will set us back another day. Are we OK with that? Either way, now that I think of it, I remember seeing a shop that I'm pretty sure has an entrance to the Catacombs, and I would like to add "Mercy" to Valerie's "Amulet of Mighty Fists" and pick up a "Rod of Quicken Spell" before we go. So do we want to wait until morning, or head out right after I get back from the Catacombs?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Monday October 18th, 2021 1:44:29 PM
Pru shrugs. "I'm ready now," she says. "Well, just about."

While waiting for Succotash to return, she casts Extended Mage Armors on herself and her husband. "Does anyone else need Mage Armor?" she asks the group. "I've got plenty."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday October 18th, 2021 9:00:56 PM
"Sorry Succotash but I don't think we can wait. He may go on the move or become the next target.
Besides, it's more fun to make due with what you've got."

At Ketia's mention that this murder was too "subtle" for him, Pressi's eyeroll could be heard sighing.

If Pressi has to wait, she'll take some time to think about possible strategies. She also points out to Tali that there must be some system of justice, since Anur went to jail and Ketia seems to be trying to avoid it. "Besides, I've got the justicar ethos thing. I can be all the law... wait, that came out wrong."

She waves off Mage Armor, showing off her own mithril shirt. "Also, maybe hold off on buffs. I'm not planning on letting us teleport right in the middle of camp. I'd like to scope out the place, first."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Monday October 18th, 2021 9:50:37 PM
Two Hours?

Tali wonders if she has two hours to meditate? If Tali gets her two hours, she will meditate, then cast her normal round of spells that she does after every two hour meditative period.

Tali then gets Rayya ready to travel.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1060 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1060 minutes
Message | Duration 160 minutes
Invisibility | Duration 11 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Monday October 18th, 2021 11:39:12 PM
"Drat," says Kezzem. "The one time I've had a good idea."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 1:11:27 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor

Nikolai rummages through his backpack for a minute then gives the 'Thumbs Up' that he's ready to go.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12  d20+20=25 ;
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 3:32:13 AM

"Sorry I did not respond earlier, Tali. Yes, yes, pursuing Ironbane may prove profitable - yet with a cost.

"Tali needs some rest to be fully prepared. I need to join Succotash at the local Catacombs outlet. I plan to pick up a wand of prayer. It's always nice to have a prayer in tough situations, no? Anything else anyone desires? In any event, shall we depart in, say, two and a half hours? You and I," he nods to Succotash, "should be done shopping by that time, thanks to their amazing stocking and efficiencies. Tali will have had time to rest.

"Does that sound good to the rest of you?" he asks the group.

"Thanks, hon - shall we wait until just before we leave for the spell casting? Mage Armor will be lovely at that time!" And to the whole group, "Perhaps hold the bulk of the prep spells until just before we leave. Grab a bite to eat, sharpen your blades, or do whatever else you need to in the interim. See you all in a bit!"

Once Murphy gets back, he spends a moment trying out the wand of prayer. "I just want to make sure I can use it." Applying the skill of use magic device, he manages to invoke a prayer spell, which lasts for 5 rounds. "All right - in case we need it, I can cast it. Succotash's prayer lasts much longer - but this one can help for a short time."
===================
Use Magic Device: 25 (success, only 20 needed, so I guess it's automatic for Murphy)

I know why the jailbird sings


DM Mitch 
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 7:21:50 AM
Succotash explains he likes the idea of preparing calm emotions but it will set them back another day. He asks if the others are okay with that but regardless he does some shopping in the catacombs.
Pru shrugs, explaining she’s ready now well almost. She casts extended mage armor on herself and her mostly silent husband.
Pressi explains she doesn’t think they can take the time for calm emotions to be prepared. While Succotash is shopping Pressi starts thinking up possible strategies telling Tali that there must be some system of justice since Anur went to jail and Ketia seems to be avoiding it. She thanks Pru for the offer of the mage armor but rejects it showing her mithril shirt. She suggests holding off on buffs as she isn’t planning on dropping them in the middle of camp and that she wants to scope out the place first.
Tali wonders if she has two hours to meditate and then gets Raya ready to travel.
(OOC: I think if the party is pressing on and not taking the time for Succotash to regain spells then it wouldn’t be fair if anyone else in the party regains spell slots before heading out; you either rest as a group or you don’t)
Kezzem remarks the one time he has a good idea they don’t use it.
Nikolai indicates he’s ready to go.
Murphy suggests they buy some stuff and give Tali time to meditate then leave. He gets a wand of prayer.

So minus a shopping trip to the catacombs you seem to be ready to head out. The question remains though how are you going to get to the vicinity of this hot spring where Ironbane and company like to hang out at?

Hero points for the last scene - Succotash gets one for thinking of speak with dead and getting answers out of the corpses. Tali and Pressi get one each for finding the clues in the home.


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 October 19th, 2021 12:17:07 PM
Succotash rushes to the Catacombs,and gets his shopping done. When he returns, he says, "That's fine Pressi, to be honest, I'm kinda itching to go, so we can get this whole affair over with." Turning to Prudence he says, "I'm a travel cleric, so, though I am very limited in the number of times per day I can use them, I can cast teleportion spells, and between Tali and myself, we have been able to teleport pretty much anywhere we have needed. Murphy's ability to teleport via trees and his love of planting oak trees everywhere he goes, has been a great backup means of travel, when either Tali or myself aren't available. Am I wrong in assuming you have greater access to teleportation spells, and if so, would you mind filling my role, re-assigning me to a backup teleporter? It just seems more efficient that way."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 2:42:23 PM
Pru smiles at Succotash. "Yes, i can teleport," she says.

She gives a little laugh at Pressi's caution. "My extended Mage Armor lasts 38 hours," she explains. "I'm sure that will give us enough time."

She looks around at the group. "Maybe you don't have a lot of experience with sorcerers. I can't cast very many spells, so I'm not as versatile as a wizard. But the spells I do know, I can cast over and over and over again. Please don't worry that I will run out, or not be able to cast what I need to cast. I haven't run out of spells since I was a recruit."

[OOC: Pru is willing to explain further, so anyone who is curious should click the link to her character sheet, then click the Spells/Resource Checklist tab. Pru does not run out of spells. And no, DM Mitch, that was not a challenge.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 9:06:15 PM

Pressi finds herself outvoted so she figures they can all rest and leave in the morning.

Pressi glances at Tali before responding to Pru. "I suppose I am being a bit overly cautious. I'm a little sorceress meets cleric like myself, and not really one for running out of spells myself without unusual circumstances. But I find my spells work better if I think through my moves, and prefer to time my casts.

"And I did take a moment to already familiarize myself with what you can do, back when I shook your hand. Knowledge domain ability. Works on any creature. I'm a witch with rogue training. I'll be your go-to primarily for debuffs, charms, divinations and skills."

Pressi considers asking Bliss what rituals they should do, and gets real quiet as she remembers. In the morning, she picks her usual (Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing) and casts Heroes Feast for the group and Moment of Prescience for herself.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 1:03:38 AM
Nikolai laughs, "I used to think I was pretty good at finding the best camping spot. That is until Pru learned a better way to camp. Ah, the Good Ol' days!"

DM Mitch 
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 7:31:12 AM
Succotash goes down to the catacombs and comes back with some new items. He explains he’s kind of itching to go and the fact that he is a travel cleric and between Tali, Murphy and himself they’ve been able to get pretty much everywhere they’ve needed to go all this time. He asks Pru if she has access to greater teleportation in which case he can be backup teleporter.
Pru smiles and explains she can teleport, that her extended mage armor lasts 38 hours and that she is a sorceress meaning she can’t cast very many spells but the ones she knows how to cast she can cast over and over again so she rarely runs out.
Pressi finds herself outvoted on the rest question and figures they can all rest and leave in the morning. She explains she is a little cautions as well as what her skill set is like and how she’s better suited when she plans her casts to effect. She explains to Pru that her knowledge domain ability allowed her to familiarize herself with what the sorceress could do when they met and the next morning finds herself missing Bliss when going about her ritual/ hero feast / buffing preparations.
Nikolai comments on the gold old days when he found the best camping spots until Pru found an even better way.

Preparations complete the party departs for their destination, presumably via teleport. They arrive in the mountains in a small dip in the land covered in grass. A stony include to the north is the way to their destination, the start of the geyser fields are supposed to be just over the rocky hill. The party is standing in a small grassy field in the dip and on two sides the field continues while on the other there’s a sharp drop before the ground rises again higher then you are currently standing.


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91  d20+17=37 ;
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 1:24:50 PM
Kezzem keeps an eye out for trouble.

Perception: d20 + 17 = 37 (natural 20).

"Keep an eye out for grassy gnolls," says Kezzem. "They're like regular gnolls, but they have grass instead of fur and are very good snipers."



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=51 ;
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 2:18:57 PM
Perception 51

Succotash has a look around upon arrival and asks how the party wishes to proceed from here.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 7:20:21 PM
"We fought a bunch of gnolls one time," Pru says. "Remember, Nikolai? I smelled like burnt dog for days."

Pru stays to the back of the group, as befits a squishy mage with no Perception skill to speak of.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+3=9 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+14=15 ;
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 9:15:13 PM
Grassy Gnolls

Before leaving, Tali was able to complete her two hour mediation period. Afterwards, as is her custom, she casts her spells for the start of the journey.

After the teleporting into the deep Scaab, Tali and Rayya arrive like the rest. Rayya takes off for a look around. Tali tries to perceive the surrounding area for clues or landmarks.

Tali, then chooses to hover close to the new person, Pru to see if she can diplomatically, strike up a hushed conversation, so as not to give away their position to the surrounding area. "Sorcerer Pru, how long have you been a sorcerer? Is this gift of yours a family tradition?" asks Tali of Ms. Pru.

Skill Checks
Rayya's Perception check | (+10) = 16
Diplomacy check (+26) | = 35
Perception check (+14) (+3 from Rayya) | = 18

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

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 11:47:13 PM

Murphy is happy to have Prudence provide him with Mage Armor immediately prior to the teleport. He adds Longstrider and Magic Fang, Greater once they start moving towards the rocky area.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)   d20+20=40 ; d20+35=51 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 1:16:03 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor

"I do remember that. After that experience, I studied up on gnoll language. Remember we 'rescued' a female gnoll a child? We found out that not all the gnolls were into going around and killing. Some just wanted to live in peace."

Nikolai looks around for signs that might indicate any creatures either inhabit the area or passed through.

Survival +20 +1(ioun stone) +1 (luck stone)= 42 (if in Forest +2)
Preception +33 +1(ioun stone) +1 (luck stone)= 51 (if in Forest +2)


DM Mitch  d100=37 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 6:47:17 AM
Kezzem keeps an eye out for trouble cautioning against Grassy Gnolls (OOC: next time I run a mid level campaign I want to make some Grassy Gnolls)
Succotash has a look upon arrival and asks the group how they wish to proceed.
Pru tells of the time the Agents of the Fist fought a group of gnolls reminding her husband. She stays to the back of the group being a squishy mage.
Tali did her normal preparations before leaving. Upon arrival she sends Raya off to take a look around. She tries to strike up a hushed conversation with Pru asking the Knight Commander Emeritus how long she has been a sorcerer and if sorcerer is a family tradition.
Murphy happily takes Pru up on the mage armor offer and casts additional buffs on himself.
Nikolai comments about past adventures with Gnolls and looks around.

The parties search of the grassy field finds that mostly just wildlife has been in it. The expected signs of local mountain creatures, no signs of humanoid inhabitation. From the information they have the geyser fields their target is in should be just over the rise to the north, but climbing it to look out means also silhouette you against the sky on top of the ridge and make you very easy to spot by your target if he happens to be anywhere close. Does anyone do that?


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=54 ; d20+32=51 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 10:41:44 AM
"If we want a lookie lew, either someone is going to need to climb that hill or fly over it, but it screams ambush. If someone can cast invisibility on me, I can go check things out. As a travel cleric, I do have certain skills that allow me to get out of tight situations quite easily.[b]"Turning to Nikolai, Succotash says, [b]"As a monk, I assume you have similar skills, If we can get some invisibility, I feel we are the two best suited to scout ahead. Are you interested in joining me?"

Assuming someone casts invisibility on him, Succotash climbs the hill to take a look at the geyser field.

Perception 54
Stealth 51

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+25=37 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 1:24:50 PM
Pressi shook her head at Succotash. "Such a risk, if you may recall, are hardly necessary."

Pressi casts arcane eye at the top of the hill and slowly begins to move it over the edge. While taking a look around the area for camps or ambushing soldiers (Perception 37), she also takes some time to look for traps.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Thursday October 21st, 2021 6:23:25 PM
"Although if we do need to send somebody up, I can cast Invisibility. And Fly, for that matter," Pru says. For now, though, she is content to wait for Pressi's report.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+10=13 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+15=21 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 11:23:01 PM
Rayya's Stealthy Flight

Rayya stays within a mile of Tali while she flys overhead in nearly silent flight, looking and listening for any movement on the hills are over into the geyser field, keeping pace with Tali and reporting back to her.

Skill Checks
Rayya's Perception check (+10) | 13
Rayya's Listen check (+10) | 16
Rayya's Move silently check (+15) | 21

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1079 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1079 minutes
Message | Duration 179 minutes
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Rayya | Owl (Owls are nocturnal, rodent-eating birds that make very little noise in flight.)

XP 135
N Tiny animal
Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10

DEFENSE

AC 15, touch 15, flat-footed 12 (+3 Dex, +2 size)
hp 4 (1d8)
Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2

OFFENSE

Speed 10 ft., fly 60 ft. (average)
Melee 2 talons +5 (1d4–2)
Space 2-1/2 ft.; Reach 0 ft.

STATISTICS

Str 6, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 6
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 9
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills Fly +7, Perception +10, Stealth +15; Racial Modifiers +4 Perception, +4 Stealth

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Friday October 22nd, 2021 1:14:19 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor

Nikolai stays close to Pru. Answering Succotash, he admits, "I'm pretty stealthy. I even managed to stealthily woo Pru to be my bride. It did take a very long time, but..." he smiles.

He tells Pru and his new friends, "My last trip to the Coombs I got myself a Ring of Invisibility. I got tired of the enemy going invis on us, so I thought I'd turn the tables on them this time."

He waits for the news from Pressi before the uses the ring and peers over the top.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12  d20+25=43 ; d20+43=58 ;
Friday October 22nd, 2021 1:33:27 AM

"Wait. Every time I went to scout, people would raise objections about the risks I was taking," Murphy says with a playful smirk. He has nearly always scouted ahead in one way or another. However, since there seem to be a multitude of candidates, he looks about, and uses his knowledge of nature (43) to discern what sorts of animals and birds are likely to be native to this place, that he might choose from among them for purposes of wildshape.

Also, he uses his heightened perception (58) to gather what he may about the area, its inhabitants and potential threats (and opportunities) - without cresting the hill.
==========
Knowledge, nature: 43
Perception: 58

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9  d8+9=10 ;
Friday October 22nd, 2021 3:16:08 AM

Oh, and I forgot - Murphy also will cast foresight upon himself. [DM Mitch - please note: "Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed." Active spell links and brief descriptions shown below.

He may soon cast Freedom of Movement should it look like action is about to occur - but waits on that for the moment.

===========
Active spells
Mage Armor (38 hours) - An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the subject of a mage armor spell, providing a +4 armor bonus to AC.
Longstrider (18 hours) - This spell gives you a +10 foot enhancement bonus to your base speed. It has no effect on other modes of movement, such as burrow, climb, fly, or swim.
Foresight (3 hours) - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Magic Fang, Greater (18 hours) - Magic fang, greater gives one natural weapon or unarmed strike of the subject a +1 (per four caster levels, thus +4) enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls. The spell can affect a slam attack, fist, bite, or other natural weapon. The spell does not change an unarmed strike's damage from nonlethal damage to lethal damage. This bonus does not allow a natural weapon or unarmed strike to bypass damage reduction aside from magic.
Heroes' Feast - Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours. [Note: Murphy has +9 temp hit points from today's Feast]
Also note: Pressi & Murphy have a permanent telepathic connection

DM Mitch 
Friday October 22nd, 2021 7:41:49 AM
Succotash volunteers himself and Nikolai to scout if someone can cast some invisibility spells on the pair.
Pressi chastises Succotash and says physically scouting it out is unnecessary and she casts arcane eye sending the magical sensor to scout things out.
Pru remarks if they do need to send someone up she can cast Invisibility and Fly though for right now she is content to wait to hear what Pressi has to report. She does not yet answer Tali’s questions concerning the length of time she’s been a sorceress or her family traditions concerning sorcerers and sorceresses.
Tali has her familiar high up and scouting high in the air
Nicolai comments on his stealthiness and that he has a ring of invisibility.
Murphy casts foresight and comments on others fears when he goes scouting. He does some quick research on local wildlife. Nothing startling, some mountain goats, small mammals of various types, a few highland’s bird species.

The arcane eye gives the party a good view of the area. The geyser fields stretch out several hundred yards. A thin layer of water, maybe 6 inches at it’s deepest, covers the area. Some rocks jut out of it at various places. At seemingly random intervals a rush of water, steaming in the cool mountain air, will shoot out of the ground at seemingly random places. The geysers are frequent and erratic, and might pose a danger as the steam coming off the water indicates it is very hot, though the pool that covers the area is likely cooled off by the open air enough for you to be able to walk in it.

About 200 feet away from the hill is a large flat area you can see vague figures at. The steam makes it a little hard to make out, but that’s likely the camp of your target.


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 October 22nd, 2021 10:56:17 AM
Figuring those geysers could burn a bit, Succotash casts Resist Energy (Fire) on himself and Valerie, than asks, [b]"Thanks to Pressi we have found our target, how do we wish to proceed?"

Active spells

Succotash:
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (30)

Valerie:
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (30)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 
Friday October 22nd, 2021 3:31:02 PM
"Good idea, Succo," says Kezzem. He summons Rumpus and casts resist energy on both of them.

OOC: Did we have a Heroes Feast today? What were the bonus hp?

Active Spells:

Kezzem:
Greater Magic Weapon (x2)
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)

Rumpus:
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)



Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 
Friday October 22nd, 2021 4:04:56 PM

Kezzem: Pressi fixed the feast for us. 1d8+8 for the temp hit points, I believe. [I mistakenly rolled 1d8+9, but then subtracted 1 from the result of 10. You'll get somewhere between 9 and 16.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d8+8=11 ;
Friday October 22nd, 2021 9:34:18 PM

"Scanning, scanning... we have contact, 200 feet out in a field. Walking through the pool looks safer so I'm going to go ahead and assume that's where they are concentrating their vision. Might be better to approach through the rocks and steam, if we have enough endure elements and rose controls. Also looks like rough terrain, either way."

Pressi paused her scan to look up. "I can keep going closer if people like, but it's time for a decision. Are we going to try diplomacy first? See if we can con them? Just outright attack? Try sneaking for a quick knock out? Use a distraction? I apologize for continuing to beat on this but we need a high level strategy before we start talking positioning and spells. So, quick vote on how we play this, no wrong suggestions. But I should remind the group that for now they haven't done anything to us yet, and we only have Ketia's warning that we should shoot first."

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

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye
Moment of Prescience:

L4: 2
L8: 1

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Saturday October 23rd, 2021 1:06:14 AM
[Oh, shoot! I meant to answer Pressi's question, but the opportunity has gone. Let's say this...]

When Pressi asks about her background and family, Pru doesn't answer, but looks upset and troubled. She steps a little closer to Nikolai.

Now, Pru says, "I think Resist Energy for fire is what we want, and I can cast it on anybody who still needs it. I always like to try to talk to people before fighting them, but if that isn't tactically sound, then I'll go with what the group decides."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16  d20+8=20 ; d8+8=12 ; d8+8=16 ;
Saturday October 23rd, 2021 1:03:15 PM
OOC: Thanks!

Kezzem: 1d8 + 8 = 12

Rumpus: 1d8 + 8 = 16

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Saturday October 23rd, 2021 9:26:03 PM

Pressi gives a side eye about Pru but says nothing.

Instead, she tries to figure out if resist energy actually protects against steam, and inevitably decides to rely on Rose Temp Control instead.

"I should have mentioned, I usually prefer to bluff my way in through these encounters. Pretend to be someone that he'd want to talk to, then feel him out. Some mixed success on that one.

"I was kind of thinking a two man job. One group tries to "kill" him as if they were part of this Flamescorn group, another group "saves" him while dropping some names, and then that group tries to save him and gain his trust. Problem is, we'd have to guess right what kind of people he'd trust."


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 October 24th, 2021 10:12:05 AM
That's not a bad idea Pressi, but I have another one. Mine isn't necessarily better, it's just another option. Valerie and I could just ride in, bold as brass, kinda like we did with those orc ladies, and try to engage in conversation. If they attack, we'll will use my dimensional hop ability to quickly get out if harms way, and the rest can be on stand by with Hobie, Tali, and Prudence ready to dimensional door everyone to my aid. Either you, Pressi, or Tali can cast message on me allowing direct verble contact, and your Arcana Eye can follow me, allowing you a visual of the situation.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Sunday October 24th, 2021 9:23:13 PM
The Geyser Field

As Succotash suggests, Tali will cast upon him, whatever spell he would like, that she knows: Message & will cast Dimensional Door on as many as she can touch, when the time is right for Succotash.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1078 minutes
Message | Duration 178 minutes

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)   d20+35=55 ; d20+46=51 ;
Monday October 25th, 2021 12:38:39 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor

Nikolai looks at Pru as she shies away from family questions. Through their mental link provided by their Knight Commander badges, he says, 'At least they think you are on you way to being 'mended', er, normalized? by our wedding and promise to 'settle down' and give them nieces and nephews and grandchildren. That helped a lot." he grins knowing that 'settle down' is open to interpretation.

Looking across the geyser pool, he listens to ideas and suggestions. Then finally says, "Flying invisibly over there would help, but I can approach easily enough across this pool and practice my invisibility. That will get me close enough to see who's there and tell Pru through our Mailed Fist Knight Commander Mental Link, then she can tell you, and so forth."

He asks Pru to cast her Resist Energy - Fire on him then walks up to the shallow water and, without hesitating literally walks on the water to the nearest rock, then to the next and so forth, however half way to the first rock he activates his Ring of Invis. He makes sure he ends each round on a rock, though.

He keeps an eye on the figures on the other side as he moves along until he can see who or what they are. He also listens to any conversation that might carry across the distance.

Perception + 35 = 55
Stealth + 26 + 20 (Invis) = 51

Move 70'
Note to DM:
Light Steps (Ex)(on Vest Legacy Item):
At 6th level, a ninja learns to move while barely touching the surface underneath her. As a full-round action she can move up to twice her speed, ignoring difficult terrain. While moving in this way, any surface will support her, no matter how much she weighs. This allows her to move across water, lava, or even the thinnest tree branches. She must end her move on a surface that can support her normally. She cannot move across air in this way, nor can she walk up walls or other vertical surfaces. When moving in this way, she does not take damage from surfaces or hazards that react to being touched, such as lava or caltrops, nor does she need to make Acrobatic checks to avoid falling on slippery or rough surfaces. Finally, when using light steps, the ninja ignores any mechanical traps that use a location-based trigger.


Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 
Monday October 25th, 2021 1:44:23 AM

Murphy likes Pressi's plan, though it seems rather complex - and what happens when their target figures out the subterfuge? Who knows, he may like it, and find us clever - or blow up like a volcano against us all.

Then Succotash proposes an alternative. "Pressi, Succo's idea is a little more straightforward, likely easier to execute. What do you think?" he telepathically asks her. If she is open to going along with it, Murphy goes on in the following vein:

"If I'm sitting on your shoulder like a bird, Succotash, would I be able to benefit from your dimensional hop simply by being in contact with you?" Murphy asks. "Or maybe I should adopt some other form..." he ponders - but not too long. He casts a few more spells as approaches are discussed. Freedom of movement and stoneskin.

"Prudence[b], yes, resist energy, fire, would be helpful, no doubt."

"If you're fine with me coming along, I'm ready when you are," Murphy says. "Might be good to have a few message spells between the forward and back-end groups. That's not a spell I can cast, though. [b]Tali, you want to cast that, and include me?" he asks her.

"Also, Succotash, what do you think about approaching from a different direction, rather than heading straight out from here? Or, if we so straight from here, perhaps the rest of the group can shift off to one side or another out of sight before joining in should it turn into melee."

If someone has a better suggestion than that of the cleric or his beloved witch, the druid will listen, but if not, he otherwise is disposed to go with the current proposal.

===========
Active spells
Mage Armor (38 hours) - An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the subject of a mage armor spell, providing a +4 armor bonus to AC.
Longstrider (18 hours) - This spell gives you a +10 foot enhancement bonus to your base speed. It has no effect on other modes of movement, such as burrow, climb, fly, or swim.
Foresight (3 hours) - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Magic Fang, Greater (18 hours) - Magic fang, greater gives one natural weapon or unarmed strike of the subject a +1 (per four caster levels, thus +4) enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls. The spell can affect a slam attack, fist, bite, or other natural weapon. The spell does not change an unarmed strike's damage from nonlethal damage to lethal damage. This bonus does not allow a natural weapon or unarmed strike to bypass damage reduction aside from magic.
Heroes' Feast (12 hours) - Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours. [Note: Murphy has +9 temp hit points from today's Feast]
Resist Energy (fire) (3 hours) - The subject gains resist energy 10 against fire (heat), meaning that each time the creature is subjected to such damage (whether from a natural or magical source), that damage is reduced by 30 points before being applied to the creature's hit points. The spell protects the recipient's equipment as well.
Freedom of Movement (3 hours) - This spell enables you to move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin.
Stoneskin (3 hours) - The warded creature gains resistance to blows, cuts, stabs, and slashes. The subject gains DR 10/adamantine. It ignores the first 10 points of damage each time it takes damage from a weapon, though an adamantine weapon bypasses the reduction. Once the spell has prevented a total of 10 points of damage per caster level (maximum 150 points), it is discharged.
Reminder: Pressi & Murphy have a permanent telepathic connection
=========
P.S.: Then, just as I'm about to post all of the above, I refresh the screen and see Nikolai's post (nice post!). Well, I'll let Succotash & DM Mitch sort things out... Murphy is ready to change into a falcon and ride on the cleric's shoulder.

DM Mitch  d100=59 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Monday October 25th, 2021 6:26:26 AM
Succotash figures the geysers could burn a bit and casts resist energy (fire) on Valerie and himself. He asks the others how they should proceed.
Kezzem summons Rumpus and casts resist energy of his own on both himself and his mount.
Murphy thinks about the mechanics of a heroes’ feast
Pressi explains what she sees, where the figures are and what the terrain is like. She tells the others it is time to decide how they want to play it and reminds them the only reason they have to shoot first is Ketia’s urging.
Pru looked upset and troubled at questions into her family and sorceress traditions. Pru makes a case for resist energy fire instead of Endure Elements / Temperature Control and says she can cast it on anyone who still needs it. She voices her opinion that she prefers talking before fighting but will defer to the group if outvoted.
Pressi gives Pru the side eye. She thinks about which spell is best for the situation and decides to stick with Rose’s Temperature Control. She explains she usually prefers to rely on bluffing her way through these encounters and that she has had mixed results. She suggests diving their number. Have one group pretend to be aligned with Flamescorn and attack while the other groups says they are here to stop Flamescorn and drive the other off. The only problem is with this gambit they’d have to figure out what kind of people Ironbane would trust
Succotash says Pressi’s idea isn’t bad and suggests an alternative where he and Valerie ride in all bold-like trying to engage in conversation. He reasons if he is attacked he can get away quickly using dimension hop and the rest can be on standby with Hobie, Tali, Pru ready to get everyone else as backup should things go sideways. He reasons a message spell plus the Arcane Eye would keep the rest of the group informed as to any goings on.
Tali casts message on Succotash and is standing by with the dimension door.
Nikolai suggests he invisibly scout to get a head count and description of the target.
Murphy suggests he turn into a bird and sit on Succotash’s shoulder, among other suggestions of various types. He seems to be in favor of Succotash’s idea, though he asks Pressi’s opinion.

Nikolai finds his ninja skills aren’t needed to avoid the pooled water. It’s warm but not hot, and if it was deep enough to soak it would be really nice. As is he walks over it with no problem. The rocks aren’t that big or connected and his bath is not straightforward at all if he’s following them.

More troublesome are the geysers. They seem to be everywhere and completely random. It’s quickly evident that if he was standing over one when it went off his fire protection would only somewhat protect him - the sheer force of the geyser would hurt regardless. That doesn’t happen yet, but he gets splashed by one, though his protection prevents the 7 fire damage he would have taken.

He does get close enough to get a look at the target. There are 7 of them, all dwarves. They look like a hardy bunch, weathered and scared with plenty of weapons at hand. He can tell the one in charge due to the others all avoiding him until he yells for one of them to do something, which causes flinching and instant attention and obedience.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday October 25th, 2021 9:27:00 AM
(OOC: Will addendum later.)

Pressi herself gives a nod as Succotash speaks. As close to the chest as she plays it, it's clear that she at least considered his idea from the beginning.

"Ok, we'll go with Succotash. Lets get to work."

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 October 25th, 2021 10:17:35 AM
"Sure Murph, I can take others with me when I dimensional hop, remember when I used it to get Kezzem out of direct harms way when we fought that baldersnatch thingy? if you desire to turn into a small bird or even a small rodent, or whatever other tiny creature you can think of, you are most welcome to ride on my shoulder!"

With Pressi and Murphy approving of his plan, and Tali showing her approval by creating the mental link between them, Succotash saddles up and he, Valerie and Murphy head out. He rides forward not taking his eyes off the dwarves ahead. He acts very nonchalant, and for the most part, he feels rather comfortable, so it really isn't a bluff. He has confidence in his friends abilities, and that is the source of his confidence. He also is comfortable in his own abilities, not that he thinks he's indestructible, but he knows his abilities are perfect for this situation. Before he heads out, he looks to see if there is a possible route to take that can avoid the geyser field, perhaps even coming in from a different direction, as Murphy suggested. if he sees such a route, he casts teleport, bringing Valerie and Murphy with him, if no other route exists, he will make a point to avoid the deepest parts of the pools, and if possible, stay out of the pools altogether, as he directs Valerie forward.

No matter which route he takes, Succotash rides forward with a natural air of confidence, and rides straight, or as straight as possible towards their objective. If he is allowed to approach unmolested, he will say, in a bold voice, "Which one of you is Ironbane? I have a message for you, as well as a proposal." If Ironbane and his crew decide at anytime to attack, he will dimensional hop himself and his charges out of direct harms way, and wait for the back-up to arrive. (a move action) Than he will cast Divine Power, on Valerie, and using his new Rod of Quicken, he will also swiftly cast Righteous Might on his dino friend. The casting only happens if he is attacked, as he wishes to speak to Ironbane, and, as always, prefers diplomacy over violence.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)   d20+35=38 ; d20+26=28 ;
Monday October 25th, 2021 6:53:14 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Energy Resistance - Fire

OOC: Nikolai chose to walk on the water rather than in the water even though the temperature was not bad because IN the water the Invisibility would not be near as effective due to the displacement of the water giving himself away for those with very good perception skills.

IC: Nikolai relates to Pru what he sees through their mind link and in turn is told that Succotash is leading Valerie and Murphy towards the dwarfs.

Nikolai in turn figures his Invisibility won't last forever and retreats to a rock that is somewhat more concealed by the steam and hunkers down, waiting to see what transpires.

Invisibility duration should be 5 minutes I think.

Perception + 35 = 38 (must be the steam)
Stealth + 26 = 28 + 20 (Invis) = 48

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Monday October 25th, 2021 7:04:41 PM
Pru gathers a group around her, ready to Dimension Door when the word is given.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday October 25th, 2021 9:06:49 PM

Pressi notes that the resist elements probably works better than rose control, and keeps that in mind. For now, she waits to see what might happen, relying on Tali's messaging and her own arcane eye.

She takes a moment now to cast spectral hand. If a second round passes, she also casts shield upon her.

Upon seeing/hearing about seven dwarves, she wonders if she should be casting some form of poison apples.

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

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye
Moment of Prescience:
shield of faith
spectral hand

L1: 2
L4: 2
L8: 1



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Monday October 25th, 2021 9:52:44 PM
Kezzem prepares to cast divine favor in himself in case of trouble.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 5:43:53 AM

Murphy sits comfortably on Succotash's left shoulder and looks at the dwarfs. He mentally communicates with Pressi his observations, and what people say, and actions they take.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 6:33:58 AM
Pressi nods as Succotash speaks and consents to Succotash’s idea. She then notes that resist energy is probably the better spell after all but casts a spectral hand instead in case of trouble.
Succotash agrees to have Murphy with him as some kind of tiny animal when he strides out to the Dwarves.
Succotash, Murphy and Valerie stride boldly and confidently out towards where the Dwarves are gathered. His confidence comes from the abilities of himself and his friends. He tries to avoid the water if he can but it appears to be unavoidable. He tries to stick to the shallowest parts. He prepares to cast some spells should he be attacked as well.
Nikolai keeps his stealthy scouting run in effect and crouches behind the cover of a rock in order to watch what transpires between Succotash and Ironbane.
Pru prepares to Dimension Door in some cavalry should things go sideways.
Kezzem readies a divine favor on himself in case of trouble.
Murphy watches and passes on what’s happening to his wife.

The Dwarves see Succotash’s approach. They all draw weapons and spread out menacingly. At his message the leader steps up. He has wild, tangled red hair, unkept and uncared for, and wears a strange reddish leather armor. He dangles a chain loosely from his hands, cruelly spiked and jagged, but held with the assurance of someone long used to his weapon.

Ironbane looks over Succotash. ”You’re far from home boy. And you don’t look like a mage. Bring out whatever friends magicked you here now, or I’ll have your hide off ya before they pop out of whatever hole they’re hiding in.”

One of the other Dwarves adds ”...and make it snappy!”. Ironbane turns his attention from Succotash for a moment to glare daggers at the Dwarf that spoke out and that dwarf lowers his eyes and looks away from Ironbane in submission. Based on the look Ironbane is giving his follower it is possible there might be a beating in that Dwarf’s future but for now Ironbane looks expectantly and impatiently at Succotash once again.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+26=36 ;
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 10:57:07 AM
Succotash mentally messages to Tali to have people hold their position, for the moment, than says, in a voice dripping with confidence and complete unconcern over the fact that he is surrounded, "So your the infamous Ironbane. I must say, even though I didn't know what to expect, I definitely expected more. Be that as it may, I am here. You are correct of course, I am no mage, rather I'm a cleric, a travel cleric, who has a connection with animals, to be precise, and as such, I have no need for a wizard or sorcerer to magically travel from place to place, I can handle that myself quite well, but I didn't come here to describe my skill set, to be honest I have no desire to give away all my secrets.

That said, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, a member of the mighty group of heroes known as Humble's Sword. We've been around a while perhaps you've heard of us? Anyway, I'm here to bring warning that members of the cult, you are a member of, are being hunted down and murdered. My friends and I are seeking to bring this miscreant to justice, after all, he attacked our home, and quite frankly we are more than a little angry at the moment. We wish to bring this villain his just deserves, and I have heard that you may have some answers, and maybe even know where we may find this guy. Now if you are willing to play nice, that would, of course, be best, but if I have to pound the information out of you I will. I have no desire to fight you, after the enemy of my enemy is my friend, well, at least for the moment, so what do you say, can we parley?" (diplomacy 36)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 8:30:11 PM

Falcon-on-the-shoulder Murphy, when Ironbane asks to have Succotash's friends appear, takes a bow, and utters a small falcony screech.

Mentally, he relays to Pressi what Ironbane 'requested,' and the cleric's response, trusting her to pass on the conversation to the others. "You all can decide whether you want to be 'brought out' for the seven dwarfs to see."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 9:15:14 PM

Pressi frowns as she gets Murphy's message, and passes it along to the rest of the group.

Still, "I don't think that he'll back off on this demand. But if he sees a magic user, I think he can be satisfied, and I think I can be intimidating enough. Everyone else hold position but be prepared to move. And someone tell Succotash I'm about to provide backup."

Pressi, activating her broom, begins to take flight straight up in the air. If Ironbane repeats his demand, she shoots 60 feet straight up over the hill and maintains position up there, in all her witchy glory.

Harper stays behind, looking worried.

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

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye (inactive)
Moment of Prescience:
shield of faith
spectral hand
flying broom

L1: 2
L4: 3
L8: 1


Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 9:32:53 PM
Pru continues holding, ready to transport whoever needs transporting. Which may just be Pru at this point; I've kind of lost track.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 11:49:18 PM
IronBane the dwarf

Tali, upon hearing Succotash's message, relays his thoughts to everyone else, by pointing in their directions, and saying, "have people hold their position, for the moment", and then relays to all exactly what Succotash says to Ironbane and his 6 Dwarfs:

"So your the infamous Ironbane. I must say, even though I didn't know what to expect, I definitely expected more. Be that as it may, I am here. You are correct of course, I am no mage, rather I'm a cleric, a travel cleric, who has a connection with animals, to be precise, and as such, I have no need for a wizard or sorcerer to magically travel from place to place, I can handle that myself quite well, but I didn't come here to describe my skill set, to be honest I have no desire to give away all my secrets.

That said, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, a member of the mighty group of heroes known as Humble's Sword. We've been around a while perhaps you've heard of us? Anyway, I'm here to bring warning that members of the cult, you are a member of, are being hunted down and murdered. My friends and I are seeking to bring this miscreant to justice, after all, he attacked our home, and quite frankly we are more than a little angry at the moment. We wish to bring this villain his just deserves, and I have heard that you may have some answers, and maybe even know where we may find this guy. Now if you are willing to play nice, that would, of course, be best, but if I have to pound the information out of you I will. I have no desire to fight you, after the enemy of my enemy is my friend, well, at least for the moment, so what do you say, can we parley?"

Tali, hovers over to the rest of the group not gathered around lady Pru , and within touch of Tali, ready to Dimension Door when the word is given and after she relays the message to everyone else.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1076 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1076 minutes
Message | Duration 176 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 179 minutes on Succotash

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)   d20+35=52 ; d20+26=38 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 1:24:54 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Energy Resistance - Fire, Invisibility

Nikolai is not familiar with these dwarfs of the Scab. The little he read about this region before he and Pru left was VERY little due to the lack of books on the matter. Alas he and Pru did not have the time to jump to the Citadel and consult that immense library. These dwarves certainly lacked a LOT in comparison to their Mailed Fist companion.

As the messages back and forth were spoken quite loudly, Nikolai heard it well enough to stay put for the moment but be ready. This Ironbane won't like Succotash's 'threat' of a beating and will have to Put Up to save Face in front of his men.
[i}"This can't end well, expect a bit of a rumble,'[/i] he relay's to Pru.

Keeping watch, he particularly takes note of the outlying dwarves in the group to make sure that if they try something construed as hostile, he'll catch it.

Perception + 35 = 52
Stealth + 26 = 38 + 40 (Invis and not moving) = 78

DM Mitch  2d6+17=19 ; 2d4+21=25 ; 2d4+21=26 ; 2d4+21=29 ; 2d4+21=27 ; 2d4+21=24 ; d100=89 ; 6d6=22 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 5:30:53 AM
Succotash tells the others to hold their positions and attempts to parlay with the pack of barbarians.
Murphy continues to ride Succotash’s shoulder as a majestic hawk
Pressi prepares to show herself to be a caster, should Ironbane repeat his demand for the mage
Pru prepares to teleport those that need teleporting to the barbarians if the word is given.
Tali tries to relay the conversation to the others using message and also prepares to dimension door when the word is given.
Nikolai expect there to be trouble and tells Pru that this won’t end well.

Succotash’s confident speech does not have the desired result. In fact he barely gets into his second sentence - about the ‘even though I didn’t…’ - before Ironbane interrupts him by flying into a screaming charge nad slamming his chain down on the talkative paladin. His minions seemed to expect this and charge in with him, quickly surrounding the halfling and burying him in blades and the spiked chain.

Between the various attacks (including a crit!) of the raging mob they very nearly manage to fulfill Ironbane’s promise, doing exactly 129 damage to him leaving him staggered at 0 hp.

As Nikolai watches a geyser right under his feet goes off. His spell protects him, but the Dwarves see the water bouncing off him at all angles and a few yell and point.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells  d20+24=39 ; d8+8=12 ; d8+8=15 ; 4d6+14=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; 18d6=67 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 11:12:13 AM
OOC... Attention DM's!!! Due to Pressi's Heroes Feast Succotash had some temporary HP. I hadn't rolled for them yet, as I usually don't until just before battle, to make keeping track of them easier for myself. I did now, rolling a 12, As a result, He wouldn't be staggered, but reduced to 12 HP, Sorry for the confusion, Until know, this hasn't been a problem, but I can see that I need to change how I deal with temp. HP

As a move action, Succotash, along with Valerie and Murphy dimensional hops 40 ft from the adversaries. though he took a beating, he still has the frame of mind to speak out, "Your a fool Ironbane, you had a chance for a peaceful discourse, but I suppose it is to be expected from such as you!" The cleric than swiftly casts "Heal" on himself, using his quicken rod, healing 100% of his wounds, and than says, rather smugly, "You guys hit like gnomes, this isn't going to end well for you all!" Mentally to Tali, Succotash says, "It's go time!" As he says this, he casts fire storm, hitting all 7 dwarves, with 67 fire damage (DC 28 Reflex save for half) If they fail their save they catch fire and take 4d6 points of fire damage each round until the flames are extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a DC 20 Reflex save.

As Succotash dimensional hops away Valerie takes a swipe at Ironbane with one of her talons, hitting AC 40 (forgot to add the +1 for heroes feast) for 24 nonlethal damage, plus 6 shock and 6 frost.

Succotash's daily stuff:
Quicken rod 2/3
Dimensional Hop 60/180
Channel Energy (9d6) 10/10
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active Spells:
Succotash
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)



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 October 27th, 2021 11:13:30 AM
BTW, Valerie has 15 temp HP from Pressi's Heroes Feast.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9  18d6=50 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 3:31:00 PM

Murphy relates immediately to Pressi what is happening as he screeches out a warning to Succotash as the mad dwarfs sprint forward [the druid immediately KNOWS their intention based upon his 9th-level foresight spell being active]. Thus, it may be possible the cleric was not caught flat-footed.

Immediately after Succotash's d-door, Murphy launches into the air. As he gains altitude, he casts chain lightning. (18d6) The one struck by the first electrical spike is the dwarf who earlier had said, 'and make it snappy!' The chain lightning then works its way among the other six dwarfs, each one taking 50 hp of damage, with Ironbane the last of the seven to be hit. Each may make a Reflex save DC 33 for half damage (25hp).

The angle he flies takes the falcon to a height of 52 feet in the air, about 90 degrees to the left of their initial approach, and 45 feet away from where Succotash's shoulder was at the moment Murphy's flight was launched. Am figuring with the cleric being on the velociraptor's back, the shoulder was at about 7' off the ground, thus 52 rather than 45 feet in the air from the 45-degree flight path.

Active spells
Mage Armor (38 hours) - +4 armor bonus to AC.
Longstrider (18 hours) - +10 foot to base speed (on the ground).
Foresight (3 hours) - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Magic Fang, Greater (18 hours) - +4 enhancement on attack and damage rolls.
Heroes' Feast (12 hours) - +9 temp hp, +1 morale Attack, +1 Will saves, +4 morale vs poison and fear
Resist Energy (fire) (3 hours) - Resist energy 30 against fire (heat)
Freedom of Movement (3 hours)
Stoneskin (3 hours) - The subject gains DR 10/adamantine.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 5:01:51 PM
Pru casts Dimension Door and brings people with her. Since her information came mostly from Nikolai, she lands near him.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 5:59:10 PM
"Hello, my name is Kezzem, and I will be stabbing you today," says Kezzem.

Depending on everyone's location, Kezzem orders Rumpus to guard Pressi, Tali, or Pru depending on who's closest (or in the order if they are all equally close).

Kezzem will move towards Ironbane if he has a clear path or another enemy if not. He will use detect evil on his his target to determine whether they are smitable.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d8+9=16 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 9:11:01 PM

"Well, so much for the finesse route," Pressi muttered to herself. "New plan, you bring Ironbane to me alive and I keep him mostly on this plane."

Since Pressi doesn't chance to move, she and Harper travel with Prudence, then shoots up in the air as far as she can (60 feet). But not before casting a quickened resist energy (fire) on Harper.

"And since none of you care to use your mind..."

Pressi casts Mind Fog on Ironbane and anyone surrounding him in 20 ft radius (Will DC 24). (Affected lose -10 to Will Saves.)

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

Pressi:

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye (inactive)
Moment of Prescience
shield of faith
spectral hand
flying broom

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (16 HP)

L1: 2
L4: 3
L5: 1
L6: 2
L8: 1


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 10:36:46 PM
Barbarian IronBane & the Sixx dwarfs

Tali, upon hearing Succotash's message, relays what happens to everyone else, by pointing in their direction, each in turn and repeating what happened:


Succotash’s confident speech does not have the desired result. In fact he barely gets into his second sentence - about the ‘even though I didn’t…’ - before Ironbane interrupts him by flying into a screaming charge nad slamming his chain down on the talkative paladin. His minions seemed to expect this and charge in with him, quickly surrounding the halfling and burying him in blades and the spiked chain.

Succotash says, "It's go time!"

Tali casts Dimension Door and brings up to six other people with her landing within 13 feet of Succotash & friends.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1075 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1075 minutes
Message | Duration 175 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 178 minutes on Succotash

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)   d20+29=38 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:05:57 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Energy Resistance - Fire
Ki Pool 13/13

Nikolai sees Pru pop next to him.
"Succotash has a lot to learn about diplomacy," he chuckles. "Use this rock as cover. I'm going to see if I can pin that brash Ironbane's pride to his hide."

Using his Monk Abundant Step (Dimension Door) ability (as a Move), Nikolai pops next to Ironbane and proceeds to Grapple him.

Greater Grapple:
CMB d20 +29 = 38 vs CMD

Ki Pool 11/13

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 
Thursday October 28th, 2021 3:14:17 AM

I made a mistake (too many versions of flying rule sets in my brain). Murphy ends up at an altitude of 37 feet, about 90 degrees to the left of their initial approach, and 30 feet away as measured along the ground from where Succotash's shoulder was when he flew into the air. As a free action, he activates haste.

Dm Scratchpad - Hugh  3d6=11 ; 3d6=15 ; 3d6=11 ; 3d6=9 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=7 ; 3d6=10 ; d100=6 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+21=40 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+22=35 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 8:46:18 AM
(OOC: some dice rolls)

DM Mitch  d20+27=45 ; d4=3 ; d20+33=42 ; d20+33=42 ; d20+33=37 ; d20+33=53 ; d20+33=48 ; d20+33=38 ; d20+33=46 ; d20+28=41 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+28=40 ; d20+28=33 ; d20+28=39 ; d20+23=24 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+23=37 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=24 ; 2d6+21=29 ; 2d6+21=31 ; 2d6+21=25 ; 2d6+21=25 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+21=27 ; 2d6+21=32 ; 2d6+21=32 ; 2d6+21=24 ; 2d6+21=30 ; 2d6+21=33 ; 2d6+21=28 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 9:12:59 AM
Succotash dimension hops 40 feet from his adversaries. Before he leaves, Valerie takes a swipe at Iron Bane He quicken heals himself of all the damage he just sustained before taunting the barbarian tribe of dwarves and telling his allies its time for them to arrive. Lastly he lets loose with a firestorm. 4 of the Dwarves catch fire. Sadly Ironbane is not among them.
Murphy relays what is happening to Pressi. After Succotash dimension hops away he relates to Pressi what is happening and takes to the sky casting chain lightning as he goes. 2 of the Dwarves manage to avoid some of the lightning. Ironbane was among them.
Pru Dimension Doors her part of the party in near Nikolai.
Kezzem introduces himself and says he will be stabbing the dwarves today. He uses detect evil as he moves forward to the dwarves. Kezzem detects the presence of evil. He’ll have to concentrate on the ability longer to get more information.
Pressi laments the loss of the finesse route and says the new plan is to bring Ironbane to her and she’ll keep him mostly on this plane. Pressi travels with Prudence’s dimension hop before casting a quickened resist energy (fire) on Harper and shooting up 60 feet into the air. She casts Mindfog targeting Ironbane. None of the Barbarian tribe are affected by Pressi’s Mindfog.
Tali dimension doors the rest of the party to the battle. She arrives 13 feet from Succotash and friends.
Nikolai steps through thin air to try to grapple Ironbane but the Dwarf throws him off contemptuously (CMD 43)

Ironbane grins as the company he was expecting shows up. Then he howls, a scream ripped out of him as if from the bowls of the underworld and he grows and grows to giant size (intimidate vs everyone, DC 45 will save or be Shaken for 4 rounds)

His minions quail in fear of him and hack at Nikolai as if their lives depend on it, ignoring the fire that eats away at their flesh. Nikolai dies and is chopped into small pieces (14 hits for a total of 382 damage)

Enemy Tracker
IronBane: 23 nonlethal / 70 lethal
Dwarf 1 83 damage
Dwarf 2 92 damage - on fire (4d6 per round)
Dwarf 3 117 damage - on fire (4d6 per round)
Dwarf 4 117 damage - on fire (4d6 per round)
Dwarf 5 83 damage
Dwarf 6 117 damage - on fire (4d6 per round)


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells  18d6=73 ; d20+24=32 ; 4d6+30=41 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 10:56:04 AM
Succotash watches, in horror, as Ironbane and his crew kill than mutilate the corpse of his new friend. A quick observation makes it clear that a quick Breath of Life spell won't be enough to save Nikolai, and he begins rehearsing what to say to Lord Gargul after this fight is over. A very pissed off Succotash than casts Firestorm again hitting all 7 dwarves with 73 fire damage (DC 28 Reflex save for half) Like before, If they fail their save they catch fire and take 4d6 points of fire damage each round until the flames are extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a DC 20 Reflex save. Sadly the burning damage doesn't stack. The cleric also activates his quicken rod again to swiftly cast divine power on Valerie.

Succotash than jumps off Valerie's back as she, at his command, makes a b-line directly for Ironbane. He will swipe at him with one of her talons, Hitting AC 39 (forgot to add the +1 for Heroes Feast, and +6 for Divine Power) for 41 non-lethal damage plus 5 shock and 4 frost.

Succotash's daily stuff:
Quicken rod 1/3
Dimensional Hop 60/180
Channel Energy (9d6) 10/10
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active Spells:
Succotash
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)

Valerie
Divine Power (18 temp HP)
Heroes Feast (15 temp HP)
Resist Energy (fire)

DM Mitch 
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:40:17 PM
Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+14=29 ; d6+7=9 ; d20+11=28 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:45:26 PM
Pressi comes to much the same conclusion as Succotash regarding Breath of Life (she can reincarnate out of the fight, just putting it out there).

"There is no greater monster," she intoned to herself, "than a simple man in greater numbers."

Pressi is clearly shaken (not going to even bother rolling) but it won't affect her casting and it doesn't stop her from studying the area.

Louder, she shouts to the group. "Reflex and range attacks only. Fall back to the geysers and make them come to you. And for god's sake, don't let them approach you as a group! We need to peel these guys off from each other!

Speaking even louder, "And if Ironbane is paying attention to me divulging my plans and instructions, he should completely get an earful of this!"

With a wave, she shouts Power Word Blind (no saving throw) on Ironbane.

Harper attacks one of the nearby dwarves (Dwarf 1) with a bite (Attack Roll 29, Damage 9+trip) before moving away towards one of the geysers (15 feet, acro 28).

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

Pressi:

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye (inactive)
Moment of Prescience
shield of faith
spectral hand
flying broom
shaken

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (16 HP)
shaken

L1: 2
L4: 3
L5: 1
L6: 2
L7: 1
L8: 1


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:47:55 PM
Addendum:

Sorry, I posted before seeing the map.

So Harper's new move is she runs up to B2 and takes a bite. Same attack roll and damage, no moving away/acro.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)  d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:55:45 PM
Pru lets out a horrible scream as her husband is hacked to pieces. Sobs catch in her throat, but she resolutely swallows them. Now is not the time for tears. Nor is the time to stand around in shock. If Pru doesn't act, more people could die. Pru acts.

First, Pru casts Time Stop and gains two extra rounds of action. (The spell description doesn't say whether these extra rounds would count against the Shaken effect, so that will be the DM's call.)

In the first extra round, she Hastes the party. Since there's a lot of us, and we're somewhat scattered about, this will probably need a normal Haste spell, followed by a Quickened Haste spell. That should get everyone. In this case, "everyone" includes Harper and Valerie and any other animals helping us.

In the second extra round, she casts Summon Monster VIII, summoning 4 huge fire elementals. Let's call them Burney, Flamey, Scorchy, and Smoky. She places them amid the dwarves.

Then the Time Stop ends, but Pru isn't done yet. Making a heroic effort [Hero Point spent], she casts Maze on Ironbane. He will probably need to drop out of rage if he wants to solve the maze and return to this plane.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9  d20+39=58 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 4:21:24 PM

Murphy quickly flies closer to ensure all are in range and in-flight casts prayer - [You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.] (5 rounds)

Right after casting the spell, he ascends a bit to an altitude of 50 feet (fly by attack feat (which allows one standard action in mid-flight)).
=========
Active spells
Mage Armor; Longstrider; Foresight; Magic Fang, Greater; Heroes' Feast; Resist Energy (fire); Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin; Haste; Prayer


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+23=32 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 9:20:24 PM
{OOC: Is Intimidate A Fear Effect? Asking on the appearance that shaken eventually becomes frightened and panicked which intimidate can do}

IronBane dwarf Battle

Tali, seeing the horrors of a cultist and his dynamically fluid morals execute a newly found friend before his wife's eyes...unleashes a terrible feeling deep within Talia which grows instantaneously into an unconscious reaction. Tali flys to AI44 casting Prismatic Spray starting on AH43 a 60 foot cone attempting to cover IronBane within the spray's cone.

{OOC: Do I roll the Spray's outcome? B1 = 4, B2 = 2, B3 =3 , B4 =6 , B5 = 7 , B6 =4 , IB = 6}

There after Talia will ascend to 35 feet above the fray.

Saving Checks

intimidate vs everyone, DC 45 will save or be Shaken for 4 rounds | Will Save (+1 Prayer, +2 racial bonus on all saving throws against fear +20) = 32
Talia is Shaken for 4 rounds

Shaken | A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1074 minutes || Hasted to 70 feet
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1074 minutes
Message | Duration 174 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 177 minutes on Succotash

Group Cast Buffs
Haste | A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature’s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed using that form of movement. This increase counts as an enhancement bonus, and it affects the creature’s jumping distance as normal for increased speed.

Prayer | gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16  d20+20=38 ; d20+35=52 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=51 ; d20+30=50 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+30=31 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+20=29 ; d3+26=27 ; d3+26=27 ; d3+26=27 ; d3+26=29 ; d3+26=28 ; d3+26=29 ; d3+26=27 ; d3+26=27 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d10+6=12 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 12:26:37 AM
Kezzem is immune to fear.

SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 38.

"Gargul's breath, the new guy's down already?" says Kezzem. "And he was like only 1 adventure away from retirement!"

Kezzem smites evil against B5 and lashes out with both daggers.

Kezzem ignores DR when smiting evil.

Attack Buffs: 3 (Divine Favor) + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon)) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (Two-Weapon Fighting) = +7

Damage Buffs: 16 (Smite Evil) + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon = 21.

Cold Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 + 7 = 52.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 27 + 6 cold = 33.

Haste Bonus Cold Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 + 7 = 45.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 27 + 4 cold = 31.

Fire Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 + 7 = 51.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 fire = 27 + 4 fire = 31.

Cold Attack #2: 1d20 + 23 + 7 = 50. Natural 20!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 23 + 7 = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 29 + 3 cold = 32.
Bonus Crit Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 = 28.

Fire Attack #2: 1d20 + 23 + 7 = 31. Natural 1.

Cold Attack #3: 1d20 + 18 + 7 = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 29 + 6 cold = 35.

Fire Attack #3: 1d20 + 18 + 7 = 42.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 fire = 27 + 4 fire = 31.

Cold Attack #4: 1d20 + 13 + 7 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 27 + 4 cold = 31.

Two-Weapon Rend (assuming 51 vs. AC hits)
Bonus Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 12.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16  d20+18=37 ; d4+7=10 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 12:29:05 AM
Rumpus holds back to guard the caster. He readies an attack on anyone coming within range.

Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) = 37.
Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 1 (Prayer) = 10.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Friday October 29th, 2021 12:48:30 AM
OOC: interesting

Dm Scratchpad - Hugh  d20+23=26 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=28 ; 4d6=16 ; d3=3 ; 4d6=15 ; 4d6=18 ; 4d6=19 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=19 ; d20=3 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 1:40:23 AM
(OOC: some dice rolls)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  d20+31=40 ; d20+31=45 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=25 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+25=35 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=36 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=4 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 5:12:35 AM
Hobie let's loose some arrows at the barbarians
all damage is nonlethal

Manyshot = 40
Piercing 29, electric 1= 30
Piercing 35, electric 2= 37

Rapid shot = 45
Piercing 30, electric 2 =32

Haste = 49
Piercing 30, electric 6 = 36

Iterative 1 = 36
piercing 36, electric 4= 40

Iterative 2 = 26
piercing 29, electric 3 =32

Iterative 3 = 25
piercing 32, electric 4 = 36


DM Mitch  d20=10 ; d100=88 ; d20+31=43 ; 2d6+21=24 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 5:18:42 AM
Succotash seeing Nikolai struck down realizes the ranger is beyond the reach of a breathe of life spell. One train of thought starts trying to think of what to say to Lord Gargul while he casts Firestorm again and swiftly divine powers Valerie whom he dismounts. The dinosaur then attacks Iron Bane
Pressi comes to the same conclusion Succotash does but she can always reincarnate Nikolai outside the fight. She observes there is no greater monster than a simple man in greater numbers. She suggests that the group peels off and uses range attacks and area of effect spells and advises against letting the enemy approach as a group. She casts power word blind on Ironbane. Harper then moves up to Barbarian 2 and attacks and hits. (OOC: what was Harper’s CMB roll for that trip attempt?)
Pru lets out a horrible scream as her husband is hacked to pieces but she resolutely swallows them and answers back with a Timestop (OOC: I’ll allow the extra rounds while you are time stopped to continue elapsing shaken duration) She hastes everyone, summons some fire elemental friends and then after time reverts to normal she casts maze on Ironbane, temporarily removing him from the battle field.
Murphy flies closer to the team and buffs them with prayer. He then ascends to an altitude of 50 feet to stay out of geyser range.
Tali casts Prismatic spray targeting the area where Ironbane was. She gets all his followers but because Ironbane was in the maze at the time he is not included in the spell’s effect. The prismatic spray kills Barbarian 6 with poison, sends Barbarian 5 to another plane, makes Barbarian 4 confused, hits Barbarian 3 with a high dose of electricity damage causing the on fire dwarf to lose consciousness, hits barbarian 2 with acid and barbarian 1 resists the poison.
(OOC: Yes this rage ability is essentially a fear effect)
Kezzem remarks that the new guy is already down and he was one adventure away from retirement. Kezzem then smites evil against Barbarian 1 essentially eviscerating what is left of the dwarf. You certainly got vengeance for Nikolai with the result of that smite. Rumpus prepares to defend the casters.

Only 2 of the barbarians are still standing. One is confused and on fire while the other is just on fire. One of their companions is not dead yet but he is on still on fire. Ironbane is still stuck in the extradimensional maze.

The Darf who’s not confused throws down his weapon. ”Don’t kill us, don’t kill us, we only did what Ironbade made us do or he would have killed us!” The other Dwarf, in his confusion, hits the surrendering dwarf with his polearm by accident dropping him to the ground to bleed out.

Enemy Tracker
IronBane: 63 nonlethal / 115 lethal - blinded, trapped in extra dimensional maze for 10 minutes unless DC 20 int check
Dwarf 1 Dead - gutted by Kezzem
Dwarf 2 240 damage - on fire (4d6 per round); dying
Dwarf 3 248 damage - on fire (4d6 per round); dying
Dwarf 4 208 damage - on fire (4d6 per round); confused
Dwarf 5 129 damage - sent to another plane; no longer present
Dwarf 6 - Dead; killed by Tali’s poison beam


DM Mitch 
Friday October 29th, 2021 5:19:42 AM
Map

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 
Friday October 29th, 2021 5:48:45 AM

Murphy cries out, in part mourning the slaying of Nikolai, in part for the quick general carnage.

"My Uncle Orbi, and my father, both taught me, 'Take not up friendship with one given to anger,' he relates to Pressi.

He really wishes he could speak as he once was able to when wild-shaped. He was able to as his druid's vestment gained in power - then seemed to have lost the ability sometime later.

He ends the haste gained by his gear, but retains the haste cast by Prudence.

Folks, Prayer is still in effect for 4 rounds for all.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells  d8+18=20 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 11:40:27 AM
Succotash quickly casts create water multiple times, to put out the burning dwarves. He also casts mass cure light wounds, healing all of them, as well as his friends, 20 HP, and stabilizing them. He warns them that if they try anything stupid, another Fire Storm will end them quickly.

"That could have gone a lot better, why did Ironbane insist on this course of action?" He than walks over to Prudence, and does his best to comfort her saying, "We will get him back I promise, Lord Gargul and I are on pretty good terms, and even though I haven't known you and Nikolai very long, I saw, firsthand, his bravery today, and will gladly speak on his behalf.

Turning to the rest of his friends he says, "Tali, you can drop the confusion on this one if you want" and than to everyone else, "What are we going to do now?



Prudence Komonov (Kathy)  d20+15=28 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d20+15=23 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+15=23 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=26 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+15=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+15=27 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+15=33 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=34 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=28 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 3:13:17 PM
Pru is still angry.

As a fire mage, her temper is uncertain to begin with, and now she has pushed down all her grief over Nikolai's death and let rage fill her instead. These dwarves had shown Nikolai no mercy; they would receive none from her.

She does not dismiss her huge fire elementals. There are four of them, and they showed up last round, although they are not on the map. They begin to pummel the still-living dwarves.

Burney hits AC 28 for 9 damage, and AC 23 for 13 damage. If either of those hit, the dwarf needs to make a DC 18 reflex save or catch on fire.

Flamey hits AC 23 for 9 damage, and rolls a natural 1 for his second attack. If his attack hit, the dwarves needs to make a DC 18 reflex save or catch on fire.

Scorchy hits AC 26 for 8 damage, and AC 19 for 9 damage. If either of those hit, the dwarf needs to make a DC 18 reflex save or catch on fire.

Smoky hits AC 27 for 13 damage, and AC 33 for 12 damage. If either of those hit, the dwarf needs to make a DC 18 reflex save or catch on fire.

"Succotash, get out of the way," she says flatly. "You're in the fireball zone."

In the meantime, she aims a Disintigrate at the non-confused dwarf who was still standing at the end of combat, but she only hits a touch AC of 16, so she probably misses. Undeterred, she aims a trio of Quickened Scorching Rays at the same opponent. [Hit Touch AC 34 for 10 damage; hit Touch AC 16 (probably a miss); hit Touch AC 28 for 12 damage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday October 29th, 2021 9:48:20 PM

Pressi is busy listening to Succotash and Murphy, trying to figure out how to respond to either.

She's still wondering what to do next, including what threats to make, when Prudence unleashes fire upon the survivors.

"Stand down," Pressi shouted to Prudence. "Stand down! This isn't helping!"

Harper runs to get in Prudence's face, growling as a warning.

Pressi considered her spell options but wasn't ready to start casting yet. "I get it, but this isn't you." Glancing at Nick's body. "And this isn't him. It's not what he would have wanted.

"Besides, in case I haven't said this enough times, we need these people. And now that you sent Ironbane into the corn field or what have you, these prisoners remain our only shot in finding the actual threat out there."

If any dwarves survive, "I need them tied up and brought back to the camp, now. I'll question them at our convenience, after we've looked through every square inch of the camp for clues and scrolls of resurrection. We need somebody to watch this spot in case Ironbane returns, preferably someone who can knock him out immediately.

"Turning to the survivors. Just so we're clear, you will answer for your crimes, ordered or not. If the dwarves don't imprison you, my fellow justicars will. If you cooperate, I will take that into account. If not..." Pressi glanced back at Pru. "If you do not, then a painful death will be the last thing you need to worry about. Someone get them out of our sight. And maybe move Nick somewhere too."

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

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 1/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 1/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+26=29 ;
Saturday October 30th, 2021 12:04:20 AM
Barbarians

Tali, descends to the level of her friends and away from the geysers. Using her arcana skills, Tali tries to determine what Spell Pru cast on IronBane and if it has a duration... How long before IronBane returns? Shouldn't we be ready for that sniveling giant Dwarf Barbarian with shifty morales?

Saving Checks

Knowledge Arcana (+27) | -2 Shaken + 1 prayer + roll = 29

intimidate vs everyone, DC 45 will save or be Shaken for 4 rounds | Will Save (+1 Prayer, +2 racial bonus on all saving throws against fear +20) = 32
Talia is Shaken for 4 rounds

Shaken | A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1074 minutes || Hasted to 70 feet
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1074 minutes
Message | Duration 174 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 177 minutes on Succotash

Group Cast Buffs
Haste | A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature’s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed using that form of movement. This increase counts as an enhancement bonus, and it affects the creature’s jumping distance as normal for increased speed.

Prayer | gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks


Dm Scratchpad - Hugh  d20+25=26 ; d20=4
Monday November 1st, 2021 1:01:44 AM
(OOC: some dice rolls

DM Mitch  d20=19 ; d20=15 ; d20=15 ; d20=16 ; d20=8 ; d20=19 ; d20=17 ; d20=3 ; d20=13 ; d20=20 ;
Monday November 1st, 2021 7:51:02 AM
Murphy laments the slaying of Nikolai and the general carnage. He relays the words of wisdom his uncle gave him that seem fitting to the occasion to his wife. He wishes he could speak but alas he cannot so he ends the haste that his gear grants him only to retain’s Pru’s spell.
Succotash casts create water on the dwarf that is in the worst shape. (OOC: I’m counting 4 rounds of actions here; create water x 3 + mass cure light wounds) He gives the dwarves a warning and asks why Ironbane insisted on the course of action he did. He tries to comfort Prudence but she’s inconsolable.
Pru is still angry. Rather than dismiss her fire elementals she has them attack.
Burney kills helpless Barbarian 2
Flamey kills helpless Barbarian 3
Scorchy and Smokey hit with all 4 of their combined attacks for 26 damage total as the last Barbarian standing shrugs off some of their damage. They drop him and he was already on fire. Pru tells Succotash to get out of her way before finishing the last Dwarf off with a disintegrate, turning him into a fine pile of ash. There is nothing to target with the scorching rays.
Pressi and Harper try to get Pru to stand down but alas they were too late, the Dwarves were too injured to sustain Pru’s assault.
Tali attempts to understand the effects / duration of the spell Pru had previously cast on Ironbane. She realizes that it is Maze. She also realises it lasts for 10 minutes or until the person trapped in it figures the way out; whichever comes first.

Ironbane has not figured his way out of the maze yet. It lasts 10 minutes, but he’ll inevitably roll well enough to get out so you could have a sudden surprise at any moment.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Monday November 1st, 2021 10:31:05 AM
Succotash looks at Pru with a look of horror in his eyes. Not that he is personally afraid of her, but because of the heinous act she just perpetrated, well heinous in his eyes anyway. He begins yelling at her saying, "What happened to preferring diplomacy and mercy!? I know you love Nikolai and all, but I already promised you we would get him back, why would you do such a horrible thing!? I'm not sure I can work with someone who's a loose catapult, YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN NOW!!! We are supposed to be the heroes, but what you just did is anything but heroic! I just hope your rash actions doesn't affect our conversation with Lord Gargul." Calming down a bit, Succotash asks, "So where did you send Ironbane, and will he be returning? We need him alive, and we need to find him. If he returns, Can you promise to restrain yourself, if not I'm going to have to ask you to step away, for the time being."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Monday November 1st, 2021 1:08:58 PM
"To be fair, Succo, you work with my all the time," says Kezzem.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Monday November 1st, 2021 1:35:06 PM
Pru's fire elementals are still stomping around the battlefield, looking for things to burn and destroy. Pru knows how they feel.

"The time for diplomacy ended when they attacked," she says in that same flat, hollow voice. "And if they wanted mercy, they should have shown some."

She dismisses the elementals and takes a deep breath, forcing calm on herself. "Ten minutes, she says in response to multiple questions. "Ironbane will be back in ten minutes, at the most. Sooner, if he solves the maze; he could come back at anytime. And the maze will not hurt him, although he'll still be blind. But I didn't do that; Pressi did."

Her rage is passing. Now she's starting to shake all over.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9  d20+44=48 ;
Monday November 1st, 2021 4:15:39 PM

Murphy makes a point of recalling precisely where the giant-sized Ironbane was standing immediately before he winked out. He chooses the spot where his right foot rested (Perception: 48), and casts expeditious excavation, lowering the ground in that spot by five feet - even if it's underwater.

Murphy transforms from a falcon into a huge air elemental. "Prudence, this is Murphy. I grieve for what happened to Nikolai," the druid says now that he can speak. He pauses for a moment.

"I understand your rage, Missus Komonov. We have a rule among us, though. If one surrenders, lays down his arms, and asks for mercy, we generally will not snuff them out. Yet we have still to deal with the one who commanded the attacks."

"Kezzem, did you sense Ironbane is evil? I certainly did, and I'm neither cleric nor paladin. But I should appreciate confirmation from an expert such as you, or Succotash."

"We need to be ready now. If I understand the maze spell, he should return to the exact same spot in fairly short order. Well, his right foot will not immediately find purchase, which should cause him to lose balance, and likely fall. I will remain above him, and be prepared to rain down a measure of pain upon him. For those who can do so, however, since we need to be able to speak to this loathsome thug, try to do as much nonlethal damage as possible. Hobie - you've gotten good at that.

"The damage I will do will be lethal - but not enough on its own to kill him, I think. We need to rain down on him from all sides, and drive him to his knees, or face into the mud. Then bind him, revive him enough to speak, and try to penetrate his severely clouded mind with some small measure of reason.

"If we are able to get some information from him, then next step is up to the group to decide. Execution? Perhaps. He deserves it. Alternatives? One is that he must renounce his wicked ways, and return to the family of each of the dwarfs and throw himself upon the mercy or justice of those loved ones have been destroyed. Then, for all I care, be hung to die. Another alternative: He helps us hunt down the one who attacked our place, and who has been going around murdering people. It might take a murderer to take down another murderer."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 
Monday November 1st, 2021 4:17:21 PM

Last paragraph should have read:

"If we are able to get some information from him, then next step is up to the group to decide. Execution? Perhaps. He deserves it. Alternatives? One is that he must renounce his wicked ways, and return to the family of each of the dwarfs and throw himself upon the mercy or justice of those whose loved ones have been destroyed. Then, for all I care, be hung to die. Another alternative: He helps us hunt down the one who attacked our place, and who has been going around murdering people. It might take a murderer to take down another murderer."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Monday November 1st, 2021 7:51:56 PM
[i]' It's not what he would have wanted.'[i]

OOC: actually it is. Pru knows that Nikolai does not like to kill just to kill, that is why he tried to grabble first. They showed no mercy and to Nikolai that means they deserve no mercy. No point in having them alive to be used for evil again. And again. And again. And again....

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+25=37 ; d20+23=32 ;
Monday November 1st, 2021 9:29:08 PM

Pressi nodded at Murphy's plan. "Sounds like a good idea. We need to disarm him as fast as possible.

"As for what to do with him, I'm pretty sure that the dwarven jail has first dibs and we have to bring him back. Unless the Agents of the Fist want him brought to him. As I said, I can speak to the coven and have him brought wherever."

Pressi doesn't have much more to say on the issue of saving dwarven lives, having given her talk already and not quite ready to see who's the stronger caster (yet). Dismounting from the broom and recalling Harper, she chooses for now to get back to work.

To Prudence and Kezzem, "Strip the bodies and catalog everything on them, but I especially want to find scrolls of resurrection if they happen to have them. More importantly, I want anything that looks like a clue, even if it's a discarded gum wrapper. We don't have a chance to grill these guys and any chance of us using speak with dead here probably went up in flames. So finding a journal or amulet or something remains our only hope. Someone should, as I said before, probably move Nikolai until we can bring him back or bury him.

"I'm going to raid the campsite, basically look for the same things. When Ironbane is sufficiently prepped, let me know and I'll see if there's any way I can get him talking. Hopefully, with his rage down, I'll have some easier tools at my disposal."

Pressi thought for a bit longer. "Succotash, Tali, take the pets and scout the perimeter. Ironbane isn't just a witness, he's a target. And I don't want someone trying to silence him at the last second. Murphy, Hobie, I'm leaving Ironbane to you."

Pressi, after checking for traps and signs of anyone else, makes her way into each tent. She starts scouring every square inch for clues and scrolls. (Perception 37 (38 for traps), survival 32, detect magic).

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 2:21:38 AM

[Note: As we may be dealing with up to 9 minutes in-game wait time, the following is to let our DM be aware of some of Murphy's preparations in the interim...]

Murphy nods to Pressi, and knows she has Hobie's ear, so he trusts the arcane archer to get in a good position to take down the blinded giant dwarf once he returns. "Succotash, if you could be in the area when the big dwarf reappears to cast a prayer spell, that would be sweet."

With his potent 9th-level foresight spell in effect, Murphy should get a warning the round before Ironbane gets back. He casts call lightning storm now to have that handy to apply at the appropriate time when needed (lasts 18 minutes, may call up to 15 5d10 bolts, up to one per round as a standard action)

Once he senses Ironbane's imminent return from the maze (foresight isn't foresight if it does not work until the thing it is supposed to foresee has already happened), Murphy invokes haste with a free action and says to Hobie, "He's coming!" and casts a full-round summon nature's ally IX for a storm giant. Which, in due course, he will ask to engage in nonlethal attacks against the over-sized dwarf. [By the way, it should not take 2 rounds for the summoned creature to appear, as some seem to interpret 'full round action.' Rather, should appear six seconds after the start of the invocation, ready for action.]

Active spells
Mage Armor (38 hours) - +4 armor bonus to AC.
Longstrider (18 hours) - +10 foot to base speed (on the ground).
Foresight (3 hours) - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Magic Fang, Greater (18 hours) - +4 enhancement on attack and damage rolls.
Heroes' Feast (12 hours) - +9 temp hp, +1 morale Attack, +1 Will saves, +4 morale vs poison and fear
Resist Energy (fire) (3 hours) - Resist energy 30 against fire (heat)
Freedom of Movement (3 hours)
Stoneskin (3 hours) - The subject gains DR 10/adamantine.
haste (18 rounds) -(expired if > 18 rounds have passed - in which case will restart based upon Foresight warning)
prayer (expired - perhaps Succotash may cast)
call lightning storm (18 minutes, up to 15 bolts, each 5d6, Reflex DC 32 for 1/2)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 3:31:23 AM
[B]"I would love to search the parameter with Valerie Press, but with the addition of Mercy to her Amulet of Mighty Fists, I feel Valerie would be a better asset should Ironbane choose to continue fighting. Murph let me know if you sense Ironbane's eminent return, and I will gladly cast prayer on the party.

DM Mitch 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 7:21:08 AM
Succotash looks at Pru with a look of horror in his eyes. He isn’t afraid of her but disturbed by her actions. He asks about preferring diplomacy and mercy. He voices doubt about his ability to work with her and suggests her actions weren’t heroic and that they won’t impact their discussion with Gargul. He asks where Pru sent Ironbane and if he comes back if she can restrain herself or leave temporarily as they need him alive.
Kezzem says to be fair Succotash works with him all the time.
Pru looks on at her fire elementals storming along the field lacking a target. She knows how they feel. She replies that the time for diplomacy ended when they were attacked and if the group wanted mercy they should have shown some. She finally dismisses her elementals and forces herself to calm down. She answers the questions about the limitation of the maze reminding the others that Pressi blinded Ironbane. She then starts to shake.
Murphy marks where Ironbane had been standing when the maze took effect and starts using expeditious excavation to lower the ground in that spot by five feet. He transforms himself from a falcon to an air elemental and tells Pru that he too grieves for Nikolai but that their party has a rule that if an enemy surrenders and lays down their arms then they aren’t snuffed out. He asks Kezzem to confirm that Ironbane was evil before he tries to organize the others in preparation for Ironbane to return to attack him in concert, preferably with nonlethal damage whenever he comes back. He then says that after they have what they want from Ironbane they’ll still have to decide what to do with him whether it be execution, have him repent and throw himself on the mercy of the families of his followers and victims, or enlist his aid to track down the murderer / home assailant.
Nickolai’s Spirit materializes and indicates his agreement for what his wife did. The justice of the Fist had been known to be swift and still is to this day with the other Knight Commanders who had started in his fist still in control of things. The organization is currently being run by Tinker, Anna, Sigvar, Travyin, and Michael.
Of course no one knows this if they can't see or hear spirits.

Pressi nods to her husband’s plan since they need to disarm him as fast as possible. She indicates that the Dwarven jails probably have first dibs on Ironbane when they are done with him unless The Mailed Fist wants him. She can have her coven send him wherever. Pressi doesn’t have anything else to discuss with Pru concerning the topic of dead dwarves and actions concerning making them such. She suggests that the sorceress and Kezzem strip the bodies and look for resurrection scrolls or other clues. She also suggests someone should move Nikolai. She is going to check the campsite for clues herself. She also suggests that Tali and Succotash use their animal partners to scout around for potential attack vectors as she doesn’t want someone preventing Ironbane from telling what he knows.

As the heated debate continues Pressi searches the camp. There isn’t much Some crates of food and basic supplies are strewn about a large rock that sticks out of the water enough to stay mostly dry. A few blankets for cold nights. Not even a tent or anything.

About a minute has passed. Ironbane is still not back.


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 8:13:18 AM
Where oh where did our IronBane Go?

Tali, knowing that it is only a matter of time, decides to cast a spell now it hopes of it slowing down a raging fluid morality driven Barbarian! Tali readies the spell Wall of Force surrounding IronBane on 4 sides triggered upon his return. The square wall enclosing him, starting at AD41 going through to AG41 and from AD41 to AD39 and on the other side AD41 through to AG39 between her friends, closing the box, from AD39 to AG39. As the base wall is 40 sq ft. and 10 ft. high, the wall of force extend to 45 ft. high.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1072 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1072 minutes
Message | Duration 172 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 175 minutes on Succotash
Wall of Force:
Range close: 70 ft.
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level: 180 sq ft.
Duration 1 round/level (D) || 18 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
wall of force has hardness 30 and a number of hit points equal to 20 per caster level: 360 hp

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells  d20+35=53 ;
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 10:39:26 AM
Succotash watches Tali create her wall of force, and says, "Nice thinking, with Murphy's hole, your force field, and the blindness Pressi gave him already, subduing him should be a lot less difficult." Succotash than uses his "Speak with Animals" ability to tell Valerie the plan which is to subdue Ironbane. He explains to his dino friend that if the dwarf is somehow able to break free of Tali's wall of force, she is to attack with everything she has.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 11:45:26 AM
Pru is still shaking, so she sits down on the ground. The anger has passed, and now the tears are starting. She brushes them away. There's still work to be done.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 7:16:13 PM

Murphy would like to comfort Prudence, but that will have to wait - and it might be more appropriate for Tali or Pressi to take that role, in any wise.

Murphy takes a moment to carefully take up the remains of poor Nikolai, and removes his body to a place further from the spot where the Ironbane gang took him down - if he can find a relatively dry spot perhaps 40 yards or more away, he will set him down there. Better still, perhaps, if it is not too far from his wife. Once that is done, he returns quickly to a spot directly above where Ironbane had been (he moves as an air elemental 125'/round, so should be able to accomplish this fairly quickly).

"Tali, yours is an excellent idea. Could I ask you, though to hold off on laying the force field until after Hobie and I have been able to do him some hurt. A bully is less likely to reconsider his actions unless he first has received a heavy dose of pain. Give us a few moments to do so, then, if still needed, encase him within your walls. Does that sound all right?"

"Hobie, are you ready?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 8:18:53 PM
OOC: Pru remembers MANY foes they spared, such as the Rakshasah's giants, the gnolls that sacrificed humans for the mere ability to teleport through blood drinking trees, Fist members that had defected and caused a Civil War within the Mailed Fist, minions of the Agents' Dragon Nemesis, some bandits caught marauding a town, and so forth. So sparing enemies when possible is as much a Mailed Fist honor code as destroying those who deliberately and remorselessly try to harm a Fist member or friend. IF such a creature MIGHT have repented of such actions later begs the question "Why did you mess with the Mailed Fist in the first place then?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 9:01:02 PM
Where oh where did our IronBane Go?

"Mister Murphy," begins Lady Talia... "the walls are opened from the top...we can pummel IronBane from above! This way he will be restrained by the walls, forced to calm down and if not, we can attack from the air right above him...if he will not submit...Near death from above!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 9:54:59 PM

Pressi found herself unable to contain the frustration at what might be 10 minutes of waiting before running into another dead end. So when she finally came out to discover that nobody searched the dwarven bandit bodies and Ironbane was still gone, the possibility of letting some of that frustration on teammates was quite tempting.

Instead, she watched Prudence sit down and cry, as her own husband moved Nikolai's body.

With a sigh, she finally found herself sitting down beside the new member, quite aware of being half the size. After a moment, she took out her water canteen full of a bubbly liquid, let the alcohol touch her lips, and silently handed the canteen to Prudence.

"Never gets easier, does it," she finally said. "You think after all the missions and all the close calls and all the times you needed to scrounge for a scroll of resurrection... I'm actually on a first name basis with death at this point. He gave me a hug once. But it... still never gets easier. His first name is Gary, by the way. Don't tell him I told you that.

"Look, I'm not really meant for comforting people, but I do know a bit how you feel. I've felt it too. Struggled with my own anger. Dealt with halflings that thought executing surrendered was the noble act. Dealt with my own desires of revenge. Watched Murphy deal with his. Had to fight monsters with their own family connections and feelings of revenge, their own humanity...

"I met my husband at a time when I was lost myself, out in the Culverwood. Just a lowly ex-thief and that's a few stories in itself, but lets just say I wasn't always worthy of mercy. He's partly the reason I'm not out running from Agents of the Fist myself or holed up in some cave alone. I really owe him a lot... I'm sorry I didn't really get the chance to know him better. If you ever want to talk about how you met or got married, we've got a few minutes. Otherwise, just know I am working on how to bring him back. Succotash, too, I'm sure."

DM Mitch  d20=17 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 8:18:54 AM
Tali decides to construct a force wall around the place where Ironbane is expected to get back in the hopes of giving themselves an easier time. She creates 4 tall walls but leaves the top open so her party can still pummel the barbarian.
Succotash watches Tali create the wall of force and complements her on her construction. The cleric uses speaks with animal to convey instructions to his dino friend should Ironbane escape containment.
Pru’s anger has subsided and she is shaking so she sits on the ground. She starts to cry but brushes the tears away as there is still work to be done.
Murphy would like to comfort Pru but figures either Pressi or Tali is best suited for that task so instead he moves poor Nikolai’s remains a little afield so that they can’t be further damaged by whatever will transpire when Ironbane comes back. He asks Hobie if he is ready.
Nikolai’s spirit attempts to convey to his wife through memories of times when the Fist had been merciful as well when their adversaries showed remorse and that they were deserving of it. Sometimes though the question is why would a group of enemies mess with the Fist in the first place.”
Pressi is feeling frustrated that they might have encountered another dead end. When she realized that no one had searched the bandits bodies and that Ironbane is still gone upon her return from the encampment she was tempted to let her frustration know but instead she attempts to give comfort and understanding to Prudence. She offers a listening ear and reassurances that both herself and Succotash are currently working out how to bring him back.

And then suddenly Ironbane is back. Tali casts her spell and Ironbane, unbothered by Murphy’s hole (spell specifically says creatures larger than it can ignore it) and without even missing a beat, leaps into the air. It’s a very impressive leap, a good 20 feet into the air, but he still ends up about 10 feet short of grabbing the ledge and pulling himself over. With a snarl he says a few words and shatters the wall of force with Disintegrate. With a snarl he raises a symbol and channels energy as a swift action, doing 17 damage to everyone within 30 feet (will save 26 for half)

Map

Enemy Tracker
IronBane: 63 nonlethal / 115 lethal

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+16=33 ; d20+4=7 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 11:00:54 AM
Pressi rolled her eyes at the new intrusion (will save made), though the channel rumbles Harper really well. The heroes feast pretty much ends for hit points.

"Well, we are all out of time but lets pick up with our session next week," she replied flatly. "Heeeyy, look who came back. Did you miss us?" To his growling and spellcasting. "Yes, yes, you're very manly. I see many woman and various gourds in your future. Huzzah. You know, assuming that we actually succeed in not letting an assassin kill you, you stupid stupid twat."

And as she walked up her 30 feet, she signaled to Kezzem and Murphy (move, move). Harper herself took a minute to move out of the 60 foot cone (I think she's H5).

"Anyway, now that I have your attention..."

Pressi casts Waves of Exhaustion through the field at him (no save), then follows up with a quickened Ill Omen (no save, 3 rolls at disadvantage).

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

Pressi:

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (2 HP)
Moment of Prescience
shield of faith
flying broom

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes feast (hit points gone)

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells  d20+32=47 ; d20+32=44 ; d20+32=37 ; d20+32=35 ; d20+32=42 ; d20+32=33 ; 4d6+20=38 ; 4d6+20=36 ; 4d6+20=37 ; 2d6+20=29 ; d8=5 ; 2d6+20=28 ; d4=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 11:07:19 AM
Succotash casts prayer, giving everyone a +1 on attack rolls, weapon damage, and saves. The spell also requires Ironbane to take a -1 on all the above. The cleric also uses his final daily use of his quicken rod to swiftly cast Divine Power on Valerie again, as the spell has worn off.

As instructed, Valerie, seeing Ironbane break free, sprints from her masters side and pounces on the over-sized dwarf.

Left Talon: Hits AC 47 for 38 non-lethal damage + 4 shock and 6 frost
Right Talon: Hits AC 44 for 36 non-lethal damage + 3 shock and 1 frost
Divine Talon: Hits AC 37 for 37 non-lethal damage + 1 shock and 1 frost
Bite: Hits AC 35 for 34 non-lethal damage + 3 shock and 2 frost
Left Claw: AC 42 for 30 non-lethal damage + 3 shock and 6 frost
Right Claw: Natural 1 Miss

***The Divine Talon is the hastened attack granted by Divine Power***

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells  d20+31=48 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+31=50 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+16=30 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=35 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=5 ; 4d6+50=65 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=37 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 12:46:13 PM
Hobie let's loose a barrage of nonlethal arrows

Manyshot= 48
Piercing 32, electric 3 = 35
piercing 32, electric 4= 36

Rapidshot= 37
piercing 35, electric 2=37

Haste = 50 (Critical Threat- confirmation 41)
piercing 30, electric 5 (extra damage if crit is confirmed 65) =100

Iterative 1= 39
piercing 31, electric 4= 35

Iterative 2= 29
piercing 37, electric 5= 42

Iterative 3=30
piercing 30, electric 1= 31

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 12:48:45 PM
(If any one of his arrows knocks IronBane unconscious, Hobie will stop shooting. I'm kinda worried that the crit arrow might have rendered the nonlethal arrows moot)

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)  d20+15=17 ; d4=1 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 1:06:09 PM
When Ironbane bursts out of his containment, Pru scrambles to her feet and casts Enervation. Her black ray hits Touch AC 17. If that hits, Ironbane gets 1 negative level.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16  d20+35=42 ; d3+26=29 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 7:25:41 PM
Kezzem gets out his magic carpet and take to the air to get an angle over the wall.

He activates smite evil and throw a single dagger towards Ironbane.

Attack Buffs: 3 (Divine Favor) + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon)) + 1 (Haste) = +9

Damage Buffs: 16 (Smite Evil) + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon = 21.

Cold Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 28 + 9 - 4 (Nonlethal) = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 29 nonlethal + 4 cold = 33.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 7:27:36 PM
"He's evil Murph," says a delayed Kezzem. "At least I think he is assuming I read that post from the gods correctly."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 7:27:37 PM
"He's evil Murph," says a delayed Kezzem. "At least I think he is assuming I read that post from the gods correctly."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d8=5 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 8:56:33 PM
There you are IronBane! We've been looking all over...

Not waiting for this to get any uglier, Tali flys to AG41 60 feet above IronBane and casts another Prismatic Spray starting on AE40, a 60 foot cone straight down attempting to cover IronBane within the spray's cone.

Prismatic Spray Attack

1d8=5 Blue beam...

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1071 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1071 minutes
Message | Duration 171 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 174 minutes on Succotash

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9  d20+13=30 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+18=35 ; 4d6+22=34 ; 4d6+22=37 ; 4d6+22=33 ; 5d6=19 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 9:21:36 PM

Am going to assume, as Murphy had returned to wait above Ironbane's landing spot, that his Foresight let him know the round before the dwarf's return, and as already laid out he therefore shouted out a warning, free-action activated haste,and cast his summoning of the storm giant. Thus, a 22-foot tall fellow with lustrous blue-black hair, violet skin, amethyst eyes, and wearing a shimmering breastplate has arrived, and bears a great sword. Murphy says in the Auran tongue, "Tama umpeenkasvanut kaapio on murhaava tappaja. Tarvitsemme hanet elossa, mutta pahasti mustelmana. Ala tapa, vaan lyo." If you understand Auran Highlight to display spoiler: {This overgrown dwarf is a murderous killer. We need him alive, but badly bruised. Don't kill, but do pummel. (I use Finnish for Auran)}

Storm Giant vs Ironbane.
He uses the flat of the blade to do nonlethal damage
Hit AC 34, 34 hp
Hit AC 29, 37 hp
Hit AC 35, 33 hp

Murphy moves 30' upwards from his 60' height when Pressi recommends he move, and uses a standard action to loose a vertical bolt of lightning down next to the raging monster (for though most dwarfs he would not deem monsters, this one certainly has chosen to be monstrous) for 19 hp electrical damage - but he places it near him, not on him - preferably a few feet in front of his nose, or at worst, within his peripheral vision (based upon the placement of others). "That was a light warning, Ironbane. I and my friends can spend a good part of the day frying you with electricity, as well as sharing other pleasantries. Sit your boisterous self down, and let's talk. It may surprise you to find we came here to save your ill-spent life."

By the time everyone else is done with him, however, Murphy may be discussing this with a nasty dwarf who is unconscious or worse.

"All right, Thanks, Kezzem."

Storm Giant's Will Save: 30. Thus 8 hp damage from Ironbane's (undefined) energy damage. Murphy at 60 feet was outside the 30' range of the energy burst.
I *think* the storm giant is just barely past the range of Pressi's waves of exhaustion. DM Mitch, let me know for sure!

DM Mitch 
Thursday November 4th, 2021 7:58:21 AM
Murphy’s foresight enables him to summon a giant that attacks Ironbane with the flat of his blade hitting once. He then gives Ironbane an ultimatum and a warning shot but Ironbane dodges some of the lightning bolt.
Pressi resists some of the channel while Harper took the brunt of it. She then quips and hits Ironbane with both waves of exhaustion and ill omen.
Pru hits Ironbane with Enervation and he gains 1 negative level
Tali hits succotash with the blue beam from prismatic spray but he resists turning to stone.
Succotash casts prayer and divine power on Valerie. Valerie attacks IronBane and knocks him out.
Hobie does not fire any arrows as Valerie knocked out Ironbane
Kezzem takes to the sky and hits Ironbane with a nonlethal smite affirming the barbarian is evil.

Ironbane lies knocked out and unconscious. Looks like the nightmare is finally over...for now. What do you do?


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Thursday November 4th, 2021 9:25:09 AM
Hobie takes a set of shackles from his pack, and shackles the hands of the unconscious IronBane

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Thursday November 4th, 2021 10:03:42 AM
"Huzzah! I knocked him out!" declares Kezzem. "Well, Valerie helped."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Thursday November 4th, 2021 10:35:48 AM
"That could have gone a whole lot better, but at least it's over, for now." Succotash says with a sigh of relief. "I can wake him up, by healing some of his non-lethal damage, but before I do, how do we want to proceed, and besides Hobie's manacles, are there any other restraints, magical or mundane, that we would like to put into place? The sooner we deal with this waste of a life, the sooner we can get our fallen friend back, and the sooner we can reach an end to this quest.

As he waits for an answer, Succotash scratches Valerie behind the ear vents, and than taking her head in his hands, he says, in the same voice you would use to speak to a dog, [b]"Who's the good dinosaur? Who's the good dinosaur? That's right Valerie's the good dinosaur!" He than reaches into his handy haversack and pulls out a treat, giving it to his friend.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Thursday November 4th, 2021 11:48:34 AM
"He can cast spells," Pru says. "And we can't gag him, because we need to question him. I suggest that several of us ready to dispel. Maybe Tali, and me, and...maybe a divine caster as well? Just in case?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Thursday November 4th, 2021 2:38:15 PM
"I can have dispel magic readied, but than I won't be able to cast the healing spell to wake him up."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Thursday November 4th, 2021 3:40:39 PM
"Caster's types need to use their hands, right?" asks Kezzem. "If we remove them, problem solved!"

"I mean, remove his hands by binding them up and stuff."

"Also, maybe see if he has a religious symbol or pouch of components or whatever else casters use. Do we even know what type of caster he is?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Thursday November 4th, 2021 7:49:42 PM
OOC: Pru's subconscious is pricked at the notion that she really does NOT know anything of this dwarf's capabilities and neither do the others and this dwarf has done some amazing things in just a few minutes. SO... just binding him and gagging him may not work still. Witness to his temperament also indicates he's not going to say anything to anyone unless bound by Gargul himself, on Gargul's plane.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9  d20+25=45 ; d10=4 ;
Thursday November 4th, 2021 8:53:02 PM

Murphy flies down, comes out of wild shape to his own halfling self, and thanks the Storm Giant. In the giant tongue he says, "You have my gratitude. My name is Murphy. Please forgive me for pulling you away from whatever you were doing. We are an adventuring group called Humble's Sword. Perhaps someday we can return the favor. Unless you want to remain longer, or have any question, you are free to return." If he indicates a desire to return, the druid dismisses him. If he wants to talk, he listens.

Once done with the awesome giant, Murphy joins the others around the deeply slumbering bad dwarf. "Hobie, let's pull his hands behind his back, then reshackle him. That leaves him fewer options." He assist in the adjustment.

The druid takes out silk rope and and wraps it in and out and around his fingers, to prevent any manipulation of his digits for purposes of spell casting. He then takes additional silk rope, and hobbles him, wrapping the strong line around his knees, then around his ankles, so as to preclude him from standing easily. Then he gets some of his friends to help pull the feet up towards his back. And ties rope about his neck, which he then fastens to his ankles, pulling them semi taut. Not enough to choke him as he lies unconscious, but enough so that, should he try to straighten his legs, it will cut off air to his lungs until he returns his feet again closer to his back. He also links the hands and the ankles through bundled lengths of rope. He leaves a few rope leads that can be pulled upon, to tighten the arrangement at one point or another. Hog tied.

"That should hold well, unless the rope does not shrink down with him when he goes back to his original size," Murphy comments.

"I can cast dispel magic, greater," says the druid, "and the normal sort, too." He adds, "I have a few wands of cure light wounds. Speaking of, was anyone wounded? I'd like to help you all before I bring him around."

===========
Survival - rope use: 45 (nat 20). Murphy's knots are appropriate, and each line and knot does its job.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+18=23 ; d20+18=22 ;
Thursday November 4th, 2021 9:45:39 PM

Pressi stood to the side, trying to decide how much in charge they should get.

Harper watches Succotash and Valerie while she suns herself, occasionally sniffing.

"Oh, for the love of... First, we need to get rid of EVERYTHING. Focus symbol, material pouch, armor, even his underwear on the off chance he has Expiditious Retreat on his boxers." (Sleight of hand 23 + cantrips like mage hand and prestidigitation as she attempts to remove every object from him after he's been bound.) "Usually, the ropes go on after this step... and a couple of candles wouldn't hurt either." (While doing this, she's still looking for scrolls of resurrection.)

While doing so, she casts her Lore Keeper ability to determine how he spellcasts and if he's weaker against will saves at this point (touch attack vs AC 22). She also takes the opportunity to cast stabilize to make sure he doesn't die on them.

"Regardless of danger, what I'd like to do is have Murphy carry him up 200, 300 feet in the air while I question him from my broom after reviving him. Let him try something, just so we can see how fast he can flap those arms. But I know that's not how we do things. Stand around in a circle and all ask at once is how we do things. So...

"As soon as we wake him up, I'm going to start hitting him with spells. Charm person, suggestion, pain strike. Sooner or later, I'll get him to talk, assuming he isn't already in a more talkative mood, especially since he's probably too tired to rage again. If he tries anything, shut him down again and I'll bring him back."

As soon as Succotash revives him, Pressi starts with her Charm Person SLA (minor spell experience), Will DC 17.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday November 4th, 2021 11:29:25 PM
Oh IronBane!

Not waiting for this evil dwarf barbarian to awake, Tali casts the spell, Polymorph any object on IronBane, intending to turn him into a stunted half-Orc.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1070minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1070 minutes
Message | Duration 170 minutes on self
Message | Duration 172 minutes on Succotash

Polymorph any object EFFECT:

Range close (70 ft.)
Target one creature,
Duration see text
Saving Throw Fortitude negates (object); see text; Spell Resistance yes (object)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Friday November 5th, 2021 12:13:01 AM
"I hope those are scented candles, Press," says Kezzem. "This guy is quite ripe."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9 
Friday November 5th, 2021 1:10:44 AM
Murphy hears Pressi's recommendations. "Right." He is about to undo the ropes, and perform (with others's help) the full body strip search and disrobing of the fellow, but then Tali does the polymorph. If it works, he will deal with the aftermath - again, strip, search, mess up any tattoos, etc.. He is inclined to leave him the modesty of a loincloth but, hey, he'll look underneath for hidden weapons or scrolls

He will get Kezzem, Hobie, and Succotash to assist. If it looks like he is about to come around, Murphy will pummel him deeper into unconsciousness (he has +4 attack/damage from his greater magic fang).

So: Strip (either the giant dwarf version, or the stunted half-orc version), carefully rebind with the silk rope.

"Should I cut off his fingers and toes? I can always use regeneration to get those back for him," Murphy inquires of the others. "You gotta figure he has killed at least that many people in his time. We can use the cut-off portions as bargaining chips. I know, rather a brutal technique, but this guy is used to dealing out brutal."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Friday November 5th, 2021 6:55:57 PM
Pru sighs a little. "Do you guys want to know how many spells I can cast with my hands bound and no components? I mean, do all this stuff if it makes you feel better, but a bunch of us should still be ready to dispel."

DM Mitch 
Friday November 5th, 2021 7:15:34 PM
Hobie takes a set of double shackles from his pack and shackles the hands of iron bane.
Kezzem declares he knocked out Ironbane...well Valerie helped
Succotash remarks that things could have gone a whole lot better but it is over for now. He volunteers to wake Ironbane up but asks if there are any restraints they’d like to put in place besides the manacles first. He also praises Valerie.
Pru points out that Ironbane can cast spells so it would probably be beneficial to ready multiple dispells with her, Tali and a divine caster on the roster.
Succotash remarks he can heal or dispel but not both
Kezzem suggests they bind his hands so he can’t cast spells and check him for a spell component pouch or holy symbol.
Nikolai’s spirit communicates with his wife’s subconscious in an attempt to warn her to be wary with Ironbane as the group doesn’t know the full extent of his capabilities.
Murphy thanks his giant before dismissing him and then coordinates with Hobie to put Ironbane’s shackled hands behind his back and add knots to hobble and prevent the moving of digits on the prisoner. He also volunteers he can dispel
Pressi takes charge at this point and has them strip ironbane of everything before re-tying / binding. She also calls for candles and goes through his stuff looking for scrolls of resurrection but none were found.
She uses her lorekeeper ability to determine how he spellcasts and finds that he is a ragin shaman who has access to the Destruction Domain spell list and stabilize. He is also less resistant to will saves while not raging but his racial and experience still make him stronger against will saves than an average dwarf would be.
She suggests interrogating him from the air but ultimately decides against it. Instead as soon as they wake him up she’s going to start hitting him with rapid fire spells. She readies a charm person spell for when Succotash wakes him.
Tali attempts to use Polymorph any Object on Ironbane except since it says the spell functions like Greater Polymorph it has no effect on non-willing creatures.
Kezzem hopes the candles are scented

Ironbane is now mostly naked, thoroughly searched, and bound. There is discussion about interrogation method and a few approaches are suggested but no one starts the interrogation just yet.


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Friday November 5th, 2021 7:38:08 PM
I’ve got anti magic field prepared, I could just cast that after we wake him up

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Friday November 5th, 2021 7:38:30 PM
I’ve got anti magic field prepared, I could just cast that after we wake him up

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9 
Friday November 5th, 2021 9:35:24 PM

"Sure. How many spells can you cast with your hands bound and no components?" Murphy asks Prudence.

As he awaits her answer, he says, "I think I'll just cut off his thumbs, index and middle fingers. That way he can still pick his nose, and hold utensils when he eats. As I said, I can grow them back if he decides to play nice. Meanwhile, it's going to be hard for him to wield a weapon against us, or anyone. He and his minions already did something of a similar nature yet far worse to poor Nikolai."

He pauses before taking any action as he has described, as he figures it would be good to see what the rest of his friends have to say on the matter. He does pull out his +1 cold iron dagger to assist in the operation.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Friday November 5th, 2021 9:42:28 PM
"Forty. Not counting cantrips," Pru says. "Well, I could cast forty times, choosing from all my spells except Time Stop. Which is a shame really, because Time Stop could be handy when you're tied up like that. But I could Dimension Door away, I could turn one of my captors into a chicken, or I could turn myself into an Air Elemental and fly away. The point is, don't assume Ironbane can't cast just because you tie him up and cut off digits."

[OOC: Pru has the Still Spell feat. It's extremely unlikely that Ironbane also has it since he's not a primary spell caster but ya never know.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday November 5th, 2021 9:56:05 PM
"No, because I want to use magic on him," Pressi responded to Hobie. "Also, I can't believe I have to spell this out as the resident faux-edgelord, but let's not dismember the prisoner. But you're thinking evil. I like that."

To Pru, "Do you want to know how many ways I can kill someone who tries to interrogate me? Limbless, gagged, underwater, in an antimagic field, in a vat of spinach with truffle dressing? I know fully well that if an interrogation target is conscious, he's a threat. But sooner or later, you've just got to roll the dice, especially since you want him just comfortable enough to talk even if you're threatening him. On some level, this guy has to figure out he can trust us enough to admit, brag, what have you. And if we can't take this risk, well risking him gagged isn't a good option either. We'll just keep him unconscious, drag him back to the cops and find another lead."

Pressi sighed, feeling the weight on her shoulders. "Look, I get it. The guy's got a few flashy moves and a bit more savviness than I bargained for, but at the end of the day he's just a guy with a few spells who needs an army for the heavy lifting and who'd be a nothing if I chose waves of exhaustion as my opener and if Succotash and Nick stood another 30 feet back. And the first thing he'll learn about me is I don't make the same mistake twice.

"If he starts attacking or escaping, I'm not going to dispel magic. I'm going to make him wish he was never born, while the rest of this group turns him into a stain on the ground. Then I will reincarnate him and we will start again. And if he kills me with a stray blade of grass and three metamagic feats, then good for him but I really do want to start with Charm Person and having him tied and naked is already a tough place to start. Now, may I start interrogating Hannibal Lecter over here or do I need a glass box first?"

Pressi positions herself 60 feet away from the prisoner. Harper stands nearby, ready to strike.

As soon as Succotash revives Ironbane, Pressi casts quickened Ill Omen (3 rolls disadvantage) followed by a Heightened charm person (at L7)(Will DC 26). She keeps foresight locked and loaded if he does respond.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells  d8=4 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ;
Saturday November 6th, 2021 11:59:49 AM
"OK, OK, Ok, there will be no dismemberment Murph, I more than a little shocked that you even suggested such a thing. That said what we will do is this. I'm going to revive this Son of a Motherless Goat, than Pressi is going to cast whatever spells she feels will help loosen his tongue, than Pru, Tali, and Murphy will stand by with Dispel Magic prepared, and ready to counter any spell Ironbane may throw at us." Succotash stamps his foot as he speaks, showing his displeasure with the discussion going on. "Really, I can't believe I've been forced to take the reigns on this, and put my foot down! By the gods, we are the heroes here, let's have no more talk about questionable moral issues. I will have no more of that garbage! If after waking him up he does something stupid, Valerie and Hobie will pummel him to unconsciousness again, and than we will start over, that I how it will go down, am I making myself clear?!"

Succotash than casts Cure Critical Wounds healing 42 damage on Ironbane.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Saturday November 6th, 2021 5:23:35 PM
Oh IronBane, Again?!

Tali, thinks long and hard on this issue...readies a Dispel spell just in case.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1069minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1069 minutes
Message | Duration 169 minutes on self
Message | Duration 170 minutes on Succotash



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Saturday November 6th, 2021 8:19:55 PM
As posted before, Pressi casts her spells.

Harper readies her spell to be cast if Ironbane so much as takes a swing or casts a spell: Run really fast and try eating him.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Sunday November 7th, 2021 9:06:23 PM
"I mean, in support of Murphy, there's nothing stopping us from dismembering him and then using regenerate to put him back. Except that it's somehow different from smacking him with a sword a few times and then using cure critical to put him back.

"I'm just saying that post-magic ethical guidelines are weird. The human brain isn't really meant to handle the whole "arm loss isn't arm loss" thing. Maybe Ketia's the sane one after all."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9  d20+43=50 ; d20+32=50 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 6:43:34 AM

"I'm glad you're riding your high horse, Succotash," replies Murphy. "I mean, velociraptor. We are using a variety of techniques to suppress Ironbane's ability to carry out his strong predilection toward wreaking havoc and causing pain. The inability to use hands to wield weapons or cast spells could cut down seriously on his ability to fulfill his wicked will upon us. Fewer options, slightly increased motivation to negotiate. But in view of your squeamishness at enhancing our odds and decreasing Ironbane's odds as his temper flares, I will withdraw the suggestion. You know, there have been good people who have cut off opposing generals' thumbs and great toes. If a warrior finds it harder to walk, or carry a sword, it lowers his effectiveness as a general, or a bully. And is certainly more merciful than simply executing him.

"And of course, good cleric, I carry a long history of evil deeds in my past, which surely a righteous fellow can enumerate, so what else can you expect from me? Or, er, wait. I can't remember that list.

"So upbraid me, certainly. But please cut down your level of puffiness at doing so."

And after going through that spiel, Murphy takes his serious face off, and allows a crooked grin to form.

"Had you going there, didn't I? I was not totally serious on that, friend. You'll notice I did not actually *start* cutting anything off.

"Anyway, I'm changing into a huge earth elemental just in case we need someone heavy to sit on him." He does so. Wild shape, that is. He prepares to sit on the tightly bound barbarian dwarf, or body slam him, or give him the earth elemental's elbow, should the need arise.

And... the CCW is cast by Succotash, despite Murphy's having recommended using his own wand of cure light wounds, which would have brought him up more gradually, without a huge boost in health. The now extra-large-sized Murphy shrugs his massive stony earthen shoulders, and looks down at Ironbane. He is prepared to cast dispel magic to counter the creep. Or body slam with 48,000 pounds available for that purpose. His eyes look like glowing sapphires.

If his friend's curing spell is not enough to awaken Ironbane, he will start casting CLW... but that is likely unnecessary.

Mentally, he says to Pressi, 'Thanks, babe!'
==============
Perception: 50 - see how Ironbane is doing
Sense motive: 50 - see what Ironbane may be planning or thinking

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 
Monday November 8th, 2021 6:53:47 AM
Oh, and I forgot to mention that when Pru enumerated her spell access even when inconvenienced, Murphy said, "That, Prudence, is an awesome list!"

Murphy's foresight is still active, along with nearly everything else, except haste. See Murphy post of November 2nd for list. So his early warning antenna is available.

DM Mitch  d20+13=24 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 7:59:52 AM
Hobie says he could cast anti-magic field after Ironbane wakes up.
Murphy asks Pru about her capabilities with bound hands and no components while contemplating what digits to lop off of Ironbane to use as bargaining chips.
Pru says she could cast 40 times choosing from any of her spells except timestop. She says she could dimension door away, turn her captor into a chicken or turn into an air elemental and just fly away.
Pressi is against the anti-magic field and the dismemberment ideas though she likes where Murphy’s head is at. She then tells Pru she too could turn the tide on an interrogator but sometimes you just have to roll the dice. She reassures the sorceress that while she may have misjudged the barbarian had Nikolai and Succotash been 40 feet back no one would have gotten a scratch and that if he escapes she’s not going to use dispel she is going to let the party turn him into a smear, reincarnate and try again. She then prepares her spell lineup while waiting for Hobie to revive the prisoner. Harper is also ready.
Succotash agrees with Pressi that their will be no dismemberment but his argument comes from a moral perspective not a practical one. He outlines that he will revive Ironbane, Pressi will cast her spells and they will interrogate him. If he tries to escape Hobie and Valerie will knock him out again but there will be no further talk of dismemberment. He reminds the others they are the heroes.
Tali readies her dispel just in case.
Pressi argues in support of her husband’s idea that if they regenerated the missing digits afterword it technically wouldn’t be dismemberment but then again maybe it would mess with his mind. She then wonders if maybe Ketia has it right.
Murphy continues the finger debate but agrees not to do it. He goes earth elemental

Ironbane wakes up and looks around sourly. He notes his bindings and the pile of burning dead dwarves. He grins viciously. ”So not softies after all. Ye want somethin or I’d be dead already. So what is it?”


Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 
Monday November 8th, 2021 8:17:38 AM

In a gravelly voice, Murphy replied, "Well, our good cleric here was trying to give you some useful information when you decided you should kill him. And did kill our friend who was not trying to kill you, but to keep you from trying to kill us. Your problem is, that friend has a wife. Big mistake on your part, bully boy. But I'll let my friends tell you the message. I'm just here to land on you if necessary. I was the little bird on our cleric's shoulder. I gained weight."

Murphy is ready to drop on him if given the slightest excuse. Hope he can read that motive.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Monday November 8th, 2021 9:44:03 AM
"Ironbane, I told you I was willing to pound the information out of you, if I had to, though I never said I would be doing the pounding all by my onesie. I would have preferred to avoid such unpleasantries, but well, there it is, and what's done is done. As I was trying to say before, a certain Flamescorn is going about murdering members of the cult, you belong to, and this same villain attacked us at our home. We of course wish to bring this miscreant to justice, and I can only assume you would prefer to remain alive. So you see, we have a similar goal, even if you didn't realize it.

Now we have learned that you may have information as to the identity and maybe even the where-a-bouts of this Flamescorn fellow. If this is true, telling us what you know is in your benefit as much as it is ours, and so I ask you to tell us what you know, so as to avoid anymore violence. I don't wish to sic my dinosaur friend on you, but I will if I must."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)  d20+23=40 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 1:18:34 PM
Pru is ready to counterspell. If Ironbane attempts to cast a spell, Pru's Spellcraft to identify the spell is 40.

If possible, she will counter with the same spell. For example, if he tries to cast another Disintigrate, Pru will counter it with a DIsintigrate of her own. If he tries to cast a spell not on Pru's spell list, then she will use Dispel Magic as a last resort.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16  d20+37=55 ; d3+26=27 ; d6=5 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 2:03:41 PM
Kezzem readies his own version of counterspell, i.e., smacking his head with the hilt of his dagger.

OOC: Ready nonlethal dagger attack if Ironbane starts casting.

Attack Buffs: 3 (Divine Favor) + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon)) + 1 (Haste) = +9

Damage Buffs: 16 (Smite Evil) + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon = 21.

Cold Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 28 + 9 - 4 (Nonlethal) = 51.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 27 nonlethal + 5 cold = 32.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+24=41 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 8:34:43 PM

"Gentlemen, please," Pressi intoned to the group. "I'm sure that we've made our point, and that our guest won't be foolish enough to try violence again, having seen what we did to his crew and what we can do to him should he make us angry. And Ironbane, you should know that we are serious about trying to protect you from what you are... strategically positioning yourself from.

"But yes, we do also need you to help us with information... and if you can resurrect, we can discuss that at a later time. For now, we do need to know about Flamescorn, and about your own relationships to Anur, Shan... Ketia... In return, I'm sure we can come to some friendlier arrangement. If not, well I don't think I can hold the rest of them back."

(Diplomacy 41 - she's clearly doing good cop and I'm going to guess it's working. There's probably some extra flattery in there but also some firmness that this ends with the information.)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+27=45 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 9:58:08 PM
Oh IronBane, Again, Really?!

Tali, thinking about the many things IronBane could do, If IronBane attempts to cast a spell, Tali's Spellcraft to identify the spell is 45.

Tali is has a Dispel spell readied for use, just in case.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1068minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes on self
Message | Duration 169 minutes on Succotash

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121  d20+27=45 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 9:58:19 PM
Oh IronBane, Again, Really?!

Tali, thinking about the many things IronBane could do, If IronBane attempts to cast a spell, Tali's Spellcraft to identify the spell is 45.

Tali is has a Dispel spell readied for use, just in case.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1068minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes on self
Message | Duration 169 minutes on Succotash

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Monday November 8th, 2021 11:43:40 PM
OOC: Nikolai has no comment

DM Mitch  d20+4=5 ; d20+4=16 ;
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 8:03:42 AM
Murphy as Earth Elemental Halfling (doesn’t have the same ring as Batman) attempts to do the whole gravelly voice thing (like some renditions of Batman) to let Ironbane know exactly where he stands and what will happen if he doesn’t cooperate.
Succotash takes a more diplomatic approach and explains about Flamescorn and that in that matter they have a common purpose. He asks for any and all information on flamescorn reminding the dwarf that Valerie is ready should her services be needed.
Pru readies to counterspell if Ironbane casts anything.
Kezzem readies to smack Ironbane upside the head with the flat of his dagger if the dwarf tries to cast anything.
Pressi takes the most diplomatic approach says she is sure they’ve made their point clear for Ironbane to not try anything and then asks him about Flamescorn Anur, Shaw, Ketia and if he has any ability to cast resurrection.
Tali readies her own dispel magic.
Nikolai’s spirit watches the proceedings impassively.

Ironbane looks increasingly annoyed as more and more people add their own two cents. With a sudden burst of energy he strains against the ropes but fails to burst them. ”Oh shut up already! It’s enough to make me murder someone. Gab gab gab, I came out here to get away from moron’s pontification.”


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 10:04:09 AM
"Ironbane, I'm not sure why you are getting so upset, we are here speaking the only language you seem to understand, and that's violence. I'll be strait with, if you want to end up like the others, that's your affair, and I hope you have made your peace with Lord Gargul, but there are others who your information may be able to save, others who may not share your perchance for evil, and love of violence, and their lives matter to me. All life matters to me, which is why I loath taking it from someone, and seek alternatives when ever possible. So you see, even your worthless waste of a life is something I see as valuable, and I would rather preserve it, if at all possible.

Justice is also something I value, justice and honor, and my sense of justice and my honor, won't allow me to walk away from this whole affair. So please share what you know if anything, and I will stop talking, I really don't want to resort to more violence, but due to the pressing nature of our mission, I will if all other options fail."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 10:19:20 AM

Murphy says, "Flamescorn. Who is he?"

CDM Jerry [OOC post] 
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 12:32:56 PM
Kim, send you an email 2 days ago sir. ;)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 4:42:10 PM

Pressi's feelings briefly flashed at Ironbane's anger, a shot of white hot rage through her attempted friendly demeanor.

And in an instance, it was gone, trapped behind an increasingly twisted smile. A Cheshire cat, who just saw a mouse leave himself wide open. Who finally gets to tap into the darkness.

“You know what I just realized you need to cooperate? Kindness, and getting to know us, and anyone with entangle add some more bindings to him, please. You know, until he decides to start answering questions.

“It’s just like I was telling my husband, right over here. Honey, why don’t you tell the chronological story of how we met? The five hour version.

“Oh, goodness where are my manners. Prudence should tell the story of her and her husband, and don’t spare the details. Kezzem, you get to decide the topic, just take your time…. What else, what else, what else, wow we could talk for days…. Tali, wanna do our book club with Ironbane? It’s Toni Morrison’s Beloved and how it changed our lives, I believe.

“Or you can tell us what we want to know now, and we’ll shut up. Whatever you desire.”

Same intimidation rolls.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 4:59:08 PM
Pru only smiles at Ironbane's impatience. "Say the word and I'll put you back in that maze," she says.

She is still ready to counterspell.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 7:46:38 PM
IronBane, the Non-Pontificator!

Tali continues to hold her Dispel spell readied for use, just in case.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1067minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1067 minutes
Message | Duration 167 minutes on self
Message | Duration 168 minutes on Succotash

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 8:18:55 PM
OOC re my 3 posts. Delete when you delete the other two.

Post 1 is my original move, where Pressi begins trying to intimidate him while probing for weaknesses. I don't know if I can take it back but I don't think it reflects her character or the more heroic attitudes of the group, so I had second thoughts. (I do like how deeply she goes into this toolbox. There aren't a lot of NPCs out there that need to be broken or finessed.)

Post 2 is my "more in character move" where Pressi threatens to talk his ear off. Like, I don't know if everyone in the group telling stories until Ironbane has a stroke will get him to talk, but I feel like it's more funny and in character to try. Post 3 is an unfortunate copy that should be removed.

Whether post 1 or post 2 is removed is partly a DM ruling (can I take post 1 back) and partly up to the group. If nobody else joins in talking his ear off, I guess I'll stick with post 1 and can the DM delete post 2.

Sorry about the confusion.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 9:17:47 PM
Succotash catches Pressi's drift, and starts in by saying, "Hey Murphy, did I ever tell you the story, about the time I helped save a village from a hill giant attack?" He than goes on to tell a story that takes at least 10 min to tell. Of course if Ironbane starts talking, he will shut up and listen.

(I vote for Pressi's second post)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 10:07:25 PM
OOC: Nikolai's usually calm wisdom floats into Pru's consciousness for a flirting second. [i]'As long as he knows he has the upper hand, and he Does have it, he won't budge. Don't just let him know WHAT you can do to his carcass. DO IT! It's the only thing that he will understand. That might wake him up.'[i]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16  d20+7=20 ;
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 12:05:53 AM
"Oh, I know just the story!" says Kezzem. "Did I ever tell you the one about Brock and Markie? No? Well, you are in for a treat. It start's like this:

"Hey Brock! Markie!. Where are you two? I've got those twenty bushels of apples you wanted for your cider. The purple-eyed, halfling lass called out as she made her way to the door of the Brock's Pub. She noticed that the beer mug sign hanging over the door was at a tilt...."

Performance (Oratory): 1d20 + 7 = 20.



DM Mitch 
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 8:06:21 AM
Succotash attempts to persuade Ironbane to talk by mentioning his own reverence for life and justice. While he wants to spare even Ironbane’s life but even the cleric’s patience can wear thin given the nature of their quest.
Earth Elemental Halfling aka Murphy asks in his gravelly voice who Flamescorn is.
Pressi decides that it takes kindness to get cooperation. She asks Murphy who can be very long winded to tell the 5 hour version of how they met, however she actually thinks Prudence should go first to talk about her and Nikolai, then Murphy, then Kezzem on a topic of Kezzem’s choice. She even suggests that Tali do a book club with Ironbane and that they could all take for days. This is quite intimidating with Harper even adding to the discussion.
Pru threatens to send Ironbane back to the maze while holding her countrspell
Tali also holds her counterspell.
Succotash gets on board with Pressi’s idea and starts telling the story of the time he saved a village from hill giants.
Nikolai’s spirit sends his wisdom to his wife’s consciousness suggesting that as long as Ironbane thinks he has the upperhand he won’t cooperate so rather than threaten to send him to the maze she should just actually do so.
Kezzem starts telling the tale of Brock, Markie and the bloodwitch that abducted Brock

Ironbane looks somewhere between bored and annoyed at everyone’s threats or monologues about justice, but Murphy gets it and Ironbane focuses on him and his short, blunt question. ”Fire giant. My kind of man. Betrayed his own kind to serve Scald when the place he’s from swears itself to Fhorge. Helped him skin some of his distant relatives once.” He nods towards his armor, which closer inspection proves to made of the literal skin of a fire giant, somehow gruesomely preserved and turned into magic armor.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 9:54:00 AM
Succotash thinks to himself. "He seems rather fond of someone who may be out to kill him." but he says, to no one in particular, "When we saw Flamescorn, he didn't appear to be a giant, so that would imply that he uses polymorph spells to change his appearance." He than asks, "Ironbane, why would Flamescorn be seeking revenge, by killing his cult mates, and why would he attack our home?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 1:42:44 PM

"I don't think Flamescorn's the one doing the killing," Pressi replied to Succotash. "A henchman, perhaps? Another follower? If you're going to take over the world, you need some alchemists.

"Similarly if you're going to make armor out of skin. I've only seen people do something like that out of dragon scales... and with the guy that built the Juggernaut."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 3:42:50 PM
Hobie is disgusted by the fire giant skin armour. When pressi compares it to dragon scales though, his mind begins to contemplate the differences between the two.

He taps his dragonskin boots with his bow, and appears disturbed

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 5:50:09 PM
Succotash is doing fine and doesn't need Pru shoving her oar in. She continues to be ready to counterspell.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 10:38:39 PM
Kezzem is lost in telling his story.

"Well excuse me for not wanting to get stung by dog-mouth-bees," says Franco. "And if we form an adventure party, can we not be like Humble Sword? Those guys are a bunch of weirdos: you've got a halfling with a talking bird that turns into cats and octopi and probably other things too, a druid that talks on and on and on, that creepy witch lady who had a fight with one of her teammates and turned them permanently into an air elemental, a crazy rogue that died and became a crazy paladin (don't get me started on him, though he does always have tasty mushrooms at least), the mayor's black sheep nephew, a cleric who has a pig that turned into a dinosaur, and a sorceress that floats everywhere because apparently she doesn't have any feet! I mean, what an eclectic bunch, plus they don't even have a werebunny!"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 10:43:42 PM
Flamescorn is a Fire Giant!

Tali continues to hold her Dispel spell readied for use. Thinking to herself, " If we continue to bore him, perhaps we'll learn all that we need to know!"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1066minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1066 minutes
Message | Duration 166 minutes on self
Message | Duration 166 minutes on Succotash

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 
Thursday November 11th, 2021 2:43:38 AM

"Someone acquainted with the followers of Skald thinks your life is under threat. By another than us," rocky-throated Murphy says.

DM Mitch  d20+7=10 ; d20+7=22 ;
Thursday November 11th, 2021 6:54:51 AM
Succotash points out that when they saw Flamescorn that he did not appear as a giant and that he must use spells to change his appearance. He asks why Flamescorn would be seeking revenge on his cult mates and why would he attack their home.
Pressi argues that Flamescorn is the lackey of someone else. She also points out she’s only seen skin armor done with dragon hide
Hobie is appalled by the idea of fire giant skin armor but then he starts contemplating the difference between that and dragon hide like that which his boots are made out of.
Pru remains silent and prepares to counterspell if need be
Kezzem is lost in his tale this time talking about the werebunny and its reverence for a prior incarnation of Humble’s Sword.
Tali continues to hold her spell hoping that if they keep boring him he’ll answer all their questions.
Murphy says that someone acquainted with the followers of Skald thinks Ironbane’s life is under threat by someone other than them.

Flamescorn continues to respond to the party members keeping their questions short and to the point but he starts to get a twitch eye as Kezzem drones on in the background. ”Anur sold him out. He lost everything, even his name. Maybe he wants revenge on the whole cult. Maybe he’s just-” he suddenly stops, flying in to a rage and straining against his ropes to try to get to Kezzem and shut him up. He again fails to burst them.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Thursday November 11th, 2021 10:41:19 AM
"Thanks for the story Kezzem, but I feel our "friend" here prefers the direct approach, and instead of enjoying a fine story, he would rather just have us get to the point. I fear your story is only upsetting him, which seems to put a clamp on his tongue."

Back to Ironbane he asks, "It seems odd to me that someone would blame the whole cult, for the dealings of one member, and that doesn't explain why he attacked our home. I guess I'll never understand the mind of some people. Anyway, do you have any idea as to where we can find Flamescorn?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Thursday November 11th, 2021 11:00:24 AM
"There's not accounting for taste," laments Kezzem. "He probably doesn't like mushrooms either."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 
Thursday November 11th, 2021 2:48:15 PM

"Anur came against our town with the ancient construct called the Iron Giant. We could have killed him, his family, and the entire crew of that 250' tall war machine," Murphy says after Ironbane's struggles die down. "We let them go with oaths they would never come against us again. Since we set Anur free, maybe that is why Flamescorn chose to attack us."

"Now, you were about to say?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Thursday November 11th, 2021 5:07:16 PM
"He might not be able to answer until he calms down a bit," Pru warns. She is still ready to counterspell.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday November 11th, 2021 8:39:13 PM
Flamescorn is a Fire Giant!

Tali continues to hold her Dispel spell readied for use. Thinking to herself, "Boy, our group sometimes really doesn't catch on. It's so easy to stay silent most of the time. Direct and to the point, that's how this dwarf likes it....we could have left and been on our way by now! Seeshz!!!"[/u]

[b]Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 17.75 Hours
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 17.75 Hours
Message | Duration 2.75 hours on self
Message | Duration 2.75 hours on Succotash

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday November 11th, 2021 8:39:45 PM
{OOC: Could someone post for me tomorrow...visiting my parents}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+25=40 ;
Thursday November 11th, 2021 9:02:12 PM

Pressi is conflicted, because she still wants to be proven right in the idea that torture spells or long winded stories would be so much more satisfying. Not necessarily more efficient, just more satisfying.

Not wanting to step on any of the current questioner's toes, and not really wanting to admit that the group took away the one thing she's supposed to be built around, Pressi began to move away from the group, lost in thought.

More out of paranoia and boredom than anything else, she began to look around the campsite again in case anyone else came to visit (Perception 40, detect magic).

DM Mitch 
Friday November 12th, 2021 8:37:00 AM
Succotash tells Kezzem that his story is upsetting Ironbane. He then asks the Dwarf where they can find Flamescorn.
Kezzem says there is no accounting for taste and theorizes that Ironbane doesn’t like mushrooms either
Murphy points out that Anur came against them with the Iron Giant and they could have killed him, his family and the crew but they let them go with oaths they’d never attack them again. He supposes that since they set Anur free Flamescorn decided to go against them. He asks Ironbane what he was about to say.
Pru points out they might not get much from him until he calms down a bit. She is still ready with the counterspell.
Tali also holds her counterspell. She thinks about how the group doesn’t catch on sometimes and how Ironbane likes things direct and to the point.
Pressi is conflicted because she wanted to be proven right about torture or long winded stories being satisfying but since she doesn’t want to step on the toes of the questioners she moves away from the group. She looks around the campsite in case anyone else is out there.

It takes Ironbane a minute to calm down. As he does something seems to strike him as funny because he starts chuckling. It’s a grim, evil sounding thing. ”I have no idea what his plans are. To find out you’ll probably have to find his old home where he planned and prepared things. In giant country. Ooh they’ll carve you up good.”


Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 
Friday November 12th, 2021 9:52:16 AM

Murphy chuckles back in a rough voice. "Well, we've already killed a thousand giants in about 15 minutes, so we might see who does the carving."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Friday November 12th, 2021 9:58:43 AM

Tali speaks up. "Giants are all over the Scab. Where's a good place for us to start looking?"

There, that was concise she thought to herself.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Friday November 12th, 2021 1:46:41 PM
"Hey, don't underestimate us do to our size!" says Kezzem. "My daggers may be small, especially compared to a fire giant's greatsword, but if I recall, they stabbed you and your friends really good just the same."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Friday November 12th, 2021 7:16:36 PM
"Not the time for boasting," Pru warns her companions.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Friday November 12th, 2021 8:11:30 PM

"It is not," Pressi agreed with Prudence. "The last time we fought a bunch of giants on their turf was a while ago and we did not fare well. I have no doubt we can do a better job this time, but it's not something to take for granted.

"I am curious as to your cavalier attitude, Mr. Bane. How do you know this Flamescorn won't come looking for you, even if you just give us hints and clues?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Sunday November 14th, 2021 7:08:12 PM
OOC: Frost Giants now Fire Giants! From the freezing temperatures on the Mountain to the hot sweaty of a volcano? Bummer.

DM Mitch 
Monday November 15th, 2021 6:59:02 AM
Murphy boasts that they have carved up a thousand giants in 15 minutes.
Tali asks where they might start looking.
Kezzem reminds Ironbane it isn’t the size of the dagger doing the stabbing…
Pru tells Kezzem and Murphy that now is not the time for boasting.
Pressi agrees with Pru that it is best not to take a sortie against Giants on their own land for granted. She further asks Ironbane why Flamescorn won’t come looking for him.
Nikolai’s Spirit reflects on the fact that their previous mission was on a frozen mountain home to some frost giants and now they are getting ready to set off for a volcano with fire giants.

”Oh not like these giants. They have a whole city hidden in a pocket reality. In it they’re empowered by their god and some strange magics. They’ll skin ya good and I only regret I won’t be there to see it. Keep telling yourself it’ll all be fine though.” He continues to chuckle and, on request, will happily tell all he knows on the location and way to access the giant city where he’s convinced you’ll all die horribly.

Pressi’s question doesn’t phase him much either. ”If I worried about everyone who wanted me dead I’d have no time for anything else.”


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Monday November 15th, 2021 10:08:14 AM
"Thank-you Ironbane, you have been most helpful. You could have saved us a lot of trouble, as well as the lives of your followers, by telling us that right away, but what's done is done."

Turning to his friends he says, "Since we now have a location, what are we going to do with Ironbane? I need a night's rest to prepare a resurrection spell, so as to facilitate our meeting with Lord Gargul, but in the meantime, we need to deal with our prisoner. Should we take him back to that nice dwarven detective? I'm sure she would like to hear our findings."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday November 15th, 2021 1:24:34 PM

"That's my feelings. Let's not forget I can call my coven and have them pick this guy up so we don't have to make the journey."

(OOC to newbies: Part of having a coven surrounding a witch-based justicar is to handwave decisions like this.)



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Monday November 15th, 2021 2:19:31 PM
Kezzem looks at his pocket. "Wait, how do the giants fit in there?" he wonders. "They must be really small giants," he concludes. "I'll just step on them then."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Monday November 15th, 2021 4:21:38 PM

"You seem to be a terrible person, Ironbane. Have you ever thought of being kind?" Tali asks their captive.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday November 15th, 2021 8:48:25 PM

Pressi smirked at Ironbane's answer to her question. "That's the first thing you said all day that makes sense." (She isn't sure how he'll respond to Tali's question but she's pretty sure it'll merit a high five... in her eyes anyway.)

"Anyway, we need to discuss logistics and we need to discuss tactics. Not really sure how entering a pocket universe works... Ironbane, can you point us to a place where we can hide in relative peace? Give us an idea regarding their outer security?

"Another benefit of having coven members move Ironbane is that we won't have to travel ourselves. We can just stick around and plan and resurrect, assuming we don't need to restock. Then have my coven member meet up with Ketia to discuss. I'm assuming there's no strange environmental aspects, but there's probably some tight security. As always, remember: range, magic, tight spaces, and assume these guys aren't just brutes. We'll probably want to use stealth to avoid fights, and learn as much as we can before we even go in."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Monday November 15th, 2021 10:41:45 PM
"I can create a safe place for us to rest," Pru says. "Just let me know when you're ready."

DM Mitch 
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 9:00:15 AM
Succotash thanks Ironbane for his answer and points out a lot of trouble and the lives of Ironbane’s followers could have been spared if he had just said so in the beginning. He then asks the others what they should do with Ironbane; he suggests they take him back to the detective.
Pressi agrees with Succotash’s idea and suggests her coven could pack him up for easy travelling.
Kezzem looks at his pocket and tries to figure out how giants would fit in such a space. He concludes that they must be small giants and he can just step on them.
Tali tells Ironbane he’s terrible and asks if he’s ever thought of being kind.
Pressi smirks at the answer to her question and suggest the party needs to discuss logistics and tactics regarding their next destination. She asks Ironbane if he knows of any place they can hide in relative peace and if he has any idea of the other security. She also points out by having her coven transport the prisoner they can stay where they are and resurrect Nikolai as long as they don’t have to restock. She starts speculating about what they might find and advocates using stealth and avoiding fights where they can.
Pru volunteers she can make a safe place to rest whenever the party is ready.

Ironbane smirks at Tali, “Oh Aye Lass I can be real kind. I take it you won’t be giving me my armor back? Well then as a kindness I suggest you keep it and take it with you to that pocket realm the giant’s call home. See if you can return the skin to the family of the giants I took it from. Though if they catch you travelling with that armor in their city their reaction might cause you to rethink your definitions of people who are terrible and lack kindness, but what do I know?”

Ironbane laughs at Pressi’s speculation and says, “No strange environmental aspects you surmise? What if I told you the city in their pocket realm is built on an active volcano? We are talking canals of molten lava actually inside the city and thick blanketing smoke outside its walls making approaches from the air hazardous with low visibility”


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 11:15:14 AM
"Ironbane, you wouldn't happen to know where we can find a key to this pocket dimension would you, I can Phase Shift us there, but I need a key attuned to the plane. I will personally take you up on your offer, of returning the giant skin armor. If we find a giant with a semi-reasonable personality, I will hand it over to them for safe keeping, and they can do with it what they will." Succotash than puts the armor in his handy haversack for safe keeping.

To his friends he says, "I will need a night's rest to prepare Plane Shift, or access to the catacombs, to buy enough scrolls. Does anyone else know the spell? If I have to transport everyone, I will need to make two round trips there, and two round trips back, to haul everyone. I'm OK doing that, but unless I have scrolls, we will have to spend the night there, unless of course, someone is able to assist me in the transportation logistics. So we need to decide where we are going to spend the night. I suggest we head back to the dwarven town and deliver Ironbane in person. That way we can make a quick trip to the catacombs to buy enough Plane Shift scrolls, and than in the morning I'll prepare Resurrection, and we will go see what kind of mood Lord Gargul is in."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 6:15:41 PM
"Everyone check your pockets and see if there are fire giants hiding in them!" suggests Kezzem.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 7:44:43 PM
ooc: Nikolai's consciousness prod's Pru's, 'Taking that armor back to the Fire Giants? Baaaaaaad idea! Very bad. Like the Fire Giants will really appreciate the gesture? Not bloody likely!'

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 8:53:15 PM

Pressi sighs at Ironbane's comments. "Of course fire giants have to make things so difficult. Let me guess, get through all that and we still have to storm the castle, get past the military regiments and... I'm guessing another group of beings that would rather fight than talk. I'd still prefer stealth to fighting, and Pru I'm beginning to think you might have to watch that spell count after all.

"So lets see, Mass Planar Adapt, some stone shaping, control weather, lots of divinations and disguises, lots of run and gun attacks and reflex attacks. Don't overdo it on cold, they probably have protections against that."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 10:00:35 PM
"I'm not sure returning that armor is the best idea," Pru says. "The giants may not take it in the spirit you intend."

"If you need to deliver Ironbane, we should do that," she continues, "but I can make us a safe place to rest anywhere. Here, if we want."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 11:20:44 PM
"I understand what your saying Pru, but I've learned that not all "evil" beings are evil, and not all "good" beings are good. If we run into some non-evil giants, I will give the armor to them, after explaining where we got it. Otherwise we will dispose of it appropriately."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 12:38:36 AM

"Perhaps a proper burial would be a better idea," Tali says. "I'm talking about the armor, which used to be part of a person."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 2:13:25 AM

"How about this? I'll plant an oak over yonder," Murphy speaks in his customary earth elemental gravelly voice, but in halfling tongue, and he points back where they came from, away from the geyser area, "And go home, then bring my cohort back here, and a handful of members of your coven. We together figure out what to do with the big guy."

Murphy telepaths to Press, 'I wonder why he hasn't just reduced himself back to dwarf size, which would allow him to get not wholly untied, but slightly less bound by the ropes. Of course, I still have the rope end I've been hanging on to, which could pull tight parts of it. Not sure the shackles would still be holding him, though.' He smiles at her and shrugs his shoulders. Aloud he adds, still looking at his wife, "Of course, you all are well prepared should he try something like that."

"So, what do you want us to do with you, Ironbane? Help set up a coffee shop somewhere?"

DM Mitch  d20=9 ; d20=14 ;
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 8:02:42 AM
Succotash asks Ironbane where he can find the key to the pocket dimension. He also says he will take the dwarf up on the offer to return the armor. He explains to his friends that he needs a night to prepare planar shift or possibly to hit up the catacombs and buy some scrolls to be able to transport everyone but he could also prepare resurrection in the morning to bring Nikolai back.
Kezzem suggests they check their pockets to make sure they don’t have fire giants in them.
Nikolai’s spirit thinks taking the fire giant armor with them to the pocket realm is a bad idea.
Pressi remarks that of course the fire giants would make it difficult. She then shifts her assumptions to thick walls, military regiments and other hostile forces stand ready as obstacles before ticking off a list of spells she’ll need plus tactics that might work such as disguises and hit and run tactics.
Pru agrees with Nikolai’s spirit that taking the armor with them is a bad idea and reminds the party she can create a safe space.
[b]Murphy[/] suggests planting a tree, bringing the coven back and then figuring out what to do with Ironbane.

Ironbane has no key or easy way into the reality. He told of a cave where you could open the gate by performing certain actions that the party will have to go to. He's never even been there, he just knows what Flamescorn told him. No spells or scrolls of plane-shift will be needed, though that spell might let them avoid any guards on the other side.

As the party debates what to do with the armor, and with ironbane himself, he tests his restraints again and grimaces when he fails to break them. He’s normal dwarf size, as even if the party didn’t dispel him the size increase came from his armor and went away when they took it away from him.


Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 10:41:20 AM
If Succotash wants to head to the Catacombs, Hobie will go with him to get some scrolls that might be handy against Fire Giants.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 10:42:57 AM
If Succotash wants to head to the Catacombs, Hobie will go with him to get some scrolls that might be handy against Fire Giants.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 11:59:22 AM
"Without the key, we'll have to use the front door, I guess. So unless Hobie needs to gain some scrolls, I like Murph's idea of getting the back-up to deal with Ironbane, and Pru's idea of taking shelter, well, wherever she wants, I guess. Maybe we want to travel closer to this cave Ironbane mentioned, and make camp there?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 12:35:30 PM
"Oh, I get it now!" says Kezzem. "The cave is like pocket of the mountain. That make more sense then the giants shrinking themselves so they fit into our pockets. It's just one of those meaty-fours. I'm smart!"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 6:52:43 PM
"I'm very sorry," Pru says to Murphy, "but I don't speak whatever language that is. It's halfling, right? It's very pretty, but I don't understand you."

To Succotash, she says, "I suppose that depends on how long it takes us to deal with Ironbane."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 8:17:14 PM

"Oh, of course. We're halflings. Uh, what languages do you speak?" he asks of Prudence. "But, so that you know, I'm talking about going home for a short time and returning with friends to help us."

Meanwhile, what with all of Ironbane's struggles, Murphy decides it is time to re-secure the bindings. "Hobie, you're good with rope, no? Check this out with me."

Then he addresses Ironbane again. "You have a strong will, dwarf. We have strong rope. I tried to make it not terribly uncomfortable. I'll revise that decision, just slightly. If you stay nice and calm, and don't try to break out, maybe I'll ease off later."

He draws the ropes so that his ankles and head are pulled closer to each other behind him [he had set up this mechanism at the initial time of tying]. And already they are looped about the throat, but now with no slack. "You hold that position steadily, and the pressure on your neck will not increase beyond the present, slightly raised discomfort. You resist, and you choke yourself." If he now struggles as before, he may pass out for lack of oxygen.
====
From Nov 4th post:
The druid takes out silk rope and wraps it in and out and around his fingers, to prevent any manipulation of his digits for purposes of spell casting. He then takes additional silk rope, and hobbles him, wrapping the strong line around his knees, then around his ankles, so as to preclude him from standing easily. Then he gets some of his friends to help pull the feet up towards his back. And ties rope about his neck, which he then fastens to his ankles, pulling them semi taut. Not enough to choke him as he lies unconscious, but enough so that, should he try to straighten his legs, it will cut off air to his lungs until he returns his feet again closer to his back. He also links the hands and the ankles through bundled lengths of rope. He leaves a few rope leads that can be pulled upon, to tighten the arrangement at one point or another. Hogtied.
...
Survival - rope use: 45 (nat 20). Murphy's knots are appropriate, and each line and knot does its job.

Comment: Each rope lead that needs pulling 'to tighten the arrangement at one point or another' is appropriately pulled at this time. I am thinking a downward adjustment in Ironbane's ability to break free of his bonds may be appropriate now following the snugging up. Even if he were able to break one section, there are five sections for him to deal with.
========
Note: There are a few more things I'd like for Murphy to discuss with the others, but have to head out the door for a while.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 9:35:19 PM

Pressi nods as Murphy hints that they might need to retighten his bindings, even as Kezzem continues to babble nonsense.

"Oh, Kezzem, have you truly not learned this? If you want attention, you don't keep asking for it over and over."

Pressi, having transformed into a medium sized black dragon, sits on Ironbane's chest until Murphy is done retying the bindings. "You simply take it," she whispers.

After Murphy finished, Pressi took some time to dust off but stayed in dragon form. "I guess camp depends on who wants to carry Nick's body... and on how we plan on updating Ketia."

Pressi does take some time to communicate to her coven, and pass along any plans. The idea seems to be that only a couple of others will take Ironbane back and take the time to restock, while Pru sets up camp for the rest.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 11:24:46 PM
OOC: if halflings are halfway decent with slings, then Sling Stones of Giant Slaying would come in real handy. Or Arrows of Giant Slaying.... just saying.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday November 18th, 2021 1:45:47 AM

"How about you stay here, Rocky?" she says to Murphy. "I can teleport over to talk with your - cohort, right? And the other associates mentioned." He says to Pressi, "Just tell me whom to ask, or write me a note, and I can then bring the ones you want back here." She knows the 'cohort' Murphy mentioned is Kendry, who is overseeing the growing number of Murphy's followers.

[Please delete post immediately above this one - it has the wrong header. Thanks!]

DM Mitch 
Thursday November 18th, 2021 7:37:31 AM
Hobie is willing to go with Succotash to the catacombs.
Succotash points out that without the key they’ll have to use the front door so he doesn’t necessarily need to head to the catacombs unless Hobie really needs the scrolls. Otherwise he’s fine with Murphy’s plan of getting some backup and Pru’s plan to rest. He asks if they want to travel closer to the cave before setting up camp.
Kezzem says he gets that the cave is a pocket of the mountain and he’s smart because it is a meaty-four.
Pru points out the language barriers that exist between her and the halflings. She then tells Succotash that moving camp depends on how long it takes to deal with Ironbane.
Murphy adjusts the ropes binding Ironbane after explaining to Pru what he just said and asking what languages she speaks.

Pressi turns into a dragon, helps Murphy with the bindings and tells Kezzem that if he wants attention he should take it. She then suggests that the camp idea depends on how they are transporting Nikolai’s body and how they plan to update Ketia of their plans.
Nikolai’s Spirit reflects on how halflings might be good with sling stones of giant slaying or arrows as the case may be
Tali tells Murphy to stay put and that she can teleport back to the stronghold and act as messenger to whomever then come back with whoever the party needs as well.

The ropes seem to still be plenty tight and Ironbane hasn’t been able to loosen them. He’s just hoping to make the DC 20 STR check to burst silk ropes and free himself that way. He tries to bite as the ropes are checked

If anyone is going to the catacombs they’ll have to go to someplace where they are accessible. Typically there aren’t entrances to the Catacombs in the wilderness but the Caverns of Glimstone do have an entrance.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells  d20+24=30 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=30 ; 2d6+15=19 ; 2d6+15=21 ; 2d6+15=25 ; d8+15=17 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday November 18th, 2021 11:41:04 AM
***Attention amazing DMs! I know your probably aware of this and taking it into account, but just as a reminder, besides Murphy's ropes, Hobie also posted that he placed his masterwork manacles on Ironbane. If Ironbane manages to break through the ropes, he will still have to deal with those, and his hands are behind his back.***

"Ironbane, if you keep straining on your bonds, I'm going to be forced to have Valerie knock you out again. If that is your desire, keep going as you are, but you can save yourself a lot of pain by complying."

If Ironbane continues to struggle, Valerie, on Succotash's command, will make a full, round attack on Ironbane.

Left talon hits AC 30 for 19 non-lethal plus 4 shock and 1 frost
Right talon hits AC 40 for 21 non-lethal plus 6 shock and 3 frost
Bite hits AC 31 for 17 non-lethal plus 3 shock and 4 frost
Left claw hits AC 34 for 18 non-lethal plus 3 shock and 5 frost
Right claw hits AC 30 for 19 non-lethal plus 3 shock and 5 frost

To his friends he asks, [b]"So what is our consensus? Valerie is plenty strong enough to carry our fallen friend, if we drape him over the saddle. I know it's not the most dignified means, but it is practical. Than again if we teleport, all we need to do is be touching him to bring him along.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Thursday November 18th, 2021 1:34:20 PM
"I only speak Common and Dwarf, I'm afraid," Pru says. She smiles. "I'm not as smart as Kezzem, you see."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Thursday November 18th, 2021 3:50:49 PM
"Well, only one of us can say for sure there aren't miniature fire giants hiding in their pockets," says Kezzem to Pressi. "Too bad there aren't any though. I could ask people to guess what in my pocketses and they would never get it right!"

"You should get one of these magic headbands," suggest Kezzem to Prodence. "It helps me think good and do other things good too."



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Thursday November 18th, 2021 8:40:15 PM

"I think teleporting is the best way to go. We've dragged this out enough and we probably can't leave before the morning anyway. You guys can go to the catacombs as well but I'm pretty overextended, and don't have much I want to restock on."

While waiting, Pressi decides she wants to begin a divination. In about 10 minutes, she'll begin to ask her question.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Thursday November 18th, 2021 11:50:07 PM
OOC: I hope it doesn't take to after Thanksgiving to decide where to go and how.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Friday November 19th, 2021 8:55:14 AM

"So, Pressi, were you going to give me a message to pass on? Can you tell me who to fetch?" Tali asks a bit impatiently. She can't read her friend's mind to know she may already have communicated with her coven. As soon as she knows who it is she needs to retrieve from the Sanctuary and environs, she teleports away on her retrieval mission.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9  d20+25=33 ;
Friday November 19th, 2021 9:05:00 AM

Murphy relaxes the one rope line on their prisoner if Valerie beats him into unconsciousness, so that he does not choke.

He mentally communicates with Pressi to get the list of names for Tali, comes out of wild shape, gets out paper and pen, and writes down the names for her. "Here you go, Tali."

"With some help we can saddle him up and tie him down." Murphy works on this, hopefully with help from Succotash and another.
===============
Survival, rope use to properly tie Ironbane to Valerie: 33

[I've gotta adjust the stats above now that he has reverted to halfling from earth elemental, but have to rush away now. Will fix later.]

DM Mitch 
Friday November 19th, 2021 9:06:34 AM
Succotash threatens Ironbane with knocking the Dwarf out with Valerie if he keeps straining against his bonds. He then asks what the consensus is about teleporting or moving in a less magical manner suggesting Valerie could carry Nikolai’s body.
Pru explains she only speaks Command and Dwarf not being as smart as Kezzem.
Kezzem says only one of them can be assured there aren’t miniature fire giants hiding in their pockets but if he did have them he figures he could win riddle contests guaranteed by asking what was in his pocket. He suggests Pru get a magic headband to become smarter.
Pressi suggests teleporting is the way to go but suggests they can’t leave till morning anyway. She prepares and casts a divination spell.
Nikolai’s spirit is getting antsy

Regardless of how it happens the party drops off Ironbane at Glimmerstone, gets to the Catacombs, and ends up at home to rest and prepare a resurrection spell. Ketia is told of events and says she’ll meet up with the party the next day.


Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Friday November 19th, 2021 10:39:22 AM
In the morning, after his customary hour of prayer, and spell prep, Succotash gathers his friends around Nikolai's body and than casts resurrection on his fallen ally.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Friday November 19th, 2021 3:23:56 PM
[OOC: I assume "home" means Humble's Ford. Pru has never been there.]

Pru is enchanted with the halfling town, but tells her companions not to bother finding her a place to stay.

"You can join me, if you like," she says, and casts Mage's Magnificent Mansion. Any of her companions who want to come inside, can.

But despite the name of the spell, Pru doesn't have much experience with mansions. Or with magnificence. Her version is more like "Mage's Really Big Farmhouse." It isn't magnificent, but it is clean and homey. Anybody who wants can spend the night there, though most people will probably prefer their own beds.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Friday November 19th, 2021 3:34:18 PM
"Well Pru we could stay in your cool magic home, or we could stay at our Sanctuary, and by we, I mean you as well. Sanctuary is what we call our home. It is a walled compound built for comfort and safety. We built it to be able to accommodate everyone from fellow halflings to traveling taurs. We would be happy to give you and Nikolai your own private room or rooms if you so need, assuming you plan on remaining on as a permanent part of our crew. Though that magic home would be awesome on the road!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Friday November 19th, 2021 4:23:33 PM
"Hey Succotash, can I borrow about 14,000 gp to get some new daggers? If you don't have that much, I can get by with just one dagger for 6000 gp. I'll let you hold one of throwing daggers as collateral. Might serve you better than that mace if you find yourself in melee. Let me know if you want to borrow flamy or icy. Probably icy would be better against fire giants, though if you think you're not going to use, you can leave that one with me so I have a better ranged option. Of course, if you only have enough to lend me for one dagger, then I'd better keep icy as the other one.

(+1 flaming returning dagger or +1 frost returning dagger)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Friday November 19th, 2021 4:39:59 PM
"Keep your daggers Kezzem, Valerie is my melee weapon. Here's the 14,000 gp, some giant bane daggers would be a lot of help in our next encounter, and I know you'll repay me once we this is over."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Sunday November 21st, 2021 12:50:20 PM

Before we leave the area of geysers, Murphy recommends we take the remains of the dwarfs to Glimstone for burial. He can put most of them in his portable hole, wrapped in canvas.

In their stone fortress at the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword' are some available rooms of a size suitable to humans. There also is another building with room for guests of various sizes, nicely appointed. If Prudence does build her version of a mansion there, Murphy points out several open spots suitable to the purpose.

Murphy brings up to date his brother and cohort, Kendry, as well as former Humble's Sword members Hazel and Alouryn, trusted caretakers of the Sanctuary. Alouryn is drawing close to the birth of their first child.

He will take a visit to the Catacombs, as well.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Sunday November 21st, 2021 9:04:48 PM

Tali wants to talk with a fellow illusionist, Sashe, even though the drow helped get her killed bfore. When they drop off Ironbane and the dwarf corpses in Glimstone, she mentions to her the giant pocket plane, and asks for her recommendations, specialist spell caster to specialist spell caster, on preparing to go to that place. If Sashe has some good suggestions, Tali may follow up on them.

Which may include a visit to the Catacombs. Dealing with heat, and various giants, and maybe some undercover approaches.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Sunday November 21st, 2021 11:54:47 PM

Sanctuary Development Plans
Murphy talks with the group once things have gotten rolling back at the Sanctuary, and gathers Hazel, Alouryn, former adventurers with Humble's Sword, with Foreman George and some of his most skillful carpenters and other craftsmen, with members of the Bliss and Pressi covens, with brother Kendry, his cohort, and some of Murphy's followers, with Kade, our expert dwarf mushroom farmer, also, if possible, with Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck and his lovely-and-formidable wife May Greenbottle, Constable Roscoe Hornblower, and anyone else members of the party want present.[blockquote]"We members of Humble's Sword wish to thank the Humble's Ford council members, Mayor Bumbleluck, and the leadership team which granted additional lands for Humble's Sword. We are humbled, and grateful for the grant." [Murphy wanted to pay for the land, perhaps with help from other party members, but we have not worked out those details yet.]

"As you know, recently someone sent a war machine against the Sanctuary. We are pleased that we were able to destroy it before it did major damage. Several played a part - especially, at the end, a barrage of arrows loosed from Hobie's mighty bow. We will leave shortly to continue tracking down the person behind that attack.

"When we return, however, we would like to begin developing the growing area of the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword, for the benefit and defense of our beloved community, and to provide living and working spaces for the increasing numbers of folks who are joining us here. I'm leaving a few plans with Foreman George, but do invite suggestions and ideas from any who wish to help us plan, or help us build.

"Meanwhile, as we go forth, we covet your prayers to heavenly powers for our success in thwarting and bringing to justice enemies of our people, and for wisdom and insight in how we go about doing so.

"Last, before we go, hear this. We hold Humble's Ford in deep affection. Many former members of our team were born and raised here - you all know Hazel here, and his brave and beautiful wife and mother of their soon-to-be-born babe, our Alouryn - and others have come from other places. Oh, forgive me, I should have done this before, but allow me to tell you that this is Prudence Komonov, long a member of the Mailed Fist, and a woman of astonishing talents." He bows his head for a moment, then adds, "We must, however, with sorrow, wait to introduce you to her husband, Nikolai Komonov, who gave his life in defending us. He acted with great courage to defend our cleric Succotash, but was brutally ganged up on by... well, by a violent dwarf and six others whom he held in his thrall." Murphy's shoulders begin to shake, and then he takes a few deep breaths.

"I am sorry. I do not think I can go on further for now. Keep us in mind. For we now go to appeal to the mighty judge, Lord Gargul, to see if he might grant Nikolai restoration of life. Please, if you are willing, offer up a prayer on his behalf.

"Again, we love and appreciate you, and hope further to work together for our mutual benefit. My brother Kendry may be able to answer questions you may have, and he and Foreman George will take your thoughts and plans. Thank you all for listening."[blockquote]Murphy steps down, and asks his friends in the party, "Are we ready now to appeal to Gargul? Or must we wait?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Monday November 22nd, 2021 2:20:20 AM

Kendry's services

Kendry Leafwin Pipewood (16th-level bard), Murphy's cohort, offers to identify and legend lore the items picked up from the dwarfs, including the fire giant armor.

DM Mitch 
Monday November 22nd, 2021 8:10:24 AM
Succotash prepares his spells and then gathers everyone around Nikolai’s body to cast the resurrection spell.
Pru casts Mage’s Really Big Farmhouse giving herself a place to stay in the halfing stronghold
Succotash points out Pru could stay in her extradimensional stronghold or in one of the human sized rooms available but remarks that magic home would be useful on the road.
Kezzem asks Succotash if he can borrow 14,000 gp to get new daggers otherwise he will get a single one for 6000 gp. He even offers to let Succotash have one of his other daggers as collateral.
Succotash gives Kezzem the requested loan and tells him to keep his extra dagger as Valerie is his melee weapon.
Murphy prepares the remains of the dwarves to return to Glimstone for burial. When back at the stronghold he catches up with Kendry, Hazel, Alouryn and visits the catacombs. He also helps to accommodate Pru whether she wants to cast her spell or stay in an actual building. Lastly he gives a state of the Humble’s Sword Stronghold address talking about recent developments and future plans.
Tali seeks out Sashe to pick the other illusionists mind about their upcoming sortie to the Giant Realm.

Sashe says to Tali, “Do any of your number have access to 5th level bloodwitch spells or could potential fool a 5th level bloodwitch scroll into working? I can’t help but think of what Ironbane said about not making assumptions about environmental hazards and perhaps the spell Planar Adaption would come in handy? As for what we illusionists can do well you will be halflings in a giant city...why not weave an illusion spell around the party to make it look like you belong there?

The local leaders are happy to meet with Murphy and try to work out details on the expansion. There is much lively debate. The meeting is interrupted by Succotash casting his spell and the party needing to meet with Gargul (a PTB will post for Gargul sometime today, we’ll deal with the leader meeting after the raise dead)


Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Monday November 22nd, 2021 8:56:14 PM
Pocket Realms

Tali after speaking with Sashe, spends sometime with Rayya, and meditates for two hours to restore herself before the fray.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday November 22nd, 2021 8:56:55 PM

Pressi realizes that she hasn't asked her question.

After some thought, she settles on the question (unless someone else interrupts with a suggestion): "Are there any relatively safe areas where we won't have to fight giants?"

At Sashe's question regarding witches, Pressi raises her hand regarding the Planar Adaption. Illusion is tougher but Pressi does have the polymorph stuff (last time they had to infiltrate, Pressi transformed herself into a goblin. This time, they have more choices.)

Pressi takes some time to hit the library to see what she can learn about Fire Giants, how they normally live, how they are grouped, whether they have any obvious weaknesses. She's aware, though, that they might run into non-giant enemies (like more Juggernaut constructs.)

Unfortunately, the team is hamstrung by not knowing what they don't know. It won't be until they see the pocket dimension that they can really formulate a plan.

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

Pressi, as typical, does not avail herself at first of the Sanctuary or Pru's mansion. Her thoughts of home, as always, remains the small room above The Dancing Pig, a bar and restaurant she now co-owns (and that serves as the home of Pressi's coven.)

It takes a moment of hanging out before she finally heads back to the Sanctuary and to the room she shares with Murphy. Sharing a room, that will never be strange. But it is good to finally settle back in with her Husband in the town she grew to love.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Monday November 22nd, 2021 10:07:31 PM
Pru is impressed with the Sanctuary, but her thoughts are now focused on her husband. She hopes that Lord Gargul will be merciful.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Monday November 22nd, 2021 11:48:05 PM
Kezzem practices with his new giant-bane daggers, but is disappointed that he can't get the bane enchantment to work against even giant-sized practice dummies.

"Hope it's just cause they're not real giants and that Wiz-Bang fellow didn't rip me-off," says Kezzem.

"hope that Lord Gargul will be merciful....." [DM Jerry] 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 12:11:57 AM
As Succotash gathers our mighty band around him and Casts Resurrection, the sky seems to split into for a second, but it is just the effect of the opening of the way into the Shadowlands. And Prudence's thought somehow get voiced aloud...Strange

"hope that Lord Gargul will be merciful.....hope that Lord Gargul will be merciful.....hope that Lord Gargul will be merciful...." It fades into the sounds of this new place.

-----

And at that moment, Nikolai’s spirit feels a mighty pull that yanks him through the opening at incredible speed where he plunges down and to the right landing in the River of Woldsblood also known as the River of Souls. Soon he has left his comrades far behind...

-----

As the eyes of the living adjust to the darker color palette of the Shadowlands, rocks rise up to form a staircase leading to the rift opening that has been created. And a hill past the rift with a trail that leads down to a grey, twilight feeling area with no sun or moons. To the trail's right is a glowing brownish red river leading ahead of you into the distance. The smell of it is overwhelming. Like fresh earth, magic, and death. Ghostly forms float and bob on its surface, their faces showing expressions that vary from rage to fear to wonder.

An indeterminate distance away you can see jagged punishing mountains to the left, with a hilly landscape to the right that almost looks like the Crescent Valley, but brighter. In between are sandwiched dozens of valleys and a grand white palace. The trail seems to lead to the bright green hilly land to the right, which you think of as east for some reason.

A voice as low as thunder rumbles.

"COME."



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 12:18:50 AM
Succotash feels compelled to comply to the voice. He's pretty sure he has heard that voice before, and that it belongs to Lord Gargul.

Without a word, he begins walking in the direction of the voice. The Cleric finds it odd how much different this place, the Shadow Lands, is compared to his last visit, but than again, last time he was here he was dead, which may or may not have been the reason. Than again it may just be the nature of the place. He takes a moment to admire the palace as he walks down the trail, and hopes and prays that Gargul can see the heroic nature of his fallen ally.

Even though he only just met Nikolai and Prudence, he feels a kindred spirit with them, the sort of bond only heroes understand, the sort of bond he wishes to see grow. He looks around and sees his friends, wondering what is going through their heads. He shakes his head, smiles, than says to is friends, "Well, here we go, let's go get Nikolai back!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 11:08:03 AM
Murphy looks over to Pressi, then to Prudence as the way opens. He recalls with gratitude his wife's care for him the time he himself died, and a few times she pulled him back from the brink of death. It is Pru's time now, and he wonders how she will respond at this time of sorrow, this time of hope. Judging by her fearsome response to those who murdered her husband, she holds a deep passion for her husband Nikolai.

He holds out his hand to Pressi. "You've stood by my side many times. Let's walk near to her, dear, shall we?"

The Shadow Lands. The river of Woldsblood. The intensity of colors, and the filling of other senses. Murphy takes it in. He nods to Hobie as the sharp-eyed archer looks about. There is Tali coming, Kezzem too. He misses Bliss. But his attention is drawn back to travel toward the voice that bid them forward, and to soak in the environment of this present moment.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 2:40:46 PM
Pru takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders. The halflings have been very kind, and very heroic, but they barely know Nikolai. It's going to be up to her to reclaim her husband's life. She only hopes she is up to the challenge.

She starts down the trail.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 10:05:11 PM
Off to see Lord Gargul ...again!

Hovering after the rest of the troupe, Tali hopes to be able to offer something positive to the effort .

"Come quickly. You're next!!" [DM Jerry] 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 11:11:23 PM
Our heroes cross over the threshold into the Shadowlands. Distance and time here is difficult to measure. The souls of those floating on the river, some crying out in fear of what is to come, others looking back, wishing they were elsewhere. Some look forward, hopeful.

After a bit of time walking, they begin to float. It may have something to do with the spell, or it might be the will of the one that you are to see. You remain to the left of the River of Woldsblood and approach what from this distance seems to be a lake or giant mote that surrounds the Lands of Rest and the Estates of Unrest. The floating is convenient as the party is able to float over the Woldsblood lake and make their way to the right towards the Lands of Rest.

It clicks with some who may have some "training" in the various knowledge skills that the castle is Maab's Castle and it is positioned to bar unwelcome entrance to any of the protected Valleys of Twilight, such as Fae Skiemir, Eberyon's Cave--where he slept for ages, and the "true" Butterfly Meadow. When you concentrate on something in the distance, you find that it can appear closer to the eye if you want--to an extent at least. You also to be able to adjust your speed with concentration to an extent.

Then in the distance, you see Gargul's seat of judgment in the distance, a black amphitheater with a line of souls waiting to be judged. As you float across the meadows of the Lands of Rest, some of the dead look up at you wondering who is moving overhead. Several point. Then you are approaching Gargul's throne on the rocks at the edge of the Lands of Rest overlooking the Lake of Woldsblood.

You begin to descend as you float past the line waiting to be judged. Softly you land just outside of the amphitheater dome. A watching imp, scampers to meet you.

"That was fast. He must...." Gimp the Imp forces his mouth shut and spins towards the throne. "Come quickly. You're next!!"

-----

You see Gargul sitting on his throne, dressed in black, with a huge staff leaning against the side of the throne. In this guise he is impossibly large looming over a man who is cringing and bowing low. You hear the booming voice.

"SO YOU THOUGHT IT A HUMOROUS THING TO DO WHEN YOU BURNED DOWN THE ORPHANAGE IN ZARAN CITY!"

The small man cringes and loses his bowels. Who knew the dead could do that?

"I ASKED YOU A QUESTION PITSPROCKET!!!!"

The imp cackles muttering, "He's gonna get it" in a sing song voice."

Gargul glances Gimps way with a frown and Gimp mouths, "Sorry master."

Pitsprocket's face takes on a variety of horrible expressions as he tries to lie. Against his will he says, "Yes sir."

I SENTENCE YOU TO THE ESTATES OF UNREST TO LEARN. IF YOU CAN, WHICH I DOUBT, YOUR SOUL MIGHT GET ANOTHER CHANCE. IF NOT, IT WILL REMAIN YOU RFINAL DESTINATION UNTIL YOU ARE GROUND TO OBLIVION!!

His body is jerked off of the ground as he is hurled backwards with Pitsprocket screaming the whole time. Within a couple of seconds, he is out of sight.

Gargul then says, "NEXT!"

Gimp says, "Humble's Sword sir."

Gargul says, "AHH....NIKOLAI KOMONOV JOIN US."

From the wings walks the spirit of Nikolai, looking fully himself with only just a hint of transparency.

"JOIN YOUR FRIENDS."

Gargul leans forward then decides to stand. He pick up his cane, and begins descending the steps from his throne as he says, "SO TELL ME THE TALE FROM EACH OF YOUR POINTS OF VIEW. TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED."

He stops on the bottom step and sits down on it, looking at each of you intently.

"GO AHEAD." He gives a small nod.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 11:53:19 PM
Pressi gives Murphy’s hand a squeeze as they wait to collect themselves.

“I usually prefer to start with a joke to lighten the mood,” she whispers to Nick and Pru. “But it’s your show.”

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 12:38:52 AM
Nikolai mutters as he begins to float down that weird river, 'Been down here before. Kinda know my way around now.' He just lets the flow take him knowing where it will end up. He tries to ignore those other souls. Those in anguish, what were their deeds? Those in fear? Does the poor farmer that just lived a humble life have the confidence of Rest that a Hero who has fought Evil all his grown life has?

He follows the trail, and what seems forever but passes in mere moments he arrives at the throne.
'Been here too, a few times. Wonder if Gimp is up for a game of Chess. Nah, he'd just cheat.'

Nikolai bows to Lord Gargul but keeps his Peace. He'll speak last, mainly because - what does HE know of the battle.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 5:23:08 AM

"Lord Gargul, thank you for giving me a second chance a few years back. I am Murphy Leafwin Pipewood," Murphy says, with gratitude, to the judge of the dead. "As to this tale... here is a short rendition, at least by my standards. A while back a war-crazed dwarf named Anur Daron, his head filled with the notion of freeing Skald, piloted an ancient 250 foot tall Iron Giant to crush Humble's Ford as a test run. We, Humble's Sword, defeated his warriors within the artifact, and sent him, his wife, and the survivors back to the Scab. We restored the Iron Giant, and were working to have it help repair one of the central Giant Towers that serve as defense of the Crescent Valley. An army of one thousand giants came down from the Scab to kill and enslave the halflings who dwell there as the restoration was in progress.

"A different devotee of Skald and her associates decided it was a good time, while Humble's Ford was being invaded, to try to take over the Iron Giant. Her name is Ketia. Her impatience forced our hand to accelerate the repair. By doing so, the Giant Tower was re-powered, and caused the giant army to be reduced to dust. It also rendered absolutely inoperable the Iron Giant. You, Lord Gargul, met and showed kindness to two of our members whom Ketia's group killed that day - Talia, now Tali, and Succotash here.

"Tail between her legs, dwarf Ketia and her crew meanwhile snuck away back to the Scab.

"I will skip over the Sages guild's requests of us, and the dwarf miners whose custom alloys were stolen. But those things led to us following the trail of someone who magically veiled himself. He crafted a huge Juggernaut to attack our stronghold. He murdered in the Scab Anur Daron and his wife Shan Shalutch, as well as a few dozen other followers of Skald. Ketia, whom I mentioned, came to us, asked forgiveness for her prior actions, and requested help to find this mysterious person.

"We ended up in Glimstone. We learned a barbarian dwarf called Ironbane might know of the Juggernaut crafter, one Flamescorn. Ketia introduced us to Nikolai and Prudence Komonov as two people who could perhaps help us. Though we are halfling adventurers, we thought it fine that this half-elf and human could join us for this mission. Both proved brave and resourceful.

"I shall finish with this, unless you require more of me: We found Ironbane and his six dwarf thralls. Succotash let him know we sought to give good information, and request some in return. Ironbane and his subjects gave answer by trying to kill Succotash. Nikolai took it upon himself to subdue Ironbane. The seven of them cut to shreds our new friend. We sought to subdue them all. His wife, Prudence, witness to her husband's murder, let those six do no more, to anyone. We were able to learn something of Flamescorn from Ironbane, at last." The halfling druid gives a polite bow, and steps back, for the next person to speak. His face flushes as he suddenly realizes he perhaps should not have uttered his penultimate sentence.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 7:22:24 AM
Pressi gives Murphy’s hand a squeeze as they wait to collect themselves.

“I usually prefer to start with a joke to lighten the mood,” she whispers to Nick and Pru. “But it’s your show.”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 8:04:44 AM
"My lord" Succotash begins, "What my friend Murphy says is true and I won't rehash what he just said, except to correct him by saying it was a nice dwarven detective who introduced us to the couple, not Ketia. I will however elaborate on how this direct event that lead us here occurred."

"Ever since you and the other gods felt it wise to send me back as a cleric, losing my paladin skills after I died at Ketia’s hand, a decision I have come to appreciate, though it took some adjustment, I have gained a select skill set that allows me to get out of tight situations relatively easily, being a travel cleric and all. I have made a point of putting those skills to use, and have purposely put myself in harms way, to attempt to gain a diplomatic solution when meeting potential threats. I did just that with this Ironbane fellow Murphy mentioned, and I attempted to tell the hot headed fool that his life may be in danger, and that he and us Swords should work together. Well,instead of listening to reason he attacked. I bliped out of harms way, but Nikolai, had stealthfully followed me. So great was his stealth, that I didn't even know he was following me, of course I never bothered to try to detect him, so there's that.. Anyway, something gave away his position, and Ironbane and his crew ganged up on the monk, and his life was cut short in meer seconds. Sadly he was beyond my skills to heal via "Breath of Life" and so after defeating Ironbane and his cronies, we find ourselves here. I promised Prudence that I would cast Resurrection, to try to give her comfort, but in truth it was an act I would have done anyway, and that I would speak to her husband's bravery. He followed me into harms way, simply because he didn't want me to be alone with a hot head with a history of murder, and my lord if that isn't brave and heroic, I don't know what is."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 2:39:44 PM
"Hey Gargul, it's me again, your favorite paladin, Kezzem. Nikolai died bravely fending off a bunch of barbaric dwarves when their leader didn't want to answer our questions about some evil cultists. Also, I was wondering if there was any membership benefit plan as we Humble Swordies seem to visit you so often. Like when you buy 5 sandwiches and get the 6 one free, only with resurrections, you know?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 3:12:07 PM
"From my point of view," Pru says. "Yes, my lord. My husband and I joined these halflings because we heard they were doing good in the Wold and wanted to contribute. We learned that this Ironbane had valuable information that would stop a great evil. We went to speak with Ironbane.

"Our informant had said that Ironbane 'would just as soon kill you as look at you,' but I felt that was an exaggeration. People often say such things, and they are rarely true. I suggested trying to speak with Ironbane rather than simply attack him, and found that many of my new companions were thinking along the same lines.

"A smaller group was sent to speak with Ironbane. It was thought that this group could handle themselves in the event things went wrong. My husband was part of that group. I stayed behind, to magically transport the rest of us to the location if we were needed.

"Unfortunately, it would seem that our informant was not exaggerating at all. Ironbane and his minions attacked immediately. Upon hearing this, I transported myself and several others to that location so that we could respond."

Pru hesitates, then continues more slowly. "I would have liked to have acted as soon as I arrived. However, that kind of magical transportation is difficult for mortals. There is a moment of disorientation afterwards that makes it impossible to act." [OOC: Casting Dimension Door ends your turn. It's in the spell description.]

Tears well in Pru's eyes. "I didn't act, and by the time the disorientation cleared it was too late. My husband had been--" her breath catches on a sob "--he'd been hacked to pieces. Just like that. I could do nothing to stop it. I could do nothing but avenge his death, which I did." She takes a deep breath, and lets it out. "That's all," she says. But she does not stop crying.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 8:16:56 PM
Lord Gargul

Tali curtseys before Lord Gargul, stating, " thank you for giving me a second chance a few years back and allowing me to keep my pinkie finger. I had grown fond of it. I do not have much to add beyond what my cohorts had already stated. What little I have come to know about Monk Nikolai aside to his marriage and devotion to his wife, Ms. Pru, is that is was above board in his reproach. From my viewpoint, he chose to grapple and subdue versus harm the dwarf Ironbane. It was Ironbane and his handling of the situation that spewed pure evil and brought the Monk and all of us to your doorstep.

Upon seeing the horrors of this cultist and his dynamically fluid morals execute a newly found friend before his wife's eyes...unleashed a terrible feeling deep within me which grew instantaneously into an unconscious reaction; I casted Prismatic Spray attempting to cover IronBane within the spray's cone. As I was hoping to persuade Ironbane with a colorful attitude adjustment alas, I got his companions instead."

Tali, casts a look over her should and says, "Perhaps they are still in line?"

As Tali finishes up her verbal offering for the Monk's defense and support, Tali curtseys again before Lord Gargul, and backs away allowing others to come forth.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 9:19:55 PM

Pressi was going to remain silent, but Prudence began to kick herself before too long.

"Look, sometimes it's just remembering that a lot against one can do a lot of damage, and the rest is just luck and hindsight... and a group being so bloodthirsty that they won't even give someone a chance to Life Breath away. Who does that, really?

"If I had chosen a different spell, if Nick had fallen back, if we fired first, if we used the environment better... at the end of the day, it's just making the best choices you can, and learning for... literally the next one, I guess."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 11:24:18 PM

"Oh, of course, Succotash. Detective Arrin Icehammer, she is the one who brought to us Nikolas and Prudence." Murphy is glad his friend corrected this mistake in his memory.

A Frown Forms [DM Jerry] 
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 11:38:10 PM
Gargul's eyes follow each petitioner as they speak...until Kezzem, a worshipper of his, decides to attempt to be funny. His eyes harden as he stare at Kezzem and a frown forms on his face.

He does not respond to any of the comments. He just stares at Kezzem. His upper arms actually begin to shake as it appears that rage is growing behind those eyes.

He stands and grows in size until his head almost touches the top of the place of judgment.

Gimp dives for cover behind the throne.

Those waiting in line look on in fear some crying out in alarm.

Gargul's voice booms causing the place of judgment to shake and a large crack in the foundation to form shooting out from the throne.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16  d20+26=28 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 1:03:12 AM
"Sorry, Lord Gargul, I'm used to everyone just ignoring the stupid stuff I say," says Kezzem. "What I meant to say was that 'Nikolai died bravely fending off a bunch of barbaric dwarves when their leader didn't want to answer our questions about some evil cultists' and then stop talking."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 26 = 28.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16  d20+26=43 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 1:05:24 AM
Going to use a Hero Point to reroll that Diplomacy check.

Diplomacy:
1d20 + 26 = 43.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Thursday November 25th, 2021 1:38:34 AM
Since Nikolai is dead, he didn't worry much about Gargul's anger, especially since it would not be directed at him. On the other hand, he was moved at how these new friends stuck up for him, knowing so little of Pru and himself.

Before Gargul lets fly lightning bolts, or whatever vaporizes mortals, Nikolai steps forward and bows.
"Lord Gargul. I do believe you know me and my wife Prudence, although when we last met it was Prudence that you had the Grace to bring back to life. You also know that Floy brought me back once before when we, the loyal members of the Mailed Fist, broke tradition and fought Knight Commander Neutronus to stop his madness.

As Agents of the Mailed Fist, we always sought diplomacy first, usually to no avail, of course, but you know us well in that respect. This case is no different. Despite the mad dwarf's evil disregard for life, I knew he had information we needed. Even when he attacked us, my goal was to simply pin him and incapacitate him, thus gaining a bargaining advantage against his followers.

Unfortunately, I was unaware of my new friend's capabilities to pop out of a jam on a copper and found myself grappling Ironbane with his demented cohorts surrounding me.

I make no excuses. As a Knight Commander, I accept the miscalculation and the burden that has caused. I most certainly apologize to my friends and my wife.

Alas, I had thought to pass on the Mailed Fist Leadership to others and retire to a farm to raise a family but Evil in the Wold just keeps calling me back to action, and I will keep fighting this Evil if you allow it," Nikolai finishes and bows again before stepping back a few steps.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 
Thursday November 25th, 2021 2:50:53 AM
Hobie bows before Gargul, staring straight at the ground as he speaks.

"Everything my friends say is true. Nikolai is good and honorable. If you were to give him a second chance he would certainly use it for the good of the wold. Certainly."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Thursday November 25th, 2021 4:48:12 AM
"Lord Gargul, you know my friend here, Kezzem is, well Kezzem. Loyal, brave, heroic, and well, not 100% right in the head. Please forgive him for his foolishness, I don't believe it's all his fault, I come to realize that, though I love him dearly, and would gladly give my life in exchange for his, his brain doesn't work like a normal person's. It's what makes Kezzem, Kezzem. Even though he doesn't always think before he speaks, or acts, for that matter, his heart is always in the right place, and I would be remiss if I didn't say that I wouldn't have him any other way."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells  d20+26=35 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 4:53:15 AM
Rolled an aid another diplomacy check. Rolled 35

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9  d20+31=47 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 2:51:37 PM

"Please, Lord Gargul, forgive Kezzem," Murphy says, dropping to one knee. "He has a silly tongue, yet a good heart. What he said did not show proper decorum, and was flippant. His tongue may at times be ill-governed. Yet he is not malicious, only at times childish in speech. Perhaps lay some small charge on him as a corrective, yet let not your wrath rise further against him, we beg of you. Despite how he just erred, we know in his heart he highly regards you. You have power and wisdom beyond ken."
===========
Diplomacy: 47

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Thursday November 25th, 2021 3:15:15 PM
Pru takes a few deep breaths, trying to get her tears under control. She lets her companions handle the etiquette question, comforting herself with the thought that if Kezzem messes this up, she can always turn him into a chicken and roast him on a spit.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)  d20+24=35 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 9:19:31 PM

Pressi almost rolls her eyes. "Ok, not to pile on but the last time we were here, I was even more flippant and you gave me a hug. I think we all need to take a deep breath and remember that it's just death. It's only weird if we make it weird."

Pressi took in a deep breath. "Speaking along Kezzem's hinted at point, there's... something else. The information we were seeking... It leads us to a giant compound and to a guy named Flamescorn who's working to bring back the old gods. And I'm not prepared to promise that you won't see us again in a couple of months. These are troubling times... from a mortal perspective, of course. I just feel that you also need to know."

(Diplomacy 35)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Thursday November 25th, 2021 9:43:14 PM
Tact Kezzem, Tact!

Tali curtseys before Lord Gargul, stating, "My Lord, Kezzem has no filter, nor tact...and thinks to break the silence with humor...his humor. Most of the Humbles know he is not Right in the head, but everyone deserves a chance, Lord."

Tali curtseys again, before Lord Gargul, and then hovers back into her spot.

Without Hesitancy [DM Jerry] 
Thursday November 25th, 2021 10:51:00 PM
Gargul shakes himself from staring a hole through Kezzem and rises. He returns to his throne his size reducing so that he fits in the chair and sits his face neutral.

"ALMOST EVERY TIME I AM PETTIONED BY ADVENTURERS TO RAISE SOMEONE LOST IN COMBAT, THERE IS SOMEONE AT FAULT. SOMEONE THAT WAS SELFISH. SOMEONE THAT WAS A COWARD. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE AND I COMMEND YOU FOR THAT.

"THEREFORE, WITHOUT HESITANCY, I GRANT THE RAISING OF NIKOLAI KOMONOV."

Nikolai feels something like a static charge that starts as hit feet and ends at his head. He grows solid and is alive.

"BREATHE SON."

He then looks at Kezzem once more.

"COME MY PALADIN. APPROACH ME."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Friday November 26th, 2021 12:02:27 AM
Kezzem hesitantly steps forward.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Friday November 26th, 2021 10:42:59 AM
Succotash wants to step forward with his friend, but isn't sure that a show of solidarity is wise or not. Finally he decides to throw cation to the wind and steps forward, standing at Kezzem's right side. As he does so he says, "Lord Gargul, Kezzem, like the rest of my companions here, is more than a friend, he is a brother! Whatever fate befalls him, I will stand by his side! I ask for mercy, for my friend, as well as, forgiveness for my act of solidarity." Succotash than stands in silence, awaiting his and Kezzem's fate.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) 
Friday November 26th, 2021 2:24:59 PM
Pru, having just gotten her tears under control, starts crying again, this time with joy and relief. She moves to embrace her newly revived husband.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Friday November 26th, 2021 3:47:26 PM

Being brought back from the dead is an amazing experience. Though he barely knows him, Murphy's mouth spreads into a wide grin at seeing Nikolai resolidify... and having Gargul refer to Kezzem as 'my paladin.'

He gives Pressi a big hug and whispers, "Thanks for doing the same for me a few years ago."

Then he widens his arms and pulls in Hobie. "Well said, Hobbs." Then he reaches up and gently pulls Tali down from her hovering above. "Yup, Tali, everybody deserves a chance."

Then he awaits what may come from the Lord's conversation with the Kezz'm.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 
Friday November 26th, 2021 7:50:58 PM
My Paladin

Tali whispers, "Lord Gargul said, "MY PALADIN"" to Kezzem!

Tali appreciates the group hug!

Such Loyalty [DM Jerry] 
Friday November 26th, 2021 10:10:33 PM
As Succotash moves forward to join Kezzem, Gargul looks at him.

"SELDOM HAVE I SEEN SUCH LOYALTY. I, HOWEVER, WILL SPEAK PRIVATELY WITH MY PALADIN."

A light gray barrier arises around Gargul and Kezzem. You can see their shapes, but not see what they are saying.

After a couple of minutes, the barrier fades.

Gargul says, "YOU ARE FREE TO GO. I WISH YOU WELL." He turns to the line and motions to Gimp to bring the next person forward.

Gimp says, "If you concentrate on where you want to go, you'll move in that direction."

Our heroes begin to rise into the air and journey back to where they were when the Resurrection spell was cast.

-----

I return the game to your DMs. :) Thanks!



Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)  
Saturday November 27th, 2021 12:59:06 AM
Nikolai, always grateful for the boon of second-life, something that the common laborer does not have, not that the common laborer does not deserve it, rushes to his new wife and gives her a tender hug.

It would be proper to thank Gargul personally as well, but at the moment the god seems busy with something else.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 
Saturday November 27th, 2021 10:15:04 AM
"Thank you lord. Hopefully we won't have to meet again until it's time for our final rests. I thank you for returning our friend to us, and not smitting Kezzem."

As they fly away, and return home, Succotash asks Kezzem, "What did Lord Gargul say to you?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Saturday November 27th, 2021 1:08:57 PM

Once hugs and general rejoicing are taken care of, Murphy says, "Welcome back, Nikolai. I think we all would like a chance to get to know you and Prudence better."

"Succotash, as Lord Gargul chose a private audience, I think we ought not press Kezzem to tell us the content of their conversation. Maybe give him some time to process it. Which may be weeks, or minutes."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 
Saturday November 27th, 2021 2:21:37 PM
Kezzem is unusually quiet. "Can we go home now?" is all he says.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 
Monday November 29th, 2021 3:44:55 AM

"Sure, buddy," Murphy replies to Kezzem.

Once back home, Murphy visits the shrine of Gargul at the corner of the compound where several shrines are grouped, and leaves there the insignia he designed with the oak tree carving, and the words in halfling, 'I travel through trees.' "A thank offering to you, Lord Gargul, for restoring the life of our new friend, Nikolai."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) 
Monday November 29th, 2021 8:49:44 AM

Pressi waits for Gargul to address what she just said. "Whatever. I made my report, dotted my eyes. It's on him, now."

Pressi straightened up. "Nikolai, welcome back. Before we go forward, let me introduce you to a little technique I call 'Not Standing Still while People Hit You.' It's served me well 70 percent of the time."

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