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DM Jeremy "The other five just want to try to kill the sphinx." 
Monday July 4th, 2022 12:26:58 PM

Rolth analyzes the options and suggests a third.

Wil offers another solution.

Mak suggests asking the friend to ease the conscience before flooding his room.

Ayotnom jokingly offers a complicated solution, but than suggests the needs of the many out way the needs of the few.

Kiwina ponders some ideas, but remembers that they are only allowed one of two answers. He wonders how the lever works, and if there could be a work around.

Tsak reminds everyone that they are allowed to make only one of two answers, and that they can only use the lever to control the situation. He says he would save his friend.

Elyas wonders if it would be possible to switch, the lever, back and forth, in hopes that not enough water would be available to flood the rooms completely. He of course realizes that may just end up killing everyone.

******************************************************************

Yaron shows no emotion what so ever. In typical sphinx fashion, He simply waits for his riddle to be answered.

Feel free to take as long as you need to make a decision.

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Monday July 4th, 2022 12:54:17 PM

Kiwina addresses his objections to the Petals -- aware that the sphinx will hear if it listens, but plainly still in discussion with his fellows. "If we lived in some strange world where a person's life is a person's life and is no more or less valued than another person's life, there would be merit to sacrificing one person to save five. But we live in a world where some people are good and others evil. We would be sacrificing one life of that we might estimate a value for in order to save five that cannot assess, just guessing whether some average result should be the basis for our choice. I don't think it should. We could give the decision over to the gods, but our experience with Domi leads me to believe that they would not answer in time even if they answered clearly. The decision remains ours. The details of the choice matter a great deal to what should be done -- yet we are given no details. Therefore, I reject the obvious choices."

"This is a situation that we have come upon, not one that we created. I know people who would argue that we have no moral stake in a situation that we did not help to create. If we move the switch, we involve ourselves morally in the situation and would be responsible for the death of the one. Yet we would not be responsible for the death of the five. However, I think this is also a position that I must reject. Seeing five people in need, I should help them if I am able. But the decision as to my ability is mine." If the other Petals poke into it, Kiwina may explain that there are things that he would accept as rendering him unable to help that others -- and especially anyone he did not help -- might consider immaterial. He agrees that Mak addressed the very important need to let their potential victim participate in the choice.

"We are here for the test of discernment. I think that the answer to the riddle is not what is important, but the character that the guardian of the key discerns in us as we debate it. He may or may not know that the Deep is beginning to break through the seal that holds it, or what we intend to do with the key. It may not influence him that we are fighing the Deep if he holds out a hope there may be others better able to fight the Deep."

"I say that the details of the situation determine whether we move the lever -- the ones this beast hasn't told us. But whether we move it or not, we will do what is in our power to save all six. I don't care if it's hard, or unlikley. If I am forced into a situation where people will die, and I have no ability to stop it, then I should next find and appropriately deal with whoever created the situation."

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Monday July 4th, 2022 1:49:43 PM

“No action is also a decision. I say we tell him we will not pull the lever to save all six lives.” Wil says after Kiwina

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Monday July 4th, 2022 2:52:46 PM

Even if we could assign weight to each person's life, we would not know anything about the 5 people we would be saving. perhaps they are more worthy than the one friend who is trapped.

Of course the answer is purely in theory, because if we really found such a place, we would do everything in our power to ignore the requirement to pull or not pull the lever and we would use our combination of skills and magic to attempt to save all 6 people, not stand around debating while the water fills one of the chambers.

On my own I know at least 2 or three spells that could potentially save the person in the room that is filling with water. but i do not think 'save everyone' is one of the answers we can give here.


Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 44/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 5/7 
Monday July 4th, 2022 6:23:50 PM

"Well he acknowledges that only one of the two answers must be given. Absent of other input Kiwaman your answer to save more people is the one we need to present. In the real we would look for better."

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+7=26 ;
Monday July 4th, 2022 10:03:12 PM

"Then if we agree with this admittedly less than ideal choice, I am willing to speak for us." Meanwhile, Rolth tries to recall the powers of a sphinx, in case this goes all wrong.

(Knowledge Arcana = 26 to determine its powers)

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 51/76 | AC : 28; Touch 17; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+5=25 ;
Monday July 4th, 2022 11:57:01 PM

Ayotnom says, "The challenge of Discernment was The Guardian will offer a question, you must find a solution. The heart is what you seek."

He continues, "The sphinx itself said I am Yaron, guardian of a key. But before you can have it, you must first answer me. One of you must answer, there are only two answers that may be given, and they involve a choice you would make to decide who’s still liven. You are overlooking a cave. You can see that there are five people you do not know trapped in one room, and your friend trapped in another. In front of you is a lever, and you can see that there is water rushing into the room the five people are in. The lever redirects the water to the room with your friend in. Wherever the water goes, everyone in that room will die and all you control is the lever. What choice do you make?”

He clears his throat and says, "You don't think that first part involving the numbers one of us must answer and there are two answers that may be given might be a clue or something?"

Ayotnom makes an int check to try to determine if the first part of the riddle contains some sort of hidden clue - One of you must answer, there are only two answers that may be given, and they involve a choice you would make to decide who’s still liven

Ayotnom then says to Elyas and Kiwina, "True we do know nothing about the other 5 for all we know they could be a wretched hive of scum and villainy setup to be drowned for murder or something."

Int Check: 25 - natural 20

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 12:25:31 AM

Good chat, but I haven't changed my mind. If it was just me I wouldn't touch the lever and thus hope to save my friend. If we, as a group, make a different decision then I'll stand by that group decision.

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 10:50:58 AM

"Oh, I just realized that the water is currently filling the room with the 5 people. Ugh... no action will kill the five people, that's unacceptable to me. Ultimately, I will defer to the group decision."

DM Jeremy "The other five just want to try to kill the sphinx." 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 11:08:14 AM

I have no Idea what happened. I copy and pasted the following post yesterday, but for some reason it just re-posted Friday's post, and somehow I missed it. As Friday's posy, and in particular, the results of Mak's use of a hero point, may have an influence on how you proceed, so let's pretend yesterday didn't happen. If you still want to use your post, please copy and paste it, and use it as today's post.

Mak wonders whether one of two answers means one of the given answers. He digs deep searching for some heroic insight, and realizes that the given answers are really their only options based on the situation, as described to them.

Falco realizes that both answers are wrong as well as right, based on the given scenario. He points out that if they knew more about the individuals, it could change their choice as well. He suggests never giving the Rose intelligence, and asks who feels most strongly about the answers.

Kiwina is still convinced there has to be another option.

Rolth agrees with Mak's original idea of getting the, hopefully, heroic friend's permission to sacrifice him to save the others.

Wil's "friends" are undecided as to which is best, giving a terrible answer, or killing Yaron.

Tsak feels that the heroic thing would be to save the 5, and is OK if someone answers accordingly.

Elyas feels saving as many as possible it the right course of action.

Ayotnom wonders if an alter ego may be able change the outcome, and wonders if Wil would be able to disable the water mechanism.

**************************************

Yaron continues to stoically wait.

Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:36(AO)/32/24T/19FF|CMD 37| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|20/15/-/-/20(H)|(FA,WN,BS,IC,FD,H,Fk,PS,WF)**|1d6+11 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 11:53:06 AM

Mak was totally frustrated with his own state of mind and the absolute lack of insight his heroic mind could conjure. He was starting to understand Wil's predicament as he shrugged his shoulders. "I got nothing."

OOC: Wasted that HP.

"Listen. So regardless of the answer those guys we flood out are going to raise themselves from their watery grave and attack us. We are just picking which group will hate us."

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 44/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 5/7 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 12:31:14 PM

Falco bursts out laughing. "Mak, you seem to have it right. Whatever we do something attacks us. Either answer as long as we defend it will do just as well. I doubt it cares what we would do in real life."

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3)) 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 1:39:07 PM

When they decide to let the sphinx know their answer Mak pulls out his bow. If something attacks them, the Sphinx is getting it first.

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 7:08:12 PM

"Then if we agree with this admittedly less than ideal choice, I am willing to speak for us." Meanwhile, Rolth tries to recall the powers of a sphinx, in case this goes all wrong.

(Knowledge Arcana = 26 to determine its powers)



Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 8:09:04 PM

“I hadn’t thought they they may be our next fight… hmm but even with that thought I still vote to fight as many creatures as we can. Let’s do this!”
“Is my archon still floating around?”


Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 8:21:31 PM

Kiwina remains convinced neither of the options the sphinx seems to be offering would be the option they chose if the situation were real, regardless of Mak's insight. Therefore the sphinx is just playing games. The real question is how dangerous its games are going to turn out. It's like trying to answer, "which is wetter, black or white?"

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 10:09:19 PM

“I hadn’t thought they they may be our next fight… hmm but even with that thought I still vote to fight as many creatures as we can. Let’s do this!”
“Is my archon still floating around?”


Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 51/76 | AC : 28; Touch 17; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 1:52:31 AM

Ayotnom says, "The challenge of Discernment was The Guardian will offer a question, you must find a solution. The heart is what you seek."

He continues, "The sphinx itself said I am Yaron, guardian of a key. But before you can have it, you must first answer me. One of you must answer, there are only two answers that may be given, and they involve a choice you would make to decide who’s still liven. You are overlooking a cave. You can see that there are five people you do not know trapped in one room, and your friend trapped in another. In front of you is a lever, and you can see that there is water rushing into the room the five people are in. The lever redirects the water to the room with your friend in. Wherever the water goes, everyone in that room will die and all you control is the lever. What choice do you make?”

He clears his throat and says, "You don't think that first part involving the numbers one of us must answer and there are two answers that may be given might be a clue or something?"

Ayotnom makes an int check to try to determine if the first part of the riddle contains some sort of hidden clue - One of you must answer, there are only two answers that may be given, and they involve a choice you would make to decide who’s still liven

Ayotnom then says to the group, "I am not sure if we are fighting something either way. The challenge itself says nothing about a fight. It says the gaurdian will ask a question and we must find a solution and the heart is what we seek. I think it is short sighted to say our answer is what we are fighting. I will say that we know nothing about the other 5 people. For all we know they could be murderers or something sentenced to death by drowning."

Int Check: 25 - natural 20

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 2:08:25 AM

(OOC who's Yaron?)

Tsak looks at Mak's body language.
Bro, I think geeking the sphinx would definitely count as a lack of discernment!

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 7:04:08 AM

“I hadn’t thought they they may be our next fight… hmm but even with that thought I still vote to fight as many creatures as we can. Let’s do this!”
“Is my archon still floating around?”


Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3)) 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 8:31:20 AM

OOC: I truly hope your INT check is more effective than using a Hero Point, but I doubt it.

Mak looked sideways at Tsak. "It's playing games with us." Mak said echoing in words, Kiwina's thoughts. "I'll not shoot it through the heart if we aren't attacked. Still that riddle has no solution. People die either way. I should ask the sphinx. A man is aiming an arrow at your heart, you can be truthful with him and live, or completely obscure and frustrate him into killing you. What's your answer? I'm not happy about it, but I'd hoped that discernment would actually be defined a little more clearly."

Mak loaded an extra arrow into his bow as his fingers intertwined between the two deadly shafts. He kept them pointed down and away from his target, but he was ready.

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 10:27:29 AM

Elyas puts a hand on Mak's shoulder. Easy friend. The shpinx has made no move against us, let's not assume it is going to attack us. Let us wait and see what the result of our answer is. i don't think this is a being we want to tangle with if we can help it.

DM Jeremy "It's playing games with us!" 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 11:28:29 AM

Mak is beginning to understand how Wil feels. He doesn't know which of the two answers is right, but he is certain that they will be attacked by an undead version of the deceased. Due to some heroic insight, he isn't sure if there even is a right or wrong answer, but he is sure one room or the other that has to be flooded. (OOC... I re-thought about what it means to burn a hero point for insight, and decided to offer a little more. Hopefully you don't still feel robbed.)

Falco agrees that they always seem to be attacked. He feels that it doesn't matter which of the two answers is given, as long as they can defend their position. He doesn't think Yaron cares what they would do in real life.

Mak readies his bow in case something attacks them after answering.

Rolth is ready to make a less than ideal answer, and offers to be the one who answers. He does a little thinking, and remembers the an androsphinx casts cleric spells, and fights like a large cat in melee. It can also fly, due to its wings.

Wil sees his archon floating around. He never thought that they would have to fight those who die, and would like to fight as many as they can.

Kiwina doesn't like the options, and in spite of Wil's insight, is convinced that they are both wrong, and Yaron is messing with them.

Ayotnom reiterates the riddle and points out the wording of the first part, wondering if there may be a clue in there somewhere. He mentions that since they don't know the 5 people, they could easily be horrible people, sentenced to death. After some mental gymnastics, Ayotnom agrees with Mak's insight.

Tsak lets Mak know that attacking or threatening Yaron is the opposite if discernment.

Mak shares his frustration with Tsak and even comes up with his own riddle. He does however keep his bow pointed away from Yaron.

Elyas tries to calm Mak, reminding him that Yaron hasn't threatened them yet, and that he probably isn't someone they want to tangle with.

*******************************************

Yaron continues to offer no emotion, even with Mak preparing for battle.

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 44/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 5/7  d20+10=23 ; d20+9=25 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 11:49:32 AM

"As we are not a philosophers circle who wants to eloquently answer this riddle? I am firm that the actually choice matters little so please, feel free."

{Arcane: 23 / Religion: 25 - Info on the creature in case it comes to a fight}

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3)) 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 12:11:55 PM

”Yes. You’d think a sphinx would have a better riddle than that. He’s obviously not a very good sphinx or his riddle might have made some sense. Let’s get on with it and see what happens. Yep we are going to be transported into one of those rooms to fight undead while the area floods. I just know it. Perhaps we should ask the sphinx to actually ask us a riddle and not whatever that is he asked...a dilemma perhaps” Mak mumbled.

OOC: I totally feel robbed, but at this point I think the fault lies in the formulation of the problem. Riddles have answers, what we've been presented with is a dilemma. Flubbing the hero point revealed that at least, so I guess not a total loss. :)

"We should say something like this. While the dilemma you presented is thought provoking, it is not a riddle with a correct answer. If you require a response then we'd choose to save the most people and hope our friend understood our position."

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 7:14:11 PM

Kiwina isn't sure Mak's answer is truthful, but does not argue.

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+23=30 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 9:00:19 PM

Rolth figures that things are already going off the rails, with the Petals squabbling and wenging on, so he just (figuratively) leaps in with all four paws. Turning the sphinx, he says firmly and politely, "Here is the answer that you have asked for. I speak for us when I say that we choose to accept the noble sacrifice of our friend and do what Domi the Protector would do, and pull the lever to save the more numerous strangers."

(Diplomacy = 30, if it matters)



Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 9:12:18 PM

"I stand with the man with the paws," Wil says.
"I know what I'm doing," he adds but not to anyone in particular. "shhh.. we had an arrangement. I get to make the decisions. Noted..."
He then ensures the archon is ready to fight.

(OOC: lost track of the rounds on the archon.. can I say one or two more rounds?)

Orisons: Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Guidance
Lv1: Protection from Evil/Chaos..etc, Entropic Shield - used, Bless Water, Magic Weapon, Sanctuary, - D: True Strike
Lv2: Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Consecrate - D: Aid
- (if needed - Cure moderate Wounds
Lv3: Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Water Breathing, - D: protection from energy
Lv4: Holy smite: (Sacrificed to Ffloy), Coalescence Feat (Summon Monster IV) D: freedom of movement - used,
Channel 4d6


Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 51/76 | AC : 28; Touch 17; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 11:38:00 PM

Ayotnom says, "Well the riddle could have been 'What have I got in my pocket' I remember hearing a story about a halfling riddle contest where that was one of the riddles, the winning riddle in fact. Though really when it comes to sphinxes I thought the riddle was something like what walks on 4 legs in the morning, 2 legs in the afternoon and 3 legs at twilight with the answer being 'man.' I think you have the gist of it Mak"

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Thursday July 7th, 2022 12:50:38 AM

Tsak can't resist poking Mak a little:
There there, I'm sure he's being the best sphinx he can. Just shush and get ready for the stabby bit that comes next.

He punches the fighter lightly in the arm to take any heat out of the words.

Should have got a potion of that move underwater thing. Then again, we aint wet yet.

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Thursday July 7th, 2022 10:33:42 AM

Elyas braces for the reaction from the shpinx. it's one thing to decide on an answer, another to hear it presented with the finality that comes with it.

if we're wrong, the cost could be high he thinks.

stand close to me... he says quietly to the petals near him, ready to cast a spell if things do turn violent.

DM Jeremy "I'm sure he's being the best sphinx he can." 
Thursday July 7th, 2022 11:25:05 AM

Falco asks who wants to answer. he is convinced that it can be either of the two. He tries to remember anything about andosphinxes, but comes up with nothing. Luckily Rolth remembered some stuff, and I'm sure he shared that they can fly, due to their wings, they cast cleric spells, and in melee, they fight like a large cat. Rolth would also have known, and your DM forgot to mention it yesterday, their roar is a type of sonic attack.

Mak is ready for an answer to be given, and is sure they are destined to face a watery death afterwards. He thinks Yaron should work on his riddle skills.

Kiwina doesn't agree with Mak, but he doesn't argue.

Rolth tells Yaron that they would save the 5.

Wil supports Rolth.

Ayotnom agrees with Mak that this riddle/delema could have been better, but at least ot wasn't that famous halfling's riddle.

Tsak give Mak a hard time, and wishes he got himself a potion.

Elyas tells everyone to stay close to him in case they're wrong, and Yaron attacks.

***********************************************************

As soon as Rolth answers the question, Yaron nods his head, looks out as if he was looking out onto the horizion, and than he transforms back into a sand sculpture. Everyone make a DC 14 perception check Highlight to display spoiler: {"You hear the faint sound of a beating heart coming from inside the sand sculpture."}

Everyone gets a hero point for avoiding combat with Yaron, and not murdering your DM.

Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3))  d20+14=28 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2022 11:50:32 AM

"That was tense. What that had to do with discernment though is a mystery to me." Mak admitted. "Hope we never meet one of those guys again, but he could have been worse. He could of been a swirling mass of eels that shoot mouthy bits at you. Hey, you gentlemen hear that? Sounds like a heartbeat coming from the sand. I volunteer Wil to dig it out. It might be bloody."

OOC: Perception +14, Roll 28

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 5 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Thursday July 7th, 2022 1:32:14 PM

Perception = 19+

"I don't think this is over yet. We might still find out." Kiwina glances over to the Rose, half wondering if saying they would sacrifice a friend has trapped Ramsey in the sand.

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 71/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Thursday July 7th, 2022 3:17:04 PM

"Hmmm, and that is that? For the record, to save others, you can 'pull the lever on me' if it came to it. In this case I could use some spells but... nevermind you get it."

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink


Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3)) 
Thursday July 7th, 2022 3:40:59 PM

"That would be the way of it." Mak replied to Kiwina as he followed the centaurs gaze. "Doesn't feel over does it?"

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+12=19 ; d20+13=23 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2022 5:49:03 PM

"Do you hear that?" Wil says as he detects the sound of a heartbeat. "What does that mean?
"No! I don't know this heart of Rock and Roll you speak about!" he shouts annoyed. "be serious."

"Volunteer to dig out a heart from a big pile of sand you say.. um.. sure.. let's do it." Perception (to detect traps): 23
"Can you move the sand at all," he asks the Archon. "Oh wait.. you can disappear, grab it and come back. Can you do that for me? I think you are about to disappear but do this favor for me before you go... be safe my friend."


Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Thursday July 7th, 2022 8:34:14 PM

Rolth politely covers his smile as Mak is unable to discern our act of discernment. Still, it felt good to solve this dilemma without a fight so far. "We sought a heart as the prize for this challenge, my dear Petals, so be not afraid like a bunch of tin taurs!" He nevertheless waits for Wil to look for traps...

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Thursday July 7th, 2022 11:15:39 PM

If there's no traps Tsak will jump in and help with the digging.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 51/76 | AC : 28; Touch 17; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Thursday July 7th, 2022 11:48:21 PM

Ayotnom also helps digging considering the instructions they were given ended with the heart is what you seek.

DM Jeremy "I'm sure he's being the best sphinx he can." 
Friday July 8th, 2022 10:23:06 AM

Mak doesn't see what that had to do with discernment, but is glad it's over, or at least he hopes it's over. He feels galvos would have been much worse, and he volunteers Wil to dig in the sand.

Kiwina isn't sure that this is over, and he hopes that Ramsey is OK.

Falco is glad it's over and tells the others that if they are ever in such a situation, they can sacrifice him.

Mak responds in agreement with Kiwina.

Wil hears the heartbeat, and asks his Archon to teleport in, grab it and teleport out.

Rolth smiles at Mak's inability to discern discernment. He reminds everyone they are seeking a heart, but waits for Wil to detect traps.

Tsak will dig if there aren't any traps.

Ayotnom also will help dig, as he believes this is the prize they seek.

******************************************************

Wil's Archon teleports into the sand sculpture, and is immediately expelled. It informs Wil that it is a solid mass of sand. and there isn't anyplace to re-materialize inside. It apologizes for not being able to help, and then it vanishes, as the spell's duration comes to an end. If that didn't set off any traps, there is a good chance there aren't any, so Tsak and Ayotnom start digging in the sand. in the middle of the sculpture, exactly where you would expect the heart to be, on a large cat, they find a beating heart. as it is removed from the sculpture, it slowly stops beating, and transforms from flesh to crystalline stone. The crystal is dusty rose in color, and it retained the shape of the organ it originally was.

Everyone gets 4000 xp for this encounter.

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 71/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7  d20+14=26 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 11:35:57 AM

"Well so far so good." Faclo looks around to make sure there is nothing else laying around that the team is missing.

{Perception:26}

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink


Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3))  d20+14=21 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 12:13:14 PM

Mak looked around as well, but focused on the water's edge.

OOC: Perception 21

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 5 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Friday July 8th, 2022 12:56:46 PM

As the group heads back to the Rose with their prize in hand, Kiwina looks things over to make sure the ship is ready. (Not that anything will have changed in the short time they've been there. It's just something he does every time he gets back on board.)

"Any reason to stick around?" They haven't explored the cave, for instance. Kiwina isn't sure they should at this point.

Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3)) 
Friday July 8th, 2022 1:50:33 PM

We’ve claimed our prize. I say we exit quickly in case this island decides to vanish.”

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  d20+27=41 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 2:08:24 PM

Agreed, let's get out of here. we have the heart that was said to be the prize. I will examine it on the Rose. if it is like the other items it will have more to it than meets the eye.

once back on the ship, Elyas will use his bonded dagger to cast Identify and examine the heart
spellcraft = 41

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Saturday July 9th, 2022 7:24:00 AM

Rolth completely agrees with the plan to exit with the Heart now. He will watch and learn as Elyas expertly examines the item.

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+12=23 ;
Saturday July 9th, 2022 6:55:47 PM

Wil is disappointed that his archon failed to crab the heart of this spine but celebrated with the team when we dug it from the sculpture.
Perception: 23 - for traps as we are leaving

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Sunday July 10th, 2022 8:26:32 PM

Back on the Rose Tsak gives Esmerelda a big ol scratch of the tummy.

Then he climbs the crows nest to act as lookout on the way out of the cave and back to port.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 51/76 | AC : 28; Touch 17; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+18=19 ; d20+18=22 ;
Sunday July 10th, 2022 10:59:39 PM

Ayotnom casts detect magic and examines the crystalline heart.

Know Arcana: 19
Spellcraft: 22

Spells Prepared:
0th: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Message, Toros Taur Try
1st: Charm Person, Rose's Temperature Control, Mage Armor, Shield
2nd: Mirror Image, False Life, Extended Shield, Scorching Ray
3rd: Heroism, Haste, Fly

DM Jeremy  
Monday July 11th, 2022 10:40:37 AM

Falco gives the area a good look over. He's glad that things went well so far.

Mak also keeps his eyes on the waters.

Kiwina looks around the Rose to see if it is ready to sail, and asks if they should take off.

Max says they got their prize and they should get while the getting is good.

Elyas also wants to hit the road, and he attempts to identify the heart.

Rolth also wants to get going, and he watches as Elyas identifies the heart.

Wil is bummed his archon couldn't get the heart, but is glad his friends did. He looks for traps as they exit.

Tsak gives his kitty some love, and than climbs the crows nest to act as look out.

Ayotnom pitches in to help Elyas identify the heart

*********************************************

Elyas and Ayotnom are able to determine that the heart functions like a dusty rose ioun stone (+2 Constitution)

The Petals decide it's time to leave, and they set course to sail out of the cave, with the intent to sail back to Wedding Island and Ardian upon making their exit. As the Rose exits the cave, you see what appears to be six humans riding on half horse, half fish steeds. The humans have delicate pearly white skin, violet eyes, and blue-green hair.

DC 15 percepetion Highlight to display spoiler: {The humans seem to have gill slits on their necks.}
DC 11 knowledge arcane Highlight to display spoiler: { the steeds are hippocampuses.}
DC 11 knowledge local Highlight to display spoiler: { the humans are actually gillmem.}

The riders notice you and begin riding towards you. They are about 75 ft away, and they have not drawn their weapons yet.

Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3))  d20+14=30 ; d20+3=9 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 10:50:07 AM

Mak warily watched the aquatic men from the rail of the aft deck of the Rose. As they got closer he took a position at the top of the stair as he waited for them to draw weapons. "Captain! We have visitors! Port side!"



Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 71/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7  d20+14=31 ; d20+10=14 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 11:21:47 AM

"Some sort of fish/man riding hippocampuses."

Falcos gives a large wave hello which probably cannot be seen well given his stature and the railing on the ship.

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  d20+12=32 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 11:48:57 AM

Elyas raises an eyebrow as he examines the heart
it's basically the same function as an ioun stone. it will make one of us more hardy. but the tradeoff is you will have a shpinx's heart orbiting your head for as long as you have the boon...

When the ship leaves the caves, Elyas immediately spots the riders (ooc: what a time to spend a nat 20...)

Look, we have some gillmen riding hippocampuses coming our way. no weapons yet
[ooc:auto successes on both knowledge checks]

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+12=28 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+8=20 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 2:26:35 PM

"Gill men riding above the water. Do you think they can breathe with the wind blowing over their gills? Do you think they may be a threat? We haven't fought anything yet... maybe we should be prepared?"
Wil struggles with being unprepared again for a fight. He wasn't the best weapons guy with the crossbow so after some time he cast Entropic Shield upon himself

(SW1: Att: Ht: )

Orisons: Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Guidance
Lv1: Protection from Evil/Chaos..etc, Entropic Shield, Bless Water, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, - D: True Strike
Lv2: Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon)D: Touch of Idiocy (if needed - Cure moderate Wounds)
Lv3: Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Water Breathing, - D: protection from energy
Lv4: Holy smite: (Sacrificed to Ffloy), Coalescence Feat (Summon Monster IV - used) - D: Confusion
Channel 4d6


Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 5 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Monday July 11th, 2022 5:41:35 PM

"I'm not familiar with gillmen," Kiwina tells Wil. "I expect their actions will let us know if they're friendly." Kiwina assesses whether the gillmen will be able to intercept the Rose on their hippocampi, as well as what options the Petals might have for avoiding them. For now, staying the course and letting the gillmen declare themselves seems best.

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Monday July 11th, 2022 9:37:22 PM

Rolth moves to whichever side of the Rose that the gillmen are approaching from and hails them with a smile. "Well met! It is nearly as fine a day as those are steeds! They must be quite exhilarating to ride. And yet, our vessel, the Rose suits us just fine. What can we do for you fine fellows?"

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 51/76 | AC : 28; Touch 17; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+16=36 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+9=19 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 12:33:51 AM

Perception: 36
Know (Arcana): 36
Know (Local): 19

Ayotnom says "Aye, Looks like some Gillmen riding Hippocampuses or is it Hippocampi? I wonder what they want?"

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:   d20+15=32 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 2:20:30 AM

(Perception=32)

Oh hey says the look out belatedly from the best vantage point on the ship
there are some guys, on water horses. Over there, 6 of them

Tsak does a quick 360 scan to see if anyone else is about before watching the six riders carefully as they approach (Perception).

DM Jeremy  
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 11:05:08 AM

Mak announces the approaching riders.

Falco waves at the riders, as he tries to identify them, succeeding in recognizing the steeds.

Elyas explains the function of the stone sphinx heart, and than identifies what the approaching riders are.

Wil wonders if gillman can breath while not in the water, but than he remembers that they are amphibious. He asks if they should prepare for a fight, and then casts a spell on himself.

KIwina lets Wil know he isn't familiar with gillmen, and that it's probably best that they just wait and see.

Rolth addresses the approaching riders.

Ayotnom wonders what the gillmen may want.

Tsak announces the riders as well.

*******************************************************

As the gillman approach, one of them, a female wearing a tricorn hat, rides a hippocampus length ahead of the others and answers Rolth by saying, "They are indeed. Hippocampi are great fun to ride, but to us they would be the same as you land folk riding horses. That said, I believe you are in possession of a few items that we are seeking. We seek the keys to unlock The Deep, and if I'm not mistaken you have already gathered three of the five. We have obtained the other two, and were on our way to face the challenge of discernment, in hopes of beating you here, but it seems you got a head start. If you would kindly hand over the three keys you have obtained, we will be on our way.

DC 20 Sense Motive check Highlight to display spoiler: {It is clear that the gillman aren't going to take no for an answer, at least not without a fight.}

DC 25 Sense Motive check Highlight to display spoiler: { Based on their body language, the gillmen don't appear to have the same agenda you have. it seems their desire for the keys maybe of a more nefarious nature.}

DC 30 perception check Highlight to display spoiler: {You catch a brief glimpse of a small tattoo that resembles the amulets you have found on the followers of the deep, on one of the gillmen's forearms. It is clear he is trying to keep it concealed.}

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 71/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7  d20+9=10 ; d20+14=19 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 11:30:29 AM

{SM: 10 / Perception: 19

Falco blinks his large owl eyes slowly a couple of times and tilts his head. He looks to Mak beside him and whispers. "Did I hear that right?"

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|14/9/-/14(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,DA,RS)**|1d8+16(20)x3))  d20+14=33 ; d20+5=17 d20+4=24
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 11:48:39 AM

"This isn’t going to end well. They are under the deeps influence." Mak replied to Falco. "One of them bears the Deep's mark upon his body."

Mak ducked below the rail and shifted his bow in such a way that he had it at ready out of sight.

OOC:Perception +14, Roll 33
Sense Motive +5, Roll 17
Bluff +4, Roll 24 to get his weapon in hand below the rail.

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  d20+7=27 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+1=9 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 11:53:11 AM

Elyas narrows his eyes, having a rare but definite moment of clarity when dealing with people.
[sense motive = 27, nat 20!]
[perception = 30]

Captain? a word? Elyas says, tryign to get Kiwina's attention without making too much of a scene.

they are not going to take no for an answer, and I don't believe they are allies. Look, that one there has the symbol of the Deep as a tattoo. thought he could hide it, but i spotted it. get ready for a fight.

he tries to subtly signal the party that these are enemies by pulling out his bonded dagger at his side and tapping his thigh with it. sadly he's not very good at secret messages
[bluff = 9]

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+11=12 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+11=28 ; d8+3=10 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 2:46:31 PM

Wil immediately summons a crossbow and sends it down toward the closest "hippo -thing" he says after hearing that the gillmen are up to no good. He doesn't interpret any of the other motives.. moves based on what has been said.

"No sense in negotiating with people that are under the influence of this Deep.. as I think has been made clear it's no good."

(SW: 2X: 14, 28 - 1 hit: 10) - at the hippocampi to attempt to disable its ride or possibly knock it off the ride.

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 5 | Status: none ! Swim 60'  d20+14=18 ; d20+23=26 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 7:17:41 PM

(Sense motive = 18, perception = 26)

Kiwina misses the intent of the creatures, as he had been assessing whether the gillmen will be able to intercept the Rose on their hippocampi, and what options the Petals might have for avoiding them.

"They've declared themselves. Do you want to try to outrun them, or fight? If they really have any keys it might be the easiest way to get them."

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+19=28 ; d20+16=23 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 9:31:01 PM

Rolth backs up from the edge of the ship and taunts them, "Silly creature, you are mistaken. This is the challenge of might! And we are the Mighty Eight! So hand over the keys that you have, and be off back to the deep that you love." When Wil unexpectedly kicks off the combat, Rolth adds an aside to his fellow Petals, "A bit of buffing and protection from drowning wouldn't be amiss at this point." He then breaks into his usual inspiring fight song. (INSPIRE COURAGE)

(Sense motive = 28, Perception = 23)

Effect Tracking:
Low Light Vision (Darkvision when raging)
Bardic Performance 1/12 rounds used (active)
Rage 0/24 rounds used (inactive)
Channel Energy 0/5 used
Calming Touch 0/5 used

Spell Slots:
Stabilize 0/1 used
Light 0/1 used
True Strike 0/1 used
Detect Poison 0/1 used
Bless 0/1 used
Magic Missile 0/1 used
Lesser Restoration 0/1 used
Shield Other 0/1 used
1st level 0/4 used
2nd level 0/2 used




Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:   d20+14=31 ; d20+9=25 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=4 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 12:03:42 AM

(Attack1=31, Dmg=7; Attack2=25, Dmg=4)

Tsak, sitting high in the crows nest, is definitely up for some 'if you want it come and get it'.
He fires twice at the nearest rider.



Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+16=19 ; d20+15=22 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 2:09:03 AM

(Perception: 19 = failure)
(Sense Motive: 22)

Ayotnom listens to the words of the others. He missed their tattoo and signs of the Deep influence though he did get the feeling they wouldn't take no for an answer.

Aytotnom casts mage armor and heroically casts extended shield.

Mage Armor : 6 hours - +4 to AC
Extendend Shield : 12 minutes +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missiles

0th: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Message, Toros Taur Try
1st: Charm Person, Rose's Temperature Control, Mage Armor - cast, Shield
2nd: Mirror Image, False Life, Extended Shield - cast, Scorching Ray
3rd: Heroism, Haste, Fly

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+16=19 ; d20+15=22 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 2:09:03 AM

(Perception: 19 = failure)
(Sense Motive: 22)

Ayotnom listens to the words of the others. He missed their tattoo and signs of the Deep influence though he did get the feeling they wouldn't take no for an answer.

Aytotnom casts mage armor and heroically casts extended shield.

Mage Armor : 6 hours - +4 to AC
Extendend Shield : 12 minutes +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missiles

0th: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Message, Toros Taur Try
1st: Charm Person, Rose's Temperature Control, Mage Armor - cast, Shield
2nd: Mirror Image, False Life, Extended Shield - cast, Scorching Ray
3rd: Heroism, Haste, Fly

Mak(JamesM)(72/72)HP|AC:27/19T/21FF|CMD 32|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|15/10/-/15(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,IC,DA,RS,MS)**|1d8+16(MS)Attack 1(20)  d20+15=29 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+15=24 ; 2d8+32=38 ; d8+16=22 ; d8+16=18 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 8:24:18 AM

"I vote for a plan next time." Mak said to Falco who was still standing at his side. He then sized up the position of the gillmen and brought his bow up to fire at the nearest one. His first attack he fired two arrows at once, sort of a trick shot he'd recently learned. Those two arrows rocketed across the intervening space to lodge into a gillman. His second and third attacks were just as on point as he reached back and drew another two arrows to repeat the process.

OOC:
Mak - Gillman, Roll 29(MS), 27, 24. Hit, hit, hit. Damage 38(MS), 22, 18. 78 hp Total.

**Weapon Specialization, Weapon Training, Point Blank Shot, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, Inspiring Courage, Many Shot| Encumbrance:45 lbs| Move: 30 || Partial Cover(Ships Rail) +2 AC, +1 Reflex(Pending DM Approval) |

DM Jeremy Battle Map  d20+11=18 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+11=12 ; d6+3=6 ; d6+3=9 ; d20+13=29 ; d4+7=9 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=18 ; d4+7=9 ; d4+7=11 ; d4+7=9 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 12:02:05 PM

Falco wonders if he heard what he thought he heard

Mak spots the Deep tattoo, and lets people know this isn't going to go well. He hides behind the rail as he readies his bow.

Elyas realizes that they aren't going to take no for an answer, and he spots the tattoo. He calls Kiwina aside to inform him of his findings.

Wil hears the word deep and starts shooting. He hits one of the Hippocampi

Kiwina asks if they want to flee or fight.

Rolth taunts the gillmen, asks for protection from drowning, and begins singing.

Tsak fires at the spokes woman

Ayotnom casts some protection spells on himself.

Mak opens fire, and a gillman goes down.

*************************************

With the party opening fire, the gillmen go into action. The leader starts singing a rousing sea shanty, and fires her light crossbow at Tsak, but her arrow deflects harmlessly off the ranger's armor. The remaining gillmen ride up to the side of the ship, and hurl short spears

G2 throws at Mak but the spear goes slightly wide.
G3 throws at Wil and hits AC 24 for 6 damage
G4 throws at Elyas and hits AC 26 for 9 damage
G5 throws at Rolth and sticks his spear into the side of the Rose (Nat 1)

The hippocampus of the dead gillman H2 swims up to the side of the ship and tries to bite Mak its master's killer and chomps down for 9 damage.
H3 tries to bite Falco and hits AC 27 for 9 damage
H4 tries to bite at Wil and hits AC 28 for 11 damage
H5 tries to bite Elyas and hits AC 18 for 9 damage
H6 tries to bite Rolth but bites nothing but air

Hippocampi AC 13
H1 55/65
H2 65/65
H3 65/65
H4 65/65
H5 65/65
H6 65/65
Gillmen leader AC 19
GL 64/75
Gillmen AC 17
G1 0/51 Dead
G2 51/51
G3 51/51
G4 51/51
G5 51/51

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 12:25:47 PM

Falco casts Water Breathing, touches Mak and then moves to touch the others.

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink


Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:27/19T/21FF|CMD 32|+1 CLB:Arrows(16)|15/10/-/15(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,IC,DA,RS,MS)**|1d8+16(MS)Attack 1(20)  d20+15=27 ; 2d8+32=39 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+15=27 ; d8+16=21 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 2:21:09 PM

Mak took a five foot step back from the rail and fired at the Gillman leader in the hope that with the leader down the others would flee. Two arrows flew from his bow and struck the gilman, then the Rose hit a swell in the water and his arrow went high. Mak recovered and fired another and it hit.

OOC:
Mak - GMLeader, Roll 26, 12, 26. Hit, miss, hit. Damage 37, 20. 57 hp total. (Not Point Blank)

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  10d6=38 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 4:01:06 PM

Elyas steps back, in pain from the hits.
ouch! they don't usually get to me so fast! Petals, we're too spread out! come together and let's focus them donw. I can't haste us when we're all over like this!

for now Elyas steps back and lobs a fireball at H1, catching H4 and 5 (and the riders) in a flaming ball
[DC 20 reflex saves for half. total damage is 38 fire]

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/46- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+11=27 ; d20+11=13 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 4:43:01 PM

Wil takes 17 Hp steps away from the side of the ship and casts his second SW

(SW: 2X: 13, 27 - 1 hit: 10) - at the hippocampi to attempt to disable its ride or possibly knock it off the ride.
(SW2: 2X: 14, 28 - 1 hit: 10) - at the hippocampi to attempt to disable its ride or possibly knock it off the ride.

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d8+3=7 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+11=26 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+3=9 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 4:54:31 PM

Wil takes 17 Hp steps away from the side of the ship and casts his second SW
(Has Entropic Shield - attack roll has a 20% miss chance (ranged attacks)

"I'm hoping we can save one of these gill men, at least to question," Wil says.

(SW: 2X: 13, 27 - 1 hit: 7) - at the hippocampi (H4)
(SW2: 2X: 24, 26 - 2 hit: 18) - at the rider (G3)

Orisons: Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Guidance
Lv1: Protection from Evil/Chaos..etc, Entropic Shield, Bless Water, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, - D: True Strike
Lv2: Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon)D: Touch of Idiocy (if needed - Cure moderate Wounds)
Lv3: Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Water Breathing, - D: protection from energy
Lv4: Holy smite: (Sacrificed to Ffloy), Coalescence Feat (Summon Monster IV - used) - D: Confusion
Channel 4d6

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 5 | Status: none ! Swim 60'  d20+13=23 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 6:48:42 PM

"Sorry, Elyas," mumbles as he jumps. Kiwina's rod lengthens into a lance as leaps from the Rose onto the nearest mounted gillman at least 10' away --

Treating this as a charge (so if that's not ok the AC is two lower and the damage is halved). . . Kiwina hits AC 23 for 19 damage (3+4+6+6, assuming the bonus also doubles).

Presumably, this puts him in the water. He's wearing a cloak of the manta ray.

Ranger:
1st -- Resist Energy, Speak with Animals
Druid:
0th -- Create Water, Detect Magic, Flare, Light
1st -- Obscuring Mist, CLW, Longstrider, Longstrider, Summon Nature's Ally I
2nd -- Fog Cloud, Chill Metal, Resist Energy, Soften Earth and Stone
Aumakua have one 1st ranger spell


Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d4+1=4 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 8:19:20 PM

In between continued inspiring verses, Rolth smiles at Mak's comment about a plan, and retorts, "This party wouldn't know a plan if it found it with all 14 hands, two claws, a couple of horns, and all its assembled hooves." He takes another 5' step back and closer to Elyas, and casts Mirror Image. Four duplicates of the liontaur pop up in his space.

Effect Tracking:
Mirror Image 4 images remain
Low Light Vision (Darkvision when raging)
Bardic Performance 2/12 rounds used (active)
Rage 0/24 rounds used (inactive)
Channel Energy 0/5 used
Calming Touch 0/5 used

Spell Slots:
Stabilize 0/1 used
Light 0/1 used
True Strike 0/1 used
Detect Poison 0/1 used
Bless 0/1 used
Magic Missile 0/1 used
Lesser Restoration 0/1 used
Shield Other 0/1 used
1st level 0/4 used
2nd level 0/2 used



Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+11=13 ; d20+6=17 ; d8+3=7 ; d8+3=8 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 11:31:14 PM

Ayotnom takes a 5 foot step forward and starts attacking H5 with his rapier. He scores two quick blows against the beast.

13 vs AC; 7 magical +2 piercing damage
17 vs AC; 8 magical +2 piercing damage


Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:   d20+15=32 ; d20+9=19 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=6 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 3:11:08 AM

(Attack1=32, Dmg=5; Attack2=19, Dmg=6)

A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?

Tsak fires at the big one at the back which he takes to be the leader (H1).

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?"  d20+12=20 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=15 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 11:40:54 AM

OoC... The reason I placed your characters where I did, was based on the fact that you were all talking to the leader, thus logically, you would have been on or near the rail, with exception of Tsak who specified that he was in the crows nest. Normally I would just let you place yourselves anywhere on the map you wish, but since Wil and Mak had opened fire, I had to quickly place your markers, so battle could continue.

Falco casts water breathing on Mak, and prepares to give it to the rest of the party as well.

Mak lets fly on the leader.

Elyas casts fireball. The blast drops the leader

Kiwina does a diving charge at G2.

Wil fires his magical crossbows. Killing G3

Rolth Lets Mak know that the Petals don't know how to plan, and than casts mirror image.

Ayotnom steps up and stabs H5

Tsak goes to fire on the leader, but sees her drop, so fires at G4 dropping him.

**********************

The two remaining gillmen, put their hands in the air and cry out, We've had enough! We are no match for the mighty Eight Petaled Rose. Please have mercy on us!

Hippocampi AC 13
H1 20/65
H2 65/65
H3 65/65
H4 20/65
H5 8/65
H6 65/65
Gillmen leader AC 19
GL 0/75 Dead
Gillmen AC 17
G1 0/51 Dead
G2 32/51
G3 0/51 Dead
G4 0/51 Dead
G5 51/51

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Thursday July 14th, 2022 12:44:29 PM

As the call for surrender goes up Falco goes down the line and makes sure everyone can breath under water as this may be a tactic.

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink


Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  d20+9=15 ; d20+9=25 ; 4d6+1=15 ; 4d6+1=18 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 1:48:44 PM

Elyas does not want to stop, as these gillmen are clearly aligned with The Deep, and have claimed to be in possession of the remaining keys. in his opinion they should be killed, but he knows the rest of the Petals probably don't feel that way and would prefer to take them alive

keep your hands where we can see them, and come up here. slowly. I have more of that fire magic at the ready if you try something sneaky.

For now, Elyas holds, but readies a Scorching Ray if one of the gillmen or their mounts makes an attack
[readied action in response to an attack by one of the enemies. two scorching rays both targeting the attacker.
15 VS touch AC for 15 fire damage,
25 vs touch AC for 18 fire damage.]



Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+11=19 ; d20+11=14 ; d8+3=9 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=18 ; d8+3=6 ; d8+3=10 ; d8+3=9 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 3:41:03 PM

"White flag! White flag!" Wil shouts unaware of the trouble the Deep 'ly' infected has caused or any signs.
"Let's capture them and interrogate them. Can we have a boat lowered?"

(OOC: rolled - not sure if I am able to stop the Spiritual Weapons from firing but Wil does try)
(SW: 2X: 14, 19 - 2 hit: 15) - at the hippocampi (H4)
(SW2: 2X: 17, 18 - 2 hit: 19) - at the rider (G3)

Orisons: Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Guidance
Lv1: Protection from Evil/Chaos..etc, Entropic Shield, Bless Water, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, - D: True Strike
Lv2: Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon)D: Touch of Idiocy (if needed - Cure moderate Wounds)
Lv3: Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Water Breathing, - D: protection from energy
Lv4: Holy smite: (Sacrificed to Ffloy), Coalescence Feat (Summon Monster IV - used) - D: Confusion
Channel 4d6

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+19=39 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 9:14:50 PM

Rolth nods in appreciation to Falco as he continues casting his water breathing spell, then calls out an additional order to the remaining gillmen, "Bring the bodies and possessions of your fallen gillmen comrades with you as you come forward, especially any keys you may have found."

Rolth will watch their actions and reactions carefully, looking for signs of deception or non-compliance. He remains wary of the hippocampi and the possibility that other foes are nearby.

(Sense Motive = 39)

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 5 | Status: none ! Swim 60'  d20+13=29 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 11:32:08 PM

Kiwina moves towards the fallen leader of the gillmen slowly, hoping to use his wild empathy to befriend the hippocampus it was riding. The attempt will take a little time.

=====
Wild empathy: Improve the initial attitude of an animal, just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. Rolls 1d20 + ranger level + druid level + (charisma) to determine the result. The animal must be within 30 feet under normal visibility conditions. Using this ability to influence a magical beast with Intelligence of 1 or 2 takes a –4 penalty on the check. Roll (including penalty) burning a hero point = 29

Ranger:
1st -- Resist Energy, Speak with Animals
Druid:
0th -- Create Water, Detect Magic, Flare, Light
1st -- Obscuring Mist, CLW, Longstrider, Longstrider, Summon Nature's Ally I
2nd -- Fog Cloud, Chill Metal, Resist Energy, Soften Earth and Stone
Aumakua have one 1st ranger spell



Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Thursday July 14th, 2022 11:34:05 PM

Adjusting header

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:   d20+15=16 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 11:58:49 PM

(Perception=16)

Tsak knocks another bolt to his bow and again does a 360 circle to make sure they are clear in all directions. Once that's done he keeps the bow pointed at the enemy. None with the mark have ever given up freely of their own choice before and he doesn't trust it now.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Friday July 15th, 2022 12:34:57 AM

Ayotnom sheathes his rapier and says, "Where are the other 2 keys which you have acquired? We will be taking possession of them as part of the terms of your surrender."

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Friday July 15th, 2022 11:59:59 AM

Falco finishes distributing water breathing.

Elyas doesn't trust the two survivors, he believes anyone aligned with The Deep should be put down. He orders them to board the Rose, with their hands in the air.

Wil announces the surrender.

Rolth orders the survivors to bring the bodies and possessions of their comrades on board the Rose. He senses that they are afraid for their lives and are quick to comply, probably out of fear of being killed if they don't.

Kiwina tries to befriend the leaders hippocampus. It takes a while, but eventually it submits to Kiwina's touch and eventually even gives him a horse-like nuzzle.

Tsak prepares for trouble. He doesn't trust the survivors.

Ayotnom sheaths his rapier and demands the location of the other two keys.

******************************************

The two survivors are quick to comply. and start dragging the bodies of their comrades to the side of the Rose. They try to lift them on deck, but they seem to be struggling to do so. When Ayotnom mentions the keys, the two survivors look at each other and with a look disgust, one of them says, Those would be on Freta. indicating the former leader. "Never understood what Vavre saw in her, more trouble that she was worth, if you ask me, and now he's dead too. Sure she was pretty, but this whole "lets go free The Deep" stuff seemed a tad over the top. I swear he got that strange tattoo just to make her happy!" The survivor finally realizes he was rambling and shuts up. He apologizes for talking too much.

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  d20+7=25 ;
Friday July 15th, 2022 12:28:59 PM

Elyas helps lift the leader's body to the deck, and quickly searches her for the keys

"Are you saying you are not aligned with the deep? neither of you wear the cursed symbol? Don't lie to me. it is a dangerous thing that you should not be dabbling in."

Elyas will watch them for signs of mental control, and see how they respond to him trying to get the keys
Sense Motive = 25

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60'  d20+23=30 ;
Friday July 15th, 2022 1:28:15 PM

If the leader's hippocampus permits, Kiwina removes any saddle or other gear that it has and hands that up to his friends on the Rose. He asks the gillmen, "Does freeing the Deep help you somehow?"

While the others look for keys and deal with the surviving gillmen, Kiwina watches the mounts and looks for any potential approaching trouble.

(Perception = 30)

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Friday July 15th, 2022 2:17:49 PM

Wil threatens the survivors by hovering the spiritual crossbows nearby, but he stays quiet this time. Just watching.

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+16=24 ;
Friday July 15th, 2022 8:59:48 PM

Rolth will also help recover the bodies and gear. He will search them and the two survivors--after ensuring to disarm them--for any amulets or other signs of the Deep, and cast a detect magic to home in on any items among the lot.

Perception = 24



Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:   d20+15=23 ;
Sunday July 17th, 2022 1:52:07 AM

(Perception=23)

Things seem to be well in control on deck. Tsak continues to scan the horizon, keeping an eye out for anything else in the area.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+16=32 ;
Sunday July 17th, 2022 11:22:05 PM

(Perception: 32)

Ayotnom helps look for the other 2 keys. After they have all 5 he wants to do an experiment with one of the group whou could wear everything and then use detect magic to see if his hunch was write about wearing all the pieces granting a new hidden ability.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+16=32 ;
Sunday July 17th, 2022 11:22:09 PM

(Perception: 32)

Ayotnom helps look for the other 2 keys. After they have all 5 he wants to do an experiment with one of the group whou could wear everything and then use detect magic to see if his hunch was write about wearing all the pieces granting a new hidden ability.

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:27/19T/21FF|CMD 32|+1 CLB:Arrows(16)|15/10/-/15(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,IC,DA,RS,MS)**|1d8+16(MS)Attack 1(20) 
Monday July 18th, 2022 8:54:05 AM

Mak took the chance to replenish the arrows in his quiver from those he kept in his pack.

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Monday July 18th, 2022 9:38:31 AM

While the new comers talk Falco casts and holds detect magic on them wanting to make sure there are not suprises.

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Monday July 18th, 2022 11:14:55 AM

Eiyas helps pull Freta's body on board the Rose, and begins searching for the keys. He asks if the two survivors are intertwined with the deep, warning them not to lie.

Kiwina removes the gear and saddle from Freta's hippocampus, and puts them on the Rose. He asks if freeing the deep helps the gillmen somehow, as he keeps his eyes out for trouble.

Wil keeps his spiritual crossbows fixed on the two gillmen.

Rolth helps recover and search the bodies for signs of the deep, and turns on some magic radar.

Tsak keeps his eyes out for trouble.

Ayotnom searches for the other two keys, and casts detect magic. he would like to test a hypothesis.

Mak re-stocks his arrows.

Falco trains a detect magic on the gillmen.

******************************************

The physical and magical searches of the gillmen's gear reveals 5 medium sized short spears, a rock that glows ever so slightly, and a braid of hair, that ping on the magic radar. On the body of Freta, they find a non-magical amulet of The Deep's symbol, and on one of the dead gillmen they find a tattoo of The Deep's symbol, the same gillmen that the tattoo was spotted on before.

The gillman who spoke already starts to answer:

"We 5 were scavengers, making a decent living seeking the remains of shipwrecks, for valuables. and if the price was right, we would even recover items for paying customers. We grew up together and where more than just friends, we were brothers. Than Vavre met Freta. We tried to see what he saw in her, but other than her physical beauty, all we saw was a woman with barnacles for brains. This women was a few clams shy of a meal, if you understand me. We tried to tell Vavre what we saw, but he was smitten. He was smitten so hard he even began to share her beliefs, and well, even though we didn't agree with or even approve of his relationship, or the direction it was leading, he was still our brother, and we weren't going to leave him in the hands of a sea snake. Of course Freta tried to convince us that The Deep would reward us greatly for freeing him, but even though we wouldn't mind that, the only one who really believed her was Vavre. So we followed that devil fish of a women, and helped her retrieve that siren's braid and glowing rock."

Elyas, and anyone who makes a DC 20 sense motive check are pretty sure they are telling the truth. There is true sadness at the loss of their friends, and true frustration over the Freta/Vavre relationship, in their voices.

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Monday July 18th, 2022 12:24:58 PM

Tsak can't hear the whole conversation, what with the wind in the spars and the normal creaking sounds the Rose makes as it rides the swell. But he can hear enough, and read the body language of the Petals to work out that the danger has passed for now.
He feels for these gillmen who seem to have gotten in way over their head. Then again they've fared a lot better than others who were enrolled in the schemes of the Deep - and lost whole clans.
Guessing it'll be time to decide what to do next, he makes his way down from the nest and joins the Petals on deck.

And what is Kiwina doing with that sea donkey? Could he be the kid who grew up always wanting a pony? A little weird for a centaur surely?

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Monday July 18th, 2022 12:59:58 PM

Elyas takes the two mentioned items (the rock and braid) for now. He will certainly use his magic to study these soon, but now is not the time.

A thought occurs to Elyas, always the skeptic. We need ot make sure these really are the keys. our clues were based on years of study from a highly resourceful person, it is possible this agent of the deep had wrong or incomplete info, or worse was trying to trick us in some way

to the captives he says
"Can you please describe the two challenges you completed to retrieve these two keys? And do any others know you had them with you?

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:27/19T/21FF|CMD 32|+1 CLB:Arrows(16)|15/10/-/15(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,IC,DA,RS,MS)**|1d8+16(MS)Attack 1(20)  d20+3=7 ;
Monday July 18th, 2022 1:38:12 PM

Mak had listened as he restocked and felt for the creatures. Even petitioning Gargul, if he existed, to raise one or both from the dead might reawaken the compulsion of the Deep, so Mak stayed quiet on the subject. That the mermaids braid had already been recovered was something of a relief to him, but like Eylas he too wondered if the objects were not genuine.

He looked at the braid but it looked like any other to him. He'd have to rely on Elyas and Falco for authentication. To Tsak in the loft he gave the high sign to indicate all was well.

OOC:
KS: Nature +3 (to identify the mermaid braid as coming from a mermaid.) Roll 7. Fail.


Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+11=21 ;
Monday July 18th, 2022 3:40:58 PM

Wil felt awful, having started the offense. His voices, not surprisingly, were quiet and stayed out of his thoughts. He continued to manage the spiritual weapons as they had a couple more rounds to go.
"How manipulative is this Deep," he asked Rolth. "Is it possible this story is fiction? They seem genuine."
He is curious to know what the prisoner's answers are.

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Monday July 18th, 2022 9:07:41 PM

Rolth hefts one of the magic spears and imagines that it will be a good weapon in an underwater fight--much better than his morningstar or glaive. He will hold onto it at least until the party decides how to split the loot. That accomplished, he turns his attention back to the questioning of our captives, and adds his own to Elyas' queries.

"Who gave Freta orders or information that led her to seek these keys, and to come attack us? Where did any such communication occur? What were you supposed to do once you claimed the keys? Who and where were you intended to report back?"

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Monday July 18th, 2022 10:13:10 PM

Kiwina climbs back onboard the Rose, leaving the sea horses now that they seem to have found the other keys. He is particularly interested in the answers to Rolth's last question.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Monday July 18th, 2022 11:37:12 PM

Asimov says to his party mates, "Do you think the lock of hair is the something beautiful that is the key from the challenge of Charm and the glowy rock is the gift given during the challenge of Durability"?

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:27/19T/21FF|CMD 32|+1 CLB:Arrows(16)|15/10/-/15(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,IC,DA,RS,MS)**|1d8+16(MS)Attack 1(20)  d20+3=22 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 11:05:48 AM

"Unless the wizard can confirm these are the genuine objects, we'll need to investigate the areas ourselves as Rolth suggested. Friends." Mak said addressing the gillmen."Perhaps if we can come to some sort of arrangement an alliance can be formed between us against the Deep."

OOC:
Diplomacy +3, Roll 22. (That's my last roll ever. I've just used up any luck I'll ever have.)

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 11:59:12 AM

Tsak can't hear the conversation, but he is pretty sure the danger is over, so he climbs down from the crows nest, so he can help make any decisions that may need to be made. He is trying to figure out what Kiwina is doing with the hippocampus.

Elyas takes the rock and braid for further study at the appropriate time. he wonders if they are for sure the two keys and asks the two gillmen how they got them.

Mak feels for the two gillmen, and considers asking Gargul to send the lost friends back to them, but doesn't want to risk getting the deep involved, so he keeps his mouth shut. He wonders if the siren's braid and the rock are genuine, but lacks the ability to find out, so he will let Elyas determine that. He gives Tsak the all clear sign.

Wil feels bad for the gillmen. He wonders if they are telling the truth, though it definitely seems as though they are. He is curious to hear how they will answer Elyas's question.

Rolth decides to claim one of the short spears, for underwater use. He asks a few questions of his own.

Kiwina returns to the Rose and waits to hear how the gillmen will answer the questions.

Ayotnom asks if it is possible that the braid is the reward for the Challenge of Charm, and the rock is from the Challenge of Durability.

***************************************************************

The gillman who has been the spokesperson answers Rolth and Elyas's questions:

"I suppose your minotaur friend maybe right, because it definitely involved durability, though I never heard any names, Freta just said we need to do this. We came upon a stone circle, probably big enough for your ship to enter, and their was this engraving that said You must not leave, you need not kill, if you accept the challenge, press Begin. So we entered the circle, pressed the begin button, and all of a sudden these fist sized rocks started flying towards us from all directions, and we needed to block them. If that wasn't bad enough, some weresharks showed up, and attacked us, but as per the instructions, we weren't allowed to kill them. After a few minutes of enduring this punishment, everything stopped and one of the rocks rose up in front of us and started glowing, and that's the rock you have now.

As far as the braid, well again, I never heard any names, but their was diffidently some charming going on. We rode up to this small rocky island, and saw 10 sirens. They were looking at us alluringly, and let me tell you they were beautiful. Well, we were supposed to try to charm these lovely creatures and convince them to give us something. Freta was a smooth talker, she was a bard after all, and she laid it on thick as a sea weed forest, and then one of the sirens took a knife and cut off one of her braids. She handed it to Freta, and as soon as it was in her hand, the sirens attacked. It was a shame to have to kill such beautiful ladies, but we had no choice.

Now as far as how Freta knew what to do, I honestly don't know. She claimed that she heard the voice of The Deep, and it was directing her, but I can't say for sure if that was true or not. I just always assumed she had a sea urchin for a brain."


Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7  d20+9=26 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 12:45:33 PM

{Sense Motive: 26}

"This has the sound of truth and I am truly sorry for what you have been put through. Clearly you are competent folks as you bested two tests. What will you do now?"

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 1:48:43 PM

Elyas rubs his jaw as he thinks

Those certainly sound like the other two challenges. do you know if there were any others working with Freta? Or any others you ran io who were also seeking the keys? I am still curious how she knew where to go, but it is obviousy too late to ask her now.

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 5:06:46 PM

"What do we do now?" Wil whispered to himself.
"No, that's not a good idea." He then replied. "No, I'm not going to tell the rest of the party that idea. It's a terrible idea. You need to go to the back of the line. Cicero.. move this guy."

"So what do we do now.. tie them up and store them in the brig. Do we have a brig or am I making up words? Is this Deep issue contagious, I'm afraid to touch these sailors? Should we be concerned that they may corrupt our crew? I have many concerns, sorry.. doesn't help with the voices. They have so many questions."

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 9:17:36 PM

"So, do you have a place to return to?" Kiwina asks. Mak may have the right of it -- even if these two aren't fond of the Deep, idle gossip where they live might get back to it. Teaming up might be best for the Petals, even if only to keep them near.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+18=26 ; d20+18=37 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 12:23:54 AM

Ayotnom says, "That certainly sounds like it. Okay quiz time, who in our party can wear boots and has a spare cloak slot? I want you to equip the boots, husk, heart stone, glowing stone and siren hair and see if the properties of the magic items working in concert changes anything."

If someone puts everything on he uses detect magic to see what is going on.

know[arcana] 26
spellcraft 37

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:   d20+15=17 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 12:48:01 AM

(Perception=17)

Tsak looks at the cloak of resistance he's wearing Dunno big guy, guess my slot is full.

Did we search Freta's body? Were there any charms or jewellery she was wearing? Tsak goes over to have a look (Perception). He performs a quick pat down search including any pockets he can find.


Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:27/19T/21FF|CMD 32|+1 CLB:Arrows(16)|15/10/-/15(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,IC,DA,RS,MS)**|1d8+16(MS)Attack 1(20) 
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 8:03:37 AM

As it happened, Mak had all those areas unfilled. After a few moments of tugging, pulling, and shrugging on the associated gear Mak was standing there in his mermaid hair and thinking he must indeed look a sight.

"I hope the purpose of this isn't just to make one look silly." he said.

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 11:38:09 AM

Mak suggests they make an alliance with the remaining gillmen.

Falco tries to comfort the gillmen for their loss, and asks what they will do now.

Elyas asks some more questions involving the keys

Wil has a disagreement with his "friends".

KIwina asks if they have someplace to go, but thinks keeping them around maybe prudent.

Ayotnom asks if someone in the party wants to equip all of the items. H wants to see if anything happens with all 5 keys used at the same time, by the same person.

Tsak claims his cloak slot is full, and than asks if anyone went through Freta's body. He gives her body a pat down, but doesn't find anything, since all the bodies had been searched while he was still in the crows nest.

Mak equips all the keys, but nothing happens, other than gaining the abilities normally given by the items. of course you still are unaware of the properties of the siren's braid, and the glowing rock, though you are pretty sure that wouldn't matter.

*******************************************

"I can't speak for Seacrest here, but I intend to take the bodies of Vavre, Chansel, and Fragmor home to their families. along with their steeds, as their families can sell them to pay for a proper funeral. I couldn't care less what you do with Freta's body, you could leave it for the sharks for all I care, but I do request her hippocampus. I'd like to sell it and give the proceeds to the families, of my friends."

Seacrest chimes in, speaking for the first time, "I'm riding with Prodarn. I've lost 3 of my closest friends today, I'm not leaving a fourth."

When the idea of teaming up is broached, Seacrest says, "If Prodarn wants to join you I'll go along, because as I said already, I'm not leaving him."

Prodarn answers, "I am done with anything involving The Deep! Now you can hold us against our will, you certainly have the strength to do so, but unless you do so, I'm taking my friends home, they deserve that at least!"

You don't sense any anger among the two gillmen, only sadness.

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 2:00:59 PM

"Personally I do not hold that against you. I can understand getting pulled along in the currents of a a friend of family. My life started in the wake of my father so I can see how it happens. I can not speak for the others but, as long as you keep your head down, I have no problem with you leaving as you wish."

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 3:18:13 PM

Wil continues to argue with his "friends" who seem to have differing opinions. Eventually, after the awkward-ness he tells the voices to be quiet.
"Outside of my internal objections, I don't see a reason why we can't help them along their way. Looks like I may have been wrong with my assumptions about this Deep problem. Can we provide you any food or water? Maybe... I was once an Eye of Gargul. I can bless the remains of your family. It would only be proper." If they accept Wil will perform some of the ceremonies he used to do over the dead.

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:27/19T/21FF|CMD 32|+1 CLB:Arrows(16)|15/10/-/15(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,PBS,IC,DA,RS,MS)**|1d8+16(MS)Attack 1(20) 
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 4:31:38 PM

Mak was stunned. He'd been quite eloquent if he did say so himself and his offer was rebuffed. "I just need to quit. It's this mermaid hair, isn't it?" he said to Tsak.

"Our captain and voice, Rolth the bard, have no small amount of say in the matter, but I've no objections to you going about your business and taking the three mounts. I'd also like to offer my condolences. The Deep often offers no alternatives to those that oppose them. Please carry that message to your people and avoid the Deep if possible since they have a way of twisting the minds of their victims as you've witnessed."

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 4:37:00 PM

Elyas voices his agreement with the others that there is no reason to keep these gillmen from going on their way more that they have freely given their keys to the party. He is eager to return to the city and discuss what comes next.

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 6:26:24 PM

Rolth agrees with letting the gillmen go, as they have foresworn the Deep, and hopefully will speak against it if its minions again attempt to infiltrate their community. Once the gillmen depart, he suggests returning to Ardian to find out if he has any clues about what we must do next, now that we have all the keys.

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 7:50:36 PM

Kiwina has no reason to keep prisoners that is stronger than the need to see the bodies to their kin. In an aside where the gillmen cannot hear, he suggests letting them have their spears back as well.

"Wil, do you know the rites asking a person's spirit to return as a shark for the protection of the tribe?"


Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+18=27 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+18=19 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 12:30:57 AM

Ayotnom turns his magic detecting cone towards the mermaid hair and glowy rock to try to figure out what they do.

He was disappointed they didn't unlock a "set bonus" for having one party member equip everything

mermaid hair
Spellcraft: 27
Know Arcana 21

glowy rock
Spellcraft 35
Know Arcana 19

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Thursday July 21st, 2022 4:15:42 AM

No, really, its sooo you! I think the gift of the garb must run in your family. Here, how about this bit of seaweek for a boa, I think it should sit just so.
He throws a bit of slimy green stuff from the deck onto the back of Mak's neck so it dangles over his shoulder.

That's about all Tsak can manage without laughing out loud. He's sure Mak can actually see the twinkle in his eye. Remembering his friends speed with a rapier he then steps well out of range and makes sure a few of the petals are between him and the pretty soldier boy.

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Thursday July 21st, 2022 10:32:02 AM

Falco understands loss, and has no problem with Seacrest and Prodarn taking their brothers home.

Wil's "friends want to argue, but he puts his foot down, and asks if they would like him to perform some Gargul approved death rituals. He also asks if they need anything.

Mak is surprised Seacrest and Prodarn didn't succumb to his persuasive speech, but wishes them well. He asks that they let others know the evils of The Deep, as they saw it first hand.

Elyas sees no reason to keep the gillmen against their will. He is eager to get back to Ardian, and learn the next step.

Rolth has no problem with letting the gillmen go, and after they depart, He asks is they should head back to Ardian.

Kiwina is fine with letting the gillmen go, and secretly asks if they should return their spears as well. He asks Wil if he can reincarnate the dead into sharks that will protect their village.

Ayotnom takes the time to identify the properties of the siren's braid and the glowy rock. It turns out that the braid functions like a pearl of the sirens, and the rock works as a luck stone.

Tsak gives Mak a hard time, and then makes a hasty retreat.

************************************************

Seacrest and Prdarn go about gathering the hippocampi of their fallen friends, and Freta's as well. they tie two to the backs of each of their saddles, and than tie their friends to the saddles of their steeds, making no effort what ever to do anything with Freta's body. If the Petals decide to return their spears, they will thank them and ride off, if not they will simply ride off without so much as a wave, due to the strength of their grief.

The Petals make sail for Wedding Island and arrive without any complications along the way.

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  d20+27=30 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+16=19 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 11:55:01 AM

Elyas spends some time early in the journey examining the new keys. he then brings the keys together and tries various configurations of them to see if any new abilities make themselves known. there wasn't anything apparent the first time they used all 5 together, but there is some time to kill and elyas is curious...

He will use identify both times to examine the keys
spellcraft = 30 for the braid, and 38 for the rock

spellcraft to look for interesting interactions between items: 25
knowledge arcana for the same: 19

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:31(AO)/27/19T/19FF|CMD 32| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|17/12/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6+9(15)x2)) 
Thursday July 21st, 2022 12:08:16 PM

Mak stood by with the equipment while the minotaur and Elyas prodded and poked with their magic spells. The seaweed boa he hastily threw at Tsak as soon as it touched him, but he weathered the storm of the investigation as well as anyone could. When the two mages were done he carefully returned everything except for the flippers which he placed in his pack.

Once back at Wedding City he too was anxious about what the wizard had to say. He also wanted to visit the catacombs as soon as the treasure they'd found was distributed.

**Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus, Precise Strike, Mobility| Encumbrance:45 lbs| Move: 30 |, Luckstone | Shaking it off

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+7=22
Thursday July 21st, 2022 5:30:58 PM

Rolth thinks we should take Freta's body back to shore and burn it, unless we have a way to do that here.
He is worried that the Deep might be able to reanimate her in some unnatural and grotesque fashion if we just dump her into the sea.

He sees the spears as our spoils from the combat and is not interested in giving them back at all. In fact, he asks Elyas to identify them, if possible. He is happy to assist.

(Spellcraft to help identify = 22)



Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Thursday July 21st, 2022 6:04:56 PM

Falco agrees with Rolth about the disposal of the body. No sense risking it in the water.
_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink


Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Thursday July 21st, 2022 9:55:34 PM

Kiwina is (not for the first time) astounded by his friends' lack of understanding of spirits and funerary customs. There are far more kinds of terrestrial undead than aquatic ones. Still, Freta does not deserve a hero's ceremony. He does not think that burning her in Wedding City will be well received, however, so an uninhabited bit of shore it is. . .

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Thursday July 21st, 2022 11:12:32 PM

Tsak accompanies Kiwina to a windswept escarpment where the big fella overseas a decent burial for the creature that was Freta.
Once back in town he enlists the help of Elyas or Falco to assist him to track down a potion of freedom of movement (OOC can I get one in town or is it a catacombs thing?). He reckons they'll be back underwater for the next phase.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 1:25:08 AM

On the way back Ayotnom asks, "Do we need to inform the local leadership of Wedding City about the Gillmen? They wanted to be kept apprised of any updates with respect to the deep"

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 5:19:18 AM

Wil watches and says little

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 10:31:33 AM


Elyas experiments a bit with the keys, and concludes that their must be some ritual or spell that he is unaware, or maybe they just need to be in a specific location of the Wold, to activate them. He is able to confirm Ayotnom's findings as to the workings of the braid and rock. (Pearl of the Sirens, and luckstone)

Mak allows himself to be the guinea pig, and than removes all the keys, though he keeps the flippers in his backpack. (You may want to look up the properties of the pearl of the sirens. 60ft Swim speed, water breathing, and free movement while in water. Up to you.) He is anxious to get back to Aidian to see what the old mage has to say.

Rolth has no desire to return the short spears, and asks that they may be identified. He wants to destroy Freta's body, so as to make sure that The Deep doesn't reanimate it somehow.

Falco agrees with Rolth about Freta's body

Kiwina doesn't think the people of Wedding City would appreciate a funeral pyre, on their shores, but is fine with destroying the body.

Tsak is willing to help dispose of Freta's body, and than asks fo help tracking down a potion. (All magical items, including potions, can only be purchased in the catacombs.

Ayotnom asks if they should inform the people of Wedding City about the gillmen

Wil is uncharacteristically quiet.

*********************************

Assuming that someone identifies the short spears, they are +1 returning short spears.

As soon as the surviving gillmen depart, the battle area, you notice the tell tale dorsal fins of sharks in the water, and your pretty sure they would be happy for a meal of a dead gillman, as it is apparent that they were attracted to the scent of blood in the water.

Back at Wedding City, what is your plan of attack, do you report the gillmen, do you go directly to Aidian, or do you go shopping first.

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:31(AO)/27/19T/19FF|CMD 32| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|17/12/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6+9(15)x2)) 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 11:42:45 AM

Mak didn't want to seem grabby, but said he''d be appreciative to temporary hold the pearl until the deep was handled. Afterwards another could claim it or it could be sold. He'd obviously give up the flippers which in his mind were on loan anyway. He also understood if another without the means of casting Freedom of Movement wanted to use it. He still had the flippers and a piercing weapon which should allow him to operate beneath the waves.

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 12:42:29 PM

Elyas will help with immolating the body before the ship reaches Wedding City. there is no need in his mind to be particularly careful with the body, and certainly no need ot haul it all the way back to the city. when they find a small island he will move the body and light it up with burning hands.

once they reach Wedding City, Elyas advises that they speak with Ardian first and see if h has any findings that would indicate what ritual was needed to use the keys.

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 12:51:34 PM

Falco helps Elyas with the body not feeling right about dumping it to shacks. He considers the flippers but in reality his mobility underwater is not that important given as he mostly casts spells.

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 1:04:36 PM

(Ooc: just going to do simple posts)
Wil is interested in what the grumpy old man has to say first

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 4:20:47 PM

Rolth agrees with going to see Ardian first, then reporting to the local notables and going to the catacombs. He’s fine with Mak taking the pearl, as long as Mak will front line when needed, given that it won’t help with his bow shooting underwater.

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:31(AO)/27/19T/19FF|CMD 32| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|17/12/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6+9(15)x2)) 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 4:48:40 PM

If Mak can move, frontlining would be his thing underwater. As it is now he can't get to the front line.

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Friday July 22nd, 2022 7:36:27 PM

(Ooc: just going to do simple posts)
Wil is interested in what the grumpy old man has to say first

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Saturday July 23rd, 2022 3:43:54 AM

Tsak is also happy to go see the grumpy old man.
He tosses up whether to buy a potion or relieve Mak of the pearl. Ideally it would be good if they could both be front line as required. Obviously Mak is a much better archer than Tsak. It might come down to cost. He'll check the cost of a potion in the catacombs and get back to Mak about the pearl.

He'll also miss the comedic value of Mak trying to contort himself to travel around underwater.

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Saturday July 23rd, 2022 1:04:37 PM

Kiwina points out to Tsak that Mak has lots more comedic value than just when he's underwater.

He still thinks sharks could safely enough dispose of Freta's body, but it's not worth arguing over. They could ask Ardian about any dangers they avoided by burning the body. Of course, if he decides it's not directly related to the quest to stop the Deep, then he might want to be paid for the information. That in itself might tell them something.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Monday July 25th, 2022 12:18:29 AM

Ayotnom says, "So wait the pearl and the flippers do some of the same thing? Could I have gotten this one wrong? Instead of having a single person wear all the keys do 5 people each get one key? We really need to ask Ardian about this now that we have them all. I couldn't use the flippers but I could use the pearl. As for order of operations I'm fine with seeing Ardian first and then the local nobles and then shopping. Perhaps we need more of these pearls?"

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:31(AO)/27/19T/19FF|CMD 32| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|17/12/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6+9(15)x2)) 
Monday July 25th, 2022 8:55:11 AM

Mak agreed that Tsak might be best for the pearl as long as he could rely on Falco for waterbreathing.

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Monday July 25th, 2022 11:17:38 AM


Mak requests the braid, and offers up the flippers.

Elyas is ready to help burn up Freta's body and advises going to Ardian first, upon reaching wedding city.

Falco doesn't want to dump Freta's body to the sharks. He considers the flippers, but decides he doesn't need them.

Wil wants to talk to speak to Ardain.

Rolth agrees meeting Ardian first is best, and than the locals. He's OK with Mak taking the pearl as long as he is willing to frontline underwater.

Mak is happy to frontline, if he can get there.

Tsak also wants to talk to Ardian first, He wonders if he would be better off with the braid, though he is willing to check out the price of a potion of freedom of movement. (You may also want to look into a ring of freedom of movement.) He's going to miss watching Mak struggle in the water.

Kiwina reminds Tsak that Mak offers comedic relief even when not in the water. He believes that the sharks would be able to dispose of Freta's body just fine, but he isn't going to argue, and is OK with burning the body. He considers asking Ardian if it was needed, but wonders if he will charge the Petals for that information.

Ayotnom realizes he was probably wrong about one person using all the keys, and wonders if maybe a different person needs to use each of the keys. He feels they need to ask Ardian about that. He wonders if they need more of the pearls.

Mak agrees that Tsak may be the best person for the flippers, as long as Falco keeps him breathing water.

*********************************************************

The Petals decide to torch the body instead of feeding it to the sharks. and they locate a small wooded island with a large sandy beach. It is easy to locate enough dry wood to build a pyre, and they are soon sailing away, as Freta's body is consumed by the flames.

At Wedding City the Petals make a b-line for Ardian's home, and the old wizard opens the door for them himself. "I sent my apprentice on a little journey to gather some herbs I need for some spells I've been teaching him. He probably won't be back for a few days, but come in and tell me how things have been progressing." He leads you back to his study, sits down, indicating that you should do likewise. He waits for you to share what you have learned and disclose what you've obtained.

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Monday July 25th, 2022 11:49:19 AM

Elyas sits when invited, and lays the final three keys out on the table for Ardian to see (assuming I am still carrying them after spellcrafting them. if others have some of the keys Elyas waits for them to display them)

He lets Rolth or Kiwina explain how they ended up with three keys at the same time.

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Monday July 25th, 2022 11:59:36 AM

Glad to see the body of one in contact with The Deep destroyed Falco says a short prayer to the Warper-Sar, really for himself not for the deceased.

Falco happily moves in with the others trying to stay near the front of the group so he can see what is going on. He doesn't have much to add at that point.

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink


Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+11=23 ; d20+14=25 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 2:58:42 PM

Wil is suddenly suspicious of the old wizard. He studies the man to see if it’s possible if he may be dishonest.
Sense Motive: 23


Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:31(AO)/27/19T/19FF|CMD 32| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|17/12/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6+9(15)x2))  d20+6=26 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 3:12:13 PM

Mak was slow to remove the flippers from his pack. He wanted to watch the expression on the old mans face as the last item was handed over.

OOC:
Sense Motive +6, Roll 26

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Monday July 25th, 2022 7:50:25 PM

Kiwina explains to Ardian, "It seems we're not the only ones who've been looking for the keys. Two of these come from a group that attacked us trying to take the ones that we had found. One of those attackers had an amulet we've seen linked to the Deep before -- not magical in this case -- and one had a tattoo in the fashion of the amulet."

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 1:04:45 AM

Ayotnom says, "Aye apparently in the one challenge the other group's smooth talker got a lock of hair from some sirens before being attacked by said sirens and in the other challenge they had to pretty much stand in an area while rocks were hurled at them and they were attacked but part of the challenge was not attacking their assaialants so I mean that was kind of interesting to learn and things that I was kind of glad to pass up on. Sirens give me the willies and just standing there and taking it isn't my idea of a good time."

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 3:10:55 AM

'That's what she said' thinks Tsak.

He remains silent and thoughtful as Freta's body goes up in flames, denying it to the denizens of the Deep. He helps put sails up and down on the journey back and manages to get himself and Mak to the wizards house without stopping in at a pub. All in all a win.

He waits whilst the eloquent members of the group explain their status to he wizard, then leans forward to catch whatever is going to happen next. Now we'll get to the important bit, he thinks to himself.



Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+19=28 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 8:02:18 AM

Rolth amazingly keeps his mouth shut and nods along as Kiwina and Ayotnom do a fine job of recounting our story. He then asks Ardian, "So what must we do now that we have all the keys?"

Sense motive =28 to look for signs of ulterior motives from Ardian

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 12:01:21 PM


Elyas lays the keys in front of Ardian

Falco is glad Freta's body is destroyed. He follows the others in, staying in the lead.

Wil is suddenly suspicious of Ardian, but the old wizard hasn't done or said anything out of character..

Mak is slow to remove the flippers from his pack. he watches Ardian as he does so.

Kiwina shares their adventure with the gillmen.

Ayotnom shares what they learned about the other two challenges, expressing his pleasure in not having to deal with them.

Tsak helps sail the Rose to their Port of Call, and waits while his friends with the gift for gab speak. He looks forward to whats next.

Rolth, uncharacteristically, let's his friends do the talking, as he watches for any false motives. He asks what is done next.

**************************************************************

Ardian seems almost giddy when you show all 5 keys, but a look of concern crosses his face when the other party is mentioned. "This is most alarming! Were you able to learn how they gained the information, to seek the keys? I've spent the greater part of my life researching The Deep, and I've never met anyone else who shared my zeal for the cause, and if they were willing to fight you to obtain the keys, that you obtained, it tells me they were not seeking the keys for noble reasons. Please tell me all you have learned!" Looking at Rolth, Ardian says, "I'm not ignoring your question, but I need clarity before I can move forward!"

You are pretty sure that Ardian is speaking truthfully, and that he is very concerned about what happened and is happening. The news of the other party is clearly troubling to the old wizard,

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:31(AO)/27/19T/19FF|CMD 32| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|17/12/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6+9(15)x2)) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 12:07:21 PM

“At least one of them bore the mark of the deep and was reported to have been acting strangely by companions.” Mak said. “We assumed the mark to be another form of control similar to the amulets we previously found on ‘converts’”

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 12:16:56 PM

"you ask a good question, sir, and it is one that bothered me as well when we found this other group. You have pulled together so many different scraps of information and done quite a lot of work o get to this point, yet somehow another group out there knew exactly where to look and had almost as many keys as we did! it seems unlikely at best.

Elyas rubs his chin as he thinks

"is it possible that someone else could have stolen or copied your research? I know folks here have expressed concern or suspicion about your research. maybe someone was able to get the gist of what you were searching for and follow in your tracks? is it possible someone in your own house is working for the Deep?

Elyas harbors some suspicion about the apprentice who is 'out picking herbs' right now, as he was caught eavesdropping during the last meeting.... but he is not ready to blatantly accuse quite yet

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 1:56:02 PM

"Someone could have stolen your research, true. Is it also possible that the Deep is in communication with people? The simplest answer is the best and the Deep would have the most intrest in the topic."

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 3:24:30 PM

Ever the suspicious one, "It couldn't be your assistant could it. No.. I liked that guy. It's always the prodigal butler slash assistant. So untrustworthy butlers... my father had a butler once. He was slimy. Never liked him."
"Maybe someone in town? They are a bit weird?"

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 3:33:19 PM

"Your apprentice, when we first met him, claimed to have survived a kraken attack that destroyed the ship he was traveling on. He was allegedly in service to Tethes Valthor in Asildur at the time. I wonder whether he might have been corrupted during that kraken encounter. Also worryingly, he was escorting a young lad, purportedly the son of Lord Braselton here in Fargunia, back to this city. I wonder if this is all some plot to subvert the leadership here as well. Do you have any commensurate information that might shed light on this puzzle of shared interest?"

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 7:20:43 PM

Rolth's speculation sounds to Kiwina like a question for the local authorities or a reason to avoid the local authority. "If we are worried about people falling under the Deep's influence, isn't our best course to deal with the Deep sooner rather than later?"

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 12:55:24 AM

Ayotnom says, "I agree with Kiwina. We have all the keys now, let's take the fight to the Deep."

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|18/13/-/-(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,MS)**|1d8+9(MS)Attack 1(20)x3))  d20+14=22 ; d20+5=19 ;
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 8:41:09 AM

Mak remained quiet after sharing his information about the deep marks on the gillmen. He also wondered about the apprentice and decided to take a walk around outside to see if the fellow was nearby instead of where he was supposed to be.

He was looking for a footprint or track that might indicate the fellow was here someplace close. Mak drew out his bow and went to work...

OOC:
Perception +14, Roll 22 to find a foot print or track
Survival +5, Roll 19 to follow any tracks he might discover.

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 11:52:08 AM


Mak mentions they found the Deeps mark on a couple of the gillmen.

Elyas wonders if someone could have stolen Ardian's research, and suspects Rainard.

Falco asks if the Deep could be communicating with people.

Will asks if it could have been Rainard

Rolth wonders if Rainard has some devious plan.

Kiwina wonders if the best course of action is to deal with the Deep ASAP, to nullify any outside threats.

Ayotnom agrees with Kiwina.

Mak decides to see if he can track down Rainard. he finds footprints that seem right, and follows them out of town. they seem to be heading towards a forest that is about 50 miles from your location.

************************

"I don't believe my apprentice is capable of doing what you say. Oh I'm no fool, I realize anyone is capable of great evil, but Rainard literally isn't capable of performing the ritual, and if he stole my research he would have discovered that, and would have been forced to realize his search was futile. When I learned what was needed to perform the ritual, I destroyed the source of discovery, to avoid anyone from doing just this. No, I fear our beastfolk friend here has the right of it. It maybe possible that in the gate's weakened state, The Deep is reaching out from the other side and directing willing participants directly.

Kiwina and Ayotnom have the right idea. It matters little who is behind this, if we deal with The Deep now, we will save the Wold and anyone with a nefarious motive will have to find another source of power. we should leave right away"


Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 2:14:20 PM

"Ending the Deep ends the problem. How long is the travel for the next leg? Will there be time to rest and be sure we are properly armed?"

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Restoration
3rd - Water Breathing (0/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Prayer
2nd- Lesser Restoration (2/2) / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D)
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith {2/2}
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+10=21 ;
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 5:26:37 PM

"I'm disappointed there is no butler at fault," Wil says.
"I know right." He says to no one in particular
"It's always the butler."
To Rolth, out of earshot of the wizard. "Did Mak go to find Rainard? By himself? I'm heading after him. I will try to slip away without notice."
(Stealth: 21) - to slip away without causing a scene

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 7:31:35 PM

Rolth agrees that Rainard's ramblings are less immediate a concern than getting after the Deep. He asks Wil to return with Mak, rather than joining him on some wild goose chase. To Ardian, he poses a few questions in addition to those offered by Falco. "So, what does the lore say that we must accomplish next? We need to know this up front, so that we can properly equip and prepare ourselves. Speaking of which, shall we go to the Catacombs on our way, so that we can sell some of our recent loot and acquire things that will be of use in this quest? Who would like to be our sales spokesperson there?"

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 8:58:52 PM

Kiwina notices that Ardian intends to go with them this time. Barring any need to reprovision, then, explanations can happen on the way. "Is there anything that your studies tell you would be a help to us, then -- something we should pick up before we leave?"

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Thursday July 28th, 2022 12:42:59 AM

Tsak, slightly miffed that Mak went on a wild goose chase without him, pricks his ears at Rolth's query.

I'll head to the catacombs, tho truth be told I haven't been keeping an eye on our recent loot. Er,do you have a list of what we have to sell? There's the spears from the Gillmen, all 5 or did someone keep 1? Ahh, there's also the 10k gold, I hadn't added that to my bank either, 1250 each right? Anything else?

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 2:32:55 AM

Ayotnom says, "I could use something to allow me to move better underwater. While my primary weapon is piercing I do have other options at my disposal which I could take advantage of but not if I'm at the normal disadvantage. If we are only going to get 1250 gold each then that isn't enough for a second pearl of the sirines those things cost 15,000 at least."

Mak(JamesM)(63/72)HP|AC:25/17T/19FF|CMD 30|+1 CLB:Arrows(20)|18/13/-/-(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,MS)**|1d8+9(MS)Attack 1(20)x3)) 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 8:27:25 AM

Mak wasn't going to follow the tracks the next 50 miles so he circled back into town and spotted Tsak heading for the catacombs. "Mind if I join you? I've got some thing I need to get. Was our share at least 2000 this time?"

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 11:23:33 AM

Will you accompany us for the last piece here, Ardian? If you are the only one who has knowledge of the required ritual we may need you to be with us.

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 12:06:05 PM


Falco asks how long it will take to get to the gate. He asks if they have time to rest up and arm up.

Wil is disappointed it's not the butler, and decides to go after Mak.

Rolth tells Wil to retrieve Mak, instead of following him. He asks what kind of provisions they may need, and if they should head to the catacombs.

Kiwina notes that Ardian implied that he was going with them on this lag of the journey, and also asks for anything useful.

Tsak is miffed that Mak went ff without him, but offers to go to the catacombs.

Ayotnom would like to obtain something to help him underwater.

Mak circles back, sees Tsak heading to the catacombs, and decides to join him.

Elyas asks if Ardain will join them.

*********************************************************

"I'm uncertain the distance, but I would guess that it will take us a few days. If you need to take the rest of the day to prepare, that will be fine, but we should leave with the tide in the morning, at the latest. As far as what will be helpful... Obviously anything that will help underwater. I'm happy to cast freedom of movement and water breathing on everyone, who may need it, if the need arises, though I have nothing that will help with the swimming. I really don't know what to expect from The Deep itself, so I don't know what to tell you there, As far as spells are concerned we should have a decent attack load out, preferably spells that work underwater. I should warn you. When I use the keys to activate the gate, you won't have access to their abilities.

So if you don't mind, I have a lot to do. I haven't been on an adventure in a long time, and I need to prepare. I will meet you at the Rose early in the morning"[/b]

Do our intrepid heroes have anything else to ask Ardian, or do they have anything else they wish to do before leaving in the morning?

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 1:50:41 PM

Falco doesn't have much shopping to do. He briefly considers an underwater crossbow but, really, it won't do enough to matter. He mostly spends the down time praying on what spells may be of best use in the coming battle as more then simple healing may be needed.

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Dimensional Ancor
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Blindness Deafness
2nd- Lesser Restoration / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D) / Silence
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith / Comprehend Languages
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink


Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 1:53:12 PM

"Mak, my friend!" Wil shouted as he chased after him. "It's not the butler. They say it's not him."
"We need to prepare for another underwater fight. Would you like to have my underwater crossbow? I don't need a weapon anymore."


Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 3:35:15 PM

Elyas has no more questions, as it is clear that Ardain doesn't have any further information about what they might be facing.

"unfortunately there aren't a lot of ways i will be able to help us work better underwater. we'll have to rely on some of the more divine magic users for the water breathing and freedom spells. I will prepare as best as i can, and will be ready to bring in allies from other planes to aid us.

Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Thursday July 28th, 2022 11:50:57 PM

Ayotnom says, "Instead of a pearl of the sirines I could get a cloak of the manta ray but then I'd only need like 7000 gold. Do we know how much gold we have to work with yet each?" He also starts working on a new spell loadout since they know they have to go underwater

0th: Detect Magic, Light, Message, Toros Taur Try
1st: Shield, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Magic Missile
2nd: Extended Mage Armor, Extended Shield,False Life, Mirror Image
3rd: Extended False Life, Haste, Heroism


Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status:  
Friday July 29th, 2022 12:07:44 AM

Well if Ardian can cover us with water breathing and freedom of movement, then I don't think I'll be shopping for anything specific on this trip. Hopefully this'll be the last of our underwater adventures for awhile. I mean, what could go wrong? It's a million to one, am I right?
Tsak offers his best cheesy grin to go with.

He prepares to head to the catacombs to sell the spears I'll see you all back on the Rose shortly

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Friday July 29th, 2022 7:06:08 AM

Rolth gives back the magic spear for Tsak to include in our Catacombs sale, knowing that it will fetch a decent price. His only additional preparation is to purchase a mundane trident to add to his weapon selection. That done, he is ready for adventure!

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Friday July 29th, 2022 10:02:59 AM

"I'm sure everyone can use freedom of movement and most of us can use water breathing, and if you relieve our group of the need to prepare these spells ourselves it will be a great help."

DM Jeremy Battle Map "A plan! Why would you want to take all the fun out of it?" 
Friday July 29th, 2022 10:51:33 AM


Falco considers an underwater crossbow, but figures that it wouldn't be of much use. He ponders what spells would be useful.

Wil finds Mak and tells him, in his own way, that it wasn't Rainard. he tells him to prepare for an underwater fight, and offers him his underwater crossbow.

Elyas will prepare as best he can.

Ayotnom considers a cloak of the manta ray since it's cheaper than a pearl of the sirens. He changes his spell load

Tsak will rely on Ardain casting water breathing and freedom of motion, so he doesn't have to make any purchases.

Rolth forfeits the short he he took from the gill,=men, and buys a mundane trident.

Kiwina tells Ardain that if he casts freedom of motion and water breathing on the party, that will be a lot of help.

*********************************************

The Petals make there final preparations, and, in the morning, Ardain comes aboard with a small backpack, leaning fairly heavily on a staff. He makes some adjustments to Garman, and the Rose leaves port sailing west, northwest. Arcane casters only, can make a DC 25 Spellcraft check or Knowledge Arcane. Highlight to display spoiler: {After watching Ardain program Garman, all these times, you are starting to understand how it works, and you are pretty sure, with some practice, you could program the navigation device.}

The Rose sails for 3 days before Garman's needle changes direction, indicating that you have sailed past your destination, and it's time to dive. As you are preparing to dive, Ardain casts Freedom of Motion and Water Breathing on the party, and tells them they should have about 3 and a half hours of each. What is the next step for our intrepid heroes.

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7 
Friday July 29th, 2022 11:51:26 AM

Thinking to himself as directions are set.. I bet my halfling self could have worked out more about this ship but its still a fair trade. Being an owl just feels more natural. Every morning he considers what spells to prepare and finally comes up with some things that may be useful, he also keeps one water breathing just in case.

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Dimensional Anchor
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Blindness Deafness
2nd- Lesser Restoration / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D) / Silence
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith / Comprehend Languages
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Friday July 29th, 2022 3:39:00 PM


"Updated my spells a little bit but I'm ready for a fight. Let's do this!"
"Mak, if you don't want my underwater crossbow.. I am willing to give it up. I am taking a sabbatical on weapons."

Orisons: Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Guidance
Lv1: Shield of Faith, Entropic Shield, Magic Weapon, Magic Weapon, Sanctuary, - D: True Strike
Lv2: Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon - D: Aid
- (if needed - Cure Moderate Wounds
Lv3: Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Water Breathing, - D: protection from energy
Lv4: Holy smite: (Sacrificed to Ffloy), Coalescence Feat (Summon Monster IV) D: freedom of movement - used,
Channel 4d6


Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Friday July 29th, 2022 7:15:14 PM

Kiwina makes sure the crew is ready, and gives the order to dive. They are still following the compass, after all. "Anyone else preparing anything here? We may have to look around a bit."

Effects:
Freedom of Movement -- Ardian, 3.5 hours
Water Breathing -- Ardian, 3.5 hours
Spells and abilities:
Ranger
1 - Resist energy, calm animals
Druid
0 - Detect magic, flare, guidance, light
1 - Obscuring mist, cure light wounds, faerie fire, shillelagh
2 - Fog cloud, chill metal, bull's strength
Aumakua have 1st level ranger spell
Storm burst -- unlikely to work underwater?


Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+16=25 ;
Friday July 29th, 2022 10:34:04 PM

Rolth holds off casting any additional spells until we start to get closer to our destination. He will watch carefully for threats from the deck of the Rose as we dive.

Perception = 25

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status: underwater breathing & freedom of movement 
Saturday July 30th, 2022 1:00:53 AM

What about a plan! Tsak yells before swan diving off a spar and doing the biggest horsey he can into the churning green water. In his mithril breastplate he's fine as it takes all the force of the splash.
He takes a minute to get ensure the underwater breathing kicks in and to get used to it. Then waits for the rest of the petals near the anchor chain as he assumes they'll be following that down.

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) |  d20+7=24 ;
Saturday July 30th, 2022 11:48:50 AM

Rolth looks at Tsak in the water and wonders why he isn't riding the Rose down beneath the waves with the rest of us :) Speaking of the Rose, he watches as Ardian sets the navigation system and we sail off. He feels on the brink of some arcane discovery, but needs some help to work it out.

Spellcraft = 24 (just 1 point shy!)



Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27  d20+18=27 ; d20+18=21 ;
Monday August 1st, 2022 1:09:46 AM

Ayotnom made a quick trip to the catacombs and settled on 3 elixirs of swimming since they are cheap and he'll save the other gold for later.

He says, "A plan could be great." to Tsak, "How about don't die and stop the deep?"

He also says, "Hey guys I think I could probably operate Garmen after we are done with the Deep with a little practice."

Spellcraft: 27
Know [Arcana]: 21

DM Mark - "How about don't die and stop the deep?" 
Monday August 1st, 2022 2:42:20 AM

Falco considers his spells on the voyage. Not content to rely solely on Ardian, he makes sure he is also prepared to cast Water Breathing.
Wil carefully considers his spells. He announces he is taking a break from using weapons as he offers up his underwater crossbow.
Tsak does a swan dive off the ship, thinking everyone plans to swim down to the bottom.
Kiwina readies the crew of The Rose. He gives the order to the helmsman to have the ship sink beneath the waves.
Rolth awaits casting any spells until the party is closer to their goal. He watches Ardian carefully as he tends to the navigational device.
Ayotnom checks his equipment, ready to go. He announces that he thinks he may understand how to operate Ardian’s navigational instrument. This earns a brief, disapproving look from the secretive old man.

[DM point of clarification - sometimes when we switch DMs, things can get a little lost in translation - especially with a module this long and involved. In this case, Ardian is not really much of a spellcaster. He has some minor magical abilities, but Freedom of Movement and Water Breathing are beyond him. However, I think we can find another way to accomplish the same thing.

Also, I note that some characters are waiting to resolve purchases in the Catacombs. Those will need to be resolved before we go too much further. Kindly let me know when all outstanding Catacombs purchases are wrapped up.]


As you ready to sink beneath the waves, Tsak dives into the water. This surprises Rolth. Kiwina gives the order, and the helmsman takes the ship down. This surprises Tsak, but the wiley Ranger is able to quickly grab onto the rigging of the sinking ship so he is not left behind.

Ardian looks on in silent wonder as the ship is surrounded by a large bubble of air when it sinks into the water. As before, the surface of the bubble catches the light filtering down and seems to shimmer in the water. Down, down you go. The light dims, and the bubble no longer shimmers in sunlight. Now it catches and reflects the lights on the ship as you go down, some actual lanterns, and some magical lights. (Does your ship use mundane lanterns for light, or is the lighting magical? Do those without the ability to see in darkness have a light?)

Ardian pulls out an amulet with Continual Flame cast on it. As your ship reaches the ocean floor, the light here is quite dim. The ship lands, and a puff of silt rises up in the water, though not enough to affect anything.

The old sage say, ”You Petals truly are heroes, and you have accomplished what I certainly could not have. Wonderful, wonderful. Now, if we do this right and everything goes as planned, no one will fully understand the gravity of what we accomplish today. Let’s gather the keys - we’ll need them. The texts said nothing about guardians at the gate. But the texts also couldn’t warn us about the gillmen you encountered, so I suppose anything is possible. Best keep a sharp eye out.”

He sighs, Would that I were younger. I’m too old for this.”

The old man’s voice seems to quaver a bit. He seems to be a mix of fear and excitement. Ramsey and the crew are more on the fear side of things as they nervously look peer into the water at the man’s words.

”Now, let’s get us all ready.”

He pulls out several skins of some sort. They look scaled and delicate - perhap fish, perhaps some sort of scaled insect. He carefully unfolds them and wraps one around each of the Petals as well as himself. Almost instantly they disappear, leaving a scaled shimmer across your skin. You now each have Freedom of Movement.

Then he pulls out a waterskin, passing it around between the Petals and himself. It tastes like rotten fish. Yech. ”Go on, go on, drink up. Yer made of sterner stuff than that. This is what’ll let ya breathe the water.”

As noted, we’ll need to delay a bit until Catacombs purchases are resolved.


Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status: underwater breathing & freedom of movement 
Monday August 1st, 2022 4:08:50 AM

Tsak gives Rolth a 'what, I felt like a swim' look. He knows he's not fooling anyone but figures Mak and Wil have him well beat in the goofball department, so... whateva.

So, anyone up for a game of cards while my armour dries? And maybe a we dram of rum to clean the palate? the last with a sideways look at Ardian and his filthy waterbottle.

Mak(JamesM)(82/82)HP|AC:31(AO)/27/19T/19FF|CMD 32| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|18/13/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6+9(15)x2)) 
Monday August 1st, 2022 8:25:20 AM

OOC: Def waiting on the Catacombs, but all the calculations were done weeks ago. I'm just making the final purchase.

Mak tightened his new belt as he felt the magic from it already strengthening his stamina and endurance. He adjusted his sleeve garters and shouldered his bow.

"Thanks Falco, I will use the crossbow. But let's consider it a loan for now. I'm not really planning on using it." he finished by sliding his rapier in its sheath to loosen it.

When the potion came around he grimaced and looked at Tsak. "You'd think they could make these things taste better, old man. Stiff upper and lip I guess." he said as he took a long swig of the potion. He brought out another potion from his belt pouch as he waited for the first to take effect and then he downed the second one. His eyes flashed briefly as the magic took effect and the area beyond his normal vision came into black and white focus.

"That's better. Ardian, will you be able to conduct the ritual here on the ship or will we need to move to a different location?"

Mak's thought was that if the ritual could be performed in the ships bubble he'd be able to use his bow, but otherwise he'd need that crossbow. Mak loaded a bolt into the crossbow and hung it from his belt, ready to go.

OOC:
Potion: Darkvision

**Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus, Precise Strike, Mobility| Encumbrance:45 lbs| Move: 30 |, Darkvision 180 Minutes, Waterbreathing 180 Minutes, Freedom of Movement |

Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  d20+17=33 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=20 ; d20+17=25 ;
Monday August 1st, 2022 2:22:02 PM

Elyas spend the time on the journey to the new spot studying the scrolls he has purchased, adding them to his spellbook. (should be plent of time int he 3 dys of travel, each spell needs either 5 or 6 hours depending on level)

Spellcraft - Break Enchantment DC 20 = 33
Spellcraft - Cone of Cold DC 20 = 18. reroll with a hero point = 33
Spellcraft - Passwall DC 20 = 20
Spellcraft Mass Enlarge Person DC 19 = 25

_________________

Once the team is ready to dive, Elyas casts Light on the figurehead of the ship to give some illumination.

"All right, this has been a long time coming. who's ready to go fight the Deep?

Spells prepared:

cantrips: Resistance, detect magic, light, mending
Level 1: 2X protection from evil, mage armor, 3X magic missile, Comprehend Languages
Level 2: 2X Resist Energy, darkvision, web, Glitterdust, See invisibility
Level 3: 2X lightning bolt, Haste, Stinking Cloud, Dispel Magic
Level 4: 2X summon monster IV, Dimensional Anchor, Greater Invisibility, Enlarge Person - Mass
Level 5: Break Enchantment, Cone of Cold, 2X Summon Monster V
Special: Acid Dart (8/8 remain, 1d6+4), pearl of power 1, bonded item, dimensional steps (240/270)

Active effects:
Mage Armor (10 hours)



CDM Jerry [OOC post] 
Monday August 1st, 2022 2:32:42 PM

DMs, check email and DMboard please.

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21) 
Monday August 1st, 2022 3:46:40 PM

Wil smiles as Mak takes his gift. That is until he drank from the fish smelling waterskin. He coughed up some of the liquid.
"Of course, I would love to play a game of luck." He says to Tsak but that didn't come without some awkwardness as he got into an argument with himself over his choice to loosen his weapon supply.
"Relax," Wil finally says. "I still have an assortment of daggers." He searches to find them gone.
"Um.. I have a staff and my hand crossbows.. so stuff it." He shot back and prepared to play.
"Hey, what's are the plans? I plan to conjure my magic crossbows but should I call my fire friend?"

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Monday August 1st, 2022 8:05:36 PM

Kiwina asks Ardian questions similar to Mak's -- will they be staying with the ship, and will they be staying here? The distinction is a matter of some importance, as the crew has not been protected as Ardian and the Petals have. Kiwina wonders if the ship should return to the surface to wait for them.

Effects:
Freedom of Movement -- Ardian, 3.5 hours?
Water Breathing -- Ardian, 3.5 hours?
Spells and abilities:
Ranger
1 - Resist energy, calm animals
Druid
0 - Detect magic, flare, guidance, light
1 - Obscuring mist, cure light wounds, faerie fire, shillelagh
2 - Fog cloud, chill metal, bull's strength
Aumakua have 1st level ranger spell
Storm burst -- unlikely to work underwater?



Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 76/76 | AC : 27; Touch 16; Flat 23 CMD 27 
Monday August 1st, 2022 8:22:05 PM

(OOC: I took care of my catacombs order)

Ayotnom uses the wrap, drinks from the potion and prepares to also drink his elixir which will let him swim

0th: Detect Magic, Light, Message, Toros Taur Try
1st: Shield, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Magic Missile
2nd: Extended Mage Armor, Extended Shield,False Life, Mirror Image
3rd: Extended False Life, Haste, Heroism

Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Monday August 1st, 2022 10:18:39 PM

Rolth thanks Ardian for the helpful items, and is perhaps not as squeamish about the fishy potion as the others. That done, he happily joins Tsak for a friendly card game to pass the time. As they play, he asks, "Hey, have we sorted out who will be wearing each of the keys? Or do we need them for another purpose during this part of our quest?"

Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status: underwater breathing & freedom of movement 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 12:58:17 AM

I got the impression that he (Ardian) will be using the keys, maybe for some kind of hocus pocus stuff.
To brew a new potion maybe, they seem to be made out of odds and ends?


Tsak grabs some cards and settles into a game where people have to match suits and win tricks but are dealt a different number of cards each round.
It's a friendly game with more than a little ribbing but no gold changing hands.
Tsak does have 5 sp left over from the catacombs, but decides to give that to the cook to spend on extra food the next time they hit land. Hopefully a celebration of the demise of THE DEEEEEP.

DM Mark - "All right, this has been a long time coming. who's ready to go fight the Deep?" 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 3:12:32 AM

[Contrary to the mass email that went out, Taur Isles is not leveling now - that would be too disruptive, but we will soon.

Thanks for getting the Catacombs transactions squared away. Now, on with the show!]


Tsak does his best to shake off the water from his armor, suggesting a game while he dries.
Mak is willing to use Wil’s crossbow. He drinks the offer potion of Water Breathing, and then drinks a potion of Darkvision. He asks Ardian if the ritual to strengthen the gate can be conducted within the air bubble of the ship.
Elyas feels confident the new spells he added to his spellbook will be put to good use. He’s ready for a fight.
Wil is ready to take Tsak up on his offer to play a game.
Kiwina also wonders if the ritual will be performed aboard the ship, thinking it might be better to send the ship back to the surface.
Ayotnom takes the spell and potion, and prepared to drink an elixir as well.
Rolth is also ready to join in a game. He asks who will be wearing each of the collected items.

It seems Ardian and the crew are much more anxious than the Petals seem to be.

Ardian looks with some astonishment at Tsak, Wil and Rolth sitting down to play a game. He sputters, ”What. Are. You. Doing? This is a serious thing that we are about to do! Come along!

The little man peers into the distance as his nervous anticipation seems to sharpen his observation. ”I think I see an archway in the distance - that must be what we seek. Come along. And bring those items you’ve gathered. No, no need to wear them - we’ll need them as keys for this ritual. Come on.”

He hops over the side of the ship, passing through the air bubble as he floats down.

Almost as an afterthought, he replies to Kiwina, ”What? The ship? Do with it as you wish. Perhaps it would be safer for your crew to send it back to the surface. We can always swim up to it after we’re through. Come along.”

He begins to move along, illuminated by the Continual Flame amulet he wears. He also seems to have no trouble seeing beyond the range of it’s light.

Here is your map. Place yourselves where you want to be.

Before you is a large arch of stones in the middle of a large stone dias on the ocean floor. Ardian leads you there, swimming through the water aided by the effects of Freedom of Movement. The archway and dias are encrusted with corals and other sea growth, along with a dusting of sand here and there. The dias sits about 5 feet above the sea floor, but it is little trouble underwater to get up that 5 feet. You can see that there are five indentations with various shapes in the arch, though they are somewhat obscured by the sea growth in the arch.

Ardian seems almost proud to be here. ”You see! You see! I was right! I was right all along! All is not lost. I think the gate is weakening - but we’re not too late, not yet.”

Perception DC 15:Highlight to display spoiler: {You can see ghostly black Tentacles that occasionally reach though the arch, stirring the water or the sand here and there. It’s disturbing.}


Mak(JamesM)(82/82)HP|AC:32(AO)/28/20T/19FF|CMD 33| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|19/14/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6 + 9(15)x2))  d20+13=22 ; d20+19=29
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 8:48:57 AM

Mak drew his rapier and moved up next to Ardian. "You see those tentacles reaching out?" he asked the sage as he held out the sword ready to swipe at any that got too close. He also wasn't too certain about walking through that arch to get to the other side, he seemed to remember a tale about a man that went through an arch by mistake and was lost forever, it was serious.

"Get on with it old man." Mak encouraged the man nervously. "I've had about enough of this as I can handle. I'll keep whatever THAT is off you." Mak said as he drank another potion.

OOC:
Perception +13, Roll 22
Potion: Cat's Grace

Aid Another(Roll 29): +2 Ardian's AC.

**Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus, Precise Strike, Mobility| Encumbrance:45 lbs| Move: 30 |, Darkvision/Water Breathing 179.9 Minutes, Cat's Grace 3 Minutes |

Wilford Grimly (HP:86/69- AC: 22; Touch: 14; Flat: 18; CMD: 21)  d20+11=28 ; d20+12=30 ;
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 9:27:20 AM

"Oh my," Wil says as he sees the black tentacles milling around.
"I'm aware of the seriousness," he says to himself, not aimed at Ardian but it could be interpreted that way.
"What's with the dias? This guy likes dias. Ok, do we have to deal with some mind games? What are we coming up to?"
"In other news, I have no idea if this is a good idea but I'm going to summon a Hound Archon. I hope this is so helpful."
He summons the monster.

Orisons: Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Guidance
Lv1: Shield of Faith, Entropic Shield, Magic Weapon, Magic Weapon, Sanctuary, - D: True Strike
Lv2: Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon, Spiritual Weapon - D: Aid
- (if needed - Cure Moderate Wounds
Lv3: Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Summon Monster III-(Sacrificed to Ffloy), Water Breathing, - D: protection from energy
Lv4: Holy smite: (Sacrificed to Ffloy), Coalescence Feat (Summon Monster IV) D: freedom of movement - used,
Channel 4d6

Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: NONE | 62/71 HP | | AC 19(22) (T15/F15) | Channel (4d6) 4/7 DC17 | Hero Point 6/7  d20+14=29 ;
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 9:48:57 AM

{Perception: 29}

"Well that does seem to be an indication of it weakening. Nothing left but to open it up and deal with what we find I guess."

_______________________________
CURRENT SPELLS:
4th - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (2/2) / Dimensional Anchor
3rd - Water Breathing (1/1) / Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Blindness Deafness
2nd- Lesser Restoration / Resist Energy (2/2) / Cure Moderate (D) / Silence
1st- Bless / Cure Light Wounds (D) / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith / Comprehend Languages
C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink


Elyas (Ben A.) (84/73 HP | AC: 18; Touch:13; Flat: 15; CMD:15) | mwk Light Crossbow +8( 1D8, 19-20) | Status: mage armor, darkvision, haste  d20+12=17 ;
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 1:01:11 PM

perception = 12

Well, looks like we're in the right place. do those indentations look like they fit the objects we've been hunting?

Elyas doesn't know for sure what will happen when the gate is opened, but it will certainly be a fight. He casts a spell on each of the other humanoid members of the party (as long as they want it) making them all grow to the next size category. He doe not include himself in the spell as he has no weapons or abilities tht would be aided by being bigger.

Spells prepared:

cantrips: Resistance, detect magic, light, mending
Level 1: 2X protection from evil, mage armor, 3X magic missile, Comprehend Languages
Level 2: 2X Resist Energy, darkvision, web, Glitterdust, See invisibility
Level 3: 2X lightning bolt, Haste, Stinking Cloud, Dispel Magic
Level 4: 2X summon monster IV, Dimensional Anchor, Greater Invisibility, Enlarge Person - Mass
Level 5: Break Enchantment, Cone of Cold, 2X Summon Monster V
Special: Acid Dart (8/8 remain, 1d6+4), pearl of power 1, bonded item, dimensional steps (240/270)

Active effects:
Mage Armor (10 hours)
Enlarge person on allies (10 minutes)


Mak(JamesM)(82/82)HP|AC:32(AO)/28/20T/19FF|CMD 33| Rapier,+1(Agile,,Keen,Adman)|19/14/-/-/-|(FA,WN,PS,WF)**|1d6 + 9(15)x2)) 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 3:04:13 PM

Mak waved off Elyas's offer to cast enlarge on him. He needed his agility and being larger would impact that too much. "Wait. I thought we were going to reinforce the wards, not release what is behind them. If we are doing that I'm going to need some of that hasty magic and a rousing tune would be helpful too. Actually a blessing would be nice as well, even if I don't particularly agree with your gods I appreciate the help."

**Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus, Precise Strike, Mobility| Encumbrance:45 lbs| Move: 30 |, Darkvision/Water Breathing 179.9 Minutes, Cat's Grace 3 Minutes |

Kiwina (Steve M) 106/106 HP | AC:21 (normal) or 22 (using 2 weapons) +4 vs AoO + 1 underwater | HeP: 4 | Status: none ! Swim 60' 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 7:49:58 PM

Kiwina tells Ramsey to take the Rose to the surface once everyone's off -- or at least not to stay down here if things start to look dangerous for the crew.

The raised stone dais reminds him a bit too much of the recent fight with galvos. Although the ghostly tentacles are a new touch. Kiwina moves to the dais and joins those already on it. He tells Mak, "I thought we were going to open it up and find a more permanent solution than those wards."

Effects:
Freedom of Movement -- Ardian, 3.5 hours?
Water Breathing -- Ardian, 3.5 hours?
Cloak of the Manta Ray -- 60' swim speed, extra attack, AC:22 (normal) or 23 (using 2 weapons)
Spells and abilities:
Ranger
1 - Resist energy, calm animals
Druid
0 - Detect magic, flare, guidance, light
1 - Obscuring mist, cure light wounds, faerie fire, shillelagh
2 - Fog cloud, chill metal, bull's strength
Aumakua have 1st level ranger spell
Storm burst -- unlikely to work underwater?


Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (89/89 HP | AC: 20; Touch: 14; CMD: 26) | 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 9:07:31 PM

Uncertain what space lies beyond the gate, the already-large Rolth politely declines Elyas' offer of an Enlarge Person spell for now. He does activate his amulet of might fists, then takes his place in the line, keeping a wary eye to fend off any tentacles as needed. He asks Ardian, "How long will the ritual take? That might affect whether we cast some spells now, or save them for later, depending on the spells' duration. Also, can we be casting spells while the ritual is underway? If so, will we know when the ritual will be completed so that we can best time our spell casting?"



Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC21 (T15/F14) 94/94 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow +1 1D8+1|Status: underwater breathing & freedom of movement  d20+15=26 ;
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 10:11:37 PM

(Perception vs spoiler=26 Success)
Tsak contemplates repeating his swan dive and belly whacker, but settles for a more measured descent given some of the party seem a little anxious.

Sure he says to Elyas.
It won't leave me smelling fishy or anything will it?

Tsak wanders if he should have brought Esmerelda along and let her have some of the enlargement potion, that could have been interesting. Too late now, she's rising along with the Rose and its crew.

Noticing the tentacles he readies his sword and gets his game face on.

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