DM Mitch Friday January 14th, 2022 7:26:10 AM Murphy dons his rope harness, asks others to accompany him on the scout and takes to the sky.
Succotash volunteers to join Murphy.
Pru stays behind as she is not good at spotting things.
Pressi decides to move forward but on the ground. She tries to convince Pru to come with.
Nikolai stays with Pru.
Tali tries to keep up with Murphy but the elemental is just too fast for her spell.
Kezzem tries to use detect evil but he doesn’t detect evil though he doesn’t see anyone or anything necessarily to use it on.
For those doing aerial reconnaissance, things start out ok at first but the closer they get to the walled city built into the volcano the darker things start to get and people notice a choking cloud of volcanic ash seems to be emanating from the city. Luckily for everyone Pressi’s planar adaptation allows folks to keep breathing as otherwise the Ash would be intolerable. However the ash does burn and anyone not warded from flame takes 5 fire damage and will take another d6 fire damage each round spent in the noxious cloud. Inside the cloud visibility is heavily reduced and there is no way to see into the city below from within it
Tali can see Murphy and those with him fly into the cloud and can choose to not enter it as she lags behind
The ground holds no such danger for Pressi.
Meanwhile Sashe the female drow illusionist asks Pru and Nikolai, “So have you read any good books lately? I don’t think we may be going anywhere for a while.”
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Friday January 14th, 2022 7:32:32 AM
If needed to dip lower than 200' altitude is needed in order to see, Murphy will drop down for a closer look - at least enough to see the buildings and such. If he needs to go slower so as not to kick up wind as he drops lower, then slower he goes.
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 ; Friday January 14th, 2022 11:14:32 AM
Succotash is glad for his protection from fire and Pressi's Planar Adaptation, as they fly through the toxic cloud. He finds the lack of visibility discomforting, and hopes to see more when Murphy lowers his elevation. (Perception 53)
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation
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
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Friday January 14th, 2022 1:34:02 PM
Hobie rides along with Murphy, counting out as many targets as he can find with his archers eyes
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Friday January 14th, 2022 4:01:40 PM
"I'm not much of a reader," Pru replies to Sashe. Then she adds: "Don't worry. I can teleport us to where they are if they run into trouble. Or maybe I should say when they run into trouble."
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 Saturday January 15th, 2022 1:25:59 AM The calm before the storm...
Invisible & hovering, Tali realizes that trying to keep up with her troupe is proving to be a trick. Tali can see Murphy and those with him fly into the cloud and chooses to not enter it as she lags behind them, hovering out of reach of a Fire Giant, just in case.
DM Mitch Saturday January 15th, 2022 3:13:24 AM
Murphy quickly establishes the plain outside of the city is uninhabited. Any hopes of flying high enough to get a full view of the city are dashed by the cloud; at best, if you were over the city, you'd see a few blocks at the height you can reach before being blinded. If you wish to fly next to/over the wall to look into the city you can, but roll a stealth check (with invisibility bonus).
DM Mitch Saturday January 15th, 2022 3:17:29 AM
If he wants to just say screw it and do an invisible aerial tour of the whole city despite having to fly low (which re-reading your post may indicate) say so
DM Mitch Saturday January 15th, 2022 3:33:10 AM
(Edited DM post to change scene like I was supposed to. Shhhh, don't tell anyone we'll pretend it was always there.)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Saturday January 15th, 2022 9:31:11 PM
Pressi continues to make her way across the plains, after casting Protection from Energy (fire) upon herself.
She signals to Murphy that they just need to know if the gates themselves are being watched, so don't bother with the aerial fighting. If people want, she can stop for a quick divination as to whether there's a better entrance to the city. But for now, they really just need to know the dangers of the main gate, and a quick check while invisible should do it.
She reminds Murphy that there are no heroics. If spotted, the entire group retreats and they'll think of a new strategy after.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Sunday January 16th, 2022 12:37:36 AM
Murph will go over the wall on the far right (right from the party's perspective), then travels perhaps 100 feet within the boundaries of the wall at whatever height he needs to be able to see the street level (what is the range of sight? - 60'? 100'? something else?), so long as he does not need to fly over a building that is tall enough for street level to be farther away than visibility. He may be going up and down [with perfect fly maneuverability] as needed. How tall do most of the buildings appear to be? He wonders what the level of carcinoma may be in this city. Likely will slow travel speed to 250' (hustle speed) per round (about 28.4 mph). That will throw up far fewer wind eddies than 625' per round (71 mph).
If, for whatever reason, one or more guards manages to discern the invisible air elemental and start attacking, Murphy will move farther into the city, taking advantage of buildings to fly behind to provide cover, and expanding the scope of their city mapping. If things get really 'hot' - well, Succotash has some capabilities.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+36=38 ; d4=2 ; d20+43=48 ; Sunday January 16th, 2022 12:44:46 AM
Oops - did not see Pressi's post prior to posting Murphy's post immediately above this one. So, he will revise the flyover, focusing upon the main gate, going half speed (125/2= 62.5? or 60'), and using what stealth they might - in this case, 38. If spotted, and there is a need to speed things up and take evasive maneuvers, then that happens.
Stealth: 38 Perception: 48
Also - Murphy has the 9th-level Foresight spell active, which will give him solid warning in enough time to react/respond/and anticipate danger, along with the knowledge of what steps to take to avoid said danger.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday January 16th, 2022 10:56:21 PM
Nikolai had never been too keen on flying. Even when most of the Agents found ways to fly about, he had stayed on the ground. Nothing different here either. Glad to stay on the ground with Pru, he sees the difficulty the flying corps was having.
"Oh, interesting books? Indeed. My current one is a complicated story told from the perspective of one who is teaching the Hafling language to a bigun," Nikolai chuckles.
DM Mitch Monday January 17th, 2022 10:14:14 AM Succotash is glad for his protection from fire and for Pressi’s Planar Adaptation and he finds the lack of visibility discomforting.
Hobie flies along with Murphy trying to pick out individual targets though the cloud cover is very thick
Pru tells Sashe she’s not much of a reader but she can teleport them to the rest when they get into trouble.
Tali does not follow Murphy into the dark cloud. The city built into the Volcano looms in the distance for Tali but she can’t really see into it.
Pressi reminds Murphy there are no heroics here and all she really needs to know is if the main gate is watched.
Murphy hearing Pressi’s instructions decides to slow down and attempt to stealthily dip low enough near the main gate to get an idea of how things are there
Nikolai tells Sashe about the Halfling language primer he is reading.
Things start to come into focus as Murphy dips down and surveys the area around the gate. There appear to be 8 sentries stationed on the battlements of the wall over the main gate with 4 on the ground as if to check anyone who would approach the gate from the land. As Murphy turns his attention towards the gate and begins his slower descent, Hobie, Succotash and he all hear the clarion sound of a horn call coming from one of the 8 sentries on the battlements who appears to be pointing in your general direction with the hand not holding the horn. One of the 4 sentries stationed on the ground also appears to be looking up at the sky and hurls a boulder in your general direction but it does not pose a threat as it sails harmlessly wide and to your left. The other sentries look to be scrambling to get bows and boulders of their own as they did not observe the disturbance you made as you invisibly cut through thick smoke but 2 of them were just eagle eyed enough to notice the slight distortion the wind you generated made as you slipped below the cloud line.
Meanwhile Sashe says to Nikolai, “How droll. If the halflings look down on you because of your size, well actually they look up at you but you know what I mean, why go through the trouble of learning their language?”
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 Monday January 17th, 2022 12:45:13 PM
Seeing the comotion, and realize thay have been spotted, Succotash quickly cast dimensional door, and teleports Murphy, Hobie and himself, back to the others, just in time to overhear Sasha's comment. "Well it's safe to say they know we're here, or at least someone is here."
"I think you misunderstand us halflings and the use of the word biguns, Sasha. We use the word in the same way someone would use the word Drow, Human, Dwarf, ECT. It's simply a way for us to differentiate between us wee folk and those bigger than us. You try being a member of a race where you are in constant danger of being trampled by almost everyone, and you tell me you wouldn't figure out a way to tell others, of your kind, to look out there are people larger than you coming your way! It's a lot easier, and faster to say, "There are Bigun's ahead!" than to ascertain their race and than say, "There are drow ahead!"
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday January 17th, 2022 2:36:27 PM
"I guess they're alerted to our presence now," Pru says. "So what's the plan? Do we want to try to teleport or dimension door over there? Fly again?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday January 17th, 2022 7:20:40 PM "Not yet honey. We need to wait for more information. If they need us in there, fine, but with the guard alerted, we'd be up against the whole city. They need to skedaddle out of there and work out a different plan. Obviously, they have some means of magic detection around the gate. Sneaking up on the ground, finding out where it is, then neutralizing it before crossing again would be a decent plan."
To Sashe he adds an aside, "How best to know when they are talking about you? Know the language," he smiles.
Murphy did not come this far just to flee because one rock went well wide of its mark. He resists his friend's teleportation spell. It's up to Hobie whether he chooses to stay with him or return with the cleric. If he stays, he knows that Hobie also can teleport. As he was just as the edge of discernability below the cloud line when a couple giants where able to figure out his location, he rises back up into the air, presumably out of their sight, for 30', then kicks into higher speed at a 35-degree different angle while obscured by ash. Once a few hundred feet higher, he aims farther in to the city.
"Sorry, Succo, you didn't ask, didn't warn, and I didn't stack up all the spells I've got on me just to run scared of a mis-thrown boulder," he says once he is out of range. "I'm going further in to find us a better landing spot than the front gate - which is why I really didn't want the front gate to be our first choice of scouting." He does so - flies fast several hundred feet in, then diagonally a ways towards the volcano. If Hobie is still with him, he mentally asks for his input and observations, and talks with everyone letting them know his own plan and observations. Once, he is, say, about 750 or so feet away, and not in a direct line of the streets going toward the gate, air elemental Murphy slows to about 60' per round as he gets to the edge of seeing the tops of buildings, and moves with stealth, aiming to scout out a decent place for the party to port to. He will dip in and out as may be required until he finds a suitable place. Well, no more than 4 dips for the moment. He does not follow a linear path, but changes direction - and uses know direction fairly frequently, using the volcano and front gate as reference points.
4 stealth rolls (I figure he should be able to find a good spot with that number of attempts) And 4 perception rolls (one for each spot): Murphy's scouting rolls Spot 1: Stealth: 41, Perception 52 Spot 2: Stealth: 52, Perception 47 Spot 3: Stealth: 37, Perception 58 Spot 4: Stealth: 49, Perception 56
If spot 2, 3, or 4 look suitable, and he does not immediately come under attack, he will still himself, so as to be harder to discern, and take a good look about so as to describe well the place to those who can teleport (Succotash and Tali and Prudence?) and really everyone should get his description.
During his dips, he also wants to see if there is evidence of other elemental presences - especially fire elementals. Not only that, but what other creatures might be seen about the streets?
If any want to reproach him for now, he certainly will listen. He'll also listen if they offer good suggestions.
"Someone want to plant an oak tree behind one of the rocky outcroppings, out of sight of the wall?" he asks.
"Meanwhile, do the diplomatic corps want to see about percolating another approach?"
And to wrap up, if a bunch of determined pursuit is built up before he is able to spot a good place, he may simply take a fair amount of evasive action, or, if he is still there, see if Hobie can teleport them back to square 1.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Monday January 17th, 2022 8:57:23 PM
Pressi frowns as she senses Murphy's continued presence. Not that she thinks that Murphy is in that much danger yet, but the longer he stays, the less likely they can sell this as someone who got paranoid.
Speaking of, Pressi is unimpressed by the fact that they would notice such a detail. She figures they can know wait for these guys to give themselves heart attacks. Still, they are a long way from the infiltration of the giants way back when.
"If you really want to help out, then change of strategy," Pressi messages Murphy. "Pull back well outside the wall before scouting around. Lets see if they have any back doors, sewage areas, farms, outside the wall encampments. Maybe a building next to the main wall, we could ethereal jaunt right through the sentries."
For her part, she hides behind an outcropping and drops one of the oak tree acorns into a hole. She then begins a divination (CL=18), asking where is the best place to infiltrate the gated city.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Monday January 17th, 2022 10:04:40 PM
"You would think we would learn to not split up by now, but noooooo," says Kezzem. "Are we attacking now?"
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Tuesday January 18th, 2022 1:39:17 AM
Hobie sticks with Murphy, riding along looking for the best spot. He doesn’t quite feel threatened by the giants yet.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Tuesday January 18th, 2022 1:46:21 AM
"Sure, Pressi," Murphy broadcasts to her and everyone. "I'll be happy to look for those types of things. So after I finish a few barely-below the thick-ash cover dips, I'll be up for skedaddling and looking elsewhere."
"Trying to come up with more information for you, Nikolai. Wish me luck. That would be Dymuna pob lwc i fi in halfling. And remember, there are two 'Ls' in halfling."
"Right, Kezzem, never split up. That's why we can all get in each other's heads right now. If we can avoid attacking, or being attacked overmuch, that could help us better fulfill our mission, but I'll let you know."
"Thanks, Prudence, for the mass eavesdropping spells."
"Tali, how are you doing?"
DM Mitch d20+19=36 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=34 ; d100=40 ; d100=22 ; d100=29 ; d100=20 ; d100=10 ; d100=15 ; Tuesday January 18th, 2022 6:44:40 AM Succotash tries to dimension door himself, Hobie and Murphy back to the gate. He arrives back in time to explain to the Drow what exactly is meant by the term Bigun.
Pru asks if they should teleport, dimension door or fly over to where the commotion is.
Nikolai opines to his wife that they need more information before springing into action. He tells Sashe the best way to know if someone is talking about you is to learn their language.
Murphy decides not to flee with Succotash and instead presses on with some fancy flying to try to evade detection. He gives some suggestions as to what to do with an Oak tree and what the diplomatic corps should do.
Pressi frowns as she senses Murphy’s continued presence. She isn’t impressed so far and suggests that her husband change his strategy and pull outside the wall. She drops an acorn down a hole and asks in a divination where the best place is to sneak in.
The answer Pressi gets is “The small gate.”
Kezzem remarks that they would learn to not split the party by now and asks if they are attacking now.
Hobie decides to stay as well.
Murphy and Hobie decide to advance. After emerging from the cloud a way’s off he quickly scans the area on the other side of the wall. It’s a ramshackle area of confused buildings seemingly put up by throwing large slabs of rock together and hoping that they stay up. They are mostly sized for large sized creatures or larger. Hiding spots are plentiful in the haphazard mess, but that just means if he chances ducking into a concealed spot he might just run face first into someone. Quickly picking an overhang he’s able to swing into it and hide and is in luck as no one seems to be around.
Their hiding spot gives them a decent view of the walls. The giants on the wall boil like a kicked anhil. It quickly becomes quite evident that though he only saw a handful at the gate it has plenty of internal guardhouses and halls to hold far more giants. With military efficiency they form squads and begin sweeping the poor district. They can also see more moving up to man the battlements - it’ll be even harder to cross without being seen by the sharp eyed giants now, even invisible.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday January 18th, 2022 9:46:23 AM
Pressi thinks about this, about whether kicking the hornets nest at the main gate would move everyone to the small gate. Or maybe still do the ethereal jaunt through the walls. Or could they use the fact that two people are already in as a method.
But for now, the small gate is the priority,
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Tuesday January 18th, 2022 9:50:22 AM
Murph describes what he and Hobie have been seeing. "Should this be a 'take me to your leader' moment?" he asks the group. He is impressed with the fire giants' up-front defensive capabilities, but a gateway should usually be a well-protected spot.
"So, you want we should find the small gate?" he asks Pressi, et al.
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 18th, 2022 10:54:41 AM "Maybe I could give them something to throw them off our scent. Maybe I could summon some sort of creature, roughly the same size as Murphy is in his air elemental form, maybe an actual air elemental, and have it appear near the main gate. It may throw the giants off our scent, since they only saw Murph, Hobie, and myself's rough shape coming out of the smoke cloud. What do you guys think?"
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday January 18th, 2022 5:03:42 PM
"Succotash, let's plan on doing that after we find the small gate," Pru says. "We can send a group of elementals to the main gate as a diversion. I can summon some, too."
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 Tuesday January 18th, 2022 10:38:48 PM A slight disturbence
Invisible & hovering, Tali realizes that trying to keep up with her troupe is proving to be a trick, so she returns to the return gate and waits.
When the rest of the group returns in a hasty manner, she listens to what the others offer.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=54 ; d20+46=49 ; Tuesday January 18th, 2022 11:14:37 PM "Good idea Pru, a diversion is what we need. Time for me to sneak afoot and see if I can find that small gate. I'll go invisible and avoid ash clouds and dust. I'll keep in constant touch," he smiles and winks.
Nikolai activates his Light Steps ability from his Monk Vest. This allows him to 'walk' across the surface with just barely touching it. He can do this each round as long as he ends his move on a solid surface. He also is able to avoid difficult terrain by doing this. He also hopes to avoid leaving any footsteps in the ash.
So, after activating his Ring of Invisibility, he starts across the plains towards the Fire Giant city. The closer he gets, the more cautious. He does not head to the main gate, of course, but to the farthest extent of the wall closest to him (right or left of the main gate).
Perception +35 = 54 Stealth +26 +20(invisible) = 49 (let me know how many of these i need to get to the wall farthest from the main gate).
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday January 19th, 2022 12:42:23 AM
"Wouldn't it the small gate also be guarded?" asks Kezzem. "Maybe we could make our own gate instead."
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 19th, 2022 3:22:10 AM "Kezzem may be on to something. I prepared Stone Shape this morning, I could just make an opening in the wall."
DM Mitch Wednesday January 19th, 2022 7:23:34 AM Pressi ponders her options before deciding on the small gate being the priority.
Murphy describes things to the others and asks if now is the take me to your leader moment or if they should look for the small gate.
Succotash suggests he could summon a diversion to throw the giants off of Murphy’s trail.
Pru suggests they focus on the small gate first and then they can summon a diversion together.
Tali realizes it is hard to keep up with the faster fliers in the group so she falls back to the entrance portal where some of the party is mustering
Nikolai goes invisible and advances towards the far side of the wall. He makes extra sure to be stealthy as he gets close and searches for the small gate
Kezzem suggests they just make their own door.
Succotash likes that idea.
The search of the wall proceeds smoothly. The guards on the top have doubled, with a guard patrolling every 10 or so feet. Nikolai is easily within sight of a dozen or more at a time but his invisibility and skill keeps him hidden. The search proves slow going though since he has to be so stealthy and he doesn’t find the small gate in the first section of wall he scans.
Meanwhile in the city a patrol moves into the area Murphy and Hobie are in. They look about suspiciously for any signs of the invisible pair (stealth checks please).
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 Wednesday January 19th, 2022 7:41:09 AM
Stealth is 52.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Wednesday January 19th, 2022 8:43:42 PM
"The small gate is probably guarded, too," Pru agrees with Kezzem, "But it probably doesn't have as many guards. And if we make a distraction at the main gate, hopefully it will slow reinforcements to the small gate."
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 19th, 2022 9:42:28 PM Fire Giant StormTroopers
Tali, invisible and still, listens to any chatter across the communication links, hoping to find a way to support her troupe.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday January 19th, 2022 10:41:20 PM
Pressi casts “find the path,” hoping it will lead directly to the small gate.
“Murphy, get out of there.” Pressi messaged. “We’ll find another way.”
If Murphy refuses, “at least duck into one of the buildings. Find a way to fit into the surroundings, make it hard for them to maneuver. And if you happen to find a giant we might diplomacy with, great.”
If She hears the giants closing in on Murphy, she casts quickened dancing lights before reusing HiPS. Hoping they take the bait.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=46 ; d20+46=51 ; Thursday January 20th, 2022 12:23:23 AM
Nikolai keeps figures the small gate won't be close to the main gate so he does not bother getting close to that. He keeps checking the wall here until he figures he's too close to the main gate for a small gate to be.
In order to save time in getting past the main gate to start on the other side, he uses his monk Abundant Step ability to Dimension Door past the main gate. He can go 920ft in this manner as a Move Action and spending 2 ki pts.
Finishing up this side: Perception +35 = 46 Stealth +26 +20(invisible) = 51
Hobie (Kim for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+41=53 ; d20+21=29 ; d20=20 ; Thursday January 20th, 2022 2:46:07 AM
Hobie remains still, while looking down at the targets below, barely breathing as people look upward. As is usual on such a spying mission, his waist and an ankle are wrapped to anchor him in Murphy's air elemental harness, he has his arrows nocked, left and index fingers keeping the middle of the shafts near the wood of the bow, but has not yet draw back on the string. His right index, middle, and ring fingers keep the nocked arrows firm against the string. He feels relaxed, ready for action.
The threat from above mentally maps out the area below. He knows where the buildings are, the people, the passageways. He guesses at the personalities and intentions of the people below who are searching for them. Though that generally is not his strong suit, he does fairly well this time. He'd love to have his cousin Roscoe along with him sometime on such an adventure.
He lets the rest of the team know what he is seeing and hearing. He also listens to what others are reporting.
============ Stealth: 53 Perception: 29 Sense Motive: 20 (nat 20) - see what he can figure out about the personalities and current intentions of the people who search below.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 Thursday January 20th, 2022 5:45:46 AM
[BTW, the 52 for stealth was from my post of the 17th, in which I made 4 stealth rolls. I figure the first one was for when I first flew in to look about. Then after a bit, people came looking around after I tucked up under the ledge. Thus, the second roll.]
Murphy is motionless, tucked neatly under the overhang of one of the buildings. Unless someone clearly spots him, he waits until the local activity dies down.
However, if spotted, he ambles away, in an air elemental sort of way. If moving, he slips up and over the overhang, then farther up the roof, then straight up into the air at speed.
If not spotted, though, he remains as the searches go off elsewhere.
"I like the notion of making our own gate, Kezzem & Succotash," the druid comments.
"So, should Hobie and I create more disturbance around the front gate, or look for a good gathering spot a ways from the small gate? Or just creep about, looking for a good target spot farther in?"
DM Mitch d20+22=25 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+22=35 ; Thursday January 20th, 2022 6:12:14 AM Murphy continues to hide. He asks about creating a distraction at the main gate or try to find a good gathering spot on the other side of the small gate.
Pru suggests the small gate is guarded too but it probably doesn’t have as many guards. She reiterates her idea of making a distraction at the main gate.
Tali listens to the chatter hoping to find a way to support her troupe.
Pressi tells Murphy to get out of there or failing that to duck into one of the buildings and that they’ll find another way. She also casts find the path hoping to get a bee line for the small gate.
Nikolai keeps up his search, skipping around the front gate with his magic step ability
Hobie looks down at the giants and tries to get a read from them.
The giants searching the streets are very thorough. If the pair had been on the ground they might have been stumbled into as the giants make a point to try to spread out and fill the narrow space of the street. They duck into buildings and quickly search them as well. They’re cool and professional, speaking only to confirm a building is clear or to direct the search. Hobie notes a tenseness to them, possibly explainable by the nature of the search but he gets the feeling the giants were expecting trouble of some kind. One wearing some kind of rank marker fingers a pouch as the search goes on, but they don't find the pair on the roof in their search.
Outside the walls Nikolai is able to find the small gate. It’s actually large sized, though to the fire giants it’d be small with them having to duck their heads to get through it. It’s cleverly concealed along the opposite side of the wall he started his search on, probably for small sorties and saboteurs to sneak out in case of an assault. 5 giants stand on the wall above keeping a close eye on it, but the distance and party wide invisibility mean they’re unlikely to spot anything.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 Thursday January 20th, 2022 9:18:55 AM
"There is a leader among the giants who just searched," Murphy gives a general report. "Folks, what do you think about me letting him know we are trying to find a fellow there, and not to harm the other people here?" If the go-ahead is given, he asks Hobie if he minds being left atop the roof. "I can come get you shortly - but I know you also can fly, and teleport, and such. If things go well with my conversation, then perhaps we can have everyone show up here. If not, then we'll head out," he explains. "Sound good?"
If the go-ahead is not given, then he asks, "So, other suggestions?"
Effective spells and conditions: Subtract about 15 minutes from times listed below 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
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 20th, 2022 12:30:26 PM "I don't like it Murph, assuming Hobie is right, how did they know we were coming? Something doesn't pass the smell test, and I fear diplomacy may not be much good at this time. I wish you guys would have returned with me. It's my job to get everyone out of harms way, on these scouting missions, and how am I supposed to do that when you resist my escape efforts?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday January 20th, 2022 4:19:08 PM
"Then what if we do a double-bluff. Make an obvious distraction at the main gate, then make a less obvious distraction at the small gate so that the giants THINK the main gate is a feint, and then actually attack the main gate?" asks Kezzem. "That will confuse them fore sure!"
Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 Thursday January 20th, 2022 5:52:44 PM
"I seriously doubt they knew we were coming, Succo," Murphy responds. "They simply have alert guards. If we end up talking with them, we should commend them on their security status. We won't mention they probably should have had some guards stationed near the portal dais.
"We were barely in harm's way, friend. You might have done a quick ask prior to the cast. Sorry to leave you feeling frustrated. I wonder where the rocks landed? Also, I should work more on my stealth skills."
"Good thoughts, Kezzem. All right, now can you think of a plan that involves us avoiding a pitched battle at a heavily fortified position?" Murphy asks with a smile, but he is invisible, and this is telepathic communication.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday January 20th, 2022 7:09:37 PM
"Well, we could try telling them we are mushroom farmers," replies Kezzem. "But our success rate there has not been as high as I would like."
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 Thursday January 20th, 2022 7:20:00 PM Small to you, may not be to others...
Tali will stay where she is, visible and motionless, listening to the communication of the troupe. Eventually, and hopefully soon, she will be able to lend a hand.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday January 20th, 2022 9:32:10 PM
Pressi warns Murphy not to engage with the commander. "Regardless, we have only one shot with diplomacy, if at all, and I seriously doubt it's the guy who's job is to kill us, and oh yeah the guy who looks at us like we look at roast rabbit. Best case scenario is we convince him to take us prisoner now to kill us later.
"If we do manage to make a diplomatic connection, it will be solo to an actual leader with leverage and a common goal and that's putting it optimistically. Maybe the guy we return the fallen armor to will at least listen, and that's a big if as well. I'm assuming we are on our own, with maybe one or two guys who might answer questions. In the meantime, we are now fugitive thieves hoping whatever we are looking for is clearly marked."
While Pressi talks, she continues to make her way to the main gate. "I can handle the distraction, if the rest of you can make it to the main gate. I was thinking I could use my rogue skills or Ethereal Jaunt to help at the small gate but it'll take time for me to get there, plus I can probably phase through the wall at my convenience once everyone is in.
"I'm looking for input but the current plan is that I do what I do best: attract attention from 120 feet in the air on a broom. When that happens, I want the rest of the group to go in as invisibly, ethereally or stealthily as possible. I'll fly away, then phase through the wall later. Unless someone has another idea."
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Thursday January 20th, 2022 10:53:50 PM
Pru gives a little chuckle at Kezzem's suggestion. "I don't know about the giants," she says, "But that would certainly confuse me."
To Murphy, she replies, Look, I'm a big fan of diplomacy, but now is not the time. Right now we have the advantage of surprise. I don't think it's a good idea to voluntarily give that up on the off chance that we can find a sympathetic ear. I think we should press on and hope to negotiate later from a position of strength.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday January 21st, 2022 12:15:42 AM
Nikolai rolls his eyes. "Before we do anything more, we need to refocus on our objective. It certainly was not to engage in a mass battle against the Fire Giant City! Wasn't it to find some shunned family property? Obviously, we are not going to be able to all go in there and look, not at this point anyway. And Diplomacy? If Fire Giants are anything remotely like Frost Giants, then the only way to engage in diplomacy is for them to need US, not us need THEM! So, whoever is in there, stay in there until things calm down. They do have to sleep sometime. Then venture out again to find this shunned place. Once you find one, then we make plans for the next step.
But there's no point in storming the gates. Creating a diversion will just put them on a higher alert color than they already are in and it may be days before we get a window to sneak in again."
Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 Friday January 21st, 2022 3:37:00 AM
"Good counsel, all. Yep, Prudence, mine was a weak suggestion, but I thought at least I'd throw it out there. Right, Pressi, Flamescorn's dead fire giant body armor may win us a hearing. Keep doing what you're doing. Oh, and Succotash, after what Hobie mentioned, you likely are right - not that they were necessarily expecting us, but expecting something. With all our asking around somewhere, yeah, they may have been alerted we are coming. So, I'll drop my earlier gainsay."
To Nikolai (yet still on broadcast mode) Murphy says, "You are right. I think avoiding a huge confrontation at either gate is not the way to approach this. Witch on a broomstick may be the best diplomatic salvo."
Tali - you may be feeling left out, but that's not our intent. When Pressi sallies forth to begin negotiations, can you be nearby to give her whatever protection she may need?"
After ensuring no one is presently looking up at them, Murphy eases back into the above-the-city ash cover. Just to understand their environment a bit better, he gives Hobie a heads-up then continues his ascent at a hustling pace (250' per round) to try to see just how thick the ash cover is, and how high this plane reaches. Within reason - he's not going to go more than say a thousand to 1200 feet if he doesn't find any change. Once he has discovered a difference or a limit, he will report in, likely to head over then to where Pressi or other folks may suggest.
Hobie (Kim for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+21=32 ; Friday January 21st, 2022 3:42:13 AM
"I still hope I have a chance to perforate a few foes in this dirty place," Hobie tells Murphy. "High flight? Okay. I'll keep a lookout for anything incoming around us or behind us," he tells the druid. Arrows are nocked, all he has to do is pull back and release if something looks to hurt the pair. ============ Perception: 32
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Friday January 21st, 2022 4:02:25 AM
“I’m fine, leave me he here.”
Hobie is happy to stay out and keep watch while Murphy goes off. If things go south, Hobie has a few ways out, and more than enough Giant Bane Arrows to defend himself.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Friday January 21st, 2022 4:04:04 AM
Hobie remains invisible, but still does his best to keep behind cover knowing that surely some of them can see invisible creatures
DM Mitch d8=2 ; d3=3 ; d3=3 ; d3=3 ; d8=8 ; Friday January 21st, 2022 6:43:39 AM Murphy points out the giant leader over the link and asks if he should make contact
Succotash doesn’t like Murphy’s suggestion and that something isn’t right. He also wish’s Hobie and Murphy hadn’t resisted the escape attempt on the scout.
Kezzem asks if they do a double-bluff by making a distraction at the main gate, make a less obvious distraction at the small gate then actually attack the main gate.
Murphy tells Succotash he doubts they knew they were coming and that they merely have alert guards. He also opines that they weren’t in much danger when Succotash teleported away and that Kezzem has a good idea.
Kezzem suggests using the Mushroom Farmer story but the success rate has not been that high
Tali stays where she is listening to the communications looking for a chance to help.
Pressi warns Murphy not to engage and if they do find someone to do the diplomatic approach with it will be a solo leader later. She volunteers to handle the distraction at the main gate while the rest attempt the small gate and that she will fly away and meet up with the rest later after getting through on her own.
Pru tells Kezzem that his plan would certainly confuse her before telling Murphy that she doesn’t think now is the time for diplomacy
Nikolai suggests they refocus on their objective and not do anything further to put the giants on any higher alert. As their goal is to find that shunned place and learn more about their antagonist and not fight a pitched battle with the giants and storming the main gate would only put them on high alert. He suggests Murphy and Hobie stay put and lay low then find the shunned place themselves and the rest of them can plan the next step after it is found.
Murphy flies up to find the roof and immediately discovers new developments. The ash cloud is lowering and thickening. It’s about half the height it was, forcing him lower if he wants to have any visibility in the city. Flying up through the cloud he goes what he thinks is about 1200 feet and finds no roof, so he turns around and heads back. And back. Wait, this is taking too long, which way is down again? He may be protected from the choking and the fire damage but there is no possible way to determine direction in here and he just blindly flew ‘up’ with no way to keep his flight straight.
The rest of the party dithers outside the walls about possible plans.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 Friday January 21st, 2022 12:05:38 PM
How about if Murphy uses know direction? And gravity? "Up" and "Down" should not be tough concepts.
[And will someone with DM privileges please delete my 'Hobie (Kim for Nick T)...' post immediately above this one?]
DM Mitch Friday January 21st, 2022 12:36:24 PM
By definition you are Defying Gravity and have no visibility whatsoever. You could be flying just as easily on your side as with your head pointing Towards the Sky, so if you just want to fly "up" you might be heading towards the roof or you might be heading sideways with no visible way to orient yourself. This is a real problem experienced by anyone who flies or dives in low visibility. A survival skill check might keep you oriented as you do a straight up and straight down, some spells may work, or you can try to think of something clever
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 21st, 2022 12:56:31 PM
If Murphy shares his dilemma with the rest, he will suggest. "Why don't you try just not flying for a second or two, you know, acting as if you have landed, and let gravity tell you which way is down." Of course if he doesn't share his dilemma, he wouldn't say that.
If Pressi flys toward the main gate, Succotash will jump on Valerie and follow, as the invisible dino airwalks. he casts Longstrider on Valerie increasing her speed from 60 ft to 70 ft per round
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility
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) Friday January 21st, 2022 2:55:32 PM
[OOC: Nobody is dithering. We can't do anything until Murphy comes back.]
"I'm really not comfortable with the thought of splitting up for an extended time," Pru says. "We're talking now about wanting go into the city, get established, locate contacts, do research, and try to figure out where this location is. That could take days. We shouldn't spend that long split up. We need to figure out a way to get everybody in there or this isn't going to end 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 Friday January 21st, 2022 5:01:48 PM Diplomacy is Drama!
Tali wonders using the communication link," why does Mister Murphy always try diplomacy first?! In this land, in this time and space, Diplomacy is not the first thing to try! These giants may not be savages, but they are no Halflings either! Sheesh! What is with all the Drama, My friend? We are here for a purpose, and this level of Drama is not in everyone's best interest!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Friday January 21st, 2022 8:50:24 PM
Pressi tells everyone to get near the gate within the next 10 minutes, and to standby. She also suggests finding better spells to orient themselves (like find the path) or ropes in case they suddenly lose all visibility. That goes for Succotash and Valerie, too. This plan will not work unless everyone else makes their way to the gate.
During the next 10 minute, she remains holed up somewhat close to the main gate, hidden within the shadows it produces. The oak tree she was asked to plant, as directed, sits nearby as she begins to connect to her patron, seeing deep within the planet.
Slowly, she begins to form her spell, Control Weather, whilst bundling herself in every layer of clothing she has and calculating what might be 2 miles away from her. Deep down, a voice warns that the particular rules of the plane might keep her from performing what she desires.
But since what she desires most is to kick the hornet's nest and ride the chaos wave, she figures she can live with it.
After 10 minutes are up, she stands. "Heading to the small gate now," Pressi responds. "I've set the weather to change 10 minutes from now, to sleet storm, torrential rain and ash filled winds straight down into the city, fixed just near the main gate. That should get some attention."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Friday January 21st, 2022 8:52:54 PM
As the timer gets closer to zero, Harper begins to run towards Pressi's location at 50 feet per round, picking her up just as the rain lets loose.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday January 21st, 2022 9:06:07 PM
Hunkered close to the 'small' gate, Nikolai is informed of what passes, by one mental link or another, but mostly through his Mailed Fist link with Pru. He suggests back to her, "Have him drop a coin. Even with low visibility, he should be able to see the first few feet the coin drops. THAT will tell him which way is down."
He then waits for the Hail Mary storm.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=45 ; d20+26=31 ; Friday January 21st, 2022 9:08:36 PM
Perception +35 = 45 Stealth +26 = 31 +40(invisible, not moving) = 71
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 d20+25=35 ; d20+29=43 ; d20+43=54 ; Sunday January 23rd, 2022 5:32:36 AM
"Sorry you decided not to join me, Hobie," Murph communicates. "Leaving you alone inside the city is not my first choice. I know you're resourceful, and can teleport if needed - take care."
"Ten minutes? I'll look to arrive about two minutes before that time - at least in the vicinity. I'll let you know periodically what, if anything, I see or find. I hope to find if there is a ceiling to the ash, and get a brief look near the volcano."
Context: When we arrived we could see a volcano. When we looked from the viewpoint near the portal dais toward the city, in which direction did the volcano lie? Was it off to the far left, or far right? If not, then, how would we be able to even see the volcano if the ash cloud were so thick, and more than 1200 feet high? Does the ash cloud originate from the volcano? If so, the airflow may be from the volcano and toward the city. Anyway, the direction from dais to city wall to Volcano would be appreciated, and at least a rough estimate of its apparent distance.
Orientation in Ash: In elemental form, Murphy has darksight. As an air elemental, he has complete mastery of flight ('perfect'). The law of inertia should be in play here. Moving in a straight line should not be a huge challenge, even if sight is compromised. He will cast Know Direction (slowing for 1 round to 125' of travel - he has fly-by casting, so can cast on the move). We'll add in the suggested Survival Check at 35; Knowledge, the Planes at 43; and Perception at 54. Though in elemental form he cannot reach his pockets to drop a coin, he can cast create water, and see in what direction it falls... likely also, he'll see what direction steam from it rises, or flows. A good portion of the water will probably be absorbed by ash beneath it, or otherwise turned to water vapor, considering the ambient heat.
Rather than limiting himself to 1,200 feet altitude, if he is still within the thick ash, he will continue his verticle ascent to a maximum of 6,000 feet. Knowing about air currents, clouds, and such, I'd be surprised if there were not areas of thicker and thinner ash distribution in the air. He will halt his rise before his stated maximum if he comes to a good-sized clearer area.
Should such an area of greater visibility be found, he will see about flying toward the volcano, to where he can get a decent somewhat up close view, and whether there be habitations near the foot of it. After that, back toward the wall, in the general vicinity of the small gate.
So Murphy will continue going the same direction he started going - straight up as measured by his initial launch when he left the top of the building, informed as well as he might be by what was mentioned above. As Pressi has requested everyone gather by the small gate within 10 minutes, he will leave himself a few minutes to arrive there... so he has about 6-7 minutes for his environmental survey. If an area above the thick ash is clear, he can again move 625'/round (71mph).
Once he returns - he will probably stay up in the thick ash above the town, waiting in stillness, but within quick reach of the smaller gate, and listening to whatever sounds of the city below might reach his ears. If the wind has begun stirring due to Pressi's casting, he will try to find a spot upwind, then drift in concert with the flow of air, trying to time things such that he is only a relatively short distance from the small gate by the time her spell is finished casting.
=============== Survival Check: 35 Knowledge, the Planes: 43 Perception: 54
DM Mitch Monday January 24th, 2022 6:40:54 AM Succotash suggests to Murphy that he tries to use gravity to determine direction before jumping on Valerie and casing longstrider on the dino to move towards the gate. Pru voices her concern with splitting the party for a long period of time and that they need to get everyone into the city or it will not end well. Tali suggests diplomacy is not the best option in this land of giants and that the level of drama they are finding themselves in is not in anyone’s best interest. Pressi tells everyone to get near the gate within the next 10 minutes and to standby. She also suggests they find better spells for orientation. She uses control weather on a 10 minute delay to create sleet, rains and strong winds at the main gate. She rides Harper to rendezvous with the others.
Nikolai suggests Murphy drop a coin in order to tell which way is down.
Murphy apologizes to Hobie and slows down to use the spells know direction and create water to get a better feel for where he is. He then proceeds straight up in order to get going on his environmental survey before leaving himself a few minutes to end up at the gate with the others. He can hear the distinct sounds of smithing come from one part of the city.
(OOC: The city is built onto the volcano so the ash is coming from the volcano / city)
Using various methods Murphy keeps his orientation and tries to find the sky. While there are pockets of clearer spaces in the ash clouds they aren’t much help - it just means he goes from barely seeing a few inches to seeing a few feet in the thick walls of ash. He does eventually find the roof - literally, the plane doesn’t seem to have a sky so much as a stone roof that he nearly flies into at full speed.
Even with his spell knowing which way is ‘north’ is not much help in finding the small gate so on his way there he’ll have to dip back out of the ash cloud to find where he’s going. He finds himself much closer to the wall then expected upon exiting the ash, with giants only a dozen feet away looking about warily (stealth check please)
Once oriented and possibly shot once or twice he’s able to duck back into the cloud and safely make his way to the small gate right on time. If Hobie also wants to join the party there he’ll have to sneak past the patrols in the district and will also need a stealth check. If he instead waits for the party to reach him he can find a good space and stay hidden regardless.
Pressi’s spell has interesting effects. With Murphy finding the roof it seems the only sky is the thick walls of hot ash. Her spell forces them to condense along with moisture in the air and try to form ice. It sort of succeeds, but melts as soon as it exits the clouds so a storm of half melted slush starts falling, along with the high winds and rain. It proves incredibly irritating (clarify how big the storm is please - just over the gate, or covering as big an area as possible centered on the gate? Or somewhere in between?)
At the small gate the giants maintain their discipline so while they may glance at the strange storm it only hardens their determination to ignore the distraction and watch for enemies.
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 Monday January 24th, 2022 12:03:42 PM "I guess we have no choice, we will have to enter through one of the gates, We might as well attempt to breach this one." Succotash than begins casting Summon Monster IX, and Next round an Astral Deva will appear.
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility Summon Monster IX (Astral Deva)
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility
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
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday January 24th, 2022 7:44:16 PM
Nikolai notices the discipline of the fire giant guards. It'll take more than a muddy storm to get their attention away. 'Where's a good lock picker when you need one? Tinker! Where are you?'
On the other hand....'Pru, what will a disintegrate spell do to the small gate? Will one of our halfling friends be able to create an illusion of an army storming through the busted small gate? That'd be a diversion eh? See if you can wing that.'
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 Monday January 24th, 2022 8:47:56 PM
"Hold on there, Succotash!" Murphy interrupts. "Folks, we so far have harmed no one. Succotash, you, Hobie and have seen that spot we flew to. We could just teleport there, right, and avoid the mess at the front gate? Or, I could fly most of us back there, or a blend of the two.
"Alternatively, Tali and one or more of us could fly over there, she could cast a wall of force to keep incoming boulders and arrows at bay, and we could say, "Hey, fellas, we'd like to speak to whoever is in charge here. No one has been hurt yet, right? We're not here to hurt you, or attack you, but we have a beef with one person, and need to get a matter settled - because he has been attacking us, and people who matter to us. Also, he did something terrible to a fire giant."
"Then see if any of them are willing to talk, instead of hit. If not, then we can do the disintegration, or whatever, or teleport to where I suggested. Fighting a battle at either gate just seems stupid to me."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 Monday January 24th, 2022 8:51:08 PM
"Sashe and Ketia - any suggestions or insights?" Murphy adds to his questions.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (28), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d8+9=10 ; d8+9=13 ; Monday January 24th, 2022 9:25:53 PM
Quick Clarification. The storm is 2 miles across since she wants as big an area covered as possible. It's centered actually a bit ahead of the gate by raw (it has to be centered on Pressi at the time of coverage), so about as close to the gate entrance as possible.
Pressi casts dancing lights (four spheres) as the coverage comes down (they should be sort of visible flashes through the muck), just as Harper pulls up. Using the wall (and her regular ears) as a guide, Pressi uses Harper's sprint ability to move along the wall.
As per Murphy, Pressi would still prefer stealth to fighting or talking (though she did consider casting Hornet's nest, but that was for more chaos, not damage). If people don't have illusions or the ability to pass through/over walls, what about using summons outside the gate to see if one or two giants takes the bait.
-----------------
Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws) Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells) goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision) contingency: blink mass planar adaption (resist fire) Protection of Energy Fire Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear) moment of Prescience
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday January 24th, 2022 10:24:09 PM Might be easier just to Disintegrate part of the wall, Pru replies. There may be protections on the gate, but probably not on the entire wall. But I think Disintegrate counts as a hostile spell, so it would make me visible. I'm not anxious to do that.
"If we're going to summon stuff, let's coordinate," she says when talk of summoning begins.
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 Monday January 24th, 2022 10:27:43 PM Guarded Giant Gates...what to do?
Tali will hold & wait til everyone comes to a consensus on what to do next. Starting a fight seems like an extreme thing to do...
DM Mitch Tuesday January 25th, 2022 6:08:41 AM Succotash guesses they have no choice and starts summoning an Astral Deva
Nikolai notices the discipline of the Fire Giants and thinks it will take more than a muddy storm to distract them. He laments not having Tinker and asks his wife if she could disintegrate the gate.
Murphy interrupts Succotash’s casting pointing out they have not harmed anyone and that both he and Hobie have seen the spot Murphy flew to so they should be able to teleport inside the wall. He also suggests more flying between himself and Tali using wind walls to deflect projectiles and trying the diplomatic approach again. He also queries Sashe and Ketia.
Pressi adds a dancing lights to the storm and then hops on Harper and moves along the wall. She still prefers stealth to combat or diplomacy
Pru suggests she could disintegrate part of the wall but since it is hostile it would make her visible and she’s not keen on that. She also suggests they coordinate any summon spells.
Tali waits for a consensus
Sashe says, “Well if you want an illusionary army I could probably manage one of them. The thing is as soon as the giants start to interact with them they’ll realize something is up. I suppose we could always make it an illusionary ghost army and that would explain why they could do things like pass through the giants but even ghosts typically can damage mortals. This is why I usually prefer to wrap my illusions around something”
A 2 mile storm is actually just enough to touch the small gate so the giants there are now miserable and wet looking but trying to stay alert. Looking at the gate the way it’s hidden means that the giants on the wall can see up to the gate, but not the gate itself so nothing stops the party from just walking up invisibly and opening it with the giants on top never knowing. Of course there is no possible way the giants don’t know you’re here now so there might be guards on the ground to prevent such a thing from happening now.
Murphy still needs to roll stealth the moment he exits the cloud as he comes out near the giants.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 d20+46=51 ; Tuesday January 25th, 2022 7:29:36 AM
Murphy - stealth 51 - and his plan is, with perfect flight (and ability to turn on a dime) to right away pop back up into the cover of the ash as soon as others come into sight.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+41=56 ; Tuesday January 25th, 2022 8:55:54 AM
Hobie won't venture too far from the spot where Murphy left him, but he will sort of move around the general area, doing some recon, looking down hallways, counting doors, etc of the area he's in, but not moving too far because he expects Murphy to return with the others.
He's invisible and flying a few inches above the ground to make sure he doesn't make any footsteps.
Stealth = 56
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (28), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Tuesday January 25th, 2022 9:29:01 AM
Pressi thinks for a bit. "You should wrap some of it around me. I can use my contingency to blink without dropping the illusion, hit them while passing through objects, even time stop long enough to open the gate for the other spectors. Now I'm already a goth dressed goblin riding a leopard, and I'm hoping you can do something with that."
If anyone asks what she does after the giants start chasing her, "I'm cute and resourceful. I'll get by."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday January 25th, 2022 10:49:54 AM
Kezzem mounts Rumpus and commands him to charge! He gallops of towards/after Pressi
"Where are we going?" he asks.
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 25th, 2022 12:19:40 PM
Succotash refrains from summoning the Astral Deva as per Murphy's request. When Pru and Nikolai suggests that disintegrating a wall, he says, "I can cast stone shape, and simply create a passage. Since I'm creating, and not destroying, It shouldn't effect my invisibility. Just give the word, and it will be done."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Tuesday January 25th, 2022 9:22:21 PM
Pressi shrugs at Kezzem. "Depends on how ghostlike you want to be and whether Succotash can open the wall. Currently, my master plan is to go through the breach, see if I can convince these guys of a ghost invasion, and I'll figure out step two on the way there."
Along the way, Pressi casts Shield of Faith on herself.
-----------------
Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws) Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells) goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision) contingency: blink mass planar adaption (resist fire) Protection of Energy Fire Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear) moment of Prescience shield of faith
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday January 25th, 2022 10:18:02 PM
Pru nods at Succotash's stone shape idea, "That seems preferable," she agrees. Then, "Hey, Nikolai. Do you remember the time I disintegrated the roof off that castle? Or tower, or whatever it was? What a mess."
To Sashe, she says, "Maybe the illusion of something big and flying? The'd be less likely to contact it, and it would make them look up, away from us."
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 Tuesday January 25th, 2022 10:46:54 PM Ya' got to keep 'em Separated
Tali doesn't like this situation where the party separates, more things go wrong when we split up.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=44 ; d20+26=30 ; Wednesday January 26th, 2022 12:11:22 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Invisibility, Light Steps
'Yep, it was a mess. However if my memory is correct, your invisibility will only be affected if someone is harmed. Attacking an object is will not remove your invisibility unless a giant happens to get in the area of effect. If part of the wall crumbles and a giant falls to his death, that is still NOT attacking the giant, so your invisibility would remain. But go with the stone shape plan.'
Meanwhile, Nikolai deduces that if the main gate and small gate are going to be the attention, perhaps the last section of the wall next to the volcano may be less watched. So he scampers on down there. Besides, he didn't want to get wet.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday January 26th, 2022 10:39:56 AM
"Oh right, buffing!" says Kezzem. He casta divine fqvor on himself.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Wednesday January 26th, 2022 6:26:04 PM
Silently, Pru begins fretting about spell durations.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Wednesday January 26th, 2022 8:22:11 PM
Pressi isn't that worried about durations. (Everyone's so high level that counting rounds is virtually meaningless.)
She is a little concerned about resources. They probably won't get a chance to sleep for eight hours so she figured she'd better conserve spells until she has a better idea of what everyone wants to do.
Hobie doesn’t move too far from where Murphy left him and he does limited recon, while invisible and not moving very far.
Pressi volunteers to have the illusion wrapped around her utilizing contingency and timestop to put on a good show and the bonus is she’s already a goth dressed goblin riding a leopard
Kezzem mounts Rumpus and volunteers for army of ghost duty with Pressi asking where are they going.
Succotash stops summoning and suggests he use stone shape to create a passage through the wall rather than disintegrate it as it shouldn’t be considered hostile.
Pressi explains her plan to Kezzem which is to go through the breach, convince the giants of a ghost invasion and then figure out step two on the way there.
Pru likes the stone shaping idea while reminiscing with Nikolai about some of the fun times with disintegration the Agents have had and suggests Sashe use something big and flying for the illusory distraction.
Tali does not like the idea of the party separating as more things can go wrong.
Nikolai finds that with all the noise the party has been making around the gates the area’s with no gates are slightly less guarded. Maybe 2 or 3 giants in sight at a time rather then 4 or 5.
Sashe says, “Hold up. I am getting two conflicting plans here I think. One involves using stone shape combined with some giant flying illusionary creature, which I’m not sure about as IDK if I can mimic the smog interaction with enough detail to sell it and the other is creating a ghost army around Pressi and Kezzem letting them sell the attack and have Pressi open the gate and getting the giants to chase them with plan b of how they shed their pursuers being worked out later. I can definitely wrap a ghost army around the 2 of them and their mounts and if I made the 2 of them stand out as leaders of the ghost army it would be more believable that they are the ones leading the charges and causing the most trouble. Let me know though which one you want me to try as typically I like to focus on my illusions if I can so I think we can only really go for one right now.”
As Murphy finds his way out of the smoke cloud he finds the guards at the gate have doubled. No doubt due to all the commotion they’re causing. This proves unfortunate as the extra set of eyes means one of them notices the rain pouring off him and realizes he’s there. With a shout he throws something at Murphy and he suddenly finds himself visible.
The giants on the wall immediately start throwing things at him. Several rocks just barely miss him (off by 1), one hits him for 22 damage. More concerning are the pair of nets thrown at him. They cover him and entangle him and they’re attached to ropes, allowing the giants to hold him there or pull him in if he doesn’t break free (unless you have freedom of movement)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=55 ; d20+26=43 ; Wednesday January 26th, 2022 10:20:20 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Invisibility, Light Steps
OOC: I don't picture the ash cloud reaching the top of the wall, otherwise the giants would have the same issue breathing and seeing. They are not immune to ash and smoke, just tolerant to heat. They still breathe air, and choke on ash as much as anyone else. So how far above the wall, or rooftops for that matter, is the air clear?
Nikolai comments to Pru, 'Not anything like how the Agents would have dealt with this. Certainly not coming here to find a shunned home and end up assaulting the main gate!'
The appearance of Murphy may cause enough distraction for Nikolai, who decides to climb the wall using his Slippers of Spider Climb, where he perceives the fewest giant guards. Seeing their discipline he figures they won't all go see what the fun is about, but if they are looking away just long enough...
Finding a spot along the wall that looks the least guarded, Nikolai starts the climb up using his Slippers of Spider Climb. Invisible and out of the rain, his low-light vision allows him to pick the perfect spot. His timing to slips over the top and down the other side coincides when the guard(s) glance away for a moment.
If, by some weird chance he IS noticed, he is prepared to use his Abundant Step to dimension door onto a rooftop some 920' away, or as far away as he can see.
His base speed is 70', so double move is 140'. He can choose to go half speed to increase his Stealth chances but only if he can get up, over, and down in one round. Don't remember how high the wall is. Either way, that should be his round.
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 27th, 2022 3:55:32 AM
Succotash walks over to where Nikolai starts climbing tha wall, and than casts Stone Shape, creating a doorway big enough for a medium size creature to walk through, than using his quicken rod, he casts Divine Power on Valerie
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+16/196+16 Thursday January 27th, 2022 4:03:46 AM
"Murphy moves back into the ash cloud as soon as the others come into sight." -DM Mitch
Does that give anyone any time or opportunity for anyone to do to Murphy as you described?
Foresight should have warned Murphy strongly to reverse course just before he breached the ash break.
So, I'll make a two-part response, DM's choice. I'd argue for the first, but will abide by DM Mitch's decision.
Option the First: Murphy, being forewarned by the potent divination, angles sharply back up further into the ashen cloud, narrowly avoiding being spotted by anyone. Because, that's what foresight allows.
He goes up higher (say 500'), then forward toward the meeting place Pressi mentioned, and only when he comes out of the ash, and can see where to go, will he descend, letting folks know his whereabouts.
Option the Second: Murphy's planned trajectory he irrationally decided totally to abandon, and rather than an immediate ascent back up into the ashen cloud, he decided to continue forward despite the foresight given to him, fully revealing himself, and deciding to stay in place to make a convenient target. He got hit with something that removed his invisibility (no save? no foresight warning as to how to avoid it?), then stones were thrown at him (which did not hurt at all, as he has stoneskin), and nets were cast over him. Except he does have freedom of movement, so they were not able to detain him - and he goes full 50'-tall whirlwind (no AoO possible), makes a short zip (maybe 30 feet sweep, not trying to bump into anyone) around the area, and far up into the ash cloud.
Murphy then bellows downward, speaking Giant with an Auran accent, "SO. YOU HAVE A BEEF WITH AIR ELEMENTALS??" He adds, "I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HARM YOU. I COULD CHANGE MY MIND, THOUGH. HOWEVER, I HAVE A BETTER PROPOSAL. CAN WE TALK? IF SO, I CAN SEND A LITTLE FELLOW DOWN TO TALK WITH YOU. UNLESS YOU'RE SCARED OF LITTLE GUYS. SURELY SOMEONE AMONG YOU MUST HAVE BRAINS TO THINK WITH? PARLEY!" He will be up in the air, well out of sight, moving this way, then that as he speaks, to make it hard for anyone to get a decent bead on him based upon the sound of his voice. He listens hard for any response. And gets ready to take evasive action should someone be able to pursue him.
Also, if Option the Second is chosen, the druid will have mentally sent a decent outline of how many giants, in what positions, with what buildings, what opportunities the fortifications provide for small folk finding points with some thick walls or obstacles between them and the giants. And perhaps the 9th-level spell may occasionally say things such as, 'Scootch 3 feet to the left,' to avoid the rapidly ascending boulder.
Note on DM Decision: Though I think #1 is the proper choice, I really am totally fine with whatever you decide, DM Mitch. #2 may be more fun. So, calls it as you sees it!]
DM Mitch d100=19 ; d100=96 ; d100=66 ; Thursday January 27th, 2022 6:08:16 AM
(The ash cloud started 100 feet up, but something is causing it to thicken and lower. The deeper into the city you go, the lower it is - in the slums it's several dozen feet over the buildings, at the tall wall it's only a few feet higher then the giant's heads)
@Murphy see e-mail
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+16/196+16 Thursday January 27th, 2022 7:03:47 AM
[OOC: Thanks for the email, DM Mitch. I wrote a response, and look forward to whatever you decide to go with!
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday January 27th, 2022 3:28:25 PM
Kezzem will cast Shield Other on Pressi and keep pace with her.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday January 27th, 2022 8:29:50 PM
OOC: SLUMS? Fire Giants have SLUMS? well, I guess every society has their rejects and such... hmm... slums.....
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Thursday January 27th, 2022 9:36:42 PM
"Ok, just keep rolling, just keep with the chaos. Here's the plan. We take Succotash's opening right now, and just punch through. Cast the ghosts on me and Kezzem, and I'll get that distraction and then start running. We're going to punch through, any way but damage, and just run and hide in the city itself before regrouping in the slums. Not sure what Murphy's doing but it's chaos and that's what matters."
If Pressi gets the illusion, she proceeds to do the following things:
Cast Blink on her leopard.
Cast quickened "surrender blood" on herself (20 hp for +4 to caster level), which in turn triggers her own blink. (She takes damage, fulfilling the contingency.)
Pass through the wall between the gate and the hole Succotash made. Then start moving towards the gate again as a feint.
-----------------
Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws) Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells) goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision) contingency: blink (active) mass planar adaption (resist fire) Protection of Energy Fire Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear) moment of Prescience shield of faith surrender blood (+4 to caster level for next spell)
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Thursday January 27th, 2022 10:25:28 PM
To Pru, this doesn't sound much like a plan--more like vaguely directed chaos--but she knows that if she doesn't take advantage of the stone-shaped tunnel, she'll end up on the wrong side of the wall. She scoots through, and tries to figure out where everyone is. Since most people are invisible, that takes some doing.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=43 ; d20+26=39 ; Friday January 28th, 2022 12:05:30 AM
OOC: presuming that Nikolai has made it over the wall and to the other side....
The hole in the wall opening up is a bit of a surprise to him but he heads to a dark alley/narrow street and flattens up against a wall to get his bearings. Seeing Pru coming through the hole, he directs her, through their link, to where he is hiding.
'You can use my ring to stay invisible, as I'm a bit stealthy without it anyway.'
DM Mitch d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d100=31 ; d100=52 ; d100=38 ; d100=43 ; d100=40 ; d20=1 ; Friday January 28th, 2022 6:31:30 AM Nikolai tells Pru that their current party is not handling things like the Agents would. He uses Murphy’s plight as a distraction and starts climbing up the gate using his slippers of spider climb.
Succotash walks over to where Nikolai is climbing the wall and shapes a passage using stoneshape before using the quicken rod to put Divine power on Valerie.
Murphy avoided the nets and taking damage from the stones before retreating a little bit into the ash cloud and bellowing out a request for parley with a “little guy”
Kezzem casts shield other on Pressi and keeps pace with her.
Nikolai is surprised that the fire giants have slums
Sashe starts weaving an illusory ghost army around Kezzem, Pressi and their mounts
Pressi opines they should keep rolling with what is going on. Have the ghost illusion be cast on her and Kezzem and then punch through any way but with damage. She casts blink on her leopard before using quickened surrender blood on herself activating her own contingent blink. She then passes through the wall between the gate and Succotash’s hole and feints back towards the gate.
Pru takes advantage of the passage in the wall and the chaotic actions of the party to attempt to move on the right side of the wall and find the rest of the party
The giants at the gate seem entirely unimpressed by Murphy’s pronouncement. One, some kind of sergeant perhaps, calls back into the cloud. ”You are an invader trespassing on sacred ground. The penalty is death. You can either fight and die honorably, flee and hide like a coward, or surrender and be executed.”
The rest of the giants roar their approval and send a wave of rocks up into the smoke, though none hit Murphy.
Over by the gate Nikolai is easily able to crest the wall and finds that it’s a good thing they moved away from the gate, as the giants have posted guards on the other side of it so if they had tried to use it then they would have been spotted even invisible. He runs back down the far side of the wall.
Pressi as the ghost army heads towards the tunnel. It’s about 30 feet long, but after only five feet it becomes clear something is wrong as she is cut repeatedly, taking 6 damage.
Nikolai, on the other side, is able to note what it is with his high perception check - the giants have somehow embedded the stone of the wall with razor thin wires, very sharp. The passwall spell magically removed the stone, leaving the wires suspended all through the passage. Advancing through them is possible but painful (3d6 damage per 5 feet, 30 feet long). Going slower can avoid damage but will take longer (perception check to see them, dex to avoid them, 10 feet per round)
DM Mitch d100=56 ; d6=1 ; Friday January 28th, 2022 8:23:01 AM
(Clarification! Pressi is trying to blink through the wall, not use the tunnel. So Pru is first in and is the one who is damaged by the razor wire. yes, you can just walk through it in 1 round and eat the damage)
Pressi tries to blink through the thick wall. She doesn't get far, appearing inside the stone in only the first 5 feet and being shunted back to where she started and taking 1 damage (rolling d100, on 1-50 you make it, 51-100 you blink into rock and are shunted to nearest side. 3 under 50's will get you shunted to the far side even if you fail the 4th or later. You can try repeatedly until you used up all movement for the round. Blinking through the gate is easier, it's less then 5 feet and needs 1 roll but Nikolai saw guards on the other side of the gate)
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 28th, 2022 9:54:13 AM "Those Pesky Giants think of everything!", Succotash whispers to Valerie. With his tunnel created, Succotash should be able to see the other side, so he will use 60ft of his daily Dimensional Hop ability, to teleport himself and Valerie just to the other side of the wall (30ft)
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility Divine Power 18/19
Daily stuff: channel energy (10d6) 10/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 130/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Friday January 28th, 2022 11:39:54 AM
Telepathically, Murphy messages all, "If any of you can pick up thoughts of others, when I mention the 'Shunned land,' see if you can get an idea of where the shunned land might be from any of the giants.
The druid continues his megaphone from the dark clouds. "ONE OF YOURS INVADED OUR SACRED LANDS. HE HAS MURDERED PEOPLE WE KNOW. HE HAS MURDERED FIRE GIANTS. HE TURNED THE SKIN OF ONE OF YOUR PEOPLE INTO BATTLE ARMOR. IT IS FOR HIM THAT WE COME, NOT FOR THE REST OF YOU. LEAD US TO THE SHUNNED LAND, AND WE WILL DEAL WITH HIM, AS HE AS TRIED TO DEAL WITH US."
As he speaks, he moves about, and ends up about 80 feet away and 40 feet higher than he was when he spoke his last words ('DEAL WITH US'). His stoneskin has 140 points left. [I keep on getting confused by having knowledge of differing spell descriptions from other game versions... so the stone that did 20 hp damage really only did 10 hp - taken off of his temp hit points in this case. And I still don't think he has lost his invisibility yet, if Foresight is working at all - but let me know]
He also does a quick know direction, furthering his local directional understandings.
Effective spells and conditions: - memory refresher! Heroes' Feast (16 temp hp) 11 hours Longstrider 18 hours Magic Fang, Greater (+4) 18 hours Planar Adaptation 18 hours (from Prudence) "Planar adaptation grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence, including such hazards as toxicity, extreme temperatures, and lack of air. Additionally, you gain energy resistance 20 to a single energy type prevalent on that plane (choose one if more than one type is equally prevalent)." (fire chosen) Protection from Energy (fire) 3 hours Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 3 hours Has natural resistance to electricity: 20 points Stoneskin 3 hours (150-10 hp, adamantine DR/10) Freedom of Movement 3 hours Foresight (9th level diviniation spell) 3 hours Mage Armor 3 hours Invisibility 18 minutes
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday January 28th, 2022 2:10:33 PM
"Hey, I can't do that," says Kezzem as Pressi blinks through the wall. He tosses the magic carpet in front o Rumpus, allowing his mount to jump on and fly over the wall.
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 Friday January 28th, 2022 5:02:58 PM Lost in a Lost World!
Tali now feels lost in a lost world! Tali knows she hasn't moved, but has every else moved away from her?
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Friday January 28th, 2022 7:17:57 PM
'Say, Tali,' Murphy communicates mentally with his sorcerous friend. 'What would you think about coming over to where I am? How? Fly up in the air to about 250' altitude. Then loop around so you don't pass directly over the wall, but rather off to the right by 150 feet or so. Enter into the dark ashy cloud that blankets the city, but does not seem to go beyond the walls. Follow the sound of my voice - which will involve you looping leftward somewhat toward the center street. I will give you mental updates as to where I am, too. I think you and I might be able to get a few things done up here. And, it might be time for me to get another shot of invisibility.' He includes Pressi and the others in the communique, as well.
DM Mitch d100=15 ; d100=36 ; d100=32 ; d100=38 ; d100=85 ; d100=63 ; d100=69 ; Saturday January 29th, 2022 10:18:33 AM Succotash steps to the other side of the wall. Murphy continues to try to talk. He suggests Tali join him. Kezzem decides to go up and over. Tali has lost track of where she is. Those she was with moved to the small gate, then a few hundred feet past it.
Having declared the crime and sentence the giants seem to be ignoring everything Murphy says. They blindly throw rocks into the ash cloud but don’t hit him.
If Kezzem is going up and over he needs to make a stealth roll. I’ll give the giants a negative modifier since they are distracted by the ghost army.
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 Sunday January 30th, 2022 11:54:46 AM
Succotash also tries to help Tali by saying, "You can do what Murphy said, or you can head over towards the small gate, I belive everyone was informed of it's location. If you keep going , abut another 150 ft, you will find the opening I just made. That is where you will find the majority of us. If you come this way, be careful of the razor wire, somehow these giants have laced the rocks with it."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Sunday January 30th, 2022 11:57:35 PM
Murphy relays, "Well, they've passed sentence on this elusive air elementals, and air raining rocks up into the air for exercise. [b]Tali,[b] I'm coming your way. We need to find the slums, and they are not by the front gate."
Murphy flies, from maybe 500 feet in the air, the direction that would roughly intercept the path he had suggested for her, describing what he is doing. As perception is part sight, part sound, and bits and pieces of other ingredients, Murphy uses the sounds of giants yelling, the sounds of stones whistling through the air and landing on streets and buildings below, and endeavors to find Tali.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) 3d8+5=18 ; Monday January 31st, 2022 12:09:00 AM
Nikolai notices the barb wire mesh imbedded in the wall but too late to warn Pru. He takes the Staff of healing from it's strap on his back and uses a charge to heal the cuts his wife suffers passing through. It won't fix the tears in her fine clothes but she can mend those easily enough.
Use Staff of Healing: heal 3d8+5 = 18
DM Mitch Monday January 31st, 2022 6:50:42 AM Succotash also tries to help Tali by telling her she can do what Murphy said or she can head over to the small gate. He warns her of the razor wire if she does.
Murphy tells the others that the giants have already passed a sentence on him and that he is coming Tali’s way as they need to find the slums and they are not by the front gate. He moves towards Tali at speed.
Nikolai notices the barbed wire but it is sadly too late to warn his wife so he takes his staff of healing out and endeavors to heal her wounds. It won’t repair her clothes but she can take care of that easily enough being a sorceress
The area just inside the wall is a series of haphazardly built stone buildings that look like they were thrown together. It stretches all along the wall, Murphy was exploring a section of it. and its pretty clearly a poor area or slum of some sort as anyone with any money could afford a home that isn't likely to collapse on them. The giant equivalent of ramshackle wooden buildings, just made of stone because wood catches on fire here.
(Also, Hobie's player Nick has a lot of IRL issues occurring and is going to take a break from the Wold. Not sure how to give him an honorable exit when he's in enemy territory so just going to say it here OOC to let people know)
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=56 ; Monday January 31st, 2022 1:56:34 PM
Succotash looks around to see if he can ascertain any dangers, or if he can find something to point him and his friends towards the "Shunned Area".
Perception 56
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility Divine Power 17/19
Daily stuff: channel energy (10d6) 10/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 130/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday January 31st, 2022 9:37:14 PM
[I had computer issues Friday and wasn't able to post. If possible, I'd like to do the following.]
When Pru realizes there's some kind of cutting trap in here, she stops in her tracks. On hearing what it is, she casts a spell, turning herself into a small water elemental and simply flowing along the ground to the other side of the passage.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d2=1 ; d2=1 ; d2=2 ; d2=2 ; d2=1 ; d2=2 ; 3d6=16 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=14 ; d20+22=28 ; Monday January 31st, 2022 9:47:50 PM
Pressi dismounts next to the small gate and tells Hobie to provide them with cover fire, and then ride Harper back to the gate exit.
(OOC: Sorry I didn't get in a move friday or over the weekend, couldn't get a sub. I'm hoping you'll make this my move for friday. Also, there's your way to extract Nick, give him an exit.)
Pressi crosses through the tunnel while blinking, no matter what the pain. (D2, 1 is damage, so she's hit 3 times). (She takes in 42 damage. If Kezzem decides to use shield other still, she only takes 21.)
Still covered in illusions, she takes in as much as she can, trying to determine where the guards are, what open lanes there are, etc. Succotash, Murphy, Tali and her are in, Hobie heads back out, that leaves Nick, Pru and the two dwarves... and Kezzem.
"Murphy, I hope you can be my eyes, and that our two bigguns can stop being such babies about the wire."
With an outstretched arm, Pressi casts Living Voodoo (blindness) on the guards that can see Kezzem's entry. (She should be able to shut down 7 giants.)
She follows that with a quick movement into the smoke or whatever cover she might have (Stealth 28 + HiPS). Before finishing her move, she chucks a quickened Hornets Nest to block any pursuit (7d6+7 damage).
-----------------
Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws) Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells) goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision) contingency: blink (active) mass planar adaption (resist fire) Protection of Energy Fire Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear) moment of Prescience shield of faith surrender blood (+4 to caster level for next spell) shield other (from Kezzem)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=36 ; d20+26=39 ; Monday January 31st, 2022 11:06:06 PM
Nikolai waits until Pru reaches his side before continuing on. Meanwhile he communicates to here where he's at and, 'If these giants have any slaves, we might find out what we need from one of them. I'll see if I can find some reject in one of these hovels. You might try Fire Elemental, that might get them on your side, or Air Elemental so you can get up on these rooftops and out of harm's way'.
Perception +35 = 36 (paying more attention to Pru) Stealth +26 = 39 +40(invisible, not moving) = 79
Tali listens to Mister Murphy's suggestion about "coming over to where he is." Tali pulls the Goggles of Night down her head to land over her eyes, as she knows she will be flying into an ash cloud. She will then Fly from her position, upwards into the sky, some 250' in altitude, meandering some 150 feet or so as to not pass directly over the wall and cause a disturbance enough to distract the Giants to her whereabouts. This should cause her to enter into the dark ashy cloud that blankets the city and from there she will follow Mister Murphy's voice to better guide her to him by looping leftward somewhat toward the center street.
Once Tali comes within range of Mister Murphy, if they both need another dose of invisibility, she will cast it on both of them.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+17=29 ; Monday January 31st, 2022 11:56:25 PM
Kezzem Stealth: 1d20 + 17 = 29.
Is Kezzem invisible? I thought he was, but I'm not sure.
"I thought you were going to blink through, Press?" says Kezzem. "I'm confused."
DM Mitch d20+19=21 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+19=24 ; d100=79 ; d100=25 ; d100=15 ; d100=75 ; d100=99 ; d100=9 ; d20+19=35 ; Tuesday February 1st, 2022 7:16:38 AM Succotash looks around for danger or anything that can point his friends to a shunned area
Pru turns herself into a water elemental and avoids the trap by sloshing along the ground
Pressi crosses through the tunnel while blinking taking some damage. She uses Living Voodoo Doll to make 7 of the guards that would otherwise be able to see Kezzem blind, chucks a quickened hornet’s nest to deter pursuit and attempts to use HiPS to hide herself.
Nikolai waits for Pru to reach his side and suggests they try to find what they need from a giant’s slave and advising his wife to go air elemental or fire elemental to aid in their endeavors.
Tali pulls the Goggles of Night over her eyes. She then flies upwards to enter the ash cloud and follow’s Murphy’s voice to better guide her toward the center street. She also is ready to make them both invisible once more.
Kezzem says he thought Pressi was going to blink through and is confused. He is invisible, but the giants have enough perception to still require a stealth check (with -5 for moving quickly if you are doing so)
Succotash finds the main danger is the group of giants on the walls. There’s a few on the ground by the gate, but they’re focused on the gate. He might be able to find more people to ask questions of inside the buildings but that would be hard to do with giants nearby and alert.
Pressi’s actions draw eyes towards the tunnel, but she manages to blind all of the giants on the ground and several on the wall, leaving only 3 sighted giants to throw stones at the illusionary army. They don’t hit anyone.
It takes some time but Tali and Murphy are able to find each other in the ash cloud. Doing so requires making noise and the giants keep throwing rocks towards the sounds. Remarkably one gets dangerously close but doesn’t quite manage to hit.
The goggles do not help see in the cloud as while they let you see in darkness the cloud isn’t a darkness effect, it’s a fog one.
Searching the homes was mentioned but I'm assuming no one has actually done so yet since Nikolai was waiting for/guiding Pressi to him.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Tuesday February 1st, 2022 8:18:20 AM
'Thanks, Tali, you found me.' he telepaths (including all in communication). 'Strap yourself to a good spot on my rope harness. Say, can you see me at all?' he asks her [with her darkvision, up close, it seems she should have at least some ability to discern whether he is invisible or not - as the question seems unresolved. Am thinking he is still invisible, but DM will need to make final ruling]
Regardless, he lets her know, 'I will need to make a little more noise to continue to draw their interest, then we will skedaddle farther in, and try to find a landing place for the party.' All party members can 'hear' this.
He again casts 'know direction', shouts in the giant tongue to those below, "MISSED ME, MISSED ME, NOW YOU GOTTA KISS ME!" Shifts to leftward (here at small gate, 'leftward' means even farther from main gate) about 30 feet, keeps moving as he adds, "NYA, NYA, NYA-NYA, NYA!" and then turns 90 degrees and flies about 80 deeper into the city. Movement totals 125 feet this round.
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 February 1st, 2022 1:19:57 PM
As Murphy starts taunting the giants at the gate, Succotash, heads towards the nearest hovel, and than via the metal link, asks if he should knock.
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility Divine Power 16/19
Daily stuff: channel energy (10d6) 10/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 130/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Tuesday February 1st, 2022 2:17:49 PM
Murphy responds with a quick recommendation via mental link to Succotash & all, "Perhaps let us all get away from the hubbub near the gate, and penetrate to where it may be quieter and less subject to interruption." He thinks to add, "Ketia, Sashe, how fare you? Any recommendations?"
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday February 1st, 2022 4:30:12 PM Further in it is.
Pru casts a quick Prestidigitation. With everyone invisible, it's going to be difficult to stay together. Using the spell, she creates a small illusory butterfly, and sends it down the nearest street that leads further into the city.
Follow the butterfly, she sends over the link. Hopefully, the little illusion is too small to draw much attention from the giants.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Tuesday February 1st, 2022 8:58:44 PM
Pressi, blinded as she is, doesn't really know what's going on from this point forward. She's pretty sure, however, that they've made it through the blockade, more or less.
She continues to hold and hide, listening to see if anyone needs any more help coming in (or if anyone provides a non-visual clue). If everyone else makes it deep into the city, she drops the blindness and follows herself. If anyone needs a spell (and I get a chance to post tomorrow), she is prepared to so cast.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=38 ; d20+26=33 ; Tuesday February 1st, 2022 10:40:59 PM
OOC: my impression is that the giants can't see into the ash cloud any better than us. So any 'disturbance' by invisible characters flying in it would only be seen if the flight path was on the bottom edge of the ash cloud. Any further in, the 'disturbance' would be obscured by the ash cloud. Just MHO.
IC: Nikolai tells Pru, 'Rich giants are more likely to have slaves than any poor ones in these slums. On the other hand, a destitute giant might be a member of a 'shunned' one and more likely to volunteer information. I'll sneak into some of these slum tenements further away (on a different street if possible) from the commotion at the gate and see what I can find. I'll be in constant mental touch and If I need, I will Dimension Door to you.'
If there are any slum houses off the main street along the wall he will go down that side street. Using his Slippers he can climb to a window (assuming there are windows here) and peek in the first one he finds open.
Perception +35 = 38 (still paying more attention to Pru) Stealth +26 = 33 +20(invisible, moving) = 53
DM Mitch d100=28 ; d100=81 ; d100=34 ; d100=83 ; d100=23 ; d100=66 ; d100=97 ; d100=16 ; d20=5 ; Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 8:51:09 AM Murphy is glad to have found Tali who previously renewed the invisibility on both of them. He then moves through the cloud making more noise to try to distract / draw the fire of the giants
Succotash heads towards the nearest hovel and asks if he should knock.
Murphy suggests they get away from the hubbub near the gate and move to where it maybe quieter and less subject to interruption. He also asks Sashe and Ketia how they are faring.
Pru creates a magical butterfly and sends it to the nearest street sign that heads further into the city.
Pressi doesn’t really know what is going on as she is blinded but she continues to hold and hide. She listens to see if anyone needs more help and if it seems like the others have headed further into the city she drops her blindness and does so herself.
Nikolai tells Pru that he thinks Rich Giants are more likely to have slaves than poor ones but a destitute giant might be a shunned one and be more likely to volunteer information so he’s going to head to a residence in the slums on another street away from the commotion at the gate. He is going to maintain mental contact and will dimension hop if need be. He heads down a sidestreet and uses his slippers to climb up and peek in a window.
Murphy is again barely missed by a giant throwing blind but with his spell is able to move deeper in without risking getting lost in the cloud again. The noise and distraction seems kind of redundant since he is at the main gate and the rest of the party is at the small gate a ways off. Finding each other may prove difficult with both parties invisible (yes, you are still invisible)
The rest of the group heads further in upon which a problem is discovered. Namely, it’s hard to be sneaky when one of you, currently blind, has a big illusionary army cast over her. Sesha, per the plan discussed earlier, did not come into the city with the party so he could ensure the way out remains secure. Ketia does come along.
After the party advances a little ways in the illusion fades, presumably Sesha either stopped concentrating on it or they got to far in. The illusion drew giants though and two patrols come rushing into the area. Everyone give stealth checks please, with the +20 invisibility bonus.
Nikolai does find a building with a nice window to climb in. Well more like a hole at the top that lets light in. Inside he finds an ogre. A rather pathetic looking one, cowering in a corner at the sounds of ghostly armies and giants running about. He doesn’t notice the stealthy, invisible human entering.
Succotash holds still and does his best to remain silent, and indicates to Valerie to the same. He does however ready himself to cast Mass Harm on the giants, should their position be compromised. Valerie is ready to pounce on the nearest giant should they be compromised.
Left Talon hits AC 37 for 29 plus 1 shock, 5 frost, and 5 giant's bane Right Talon hits AC 38 for 28 plus 2 shock, 6 frost, and 10 giant's bane Divine Talon hits AC 37 for 25 plus 4 shock, 3 frost, and 8 giant's bane Bite hits AC 34 for 27 5 shock, 3 frost, and 6 giants bane Left Claw hits AC 40 for 22 plus 4 shock, 4 frost, and 10 giant's bane Right Claw hits AC 47 for 22 plus 3 shock, 2 frost, and 6 giant's bane
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility Divine Power 15/19
Daily stuff: channel energy (10d6) 10/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 130/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
If the group is discovered, Pru casts Time Stop, but what specific actions she takes after that depends on the exact situation.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=44 ; Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 9:40:12 PM
Pressi's stealth is 44, even without invisibility or the Hide in Plain Sight ability.
(If Nick had passed along the ogre info, she might have changed her form and tried a bluff. As it is, she's happy to break off on her own as a goblin.)
Pressi takes the time to recenter the storm at the particular location (takes 10 minutes) and takes some time now to dismiss the voodoo so she can see again.
She also takes some time to try to listen to the chatter with the various guards. To Ketia, "and that's how it's done."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d10=9 ; d8=6 ; d20+37=56 ; d20+25=27 ; Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 11:39:30 PM
OOC: Looks like I never updated Kezzem's sheet to 19th level. Hit Points: 1d10 = 9 for Kezzem, 1d8 = 6 for Rumpus.
Does Rumpus get another bonus since he technically does not contact the ground with his horseshoes of the zephyr?
"I'm so stealthy you didn't even see me post last turn," says Kezzem. Rumpus bumps into a lantern and nearly knocks it over.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 11:40:04 PM
Also, Rumpus is on the flying carpet, so he's doubly not touching the ground. ;-)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday February 3rd, 2022 12:06:50 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Nikolai immediately tells Pru he's found an ogre that looks worse for wear. He does not know if ogres know gnoll but tries to speak to the ogre in gnoll while remaining invisible.
"Looks like your day of freedom has arrived, if you are willing to help us. We can assure your safe return to the lands of green hills and fresh running water. How about making a deal?"
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 Thursday February 3rd, 2022 12:07:37 AM Flying High Again!
Tali does her best to keep up with Mister Murphy while she tries to keep track of the various mental comversations.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+43=52 ; d20+36=37 ; Thursday February 3rd, 2022 3:12:11 AM
[To Mitch - reread where Murphy has been. It's in the vicinity of the small gate, not the main gate. He was only at the main gate prior to flying deeper into the slums with Succotash and Hobie.]
Murphy is glad that Pressi can see again, and tells her so. Meanwhile ensures that Tali is strapped into the rope harness as he earlier recommended to her. "We'll be flying fast, and I may need quickly to change direction, so I wanted to be sure you're not going to fall off." As she adjusts to a rope loop about her waist, and some smaller loops for her legs or feet, and at least one arm or hand (and another one at least to grab onto with the other hand), Murph again uses know direction.
The druid messages to all, "Tali and will be flying ahead a ways, dipping down here and there, and will let you know if we spot a decent place to try to reach."
He zips forward at a full 'run' for about 12 seconds, then slows down, 1250' further in. [Note: his Foresight should forewarn him lest he slam into a building or some such.] "We're going to go down now, Tali, and take a peek below the ash cloud." Descending at a relatively shallow 30 degree slant, he travels at 62.5' per round, as stealthy as he can manage, listening for sounds from the streets and dwellings below, until he or Tali sense the lower edge of the ash cloud. Once sensed, he rises slightly, again still listening.
If it seems quiet, he messages her again, "Ready to take a peek? I'm going to have just my invisible face breach the ash cover, and see what is below. I can twist my body so you can look, too.
If it does NOT seem quiet - he will consider the nature of the sounds before deciding whether or not to look. Guide me, oh Foresight! he thinks to himself of the powerful means he has invoked to help protect him. If it seems dicey here, he will slightly ascend, move a few blocks farther off at a 45 degree angle, listen, and, taking similar precautions already listed, peek below.
========= Perception: 52 Stealth: 37 [sheesh, I keep rolling low - though 37 is not a terrible stealth roll in general]
Effective spells and conditions: Heroes' Feast (16 temp hp) 10 hours 45 minutes Longstrider 17 hours 45 minutes Magic Fang, Greater (+4) 17 hours 45 minutes Planar Adaptation 17 hours 45 minutes (from Prudence) "Planar adaptation grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence, including such hazards as toxicity, extreme temperatures, and lack of air. Additionally, you gain energy resistance 20 to a single energy type prevalent on that plane (choose one if more than one type is equally prevalent)." (fire chosen) Protection from Energy (fire) 2 hours 45 minutes Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 2 hours 45 minutes Has natural resistance to electricity: 20 points Stoneskin 2 hours 45 minutes (150-10 hp, adamantine DR/10) Freedom of Movement 2 hours 45 minutes Foresight (9th level divination spell) 2 hours 45 minutes Mage Armor 2 hours 45 minutes Invisibility 18 minutes
DM Mitch d20+22=26 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=34 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=34 ; Thursday February 3rd, 2022 7:39:51 AM Succotash holds still but readies both himself and Valerie for trouble should they be detected.
Pru readies a Time Stop in the event of discovery as she too tries to stealth
Pressi takes time to recenter the storm and dismiss the voodoo while attempting to eavesdrop on the various guards. She tells Ketia that this is how it is done. (OOC: roll perception for your eavesdropping, also does Harper have a stealth roll?)
Kezzem remarks how stealthy he is while his trusty mount is conceivably less so.
Nikolai tells Pru he has found an ogre and then attempts to communicate with it in gnoll while remaining invisible.
Tali does her best to keep up with Murphy and remain aware of any mental conversations.
Murphy advances deeper into the city a little way.
It takes several attempts before Murphy’s foresight lets him know he can safely poke his head out and it turns out the safest spot is right between two buildings that brush up against the ash and keep him from seeing too far. The ash cloud is definitely lower here, and he appears to still be in the slums. He can hear giants patrolling a street or two over. Moving to a spot with a better sight line probably means giving at least a couple giants a chance to spot him, though they’ll be far enough away it’s not too huge a risk. Of course the same could be said for the last two times he was spotted.
The Gnoll language contains much growling as they are Hyena-headed humanoids and the Ogre does not seem to understand what Nikolai is trying to say. He calls out shakily in Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {“Who..oo goes there? A..a hellhound? A ghost dog? Leave me be. I have nothing for you.”}
The Ogre glances towards the door nervously, then at the window and other possible entry locations
Outside the party all freezes and hides. Both patrols reach the area and search it. Fortunately the party was able to stay still and get good hiding spots because if they were moving there is little chance they wouldn’t have been found. A giant walks right under where Rumpus is floating (you get +40 from invisibility if still and I’m going to let you have it this time)
The giant’s banter isn’t very useful. They’re tense and professional, calling out when they’ve cleared a space. They saw the ghost army come to this spot and have clear sightlines down the street so they’re pretty sure whatever it was is here. Once the street is searched one of the sargents tells the group, ”Search the buildings! and they start splitting off into various homes.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+26=36 ; Thursday February 3rd, 2022 8:32:25 AM
(OOC: Harper went back with Hobie and Sesha, did not enter city, so no roll needed.)
(OOC: Perception roll 36.)
While staying still, Pressi casts Detect Thoughts (Domain spell) to track Giant movement... but also in the hopes of picking up some crumb of information that can be useful.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+43=56 ; d20+36=55 ; Thursday February 3rd, 2022 9:19:42 AM
"Ah, let's go a bit farther down," Murphy suggests to Tali. If she has suggestions, he'll certainly listen. He mentally communicates with the other party members what they've found, perhaps 1,500 feet in from the small gate area. He flies upwards ~100 feet, uses know direction, then races forward another 1250', attending to foresight along the way. The huge air elemental, with a sorcerer friend along for the ride, then angles down as before, more slowly, listening carefully for conversation, movement, and general ambient sounds. "Maybe as we get farther in, the quality of housing will improve," he posits to his friends. He listens to what others are reporting. The careful checking, listening, peeking approach he continues. It cannot be every block or two that is simultaneously being patrolled, he figures.
Better stealth this time! What can he see? Does Tali pick up anything? Still the slums?
=============== Perception: 56 Stealth: 55
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Thursday February 3rd, 2022 7:40:31 PM Nikolai is talking to a giant's servant. Or possibly slave, Pru sends through the links. Then, if we need a diversion, let me know.
Other than thinking at her companions, Pru takes no actions, and does not move.
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 February 3rd, 2022 9:11:12 PM
Upon hearing Pru's announcement, Succotash says via the link, "Hey Nikolai, which hovel are you at, I'll head towards you. I speak giant, and can translate for you!"
Assuming Nikolai responds, Succotash will hurry to his location.
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=18 ; d20+27=30 ; d20=12 ; Thursday February 3rd, 2022 11:30:38 PM si vis pacem para bellum...
Tali does her best to keep pace with Mister Murphy even though she is basically strapped to him. When the team breaks the ash cloud to peek, Tali with the Googles of the Night, coupled with her skills, hopes to perceive something of value to that team.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=37 ; d20+26=27 ; Friday February 4th, 2022 12:33:55 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Nikolai is not surprised the ogre does not understand gnoll. Ogres don't understand much anyway. So he relates to Pru he needs an ogre or giant speaking halfling up here and ponders a way to mark the place.
He needs something colorful but not attract attention. He slips out the window again and heads to the roof. His friends are all flying around so his idea should be easy enough to work.
On the roof of the building, he takes out a dark red ribbon, the one he won at his graduation trials for winning first place, and lays it on the roof. Then he relays this to Pru so she can relay that to those flying.
Perception +35 = 37 (still paying more attention to Pru) Stealth +26 = 27 +20(invisible, moving) = 47
DM Mitch d20=6 ; Friday February 4th, 2022 7:05:39 AM Pressi continues to stay still and uses Detect Thoughts to track giant movement and also in the hopes of picking up some information that can be useful. Murphy suggests they go a bit farther down wondering if the more they go in the more the quality of housing will improve.
Pru tells the others Nikolai has engaged with a Giant’s servant or slave and if they need a diversion to let her know.
Succotash hurries towards Nikolai’s location.
Tali keeps pace with Murphy basically being strapped to him and when the pair break the ash cloud again she hopes to see something of value to the team.
Nikolai marks the building.
This time Murphy and Tali get lucky. They exit the cloud in an area where the buildings are either low to the ground or collapsed due to shoddy workmanship. This lets them look at the area and get a feel for the giant patrol patterns.
It seems like the area is fairly thick with giants. They can see signs of patrols roughly every other block. With a bit of luck and skill the party can try to time their way between patrols and hopefully only have to risk detection a few times. It also means if they do get caught they have time to either kill or escape a patrol before the next nearest can reach them, though probably only a few rounds.
There is no sign of the slums ending though. The pair have gone about half a mile and they stretch at least the few hundred feet you can see further.
Pressi is able to track the movement of several giants with her Detect Thoughts. While she remains hidden in plain sight she does get the following snippets.
In Giant Highlight to display spoiler: { Is he back? I thought he got what he came for already }
In Giant Highlight to display spoiler: { What is it this time? Last time, the breech went undetected until the intruder reached the temple. Is this a feint or someone else? }
As Nikolai leaves the building (and Succotash approaches) one of the giants moves to it. He steps into it and Nikolai can hear a short conversation in giant. It’s a long minute before the giant emerges again and looks about suspiciously. He sees the ribbon and looks at it with suspicion
Sense motive 7 Nick or Succotash Highlight to display spoiler: {The giant suspects something from what the Ogre said, and the ribbon especially, but he’s still uncertain enough to second guess himself.}
The giant goes back into the house.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+29=33 ; d20+37=51 ; d20+45=46 ; Friday February 4th, 2022 3:08:46 PM
Kezzem will keep watch over Pressi. He will detect evil any giant's the come within range. Kezzem tells Rumpus to stand still and not move or he'll have to send him back to where celestial ponies go when they aren't with their paladins.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday February 4th, 2022 8:08:23 PM
OOC: HOW can he see the ribbon! IT IS ON THE ROOFTOP! Did the giant climb to the roof? Is there no roof? Maybe DM had better describe these buildings better.
Unless the giant is taller than the building, went up some stairs to the roof and is standing on the roof, there's no way he can see the ribbon laying on the roof for our flyers to spot as they fly over!
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Friday February 4th, 2022 8:17:31 PM
Pressi thinks about what Prudence says. “No more distractions. I think we did enough diplomatic damage for one day. Ogres, huh… not really a creature I can change into either but maybe a half ogre form will fool them…
“In the meantime, we have a secondary target. Looks like Flamescorn hit the temple here, and I’d like to know why. We’ve still got the problem of figuring out where disgraced giants go if it’s not the slums, but I can’t imagine after all the guards we pantsed that it’ll take long to find out. Unless these are the more understanding fire giants I keep hearing about.”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Friday February 4th, 2022 8:20:31 PM
“Oh, almost forgot to mention. They don’t know if we’re with the guy that hit them or not, so that’s partly why they’re so easy going right now. I almost feel bad for wanting to flex as we came in… almost.”
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Friday February 4th, 2022 10:23:27 PM Nikolai put a little piece of red ribbon on the roof of the house where the ogre is, Pru dutifully sends through the links.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+50=70 ; d20+43=54 ; Saturday February 5th, 2022 2:48:43 AM
Murphy lowers until he is fully below the ash cloud. He stops when about 30' above the ground (or rubble) below. He describes via channels what he and Tali are able to see. 'This might be a decent spot from which to move deeper. I think I'll just stay still here for a few moments, describe the place in detail in case any want to teleport here, and get a feel for the guard movements.' He casts know direction, since no one is in the immediate vicinity.
He remains still and does as just described. 'Tali, I'm looking toward' and here he describes himself looking deeper into the city, keeping an eye on about 180 degrees of the slums farthest from the gates. 'Can you keep an eye out the other direction? And try not to move around too much, to remain hard for patrols to spot, if you please.'
============= Stealth: 76 (nat 20 + 16(skill)+20(invisible)+20(invisible, motionless)) Best score evar! (for the druid) Perception: 54
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=24 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+27=28 ; Sunday February 6th, 2022 8:08:35 PM Pacem ParaBellum
Tali does her best to keep her eyes out in the other direction and to attempt at staying still while strapped to Mister Murphy to remain hard for patrols to spot as per Mister Murphy's request.'
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday February 6th, 2022 10:06:38 PM
Nikolai waits atop the building for one of his flying teammates. When he sees one, he deactivates his ring and waves the red ribbon.
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=16 ; Sunday February 6th, 2022 11:49:35 PM
Sense motive 33
Succotash catches the giant's vibe, and worries that the ogre may be in danger. still invisible, and riding on the invisible air walking Valerie, Succotash, rides over to the window of the house with the ogre and giant. he positions himself so that his voice comes from approximately the same height as a fire giant, and than says, in giant, "I was wondering if you would mind chatting with me and a friend or two? We seek some directions, perhaps you can help,"
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility Divine Power 13/19
Daily stuff: channel energy (10d6) 10/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 130/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
DM Mitch Monday February 7th, 2022 7:34:07 AM Kezzem keeps watch over Pressi and uses detect evil on any giants that come within range. He has Rumpus stand still and not move or he’ll send him back where celestial ponies go where they aren’t with their paladin.
Nikolai wonders how the giant spotted the ribbon. He then waits for one of his teammates to show up with it.
Pressi thinks about what Prudence said and considers turning into a half ogre. She tells the others that they have a secondary target and that is to find out why Flamescorn hit the temple after they find the place where disgraced giants go. She also points out that the giants don’t know if they are with the guy that him them or not.
Pru tells the others about Nikolai’s ribbon.
Murphy lowers himself below the ash cloud, telling the others what he and Tali are able to see and then casts know direction. He explains where he is looking and asks Tali to observe the other direction.
Tali does her best to stay still and keep her eyes out
Succotash positions himself at giant height and asks in giant for some directions at the Ogre’s house.
The giant entering the house advances towards the Ogre, but then Succotash starts talking. He freezes in place, then starts to back out slowly. The ogre looks terrified.
Tali and Murphy have no trouble staying hidden since they are being still.
DM Mitch Monday February 7th, 2022 7:38:47 AM
All of the giants are evil.
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+27=35 ; Monday February 7th, 2022 9:34:02 AM
Diplomacy 35
In Giant Succotash says, "That ogre has done nothing wrong, please don't hurt him, I'd rather not have to harm you. I am one who always looks to defend the weaker and downtrodden, and if you harm this innocent person, than I will be forced to destroy you, and I'd rather not do that.
As I said, This ogre has done nothing wrong, and all I want is some directions. Could one of you direct me to the former home of one named Flamescorn, or perhaps you may have some information about that vile being. You see, I am hunting the fiend, as word of his vile acts have come to my attention, and I desire to put a permanent end to his evil. I have heard that he has harmed innocent people here in this city, I have even retrieved a suite of armor that he made out of the hide of a fire giant. Of course I have no way to identify the individual, but since he was a fire giant, I felt maybe I could give the armor to the giants in this city, so that they can give the poor fellow a proper final farewell.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=34 ; Monday February 7th, 2022 2:29:26 PM
Pressi decided it was time to move, slowly and cautiously making her way towards Succotash (stealth 34, assuming blink is no longer a thing). She continues to make her way through the shadows, and continues to use detect thoughts to avoid giants.
While moving along, she continues searching for signs of places to be, like the temple, library or bar. Maybe Flamescorn's old home, if it happens to be marked.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+22=26 ; Monday February 7th, 2022 2:31:17 PM
(I also want to check houses for people that might seem downtrodden or chained up. Perception 26.)
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Monday February 7th, 2022 4:10:40 PM
In addition to not being noticed, Murphy really would like better to understand the local layout. Should the rest of the party join him and Tali there, is the rubble such that they could be hidden from most angles of view?
"Tali and I will better describe what we see momentarily," Murphy communicates.
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=34 ; d20+27=42 ; d20+25=35 ; d20+11=16 ; Monday February 7th, 2022 9:03:29 PM Bellum Pacem Para
Tali does her best to keep her eyes out searching for places to stay hidden from view, other critters like Giants, and of course our friends.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Monday February 7th, 2022 9:15:03 PM
Pru stays where she is and relies on her invisibility to keep her hidden. If she needs to move, she can always Teleport or Dimension Door.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday February 7th, 2022 11:38:37 PM
OOC: I don't follow your posts, makes no sense: On Fri Feb 4 you posted: As Nikolai leaves the building (and Succotash approaches) one of the giants moves to it. He steps into it and Nikolai can hear a short conversation in giant. It’s a long minute before the giant emerges again and looks about suspiciously. He sees the ribbon and looks at it with suspicion
Now that same giant is back in there? The giant entering the house advances towards the Ogre, but then Succotash starts talking. He freezes in place, then starts to back out slowly. The ogre looks terrified.
Cmon, be consistent. Is the giant outside or inside?
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20=13 ; Monday February 7th, 2022 11:41:15 PM
"Sorry, but your just not trained for stewlth," says Kezzem. He dismisses Rumpus and follows Pressi on the flying carpet.
Stealth: 1d20 + 37 = 50.
DM Mitch d20+22=37 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=41 ; Tuesday February 8th, 2022 6:51:00 AM Succotash continues to diplomatically engage the giant at the ogre’s house asking for the ogre to not be harmed, reiterate his requests for directions asking for directions to Flamescorn’s former home and mentioning that they have armor made from fire giant remains
Pressi slowly and cautiously makes her way to Succotash using the shadows and detect thoughts to avoid Giant patrols. She looks for signs of the temple or Flamescorn’s old home too.
Murphy wants to better understand the local layout and endeavors to describe what he and Tali see.
Tali does her best to keep searching for places to stay hidden from view, giants and her friends
Pru stays hidden where she is prepared to use Teleport or Dimension Door if she needs to move anywhere.
Nikolai is trying to determine where the giant near the ogre’s house is
Kezzem dismisses Rumpus explaining the poney isn’t trained for stealth and follows Pressi on his magic carpet ride.
(sent this in e-mail, including here in case anyone missed the e-mail. Two posts ago I posted that the giant talked to the ogre, then left the house and looked around suspiciously. I put a sense motive check, then wrote that the giant went back inside. Thus yesterday the giant referred to was the same giant who went back in with more questions.)
Pressi advances slowly. The giants are very perceptive, but with her detect thought she avoids going anywhere giants are out on the street (they rolled well enough to hear you, but not through a wall so you’re fine).
Along the way she detects the thoughts of a few of the occupants of the homes. She’s able to gather that this entire area of the city is full of the giant’s slaves. Lesser giants and giantkin mostly, judging from the languages and thoughts she hears.
More importantly she gets close enough to the home to detect the thoughts of the giant Succotash is talking to. He looks very confused as the invisible halfling talks to him, thinking ”Why would I hurt the slave? And why are they after the traitor here?”
Out loud the giant says, ”I’m just a soldier. Let me get my captain and I’m sure he can sort out all of this.” As he talks he finishes backing out and is now standing half in the doorway, half in the street (there is no door) From his mannerisms and from Pressi’s detect thoughts it’s obvious he’s going to call over both squads to try to reveal and kill or capture Succotash.
Meanwhile Murphy and Tali try to get the lay of the land. If they were hoping to find a pattern or sensible layout the area follows that hope is dashed. Buildings seem to have been thrown up wherever and the streets are very narrow for giants. The halflings would have no trouble of course. There are occasional, broader lanes but they seem to only last until some building or other bulges out a bit to far. Sometimes there’s no street at all and the only way through seems to be to cut through a shoddily built building.
The section they are floating over seems to have once been fairly populated judging from the amount of rubble. It looks like a bunch of buildings were built close together, then possibly some smaller ones added on top of the larger ones until one collapsed which in turn sent it’s neighbor tumbling down in a chain reaction that left about a block of rubble and confusion. It makes it relatively safe as the closest the giants can go without trying to walk over the rubble about 30 feet away. The party could teleport here, in the air above the rubble, and be relatively safe as long as they are invisible. Even non-invisible PC’s could find plenty of hiding places amidst the rubble.
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+27=42 ; Tuesday February 8th, 2022 11:43:05 AM
In giant, Succotash quickly says, "You seem like a fairly bright giant, why don't you just give me the information I'm asking for. Your captain doesn't need to get involved. Do you really want to waste your captains time over something as trivial as this? Flamescorn wronged your people, and has hurt countless innocent people, which puts us on the same side, why don't you just give me the information I seek, and I'll be out of your hair. I have no desire to slaughter giants today, or any day for that matter, but I'm certain your captain will force my hand, and I would much rather avoid that situation, so please give me the information I seek."
(Not sure if I should roll for diplomacy again or not but just in case: I rolled a 42)
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility Divine Power 11/19
Daily stuff: channel energy (10d6) 10/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 130/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Tuesday February 8th, 2022 1:08:18 PM
"Succotash, you are being very nice." Murphy communicates through the channels. "Perhaps much nicer to all concerned to render quiet, then useless the fellow than let him talk to his captain. Or gather immediately our party nearby and teleport over to us so they don't see Valery. Nikolai, anyone else - want to help him out?"
He then adds to all, "Meanwhile, Tali and I have found a forward spot about a half-mile in - still slums, light on patrols, narrow walkways here and there too small for giants. Want to join us here, or want us to scout farther ahead?" He gives as much of a description as he can of a good spot to teleport to, asking Tali to fill in details he may have overlooked.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Tuesday February 8th, 2022 5:55:35 PM Dimension Door is probably going to be safer than Teleport, Pru sends over the links. The caster doesn't have to visualize the place; just know where it is. How far, and in which direction.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Tuesday February 8th, 2022 9:08:01 PM
"Well, now that seems like a really good solution," Pressi calls from her hiding spot before the guard can call over anyone else. "I'm sorry, we haven't been formally introduced. I'm the gal that blew a hole through your wall and filled your city with ash snow, and before you so much as move a muscle to look in my direction or signal anyone else, know that I can probably do the same thing to the back of your head. Tap your shoulder twice if I have your attention."
Pressi readies an action. If he so much as signals, looks around, really does anything except what she says and agree to help out, Pressi casts a quickened Ill Omen (force him to reroll 3 times) followed by a Heightened Charm Person (Spell Level 7, Will DC 26).
Regardless of what happens, Pressi continues. "I do apologize for my blunt threat, but we are rather on a deadline and believe it or not don't want to do any more damage, so I'm prepared to make you a deal. Give us a chance, hang out, show us around, let me buy you a beer or whatever you guys drink, you share what you know, we share what we know, maybe even come out to the material plane and when it's all done we'll make sure you get to turn in the guy that broke in. Or you can turn me in directly to your leader once our investigation is done. You'll be a hero either way, and much less likely to be publicly humiliated and shunned forever which is what will probably happen if you call someone over, no matter what shakes out. All we're asking is a couple of hours and a chance, and I'll gladly bind myself from screwing you if you'll do the same. It's a better deal then what you'll get otherwise. All you have to do is say yes for now."
-----------------
Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws) Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells) goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision) contingency: blink (active) mass planar adaption (resist fire) Protection of Energy Fire Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear) moment of Prescience shield of faith shield other (from Kezzem)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Tuesday February 8th, 2022 9:17:18 PM
Can I ask for 48 hrs instead? That seems more appropriate.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Tuesday February 8th, 2022 10:30:32 PM
Murphy communicates to all, "Succo, ignore what I said. You set it up perfectly. And my wife looks to be making dessert of it."
He adds, "Tali and I can fly back, be there in less than half a minute. She can teleport a good number of us back, and I can fly the rest."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday February 8th, 2022 10:36:19 PM
OOC: If the giant went outside, what good would a Sense Motive check do when no one is there to see it? Nikolai was inside, so not able to 'sense motive' on an unseen creature. Maybe Pru? I don't know. But the obvious would be a visual check, not a sense motive check. Regardless of the result of a sense motive check, someone would have seen him go back inside and that obvious fact would have to be posted.
If anyone could see him to sense the motive, then they would have seen him go back inside. Since Nikolai was on the roof before the giant went inside, and still on the roof when the giant went outside, there's no way a sense motive check could succeed on an unseen creature. Nor does Nikolai know Giantish to stretch the sense motive on audio alone.
As far as Succotash, I don't know. Nikolai was signaling from the roof where only flying creatures would be able to see him. Any info to those on the ground would have been from Pru who is hiding nearby.
Anyway, whatever is whatever. So the giant is back inside or outside or somewhere in between. It is irrelevant now since the dork Succotash is a few mealtimes short of common sense and deserves a good whallop from the giant.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday February 8th, 2022 10:37:06 PM
ooc: "Nikolai was inside, so not able to 'sense motive' on an unseen creature" Sorry, I meant outside on the roof.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+29=35 ; Tuesday February 8th, 2022 10:51:24 PM
Nikolai does not understand giant but does hear a conversation outside, with one voice clearly very giantish in sound, which can't be good. That can only mean trouble and time to move on and find another place.
"Pru, get moving out of there. Trouble is about to be a visitor. Let's get over a few blocks and see if we have any luck over there." he communicates over their special link.
He directs Pru where he's going and scampers over the roofs of the buildings on this block and takes a leap to cross to another block.
Acrobatics +29 = 35 + 13 (High Jump Feat) + 16 (base speed bonus) = 64 vs DC (distance across a street)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Wednesday February 9th, 2022 7:31:16 AM
Can I ask for 48 hrs instead? That seems more appropriate.
DM Mitch d20+19=28 ; d3=1 ; d20+19=26 ; Wednesday February 9th, 2022 7:49:14 AM Succotash tells the giant that he seems fairly bright and suggests the captain doesn’t really need to get involved. He argues they are on the same side against Flamescorn and he really doesn’t want to harm giants today or any day so why can’t he be given the information he seeks.
Murphy tells Succotash he’s being very nice and that perhaps it would be nicer to render quiet then useless the fellow rather than let him talk to his captain or to just gather everyone in the vicinity and teleport over to him and Tali so that they aren’t spotted and queries if anyone nearby Succotash wants to help with that. He informs the others of the hiding spot he and Tali have found and asks if the rest of the party wants to rendezvous there or if he and Tali should continue scouting ahead.
Pru volunteers that dimension door is probably the safer bet and queries how far Murphy’s hiding place is and in what direction.
Pressi breaks cover and introduces herself to the guard, threatening to do what she did to the wall to his head if he does anything other than signal by tapping his shoulder twice that she has his attention.
Murphy takes back what he said to Succotash and offers to have Tali and him fly back and then fly / teleport the party to the location where they currently are.
Nikolai is able to listen in on most of the conversation as while the Ogre doesn't speak giant the soldier does so Succotash and the giant were spelling common. Still he figures they should move a few blocks over and see if they have better luck, directing Pru as to where he is headed as he leaps from roof to roof like a ninja in the night.
The giant does not take threats too kindly and does not tap his shoulder twice and instead makes a move to signal the others which triggers Pressi’s readied actions which would have been great except for the fact that these giants are immune to most mind affecting spells so Ill Omen and Charm Person both fizzle and the giant raises his horn to his lips and sounds a clarion call.
Immediately the giants searching the other homes start to emerge and approach. The giant whom Pressi tried to charm snarls at the empty air, ”Fhorge protects me from your charms witch.”
We are in combat rounds until you either evade or kill the giant patrols. I will create a map if the party isn’t able to or decides not to quickly escape.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+24=39 ; Wednesday February 9th, 2022 9:34:24 AM
Pressi frowns a bit before moving through a window and turning towards the ogre slave (and Nick and Succotash).
"You, same deal that I gave Tiny over there, plus your freedom," she continues to speak in Giant. "Also, correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just going on first impressions, but wouldn't it be nice to show these giants what an ogre can do, or help out the halfling that sacrificed himself to protect you? This is a one time offer that ends when a giant opens the front door, and can be backed out of later, so don't dally out of fear on this one. At minimum, you get a free beer out of it."
Diplomacy 39 + 18 from her moment of prescience +4 from a hero point. No fooling around on this one.
(OOC: I know we've been playing fast and loose on what people can see and hear through walls. So I'm asking for a "no you don't have to type it all again" handwave here. At least a "short short" version.)
Pressi gathers her allies and casts Shadow Walk when any giant gets even close. Regardless of what the ogre chooses, she uses it on him as well so that he has the option to escape. Once done, she leads everyone back towards Murphy and Tali at 50 MPH, knowing where they wind up inside the city is almost random.
She also sends out a message asking if anyone else would like to cast something before she completely burns out of spells.
-----------------
Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws) Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells) goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision) contingency: blink (active) mass planar adaption (resist fire) Protection of Energy Fire Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear) moment of Prescience shield of faith shield other (from Kezzem)
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+37=49 ; Wednesday February 9th, 2022 11:51:49 AM
Kezzem remains invisible but gets within melee range of the giant closest to Pressi. He prepares to strike with his daggers.
Stealth: 1d20 + 37 = 49.
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 February 9th, 2022 12:55:26 PM
Before Pessie can cast Shadow walk, Succotash says, via their mental link, Nikolai, Kezzem, grab hold of Pressi. He than spurs Valerie into action, and swoops down, reaches out to touch Pressi, and than casts Greater Teleport, using Murphy's description of his location, as his point of reference, teleporting his friends and himself to Murphy's location.
active spells: Succotash Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (12 temp HP) Planar adaptation Invisibility
Valerie Resist energy (fire) Heroes feast (16 temp HP) Planar adaptation Air Walk Longstrider Invisibility Divine Power 10/19
Daily stuff: channel energy (10d6) 10/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 130/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Wednesday February 9th, 2022 5:30:10 PM
Lacking any other direction, Pru casts Dimension Door to go to the location Nikolai supplied. If there are any giants in the vicinity, Pru uses her Silent Spell feat to cast the spell without a verbal component.
[OOC: But I need to know whether she had to cast it silently so I know what level spell to mark off.]
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+43=61 ; d20+50=54 ; Wednesday February 9th, 2022 6:13:32 PM
"Incoming," comments Murphy. [i]"And remember, if anyone needs to shout, just do it with your mind."
During his area inspections, and being a druid, he thinks to observe if he can discern any sort of plant life in the vicinity that has the power to withstand the incessant heat and other environmental factors.
============ Perception: 61 Stealth: 60 (net +56 on stealth, but roller only allows +50)
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Wednesday February 9th, 2022 8:31:31 PM
Pressi gladly accepts the teleport instead, makes sure that Kezzem and others travel with them, and once again reaches for the ogre slave to come with them, even if it's just to get out of trouble. (But also, why not give them a chance?)
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=23 ; Wednesday February 9th, 2022 8:39:23 PM Bellum Pacem Para
Tali being Tandem with Mister Murphy goes where Mister Murphy goes, but if she needs to, will cast Greater Teleport to bring as many as six (6) additional members back into the air just above the rubble, provided we are all invisible. If not, she will cast Invisibilityon those that need it up to 5 others; provided there is enough time. If not enough time, then she will cast Greater Teleport & worry about the visability after they are safer.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+29=41 ; Thursday February 10th, 2022 12:47:29 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
On a roof the next block over Pru catches up with Nikolai and tells him what's going on down there with the ogre and the giant guard showing up and with the horn blowing, the rest need not be said.
"Well, Pru Honey, obviously the idea of buttering up a slave to get us the information we need is out the window. In halfling terms, according to the learner's book I've been reading, Yesterday's Meal'. We are going to have to help deal with whatever that horn brings. Let's get back over there and see what we can add to the mayhem."
Strength = 23 carrying capacity: light 0-200lb total weight carried: 40.5 lb Pru's weight: don't ask (but should not put him over his 200lb light load capacity)
Nikolai picks Pru up and dashes across the roofs again and leaps back over to the roofs of the block he just came from.
Acrobatics long jump + 29 = 41 + 13 (High Jump Feat) + 16 (base speed bonus) = 70 vs DC (distance across a street).
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Thursday February 10th, 2022 2:58:13 PM
So, it seems Murphy can discern no plant life thus far. Not even a fire rose. He waits to see what happens... and to determine whether he and Tali need to fly back quickly to offer aid and air ferry service.
"How you doin', Tali?" he asks, just talking telepathically with her directly, not including the rest of the gang in the loop on this one.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday February 10th, 2022 4:29:07 PM
Kezzem prepares for teleportation.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Thursday February 10th, 2022 5:42:10 PM
[OOC Note: DM Mitch reports teleportation does not work. Shadow walk does. Prepare for Pressi transport - often a thrilling ride!]
DM Mitch Thursday February 10th, 2022 8:27:58 PM
(I made a post this morning that was eaten by an internet dragon. I have not been able to slay the dragon and retrieve the post. in the morning I'll post off PC actions from last two days.)
Important things from lost post: The teleportation didn't' work, knowledge Arcana 27 to find out (will explain in morning post if someone makes check). Since Pressi only canceled her spell upon seeing Succotash preparing his own I'll allow her spell to complete and get everyone safely in the shadow realm/walk.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Thursday February 10th, 2022 8:29:36 PM
Realizing that Succotash's teleport won't work, she begins to activate her own Shadow walk abilities, hoping that she can link enough arms in time.
She does begin to consider whether doing this on another plane might have some effects.
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+27=43 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+25=42 ; Thursday February 10th, 2022 9:36:55 PM Bellum Pacem Para...
Tali getting confused, starts checking things she believes she knows...
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Thursday February 10th, 2022 10:02:07 PM
[OOC: Okay, so Teleport didn't work, but did Dimension Door work? And, regardless of whether it worked or not, when Pru attempted to cast it, did she see any giants and decide to cast it silently? Because I have to mark it off regardless.]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday February 10th, 2022 11:12:42 PM
OOC: teleport didn't work with the Frost Giants either. Hmmm... I smell a conspiracy here....
DM Mitch Friday February 11th, 2022 6:23:56 AM Pressi frowns and then moves through the window to where Succotash is with the Ogre. She offers him an ultimatum and then absconds with her friends and the ogre into the shadow realm
Kezzem remains invisible but gets within striking range of the giants nearest where Pressi used to be ready to strike out with his daggers if needed.
Succotash attempts to teleports himself, Valerie, Pressi and the Ogre over to where Murphy is with greater teleport. Sadly the teleportation spell fizzles.
Pru attempts to cast a silent dimension door to move in the direction that her husband suggested only to see it fizzle too.
Murphy tells Tali they’ve got incoming and reminds folks to use mental communication. He observes the area looking for any flora that might be able to survive the harsh conditions but doesn’t find any. He asks Tali how she is doing.
Tali is prepared to teleport folks back to Murphy and turn them invisible if they need it.
Nikolai tells Pru that the plan to work with the Ogre informant has gone out the window or is now yesterday’s meal. He picks his wife up and dashes across the roofs back to where the rest of the party is.
Kezzem prepares for the shadow walk
Tali is confused and starts checking what she knows.
Tali’s arcane knowledge lets her figure out what’s going on. The pocket reality must have properties similar to a spell like Dimensional Lock and prevents extraplanar travel. It probably doesn’t extend through the whole reality, which is why the portal into the realm works and they could cast things like Blink outside the wall, but they’ve probably reached the point where walking or flying are the only options for transportation.
If the effect is similar to the spell Dimensional Lock then forms of movement barred include astral projection, blink, dimension door, ethereal jaunt, etherealness, gate, maze, plane shift, shadow walk, teleport, and similar spell-like abilities
Pressi offers to link arms, Succotash, Kezzem and the Ogre take her up on the offer immediately. Nikolai bounds over to where everyone is with his wife and gets there just in time for them to also travel through the realm of shadows.
It’s immediately obvious that something weird is going on here. The plan seems… thinner? Then usual. Pressi and company are able to avoid combat with the ogres escaping to the shadow realm and then traven a very short distance before finding some kind of wall.
The wall looks weird. Sort of a dull, glowing filter that stretches in every direction. You can see vague shapes that look like the rest of the city past it but they’re all colored by the warrior. It almost looks like a thin layer of woldsblood. You probably do not want to touch it - woldblood is lethal to touch, and even if it isn’t woldsblood and just the barrier of the dimensional lock spell it likely won’t do good things to youl.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday February 11th, 2022 1:42:58 PM
"Press, is it supposed to look like that?" asks Kezzem. "I don't like it."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Friday February 11th, 2022 3:20:10 PM
Pressi stares into the void. "After all the failures we've had with shadow walk, what are the odds that we'd have a failure again, really? I mean, this seems foreseeable in hindsight, sure..."
She shook her head, "Still, I don't think we got thrown out of the pocket universe, and our only goal is to get out of that house, because if we don't know where we are, they sure don't. So..."
Pressi first tries to see if she can follow the wall around for a bit. If that doesn't work, she tries a different direction away from the wall.
If that doesn't work, she has everyone wait a while, hoping the giants leave.
But no matter what, she stays in for 30 minutes, moves as best as she can to a place nobody is around, and ends the shadow walk there. With some luck, the giants will have moved on, or they will be shunted to a random place without any giants.
Prudence Komonov (Kathy) Friday February 11th, 2022 4:17:50 PM They thought to put cutting wires and shadow barriers into their wall? Pru sends. I wonder what kinds of things usually attack them.
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+27=29 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+25=41 ; Friday February 11th, 2022 11:24:48 PM Bellum Pacem Para...
Tali knowing, continues to verify, & then shares all she can with the group via the various communication spells, bonds, telepathy spells that were cast prior to this foray.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Friday February 11th, 2022 11:54:40 PM
Knowing they've just gone into shadow walk, Murphy tests to see if they can still communicate telepathically. "How are things?" he asks.
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 Saturday February 12th, 2022 12:20:54 PM "Those giants really think of everything! These have to be some of the smartest giants I've ever seen! Add to that, they are rather set on attacking us. We have been here a while now, but are still no where near reaching our objective, and we are rapidly running out of options. I fear we may have to resort violence, as diplomacy and stealth haven't born any fruit. Anyone have any other ideas, because I'm feel we are losing this cat and mouse game, especially since we have been playing the role of the mice. Maybe it's time to extract our claws, and change our roles. If someone else has another idea, I'm all in, but we need to do something, and soon! Pressi's divination originally suggested the small gate, but I think that is Yesterday's Breakfast. We kinda gave up any thought of stealth now that they know we're here, and anything resembling a surprise attack is shot to heck!"
It's clear by his tone that Succotash isn't upset, he is just trying to break down the current options, by pointing out the ones that have been tried and failed. Those that know him know that he has no desire to start killing giants, but he also wants to get on with the real objective, which is finding and ending Flamscorn, and he is ready to try anything, at this point, to reach that objective.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 Saturday February 12th, 2022 2:28:48 PM
If telepathy to those shadow walking is possible, Murphy says, "My understanding of the city's layout is growing. Since teleportation is out, as far as we can ascertain, but flying works, I can fly almost all of us up through the ash cover - and perhaps help tow a few of those who can fly, so we do not get separated. So far it does not appear the giants have any sort of air force.
"I don't think we want to attempt to fight our way through at the street level, though moving with stealth through the streets may be possible, and challenging."
If those shadow walking have gone telepathically 'dark,' Murphy speaks with Sashe (and Ketia, if she's not with the shadow walkers) to say once they come out of the shadows, communication should be restored. If Ketia is not with Pressi & company, he tries to determine where she is, and how she fares.
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