RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Sunday May 15th, 2022 12:53:56 AM
Nira stays completely out of sight. She hasn't heard any battle cries yet so isn't going to reveal herself.
From her hidden position she can't see what is going on either though, so instead she casts a Locate Creature spell and tries to locate the presence of any rakshasa within 960ft.
---------------- Standard: Cast Locate Creature to find any nearby Rakshasa. Duration: 140mins. Range: 960ft.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Sunday May 15th, 2022 8:07:42 PM
Danko 'sighs quietly.
{ Yeah, and I'm the careless one } he thinks to himself.
He stays hidden and casts protection from evil on himself in anticipation for the the eventual shenanigans to begin.
-- Mage armor Protection from evil
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) d20=20 ; d20+29=46 ; d8+15=20 ; Sunday May 15th, 2022 8:20:03 PM
"You two wait here a sec", Hmerrin tells Nira and Ramirez.
The fighter steps out, axes in hand. If necessary, he'll close so that he's within 60' of the nearest bad guy.
He says nothing, but eyes the men menacingly, and occasionally gives an axe a little flip.
--- Ready action. If one of these guys actually comes up to attack and gets in melee range, smack him with his battleaxe. Hit ac 46 for 20 hp damage.
In effect good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min)
Floaters - DM Dan K d20=1 ; d20=10 ; d20=12 ; Monday May 16th, 2022 10:29:12 AM
Gaffer casts Reverse Gravity easily catching the 3 men on foot and sending them 30' into the air. Four of the other men are on horseback and one is in the wagon. Gaffer drop a 5' column on the wagon driver and two of the riders. All six men, with yelps of surprise and alarm find themselves 30' in the air. The wagon itself does not move and the riderless horses with a whinny of fear hop from the zone to fall prone Des reveals himself next to Gaffer in the loft of the barn and calls for the group to surrender, informing them that the rakshasa in the mine are all dead Nira stays hidden and casts Locate Creature but finds no Rakshasa in their natural form within range Dank stays hidden and casts Protection from Evilon himself Hmerrin steps out and casually flips his hand axe
The man that had been talking the entire time initially shouts about a trap as he falls skyward. A glance about and he knows they are caught and there is little it appears anyone can do about. The two remaining men on their horses call out for the others to hold on, but stop short on any actions when Hmerrin and Des step out
The man floating above the wagon speaks up, "Do as he says, put away your weapons! Aris and Gwen, stay where you are."
He then shouts over to Des, "We have nothing of great value."
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Monday May 16th, 2022 1:33:45 PM
"I don't care," replies the paladin. "We aren't here to rob you."
He shouts, "Korlis, can you tell me who these people are and why they are here?"
While he waits for a response, Desdichado uses Detect Evil on the talker (is he within 60 ft?).
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Monday May 16th, 2022 6:46:48 PM
Looks like Gaffer has things in hand, and Dez is calling the shots.
Not wanting to do anything to upset the current advantage, Hmerrin wordlessly holds his position.
-------------- In effect good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min)
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Monday May 16th, 2022 10:17:16 PM
Ramirez hopes these men will be reasonable. Hanging in mid air may be pushing things in that direction. He holds position and waits for their response. If need be, he can catch them with a feather fall for a softer landing.
Active Effects: good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min) mirror image- 8 images remaining (duration 15 min)
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Tuesday May 17th, 2022 2:05:42 AM
Nira holds her ground, still out of sight. She isn't sure whether it's a good thing or bad thing that these people aren't rakshasa. Probably a good thing. If they came here it may mean they are complicit with the events here though. Probably not a good thing.
Until there are obvious sounds of battle she stays out of sight.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 30(T:16/FF:25) CMD:31) d20+26=44 ; Tuesday May 17th, 2022 5:43:51 AM
Gaffer frowns, that wasn't quite the reaction he was expecting... He keeps a close eye on their surroundings while maintaining the spell, if the Rakshasa knew about the situation in the mine, their group could be the ones falling into a trap here.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 6:17:35 AM
Danko steps out from the shadows.
" Yes, Aris and Gwen, do stay where you are. "
{ Speak for yourself Des. } He thinks to himself.
{ Poppa needs new spell components }
------------- Mage armor Protection from evil
Floaters - DM Dan K Tuesday May 17th, 2022 10:59:56 AM
Des shouts to the closed doors at the back of the small encampment, but there is no reply from Korliss. It is unlikely the Kolyrut heard the paladin from over 100' away and through a set of solid wooden gates. The rest of the Tide holds their positions and tongues, save Danko who comes out from the storage shed area. Ramirez looks at the 5 floating men and wonders how he might catch them all before they hit the ground Des does not detect any evil from the floating group, nor the remaining men on horseback
The wagon driver, who called for his group to stand down, looks across the courtyard to the gates as well, but no answers are forthcoming. So he calls back down to Des, "My name is Parsons and I'm here on business which I don't see being your concern and what under Alemi's bright sun is a rakashasasa?"
The rest of the men floating in midair try to steady themselves and the two on horseback continue to hang back at about 20' outside of the gate
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Tuesday May 17th, 2022 2:03:25 PM
Desdichado has been a little confused at what is going on, but that response from Parsons pushes him over the line.
"Oh, come on, laying it on a bit thick aren't you?" He holds his hand out toward the group floating in the air. "You're literally in no position to be belligerent here. Anyone going inside there is our concern at the moment. You know of Kohlis, which means you've been here before. You have about 12 seconds to convince me you aren't a disguised rakshasa."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Tuesday May 17th, 2022 6:17:16 PM
Hmerrin frowns. None of these guys act like rakas. There's none of that smarmy high and mighty speechifying going on.
"The miners in there are being forced to work," he notes grimly. "And we're very interested in finding those responsible. Right now, that looks like you. So spill. Who are you, what do you do here, and who do you deal with?"
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 10:03:52 PM Well Nira, looks like they're talking. I guess that's a good sign.
Active Effects: good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min) mirror image- 8 images remaining (duration 15 min)
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Tuesday May 17th, 2022 10:07:27 PM
Nira gives a nod to Ramirez. "Yep. Usually the fight would have started by now."
She calls out to the others to let them know of her spell results. "I don't detect any Raks nearby! Unless they're using magic to conceal themselves!"
With her Locate Creature spell active, she slowly turns in a circle just to make sure there aren't any raks hiding somewhere else close by.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 6:53:41 AM
Danko waits
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 30(T:16/FF:25) CMD:31) Wednesday May 18th, 2022 7:02:20 AM
Gaffer stays vigilant while maintaining the spell.
Floaters - DM Dan K Wednesday May 18th, 2022 11:45:39 AM
Des believes they are not being truthful and calls them out on it Hmerrin adds to the conversation about the gnomes and wanting to find who is responsible, which might be Parsons and company Nira calls out from behind the barn that she detects no Rakshasa with her spell and does another revolution, still finding none. Ramirez remains a bit hopeful there is no fight forthcoming Danko waits by the storage shed.
Parsons keeps talking while the others start to urge him on a bit. "Hey whoa there now. I'm just trying to make a living like any other honest merchant. I don't know anything about imprisoned miners here and you can keep saying the word, and I aint gonna know what the shadow realm a Rak or Rakasha is still. Of course I know Korlis, that elf has always been my contact here." "Parsons , they're talking about killin' and they look to have the means to do it." one floating next him says "He's right Parsons, Give them your bloody ring and..." "Shut up idiots!" "No way, your magic ring is only thing folks with this kind of magic power could be after..." The man floating to Parsons left shouts down to Des, "Parsons has a sweet magic ring, it's protected from Detection spells so it don't show up if you looked. It's a find man, c'mon. Take the ring and let us go. What do you say?"
Parson glowers at the two next to him, "You realize not only will I be not paying you, but you are completely fired right"
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Wednesday May 18th, 2022 3:26:46 PM
"I already told you that we don't care about your things," says Desdichado. "Six seconds..."
"But, we are gonna have a conversation about this ring of yours. Especially the part about what it does, and where you got it. I also want to know what you plan to pick up here, and where you plan to take it."
The fighter looks around to the others.
"Look, we're dealing with some very bad people here. And we need some answers to keep them from doing very bad things as soon as we can. So, a little info would be appreciated. And possibly even paid for." [Diplomacy 12]
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 8:31:24 PM Nira, what about that ring they're talking about? Does it have an aura?
Active Effects: good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min) mirror image- 8 images remaining (duration 15 min)
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday May 19th, 2022 1:36:22 AM
Nira isn't ready to reveal herself yet so calls back "If the ring prevents detection spells, then my spell isn't going to work. I won't even be able to tell if it's magic or not. He might be a rak after all! It needs to come off"
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Thursday May 19th, 2022 6:18:52 AM
Danko yells out
" DES! TAKE.... THE... RING! "
Floaters - DM Dan K Thursday May 19th, 2022 11:31:50 AM
Des remains resolute Hmerrin though comes further out and states his belief that the group here are not in fact Rakshasa. A statement that seems to bring little releif to the men floating 30' up. His more non agressive attitude does lend them some comfort Ramirez asks Nira about the ring Nira, remaining out of sight, she communicates that if the ring is masked, her detections would not pick it up. Which, is of course, the point of masking a magic item. She suggests the ring needs to be removed Danko agrees
Parsons, the man who was driving the wagon, grabs ahold of a finger and pulls. When his hand comes free, there is a silver ring in it. He lets go of it, but of course, it just floats nearby. With a sigh, he grabs it and gives it a toss. the ring leaves Gaffer's spell and falls to the ground. This fact causes all of the floating men to get a bit wide eyed and to start looking about themselves
Parsons then gets to Hmerrin questions. The ring is a wedding gift and allows him to communicate with his wife 1/day and she wears an alike ring that allows her to do the same. He's here to pick up a load of silver ore and to take it to the capital, which was a pretty good gig until today
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Thursday May 19th, 2022 4:24:22 PM
Desdichado remains extremely wary of this group, but moves in closer in case they try anything against Hmerrin since he's so close. "Gaffer, are you able to keep them up there long enough for me to get close?" he asks.
He moves until he's about 20 feet away from the group, and makes it obvious that he is tactically not moving any nearer than that to Hmerrin as well.
Obviously angry, he interrogates Parsons. "Who'd you have a contract with to pick up this load? And who in the capital do you take it to? How often do you come here?"
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 30(T:16/FF:25) CMD:31) Thursday May 19th, 2022 5:51:43 PM
"Should be good for another minute or so" Gaffer let's Des know, adding more quietly, "They might figure out they can propely themselves out after the ring dropped, so be careful still."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Thursday May 19th, 2022 6:47:18 PM
Hmerrin is getting more and more convinced these aren't the rakas he's looking for.
The young man puts on Parsons' ring. Hello? Anyone out there
Then, he heads over to wagon. On his way, he keeps talking to the group.
"You gents should be down in a moment or two. I'm pretty sure you'll have to wait it out. While we're waiting, a few more proper nouns would really be helpful. Which capital? Who do you take it to? And, while we're at it, did you happen to notice any groups of gnomes headed in this direction."
At the wagon, he checks for cargo.
"C'mon guys. If we were nasty robbers, ya think you'd still be breathing? Surely somebody you're working for, or delivering to, or picking up from, strikes you as a pull-the-wings-off-a-butterfly kind of person. Give us a lead here."
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis d20+23=25 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=28 ; Thursday May 19th, 2022 8:30:23 PM
It's been a while now and a fight hasn't started yet. Nira decides that now is the time to show herself.
She makes her way from around the side of the barn and approaches the gathering. She looks over each of the flying people to check for magical auras on them and also tries to work out how high up in the air they are. When the spell expires it could be a hard landing and it wouldn't be good form to let (potentially) innocent people fall to their deaths.
Nira tries to be the 'good cop' here. "Look, we're really sorry about all this. We keep getting attacked by rakshasa in disguise and we found a lot of them here. We're just trying to protect ourselves - and anyone else nearby - from them. Unless you're evil of heart we really don't mean you any harm"
----------------- Perception: 25 - using arcane sight to detect magical auras Spellcraft checks to ID a few auras: 29, 33, 28 Sense Motive: 32
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Thursday May 19th, 2022 9:04:14 PM
Ramirez follows Nira out of cover. If these men weren't trying to fight by now, they probably weren't going to. Nira, can you examine the ring? If it is what he says, then maybe the rest of the story is true as well.
Active Effects: good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min) mirror image- 8 images remaining (duration 15 min)
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Sunday May 22nd, 2022 12:50:22 AM
Desdichado watches Parsons, waiting for his response.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 d20+15=26 ; Sunday May 22nd, 2022 1:34:01 PM
Danko can't believe that they're not cleaning these guys of all their valuables. Oh well.
He keeps an eye out for attacks
--------------- Perception 26
Making a Break - DM Dan K Monday May 23rd, 2022 10:18:08 AM
Des comes down from the barn loft and takes up a spot in the courtyard. the men are floating 30' over head and Hmerrin is about 10' from them on the ground by the barn. Des can stand next to Hmerrin or he can stand next to Danko by the storage shed Des fires off additional angry question Parsons answers des, "My contract is with Randazzo's and I've been doing this for nearly 3 years. How long have you been assaulting and threatening the innocent based on assumptions with no evidence just because you feel you can?"
Hmerrin picks up on puts on the ring, there is no response from the ring. "Down in a moment is what I'm concerned with and if you were common robbers, I wouldn't be floating here, we'd be fighting. What you are after? I don't know, but I've zero cause to help, or otherwise trust you any farther than I can pee into hurricane."
Nira steps out to see if she can salvage any good will or information. The men are 30' in the air, slowly tumbling end over end. When the spell ends, depending on how they happen to be orientated, they could land on their feet of their face. It's going to hurt. "Frankly, I don't believe you." comes the response
Ramirez also steps out and the Nira can see the floating men taking in the ever growing number of opponents. They are all a combination of scared and angry with grim inevitability creeping across some of the faces. Ramirez asks if Nira could examine the ring. Truth about it, might indicate the rest of their story.
The two men still mounted and outside of the gate have apparently heard enough, they wheel their mounts and bolt. The four floating men start to call out, "Casius! Pharek! Cowards!"
Parsons and the other three floating men look down at you and then to the fleeing men and back
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Monday May 23rd, 2022 1:27:04 PM
"Do we have a way to set them down gently?" Desdichado asks with frustration. To Parsons he adds "You may not be directly involved with the trapped miners here - which I'm still not completely convinced of, by the way. But innocent you are not. Patsy maybe, but not innocent. This mine is run by some VERY bad types."
He suggests that if they can get down and go on their way, they forgo any more working with Randazzo's.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 28(T:19/FF:21) CMD:31) Monday May 23rd, 2022 6:22:25 PM
Gaffer calls out, "Yes, yeah, I'll fly up and bring them down..." he grumbled to himself about not getting to drop anyone with his new spell buts starts moving.
He heads down from the second floor and once clear, he'll wildshape into a Huge Air Elemental and prepare to fly past each of the floaters next turn so that they can grab on and be flown down.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Monday May 23rd, 2022 7:11:16 PM
Hmerrin hands the ring over to Nina.
He watches the other two run off, and shakes his head with a sigh. "No matter what tactic we use, its always the wrong one," he mutters to himself in frustration.
The young man has no idea how to proceed, so just waits for this little adventure to run its course.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis d20+22=38 ; Monday May 23rd, 2022 8:17:14 PM "If you'd rather make your own way down I can create a ramp for you" Nira offers to cast a Wall of Stone spell, high enough to reach just under the men and then sloping down to the ground. Once the spell ends they could then walk down.
It's about this point that Nira feels like kicking herself. She reaches into her kit and pulls out the Gem of Seeing that the party had found a while back. "Hold on a second". She stares through the gem and looks around - especially at the men in the air. "We need to remember that we have this thing"
With that done she then turns her attention to the magical ring and tries to identify it.
--------------- Gem of Seeing: "sees through illusions, and sees the true form of polymorphed, changed, or transmuted things." Spellcraft check on the ring: 38
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Monday May 23rd, 2022 9:30:13 PM
Ramirez moves closer and readies his feather fall spell. Gaffer, if we think they have had enough, you can end your spell, I can catch them.
Active Effects: good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min) mirror image- 8 images remaining (duration 15 min)
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 6:17:59 AM
Danko waves at the riders as they speed away...
" BYE ! SEE YA LATER! "
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 28(T:19/FF:21) CMD:31) Tuesday May 24th, 2022 6:19:45 AM
Gaffer will hold off on his wildshape once he hears from Ramirez and, once Ramirez is positioned close enough to both groups of floaters, he dismisses Reverse Gravity.
Solid Ground - DM Dan K Tuesday May 24th, 2022 10:44:44 AM
Des takes a few more digs at the merchants, which sours their impressions more, but they do not reply. Hmerrin hands the ring to Nira, who remembers she has a Gem of Seeing. Nira looks through the gem and finds all of the men are precisely that, men. The ring does not register as magical, which fits the reason provided by Parsons, a Nondetectionspell Ramirez casts Feather Fall on all the men and Gaffer dismisses his spell.
A moment later Parsons and his men and standing on the ground. Parsons watches Nira, as she looks over the ring. The other 3 glance about a bit nervous and keep most of their attention directed towards Des. They shift in place and look to be trying to keep their breathing in check
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Tuesday May 24th, 2022 1:22:33 PM
"Well? Go." says Desidchado as he points towards the way they came from. "You'll be getting no more silver out of this mine."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 28(T:19/FF:21) CMD:31) Tuesday May 24th, 2022 6:40:57 PM
"Wait, before you go" Gaffer calls out, producing a map, "Show us where you came from, where you deliver the supplies and where you meet your contact." Doing his best to level a gaze that accepts no refusal.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Tuesday May 24th, 2022 7:15:12 PM
Hmerrin keeps silent, and waits.
As soon as this group leaves, he plans to go back down to the gnomes, and get a read on exactly when this shift change of theirs is to happen, and what the process is.
He'd like to ambush rakas the next time.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Tuesday May 24th, 2022 7:56:55 PM
Nira steps forward and returns the ring to the man. She then measures 100gp from her purse and hands that over too. "As a gesture for your troubles. I'm not sure what your arrangement was here, however if it was with the 'humans' you should know they are evil creatures in disguise. You should stop any business with them for your own safety. When they have no further use for you, well, it wouldn't be good. There may be some gnomes that would like to establish trade relations with you though. Is there a way they could contact you?"
The way Nira sees it, if the contract ends between the gnomes and the raks then the gnomes will need new trading partners.
She looks to Gaffer and then back to the men "If you could point out those locations on the map it really would help us."
--------------- 100gp deducted from sheet
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 8:48:27 PM
Ramirez is pleased that these men saw reason. The rakshasa are the ones responsible for the problems and needed to be stopped.
These men were here to pick something up. Maybe we could make the 'delivery' for them. It should lead us straight to the shapeshifting devils.
Active Effects: good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min) mirror image- 8 images remaining (duration 15 min)
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 6:41:19 AM
" That's some mighty fine shenanigans you're proposing Ramirez.... "
Danko changes his appearance using his hat of diguise to look like one of the men
" I'm in"
Solid Ground - DM Dan K Wednesday May 25th, 2022 11:46:09 AM
Des shoos the men off, but Gaffer stops them first with a last couple of things. The druid produces a map and asks about Parsons destination with the load. Nira adds the return of the ring to Parsons adn 100gp as a gesture for the trouble. She adds further detail about humans in disguise being evil and perhaps the gnomes who are the actual miners could forge a direct rellationship with his company. Ramirez proposes to the group that perhaps they could 'make the delivery' instead of Parsons Danko finds the idea full of possible shenanigans and is all in, altering his appearance to look like one of Parsons men.
It is clear the 4 men ar enot sure what to make of the group. The paladin of Domi has them just a few sentences from needing to be smited, but then there is the return of the ring and some gold. It is the suggestion of Ramirez and Danko's enthusiastic backing that seems to be what makes Parsons make up his mind. "Our run is from Kovri to here and then on to Karri." Parsons then points to Karri, the capital of the Emerald Kingdom and adds "Our contact there is an elf, 'Greenleaf' "The Warehouse district" Parsons supplies directions to a specific building. "You will need to make a copy of these." He produces a writ of identification and passage with a seal and signature.
Forgery requires Linguistics if you wish to try
DM reminder, the shift change refers to the the gnomes that were sleeping going down to mine while the mining gnomes returned to the upper chambers to rest. Not to brand new gnomes coming, THAT shift change is about 2 years from now
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Wednesday May 25th, 2022 12:47:44 PM
(OOC: I think for my part at least, misunderstanding the shift change strongly influenced how Dez handled that entire interaction.)
The paladin looks over the group and says "Thank you. Remember, stay away from the people who hired you."
As the men leave, Desdichado nods at Ramirez and Danko's suggestion. "Take the fight to them? I'm all for that."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Wednesday May 25th, 2022 6:55:54 PM
"Greenleaf in Karri?"
Hmerrin stops in mid-stride toward the gnomes. With a fluid 180, he is back with the group.
"Now, we're talkin'."
The young man takes in the paperwork with a frown. "Danko? Ramirez? Got any copying skills?"
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:37:27 PM
Ramirez nods. It's been awhile, but if I take my time I should be able to come up with something reasonably good.
Active Effects: good hope- Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. (duration 15min) mirror image- 8 images remaining (duration 15 min)
OOC- Ramirez has a +6 on linguistics. If he 'takes 20' on the roll, that will be a 26, plus some modifiers since we have the actual document. We may take a penalty if the paper we have doesn't really match theirs. If anyone has a higher bonus, Ramirez can aid instead.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday May 25th, 2022 9:49:02 PM "Greenleaf you say? Thankyou Parsons. That's really good information for us to have." She reaches to shake his hand and realises they haven't been introduced.. "I'm Nira, by the way"
She holds the documents up and examines them closely. "Mind if I have a try Ram? I might be able to make copies of these, but it will take a few minutes" She looks about for something she can lean on while she writes.
If she manages to get out of earshot of Parons, she whispers "The name Greenleaf has come up a few times now. Wasn't he an owner or master of the Nymph? That wouldn't bode well"
"Do you think we should ask to travel along with Parons? He might get us in closer than we would on our own"
------------ Linguistics check is +13 with possible bonuses for having a document to copy from. Nira will take 10 on them, unless Take20 is allowed
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Thursday May 26th, 2022 6:15:31 AM
Danko listens to Hemi's request...
" Or we could just keep them? We did just waylay them. It wouldn't be 'unheard of' if we robbed them of it? "
and to Nira
" and no, never good to have to many unknown is a caper and these fellows would be an unknown. "
To Karri - DM Dan K Thursday May 26th, 2022 1:26:10 PM
The mention of Greenleaf sparks some memories. He has been linked to The Nymph as an owner. and was listed in the original documents of the Farm outside of Dirt City as the overseer. Nira sits down with the writ from Parsons and sets about making a very believable copy, complete with signature and seal. She mentions going with Parsons to Karri. Danko thinks aloud about simply keeping the original and is not fond of escorting Parsons to Karri.
Parsons is also not fond of the idea of being escorted to Karri, "Especially as I do not have much intention on going. you say theses Rakshasas are extremely dangerous and if people packing power like you say they are, I'm not for tangling with them. Good luck."
On keeping the writ, Parsons objects as it is more than just this venture, it is essentially his license to do business in The Emerald Kingdom. At least it opens all of the right doors and if I'm caught with a forgery, well...that would be bad for me, my family, my employees and so if you don't mid?"
Parsons and the other 4 men make their way out and round up the horses and depart. Leaving the party with a covered wagon and a team of 4 horses, directions to a specific warehouse in Karri and a forged document to get by the guard, both at the city gates and at the warehouse itself.
Karri by foot is 2.5 days, by wagon 2 days, by other means x time
final thoughts and plans and off The Tide goes
The Linguistics check is made secretly, so that you're not sure how good your forgery is. DM is off to the secret boad to roll....
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Thursday May 26th, 2022 6:04:35 PM
"I suppose the gnomes will be alright here for a while if we make our way to Karri. I hope so, anyway, since I don't see what other choice we have right now."
Desdichado checks his pack, and is ready to trek.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Thursday May 26th, 2022 7:14:58 PM
Hmerrin ticks off his thoughts. "Give Parsons back his writ, and they shouldn't come with us."
He gives Parsons a significant look. "But, we STRONGLY recommend you head on back to Korvi...and take your time."
The group is going to need a wagon or two to pull this off. There wouldn't happen to be any available here, would there? Otherwise, they'll need to purchase one at some point.
At that point Hmerrin is ready to leave this place, get clear of prying ears, and do some planning.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:45:41 PM
OOC- MIke, DM says Parsons left us the wagon
Ramirez goes back into the mine to give the gnomes an update. It's their choice, but they may want to continue with the mining until this contract business is resolved.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:59:21 PM "If they're expecting a delivery we should probably try and make it look like we have one" Nira will see if there are any sacks in the barn that the party could fill with rocks. She'll seal all of the sacks up except for one. If the gnomes are grateful enough to spare some gems, Nira will put those in the top of the open sack over the rocks. She wants to give the illusion that the party have a load full of gems, and if they get questioned they can show the open bag.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 28(T:19/FF:21) CMD:31) Friday May 27th, 2022 6:43:36 AM
"Should we be concerned about the two who fled ahead of the others? If they go straight back to town and start talking, this plan could be over very quickly."
Gaffer's usual travel tricks aren't quite wagon appropriate but he's not against a relaxing couple of days travel through the scenic Culverwood.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Friday May 27th, 2022 7:08:01 AM
Danko walks behind Parson and puts a friendly, yet scally and clawy hand on his shoulder.
ooc> Danko's hands are now brown reddish dragon claws
" Be good Parsons. Don't make us mad... you wouldn't like us when we're mad... "
Once that is over.
" Well Gaff my old chum... I could always track them down and take care of the problem. But I don't think friend paladin here would like that. I suspect that we need to make haste and get the shenanigans on the go, "
Karri - DM Dan K Friday May 27th, 2022 10:15:12 AM
The group decides on the wagon left by Parsons and crew and goes about to make it look loaded. Inside the gates to the mine the party finds all they need. 15 standard crates full of silver ore and 5 small coffers of polished semi precious stones. The haul Parsons was here to pick up for delivery. Korliss and the other 2 are still here and simply stay out of your way. Any check on the gnomes, and they feel as if they will be fine. As long as the party succeeds that is Danko puts a further scare into the already nervous Parsons and team and sends them off at a full gallop
Soon after the wagon is packed and the group is on the road to Karri. The next 2 days are easy enough with nothing coming out of the Culverwood to cause the group any trouble. It is just after midday, when the party arrives at Karri's main gate with several other wagons of merchants and groups of travelers lining up to enter the city.
Pause to allow posts of preps and plans made while on the road away from prying eyes and ears
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Saturday May 28th, 2022 4:22:56 AM "I'm guessing people will know who we are by now. We're probably going to stand out by a mile with a wagon full of silver and gems. Raks will know us on sight, and Greenleaf will know who we are and we won't be able to get close to him. Perhaps it would be best if we disguised ourselves a little?" Nira puts the suggestion out there.
The best she'd be able to do with creating a disguise would be slapping some lipstick on Dez. She looks at the paladin but doesn't say anything. If disguises are needed then someone else will probably have to create them.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 28(T:19/FF:21) CMD:31) Sunday May 29th, 2022 9:26:38 AM
With Nira's reminder, Gaffer will start casting Alter Self to change himself into a human, he can't manage to look like the original attendants to the wagon but it will at least hide his own identity. To that point, he adds "If anyone wants to be disguised as one of the horses, I can make that happen."
At some point on the journey he also asks the group, "Just so I'm clear, are we all assuming that a fight will break out inside the city? I know we would prefer it not too, but just judging by our track record."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:31) Sunday May 29th, 2022 9:33:20 AM
[OOC: Also]
Knowing he has a spare day as they travel, Gaffer will take the time to cast Spellstaff on his main quarterstaff, storing a casting of Finger of Death in preparation for the upcoming fight.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Sunday May 29th, 2022 12:52:33 PM
"Disguises?" asks the paladin. "I just figured we'd wear hooded cloaks or something. I'll leave that kind of thing up to people who know better."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Sunday May 29th, 2022 3:46:05 PM
"Those that can disguise probably should make some attempt," Hmerrin agrees.
"Karri is a decent sized city, and the Rakshasa seem to like working from the shadows. And Parsons was about to haul this same load in. I'm figuring we're good getting through the front gates and at least to the Warehouse District, probably to the front door of the address Parsons gave us.
After that....yeah, a fight is gonna break out with a bunch of civilians in the way. I don't see any way around it though. Maybe Danko or Gaffer can get ahead and do some sneaking?"
"We'll need to play some roles going in. A wagon driver, some guards, semi-important merchant person in charge. Any volunteers?"
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Sunday May 29th, 2022 7:30:37 PM
“ I’ll volunteer do do some recon. Once I’m in, I can teleport back to the group. What do you think Gaff? Want to take a walk with me in the pale moon light?”
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday May 30th, 2022 3:17:57 AM "I can play the merchant person" Nira offers "I don't think anyone would believe me to be a guard"
"Who's the best at creating some mundane disguises? I can guarantee it won't be me."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30- Evil 32) -- CMD 36 -- HP 110/110 Monday May 30th, 2022 6:54:16 AM
“ oh, and I can cast invisibility if someone wanted to just walk in undetected “
Karri - DM Dan K Monday May 30th, 2022 9:22:38 AM
Nira proposes the group disguise themselves if possible. Each of the party carries the wealth and magic of a small city as well as the very recognizable faces and gear. Gaffer has Alter Self and volunteers to turn anyone who wants to, into a horse. Gaffer also casts Spellstaff in prep for the certain battle to come Des has no disguise capability other than pulling up his cloak, which wont do much. Danko volunteers to do some recon, possibly with Invisibility or teleport and could cast invisibility on others as well Nira is selected to be the merchant, others will fall in as wagon driver and guard
In the end the group has little in the way of being disguised outside of mundane means besides Gaffer, Alter Self spell and Danko Hat of Disguise Nira is driving the wagon Needing Handle Animal check The rest are on horseback
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Monday May 30th, 2022 1:34:06 PM
Ramirez has some skill with disguise. I can offer to setup disguises, but I'm not sure how much supplies we have to use to do so. I can also use some illusion magic, it should be enough maybe to at least get us to the place.
I was thinking, maybe we should alert the authorities about the rakshasas before we go barging into their place?
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 161/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Monday May 30th, 2022 2:03:55 PM
"I can act the haughty merchant well enough, I suppose. I certainly remember watching my father's interactions with them," volunteers Desdichado.
He thinks over Ramirez's comment. "Letting someone in charge know what's about to happen could save us headaches later. The risk is that they've already infiltrated the authorities as they have in Dirt City and who knows where else."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:31) Monday May 30th, 2022 6:17:42 PM "The issue we'll always run into, is that we don't have any good proof, and whenever we investigate, a fight breaks out. I don't love it but honestly, asking for forgiveness has been more reliable."
That aside, Gaffer is always happy to provide an eye in the sky, or paws on the ground, to go scout ahead with Danko.
----- Alter Self: Human, but with the features of a new person.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 178/178 AC:33 T:19 FF:26 CMD:35) Monday May 30th, 2022 6:49:49 PM
"Going with Gaffer on this one," Hmerrin remarks. "We've tried recons and checking in and neither really helped. What if we just show up on the rakasha's doorstep this time?"
He considers. "Actually, turning me into a horse might be helpful. I've been in The Tide a long time, and with these axes, I kind of stand out. You take me out of the picture, and the group looks a lot different."
The young man gives Gaffer a long look. "You can change me back whenever you want, right?"
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22/14/18 -- CMD 21 -- HP 114/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday May 30th, 2022 10:21:13 PM "Do we think they'll be able to see through magical illusions and disguises, or at least detect magic? If so, normal disguises might be best. If you want to go with illusions, I can cast a Veil spell and make us all appear whatever creatures we want. Horses, gnomes, whatever."
Karri - DM Dan K Tuesday May 31st, 2022 1:38:29 PM
Ramirez has some skill at making disguises, though he will be limited without actual kits. magic might enhance any affects, though Nira is concerned about Detect Magic. Though any Detect Magic cast at the party very well might blind the caster. Some Rakshasa have shown to be able to apparently see through magical illusions, though not all of them. It seems Rakshasa come in plenty of variety like the noble races. The city gate guard probably don't have that capability and as long as no one does anything awkward, the forged writ of merchants should really get the group inside. Hmerrin also removes his very well known person from the group by allowing Gaffer to transform him into a horse. Leaving the full mithril plate clad Officer of Woldian League paladin of Domi with great axe across his back as the man who stands out the most.
Nira casts Veil, if any of the guard bring it up, the Officers of the WLA can surely explain they are on a important mission where discretion is advised
It takes about an hour to get to the front of the line. Nira leans over and hands the elf guard the writ as he asks a few very normal and easily answered questions. 7 other guard, all elf, stand nearby or a bit further back. most are paying attention to those behind the party and a couple are waving non merchant travelers directly through.
The writ is examined, albeit briefly and the elf gives Nira a once over and a glance at a couple of her 'guard' on horseback, and states there is a 10sp tax and wishes her well upon payment.
10 minutes later and the party is in Karri and heading down the main fare lane. It is early afternoon
Please mark the casting of Veil, Alter self and whatever spell turned Hmerrin into a horse
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