DM JamesM: Map - The Summons d100=93 ; Thursday April 21st, 2022 9:20:39 AM Snark looked into a rat hole and commented that they were not staying in the outbuilding. When the deputy arrived Snark got defensive.
Teddy watched as Gore Thum picked up one of the books and mumbled deeply. This one is on Fey curses....fascinating.
Kristoph is ready to head back to town.
Benni is jumpy and on edge as he stammers a reply to the deputy.
Issac recommends heading back to town. He suggests they explain themselves to the deputy.
"There was a scream down by the docks and someone saw something moving beneath them" The deputy said. "It could be the dock monster come out early or something else. The sheriff has asked if you will come to investigate."
It’s late afternoon when they track down Sheriff Whip at the docks and he’s tried to clear everyone from the area. Most of the ships in port though still have crews aboard and it’s everything the harbormaster can do to keep those ships from leaving and possibly carry the dock monster away with them.
"I've got my hands full here trying to keep all the ships in port and search the docks. Half my men won't work, they say it's the Dock Devil. the other half I have talking to the ships captains. You mind helping search the docks?"
DM James: A geography reminder. The Abbey is only about a mile outside the town walls. After spending 3 hours at the Abbey after a late start it’s now about 3:30 PM. The sun sets in two hours.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday April 21st, 2022 10:43:13 AM
Onesimos’ focus doesn’t get any help. Rat holes? Moving buildings? A rapid walk to the docks? ‘The’ Dock Devil?? ”I seem to be coming up a day late and gold price short. Sheriff Whip, I think we would gladly help, but there’s a bit o’ knowledge we don’t know. What is the Dock Devil stories, and what are we looking for?”
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Thursday April 21st, 2022 5:49:56 PM
Seeing as how the po-po wasn't looking to arrest her newfound friends, Cory stopped slowly slinking away and rejoined the group. It was always nice when the law owed you a favor.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Thursday April 21st, 2022 6:15:45 PM "Sure, we can probably help. We found a new person too! Her name's Cory and she seems alright and good in a fight."
"Say, any chance we can rest and get a start tomorrow? Also, I gotta send a message out to the wizard in the lighthouse. Anyone I can hire to take the message out there?"
Snark will look at the books and not the titles/authors/subjects in the message.
To his friends he says, "OK if we let that old wizard know what we found? He was looking for some books - maybe he'll buy them off us."
(Anything come of Snark's Profession: Herbalism work to help with the Filth Fever?)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Thursday April 21st, 2022 9:47:37 PM
Isaac tries to remember anything about the Dock Devil since he did hear something about it when he started talking to people and learn about the many superstations. "The dock devil it's that creature the captains leave little treats out for right? it's like a gremlin creature and doesn't threaten the workers if it gets a treat if I remember correctly. I'll help search the docks maybe calm down whatever is making this fuss." Isaac will gladly help the Sheriff.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday April 22nd, 2022 7:36:12 AM
Teddy hesitates a moment before volunteering, "Um... if we wait we might miss something? I mean, the sooner we get there the more chance we'll find some evidence before the tide or something makes it harder to find."
Gore'Thum is absorbed in his book.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 (diseased) - Stephen C. Friday April 22nd, 2022 10:29:31 AM
Kristoph looks irritated at the mention of the slacker guards. Having spent some time as one he had never heard of people not investigating something because of a scary rumour. The watch didn't have such luxuries ....still, he bites his tongue.
"I'm happy to look around". Happy definItely wasn't the right word - more the word he chose.
DM JamesM: Map - The Search d100=96 ; Friday April 22nd, 2022 11:41:31 AM Benni admitted that he didn't know about the Dock Devil.
Cory liked it when the law was asking for help, she liked the favors those generated.
Snark offered up Cory's name and that she was fairly good in a fight. He asked for a delay in the search as he rummaged through the books he had in hand.
Issac recounted what he knew of the Dock Devil and that it seemed non threatening.
Teddy thought that waiting might allow the tide to cover up any evidence. Gore Thum sat on a bench and continued his reading.
Kristoph is irritated, but offered to help anyway.
Snark handed a bundle of herbs to whoever was healing the filth fever disease. +2 on heal checks.
The day so far remained clear and cool as the sea birds called out their incessant need for food as they darted under and over each other vying for the perfect spot to catch a stray morsel thrown from the boats. The wind was strong too, blowing out of the north and ruffling the hair of the onlookers that had gathered on the walls and at the gate.
In the bay are the docked ships waiting to load or unload their cargo as well as the lone Black Ghost sitting at anchor several hundred yards offshore. With each swell of the water you can hear it lightly crashing against the warf as well as the rattling of boats as they are jostled about against each other. Were it not for the tension in the air and the search it would be quite peaceful.
The sheriff was going to fill Benni in on the Dock Devil when Issac offered up the information. When Issac was done, Sheriff Whip added. "It's bad luck to see the Devil and the scream that was heard could have been someone falling victim to an ill fate."
Meanwhile Snark had roughly cataloged the books. There were indeed the two journals the wizard was looking for, but the other books were just history tomes. They'd be valuable resources for those new to the area and some study of them would help with local issues. +2 Circumstance Bonus on KS: Local and History Checks if you take an hour to peruse the books.
As the heroes went in search they focused on places where the sheriffs men wouldn't look. Namely under the docks.
Perception DC 15, Lowlight or Darkvision Highlight to display spoiler: {You can see the body of someone under the dock. By its clothes it looks to have been a woman. She's missing a shoe.}
Heal DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The body is desiccated though it is floating gently in the water below the dock. By it's dress it was a woman of means. Based on it's condition she's been dead for a week or longer.}
KS: Local DC 12 OR Benni Highlight to display spoiler: {You recognize the body as that of Lady Helen Soles. She went mlssing last night}
DM James: Map has been revised.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=23 ; d20+8=17 ; Friday April 22nd, 2022 1:22:59 PM
Benni thanks Isaac for the information, and he is able to focus much better. So much so, that he is able to notice everything! ”By the Seven Loves, it is Lady Helen Soles! But she has been missing since last night, we need to keep looking!”
Onesimos helps to direst the Sheriff’s men to recover the body, and keeps his eyes peeled for anything lurking while they do it.
………… Perception 23 Heal 17
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=15 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+2=16 ; Friday April 22nd, 2022 8:41:49 PM
Isaac searches diligently for whatever creature seems to be causing all the fuss. Isaac's blood runs cold however when he sees the body "Hey everyone got something over here!" he calls out. Underneath the dock seemed to be some woman's body missing one shoe. He and Bennie came to the same realization it was Lady Helen. "Something ain't right she goes missing last night and we suddenly find her today. Feel like someone is sending a message"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+11=12 ; d20+2=21 ; d20+7=24 ; Friday April 22nd, 2022 9:30:19 PM
Snark is a little grumpy. "Well, I guess we're not resting. Maybe they outta put us on the payroll."
The little wizard will wade into the shallow water to look at the body. "Ol' Helen here's all desiccated even though she's floating in this water. You say she's only been missing since last night, but I figure she's been dead for a week or longer. Maybe the Helen in town is not the real Helen. Looks like she was a rich lady."
Snark checks the body for identifying items, and casts Detect Magic.
(Perception 12, Knowledge Local 21, Heal 24)
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Saturday April 23rd, 2022 1:25:06 AM
Cory listened. It sounded like this place was cursed. She looked forward to interrogating this faux-Helen. Or, maybe the body was the copy. "Can you tell how she died?"
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 (diseased) - Stephen C. d20+10=18 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+7=27 ; Saturday April 23rd, 2022 6:02:16 PM
Kristoph administers a neW on Blusinda thanking Snark for the herbs. (Heal: 26 Vs disease).
He agrees with the cause of death (Heal:10) and looks around for any other clues (Percsption:27)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Sunday April 24th, 2022 9:49:50 PM
Teddy looks on in worry as the others examine the scene. Gore'Thum is still absorbed in his book.
DM JamesM: Map - Curses and Cures Monday April 25th, 2022 9:18:02 AM Benni thanked Issac for the information and is then able to identify the body as that of Lady Soles.
Issac found the body, but he thought something was off.
Snark decided to be grumpy. He observed that she looked like she'd been dead for over a week. He then cast Detect Magic.
Cory asked if anyone could tell how she died.
Teddy looked worried. Gore Thum read the book.
Kristoph cured Blusinda and then looked for clues in the area.
Gore Thum let out a long and deep sigh. As he exhaled it was like the deflating of a puffer fish. When he was done the frog creature was but 3' tall. About the same as Teddy. "It seems." the frog said in a less deep voice than was typical of him. "that the tome is cursed, or was rather." he finished as he held the book out in two hands. Before anyone could take the book away however it slowly vanished from sight was it faded from view.
"Curse of the Fey, Indeed." the frog grumped.
The sun was setting when the workers finally pulled the body from beneath the dock. It was true, she did look to have been dead longer than she'd been missing. The sheriff also confirmed he attire was the same as the previous night. As the sun dipped below the horizon the night mist rolled is from the water and soon the dock was obscured in fog. From experience everyone knew the fog was just going to get more dense as the evening progressed.
Detect Magic Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a strong necromanic aura lingering on the body. Also a small silver dagger on a silver chain about her waist is also magic.}
Snark verified the body belonged to the lady Soles once she was fished out the water. Those around advised against going into the deep water around the docks as it had been built atop rocks and if one were pulled under the dock it might be fatal.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Her neck and arms have marks on them that look like claws. She is missing a shoe as well and the bare foot shows signs of having been walked upon over rough ground.}
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=7 ; Monday April 25th, 2022 12:53:17 PM
Onesimos listens to the advice and cover Lady Helen with his cloak. His green eyes are calculating as he says a prayer for the departed. Died before she was last seen? And if they can’t stay near the docks to do anything helpful…
”I think I would like to pay a visit to Lady Helen’s house tonight. Sheriff Wiley, could you give us directions?”
Benni waits for his friends to chime in, but he’s all but champing at the bit to look for more clues!
As the group looks at the poor woman's body, Snark is able to add +2 to another's Perception check.
He takes the small silver chain and dagger off her waist. "This little dagger's magic. I'll see what I can tell about it later. I could also detect a lingering aura of necromancy on the body."
(Spellcraft 20 to determine what necromancy spell this might be that would cause her appearance - Enervation, some sort of level raining or life sucking spell?)
(Spellcraft to detect an aura on the dagger is only 13.)
Snark looks around for the missing shoe.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 (diseased) - Stephen C. Monday April 25th, 2022 5:53:35 PM
(Perception made in last post)
"Her neck and arms have marks on them that look like claws. She's also missing a shoe ... I think it was missing when she walked upon over rough ground"!
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=10 ; Monday April 25th, 2022 11:49:38 PM
Isaac looked at the body a feeling of dread settling on him as he hears the others discussing that her body seems to have been dead for over a week instead of just a day. He tries to detect any lingingering evil presences nearby. "I'll go with Bennie up to her house. I don't have much luck investigating by my self"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday April 26th, 2022 8:21:35 AM
Gore'Thum glares at the place where the book was in extreme offense. Not only did it curse him, but it vanished afterwards! If he ever find who wrote it he'll eat them. Teddy completely forgets what the party is supposed to be doing, rushing over to his teacher and trying to counter the shrinking magic to no avail.
DM JamesM: Map - Manors and Misses d100=70 ; Tuesday April 26th, 2022 9:10:01 AM Benni covered the body with his cloak and asked if he could visit her home tonight. He also recalled that the missing shoe was found last night and covered in blood.
Issac felt a sense of dread come over him as he stretched out his senses and looked for evil sources.
Snark examined the body more closely as he tried to determine what exactly happened to her.
Cory
Teddy rushed to his mentor to see if he could help him.
Kristoph revealed that he could see claw marks upon her body.
KS: Religion - DC 15 or Snark Highlight to display spoiler: {She was afflicted with undeath and that would explain the condition of the body. Strangely however this undeath wasn't the cause of the woman's ultimate demise. Certainly becoming undead killed the living person, but the undead creature seemed to have died from starvation. You wrack your mind for what kind of creature this might be. }
KS: Religion - DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Although you search your mind for tales and instruction on the realm of undeath, all you can tell is that another creature somewhere caused this to manifest in the lady.}
Detect Evil Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a lingering aura about the lady. Clearly whatever happened to her invited evil into her soul.}
Sea birds squawked in the fog as they found safe places to settle in for the night even as a bell was rung periodically aboard the Black Ghost to warn approaching vessels that it sat at anchor in the harbor. The small fishing boats clanked woodenly against each other on their mooring lines Meanwhile the flickering lights of the street lamps created a hazy glow in the distance that increased as the sun continued its descent beyond the horizon.
Those that wanted to visit the ladies home were lead towards town and to the woman's manor house. They walked up Wall street for half its length while they passed many people heading home for the evening. They arrived at a large structure that disappeared into the mist above and given the light coming from the windows the upper floors rose above the town wall so that you could look out over them onto the harbor and the surrounding lands.
Tall narrow steps lead up to an ornate stained glass inlaid door that glowed welcomingly from the backlights in the house. At the door step was a mat made of woven grass that looked to be freshly laid out that morning and to ether side a candle in a glass container flickered pleasantly.
The heroes and the sheriff weren't halfway up the steps when the door opened and an elderly servant stepped outside. "Any news of the lady?" the man said with professionally disguised concern.
The sheriff explained what they found and also that the heroes wanted to ask some questions as he'd asked them to help. Their luck seemed to be enough to resist the many ill devices and creatures that haunted the place.
The butler nodded and stepped back as he offered the heroes entry. Once inside they saw the place was moderately appointed. Clearly the residents of the manor were well off, but not extravagantly so, or they didn't flaunt it.
"Please..come sit. the butler encouraged the heroes. "The master has retired for the evening. His illness requires him to retire early, but I will help you in whatever way I can."
Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The man seems genuine in his concern and offer to help."}
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {"There are quite a few obscure valuables in the place worth much more than one might think at first glance. You can see several valuable undersea artifacts easily worth ten thousand gold or more sitting about.}
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=7 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+5=24 ; Tuesday April 26th, 2022 12:32:55 PM
Onesimos doesn’t notice Teddy and Gore’Thun’s conundrum, not focused as he is on a murder mystery. As soon as the Sheriff can get moving, the elf is on his heels, trotting through the town closing up for the night.
A house, a stair, a well-groomed servant, and understated wealth pass by the cleric as not important until he senses the genuine concern of the butler. Benni sits. ”Thank you, sir. I am Oh-NESS-ee-muss, and we were at the docks this evening helping the Sheriff. It may help if we knew more about the Lady Helen, her relations, her profession. When we found the whereabouts of the Spirit Woad Hunters, knowing about them helped us find what had happened.”
He glances at his companions, hoping each will try a different angle to collect information. The elf is certain they just don’t know enough to get anywhere as things stand now.
As we walk to the woman's manse, Snark will tell the others, "Near as I can tell, that woman was afflicted with undeath somehow. That'd explain the condition of the body. But undeath wasn't the cause of the woman's ultimate demise - I'd guess she died from starvation. So she mighta' been walking around in an undead state for a few days. Maybe she was one of them good vampires that won't eat people.
"The real question is how did she get this affliction, and are there any more like her in her house. Or in town."
"You best keep this under your hat Sheriff. This town is already jumpier than an elf at a lumberjack camp. The last thing they need is to think undead are walkin' among 'em."
Later in the house, the little gnome reaches up to shake the Butler's hand. "You seem like a nice fella. Sorry about your Lady dying and all. Did you notice anything odd about her the last few days? Looked like she mighta' been ill. Anybody else acting strange?"
Snark looks at the artifacts around the house. "You guys got some pretty cool stuff here. How'd you get this stuff outta the ocean? Are folks fishermen in this house? Could I see anything you brought up in the last week or two?" Snark will cast Detect Magic wondering if perhaps something here affected the dead woman.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 (diseased) - Stephen C. d20+7=12 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+8=20 ; Tuesday April 26th, 2022 6:11:11 PM
Kristop h missed the details but rendezvous man seems legit. He watches silently.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday April 27th, 2022 7:11:47 AM
Teddy continues to completely ignore the task at hand until Gore'Thum redirects him. "Enough. More important things to do. Follow the rest." he tells Teddy. So they do end up coming along to see the lady's husband and manor. Teddy remains distressed but Gore'Thum just looks annoyed and grumpy about the situation.
DM JamesM: Map - Mojo Filler's House Wednesday April 27th, 2022 9:38:55 AM Benni asked "It may help if we knew more about the Lady Helen, her relations, her profession. When we found the whereabouts of the Spirit Woad Hunters, knowing about them helped us find what had happened.”
Issac
Snark expressed his condolences but had a few questions.
Cory
Teddy and a reduced Gore Thum sit aside. Teddy looked worried, Gore looked irritated.
Kristoph watched silently.
Snark asked a few questions
"Did you notice anything odd about her the last few days?"
Nothing out of the ordinary. The lady spent most days in her rooms with her needle point. She liked to look out over the harbor at the ships as they arrived each day.
Looked like she mighta' been ill?"
"No. She seemed in perfect health.
"Anybody else acting strange?"
Motes of dust floated in the candlelight as they sat in a fancy sitting room. As the conversation progressed a maid entered with tea and snacks. Sheriff Whip dug right in since it was clear he'd been too busy to eat today. He wasn't the most civil of eaters either and made a few social gaffs as he did so.
Outside you could hear the occasional ringing of the bouy as it shifted about on the waves in the harbor.
"Not at all. The house was running smoothly as everyone prepared for the festival. The lady was especially excited about it since she liked to dance."
"You guys got some pretty cool stuff here. How'd you get this stuff outta the ocean?"
"Master Filler was a fisherman. His nets would sometimes scrape the ocean bottom and pull up these treasures. He actually found the Silverclaw wreck for Lord Herriman in Hook City. Aside from some family artifacts his lordship let Master Filler keep everything from the wreck. They became fast friends and that's why Helen came to live here. Her nerves you see. She needed a quieter environment."
"Are folks fishermen in this house? Could I see anything you brought up in the last week or two?"
"Master Filler still owns a few fishing boats, but he no longer operates them. His sons take care of most of the work and they rarely bring in anything that might come up in the nets."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday April 27th, 2022 11:17:29 AM
Onesimos wants to make sure he understands what the Butler is saying, and not just what he thinks the man is saying. ” So, Master Filler and Lady Helen are from Hook City. He acquired his fortune there, and then they moved here several years ago for Lady Helen’s health? And she was really looking forward to the festival, and likes needlepoint?”. The elf doesn’t know if any of the information is important… yet.
After the clarification, Benni doesn’t have anything more to ask. Once they are outside, he throws a lazy punch at Snark. ”More jumpy than an elf…?” You’re getting me back for that ‘Sorcerer’ quip aren’t you?”. He looks over to see how Teddy is reacting, and is surprised he doesn’t have to look around the frog.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 (diseased) - Stephen C. Wednesday April 27th, 2022 4:48:08 PM "Can you tell us what ails your master & how long it has been going on"?
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Wednesday April 27th, 2022 5:03:08 PM
Cory stayed in the background and listened.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+11=15 ; d20+2=13 ; d20=2 ; Wednesday April 27th, 2022 9:58:20 PM
Isaac concluded the same as Bennie that undeath afflicted the woman but with out a little more information he couldn't pinpoint the species of undead. The undead were numerous in size, shape and temperament. He backed up Bennie's claim to the sheriff.
Isaac asks the servant " Did she request anything strange over the last few days or maybe talk of nightmares? Can we take a look in her room? I want to see if she might have left any out of place if she hurried out in a rush last night.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Thursday April 28th, 2022 12:32:42 AM "I know Master Filler has retired for the evening, but I am a bit surprised he would not come down for news of having found Helen's body. When may we speak to him?
As for Benni, Snark will later reply, "Yeah. Come to think of it, it's probably the loggers that would be jumpy around an elf. As for the sorcerer thing, gnomes don't hold grudges. We just try to educate the larger races where it's needed."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Thursday April 28th, 2022 7:57:11 AM
Teddy, at Gore'Thums urging (well, his disapproving scowl), starts paying attention again. He's not surprised the husband doesn't want to come down and be interrogated but doesn't say so out loud. Instead he wonders, "Could she have seen something out the window that someone wanted to keep quiet?"
DM JamesM: Map - Mojo Filler's House Thursday April 28th, 2022 8:54:18 AM Benni repeated what he thought the butler had said so he had it straight in his mind.
Kristoph inquired about Mojo's health.
Cory listened and tried not to draw attention to herself.
Issac asked if Lady Helen made any strange requests these last few days and if they could see her room.
Snark asked to speak to Mojo and when he might be available.
Teddy asked "Could she have seen something out the window that someone wanted to keep quiet?"
They could hear people walking along the shellstone cobbles of the street outside through an open window. The fog was still rather heavy though and visibility terrible as only the diffused light from the lamps shone in the mist.
The butler chuckled at Benni's recount of what was said as he looked at the Sheriff. Sheriff Whip shrugged his shoulders but said nothing as his mouth was full. "I apologize." the butler continued. "I forgot that many of you are new to the area. Mojo is a local fisherman that's done well for himself with his discoveries. To that end he made friends with the Lord from Hook City. As a favor to that nobleman Helen came to live here, and I with her as well. Master Filler and Helen weren't wed, she was more of an adopted daughter if anything. She did sometimes see to the old man as a nurse of sorts, but there was no romantic relationship there. Helen lead a quiet life and the festival would have been a chance to stretch and try to reenter the social scene. She was terribly curious, but she didn't like crowds. If she left the ball it was probably because she needed to get some space. Yes, the needlepoint seemed to calm her nerves."
To Kristoph the butler answered. "What afflicts the Master is what we all have to look forward to. Age. He's become quite frail in recent years and sleeps often. He will be heartbroken when he hears of Helen as I think he'd planned to pass his fortune along to her rather than to his sons."
"Did she request anything strange? I don't recall any strange requests, other than wanting to go to the ball. That was quite uncharacteristic of her. She rarely left the house."
Seen something?" The butler repeated as he paused as if Teddy's question sparked an important memory. "I do recall that she was interested in Jack Lolly. Apparently the old pirate had taken some things of her fathers in years past. Perhaps that explains her presence on the docks?"
Her room is this way if you'd like to see it now."
Detect Magic Highlight to display spoiler: {This DM apologizes. The room is devoid of magic, though the lanterns by the street are in range and are magic. Otherwise, only the heroes own equipment registers.}
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 (diseased) - Stephen C. d20+8=21 ; d20+7=21 ; Thursday April 28th, 2022 12:01:39 PM
Kristoph bordered on paranoia sometimes, he'd found that it often saved his life or at least caused him to look into things deeper than most of his former watch colleagues did. It was when the Butler mentioned the sons his ears pricked up. "I think we need to rule out the fact that some sort of cursed item could have been found or deliberately placed here"! (OOC I Believe detect magic has already been cast but Kristoph performs his own check. Having seen how a simple spell can send the townsfolk muttering and superstitious - he will use the party as a distraction. Moving out of site of the butler and waiting till he is speaking. He will then examine the room and keeps the concentration going to search the ladies room too)
"Isaac, do you sense anything... ya know" He raises an eyebrow at the Paladin.
"I think we should also speak with the sons if that's possible, are they here"? He enquires of the butler.
---- (Sense motive & Perception - both; 27)
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Thursday April 28th, 2022 7:13:18 PM
"I'd like to tale a look at her needlepoint," Cory said. "Had an auntie who did it all the time. Made some interesting designs," Cory lied. She just wanted to see if anything weird had been expressed through the woman's hobby. It would be insensitive to ask to see if her hobby was "haunted."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Thursday April 28th, 2022 7:58:12 PM "Huh. So if Helen was the probable heir, well, removing her certainly changes things. How come the old man wanted to shaft his sons? What's his beef with them?"
Satisified that things in this main room are unlikely to have adversely affected Lady Helen, Snark is interested in seeing her room, careful to ask permission before poking into thing. He also uses detect magic as we go and in her room, and he will concentrate if there are any sources (Spellcraft +12).
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Thursday April 28th, 2022 10:33:58 PM
Isaac is surprised to hear the woman had sons "So the sons where they hers or did her husband have them from a previous marriage? Also can you tell us about them in more detail?" At Kristoph's question he responds "One second" and starts focusing trying to sense the precense of any evil.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=11 ; Friday April 29th, 2022 12:39:58 AM
Onesimos smiles at Snark’s bantering. ”Loggers and smaller races should be wary of elves; they might learn something.”
The talk, however, has turned more serious. Benni was hoping to not tell the house about Helen being dead… or undead… but the cats out of the bag now. With the offer of looking in the Lady’s room, Benni accepts and helps someone else search the room.
Aid Another Perception. +2
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday April 29th, 2022 7:49:19 AM
Teddy and Goer'Thum will take the offer of seeing her room and check out the window to see what she might have seen.
DM JamesM: Map - Helen's Rooms d100=32 Friday April 29th, 2022 9:18:27 AM Kristoph expressed concern about cursed items being in the place and asked Issac if he sensed anything.
Cory asked to see the woman's needlepoint. She hoped it wasn't haunted.
Snark asked about cutting the sons out of the will. He also used detect magic as he went about the house.
Issac continued to misunderstand the relationship of everyone involved. Maybe he was haunted.
Benni helped to search the room.
Teddy wanted to look out the windows.
"Master Filler isn't quite dead just yet." the butler reminded them. "But if I had to guess he's made his sons quite wealthy with the fishing business they operate. Whatever would have been left to Helen would have been enough to keep her comfortable without having to work. Of course you are welcome to return in the morning and ask Master Filler."
The butler lead the heroes out of the sitting room and up a flight of stairs until they were on the third floor of the manor house. On the back side of the building were the ladies rooms. There were two, one of them had a small couch, chair and a low table set between them. Frames hung upon the walls with examples of needlework and against the outside wall under a low window was a work table of sorts with Helen's current project laid out upon it. Beneath the table were several small hinged wooden boxes with crafting supplies, needle, thread, forms, and cloth.
On the table was a round form with a four leafed spirit woad plant arrangement depicted upon it. To those familiar with the craft it appeared she was working on some embroidery that might be put onto another bit of clothing. Next to that was a small book with a stylus set into it to mark a page. As they opened the book they could see a sketch of a sailing ship sitting in the harbor. The ships sails were missing as it rested there on the water beyond the wall of the town. Clearly written at the bottom of the page was "the black ghost". Other pages in the book seemed to be plans for needlework that you could see displayed in the frames on the wall.
Teddy looked out the windows and from the direction knew that on a clear day the entire harbor would be visible. At the moment though the darkness and the fog prevented anything from being seen other than the globes of light created by the towns lamps along the streets.
Elsewhere in the room were typical items that a lady might have as well as a few pieces of bright green lace that looked half made or nearly complete.
In Helen's bedroom was a large bed with a canopy and curtains to keep out the chill, a large armoire filled with dresses and assorted garments, a small chair, and a cold fireplace against one wall. The room was in order much like you'd expect from someone with servants all about. In fact a ladies maid had joined you halfway up to the room just to make certain you didn't disturb anything of importance. She stood by with her arms crossed looking on disapprovingly.
Detect Magic Highlight to display spoiler: {Nothing in the room detected as magic. It seemed that the lady had a fairly mundane existence.}
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=6 ; d20+11=15 ; Friday April 29th, 2022 11:17:35 PM
Isaac rolled his eyes at the dm's narration of his last action. "The black ghost? Did she have some sort of connection with this ship.?" Isaac tried to remember any stories local or from Hook Town about ghost ships. "Hey Snark do those books we picked up mention a Black ghost ship?" Know local (6) Know religion(15)
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Saturday April 30th, 2022 10:24:12 AM
Kristoph discreetly casts Detect Evil and checks the room, and as much of the house as he can.
If any of the house maids/butler try to block him - he politely reminds them that there has been a death and that the Sherrif engaged the parties services. He will not force entry into the master of the houses bedroom (unless he detects evil in there). He will spend the necessary rounds to activate all functions of the spell.
(Duration: up to 20 minutes)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday May 1st, 2022 3:47:02 AM
Onesimos looks about and takes note, but his mind is elsewhere. Helen was probably undead for almost a week before found. What has she done in that week? Who saw her? How did she act?
He thinks. The butler definitely saw her but saw nothing unusual. Father figure is long time resident and old-sick, probably not involved. The team needs to track down this boyfriend and the whereabouts of the two jilted sons. And the ship keeps popping up too…
He’s ready to leave for the night.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 d20=20 ; Sunday May 1st, 2022 5:16:15 PM
Teddy looks nervously at the disapproving maid, worried to do something that might make her angry. Gore'Thum doesn't care and takes a good look around (23 perception to spot anything of note)
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=13 ; Sunday May 1st, 2022 6:53:35 PM
Cory looked around to see if she could spot anything unusual or amiss.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Sunday May 1st, 2022 10:20:39 PM
Snark approaches the disapproving maid.
"I'm sure it's upsetting what happened to Helen, and that we're poking around her things. And I'm sorry we keeping you up late."
Snark puts two gold coins in the woman's hand.
"We're trying to make sure nothing happens to nobody else. Do you think there's anyone we should talk to, or anywhere else we can look?
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Monday May 2nd, 2022 5:06:57 PM
(Footnote: hoping Detect Evil works through walls)
DM Jon: Abbey's Away Monday May 2nd, 2022 6:44:55 PM OOC: Ok, I'm taking over from James for a bit, but, I need to figure out where we are and really what's going on as last week was super busy and I barely kept up posting in my CUlverwood game. I'll make a post here in an hour or less, once I figure out what's next.
Response to Kristoph's footnote: Detect Evil can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.
DM Jon: Abbey's Away Monday May 2nd, 2022 7:12:26 PM
While the party is working on gathering clues, Sherriff Bates yawns. "Sorry. It has been a long day. What say we retire for the night. We can pick this up in the morning, when we can see. I'll have a couple of the boys on hand if you need extra eyes. Besides, Master Filler may wish to talk to you about what you discovered once he has been informed by his staff."
Teddy, who has been looking out the window, can surmise that the Lady Helen would have had a grand view of the docks, port, and further out her window on a clear day. On a fogless night, her view would at least encompass the docks and parts of the city thanks to the lamps and household lights.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Monday May 2nd, 2022 9:00:28 PM
Isaac sighs not getting very far in the investigation was troubling however before he leaves he ask the butler "One last question sir where is the brothers fishing operation? We may need to talk to them." With the investigation brought to a pause for the night he heads to his room.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 12:22:27 AM
Onesimos takes that as a hint and tries to help others wrap up final questions before returning to the Tavern that serves most of them as sleeping quarters. ”Cory, come to the Tavern with us and I’m sure they will find you somewhere safe to sleep.”, he offers the bow-woman.
On the stairs out he asks the Sheriff a last question himself. “Could you have us come when you talk to Jack Lolly in the morning?”
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 2:00:24 AM
Snark will go with the othters to rest.
"You know Cori, Benni's right. Well, don't tell him I said that. But there are some rooms in the inn where we're staying. I bet you can stay there.
"Say, some of us have joined the Woldian League of Adventurers. You should think about it. My pap was in the League - it's a pretty good group. And you get a cool pin!"
The little gnome shows off his pin as he looks up at the woman.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 8:13:05 AM
Gore'Thum and Teddy are willing to take a break.
DM Jon: Filler's Manor Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 2:18:52 PM Before Leaving the Manor
Kristoph surreptitiously casts and uses Detect Evil to see if there is anything in the manor. While the maid and butler may not approve, they don't say anything about his actions. Except for not being able to see through the stone walls, Kristoph detects no "evil" within his line of sight.
The butler looks at Issac curiously, "The Master's sons own their own small fleets of ships that 'fish' along the coast from Hook City and further on past Heranmar. Like their father, they catch fish, and bring up items from the sea floor. They do have an office here at the Dock's but we rarely 'know' when they are in port, primarily by them showing up to visit their father, and ply him with stories and to show he and Helen items they have found."
When Snark slips Helen's maid a few gold pieces, she smiles at Snark, the first time she has done so since the group arrived. "I'll use these to purchase flowers for Mi'Lady." She then leans in a little closer, "I know you seek further information, but we just don't know. I will keep my wits about me, and if I hear anything I'll seek you out."
"Whip" looks at Benni and laughs, something he hasn't done in a few days. "Lad, Jack was the Captain of the Black Ghost. The God's only know when he drew his last breath. The lady's fascination with him, from what I know, comes from Jack's persistence in stealing items from her father and other's in the area, he was a pirate. That's why we put some guards on the Ghost. Even though there was naught but some items in Jack's cabin, we felt it prudent to keep nosy folks off the vessel until we can figure out what happened to it and the crew."
In the morning
After a rough night of sleep, as many of the party had weird/offputting dreams about their investigation, the mood in the Inn feels reserved. The exuberance from the Festival is gone, replaced again by people looking at each other warily, and several patrons can be seen openly wearing protective charms to ward off evil.
Breakfast is a collection of hand pies, some contain the leftover meats from the previous night, while others contain local fruits. Porridge heavily laced with cinnamon and honey is also provided as is fresh cold milk and hot tea.
OOC: If I missed anything from the manor let me know. I tried to go through and see what questions/thoughts y'all had posted prior to leaving with the Sherriff.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 2:59:33 PM
Onesimos doesn’t sleep well: the now-dead Captain of the Black Ghost was the romance interest of the now-dead/ was-undead Lady Helen? There has to be a connection!
In the morning, the elf gravitates to the porridge and fruit; perhaps getting something to stick to his ribs.
He also gravitates to his mates. ” I think we need a thorough going-Over for Magic and evil in The Manor and the Black Ghost. We can split in two or stay in a group. What are your thoughts? We are especially going to need scouting work on the boat, Cory.”
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday May 4th, 2022 8:01:44 AM
Teddy and Gore'Thum stay up late trying to figure out how to unshrink Gore'Thum. Judging from how they look in the morning they fail. For once Teddy is the grumpy and grouchy one, tired from lack of sleep and mad that his hard earned skills aren't up to the task. Gore'Thum seems to have adapted well enough, telling Teddy, "It will fade. Or it will not. I am not hurt. It will be fine." From Teddy's sour expression that's probably only the 30th time the frog has said something similar. If it had been the 50th Teddy might have audibly growled.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+2=16 ; d20+12=28 ; Wednesday May 4th, 2022 2:13:08 PM
(as for past actions, Snark did try to win over the disapproving maid with a couple gold pieces, hoping she might seek us out if she has any informaiton to share.)
Once back at the inn, Snark will pull out the magical dagger we found on Helen's body. He asks Teddy and Benni if they will assist. He also takes out his little bat and scratches her head. "Okay Luna, let's see if we can figure this out."
"Benni, if you can cast Touch of Good on me and the bat that'd help. And if both you and Teddy will attempt to assist we stand a better chance." (Both Benni and Teddy can assist with a 10 or better Spellcraft roll.)
(Snark will cast Detect Magic and then use Spellcraft. Snark rolls a 28. Luna the bat familiar rolls a 16 to assist, so +2. If Benni casts Touch of Good that makes the roll 31 and if Teddy and Benni make their assist roll it bumps up to 35! The DC to identify the properties of an item are 15+the item's caster level.)
Snark will as the innkeeper if a messsage can be sent to Olostim in the lighthouse - he would like to let the wizard know we found the journals he was looking for.
Finally, there were some history tomes. Snark will look them over and share with the others.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Wednesday May 4th, 2022 5:18:47 PM
Isaac thanks the butler for the information.
In the morning Isaac enjoys the porridge and hand pie breakfast. "If Cory is going to investigate the boat I'll come along. I want to go and investigate the brothers office and see if anyone is there when we go down to the docks."
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Wednesday May 4th, 2022 5:37:29 PM
Kristoph only has the Det evil outstanding
DM Jon: Filler's Manor Wednesday May 4th, 2022 8:55:30 PM At breakfast
Gore'Thum seems to have accepted his diagnosis of being "vertically challenged," while Teddy continues to not be happy with the situation
Issac, Benni, and the others seem to be eating to gain energy for their day
Snark asks about a message or messenger being sent to Olostim about the books they found. The Innkeep nods, and shoo's one of the older children out the door with a "Was about to send the lad with food for the Keeper anyways."
Snark then begins his examination of lady Helen's dagger. Though small in size (as it's sized for Helen's hands, not say an Orc's) the blade shines and is extremely sharp. The magic the item radiates is three fold, and all transmutation. Running his thumb over the dagger there are 3 depressions along the top of the hilt. Pressing the first one turns the dagger's blade into a key. The same thing happens when the second depression is pushed, but the key looks different. The last depression turns the blade into a small hand mirror. Pushing on the back of the hilt (like clicking a pen) causes the keys and mirror to return to dagger form. The dagger itself isn't enchanted like for use in combat.
While the party is learning about the dagger, Whip walks in with two guards. "Ah good. You're all still here and you still have the Lady's dagger. Her maid asked me about where it went. Now, were any of you out and around last night?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Thursday May 5th, 2022 8:35:09 AM "We weren't." Gore'Thum states, referring to himself and Teddy, though that may not be clear.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20=10 Thursday May 5th, 2022 11:01:15 AM
The elf attempts to aid another. (10+)
Onesimos is ready for a day of searching; meditating on spells that are best to discover and protect.
The guards coming in at an in-opportune moment makes the elf surprised, then his eyes narrow at the reference to the maid. ”Palm the dagger”, he hissed to the Luck Makers who probably have those abilities. And then he stands to put his body between the guards and the table. ”Why, no, the last we were out was with Sheriff Wiley, of which your boss could attest. Are we all ready to meet at guard house? Go go, don’t keep us waiting!”
……
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- destruct evil, detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Thursday May 5th, 2022 11:59:56 AM
The little wizard is startled that this Sherrif seems to know about the dagger. It was the previous night that Snark did his examination, so the dagger was not out in the morning. Perhaps this sherrif has spies or a magical means of surveilance. Snark doesn't trust him.
He narrows his eyes as he stares up at the man. Snark studied his spells for the day before coming down into the tavern's common room for breakfast, so he's ready to go. Snark will follow along with the others, but he watches the man carefully as we go.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Thursday May 5th, 2022 1:05:07 PM "No why do you ask sherrif? Did somethne else happen"
DM Jon: Filler's Manor Thursday May 5th, 2022 3:14:25 PM
Sighing loudly and shaking his head the Sherriff looks around the room, "Neighbors, can we have the room please. I'll pay for any drinks or food that get taken outside."
As the few townsfolk shuffle out, they shoot the party some serious dirty looks. Once the last person is out, one of the guards closes the door, and stands in front of it, now holding a loaded crossbow. The other has moved to the other side of the party and has taken a seat with his crossbow on a table.
Whip looks at the group, and sadly smiles, "The dagger's enchanted. The maid at the manor let me know it was missing from the body, and she was able to ascertain it was located here. I may have goofed with everything that happened yesterday, but the maid and Mojo would like the dagger returned."
Finding a random still full mug of ale, Whip takes a drink then looks over the party, "Two of my guardsmen were found dead this morning, by the men replacing them. Don't know when it happened, just overnight. There's some strange things afoot in my town, thus why the need to see where you all were. Superstitions and rumors are running aplenty, and I'm trying to head what I can off before trouble gets worse. Now, did any of you see or hear anything last night?"
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Thursday May 5th, 2022 5:01:40 PM
"No," Cory said.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Thursday May 5th, 2022 6:35:11 PM
Snark eyes the closed door and the two guards and their crossbows. He takes a step back, planting his little feet apart and readies an action to cast Obscuring Mist if either of the Guards raise thier crossbows to shoot.
"Typical. It ain't the first time I been bullied by you bigguns and I expect it won't be the last. Nice touch bein' the local law as well.
"So lemme get this straight. We're new to town. Since we been here we solved the murder of a beloved town figure, we apprehended a local crimelord, we returned the town's lucky fish, and we rescued your woad hunter, returning the woad the town needed in the process.
"Then you come to us because you local boys wanted help solving ol' Helen's murder.
"And now...NOW...you suspect us of killing your guards? You lock us in a room, and use crossbows to demand we turn over an item key to our investigation of this woman's death."
Then he spits on the floor in disgust.
"So, yeah. I got that dagger. And for now we need it - you'll get it when we're done with it. But like I said, you folk are bigger than me. So if you want to force me to give it up, I can't really stop you. But if you do, you can solve your own crimes."
Snark's not a big fan of being bullied. Having the town's folk shoot us dirty looks after all we've done was the cherry on top. He's about done with this place.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Thursday May 5th, 2022 11:25:17 PM
Isaac looked over at Snark and asks "Got it out of your system? I don't thinks he's accusing us of doing it Snark but you've seen the paranoia that most people here have. He has to cover his butt." Isaac turns to the sheriff Whip "Unfortunately for my self I didn't see or hear anything last night. After meeting you and going to the mansion of Filler I headed home and was in bed all night. If it's not to much trouble Sir we would like to request the dagger be left with us for now as Snark and others beleive it could help solve the mystery of her death. Also if it's not much trouble would you allow us to view the new bodies we might be able to find a connection between the murders. That is if we are allowed to continue the investigation."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday May 6th, 2022 7:08:01 AM
Gore'Thum sighs in exasperation. "Small one. You are being silly. No looting murder victims. Return it." The irony of Gore'Thum now barely being bigger then Snark seems to escape Gore'Thum. Teddy focuses on the more alarming news. "Oh no, guards murdered in the night? What if whoever did it comes after us next? We're investigating, we're targets!" He makes one of the motions the locals do to ward off bad luck that he picked up somewhere.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Friday May 6th, 2022 3:22:25 PM
Kristoph's eyes squint at the Sheriff: "I realise, like my companion says here that you have to cover your own... But really"? he indicates with a tilt of his head to the loaded weapons suddenly produced in their presence. "Do you not find it odd that the only thing they care about is the return of a dagger? Perhaps we should just withdraw from helping you if we are the suspects?
The fickle town - with it's suspicions and flimsy, whimsical attitudes was beginning to grate on him. He grinds his teeth and paces back and forth for a while. "No easy feat to ascertain where the dagger is so she's using some kind of magic? Her mistress is dead and all she cares about is getting the dagger back"!
DM Jon: Filler's Manor Friday May 6th, 2022 11:04:01 PM
Whip nods his head towards Issac, "Thank you lad. Now, yes Mr. Riverstone, I am sorry about the situation. However, we are a superstitious lot. Yes you have done some truly heroic things for our community. However, you are still "newcomers" and that still brings you to the forefront when anything ill occurs. The guards, their bodies, well, he finishes the ale, and then shivers, my lads look worse than Miss Helen did. Since you drug her out of the water and cast spells on her, even benign magics, prompted me to have to come to determine any foul play on your parts. Yes, the maid and Mojo were concerned about the dagger, not as a weapon, but for what doors it could open within the manor. And yes Mr. Morté, magic was used to ascertain the location of the dagger. I can understand if you wish to remove yourselves from the investigation, I will let those who were concerned about any role you might have played know the truth. If you no longer wish to help, I understand, but I will need the dagger back to return it to master Filler."
Sorry, edited this for grammar issues
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Saturday May 7th, 2022 1:01:43 AM
Isaac nods understandingly sometimes those in position needed to do things they themselves didn't agree with. Still this was a murder and with the two guards the total body count had increased to three. "I'll be ready to continue the investigation. If possible can we meet with Mr.Filler?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday May 7th, 2022 4:30:26 AM
Onesimos is quiet, quietly encouraging
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Saturday May 7th, 2022 3:52:41 PM
Since she was even more of a stranger, Cory tried her best to blend into the background.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Sunday May 8th, 2022 5:13:33 AM "You know Sheriff, it's still pretty odd that Helen's people only want the dagger and aren't even interested in solving her murder as far as we know.
"Since this dagger has to go back to Master Filler, let's do this. We will take the dagger back to the old man and give it to him. That'll give us a reason to talk to him directly about this. And we can also ask about the areas this dagger unlocks.
"So, shall we see these dead guards of yours before we go to the Filler place?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Sunday May 8th, 2022 10:50:09 PM
Teddy looks worried and tries to finish eating quickly so they can get moving.
DM Jon: Filler's Manor Monday May 9th, 2022 4:30:11 PM
The Sherriff smiles, "Thank you lad for understanding. Now my guards were down by the dock area, kind of close to where Lady Helen was found."
So a short walk finds you by the docks. The wind is moving the water around, and the air smells of the sea, fish, and bird poop. Stashed under a different dock, are two bodies.
KS: Religion - DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { These two guys look like they've been drained of their "essence" (bodily fluids and such. Again, you wrack your mind for what kind of creature might have caused this damage. }
KS: Religion - DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Although you search your mind for tales and instruction on the realm of undeath, all you can tell is that another creature somewhere caused this damage to these guards.}
Detect Evil Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a lingering aura about the guards, similar to what Lady Helen had around her. Clearly whatever happened to them invited evil into their souls, or was such a heinous act that it tainted them.}
The party does notice a group of fishermen kind of watching the proceedings ...
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+11=30 ; Monday May 9th, 2022 5:22:43 PM
Lacking any knowledge on the subject of religion, Snark casts Detect Magic. He checks the bodies, as well as the area around the bodies.
He also looks around. (Perception 30.)
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=12 ; Monday May 9th, 2022 11:48:22 PM
Cory also looked around, but her nervousness about being a stranger around a murder investigation kept her from giving the search her full attention.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+4=19 ; d20+4=19 ; Tuesday May 10th, 2022 5:12:23 AM "Ok well I understand"! it clearly took Kristoph effort to reign in his reaction to the party being placed under suspicion, but he manages.
At the bodies: (Know Religion:19)
"These poor guards look like they've been drained of their 'essence'." He has no idea behind that.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 d20=6 ; Tuesday May 10th, 2022 8:17:13 AM
Teddy does his best to examine the bodies (No religion, heal 13). He doesn't find out much. Gore'Thum motions for him to move aside for the others to try.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=15 ; d20=6 ; Tuesday May 10th, 2022 9:54:00 AM
Onesimos heads with the Sheriff to the scene, happy enough that the Sheriff at least seems to be on their side, which should, in turn, provide the Luck Makers some more legitimacy in town.
The elf makes a show of understanding the situation, but knows he's not much of a showman when he knows the effort is to deceive. He waits for Isaac to use his paladin ability, but if not, he casts Detect Evil himself. "Drained. Like Lady Helen. And a lingering evil. And here on the docks...
"Sheriff, were any of the bodies found on the Black Ghost also looking similar? It may be time for us to pay a visit to the ghost ship."
He looks about to his friends to see if they have other ideas...
......
Bluff 6 Know Religion 15
……
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
DM Jon: Filler's Manor Tuesday May 10th, 2022 2:23:07 PM
The Sherriff is more watching the fishermen than keeping an eye on the party.
Snark casts Detect Magic, but only picks up what magical items his friends have with them. Looking around himself, Snark does notice a few things - Perception Highlight to display spoiler: {You're within a 100' of the Black Ghost. It's a two-decked ship, though not in tip-top shape, you're savvy enough to discern that in it's prime she was fast. While looking around that the Ghost, you also realize that the sense of dread you have felt in several locations in the area can be felt, it's not full-blown, but you can tell somethings amiss. The fishermen are discussing whether they want to go out fishing today or not, as they are now concerned about their families}
Issaac shares his concern that maybe speaking with Filler might be "a good idea"
Kristoph determines that the "essence" of the guards has been drained.
Teddy and GoreThum realize that the bodies have been ravaged, and may have sustained damage to their chests and throats.
Being the new kid on the block, Cory just watches the proceedings and makes sure no one is trying to slip up behind them
Benni puts some pieces of the puzzle together and asks, about the bodies on the Black Ghost.
The Sherriff turns to look at Benni, "Lad there weren't no bodies on the Ghost. She floated into port on her own. Almost everything had been stripped from her. The items we found and removed were from the Captain's quarters. We put them in that small shack over there, which is one place these two were supposed to keep an eye on. Never know what someone might try to grab and sell. If you want, I can detail two of my men to go with you, more to keep the lookie-loos away..."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Tuesday May 10th, 2022 6:09:26 PM
Snark is disappointed the bodies hold no useful clues. He'll search them.
He's also a bit worried the sheriff seems uninterested.
The mage does notice a few things You know, Black Ghost has a couple deks, but it looks like she's in rough not in tip-top shape. Looks like she used to be fast."
While looking around the Ghost, we realize that the sense of dread we've felt in several locations in the area can be felt, it's not full-blown, and somethings amiss. The fishermen are discussing whether they want to go out fishing today or not, as they are now concerned about their families
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+11=18 ; Tuesday May 10th, 2022 9:44:48 PM
Isaac cast his gaze on the bodies "Whatever happened to them tainted the bodies a lingering presence surrounds the corpses reminds me of what happened to the Lady Helen. Same thing as what happened to the lady's body as well. The bodies are drained really feel like a undead but something isn't quite right."
When the sheriff mentions the Black ghost and items removed from the ship he asks "Was their a captain's journal?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday May 11th, 2022 7:37:46 AM
Gore'Thum is confused. "Ghost? Boat?" Teddy starts to clarify, but then frowns as he's also not sure about what the other's are talking about, all they've seen is the dock and the house. Perhaps something the others learned about while they were examining the lady's room.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 11th, 2022 10:29:55 AM CORY SUB
The half-elf keeps quiet and in the background, maybe only slightly more at ease when she realizes the guards are there to help the party, not hinder. Tentatively, she steps to the edge of the dock to look long and hard at the "Black Ghost" with her low-light vision, casing the ship out in case she needs to sneak aboard later...
Perception. Taking 20. 26
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 11th, 2022 10:37:50 AM
Onesimos is all attention about what the Sheriff found on the Black Ghost, but spends a little time bringing his friends up to speed. "Teddy, you remember. The "Black Ghost" was the name of the ship that came into harbor without any crew the day before we explored the Abbey out-buildings and met Cory. The same ship whose Captain was boyfriend with Lady Helen. And ever since his stuff has been in that shack, people have been killed and undeaded."
"I would love a couple guards to help keep people away while we check out that shack. And then get a launch to take us over to the "Black Ghost"." The last was a question/request/statement back to Sheriff Wiley.
……
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
DM Jon: Filler's Manor Wednesday May 11th, 2022 1:31:20 PM
Sherriff "Whip" turns at Issac's question, "Interestingly enough lad, there wasn't one. We cleaned the cabin out of everything but a few pieces of furniture, two that were bolted to the deck. All his clothing, weapons, personal belongings are what's in the shack. Master Filler looked them over, but nothing jumped out to him on what happened to the crew and jack."
Upon hearing Benni's comments, The sheriff rolled his eyes at yet another mention of Jack Lolly being romantically involved with Lady Helen. He wouldn't be surprised if the lady herself might come back to the land of the living just to slap the taste out of that elfs mouth. The sheriff tried again. "Any relationship Lady Helen had with Jack Lolly would have been between pirate and victim. Jack Lolly was a scoundrel and thief...way below the Ladies station."
Hearing the others, the Sherriff turns to the two guards, "Tom, Fred, you take these folks up on the Ghost. I'm gonna make sure that Gavin and George get their proper respects. We'll also get the folks at the temple to look them over before we start preparing them for burial. I'm not looking forward to telling their families about this. When the Luck Makers are finished here, take them on up to meet with Master Filler."
Perception checks still only reveal the fishermen all muttering about whether or not going out to fish today
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 11th, 2022 3:30:08 PM
Onesimos thanks Sheriff Whip, greets Tom and Fred, and has the guards open up the shack so the Luck Makers can look over the personal items. The elf detects Magic and then detects poison just in case.
Then he is ready for a short boat ride to the Black Ghost.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=14 ; Wednesday May 11th, 2022 3:31:49 PM CORY SUB
Cory flits around the shack, not looking at anything in particular, just anything that stands out as unusual for a ship’s captain.
Perception. 14
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+7=14 ; Wednesday May 11th, 2022 6:12:55 PM
Kristoph and the blue fire cat follow on looking around (perception:14)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=8 ; Wednesday May 11th, 2022 9:28:25 PM
Before Isaac leaves he asks the sheriff "Can you ask the priests something? It feels like to whatever is feeding might be leaving some sort of taint in the bodies. I'm worried that this taint might make them rise as something undead can you get the priests to make preparations incase they do rise?"
Perception:8
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Thursday May 12th, 2022 6:48:25 AM
Snark goes with the others.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Thursday May 12th, 2022 8:13:43 AM
Gore'Thum and Teddy head to the ship with the rest.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Thursday May 12th, 2022 11:21:13 AM
Kristoph will cast detect magic as he walks around the ship. (Discreetly casting).
The Black Ghost
DM Jon: The Ghost in the Shack Thursday May 12th, 2022 2:23:11 PM
Before the party heads to other locations, Issac asks Whip a question "Can you ask the priests something? It feels like to whatever is feeding might be leaving some sort of taint in the bodies. I'm worried that this taint might make them rise as something undead can you get the priests to make preparations incase they do rise?" Whip thinks for a moment, and then nods, "Once I give the bad news to some families, I'll go ask them myself. Good thinking there lad."
Moving on from the dead guards, Tom and Fred lead the party to a 20' x 20' x 10' shack. As a multipurpose building it has two main entrances, one a normal door which Tom unlocks. The other door essentially is a set of double doors that are the rest of the front wall. Fred walks over and shoves on them. When they barely move he smiles, "Yup, still locked." Turning to look at the party he continues, "The fishermen sometimes use this shed when they need to make repairs to their smaller craft, or as a space to clean and sort what they call "treasure" that has come up in their nets. It's got a crossbar on the inside."
Once the door is opened, the smell of fish, dampness, and must hits the party in the face. Arranged in a semi-circle is a collection of furniture, clothing, weapons, armor, and assorted nick-knacks that were probably dredged up off the bottom of the sea floor.
Several items are sitting on a work table of sorts, in the presence of Detect Magic these are the only items that glow:
Detect Magic/Know Arcana DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { There are 5 electrum tubes, each 3' long and maybe 3" in diameter. There is also a small wooden chest, about 2' long, 2' tall, and 1' wide. The last item is a lamp, which is much larger than the one found when you were out in the swamp. }
Detect Magic/Know Arcana DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { The electrum tubes and the wooden chest both radiate abjuration and universal magics. The lamp radiates universal, alteration, and evocation magics }
Detect Magic/Know Arcana DC 25: Highlight to display spoiler: { All three items have had a higher level magic user cast permanency on them. The tubes and chest appear to be proofed against the weather. The lamp appears to have several layers of magics cast on it as well as the permanency }
******************************************************************************************************** OOC - my bad, I should have read James' notes better, the Ghost isn't at the docks, it's moored off them about 100'
Fred sighs as the launch the party is in bumps up against the Black Ghost. "She's a two decked galley. It's been said that she was one of the fastest ships in the region. That's why Lady Helen and Master Filler both respected and hated Jack, he could swoop in, take what he wanted and be gone before his prey could catch up." Tom adds, "I heard that Jack would take her up rivers, attack villages and then escape easily. She had a crew of about twenty cutthroats who were after booty and treasure. Looks like she didn't escape her last venture."
Two guards look over the edge, one says, "Tom, Fred what are you lads doing out here, bring us lunch did you?"
Tom and Fred laugh, "No. Sherriff said to bring the Luck Makers out here to look the Ghost over for any clues, drop the ladder would ya."
A wood and rope ladder is dropped over the side of the boat. Once on the deck you can see that the ship has two masts and a flat deck with no aft or fore castle. The ship itself is forty feet long and with a rail port and starboard. It has no rigging or sails as they’ve been stripped but bits of rope lay about the deck in random locations. The deck also hasn’t been cleaned either and there is evidence of a fight in the aft section.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The deck of the Ghost has been neglected as well as the rail around the deck. The ship looks like it was in battle, lost, and left adrift for weeks or months as evidenced by the state of the remaining material on deck. Bits of entrails too small for the gulls to have cleaned up lay in cracks of the deck boards. }
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 o d20+12=15 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+7=11 ; Thursday May 12th, 2022 5:18:43 PM
(Knowledge Arcana 11, Perception 17)
(Are the electrium tubes sealed or just open tubes?)
Snark casts Detect Magic and looks over the items. "Well, I can see that these electium tubes are magic, and they're about as long as I am tall. I wonder what they're for? This small chest is magic, as is this big lamp. But I can't seem to tell what sorta magics. I wonder what's in the tubes or chest? Somebody wanna open 'em?'
Later aboard the Ghost, "The deck and the rail around it are in rough shape. The ship looks like it was in battle, lost, and was adrift for a spell - you can see that from the state of the remaining material on deck. Yech! looks like bits of entrails too small for the gulls to have cleaned up lay in cracks of the deck boards. Something bad happend aboard this vessel."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=10 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+9=16 ; Thursday May 12th, 2022 10:15:23 PM
Isaac on both the shack and the ship concentrates and tries to detect any evil auras. He looks over the armor and weapons trying to gauge if they had recently seen use looking for dents or odd marks. On the ship he asks the guards "Besides the sheriff other guards and us has anyone or anything come aboard the ship?"
Examining the weapons and armor: 10 Perception on the ship:14 Diplomacy to get the guards talking:16
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=25 ; d20+9=18 ; Friday May 13th, 2022 11:17:59 AM CORY SUB
The half-elf hops lightly on the deck of the ship and looks around. She shimmies up to the crows nest to see if there is anything up there, then slides down a backstay to the deck. Lightly padding around the galley, she looks for any locked doors. The Captain at least has to have a personal cabin...
She reports on anything she sees.
...... Acrobatics 25 Perception 18
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=16 ; Friday May 13th, 2022 11:29:45 AM
Onesimos is not as good with arcanic knowledge, and doesn't know more than Snark has already mentioned. "Rods are about that size, but five of the same type? Doesn't make sense. Yet. Go ahead and secure the building again, and don't let anyone in unless the Sheriff himself says so."
The elf sits uneasily on the boat, knowing how well he could swim in his metal armor...
Once on the Black Ghost, he listens to the others, and then takes his own study. "We know the recent deaths have had undead involved, and that at least for Lady Helen, she was probably dead for some days before anyone noticed. So, lets find out if the obvious is what is happening..."
The cleric moves to the center of the ship and casts Detect Undead, then slowly turns until he has scanned the entire ship and all four guards that are with the group. He should be able to find any direct or lingering Undead auras through up to three feet of wood; and so he is counting on no wood on a light, fast galley ship would be that thick...
Benni will call out whatever he finds, and continue to concentrate on found auras to identify the number and strength of each one.
............... Cast Detect Undead
……
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, *detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+7=23 ; Friday May 13th, 2022 3:40:58 PM
Perception:23
Kristoph looks around too.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday May 13th, 2022 7:55:22 PM
Teddy hesitates for a few moments before deciding to cast See Invisibility on himself. He isn't sure what else he can do to be helpful other hen follow along and try to notice anything hidden that way.
DM Jon: The Ghost in the Shack Friday May 13th, 2022 9:24:49 PM OOC - Sorry this is late, I'm working double shifts these last few days, through Saturday night
Shack Questions: The tubes hold charts and maps. Each tube can hold up to three "full sized" maps, so 3' wide by 5' long. The tubes have been permanently enchated to protect the items inside from water/fire/worm damage.
The wooden chest bears the same protective magics. Inside the box are the tools Jack used to navigate his ship - telescope, sextant, astrolabe, and a rough compass. Under all the tools is where his logbook/journal should have been, but it was missing once the priests cleared the chest to be opened.
The lamp bears an older enchantment that once attuned to one person will allow them to dampen or brighten the light inside. There is also an option to change the color to a pale golden yellow which can brighten heavy fog.
The maps and nautical items are currently under the charge of the Dockmaster.
The weapons and armor look like battle trophies - some look "standard" - human/elf/dwarf/orc stuff - there are a few pieces that look "non-standard" - and came from merfolk, and other underwater enemies
The nick-knacky stuff is art objects, shells, cool rocks, and glass floats that were plundered from ships, or dredged up off the bottom of the sea floor.
Isaac had asked about anyone, or thing, trying to get onto the ship, the simple answer is "NO". One of the guards does mention in passing that they thought the Dock Devil was messing around a few nights ago making scrathcing noises, but nothing ever happened.
Cory shimmies up to the Crow's Nest. A threadbare blanket, weather damage book of elvish poetry, and an empty bottle of grog greets her. Looking out and about she does see several fishermen heading out to fish, but they are sticking together in a group rather than heading off to different directions. Once back on deck the only two doors lead to the cargo hold/lower decks
Benni casts Detect Undead, but even after several rounds he detects no evidence of the presence of any undead
Cargo Deck
A ladder descends onto the cargo deck from the center of the main deck. The cargo area is three quarters the distance from bow to stern with a single door with three steps up to it from the main cargo deck. Down the center of the cargo deck there are dual columns bracing the main deck above. On each column post is an iron ring that could be used to tie down crates. The hull of the ship on the port and starboard side is dotted with windows that can be uncovered and oars put out to power the ship. No oars are present, but scars upon the wooden frames show that they were recently used
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Though old you spot claw marks on some of the column posts.}
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Blood stains cover the cargo deck floor. The age of the decking however made these stains almost impossible to detect but your sharp eye picked them out.}
Crew Quarters The door from the cargo hold opens to a short companionway with five doors, two to either side and one at the end. Three of these four doors open into empty state rooms large enough for a single bunk and simple desk built into the bulkhead. The fourth door opens into a galley with larder cabinets lining the walls. All of the cabinet doors have been ripped from their hinges and the larder empty
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Claw marks similar to those in the cargo hold are on the cabinet doors laying on the deck. }
Teddy's See Invisibility doesn't show anyone or thing that is invisible
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=10 ; d20+2=3 ; Friday May 13th, 2022 11:20:14 PM
Before Isaac begins investigating the ship he ask the two guards where they heard the scratching coming from. Isaac looks around the ship but doesn't see anything however he calls up "Where is the opening to the bilge at?" (bilge is the lowest part of the ship.)
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=29 ; Saturday May 14th, 2022 12:04:25 AM
"Lookit all those claw marks, " Cory said, looking around the cargo deck. "And is that blood on the floor over there?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20=12 ; Saturday May 14th, 2022 3:04:39 AM
Onesimos follows the others and can only nod at what Cory has found. The equipment didn’t make sense, the ripped larder doors didn’t make sense. ”why would a monster or monsters take everything of value, especially the log book, but not the expensive instruments? Why would they be so interested in food to rip off larder hinges but not doors?”
“Maybe some of the crew tried to hide in the larder? Maybe the log held a secret that the navigation instruments were useless without? It sounds like a treasure hunt where something wants to ensure the treasure is kept secret. So the log book and everyone who might have known is killed.”
“Let’s see if there are other clues or Secret Panels here, but then we need to find out why the two guards were killed. There must be something in the shack that is important and we missed it. And anyone in town that may know is in danger!”
……
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, *detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Saturday May 14th, 2022 11:52:17 AM
(Snark will Take 10 on both Perception checks, resulting in 22)
Snark will cast Detect Magic aboard The Ghost as he searchs. "There's blood and claw marks alright. And it looks like the same critter made them all. I wonder if they had some sorta shape shifter among 'em, and maybe that's why he hid the book."
He turns to the guards. "There's some bad things that happened here. Tell me, anyone else in town had any dealings with this ship or it's crew? Any place they hung out when they were in port? Did maybe a longboat from The Ghost come ashore with someone?"
Snark will help search for any secrect pannels or such aboard the ship. (Perception +12)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 d20+3=7 ; d4=3 ; d20+4=15 ; Sunday May 15th, 2022 6:34:45 PM
Teddy goes to the Cargo deck and notes the claw marks. Shivering, he huddles closer to Gore'Thum as he points them out. The smaller frog finds the clinging more annoying then it was when he was twice Teddy's size and shakes him off.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Monday May 16th, 2022 4:33:02 AM "What do we know about the history of this ship"?
DM Jon: The Ghost in the Shack Monday May 16th, 2022 1:03:40 PM
Prior to exploring the lower deck, Issac asked about access to the blige. One guard cocks his head and then responds, "The scratching could have come from there, but the ship was checked for any bodies. There's entrance from the Cargo deck, near the prow."
Snark asks the guards a few questions based on what he has seen so far: "Tell me, anyone else in town had any dealings with this ship or it's crew? Any place they hung out when they were in port? Did maybe a longboat from The Ghost come ashore with someone?"
Both guards look at Snark with serious expressions and then both burst out laughing, "Jack and his crew were cutthroats lad. They show up in our harbor, it's every man to the defense. The ship showed up with no one, alive or dead on board. We had to tow it to where it sits now."
History of the ship - Jack killed the previous owner and took the Ghost. For a good 10 to 15 years he sailed the local region, attacking ships and small communities with no provocation. He killed men, women, and children just for their belongings. Said tell, Jack kept a list of those who'd hurt him, or come after him and his men. Them folk, took a long time to die once 'Ol Jack got his hands on them
Enough of you have explored the claw marks to determine, that they are not anything you are familiar with, you can see that the distance the claw marks are from each other come from a medium size humanoid creature.
Jack's Cabin The 'main' guard, "This was the only cabin aboard ship with furniture." The Captain's room is spacious with a double bed, nightstand, oil lamp, foot locker, and floor mirror. The bedding is ripped and shredded. There is also a desk and chair that are attached to the floor. The mirror is also bolted to the floor.
Detect Magic Highlight to display spoiler: {The mirror has a moderate adjuration enchantment on it.}
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Monday May 16th, 2022 10:13:33 PM
Isaac calls out to the rest of the group "I'm gonna go down below, but I need someone to come with me. Also Snark can you cast light on my sword? I don't want to go down there without a light source." If someone comes with him he pops open the door to the bilge in climbs down.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=22 ; Tuesday May 17th, 2022 12:10:10 AM
Onesimos looks at the scene, trying to put pieces together here and there. Jack was a pirate, and an evil one at that, but had captured Lady Helen’s heart. Hiss bleeding was ripped but … no blood? He helps anyone looking at the bedding closer.
The elf thinks more than one light will be useful and goes with Isaac, a clerical Light spell cast on his buckler.
”I’m starting to see a pattern, but let’s look for more clues here and with Master Fisher. And I’ll want to consult with the Shrine of the Sea.”
……. Aid Another 22
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, *detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 7:36:49 AM
Teddy is glad someone is seeing a pattern because he isn't.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+12=14 ; Tuesday May 17th, 2022 8:51:06 AM
Snark will mention the abjuration magic oo the bolted down mirror, but he's unable to divine the function (spellcraft 14.)
In response to Isaac, “Benni's got a light. I didn't take that spell today, but I'll go with you and can bring up some lights if needed."
Snark will cast Dancing Lights if needed, which has the advantage of being able to be sent into the dark recesses of the hold.
DM Jon: The Ghost in the Shack Tuesday May 17th, 2022 3:07:35 PM
The party moves from the Captain's cabin and down to the cargo deck and then to the prow of the ship. The cover to the bilge is damp and wedged in, but Issac and Kristoph are able to free it. The smell of dead fish, stale water, damp, and must hits everyone in the face.
Snark sends his friendly lights into the bilge, and they easily light the space up. There's barely four feet of space in the bilge, enough to send a couple of guys down to check for holes periodically. Something catches the lights underwater, two somethings, and the party finds two dark glass bottles with waxed cork tops. The bottles are full of some kind of liquid.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 4:48:26 PM
Snark will cast Detect Magic in the hold, noting the result from the bottles and looking for any other sources of magic down in the hold. He looks around where the bottles are located before returing to the main deck with the others.
He works with Isaac and Benni to secret the bottles away before returning to the main deck with the guards. He says to Isaac and Benni, "What they don't know won't hurt them, but so far what they do know seems to be causing us trouble."
Once up on deck he says, "Well, should we go see the old man now?"
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Tuesday May 17th, 2022 5:18:54 PM "I hope it isn't a werewolf, I hate them". He doubts it is because of the undead connection. "Ghoul maybe..."? Just thinking out loud really.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Tuesday May 17th, 2022 7:26:47 PM
"Hope that's whiskey, " Cory muttered as the sealed bottles were recovered. "Man, it's rank. I could never be a sailor."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=13 ; Tuesday May 17th, 2022 10:05:20 PM
Isaac goes down and grabs the bottles he takes a moment to use his detect evil and see if their was any taint on them before passing them up to the others. He looks around the dark bilge trying to see anything down in the hot sweaty bottom of the ship. He calls up Snark "Send the light ball as far as you can don't need no surprises."
Perception 13
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 18th, 2022 12:24:09 AM
Onesimos agrees with Snark to hide the bottles, and with Cory to the olfactory state of the bilge in particular and sailors in general.
The elf kneels and talks to Teddy with only the Luck Makers to hear. ” Our clues are first, deaths did’nt start until the Black Ghost was towed in. Then, only people associated with the Black Ghost have been killed: the crew, Lady Helen the girlfriend, and the two guards at the shack. Finally, Jack was a treasure-hunter and all three death incidents happened around treasure.”
“Someone is looking for something Jack took but didn’t have anymore, and will kill to get it back or hide it to make sure no one else can get it. We find what it is and lay a trap, hopefully before anyone else gets dead.”
…… 0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, *detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 7:55:14 AM
Teddy is hit by a sudden thought. "We don't know Jack's dead, just that no one was on his ship. Maybe he's not dead but sneaking around town doing all this? Or maybe he is dead and a vampire or something." His voice becomes a little shrill as he starts to contemplate the various horrors Jack could be now.
Gore'Thum steps in. "Don't jump to conclusions. Stick with what we know for sure."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 18th, 2022 8:46:58 AM
Onesimos has a sudden insight. ”The dagger that turns into a Key. A key to something. We gotta get back to the Manor!”
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 18th, 2022 10:47:03 AM
Onesimos has a sudden insight. ”The dagger that turns into a Key. A key to something. We gotta get back to the Manor!”
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Wednesday May 18th, 2022 11:24:04 AM "Hmm yes I had wondered about that too. Didn't we have it? Or did it get given back"?
DM Jon: The Bilge and The Manor Wednesday May 18th, 2022 2:13:53 PM
After grabbing two bottles of liquid hidden under the water, Issac uses his ability to Detect Evil, and aided by Snark's Dancing Lights is able to determine that there is no evil in the bilge area.
Benni shares his suspicions: "The deaths didn't start until the Black Ghost was towed in. Then, only people associated with the Black Ghost have been killed: the crew, Lady Helen the girlfriend, and the two guards at the shack. Finally, Jack was a treasure-hunter and all three death incidents happened around treasure. Someone is looking for something Jack took but didn’t have anymore, and will kill to get it back or hide it to make sure no one else can get it. We find what it is and lay a trap, hopefully before anyone else gets dead.”
GoreThum offered some valuable advice: "Don't jump to conclusions. Stick with what we know for sure."
Benni and Kristoph remember that Lady Helen's dagger can turn into a key ... prompting them to hurry their friends up to go see Mojo.
Once back on deck, the guards both grin at each other, then one asks, "Find anything tasty in the bilge?" The other one shakes his head, "Ain't no one but us up here on this ship, the Harbormaster had her swept by priests from the Temple."
To make up for their jests, they let the party borrow one of the two boats tied off to the Ghost. A short boat ride and you group is back on the ground. Fred spots you as you come back and waves you over.
"Master Filler, he's asking about you folks, just came from his place looking for you."
Walking to the manor, Fred asks if, "You found anything on the Ghost? The Harbormaster and the Sherriff had us go over her pretty thoroughly."
Once at the front door, it opens to reveal the butler, who again seems unhappy that you all are there, "The Master is in his library, down the hall and to the left."
The directions lead to an open door, through which the party can see an older human man, leaning on what looks like a large leg bone. He is dressed in a fairly expensive outfit - boots and matching vest of black wyvern hide, slacks and shirt are silk. Once you all are there, he thumps his "bone" on the floor. "Saw you went to the Ghost, what did you think of her?"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+11=22 ; Wednesday May 18th, 2022 4:42:27 PM
Snark will say nothing about the bottles we found, answering the guards, "Yeah. That bilge is pretty nasty." He will use Prestidigation to clean himslef up, and offers the same to his friends. He will go with the others to see Master Filler.
As we go in, Snark keeps a sharp eye about (Perception 22.)
Once we are before the old man, the little gnome will bow low at his greeting. "Pleased to finally meet you Master Filler. Something nasty happened about that ship, but we don't know what. Now something is killing folk in town. Can you think of any sort of beast or undead creature that might have been brought in with that ship? Someting with claws maybe. And would you be so kind to show us where these keys go?"
Snark will pull out the dagger that we got off his dead ward.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 10:23:24 PM
Isaac feels uneasy leaving the ship. He thought their would be more information to glean from the ship but the besides the claw marks and bottles their seemed to be few clues the lack of any journal was especially frustrating. Be fore he leaves the ship he responds to the guards "Something like that."
Back on the land and in front of Mr. Filler Isaac awnsers the mans question with "Concerning. No bodies, no log, and nothing that indicates a more than a clawed creature." Isaac eyes the legbone cane and the clothes of black wyvern hide. "Were you once an adventurer?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+2=17 ; d20+10=30 ; Thursday May 19th, 2022 12:19:03 AM
Onesimos starts at the guards’ witticism, but then relaxes. Bilges smell bad and where else would you hide something you would want to smuggle? A sheepish grin and smelling like he does is answer enough to see his hands are empty.
The elf takes note of Fred’s words. ”There are only two hometown priests at the temple besides me and Kristoph, and we should visit them after Master Filler.”
Benni is a little uneasy in the Manor. He is unhappy how he smells while in rich surroundings too. He listens to Master Filler and decides to answer his question. ” The Black Ghost looks fast if not kept in the best shape the last few years. I wonder how much success Jack was having in his chosen tactics, since he was not taking care of the equipment of his livelihood.”
Not the best Diplomat, he watches the old human’s reaction carefully. Diplomacy. 17 Sense Motive 30!
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Thursday May 19th, 2022 8:16:45 AM
Gore'Thum lets the more verbose and eloquent ask the questions. Teddy gets nervous and hangs back.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Thursday May 19th, 2022 3:20:13 PM
Mojo turns around at Issac's question, "Aren't we all adventurers on the path of life lad? Sadly no, I was a fisherman, a lucky one, and grew my empire upon the sea and what was beneath her."
Mojo then turns to Benni, "Jack may not have kept her pristine, but he was smart enough to keep the valuable parts intact. And fast she was, swoop in like an eagle, grab her prey, and then off before anyone could catch her."
When Snark asks about being shown "where these keys go," a look of rage overcomes the old man, but it passes quickly. "No. And if all you want to do is try to steal from me and mine then the sentence will be quick and fast. I'll take that dagger back now. If you wanted nothing else than to through salt in an open wound, you should have given the damn thing to Whip when you talked to him last night!
Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The house is eerily quiet. Once the butler let the group in and pointed them on their way, he essentially vanished into the manor somewhere.}
Sense Motive DC 20:Highlight to display spoiler: {Mojo was pissed off when the group arrived, Snark just made it worse.}
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+11=19 ; d20+4=17 ; Thursday May 19th, 2022 4:56:05 PM
Snark was actually trying hard to be polite, so he is a bit taken aback by the man's angry reaction.
"Now, simmer down there Master Mojo. We didn't come into your house just to poke at ya. We wanted to return this dagger directly, both out of repect for your loss and to see if you can help us figure out what's going on. I'm sure sorry Helen died. Is there anything you can tell us about Helen that could help us figure out how she died?
"Oh, an' here's yer dagger back."
He hands the dagger back to the crotchety old man, and then digs out his pipe and starts packing it with tobacco.
(Perception 19, Sense Motive 17)
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+7=18 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+7=11 ; Thursday May 19th, 2022 6:12:07 PM
(Perception: missed by 2 and Sense Motive failed by 1)
Kristoph's brow furrows. "We mean you no disrespect but you do remember why we are here right? It's not to rob you... It's to discover who murdered the lady of the house" (diplomacy:11)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday May 20th, 2022 8:23:39 AM
Gore'Thum is amused at the outburst. Snark should have seen it coming after keeping the dagger. Teddy eeps slightly and tries to hide behind Gore'Thums leg like he used to but the frog is to small for that now. He awkwardly shuffles further over to be better hidden.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+2=7 ; d20+10=21 ; Friday May 20th, 2022 11:38:26 AM
Onesimos sees the anger in Master Filler’s countenance, but not why. He tries to sooth feathers and learn something more. ” The dagger is returned, sir, and none the worse for wear. Let anger recede, and look kindly upon us who are only seeking the benefit of your house. Anything you could tell us could assist…”
Diplomacy 7 Sense Motive 21
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=13 ; d20=1 ; Friday May 20th, 2022 6:35:04 PM
Isaac offers a few words "We're sorry for your loss sir and we ment no disrespect. We were simply trying to unravel the odd facts concerning the recent murders." Isaac decides to focus on the man himself and tries to detect any evil in his heart.
Isaac uses his detect evil sight.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Friday May 20th, 2022 6:56:42 PM Since she's not here ATM
Cory, who has been watching the proceedings, rushes to Mojo's side as her friends start talking him down. She eases him to his chair as the color drains from his face.
Mojo looks surprised at first, then his face softens as Snark hand shim the dagger. "Please forgive an old man his grief. Helen was like my daughter. In response to your earlier question, one key opens Helen's jewelry box. Nothing of Jack's was in it, and when asked she didn't want to look at his personal belongings for fear of seeing something she might recognize from the raids he performed. The other key is to this house. The dagger, well, every lady needs to be able to protect herself from harm."
Mojo listens to what Benni, Issac, and Kristoph have to say, "Yes, it is on Helen's account that I asked for you to come here. She didn't tell any of us she was heading to the docks that night. She had been visiting the tailor, they were working on refreshing some of Helen's dresses due to her losing some weight. That one shoe was missing or somewhere else, that seems to me that someone or thing took her unawares. Can you tell me what you have discovered so far, and maybe what you discovered on the Ghost."
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=16 ; d20+6=17 ; Friday May 20th, 2022 7:52:59 PM
"How long had she been losing weight?" Cory asked. "Was it a little or a lot?"
[Missed both perception and sense motive.]
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday May 21st, 2022 5:47:47 AM
Onesimos hesitates. He trusts Sheriff Wiley, but Master Filler is too close to the investigation to trust with what they have found. But on the other hand, the Luck Makers have no leads, just a big, frustrating mystery where they have had no opportunity to be heroic.
So, to have a chance at something different, even if it a monster stalking the Luck Makers; Benni tells the Master everything. Who died, what they found on the ship, and what they have deduced so far. He concludes, ” Anything you can add to give us a clue or direction Orr really anything other than blundering around would be helpful, Master Filler.”
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday May 21st, 2022 6:00:07 AM
Onesimos hesitates. He trusts Sheriff Wiley, but Master Filler is too close to the investigation to trust with what they have found. But on the other hand, the Luck Makers have no leads, just a big, frustrating mystery where they have had no opportunity to be heroic.
So, to have a chance at something different, even if it a monster stalking the Luck Makers; Benni tells the Master everything. Who died, what they found on the ship, and what they have deduced so far. He concludes, ” Anything you can add to give us a clue or direction Orr really anything other than blundering around would be helpful, Master Filler.”
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Saturday May 21st, 2022 11:37:16 AM
Snark listens, interested to hear the man's response.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Sunday May 22nd, 2022 3:46:34 PM "Hmmm, we should probably visit the tailor"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Monday May 23rd, 2022 8:41:02 AM
As Benni tells the story Gore'Thum adds in his own blunt comments and reminders of details.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Monday May 23rd, 2022 1:19:25 PM
The old man listens to the Luck Makers tale. Turning to Cory first he responds, "She'd not lost enough weight to account for her dying, I didn't really even notice, but her maid said she needed some dresses taken in to fit Helen better."
Looking to Benni he adds, "Jack might have been a wiley old pirate, but he was also keen on what loot to keep and what to sell. From what you're describing it sounds like he got in over his head with something. Either something wanted it back, or, and I'm loathe to say this, it turned him and his crew against each other in some evil manner. I know the priests went through his belongings and what was on the ship but no mention was made about evil items, otherwise they would have taken those items to the temple to protect the community. The Harbormaster and I looked over Jack's maps, but without his log, who knows where he may have picked something up." He looks out his window for a moment and then adds, "If you want to look into Helen's room, I can have her maid come take you up there. I haven't done anything with her belongings, its too soon. Take the dagger with you. There's an armoire in her room. Inside is her collection of jewelry."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday May 23rd, 2022 2:17:16 PM
Onesimos nods along with Master Filler’s thoughts, and thankful that the old man has given them a couple leads!
”Got in over his head, yes, that marches with my thoughts, too. I think another, more careful look at Lady Helen’s room with the dagger is a very good idea, and then to the Shrine of the Sea.”
“And we are looking for three things: information on a monster, a thing or information worth killing for, and the log book. “
“Snark, maybe the logbook has been magically hidden by abjuration, illusion, or transmutation. When we detect Magic, we should be very interested in those types of magical emanations.”
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Monday May 23rd, 2022 2:55:09 PM
Blusinda curls up outside... Her blue flames dimming
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Monday May 23rd, 2022 11:31:58 PM
"Let's not discount an entirely secular explanation," Cory said. "Sometimes, tales of ghosts are just rich people trying to scare folks away so they can get even richer. But then, I'm a cynic."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 7:36:25 AM
Snark will check out everything allowed with the dagger, using Detect Magic as we go.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 8:35:54 AM
Gore'Thum and Teddy have already checked the room (I thought?) but obviously couldn't get into the armoire without the key so want to check to see if anything is missing.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Tuesday May 24th, 2022 12:25:49 PM
Lady Helen's maid is summoned, and she walks the group up to Lady Helen's suite of rooms. Stopping at the door the maid says, "No one has been in here since Mi'Lady died. Please do not sully her good name by fabricating stories." She then opens the door. Lady Helen's suite of rooms, though small, is nicely outfitted. Her bed is goose down, and the quilts thick and colorful. Fresh flowers that are beginning to wilt are located around the room in small vases. Several windows, including the one Teddy, looked out earlier, provide sweeping views of the harbor and countryside. The smaller of the two other rooms is a bathing room. A large pot-bellied stove sits in one corner, whilst a long, hand-carved wooden bathing tub sits along the opposite wall. This room smells of soap and cleanness. The other room is Helen's dressing room. OOC: Essentially it's a 10'x10'x15' walk-in closet with racks of clothes, a cushioned bench to sit on, and a large wooden armoire against the back wall.
Snark, who was given the key back, triggers the keys and finds it's the second one that unlocks the piece of furniture. Inside are several pieces of jewelry on display (matched sets of earrings, necklaces, and rings). There is also a handpainted portrait of a hard-looking man. Two bustier/girdles are hanging on the back of the door. There are a dozen small drawers that can be pulled out. Each contains either rings, earrings, necklaces, or makeup, all neatly placed and stored. Laying together in one drawer are two stilettos; both have ornate sheaths. The maid sees them and sighs, " The Lady rarely took them anywhere. Her father gave them to her as protection when out at functions. They were both discreet and deadly." Other than the lock, nothing within glows with magic or detects as evil.
Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice several pieces of folded-up paper poking out from the side of the drawer. The first is a half-page list of items, dresses, and outfits that "need to be taken in. My diet is working." The second, a full page of paper carefully folded, opens to reveal a simple statement, "The Ghost sailed into the harbor today. Initially, my heart sank for fear we were Jack's next victims. When I found out that the Ghost truly was a ghost ship I was saddened. I so dearly wanted to exact revenge for all the ills Jack had done to my family and others. I did go look at what items had been brought to shore, but I saw nothing of the items I know that lowlife had taken from my family. I hope that the Ghost doesn't bring us ill times as she has for so many other communities." }
Appraise DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The value of the jewelry in the armoire has two figures - just metal and stones about 10K. Sold as sets with a history, or even knowledge of the makers could raise that to 15, to 20k. Several of the pieces looks antique, and unique, no doubt something dredged or traded for from the deeps.}
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+8=16 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 12:43:32 PM
Kristoph casts guidance on himself and looks aeound offering an assist (Perception:16)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=7 ; d20+1=5 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 2:48:40 PM
Onesimos looks to his friends, hoping they will find something because the cleric can’t.
He studies the picture portrait, confirming with the maid that it is the likeness of Jack.
”we are attempting to protect the Lady’s legacy and the community, Miss. No wild tales.” he promises.
Perception 7 Appraise. 5
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=22 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 8:03:05 PM
Isaac finished with looking over the items for any taint of evil turns his attention to the dresser and spots something sticking out of the side of the drawer he pulls it out and it is a few sheets of paper. He looks them over the first being a list of items, dresses, and outfits in the late lady's hand writing. The list seem to be clothes to be altered and she notes that her diet (whatever it is) is working. The second page is more interesting The second, a full page of paper carefully folded, and opens to reveal a simple statement, "The Ghost sailed into the harbor today. Initially, my heart sank for fear we were Jack's next victims. When I found out that the Ghost truly was a ghost ship I was saddened. I so dearly wanted to exact revenge for all the ills Jack had done to my family and others. I did go look at what items had been brought to shore, but I saw nothing of the items I know that lowlife had taken from my family. I hope that the Ghost doesn't bring us ill times as she has for so many other communities." Isaac shows the papers to the others and asks the maid "She was on some sort of diet what exactly was it?"
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=12 ; d20+2=8 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 10:57:51 PM
Cory glanced around but didn't really see anything of interest. She did have a follow up question for the maid. "Do you know why she wanted to lose weight?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:11:44 AM
Gore'Thum rolls his eyes. "Human females often desire this. Strange creatures."
Teddy instead focuses on another point in the message. "She saw what was on the ghost. Perhaps that's the link? Did the sheriff say they checked for cursed items?"
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:33:02 AM "As my colleague says we are looking to solve the murder. We have no interest in sullying the good people of Heranmar's names or reputations"! Kristoph reasures the maid.
"Do you know who this is"? he asks. He has a suspicion.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Wednesday May 25th, 2022 3:03:27 PM
Benni and Kristoph ask about the painting of the man, the maid gets a stony look on her face at the mention of it possibly being Jack, "That's her father. Her mother died young, and Helen was raised by her father. Why do you keep trying to associate mi'Lady with that pirate!"
When Cory asks about "the diet," the maid looks at her and sadly smiles, "Not all of us have the beauty of youth dear. As we get older and began to think about our past, remembering what we used to look like can make us want to change our appearance. Of course, she may also have a suitor as someone had a beautiful flower arrangement delivered during the celebration. If she did, she held that person's name close to her heart."
The maid looks out the window and nods at Teddy, "That was her favorite view. Although she arrived during the night, with the amount of lights we keep at the docks, Mi'lady knew it was the Ghost that's arrived. She had me wake Master Filler, who had us send a serving boy to go investigate. As to what all they searched for, I know not. I do know what the Temple, the Harbormaster, and the Sherriff all sent men aboard to search it. If there were any cursed or evil items they would have been taken to the Temple."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 25th, 2022 4:08:12 PM
Onesimos spreads his hands placatingly. ”That was the rumor given us, and we are but following leads to where they go. Why would others think she was interested? That letter is fair indication Lady Helen loathed Jack, so it is curious.”
“We need the name of the errand boy and to speak with him.”
“And vanity isn’t to women alone. One has to love themselves, or many obsessions can bear dark fruit.”
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Wednesday May 25th, 2022 4:21:32 PM
"I find it quite sad that she felt the need to change herself to please another," Cory said. "The flowers, any idea where they came from? Perhaps we can track down this mystery suitor, assuming he isn't an avid gardener."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 6:00:48 PM
Snark thinks to himslef, Hmmm. This maid seems to not be aware of the fact that we were just in this room last night.
Still, he looks around to see if anything has changed from before. He notices papers Isaac reads, and pulls himself up to see if any were missed. (Take 10 on Perception = 21).
He casts Detect Magic as he did before in these rooms to see if anything was missed, as we did not have the dagger before. He activates the other key in the dagger to see what it may open, and he activates the mirror in the dagger, looking at the room in the dagger mirror's reflection to see if that allows anything new to be seen.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:12:17 PM
the little gnome runs his fingers through his sky blue hair, and he holds his pipe. He's waiting until we're outside to light it.
Assuming we don't find anything new or any different places to explore in this house, he says, "So, I guess we oughta go see the folks in that temple to see what kinda stuff they're holding."
(I'm at a bit of a loss about where else to go from here. Seems we're no closer to finding out how or why Helen died. Am I missing something?)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=19 ; Wednesday May 25th, 2022 11:18:09 PM
Isaac thanks the maid for the information "Thank you for your help and letting us search. Is the flower arrangement still around or was it thrown out?" If the flower arrangement is still around Isaac looks it over to see if their is anything odd about it and then Leaves with the other to go to the temple.
Perception: 19
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Thursday May 26th, 2022 8:09:05 AM
Teddy and Gore'Thum agree the temple is likely the next place to go.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Thursday May 26th, 2022 12:00:05 PM
The maid looks at the flower arrangement, "Rudy, the errand boy brought them in. He told us that a man had stopped him and asked him to do so. Rudy didn't know the man, but did say the way he walked marked him as a seaman. Rudy should be downstairs working on his chores, unless Master FIller sent him somewhere."
Turning to Cory she smiles, "It wasn't a need to want to change. I think it's been a long time since anyone had shown interest in Mi'lady, and she remembered how she looked when she was younger. She went to eating salads, fruits and vegetables, fish, and cheeses. She stopped eating bread, pastries, and most other meats."
Snark plays with the dagger. The armoire/jewelrt key goes away and another key appears. The maid nods, "That's to the front and back doors. Master Filler had them enchanted to keep thieves out of his home." Snark then changes from key to mirror. After looking to make sure his outfit looked spiffy, he used the mirror to look around the room. Hedoes notice something under Helen's pillow. Moving the pillow he finds a small book. It's a work of fiction and fact about ships and the sea. Several pages are earmarked, mostly the beginnings of story's. One that looks the most read has notes written on the edges, and appears to be related to her father's exploits. Nothing else in the room glows with magic.
Issac asks about the flower arrangement. The maid looks at him, then replies, "It is downstairs next to Mi'lady's favorite chair. Some of the flowers are beginning to show signs of wilting, while others still look fresh. It has a pleasant smell."
Downstairs: Rudy is found in the kitchen cleaning pots and pans. Though clearly not happy with this chore, he relates what he knows. The man with the flowers was a stranger to me. He had a kind face, and a sailors walk. He wasn't dressed like a sailor, but wore nicer clothes. That night when Master Filler sent me to the docks, a guard stopped me. I told him what Lady Helen had seen, and he said he'd tell the Sherriff. They were looking for the Dock Devil, as it had been messing about with some of the fishing boats."
The flower arrangement is interesting. It is a mix of local flowers, with some added from the swamp, which are the ones that are still fresh and fragrant (magnolia flowers, swamp lilies, and sprigs of honeysuckle). The vase they are in looks like an antique. It is handblown glass, and works like a prism adding colored lights to the room. Nothing about it other than the flowers stand out, as someone had to visit the swamp to gather the flowers.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Thursday May 26th, 2022 6:59:45 PM "Are any of the flowers corrupted like the woad"?
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Thursday May 26th, 2022 8:59:36 PM
Snark quietly waits to go to the temple.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:06:23 PM
"Well," Cory said, "I'm fresh outta ideas."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:18:58 PM
Onesimos questions young Ruby, and thanks the lad for what he knows. He is interested in the swampy flowers and the stranger, but looks outside at the sky to determine how late it is in the day. He would like to check with the Chapel of the Sea, but has lost track of time.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Thursday May 26th, 2022 10:18:47 PM OOC: I'm gonna throw this on here so we can move things ahead a little bit
Rudy thanks the adventurers for all they have done. He seems impressed by your clothes, and weapons, and that you don't have to wash pots and pans for a living.
None of the flowers are tainted, but you do realize that buried amongst the lilies and magnolias are some of the white woad flowers.
By this point it is late afternoon, around 3pm. It's been a long time since breakfast. The Temple is a good 15 to 20 minute walk or so from here.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Thursday May 26th, 2022 10:47:21 PM
Isaac is interested in the woad. He asks Rudy a bit more about the man did he have a beard and what color was his hair. If no o e has any objections Isaac will make his way to the church.
(Ooc: arn't woad flowere green?or at least healthy ones)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Friday May 27th, 2022 12:23:22 AM
Snark slips Rudy two silver pieces. "You seen like a good kid. Let us know if you see anything suspicious."
He goes with the others to the temple.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday May 27th, 2022 8:11:15 AM
Teddy and Gore'Thum are ready to move on.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday May 27th, 2022 9:03:11 AM
Onesimos is feeling a bit fatigued from all the searching, asking, and no food. He suggests a detour to the tavern for a fortifying repast.
And then goes there for a luncheon/supper.
DM Jon: Investigating Belly Buttons and Temples Friday May 27th, 2022 6:29:30 PM
Rudy comments that the, "Woad flowers are white. We mix them with colors to make them green, it's part of the celebration that us kids don't get to help with. The man. He had a sailors walk, reddish-blonde hait and beard. Both were cut good, not messy like most sailors. His clothes were normal, not as impressive as yours. He caught me on my way back from the docks. Asked me to give these to Lady Helen. I've never seen him before, but her face was all smiles when I gave them to her. Not sure if he's new in town, or was just passing through on a ship."
The tavern. The smell of fresh baked rolls seeps out from the establishment as you approach. Lunch is a thick and hearty stew, consisting of local root vegetables with bits and pieces of last night's pheasant and deer. There is cheese to eat with the rolls that were baked. For the few that don't eat meat they have the same thing, but meatless, and with more mushrooms and onions.
After eating your fill, the temple awaits.
OOC: This is new to me as a location, so I'm including the description James gave me
The Sanctuary of the Sea chapel. Within this hexagonal temple is a central area open to the sky on the top and to the north. Within are 5 identical alcoves. Most of these at any time are dedicated to one of the powers that are currently in favor, or perhaps currently feared. At the rear of the temple, under the open sky, is the Gift Wall, where one can place gifts and various items of superstition to the gods ‘in general.’ An inscription there says, “To the powers of past and future. May they be kind to us.” The only two gods that have ever had an alcove in the chapel are Serenbeth and Wardd.
Today must be momentous, for as the group approaches two figures are standing close to the Gift Wall. One is an older Liontaur, easily recognized as Reshakka, the Keeper of the Temple. Standing with him is the First Daughter of the Crones. She used to be a council member, but now provides information on the future of the region. Their conversation stops when they realize they have guests.
Perception Check DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {They are talking about recent events. Reshakka was relating to The First Daughter that "Nothing cursed or evil was found aboard or in the items brought to land." The First Daughters response was cut off as y'all approached.}
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=27 ; Friday May 27th, 2022 7:45:43 PM
Cory took note of the overhead conversation. At least that was a positive. She quietly whispered to her companions, "they didn't find anything cursed."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=14 ; Saturday May 28th, 2022 3:06:00 PM
Onesimos notes the description of the ‘sailor-that-doesn’t-act-like-a-sailor’ for the future, and has a well-earned luncheon of pheasant stew and fresh rolls.
Approaching the Sanctuary of the Sea with his friends, he doesn’t catch any by-play, but breaks into a smile at seeing old Reshakka. He gives a bow to the elderly liontaur, ”Good to see you again, Senior. Do you and the First Daughter have time to speak with us and share what we have each learned of the mysterious murders for the last two nights?” ….. Ooc: Onesimos has met Reshakka when first arrived, has helped care for the Santurary, and told parables every day not on adventure, but he has not participated in any ceremonies nor asked to add a shrine for Flower.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+7=17 ; d20+8=25 ; Sunday May 29th, 2022 5:06:50 AM
Kristoph also notes the description of the ‘sailor-that-doesn’t-act-like-a-sailor’. After a wonderful breakfast when the party approaches Reshakka and the First Daughter of the Crones (Perception:17) - he overhears their conversation and nods in agreement when Cory comments.
He bows and greets them. As the storys unfold Kristoph studies the two to see if any reactions hint that they may know more. (Sense Motive:25)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=7 ; Sunday May 29th, 2022 9:42:42 PM
Isaac starting to feel hungry decides that the church can wait and eats with the others.
Arriving at the temple Isaac smiles at Reshakka he was familiar with the older Liontaur having spoken to him extensively when he first got to Heranmar. He had heard of the First Daughter but have never meet her. "Afternoon Reshakka and I'm sorry we haven't been introduced I only know your title First Daughter right? I was hoping we could talk for a bit if your not busy."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Monday May 30th, 2022 8:42:02 AM
Gore'Thum and Teddy have been here before. At the time there was no warper Sarr dedication but it's been a few weeks so maybe they've updated. If there is then they will take a moment to pay tribute to their god. If not then Gore'Thum will look a little disappointed and they'll start paying attention again.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+11=18 ; Monday May 30th, 2022 1:13:41 PM
Snark enjoys some breakfast with the others.
Before leaving for the temple, he will light his pipe and puff on it on the way over. Once at the open-air temple, he lets the religious folk do the talking here. He overhears the comment about no cursed items, but waits to see how others handle this.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Monday May 30th, 2022 1:50:05 PM
Blusinda takes up her place in the inns fire place for the morning.
DM Jon: Investigating Belly Buttons and Temples Monday May 30th, 2022 1:51:01 PM
Reshakka smiles and opens his arms wide, "All are welcome here. A shrine to Flower has not been decided upon yet young Benni, he slides his head around to acknowledge GoreThum and Teddy, There is not a shrine to your God either my friends. Although there is a spot that all three of you may use to pray if you wish."
Turning to the First Daughter, he nods, "We are perplexed by recent events. Any deaths in our community are taken seriously, but these, there is no rhyme nor reason behind the slayings."
The First Daughter starts mumbling under her breath, then the party watches as her eyes turn milky white, "Death came in on the tide, unannounced, and we unprepared. With the night it moves, hungry for sustenance, ever seeking, never satisfied." Reshakka catches her arm as she stumbles forward, shaking her head. "I am sorry, but my visions come when they may. I do not know what they portend, nor what I have relayed, but they come with a purpose."
Reshakka, while holding onto the First Daughter's arm for support looks to the Luck makers. "I know that the Sherriff came here asking questions. We gave him what insight we had. We searched Jack's ship and the items removed from it thoroughly. We found nothing that was evil, nor that served as a vessel for such evil that has come upon us. I understand that you have viewed the bodies of those slain and that they have died horrifically. Unfortunately, they were buried as quickly as possible in hallowed ground and with prayers to ensure that they did not rise as undead, so we were unable to spend much time examining them. I can tell you that in all my years, I have never encountered any being that can do that kind of damage any not leave a trail."
The First Daughter looks at the party, and sighs, "I assisted with the investigation, as requested, but found nothing more to share."
Reshakka releases First Daughter's arm once she is able to stand on her own, "Now I am sure you have questions, or perhaps your own insights to share, please speak..."
Sense Motive DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {First Daughter knows something, but appears unwilling to discuss it. Reshakka seems to have offered all the information he has}
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20=17 ; d20+11=12 ; Monday May 30th, 2022 8:14:07 PM
Isaac asks the Party "Did we ever open the bottles we found on the ship? What are they?"
To Reshakka he tries to describe every thing they found "Let's see on the boat we found claw marks and bloodstains but no bodies, weirdly the hinges on cabinets the doors were torn off and the Larder was empty. Found two bottles of something in the bilge. The bodies on land we can tell they were drained of body fluids and tainted them somehow. That makes me real nervous." "As for speculation well I think it might be undead and with The First Daughter's vision makes me think its hunting and will target other small groups of people out at night. As to how it got on land well maybe invisibility or some sort of transformation magic. Can certain undead change their shape?
(Isaac trying to remember any shape changing undead:12 rolled a 1 :( )
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+6=22 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2022 12:34:26 AM
"Ma'am," Cory said quietly to Daughter Number One, "There are lives at stake. If there's anything that might help us, please, speak. We want only to help."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday May 31st, 2022 1:02:37 AM
Onesimos again politely declines worshipping in the Sanctuary: love isn’t kept inside a building but among the community. But the elf knows Rekkasha’s memory isn’t the best, and smiles. ”I have not yet asked, Senior. It is not for me but the community to decide.”
“To add to Sheriff Wiley and Isaac, the Black Ghost, Lady Helen, and the guards were all at the dock. You saw the bodies and wounds. We noted that only the log book was missing from the Captain’s room on the boat, and there was no blood although a great deal of destruction. And that, so far at least, the people killed have all touched treasure that was once the possession of Jack.”
“Can you see if the danger is only on the tide and hungry, or is there something it seeks?
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+4=9 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=21 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2022 2:31:20 AM
Snark perks up at Isaac's mention of the found bottles.
"Heh, good thinkin' Isaac. Yeah, we found these bottles. This seems like as good a place as any to check 'em out. Isaac awready said they ain't evil."
Snark will cast Detect Magic and try to identify the contents. (DC to identify is 15 plus the items caster level. Snark rolled 15 and 21 for the two bottles.
If his divinations don't yield anything, he will uncork one and sniff and perhaps taste it, and then the other depending on what he finds with the first.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 7:28:19 AM
Teddy listens to the prophecy or whatever and frowns. "Maybe the deaths have nothing to do with the ship? Some aquatic monster may just happen to be killing people on the docks at night." Gore'Thum grunts. "Camp docks. Find threat. Easy solution." he opines. Teddy looks horrified at the suggestion. "Do we have to? Isn't that the guards job? The guards... who died. Oh no."
DM James: Getting Late d100=83 ; d100=89 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2022 11:54:58 AM
DM James: DM Switch a day early.
"Well. It was great speaking with you again, but I must really be going. I've a service to attend in a nearby village in the morning and will need to get an early start." The old liontaur grumbled as he departed.
First daughter made her apologies as well. "I find myself suddenly fatigued. If you wish to speak more tomorrow come to the tradehouse, I have a stall on the second floor. " she said as she too departed.
Like most nights here the streets were choked with fog as the heroes made their way back to the Blue Cat tavern where they found Sheriff Whip waiting for them."I've set a patrol on the docks and through the town, but it's going to be hard policing the streets with all that fog. I've encouraged the townsfolk to stay inside tonight, those I've seen, but we'll need to tell others in the morning. In the meantime it's probably best you stay in as well, just to avoid any confusion until we can work out the logistics. Fortunately everything seems to have settled down at least."
The next morning came quickly and with it so to did the morning fog. Any warning to stay inside however must have expired with the sunrise as the Blue Cat was full of fishermen getting ready to start their day. The familiar buzz in the place was full of conversation.
"Poor Lady Helen. Just when she was getting out for the first time in months." "I hear someone had summoned a priest of Gargul to raise her from the dead." "No. Talk to her, they's said." "Who said?" "My cousin Jimbo." "Your cousin...what does he know about it?" "I don't know." "You and your cousin. You said Spirit Woad cured the pox too. I spent two gold and it didn't work. I still have the pox." "Wait..." "Someone saw something walking on the deck of the Ghost last night?" "Really? Your cousin Jimbo?" "Naw. Me aunt June." "How'd she see anythin' through that soup?" "She has a magic eye. Seen Waldo too." "You said Jimbo had a magic foot too." "He does. It never gets wet." "Just one?" "Yeah." "Well, that's a useless gift."
Other topics range from fishing holes to areas with sandbars to avoid. Quite a few of them have remarked how good the fishing has been this past day or two.
Breakfast consisted of baked ham, eggs, some really expensive orange juice one of the ship captains donated to the tavern. It might have been really good too, but it was watered down and had wine added to it to make it stretch.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 12:19:19 PM
Snark is disappointed we were not allowed to spend the night on the docks.
"Let's spend the night aboard the Ghost. Maybe that'll shake something loose."
He asks the townsperson that mentioned speaking to the dead. "Where can we find this Jimbo to speak to him?"
(To the DM - What came from my last post about the bottles?)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 3:09:33 PM
Isaac looks over at Snark "Why looking to get a magic foot too?" He smiles clearly just teasing the gnome. "I'm gonna head over to the Woldian League of Adventurers guild house. I want to try and study up on some undead. The draining of the bodies and leaving some sort of taint worries me."
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Mark B sub for Stephen C. Tuesday May 31st, 2022 7:41:45 PM
Kristoph scounges up some nice flammable material to feed Blucinda. She purrs a crackling purr in response.
"Spending the night aboard the ship might be a good idea. We should get the permission from the dockmaster first though." He will check in with the sheriff and the dockmaster about spending the night aboard the vessel.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Wednesday June 1st, 2022 11:51:19 AM
(OOC the for the sub Mark B.)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday June 1st, 2022 1:52:51 PM
Teddy gets very concerned at mention of the pox and offers his magical assistance (cure disease is a level two bloodwitch spell)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday June 1st, 2022 4:24:50 PM
Onesimos listens and thinks as he slowly eats breakfast. A night aboard the Ghost might be a good idea. He is more interested in finding Sheriff Wiley to hammer out the permissions and coordination. Oh, and to see if anyone else is dead in the morning fog.
DM James: Morning Fog and Missing People Wednesday June 1st, 2022 9:36:54 PM
DM James: This is going to be abbreviated.
Snark identified the contents of the bottles as rum. Apparently it was a secret stash hidden on the ship. The idea of camping on the Ghost that night met with some approval from the others even as they went their separate ways that morning. A quick check with the sheriff and it was confirmed that one of his guards had gone missing last night. There was blood at the scene where the guard was stationed but no sign of his body. He oked staying aboard the ghost.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a print on the ground that looked like a bloody body lay there, but there are marks that indicate it was dragged away.}
Survival DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Whatever lay there made some right bloody marks on the ground, but it got up and walked away.}
THe WLA house will take 4 hours of your time. When you arrive Akoka is just as disorganized as before, worse even.You end up spending more time straightening up things than getting inforation, but you do get what you need.
Snark will take a swig of the rum, just to make sure. He'll offer to share with his friends. Did he get any info on how to find Jimbo?
Looking at the bloody scene, Snark says, "Well, whatever was hurt here got up and walked away on it's own."
Snark will also visit the WLA and then go with the others aboard the Ghost.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=11 ; d20+1=18 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2022 10:53:18 PM
Cory joined in on the rum-swigging. "I'm up for staying on the ship, but we'd best keep watch in groups. Being here alone at night looks to be bad for your health."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday June 2nd, 2022 12:14:33 AM
Onesimos asks the Sheriff for details on the guard: he wants to make sure that the Luck Makers will know him if they see him later.
He agrees with Cory and carefully considers what spells to prepare for the day in case there is battle.
With a sigh and a smile, he assists Akoka in making some sense of the WLA booth.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 d20+9=14 ; Thursday June 2nd, 2022 10:20:03 AM
Gore'Thum is mildly anoyed that they didn't camp on the beaches themselves. It would have been a risk, but it probably would have saved this guard's life. Teddy isn't much help with the corpse (survival 14)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+11=24 ; d20+2=14 ; d20=11 ; Thursday June 2nd, 2022 3:24:51 PM
Isaac helps clean up the WLA house and making sure everything is in it's proper place he also talks with Akoka about how at this rate she might end up running the place herself.
Isaac shakes his head at the news that another person is dead. "Hopefully tonight we can put an end to whatever is doing this."
Know religion check with help from the WLA house :24
DM James: Rain and Watches d100=10 ; Friday June 3rd, 2022 5:13:48 AM Snark took a swig of rum. He recounted that whoever it was that got hurt here walked away
Cory took a swig as well. She also agreed to staying aboard the ship that night.
Benni asked the sheriff about the guard and got a good description. Benni recognized the man from the description as he'd met him before. Later he goes to the WLA booth.
Teddy stood around while his mentor grumbled about paths not taken.
Issac helped at the WLA house as well.
The rum turned out to be quite good. There was a reason they'd hid it apparently. At the scene they wrapped up and left for the WLA house to see what Issac had discovered. The WLA booth was just as bad as it had been everytime they visited. Akoka clearly wasn't a very good administrator, but she assured them someone was being sent, just that the last one went down with the ship during a storm.
Heal DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {From the amount of blood found at the scene it's unlikely that man walked away.}
Issac Highlight to display spoiler: {The extra bit of help from the library at the WLA booth helped him. Though he didn't find out exactly what the creature was he did find out that the bodies they'd found had somehow been altered by whatever was roaming the town. They had likely been animated as some kind of undead themselves. Helen's condition likely came about because she couldn't feed on another victim. }
Whether the source of the killings was aboard the ship or in town wasn't known, but the heroes assembled at the dock and boarded a small boat. A short trip and they were aboard the Ghost and preparing for the night. Just as they started to settle in however the clouds overhead decided to release a slow soaking rain. Would they camp out on deck, find a place in the cargo hold, or occupy one of the staterooms? What would be their watch schedules? How would they prepare?
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday June 3rd, 2022 8:59:35 AM
Gore'Thum loves the rain and is happy to keep watch in it. He's quite capable of being loud and waking the others if needed.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=15 ; Friday June 3rd, 2022 11:20:01 AM
Onesimos is grim. ”It is unlikely the guard left on his own power. He was carried or became undead.”
“It’s not going to work tonight. We can’t hear or see a thing and can’t stay awake all night.”
The elf suggests the team stay together in the captains cabin with 2 awake for each shift Isaac and Teddy Nikolai and Snark Benni and Cory
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+2=21 ; Friday June 3rd, 2022 3:07:22 PM
(Heal 21)
Snark agrees with Benni. "Yeah, prolly undead if it walked off after loosing that much blood. Yech."
He is pretty excited about going aboard the ship for the night. "Ooo. I worked on a ship for a while, so the ship sounds great! We can sing sea chanties and drink rum. Good thinking on the captain's cabin, if we'll all fit."
Before we leave, Snark will see about getting some provisions for everyone to eat and drink aboard the Ghost.
He's good with Benni's suggested watch, assuming that he meant Kristoph instead of Nikolai. Once aboard, he pulls a rod out of his pack. "Hey, whoever's on watch should keep this Sunrod handy. If there's a problem, just smack it on sumpthin an' it'll light up."
Then he'll try to teach them this sea shanty, though it's likely others can sing better than the gnome.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Friday June 3rd, 2022 4:39:15 PM
Cory is fine with the watch.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday June 4th, 2022 7:26:23 AM
Onesimos has the grace to blush. ”Kristoph, yes of course. There was a note among all of Akoka’s WLA stuf that I read and talked about some new leadership in the Mailed Fist. That was the name of the open-hand combat specialist.””
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Saturday June 4th, 2022 12:22:18 PM
Kristoph enjoys learning Snarks sea shanty and doesn't miss a beat when his name is mentioned incorrectly... (those that have been with him from arrival may recall Kristoph is not his real name).
He is also fine with any watch and mentions: "Blue will help woth the light too".
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday June 4th, 2022 12:36:40 PM
Onesimos has the grace to blush. ”Kristoph, yes of course. There was a note among all of Akoka’s WLA stuf that I read and talked about some new leadership in the Mailed Fist. That was the name of the open-hand combat specialist.””
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d6=5 ; d8=2 ; Saturday June 4th, 2022 11:41:36 PM
Gore'Thum will take first watch on the open deck while Teddy will try to stay dry in a sheltered area, ready to rush to the others at the first sign of trouble. (Posting to update header)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d6=5 ; d8=2 ; Saturday June 4th, 2022 11:41:36 PM
Gore'Thum will take first watch on the open deck while Teddy will try to stay dry in a sheltered area, ready to rush to the others at the first sign of trouble. (Posting to update header)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+6=12 ; Sunday June 5th, 2022 9:42:38 PM
Isaac feels a shiver go down his spine. What he learned in the WLA he related to the others " It seems that my thoughts on a creature creating more undead is true but it still feels off. The way we found Helen's body would indicate that she was already one of these creatures and that she had not eaten leading to her death. I'm starting to think the creature either was never on the ship and came into town around the same time the ship came in or it been here for much longer. Still the idea of undead expiring from hunger is new to me." "As for the sleep and watch schedule I'm alright with it. The sound of a good drink and sea shanties sounds good to me"
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Monday June 6th, 2022 12:52:54 PM
Blusinda curls up on Kristoph's foot. He slips his foot out from under her and extinguishes his boot.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+12=25 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 2:20:54 PM
(Perception 25)
Snark can sense with the others that there is something else in the room with them, but he's not sure what. He conjures Dancing Lights, bringing four torch-like lights near the walls that fully illuminate the captain's quarters. He shocked by what he now sees and scrambles back from the thing as he rises from his bedroll.
"By the Crones! What the heck is that?"
Snark's not sure if this creature poses an actual threat, but he's not sure he wants to find out.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=23 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 2:26:24 PM
Onesimos keeps near a window, trying to eke just a little more cooler air from the oppressive cabin.
The elf feels it too, but knowing he can’t have a hope to succeed in perceiving reality, he tries to help Snark get a better view. ……
Aid Another Perception. 23
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=13 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 8:49:50 PM
Isaac see's nothing in the gloom. But senses something is wrong.
Perception: 13
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+12=31 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 9:00:16 PM
Cory looked around but didn't see anything amiss.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 5:21:36 AM
Is the ship close enough to shore to watch the beach? If so then the party can both keep an eye on the ship and watch the shore. Well if it's light enough, which on a stormy night is highly unlikely.
DM James: Rain and Watches Tuesday June 7th, 2022 8:06:24 AM Snark exclaimed as he detected something, but could see nothing.
Benni stood near the window and tried to stay out of the light in order to help Snark see better.
Issac looked but could see nothing.
Cory also couldn't see anything.
Teddy stayed quiet while on deck Gore Thum looked through the rail at the shore. The rain and fog were too dense to make out anything other than the lights of the town, but he had good visibility to the water line and the small boat tied alongside.
In the captains cabin there was a scramble of movement as something was in the room. Issac could feel an oppressive evil there as well. For whatever reason however the evil wasn't interested in them, though Cory could feel something brush by her for a moment.
Seconds later whatever had been there was gone.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You heard a splash from outside as if something was in the water.}
Gore Thum Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Something is in the boat. As you look you see a skeletal human in pirate garb draw a sword out and cut the rope. He grabs a paddle and starts to take the boat towards shore. He'll be out of visual range in 2 rounds.}
Will Save DC 15 (fear) Highlight to display spoiler: {You are shaken for 6 rounds.}
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+12=18 ; d20+7=17 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 12:26:26 PM
(Will save 15)
Snark hears a splash.
"Yikes. Sounds like something went over board. Maybe this ship is haunted."
Snark will run up onto the deck, bringing his Dancing Lights with him.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d20=4 ; d20=14 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+8=11 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 1:21:42 PM
Gore’Thum sees the thing as it takes the boat (perception 7, hero point reroll 17). With a bellowing croak he leaps towards the ship and tries to tongue grapple the thing as it lowers. (11 vs touch, 19 to grapple). If the creature is out of range or he fails the grapple he will instruct Teddy as to it’s location for a light spell. Teddy will of course come running at the croak.
DM James: Jack Lolly? d20=7 ; d8+8=16 ; d20+13=26 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 3:07:26 PM
DM James: Doing an extra post to make up for the missed post on Friday/Thursday, depending on your POV.
Gore Thum leapt over the rail and landed in the boat. Though his tongue lashed out with precision the bloody sack of bones dressed as a pirate weaved to one side so that Gore Thum missed. Gore Thum was in the boat however.
A moment later those from the cabin that chose to appeared on deck and saw Gore Thum facing off against a skeletal pirate in the small longboat 10' away as the boat slowly drifted into the fog bank. At it's current rate it would be out of sight in two rounds.
The skeletal creature stood and turned to face the frog man and drew forth its rapier. With a swipe that made a zipping noise in the air the undead pirate sliced into the frog. The movement caused the pirate to reposition it's footing to keep from going overboard, but it made Gore Thum check his footing as well.
Gore Thum Reflex Save DC 12 to keep from going overboard, unless he wants to.
DM: Pirate - Gore Thum, Roll 7+18=25, Hit. Damage 16 hp.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+9=12 ; d20+8=9 ; d20=8 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 6:38:12 PM
Kristoph is shaken and fails his perception (last round) (Fort:12 - Perception:7).
Following the pasrt up on deck he looks around confused and then spots the skeletal creature... He throws a friendly that wizzes last it (8 including the -4 into combat)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 8:32:56 PM
Looks like the skeleton made two or more move actions and then also took an attack action.
If Snark is able to act again as well, he start casting Summon Monster II.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=17 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 10:00:50 PM
Isaac Harris up on deck in time to see Gorthum battling the skeleton creature. Isaac looked around the deck sides looking for their own longboat. "Teddy you got any spell to stop their boat?" If the long boat is around Isaac will start preparing it to give chase.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=17 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 11:30:23 PM
Onesimos feels the evil presence and gives the cabin a scan with his eyes. We are right here? What could possibly have come in?. But the splash and Snark’s shout is more time sensitive. He throws off the shivers. Without wasting more time, he hustles to the top floor of the boat as fast as possible.
Seeing Teddy’s frog wounded and in the whale boat with…. is that Jack Lolly?! … , Benni reacts instinctively. Holding aloft his woven band which is the High Woldian glyph of Flower, he channels positive divine energy, directed at the ghost!
Will 17. Save Double move. Channel Energy to affect Undead only. Turn Undead. Will DC 14 or any undead within 30 feet of Benni gets Panicked Condition and flees or cowers taking no other actions.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+12=30 ; d20+2=7 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 1:08:02 AM
Cory heard the splash, but it sent a wave of fear through her.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d20=1 ; d20=3 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 7:32:11 AM
Gore'Thum is a little shaken by the presence (forgot the will save so his grapple attempt would actually be 2 lower). Teddy is also shaken (9 will) but casts the light spell as instructed so everyone can see the boat.
DM James: Jack Lolly? Wednesday June 8th, 2022 8:42:58 AM
Everyone made it on deck to see that Gore Thum was hanging over the rail by one sticky foot. The pirate skeleton, or Jack as Benni thought, was waving at them as the boat drifted away.
"Argh! I've a laidy ter meet in town. She's ter be givin' her 'eart ter ole Jack she is." said Jack Lolly. About that time Benni's channeling lit the area as the energy pulsed outward from his raised hand.
"Yer wound me me boy!" Jack called back as the boat drifted into the fog and rain. "I'll be back wit me laidy. We'll talk den."
A quick look around and you all realize he took your boat.
DMJames: There was some time compression in that last post and a misunderstanding about Gore's actions. He didn't jump from the boat and sustained no damage, but Jack wasn't interrupted in his rowing either. You also realize Jack's movement isn't consistent with him having swam to the boat, he's either faster than he appears or has some kind of supernatural movement.
Jack has concealment at the end of the round. You have one round of actions before that.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 11:47:11 AM
Snark finishes his summoning spell and he creates a small water elemental at the boat. He tells the water elemental in aquan to form a whirlpool beneath the small boat the skeleton is in and to move it back to the ship.
"Hey Jack. You're not taking our boat, so why don't you come back aboard?"
The small water elemental can form a whirlpool that functions as a whirlwind in the water. It is 5' wide at the base, and 10' wide at the top. Hopefully it will be able to hold the small boat for now and bring it back to the ship.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+2=21 ; d6+2=4 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 6:48:32 PM
Kristoph throws another fire bolt (21 to hit - 4 fire damage)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+11=29 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 10:04:00 PM
Isaac looks on helpless to stop the skeleton as he rows off with their boat. He slams his fist down on the railing of the ship. "Someone please tell me we have some sort of spell or something to follow him?" Isaac didn't really know what to do except wait. Now that he had gotten a look at the undead horror he tried to remember any information that would narrow down what sort of undead they were dealing with.
Know religion: 29
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday June 9th, 2022 12:40:21 AM
Onesimos blinks and breathes a sigh of relief that it was a wisp of mist he mistook for Teddy’s frog.
The cleric shivers at the skeleton pirate’s words, and desperately looks about to see how they can follow. Not seeing anything, the elf uses the only thing he has that can reach so far. His voice.
”Captain Lolly, what lady? We found Lady Helen and buried her in consecrated ground, she cannot be touched with evil. Let us help you break this unholy enchantment that binds you!”
“HELLO!! GUARDS ON THE DOCK!! THE MONSTER IS COMING!!”, he then yells towards shore.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Thursday June 9th, 2022 2:03:37 AM
"The hells?!" Cory did not appreciate all of this undead nonsense. "You know what never works? Telling someone to give up because they're 'evil.' Hey, ghost-guy," she called out, "what's your deal? What is it you need? Maybe we can help each other."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 Thursday June 9th, 2022 7:56:01 AM
Teddy will cast more lights every round to illuminate the area around the boat and prevent the skeleton from escaping into darkness (lasts 1 minute, 140 foot range, covers 40 feet per casting so can eventually cover all of the ocean up to 140 feet from the ship in lights).
Gore'Thum dives into the water, grimacing at it's salt content, and swims after the boat, about 10 feet under. He doesn't want to get in a fight with the pirate on his own, just watch for if he dives into the water or escapes so the party knows where the pirate heads to.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Thursday June 9th, 2022 11:10:29 AM
Blusinda hisses at the pirate.
DM James: Jack Lolly? d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d100=68 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 3:06:13 PM
Edited: 7:10 PM
”Like an old gator, ye’ll be me feast awaitin at the bottom of the swamp.” Jack said to Cory from the boat 20' distant. ”Meanwhile me hearties I’ll be on me way.”
Even as the elemental slowly pushed the boat towards you he raised his arm and with a wave of his hand each of you felt a deep pain shoot through your bones as the fire bolt passed over the pirates head.
KS: Arcana DC 22 Highlight to display spoiler: {He just cast Mass Inflict Serious Wounds on all of you.}
KS: Religion DC 24 Highlight to display spoiler: {Now that you see it you can tell that is a variant of a Bloody Bones, though not exactly like one.}
Lights appear another distance out but they have a reverse effect and create such a bright haze only Jack’s shadow is detected within. Meanwhile the elemental tried to bring the boat back as Benni yelled to shore.
DM James: This is quick. If I missed anything I’ll do a supplementary post tonight.
WILL save DC 21 Highlight to display spoiler: {Take 16 hp, half of saved.}
Everyone, including the elemental took the damage.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 d20+7=19 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=13 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 6:29:51 PM
(Will save 19 - fail)
Snark is hit by a wave of damage. What kind of damage? Was a spell cast? Did he channel energy through a holy symbol like a cleric? Do we see a holy symbol?
Did it affect the small water elemental? He has 13 HP.
Is the elemental holding him in place? How far is the rowboat from the ship?
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 8/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+11=20 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+8=12 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 9:32:24 PM
Isaac suddenly feels the pain hit him like a hammer he doubles over in pain feeling the full effect of Bloody Jacks spell.
OoC: Not sure if my know religion from last time counts so I rolled for it and burned a hero point no successes.
DM James: Use your previous roll and recover your hero point.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/ -1 Onesimos (SteveK) d20=20 ; d20=11 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 12:33:57 AM
Onesimos has an amazing insight of remembering religious texts and
He grits his teeth as pain sweeps through him, the elf’s last conscious thought is he is thankful Gore Thun would be unaffected since he can’t be targeted underwater.
-1 and DYING
…. Know Religion 26 Will save. 17 fail. Take 16 damage
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+2=18 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 1:24:07 AM
"Ow!" Cory took full damage.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 Friday June 10th, 2022 2:32:54 AM
The small water elemental cannot even make a DC 21 will save, so I guess it just dies.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d20+6=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 6:00:18 AM
Tedyd grimaces as he takes the brunt of the damage. Noticing Benni going down he quickly moves over and heals him for 12 HP. Gore'Thum, under the boat with the elemental, presumably escapes the effects of the spell.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:16/21 d20+7=20 ; 2d6=11 ; 2d6+1=8 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 6:58:53 AM
Kristoph shudders as pain wracks him and he is unable to think for a few seconds. As his brain clears (if necessary he moves to include everyone) a blast of positive energy bursts from him curing 11 points of damage to the party (& possibly the elemental?)
---- Shaken: (a shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks): Round 3/6 Fire Bolts used: 2 Channels used: 1 Will Save (inc: -2 shaken): 20 (Arrrgh missed by "1" ;-)) takes 16 damage. Blusinda fails too: Save: 8 KS: Arcana (N/A) KS: Religion (N/A - can't reach 24 due to being shaken)
Everyone in the party regains 11 HP
DM James: Bloody Jack Lolly Friday June 10th, 2022 9:47:33 AM
Freed from the water elemental old Jack moves the boat further away towards shore. The good news is that by doing so he was moving out of range and would likely not be killing them today, the bad news? Someone in town was about to have a very bad night.
"Yo ho ho, a wenches night for me. A lovely lass and a perfect.... Yo ho ho." Jack sang as he steered the small boat away in the fog.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You glance down into the cargo hold and see 8 oars. Apparently they were brought aboard since the last time you inspected the ship.}
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {You can hear that Benni's call to the docks was heard by at least a few people as faint commands here and there indicate they are getting ready for Jack.}
DM James: Jack will be within the first range increment for most bows all the way to the docks. His singing will allow you to shoot at him, but he has total concealment. Range to the docks is 110'. Jack is moving at 15' per round. Please also complete your leveling...looks like you'll need it.
Unfortunately it appears as if Jack had some kind of sense that allowed him to target Gore Thum. He too takes damage.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/ 11 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday June 10th, 2022 1:16:10 PM
Onesimos wakes up with Teddy hovering over him. He gives the small bear-man a thankful smile and stands up.
Maybe it was getting knocked out that makes Benin’s mind work in a different pattern. ”Friends, we are not going to be able to stop Black Jack tonight, not directly. But he came out from the mirror…
Let’s get back below and see if we can take the fight to him! If we break his mirror…”
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 35/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=20 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 10:16:42 PM
Isaac hears shouts from the shore looks like Bennie's warning reached them "They heard Bennie. I don't think Jack will have a easy time but we can't just sit on our thumbs." He goes down into the cargo hold and spies a number of oars "HEY! they brought oars from shore it might take a bit but we can row the ship up to shore." He calls out to the others. He grabs the closest oar and starts putting in place to row the ship "We need to raise anchor" he calls up.
OoC :I have leveled up. Should I select my spell for the day now or in the morning after all of this.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Saturday June 11th, 2022 9:20:31 PM
Gore'Thum returns to the boat. Teddy resumes casting dancing lights on the area where he guesses the pirate is, moving the lights he previously cast.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=15 ; d20+9=27 ; Sunday June 12th, 2022 12:56:51 AM
"Hopefully those oars aren't possessed or something, although that'd be on par for this hellmouth," Cory commented. "Hey, Kristoph, much obliged for the healing." She looked at the dock. "Hope they have some defense for that thing."
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:16/21 Sunday June 12th, 2022 7:58:22 PM
Kristoph nods to Cory and grabs an oar.
(Reminder .. Some of you look very injured .. Please see my last post)
Man in the mirror
DM James: Bloody Jack Lolly Monday June 13th, 2022 9:58:11 AM Benni wisely suggested the mirror might have a clue.
Issac said he heard an answering call to Benni's warning and spotted oars in the hold, He then suggested they weigh anchor and row to shore.
Teddy cast dancing lights in the direction of Jack. Gore Thum climbed back over the rail onto the ship.
Cory commented on all the haunts and supernatural things in the area.
Kristoph grabbed an oar and acknowledged Cory's thanks.
Back in the captains cabin Benni looked at the mirror once more, this time with the certainty that there was something special about it.
On deck the fog was clearing as the rain intensified, but the docks were still obscured and the only thing any of you could hear was the sizzling sounds of rain on the water. Teddy's lights ducked and dodged through the rain where Jack was but the rain and darkness made it hard to spot him.
DM: Jack no longer has total concealment as he makes his way to the docks.
Captains Cabin Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Written in small text and inscribed upon the border of the mirror. “Empty your mind from worry and strife, gaze into me to gain eternal life. As long as the mirror remains unbroken it will retain your token and each night when darkness falls you’ll be released and filled with might. As long as your reflection remains whole you live to roam and keep your soul.”}
DMJames: My posting window these past few weeks has been terrible due to events at work. As a result you've seen me not do a player summary on all posts which couldn't be helped. The net result was just putting the next scene out there without fully reading everything the players posted. Apologies for that. There is also the fact that you cannot defeat Jack face to face. It's clear to all of you that something else needs to happen and that's always been part of the plan. I'll try to wrap up the Jack part by the end of the month, then you'll likely revisit the Abbey and clear out another small section before tackling the next module. DM Jon is writing that one and I'm excited to see what he has in mind.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday June 13th, 2022 12:26:52 PM
Onesimos sighs in relief as Gore’Thum is seen swimming back. ” Don’t scare us like that!”, he playfully admonishes the small frog. It seems the Spiritual Companion’s selfless actions have readjusted the elf’s opinion. Only time will tell…
Benni leads the team back to the cabin, and makes a painstakingly careful search. They have looked before, so going over with a fine tooth comb seems the action of the day.
Finally, finally, he finds the text and the clue they have been desperately searching for. He paraphrases. ”Break the mirror and slay Jack Lolly! Let’s to it, friends!”
He moves aside so the strong ones can have at!
….
Take 20 on Perception. 25
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:16/21 d20+8=28 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=18 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=10 ; Monday June 13th, 2022 2:38:35 PM
Kristol goes straight to the mirror writing (Perception:28) then steps to the side ... Ensuring he leaves no reflection himself he whacks it ...
Flurry with nunchucks 22/18 for 10 & 10 damage
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 35/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Monday June 13th, 2022 11:10:24 PM
Isaac continues working to row the ship towards the shore getting the oars set up to row and locating the mechanism to hoist the anchor.
Ooc: Isaac is down in the hold.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+10=18 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 1:29:17 AM
"Yeah, break the mirror," Cory said in a somewhat panicked voice. "That thing ain't right!"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 d20+12=28 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 2:01:06 AM
Snark is surprised to see the writing on the mirror. He reads it for the others.
"Written in small text and inscribed upon the border of the mirror. “Empty your mind from worry and strife, gaze into me to gain eternal life. As long as the mirror remains unbroken it will retain your token and each night when darkness falls you’ll be released and filled with might. As long as your reflection remains whole you live to roam and keep your soul.”
"Huh. Wonder why we never noticed that before. Sure seems like we should break it. Maybe it'll end ol' Jack. We oughta get to rowing just in case breaking it doesn't end that monstrosity."
---------------------- (OOC for the DM: This has been frustrating for me, so thanks for the clarification and sorry for how rough things have been. We wish you well James. Be sure to let us know if we can help.)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday June 14th, 2022 7:27:43 AM
Teddy reads the inscription and calls to the others. "Wait! It says his reflection must remain intact. If we break it now, will he just be free of it? Or do we need to wait for him to be in it during the day to break it? or point it at him and break it?"
Gore'Thum presumably finds some way onto deck and tries to catch up on what's going on.
DM James: Bloody Jack Lolly Tuesday June 14th, 2022 1:13:59 PM Benni looks relieved that Gore Thum was fine and then looked the room over once more.
Issac set the oars into their locks one by one and then went in search of the winch to haul the anchor from the water.
Teddy called out to stop before breaking the mirror.
Cory agreed that breaking the mirror was a good thing.
Kristoph reads the inscription on the mirror and raises his weapon to smash it.
Snark wondered why they hadn't seen the inscription before.
As everyone paused and Issac continued his task to get the ship moving.
Snark Highlight to display spoiler: { considered that it was possible that the mirror wouldn't reveal the inscription unless it was empty. Each time they'd looked at the mirror it was during the day. This was the first time they'd examined it at night and presumably while Jack was not inside it. }
Teddy reasoned out that in order to slay Jack the mirror must be destroyed while Jack's reflection was in it. They just had to decide how they would lay the trap and if they could get the nasty undead pirate to show when they wanted him to.
KS: Religion DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Now that the type of undead was known you realize it has a hide in plain sight ability when ever a mirror is in the room. The ability to see invisible would be important. }
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 d20+2=19 ; d20+17=19 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 1:14:43 PM "Oooo. Good point Teddy. Maybe we should find out a little more before we just smash the thing. Teddy, maybe you can help me with this divination."
Snark casts Speak with Animals and gets out his little bat familiar so she can help to (19 to Aid Another.) He casts Detect Magic and his Spellcraft roll to identify the properties of the mirror is 19 plus any ads from his friends. (DC 10 Spellcraft check to aid Snark in this.)
(Spellcraft DC to identify an item is 15 + item’s caster level.)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 d20+8=10 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 1:16:52 PM
Snark's Knowledge Religion roll was only 10.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=13 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 2:48:19 PM
Onesimos nods, agreeing with Teddy and Snark. But how to set up a trap to have Jack’s reflection in the mirror before they break it? The elf has no clues.
Know Religion 13
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 35/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+12=22 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2022 4:34:11 PM
Isaac continues working on getting the anchor up but realizes something goes over to the others working on the mirror "Hey everyone I know this is a bit sudden but something was bugging me but I think that creature has some sort of ability to turn invisible whenever it's near a mirror that's why we couldn't see it even with the lights on but could sense it. But I think I have a plan" He points to his bag "I got a party popper that should ruin his night if I can get close enough then I can grab him and you can bring in the mirror and do whatever your going to do with it. Until then I'm trying to get this ship shore." Isaac goes back to getting the anchor up so they can row the boat.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:16/21 Tuesday June 14th, 2022 7:12:23 PM
Hearing reason Kristoph certainly withheld his blows.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Tuesday June 14th, 2022 9:20:54 PM
"Maybe he hides in reflections?" Cory speculated.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday June 15th, 2022 7:21:58 AM
Gore'Thum is eager to get to shore and chase after the villain. Teddy looks around for another rowboat so they don't have to try to sail the giant ship that none of them know how to sail.
DM James: Bloody Jack Lolly Wednesday June 15th, 2022 8:15:15 AM Benni agreed with Teddy and Snark but wondered how they would set the trap.
Issac revealed Jack's hide in plain sight ability before going back to the anchor to begin the process of pulling it from the bay floor.
Teddy looked around for another boat but could find none.
Cory reasoned that Jack might hide in reflections.
Kristoph withheld his attempt to smash the mirror.
Snark attempted to suss out the properties of the mirror again.
Issac managed to get the anchor off the bay floor. As soon as he did the current picked up the ship and started moving it towards the shore. By the time he had it fully aboard the Ghost was only about 30' from the rocks of the shoreline when it slid upon a sandbar and came to rest ten feet from shore. Being that it was just past high tide the ship would likely be safe here until the next high tide some hours away.
Getting back into town would be a little treacherous however, but if they were careful they'd make it in under an hour. They could also stay aboard and wait for Jack to return. What would they do?
Snark Highlight to display spoiler: { With a little help from his friends and the aid of the inscription Snark determines that this cursed item transforms one into a Murdering Soul. A creature that must kill in order to survive. He suspects that's likely what happened to Jack's crew and once they were all gone Jack had to find other prey. A murdering soul also creates minions that must kill and feed each night or perish. The mirror itself transforms any in its reflection that reads the inscription aloud. Once the mirror has delivered its curse it falls dormant until the victim fails to feed and expires or is slain. The inscription is only visible when the mirror is empty. }
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 Wednesday June 15th, 2022 12:16:03 PM
The gnome finishes divining the properties of the mirror. He has his little bat Luna go back into her nest in his pack.
"Well, it seems this cursed mirror transforms somebody into something called a Murdering Soul. It has to kill in order to survive. I figure this is what happened to Jack's crew, and once they were all gone ol' Jack had to find other prey. A murdering soul also creates minions that must kill and feed each night or perish, so the town's in trouble. The mirror itself transforms any in its reflection that reads the inscription aloud. Once the mirror has delivered its curse it falls dormant until the victim fails to feed and expires or is slain. That inscription is only visible when the mirror is empty."
Snark is surprised and grateful to see the ship has drifted to shore.
"Well, we could wait here for Jack and try to smash the mirror just as he comes through, but I'm not even sure that will end him. Besides, while we wait here he's munching on somebody in town. Seems like we oughta warn them."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday June 15th, 2022 1:57:04 PM
Onesimos considers the problem. ”Jack has to know his mirror is in the Captain’s Cabin, and he would know how we could break the curse. I think we need to move the mirror onto the top of the boat and cover it to trick him into looking at the same time we break it.”
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:16/21 Wednesday June 15th, 2022 6:42:10 PM "Or we take it with us? Does he sense where it is do you think?
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 40/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2022 10:20:50 PM
Isaac looks out towards town. "If he comes back here it would mean he successfully fed otherwise he would die right? If we had a message spell we could get an update find out where he is. I say we head into town we might be able to take him by surprise." Noticing how beat up the others looked Isaac tries something "but Lets see if I can patch everyone up a bit." He holds the three symbols of his gods and channels energy. He creates a burst of positive energy to heal three times.
Everyone heals 8 hp
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Thursday June 16th, 2022 5:23:23 AM
"Thanks Isaac, didn't even notice in all the ... well excitement is the wrong word. Look I know this is not going to be easy and I don't know about you all, but speaking for myself it seems we have two possibilities here. First we wait and set up a trap. Secondly we go look for him. If we set a trap it means we are effectively letting him kill someone. If we go looking for him, we may not find him, but at least we tried! I vote we take the mirror with us and try to hunt him down. I don't think my conscience will allow me to just wait for him. What does everyone else think"?
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Thursday June 16th, 2022 7:28:22 AM "Boat his territory. Don't fight predator on home turf." Gore'Thum points out. Teddy groans. "I don't really want to chase him. He's so fast we probably can't catch him. Maybe we set up a trap in the warehouse on the docks? Spread flour or something on the floor so we can see his movement, even if he's invisible?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday June 16th, 2022 1:07:15 PM
Onesimos listens and it settles his thoughts. ”He has to kill AND get back into the mirror. So we take it with us and look for him… we still don’t know if the mirror can even move, or that we can make the 10’ leap to shore without breaking it. But if we can do that, Jack will either have a means of hunting the mirror down and we get our fight, or he dies with the rising of the sun and we get our way anyways. Let’s try it!”
DM James: Bloody Jack Lolly Thursday June 16th, 2022 2:23:07 PM Snark suggested they try to warn the townsfolk.
Benni suggested moving the mirror.
Kristoph wondered if Jack would sense the location of the mirror. He also suggested they take the mirror with them.
Issac also thought they should go into town, but he healed everyone first.
Teddy suggested an alternate location as did Gore Thum.
Acrobatics DC 19 to Leap with the mirror to the shore. or Throw the mirror to someone on shore Hit AC 5 with a -4 to hit due to size AND a Reflex Save DC 15 to catch it. or Climb DC 15 after jumping into the shallow water.
Failure will cause 1d10 points of damage to the mirror. It has a hardness of 6 and can take 15 hit points of damage before it breaks.
Unbolting the mirror from the floor wasn't too difficult as the planks beneath the mirror split when it it was forced over. The mirror was also long and narrow so a medium size person could tuck it under their arm.
Moving to the bow of the ship they estimated the best way to get the mirror off the ship.
DM James: There is no rope on board, but using rope to pull the mirror from the water would be the safest, but the slowest option. The mirror weighs 20 pounds.
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) Thursday June 16th, 2022 11:01:10 PM
Cory went along with whatever the others felt best.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 Friday June 17th, 2022 1:02:38 AM
Snark says, "I got this."
He casts Levitate on the mirror, safely getting it down from the ship.
Then he searches around until he finds the ship's rope ladder and climbs down with the others.
DM James: Street Light People Friday June 17th, 2022 7:34:52 AM
Using magic creatively Snark managed to get the mirror safely ashore even as the others climbed up the rocks onto the shore to find a small trail heading back to the town. Flashes of light in the sky and the glow of the street lights in the distance told them they were headed the right direction and an hour later they were walking through the east gate.
It wasn't very late but the streets were empty and the lights in the homes and businesses were out. Even the warm tones coming from the Blue Cat tavern were missing and it's lights were out as well.
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Over the sound of rain you could hear someone shouting down by the dock. You also noticed small faces in the windows of some of the buildings near you just before they were snatched back by concerned parents.}
Lightning flashed and thunder cracked overhead and the group could see a lone figure standing in the street some distance away. The lone figure started walking towards them and was joined by two others. From the dress of the figures it was a woman and two men.
Lightning Flashed again as they ran towards you....
Perception DC 20 or be surprised Highlight to display spoiler: {These three aren't alive. Some form of undead.}
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+8=27 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=13 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=10 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 12:25:29 PM
(Perception:27) Kristoph catches sight of something: "Undead ahead"! he waits and adminsters a flurry of blows: (19 and 13 to hit for 6 & 10 damage)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=18 ; d20+6=24 ; 2d6+6=9 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 2:33:53 PM
Onesimos doesn’t see what the lightning could have revealed, but can identify the forms on the dock as easily as Kristoph. The elf thinks quickly, and finds he doesn’t want to drive these away, he wants them back to the Lands of Rest.
He calls a battle plan. ”Isaac, Kristoph, and Benni in a line up front. Teddy left flank, Snark right flank. Cory, you have the mirror: try to get Jack’s reflection, then break it.”
The cleric then waits until all three undead are within 30’ before unleashing a burst of positive energy!
”We took your boat, Jack Lolly, and your mirror! You wont be able to get back and you will at last rest!”
….. Perception 18 fail to see in town Perception 24 success to see on docks
Positive Burst affecting Undead only. 9 damage to ALL Undead within 30’. Will DC14 to negate
"Great. Lightning. I wonder which one of the Crones is in charge of lightning. Well, could be worse. Could be raining."
Snark can see the townsfolk are in for the night, but some are looking out the windows. Then he sees what Kristoph sees - undead ambling forward!
"Holy Mother of Pearl! Undead!" He heeds Benni's direction to get in formation, moving to a right flank. As he does he pulls the sunsunrod tucked into his belt and smacks it hard against a rock.
The gold tip of the rod flares to life, casting a cold light 30' out with dim light beyond that.
Then the little gnome echoes Benni's taunts to Jack. "Hey Lolly. I got a few adverbs for ya. Like fatally. Irrevocably. Inexorably. That's us comin' for you Jack, ya lilly livered sea rat."
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+10=13 ; d20+10=21 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 7:51:19 PM
Cory didn't notice anything in the windows but she did see the undead approaching. "Crap!" She readied her bow, hoping her arrows would harm the creatures.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 40/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+3=7 ; d20+3=20 ; Friday June 17th, 2022 11:07:22 PM
Isaac takes position up front his eyes drawn to the villigers turned undead.He draws his sword and shield standing near the front ready to intercept the undead if they charged.
Isaac takes a full defense action near the front of the group.+4 to Ac for 1 round new ac is 24
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Saturday June 18th, 2022 12:02:45 PM
Teddy will try to cast control undead on the rightmost undead (no save if it's non-intelligent, otherwise DC 15 will save). Gore'Thum will advance ti be with the other melee fighters.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Sunday June 19th, 2022 7:18:12 PM
Gore'Thum croaks in annoyance at how the enemies seem to be multiplying.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 Monday June 20th, 2022 10:20:06 PM "Good one Blusindsa."
Then Snark hisses too.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday June 21st, 2022 7:17:26 AM
Onesimos licks the saltwater dripping down his face from the recent escape from the beached ship.
DM James: Street Light People Map d20+6=7 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+2=21 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+6=13 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 1:40:55 PM
DM James: Car trouble yesterday supplanted my posting time.
Kristoph warned everyone about undead in the street.
Benni called out a battle plan. He decided to taunt the old pirate as well.
Snark lit his sunrod. He also decided to taunt Jack.
Cory reached for her bow.
Issac moved to the front and took a defensive posture.
Teddy cast Control Undead. Gore Thum moved forward with the fighters.
The creatures ran out into the street as they shielded their eyes from the streetlights and ran towards the heroes. Kristoph intercepted one with a punch to the chest. A second one rushed at Benni as it flailed its arms about and tried to unsuccessfully bite him. Benni then called upon Flower and delivered a burst of radiant energy to the undead, unfortunately they seemed ready for that tactic and resisted it. The third and final creature attacked Issac though its bite was turned by his armor.
Teddy's spell went off just as the creatures closed the distance. Of the two male attackers, one paused in its aggression.
DM James: Undead, AC 17
Kristoph - Undead 1, Roll 19, 13. Hit, miss. Damage 6 Undead 2 - Benni, Roll 7, Miss. (Controlled) Undead 3 - Issac, Roll 13. Miss.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 Tuesday June 21st, 2022 1:58:00 PM
The little mage whips out his wand and Enlarges Isaac, stepping back by Cory as the Paladin grows in size.
---------------------------- Enlarge Person - This increase changes the creature’s size category to the next larger one. The target gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), and a -1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size. A humanoid creature whose size increases to Large has a space of 10 feet and a natural reach of 10 feet. This spell does not change the target’s speed. Equipment is similarly enlarged by the spell. Melee weapons deal more damage. Any enlarged item that leaves an enlarged creature’s possession instantly returns to its normal size. "
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+8=21 ; d6+8=14 ; Tuesday June 21st, 2022 6:18:09 PM
Cory fired an arrow at the nearest evil undead.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 Tuesday June 21st, 2022 10:23:18 PM
(By the way, undead that save vs. Channel Energy still take half damage.)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=22 ; d8+2=3 ; d20+6=8 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 12:32:08 AM
Onesimos sees Teddy’s spell take hold, and feels it wise not to jolt another’s spell. Dropping the woven band of Flower so it falls back to his chest, he wields his buckler and strikes out at the undead attacking Kristoph.
He takes a moment to look about: where is Jack Lolly?
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 40/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+7=10 ; d8+3=9 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 1:23:18 AM
Isaac takes a swing at the undead attacking him.
Attack 10 damage 9
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 25/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+7=24 ; d20+7=18 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=9 ; d20+5=19 ; d4=1 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 5:51:46 AM
Kristoph hisses as one of the creatures claws rakes down his arm drawing blood. Blusinda hisses as well as she moves into a flanking position (OOC dunno if this provokes but she will either way). Gritting his teeth Kristoph spins and kicks the undead in front of him.
(flurry of blows: 24 and 18 to hit for 7 & 9 damage) his legs are a blur and he starts to sweat.
Blusinda slams into its legs (19 to hit for 1 damage - and requiring a Ref (DC:11) or catch fire, taking 1d4 damage for an additional 1d4 rounds at the start of their turn).
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 d20+8=22 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 7:22:04 AM
Teddy calls to the undead he now controls "Destroy the other two undead!". Gore'Thum moves up to hit undead 2, if that isn't the one being controlled. He won't attack the one Teddy commands. (hits AC 22 for 6 damage)
DM James: Street Light People - Round 1 Map d20+6=17 ; d20+6=21 ; d6+1=4 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 1:16:27 PM
DM: Kristoph was missed last round.
Kristoph lashed out at the undead creature again.
Benni attacked Kristophs opponent as he looked for Jack.
Snark enlarged Issac with his wand.
Cory attacked a creature with her bow.
Issac attacked the undead attacking him.
Teddy commands the undead to attack its associates. Gore Thum attacked a creature.
Issac missed the undead in front of him as it flailed about spasmodically trying to bite him. The male undead in the center turned and attacked the one next to it and it's fangs bit deep. As it withdrew it's mouth you could see a form of ichor leaving it's mouth, likely a form of poison that would be debilitating if the man wasn't already dead.
DM James: Undead, AC 17
Kristoph - Undead 1, Roll 24, 18. Hit, hit. Damage 16 Benni - Undead 1, Roll 22. Damage 3 Cory - Undead 3, Roll 21. Hit. Damage 14 Issac - Undead 1, Roll 10. Miss. Gore Thum - Undead 3, Roll 22, Hit. Damage 6
Undead 1 - Issac, Roll 17, Miss Undead 2 - Undead 3, Roll 21, Hit. (Controlled) Damage 4 Undead 3 - Issac, Roll 13. Miss.
Damage Undead 1 - 25 hp Undead 2 - Controlled Undead 3 - 22 hp
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 d20+1=5 ; Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 11:17:50 PM
Snark lobs a blob of acid at one of the things, missing horribly.
"He Kristoph, you wanna be big? It'll make you a bit easier to hit, but you'll do more damage?"
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 6 - 1 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals. Wand of Enlarge - 43 charges left
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=13 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+6=26 ; Thursday June 23rd, 2022 5:38:18 AM
Onesimos continues to try and take down the undead on Kristoph and look for Captain Jack. He does better with the later than former.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 d20+8=13 ; d6=6 ; d20+8=24 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; Thursday June 23rd, 2022 7:24:19 AM
Gore'thums attack isn't nearly as effective this round (13 to hit, if that doesn't miss 8 damage). Teddy will go heal the most injured ally (Snark I think?) for 13 hp.
DM James: Street Light People - Round 2 Map d20+6=8 ; d20+6=21 ; d6=6 ; d20+6=8 ; Thursday June 23rd, 2022 5:00:25 PM
There was a flurry of action as the heroes dodged and struck, but the only one doing any damage was the controlled undead creature. Meanwhile there was no sign of Jack in the streets. He could be rowing back to the Ghost as they fought, but only to not find his ship where he left it. He was going to be upset certainly.
DM James: Undead, AC 17
Snark - Undead 1, Roll 5, Miss. Benni - Undead 1, Roll 13. Miss Gore Thum - Undead 3, Roll 13, Miss
Undead 1 - Issac, Roll 8, Miss Undead 2 - Undead 3, Roll 21, Hit. (Controlled) Damage 6 Undead 3 - Issac, Roll 8. Miss.
Damage Undead 1 - 25 hp Undead 2 - Controlled Undead 3 - 28 hp
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 25/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+7=21 ; d20+7=14 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=6 ; d20+5=15 ; Thursday June 23rd, 2022 7:03:06 PM
Kristoph and Blu flank the undead... (Kristoph roundhouse kicks: 21 for 6 damage / them misses)
Blue hisses and snaps close by the undead.
--- Just a note Blusinda slammed into its legs (19 to hit for 1 damage) found 1 - requiring a Ref (DC:11) or catches fire, taking 1d4 damage for an additional 1d4 rounds at the start of their turn. Might be I missed it the creature saved sorry.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 25/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Thursday June 23rd, 2022 7:03:57 PM
To snark he replies "I'm good for now thanks"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=19 ; d8+2=6 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 12:22:35 AM
Onesimos blocks with his buckler then uses the leverage to swing for the hip of undead #1, getting in a blow! ”I think it wise to finish laying these poor souls to rest before Jack finds out his Mirror is missing.”, he tells his friends.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 d20+1=12 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 12:55:23 AM
Snark is having a terrible time hitting these things. It's hard when they're in melee with his friends.
He misses with another blob of acid.
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+8=25 ; d6=6 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 1:14:59 AM
OOC: Cory's damage should be 6, not 14. It kept the to hit bonus in the roll. Sorry about that!
Cory fired again, scoring another solid hit.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 d20+8=10 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 7:55:45 AM
Gore'Thum continues to have trouble hitting the enemy (10 to hit). Teddy reminds Snark he has been healed and should update his header.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 25/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+7=12 ; d20+7=24 ; d6+4=9 ; d20+5=14 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 8:04:41 AM
Kristoph and his blue elemental circle the undead attacking together in unison. Kristoph ducking and punching whilst Blusinda snaps at its ankles - missing.
--- Kristoph (flanking) misses and hits: 24 for 9 damage.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 40/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+7=27 ; d8+3=4 ; d20+7=12 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 11:20:09 AM
Isaac takes another swing at the undead that were trying to bite him. Landing a shallow blow.
Attack 27 crit threaten Crit confirm 12 Damage 4
DM Jon: Street Light People - Round 3 Undead 3 d20+6=8 ; Undead REF save d20+4=9 ; Blusinda fire damage d4=4 ; and is now on fire for d4=1 round; Undead 3 bite d20+6=26 ; Crit check d20+6=7 ; d6+1=5 ; d4=2 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 11:48:48 AM OOC: I tried to find an "exact" time, but it doesn't look like there is one, so, let's say it's 3am ... there's still a few hours until the sun begins to rise, and the town starts waking up
The battle in the street continues - several people are watching in horror out of their windows
Undead, AC 17
Snark - fires a blob of acid at Undead 1, Roll 12, Miss.
Benni - blocks with his shield and deftly smacks Undead 1 in the hip, making it growl in pain Roll 19, 6 damage
Kristoph attacks Undead 1 with a flurry of kicks, hitting once and missing with the second, doing 6 damage
Blusinda then slams into Undead 1, doing some minor damage
Cory knocks, fires, and slams an arrow into Undead 3, doing some damage and making it growl in pain Gore Thum - tries to hit Undead 3, but it proves too wily and GoreThum misses, Roll 10
Undead 1 - Fails its REF save, and tries to bite Issac, Roll 8, Miss
Undead 2 - Undead 3, Roll 8, "attacks the darkness"
Undead 3 - Pissed off, bites Issac, and takes a chunk out of him for 5 damage, Issac feels his arm burning as the bite location begins to darken and wither
FORT save DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { If you save, then you have an ugly wound that needs attending to. If you fail, then you lose 2 points of DEX (temp), and you are now more susceptible to bludgeoning/crushing attacks}
Damage Undead 1 - 41 hp - both legs are now burning Undead 2 - Controlled Undead 3 - 28 hp
[DM Note - Kristoph, let's hold your last rolls for Round 4 .. I saw your email, I run into the same issue at times, as I live in Oregon and if I post after 9pm or so, it posts as the following day, and I miss a day]
[6/25/22 - adjusting the HP of the undead...I blame lack of sleep, lack of caffeine, and new math for my addition and subtraction skills]
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+8=20 ; d6=4 ; Friday June 24th, 2022 6:37:29 PM
Cory, backing up if need be to stay out of melee, fired off another arrow. This one wasn't quite as solid a shot but still a hit.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=12 ; Saturday June 25th, 2022 6:46:29 AM
Onesimos Hague’s the battle and ensures the undead can’t get around the line Kristoph, he, and Isaac made. Maybe that’s why he fails to strike anything vital
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=13 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+6=26 ; Saturday June 25th, 2022 8:37:46 AM
Onesimos continues to try and take down the undead on Kristoph and look for Captain Jack. He does better with the later than former.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 d20+1=12 ; d6+2=7 ; d6+2=7 ; Saturday June 25th, 2022 6:14:23 PM
Snark throws another blob of acid. He hits Touch AC 12 for 7 damage.
(Note to DM, the last hit was also 12 against touch AC, and also for 7 damage. Sorry I didn't clarify it was touch AC and not just AC.)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 40/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+9=24 ; d20+7=12 ; Saturday June 25th, 2022 9:57:20 PM
Isaac feels the burning of the strange poison but it quickly subsides. "Gods that burns." He takes another swing at the creature. But misses again.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 d20+8=22 ; d6=4 ; Sunday June 26th, 2022 10:23:59 PM
Gore'Thum finally lands another hit for 6 damage (22 to hit)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday June 27th, 2022 2:16:05 PM
Onesimos looks around nervously: the undead just aren’t being released and Jack Lolly is still out there somewhere…
DM Jon: Street Light People - Round 4 Fire damage d4=1 ; Blusinda attacking Undead 3 d20+5=18 ; Fire damage d4=1 ; d4+1=2 ; Undead 2 attacking Undead 3 d20+6=20 ; Damage d6+1=6 ; Monday June 27th, 2022 7:31:44 PM
[ooc - Almost forgot to post, ugh]
The battle in the street continues ...
Undead, AC 17
Kristoph (flanking)attacks Undead 1 with a flurry of kicks, the first kick misses, the second connects for 9 damage. The undead drops to the ground, slightly smoking, but no longer moving
Snark - was going to attack Undead 1, but changes his target to Undead 3, but his aim is a skosh off and misses
Benni - seeing his target drop, spins to attack Undead 3, but misses
Issac attacks Undead 3, but misses
Blusinda spins and goes after Undead 3, doing some minor damage, and again, lights another leg on fire
Cory knocks, fires, and slams another arrow into Undead 3, doing some damage and making it growl in pain again
Gore Thum attacks and lands a blow on Undead 3 doing some damage
Undead 1 - Dead ... again
Undead 2 - Attacks Undead 3, and rips a chunk out of it's neck ... killing it
Undead 3 - Dead - Again
Damage Undead 1 - 51 hp - REALLY dead Undead 2 - Controlled Undead 3 - 45 hp, leg is on fire for 2 rounds - Now Dead
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { There is something different in the air. An oppressiveness seems to be gathering, even with the death of two of the undead ... you also hear a faint scream in the distance, somewhere in town, a feminine scream }
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 40/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+3=15 ; Monday June 27th, 2022 8:33:48 PM
Isaac looks at the second undead ready to fight if it breaks free. He makes his way around it so that both he and Benni are flanking the creature. "So at the count of three and put them out of their misery?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=23 ; d8+2=4 ; Tuesday June 28th, 2022 12:30:23 AM
Onesimos agrees, they can’t have the monster running around free, and the scream in Heranmar only gives him more incentive.
He waits, delaying until the others that want to are prepared, then… ”One, Two,THREE”, he carefully chooses and bashes the Undead with his Morning Star, hoping for a coup de grace.
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+8=21 ; d6=4 ; d20+10=20 ; Tuesday June 28th, 2022 1:40:54 AM
Cory fired yet again. Another hit! Hopefully that would kill the undead. Re-kill. "Hey, hear that? Something's going on over there. Something bad, I'm guessing."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday June 28th, 2022 7:30:44 AM
Teddy is glad the fighting is over, but worried about the fights yet to come. He looks at the undead uncertainly. He could try to order it to destroy itself but he's not sure if that will work. It's creator could also take back control of it if they brought it with them. He settles on, "Go into the ocean and find the deepest trench.."
Gore'Thum reminds everyone to check their status and take care of wounds before they proceed (reminder that I healed Snark for 13 hp several posts ago, you should update header)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Tuesday June 28th, 2022 12:56:51 PM
(Thanks for the reminder on my header Mitch. That was pretty old damage.)
(Take 10 on Perception = 22)
Snark senses the opressive feel of this place. "Something's wrong. This place feels opressive, like more oppressive that this town usually does. Which is saying somehting."
He waits for the others to finish off this one undead before moving out to confront the new threat.
He casts Resistance on Benni, granting a +1 to his next save.
DM Jon: Street Light People - Standing in the Street Tuesday June 28th, 2022 4:12:17 PM
Teddy was of a mind to let the Undead walk into the sea, however, his friends put it out of it's misery.
Cory and Snark pick up on the oppressiveness that seems to have settled over this section of town. It's bad enough that everyone who had been watching the battle has closed their window coverings and doused any lights. The fog is beginning to thicken as well.
Cory is fairly certain that the women's scream is close by, within 100' or so of where the party is standing. The scream didn't sound pleasant ...
GoreThum looks everyone over to see who is injured, having already provided health to Snark.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Tuesday June 28th, 2022 6:44:07 PM "Ugh. Fog. This place."
With the undead made into justdead, Snark tucks his still lit Sunrod in his belt and takes off running in the direction of the scream.
Kristoph: (MarkB for Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Wednesday June 29th, 2022 12:24:30 AM
Satisified to see the last undead fall, Kristoph looks down at his firecat.
"C'mon girl. Somebody's in trouble. Let's hope their assailant is flammable."
He and Blusinda set off in the direction of the scream.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday June 29th, 2022 6:12:08 AM
Teddy nods nervously and Gore'Thum nods firmly as they join the others in heading towards the scream.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d100=64 ; Wednesday June 29th, 2022 10:56:41 AM
Onesimos breathes a quick prayer for the fallen to help the souls of those trapped as undead to make it back into the Woldblood for rest at last. The fog bores in, and with it, a feeling of uneasiness caresses the elf. Before he realizes, three of his friends have already dashed off towards the scream.
”But we need a better plan than ‘attack’ “, he mutters to himself. Nothing to do than to pick up Jack’s Mirror and trot off after his friends pretending to be iron men.
…… Pick up Mirror (standard action) Move with friends 20’ (move action)
DM Jon: Running the Streets Wednesday June 29th, 2022 2:44:16 PM
Snark and Cory both have an idea where the scream came from. Gathering everyone up, including Blusinda who is very happy at "playing with the undead," the party moves out.
Benni mentions coming up with a "better plan, than just attacking" especially with not knowing what the group will find.
As you continue the fog seems to get thicker ... you get to about where Cory and Snark "believe" the voice came from. It's hard to see in the fog, even with the street lights.
However, a male voice calls out...
Now let every man drink off his full bumper And let every man drink off his full glass We'll drink and be jolly and drown melancholy And here's to the health of each true-hearted lass!
There are two figures about 50' (+/-) in the fog. One says, "Ah my lass, those with me mirror have come. Why don't you go play with them, while I find another to share me bounty with."
The one figure seems to vanish, while the other begins a staggering run towards the party
and what do ye do me landlubbers?
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 40/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Wednesday June 29th, 2022 3:51:27 PM
As they run toward the scream Isaac sighs "Benni if you got a plan I'm all ears. You want to just set up in the church? That's holy ground right?" As they draw close and over hear the figures "Looks like he's running away." He draws his sword ready to fight again.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Thursday June 30th, 2022 7:12:48 AM
Teddy thought the plan was 'catch Jack, fight him, break mirror'. Not much of a plan, but slightly more then just 'attack'.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+5=7 ; Thursday June 30th, 2022 1:38:40 PM
Snark waits to confirm the incoming creature is indeed undead from her gait, demeanor, dead eyes, etc.
Assuming it's undead, as it move up he fires another blob of acid. He hits touch AC 7. Oh well.
"How fast can ol' Jack keep creating undead? There has to be a limit or the whole town'll be gone. And how come he's not trying to make undead out of us?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday June 30th, 2022 2:11:38 PM
Onesimos is thankful for Teddy reminding them the ‘plan’. And Kristoph has a point too. ”What happens if we keep the Mirror away from Jack until dawn? He doesn’t seem worried about it.”
The cleric takes a moment to cast Protection from Evil on Kristoph, making it more difficult for Evil creatures to hit the monk.
DM Jon: Running the Streets Undead Chick trying to "Kiss" Issac d20+6=7 ; Thursday June 30th, 2022 3:20:01 PM
Issac prepares to engage the female undead charging the party.
GoreThum and Teddy prepare to meet another undead enemy
Snark flings a glob of acid at the undead but she swerves out of the way at the last second, and it misses
As people prepare, the topic of "Falling back to the Church and Holy Ground" as a plan gets tossed around
Benni touches Kristoph and bestows a protection from evil creatures, making him harder to hit
OOC: oops, Benni is also keeping a weather eye on the mirror
Cory prepares her bow, and knocks an arrow
The Undead seems to head straight for Issac, hands outstretched, her mouth in a snarl and showing her teeth have become sharpened and ragged, she tries to grab and bite him, and she fails miserably...Issac will have wait until next turn for his "kiss"
For Snark to peruse Highlight to display spoiler: { A male voice, deep and none to pleasant responds to your question, "None save one are fair enough for my tastes, and she has a wicked sting. There are others as fair close by to share my tastes with! } and what do ye do me landlubbers?
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+5=8 ; Thursday June 30th, 2022 7:58:50 PM
Snark throws more acid at three oncoming undead, again missing terribly.
"Hey, did you all hear that? I heard some guy say, 'None save one are fair enough for my tastes, and she has a wicked sting. There are others as fair close by to share my tastes with!'
"Probably Jerk Lolly taunting us. "
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+8=20 ; d6=6 ; Thursday June 30th, 2022 10:11:51 PM
Cory let another arrow fly at the approaching undead. It hit with a satisfying thunk.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 35/40 AC18/ T11 / FF 18 d20+5=23 ; 2d6+8=16 ; Thursday June 30th, 2022 11:33:50 PM
Isaac puts his all into his strike against the undead. Did he seem larger suddenly? Power attack and large.(23) Damage (16)
(I did not realize I was enlarged. Going forward I will try and be better about status effects)
Kristoph: (MarkB for Stephen C) | AC:19 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+5=13 ; d20+5=25 ; d6+4=7 ; d20+4=20 ; d4=2 ; d4=1 ; Friday July 1st, 2022 3:09:16 AM "The sooner we put this one down, the sooner we can stop Jack."
Kristoph moves in to attack. He hits AC 13 and 25. Assuming only the second one hit he does 7 damage.
The Blusinda moves up. She slams the undead, hitting AC 20 and dealing 2 points of fire damage. The creature must make a DC 11 reflex save or catch fire for an additional 1 point of damage.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Friday July 1st, 2022 7:29:45 AM
Teddy can cast Command undead one more time. Since the group has already damaged this undead, probably heavily, he makes plans to control the next single undead they run across so they can speed up after dealing with this one.
DM Jon: Dancing in the Street, again REF Save vs Blusinda d20+4=9 ; Undead chick d20+6=26 ; d20+6=18 ; Bite Damage 2d6+1=12 ; d4=4 ; Friday July 1st, 2022 3:43:37 PM
The battle in the street continues ...
Undead, AC 17
Snark lobs another glob of acid, but misses the female undead, he also comments on 'Ol Jack's parting shot
Cory fires an arrow which hits and sinks into the undead
Issac calls on his new strength and size and hammers the undead with a massive blow
Kristoph and Blusinda double teams the undead, both striking, and now her right leg has caught on fire
Teddy holds his last Command Undead spell, and GoreThum keeps a weather eye for anymore undead who might be headed the groups way
The undead growls and launches herself at poor Issac, looks like she wants to give him a piece of her mind, she does manage to get her mouth locked onto him for a "love bite." Again, the area where she bites begins to darken and ache ...
Issac takes 12 points of damage
FORT Save DC 15 - Save Highlight to display spoiler: { Once the wound heals you'll have a wicked looking scar to show the ladies}
FORT Save DC 15 - Fail Highlight to display spoiler: { You lose 4 points of DEX, and you now take extra damage from crushing/bludgeoning attacks until the DEX damage is healed }
Jack's Latest GF: 31
OOC: If something looks wonky this week, email me .. i tested positive for COVID last night, and mine is presenting as a KILLER SINUS headache, which makes it hard to remember how to spell. I already had to ask Siri how to spell two words in the post
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 23/40 AC16/ T9 / FF 18 d20+9=11 ; d20+7=8 ; Friday July 1st, 2022 9:56:21 PM
Isaac feels the poison work it's way through his system weakening him considerably. But he decides to fight on he doesn't put his all into the attack again instead opting for a measured attack but misses. regular attack:8 fumble?
Kristoph: (MarkB for Stephen C) | AC:19 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+5=18 ; d20+5=22 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=9 ; d20+4=22 ; d4=4 ; d4=1 ; d4=2 ; d20+6=9 ; d4=3 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ; Friday July 1st, 2022 11:23:43 PM
Kristoph again makes a flurry of blows, hitting the thing twice for 10 and 9 damage!
But since Blusinda lit the thing on fire, Kristoph takes 1+2 points of burning damage from his unarmed attacks. Unfortunately, he catches fire (relex 9 - fail) for another 2 points of burning damage, and will spend his next round putting himself out unless someone can drop some water on the monk.
Blusinda slams another fiery claw into the thing, hitting it for 4 points of fire damage. Since the undead is already on fire, it takes an additional 3 points of burn damage this round. The undead can take a full round action to put out the fire (DC 11 reflex save, +4 if it is smart enough to drop and roll around.)
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+8=28 ; d6=3 ; d20=1 ; Friday July 1st, 2022 11:54:18 PM
Cory, figuring she ought not me with success, shot another arrow at an undead. It was almost a great shot, but hit just a hair to the left of a really vulnerable area.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) 2d6=6 ; Saturday July 2nd, 2022 2:42:22 AM
With the mirror in one hand, Onesimos can’t effectively use his sling, and is more vulnerable in melee, so he channels a positive effect to blast the Undead. He looks too see if he knew any of the undead townsfolk who Jack has created.
”I didn’t hear that Snark, but he seems to respond to your taunting. Keep at it and see if he gives other clues. He could be talking a half-dozen women in town that I know, and I’ve only been here a month.”
“I agree we should keep making for the Sanctuary of the Sea. The consecrated ground could provide more defenses.”
…… Positive Channel, 6 damage to Undead, Will DC 14 for 3 damage.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 d20+8=15 ; d6=6 ; Sunday July 3rd, 2022 11:03:03 AM
Teddy is confused if they're trying to catch Jack or if they're trying to find a safe location. If they wanted to stay safe they could have just stayed on the boat all night. GoreThum moves up and attacks. 15 to hit, 8 damage
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday July 3rd, 2022 1:51:43 PM ”We can’t catch Jack if he can keep popping in and out whenever he wants. He will run us ragged and then grab the Mirror. What we need to do is get him reacting to our story. The ship wasn’t safe, that’s Jack’s lair. But consecrated ground could stop him. If we go there, he will have to stop us before we get there. He will have to come to us.”
Or at least I hope so, Onesimos says to himself.
DM Jon: Dancing in the Street, again Monday July 4th, 2022 2:25:32 PM
Kristoph's and Blusinda's attacks/fire is enough to return the undead back to its dead state. The woman is younger, probably late teens t early 20's. You've seen her around town as her father owns one of the fishing vessels, and she helps him with repairing the sails and nets.
Benni and Snark make a plea to go to the sanctuary of holy ground to keep the mirror and party safe.
That's when another female scream breaks the silence
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { This is scream came from somewhere in the opposite direction of the Sanctuary }
Kristoph: (MarkB for Stephen C) | AC:19 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Monday July 4th, 2022 4:48:05 PM
Kristoph runs to the next scream.
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) Monday July 4th, 2022 11:37:38 PM
'Umh, splitting up seems like a really bad idea," Cory said. She stayed with the largest group of the party does split.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=25 ; Tuesday July 5th, 2022 12:27:12 AM
Onesimos winces. The scream was the opposite direction to the Sanctuary. ”Jack knows it too! He’s trying to lead us away from the Sanctuary! He’s only going to DimDoor away when we get there. The only way to stop him from killing the community is to head to consecrated ground!”
And yet, for 140 years, Benni has heard the tales of adventurers who didn’t follow the warnings of adventure. And Cory just paraphrased the number two rule of successful adventurers.
The armored cleric follows Kristoph as fast as he can.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday July 5th, 2022 8:32:59 AM
Teddy prepares an action to command undead the next zombified victim they see. Hopefully that will let them run right past and catch Jack.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 23/40 AC16/ T9 / FF 18 Tuesday July 5th, 2022 10:27:18 AM
"I'll head with the others to the Church. I don't think we can keep fighting like this" Isaac makes his way to the church with Benni and Kristoph.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Tuesday July 5th, 2022 2:21:52 PM
Snark runs with (hopefully) everyone else toward the next scream.
"I'm not too excited about ol' Jack leading us on a wild goose chase, but why would he come to the sanctuary? If he wanted to tangle with us, he'd a' done so by now. He seems to be trying to avoid us, not come to whereever we're hiding.
"If we go to the sanctuary, he's just gonna keep killing folks or making more minions that're killing folks. "
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday July 5th, 2022 3:18:37 PM ”He is making minions whenever he wants now, whether we are chasing or not. I’m only hoping that changing the rules equals changing the game. Does anyone have a better option?”
Benni literally sees no way of stopping Jack from undead if the whole town if he wants. There is literally nothing the heroes can do to win unless some divine inspiration strikes them.
Benni burns a Hero Point to ‘petition the GM for inspiration’ per Hero Point rules.
DM Jon: Decisions Tuesday July 5th, 2022 3:23:51 PM OCC: Sorry for the lateness, somehow I got Covid last week and my brain still isn't back to 100%
With the death of the undead female, and upon hearing another female scream, the party faces a fast and dirty decision, which is made as Snark, Kristoph and Blusinda, and Benni (who still has the mirror) all begin running towards the scream. Teddy, GoreThum, and Cory appear to hesitate and then join in on the chase as the largest group of people are moving away from the Sanctuary, as Snark eloquently puts it as he beings moving "If we go to the sanctuary, he's just gonna keep killing folks or making more minions that're killing folks."
Hint Highlight to display spoiler: { Jack's not dumb. The longer y'all stay away from "Consecrated ground" the better chances he has of catching you off guard and getting his mirror back ... of course, daylight will begin showing up in an hour or so ... }
Issac states he's "heading to the church," as his other companions begin heading into the thick fog
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday July 5th, 2022 3:38:05 PM
Onesimos calls to Kristoph and the others. ” Jack's not dumb. The longer we stay away from "Consecrated ground" the better chances he has of catching us off guard and getting his mirror back. We REALLY should be headed to the Sanctuary by the Sea.”
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Tuesday July 5th, 2022 6:10:26 PM "Gee, it sure doesn't seem right to ingore the cries from the town, hide in safety at the sanctuary, and hope Jack to comes for his mirror. But nothing else seems to be effective in stopping Jack, so let's give that a try."
Snark grumpily stomps back to the sanctuary with Benni. Probably best not to get too attached to this town anyway.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday July 6th, 2022 9:18:05 AM
Teddy and Gore'Thum will follow the group. Or whomever picks a direction and starts moving. Teddy will stay alert and continue to have his spell prepared in case Jack attacks them on the way with some undead friends.
Kristoph: (MarkB for Stephen C) | AC:19 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Wednesday July 6th, 2022 2:34:49 PM
Kristoph and the firecat head to the sanctuary with the others.
DM Jon: Decisions Wednesday July 6th, 2022 4:59:43 PM OOC: I've asked for some advice on what I'm about to do, so if I have to edit the post, that's why
Before the majority of the party runs off, well they make it maybe 20 or 30 feet, the logic behind Issac and Benni's thoughts on the Sanctuary grounds being hallow (or consecrated) make sense. The party hightails it away from the latest scream and out towards the sanctuary.
Jack's frustrated roar can be heard across town, causing lights to turn on and people to look outside of their windows, this time, many are armed.
As the party turns a corner, there's a face made of fog staring at them. Jack's face. Glaring it speaks, "That place won't help you. I'm coming for my mirror, and you won't be able to stop us. I will enjoy feasting on you all." The fog blasts the party with ice-cold air, that has little aftereffects other than now you all want to bathe.
As you start making your way out of town and towards the sanctuary the fog has re-coalesced into what looks like three forms.
The fog clears as the center one waves their hand. Jack Lolly, master of the Black Ghost, looking extremely pissed off, has two new friends. They are easily recognizable as the wife and daughter of the town baker. They both look at the party hungrily.
"Ye've got something 'o mine children. Now give it back, and I might let you live, well, he strokes the two females' heads, some semblance of life ... I need a new crew, and there are so many places to visit and feed."
Now you scallywags, what be you'rn actions, arrrrrgh
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Thursday July 7th, 2022 12:14:32 AM
Snark is surprised that this Jack fella seems to know where they're headed no matter where he is.
"Is this guy omniscient?"
Then he seems to form a face in the fog where he can see us. And just as quickly he appears where we are. "Geez, this guy is omnipresent too?"
As Jack demands that the group submit to him, Snark replies, "Hey Jack - shut it."
He casts Glitterdust on the three undead before they separate.
---------------------------- Glitterdust - A 10' radius cloud of golden particles covers everyone and everything in the area, causing creatures to become blinded and visibly outlining invisible things for the duration of the spell. Each round at the end of their turn blinded creatures may attempt new saving throws to end the blindness effect. DC 16 Will save. Duration 4 rounds.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=20 Thursday July 7th, 2022 12:18:45 AM
Onesimos hustles towards the Sanctuary of the Sea, and is not disappointed when Jack shows up. ”I was right! I was… Uh oh, hadn’t thought quite this far. “
Only a quick reminder to himself means Benni has, but he’s not gonna say it because the elf is really bad at bluffing anyone. He has to get Jack to look in the Mirror and then break it, and without the Undead Pirate knowing. The cleric casts Sanctuary, and boldly uses the Mirror like a shield.
”Snark, I think he can sense the Mirror.”
“My spell will keep your victims from attacking me, Captain, and while you are probably too strong, you don’t dare attack me or your Mirror will get shattered by your blow. Your terror ends tonight!”. (Benni tries to weave words to catch and keep Kack’s attention)
…… Perform. 20
Benni has the Mirror
Resistance (from Snark). +1 on next save Sanctuary. 1/3 rounds. Anyone attacking Benni must Will DC 15 or can’t attack and lose action
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+8=9 ; Thursday July 7th, 2022 1:03:05 AM
Cory stays with the majority. She fires an arrow at any convenient undead target, but her luck doesn't hold this time as the arrow flies high.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Thursday July 7th, 2022 9:35:15 AM
Teddy casts Command Undead per his prepared action. He tells the undead female, "Attack the two next to you." That way even if he can't compel it to attack it's master it'll still have another valid target.
Gore"Thum stays back behind Benni and his santuary (how big is that?).
DM Jon: Decisions Thursday July 7th, 2022 2:41:21 PM Um, is it me or did our list of players get shorter? I sent Stephen, aka Benni an email, once I hear back I'll make a post ... well I'm gonna make a post, lol
DM Jon: Decisions Jack WILL save d20+12=22 ; Older Undead WILL save d20+2=20 ; Younger Undead WILL save d20+2=10 ; d20=9 ; Older Undead attack d20+6=24 ; d6+1=3 ; Thursday July 7th, 2022 3:01:24 PM
Jack AC 24 Undead Ladies AC17
Snark tells Jack to "Shut it!" and then causes a golden glitter bomb to go off where Jack and his "lovelies" are standing .. the younger undead appears affected as she suddenly growls and begins rubbing at her eyes ... on the reverse, Jack's eyes glow as he appears pissed off that he is now covered in golden glitter
Teddy calls out to the older Undead to "Attack the other undead present" GoreThum uses Benni as a meat shield
Cory fires off an arrow at the blinded undead, but misses
Benni, standing inside his sanctuary, begins telling Jack a tale about a naughty boy who always got into trouble ... Jack turns his attention on Benni and takes a few steps closer ... and his attention gets drawn to the mirror that Benni is holding like a shield ... Jack pauses looking at his reflection ... very vain like
The older undead female attacks the blinded one, and smacks her for a small amount of damage
Younger/Blinded Undead: 3 Older Undead: 0 Jack: 0
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 23/40 AC16/ T9 / FF 18 d20+4=21 ; 2d6+7=15 ; Thursday July 7th, 2022 9:17:02 PM
Isaac moves as fast as he can it seems Jack is mesmerized by his reflection at the moment and he decides to take a chance. He attacks the Mirror as hard as he can trying to make sure Jack is in the portrait.
Attack:Large size and power attack -3 Damage large size 2d6+ power attack 4 + strength 3
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+8=15 ; Thursday July 7th, 2022 11:07:43 PM
Cory tried to shoot the younger undead but missed.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Friday July 8th, 2022 1:16:01 AM
(Cory's arrow may have hit? If the undead she attacked is blinded, it would not add it's dex bonus to AC. This will make it easier for the other undead to hit it as well.)
Snark looks at the glittering Jack. "You look better this way there Sparkie. I wonder how you'll look covered in mirror shards?"
Snark readies an action to cast Grease in front of Bennie if Jack decided to charge the cleric.
---------------------------- Grease - A grease spell covers a solid surface with a layer of slippery grease. Any creature in the area when the spell is cast must make a successful DC 15 Reflex save or fall. A creature can walk within or through the area of grease at half normal speed with a DC 10 Acrobatics check. Failure means it can’t move that round (and must then make a DC 15 Reflex save or fall), while failure by 5 or more means it falls (see the Acrobatics skill for details). Creatures that do not move on their turn do not need to make this check and are not considered flat-footed.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 d6=6 ; d20=3 ; Friday July 8th, 2022 10:01:14 AM
If the mirror doesn't break from Isaac's attack then Gore'Thum will follow up with his own attack for 8 damage (7 to hit I think but that shouldn't matter since it's being held by an ally). Teddy bites his lip nervously hoping this works.
Kristoph: (SteveK for Stephen C) | AC:19 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d6+1=2 ; Friday July 8th, 2022 10:28:49 AM
Kristoph adds his own attack on the mirror, a fire bolt!
Bluesinda hisses like water on coals, and she keeps away from the Undead. …. 2 magic fire damage.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=8 ; d20+6=13 ; Friday July 8th, 2022 10:30:25 AM
Onesimos tries to keep Captain Jacks attention with his story. He stumbles a little on lengthening it out and tries to tiie up the story. While speaking he Readies to move and keep Jack’s image in the mirror if he tries to move.
…. Perform. 8. Hero Point reroof 13
Readied action to angle the Mirror and keep it on Jack.
Benni has the Mirror
Resistance (from Snark). +1 on next save Sanctuary. 2/3 rounds. Anyone attacking Benni must Will DC 15 or can’t attack and lose action
DM Jon: Decisions d20+6=15 ; d6+1=6 ; Friday July 8th, 2022 1:25:17 PM
Benni gets tripped up in his story, and when he does Jack shakes his head, then looks up at the sky.
When Snark calls him "Sparkie," Jack's head whips around to look at the mirror again
That's the moment when Issac, GoreThum, and Kristoph all attack the mirror ... shattering it ... Jack's scream pierces the pre-dawn night ...
The party watches as parts of him begin breaking off, just like the shards of glass now all over the ground and covering everyone other than Snark, Cory, and Teddy
As the pieces of Jack hit that ground they begin sizzling and melting away, his clothing and other items drop to the ground ... as the last few pieces of him hit the ground, an almost whining, voice can be heard, "No more lasses for 'ol Jack"
Cory spins and fires an arrow at the blinded undead, striking it ... And the older undead smacks the blinded one, doing damage as well
Younger/Blinded Undead: 14 (adjusted, thanks Cory) Older Undead: 0 Jack: Dead and gone, nevermore to roam the seas or pinch pretty bar maidens butt's
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d6=5 ; Friday July 8th, 2022 2:53:03 PM
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 23/40 AC16/ T9 / FF 18 d20+10=11 ; Friday July 8th, 2022 10:57:42 PM
Isaac breathes a sigh of relief that Jack is gone. He then focuses on the mother and daughter pair of undead. He focuses his smite on the daughter hoping to put her out of her misery as fast as possible. He misses the younger one.
Attack crit miss:(
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday July 9th, 2022 3:17:30 AM
Onesimos mutters a prayer in relief as the Mirror shatters and the effects are seen on the Undead Captain. ”To the Lands of Unrest, Jack Lolly, and your overdue time to atone for all selfishness, pain, and suffering you have caused. May you retain and remember to love yourself and others without greed or avarice.”
But Benni has little time at the moment with two of Jack’s victims undead in the streets. He draws forth from his belt pouch a vial of holy water and packet of powdered silver. Breaking both, he intones a Consecrate spell, temporarily making a 20’ radius of consecrated ground! ……..
Consecrate. 20’ radius. 8 hours. Undead have -1 attack, damage, and saves. Channel Positive Energy has +3 DC Resistance (from Snark). +1 on next save Sanctuary. 3/3 rounds. Anyone attacking Benni must Will DC 15 or can’t attack and lose action
Channel. 4 of 6 0- Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Stabilize, Light 1- Bless Water, Magic Weapon 2- shield Other
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+5=8 ; Saturday July 9th, 2022 2:27:54 PM
Snark looks around as Jack seems to die with the breaking of his mirror. He looks at the ground where Jack was to see wha's left behind.
But he doesn't look for long - there's still some fighting to do. Snark flings another blob of acid at the blinded undead, but misses (hits AC 8). "Aw rats! I can't hit for nothing today!"
Kristoph: (MarkB for Stephen C) | AC:19 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+6=26 ; d20+6=25 ; 2d6+8=16 ; d20+3=14 ; d4=2 ; d4=3 ; d4=3 ; d4=4 ; Saturday July 9th, 2022 2:42:51 PM
Kristoph moves up to strike the blinded undead, drawing his Kama as he does. He hits with a crit (confirmed), dealing 16 damage.
Blusinda also moves up, slamming the thing with a fiery blow. It hits AC 14, dealing 2 points of fire damage and potentially setting it on fire (see Burn below.) ------------------------- Blinded 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. Characters who remain blinded for a long time grow accustomed to these drawbacks and can overcome some of them.
Burn - A creature with the burn special attack deals fire damage in addition to damage dealt on a successful hit in melee. Those affected by the burn ability must also succeed on a Reflex save (DC:11) or catch fire, taking 1d4 damage for an additional 1d4 rounds at the start of its turn. A burning creature can attempt a new save as a full-round action. Dropping and rolling on the ground grants a +4 bonus on this save. Creatures that hit a burning creature with natural weapons or unarmed attacks take fire damage as though hit by the burning creature and must make a Reflex save to avoid catching on fire.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Sunday July 10th, 2022 10:58:53 PM
Teddy is so relieved the scary zombie pirate is gone his knees go week and he finds himself sitting on the ground. Gore'Thum goes over to check on him and leaves the undead to tear each other apart.
DM James: Sunrise Monday July 11th, 2022 9:34:21 AM
Jack's collapse upon the flagstones of the street, cobbles made up of shells mostly, causes a ringing noise as the metal bits on his person bounce upon them. Smoke and ichor exude from the spot just as blood curdling screams come from his undead spawn as they too fall to bits at the heroes feet.
All just stand exhausted and looking at the carnage as the first rays of light pierce the gloom of the fog and light up the ground at their feet. Bit's of glass, metal, buttons, and buckles glitter in the morning sun as the residents of the town open curtains, windows, and doors to peer out into the street that now seems safe.
In the near distance sheriff Whip appears with two new deputies and move to keep people away from the scene.
"Please everyone, stay back. Evil may yet still have a hold on the area. Allow our heroes to clear the street before we rush them in our show of gratitude."
At the end of the street the baker stood with his apron in hand holding a bloody hand as he looked on at his wife and daughter with a great sadness. Everyone else obeyed the sheriff as the heroes started rummaging through the debris looking for evil objects.
As the heroes moved from undead to undead they picked up what they could. The baker seemed anxious about them searching his wife and daughter and as they reached for the women's jewelry he called out. "Please don't!"
As for the other bodies on Jack they found two magic potions, a magic chain shirt, four daggers (2 Magic), a masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str) with 20 arrows, masterwork whip, a magic belt, magic boots, magic rapier, magnifying glass, spyglass, masterwork thieves’ tools, and Owner’s Papers for the Black Ghost. The undead men which turned out to be the sheriff's deputies they found misc standard equipment and on a string around one's neck they found an abbey key. They could return the key to man's family or try to keep it.
So as the sun warmed the people on the street the harbormaster walked up. "Jack's ship be grounded for the moment til the tide comes in. Somebody'll be wantin' ter move it or it'll smash on the rocks. Ye got a few hours yet though. Nuff time ter get some rest and sum food. I canna get a crew tergether to help when yer ready. Captain Rio said she'd help tow you back to the dock."
DM James: Plans?
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+2=3 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+2=15 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+15=20 ; Monday July 11th, 2022 12:45:52 PM
Snark says, "Ooo, that Jack was a bad one. Murder and pillaging is bad enough, but then you add making people undead....Sorry these two women had to end this way 'cause of him."
Snark steers clear of the women's bodies as asked.
He turns to Isaac. "You mind checking things over for evil? I'll give a look to see what's magic, and if I can figure out what they do."
The little gnome casts Detect Magic on the items. He will use Spellcraft to see if he can determine the properties of the magic. He also has his little bat familiar see he it can help.
----------------------------------- The following Knowledge Arcana rolls include any help from aid another (DC 10) by the bat. Identifying the properties of a magic item has a DC 15 + the items caster level.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday July 11th, 2022 4:58:16 PM
Daylight. No undead. And Onesimos breathes a sigh of relief. As Snark avoids picking over the Bakery women, Onesimos actively protects the two. He lays a cloak over the daughter, and pays a guard for a second cloak, comforting the Baker with prompts of loving memories of child and wife.
The elf looks to Isaac and Kristoph to deal with Sheriff Whip and the Black Ghost: Benni is no kind of sailor at all! Maybe Cory has some skills there
Channel. 4 of 6 0- Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Stabilize, Light 1- Bless Water, Magic Weapon 2- shield Other
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 31/40 AC16/ T9 / FF 18 d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; Monday July 11th, 2022 8:47:29 PM
Isaac respects the Bakers wishes and only uses his detect evil to detect any evil on the mother and daughter's bodies making sure that Jack didn't leave an odd surprise. If he finds nothing he goes over and detects any evil on Jack's items. Once that is done he heals himself and the party using his channel energy to heal everyone. Healed 8 Hp Isaac walks over to Sheriff Whip "Sheriff Whip sorry about the ship sir but we were in a bit of a hurry. None of us expected Jack was still up and around. When he stole our boat we had to follow him as best we could. I'll come around and help row the ship back to port. But for now I just want some rest and food. With Jack dead I think everyone he turned can finally rest."
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) Monday July 11th, 2022 10:49:59 PM
"I'm happy to help row," Cory said, "but I don't know the first thing about boats. Or ships. Apparently there is a difference, and it's very, very important to maritime folks."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday July 12th, 2022 12:11:15 AM
Daylight. No undead. And Onesimos breathes a sigh of relief. As Snark avoids picking over the Bakery women, Onesimos actively protects the two. He lays a cloak over the daughter, and pays a guard for a second cloak, comforting the Baker with prompts of loving memories of child and wife.
The elf looks to Isaac and Kristoph to deal with Sheriff Whip and the Black Ghost: Benni is no kind of sailor at all! Maybe Cory has some skills there. Or not. He begins to smile and then laugh in relief. ”We are masters of a boat, or ship, and none of us even know how to fix a board let alone refloat a crashed one!”
Channel. 4 of 6 0- Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Stabilize, Light 1- Bless Water, Magic Weapon 2- shield Other
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday July 12th, 2022 5:45:26 AM
Teddy and Gore'Thum will try to track down all the zombies and gather the belongings of the dead off of them to return to their families. Hopefully the sheriff can help identify all the bodies.
DM James: Morning Tuesday July 12th, 2022 2:45:03 PM Snark asked Issac to check for evil as he cast detect magic. Benni sighed in relief that the night had ended as well as the undead threat. Issac healed everyone around. He apologized for the ship. Cory offered to row the ship back to the dock. Teddy ranged far and wide looking for undead that they'd left in the street and collected their gear.
Issac's healing reached out to those around them and included the baker whose hand stopped bleeding. Issac scrutinized the area and the objects and found nothing evil. It seemed as if the evil left the area with the demise of Jack.
Aside from the ownership papers for the Ghost, Snark was able to identify everything.
Potion: Disguise Self Potion: Spider Climb Chain Shirt +1 Dagger +1 Dagger +1 Belt of Incredible Dexterity +2 Boots of Elvenkind Rapier +2
Sheriff Whip looked over their shoulders and listened to group. "There's a market for sailing ships here. The Ghost needs work, but you could probably get a fair amount for it. You fellas don't need work as deputies do you? It seems mine have gotten themselves killed recently. Even those two are temporary. Pays 4 silver a week. That's top pay."
It wasn't too long and the bodies were removed from the street. All told it looked like Jack had killed 8 people during the night. The ones that hadn't taken a run at the heroes had expired when jack was destroyed.
At the Blue Cat the mood was somber, but the staff moved rapidly to accommodate the heroes. Food, drink, and a warm spot by the fire was all prepared in short order. Throughout the quiet room the people there seemed to give the heroes a bit of quiet space in the aftermath of the battle. Meanwhile Gore Thum tapped the Abbey key on the table as if in thought.
DM: Fort Save DC 15 or be fatigued.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 31/40 AC16/ T9 / FF 18 d20+9=17 ; Tuesday July 12th, 2022 4:38:52 PM
Isaac responds to Sheriff Whip with " I'll help out as much as I can. I'll start as soon as things get settled down around here first. Me and the others are also investigating the haunted church. So if you can't find us that's were we've gone off to."
Isaac looks over the identified items noting the spider climb potion and Magic Chain Shirt.
At the Blue Cat Isaac eats his fill and lays down in a real bed grateful for some rest after the fight with Jack.
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) d20+2=6 ; Tuesday July 12th, 2022 11:38:28 PM
Cory picked at her food. "I'm hungry, but I'm too tired to eat." She forced down as much as she could and went very, very light on drink.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 d20=10 ; d20=14 ; Wednesday July 13th, 2022 7:27:48 AM
Gore'Thum is willing to get paid for a job they are already doing. Teddy is surprised by the offer and uncertain so goes along with Gore'Thum. Both are very tired from the long night.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=13 ; Wednesday July 13th, 2022 10:21:07 AM
Onesimos isn’t interested in being a Deputy; he is with the WLA and the Sanctuary of the Sea: he feels he doesn’t need yet another group. But having some of the team with an “in” could be a good thing!
For the Black Ghost, he doesn’t know if they should sell or have A crew to be mobile. Too tired.
The cleric stumbles to his small rented room, wearily hangs up his equipment, and falls asleep still with one sock on
DM James: Midafternoon Wednesday July 13th, 2022 2:38:15 PM
The sleep is real as the exhausted heroes retire for the day. Teddy wakes up with his head resting on the frogs stomach, Benni somehow managed to remove the extra sock, but it lay across his face, Cory didn't remember taking off any clothes, and Issac had a pillow pattern on his face. None of them were feeling too on top of things when they woke mid-afternoon and were dragged down to the docks.
Fortunately for them all the Ghost was already in tow and shortly after it was pulled up at the dock where the Harbormaster was looking it over. "She's a fine ship, needs some work. I can sell 'er if'n yer'll give me a commission. Think I can git five thousand for her, minus my cut that's four thousand five hunnerd. Course you can put in the work and fix 'er for about the same price. I might rename the old girl though and take down that jolly roger. If'n yer sell I think my buyer can be here by next week."
"Oh, one other thing. Whip tole me the deputy with the key that Jack kilt. 'is family don't want no part of it. Said it's bad luck and got 'im killed."
So it looked like they had a few things they could do.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Wednesday July 13th, 2022 3:47:48 PM
Having rested with the others, Snark wakes and studies his spells.
He goes down into the common room. "Well, first things first. Folks oughta look over the loot and speak up if there're things you want. I can sell the rest. I know Isaac is interested in the armor and a potion.
"As for the ship, I'm fer sellin it. Then we'll need to see if we can figure out what this key goes to."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Wednesday July 13th, 2022 4:53:45 PM
Snark will tell his friends, "Once we get this treasure wrapped up, I'll need a few days to attend to some things. I gotta visit Olostim. I also want to go talk to those druids outside of town, and if anyone needs to see some nauture priests their welcome."
Snark will ask the inn keeper and the sherrif if he knows anything about the druids, or if the way to Olostim's place on the coast is hazardous.
(For the DM, Snark plans to take levels in Greenmage starting at character level 6, and there are a few prerequesites he needs to satisify.)
AC 20 T15 F15| HP 31/31 Cory .(JD) Wednesday July 13th, 2022 10:22:27 PM
"I sure don't need a boat," Cory said. "I'd be interested in that belt, though. And that larger bow. It's not magical, but it'll shoot further and do more damage than my little bow."
Her shortbow was quite nice (MW), but not magical. The only magic she had was a chain shirt created from mithral, a good choice for a sneaky sort of person. She did not show any interest in the MW thieve's tools.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday July 13th, 2022 11:35:22 PM
Teddy does find waking up on Gore'Thum's stomach unusual. Usually he sleeps on the frog's back. Gore'Thum takes the bed. They have possibly spent to long in the wilds where they could be woken up in the middle of the night by a wolf or something.
Teddy and Gore'thum are both confused why they are talking about the ship. "It's not our ship. It was Jacks. Shouldn't it go his heir? To the town? Or the victims? Why us? I mean if one of the deputies or husbands got him it wouldn't be there boat would it?" Gore'Thum croaks his confused agreement.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday July 14th, 2022 1:05:08 AM
Onesimos blearily gets up, cleans himself and his clothing up, does routine maintenance on armor, weapons, and other equipment, then comes down to join the discussion.
The elf also agrees to sell the former pirate ship. ”we have the papers, Jack has no heirs, and the town has agreed and judged it is rightfully ours. As to the families of the victims, we will help them as we stay in Heranmar, which will be more of a consolation than coin. I agree to sell and the commission is more than fair.”
For party treasure, Benni doesn’t want any item for himself, and is content to take his share in monetary value.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 31/40 AC16/ T9 / FF 18 Thursday July 14th, 2022 4:18:11 PM
Isaac looks over at the ship "I think it would be useful if we ever needed to go anywhere but besides that I'm not a sailor and I have no idea how to sail a ship. Thank you for the Key and I'm sorry we were not able to save more last night."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Friday July 15th, 2022 1:27:11 AM "I dunno Teddy. The Harbormaster says it's our ship now. That's good enough for me."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday July 15th, 2022 10:35:07 AM
Onesimos asks the Deputy’s family and co-workers where he got the key. When told it brought him bad luck, the cleric arches an eyebrow. ”Seems like good luck for us. Almost like it isn’t the object but the choices of people that are more important.”. But he doesn’t press the issue. Planting a seed means caring for the seed until it becomes a great oak. Heranmar won’t change in a day or decade, but give it a hundred years? Benni will still be around to see it.
The elf suggests to his friends that they spend another day resting before tackling the Abbey once again with the newest Key.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 31/40 AC16/ T9 / FF 18 Friday July 15th, 2022 10:27:33 PM
Isaac thinks about what Bennie said and goes back to his room to rest it had been a tiring night.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 25/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Saturday July 16th, 2022 11:38:42 AM
Kristoph is relieved the undead situation is rectified and after some thoughy offers his services to the Sherrif a s a deputy (if still available).
He does not seem interested in treasure.
(OOC thank you for the amazing subs - I am back)!
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Sunday July 17th, 2022 3:20:24 PM
Teddy finds it weird that they killed someone and got his stuff even if he was a bad guy.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Sunday July 17th, 2022 11:57:58 PM
Gore'Thum wonders how this kill to claim his stuff works in the supposed civilized world. It seems like it would end poorly long term.
DM James: Later that week. Monday July 18th, 2022 9:05:05 AM
DM James: Recovering from a bout of the Flu. Still not 100%...
Over the next couple of days the heroes rest up, discuss loot distribution, and most seem to have decided to sell the Black Ghost. The harbormaster makes the arrangements and says the buyer will be in town within the next week.
Meanwhile Waldo has been making regular appearances and the tow has become convinced seeing him is bad luck. Yet Waldo only seems to come out late at night, so the townsfolk have taken to staying in after midnight. It's not a daunting task as most are in already, but the towns guards and deputies have taken to staying in as well. The result is that some mischief is being made in their absence. Small things really, sheriff Whip thinks it's older children playing pranks, but some amount of property damage has happened.
Also after some lengthy examination of the key they found they've discovered this one differs slightly from the ones found earlier. They speculate that it might actually fit a lock in the main house.
KS: Local DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The small engraved shape of a horse might indicate this is a key to the carriage house around back of Abbey. The carriage house is attached to the main structure and the tower at the rear of the Abbey.}
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 25/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Monday July 18th, 2022 12:51:55 PM
In the two days Kristoph works in the local blacksmiths and spends some time with the sheriff (assuming he accepted his offer to be a deputy/help).
Blusinda takes her place the inn's fireplace and bathes the place in her blue light.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+8=21 ; Monday July 18th, 2022 2:00:58 PM
With a couple days to spare, Snark will make a day trip out to the Grove of Peerimus, where he will discuss with the local druids his desire to become a Greenmage one day. (This is just to establish contact - Snark would like to begin Greenmage at level 6.)
He later looks over the key. "Huh. There's a little engraved shape of a horse on this. Maybe it goes to the carriage house attached to the main structure and the tower at the rear of the Abbey."
(Knoelwdge Local = 21)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 20/ 20 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday July 19th, 2022 6:40:59 AM
Onesimos, finally refreshed, joins the others in the Inn’s common room. ”Good work, Snark, I say this is another opportunity to make the old abbey a good place once again.”
Of the Waldo sightings, the cleric spends time at the Sanctuary of the Sea and WLA headquarters, reading up on possible spirits that could be Waldo.
The elf is ready to go.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday July 19th, 2022 8:39:48 AM
Gore'Thum spends a night or two trying to spot Waldo. Teddy really doesn't want to and for once the frog relents and lets Teddy sleep instead. He suspects Waldo is harmless and is mostly curious.
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