DM Mitch Monday November 29th, 2021 9:03:19 AM Nikolai is grateful for his second chance at life and would thank Lord Gargul personally but the God is busy with other matters. Succotash thanks Gargul for bringing Nikolai back and not smiting Kezzem. He also questions Kezzem about what Gargul said to him. Murphy welcomes Nikolai back and shows an interest in getting to know the newlyweds better. He suggests that Kezzem be allowed some time to process whatever it was Gargul told him. He leaves an offering when they get back. Kezzem asks to go home now. Pressi waits for Gargul to respond to her comment but gets none. She welcomes the raised back to the living.
Shortly after arriving back Pressi gets an answer to the spell she cast before their visit with Gargul concerning the existence of any relatively safe areas where they won’t have to fight giants
The answer she gets is as follows: “Seek out the places where giants fear to tread; reminders of punishments that all giants dread; people, families, buried and long forgotten; to find a place that to most living giants is yet untrodden.”
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 29th, 2021 10:18:36 AM
Upon seeing Kezzem's unusual continence, Succotash says, "Never mind Kezzem, I can see that what he said is weighing heavily on your heart, feel free to take your time digesting it. Just remember, if you need someone to talk to, I'm always here for you brother."
Assuming Pressi shares the results of her spell, Succotash says, "Anyone have any idea what that's supposed to mean? I have no idea what kind of place all giants fear. I can see a frost giant being afraid of a volcano, or a fire giant being afraid of an artic tundra, but a place universally feared by all giants?"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Monday November 29th, 2021 10:57:28 AM
"Succotash - a cemetery of sorts?" Murphy responds. "Glad I have ghost touch. It could be a place where many giants died in a disaster. But I don't think the spot just north of Humble's Ford counts."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday November 29th, 2021 9:13:34 PM
Pressi shakes her head. "I think the key is 'reminders of punishments,' like maybe we need a bit more of giant history under our belt. Or Flamescorn history. Also, yet untrodden to giants.... At any event, I presume we'll recognize it when we see or hear of it. Just something to keep in mind."
As to Murphy, "Honestly, the point near Humble's Ford probably counts more than anything else. Massive failure, a place where most living giants can't enter, a giant centered past shrouded in mystery. Also, they didn't say 'giants and their families were buried and forgotten there' so take that as you will."
Moving back to reality, "I figured that we could get set up to try talking our way through, then set up camp in the perimeter of the pocket universe. If Flamescorn got kicked out, then talking may still be the way to go once we get a better handle of who the players are."
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday November 29th, 2021 11:47:28 PM
"Maybe it has something to do with dwarves?" Pru shrugs. "Dwarves and giants are ancient enemies."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Tuesday November 30th, 2021 12:01:01 AM Where Giants Fear to Tread...
Tali ponders the meaning behind the vision..."Seek out the places where giants fear to tread; reminders of punishments that all giants dread; people, families, buried and long forgotten; to find a place that to most living giants is yet untrodden.”
Tali pipes up, "The Giant Towers, is one possibility, but are there other historical places that all Giants Fear to Tread?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday November 30th, 2021 12:07:29 AM "What is a punishment that all giants dread? That will be the first thing to find out, then go from there."
Nikolai asks if there is a library close where they can look up Giant History.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday November 30th, 2021 12:34:13 AM
"I get your point, Tali, but honestly, what do you think the chances are that this doesn't have to do with us?"
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 30th, 2021 3:47:02 AM "I believe the closest branch to the Sage guild library is in Angel Springs. It's not too long of a journey. Of course teleporting speeds that up even more."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Tuesday November 30th, 2021 6:45:16 AM
Murphy also addresses Nikolai's query. "There's a fellow in Angel Springs named Mungo HardBottle. He has a library, and a bookstore, and it's just a ways down the street from my family's shop - Winwood Music and Toys, and a couple doors down from a greengrocer. Mungo has books that cover most topics, and knows a fair bit about most everything, himself - a historian. Also in Angel Springs, besides the Sages Guild access Succotash mentioned, is the Woldian League of Adventurers. They should have something on that topic, too.
"I'm trying to build up a library here at the Sanctuary, but, aside from a few random tomes, and a whole mess of scrolls from the Iron Giant, it is nowhere near Wold-class yet."
Murphy asks Kendry what he learned about the giant armor that Ironbane wore. "What are its characteristics?" Kendry, an accomplished bard (nearly 17th level), loremaster, and well acquainted with giant culture, identified the suit - as well as any of the other items we gathered from Ironbane and the dwarfs. Can we know what he learned?
"Say, Nikolai, and Prudence. We are pleased to have you with us. We always have been a halfling adventuring group. I realize you do not know our tongue. But, if you would like to be with us beyond figuring out what to do about Flamescorn, you would honor us were you to learn our language. Not many outsiders speak halfling. But, should you be willing to try, well, we could name you honorary halflings. No rush, you don't have to answer now, but you might want to think that over."
DM Mitch Tuesday November 30th, 2021 8:19:12 AM Succotash backs off from pestering the paladin about what Gargul said to him. He offers a listening ear should Kezzem need it. With respect to Pressi’s spell he wonders what is feared by all giants.
Murphy suggests a cemetery or maybe a disaster area
Pressi thinks the key phrase is the bit about the punishments like maybe they need to understand the history of the giants living in the pocket dimension or more specifically that of Flamescorn and his family. She thinks the yet untrodden to giants is also a good clue and that they’ll recognize the place when they see or hear of it. She points out to Murphy that the point near Humble’s Ford does fit a lot of the answer but that they didn’t say giants and their families were buried and forgotten there. She suggests they could try talking their way through after establishing a camp at the perimeter and doing some research into who the players are.
Pru wonders if the answer to Pressi’s riddle has to do with Dwarves as Giants and Dwarves are enemies.
Tali agrees that the giant towers are a possibility then asks if there are other historical places where Giants Fear to Tread
Nikolai agrees that focus on the punishments that Giant society in the pocket dimension doles out is the way to go and asks if there is a library nearby they could research this at.
Kezzem suggests the answer to the riddle doesn’t have anything to do with them.
Succotash provides the location of the nearest library.
Through various efforts the magical items are identified. Each of the barbarians under Ironbane carried the following (so 6 instances of each item)
oil of align weapon (evil) CL 3 worth 300 gp, potion of cure light wounds CL 1 worth 50 gp, potion of fly CL 5 worth 750 gp, potion of invisibility CL 3 worth 300 gp, potions of shield of faith (2) CL 1 worth 100 gp for both; Other Gear+1 moderate fortification breastplate - 4,350, +3 adamantine ranseur, +1 composite longbow (+10 Str) with 20 arrows, dagger, handaxe, belt of giant strength +6, cloak of resistance +3, pink rhomboid ioun stone, 43 gp
Ironbane himself carried Headband of Cha +6, Ring of Jumping Improved, Boots of Speed, Vicious Anarchic Spiked Chain +5, Fire Giant Hide Armor(+5 Hide), Belt of Physical Perfection, Ring of Protection +5, Cloak of Resistance +5, and Amulet of natural armor +5
The fire giant hide is every bit as gruesome as you’d expect. He apparently skinned a fire giant he killed and used unknown methods to give it the strength of more regular forms of leather armor before further more standard enchantments were used on it. Kendry is quick to turn it back over to the party after he finishes clarifying it's properties and advises it be destroyed or respectfully buried as soon as possible.
News is forwarded from the party. Shortly after Ironbane was turned over to the authorities a dwarf managed to gain access to him and murdered him in his cell. Descriptions seem to match Ketia.
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 30th, 2021 12:18:38 PM "I can't say as I agree with Ketia's method, but you reap what you sow. Ironbane had sown death and murder, and that is exactly what he harvested. I feel no tears for such as him." Succotash says with a shake of the head. "Shall we depart for Angle Springs? We should definitely arm ourselves with as much knowledge as possible. Since I assume, you haven't been there before, Prudence, I wouldn't ask you to burn a greater teleport, when I can easily transport half the crew. If everyone wishes to go, Tali or Murphy could take the rest. Of course we don't all have to go. So who all wants to go to Angle Springs?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday November 30th, 2021 2:22:05 PM
"I'm good with healing wands if someone else want it," says Kezzem. "Do we have time to sell this stuff at the catacombs so I can pa Succo back? I don't like owing money."
Also, what's the plus on the belt of physical perfection?
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday November 30th, 2021 2:59:10 PM
Pru laughs. "I haven't got a Greater Teleport to burn," she says. "Plain old Teleport for me. But if we all need to go, I'm sure you and Tali can get us there."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Tuesday November 30th, 2021 7:47:37 PM Stash
Tali asks if she might have the Boots of Speed and a pink rhomboid ioun stone?.
Tali says, " If all of you would like me to cast Greater Teleport in order to bring us to Angel Springs to see Mister Mungo & his fantastical library, then I can do this, but I am limited to only six (6) additional beings. Who would like to go to?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday December 1st, 2021 12:21:27 AM
Pressi is less sanguine about the death, but she also seems more thoughtful, as if weighing who might have done it or how anyone could have gotten close enough. She asks about causes of death, and tells her cohort she wants to speak to Ketia as soon as possible.
Shes far less concerned about the gear, save for the giant skin armor.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday December 1st, 2021 12:44:47 AM
Nikolai answers Murphy, " Well, I guess if I can learn Gnoll, I can learn Hafling. I'll pick up a Hafling Vocabulary book in this Angel Springs town."
Nikolai also explains that the Mailed Fist is more than just a mercenary group. The Mailed Fist is an Elite mercenary group and spends a LOT of time in training specialized tactics that he can teach them.
He can spend time with ONE of the group per day and teach ONE specialized tactic. The two he can teach are Precise Strike and Outflank. The training is only good for one day and time will need to be spent the next day, and the next, and so on for the benefit to carry on.
OOC: If anyone is interested, go to the Mailed Fist section of the Organizations and read up on Team Tactics and Team Training. He can only train one per day and the training is only good for that day. It does not have to be the same person each day but only the person that got the training that day will benefit. It is something worth looking into at least.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Wednesday December 1st, 2021 5:16:02 AM
"I can take six, plus myself, via tree travel over to Angel Springs," Murphy offers. "If you don't mind me bringing my sister Leska Rose and brother Kendry along. She needs to spell off Nalfein for a while at our family's music and toy shop. And she says she wants to catch up on things with Pressi."
"Tali, have you met Mister Mungo?" he asks. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm fine with you having the boots and pink rhomboid ioun stone. That's the one that helps your constitution, right?"
The druid is happy that Nikolai agrees to learn the Halfling tongue.
"Say, Hobie - what do you say to taking up some specialized training with Nikolai? You are pretty darn good with precise strikes, arrow-wise. But he may have one or two extra pointers for you." Then Murphy chuckles. "Hah. I said 'pointers.'"
He then adds, "I may want to take you up on some of that training, too, Niko. I take it that for the training to stick to the ribs it will take several iterations of training, no?"
Murphy comments, "It may be wise for us to come up with a way to communicate quickly and quietly with each other. Pressi and I can do so, through a permanent spell. But - are there other ways of doing it? I know that some groups have rings, or earrings, or other items that allow for such. Let's look into that, eh?"
"One last thing. Do we know someone who can help us repair our Instant Fortress?"
DM Mitch Wednesday December 1st, 2021 12:55:38 PM Succotash says he’ll shed no tears for Ironbane but can’t say he agrees with Ketia’s method. He asks about departing to Angel Springs and who wants to go to the library Kezzem remarks he is capable of using the healing wands and enquires about the belt of physical perfection and selling their loot at the catacombs Pru explains to Succotash she uses normal teleport not greater teleport but says she’s confident that between Tali and Succotash they can get everyone to Angel Springs. Tali asks about the boots of speed and a pink rhomboid ioun stone. She explains she can take 6 folks using greater teleport so she asks who should be in the party that goes to the library
Pressi asks her cohort about the cause of death of Ironbane and instructs the cohort to invite Ketia to have a chat with Pressi next time the cohort sees Ketia. The only bit of gear she’s concerned about is the Giant hide armor.
Nikolai indicates his openness to learning the halfling language and says he’ll pick up a vocabulary book while in Angel Springs. He also explains what being a former leader of the Mailed Fist entails and offers specialized training to one of the party members if they so choose to be able to better coordinate with Nikolai in battle.
Murphy discusses transportation and training. He wonders if the fortress can be fixed. It cannot and will have to be replaced (I believed that was covered in the previous module and Bliss found it was just scrap metal now)
The party head over to Angel Springs to consult the Sage’s guild library. Upon arrival the yare greeted at the front desk by someone who seems young and none of the party recognizes. A young halfling girl who looks harried and distracted with messy hair and an ill-fitted robe. ”Yes, how may I help you?” she asks without looking up as she flips through a tome of some kind scanning pages quickly.
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 December 1st, 2021 2:06:53 PM "Hello miss, I'm sorry to intrude, as it seems you're rather busy, but my friends and I were wondering if the library may have any information on giants? In particular, anything that may refer to something, or more accurately someplace, universally feared by them. You see, we are on a quest that is leading us to a fire giant city, located in a pocket dimension, and we wish to be as well informed as possible."
Succotash than goes on to share the riddle given as an answer to Pressi's spell.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+23=27 ; Wednesday December 1st, 2021 4:07:42 PM
Pru goes to Angel Springs with the group, but she does not go to the library. Instead, she drifts through the town, mingling with people, chatting, occasionally going into this or that tavern.
She is trying to find out more about this valley she has come to, and about Angel Springs itself. And, to amuse herself, she asks casually about Humble's Swords, to see what kind of reputation they have.
[Using Diplomacy to gather information: 27]
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Wednesday December 1st, 2021 4:13:09 PM
Splitting the Party (for Research) Before the party splits up, beautiful Leska Rose, older sister of Murphy and Kendry, invites the group to tea over at the Winwood Music and Toys shop when they can take a break from their investigations. She heads that way, but not before asking Pressi if she'd like to join her for a bit, or wait until the rest can stop by.
Murphy indicates while some visit the Sage's Guild outpost, that he will check with Mungo HardBottle to see what this wise old halfling who used to dwell among giants, and who has vast libraries, might be able to help them dig up. "Anyone who cares to join me, feel free."
Kendry joins them long enough to drop off a scrollcase with Mungo. "Here are scores and lyrics to the music you asked me about a few weeks ago, good Mungo. Thank you for your help on the other matter." He does not explain what the 'other matter' might have been, but takes his leave from the rest of the group for a bit. "I'll be at the WLA."
At Mungo's bookstore and library, Murphy explains what they seek, in a manner similar to Succotash's approach, also including mention of Ironbane, and of Flamescorn, and the gist of the latter's recent activities and known skills. He does offer to provide whatever just compensation the eccentric sage might require.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday December 1st, 2021 9:53:23 PM
Pressi kind of nods sagely at Nick. "I was a member of the Mailed Fist once myself, once upon a time. Back when I was a monk, before the woldsblood infusion. Probably not something I'll pick up now."
As Pressi and Murphy walk to stop by with Leska Rose, Pressi takes some time to think about the case out loud. "I'm just thinking it's strange that someone who could slip in and out of a jail cell would be sloppy enough to get spotted. Particularly someone with an illusionist partner. That's just me."
Pressi takes some time later to get a basic idea about fire giants. What their homes look like, how they develop as clans, their behavior.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Wednesday December 1st, 2021 10:43:09 PM Angel Springs
Tali is grateful for the Boots of Speed and a pink rhomboid ioun stone, of which she dons immediately and then lets the ioun stone take an orbit path around her head.
Once in Angel Spring, Tali hovers over the ground as is her normal mode of travel via Overland Flight and will go visit Mister Mungo Hardbottle of which Mister Murphy is so fond.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+7=23 ; Wednesday December 1st, 2021 11:48:34 PM
Kezzem attempts to mediate while the others do their research. This lasts exactly as long as you think it does, and he then goes tavern hopping and tells stories of Humble Sword's adventures to the locals.
Perform (Oratory): 1d20 + 7 = 23.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday December 1st, 2021 11:54:51 PM
Nikolai opts for the Tea Time and Mungo's, the Sage's guild library might have been alright, but someone with the head knowledge is usually far more helpful, if not more entertaining. He wishes he could go with Pru but at this moment, they are on business. He enjoys the tea but it's not really his cup. Nor are musical instruments, but he shows off his kazoo. It is made of fine darkwood with silver filigree. "When I play it, everyone seems to try to stop up their ears and dogs howl. It could be I need a few lessons, it could be it's just not up to quality. Oh well."
At Mungo's, Nikolai looks for a book on Hafling vocabulary. Much like the music and toy shop, the half elf tries to adjust to the hafling size of things.
"Perhaps you can tell us of Giant History going way back. Way way back," Nikolai chimes in.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Thursday December 2nd, 2021 7:55:05 PM Mungo's Books
Tali will listen to whatever the wise Sage Mungo has to offer, especially after Nikolai's request about Giant History.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Thursday December 2nd, 2021 8:28:14 PM
"Much as giant history going way way back might be interesting," Murphy says, "perhaps in the telling you might be able to give us an idea as to what places do giants fear to tread? Where are there reminders of punishments that all giants dread? Where might there be a place where families lid buried and long forgotten? Where is a place that to most living giants is yet untrodden?
"Or, are there any books or scrolls or resources available to you which might help us unravel this riddle?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday December 2nd, 2021 9:04:07 PM
Pressi waits patiently for a bit, then goes out to try to locate Ketia on her own.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Thursday December 2nd, 2021 9:05:01 PM
Nick, I have sent you two emails and must receive a reply from you sir. Hope that you are doing well. :)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday December 2nd, 2021 11:59:16 PM
Nikolai explains a little about the Mailed Fist training. "I can teach a trick or two that will help in combat. But in order to make it stick you'll need to train extensively for months. But if we spend 30min to an hour in the morning, that skill will be temporarily useful in combat for that day. Unfortunately the skill slips away once you rest and an hour or training the next day is necessary to refresh your memory.
The Outflank skill allows a team of two, the Mailed Fist teacher and his partner, work together in flanking an opponent such as to confuse the enemy more than usual and thus gain a greater bonus (+4 rather than the +2) on flanking attacks by the pair."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday December 3rd, 2021 12:06:06 AM
OOC: the Mailed Fist has several special Team Tactics. As a Mailed Fist gains experience, one tactic he can train for is the ability to teach another a Team Tactic that the other does not have. It is only good for that day the two get together and train for a little while. For a Team Tactic to be made permanent, one would need to join the Mailed Fist and train there for the Feat. As is, one can be a temporary Mailed Fist member for long enough to get what you want, for a fee. But Once a Mailed Fist, Always a Mailed Fist is the motto. :)
OOC OOC: Actually, the PTB have not made any policy decisions as to the suggestion I just made, but... :)
DM Hugh - Where Giants Fear To Tread d20+29=44 ; d20+23=39 ; Friday December 3rd, 2021 2:02:39 AM Succotash asks the librarian if she has any information on giants or places feared by them and explains their upcoming plans to visit the giant city and shares Pressi’s riddle.
Pru gathers information about Angel Springs and the group she finds herself working with.
Murphy has tea with some relatives before heading off to visit Mungo Hardbottle with Kendry. He explains about what they are up to and what they are looking for while also detailing Flamescorn and Ironbane’s capabilities.
Pressi explains to Nick that once upon a time she was a member of the Fist before she became a bloodwitch. Pressi wonders aloud why if someone was good enough to slip in and out of a jail cell why they would allow themselves to be spotted especially if they had an illusionist party. She also wants to learn about firegiants and their homes and clans.
Tali likes her new boots and ioun stone and goes with Murphy to visit Mungo, flying as she does.
Kezzem attempts to meditate but it doesn’t last long so he goes tavern hopping telling stories of Humble’s Sword to the locals.
Nikolai joins Murphy and Pressi for tea before going to Mungos. He makes small talk about instruments. He looks for a halfing vocabulary book and asks about the history of giants going way way back.
Tali listens to what Mungo has to say
Murphy reiterates the poem in asking about Giants
Pressi waits patiently for a bit then goes to find Ketia on her own
Nikolai explains more about what he can do with his mailed fist training.
Mungo says, “Please forgive me. I’ve been rather busy of late. So you are asking about Giants, their homes and their clans, what kind of punishments they don’t like and their history going way back.”
He clears his throat, “It’s a tall order but one I think I can help with. Let’s see in the Scab there is a militant bunch of fire giants that worship Fhorge, the immortal volcano power. Prestige in this society is won by Giant Families who have had victory in battle or are successful in other ways but primarily battle. The various families vie for power and prestige. The worst thing for one of these leading families would to be shunned and forgotten. If someone from a family does something so egregious by giant society standards, usually involving betraying ones own kind in some significant fashion then the remaining family members are put to death, their property is raised and the lot the property was on becomes sealed off to other giants. They don’t talk about it, heck they aren't even allowed to acknowledge that family existed. The family name is struck from their records, but the blight of the raised building behind lock and key serves as a reminder of what happens to traitors. For more specifics related to a lot of your questions I need to consult my scrolls. Come back in a few hours and I’ll have more for you.”
“As to your request for a halfling primer, try this book.” he hands Nikolai a book written in halfling, “Roughly translated it means B is for Breakfast, P is for Pipeweed and S is for Second Breakfast.”
Meanwhile at the Sages Guild the overworked Clerk takes the rest of the party through the stacks to the section of the library devoted to monstrous humanoids. She says, “Be careful, some of these tomes are fairly old. How long do you think you’ll be needing here so I know when to come back and escort you out?”
Pressi learns that Ketia is not in Angel Springs.
Pru hears favorable things about Humble’s Sword from the Angel Springers. They tell of their various adventures and some of the townspeople tell her that someone is telling new stories about them and she is ushered into a pub called The Dancing Pig where none other than Kezzem is recalling the battle with Ironbane.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Friday December 3rd, 2021 3:56:56 AM
Hobie will do his part in preparing to face fire giants: He will head to the catacombs to buy some Giant Bane arrows He will attune his bow’s elemental damage to Cold (Arcane archer ability) He will scribe some scrolls of Cone of Cold and Resist Energy Fire
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 December 3rd, 2021 8:55:19 AM
Succotash answers the clerk, "To be honest, I'm not sure how long it will take. Hopefully not to long, as I don't want to miss elevensies, but one must sometimes make sacrifices. I hope that's not to much of an intrusion. I promise we will put everything back where we found it, when we leave.
Succotash jumps in and begins skimming through the various scrolls and tombs, ignoring anything that doesn't apply to giants, and searching for any clue or tidbit of information that may help the Swords in there quest.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Friday December 3rd, 2021 1:21:17 PM
"The Dancing Pig," Pru says to herself. "That's odd. I thought the Dancing Pig was in Humble's Ford. Are there two Dancing Pigs?" She snorts. "Surely one dancing pig is enough for anyone."
She sets off to see if she can find Nikolai to compare notes.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Friday December 3rd, 2021 10:02:14 PM Angel Springs
Tali hovers back into the streets of Angel Springs and then proceeds to investigate the town for a few hours while she bids time to allow Mister Mungo to consult his materials for the Humbles.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Friday December 3rd, 2021 10:43:07 PM
Pressi nodded, lost in thought as to the librarian's explanation. As for perusing the various books, she lets Succotash set the timetable.
Later on, she makes her own path to the WLA for training.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Saturday December 4th, 2021 2:45:04 AM
"You can never have enough Dancing Pigs!" says Kezzem. "The more the merrier!"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Saturday December 4th, 2021 4:31:58 AM
"Very well, Mungo," Murphy nods. "We'll return in a bit, as you request."
"Well, then, how about taking up Leska on her offer?" he asks Nikolai and Tali. (She had suggested coming over for tea after doing some of our investigations.) If any others are about, he extends the invitation.
After the visit to Winwood Music and Toys, he'll return to see Mungo. Then check-in at the WLA for some training, since that seems the thing to do.
DM Mitch Saturday December 4th, 2021 9:13:31 PM Hobie[ does some preparation. Succotash does a lot of reading on giants. Prudance is confused by a duplicate dancing pig. Tali gets to know the town. Pressi gets lost in thought and visits the WLA [/b]Kezzem[/b] comments on how you can never have enough dancing pigs Murphy runs errands all over town.
The small city that is Angel Springs has several inns and taverns, including one that is indeed called the Dancing Pig. It’s run by a relative of the one that exists in Humbles Ford. THe local WLA is able to offer the required training, though the people in charge there seem more interested in talking about gossip then useful information.
Succotash quickly finds that there is enough information on giants to devote several lifetimes to. After some time of narrowing things down to fire giants, and then fire giants that worship Fhorge he’s able to find similar information to what Mungo reported. Nothing seems to be known about where the giants live or what kind of defenses they have, especially since the Scab is so wild and hard to navigate.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday December 5th, 2021 10:03:43 PM
Nikolai takes the book and flips through a few pages. It is definitely written for the beginner. He chuckles and thanks Mungo, "Thanks. When I graduate from this book, I'll come back for the next lesson."
So 'where giants fear to tread' must be one of those places where a shunned giant family was killed and sealed off. "Would this giant we are looking for be shunned by the giants and his family killed and property sealed off?" Nikolai wonders out loud.
Nikolai senses Pru searching for him (OOC: Mailed Fist Agent Knight Commanders were given the ability to communicate telepathically with each other). He quickly lets Pru know where they are and how to get there. 'Love you Honey. How's the shopping in this town?"
Winwood Music & Toy Shop - Leska Rose & Nalfein (Kim fills in this part for DMs) Sunday December 5th, 2021 11:29:48 PM
As a few party members enter WinWood Toys & Music, on the left side of the shop are all kinds of toys - mostly wooden, but many also have metal, glass, leather and other components. The right side of the shop is filled with musical instruments - harps, drums, flutes, lutes, some zithers, violins, gambas, mandolins, cymbals, zil, a few chalumeaus, dulcimers, lyres, pan-pipes, recorders, a bladder pipe, a pair of kortholts, a very nice organetto, a rauschpfeife, a mute cornet, three sackbutts, a lysard, a corna muse far too large for a halfling, a shawn and its cousin a dulcian, and - well, many more than will be enumerated here - but that's not to forget the harpsichord tucked in the far corner. Two aisles are filled with toys of all sorts.
A colorfully painted metal cylinder has very hot water inside, kept that way by three wicks burning below it, and a spigot on the side. It is topped by a small, equally colorful tea pot. Nine matching teacups hang from small hooks near the top of the cylinder. On a small table near that is a neat array of various ceramic containers.
[Am assuming Murphy contacts Pressi to encourage her to join in before getting going full force at the WLA.] "Pressi! Murphy!" exults a rosy-cheeked auburn lass - perhaps late-thirty's in age, still young for a halfling. She wears a green dress with roses embroidered in a sweeping line from left hip and winding around to end along the outside of the right ankle. She skips up to her sister-in-law and plants a kiss on the right cheek, the left cheek, the right cheek, then does likewise with Murphy, but this time starting from the left cheek...
"And friends! Tali!" She hugs those she knows (which includes any of Humble's Sword save the very recently added half elf and human). For those whom she has not yet met, she says, "Welcome to our family store. I am Leska Rose of the Leafwin Pipewoods. And would you care for tea? We also have mulled wine, cider, chocolate. And coffee. Milk, Water. Biscuits, jam, honey. Here, sit, tell me what has been going on lately in saving the Wold."
Leska Rose and Nikolai Leska Rose laughs and claps as Nikolai shows off his kazoo. "I love the kazoo. It makes children - and adults - smile. Well, yes, it can seem annoying to some. Yet it is a great little instrument to help make a moment lighter. May I take a look at yours, Nikolai?" Should he let her see it, she examines it for a moment. "That's a fine filigree. It's not from Emerald City, now, is it?" she inquires. "Once a group of 30 music students played a kazoo rendition of the rousing gnomish, 'Aria of Joy'. People laughed as they recognized the tune, then some who knew the words joined in singing on the chorus. As the stirring final verse was buzzed in full harmony, all in the audience stood and many sang the closing words. There were even tears of joy sliding down a few cheeks," she relates. She smiles warmly, "The best comment was from one of the mothers, 'That was sublime, and sweetly ridiculous.'"
"If you'd like something easier to play, Nikolai, and enjoyed so long as you can keep a fair rhythm, we do have some good drums. Also recorders - fairly easy to pick up. Harmonica. Ocarina. A zither. And, a hurdy gurdy. It's a complex machine, but, well," she concludes as she returns the instrument to Nikolai, "the kazoo is easy to carry, and as easy to play as your voice will allow." She walks over to a bowl and takes out an egg-shaped piece of wood. "This is an egg shaker." She holds it up, shakes it back and forth in a varied rhythm. "Soft little percussion, no? A small gift for you, sir." She places the wooden egg in Nikolai's hand, and closes his fingers over it with a little pat.
Carousel... Hummingbirds? "Say, Murphy, I wanted to ask you - you know Father is almost done with his carousel, and wants to have it ready for folks to ride pretty soon. Nalfein is putting finishing touches on the main music box that plays as the carved-creatures disk bears people round and round. He had Lomar the ogre riding around on it to ensure it can bear his weight. Lomar volunteered to let people ride on his shoulders as the carousel spins. Father rather liked that suggestion. 'A good idea for part of opening day, Lomar.' And Bobbles said he can play the spoons to 'make better the sound.' And guess what Father told him? 'Bobbles, your spoons can augment the sound, indeed.' For some reason, the goblin got very embarrassed at the word augment. Turns out a word of the same sound in his own tongue means [/i]'barf.'[/i]" Leska Rose gives a wan smile at this revelation.
She then continues briskly, "Oh, anyway, Father wants to know if you could catch him a few hummingbirds. He wants to capture their wing frequency to replicate the sound to place inside a pair of large carved hummingbirds for the children to sit upon. He said he will treat them kindly, and let them fly away after an hour or so of study. If you can't, then maybe Kendry can help."
Nalfein arrives Just as Leska is finishing her request of Murphy, in from the back enters a halfling who bears a slight resemblance to Murphy, but who is more wirey, cheekbones more prominent. "Customers! Are you wasting our profits on feeding more customers, Rosie?" His face bears the marks of disapproval - but with a Sense Motive of 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {You discern a mischievous twinkle in his eye, a certain set of his mouth that may imply more of a tease than a genuine rebuke}. He approaches Murphy and launches a punch to his nose - but stops about half an inch short of that target. Murphy does not flinch, but instead smiles. "This is my brother, Nalfein, of the Crescent Valley adventuring group." Murphy introduces those who are at the music shop to Nalfein.
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 December 6th, 2021 12:51:26 AM "That would be my guess, Nik, but how do we fi d such a place?"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 Monday December 6th, 2021 1:58:22 AM
At Music shop "Uh, sis, we saw each other just a couple of hours ago. Sheesh!" Still, Murphy enjoys his sister's nearly always warm and effusive greetings. He tried to see if he could find Hobie to visit the shop, too. "Hummingbirds?? When am I going to find time for that?" he asks Leska, holding up his hands to forestall a reply. "Rhetorical, sis, rhetorical."
If Hobie shows, Nalfein will comment, "Say, Hobbs, I saw you run that archery contest last year. Sales of our toy figurines of archers shot up for a while after that. Heard you're going against giants again. Teach 'em some cross-stitching with your arrows, all right?"
Back with Nikolai, Succotash, maybe others? "Yep, Nikolai, Succotash. Well, Mungo did suggest we return and he might have additional information for us this afternoon. Shall we go there again, see what else he may have dug up?"
He communicates telepathically with Pressi, letting her know, briefly, what he's been up to, learning the same from her.
Murphy also wants to squeeze in some time to visit with the elf druids at the grove outside the walls of Angel Springs, and discuss further what some have indicated is the possibility of him becoming a member of the druidic Circle of The Oak.
But first: Mungo.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Monday December 6th, 2021 4:21:39 AM
to Nalfein, Hobie will respond "I'm glad to hear the kids are showing an interest in Archery. We're gonna have to run another tournament soon to keep that interest going. And just as soon as we can retire, I'm gonna set up the academy that I'm dreaming of, to train up a new generation of archers."
Winwood Music & Toy Shop - Leska Rose & Nalfein Monday December 6th, 2021 5:27:28 AM
"No kiddin'?" Nalfein responds to Hobie. "Great idea, that." He puts one hand to the side of his mouth, and stage whispers, "Personally, I prefer the staff sling, but for missiles per minute and overall effectiveness, your sweet bow has the staff sling beat." The wirey fellow pantomimes pulling back a bow string, then lets the two fingers of his right hand release the imaginary string. "Twang!" he says. "Ooh! I shot the crow out of the sky." Then he looks around, and sotto voce says, "Say, Mookie's not around, is he? Gotta watch what I say around that bird."
Apparently this gets the fellow's mind working. "Hey, do you know about our flying discs? You can use them for target practice." He goes over to a cabinet, pulls out a drawer, and brings out three wooden disks with curved-down edges. "You put your finger along one edge, fingers wrapped underneath the curved lip, draw it to your side, the fling it out into the air so it goes spinning. You can make it go high, or long, or in kind of a partial loop. Three dwarfs bought up about 25 of 'em, they said for crossbow practice." He shrugs his shoulders. "Here. First one's free. Find a field, try throwing it a few times until you get the hang of it. They're not bad just for playing catch. Or, one person throws it up in the air, and crossbowman, or archer, tries to shoot it before it lands on the ground." Nalfein hands Hobie one that is about 6" in diameter. "This size goes for a gold. The five inch ones are 7 silver. We have seven and a half inchers for 15 silver, nine inchers for 2 gold."
As an aside to Leska Rose, he says, "Gotta pay for the food you're givin' away, sis," he tells her.
"We call 'em 'disc fliers,'" he says to Hobie. "Or Auntie's pie plates." One supposes they might be used for pies, but the slight curvature of the top part would really not make them suitable for stability if one tried to use it as a pie plate.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday December 6th, 2021 1:03:34 PM Oh, about what you'd expect, Pru replies to Nikolai.
She goes to meet up with him at the--library? music store? Pru's player is a muddled old woman and has no idea where everyone has gone. Anyway, she meets up with him wherever he is.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Monday December 6th, 2021 4:58:37 PM
Hobie will toss one of the discs lightly to get a feel for it. “Hey this is really fun, thanks! It’s much too big for me to use as a target with my skills, but I’ll give it a try, and if I like it, perhaps I’ll come back and buy a bulk order to use at the academy once we get going. And until then I bet Kez will enjoy having a catch with me.”
DM Hugh - Research of Giant Proportions Monday December 6th, 2021 9:10:37 PM Nikolai thanks Mungo for the book and then reasons that part of the poem referred to one of the places where a giant family was killed and sealed off and wonders if Flamescorn’s family suffered that fate. He senses Pru over the WLA ring and sends a message to her.
Succotash agrees with Nikolai about the answer to the riddle and how that applies to Flamescorn but then asks how they’d find the place.
Murphy had reluctantly agreed to his sister’s request to capture some humming birds on his way out of the music shop. He communicated with Pressi as to what they had learned so far and that they were going to be coming back to Mungo’s and he’ll likely check with the Druids later.
Hobie tells Leska Rose that they’ll have to set up another archery to keep the interest in the sport up and resolves that when he eventually retires he’s going to set up that school to teach the next generation.
Pru tells Nikolai the shopping is what one expects and then goes to meat up with him and the rest.
Nikolai and Hobie experiment with the flying disk Leska Rose produced.
At Mungo’s:
The party head’s back to Mungo’s. The sage has some rather aged looking tomes on a table in the library. He says, “I had to find a particularly old volume to find references to this Realm of Fhorge where the fire giants dwell. I think the writing is over 400 years old if I had to guess. Anyway, the tome says the giants that live in this place are blessed and strengthened by Fhorge in ways other giants aren’t. Make of that what you will. The city is literally carved into the volcano with all the hazards one would expect, ash, poison vapors, lava, you name it. It also says they aren’t keen on visitors so the author of the scroll only viewed the city from the outside but it did look formidable.”
Mungo “Between this and the information about the punishment you originally asked for I think that is everything you wanted. I mean it does mention a riddle in a cave to find the key to use the portal to the pocket realm but the author seems to think the answer to the puzzle shifts, so I’m not sure how helpful that passage is.”
“Is there anything else you needed information about?” He asks
At the Library: The others find more corroborating evidence to what Mungo has turned up. Volcanic City, not really visited, militant Fhorge-blessed giants and some kind of riddle puzzle to find the key to make the teleportation to the pocket realm work.
Pressi: While the others continue to look for information on giants amidst the stacks one of the librarian approaches you and says, “A dwarf woman is asking after you. She claims you wanted to meet with her. She’s waiting in a conference room, if you want I could take you to her.”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday December 6th, 2021 9:26:13 PM
Pressi returned Leska's embrace. "Ashante, and I would love a spot of tea and three meals worth of food, but not a meal more. I have my pride."
She continues to drink and converse. Though one might notice how little (for a halfling) she ate, a holdover from days past. (Leska, by this point, should know better than to try to push food.) She nods along in regards to the kazoo, and to talk of carousels.
As Nalfein comes in with his humor, Pressi gives him a wave. As Nalfein continues to tease about the food, she takes that moment to shove three biscuits in her mouth at once.
---------------
Much of the rest is spent in trying to learn what she suspects will be learned on the go.
And, as message of the dwarf woman reaches her, she agrees to be taken back (after messaging Murphy).
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday December 6th, 2021 10:45:49 PM
Nikolai lets Leska Rose look at his kazoo. "I know nothing of the maker or its origins. I won it at the Giggling Ghost some time back. I just like its ease in playing and carrying. I"m no musician to try anything else."
As she studies it she might discern its properties if she uses the correct skill check or magic: This simple kazoo made of fine darkwood and traced with silver filigree. As a standard action, a creature can hum into the kazoo, producing a variety of annoying sounds. For the next round, any creature within 60’ of the kazoo takes a –2 penalty on Perceptions checks that rely on sound and a –1 penalty on concentration check. The kazoo can be used as a bardic instrument (wind) that grants the bard a +2 bonus on Perform checks when using the distraction Bardic Performance. (.5lb, 50gp)
This was a Lotto Win sometime back.
He accepts the egg shaker with a smile figuring that someday in the near future one with tiny hands will enjoy shaking it.
Murphy: Nikolai nods to Murphy, agreeing on a return visit to Mungo's later on. "I can't imagine there being all that many giant families that fit the 'shunned' description, so hopefully it won't be hard to weed out all those that are irrelevant and hit upon the one we are looking for quickly."
Outside he meets up with Pru. By now they both know each other's results and look around the shops while waiting for Mungo's research, which turns out to be a rather flat bladder. "Well, if Flamescorn is the one scorned by the giants, then maybe that's where he got his name. And if his family's lands are in this pocket dimension, then the key to get there we must find."
Nikolai shows a little interest in the flying disks but says nothing about the Mailed Fist's flying disks some of the Mailed Fist Units use sometimes. Those are extremely sharp and cut through rope like butter. Ones that could cut through chain links were in the works but that project was put on hold.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Monday December 6th, 2021 11:32:49 PM
"Do you suppose this is a different dwarf woman?" asks Kezzem. "No, we wouldn't be so lucky."
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 December 7th, 2021 1:13:15 AM
Succotash puts all the books back where he found them, and than prepars to leave, to reunite with his friends. As he leaves, he thanks the librarian for the use of the books, and heads to Mungo's shop, assuming he will find his friends there. He arrives just as the others are exiting, and shares what he found, only to be surprised to learn, Mungo shared the same information. He asks, "So what is our next step?"
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday December 7th, 2021 6:07:43 PM
"A city by a volcano," Pru muses. "Sounds interesting."
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday December 7th, 2021 6:07:43 PM
"A city by a volcano," Pru muses. "Sounds interesting."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday December 7th, 2021 8:49:15 PM
Pressi stresses that she needs to meet this "mystery" dwarf woman alone. You know, because that's how it usually goes in the story.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday December 7th, 2021 8:49:15 PM
Pressi stresses that she needs to meet this "mystery" dwarf woman alone. You know, because that's how it usually goes in the story.
DM Hugh - So what is our next step? Tuesday December 7th, 2021 8:55:56 PM Pressi enjoys the visit with Leska and Nalfein. Later at the Library she agrees to be taken to meet with Ketia.
Nikolai shows the kazoo to Neska and details its provenance. He surmises based on their research that there are that many families that have been shunned so it shouldn’t be that hard to find. He suggests that in order to figure out what they need to find out heading to the pocket dimension is the way to go.
Kezzem asks if the Dwarf woman seeking out Pressi is a different Dwarf woman but reasons they couldn’t be so lucky.
Succotash had make sure all the books got put back. When he gets back to the rest of the party and confirms what he found he aks what’s our next step.
Prudence thinks the giant city by the volcano sounds interesting.
Succotash asked what the next step is. Nikolai thinks their next step is to actually seek out the pocket realm. Any preparations you want to make? How are you going to get to Fhorge’s Volcano? It is located deep in the Scab.
Meanwhile, while the party is sorting out traveling plans, a certain meeting between mages is happening.
Ketia says to Pressi, “You wanted to see me? Also before you ask, yes I killed IronBane and yes I wanted others to know about it. I had warned you that he had escaped from the hospitality of the Constabulary of the Caverns of Glimstone before and I knew that he was going to do so again. Had you sent him to a higher security lockup I may not have needed to act but he can escape from the Dwarves easily enough so I didn’t want to risk him getting out and seeking revenge on you this time with more Barbarians and the element of surprise. You all might have ended up like your new half-elf monk friend who is already back from the dead again. Heck, Ironbane might have thrown in with Flamescorn after escaping and that was something we do not need so I took care of it. Is there anything else we need to discuss? I think I overheard something about fire giants and a pocket realm? Sashe and I stand ready to accompany you. This is all part of our temporary alliance since at this point I think it is safe to say Flamescorn is actively plotting against both of us..”
DM Hugh - So what is our next step? Tuesday December 7th, 2021 8:55:56 PM Pressi enjoys the visit with Leska and Nalfein. Later at the Library she agrees to be taken to meet with Ketia.
Nikolai shows the kazoo to Neska and details its provenance. He surmises based on their research that there are that many families that have been shunned so it shouldn’t be that hard to find. He suggests that in order to figure out what they need to find out heading to the pocket dimension is the way to go.
Kezzem asks if the Dwarf woman seeking out Pressi is a different Dwarf woman but reasons they couldn’t be so lucky.
Succotash had make sure all the books got put back. When he gets back to the rest of the party and confirms what he found he aks what’s our next step.
Prudence thinks the giant city by the volcano sounds interesting.
Succotash asked what the next step is. Nikolai thinks their next step is to actually seek out the pocket realm. Any preparations you want to make? How are you going to get to Fhorge’s Volcano? It is located deep in the Scab.
Meanwhile, while the party is sorting out traveling plans, a certain meeting between mages is happening.
Ketia says to Pressi, “You wanted to see me? Also before you ask, yes I killed IronBane and yes I wanted others to know about it. I had warned you that he had escaped from the hospitality of the Constabulary of the Caverns of Glimstone before and I knew that he was going to do so again. Had you sent him to a higher security lockup I may not have needed to act but he can escape from the Dwarves easily enough so I didn’t want to risk him getting out and seeking revenge on you this time with more Barbarians and the element of surprise. You all might have ended up like your new half-elf monk friend who is already back from the dead again. Heck, Ironbane might have thrown in with Flamescorn after escaping and that was something we do not need so I took care of it. Is there anything else we need to discuss? I think I overheard something about fire giants and a pocket realm? Sashe and I stand ready to accompany you. This is all part of our temporary alliance since at this point I think it is safe to say Flamescorn is actively plotting against both of us..”
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday December 7th, 2021 11:56:22 PM
Nikolai is moved neither one way or the other with the news of Ironbane's demise. Justice is Justice. As long as he was fairly tried for his crimes and found guilty.
"Unless there are any scorned giant lands outside the pocket realm, I see no alternative. We'll need to get in there do the best to get what we need and get out. I'm going to bet the giants won't like our being there, less so if they find out we plan to 'desecrate' one of their prized memorials."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday December 8th, 2021 1:07:21 AM
"Wait, I thought we killed Ironbane, didn't we? No? Was I too busy looking for giants hiding in my pocket?"
To Ketia, "Yes, I know normal giants wouldn't fit in my pocket, but these were magic giants. Magic can do all kinds of weird stuff, you know, life a bag of holding that are bigger on the inside."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Wednesday December 8th, 2021 1:34:10 AM
Murphy offers words of thanks and leave-taking here and there, including, "Mungo, you are the best. Oh, and do you know anywhere I might find a couple of hummingbirds?"
He is not terribly sad that Ironbane has been launched on his journey to the lands of rest, or to Koshe-Marr, whichever comes first for that muscled aggregation of wickedness.
"So, into the Scab? Deep into the Scab? How shy are we on preparations, and on finding an address?" he asks the group.
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 December 8th, 2021 3:26:23 AM "With the description Ironbane gave us, we should be able to use greater teleport. I could take half the group, and I know Tali is more than capable of transporting the other half."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday December 8th, 2021 4:14:36 PM
There are times when Pressi gets indignant. When she gets mad. When she begins to yell. When she must physically stop herself.
Then there are the times when she moves through mad, back to calm. Ketia has yet to know what that meant.
"Do you know why I didn't make a deal all those years ago? Why I risked my own life and the survival of our homes, why I destroyed the one thing standing in the way of destruction, rather than make a deal with you? It's because I could foresee this moment, and yet I have the audacity to be surprised. And you... what? How were you hoping I'd react to this? Please, tell me what you hoped I'd say."
"You want to know when to accompany us? Well, that's easy. You don't. Because we aren't partners. See, Flamescorn may have attacked us both but we do not share the same enemy or the same battlefield. And it's not even about the ethics or the legality or the risks anymore. You went behind our back, after all the trust we placed in you, knowing that we would not approve and thinking we needed your infinite wisdom to make decisions... You used us, and I actually defended you. And now the blood of a prisoner in a small room and no weapons is on my hands. The one rule I don't break, and I broke it, because I vouched for you.
"And now you want to be partners? How does that work, exactly? Are you going to follow our orders? Try our strategies? Protect my flank? Sacrifice yourself so that I might live, Boromir to my Aragon? Even if I believe you aren't the one killing Aragon and that you aren't following Flamescorn - and you aren't acting like someone who isn't - you... do you even believe in anything besides your own skin and ego? What keeps you from wandering off to do your own thing? From striking us the second it feels right or our interests diverge? What even protects your caster friend from you, or keeps you from wondering into the woods and going full Ironbane on us? Partners. I'd rather be partners with Flamescorn. At least he's got an ethos."
Pressi stood for a minute before preparing to leave. "There will be no more information between us from this point forward, and I guarantee you that any future prisoners we take will find themselves in more secure prisons. As for whether any dwarves are beyond redemption, well I'm not in any mood to argue with you on that point. You'll receive word when the job is done. And I really do hope you eventually find what you're looking for."
(OOC: I'm not unprepared for the group to change Pressi's mind. But I seriously don't think that just taking Ketia is a good idea, even though we could use the firepower.)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday December 8th, 2021 4:15:50 PM
(Edit: Pressi meant to raise the possibility that Ketia killed Anur, not Aragon.)
DM Hugh - How does that work exactly? Wednesday December 8th, 2021 9:03:15 PM Nikolai reasons that unless there are scorned giants outside of the pocket realm they have no choice but to head there and the giants won’t take too kindly to it either so they need to get what they need and get out quick.
Kezzem had thought that they killed Ironbane he keeps mentioning pocket giants.
Murphy thanks Mungo and inquires about HummingBirds. He asks about preparations for their journey deep into the Scab and if they have an address.
Succotash explains based on Ironbane’s description they could get there using Greater Teleport with him taking some of the party and Tali taking the rest.
Pressi asks Ketia what reaction she was expecting before launching into a tirade over what Ketia did. She definitively says that any communication between them is done and that she’ll send word when the job is done with respect to Flamescorn.
At Mungos:
Mungo says, “There is a hummingbird and butterfly garden where you probably could collect a few specimens, as for an address I already told you the entrance is somehow tied to Fhorge’s volcano deep within the Scab. If you can head there you should be able to find your way into the pocket realm.”
At the Meeting:
Ketia calls back to Pressi as she leaves, “I didn’t expect any specific reaction from you. The message I left was for other followers of Scald that would move against me. As for Anur’s death and being in cahoots with Flamescorn you are just going to have to take my word that neither of those things are the case. Anur was a true friend or as close to one someone like me could have. I’d never have done that to him and as for Flamescorn I’m pretty sure he wants me dead so working with him would not be conducive to my long term health outlook. As for our alliance being over, do you really have the power to unilaterally do that? Sashe is a powerful illusionist. Taking her and me would help you avoid fights with powerful Fire Giants unlike any you have previously faced. They don’t take too kindly to strangers on top of it. Though if you don’t change your mind and this is really your party’s decision there is nothing to stop Sashe and I from having our own foray into the giant realm and a smaller group is easier to slip in unnoticed…” she offers a Cheshire grin.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Wednesday December 8th, 2021 10:46:51 PM
"No, don't you remember?" Pru asks Kezzem. "The dwarves killed Nikolai, so I killed the dwarves, and everybody got mad and started yelling, so when Ironbane came back from the maze we captured him instead of killing him."
To Pressi, she says, "It sounds like we need allies. You don't want them for partners? Fine, they're not partners. But allies don't need to see eye to eye on everything. They just need a common enemy, and it sounds like we've got one of those."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday December 9th, 2021 12:45:25 AM
Nikolai does not know the history between these two so he says nothing. 'Pru honey, we don't know what happened and if they can't get along, their arguing might be more detrimental than the help would be helpful. At this point at least. We'll see what happens, we may still meet up with those two and attitudes might change at that point.' he says to Pru through their link.
OOC: BTW, the link is not a WLA thing, but a Mailed Fist thing and only works between the Agent Knight Commanders.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday December 9th, 2021 12:47:46 AM
"That much I remember," says Kezzem. "It's afterwards that I'm a little fuzzy on."
To Ketia, "there are times Pressi scares, and times she really scares me. In case you were confused, that was the latter. I would not want to be you right now."
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 December 9th, 2021 4:08:09 AM
Succotash decides to fill Prudence and Nikolai In on how they met Sasha and Ketia by saying, "A few years ago, our town was in danger of being destroyed by a colossal iron giant, piloted by Anur, the person Pressi and Ketia were talking about. Anur, like Ketia and Sasha was a member of the Scald cult, and he found the Iron Giant, an ancient artifact of great power, and planned on using it to free his god. He chose Humble's Ford as a trial run to assurtain the power of the giant. Luckily we were able to stop him, and in the process, we gained ownership of the artifact, and the promise that Anur and his wife would never step foot in the Crescent Valley again. After that we learned that the Iron Giant could be used to repair the damaged Giant Tower, one of several that keeps giants from the Scab from invading the Crescent Valley. We also learned that the giants were planning on launching an attack, because they discovered that the Humble's Ford tower was down. Anyway we began the repairs, when the giant army attacked. As the battle was concluding, and the tower was nearly recharged, Keta and Sasha invaded the Iron Giant, with the hopes of taking it away from us, so as to finish what Anur started. In the process three things happened. 1) We were forced to brick the Iron Giant in exchange for immediately finishing the recharging of the tower, 2) Tali was killed by Ketia, and 3) I was killed by Ketia. With the bricking of the Iron Giant, Ketia and Sasha left, only to return a few days ago asking for our help, as Anur and several other cult members were murdered. None of us were keen on joining forces with Ketia and Sasha, but we couldn't stand by and let a murderer avoid justice, and besides, this murderer, whom we now know as Flamescron, attacked our home, with a magical construct, know as a juggernaut, and we wanted some justice for that unprovoked attack as well. The rest, I belive you know."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday December 9th, 2021 9:59:27 AM
Prudence and Ketia both make their cases for partnering with Ketia. But it's when Ketia threatens to go on her own that Pressi stops in her tracks, tense, unmoving.
Partnering with Ketia would cause substantial risks and constant fights about morality and strategy, whatever benefits might accrue in return. But to have them separately running around, making their own choices, unbound by any agreement....
It takes a long time to speak, even though she knows that Ketia knows her answer.
"If we are to do this together," Pressi slowly speaks, "then we need to have an understanding that this partnership cannot have two heads, and that this is not just a disagreement about combat ethics. I... I am willing to concede that you may have valuable insights into the situation we are about to enter... and while I can't condone your actions, I don't have to deal with Scald after this is over.
"But this cannot work if either side is doing activity behind the other's back or without any form of consensus. I need to know that you can operate within our group and within our codes, because I foresee doom for us all if we can't come together as a team."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Thursday December 9th, 2021 3:05:37 PM
"And I concur with Pressi. How can two walk together, unless they be agreed? Ketia, will you and Sashe agree to operate within the framework of our ethics? And let us know, to the best of your abilities, what things you aim to do?" Murphy asks.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Thursday December 9th, 2021 9:23:06 PM Hummingbirds & Butterflies
Tali ponders, Sometimes not having family is freeing. Often its lonely as you watch others tighten their bonds you simply do not have. Alas, the Humbles will eventually come to some conclusion/decision and we will move yet again...hopefully forward.
It was nice seeing Mister Mungo. Something's a bit off about that sage.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday December 10th, 2021 12:15:41 AM
Nikolai nods, "After the Mailed Fist Civil War, it was difficult to work again with members that had fought for Neutronus and against us, but they repented of their misguided loyalty, now seeing the warped mind of Neutronus and the misapplication of the Mailed Fist Code. I don't think the situation here with Ketia is the same, but not too different either. Whatever is decided, Pru and I will go along. But keep our eyes and ears attentive to Ketia for anything that seems contrary to our goal."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday December 10th, 2021 12:33:21 AM
"At the very least you will provide Flamescorn with some more targets," says Kezzem. "That way I won't have to get hurt so much."
DM Hugh - Will you and Sashe agree to operate within the framework of our ethics? Friday December 10th, 2021 12:36:23 AM Pru reminds Kezzem of events that recently happened with respect to Ironbane before lobbying Pressi that they need allies.
Nikolai doesn’t know the history between Pressi and Ketia and sends over the Mailed Fist link this and that it might be more detrimental to have her help than to not.
Kezzem replies that he remembers that he’s just a little fuzzy on the afterward and explains to Ketia that there are times when Pressi scares him and when she really scares him
Succotash relates to Nikolai and Pru their history with Ketia and company from the beginning up until recent events.
Pressi listens to the cases from both Pru and Ketia with respect to their alliance and it is ultimately Ketia’s threat to go her own way that makes Pressi stop. She puts out her tems that if this is to work Ketia needs to operate within their group and within their codes.
Murphy Weighs in that he agrees with his wife and asks if Ketia and Sashe will work within their framework of ethics and let them know to the best of their abilities what they aim to be.
Tali ponders that not having a family is freeing even though it is lonely to watch others tighten their bonds sometimes and that it was nice seeing Mungo.
Ketia considers the words of the group, thinks long and hard and then says to Pressi and Murphy, “You want to know if we can agree to work within your boundaries while this alliance is in effect and what to the best of our abilities Sashe and my goals are here. Our goals are to work with you while on our journey into the Giant pocket realm until we are assured that the threat Flamescorn poses to us is no more. To that end until we are convinced that Flamescorn no longer poses us a threat we are willing to work within your framework. We would appreciate it if you could explicitly spell out what your framework is exactly as I’m sure there are some grey areas that Pressi may be okay with being a bloodwitch that may possibly offend Succotash’s or Kezzem’s sensibilities being ostensibly bound tightly to Gods rather than having the more freeing bonds to immortal powers that Pressi and I enjoy. At the point where we decide Flamescorn is no longer a threat we offer a non-aggression agreement until we are out of the pocket realm and on our separate ways. We are willing to potentially continue to work within your framework for a time after Flamescorn’s no longer poses us a threat if that is what is required based on circumstances considering we would still be in a hostile environment filled with powerful enemies.”
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday December 10th, 2021 12:54:33 AM
"Eh, you'd be surprised," says Kezzem. "Just because her code of conduct doesn't come with a divine bond, doesn't mean her values are not just as rigid as mine. They might actually be more so."
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 December 10th, 2021 3:24:57 AM "Our code is fairly simple. We favor diplomacy over violence, though act decisively if necessary, we give quarter if asked, and we try to act in an overall goodly manner. If you can do this, than I'm OK with you coming with us, if not, than I say fare-thee-well."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Friday December 10th, 2021 4:39:49 AM
"Regarding Flamescorn, based upon the lengths he has gone to against us, and the multiple murders on his record, perhaps ending his life may be just and necessary," Murphy weighs in. "If it be possible, I would like to satisfy my curiosity as to his reasons, his motivations. And to learn whether he has others beholden to him. Regardless, as he appears to be an existential threat to some of us, and to our communities, though, placing him on probation is not likely to be the proper way to deal with him.
"Also, likely as not, as he has shown himself resourceful and clever, I don't anticipate that ending his evil run is likely to be a walk in the park. And - visiting this pocket realm may not be where we find him, but rather where we learn where we might do so. And surviving the learning experience."
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Friday December 10th, 2021 6:55:27 PM
Pru listens carefully to Ketia's proposal. "That sounds fine to me," she says.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Friday December 10th, 2021 9:08:11 PM
Pressi nods in satisfaction. "Ok, that matter is settled. Any thoughts regarding the mission that we are about to undertake?"
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Friday December 10th, 2021 9:40:19 PM More Shenanigans
Tali casts her usual round of daily spells while she awaits the rest to get a plan on.
DM Hugh - Our code is simple... Saturday December 11th, 2021 11:21:32 AM Kezzem suggests Pressi’s code of conduct might be more rigid than his own.
Succotash gives a rundown of their code.
Murphy points out that they might not find Flamescorn in the pocket realm and that he’d like to learn more about the giant’s motivations if they capture him.
Pru says the proposal sounds fine to her.
Pressi says the matter is settled and asks if Ketia has any thoughts about the mission.
Tali casts her normal round of spells
Ketia says to Murphy, “If we deem that Flamescorn is still a threat after our trip to the giant realm then obviously we will continue our alliance wherever we go next playing by your rules.”
Ketia says to Pressi, “Well, is everyone satisfied with their preparations or do we need to secure more magic items and equipment before heading to Fhorge’s volcano? We could probably find the entrance without too much fuss. I’m thinking if you want to be all diplomatic maybe we spend some time studying the giants then have Sashe disguise us as some of them and try to go in the front door.”
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Saturday December 11th, 2021 3:44:14 PM
"Yes, we should try to take a look around," Pru says. "How do Sashe's disguises work? Can she alter our voices or just our appearances?"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Saturday December 11th, 2021 9:37:29 PM
"I can go as a fire elemental," offers Murphy. "Or a pet earth elemental."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday December 12th, 2021 10:57:46 PM
Nikolai fidgets with his hat. "It will have to be powerful magical disguise to make us look like fire giants as well as BIG as fire giants. But..."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Monday December 13th, 2021 4:52:31 AM
"I speak the giant tongue. Oh, we could go disguised as gnomes and let them know we are there for their game of gnome football. If we don't mind being kicked around for a few hours," the druid facetiously offers.
"But there is invisibility, non-detection, stealth, surprise teleportation, cubes of force to allow us to speak for a while before being pelted with stones, lots of scrying, putting on a play for the giants - you know that Shake Spear fellow, right, Pressi? Selling mushrooms. Maybe I could go as a firebat, and chat with other firebats in the region. Though they may or may not be able to provide us the sort of information leading toward the information we seek.
"Should we go and talk with McGregor Headwise? He is said to be the wisest halfling in town. Perhaps he might steer us the right direction.
"Also, as it seems the married couples in the group have the ability to link minds for efficient communication, perhaps a few more in the group might consider acquiring permanent telepathic bonds with each other. If I had a bond with one or two others, and Pressi likewise, and Nikolai and Prudence with one other each, we should be able to communicate over wide areas with ease, with a few relays set up. Unless we can get devices similar to what Nik and Pru already have. I know most of the dragon groups have such. Nikolai, what if you and I got a permanent mind link. Which we would use with care, with utmost respect for one another's privacy, but there when the need arose?"
"Podo, a monk who was both with our group on a few occasions, and who also started out his adventuring career with Nalfein, Selinthe, Kendry, and their friends and relatives in the Crescent Valley group - he was given such a device by none other than one of the greatest adventurers of all time, Valdor, The Dragonstone, over in Plateau City. Pode still has it, last time I checked."
He looks at Tali. "I think you and he would have gotten along well, Tali."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Monday December 13th, 2021 4:58:27 AM
"Succotash, who do you think would be good to have a telepathic bond with? Kezzem? Tali?" he asks each in turn.
Murphy privately communicates with Pressi. "How creepy would it be for you to set up mental communication with Ketia - for a while, at least, as long as we have some sort of reasonable meshing of interests? And maybe someone with Sashe? Or is there a better 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 Monday December 13th, 2021 9:44:57 AM "To answer your question Murphy, we have to look at things logically. Since I'm often in the search and recon group, due to my ability to quickly get away from danger, the wisest route would be to establish a link with someone who usually stays behind. To be honest though, I'm not the halfling I used to be, and will probably be retiring, and hopefully settleing down, not to long from now, maybe a couple years at most, so I guess I'm not sure how efficient a mind link would be at this point in time. Though I'm open to the idea if someone else wishes to link with me. Tali, you often stay behind, what are your thoughts on having a link established?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday December 13th, 2021 3:26:28 PM
Pressi thinks about Murphy's request. [i[That... could be difficult, and I don't know how easy it is to remove such a 'permanent' bond, or how much she would be into it. And aside from such a setup, I don't really have the magic to do anything like that for more than a few minutes.[/i]
Regarding Succotash, "Typically it's been Murphy or myself that stays behind with the bond."
Regarding disguises, "Let's not forget the various polymorphs themselves, particularly if the giants have goblin servants or particular animals."
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday December 13th, 2021 4:49:14 PM
"I can cast a temporary Telepathic Bond," Pru says. "It can include several people, and will last about 3 hours."
DM Hugh - who do you think would be good to have a telepathic bond with? Monday December 13th, 2021 8:28:03 PM Pru agrees they should look around and akss about h the disguises work. Murphy suggests he goes as a fire elemental. He then suggests many other spells for talking to giants, comments on his linguistic skills, talks about who they might consult, and asks about telepathic communication. Nikolai comments that they’ll need powerful magic to appear as fire giants as big as fire giants are. Succotash replies saying he isn’t sure if it is worth the resources for a telepathic bond at this point in time and asks Tali her opinion. Pressi considers Murphy’s points and brings up the fact that it could be difficult to remove a permanent telepathic bond. She also raises the option of using polymorph as part of their disguises.
Pru points out she can make temporary bonds that can last a few hours.
Ketia says, "Well Sashe's disguise would follow the same principle she used in disguising those monsters as more powerful monsters just instead of using two types of monsters she'd use halfling, human or dwarf paired with giant. To all intents and purposes we'd appear as giants."
"As for telepathic bonds, temporary ones could prove useful in communicating while we are in the giant realm. As for that Headwise halfling, you will have to figure that one on your own. Where should Sashe and I meet you and when for this expedition we are planning to the giant realm?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday December 13th, 2021 11:59:31 PM "Temporary telepathic bonds are the most useful and practical at this point. As far as what we are to look like when we get there, let's find the place first."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday December 14th, 2021 12:55:10 AM
"Would we appear as normal-sized giants or pocket-sized giants?" asks Kezzem.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Tuesday December 14th, 2021 6:13:18 AM
"Let's see if we can do as Nikolai suggests: Find the place. My thoughts are this. Perhaps not the wisest plan, but Yuletide draws near, and there are family plans. Let's do an initial scout, head out tomorrow morning. All of us could go, or just a few, either option is fine with me. But, we take a peek, we figure out our landing place, try to play it cool, not arouse too many suspicions. We could always pretend we got lost. 'What? You mean this is not the pocket plane of the crystal chandelier ballroom?? Well, I swear. Sorry 'bout that! I've paid good money for those dance lessons, and I'm not about to waste them getting my toes burned in this spot. Farewell!' - and we skedaddle.
"Of course, a few of us could be invisible, perhaps with nondetection so we could do a good scout while the others are obfuscating near the entrance.
"We wouldn't even need to be disguised as giants for that ruse.
"Then, once the festivities conclude, we head back to the pocket plane. Kezzem, how about you try to go as a pocket-sized giant, and some of us others as big-sized giants?"
He adds, "As for McGregor Headwise, perhaps I can check in with him during the Yuletide, after we've taken our first trip to the fire giant spot. I owe him a visit anyhow."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121+11 Tuesday December 14th, 2021 7:39:39 AM
Tali says, "I would like to be including in that mind link with whoever does it. Sometimes I feel a bit left out of things." She sighs. "I didn't have much of a family while growing up."
But after that, she gets down to business. "Is there anything I should focus on preparing? I'm good with the arcane, and spellcraft. I have about 150,000 gold to spend on any magic items I might need to help us in our mission, and am open to suggestions.
"I have the following items: Belt of physical perfection +6 Goggles of Night Bracers of Armor +8 Circlet of Persuasion Headband of Mental-Superiority +6 Amulet of Natural Armor +5 Cloak of Resistence +5 Ring of Protection +5 Ring of Sustenance Handy Haversack Bill's stylish pants o' plenty
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 December 14th, 2021 9:42:39 AM "I'm down with a quick look see, Murph. Like Murphy said, we don't all have to go, I can take six people, though Valerie will be one of them, so that leaves five slots available. Who wishes to join me, and how are we disguising ourselves? Of course if everyone wants to go, Tali will have to greater teleport the rest. By the way, I speak giant, so I can be a spokes person in the future, if we are forced to chat with any giants"
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday December 14th, 2021 1:15:48 PM
"The last time we split up, Nikolai died," Pru points out. "We've been told these giants are hostile. If we want to take a look, fine, let's take a look, but we all go. I can make people invisible; other people can use disguises or whatever. But let's not split up."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday December 14th, 2021 8:25:54 PM
"We might not have a choice but to split up," Pressi responded to Prudence. "A large group, disguised or not, is almost guaranteed to get attention. And we are probably going to need to cover a lot of ground and ask a lot of questions simultaneously if we want to get to the bottom of anything.
"This may mean that some members, those that don't have a good retreat option or good face skills, may have to just remain behind or follow the lead of someone who does. But yes, we cannot forget that we are taking a risk just gathering information.
"The plan, at any rate, is not to simply split up and start looking. Once we make it past the guards and on the same plane, and once we have found a safe camp spot, I think we should start with scrying and other divinations. Get an idea of who's in the city, how they greet each other, places to start looking. Get in character, get to a place, maybe start asking questions, and then get out. Minimal involvement, and no combat. We want to retreat before they discover us."
Pressi straightened up. "I probably need to be one of the ones to go, and I think I'm ready for an initial scouting now."
DM Hugh - The last time we split up, Nikolai died Tuesday December 14th, 2021 9:06:52 PM Nikolai agrees that temporary telepathic bonds are the most useful and practical and suggests they figure out disguises later.
Kezzem asks if they would appear as normal-sized giants or pocket-sized giants.
Murphy agrees that finding the place should be the first order of business so he suggests an initial scout before yule followed by a more intensive investigation later.
Tali makes a point to be included in the mind link and mentions she has a lot of gold, items and wands that could be useful for preparations.
Succotash says he is down for a quick look around and that he can take 6 others with him including Valerie so if they all want to go Tali will have to take some.
Pru makes a case for not splitting the party and suggests they all take a look around.
Pressi suggests they might not have a choice but to split up considering not everyone is good at stealth, subterfuge or bugging out but she says she needs to go on the scouting expedition.
Ketia says, "If we are all going then I'll get Sashe and we can try out the disguises on some real live giants. If only some of you are going then Sashe and I will sit this one out, but I'd like to know if we're all going or only some of you are so I know whether or not to make other plans for tomorrow."
Are you all going? Only some of you? Seems like you have to make up your mind on that first.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday December 15th, 2021 12:46:29 AM
Nikolai sighs, "What's the point of only some of us going? Don't you think that the way in, the key or such, will be guarded? You think that the giants will just let a key to their pocket dimension just sit around for anyone to find? Anyway, plan all you want but plans never work until they are acted upon. Let's go now and find the entrance and how to get in. THAT will determine a lot more than sitting here guessing."
To Pru he projects 'We don't know the area well enough but if we wait for these Haflings to act, it might not be until after the holidays we do anything. But then, it's their command and we are just volunteers. Sigh...'
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121+11 Wednesday December 15th, 2021 1:40:38 AM
"Yes. Make what preparations you wish for the rest of the day," Murphy says to his friends. "In the morning, prep to go, Heroes' Feast, then we find it."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 Wednesday December 15th, 2021 2:32:21 AM
"Yes. Make what preparations you wish for the rest of the day," Murphy says to his friends. "In the morning, prep to go, Heroes' Feast, then we find it."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121+11 Wednesday December 15th, 2021 2:37:02 AM
"Right. A very quick peek in the pocket tomorrow," affirms Tali.
In the morning she makes her customary preparations for a day of adventure, enjoys the Heroes' Breakfast, and collects those around her for the teleportation to the firey realm of the giants.
"Do you want to cast the mindlink just before we teleport, Pressi?" she asks.
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 December 15th, 2021 10:44:44 AM "So it's decided that we all will go, good. Ok if we are going to do the disguise thing, we need to establish who, besides me, knows the giant language, as we are the only ones who will be talking. Maybe invisibility would be better for those who don't know the giant language, just a thought. Ok, I'm ready to look like a fire giant."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday December 15th, 2021 3:49:10 PM
"I'm going," says Kezzem. "Last time I didn't go somebody died."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday December 15th, 2021 3:51:31 PM
Pressi raises her hand, indicating that she knows the giant tongue.
She takes some looking through her list and considers a quick trip to the catacombs (if anyone has any suggestions) but she's pretty sure she's ready to go now.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Wednesday December 15th, 2021 4:47:24 PM
"I do not speak Giant, so I'll make myself invisible," Pru says. "And I can make other people invisible, too. Oh, and if you're worried about clomping and clanking movement, I can cast Fly on people, too, so we can move more quietly."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d8+8=11 ; Wednesday December 15th, 2021 8:08:59 PM
"I learned giant in my teens," Murphy says, "From Lomar. He's an ogre-mage bard, helps out the folks in Hovel. And later expanded my vocabulary by talking with others and doing some reading."
Murphy modifies his spell selection, enjoys the Heroes' Feast, makes sure all are gathered together, and that both Succotash and Tali have a clear idea of the place they are aiming for, casts a few prep spells, and says, "All right, friends. This is a quick visit to get a feel for the lay of the land and to avoid combat. Stealth, right? Hopefully, none of us will be seen even to worry about speaking in giant. Stealth, observation, then a quick retreat. Sound good? If so, then let's go!" ======= Rolled d8+8 for temp hit points from Heroes' Feast ======= [OOC, due to brevity of time: My hope, gang, is for two days of posting, followed by an all-hands exit from the pocket realm. If all are agreed, let's try it. It's kind of like a few stealth planes doing an over-fly to at least know where the buildings are.
Murphy plans to be a huge invisible air elemental (he has protection from fire up), which will allow for a super-fast flyover. -Kim]
DM Hugh - Now how do we get to the pocket realm? Wednesday December 15th, 2021 8:48:09 PM Nikolai asks what is the point of only some of them going, suggesting that the way into the pocket realm itself might be guarded. He suggests they figure out a way in first then take care of the rest later.
Murphy agrees that everyone should make the preparations they need now and the next day they will go after a Heroes’ Feast.
Tali agrees to a peak in the pocket realm tomorrow. She asks Pressi if she wants to cast the mindlink before they teleport.
Succotash agrees to go tomorrow but raises the point that anyone disguised as a giant needs to know the giant language.
Kezzem says he’s going this time as last time he didn’t someone died.
Pressi volunteers she knows the giant tongue and then considers a quick trip to the catacombs.
Pru doesn’t know giant so she makes herself invisible and offers that and Fly for the others.
Murphy explains he learned giant in his teens and prepares his spell selection accordingly. He plans to scout as an air elemental.
The next day Ketia and Sashe meet you for breakfast and after everyone has eaten their fill Sashe casts a special illusion spell on each person that is being disguised as a giant.
You teleport in groups to the Fhorge’s Volcano deep in the heart of the Scab.
“Well we are here now.” Ketia says, “Now how do we get to the pocket realm?”
A rather narrow footpath seems to ascend the mountain.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11 Wednesday December 15th, 2021 8:48:36 PM A lookie for a Fire Giant
Tali will cast Greater Teleport for those going with her to the spot she is aiming for. After their arrival, Tali will cast invisibility on herself and then hovers to avoid making noise to the best of her ability as she does not speak the giant tongue.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=53 ; d20+24=32 ; Wednesday December 15th, 2021 9:48:16 PM
Nikolai has a Ring of Invis he will use when he feels it is time. Until then he wants his friends to see him. Coming out of the teleport, the first thing he does is take a few moments to scan the area for any 'thing' that might be around to notice their sudden appearance.
Perception + 35 = 53
If the area seems clear, he then looks for tracks along the path and the few feet of 'shoulder' of the path.
Survival (Track) +24 = 32
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday December 16th, 2021 3:05:28 AM
"Wait a minute, if we all look like giants, how will I know which one to stab?" asks Kezzem. "I'd to stab anyone by mistake. I would hate to stab one my friends. Also, if I'm going to stab Ketia or Sashe, I would want it to be on purpose."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+43=53 ; d20+27=39 ; Thursday December 16th, 2021 5:12:31 AM
Murphy can offer Freedom of Movement to two others if they desire it. "We're not looking like giants this time, Kezzem. And no stabbing. This is a recon, and we avoid encounters."
He casts Find the Path to attempt to locate the entrance to the city.
Murphy will ask Pru for invisibility, and asked Tali for haste to be cast upon him a moment before he flies away, and as she casts that upon him, he casts true seeing upon himself, then will fly away immediately after... but before Tali does that, he says"
"Let all our communication be through mental links, with relays as needed, once we leave this spot." Murphy notes upon whom Pressi casts Telepathic Bond, hoping he'll be included so as to communicate as swiftly as possible with as many as possible.
"I shall fly up the hill, take a quick look, and may return in a jiffy if that is expedient," Murphy says. "If one or more wish to come along, [b]invisibly, I can carry you swiftly. My rope harness can carry six, besides myself. I'm leaving in about a minute or so after I finish this short speech, so don't dither or dilly dally if you want to add your eyes to a quick scout. I fly fast, and your eyes may water. If there seems a safe landing spot, after getting some of you up there, I can return and fly up the rest, or mentally send an image that the rest may teleport."[/b]
True to what he said, Murphy flies off a just about a minute after saying the word 'teleport,' with whoever has fastened themselves into the rope harness as choose to do so. All the halflings in the group are well acquainted with the harness and how it works. He'll explain to the others as quickly as he might, but will say, 'later, then, for you,' if they don't quickly get it.
Now invisible, and hasted, as a pretty buff huge air elemental, with the capability of perfect flight (speed 105+30, 'running' flight at 525'/round, or 60 miles per hour), Murphy ferries whoever chose to go with him up above the narrow footpath, using Find the Path to locate the city entrance.
Murphy is 32' long, about 8' wide, and appears to be composed of cloud stuff - though the silken rope harness fits him well and seems sturdy enough, with multiple loops and straps to allow oneself to fasten themselves down well.
He flies, unless Find the Path tells him differently, up above the path, and as they get closer to their objective, Murphy looks for a suitable place to land. He communicates with any left behind the things he observes, and the lay of the area. If Find the Path directs him to alter his path, he follows the divinatory guidance. His perception and survival rolls might help a bit.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday December 16th, 2021 5:16:43 AM
"Wait a minute, if we all look like giants, how will I know which one to stab?" asks Kezzem. "I'd to stab anyone by mistake. I would hate to stab one my friends. Also, if I'm going to stab Ketia or Sashe, I would want it to be on purpose."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Thursday December 16th, 2021 5:23:36 AM
"By the way, I'd like us to be all the way out of here within 15 minutes, tops, and back home," Murphy adds. "Sooner if possible."
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 December 16th, 2021 10:04:15 AM "I can't make myself invisible, so I'll stay back on this recon mission."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday December 16th, 2021 1:42:37 PM
"People, stop going off on your own!" says Kezzem. "This is how what's-his-name just got killed!"
OOC: Sorry for the double post. When I post from my phone that seems to happen sometimes.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Thursday December 16th, 2021 4:45:47 PM
"Once we see what's up there, then it may be all right to get the rest of us up, too, even if visible," Murphy responds. "Thanks, Succotash. Kezzem, most of the time, recon requires splitting up, at least for a bit. Tali, if you come with me, we'll have a teleportation master with each group. I know you have goggles, so you shouldn't tear up from the wind."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday December 16th, 2021 6:19:01 PM
Pressi can't cast Telepathic Bond so its to the catacombs for a few scrolls (ill buy them retroactively tonight).
In the field, Pressing casts some scrolls and notes that nobody is casting Plane Shift or opening the door. "So, this is a recon of the mountain, not inside the dimension?"
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Thursday December 16th, 2021 7:53:35 PM
"I can make you invisible, Succotash. You should come along," Pru says. "Kezzem, I can make you invisible, too, if you like. Though I should warn you that if you stab anybody, you'll be visible again."
"Pressi, there's really no need to go to the Catacombs. I can cast as many Telepathic Bonds as we need."
She makes Murphy invisible, at his request. She casts two Telepathic Bonds to include everybody. It won't be a single group chat; it'll be two separate group chats with some members in common, but it should work all right.
She casts Invisibility on anyone who requests it, and Fly on anybody who doesn't feel they can move quietly.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11 Thursday December 16th, 2021 8:42:20 PM Into the Pocket Realm of the Fire Giants...
Tali will cast whatever spells are asked of her onto the group, provided she has spells to go round. And in return will accept any spells offered.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Thursday December 16th, 2021 8:48:11 PM
OOC: If Murphy takes the first group up the path invisibly, and once up top finds what seems a relatively safe spot to bring the rest of the visible group to, that is what he will do. Sorry, too, as Brian pointed out, I missed the part about Sashe having cast illusion on who wanted to look like a giant.
"I think we'd like to figure out how to get into the dimension, yes, Press," Murphy answers. "Someone needs to have Detect Magic up and running as we go along," he suggests.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday December 16th, 2021 9:08:16 PM
Pressi prepares her "moment of prescience" spell, her rituals, and her contingency spell (Blink, if anyone attacks her).
She also casts Detect Magic as she begins to look around the area.
DM Hugh - By the way, I'd like us to be all the way out of here within 15 minutes, tops, and back home Thursday December 16th, 2021 9:13:18 PM Tali casts greater teleport followed by invisibility as she hovers and tries to remain quiet as she does not speak the giant tongue.
Nikolai holds onto using his ring of invisibility for now. He looks for anything that might have been watching for them but doesn’t find anything before investigating the footpath for tracks.
Kezzem is worried that if they are going to look like giants he won’t know who to stab. He doesn’t want to stab his friends and if he stabs Sashe or Ketia he wants to do it on purpose.
Murphy clarifies they are not looking like giants and that there will be no stabbing. He offers Freedom of Movements to two companions before casting Find the Path on himself and getting a few other buffs placed on him. As a super fast super buffed air elemental he quickly flies along the path and eventually finds a wide cave off a beaten path that his spell directs him to check into.
Succotash offers to stay back on this one.
Kezzem says people should stop heading off on their own because that is how whats-his-name got killed.
Murphy points out that sometimes they have to split up for recon and once they see what is up there they can get the rest to join up.
Pressi asks if this is a recon of the mountain and not of the pocket dimension.
Pru volunteers to make Succotash and Kezzem invisible and provides telepathic bonds for the group. She casts Invisibility and Fly on anyone that requests it.
Nikolai only finds old tracks on the footpath. Murphy finds the cave with his quick recon that his find the path spell tells him is relevant to his query of “the entrance to the Giant Pocket Realm.
Murphy investigating the cave finds it goes quite a bit before eventually showing a circular dias with geocentric patterns etched into it. The sides of the cave near the dias are craggy and rugged.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+24=40 ; d20+26=40 ; d20+35=37 ; Thursday December 16th, 2021 10:55:39 PM
Nikolai informs the group (through telepathic bond or spoken word) that the area appears clear of guardians, unless they also are invisible or hiding very well.
Also, that the tracks he does see are old. Traffic into or out of the cave is not a frequent thing. Rather than just assume the tracks are from giants he takes a better look at them:
OOC: DM, the Track skill (Survival check) as a Ranger (Nikolai is 5th level Ranger) includes identifying tracks as well as following them. That roll was 32 but if you want a separate roll, here it is: 40
Not seeing those invisible and what they are doing, Nikolai 'takes the lead', so-to-speak, and starts up the path.
Stealth +26 = 40 Perception + 35 = 37
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+18=36 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+36=42 ; d20+43=58 ; Friday December 17th, 2021 4:47:35 AM
Quick aside on Telepathic Bond: If Pru might have been so kind as to include him in both groups of Telepathic Bond, then Murphy can update everyone in real time as to what he takes in, should we have the opportunity to break through and he can perform a superfast flyover. If I understand the spell correctly, Prudence can be in both groups, and up to four others can also be part of the dual set of bonds. So Murphy, and, which other three people? Succotash? Pressi? Ketia? Someone else? that could work, too. There are nine of us (including Ketia & Sashe).
Group 1 . . . Group 2 - Telepathic Bond Groups, with 5/9 overlap Prudence. . . Prudence Murphy .. . . Murphy Succotash . . Succotash Ketia . . . . Ketia Pressi. . . . Pressi Kezzem. . . . Tali Nikolai . . . Sashe
"Thanks, Nikolai." He did keep everyone updated on what the lead group saw and was seeing. "I'm coming back to bring you up quickly."
Murphy briefly looks over the geocentric patterns and environs on the dais, telepathically communicates what they have encountered, leaves behind for the moment whoever came with him on the first trip up, and returns to retrieve the rest of the party as they climb the path, so ass to ferry them into the cave, hopefully having everyone now near the dais, thereby 'unsplitting' the party.
"So, does anyone detect magic on or around the circular dais?" he asks his contacts telepathically. "I daresay, should we all stand upon this raised platform, we might be impelled to the pocket plane, or open the gateway."
He looks to see if there are any marks or runes relating to Old High Woldian, Ancient Scab language (precursor to dwarven), the giant tongue, infernal, terran, auran, or any other language he knows.
"If we figure out how to get in, shall we do so, look around so long as we can avoid engaging in combat, then head back home with as much, albeit limited, information as we can gather in a few moments or minutes?" Murphy asks those assembled.
If (and when?) one of us figures what to do (and if Murphy's suggestion to have everyone stand upon the dais works to open the gateway - him first, with the Foresight spell to warn him if what he is about to do will be harmful - and the party succeeds in gaining access to the pocket plane, we will take as much of a look around as we can without getting into combat. Flying invisibly. Some using divinations. Whatever means we have at hand, in a short amount of time.
On Friday's post... whatever recon (if any) we can do, then return to Sanctuary. Sound okay?
Every plan is good until the first encounter :-)
============== Linguistics check: 36 - To see if he can make out languages or symbols on and around the dais Knowledge, Engineering: 28 - To see if this knowledge set may help him ken the purpose and function Profession, Engineer: 23 - As above Knowledge, Technology: 28 - Ditto Knowledge, The Planes: 38 - Ditto Knowledge, Arcana: 20 - Ditto Use Magic Device: 23 - Hmmm And whatever True Seeing helps him discern ==== If we make it into the pocket plane: Stealth: 42 Perception: 58 =========== Effective spells and conditions (figuring ~ 3 minutes or so have passed since he first flew out on recon, and ferried people about) (DM Hugh - feel free to adjust this time if you wish): Foresight (9th-level spell) 2 hours 57 minutes Freedom of Movement 2 hours 57 minutes Protection from Energy (fire) 2 hours 57 minutes Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 2 hours 57 minutes Longstrider 17 hours 57 minutes Heroes' Feast 11 hours 57 minutes Magic Fang, Greater 17 hours 57 minutes Mage Armor 2 hours 57 minutes Invisibility 14 minutes Stoneskin 2 hours 57 minutes True Seeing 15 minutes Call Lightning Storm 14 minutes [just in case they need a distraction in the near future] Telepathic Bond 2 hours 57 minutes [Thanks, Prudence] { Haste 18 rounds (From Tali) } Gone for the moment { Find the Path 2 hours 57 minutes } Gone, having shown us the way to the 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 Friday December 17th, 2021 10:18:19 AM "Well Murph, there is a yuletide party, at my parents home in Merrydale, I need to get to, so I figure we should just head home, now that we have found the entrance. Mom said your all invited, does anyone wish to yule with me and my family, we can leave right away, and oh by the way, Mom is an amazing cook, and Auntie Primerose is an amazing baker. Between Mom's award winning honey glazed, twice smoked ham, and Auntie's prize winning sweet potato pie, the food will be scrumptious, and plentiful, we are halflings after all."
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Friday December 17th, 2021 2:15:51 PM Do we need to see anything else? Pru asks through both links. If not, we should head back.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+18=32 ; Friday December 17th, 2021 4:06:43 PM
The druid hears his friends' wise counsel. Though he sighs, wanting at least a peek into the pocket plane, he considers that, well, if they show up there now, at this moment, and though they quickly retreat having momentarily breached the entrance, it may on the other side raise security concerns, leading to making a second entrance through the portal a more perilous endeavor. He shares these thoughts with his friends through both links, as well as this:
"Do the rest of you feel the same? If so, let us spend ten more minutes here to finish our examination of this area." He comes out of air elemental form, once again a halfling, albeit invisible still, takes out parchment and ink, and hastily sketches the area from three different sides, mentally marking the unsketched areas to fill in after they have left this volcanic area. "Let us leave in ten minutes," he communicates as he begins his sketching. "Use what means you may to learn what you might in that time, then, yes, let us depart."
He takes out, also, a feather. "This feather contains an oak tree. While I spend a few minutes sketching, can one or two of you find a suitable place nearby to place it? It will grow up instantly, so cast it forth and make certain you stand back." He hands it to whoever accepts it and continues sketching. "Maybe find a spot down on the flat area, but around a corner, hidden behind a ridge."
"Succotash, I would love to visit Merrydale and meet your folks. But I have appointments already back in Humble's Ford. How about we head back to our Sanctuary first? Pressi and I could visit for a day or two after a few days, and of course, any others who so desire, for I would love to see your hometown, and meet your family. There are things at the Sanctuary that need attention, and I have about a hundred followers I need to attend to."
DM Hugh - Do we need to see anything else? Friday December 17th, 2021 10:42:45 PM Nikolai informs the group that all the tracks he sees are old. Most are just fauna like a deer or some sort of goat or ram. He does see a set of giant tracks that went out and came back maybe within the last month as this part of the Scab doesn’t get much rain.
Murphy investigates the cave thoroughly coordinating with the others before bringing them up. He doesn’t recognize a language per se and it is hard to explain but the circle does seem to convey some sort of conjuration flavor to it. Teleporting is a conjuration sub effect after all so that would make sense. However when Murphy examines the dias under the effects of true seeing it appears to him like something is missing in order to make it work. He asks the others about how much time they should spend and if they have any plans.
Succotash invites everyone to a yuletide party at his parents place he invites the others to.
Pru asks if they need to see anything else if not they should head back.
Murphy agrees with his friends council and quickly makes sketches of the area while he hands his friends a feather token to turn into an oak tree while he is otherwise occupied. He tells Succotash that there are things at the sanctuary to attend to so maybe he could visit after a few days and see Merrydale.
The area is scouted, an oak tree is planted and after about 10 more minutes you return back to Humble’s Ford Sanctuary. It is the Yule holiday and many folks have plans.
What you have surmised from your scout is not much foot traffic goes to the cave from noble or ignoble races; most appears to be from mere animals. A giant did leave and return within the last month. There is some conjuration(teleportation) dias in the cave the footpath leads up to with rocky, craggy walls and is missing something in order to get it to work. What that thing is though you have no clue at this time.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Saturday December 18th, 2021 2:28:30 AM
"Should we save our progress here?" asks Kezzem. "Do we need to find a special point first? Everyone, look around for a glowing S or something!"
"And I was all set to be an invisible pocket giant."
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 December 18th, 2021 10:30:47 AM
Succotash plants the feather token for Murphy, and than says, "I promised mom I'd make it home tonight, so I'll head there now, along with anyone who wishes to, and is able to join me at the current time. Murphy, there's a huge oak tree in my parents backyard, I used to spend hours climbing it, when I was a kid, so you can join us at your leisure. I'll make sure to let everyone know to expect you. This is a halfling party, so you know it's going to last for a week at the least. So you should be able to enjoy some of it."
"Does anyone wish to attend with me now?
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Saturday December 18th, 2021 9:42:57 PM
"Sounds great, Succotash. We'll see you in a few days.
"I can take six besides myself along with me via the freshly planted oak tree. Tali can likewise teleport six besides herself, and Succotash six. Tali, choose which direction you want to go. If directly to Merrydale, cool. If back to the Sanctuary, we can go with you, and skip the tree.
"Ketia, Sashe, what are your druthers?" He also asks Pressi, Kezzem, Nikolai, Prudence, and I think that covers all of us. "If you want to carve an S on the oak before we leave, Kezzem, well, that would leave the 'S' you were looking for. But also might leave an additional unwanted clue for the bad guys to use against us."
However people decide, Murphy will accommodate, but he ends up in Sanctuary, and gets to work with his followers in preparation for Yule, and to ensure everyone has a place to stay.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Saturday December 18th, 2021 11:19:27 PM
"We'll need to hide the tree then," says Kezzem. "Everyone, gather some branches or something to place around it. Remember, the trick is to hide the tree without making it obvious we're trying to hide something."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday December 19th, 2021 6:47:27 PM
OOC: Nikolai does not need to be included in the spell as his telepathic bond with Pru is through the Mailed Fist gizmo. But if there is room, he can be in added to one.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday December 20th, 2021 8:46:32 PM
"I'm going to go out on a limb and speculate that Stephanie Plum never had to deal with this," Pressi muttered to herself. "Whatever similarities we have to people from Jersey."
Out loud, Pressi noted that they probably don't have to worry about anyone else looking at the tree, since nobody's been here for a while. She also takes a moment to cast "Comprehend Language" on the panel.
As for Murphy saying that they have things to the Sanctuary to attend to, "Uh, remind me what that is, honey?" Still, checking in with the shared coven might be a good idea.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Tuesday December 21st, 2021 3:37:52 PM
"Nikolai, you're right, of course in a way - but including you in the braoder telepathic bond allows the multi-party communication."
"Oh, sure, wife of my youth - and I trust, eventually, also of my dotage - tons to do," Murphy says to Pressi. "Kendry's working with my followers. That seems weird. 'My followers.' I hope most of them prove wiser than the white shirts. Shoot, I think there are a few former white shirts among them. But we're working on housing, and I need to spend a day rearranging the terrain for defense and convenience before we start building there. Did you know we've gone from 3 acres to 6 and now 12 for the Sanctuary? Followers, housing, coven. I'm thinking of us petitioning the WLA to start a branch out here in Humble's Ford. Oh, and I'm getting my druid's vestment further enhanced."
He lets her know a few other items. "My folks have invited us to dinner with the family, and they've somehow sent out an invite to your family - haven't yet heard back. There are people in town who'd like to talk to us about this and that, and there's the special service at the Temple of Flower and Ffloy. I hear the flower business is booming.
"Alouryn's about to burst with a baby, and Hazel is nervous as all get out, and doesn't know what to do. We'll likely have, besides Kendry's and Airin's toddler triplets, another babe underfoot starting some time within the next few days, weeks at most. I just found out one of my followers is a midwife." He has a funny look on his face, perhaps communicating, 'A midwife follower? Go figure.'
But Murphy pauses here, hoping his dear wife's eyes are not starting to glaze over.
"Before I go on, though, Press, what do you have in mind? I would be nice to just take a few days off together. And of course join our friends in Merrydale." He listens to what she has to say.
Murph also will talk with Tali, and ask her plans. He invites her to be as much involved in what they're doing as she'd like to be. Except for a pair of days alone time with his wife. "Y'know, Alouryn might appreciate you helping her out a bit if you are interested."
And with Nikolai and Prudence. "We'd love to introduce you two around town. My brother Kendry tells me you just got married! He learned a wedding party was planned for you at the Giggling Ghost, but only you, Nikolai, showed up briefly."
To Kezzem he talks about how some of his followers - about a dozen at the moment - have been asking for some rudimentary combat training. "You interested in getting them started?" he asks. He checks likewise with Nikolai to see if he'd like to team with Kezzem on such a project.
He lets Hobie know that he can help a bit with the archery contest, which he mainly ran last year. "You'll have to organize it, though, Hobie. I've got a mountain of other things to work on." [Aside: The last few days of December might work if you plan to hold the contest, buddy.]
"'Stephanie Plum'?" Murphy asks. "Is she from Windhorn Hamlet?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday December 21st, 2021 8:44:35 PM
Pressi nods along with Murphy. "I feel, though, like you need to learn to delegate. Part of the joy of followers is that they can do their own things without your guidance or even your knowledge."
She raises an eyebrow as Murphy goes on about how weird a midwife follower is. Maybe it's less weird when your followers are all witches and adepts.
That said, it seems like a good enough breakdown.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Thursday December 23rd, 2021 5:17:55 AM
"Sound counsel. Today I will delegate my followers to help ensure no one gets too close to the quadrant where I am casting move earth to change from flat to terraformed. Then a bit of tunneling, summoning a few earth elementals to help. After that Foreman George can start directing his crew and volunteers to work on implementing his ideas, combined with some of my followers' suggestions. Looks like lots of burrows, plus a multi-unit building for some of the non-halflings. And the kids want a playground."
[OOC: Fellow Humble's Sword members: If you have ideas on what to do with the addition of two more quadrants to the Sanctuary compound, feel free to share them here, or via email.]
"When should we head over to see Succotash? He described a good oak tree I can aim for. How does Monday sound?"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Saturday December 25th, 2021 12:56:06 AM
"Whew! That was a lot of work!" Murphy exclaimed after moving about large quantities of earth. "I spoke with one of the older earth elementals. He said this is not land with abundant gems. There are some here and there, and some small runs of silver, but it's not like in the Scab. So my thoughts of getting them to help us out here on a long term basis - without summonings - are likely not to pay off easily. "We like gem caverns," he told me.
"I think our gems are in our people, and the soil, and in Flower's blessings. And much of my blessing is in you, and our friends, and family."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Saturday December 25th, 2021 2:36:29 AM
"Hey, Pressi, I've got an idea." He takes a moment, puts his hands over his face as he turns around. He takes a moment. His posture changes, and he loses about 3 inches in height. When he comes about to face his wife, it is not Murphy's face, but that of someone else. "We learned to do this in druids' school,"* he tells her. "It's still me, not some doppleganger who took over your husband's body. But I'm thinking you and I could disguise ourselves, and go about town, bringing gifts to folks who really need help these days. Wanna join me? We can walk about - I've got some other clothes I can change into, a nice green outfit - and try to figure out ways to help people, without people knowing who we are. You've got great skills at figuring people out, and who might really need a hand up. What do you think?"
* Acquired 'A Thousand Faces' ability as a 13th-level druid. He has spent time practicing it on his own, but figures now might be a good time to use it for some good.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday December 27th, 2021 11:22:52 PM
Pressi smiled at Murphy's proposition. "So are we changing to Elves or is that too on the nose?"
She's not entirely sure where they are getting the gifts from, but she's on board.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Tuesday December 28th, 2021 1:45:45 PM
"Oh, yes, short elves!" he responds to her clever suggestion.
"Let's talk with McGregor HeadWise, Candy BadApple and her sweet sister (opposite ends of the spectrum), Sarabella LoveSong, and his mother to get a handle on who some of the more needy members of the community might be. Definitely want to include the orphans that Candy cares for.
As for gifts, if he can learn some of the felt needs of local folks, he thinks to provide them with specific items, or perhaps small pouches of gold pieces. He has two thousand gp available for the effort.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday December 28th, 2021 11:52:30 PM
Pressi sells a little bit of equipment for her troubles (I'm handwaving, but will probably start working on her L19 sheet and catacombs soon. Does anyone know what our amount/treasure currently is?)
The day is spent talking along to the community (in mundane and magic disguise). And eventually in helping to get together some of the presents.
There is also some time inquiring as to the party going on.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Wednesday December 29th, 2021 7:02:46 AM
[Don't know what treasure added up to... and don't know whether all was reported - that may be a little vague]
Murphy carries out as-anonymous-as-we-can giving of gifts - in particular to those we figure are most in need - along with Pressi and anyone in the party (or among followers / covens) who want to participate in one way or another.
Then, it's time to head over to Merrydale, and meet Succotash's family, and enjoy good eats with them!
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