The Inn (DM MikeK) Monday October 17th, 2022 7:35:11 PM
Most decide to enter the Inn, with Delia wondering how Oraclish this tight lipped Oracle could be.
But Zanderallen isn’t done with the goblin yet. He uses his detection ability, and … Nothing.
Not “you didn’t detect evil” nothing. Just nothing. The detection did not work. The paladin might as well ask Stock to detect evil, for the result would be the same.
Meanwhile, Delia is one step inside the Inn, with Bart right behind her holding open the door. The main tavern is cozy. There's a fire to warm the bones. One end of the room holds a large window, where one can look out into the lavender twilight of the land. Past the bar, at the opposite end, are two large, dwarven statues. Both statues carry swords. The left statue sword hilt is engraved with the words "Giggling Ghost", the right statue sword hilt is engraved with "Wold Catacombs".
There is only one visitor within the Inn, a halfling wearing some kind of glamoured armor and carrying a couple short swords. The armor keeps shifting color and texture, but always features a prominently displayed High Woldian symbol Knowledge Religion DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {symbol for Pantheon}
He is sitting alone at a communal table, staring into the fire, which puts his back toward you. As you enter, he raises a tired hand. Immediately, an elf serving girl arrives with a mug. She places it on the table and whisks away the empty. The halfling drains half of it in one pass and returns to his contemplation of the fire.
Other than he and the serving girl, the only other person in the room is another elf behind the bar.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+12=15 ; d20+2=6 ; Monday October 17th, 2022 11:42:59 PM
Know: Religion 15 Diplomacy: 6
Armalad says to the halfling seated at the bar, "Excuse me wise and just servant of Pantheon wouldst thou be Brennan Proudfoot? If so the Silver Shields of The Float would like to have a word with you about the undead oracle goblin planted outside this bar. When talking to him about his predicament he directed us to you as you might be able to discuss things he is barred from talking about. We wish to free him if we can but his predicament poses quite the riddle and we are wondering if you might have information we lack in this endeavor."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+19=39 ; Tuesday October 18th, 2022 7:09:50 AM
Seeing as Armalad is approaching the Halfling Stohp will ask the barkeep. She'll also ask if the signs indicate ways back to the Wold proper through the GG or catacombs. This may be their exit route. (Diplomacy 39 if that's needed)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Tuesday October 18th, 2022 8:43:30 AM ”I know you didn’t ask me to, Z, but I most certainly detect evil from that goblin.” He moves ahead and joins Armalad with the Halfling.
======== Does Stock recognize the dwarven subjects in the statues?
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Tuesday October 18th, 2022 12:05:08 PM
Delia finds a nice corner to lurk in, Strider style, and waits for the halfling's response. The goblin is certainly a diversion from their mission to rescue Pepper, but if it's a quick one they might as well.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Tuesday October 18th, 2022 4:23:48 PM "Um, I am not going to rely upon Stock's assessment of the should be dead goblin doorman," Bartomus said as he slipped inside.
He headed towards the bar.
"two questions, if I can bother you?" Bartomus said with a bit of amusement. "Do you have a sweet, cold, tall tankard of mead? If so, how do I pay for it?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+25=37 ; Tuesday October 18th, 2022 7:22:18 PM
Zanderallen nods once as his divine sight reveals absolutely nothing. It's about what he expected and why he hadn't used it immediately. Moving into the tavern he tried not to wince as Armalad awkwardly introduces herself. He recognizes the holy symbol and moves to sit near but not right next to the halfling. "Mind if we join you?" ------------------ Know(Rel): Take 10 for 22 Diplomacy 37
Brennan Proudfoot (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 18th, 2022 8:12:06 PM
Armalad walks up and addresses the halfling. Stock joins them, and then Zanderallen, with the paladin belatedly asking permission.
The halfling rolls his head to one side to regard Armalad, then rolls back to take in Zanderallen. He lifts a hand, and the elven serving girl swoops in to replace his mug, which he then gulps down. Based on his look, and his smell, this routine has been going on for some time.
“Well, Shilver Shieldsh of the Float,” he drawls. “I am not jusht, and definitely not wise. But I am Brennan Proudfoot. You found me. Well done.”
He pats Armalad on the shoulder in mock congratulations before throwing the arm awkwardly toward the door.
“Ash for our dead friend at the door, he’sh an Oracle. No idea what hish prophecy ish, but it mushta ticked off shomeone around here purty good. He’sh not allowed to tell anybody what it ish, and he only getsh releashed from undeath once it ish done. Now THATsh a cursh!”
He giggles a bit, then gapes around at the six of you.
“Whaddya you care, anyway? You come allaway into Koshe Marr just to take out an undead goblin? Thatsh sherious dedication. Ain’t none of you look like a Grim.”
Stock does not recognize the dwarf statues. They are identical.
Delia sits and observes, though Proudfoot appears to be the only show in town.
Stohp and Bart head for the bar.
"Two questions, if I can bother you?" Bartomus said with a bit of amusement. "Do you have a sweet, cold, tall tankard of mead? If so, how do I pay for it?" Bart asks.
The bartender responds pleasantly, “Yes, and with money. Four coppers.”
Stohp asks about the dwarves. He responds that they do go back to the Wold. “You stand before the statue and touch the hilt. This triggers portal back.”
The bartender doesn’t know about the goblin. “We don’t engage with anyone or anything outside these walls.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday October 19th, 2022 1:21:32 AM
Armalad says, "We didn't come here to help the undead goblin. He just happened to be in our path and he suggested you could tell us things he couldn't. We like to help people if we can. We came here looking for our friend who was kidnapped."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+19=38 ; Wednesday October 19th, 2022 8:55:31 AM
With the bartender being unhelpful it seems they'll have to deal with the drunk. Since the other's have already engaged him she'll get everyone meals, including he halfling to make him more likely to talk. (Diplomacy 38 to aide another)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Wednesday October 19th, 2022 9:07:19 AM
Stock nods at Armalad’s description and continues, “She is the big Paladin’s girlfriend. What can you tell us if this place? If you know the goblin outside, you’ve clearly gone outside unlike the bartender.”
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Wednesday October 19th, 2022 12:54:52 PM
Delia approaches the bartender as her friends continue to see if the halfling can be helpful, questioning in her normal straightforward fashion, "How safe is it here, really? I mean - does the Inn have any innate protective qualities on it's own or does it exist because this place's mistress allows it to?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Wednesday October 19th, 2022 1:33:21 PM "Perfect," Bartomus responded and reached into his doublet. He pulled out a gold coin and sat it down on the bar. "Let's start with this paying for my mead, and the rest of those I came in with - along with the guy my friends are talking with. Then we can keep the libations flowing. Now, do you have anything that would be cheesy, savory and warm? A dinner pie maybe?"
Bartomus' stomach gurgled and he shrugged.
"Oh, and does this Mr. Grim come in here often to use those portals?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+25=35 ; Wednesday October 19th, 2022 4:25:22 PM
Zanderallen has some major questions about how and why this halfling is drinking his life away in this bar, but in the interest of trying to get useful information out of him he sets those questions aside, "Let's set the goblin aside for now. Someone very important to me was taken to Koshe Marr, seemingly kidnapped. Is there a likely suspect or someone that would know more?" Zanderallen keeps an outward calm and friendly demeanor, but something about this halfling just sitting in this place drinking himself to oblivion is rubbing Zander the wrong way. ------------------------------- Diplomacy 37 (with Stohp aid)
A clue (DM MikeK) Wednesday October 19th, 2022 8:08:51 PM
Armalad says, "We didn't come here to help the undead goblin. He just happened to be in our path and he suggested you could tell us things he couldn't. We like to help people if we can. We came here looking for our friend who was kidnapped."
Stock nods at Armalad’s description and continues, “She is the big Paladin’s girlfriend. What can you tell us of this place? If you know the goblin outside, you’ve clearly gone outside unlike the bartender.”
Zanderallen adds, "Let's set the goblin aside for now. Someone very important to me was taken to Koshe Marr, seemingly kidnapped. Is there a likely suspect or someone that would know more?"
In the meantime, Stohp appears with food for all.
Brennan Proudfoot stops drinking, and gives Armalad a thoughtful look, followed by further glances at Stock and Zanderallen. A thought occurs to him, followed by two more in rapid succession. This is verbalized, with each syllable accompanied by a widening of his eyes. “Huh…oh wait…OHHH! Nice!” He gives the door to outside a look of appreciation. “Clever.”
Finally, he returns his attention to you. You notice he’s sitting a bit straighter, and speaking clearer. However he’s far from sober.
“Yes, I’ve been outside,” he snaps at Stock. “My team spent years finding a way in here. We finally got in, began our quest in earnest, and in three days I was the only one left. This place is death. Death and deceit and pain.”
He drains his mug.
“But to your question. It, along with that goblin pointing you to me, leads me to think I may know where your friend is.
A few days ago, on my way back from a recon mission, I stumbled across a group of trolls and ogres. They were headed toward one of the local villages. One of the trolls was carrying a human female on its back.”
Delia decides to talk to the bartender, "How safe is it here, really? I mean - does the Inn have any innate protective qualities on it's own or does it exist because this place's mistress allows it to?"
The elf shrugs. “I do not know why the Inn is here, only that it is. I have never seen any being from this plane enter the Inn.”
Bart asks for more food, which the bartender agrees to serve up. "Oh, and does this Mr. Grim come in here often to use those portals?" Bart asks.
The elf shakes his head. “I do not know a ‘Mr. Grim’. However no one uses these portals on a regular basis, for they are one way. You may leave here by those statues. But there is no return point on the other side.”
Which jibes with Bart’s memory of both the Giggling Ghost and the Catacombs. Neither business has obvious passages to this place, and Happy, for one, has never mentioned such a thing exists.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+23=34 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=31 ; Thursday October 20th, 2022 12:49:51 AM
Armalad says to Brennan, "So you think the Oracle pointed us to you not so he could be released but because you knew something as to wherabouts of our kidnapped friend? Interesting."
Armalad says, "I really need to learn better divination spells. None of the ones I know could help us with the goblin out there and if he did mean to send us to you because he knew why we were here I want to help him even more."
She then is silent for a bit as she reflects on if she can remember anything that might be relevant regarding the goblin from all of her studies.
She then sidles up to the bartender and says, "So let me get this straight. You don't treat with those outside the walls of the inn and you know there isn't a direct portal back here from the catacombs or the Giggling Ghost. Just how long have you been here at this inn and how did you get here? If you were here long enough wouldn't you have seen the goblin the first time you walked though the door?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday October 20th, 2022 6:43:09 AM
Stohp gets a piece of paper and tries to draw up a rough map of the area and the village in question with the Halfling's help.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Thursday October 20th, 2022 10:38:29 AM ”What was that connection you just made between us and that goblin? And are trolls and ogres really so independently motivated around here? They’ve always struck me as pretty dim, compared to other giants. Who would they be working for?”
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Thursday October 20th, 2022 1:31:52 PM
Delia perks up at the mention of picking up on the trail. If they can find another bit of tracks, she can at least get them closer to Pepper. She helps Bart carry food over and adds her own questions to the mix, "What was your quest? And," she will describe Pepper's appearance to check if it matches the human female Brennan saw, "How long ago and far away from here did you see the woman?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday October 20th, 2022 6:09:22 PM
Zanderallen almost jumps upon the halfling at the mention of trolls and ogres carrying a human woman, he restrains himself just in time but piles questions rapid fire onto the poor soul, "A human woman. What did you look like? Red hair? Did she look alright? What is the town they were taking her to? How do we get there? How long ago was it exactly when you saw her?" He stops to take a breath and then realizes his aggression and just stands there with a sheepish grin eagerly awaiting answers.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday October 21st, 2022 12:11:44 AM
Armalad waits to hear what others have to say. (OOC: Checking in)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used d20+13=33 ; Friday October 21st, 2022 9:13:54 AM Sorry for the double post there. It just posted again when I logged in this morning.
Stock moves around the table to get a good look at the halfling. His eyes follow the adventurer closely as he responds.
========= Sense Motive 33
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday October 21st, 2022 10:57:34 AM "Thanks for that information. Nice to know there is a way home," Bartomus said with a nod to the elf. Bartomus reached across the counter with an extended hand. "Bartomus with the Silver Shields," he adds as he nods towards the other members of the group.
He smiled and then his stomach gurgled again.
Getting the details (DM MikeK) Friday October 21st, 2022 11:35:47 AM
Armalad considers what she knows about the goblin. She’s perfectly aware about goblins of course, but Oracles in Koshe Marr don’t ring any bells. She can only recall a brief mention of a prophet class particular to this land. Something about their visions were always accurate.
She then turns to interrogate the bartender further. Something he’s not particularly pleased about. A flash of irritation crosses his features. “We have served the Inn for…some time. I do not intend to answer further questions about my personal life.”
Bartoumus is more friendly, and introduces himself. The elf takes his hand. “I am Gaeron.”
The rest of the Shields have all kinds of questions following Brennan Proudfoot’s revelation.
He endures the buffet of questions, takes another drink, and answers as he pleases.
“There are trolls, and then there are trolls,” he answers Stock, while sketching out a map on the paper Stohp provides. “Koshe Marr is populated by the latter. Bigger, tougher, smarter, meaner. Who are they working for? Who knows? This is a place of lies and secrets. Everything out there has an agenda. I saw a human looking form with curves under a cloak. Other than being a redhead, and alive, I really can’t tell you much more. This was a couple days ago.” (DM Note: Or whatever timeframe matches Pepper’s abduction.)
He finishes his sketch, showing a road leading eastward from the Inn, branching, and an ‘x’ on the left branch.
“They went here. Small village, but a solid looking stone keep overlooking it. Take a day to walk there.”
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday October 21st, 2022 2:45:58 PM
Barely before the halfling finishes speaking Zander is on his feet. He gets to the door before he realizes that not everyone is with him. He stops, "What are we waiting for? We know where Pepper is, we know how to get there." It's hard to say if it's just the atmosphere of Koshe Marr or something more but a sense of desperation makes it into his voice.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Friday October 21st, 2022 7:20:51 PM (ooc: were we here for info or because we need to rest?)
She places a hand on Zander's shoulder as he begins to rush off, laying out her blunt opinion, "Hold on. When we saw her magically she was a prisoner. They took her for a reason and will keep her alive for that same reason. Us, on the other hand, will die if we go off half-drawn. We all want to find her, but you love her and might act dumb about it. Take a breath, gather some info, eat some food, maybe rest." She looks to the rest of the Shields to cement a plan.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Sunday October 23rd, 2022 10:10:17 PM "We had a tough fight. Do we need to recover spells before we leave?" Stohp asks the group.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday October 24th, 2022 12:37:46 AM
Armalad says, "Yes. Let me rest and recover spells and even switch out some spells in the morning. I definitely think I'll keep locate person and I can cast it when we get to this village and if she is anywhere in the vacinity the spell will lead us to her. In fact I can prepare a second copy and that way even if she isn't there if there are clues there and we find a new location I can cast the spell there too."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Monday October 24th, 2022 9:22:06 AM "My spells are all available to me." Stock says this with a straight face and winks at Delia. "I can sit here with Proudfoot while you all prepare.
So, Brennan...what's your plan now? Finding comfort in the bottom of the bottle? Head back to the Wold...if that's where you are from?..."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Monday October 24th, 2022 10:35:48 AM "Nice to meet you Gaeron," Bartomus said in returning the introduction. He shifted a bit to overhear the conversation at the table and then looked back at Gaeron.
"So, this inn, we can stay here overnight right? Is it a place used by just adventurers here, or locals as well?" Bartomus asked Gaeron as he caught the good idea many had to stay a night and rest up here before heading out to find Zander's girlfriend.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday October 24th, 2022 12:54:28 PM
Zanderallen slumps as Delia admonishes him, ashamed he let his feelings run away from him. He silently mouths, Thank you to her before slumping into a chair. He hadn't noticed how tired he felt after the hours they'd spent marching through this dreary place. A rest was probably for the best.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Monday October 24th, 2022 3:45:35 PM
Delia can't contain a snort at Stock's comment, but she will pat Zander on the shoulder and shove his plate of food back towards him. "Feelings happen to us all," She says sagely as they settle in the rest.
She looks to Armalad, "Maybe if she's not in the village I can get us close again with mundane means and then you bring it home with magical. Being able to just find someone would have been so useful..."
Rest Stop (DM MikeK) Monday October 24th, 2022 7:40:32 PM
Zanderallen is halfway out the door at Proudfoot’s words, but Delia pats him on the shoulder and reels the paladin back in.
You realize you have been walking all day. Rest will do you all good.
At Bart’s question, Gaeron points to a staircase in one corner. “There are rooms upstairs. Keys are in the locks of unoccupied rooms. Nothing will bother you here.”
Stock returns to questioning Proudfoot.
“I’m going to get fall down drunk,” the halfling answers factually. “After that, I don’t know. I may do it again.”
Going upstairs, you do find several decent sized rooms, each with four beds.
Assuming the night passes uneventfully, what are your plans?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday October 24th, 2022 9:20:40 PM
Armalad will prepare two copies of locate person and maybe some more combat oriented area of effect spells to boot.
(OOC: can I update my spell list tomorrow?)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday October 25th, 2022 8:23:22 AM
Stoph considers their options but there's a lot of information they don't know, such as why Pepper was kidnapped. This is likely a trap meant for the team, for if what they wanted had to do with Pepper directly then they would have it and have no use for her by this point.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 4/35 used Tuesday October 25th, 2022 8:54:11 AM ”What was that connection you just made between us and that goblin? And are trolls and ogres really so independently motivated around here? They’ve always struck me as pretty dim, compared to other giants. Who would they be working for?”
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Tuesday October 25th, 2022 9:27:46 AM
Once all of the questions have been asked and answered, Delia will settle in for the night, ready to go to the village Proudfoot told them about bright and early the next morning.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday October 25th, 2022 9:30:41 AM ========= OOC: Weird - that last post was from a few days ago. Not sure why that popped up ========= Stock is trying to noodle over the repercussions of Pepper being held by some unknown nasty giant folk...but gets nowhere. He hears Stohp's conjecture that it might be a trap and nods. "Yeah, maybe. I'm not sure who would be gunning for us out here but she would be a good hook to get us to act. We'll have to go in using our brains, not just our muscles." He says this straight-faced.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Tuesday October 25th, 2022 10:54:20 AM "Much appreciated. We'll probably need a good rest and seems like this is the perfect place for that. Thank you kindly Gaeron."
Bartomus listened to the rest of the discussion.
"I wonder if we can help release the goblin while also taking care of Pepper's captors. But, yea, there is nothing here but a "TRAP". Bartomus said with spelling out trap.
When the others were done, he then made his way up to one of the rooms. He found a bed, stretched out and went to sleep. When the morning came, he took care of necessities and then found a place to spend some time thinking of the day ahead. He prepared himself thinking of firing, lightening, healing, and such.
We'll have to go in using our brains (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 25th, 2022 7:21:54 PM
You take the opportunity to sleep, suspecting a trap as the reason Pepper was taken.
You wake refreshed from a good night’s sleep.
Armalad has no trouble preparing her desired spells.
Coming downstairs, the view outside the window has not changed. Lavender twilight envelops a blasted terrain.
The barkeep and serving girl wait by the bar.
Brennan Proudfoot is nowhere to be seen.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday October 25th, 2022 8:32:39 PM
Armalad changes her spells. She asks the barkeep where Brennan Proudfoot wondered off to.
"I have 2 copies of locate creature prepared. If you can get me within 960 feet of Pepper and there is not running water separating us I can point the way."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Wednesday October 26th, 2022 12:15:56 AM
Bartomus joined the others and ordered something to eat for breakfast. '"Most important meal of the day, right? Especially, right before storming the stronghold."
Bartomus looked out the window and then back at the Shields. "We can find her - but that's pretty close Armalad. Like catapult close.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday October 26th, 2022 6:44:31 AM "Well lets grab breakfast and get going. Unless we have some scrying magic we haven't already tried our best bet is to get close and see what we can see from outside the town."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday October 26th, 2022 9:35:02 AM "Breakfast sounds fantastic. Got any sausages?
So we know Pepper is in a cell somewhere, more or less 'ok'... ...we know a person matching her description was taken by some bad giantfolk - trolls and ogres - was carried off toward a local village. By the way do we know which village Proudfoot was talking about?
That feels like a good start. Not sure that's enough to get within range of your spell the first time...but who knows."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday October 26th, 2022 2:48:40 PM
Zanderallen takes some time before everyone rests for the night to do his best and make sure everywhere is cured of any wounds or afflictions they might have. He retires to bed and, unusually for him, struggles to fall asleep, troubled dreams filling his rest. He is one of the last down to breakfast, washed and fully groomed. He eats in silence, a haunted look in his eyes. Once everyone has finished he requests aid armoring up and after buckling on all his equipment stands ready to depart. -------- 9 Lay on Hands and 2 Lesser Restorations to heal HP, Ability damage, disease, and/or poison
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Wednesday October 26th, 2022 3:46:56 PM
Delia looks to Stohp, gesturing towards the door, "You made the map with Proudfoot. Want to do the honors?"
As they leave, she will check if the goblin oracle is still there.
Have fun storming the stronghold. (DM MikeK) Wednesday October 26th, 2022 7:57:55 PM
You take your breakfast and prepare.
Armalad asks about Brennan Proudfoot. “He is still in his room,” the barkeep answers. “When you left, he continued drinking excessively. I expect he will be in there for the better part of the day.”
Stohp does have the map Proudfoot provided. It shows the road to the east and then take a branch to the north. The halfling also stated it would take a full day to walk.
You leave the Inn, greeted by a lavender sky and blasted terrain. The road east leads through the same type of rolling hills you previously traveled, limiting visibility to a few hundred yards.
The goblin is still there. He says nothing as you pass.
You strike out into the unknown of Koshe Marr.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=35 ; Wednesday October 26th, 2022 8:34:35 PM
(Perception: 35)
Armalad keeps an eye out for trouble as they set off on their rescue mission.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+17=34 ; Thursday October 27th, 2022 6:53:41 AM
Stohp marches along also keeping her eyes open for trouble (perception 34)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used d20+24=42 ; Thursday October 27th, 2022 10:39:05 AM
Stock squints at the ghostly goblin as he passes, more out of curiosity than rudeness - though maybe those are the same thing in this situation. He moves to the front of the pack and scans the terrain like a hawk as they pass.
========== Perception 42
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=20 ; Thursday October 27th, 2022 10:53:28 AM "Thanks for the peaceful sleep and the safe night," Bartomus said as he set two gold coins on the bar and followed after the other Shields. As he passed by the silent goblin, he looked down and said, "We'll try buddy, we'll try."
Then he joined in the line heading off into the purple sky and he found himself humming one of the songs making its way through the Float. He kept himself looking about, but found himself looking a bit more up at the weird colors in the sky.
Perception 20
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=30 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+13=19 ; Thursday October 27th, 2022 6:10:33 PM
Delia keeps an eye out for trouble and makes sure they're on the right track with Proudfoot's map.
================= Perception: 30 Survival: 25 or Know(Geo): 19
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday October 27th, 2022 8:14:29 PM
Zanderallen falls into marching order, keeping mostly to himself and actively concentrating to not push the pace beyond what would be wise.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday October 27th, 2022 9:17:44 PM
(OOC: checking in)
Armalad is curious to know of what progress they've made along their path
Deja vu (DM MikeK) Thursday October 27th, 2022 9:27:42 PM
You head down the road, cautiously watching the landscape.
Stohp and Stock are especially vigilant, fortunately.
To the taur, the sight is awfully familiar. Up ahead in the gloom, a dozen or so melon sized shapes appear to be gliding along a serpentine pattern. You cannot tell if they have noted you, but they are headed your way.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday October 28th, 2022 5:53:57 AM "We've got more of those skull things. Do we avoid them again?" Stohp asks.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used d20+24=44 ; Friday October 28th, 2022 9:14:00 AM "I'm not sure we gain anything from fighting here. Anybody see a place to hide? Otherwise we stop the threat."
========= Perception 44
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=34 ; Friday October 28th, 2022 9:43:32 AM "I'm a little curious about what they actually can do, but not curious enough to find out and use up time and resources we could direct towards Pepper," she says as she also looks around for places each or all of them could hide.
================ Perception: 34
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=19 ; Friday October 28th, 2022 11:01:27 AM
Bartomus looked up and watched the coming flying skulls and looked about, but kept coming back to the fact that there were flying attacking skulls in this place. That was a distraction. "Why would something like those even be created?"
Perception 19
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday October 28th, 2022 2:07:17 PM "Because some people or things just like to cause trouble and sadness Bart. That's why we must always strive to fight for good in the world. But I see no benefit of fighting these creatures if they can be avoided. Delia, Stock hiding spots?" Zander knows when something is outside his skill set and looks to the others to find a suitable place.
Dwarven eyesight (DM MikeK) Saturday October 29th, 2022 11:59:47 AM
You decide to try and avoid the skulls again.
Scanning the rocky terrain, no hiding spots are obvious.
However, Stock is seriously tuned in to the landscape. Maybe it's the dwarven blood. Regardless, he spies a crack between two boulders a couple hundred feet away that should do the trick.
You quickly cover the distance and find a crawlspace you can you to move out of sight, if desired.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+2=7 ; d20+10=18 ; Saturday October 29th, 2022 12:49:31 PM "Well spotted Stock," Bartomus said as he saw what simply looked like a blemish in the stonescape of the surrounding area. He moved quickly and crouched down as he did so turning himself once again into a huge stone golem and making the effort to pretend to be another part of the landscape.
Not sure what to roll, so tried stealth and got 7; Survival for 18
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=26 ; d20+11=16 ; Sunday October 30th, 2022 9:09:21 PM
Armalad takes cover with the rest
Perception: 26 Stealth: 16
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+4=12 ; Monday October 31st, 2022 8:32:31 AM
Stohp hides with the rest (stealth 12)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used d20+1=21 ; Monday October 31st, 2022 11:48:21 AM "I mean I don't understand why I'm the only one who saw this spot...it's got room enough for all of us.
Anybody know what those are?"
========== OOC - I'm thinking Rod meant that Bart turns into an earth elemental, in which he can earth glide and be totally out of sight Stealth 21 - that's 2x 20's in a row. Get ready for some 1's I don't think we identified them before - Stock had a low roll but I don't think anybody else tried
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+28=42 ; Monday October 31st, 2022 4:10:23 PM
Delia also takes cover, caution over curiousity every time.
Stealth: 42
Well spotted Stock (DM MikeK) d20+8=11 ; Monday October 31st, 2022 7:19:15 PM
You scramble for the cleft in the rocks, Stohp just able to squeeze through.
Hiding silently, you wait.
As before, there is a quiet sound. 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 moves off.
Stock asks if anyone knows what these things are. No one does.
You wait a bit more, and then cautiously peek out.
The way is clear.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday October 31st, 2022 8:23:28 PM
Armalad said, "The goblin lass said they were skulls. I don't think we want to necessarily fight those. I mean we could probably take them, if they are only flying skulls but if they have some way to call for help, they may impede our quest to find Pepper."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=21 ; Monday October 31st, 2022 11:16:12 PM "Still don't know why those things exist," Bartomus said as he shook his head. He slowly stood and took in the scenery from the perspective of a rock golem.
Then he shrugged and rolled his shoulders before changing back into his taurself. He then started to head I the direction of the keep.
"Are we going to continually have to look out for those?"
Perception 21
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday November 1st, 2022 8:04:45 AM
Stohp shrugs. "Probably. Even if we could beat them in a fight probably best to avoid any fights as it might alert whomever is responsible for the kidnapping to our approach."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday November 1st, 2022 9:16:07 AM "OK, it looks all clear now. Let's keep moving. I think decisive action is our ally today."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=40 ; Tuesday November 1st, 2022 9:41:14 AM "It sounded like they exist because this world's mistress is cruel and sadistic. Using the skulls of her killed enemies to guard and decorate her realm is just... gross." She strikes out as soon as the danger has passed, casting longstrider on herself (11 hours, +10 move speed) and keeping a lookout again.
Perception: 40
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday November 1st, 2022 7:01:44 PM
Zander waits for the all clear and then forms up with the rest.
LOG ON