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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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