DM BatMark -- I feel the need, the need to read Friday June 3rd, 2022 9:57:36 PM Drack grabs the creature’s body and jogs toward the keep, offering up a prayer to Domi. Torrynashkabbeth runs swiftly toward the keep, opening her senses to evil as she approaches. Highlight to display spoiler: {You detect no evil as you approach.} Manolo keeps running to the keep, wondering what in the Wold is going on. Ash runs along despite his distaste for the activity. Mole arrives to see the rest of the party hurrying to the keep. Mortimer saves his spell as he sees the foe fall, and expresses mock pity before following the others to the keep. Loryn arrives at the keep with Manolo, the others close behind.
As Drack picks up the body, he sees the obviously magical bow lying nearby, along with the flash of gold in several places on the body. As you all approach the keep and the guard rooms, you notice that the laconic guard is no longer in the outer office. You hear quite the racket from within Phaedra’s office, frantic words coming unintelligibly through the door, occasional slams and crashes punctuating them.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Friday June 3rd, 2022 10:43:20 PM
"Where's everyone goin'" He says as he looks around. "Always in a hurry running here and there." He moves to keep up.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Saturday June 4th, 2022 6:50:27 AM
Whilst it was always rude to simply barge in, Torryn did not hesitate. It would be far better to apologise for impertinence than try to explain to the dead why you waited to act. Besides, Torryn was never one to wait. She charged headlong into the room, trident at the ready.
(OOC: Presuming that the door is neither locked nor barred.)
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Sunday June 5th, 2022 8:43:31 AM
Loryn rushes right in behind Torryn
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Sunday June 5th, 2022 12:19:40 PM
Mole continues to trudge along at dwarven speed.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Monday June 6th, 2022 5:31:42 AM
Manolo goes in together with Torryn and Loryn.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 Monday June 6th, 2022 7:25:59 AM
Drack grabbed the bow, along with the body of the foul creature, before heading off to the keep. He should arrive right after the others, and takes the dead creature with him as he enters Phaedra's office
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:17/13/14. hp:21/21. d20+10=24 ; d20+1=4 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 8:43:15 PM
Mortimer doesn't rush into Phaedra's office immediately, like the others. He waits for Drack to arrive with corpse in hand. He then strolls in behind him, like he owns the place and doesn't care.
(Bluff: 24, to hide his curiosity and interest.)
He gives the room a cursory glance, but his real interest is the corpse's body. He secretly scrutinizes it from where he stands for items of interest ... like a ring of wishes or something. 'Ohhh, what's that.' he silently wonders?
(Perception: 4)
DM Steve – Always in a hurry running here and there. Monday June 6th, 2022 10:39:04 PM Torrynashkabbeth heads to Phaedra’s office and rudely barges in. Drack brings the body and the bow to Phaedra’s office at the Keep. Manolo follows Torryn and Loryn. Mole asks where everyone’s going as he tries to keep up. Mortimer strolls in cooly after the others. He tries to surreptitiously inspect the body, but is playing it a little too cool to notice anything. Loryn rushes in behind Torryn. Ash is quiet.
Phaedra ignores the rudeness of being barged in upon, or doesn’t notice. The normally poised captain of the guard has obviously been searching the place for something – her organized desk is in disarray, and she barely looks up at the group’s entrance. She talks before anyone can explain the body or ask a question. “Oh, good! There you are! The Book – Kandruth Walker’s Book – is missing. I had a great need to only read one chapter. Fascinating! But now I can’t find it.”
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 5:15:42 AM "No, Captain!" Torryn told Phaedra emphatically. "You must NOT read that book. LOOK what a reading has brought to town." She turned to point at the body that Drack was carrying. "The book is evil and the reading of it brings only woe. Yes, it must be found - if it is even still in town, BUT it most not be opened." Perhaps she was wrong, but Torryn didn't think that was likely. Phaedra's out of character behaviour coupled with the Dark Fey's statement pointed directly to the book being the agent for its appearance. Whilst it was worrying that reading from the book could summon other evils, Torryn was also concerned that the act of reading pulled the reader closer to The Dark. She opened her senses and sought out the presence of any lurking evil. It might help her locate the book. Equally, she was somewhat ashamed to admit, she was testing Phaedra. Has she been corrupted?
In scanning the area, her gaze swept over the others who'd hastily followed her in. She had great faith in Loryn and Drack to articulate matters better than she.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 7:58:52 AM
Drack frowns at the obvious change in Phaedra.
"I'll leave the magic to the others, that's not really my thing, but to me it sounds like the book is cursed and meant to create chaos and hate. All I know is that this thing appeared in the center of town, and it's presence caused all the town folk to start physically fighting with each other. It said the book had been read, and that was why it was here. I'm guessing if someone else reads the next chapter, things will get worse."
"You can do as you wish Phaedra, but I would suggest calling everyone together, and telling them what happened so that they don't blame themselves for what occurred in the square. With any luck, someone will have found the book and turn it in. I'm not counting on it though"
"Can anyone tell me what this creature is?" Drack drops it's body to the floor, but hangs onto the bow. "Mortimer, you want to search it?"
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20+11=14 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+10=11 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 8:43:53 AM
Ash holds a spell ready in incase Torryn and Dracks words don't do the trick. He didn't want to fight Phaedra, as she was an ally..but he was prepared to take her out of the fight if it came to that.
Taking a quick scan at Dracks creature, Ash tries to figure what it is.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 9:41:55 AM
Mole finally catches up. He is unaware of the all that transpired with the book. He watches and listens.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 10:08:02 AM
Manolo pauses for a moment thinking how all of this happened because of a book. "How did you manage to lose it !, when was the last time you had your hands on the books", he asks quickly.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:17/13/14. hp:21/21. d100=16 ; d100=69 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 1:28:15 PM
"I did detect magic out in the street when the crowd was fightin' and this dead git was flappin' about. Did you all notice those two dodgy strangers? Awfully pleased with themselves, they were."
Mortimer then exits and returns to the street where the incident took place. He casts Detect Magic (ASF10= 16%, success)* and begins to concentrate.
*Arcane Spell Failure 10% while wearing his mithral chain shirt ... for now.
DM Steve – You must NOT read that book. Tuesday June 7th, 2022 10:40:07 PM Torrynashkabbeth tells the captain not to read the book and that it brought trouble to town. Worried that Phaedra may have been corrupted, she looks for evil. Drack explains that something summoned the creature whose body he has brought, and caused the townsfolk to fight among themselves. He suggests calling everyone together to explain what happened. Mortimer mentions detecting magic earlier, and the two strangers. He exits and detects magic back out in the street. Loryn Ash tries to identify the creature, but his knowledge isn’t sufficient. (He guesses it must be some sort of outsider.) He has a spell ready in case Phaedra really isn’t herself. Manolo asks about when Phaedra last had the book. Mole catches up with the group.
Phaedra is still not herself as the group talks about what happened, but takes some limited interest in the body Drack brought in, her eyes returning to it frequently as they search around the room.
Out in the street, Mortimer finds people are still bewildered but sees no sign of the strangers. He detects only dim, lingering auras. Make a DC 18 knowledge arcana check: Highlight to display spoiler: {He detects conjuration (summoning) and illusion (figment) auras.}
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20+11=19 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 12:16:31 AM
Ash crinkles his nose and tries again to figure out what planar creature it was. Knowledge planes 19
Ooc: That knowledge arcana in the last post was suposed to be planar, but i wrote the wrong word.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 6:58:15 AM "Captain, I do not think you are listening. The book is CURSED. Look what a reading of its pages has summoned. Look at the strife perpetrated as a consequence. Further reading will likely just bring greater woes." Perhaps it wasn't the wisest course of action to admonish the Captain of the guard, but Torryn felt it needed to be said, so she said it.
Mortimer's comment about the stranger brought them back to the forefront of her thoughts. They hadn't radiated any evil; at least, none that she'd discerned. Yet neither did they make any attempt to stop the mayhem. Perhaps they were agents of Chaos rather then agents of Evil. If they were, that would still be highly problematic, but Torryn could only deal with one issue at a time. Currently that issue was getting Phaedra to realise the enormity of the situation. It seemed to Torryn that it was Phaedra who'd read the book. Thus she'd been cursed by it: that curse demanding that she continue to read until all the evil of the book was unleashed. In the doing thereof it would, Torryn suspected, turn the reader to the path of Evil. All this though, was supposition. She didn't really know anything. She did though, trust her instincts.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 9:53:08 AM
“I’ve said what I needed to say. I’m going to go back to the square and let the towns people know that what happened wasn’t their fault.”
Drack will head out, and back to the square, with the creature in tow unless someone needs it longer to figure out what it was.
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+9=16 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 10:41:09 AM
Loryn listens and follows the frantic captains eyes about the place. he was pretty sure he knew what happened and it was not a good thing. Cursed book with a compulsion to read it. Reading it conjures a creature, or summons one and then the book vanishes to another location for someone else to find and repeat. The gnome wondered how long the obession would last and he knew there was nothing outside of talk that he could do to help
Drack heads out and Loryn hopes the captain does not turn violent. She did not seem to be listening at all to Torry, the gnome tries a slight change to the approach of reason.
"Captain, calm down and think. You read the book and must have simply paced about while reading. Happens to me all of the time. Getting lost in the work. We'll help you look for it. OKay? It'll be fine"
turning to the group, "Just trying to clam her down, don't leave Drack out there solo Couple of you go with him. The rest of us can handle in here."
Bluff on Pheodra 16
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 12:31:08 PM
“I can stay if a couple other folks want to take this thing and go talk to the town folk”
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 6:46:38 PM
Perhaps it would be best if she left. She did know several of the townsfolk. Maybe she'd have more luck in calming them than she'd had with the Captain.
"I'll go. I don't think I am helping matters here greatly.". Torryn offered.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:17/13/14. hp:21/21. d20+5=14 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+6=17 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 7:28:46 PM
As Mortimer scans the square, he becomes increasingly irritated. He can sense multiple lingering auras as they fade to nothingness. "Argh! Just a crowd of nutters and a big pile of diddly!"
He looks around the crowd for individuals that appear more composed than the others. (Perception: 13)
Once he makes his pick, Mortimer puts on his best face and walks over with a question. (Diplomacy: 17)
"Pardon me," he says while tapping his badge, "Official business, yeah. You recall seein' two strangers standing just over there? You happen to see where they bugger off to?"
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 7:53:50 PM
Manolo volunteers to keep an eye on the captain.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 10:12:15 PM
Still not completely sure of what happened. Mole just looks a little confused. "I'll go with the lass."
DM Steve – We'll help you look for it. Okay? d20=9 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 10:35:51 PM Mortimer becomes irritated as he scans for magic, feeling it fading. He asks one of the townsfolk about the strangers that had been there. Torrynashkabbeth admonishes the captain, who clearly doesn’t grasp the situation. It seemed to Torryn that Phaedra had been cursed by the book. She offers to go talk to the townsfolk if Drack stays. Manolo volunteers to keep an eye on the captain. Ash again tries to figure out what the creature was. Loryn has his guesses about what’s going on, and doesn’t like it. He tries to help Phaedra recall where the book must be, or at least tries to make her think he’s helping as he calms her down. He suggests Drack not go out alone. Drack offers to go talk to the townsfolk. He then offers to stay if others want to go. Mole is still not sure what happened, but offers to go with Torryn.
Phaedra is trying to focus, but keeps slipping off topic. She shouts, ”Borad! Please come help Loryn find the book!” But she sits in an attempt to calm herself while they look.
As Ash thinks through what he knows of outsiders, he decides that this one was from an infernal plane – that is, a minor devil. A betrueger.
Mortimer’s question gets a confused look in response. ”Strangers, sir? I don’t know. I was too angry to notice them, I guess.”
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 Thursday June 9th, 2022 6:24:47 AM
Drack hands off the dead creature to Torry and whoever else is going to speak with the villagers. “Take this with you to show them what was responsible. Check it for treasure on your way. Try and make them understand that if anyone finds or has the book, it should be brought to us immediately to keep this from happening again.”
After the others leave, Drack stands by, keeping an eye on Phaedra, while Loryn helps Borad search for the book. Drack doubts they will find it, and is slightly concerned about what Phaedra may do in that instant.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 d20=10 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 9:49:51 AM
Torryn made her way quickly back to the centre of the village. There she found a lot of hurt, angry or embarrassed individuals. Had the demon merely allowed the darkness in their hearts to speak freely, or had they had their goodness corrupted so that they spoke completely out of character? Torryn didn't know, but she did know a way to quickly mend the situation.
She trotted up to the first person she met, shook their hand and pulled them into an embrace. She hugged them briefly before separating with a broad, comforting smile.
"You're not a bad person. Pass it on. Go on. You can do it; shake a hand, give a hug, smile." With that she was away, onto the next nearest. It helped that she was young and pretty. Torryn had found that her youth, looks and enthusiasm had got her out of a great many scrapes and had alleviated a great many sour moods. She hoped that they would again.
(Diplomacy: 16)
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Thursday June 9th, 2022 7:27:04 PM
Loryn gives Pheodra a pat on teh hand, "There now, just relax and we'll find your book for you." Nodding towards the door, Loryn speaks to the others, "Hey pop out there and find Borad. Good chance this book is popping about and might end up somewhere close."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Thursday June 9th, 2022 8:28:58 PM
Manolo still keeps an eye on Pheodra....
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 Thursday June 9th, 2022 8:45:28 PM
Ash shares with the others about the creature being a minor devil.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Thursday June 9th, 2022 10:14:22 PM
Mole watches Torryn give hugs to people. "Hope you're not expectin' me to give hugs." He says. "I'll tend to minor injuries."
Mole will tend the scraps and cuts of the people in the town square. (Take 10 Healing check is DC19)
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:17/13/14. hp:21/21. d20+1=9 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 10:19:56 PM
Mortimer thanks the villagers for their help, but is ultimately disappointed with what he couldn't find. When Torryn had arrived and the hugs and cuddles began to flow, he couldn't help but smile and look on in pure bewilderment. Only she could get away with that. He could only imagine the amount of coin she could have pinched if properly schooled at picking pockets. He scratches and shakes his head at the thought.
He decides to go over to the spot where the strangers stood and have a butcher's at what they saw.
(Perception: 9)
DM Steve – You're not a bad person. Thursday June 9th, 2022 11:01:02 PM Mortimer thanks the villagers, but is disappointed. He watches Torryn’s attempt to calm the crowd. He decides to look at what the strangers would have seen. Loryn comforts Phaedra and starts looking for the book. He suggests someone go find Borad. Torrynashkabbeth heads back to the center of the village and starts offering hugs to everyone. Manolo keeps an eye on Phaedra. Mole won’t give hugs, but tends wounds instead. Drack offers Torryn the devil’s body to help explain what happened. He stays to keep an eye on Phaedra. Ash shares what he has figured out about the creature.
In the keep, Loryn, Manolo, Drack, and Ash restore some order to the room as they look for the book and watch Phaedra’s mood. She seems to be calming, slowly.
Guard Borad runs into Phaedra’s office, out of breath, disheveled, and scared out of his mind. “Captain! The Book is gone! I borrowed it just to take a peek, I greatly needed to read it, and now my guard post stinks like a swamp!”
. . .
In the square, where Mortimer, Mole, and Torryn are, people begin to get their bearings again. There are a few who don’t seem shaken by what happened, but most were and Torryn’s therapy does some good for them.
Mortimer can’t figure out what the strangers would have seen in particular, but he does decide that the square doesn’t seem as crowded as it did when the devil was speaking.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Friday June 10th, 2022 4:44:47 AM
Having given out as many hug as she reasonably could, Torryn's thoughts turned to the book and to the creature that it had summoned. Weren't summoned creatures meant to vanish in a puff of smoke or something like that? That's what the stories said. yet this one remained; a grim warning to what could happen if the book was read. She then wondered whether Angus had acquired it for precisely this purpose. Was that being mean? Would he really do something like that? People were bad for a reason, be it power or money or something else. Having the townsfolk turn on one another seemed to fulfil none of those objectives. Then again, demons just did bad things because they were bad. All this though, was simply conjecture. More practically, they needed to find the book. It was such a pity that the strange sage wasn't still around. He'd have ben an ideal repository for such a cursed item.
Unable to think up any cunning means of locating the book, Torryn resorted to her Fey sight and then her Scared Dancer ability to uncover evil.
(OOC: Scan the area for Magic and then for Evil)
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 Friday June 10th, 2022 6:39:25 AM
Drack curses under his breath.
"Take us to where it smells Borad. I don't think this is over yet." on the way, Drack asks Borad. "Did you read any of the book? Who else had access to it?"
"Manolo, will you run and grab the others? we may need them."
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 Friday June 10th, 2022 8:04:41 PM
Ash shakes his head at Borad's revelation.
" Can you show us to your guard post Borad?"
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Friday June 10th, 2022 8:23:07 PM
Manolo starts to run before stopping for a second after thinking. "Careful folks, it seems like the book makes people compelled or cursed or persuased by something to read it", he says out loud hit thoughts before running to get the others.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:17/13/14. hp:21/21. d20+5=19 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 9:39:44 PM
Mortimer ponders what he had witnessed during the riot and the general state of befuddlement in its aftermath. He notices the crowd has lessened since the melee. Had it dispersed naturally as people recovered their senses, or should he start questioning the existence of many of the participants. This was an attack on the mind, just as much the body, possibly more.
(Knowledge [Arcana]: 19)
What he witnessed was shared by everyone it seems; not a personal experience. We were all in on the narrative. "Where are the trouble starters, bloody instigators? All that remain are the fear addicted, still drunk; intoxicated, yeah! This all feels like one bloomin' illusion; more precisely a figment."
And another thing ... Mortimer is confounded by all this new found knowledge. He's been a sorcerer for a few short months. With little to no instruction, he now contemplates the various schools of arcane lore. Not to mention becoming fluent in two languages he's never once spoken. He rubs his forehead.
"Will you just shut it?!" he blurts out to no one in particular.
DM Steve – I don't think this is over yet. Saturday June 11th, 2022 12:34:01 PM Torrynashkabbeth begins thinking about looking for the book, and realizes her sight can help her find magic or evil things. She looks for both in the town square. Drack tells Borad to take them where the problem is, and whether he read the book. He asks Manolo to get their friends who went out. Manolo runs to get Torryn, Mortimer, and Mole. He wonders why people seemed compelled to read the book. Ash asks Borad to show the group his guard post. Mortimer ponders what he has seen, and wonders how much of the commotion was real and how much illusion. He decides as much as a third of the crowd may not really have been there. Loryn is quiet in Phaedra’s office; Mole is quiet in the town square.
Manolo finds Torryn, Mortimer, and Mole and tells them that there seems to be a problem in the keep now. Inside the keep, Board explains to the others that he just had to have a quick peek at the book. “I couldn’t have read much, honest! Anyway, the book is on the shelf in my post. I left it there before I made my rounds, and when I got back – well, you can smell it easy enough.”
Borad’s guard post is next door to Phaedra’s Office. As the group arrives from within the keep and without, a musty and fetid smell permeates the room and spills out in the corridor. Anyone looking in the supposedly small alcove discovers it is now much bigger on the inside than the outside! The floor is damp, and growing swampy as folks watch. The swampiness is seen in the floor of the corridor, which is likely to be a swamp itself in a minute!
Needless to say, with the guardpost wall missing there is also no shelf for personal items.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Saturday June 11th, 2022 1:35:00 PM
Was it all real? It didn't seem possible. Still, Torryn elected to see if her fey Sight would help (Detect Magic). Thereafter she sought out the presence of evil. One little peek and the book was capable of causing all this distress? It hardly seemed credible, yet here she was stood at the threshold looking at the evidence with her own eyes!
"It smells pretty bad." She offered, not knowing what else to say.
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Sunday June 12th, 2022 10:12:51 AM
Loryn wrinkles his nose, "Curse my endowments." he mutters as the smell assaults his sences. "When I first looked at teh book, it was strong in conjuration magic. It would seem it has some compulsion magic as well. Nagging at your mind until you crack the cover and it would seem with random results."
Loryn retreats from the area some, "As Mortimer is saying, it looks like there could be illusion magic as well. The biggest problem is we have no way to track this book. It's bouncing about and all we can do is follow and try to clean up."
Loryn turns to Borad, "So you read some of it and then went on your rounds, so how long was the book available for someone to scoop up like you did ?"
"Only think i can think of is to get out and start asking about the book. Someone has it or saw someone with it"
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 Monday June 13th, 2022 6:31:36 AM
“Is this real Loryn? It seems like awful powerful magic to end up in a tiny town like this. Also, are we sure there is nothing in the swamp barracks? It seems like the swamp is still growing, and where a swamp was created, it seems like some sort of occupant would be created as well.”
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d20+9=21 ; Monday June 13th, 2022 12:39:19 PM
"Sounds to me like we this book is mimicking fey magic, illusion and compulsion magic, to cause trouble. These people sitting and watching the chaos, could they be fey?"
Mole takes the description of the pair watching the chaos to see if they are fey or any other natural trouble maker. Natural Knowledge DC21
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Monday June 13th, 2022 12:40:06 PM
Loryn shrugs towards Drack, "I dunno, like all good heroes, I'm just making this up as I go"
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20+11=16 ; Monday June 13th, 2022 2:19:21 PM
"An illusion?" Ash asks no one in particular. Ash looks around at the swamp, trying to discern anything of the magic behind the swamp. Is it a conjured swamp, or an illusion.
"If this is real, we're gonna have to figure out a way to counteract it otherwise this whole bulding might end up a swamp."
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Monday June 13th, 2022 5:51:04 PM
Torryn didn't know how to counteract anything like this. She was seeking magical auras and also looking for any lurking evil. At this point there didn't seem like there was much more she could do.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+6=9 ; Monday June 13th, 2022 7:07:02 PM
Manolo tries to keep alert but the smells and sights seem to overwhelm him. perception 9
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:17/13/14. hp:21/21. d20+4=24 ; Monday June 13th, 2022 9:03:12 PM
Mortimer rushes in from the street and finds the group in a swamp. "Ohh, this brings back a memory or two," he exclaims.
He affirms his findings out in the square, in a mildly smug and smarmy tone, he replies, "YEAH!" sniff, "more like a Figment. Not all the rioters were actually there. Neither is this." He calmly strains to disbelieve and see through the swampy illusion.
(Will Save: 24, natural 20, to disbelieve the illusion.)
DM Steve – Ohh, this brings back a memory or two. Monday June 13th, 2022 10:15:03 PM Mortimer comes in from the street. Based on his deductions from their last encounter, he declares the swamp isn’t real, and attempts to disbelieve. Ash examines the swamp, trying to discern the magic at work here. Mole considers what the book has done and wonders if it may be associated with the fey. From the descriptions of the strangers, he tries to think if they may have been fey. Manolo finds it hard to stay alert with the distractions. Drack thinks this is awfully powerful magic to crop up in a small town like Windhorn. He wonders what lives in the swamp that is rapidly forming. Torrynashkabbeth isn’t sure that what she’s seeing is real, but it smells bad. She detects magic to learn what she can. But she has no idea how to deal with the magic. Loryn, trained gourmand, may find the smell even more unpleasant than the rest. He considers the magical implications, and asks Borad how long the book was unattended. He suggests going out and asking about the book.
Ash is unable to identify the spell (or spells) just by examining the results. The swamp growing here seems real to all of his senses (particularly that of smell). Torryn senses illusion (glamer), conjuration (summoning), and transmutation, but no evil. While Mortimer is no doubt correct that there is an illusory component to what is going on, it is real enough to pose problems.
Where Borad’s post was, there is now a fifteen-foot gap in the wall of the keep. Somehow the keep seems to have stretched around it. Inside is a smelly, squishy swamp, the vegetation mere feet away. The corridor is now also muck, and movement is difficult. Small biting flies appear, unpleasant but not dangerous.
From back in the swamp, its source unseen, comes a low susurrus of babbling voices. Everyone (except Torryn) make a DC 13 Will save or Highlight to display spoiler: {be lulled to sleep}.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Tuesday June 14th, 2022 5:38:41 AM
What was that noise? Instinctively Torryn shifted her senses seeking out the presence of evil. She was simultaneously grateful that she wore long boots and that she was so light. She figured that she wouldn't sink as much into the mire. She stepped forward to see what more could be ascertained from an unhindered vantage point.
(OOC: Move to M11. with spear at the ready.)
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 d20+6=23 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 6:52:18 AM
Drack moves forward, following 5 feet behind Torry. "I'll follow you Torry. If I step in a bad spot, i'll sink like a stone with all this armor on."
Drack hears the noise, and doesn't know what to make of it, so he ignores it for now.(Will save 23, 25 if it is an enchantment)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20+4=15 ; d3=1 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 12:29:28 PM
" You hear that? " Ash asks. The sleepiness didn't effect him, but if anyone else begins dropping, he'll go into action waking them up.
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+3=18 ; d20+3=8 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 1:00:56 PM
Loryn looks and stops down to pick up some of the muck. The voices from further in lift his attention for a moment, but he ignores them and returns to his study. Will save 18
Torry was talking Illusions, he was pretty adapt at making them and, as a gnome, sniffing them out. Loryn interacts with the illusion to trey and determine it reality state Will save 8 or 10 vs illusion
"Seems entirely real despite the complete illogic of it all." Loryn summons his Dancing Lights and sends them out in front or Torry by 20'
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. d20=10 ; d100=46 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 5:54:20 PM
(Will Save: d20+4=14, forgot to add the modifier to my Will save roll.)
He feels that if he had any chance to see through the illusion, he would have with that last attempt. Then the mumbling of magical words sends a strange feeling over his body, but he was able to fight off the effects. He casts an extra layer of protection in preparation.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+3=23 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 7:30:28 PM
Manolo feels repulsed by what is going on. "Smells and looks like this place is turning into a swamp", he says and stays where he is at the moment. Manolo readies his dagger.
Will save 23 (natural 20)
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Tuesday June 14th, 2022 9:53:02 PM
(ooc: sorry, forgot to move)
Mortimer moves into the murkiness to get a look at their attacker (M12).
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d20+7=16 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 10:10:44 PM
Will save DC16
Mole moves up behind Torryn.
DM Steve – Smells and looks like this place is turning into a swamp. Tuesday June 14th, 2022 10:32:22 PM Torrynashkabbeth steps forward, spear ready, to get a better look. Drack plans to follow Torry, worried about sinking in the muck. As she hasn’t moved far forward, he stays put for the moment. Mortimer realizes this is not the sort of illusion magic to be disbelieved, and casts shield. He moves to get a better look. Loryn studies the muck, trying to determine if it is an illusion. He sends dancing lights into the swamp. Ash asks if the others heard the noise. Manolo is repulsed by the swamp. He readies his dagger. Mole moves up behind Torryn.
The swamp continues to expand, and there is – a thing – in it.
The thing defies description or reason. It is amorphous, slowly changing shape, and is covered in a large number of mouths and eyes. The mouths speak independently of one another, although no sensible words come out of them. The effect is lulling, perhaps hypnotic had anyone succumbed to it. The thing does not move quickly, but in the swampy and difficult terrain this part of the Keep has become, it seems to be moving well enough.
Perception DC 10 – Highlight to display spoiler: {A maid and a farmer walk around a corner towards the guard post, unconcerned by anything going on.} DC 15 – Highlight to display spoiler: {They appear to be asleep.}
"I think that thing needs to be quiet." Torryn told the others as she again moved forward. She invoked her Fey Armour and a thin, ghostly, shimmering veil of tumbling leaves shrouded her lithe form. Moving closer, she tried to recall all that Agratha had said about "walking lightly as a feather". It was something like that, she was sure, but not so sure that she could accurately emulate her teacher's skill.
OOC: Torryn will move to L8 ready to attack next round. Should the thing lunge, she can brace her trident and it does accord her some reach.)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PEwCn4Ab_xuODPQPsOql0ivp4dBgDuR2VUneAgsI2eQ/edit# d20=3 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2022 3:26:31 AM
Drack drew his curved blade. If there was fighting to be done, he'd do it. His focus on the babbling aberration he saw nothing else of note. Purposefully Drack stepped forward ready to slice the thing in twain!
(OOC: Sub-posting)
He'll move right up to K7.
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+2=5 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2022 2:15:48 PM
Loryn suddenly finds his mind hopelessly lost. The swamp, the book, denizens of the outer planes, something in the swamp...It was all too much and the gnomes perception and mind was simply taking a different route on processing the information by not doing so. Perception 5
"Be careful guys." he mumbles
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+6=10 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2022 7:51:57 PM
Manolo sees the two walking and shouts to them "be careful folks " he. He tries to catch up to them to see what they are doing in this place.
Perception 10
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20+11=19 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+2=16 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2022 9:15:23 PM
Ash begins going through the encyclopedia in his head, trying to figure out what the creature is.
"Ehhh..anyone see the farmer and maid sleepwalking?
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20+11=19 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+2=16 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2022 9:15:24 PM
Ash begins going through the encyclopedia in his head, trying to figure out what the creature is.
"Ehhh..anyone see the farmer and maid sleepwalking?
Seeing the farmer and the maid is concerning. It would probably be best if they stay out of the way.
Mortimer speaks a few shadowy words of power and a black, coruscating ray springs from your hand.
(Mortimer casts Ray of Enfeeblement on the monster. ASF10: 80, success. Hit TouchAC: 11. Fort Save 15 for half. Damage: -6 Strength. Duration: 3 rounds.)
DM Steve – Anyone see the farmer and maid sleepwalking? d20=20 ; d20=16 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=15 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ; d20+7=27 ; d3=3 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=24 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2022 11:09:22 PM Mortimer casts a spell at the thing. Unfortunately, he misses. Torrynashkabbeth moves forward and invoked her fey armor. She prepares to attack. Manolo shouts a warning to the maid and farmer, and moves to intercept them. DM interprets this as crossing the swampy area. Ash tries to figure out what the thing is, and asks if anyone else sees the sleepwalking people. Loryn feels lost. He tells the others to be careful. Drack moves forward and draws his weapon. Mole is quiet.
Ash realizes that this creature is an aberration – not natural, probably warped by magic somewhere in its ancestry. The problem with such creatures is that they are likely to have odd abilities. But they aren’t (that he can recall) particularly immune to things.
Borad bangs on Phaedra’s door. The maid and the farmer continue walking into the swamp.
The thing attacks Drack, slurping up to him and trying to bite. It makes it past his armor three times. Each of the mouths that bit Drack stays attached and sucks. Drack takes 11 points of damage from the bites and also has the grappled condition.
This does not keep its free mouths from continuing to babble.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 d20+6=23 ; d20=7 ; Thursday June 16th, 2022 6:07:47 AM "Ugh!" Grunted Drack. This thing was determined to die and he was just the man to help it achieve that goal. He whipped his sword around to drive it straight downwards skewering the beats! At least that was the plan. Unfortunately the many mouths that were latched onto him made that for more challenging than he'd expected.
(Hits AC:14. - if such is permitted whilst grappled.)
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 d20=13 ; d6=6 ; Thursday June 16th, 2022 6:14:12 AM
Seeing Drack's plight Torryn immediately attacked. Given that Drack was so closely embroiled with the unnatural creature, Torryn eschewed the spear and instead kicked it - right in the mouth!
(AC:18 hit - 6 damage if that hits.)
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Thursday June 16th, 2022 7:10:59 AM
Mole moves up to support Drack.
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+4=19 ; d6+1=4 ; Thursday June 16th, 2022 1:23:01 PM
Loryn is willing to try and moves forward to get the thing in range. (k/11)
Loryn pumps his fist towards the creature and sends an opaque murky brown ray at the creature Acid Ray 30' range touch AC 19 Dmg 4
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. d20+4=10 ; d100=49 ; d3=3 ; Thursday June 16th, 2022 5:45:57 PM
Mortimer moves closer (M10) as fast as he can in this imaginary muck. He fires a ray of frost along the way. Trying his best to get to Drack.
(Mortimer fires a Ray of Frost. ASF10: 49, success. Hit TouchAC: 10, miss. Damage: 3 frost damage.)
"Bollocks!"
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+6=18 ; d20=19 ; Thursday June 16th, 2022 6:31:44 PM
Manolo takes a quick good look at the farmers. He sighs and tries to wake them up by shouting at them and gently shake them. Perception 18 Another d20 roll if needed - 19
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 2d4+2=7 ; Thursday June 16th, 2022 8:52:48 PM
"Running a little low here" Ash exlaims as he finishes up the verbal component of another magic missle. - 7 dmg
Spells Left Magic Missle, Acid Arrow x2
DM Steve – Bollocks d20=14 ; d20=14 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=18 ; d4=1 ; d4=4 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=11 ; d4=1 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ; d20+6=10 ; Thursday June 16th, 2022 10:01:40 PM Mortimer moves closer. He misses with a ray of frost. Loryn moves forward and casts a spell. His acid affects the creature. Torrynashkabbeth attacks, and comes very close in her attempt. Manolo spends the round waking the farmer and the young lady. Mole moves up. Drack attacks the thing, but misses. Grappled condition copied below. Ash casts magic missile.
The two townsfolk are surprised to find themselves being woken, but react better than might be expected upon finding themselves on the edge of a swamp. Still, they hastily retreat.
The thing is stuck to Drack and unable to move, just like Drack is stuck to it. With the three mouths that succeeding in grappling him, it drains blood from Drack. With three more, it attacks anew. Two of these attacks hit, but neither succeeds in latching on. Drack takes a total of 5 damage from attacks and 2 from blood drain (total of 7 damage) and the blood drain also causes loss of 1 constitution.
Another mouth spits at Loryn, but misses. The spittle sizzles as it hits the muck at his feet, obviously acidic.
Grappled condition: A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a –4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity.
DM Edit:Correction -- upon re-reading the thing's big attack mode, I think that it does one blood drain per victim per round instead of one blood drain per attached mouth per round. Drack's damage above has been reduced accordingly from the 13 total damage and 3 constitution originally posted.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d8+3=6 ; d20+11=12 ; Thursday June 16th, 2022 11:18:31 PM
Mole casts a cure spell at Drack.
CLW - 6 points healed.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 25/30 - AC 17 d20=9 ; d6=6 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 5:01:04 AM
(Sub-post)
Perhaps he could break. Perhaps he should break free, but Drack knew that he had the creature's attention. Whilst it was focussed on him, it was harming no one else. So, despite the difficulty, he battled on. That task was made the harder by his inability to put his favoured weapon to use (The Elven Curve Blade is a 2 handed weapon) He quickly dropped the blade and pulled his short sword from its sheaf.
(Hits AC:13 (-2 figured in): 9 damage if successful.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 d20=3 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 5:05:54 AM
Torryn saw Drack valiantly fight on. Her heart sank somewhat when she saw that he was forced to drop he favoured weapon. She needed to help. So again , calling upon all of Agratha's teachings - completely missed her intended target.
She'd gone for a daring hook kick. her heel was meant to have knocked the creature away from Drack. Sadly her foot sailed harmlessly over its head.
(Only hits AC: 8)
Drack (Chris J) - hp 25/27 - AC 17 (CN:-1) Friday June 17th, 2022 8:43:39 AM
OOC: Amended the damage. However, if his CN is reduced; so too surely will be his health as he's denied a certain amount of the bonus accruing from such. I've reflected that in the above stat line.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 2d4+2=8 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 9:12:33 AM
This thing might get enjoyment from an acidic missle." Ash thought to himself. "But maybe not a magic one."
Magic missle - 8 dmg
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+4=13 ; d20+1=15 ; d6+1=6 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 10:39:54 AM
The gnome smiles a bit to himself when the creature's acid attack strikes nearby. That was a threat he was well prepared for and acquainted with. He closes with the creature and Drak Move to K/9
From there he sends another Ray of Acid Ranged Touch Attack AC 13 Dmg 6
"Hang on Drak! I'll save you" sometimes the gnome simply cannot help himself
Previous round Loryn had moved to K/11, but map I access shows otherwise and ignore the accidental d20+1
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. d20+4=21 ; d6+2=8 ; d100=12 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 11:53:47 AM
Mortimer continues to move in for the kill. He speaks a few dark words of power and another black, coruscating ray springs from his raised right hand. This time his ray strikes hard. The creature feels the unsettling negative energies drain it of its strength and vitality. He hopes this weakens the creature enough to lose its hold on Drack.
(Mortimer casts Ray of Enfeeblement. ASF10: 12, success. Hit TouchAC: 21. Fort Save: 15 for half. Damage: -8 Strength. Duration: 3 rounds.)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Friday June 17th, 2022 7:34:09 PM
Manolo leave the town folks to run away and makes his way to help Drack.
DM Steve – Hang on Drack! I'll save you. d20+8=14 ; d20+3=21 ; d6=4 ; d20+6=16 ; d4=4 ; d4=1 ; Saturday June 18th, 2022 12:24:21 AM Loryn hits the creature with another ray of acid. Torrynashkabbeth attacks the creature but misses. Drack thinks about breaking free, but decides to fight on. He changes weapons and misses his attack. Mole heals Drack. Manolo moves to help Drack. Ash sends another magic missile into the thing. Mortimer casts a ray of enfeeblement, weakening the creature significantly.
The thing seems to being holding its own in combat, but the spellcasters are whittling it down. This round, it tries to climb Drack and fold itself around him. Despite being weakened, it succeeds in swallowing him. Drack takes 4 hit points and 1 constitution damage from blood drain, and is now inside the creature. Inside the creature, Drack retains the grappled condition.
The creature also spits again, this time targeting Loryn again. It hits AC 16 – Loryn must make a DC 18 Fortitude save or be blinded.
Borad spends the time waking another sleepwalker and sending him off.
=== Here is a map. Thing – AC 19 (Touch 13), 25 damage, -8 STR 1/3
Grappled condition: Grappled creatures cannot move and take a –4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity.
Blinded condition: The creature cannot see. It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks. All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character. Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 21/27 - AC 15 (CN -2) d20=3 ; Saturday June 18th, 2022 5:28:30 AM
(OOC: By my calculations the above stat line is correct. Please let me know if it isn't. I adjusted max health to reflect the reduced CN. He is at -2 to hit.
"Enough of this!" Bellowed Drack shortly before being engulfed. It was time to free himself from this pest
(OOC: Having been swallowed - I am unsure whether a grapple check will suffice to extricate himself. So, the plan is .... 1. Opposed check to 'break free'. If such is no longer applicable... 2. Deploy the short sword to devastating effect.)
(Alas, Chris will hate me - I rolled 3!)
Unfortunately for Drack neither of his great plans came to fruition. The foul creature was simply too fluid and amorphous to get to grips with.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 d20=20 ; d6=1 ; Saturday June 18th, 2022 5:36:41 AM
(OOC: Now that I've been posting for Drack, I've lost the link to the character sheets. How do i reinstate that?)
It was horrifying. The abhorrent creature was eating Drack! It was now practically slithering down past his shoulders, clearly intent on wholly engulfing him and Torryn had been utterly useless in endeavouring to prevent that from happening. Now, if she attacked, surely a blow would impact the injured Drack too? Given her current poor form, there really didn't seem much prospect of that. Still, she decided that it would be best not to take a chance. Torryn unleashed a Fey Spark.
The spark unerringly flew to sting the monstrosity, but it's effects were so negligible as be redundant - like all her attempts to help so far.
(Sometimes if it wasn't for your bad luck, you'd have no luck at all.)
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Saturday June 18th, 2022 7:48:34 AM
(ooc: If you need to make a roll, use a hero point. Might as well use them. You can’t hoard them at this level. You can only have a number of hero points equal to your level. If your maxed out, any future hero points you earn are lost. Might as well reroll your grapple check with a +4 bonus while the monster is weak.)
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d20+3=8 ; d20+1=18 ; Saturday June 18th, 2022 10:09:11 AM
Mole moves in and grabs the creature and attempts to pull it off drack.
Grapple DC 8, Strength check DC18
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+3=8 ; d20+3=11 ; Saturday June 18th, 2022 3:35:07 PM
Loryn catches a face full of nasty and everything goes black. "Ahhh! I Can't see, I cant see." the blinded gnome fumbles and claws at his face as he falls back and tries to keep his feet in the swampy sludge.
Fort save 8 Hero Point reroll 11 still blind
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. d100=59 ; d20+4=19 ; d6=3 ; d20+4=13 ; d6=2 ; Saturday June 18th, 2022 7:17:04 PM
Mortimer is not liking this ... not one bit! While he empathizes with Loryn, and hopes his vision will return, the urgency at the moment is Drack. This creature must have the strength of an ogre if it's still having its way Drack.
With grim determination, Mortimer begins to speak words of power. The shadows around him coalesce become drawn into him. Suddenly the flesh of his hand bursts with an icy, blue energy. The bones within his hand can easily be seen in black silhouette. He steps forward and delivers his touch.
(Mortimer casts Chill Touch and attacks the creature. ASF10: 59. 3 charges. Hit TouchAC: 19. Damage: 3 negative energy damage. Fort save: 15 vs. -1 Strength damage.)
(Hero Point Extra Action: Attack again with Chill Touch. Hit Touch AC: 13. Damage: 2 negative energy damage. Fort Save: 15 vs. -1 Strength Damage.)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+2=4 ; d4+1=2 ; Monday June 20th, 2022 6:00:31 PM
Manolo tries to move near the monster and attack it out of rage and desperation....seeing Drack getting into a deadly situation affected him dearly.
Attack 4 Damage 2
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d6=2 ; Monday June 20th, 2022 6:02:14 PM
Sneak attack damage if it applies here - 2
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20+2=8 ; d20+2=7 ; Monday June 20th, 2022 9:15:28 PM
Ash pulls out a but of rhubarb and a dried piece of an adders stomach. He points his pointer finger at the creature, and yells Acidious. Unleashing an acid arrow. Unfortunately the spell misses.. and misses ekrse after the hero point.
DM Steve – Enough of this! d20+8=21 ; 4d6-5=5 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+3=20 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+3=18 ; d4-4=0 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+7=21 ; Monday June 20th, 2022 9:55:17 PM Loryn is blinded. Mortimer worries that the creature is too strong, and casts chill touch. He wounds it further but does not weaken it further.. Drack tries to escape from inside the creature, but is unable to use his weapon effectively at the moment. Mole attempts to grapple the creature, but finds it too amorphous to get a good grip with this attempt. Ash sends an acod arrow at the monster, but misses. Manolo makes a desperate attack on the creature, but misses. Torrynashkabbeth struck the creature with a fey spark. She wishes it were more powerful.
Although Loryn lost his actions for that round, the blindness is not permanent and he manages to clear his eyes. He will be able to act again normally.
Inside the creature, Drack is subject to its digestive processes – including mouths inside the creature. Drack suffers 5 hit points and -2 constitution damage.
Perception DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {}Not only is Drack inside the creature, but a few undigested items are in there as well.[.spoiler]
Those near the creature learn that it can still bite. Although it is sluggish now, and unable to drag Drack from its current spot, it attempts to bite Manolo, Mortimer, and Mole. It succeeds in biting Mole once, but in its weakened state does only 1 point non-lethal damage. It spits at Torryn, but misses.
Phaedra shouts out, ”That’s a gibbering mouther. You should smash it with clubs or staves if you can.” She does not stop to help, though, but goes to stop several sleepwalkers. ”I never heard of one luring sleeping people before!” At the other end of the swampy area, Borad deals with more sleeping people.
=== Here is a map. Thing – AC 19 (Touch 13), 28 damage, -8 STR 2/3
[i]Grappled condition: Grappled creatures cannot move and take a –4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield d20+4=21 ; d6=6 ; d20+4=9 ; d6=5 ; Monday June 20th, 2022 10:39:38 PM
Mortimer again strikes the icky, mouthy thing with his icy touch. Frost can visibly be seen on his breath. Upon striking the creature for a third time, his hand reverts back to its normal fleshy state. With one exception, the tips of his fingers appear discolored.
(Mortimer attacks the Thing with Chill Touch. Hit Touch AC: 21. Damage: 6 negative energy. Fort Save 15 vs. -1 Strength damage.)
===========================================
Loryn Glitterfall: AC:13. HP:19/19 2. Posting for Dan Knotts
Rubbing the remains of the Thing's filth from his eyes, Loryn turns around and glares at the nasty creature. "What a repugnant fellow you are!" He then returns the favor by sending another Ray of Acid at the beast. Loryn winces with dissatisfaction at the trajectory of his ray. He has little luck trying to guide it with hand gestures. He ultimately hopes the Thing's ability to dodge his attack is diminished by the fact that it's locked in a grapple with Drack.
(Loryn casts Ray of Acid at the Thing. Hit Touch AC: 9. Range: 30 feet. Damage: 5 acid damage.)
DM Steve – Enough of this! d20+8=11 ; Monday June 20th, 2022 11:18:25 PM
Correcting the damage to the creature, since I missed Mortimer's second attack last round (and the mouther failed to save against it): Thing – AC 19 (Touch 13), 30 damage, -8 STR 2/3 & -1 STR
Drack (Chris J) - hp 13/24 - AC 15 (CN -4) d20=13 ; d20=3 ; d20=6 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 3:46:44 AM
(OOC: Perception: 19. There is however, no clue as to what those other things are.)
He'd wanted to protect the others. In that regard he'd done an excellent job: it just wasn't quite in the manner that he'd intended. Now Drack found himself getting consumed by some foul, amorphous aberration. His favoured sword lay on the ground and his short sword could not effectively be employed. Surely, now was the time to escape? Drack up a silent prayer. He focused his efforts and again sought his liberty. To no effect. (3) Clearly he needed to pray harder. This he did, this time through gritted teeth and then shoved!
(Hero Point spent. Feels naughty as I am subbing for Chris and it didn't have a massive effect(6), but with Drack's strength that becomes a super impressive (9). However, if the -2 for Grappled still applies; that's (7). I strongly advocate me never subbing for anyone again:)
He was stuck.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 d20=16 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 3:51:53 AM
Torryn could see Drack struggling. Yet no matter what he did, he seemed unable to extricate himself. She had to save him! Her Fey Spark though had done next to nothing. It was time to get physical! Torryn kicked it. (AC: 21)
She jumped and spun in the air, backwards. her heel raked through the strange, shifting substance that was its flesh. It did at least feel like she'd inflicted some real damage. (5)
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d20+4=24 ; d20+4=13 ; d6+1=6 ; d6+1=4 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 9:45:17 AM
Mole fires a line of acid at the creature.
Touch AC 24 (crit if possible, AC13); damage 6 (or 10 if can crit).
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20+2=20 ; 2d4=4 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 10:05:45 AM
Ash pulls out more rhubarb and a dried piece of an adders stomach. He points his pointer finger at the creature again, and yells Acidious a second time. Unleashing an acid arrow, and this time strikes true.
4 acid damage, 2d4 next round.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield d100=29 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+4=22 ; d3=2 ; d20+4=23 ; d6+1=7 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 7:20:44 PM
Mortimer can't help but notice all the acid being flung around. "Am I the only bloke here without an Acid attack?!"
He begins to cast defensively, to avoid being struck by an opportunistic, mouthy blob. He sends an icy ray into the Thing.
(Mortimer Defensively Casts: Concentration check: 25, success. Cast Ray of Frost at the Thing. ASF10: 29%. Hit Touch AC: 22. Damage: 2 cold damage.)
Loryn Glitterfall: AC:13. HP:19/19 2. Posting for Dan Knotts
Loryn repeats his last attack. Too many people in the way for his other spells. A smirk forms across his face with the return of his satisfaction.
(Loryn casts Ray of Acid at the Thing. Hit Touch AC: 23. Damage: 7 acid damage.)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+6=22 ; d20+2=12 ; d4+1=4 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 7:43:38 PM
Manolo sees something out and shouts "I can see several items inside the thing's mouth'. He tries again to stab the thing . Attack 12 Damage 4
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Tuesday June 21st, 2022 7:43:54 PM
Perception 22
DM Steve – What a repugnant fellow you are! d20+8=25 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 10:47:42 PM Manolo notices things inside the creature. He tries to stab it, but misses. Ash hits the creature with an acid arrow. Loryn casts ray of acid but misses. Torrynashkabbeth kicks the creature firmly. Mortimer uses his chill touch on the thing one more time, landing a solid hit. Mole fires acid at the creature as well, striking it squarely. Drack tries to burst out of the creature, but to no effect.
Loryn does not repeat the attack this round. Mortimer does not make the ray of frost attack this round. Sorry if my post to update the creature’s damage caused confusion.
Under the barrage of attacks from the party, the creature just sort of slumps. It does not try to attack anyone when it should have had the chance. A moment later the lingering effect of the acid arrow renders a portion of it goo. Mortimer realizes he’s about the only one not using acid.
Drack is still in there. However, it will probably be easier to get him out now.
=== Here is a map. Thing – AC 19 (Touch 13), 47+ damage, -8 STR 3/3 & -1 STR
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 2:05:10 AM
(ooc: Sorry, yesterday was a disorienting day. Didn’t mean to post twice. Being the longest day of the year, 100+ degree weather, air conditioning going out in the car, and no sleep for 48 hours, we’re all contributing factors to my befuddlement. :)
Drack (Chris J) - hp 24/24 - AC 15 (CN -4) (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 5:18:52 AM
Somewhat tiredly, but with determination Drack pulled himself free of the disgusting creature. he'd seen some of the items that the thing had been unable to devour. It seemed only fair that he retrieve some of those. He saw little point in leaving them so place so unpleasant. yet before he did so, he paused to thank his friends.
"THAT, was not what I intended when i set out to spare you from undue suffering. So....ah...my thanks." He then bent to retrieve his weapons that he might better open up the monstrosity. Of course there was healing to be administered. Drack didn't feel guilty healing himself. He was the only one injured.
It took a lot of healing to return himself to even a vague approximation of what he'd lost.
(Used 4 x Lay on Hands - 2 remain)
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick K) HP: 9 AC:14 d20=20 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 5:22:15 AM
Torryn was relieved; very relieved. She'd been genuinely worried for Drack.
"Thank you, Drack. That was very brace of you." She told him quietly as she examined the fallen creature.
(OOC: Perception 20! - To see what can be espied within its mouths.)
DM edit: There was a single open bracket "[" missing from the link for this post. Telling you that doesn't really explain, though. Look at Stephen F's post below for a good explanation.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XTBGUllt8XNEcx4AeK6cYOTxZWLk3u2_AlpXzVxGVpw/editTorrynashkabbeth/link] (Nick K) HP: 9 AC:14 Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 5:23:30 AM
OOC: Just trying to fix my header. Please ignore.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 1:06:08 PM
"Drack, my friend, I am not one for martial weapons... but I never thought of using myself to choke my opponent. Smart...." he says as he taps his head and smiles.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 2:24:23 PM
Nick try this: (just replace sink with link)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 6:14:56 PM
Manolo pats Drack on the back,"Glad you made it alive", he says, happy to see his friend still alive after all that he went through.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 8:24:12 PM
While Loryn withholds his attack after the creature appears to have finally expired, Mortimer has no such qualms. As Drack pulls himself free of the beast, the young sorcerer performs what he refers to affectionately as a 'double tap' (or 'zap' in this case).
(Enter 2nd attack from previous round: Hit Touch AC: 22. Damage: 2 cold damage.)
"Oy ... talk about gettin' down and dirty, Drack! You okay?"
Loryn Glitterfall: AC:13. HP:19/19 2. Posting for Dan Knotts
Loryn moves in for moral support. He refrains from touch Drack, unless pressed to do so. He finds the black ooze a bit too repellant. However hearing curious words of items being found within puddling black sludge, he casts Detect Magic to see if there is the presence of magic.
(Loryn casts Detect Magic.)
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d20+4=16 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 10:03:54 PM
Mole strikes with his warhammer. The attack bounces off the gelatinous shape.
AC 16
DM Steve – Glad you made it alive Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 11:05:07 PM Loryn casts detect magic to see what is. Manolo is happy to see Drack still alive. Mole strikes the creature with his warhammer. Mortimer deals a final blow to the creature. He asks if Drack is ok. Torrynashkabbeth tells Drack he was brave. She also looks at the creature to see what was in it. Ash compliments Drack on successfully choking the opponent. Drack finished freeing himself from what’s left of the creature. He thanks his friends, and lays hands on himself a few times.
In addition to Drack and his now-retrieved weapons, the gibbering mouther contained a variety of gems and coins, a pair of pants, three flasks, and two scroll cases. Loryn identifies everything except the gems and coins as magic. A quick assessment places the value of the non-magical items at 2,800 gp.
Borad and Phaedra can be heard around the corners, continuing to wake people. However, they are now moving away as they do so.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 Thursday June 23rd, 2022 12:07:36 AM
Ash uses Read Magic to determine what is on the scrolls if Magical. He'll share the info with the others.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 24/24 - AC 15 (CN -4) (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6ttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1XTBGUllt8XNEcx4AeK6cYOTxZWLk3u2_AlpXzVxGVpw/editTorrynashkabbeth/link] (Nick K) HP: 9 AC:14 Thursday June 23rd, 2022 4:58:16 AM
Drack was tired. Fighting that thing had taken more of his reserves than he'd initially thought. Perhaps though, it was nothing a good night's rest wouldn't cure. he idly wondered if that's how most felt who'd almost been eaten!
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21. AC: 20.F:4. R:6. W:7. Thursday June 23rd, 2022 5:10:23 AM
Torryn stepped over and summoned her Fey magic. She decided that he'd look and feel a lot better once he wasn't covered in saliva and less identifiable gunk.
(Mending - repeated as needed.)
"Perhaps we should go see what else has transpired. I noticed there were some apparently sleepwalking. I don't see how that's related to this thing, but we should probably take a look around."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Thursday June 23rd, 2022 6:02:58 PM
Manolo agrees with Torryn.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d20+3=9 ; Thursday June 23rd, 2022 7:05:15 PM
Mole had little he could do about Drack's fatigue. He looks about. Is the swamp still here? He recalls his healing spell and cast it again on Drack.
CLW - heals 9
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield d20+1=6 ; d100=46 ; d20+4=5 ; d3=2 ; d20+4=15 ; Thursday June 23rd, 2022 9:40:14 PM
Mortimer looks around the swampy room for the book (Perception:6). "Anyone see that bloody book,"[/b} he asks to no one in particular? If there are any open swampy areas where there should logically be a wall, he fires an icy ray at it to see what happens. Does his ray pass through or crashes into an invisible wall.
[b](Cast Ray of Frost at a swampy area where there should be wall. Hit Touch AC: 5. Damage: 2 cold damage. If the ray crashes into something, he'll attempt to disbelieve and see through the illusion. Will Save: 15 to disbelieve.)
Loryn Glitterfall: AC:13. HP:19/19 2. Posting for Dan Knotts
Loryn suggests, "We should deliver these items to a more suitable location. I don't wish to soil them any more than we need to." He begins to gather up the items and remove them from the swamp.
DM Steve – We should probably take a look around. Thursday June 23rd, 2022 11:43:02 PM Loryn begins to gather the items they’ve found. Torrynashkabbeth tries to help Drack by using mending. She suggests they find out what else was happening. Manolo agrees with Torryn. Mole looks to see if the swamp is still there. Drack is tired. Ash uses read magic to see what’s on the scrolls. Mortimer looks for the book. He casts ray of frost at the swampness.
Looking around, the group finds that the swamp is still there, and Mortimer’s ray continues on where he thinks there should be a wall. As they watch, the swamp is slowly changing, but this change is no where near as quick as the appearance of the swamp was. At least, as what they saw of it’s appearance.
Manolo says the scrolls are rage (bard 2) and lesser restoration (cleric 3). Checking the pants finds that two of the pockets are larger on the inside. Figuring out what the potions are will take a little more time.
There is no sign of the book, but there is also no sign yet of the guard station.
After a few minutes, Phaedra returns. She seems to be back to her normal self. ”Now what was it you were saying about this book?” she wants to know.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 24/24 - AC 15 (CN -4) (Nick K) HP: 21/21 AC:16/16/12 CMD: 16. F:4; R: 6; W: 6 Friday June 24th, 2022 4:33:07 AM
Drack stepped forward - carefully through the swap - and explained to Phaedra that what she sees is but a small fraction of the misery that reading the book brings. He stressed both the need NOT to read or even open the book and also their need to find it, that it might be put away safely.
[link href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XTBGUllt8XNEcx4AeK6cYOTxZWLk3u2_AlpXzVxGVpw/edit"]Torrynashkabbeth[/linkHP:21. AC: 20.F:4. R:6. W:7. ] Friday June 24th, 2022 4:38:12 AM
It seemed to Torryn that the book was not within the present vicinity. She opened her senses and turning slowly, looked for the existence of any Evil. She had no idea what to do beyond that. Then a thought occurred.
"We should likely look for odd behaviour around town. A book that wants to be read needs someone to read it."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+6=11 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 7:04:38 PM
Manolo tries to look around for more possible clues, but he is curious about the potions so distracts himself with them for a few moments.
Perception 11
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield d20+6=26 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 9:40:17 PM
(ooc: Question - By saying, "this book," are you implying that Phaedra is presently holding the book? If so ...)
(Diplomacy: 26, natural 20)
With a very serious tone, he answers with a cool, calm voice, "Be very, very careful with that book. Bewitched by those pages, you were, just moments ago. Maybe you should hand it over."
Mortimer holds out his hand to receive it. He thinks that being aware of its power would at least help from succumbing to it.
Loryn Glitterfall: AC:13. HP:19/19 2. Posting for Dan Knotts
Loryn spins around when he hears Phaedra's question. "Oh my!" He steps forward and adds, "Yes, one should exercise extreme caution when handling such a powerful tome." He focuses his divination (Detect Magic) at the book and hopes he doesn't go blind again.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d4=2 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 11:44:58 PM
Mole moves up to Drack. Laying his hand on the big oaf, he cast a spell to relieve his fatigue.
Cast Lesser Restoration: heals 2 points of ability damage. (didn't realized I had it memorized. I should check my sheet more often.)
DM Steve – A book that wants to be read needs someone to read it. Saturday June 25th, 2022 12:50:38 PM Torrynashkabbeth looks for, but does not find, evil in the area. She suggests looking for odd behavior around town. Manolo divides his attention between finding more clues and looking at the potions. Drack explains a bit to Phaedra about the swamp she sees, and stresses that they need to find the book but not open it. Mole restores some of Drack’s loss of vitality to the gibbering mouther (2 constitution restored). Mortimer mistakenly thinks Phaedra has found the book, and asks for it. Loryn follows Mortimer’s thought, and wants to cast detect magic on the book. Ash is lost in thought.
Phaedra answers, ”No, sorry, I don’t have the book. What I have is a village where half the people have fallen asleep, and a good number of those have approached this keep. They’ve stopped, presumably when you killed that thing. You were saying something about another fight earlier. I think I need the full story now. From the beginning.” Phaedra further explains that Borad is waking people and getting others to help him. Once they’re done, she’s going to need to be able to answer their questions about what’s going on.
Sense motive: DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {Phaedra is looking for information that might help her protect the people here in Windhorn.} DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {She seems really worried about the power this book seems to have.} DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: {Phaedra has not much more experience than the party, and needs to seem confident in front of the town.}
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 d20=6 ; Saturday June 25th, 2022 4:46:09 PM
Torryn explained about the Dark Fey, the arguments in the town square and the two strangers that seemed unaffected. She included the reference that the Dark fey had made to someone reading the book. She then elaborated about Borad taking the book, just to sneak a quick peek and the emergence of the swamp as well as the foul thing that had almost eaten Drack!
It seemed to her that the book would move itself after each time it was 'read'. She mentioned this to the others as much as she did to Phaedra. She was however, clueless how to proceed
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 d20+4=10 ; Monday June 27th, 2022 6:37:56 AM
(ooc: thanks for subbing Nick)
"Thanks Mole, I needed that. Feels like I could handle another when you happen to memorize one."
Drack picks up a little of what Phaedra is feeling, and is in total agreement with her(sense motive 10). He listens as Torry rattles off the basics to her.
Drack looks toward the spellcasters. Well, How do we find the book? waiting for something really nasty to appear doesn't seem like a great plan."
Drack (Chris J) - hp 30/30 - AC 17 - con -2 Monday June 27th, 2022 6:38:48 AM
header fix
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20=9 ; Monday June 27th, 2022 2:15:56 PM
Loryn nods along with Torry's explanation. That was as accurate as he could get and so he had nothing to add aloud. The gnome looks back at the paladin and shrugs. "And before you ask, No, I dont know how to unswamp anything either."
He turns back to Pheodra, "You don't know who dropped off the book in your office, can you narrow down how long it was there or when you first noticed it? We eliminated all three of the people last in your office. Borad apparently scooped it from your office read it and now it has gone elsewhere."
Loryn purses his lips and gives his large nose a rub, "Perhaps the book does not translocate. Borad took the book and read it, It didn't just appear. So just after he read it and summoned the swamp, someone might have come and gone. Make sure none of the folks that were here have it and as we got nothing better, I say move out and start seeing those closes to the keep here are walking off with it."
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d20+4=15 ; Monday June 27th, 2022 5:03:25 PM
He nods to Drack.
Mole listens to the discussion. Nature was his area of expertise, but magic itself was something he didn't delve into. He leaves that to the experts.
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 Monday June 27th, 2022 5:16:06 PM
Well, that was a bit embarrassing. She'd postulated - to the Captain of the guard, no less - that the book could move itself and then Loryn comes up with a FAR more sensible and practical interpretation of events. Oh well, it wasn't the first time she'd put her foot in it and wouldn't be the last. Now if only Phoedra has asked her about dancing! She'd have got the answer right then, for sure.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+6=23 ; Monday June 27th, 2022 7:40:48 PM
Manolo understands Phaedra and says. "Be confident in front of the people even if you don't know what is the true power of the book", Manolo says and sighs. He turns to the group and says, "So, what do we do now? Do we know how to find this book? Can we counter it with different book?", He lets the last questions fall on the magic caster of the group making direct contact with them.
Sense Motive 23
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 Monday June 27th, 2022 7:58:14 PM
Ash relays what he learned about the scrolls befire heading with the others to Phaedra's office.
There, he listens to the account of the sleeping people.
Mortimer doesn't have the slightest clue what Phaedra is saying or implying.
"Sooo ... you don't have the book? Well then, we're back where we started."
He continues to look around for the book. "If I were a freebootin' guard, were would I hide a book? Where is Borad's bed chamber?"
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield Monday June 27th, 2022 9:56:38 PM
(ooc: Whoops, I forgot to include: Perception: 18.)
DM Steve – I dont know how to unswamp anything either. Monday June 27th, 2022 10:21:00 PM Torrynashkabbeth explained about the Dark Fey and Borad taking the book. She suggests the book moves itself after it is read. Loryn asks Phaedra more about who might have dropped off the book. He suggests that people who find the book are reading from it. And that it might already have been found again. He suggests looking for anyone who might have it. Ash tells the others about the scrolls, and listens to Phaedra’s account of the townsfolk. Drack thanks Mole and notes that he still feels a bit drained. He wants to find the book before more trouble happens. Mortimer doesn’t follow what Phaedra was asking, and wonders if Borad could have the book tucked away. Mole listens, but leaves the explanations to the experts. Manolo tells Phaedra to be confident. He asks if another book could counter this one.
Phaedra is confident Borad doesn’t have the book. His guard post is still swamp, although the swamp is slowly receding. She sums up what she has heard to make sure she has it right.
”So, after I read from the book, a fey creature appeared in the town square and caused people to fight each other. Then after Borad read from it, a swamp formed in the Keep with a monster in the middle of it. We have no idea what will happen if someone else reads from it, but we don’t want to risk it – the sleep magic affected people almost a mile away.” After a moment of thought, she says, ”It won’t be dark for about eight hours. Borad and I will inform the town that they’ll be sheltering in the Keep tonight if we haven’t found the book before then. A few reminders about what’s happened today and the troubles the town once had should find volunteers to look for it. The book is to be brought straight here if found – no reading from it.”
She looks at the group, and especially Drack, appraisingly. ”Until the book is found and disposed of, it will be easier to protect everyone together. You’re welcome to do what you see fit – help look, gather folks, or rest up just in case. Come back by dark, or when the alarm bell sounds.”
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 Tuesday June 28th, 2022 4:49:01 AM
Torryn assessed her options. She didn’t really have any fresh ideas about finding the book, but decided that it wasn’t going to come to her.
”I’ll take a walk around town. I may see something suspicious. At the very least I can help wake a few sleepwalkers if I see any.”
She did not intend to do this all day. An hour or so would be sufficient, she was sure. Then she’d wash, eat and rest. It was likley going to be a busy night.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 27/30 - AC 17 - con -2 Tuesday June 28th, 2022 8:48:43 AM
(ooc: I'm assuming it's same day, and Drack only has two uses of lay hands remaining.)
"Seems to me then, that the spellcasters should rest if they can, and try and recover spells before whatever unfolds next. The rest of us should try and find this book before it gets read again. Probably starting with the remaining guards, and then spreading out from there."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20=18 ; Tuesday June 28th, 2022 5:23:00 PM
Manolo volunteers to check the guards for any clues about the whereabouts of the book
d20=18 Perception or Sense motive at +6 Local Knowledge is at +7
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+2=18 ; Tuesday June 28th, 2022 5:53:53 PM
Loryn claps his hands together, "OK that's the plan then. Team up and take a spin through town, we might get lucky. Barring that, get some rest and be ready for a long night.
Loryn moves to team up with Drack
out and about, he tries to keep a sharp eye and ear out perception 18
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 d20+10=20 ; Tuesday June 28th, 2022 8:17:59 PM
Mole nods at the plan. "I'll start looking in the area and move outward."
Perception DC 20
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 Tuesday June 28th, 2022 9:05:45 PM
Ash was about to offer to help Torryn, when Drack brings up a good point.
" Thats right Drack, we'll probably need our spells in Full."
When given the chance, he heads off to rest and recuperate his spells.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 27/30 - AC 17 - con -2 Tuesday June 28th, 2022 9:42:34 PM
“Loryn, Mole? You two need to replenish your spells? I don’t know what you used in the fight, but the next one could be even worse if the the book is read. You guys should be at full capacity. If there is extra, I wouldn’t mind having a little of my vitality back. I will manage without it, but if it’s an option, id take it.”
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield d20+1=8 ; Tuesday June 28th, 2022 10:24:31 PM
Mortimer chimes in on the subject.
"Many of us could use a proper snoozing, but haven't we also learned by now that it isn't wise to be splitting up. I almost died when over half the gang decided to go lollygaggin' about. If the whole town is to come here, I suspect HERE is where the trouble shall be."
(Perception: 8, he sees nothing, he hears nothing.)
DM Steve – Everything happens so much. Tuesday June 28th, 2022 10:53:47 PM Mole says he’ll start looking. Mortimer says that the party could use rest but shouldn’t be splitting up. He predicts that any trouble that occurs will be at the Keep, where everyone is going to gather. Torrynashkabbeth proposes to walk around town and look for anything suspicious. After an hour of that, she plans to rest. Manolo volunteers to check with the guards. Loryn agrees with Drack’s plan. He plans to team up with Drack. Drack proposes that the spellcasters rest and the rest look for the book. He thinks it best to start with the guards. When Loryn and Mole talk about looking for the book, he asks if they need to replenish spells. Ash listens to Drack, and decides to recover spells.
The discussion with Phaedra and planning next moves has taken some time. As the group prepares to leave the keep, Borad’s guard post is reappearing. The guard post is just an alcove with a shelf for the personal belongings of whoever’s on duty. After a few moments more, that shelf appears with a water flask, two ‘fiddle balls’, and a scrap of paper. There is no book. The paper, however, in a bold script says, “I am sure you are working diligently to find the owner, but I thought there may be some clue within the book itself. The promise of learning something is always such a thrill!”
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:21/17/18. hp:21/21. Shield Tuesday June 28th, 2022 11:56:17 PM
Mortimer grabs the paper from the shelf and gives it a quick read. His eyes go wide with a sudden realization.
"Bollocks!"
He reads it again.
"That Heorstan is a right foul git, he is! Said the same thing to us when we stopped by his lab! That bastard has the book!"
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 Wednesday June 29th, 2022 5:56:15 AM
Hearing this, Torryn stopped in her tracks. "Oh, I suppose we should go there first then." She commented. Mortimer's powers of recall were truly impressive. She doubted that she'd have remembered something so important. She then looked to the others to see if they agreed.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 27/30 - AC 17 - con -2 Wednesday June 29th, 2022 8:02:02 AM
"Should we inform Phaedra first before heading over there? Either way, something bad is probably about to happen."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Wednesday June 29th, 2022 8:01:58 PM
"We can inform Phaedra but is the time lost is worth it ?", Manolo asks Drack back. "Or should we just run to the lab"?, he asks.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Wednesday June 29th, 2022 9:45:54 PM
"Sigh He says. "Looks like we have a place to go."
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 Wednesday June 29th, 2022 10:29:27 PM
"We can inform Phaedra after. We can be of more use in the present and solving this riddle. "
DM Steve – Something bad is probably about to happen. Wednesday June 29th, 2022 10:58:45 PM Torrynashkabbeth figures they should go to Heorstan’s first, astounded Moritmer would remember a detail like that.. Mole agrees they have a place to go. Drack suggests they inform Phaedra before heading to Heorstan’s. Manolo wonders if informing Phaedra is worth the time it will take. Mortimer recognizes a phrase in the note as something Heorstan said. Ash suggests informing Phaedra afterward. Loryn ponders.
The group heads off to Heorstan’s workshop. Borad is coming in as they are going out, and if they ask him to tell Phaedra what they’ve learned, he promises to do so.
As the party approaches Heorstan’s place not far out of town, Rena is out working in their large garden. When she sees them, she assumes the worst. ”I’ve heard about some goings on in town, but if you’re here – Heorstan didn’t get hurt, did he? No, Agatha would’ve told me. . . After you fellers were here talking to him this morning, Heorstan got all worked up about some book and went into town to see about getting it. But he shouldn’t have been near the market, said it was in the Keep proper.”
Drack (Chris J) - hp 27/30 - AC 17 - con -2 Thursday June 30th, 2022 7:14:42 AM
Drack will tell Borad that Heorstan may have the book. "We are going to his house to see if he's there."
Upon arriving at Heorstan's, Drack will quickly ask Rena "We have to find him before he reads that book Rena. Is he here?"
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 Thursday June 30th, 2022 7:31:19 AM "Has he gone to the Keep itself then?" Queried Torryn. All this walking! She was glad she was wearing her sensible, long, outdoors boots and not her dancing boots.
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Thursday June 30th, 2022 11:04:50 AM
Loryn scurries along to keep pace with the larger folk. "Is Heorstan back then?" he asks right after Drack to Rena "if not, is there a private place he favors where he might have taken something to look over in hopes of not being disturbed?"
Earlier, the gnome reassures Drack that he has plenty more magic and will not hesitate to save the paladin next time he falls into a pit of gungdarks or some other aberration
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Thursday June 30th, 2022 7:38:28 PM
Manolo sighs and says/asks rhetorically "Cant we stop them before reading the book ?!"
DM Steve – Cant we stop them before reading the book? Friday July 1st, 2022 12:54:52 AM Torrynashkabbeth asks if Heorstan has gone to the Keep. Manolo asks about their chances of stopping Heorstan from reading the book. Drack tells Borad that Heorstan may have the book. At Heorstan’s he asks Rena if Heorstan is there. On the way, Loryn tells Drack he has plenty more magic. Once there he asks if Heorstan is back, and if not whether there is a place he goes when he doesn’t want to be disturbed. Mole, Ash, and Mortimer follow the lead of the others.
Rena suggests a few places where Heorstan has sought solitude in the past. It sounds as if he is adept at finding new ones once one becomes known to Rena. She also mentions that Agatha might know of some, in tones that suggest maybe she still hasn’t forgiven the woman for not saying anything about Heorstan keeping those lizards. From the places and the distances, walking from one to another looking for Heorstan could eat up the afternoon.
Further, as the group moves about, they encounter people heading for Bearclaw Keep per the orders. Others ask for information about what’s going on as if they are looking for an excuse to refuse (or at least considering doing so).
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 Friday July 1st, 2022 6:51:35 AM "I think that the maximum amount of carnage and chaos could be perpetrated at the Keep, especially if everyone is meeting there. So, perhaps we should ensure that the Keep is safe. If Heorstan isn't there, that's good. It means those that are are likely safer and we should have time to track him down. What do you think?" Torryn asked the others. If there were lots of places, it made sense to establish that at least one - the most populace - would be safe.
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Friday July 1st, 2022 9:26:50 AM ooc I was under the impression that we just came from the keep Could I get a DM clarification
DM: The fight with the gibbering mouther and where you found the note was at the keep. After deducing that Heorstan hasvthe book, you came to his house looking for him and talked withbhis wife, Rena.o
Drack (Chris J) - hp 27/30 - AC 17 - con -2 Friday July 1st, 2022 11:49:14 AM
“I suppose Torry makes sense. We make sure he’s not at the keep, and then try and find him if he’s not.”
Drack (Chris J) - hp 27/30 - AC 17 - con -2 Friday July 1st, 2022 1:40:45 PM
“I suppose Torry makes sense. We make sure he’s not at the keep, and then try and find him if he’s not.”
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+9=22 ; Friday July 1st, 2022 3:41:28 PM
"We just came from the keep guys. He swiped the book, left a note and bolted to somewhere private like to read it. Unfortunately, that location could be just about anywhere, but most likely is out of town. I'm heading to the fair grounds, it's away from buildings and such and has some cover in the form of hedges and trees so he could be out of sight."
Upon encountering townsfolk and their questions, the gnome gets wide eyed and drums his fingers nervously on his own chest. "Dark times people, Dark times, the gremlin attacks and the fire were only the beginnings. There's a foul demon about. get to Keep and try and stay calm, we're on it."
Bluff 22
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 Friday July 1st, 2022 5:48:10 PM
"Don't go alone Loryn....", Manolo says. He pauses for a moment. "We can check the fairground but then ...Should we split into groups?", Manolo says and then asks.
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 Friday July 1st, 2022 6:59:40 PM "I think that's a good idea." Torryn agreed. "We can cover lots more ground that way and time does seem to be of the essence."
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Friday July 1st, 2022 8:37:22 PM
"Let's ask the people around the keep if they saw him and increase our search range from what we learn."
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:17/13/14. hp:21/21 d20+1=16 ; Friday July 1st, 2022 9:56:52 PM
Mortimer is quite miffed about Heorstan taking his book. But he can help but feel a little impressed. He got into the Keep, without being noticed, and pinched the book while under guard. There has to be another way into the Keep.
"Lets search the keep, for other ways to get into it, yeah. Maybe there be a secret door, yeah."
If only there was a 'Find a secret door' spell.
(Perception: 16)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 Friday July 1st, 2022 11:16:07 PM
"Lets see if we can ask some of his underlings. Maybe they know where he likes to hide from work.. you know, the private spot he can hide from his duties and maybe catch a wink or two?"
DM BatMark -- Night Falls Saturday July 2nd, 2022 9:51:11 AM Loryn reminds everyone that you just came from the keep, so Heorstan is likely to be elsewhere, and suggests the fairgrounds first. Manolo suggests splitting into groups, perhaps checking the fairground first. Mole prefers checking with people near the keep first, then increasing the search area if needed. Mortimer is impressed that Heorstan got away with the book, and suggests finding his alleged back way into the keep. Ash wants to ask Heorstan’s underlings where he might be. Torrynashkabbeth first opines that the best good can be done at the keep, but then agrees with splitting the party. Drack agrees with Torryn’s first thoughts.
You recall that Rena has already told you some of Heorstan’s regular haunts, but that he is also prone to find new places of solitude when he needs some peace and quiet to think. You spend the next several hours spiraling out from the Keep, checking old and potential new hiding places for Heorstan, but he is nowhere to be seen. Occasionally, you encounter local folks who have gotten word and are headed for the safety of the Keep, but none has seen Heorstan today. Eventually night falls. Do you continue searching or retire to sleep and recover from the day? If the latter, do you return to the Keep as Phaedra has directed everyone to do, or do something else?
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 Saturday July 2nd, 2022 10:57:15 AM
Wherever Heoerstan had secreted himself, it was sufficiently well-hidden that Torryn was very much of the opinion that she wouldn't find him and certainly not in the dark. Whilst it was tempting to check the cave that they'd discovered, it was a long way away. Furthermore, she doubted that Heorstan even knew of it. So getting as much rest as possible before the mayhem again unfolded seemed a wise recourse.
Meeting up with those that elected to return to the Keep she informed them of her thoughts.
"I', going to get a bite to eat and then stretch - a lot, before resting. It'll likely be useful to have a fuill selection of magic available, as well as not being tired."
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Sunday July 3rd, 2022 9:09:58 AM
Loryn wants to grab a bite and head to the Keep. He feels things will get interesting after midnight. So Loryn will be getting some rest as soon as possible
Drack (Chris J) - hp 27/30 - AC 17 - con -2 Monday July 4th, 2022 8:07:03 AM
"Agreed. Heorstan could be anywhere. Food and then some sleep. the second reading of the book seemed a little nastier than the first. If that continues, things are going to get ugly. The keep is the best spot to be, it will have the largest grouping of people."
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 33/33; CMD 15 Monday July 4th, 2022 9:05:43 PM
Mole has no problem with the Loryn's plan. Some rest and preparation for the next encounter is a wise course of action.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:17/13/14. hp:21/21 Monday July 4th, 2022 9:23:00 PM
Mortimer is just fine with some rest. He brings his over night gear in case there isn't a proper bed for him at the Keep. Assuming there is a dining hall in the Keep, he finds an empty table to spend the evening before bedding down. He welcomes any of the others to join him, if they'd like.
He notices the shadow of his pint cast across the surface of the table. He takes his hand and gently twirls it within the shadow. The shadow wafts like mist from his agitation before returning back to the shape of his pint. He's noticed this odd manipulation of shadows for close to a month now. It's obviously something to do with being a sorcerer. He's never known anyone else with the ability to manipulate shadows like this. Maybe this is a precursor of what is to come. "Shadows feel cold to the touch. Good thing ... the cold never bothered me anyway."
DM BatMark -- Shaking things up a bit Monday July 4th, 2022 9:23:20 PM Loryn grabs a bite to eat and heads to the Keep for some rest. Torrynashkabbeth opts for a stretch and rest, to get back her full selection of magic. Drack agrees with getting some food and rest, then being at the Keep with the largest group of people. Mole follows suit with the rest and relaxation plan. Mortimer Ash and Manolo go along without comment.
You manage to get some food and rest as planned, but are awakened just before dawn by low tremors that shake the ground. Those gathered in the Keep are alarmed by the shaking, but nothing terrible seems to happen immediately. When dawn arrives, however, it is most unusual. A jagged, low-hanging cloud about a mile across hovers over the Keep, with the light of the sun dimly seen beyond its edge. More tremors come, making it hard to maintain your footing. Please make a DC 5 Acrobatics check. If you fail, you fall prone.
What do you wish to do?
Torrynashkabbeth HP:21 AC:20 F4: R:6 W:7 d20=14 ; Tuesday July 5th, 2022 7:16:57 AM
Torryn had no trouble keeping her footing. Being a dancer certainly had its advantages. Still, being a dancer in no way helped in understanding low, brooding clouds and earth tremors. Had the book somehow summoned a Cloud Giant to wreck havoc or were the tremors entirely unrelated? This clearly needed sager minds than hers. So it was that Torryn swiftly dressed, collected her spear and sought out the others.
"Any ideas what this is?" She enquired. "Do you think that the cloud and the tremors are related?"
Drack (Chris J) - hp 27/30 - AC 17 - con -2 d20+1=3 ; Tuesday July 5th, 2022 7:44:14 AM
As soon as the shaking begins Drack is knocked from his feet. Once he can stand he takes a minute to put on his armor and grab his gear.
"Let's go have a look boys and girls and see what nightmare awaits us."
Once dawn breaks, and he sees the sky, he looks to the spell casters for any hint of what is going on.
AC 13 HP 19/19 2 non lethal Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+2=9 ; Tuesday July 5th, 2022 10:44:36 AM
Loryn hops out of bed at the first quake. Gotta be the book he thinks to himself And it's looking like Drack is going to be right
Checking in with the others and moving outside, the small gnome looks up at the cloud. "That does not give me a good fee..." the greater quake hits and nearly throws him to the ground Drack goes down unceremoniously and now was not the time for an amazing remark.
"We need to get to the top of a tower or something that gives us a view. I have a bad feeling about where the rest of Windhorn might be..."
Catch up when you can Drack. The paladin was going to be 5 minutes or more, but that was fine. the group could get some info and then he'd be all set to smite it something like that.
Loryn looks for the nearest tower that he can gain entrance to and begins heading up
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 23/23 d20=17 ; Tuesday July 5th, 2022 12:18:43 PM
Ash was able to keep his footing, somehow. He moves with the others, but is dumbfounded at what surprises are in store for them now.
'Top of the tower sounds like a good plan, Loryn"
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 17/15/12 -- CMD 17 -- HP 12/13 d20+8=13 ; Tuesday July 5th, 2022 5:46:31 PM
The tremors awakened Manolo "Here we go again", he shouts grumpy.
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