If that's all we should be off (DM MikeK) Thursday September 29th, 2022 7:18:45 PM
Delia offers to take turns carrying the infant, but Grta declines. The ranger goes back to pick up the tracks. She notes they head for the same track of a road, and likely intersect with it about a quarter mile behind the wagons. Keeping the Shields in sight, she follows the tracks all the way to the road, only to find they end there.
Armalad asks more on the Huntsman. Grta merely shrugs. “Rumors have him going everywhere in pursuit of the kill. I do not know more.”
Stohp and Stock and Bart cobble together a hand cart and fill it with various goods.
The Shields proceed to down the road. About a half mile on, after circling another hill, the group finds the gulley on their right has given way to a large depression, which they stand on the edge overlooking.
At the bottom of this depression is an odd looking wood, which appears silver in color. On the far side, directly opposite the party, is a point of warm yellow light that seems strangely inviting. That point of light is the most hospitable spot the party has seen thus far.
They are also at a crossroads, with the road to the right meandering down the incline, through the wood at the bottom, and then upwards to the point of light. The road straight appears to circle around the depression, apparently headed toward the same destination. The road left heads back into the hills.
Grta gazes across the depression at the light. “The Inn” she identifies it. “You should go there. It is a refuge for the Outsiders.”
She points to the left hand road, leading back into the hills. “Town Two is this way.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday September 30th, 2022 1:45:56 AM
Armalad says, "So we escort Grta to town 2 then circle back towards the Inn? Sounds like a plan."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday September 30th, 2022 7:17:20 AM
Stohp is willing to escort the goblin all the way.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used Friday September 30th, 2022 9:21:03 AM "The Inn? Haven't we heard of this place? Hey Grta - Are all peoples and races invited to The Inn?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=19 ; Friday September 30th, 2022 1:51:02 PM "Sounds like a great plane, Armalad," Bartomus nodded in agreement and took the first lag with the cart. He scanned the area of the hills when Greta pointed that that was the way they needed to head. But, he really found himself focusing on getting the cart to go where he wanted it to go.
Perception 19
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+28=46 ; Saturday October 1st, 2022 5:52:18 PM
Delia reports on the tracks and then stays with the party, looking for signs of the same footprints again.
=========================================== Survival to pick up the trail on the road: 46
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+17=23 ; Monday October 3rd, 2022 6:32:55 AM
Stohp keeps a close eye out for more danger as they travel (perception 23)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used d20+23=41 ; Monday October 3rd, 2022 8:58:33 AM
Stock's eyes take in the wood in the depression. Are the trees themselves silver? And the leaves too?
Perception 41
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday October 3rd, 2022 2:12:18 PM "The Inn is where we'll need to go to be able to go back home. So knowing where it is certainly helps. We'll make sure you get to Town Two safely and then go to the Inn. Maybe someone there can provide some additional information."
Eyes out for more danger (DM MikeK) Monday October 3rd, 2022 7:23:18 PM
You decide to escort Grta to Town Two and then proceed to The Inn. Turning left, you hike up the track. Bartomus hauls the cart.
Delia searches for the tracks. She finds none. She is sure she’s being quite thorough. But the footprints end at the track.
Stock's eyes take in the wood in the depression. The dwarf sees no leaves. To his mind, the trees appear a lot more crystalline than tree-looking.
You move back into the hills, following the track.
Stohp Highlight to display spoiler: { Aways up ahead in the gloom, a dozen or so melon sized shapes appear to be gliding along a serpentine pattern. The taur cannot tell if the whatevers have noted you, but they are headed your way.}
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=38 ; Monday October 3rd, 2022 11:28:19 PM
Perception: 38
Armalad keeps her eyes peeled as they move along the trail.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday October 4th, 2022 8:33:24 AM "Incoming" Stohp warns. She describes the things and the distance to them as best she can.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used d20+24=39 ; d20=6 ; Tuesday October 4th, 2022 9:46:44 AM
Stock moves to place himself physically between the incoming things and the party.
=========== Perception to see them: 39 Knowledge to identify them Nature: 16 Planes, Religion, Arcana, Dungeoneering: 7 Local: 9
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=32 ; Tuesday October 4th, 2022 1:13:49 PM "Well, I needed a break from being a beast of burden," Bartomus said with a chuckle and put down the handles used to bring the cart along with them.
Bartomus scanned the area Stohp makes out and readied a magic bullet in his sling.
"Greta, any chance you know what's coming and if it's a foe?" Bartomus asked as he began spinning his sling.
Perception 32
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+13=17 ; Tuesday October 4th, 2022 2:45:53 PM
Delia moves in front of Grta and her baby protectively, an arrow nocked in the instant after Stohp's warning. She peers at the thing coming towards them, wondering if she knows what it is.
=============== Know(dungeon or nature): 17 +4 if aberration
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday October 4th, 2022 4:48:33 PM
Zander tenses at the mention of the unknown creatures. He moves next to Grta protectively, "Stay close, I'll keep you safe."
what's coming? (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 4th, 2022 7:42:36 PM
Stohp calls out “Incoming”, and points to some objects ahead.
Aways up ahead in the gloom, a dozen or so melon sized shapes appear to be gliding along a serpentine pattern.
Zanderallen, Delia, and Stock form up in front of Grta. None are quite sure what they are looking at.
Bart unhooks himself from the wagon, and asks if she knows what they are.
Grta turns increasingly paler shades of white. “Skulls,” she breathes fearfully. She turns from the track and bolts to your right, scooting for a break between two of the rocky hills. “Run! We must run. And hide! We must find a place to hide!”
She is currently 25’ from you.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+11=30 ; Tuesday October 4th, 2022 10:23:27 PM
Armalad says, "Did she say skulls? Are we following our goblin friend or are we fighting whatever these are because I don't think we have a lot of time to choose."
Armalad prepares to fight or flight with the rest of the group.
Stealth: 30
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+4=22 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2022 7:15:05 AM "When in Rome do as the Roman's do. She knows more about this place then we do so let's hide. But lets do it far enough away from her so that if we're caught she's not put in danger."
Stohp is generally terrible at hiding, but presumably she finds a landmass or bush large enough to hide her huge form since I rolled well (stealth 22)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=41 ; d20+30=33 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2022 10:13:45 AM "As we just proved, we can take on a lot more than Grta and her people. But there's no point in fighting if we don't have to." Delia overtakes Grta slightly (movespeed 40) and looks for a good hiding place(s) that will conceal even the heavily armoured and very large. She points out the places to be best concealed to her allies.
She will also sweep Hawky off her shoulder to underneath her cloak and take cover herself. She would like to stay at a spot where she can
=============== Perception: 41 Stealth: 33
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20=19 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2022 1:23:25 PM
Bartomus followed along after he grabbed the cart and pushed it up next to the rocky knolls. He then turned about and changed into a large stone elemental mimicking the rock style and hunched down to block the entrance Greta, her little one, and his fell Shields took to get out of the way.
He shifted to where he was hunched about and tried blending into the scenery.
Wild shape - Huge - Stone elemental. Not sure what to roll for this and another option would be to just hide away. Did a roll and if disguise would work that 19 would be 20
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Wednesday October 5th, 2022 6:46:50 PM
[i](OOC: Huh. I did not finish that thought before I hit post - I meant to say something like stay where she can keep an eye on the "skulls" while remaining hidden herself)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday October 5th, 2022 7:52:28 PM
Zander jogs after Grta, trying not to stand out.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+12=21 ; Wednesday October 5th, 2022 10:44:32 PM
Joker - Stealth = 21
Since Flight and Hide was chosen Armalad and Joker take up hiding places hopefully so the skulls can't detect them.
(OOC: checking in; forgot to make a stealth roll for Joker)
no point in fighting if we don't have to (DM MikeK) Thursday October 6th, 2022 7:37:10 AM
While Delia isn’t convinced the “skulls” pose as much of a threat to the Shields as to Grta, everyone decides to follow Grta’s lead.
As you make your way around the base of the hill, you spot several large boulders clumped together down a slight ravine to your right.
Making for these, you see a crack that even the taurs can squeeze through.
“This way, and be quiet,” Grta hisses, before disappearing into the crevice.
Options are: Follow Grta into the gap between the boulders. Hide near the opening of the gap, so as to be able to see anything coming. This risks being seen yourself. Whatever you decide.
If not done already, please make Stealth roll if attempting 1, 2, or some other version of hiding.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+4=24 ; Thursday October 6th, 2022 8:13:42 AM
Stohp squeezes into the crack. Her stealth is somehow even better then last time (24). "So what are these things and what do they do?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used d20+1=11 ; Thursday October 6th, 2022 9:33:29 AM
Stock follows Grta between the boulders and stays low, listening close to whatever happens.
======= Stealth 11
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+30=42 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+12=14 ; Thursday October 6th, 2022 3:04:37 PM
Delia hunkers down at the opening of the gap, passing Hawky to someone else's shoulder so that he won't be seen either. She shushes the Shields anytime she hears them from her spot at the entrance, keeping a careful watch to see if the skulls approach them or if anything else appears.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20-4=4 ; Thursday October 6th, 2022 4:07:44 PM
Zanderallen squeezes done among the rocks, staying as quiet as he can and trusting Delia to be their eyes and ears. -------- Stealth 4
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+2=11 ; Thursday October 6th, 2022 6:32:53 PM
Bartomus stayed with his original plan and tried his best to make sure that he hid as well as he could using the transference into a huge stone golem within the gap once his fellow Shields headed through.
Did role a stealth role - 11; but staying with the goal above - letting DM reconcile these. ;-)
keeping a careful watch (DM MikeK) d20+10=13 ; Thursday October 6th, 2022 8:54:37 PM
Delia hunkers down at the opening of the gap, passing Hawky off to Armalad.
The rest of you follow Grta, who finds the deepest, darkest, least accessible, out of sight spot she can find and squeezes even tighter into it.
Zanderallen manages to hit every outcropping, overhang, and protrusion on the way in. The clangs, bangs, and gongs echo around Delia like a drum corps warming up.
Bartomus changes form into a stone golem, filling the opening with matching stone color.
Stohp’s question only elicits a “shush” from Grta.
The pitch black crevice becomes silent, save for her fearful breathing. Even Zanderallen finally stops making noise. Fortunately.
Everyone except Delia hear a soft sound outside. It gradually builds - an eerie, high pitched, raspy keen. It is a sound veteran warriors have heard before, but try hard to ignore - that last breath, the death rattle, escaping the body before the soul flees for the Lands of Rest. The sound fades, and eventually Delia gives the all clear.
Delia hears the same thing, but she also sees them. Skulls, just as Grta said. Humanoid skulls. Human, Elf. Dwarf, Gnome. A dozen in all, levitating several feet above the ground in a pack. The teeth of each are elongated into fangs, and a dim, sickly green glow emanates from the eye sockets. The skulls move closer, then farther, a serpentine path Delia readily recognizes as a basic search pattern. The skulls pass by, following the course of the hillside. The keen fades. All clear.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday October 7th, 2022 12:38:18 AM
Armalad asks Grta, "What were those things?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday October 7th, 2022 6:22:25 AM
Stohp advices the group to keep moving as they ask their questions. This land seems full of dangers and the faster they move the fewer fights they'll have.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Friday October 7th, 2022 9:04:56 AM "Agree with Stohp on this one. Let's get moving. And while we are moving, let me pile on Armalad's question - What are they doing? It sounds like they were searching for something."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Friday October 7th, 2022 10:17:16 AM
As the keening death rattle builds, Delia forces her breathing to stay steady. She remains perfectly still as the skulls continue their search on past the Shield's hiding place.
She adds an extra bit of time before giving the all clear, or even moving, to verify the skulls are really gone. She describes their appearance in more detail, joining the others in movind forward as they wonder about their purpose.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday October 7th, 2022 3:38:10 PM
No matter how many times he heard that sound, and even dealt the blow that caused it, there was nothing quite so unsettling as the death rattle. He shakes himself off as the all clear is given and moves out presses the others on, "The sooner we get moving the sooner we can leave this place." He leaves his growing concern for Pepper unspoken.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday October 7th, 2022 8:44:49 PM "Creepy," Bartomus grumbled as he changed back into his Taur self and walked over to the abandoned cart. He shook himself as if shaking his head shoulders would somehow shake off the oppressive nature of this place.
"Anyone want to ask Greta if there's like a nice quiet park we can take her to instead of all of this? Bartomus asked as he started hauling the cart down the agreed upon path.
The sooner we get moving the sooner we can leave this place. (DM MikeK) Sunday October 9th, 2022 12:11:59 PM
Somewhat shaken, you ask Grta what those were.
“Skulls,” she says again, with some exasperation in her voice.
Seeing you want a bit more, she continues while everyone once more is on the road. “Fidelia is Mistress of this land. She is all powerful. Yet, on occasion, outsiders arrive to challenge her. They are always heroes, always with great power, always confident they will be the ones to kill the Mistress. Always wrong. Most die. Some, she finds amusing, and wishes to play with.”
Grta waves toward the hill. “She turns them into those and looses them on the land. Whatever they find, they devour, sucking the life force from you like flesh. Your armor and shields are useless against them.”
The goblin looks up the road. “They don’t enter the towns. Some say by Fidelia’s order. It is as good a reason as any.”
You top a rise and see a small hamlet of a dozen or so small houses below, about a quarter mile ahead. Grta regards the “town”, scans to the right and left of the road leading to it and turns to you.
“Thank you for helping me. I should go the rest of the way by myself. The townsfolk will help with the cart. Go to the Inn. Go back to your land.”
She turns, and heads down the hill.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday October 9th, 2022 9:53:32 PM
Armalad says, "To the inn then?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=25 ; Sunday October 9th, 2022 10:17:56 PM "Safe passage Grta," Bartomus said after she turned and departed. When Armalad mentioned heading to the Inn, Bartomus set the cart down and off the path a bit.
"Aye, let's start out and hope that they have a fine mead and some warm food." Bartomus slapped Armalad on the shoulder. Bartomus then started back the way they had come and scanned the path now ahead.
Perception 25
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Monday October 10th, 2022 8:28:18 AM "She says that like skulls regularly just run around screaming. You'd think they'd have a name that indicates the difference between regular ones and murderous ones."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Monday October 10th, 2022 9:07:20 AM
Stock shrugs at Stohp's question, "Maybe we just smash all skulls we find...just to be sure." Stock moves out ahead of the party, leading the way back toward where they thought the inn was.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Monday October 10th, 2022 9:14:30 AM
Delia stared after the Skulls. Would their own path take them into conflict with this Fidelia? If so, would the fate of the Shields be any different than the past heroes, or were their own skulls doomed to soon wander this plane? Doomed to forever scream their last breath.
She shook herself, methodically checking straps on her equipment to calm back down. This place... "Yes. Let's go to the Inn. Though if this place's Mistress is all powerful, I wonder why she allows safe havens."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday October 10th, 2022 2:38:10 PM "Best to you Grta." Zander waves good bye and turns to head to the Inn. He plasters a smile to his face against the dread of the place.
Let's go to the Inn. (DM MikeK) Monday October 10th, 2022 7:12:27 PM
You bid farewell to Grta, turn, and retrace your steps. Questions nip your heels as you travel. Why skulls? Why allow a safe haven? Will you find yourselves facing Fidelia? And above all, where is Pepper?
Answers are not apparent, and soon enough, you again find yourself at the crossroads.
Thus far, you have neither seen nor heard any more creatures.
To your right, the road leads back to the destroyed wagon train. To your front, the road dips into the depression, through the silver colored tree like whatevers, and then up to the still warm glow of the inn. To the left, the road appears to circle the depression, also arriving at the inn.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday October 10th, 2022 11:09:07 PM
Armalad asks, "Should we circle the Depression? I don't like how the depression could be a choke / ambush point."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday October 10th, 2022 11:09:07 PM
Armalad asks, "Should we circle the Depression? I don't like how the depression could be a choke / ambush point."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday October 11th, 2022 8:11:02 AM
Stohp nods. "Agreed."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Tuesday October 11th, 2022 8:21:04 AM "Even the word...depression...it just has such a sad ring to it. That's fine; let's avoid it for now."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Tuesday October 11th, 2022 10:19:01 AM "Why are there two roads to the same destination?" Delia muses. "Those tree-things down there would provide us cover, but... things are more likely to live there too. Let's circle it."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=27 ; Tuesday October 11th, 2022 1:26:07 PM "I think it's strange as well. Why two different ways to one place when you can see both?" Bartomus didn't like the feel of this, but shrugged. ""Around we'll go"
He followed along with the others and grinned at the thought of some fine mead and a good meal. He scanned the horizon and looked over his shoulder as they walked along.
Perception 27
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday October 11th, 2022 4:03:18 PM "Around seems the better option. Unless this is one of those cases where the way that seems fair is full of danger. But we'll soon find out.", Zander realizes his attempt at humor was poor but marches onwards to the left.
The long way (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 11th, 2022 7:11:18 PM
You weigh your options, and decide to go around.
The track leads through the black hills and around the depression. All around you is nothing but black stones and sulfur sky. The monotony, the shadows, the reason for your being here, all press down on your moods.
The hike takes the rest of the day, if there were days. But with no suns, no moons, and no stars, time doesn’t seem all that important.
But you are certain it is deep into the night when you next see the light of the Inn. And then the Inn itself.
It is a two story, decent sized structure composed of brick. A stout wooden door, painted green sits in the middle, and paned windows are generously strewn along the walls of both stories. Cheerful yellow lamplight pours from the windows, in defiance of the surrounding bleakness.
Walking up, you spy a wretched sight.
Squatting to one side of the front door is a physical wreck of a male goblin. Its ears have been ripped off. Its legs are broken. A dirty rag is tied around its head, like a blindfold. And there is a gaping wound in its belly, as if it’s been pierced with a spear. By all rights, it should be dead. But when you approach, it calls out, in a pitiful rasp. “Free me!”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday October 11th, 2022 11:38:38 PM
Armalad says, "I have no healing magic or else I would help that wretch. Anyone with healing magic want to help him?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday October 12th, 2022 7:47:15 AM
Stohp hesitates. "We are strangers in this plane and it's possible this is not what it seems to be. He asks to be freed, but doesn't seem to be a prisoner and does not go inside to seek shelter and help."
She considers, looking troubled. "How did he even get here unless those in the inn are responsible or he is not what he seems to be? We should investigate and help if he's as he seems to be, but be wary of a trap."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=37 ; d20+21=29 ; Wednesday October 12th, 2022 2:13:56 PM
Delia looks around cautiously, seeing if anyone else is around or watching.
================== Perception: 37 (ignore the second one, I double tapped by accident)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+5=7 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+25=29 ; Wednesday October 12th, 2022 4:43:24 PM
Given to acting impulsively Zander hastens to the goblins side when it cries for help. He pauses momentarily at the wariness of his companions and decides to inspect the wounds before proceeding further. His traditional medical skills are only mediocre so he keeps his examination high level. As he looks over the injuries he speaks to the goblin, "Rest easy, I can help you. Just give me a minute to look over these wounds. How did you receive these injuries? What did this to you? Has no one from the Inn come to help you?" -------------------------- Heal 7 Sense Motive 23 Diplomacy 29
The goblin (DM MikeK) Wednesday October 12th, 2022 7:33:49 PM
Armalad looks for one of her companions to heal the goblin.
Stohp and Delia are unsure. Perhaps this is a trap of some kind? Delia looks around cautiously. She sees nothing.
Zanderallen comes forward and examines the wounds. The paladin quickly latches on to two important facts. One, these wounds are lethal. The gut wound alone would kill a man in minutes. Two, the goblin is not bleeding. He really should be. A lot.
The not bleeding, not dead goblin answers Zanderallen. “I cannot be helped. I can only be freed. Only you can free me. Only you can fulfill the prophecy. Only by the prophecy’s fulfillment can I be freed.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday October 13th, 2022 1:43:02 AM
Armalad asks, "...and just what is this prophecy you speak of?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday October 13th, 2022 7:45:59 AM
Stohp still thinks it's a trap, but some complicated magic ritual type trap and the goblin may be the bait, not the antagonist. She'll wait for what he says about the prophecy and if he doesn't specify ask about what he is supposed to be freed from.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used d20+13=30 ; Thursday October 13th, 2022 8:57:55 AM
Stock has no love of goblins and his hands get itchy when he's around them. He lets the others take the lead and instead just listens for once.
=========== Sense Motive 30
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+14=30 ; Thursday October 13th, 2022 10:20:34 AM
After seeing nothing, Delia will join Zander next to the goblin, examining his wounds in more detail to see if she can find any mundane information on the reason for his state.
She adds to Armalad's question, "And how do you get freed?" ============= Heal check: 30
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday October 13th, 2022 11:20:32 AM
Bartomus was silent and bewildered by the should be dead goblin talking and asking for some relief. He nodded in agreement to the questions asked and thought for a moment.
"Do those inside know you are here and have they tried helping?" Bartomus asked.
He thought it was a question that they should have an answer to before stepping inside.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday October 13th, 2022 12:42:04 PM
The faint glow beginning to show in Zander's hands dims as he relaxes his focus on his divine healing. The contradictions of the gobliln's wounds and his words convince him that the healing he could provide is not going to be of any use here. Something very odd is at work and his danger sense is going off at the mention of prophecy. He has no more questions to add but does offer a word of warning, "Prophecies and promises can be quite dangerous in the land of the fey."
Freed from what? (DM MikeK) Thursday October 13th, 2022 8:08:32 PM
The goblin doesn’t look at anyone, being blindfolded.
It replies to each question in turn without moving or otherwise acknowledging the speaker.
In response to Armalad: “I am forbidden to tell you, or anyone, the prophecy.”
In response to Bartomus: “They have tried. They cannot help. Only you can.”
In response to Delia: “I will be free once you have fulfilled my prophecy.”
Delia thoroughly inspects the goblin’s wounds. Lifting its blindfold, she discovers its eyes have been plucked out. As stated before, the gut wound is fatal, but not bleeding. Nor is its heart beating. Nor is it breathing. The goblin is quite dead.
In response to Stohp: “Free from my undeath”
Freed from what? (DM MikeK) Thursday October 13th, 2022 8:08:32 PM
The goblin doesn’t look at anyone, being blindfolded.
It replies to each question in turn without moving or otherwise acknowledging the speaker.
In response to Armalad: “I am forbidden to tell you, or anyone, the prophecy.”
In response to Bartomus: “They have tried. They cannot help. Only you can.”
In response to Delia: “I will be free once you have fulfilled my prophecy.”
Delia thoroughly inspects the goblin’s wounds. Lifting its blindfold, she discovers its eyes have been plucked out. As stated before, the gut wound is fatal, but not bleeding. Nor is its heart beating. Nor is it breathing. The goblin is quite dead.
In response to Stohp: “Free from my undeath”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday October 13th, 2022 9:58:55 PM
Armalad asks, "So if I'm understanding you correctly since you are undead and you want to be free, you want us to destroy you? I believe that is the only way to end undeath right? Destroy the undead creature?"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday October 13th, 2022 9:58:55 PM
Armalad asks, "So if I'm understanding you correctly since you are undead and you want to be free, you want us to destroy you? I believe that is the only way to end undeath right? Destroy the undead creature?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Friday October 14th, 2022 12:19:55 PM
Delia stands back up, dusting off her hands, "Well. He's dead as a doornail. It does seem mighty cruel to leave him like this, 'specially if we are the only ones who can help like he says. But other than the odd zombie, I haven't had too much to do with the undead." She looks at the others for more knowledge about prophecies and/or undead.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Friday October 14th, 2022 12:19:55 PM
Delia stands back up, dusting off her hands, "Well. He's dead as a doornail. It does seem mighty cruel to leave him like this, 'specially if we are the only ones who can help like he says. But other than the odd zombie, I haven't had too much to do with the undead." She looks at the others for more knowledge about prophecies and/or undead.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday October 14th, 2022 5:59:18 PM "Never dealt with turning the undead back to life and then bury them, right?"
Bartomus was rather confused with the situation that they were presented with.
"Do you want us to do any thing for you?" Bartomus asked the dead, but not dead Goblin.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday October 14th, 2022 6:18:34 PM
If Stohp is following this right the goblin wants to die and be free of it's suffering. Stohp has no objections, being forced to live in agonizing pain is no life and she sees no reason to not respect it's wishes. She guesses Zander has the best chance of destroying/freeing him.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Saturday October 15th, 2022 10:23:21 AM
Stock is more troubled by the scene than he would normally admit. Finally he speaks up, "So you are some kind of goblin seer? Now I've heard everything...
Hey - Who is inside here? What will they tell us about you?"
Who is inside here? (DM MikeK) Sunday October 16th, 2022 10:57:09 AM
It certainly appears that the goblin is undead, and is asking you to destroy him.
But he bows his head and shakes it slowly. “You cannot destroy me. You can free me by fulfilling the prophecy.”
This circular conversation goes on for some time and seems like it could go on forever. The goblin wants you to free him The goblin says you cannot destroy him The goblin says you must fulfill the prophecy The goblin says he can’t tell you the prophecy
At some point, Stock asks “Hey - Who is inside here? What will they tell us about you?"
The goblin considers. “Brennan Proudfoot, priest of one of your gods, is inside. He will say I am an Oracle. He will say I am undead. He will say he tried to destroy me. He may be free to say other things I cannot.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday October 16th, 2022 10:42:46 PM
Armalad says, "Let's ask this Brennan Proudfoot about this riddle then and see how we can possibly free you without destroying you if you can't be destroyed."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Monday October 17th, 2022 6:17:48 AM
It doesn't seem like there's anything else they can do with this goblin for the moment so Stohp suggests they move on.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Monday October 17th, 2022 9:02:19 AM ”Agreed Stohp. Let’s go inside and meet this Proudfoot.”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Monday October 17th, 2022 10:32:11 AM "Well, I guess we need to meet Brennan Proudfoot, anyone recognize that name?" Bartomus asked as he scanned about the Shields. Then he turned back to the goblin. "We'll try our best to free you from all of this undeath."
Bartomus reached for the door and pulled it open. He held it for the others to head inside when they needed to do so.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=30 ; Monday October 17th, 2022 11:15:29 AM
Delia furrowed her brow, "Aren't Oracles supposed to spout prophecies? Not tell you there is one but never tell what? You know what, nevermind. What's another weird magic thing that doesn't make sense." She follows the others into the Inn, immediately scanning the room for potential threats and/or those who don't look like they wish to be seen.
================ Perception: 30
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+12=21 ; Monday October 17th, 2022 3:24:37 PM
His compassion having turned quite fully in disgust at whatever this thing is Zanderallen backs away from the creature. He's a little nervous about potential consequences in this plane but Domi didn't raise a coward, so Zanderallen focuses his divine sight to Detect Evil on the undead goblin oracle. He'll let everyone know what he finds but regardless of the outcome follows the others inside to look for this Proudfoot. ------------------------ Know(Religion): 21 to identify the creature or any information about how to destroy it