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!
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Monday January 3rd, 2022 2:38:08 AM
Upon return from Merrydale, Murphy makes a few adjustments to his druid's vestment. And plants a few trees in the new area.
DM Mitch Monday January 3rd, 2022 7:01:24 AM 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.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+31=44 ; Monday January 3rd, 2022 9:29:03 AM
Hobie will approach the dias and examine it for what the missing thing could possibly be. Spellcraft 44
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+36=53 ; Monday January 3rd, 2022 12:38:58 PM
Succotash casts True seeing, and than looks around the cave to see if he can discover what is missing, (Perception 53)
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday January 3rd, 2022 6:16:37 PM
Pru smiles in amusement. It's always the way with adventurers.
Has everyone seen everything they need to see?
Oh, yes.
Anyone want to check anything more?
Oh, no.
And then, five minutes after returning, it's wait, was there something behind that altar? and did anybody check the ceiling? and are we sure the wallpaper isn't hiding a Symbol of Pain that will be unleashed on us at the worst possible moment?
So, after a bit of a rest, Pru is unsurprised by the request to teleport back to the cave to look around some more. "Let's make sure this time, though, okay?" she says.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday January 3rd, 2022 9:29:15 PM "If we had the time, we could just hide out here and see who comes and goes and how. But I guess we don't have that kind of time. I am surprised that this portal, known by many it seems, is so little used. At least so little used by anyone that has to touch the ground to move.
How much contact do these giants in this other dimension have on us on this side? Do they have everything they could possibly want in that dimension? I wonder if contacting a powerful Fire Elemental to ask for information would do any good," Nikolai muses out loud.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday January 3rd, 2022 10:34:45 PM
Pressing surmised in response that the Giants are probably isolated. They'd seal themselves away from the world if possible, which probably led to all the Flamescorn friction.
With not much more to see (this place isn't really the place for hidden clues), Pressi waits for someone to insert the key.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+32=33 ; d20+30=40 ; Tuesday January 4th, 2022 1:20:59 AM
Prior to returning, and Murphy lets Pru, Pressi, Tali, any other member of the group who wants to take a gander look over his drawings. "I think there is something missing, which should go right there. Any ideas?" He also shows it to his brother, Kendry, a bard (who got knowledge, arcana 33, and knowledge the planes 40).
If none of the above comes up with a clear notion, Murphy takes his drawings and descriptions to the WLA, indicates, "I think there is something missing, which should go right there. Any notions as to what that might be?" If nothing comes of that, he takes it to the Sages' Guild, and repeats the query. If nothing comes of that, to Mungo. If 'what that might be?' is answered, then follows, 'and where do we get it?'
Did the druid's roll of knowledge, the planes, of 38 on Dec 17th help him in figuring things out? Does someone have better than his knowledge, arcana of 20 from that same date (or today) to best him?
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Tuesday January 4th, 2022 1:23:00 AM
Aside to all:
'dias' is Spanish for 'days' 'dais' is English for 'raised platform'
Please use 'dais' regarding the platform - and let us speak no more of Spanish days.
DM Mitch Tuesday January 4th, 2022 7:39:22 AM Hobie approaches the dias and tries to figure out what the missing thing could be but is unable to determine anything through his mundane perception.
Succotash casts true seeing and then examines the cave to try to determine the missing item. Upon examining the dias he finds a diamond shaped slot concealed through an illusion spell.
Pru is amused that they failed to figure things out last time they were at the cave so when requested to teleport back there she tells the others to make sure they find it this time.
Nikolai suggests that if they had time they could wait for someone else to use the portal and just see what the missing object is but they probably don’t have that time. He asks how much contact the giants have with the material plane and if they have everything they could want in their pocket dimension. He also muses if asking a fire elemental could provide the answer to what they are seeking.
Pressi surmises that the giants are probably isolated and that is what lead to the flamescorn friction. She waits for someone to insert the key.
Murphy consults a knowledgeable relative. Presuming the giants frequently enter and exit he suggests there might be a key hidden relatively close for easy access.
So with that most recent round you know the key is diamond shaped but not what specifically the key is. The cave itself is thoroughly searched and it doesn’t seem to be there. Progress inches forward.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells Tuesday January 4th, 2022 11:56:40 AM "Well thats intriguing, a dimond shaped keyhole. Anybody have any idea as to where we might find the key, or what we could use in its place? "
Succotash of course shares what his spell revealed.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday January 4th, 2022 1:48:17 PM
"Hey guys, I'm back," says Kezzem. "Sorry I'm late, I forgot we were starting again yesterday."
"Have you tried a diamond, Succotash?" suggests Kezzem.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+43=46 ; Tuesday January 4th, 2022 2:28:37 PM
"It's good to have folks back," Murphy comments as Hobie rejoins them and Kezzem shows up.
"Time to look under the welcome mat?" Murphy queries metaphorically. "Likely not too afar off, as Kendry suggested. Good job spotting that, Succotash. With your true seeing up, you want to join me outside, see if there is something in the vicinity?
"Consult with a fire elemental, Nikolai? Not a bad idea.
"Anyway, let's check around the immediate area. Also, as some of us look for the key, let's obscure all of our halfling and Harper and human and half-elf tracks in the vicinity. And Valerie's, too. Then - make everyone invisible, and use the key. I'm heading outside."
He does so. He wonders aloud how, after someone activates the keyhole with the key, the key gets returned to whatever its hiding place might be.
Murphy casts detect magic to assist him as he explores the environment outside the cave.
========== Perception: 46 - looking for a hiding place for the key outside the cavern.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday January 4th, 2022 7:55:14 PM
"I wonder if a Knock spell would open that," Pru muses. "Oh, I can't cast it. But a scroll wouldn't cost too much. Unless one of you can cast it?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday January 4th, 2022 9:04:21 PM
"Wait, is it daze? I've been calling these things a dah-hiss.
"Also, if we are going to buy scrolls, we might as well just get scrolls of plane shift and bypass the thing altogether." She thinks some more, about Ironbane's lack of a key, about what they know about Fhorge worship, about Anur's missing post-jail volume.... "We never really found out what Anur did after he got out, did we? Kind of just assumed that the stuff he did before jail was the relevant stuff."
With a seeming dead end, Pressi begins to draw her own runes and markings nearby. Casting divination, she begins to ask her patron "Where is the key to this device?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells Tuesday January 4th, 2022 9:11:03 PM
Sadly Pressi, plane shiift requires what is called an attuned key, meaning some key like device that is attuned to the plane one wishes to travel. Remember when we went to that undead pocket dimension? We were given a stone that was the key to the pocket dimension. With the appropriate key, I could surely transport everyone there, but without it, we are dependent upon this device.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday January 4th, 2022 10:47:04 PM "Well think on this. I you had the key and used it, and all with you went through, who would put the key back in its hiding place? Does the key magically jump from its keyhole back to its hiding place? Either the key is consumed as you pass through, or you take the key with you. One other option is that the door stays open long enough to put the key back and then go through. That would mean the key would have to be very close to the door.
Best to think like a Fire Giant. Could be that every giant has a diamond shaped pommel on their weapon. And the object does not necessarily need to be magical, just an object of that shape that will fit so you can push or turn properly.
Anyone here have the skill to shape some stone into a diamond shape to fit that hole?"
(OOC: Didn't have INternet connectivity last night -- storms)
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+31=35 ; d20+31=43 ; d20+31=33 ; d20+31=32 ; d20+31=38 ; d20+31=40 ; d20+31=45 ; Wednesday January 5th, 2022 2:47:56 AM
Hobie is going to closely examine every magical aura that the dais is putting off, using Detect Magic and Spellcraft Spellcraft rolls - 35,43,33,32,38,40,45
DM Mitch Wednesday January 5th, 2022 7:30:50 AM Succotash finds the diamond shaped keyhole and asks anyone if they have an idea of how to find the key.
Kezzem asks Succotash if he tried a diamond.
Murphy says it is good to have folks back and then thoroughly searches outside the cave. He also takes care to obscure their tracks while doing so.
Pru suggests using a knock spell of course being a sorceress if they want her to cast it she’d have to buy a scroll.
Pressi turns around a pun about dais and suggests buying a scroll of planeshift if they are buying scrolls but then uses divination to ask her patron where the key to the device is.
Succotash reminds Pressi they need some key like device attuned to the pocket dimension to get there if using plain shift so the dais remains their best bet.
Nikolai suggests they think like a fire giant and he wonders how the key gets back to its hiding place if it is by magic or if it is something a party of giants would carry with them.
Tali uses her arcana skill trying to figure anything useful. She knows that magic powerful enough to transport people across dimensions could also transport a key back to its hiding place so it might not necessarily need to be something the giants carry with them.
Hobie does an examinations of magical aura’s.
Murphy does not find anything outside.
The cave only contains the dais and the rocky, rugged, craggy cave walls.
The answer to Pressi’s divination is “Seek ye the diamond in the rough.”
Anyone have any pickaxes?
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+9=14 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+43=52 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+10=30 ; Wednesday January 5th, 2022 9:01:27 AM
"'A diamond in the rough'?" Murphy reflects as Pressi receives a helpful hint. He extracts from his portable hole (taking his customary precautions before so doing) and extracts two miners' picks. "Anyone want to help?" he queries, hanging on to one, and setting down the other upon the edge of the dais for whoever wants to help.
He looks around to see if there are marks or signs of other pick work inside the cavern. If so, he begins his diamond-mining work in such an area. ======== Fat-fingered the 20+9 roll - please ignore Various rolls - DM, please apply whichever of these you think may help Murphy in his search for a diamond in the rough. Survival: 30 Perception: 52 Knowledge, Geography: 22 Knowledge, Dungeoneering: 30 (nat 20)
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells Wednesday January 5th, 2022 12:07:24 PM I'm not sure if we are talking real rough cut diamonds here, maybe its a metaphor or something.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+11=19 ; Wednesday January 5th, 2022 1:05:11 PM
"Oh, I know this one," says Kezzem. "It's the kid from that story with the magic lamp and the flying carpet. Wait a minute, I have a flying carpet. Am I the diamond in the rough?"
Kezzem will attempt to pick the lock.
Disable Device: 1d20 + 11 = 19.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Wednesday January 5th, 2022 1:43:55 PM
Melvin, you have email. ;)
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Wednesday January 5th, 2022 3:34:56 PM
"It's as good a theory as any," Pru says to Kezzem. Since she isn't about to go mining for diamonds, she casts Greater Heroism on Kezzem before he makes the attempt. That would bring his total to 23.
Tali shares what she has gained through her use of her Arcana skills..."Well, team, I know that magic powerful enough to transport people across dimensions could also transport a key back to its hiding place so it might not necessarily need to be something the giants carry with them." Perhaps we are looking for this Diamond among the cave walls?" Wonders Tali aloud to her friends.
Tali will hover over to a separate section of the Cave wall to start scanning for rough diamond-like crystals that might fit the key slot...(Perception skill check: 24) after a few she will be to a different section and try again to find another crystal that might fit...she will try this seven times in total.
Spells in Effect Overland Flight | 1065 Minutes Mage Armor | 1065 Minutes Telepathic Bond | 1075 Minutes
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday January 5th, 2022 8:52:40 PM
Pressi looks closely at Kezzem. “Now that you mention it…
For now, Pressi just uses a pickax
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday January 6th, 2022 12:38:12 AM
Nikolai chuckles at the two mining picks. "I hardly think the giants rummage around here looking for diamonds each time they want back home. They'd carry a supply of rough diamonds with them. But hack away if you wish, my suggestion is to go back to town and buy a few rough diamonds. At least you'd have a 100% chance of getting one rather than pick around here. Specially if this cave is diamond-less."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday January 6th, 2022 6:19:05 AM
Pressi looks closely at Kezzem. “Now that you mention it…
For now, Pressi just uses a pickax
DM Mitch Thursday January 6th, 2022 7:09:12 AM Murphy reflects on Pressi’s clue and extracts 2 miner’s picks from his portable hole asking for help before setting to work trying to diamond mine the walls.
Succotash asks if it is a metaphor.
Kezzem says the kid with the magic lamp and flying carpet is the answer. He realizes he has a flying carpet and wonders if he is the diamond in the rough. He tries to pick the diamond shape keyhole but nothing happens.
Pru casts Greater Heroism to try to help Kezzem with his lockpicking.
Tali shares what she gleaned with her magical theory that teleporting adventurers to another dimension while teleporting the key to a closer hiding place isn’t out of the question. She tries scanning the walls for any crystals that might be exposed but sadly unless Murphy or one of her other adventuring mates are using their implements of destruction where she is looking she does not find anything.
Pressi uses her pickaxe while replying to Kezzem.
Murphy, Pressi and Tali are eventually able to find an actual cut diamond in a little pocket in the cave wall that you were able to penetrate with your picks.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells Thursday January 6th, 2022 11:56:37 AM "So much for metaphors", Succotash says with a smile, "That is one way to leave a key under the door mat. Do we want to do anything else before entering?"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Thursday January 6th, 2022 1:14:07 PM
"Let's get invisible together. And perhaps a few other prep spells. Disguises? Resist fire? Other ideas?" Murphy suggests & asks.
----------- [OOC: Will post more later. Gotta run]
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday January 6th, 2022 1:53:30 PM
"Well, someone has to contact Ketia and the other one. We kind of promised that we would, need the firepower, stuff like that? Built a couple of strategies around it?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday January 6th, 2022 6:07:17 PM "Well, that was convenient. Although, I'll add that ANY stone can be cut into a diamond shape. Could use a cheap one rather than a gemstone of greater value. But... if it works, oh well..."
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 January 6th, 2022 10:50:55 PM Cut-Diamond in a pocket
Tali explains to Nikolai, "The cut-Diamond is probably not used up in the spell, but it might be a focus of the spell, and therefore it is perfectly the right stone for the Spell!"
Tali goes on to share with the group," Now that we know where that correct "key" for the lock is, we can prep to our hearts desires prior to entering. We can contact those that need to be here and be 100% prepared for the journey. Your thoughts?"
Spells in Effect Overland Flight | 1060 Minutes Mage Armor | 1060 Minutes Telepathic Bond | 1070 Minutes
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 January 6th, 2022 10:50:55 PM Cut-Diamond in a pocket
Tali explains to Nikolai, "The cut-Diamond is probably not used up in the spell, but it might be a focus of the spell, and therefore it is perfectly the right stone for the Spell!"
Tali goes on to share with the group," Now that we know where that correct "key" for the lock is, we can prep to our hearts desires prior to entering. We can contact those that need to be here and be 100% prepared for the journey. Your thoughts?"
Spells in Effect Overland Flight | 1060 Minutes Mage Armor | 1060 Minutes Telepathic Bond | 1070 Minutes
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Thursday January 6th, 2022 10:57:54 PM
"If we go in invisible, then we pretty much can't negotiate," Pru says. "Which is fine by me; I just don't want anyone changing their mind at the last minute."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday January 7th, 2022 12:54:33 AM
"Looks like my lock-picking skills have gotten rusty since I became a paladin," says Kezzem. "But hey, what do you know? I was right the first time. It was a diamond!"
Kezzem has Resist Energy (fire) on himself and Rumpus, as well as Greater Magic Weapon on his Frost dagger and his new Giant-Bane dagger.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday January 7th, 2022 12:55:38 AM "Fine by me but how'd the diamond get inside that pocket that you had to pick a hole into? Was Stoneshape used to close the diamond in? You telling me that the giant that used the stone last had time to put it in the pocket and close rock around it and then jump through the portal? Well... Jumpin-Jehosaphats! And not even at giant-hight level either. Go figure." Nikolai grins.
DM Mitch Friday January 7th, 2022 8:15:10 AM Succotash reflects that is is one way to leave a key under the mat and asks if they want to do anything else before leaving.
Murphy suggests they get invisible together and prep a few other spells.
Pressi points out that someone has to contact Ketia and Sashe.
Nikolai suggests they cut a cheap stone into the diamond shape and keep the diamond.
Tali suggests the cut diamond is the focus for the spell not a material component so it probably isn’t used up. She suggests that now they know where the key is they can prepare to their hearts content before going in and asks the others for thoughts.
Pru points out that if you go in invisible you can’t negotiate but that is fine by her. She just doesn’t want anyone changing their minds at the last minute.
Kezzem comments on his rusty lock picking skills
Nikolai wonders how the stone got in the rock like that
So now that you have the key. What are your additional preparations? Do you send for Ketia and Sashe? Is this just a scouting run? The ball is in your court.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells Friday January 7th, 2022 10:47:21 AM Since the chances of Flamescorn being here are virtually impossible, I don't see any need for diplomacy, so this is a scouting mission. We can always alter our plan, on the fly, if things change, but for now I would say invisibility and fire protection are all we need. If we decide to contact Ketia and Sashe, than perhaps some of us, like myself, who know the giant tongue, could go disguised as fire giants, than we would be prepared for anything."
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 Friday January 7th, 2022 5:20:19 PM Prepping
Tali asks the group, " Who is going, and who is remaining behind? What's the main objective? Will anyone stay at the exit site on the other side? There is no guarantee the key on the other side is easily found in order to get back. Your thoughts?"
Spells in Effect Overland Flight | 1055 Minutes Mage Armor | 1055 Minutes Telepathic Bond | 1065 Minutes
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d8+8=16 ; Friday January 7th, 2022 8:05:44 PM
[I had kind of assumed we included Ketia and Sashe before getting ourselves over to the entrance to the portal. As we hand-waved the rest of us arriving at the cave, might we do so with the dwarf and drow? Definitely want them with us - especially if disguises are in order.]
"Good thought, Tali. Will we need a separate diamond to return here from within the plane? If so, perhaps I can quickly wildshape into an earth elemental, explore the walls, and perhaps find another diamond, should the far platform use a similar key." Unless someone objects, he does so - changes into a large earth elemental, and earthglides until he finds one or more diamonds. He starts in the vicinity of where they found the one they have. Should he find more than two, he will only, after coming out of his elemental form, use the miner's pick to extract a pair of diamonds, and let his mates know where the others are that he detected. If no diamonds are found, then he also reports that. He'll also be alert to other items of value or interest within the walls of the cavern. He cleans up after any wall digging, as he has done with other evidence of the halfling/human/half elf/animal incursion into the area.
Just prior to teleporting, Murphy casts on himself longstrider, magic fang, protection from energy (fire), resist energy (cold), stoneskin, freedom of movement, foresight, mage armor. He can give one or two people freedom of movement, if they'd like, and has an extra protection from energy and resist energy.
"Sashe, would you like to go ahead and help the same folks you did before with their illusionary disguises? Will going invisible interfere with that at all?" He also addresses Ketia. "Any suggestions or concerns before we leave?" he asks her.
He hopes someone will render the group invisible just prior to departure. "If some of us need to negotiate, Pru, then one or more can come out of the invisibility, no? With discretion. We'll need to get the lay of the land, for sure, to figure the tactics at the time."
"Can we replicate the telepathic bond you set up for us, Prudence?" Murphy asks. [If so, see Telepathic Bond Chart below double lines ===] If she agrees, he says, "Let's try, as much as possible, to use the mental communication once we arrive in the plane. If you stub your toe, just say 'ouch' mentally, rather than aloud," he says with a smile.
"Let's start with the goal of gathering what information we might, possibly without being discovered." He chuckles. "As if that's going to happen. But, as you suggest, Succotash, let us scout. Should a good opportunity present itself that goes beyond mere scouting, well, we'll see if we can take advantage of it at that time. Who knows? Maybe there are those within who have something against Flamescorn, and would not mind helping us." He makes a little scoffing noise, as though discounting the likelihood of his latter suggestion, but, one can always hope, right? "Oh, and maybe you can use your true seeing, Succotash, when we arrive, to see if there is a similarly obscured keyhole there."
=============================== Telepathic Bond Chart for reference, if Prudence casts the spell twice:
Group 1. . . . Group 2 - Telepathic Bond Groups, with 5/9 overlap Prudence. . . Prudence - Italics show people on both groups Murphy .. . . Murphy Succotash . . Succotash Tali . . . . . . . Tali Pressi . . . . . Pressi Kezzem. . . . Ketia - - - Nonitalics show people in one group only Nikolai . . . . Sashe- - so someone in their group needs to bridge to the other to mentally talk to another below the underscore line
Effective spells and conditions: Heroes' Feast (16 temp hp) 11 hours Longstrider 18 hours Magic Fang, Greater (+4) 18 hours Protection from Energy (fire) 3 hours Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 3 hours Stoneskin 3 hours Freedom of Movement 3 hours Foresight (9th level spell) 3 hours Mage Armor 3 hours Invisibility 18 minutes
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Friday January 7th, 2022 9:47:51 PM
Pru casts two Telepathic Bonds, 10 Invisibilities (to include Harper and Valerie) and 10 Protection from Energy: Fires. And, apparently, one partridge and one pear tree.
It takes a while to cast all that, but Pru can do it. Please let me know if somebody has another method for turning invisible or protecting themself from fire.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Saturday January 8th, 2022 1:02:44 AM
"I'm going," says Kezzem. "Last time I didn't go bad stuff happened. Rumpus, stay back with the flying carpet. You'll know if I need you."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Sunday January 9th, 2022 9:04:17 PM
Pressi thinks about whether to go in invisible, disguised, whatever. She figured some diplomacy would be needed eventually, to speak to the leaders about what happened, to ask citizens regarding flamescorn. But she didn't think trying first with guards was the way to go, so sneaking in to start...
"No scouting. It's now or never. We'll just have to do our planning on the fly. And while I wouldn't mind scouting away from Ketia and Sashe, we did give our word."
Pressi considers using shapechange to become a giant but doesn't want to give up her one 9th level spell. She instead casts alter self on herself to become a goblin (the disguise used last time she snuck around giants) and makes sure to cast Heroes Feast and Planar Adaptation on the group. She also casts Contingency (Blink) should she begin to take any damage.
DM Mitch Monday January 10th, 2022 7:03:14 AM Succotash suggests they make it a scouting mission and opt for stealth.
Tali asks who is going and who is staying and asks who will station the exit at the other side as their is no guarantee about the key over there.
Murphy pokes around the cave walls as an earth elemental looking for more diamonds but he doesn’t find any. He does find a vein of iron pyrite though. He does some spell preparations and agrees with Succotash that they should scout first but if an opportunity presents itself beyond scouting maybe they could take advantage of that.
Pru turns people invisible and sets up the telepathic bonds
Kezzem says he’s going and that Rumpus and the flying carpet could stay back at the exit on the other side
Pressi changes herself into a goblin and says they shouldn’t scout and that this should be now or never. She also casts some spells on the party.
Regardless of how they got there Sashe and Ketia are there. Sashe has the giant illusions ready if people are interested otherwise she can cast them on the fly but they may not last as long. “Being invisible will hide the spell but when invisibility drops my illusion will still be there.” she reassures you.
After you plucked the diamond in the wall the hole you had dug in the cave wall reseals itself. Leaving the craggy stone walls almost as full as when you originally dug it out.
Preparations mostly complete, Ketia insists they get a look at the place through the portal before diving in. Taking the the diamond she puts it in the slot. It fits in snugly and soon begins to glow with red light.
As the red light bathes the roof of the cave it slowly shifts. At first it just looks like the plain grey stone is just being lit by the red light but the color changes and deepens to a burning red and you can start to see features out beyond the stone. A burning red sky, choked with ash.
Soon the party is standing in the middle of a large, flat plain of stone and ash, but under their own feat remains the stone of the cave in the real world and they feel none of the heat nore choke on the floating ash just feet from them. It seems they remain on their side of reality until they walk out through the walls into the Giant’s pocket realm.
In the distance they can see their destination. Well, sort of. A great wall made of solid stone stretches across the plain. FIgures can be seen patrolling it, tiny at this great distance, yet they must be giants from what they have been told, meaning the wall must be huge even for them. Pillars of smoke billow from the other side, indicating activity throughout what must be the city on the other side of the wall.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d8+8=12 ; d8+8=16 ; Monday January 10th, 2022 12:20:50 PM "I can't say I would ever want to build a winter home here, but at least you would never have to worry about being cold! I can handle Valerie and my fire protection needs Pru, but thanks for the offer. I suppose we should head that way. Oh and thanks for the heroes feast Pressi!" Succotash says the last bit while pointing towards the city walls. He than casts resist energy (fire) on himself and Valerie.
Tali cast StoneSkin on herself using a wand she removes from her front pocket. Then Tali removes another wand casting Endure Elements on herself, then placing both wands back into the pockets she removed them from.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday January 10th, 2022 9:28:43 PM
"I think I'd rather be invisible than try to remember I'm supposed to be a giant," Pru says. "But thank you, Sashe."
Looking around the blasted landscape, she sighs. Every single thing on this plane is going to be immune to fire isn't it? she wonders mournfully through the links. But I'm ready when you are, she adds.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday January 10th, 2022 9:33:02 PM
Pressi casts Mass Planar Adaption upon arriving through the field. (That should handle all of the issues and provide everyone resist fire 20.)(If she needs to, she can also start passing out Protection from Energy Fire).
"Ok, once we come in I think we need to make a break for some cover." And indeed, she readies that if no creatures spots her, she uses her Hide in Plain Sight ability for the nearest rock formation. "I think we need to start making some divinations, then sneak in. I want to make a beeline for the leadership, where I'm hoping a shared hatred of Flamescorn and some serious cahones will impress him enough to start talking. We should also figure out really quickly who the relatives of that armor is. I'm thinking some visions to get answers, then arcane eyes to see if we can find a way to enter the door. Might need a scouting mission or two if we see any non-giant animals or something, but I don't really have good polymorph options."
Remembering in time, she casts Moment of Prescience upon herself.
"Once in the city, and I think we make our way in closer to night, I would like to get a look around but we need to get in, get information, get out. No fighting unless we have to, no standing if we can run. Remember that my moment can give me a huge boost in a lot of choices. I'm thinking a single diplomatic action that has to pass might be the best one."
"Does anyone have any other recommendations?"
-----------------
Ritual Warding Ritual Healing goblin form contingency: blink mass planar adaption Heroes Feast moment of Prescience
L2: 1 L3: 1 L6: 2 L7: 1 L8: 1
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday January 10th, 2022 9:34:30 PM
She looks askew at Prudence, thinking. "Yes, we were pretty clear on that possibility. You DID prepare non-fire choices like cold, right?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday January 11th, 2022 12:22:01 AM
"Let's see, dagger enchanted, warded Rumpus and myself against fire, had a hero's feast," says Kezzem. "Well, we had one hero's feast, yes, but what about second hero's feast? No? Okay, then I'm ready to go I guess."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+45=56 ; d20+45=47 ; d20+27=33 ; Tuesday January 11th, 2022 5:26:41 AM
Interesting how the wall reformed itself after extracting the diamond. "Nikolai, I think the gem just ends up back in the wall after sending a group over. That's my guess, anyway. And to answer your earlier question - yes, I can shape stone. But most stones have characteristics different from diamonds. That said, I wonder how we get back?"
"Kezzem, how about I put the carpet of flying in my bag of holding? It might be advantageous to have it with us, rather than in another plane, even with someone so trustworthy as Rumpus. If the carpet itself is rendered invisible, it might be a good way for us to get there quickly... er, except for velociraptors and horses and big cats. Hi, Harper."
Murphy agrees with the general tenor of what Pressi and Pru have to say.
"Any thoughts to add, Hobie?" he asks the arcane archer. He also asks the same of Ketia & Succotash.
He looks at the platform, peering over the edge where the diamond was placed. If it appears to be there, he says, "Let's get down and start walking. If on what appears to be a rocky protrusions, perhaps we can head that direction." He does not do so until folks agree, though.
"Tali, my preference would be to scout ahead, bringing maybe two along, and doing a flyover, which I'm willing to do as an air elemental. However, some people may look askance at such a prudent preparation." He shrugs his invisible shoulders. He looks at the space between the dais and the city walls to see if there may be any sort of undulations in the plain, or protrusions of earth or rock they as a group might aim towards. If so, he says, "Once we get there, perhaps Pressi et al can run a divination or two. And I with a few volunteers can overfly the city. Remember, I can move 60 miles in an hour, so there and back again shouldn't take too long. Maybe, if lucky, or unlucky, the advance scouts can find a safe landing place, and then the rest of the group approach the walls... or, just come back to join up with you all again."
"And, Sashe, I'm wondering if the platform might give off some light or signal to the guards on the wall once we step off that there are new arrivals. Might you be able to have an illusion prepared so that it looks like, 'Nothing to see here out of the ordinary' once we step off?"
When all are ready to de-platform, as it were, Murphy hops off the dais, himself moving in the direction of where the cave wall hid the gem, to see if a similar thing is here on this plane. Before they get too far away from it, he wants to have a clue as to how to use the platform to return. He also does some triangulation, looking at various points on the wall, trying to line up objects at different points so as to be able to get back here without getting lost. ============ Perception - potential hiding spots along the plain? - 56 Perception - platform returning clues? - 47 Survival - navigating the course across the plain - 33
DM Mitch Tuesday January 11th, 2022 7:38:42 AM Succotash observes that this probably wouldn’t be a good place to build a winter home but on the plus side they’d never get cold. He thanks Pru for her offer but has Valerie and himself covered.
"I can't say I would ever want to build a winter home here, but at least you would never have to worry about being cold! I can handle Valerie and my fire protection needs Pru, but thanks for the offer. I suppose we should head that way. Oh and thanks for the heroes feast Pressi!" Succotash says the last bit while pointing towards the city walls. He than casts resist energy (fire) on himself and Valerie.
Tali casts stoneskin and endure elements using wands she took from her pockets. Pru decides to be invisible and sends over the link that everything in this plane is going to be immune to fire isn’t it but that she is ready when everyone else is.
Pressi adapts everyone to the plane. She tells the others they need to make a break for some cover, then it is divination time followed up by making a beeline for the giant leadership where she hopes a shared hatred of Flamescorn and some serious cahones will impress them. She suggests they make their way into the city closer to night and that they shouldn’t fight unless they have to and no standing if they can run. She asks for any other suggestions
Kezzem is ready to go.
Murphy comments on stone shape, suggests they store the carpet, and looks down. They are not on a raised platform or anything, they’re ground level with the plain, just in a bubble of main reality sitting in the middle of the plain.
Pressi is able to make a break to the nearest rock formation and arrive there unseen. There does not appear to be any guard presence at the gate itself. The plain is flat but not featureless, so if the party doesn’t trust their invisibility they can easily move from cover to cover towards the wall. That would involve getting completely covered in ash though as often the only space to hide would be to try to bury yourself in the thick layer on the plain.
In the distance stands a volcano even more massive than the version on the Woldian side with what appears to be a very high, very thick walled city that is part of it. It causes a bit of problem with the ‘wait for night’ plan; there is no sun, not that the party can see, and the only light seems to come from the glow of the lava. There might be a sun, but if so it’s concealed by the ash clouds and smoke.
The heat and the ash are bearable with the planar adaption cast.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Tuesday January 11th, 2022 8:41:51 AM
Hobie has his usual 15 hour casting of Overland Flight, and his ring of invisibility is activated.
Invisible and flying, bow at the ready he will fly above the heads of his teammates, looking out for danger.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Tuesday January 11th, 2022 8:50:22 AM
sorry, 13 hours of Overland Flight
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells Tuesday January 11th, 2022 10:32:24 AM "I don't know Murph, I guess our only option, at this point, is to head towards the city to see what we can ascertain. Remember guys, we are looking for the place Giants fear to go, and we have learned that that is most likely going to be a home or homestead that has been abandoned, as the owners have either been killed or banished because of some slight of honor."
Succotash casts air walk on Valerie, and than mounts his invisible dino friends. He follows Pressi, keeping Valerie about a foot off the ground.
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air walk
Daily stuff channel energy (10d6) 10/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 190/190 Quicken rod (normal) 3/3
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday January 11th, 2022 1:55:44 PM
Pru walks for now, saving her Fly spell for when it's really needed. Since covering herself with ash would defeat the purpose of being invisible, she doesn't do that. On the contrary, she tries to be careful where she steps so as not to stir up a big cloud of the stuff.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=55 ; Tuesday January 11th, 2022 7:31:26 PM
Nikolai follows through the portal, staying close to Pru. He holds off using his R.o.Inv for now.
"We should circle around the city and look for outlying homesteads. If the 'shunned' place is inside the city, we got real problems. However, we should insure we know how to get back before we do anything else. I don't want to be hunting for a keyhole and key while dodging hot rock boulders thrown by angry fire giants."
So he starts looking around for the keyhole that will be used to get back through the portal.
Tali, listening to Nicolai, thinks that is the best course of action right now, how to get home without dodging Fireballs! Tali will try to assist Nicolai with her perceptions while hovering.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday January 11th, 2022 9:11:44 PM
Pressi found herself agreeing with Nickolai. "I'm not sure I just want to go through the door, either. Though it looks like we can make it to the door easily enough, once we start opening it.... Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to go over the wall, like on ropes?"
On the other hand, Pressi grows increasingly unsure that any outlying homesteads are around. They didn't see any signs of such and this looks increasingly like a "live inside the city" or nothing situation. The volcano in particular looks ominous for someone trying to do a settlement outside. (To be on the safe side, she uses her clairvoyance ability for two rounds, seeing if she spots any buildings outside on either side of the city.)
Pressi continues to consider her options. She could cast Blink on herself or etherealness on herself and a few people, and just walk through the door. Everyone could fly over, though that might also attract attention. She could arcane eye over the wall once they got to the door, and start spying then.
For now, though, she just uses her Hide in Plain Sight ability to move forward.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday January 12th, 2022 12:02:48 AM
"If we are looking for the place where giants fear to go, I would suggest looking for a place with low ceilings," says Kezzem.
DM Mitch Wednesday January 12th, 2022 7:07:05 AM Hobie is invisible and flying with his bow at the ready flies above the heads of his teammates looking for danger.
Succotash suggests their only option might be to head for the city and to look for a home or homestead that has been abandoned because the owners have been killed or banished for a slight of honor. Succotash casts Air Walk on Valerie and rides his invisible dino friend.
Pru walks for now saving her fly spell. She tries to be careful where she walks so as to not kick up a big cloud of dust.
Nikolai follows through the portal sticking by Pru. He suggests they circle round the city looking for outlying homesteads and if their destination is inside the city they may have problems. He says they also should insure they have a way back before proceeding so they aren’t looking for a key hole while dodging boulders thrown by angry fire giants.
Tali helps Nikolai look for a keyhole too for the gate on this side.
Pressi agrees with Nikolai about wanting to avoid the city if they can help it. She wonders if they could go over the walls of the city on ropes and considers several other options after not finding any outlying buildings with her clairvoyance ability. She moves forward using HiPS.
Kezzem suggests finding a place with low ceilings as far as finding where giants fear to tread.
Nikolai and Tali spot a message carved into ground in Giant near the base of the dais.
Giant language : Highlight to display spoiler: {Speak friend and exit }
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Wednesday January 12th, 2022 10:01:51 AM
Hobie doesn’t speak Giant but if one of his friends translates the message, he’ll say the word for “Friend” in every language he knows.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells Wednesday January 12th, 2022 11:07:42 AM
Assuming Tali or Nikolai point the inscription, Succotash reads it, translating it for his friends. after the door is closed behind them, he decides to test his theory, and says the giant word for friend.
"Pressi, I'm not sure ropes would be a great idea. the sudden appearance of ropes, would kinda be a give away that something is amiss, even if they can't see us climbing them. Valerie can ferry us halflings over, one at a time, at least those who don't have an invisible means for flight, but I'm not sure how our new bigun friends will manage."
Succotash realized he just called Pru and Nikolai biguns, and hopes they don't consider it a slight. He decides to explain himself, in hopes of preventing any perceived slight. "Just so you know, Prudence and Nikolai, biguns is what we halflings call pretty much any race that is bigger than us, which is most races. We mean no disrespect by the title, disrespecting people, who don't deserve it, is very un-halfling-like, after all. It's simply a term we use to differentiate those races who tower over us. I hope you aren't offended by my use of this halfling slang term"
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Wednesday January 12th, 2022 2:18:02 PM
Pru shrugs. "No offense taken, Succotash. And don't worry about us; I have a few ways to get us airborne."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Wednesday January 12th, 2022 8:17:11 PM
"Ah, there it is," Murphy says as they step off the dais. "Uh, the trigger word likely works only if said while standing upon it, right?" [I'm surprised none of us tripped due to the dais drop-off, as the planar image we were stepping into apparently was on the same level as where our feet stood.]
For the discussion on going over the walls is concerned, Murphy says, "I can carry anyone over the walls in my air elemental form, though would likely require two trips with our current group make-up. So, if those who cannot surmount without help, I can provide it - it sounds like several can do it through their own means, or use Succotash's Valerie-ferry service."
He joins Pressi et al behind the rocky outcropping. "A fast flyover, say, just outside the perimeter of the wall, could give us an overview of the city, the layout. I can do it alone, but am certainly willing to have a few people accompany me on the overflight.
"My thought would be to circle around to the right, then more or less follow the walls leftward, staying maybe a hundred to two hundred feet above the top, so as not to be close enough to be easily discerned. Then return, in a round about way, back here. Or, while I'm doing that, maybe you can be heading toward some other part of the wall.
"I recommend we don't use the front gate in any way. Likely too much security is concentrated there."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday January 12th, 2022 9:33:08 PM
Pressi tries "friend" in giant.
In response to everyone going over... "Its a good idea, but I might want to try keeping myself close down. Also, I can fly but not sneakily."
After a detect magic on the wall and another clairaudio round to the side of the door, Pressi casts Blink on herself and moves through the wall.
Harper continues to wait at the exit.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 Wednesday January 12th, 2022 10:41:44 PM Inscription
Although Tali and Nikolai spot the inscription, it is written in Giant, at least I believe it to be in the Giant tongue, and Tali doesn't speak Giant, but she does point it out to all her companions, hoping someone happens to know the translation.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday January 13th, 2022 12:16:47 AM "Looks like getting back won't be a problem as long as our giant speaking members are conscious when we try to get back."
"I'd rather spend some time reconnoitering around the city just so we can mark the surrounding area as uninhabited and irrelevant. On the other hand, we just might come across a lone giant that might voluntarily offer us some information. You never know..."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday January 13th, 2022 12:43:58 AM
"Can't we just ask someone to take us to their leader?" asks Kezzem. "I always wanted to ask someone that."
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Thursday January 13th, 2022 5:37:01 AM
Hobie doesn’t speak Giant but if one of his friends translates the message, he’ll say the word for “Friend” in every language he knows.
DM Mitch Thursday January 13th, 2022 7:27:58 AM Succotash translates the message for his friends and tests out the giant word for friend as a trigger for the dais on this side. He also suggests ferrying people over the walls through flight rather than have ropes suddenly appear with respect to Pressi’s ideas and clarifies certain word choices he uses for Pru and Nikolai.
After receiving a translation of the inscription Hobie tries the word friend in every language he knows but to no avail.
Pru explains to Succotash they took no offense at his word choice and then also reminds him she has ways of getting airborne.
Murphy wonders if the trigger word only works while people are standing upon the dais. He suggests they still do some aerial reconnaissance before using flight to go over the walls and recommends they avoid the front gate.
Pressi tries the word friend in giant. She then says she thinks flying might be a good idea but she can’t sneakily fly so she might want to keep herself close to the ground. The walls of the giant city still tower in the distance as the dais is fairly far away as such casting the spells she wants to cast wouldn’t really do anything
(OOC: if Pressi is close enough to the dais to try the passphrase then she is way too far away from the walls of the city to try to blink through them or determine what is on the other side)
Tali helps bring the inscription to the attention of her companions.
Nikolai suggests getting back won’t be a problem as long as anyone who speaks giant remains conscious. He still suggests they make sure the area outside of the walls are uninhabited before pressing on to the city.
Kezzem asks why they can’t just go up to the giants and ask them to take their adventuring group to their leader.
Several people try the giant word for friend in the vicinity of the dais and each speaking of the word sees the dais fill with magical energy and begin to form the portal back to the cave you left from.
DM Mitch Thursday January 13th, 2022 7:31:31 AM
The DM's suddenly remember Ketia is supposed to be here and has her do something. She looks at the inscription and nods as the party successfully open it. "It seems our escape route is known at least. Sesha should stay here, hidden, to ensure we can't be cut off from our escape route. With his illusions he can stay hidden and subtly interfere with anyone laying a trap for us here. I've also got communication set up with him so he can warn us of any trouble."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+43=54 ; Thursday January 13th, 2022 7:47:26 AM
Murphy looks at Sesha to ensure she is still female. But, he can't see her. "Sounds good to me, Ketia."
Murphy uses his huge-air-elemental-sized rope harness. He lets his friends know it's available to safely attach themselves safely to. Whoever wants to go with him on the scouting overfly he communicates telepathically and (quietly, but) verbally where needed to help invisible people get safely looped in.
Then, when they are ready to join (who wants to come?), he follows the flight plan he laid out.
Murphy will fly at 125'*5 ('running' speed) for 625' per round, 6250' per minute, which is 71 miles per hour, unless those who accompany him want him to go more slowly. If we can learn the approximate dimensions of the walled city, that would be good to know. The slowest he would want to travel is 250' per round. All invisible, and ~200 feet above the wall - unless he receives counsel to use a different altitude.
Telepathically, he gives a running commentary on what he observes. General city layout, buildings and areas of note, etc. If someone manages to pick up that an invisible (albeit lightweight) mass is flying a ways above the walls, and any sort of attack takes place, likely he will simply gain altitude quickly to avoid incoming objects or critters. This is the quick scouting portion preparatory to the party getting inside.
============== Perception: 54 (he has eyes of the eagle, so pretty acute vision)
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Thursday January 13th, 2022 7:48:53 AM
I meant Sashe, not Sesha, for the female drow illusionist.
DM Mitch Thursday January 13th, 2022 8:07:39 AM
(Doh, why do I keep making that mistake?)
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells Thursday January 13th, 2022 12:06:39 PM
Succotash offers to join Murphy on his scouting mission. he has no desire to let the druid go solo, and as he has mentioned on many occasions, he has the means to get himself and the druid out of harms way rather quickly.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Thursday January 13th, 2022 2:14:03 PM
Pru is not good at spotting things, so she stays behind. She's not comfortable splitting the party like this, but she's clearly being overruled.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=38 ; Thursday January 13th, 2022 8:56:37 PM
Pressi leaves Harper along with Sashe and began to move out.
Unlke Murphy, Pressi prefers to stay on the ground, moving slowly from rock to rock (stealth 38 + HiPS). At her slow speed, it's going to take much longer for her to get to the wall.
She does take a moment to get Prudence to come with her, assuming that she can help Pru sneak along as well.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=31 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=31 ; Thursday January 13th, 2022 10:01:04 PM The calm before the storm...
Invisible & hovering, Tali tries to keep up with her troupe, using her perception skills to notice key landmarks and anything unusual from the Hobbit's point of view. Once Tali perceives something, she will relay it to her group.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday January 13th, 2022 11:50:03 PM
Kezzem wonders around with detect evil on to see if anybody stands out.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday January 14th, 2022 12:06:42 AM
Nikolai decides it is best for the Humble's group just do what they decide to do and stick with Pru, available to rescue anyone that needs it.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Friday January 14th, 2022 1:52:31 AM
"Thank you, brother," he says to Succotash.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Friday January 14th, 2022 7:09:19 AM
"By the way, Hobie, want to join Succotash and me for the fly-over?" Murphy asks.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Friday January 14th, 2022 7:12:45 AM
A note to add: If on the flyover, there looks like a particularly juicy spot for the party to enter the city through, Murphy will mention it to the crew. If anyone else wants to join in the flyover, just mention it soon.
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