Trifecta (DM MikeK) Wednesday August 17th, 2022 7:34:26 PM
“Bamf.” Same half-ogre. Same Catacombs livery. He glances about, hangs his head, and shakes it slowly. “Delivery for Bartomus and Delia,” he utters in a defeated tone. The half-ogre drops the packages. “Bamf.”
Bartomus, meanwhile, introduces himself to Pip. The halfling pulls himself out from the pile of papers, and gives Bart a rapturous look. “You’re the fellas that brought back the lich’s library from It’lal,” he coos. “Oh, what a fine month of reading that was.” Pip proceeds to recite long passages, and is probably prepared to give the taur the whole thing, should Bart let him.
Some salient points do emerge:
1-The Crying Woods has long been sentient but it was not always evil. In fact for many decades the drow and the lizard folk lived peacefully within it. After the forest began to reach out to attack the sentient species within its borders, the drow found a solution by enchanting crystals that would keep the forest at bay. An alliance between drow and lizard folk was established based on this trade. The drow crafted these crystals that adorned many lizard folk and surrounded their cities, and the lizard folk supplied them with food and goods taken from the forest. This alliance lasted for many years as both drow and lizard folk empires flourished.
2-The lizard folk turned on the Drow and seemed to be working with the Crying Wood. A war ensued that lasted several years. The drow were defeated and had to return to the mountains.
3-However, the lizard folk were actually not willing participants in the war. The lich appears to be searching for something/someone called Karkasan, who he blames for the war. Karkasan apparently was experimenting on reptilian races in an effort to build powerful servant races, and in some manner forced the lizard folk into the fight.
4- The lich also believes this Karkasan has something to do with the Crying Wood’s change in demeanor from ambivalent to malevolent.
5- The lich believes this Karkasan is still around.
Pip takes the book from Bartomus, and glances through it. “I’ll start on this today,” he promises. “Should be done when you come back.” OOC - Can you email DM regarding when you got the book? I don’t remember off hand.
Armalad and Delia continue practicing their archery.
Stohp and Stock mosey about, looking for nearby warehouses for sale. Nothing sticks out yet.
Zanderallen goes hunting for Pepper. He drops by Rosebud Publishing. No one there has seen the spunky woman for at least a day. Her boss, Barbara Daneel, grows concerned as Zanderallen asks around. “I thought she was with you,” she confesses. “Should we check her apartment?”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday August 18th, 2022 12:52:43 AM
Unless any Shield has specifically given Armalad any information about Pepper or what Pip discovered in the Lich's notes she continues to practice archery with Delia.
She replies to Delia's observation on the greaters of archery, "Well I can assure you they radiate an aura of moderate transmutation so they must do something. I would like to think this improved ability with the bow is more than merely the placebo effect."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Thursday August 18th, 2022 9:28:09 AM
Stock continues to tag along with Zanderallen, keeping up the basics of a conversation in Dwarven, correcting him when the human's pronunciation is especially bad and also laughing when the pronunciation is so bad that Zanderallen says something unintentionally funny.
Eventually in the common tongue he says, "It is good to be about and see our Neighbors. It's a reminder of why we carry the weight for them."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday August 18th, 2022 10:00:15 AM
Zanderallen feels the bottom of his stomach drop out but only through iron determination does he keep a calm demeanor for Barbara, "I'm sure it's nothing, I'd go check her apartment. She probably just got caught up on some lead. She'll turn up with the next headline, wondering why everyone was worried." He finishes his statement with a growing sense that everything he just said was a lie. But with the dread mounting he heads to Pepper's apartment, hoping to find her safe and well. But anyone who knows him recognizes the tell tale signs of anxiety as he tightens and adjusts various straps and buckles on his equipment.
Arriving at her apartment he knocks. If he receives no answer he'll try the door and ask the neighbors if they've seen Pepper recently.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday August 18th, 2022 12:30:07 PM "Wow, Pip, you've done a lot of reading. Gonna Shays all of that with the Shields. Borrow this and we'll connect about it when your done. The picture s are incredible which is why I'm gonna keep it." Bartomus explained as he did the item over to the researcher. He looked about and then thought for a moment.
Then Bartomus shared with pip what happened in n their last journey into the crying woods and the children of the dragon lord. He wondered aloud if that might be this Karkasan the litch was talking about.
"Pip, if you find anything about how to take out that person or thing, you send word to the Shields as soon as possible, ok?"
Bartomus reached into his inner pich in his doublet and fished out two gold coins.
"buy yourself some good food and something equally good to drink. You've earned by me!"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday August 18th, 2022 4:46:13 PM
Delia thanks the dead inside half-ogre as he disappears and she fastens on her shiny new belt. She flexes an arm curiously as the belt imbues her with greatly increased strength. "Hmm... I'm going to have to be a little careful with my bow now. Its draw weight is no longer the max I can pull... but hey, this will be easier to swing around now." She draws her sword and swings it experimentally before sheathing and going back to archery practice with her newly boosted stats. She looks over at Armalad, "I wonder if the bracers stabalize your arms somehow? Or... I don't know. Magic was never part of my education."
Mounting Dread (DM MikeK) Thursday August 18th, 2022 8:16:55 PM Delia and Armalad continue their evening at the archery range, discussing bows and magic.
Bartomus gives Pip a thank you tip. The halfling skips away, obviously looking forward to good food, good drink, and a good book.
Stock switches from tagging along with Stohp to tagging along with Zanderallen.
Thus, the dwarf is present when the paladin knocks on Pepper’s door, and then again, and once again, but receives no reply. He is also present as Zanderallen questions neighbor after neighbor, none of whom have seen the reporter in at least a day.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday August 19th, 2022 12:31:34 AM
Armalad says, "Yes well I upgraded the draw weight of my bow when I updated by belt of physical perfection. All in all I should be 15% more likely to hit thanks to the bracers and belt and upping the draw weight will also let me do more damage in concert with the bracers since the belt improved my maximum. As for how the bracers do what they do who can say but as long as they do what they do I'll continue to improve."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday August 19th, 2022 8:54:56 AM
Stohp continues to work on her new project blissfully unaware that the rest of the party is turning up problems.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday August 19th, 2022 10:21:35 AM
Bartomus headed out of the WLA headquarters and worked his way back to Shield headquarters. He replayed the conversation with Pip and was pretty excited to share the information about Karkasan that the litch had discovered. He grabbed a few things to eat as he walked from food vendors along the way.
He came back to headquarters and it was pretty quiet.
Hello? Hey folks, where is everyone?" He called out from the larger room on the first floor. It was still in the midst of being repaired, so he was still able to see where the fight had occurred to protect Drezz. "Anyone home? Shields?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday August 19th, 2022 10:58:53 AM
With each neighbor's shaking head the knot in Zander's stomach grows larger. After several of them he finally admits defeat and hangs his head. "She's gone Stock, they took her." Saying it out loud finally makes Zander accept the fear that has been growing. Defeat and despair have no chance to told hold as anger surges forth. Zander fight and contains the urge to break something, visibly shaking with emotion. He growls to Stock through clenched teeth, "I'm going to break whoever took her. We need the others." Then with little warning he breaks into a pounding jog back towards HQ, only slowing to make sure Stock is able to keep up after a few hundred yards.
When they reach home he bursts in the door yelling in a voice shaking with exertion and anger, "They took her! I'm going to kill them!"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Friday August 19th, 2022 11:36:38 AM
Delia opens her mouth to respond before slamming it shut as she sees Zanderallen pounding towards HQ with Stock in tow. "Trouble," she says to Armalad before racing down the steps to meet them in the lobby. She grabs Zanderallen's shoulders as he barrels in, "Who took her? Took Pepper?" She guesses. [b]"Who was the last person to see her, and when?"
Missing Person (DM MikeK) Saturday August 20th, 2022 8:57:25 AM
The Shields congregate on their own back to Shieldhouse, and none too soon.
Zanderallen arrives in a state, with Stock trotting along to keep up.
The highly agitated paladin relays that Pepper is missing.
Leaving the Shields to figure out how to find her.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday August 21st, 2022 10:56:06 PM
Armalad says, "By they do you mean The Lords of Diamond?"
She then asks, "Have you tried scrying on her location?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Sunday August 21st, 2022 11:17:28 PM
Stohp tries to be a calming influence. "We don't know anything for sure yet so lets calm down a little. If our emotions run hot it'll just make it more likely we make a mistake.
Lets see what our magic can find out, if anything. Then we can pull on our resources to try to track her down - we have a lot of friends in both low and high places."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Monday August 22nd, 2022 12:23:12 AM
Bartomus had decided to go grab something to drink and found himself coming back with a mug full of ale as the others came storming in. He listened and found himself agreeing with Stohp and liking Armalad's idea.
"Can we call upon some of the folks about here to start snooping about on our behalf? But, I think we should act like we know nothing and scry what we need for information." Bartomus looked over at the Armalad.
"Can you do they scrying or do we need some others to help?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Monday August 22nd, 2022 8:44:20 AM "Ease up, Big Guy. Leave the Rage to me. She might just be out reporting on a case or something." Stock is definitely concerned, despite his words. Their enemies have killed those close to the Shields before.
"...and should something have befallen her. Rothchild, Gilcrest, Dechancey - those are our suspects."
======= Is Z's relationship with Pepper common knowledge around the Float? In case it matters, take 10 on Knowledge Local for 15
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:55:32 AM
Delia stays very calm on the surface and starts asking questions. "If she is missing, who was the last person to see her and when? We already know who might target her because of us, but is there anyone in her life who would want to hurt her? If we can find any part of her trail, we will find her."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday August 22nd, 2022 2:27:19 PM
Zander takes several deep breathes and answers the questions, "All of us are pretty high profile and we haven't been secret about our relationship, I'd say anyone who is watching us knows Pepper and I are involved. As far as I've found out so far no one has seen her since last night, I don't know when exactly the last time she was seen was. Neighbor's haven't seen her all day, Rosebud doesn't know where she is, and while this wouldn't be the first time she's missed a date it is the first time she's missed a date without leaving a note."
"Scrying, contacting people. good ideas. Do you need me to help with the scrying? I could also go talk to Lieutenant Lestrade and file a missing persons report."
Scrying, contacting people. good ideas (DM MikeK) Monday August 22nd, 2022 8:08:02 PM
Armalad assumes “they” is The Lords of Diamond, and asks about scrying.
Stohp tries to be a calming influence, and also speaks of magical location.
Bartomus agrees with Stohp, and asks if anyone in the Shields have scrying capability.
Like Armalad, Stock has a list of suspects running through his head.
Delia asks about the last person to see her, confident that if a trail is found, it can be tracked.
Zanderallen forces himself to be calm, and answers his friend’s questions as best he can.
The Shields have thought of various next steps. All that remains is to start working.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:25:12 PM
Armalad says, "I can't scry but I might be able to get one of the other Star Mages to scry for me if none of you can. If you can get me within 800 feet of her I could figure out what direction to go though."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 7:35:12 AM
Stohp sees no reason to limit themselves to a single step. While Armalad and the other magically inclined try to scry or otherwise magically locate her Stohp heads off to see the city guard and file a report so they can start keeping an eye open and be ready to track down leads. Since Zander suggested it she'll probably let him take the lead if he goes with her.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 9:55:27 AM "I once knew a Dwarf druid who would scry on this woman he loved - or thought he loved. Bart - I would bet you could cast it."
Stock tags along with Stohp. He specifically asks the guard if there have been any other reports of missing people, specifically journalists. He will also tag along on any house calls the guard make themselves to try to track her down.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 2:23:32 PM "Ok, Stohp. Let's go to the guard. Maybe we can check her apartment on the way back. Some others can figure out how to scry her location." Zander goes with Stohp and whoever wants to come to the guard on the Merchant level to file a missing persons and ask after any reported disturbances. His plan is then to head back to Pepper's apartment to look for clues.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 8:26:31 PM
Delia will join the group going to the guard and then assist in investigating Pepper's apartment.
Apartment hunting (DM MikeK) Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 8:27:25 PM
Armalad can’t scry, but he knows some people who can.
The group doesn’t explicitly give him the go-ahead, but agreement seems implied.
Meanwhile, Zanderallen, Stohp and Stock head off to the Merchant Level to the city guard station there.
The hustle and bustle of thel guardhouse comes to a quick halt as the three Shields enter the room. While the trio is unfamiliar with this particular station, their reputations have proceeded them. Within no time, the lieutenant and ranking sergeant of the station have the group in an alcove, and listen intently to Zanderallen’s concerns.
“First step would be to check her apartment,” the lieutenant replies. “If you’re going to do that, you’re probably gonna do a better job than we can. I’ll have my team recheck neighbors and the streets.”
With the report filed, the Shields head to Pepper’s apartment. Zanderallen retrieves the spare key from Pepper’s hiding spot, and opens the door.
The interior of the apartment appears untouched. Everything looks to be in place. Pepper is not home. There is one oddity. Sitting in the middle of the living room floor is a stone diorama of an archway embedded into the side of a wall. The object takes up about a foot cubed, and weighs close to 30 lbs.
Know Local DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { It’s a replica of Lerntig’s Gate on the Trash Level.}
Zanderallen has never seen it before.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+8=16 ; Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 9:48:28 PM
Bartomus just followed along with the group and peered into the room from the doorway as he was a lot bigger than Pepper and figured that having a Taur squeezed into Zander's girlfriend's apartment was not all that helpful. He looked at the stone gate in the middle of the room.
"Zander, did your girlfriend have some connection to the gate down on the Trash level?" Bartomus asked as he looked at it from his vantage point. "I just don't see her as the model building type, unless she was into that and that's cool and all."
KnowLocal/Float - 16
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+10=11 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+23=30 ; Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 10:42:55 PM
Armalad says, "Was Pepper working on a new story having to do with the gates on the trash level?"
She then casts detect magic and examines the model in detail for any potential clue or hidden secret that might help them learn something new.
Perception: 27 Know(Arcana): 31 Spellcraft:30
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+17=37 ; d20+15=34 ; Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:22:02 AM
Stohp uses her perception and her skill at carpentry to look around and try to determine if there's any further clues or any hidden compartments in the furniture or the building. Anything from loose floorboards to cleverly concealed drawers (perception 37, carpentry 34)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday August 24th, 2022 9:07:59 AM
Stock is impressed by how focused Stohp is as she picks apart clues in the apartment. His attention returns to the archway and takes a close look at it.
========= Take 10 on Local for 15 How detailed is the diorama? I guess I'm trying to figure out if this is so detailed that it might actually be the real gateway, just somehow miniaturized? Perception Take 20 for 39
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 11:01:27 AM
Zanderallen thanks the guards. As they enter the apartment he scratches his head, "What were you working on Pepper? I have no idea what this is. But unless your magical inquiries reveal something we should go to the actual Lerntig Gate." ----------- Know(Local): 18 (Taking 10)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 11:58:44 AM
Delia carefully combs the apartment for anything that seems out of place. Checking windows for signs of tampering; mud, leaves, or gravel on the floor; anything that would look like someone took her.
Take 20 on Survival for 43 (+7 vs tracking, +4 vs humans)
What were you working on Pepper?(DM MikeK) Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:15:56 PM
As far as Zanderallen knows, Pepper was not working on a story about either the Trash Level or Lernitig’s Gate. Nor is she the “model building type”.
Stohp does a rather impressive job looking for clues and secret compartments and the like. She doesn’t find anything.
Delia does an equally impressive job searching the windows and doors for signs of tampering. She finds none.
Stock gives the model a good going over. The dwarf notes enough differences to assure him it is not the actual gate somehow reduced. The differences are noteworthy in that the model is a perfect version of what the gate probably looked like when newer. It has none of the scuffs, dents, abrasions, and accumulated dirt that the real thing has.
Armalad casts detect magic and examines the model in detail. It has no secret compartments. It is magical, and radiates a strong aura of conjuration. She is unable to fully determine the full magical properties of the replica, a fact that tells her whoever created it is pretty powerful. The best she can come up with is that the replica has something to do with planar travel, but is not itself capable of initiating planar travel.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday August 25th, 2022 12:23:01 AM
Armalad says, "That gate is magical and it radiates a strong aura of conjuration. I cannot determine fully the magical properties of what this does so whoever made this has to be powerful. It has something to do with planar travel but it cannot itself iniate plar travel"
She then says, "I have an idea but I'm not sure how we are going to pull it off and it involves spliting the partty. What if some of us go down to the gate and trigger it while others of us stay here and observe how the model reacts"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday August 25th, 2022 7:53:50 AM
Stohp shrugs. "We're in town, moving about everywhere as an 8 group is usually pointless anyway. Do you want to stay here while the rest of us head down?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Thursday August 25th, 2022 9:28:18 AM "I need to keep moving otherwise I get stir crazy. I'll head down. Who else is coming?"
========= OOC - Do we actually know how to trigger that gate? I can't remember if we've ever actually used it."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday August 25th, 2022 11:06:08 AM "What do you mean it's linked to planar travel?!? What happened here?" Zander nervously adjusts a strap on his gauntlet before stopping himself. "Let's go to the real gate, this has to be linked somehow."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday August 25th, 2022 1:38:41 PM "ok, I'll go with these two and try to keep them from smashing things along the way." Bartomus offered and raised an eyebrow of concern when nodding over at Stock and Zander.
"Gotta ask though, anyone able to sense whose plane this might be? Meaning, do we have the gods at play here, or someone like that collector?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday August 25th, 2022 1:42:29 PM
Delia wonders if there is any indication of how long the gate has been there. Dust on it, the apartment is arranged to make space for it, dirty dishes set on top of it, etc. "I can stay with Armalad if she wants some backup, but I won't be any use if something magical happens unless it needs to be shot."
Splitting up? (DM MikeK) Thursday August 25th, 2022 7:40:23 PM
Delia wonders how long the replica has been in the apartment. The answer seems to be “not very long”. The replica is quite clean, with no signs of dust accumulation or insects using it or stuff piled on or about it.
The group determines to split up. Armalad and Delia plan to stay in the apartment, while Zanderallen, Bartomus, Stock, and Stohp plan to head down to the Trash Level.
Stock’s question is valid, however.
The group has no idea how to activate the gate. In point of fact, except for a very brief time just prior to the Sargrass Event, the gate has been considered defunct for decades. Even when it was active, it was one way: a magical gate through which strangers arrived regularly and very surprised.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday August 25th, 2022 10:51:22 PM
Armalad says, "Well that is the problem I can't determine what exactly it does, just it has something to do with Planar Travel but since it can't trigger itself and it is a replica of something that exists that maybe can trigger itself the question is does whatever it does act in sympathy to what it is a model of and if it does if we can trigger the gate would the model react the same way?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday August 26th, 2022 12:03:23 AM "Could we go ask the Star Mages?" Bartomus asked aloud. "Seem to remember they are into research questions and such. Might be something they have come across. Could also offer up some gift and see if Eberyon is willing to let a helper give us a few hints."
Bartomus went up and tapped on the gate. He asked it if it might send Pepper back or open. He waited and then shrugged.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday August 26th, 2022 7:26:25 AM "If nothing else this indicates the gate is important in whatever she was investigating. Lets look at it first, see if anything is different or active that wasn't the last time we were there, then we can take our findings to the star mages guild and see what they make of it." Stohp suggests.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Friday August 26th, 2022 8:23:08 AM "Yeah, like I said, who's coming?"
Stock is already halfway out the door. "By the way, is that thing heavy? I remember when we visited the Drow we needed a key to travel...could that be the key? Maybe we bring it with."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Friday August 26th, 2022 10:37:24 AM "Maybe Pepper is doing something at the gate? or someone there saw her. Maybe we should look there first and then play with the magic." Delia will change to heading with the group in case they find something at the gate area in need of tracking or shooting.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday August 26th, 2022 11:03:16 AM "Let's go to the gate. And unless no one objects let's bring the model with us as well." Zanderallen will try to pick up the model to test how heavy it is.
Lernitig's Gate (DM MikeK) Saturday August 27th, 2022 10:50:36 AM
Still at Pepper’s apartment, the party discusses some more.
Stock and Zanderallen test the replica’s weight, and find it weighs about 30 lbs. With dimensions of 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 foot, carrying it is a manageable, if somewhat awkward, exercise.
The general consensus is to head down to Lernitig’s Gate with the replica in tow. The group plans to follow up with the Star Mages afterwards.
The Shields proceed to the nearest stairway, down the steps, and soon enough arrive at an alleyway familiar to the four older members of the group.
Embedded in the wall is the archway known as Lernitig’s Gate.
As soon as the replica comes within 30’ of it, the Gate flashes, and becomes transparent. A window to another place. Or more accurately, a door. On the other side is a wasteland of black rock under an eerie, cloud covered, sulfur colored sky.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=26 ; Sunday August 28th, 2022 4:36:14 PM "Seems we found the key,"/ Bartomus said with a nervous shift of his head. "so," He started as he looked about. "does that mean we gotta carry that with us into where ever that might actually be? If so, we need to thing about how best to do that."
He then turned his attention to the gate.
perception 26 at the gate.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Sunday August 28th, 2022 8:38:05 PM "Ok, so this opens the gate. That doesn't mean we'll find Pepper on the other side. Lets back up so it closes, ask around to see if anyone's seen her. Perhaps send some magical scout through before we charge in." Stohp advises.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday August 28th, 2022 8:42:09 PM
Armalad says, "Does anyone know shrink object? I don't but if we did we could reduce the key down to something more standard key size. Also another question is where does this particular door lead and should we just walk blindly through it? How do we get back home once we go through the door?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+13=14 ; Monday August 29th, 2022 11:02:32 AM
Delia scratches her head, "Well that's... concerning. But if this thing was in Pepper's apartment, she couldn't have used it to travel through the gate. Stohp is right that we need to spend some time on this side asking around." She'll peer into the landscape on the other side of the gate, "Anyone know where it leads?"
=============== Know (geography maybe?) to get a grasp on where this could be: 14 (Delia knows nothing apparently)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+19=34 ; Monday August 29th, 2022 4:09:55 PM
Stock stands with his jaw set staring at the gate. He then pivots, looking around for local residences or anybody who may have seen recent activity at this gate. If he sees anybody he approaches them and asks if they've ever seen the gate open like that.
"Amazing. The gate's been dormant and we just stumble upon the key...or somebody stumbles upon it and leaves it in Pep's apartment. As my old foreman used to say, somebody knows something."
============ Perception 34 looking around for locals
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday August 29th, 2022 4:51:42 PM
Thoroughly upset after trundling the heavy replica through the streets Zander's heart sinks when the gate opens before them. "Why would you have a gate key in your apartment Peps? This isn't the gate that fey knight came out of was it? We have unfinished business with him..."
More Questions (DM MikeK) Monday August 29th, 2022 8:20:13 PM
At Stohp’s suggestion, the party backs up. Sure enough, when whoever is carrying the replica gets more than 30’ away from Lernitig’s Gate, the Gate flashes, and there’s nothing but an arch embedded in the stone wall.
Move forward, and a flash, and the view of the black rock wasteland.
As Bart surmises, it looks like the Shields found the key.
Zanderallen recalls the view before them now is the same one presented before that fey knight fellow stepped out during the Sargrass Event and rather unpleasantly Reverse Gravitied everybody. Lord Vanius, I believe his name was. Memory Lane See Nov 8 - Nov 14, 2017
Stock looks around for some locals. He spots a couple figures back at the entry to the alley watching the group. They look like local grubber kids.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20=8 ; Monday August 29th, 2022 9:11:30 PM "Hey, you kids, can you help us with something?" Bartmos hollers back at the kids lurking at the opening of the alley. He didn't give them the chance to respond before asking his next question. "You all see anyone come down into this ally in the past day or so? Lunch is on me if you can share what you might have seen."
He figured the offer of free food might be something to catch their attention and get them talking. Plus, he was a bit hungry himself. Things like this tended to trigger a want to eat or chew on something.
Rolled an 8 to see what might work - Bluff would make that a 16; Diplomacy an 8; Perform a 14
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday August 29th, 2022 11:36:45 PM
Armalad waits to hear what the grubber kids have to say. She is curious if they have seen anything useful to their investigation.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+16=18 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 7:52:56 AM
Stohp tries to use her local knowledge to determine the best way to get the information they need - who they should ask questions, what they should offer to get answers, etc (knowledge local 18).
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20-1=8 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 10:30:34 AM
Delia will glance around for any guards and approach them, "Good morning. The Shields are investigating this gate - You seen or heard anything strange with it?"
=================== If needed: Diplomacy 8 or Profession (Townguard) 16
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+13=17 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 1:38:05 PM
Stock walks over to the kids, nodding at Bart's greeting and says, "Anybody been through this gate? Either you saw them or your heard about it happening?"
========== Sense Motive 17
Lunch is on me (DM MikeK) Tuesday August 30th, 2022 9:07:35 PM
"Hey, you kids, can you help us with something?" Bartmos hollers back at the kids lurking at the opening of the alley.
Stock walks over to the kids, nodding at Bart's greeting and says, "Anybody been through this gate? Either you saw them or your heard about it happening?"
Armalad waits to hear what the grubber kids have to say.
Delia looks for some guards to approach. But, this is the Trash Level. The guard pretty much leaves this level to its own devices.
At Bart’s call and with a dangerous looking dwarf approaching, several of the kids scatter. But two stick around. They are human boys, one around 12, and the other a year or two younger. They look very much alike. The younger one is ready to bolt, but the older has a hand on his shoulder. “You’re Silver Shields,” the eldest declares, knowingly. “Bartomus and Stock Simpleshard.”
Upon getting confirmation, he gives the younger boy a look. “Told you.” Back to Stock and Bart. “Jay saw something.” Back to the other boy. “Tell ‘em”
With a bit more encouragement, Jay gets the courage to speak. “I didn’t see no one. I wasn’t close enough. But, yesterday morning there was this bright flash in the alley, just like now. I went over, and heard some weird talking, and then nothin. I went to look, and there was nothing there. Then I was walkin out and just turned the corner and there was a flash again. So, I go back, and still nothin.”
Stohp thinks about how to get more information. Given their position in the city, The Shields have pretty much all the city’s resources at there disposal. The City Guard is still investigating. Magical aid could be requested from the Star Mages or the Circle of Alder. Heck, the guy in charge of the city owes you a favor. The coven from the Sargrass Event is probably around here somewhere as well.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=23 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 9:21:20 PM "Alright, you two did good, really good. Thanks Jay, and your name?" Bartomus asked the older of the two as his fingers shifted into a pocket in his doublet. He fished out two gold coins and held them up together with his thumb and first two fingers. "Now this is for the information. A good meal was promised. So, you two head up to the next level and head to the Giggling Ghost. Tell Happy that the Shields sent you for a good meal 'cause you helped them out today. One time deal and get the good things and ask for a take home bag too. Got it?"
Bartomus held out the two coins to the two boys. "Oh, if you want to earn one of these a month from us, you keep your eyes and ears open and send us word if you see anything suspicious. Got it? We can pass that on to the authorities, or some of us might come and deal with it. Interested in the job?"
Bartomus watched them closely for their reaction and winked at his fellow Shields.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday August 30th, 2022 11:58:47 PM
Armalad the polyglot and cunning linguist she is says to Jay, "If I said somethings in a variety of languages could you tell me if what I said sounded similar to the weird talking you heard?"
She then proceeds to give a language sample using the following languages in the following order until Jay either stops her because it sounded like what he heard or she runs out of languages:
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Wednesday August 31st, 2022 1:04:23 PM
Since there are no guards about and others in the group have the kids handled, Delia will instead thoroughly examine the gate and the area right around it for anything out of place. Maybe someone dropped something, left a bootprint with bizarre dirt, scuff marks, or really anything she can find.
========== Survival (take 20): 43 (+7 tracking; +4 vs humans)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday August 31st, 2022 3:18:52 PM
Zanderallen listens in wonder as Armalad rattles off a string of foreign tongues, cringing at some of more guttural ones. Unless one of them rings a chord with the boys he suggests they seek additional help, "I think we need to visit the Star Mages guild next. Maybe send a note up to the Overlord as well. I just realized finding a Gate Key is a really big deal. The Sargrass event is the only time I ever remember this gate opening. And it opened into the Shadowlands or some Fey place."
Zander shakes his fist at the memory of Lord Vanius, things would be different from when they met several years ago.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday August 31st, 2022 3:39:56 PM "Hey kid, does anybody else hang out around here you know of that might have seen the flash at the gate or gotten close enough to hear the talking or to see the people?"
"Armalad - could you cast any kind of spells that create an ALARM when somebody crosses through the gate? I also wonder if we ask the Star Mages for some kind of DIVINATION"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday August 31st, 2022 6:49:47 PM
Stohp isn't sure if Armalad's approach will work since only a few words were said but she'll add her Minotaur, Tauric, High Woldian, and Woldian Below to the list of languages.
Linguistics lesson (DM MikeK) Wednesday August 31st, 2022 8:22:14 PM
Bart offers some coin, and then offers some more it the boys keep their eyes and ears open. Jay, and his older brother, Kay, readily agree to the deal.
Armalad embarks on quite the list of languages, and Stohp throws in a couple more. Jay listens carefully, but eventually shakes his head. “It sounded like some of them, but not quite,” he reports seriously. “It was kinda like…” Jay proceeds to give a passable recreation of what Armalad and Bart recognize as an incantation. Identifying the spell is impossible, as Jay’s memory isn’t perfect - syllables are missing and the pronunciation is atrocious. But the phrasing and some words mark whatever was said as a spell being cast.
Stock asks if anyone else might have seen the person or flashes. Jay shakes his head. “I was closest,” he says. “I didn’t anyone else in the alley.”
Delia thoroughly examines the gate and its surroundings. She even drops to all fours to intently stare at the ground for minutes on end. Her attentiveness pays dividends. One humanoid, wearing boots, came out the gate. The same boots, weighed down by some kind of load, went back in. The boot tracks can be found near the gate, but definitely neither walked out of, or into, the alley.
Zanderallen and Stock think of some more options.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday September 1st, 2022 12:00:02 AM
Armalad says, "Well I do know the spell alarm, but the problem is I didn't prepare it today so I would have to cast it tomorrow. If I prepared it and cast it as long as I stayed within one mile of the gate I'd know if anyone disturbed it."
She then says, "As for divinatiion, the guild probably can help but they'll likely demand some sort of payment for the spellcasting service. I tend to prepare a loadout more suited to battle by default considering my skill with the bow and what I can do with arrows. I didn't expect anyone to be kidnapped or disappeared. Perhaps in the future I'll prepare some scrolls that we can use in these types of situations though honestly I'm a little light on gold right now having spent most of our recent windfall on my new bracers, improving the strength rating on my bow and upgrading my belt of physical perfection. It seemed like a good idea at the time."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday September 1st, 2022 8:29:25 AM Alright so lets try to work out what's going on from what we know. Pepper had this item that serves as a key from the gate and someone seems to have found out how to activate it. They are brining things into the city from the other side. This may be some sort of smuggling operation that she found out about and was investigating, so if we can track down the smugglers we can hopefully track down Pepper.
Of course this could all be completely off, it's just my best guess for now. If there is something being smuggled in here rather perhaps we should check out the other side and see if there's anyone there who's sending the stuff through."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Thursday September 1st, 2022 9:55:48 AM
Stock looks awkwardly at Zanderallen and then says to Stohp, "Could be the smuggling type. Though they could also have been weighed down by Pepper...One other thing we think we know is that Lord Vanius tried to seal this gate and it supposedly goes to Harrowed Moon. It's clearly no longer sealed. It might be worthwhile doing a little learning on Harrowed Moon and The Lands of Rest before we enter...if we decide to enter that is."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday September 1st, 2022 10:58:47 AM
After spotting the tracks, Delia will wave the group over, pointing out and describing what she found as she dusts off her knees. She also wonders how old the tracks look and if there's a substantial time difference between the in and out. "I would think a smuggling operation would be more than 1 person. And the weighted tracks are the ones leaving the city, so if things are being smuggled - it's out, not in." She joins Stock in giving Zander an uncomfortable look, "This fey lord, would he take Pepper to get back at you? And... could the gate/key thing be his calling card? We keep on saying Pepper found the key, but what if it was left by the person who took her?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday September 1st, 2022 2:45:44 PM
Zanderallen's stomach drops as the answer seems to be before him. His faces drains of color as he stares at the now de-activated gate. He then touches his holy symbol, mumbling a faint prayer. Starting with his sword he starts checking equipment, straps, buckles, adjusting here, tightening there. Color returns to his face as a fire lights in his eyes. We have research to do on the Lands of Rest. It is becoming clear to me someone took Pepper through that gate. Whether a vendetta for some past wrong or a hired agent I do not know. Let's see if any special precautions need to be taken but I am marching through that gate tomorrow morning unless someone has a better idea." He then picks up the key and starts heading up to the Star Mage's guild.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday September 1st, 2022 4:31:24 PM "I gotta day, this was a grab and call." Bartomus agreed with the others assessment. "Grab the Zman's girl, and leave a calling card, expecting us all to run into a trap. Problem we now have is that if one person can use this thing, " Bartomus pointed over at the gate. "Then what protects the Float from a dozens of raiders pouring through that? That's what we need to let the Overlord know. Need this area watched by someone or lots of someones once we get onto the other side and find his favorite journalist!"
Bartomus too a moment and looked from Zander then over to the gate. "Star mage time. We pray their fee and send that invoice up to Drezz 'cause we have a bigger problem or opportunity that this Gaye presents."
A grab and call (DM MikeK) Thursday September 1st, 2022 8:17:27 PM
Armalad doesn’t have a divination spell handy, although he knows the Star Mages could cast one, likely for a price.
Stohp tries to work out what's going on from what is known. Stock, Delia, Zanderallen, and Bart fill in some blanks.
It all adds up to an unpleasant story.
Delia does some more thinking on the tracks. They haven’t been there long, and the gap wasn’t great. She can’t tell exactly, but figures the timing lines up with the flashes Jay saw.
Bart and Zanderallen are ready to move out.
Does everyone head up to the Star Mages?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday September 1st, 2022 10:27:34 PM
Armalad is a member in good standing with the Star Mages guild having attained the rank of Grand Mage so presumably she guides the others to the best diviner she knows in the guild and explains the group's need to said diviner.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday September 2nd, 2022 7:40:53 AM
Stohp will pay one of the locals to keep an eye on the portal while they are gone just in case something else happens here.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Friday September 2nd, 2022 9:06:47 AM "Ladies and Gentlemen - I'm going to head up to the WLA and ask some questions. I fit in better there than with the Star Mages anyway."
Stock waits a beat to see if anybody else is coming, then heads up to the WLA to see what he can learn about a few topics: 1. Lord Vanius - especially his known responsibilities and patron 2. The Lands of Rest 3. Harrow Moon - is this the same as the Lands of Rest 4. Lernitig's Gate - especially connections to The lands of Rest and why the gate stopped being used originally =========== Take 20 on Diplomacy to Gather Information for 23
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday September 2nd, 2022 11:18:47 AM "The guild has a good rsearcher there. They are worthy hi for me please. He's working on something for me." Bartomus said to Stock. "I'm going to follow our Star Lady here and visit their guild. I might learn something about them never having gone there before. "
Bartomus turned back to Jay and Kay. "Can you two keep watch here on the ally but on the download? If you need to employee a couple of your mates that ran off, I'm willing to pay them ten silver to help you two leaders."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+32=37 ; d20+23=26 ; Friday September 2nd, 2022 12:11:35 PM
Delia will clarify where and when the Shields are joining back together and then will stay at the gate in case anything weird happens. She finds a convenient, out of the way spot and hunkers down to wait until they regather. She smiles slightly as she watches people go about their lives. A good reminder as to why she does what she does. Even on the Trash level, hard as it can sometimes be, life goes on and people find how to make it work.
Stealth: 37 Perception: 26
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday September 2nd, 2022 2:32:39 PM "That's a good call Bart, portals opening up is something the overlord should be alerted to. Armalad can head up the group going to seek aid from the Star Mages, Stock is headed to the WLA, I'll head to the palace, and Delia can watch the Gate. We'll meet back up for dinner."
Zanderallen will make the trek up to the top, sending in his name to speak to the Overlord. If he gets an audience he will greet Drezz warmly and explain the situation. Pepper is missing, a gate key was left in her apartment, the Gate on the trash level is operating again, the Shields plan to travel through it to find out why, any information about the Lands of Rest would be appreciated, other members are checking with the Star Mages and WLA. But we thought the Overlord should know a gate is open.
Splitting up (DM MikeK) Sunday September 4th, 2022 2:28:50 PM
Armalad and Stohp make their way to the Star Mages. As Armalad is a member in good standing with the Star Mages, she is able to set up a visit with an elf named Galendral to assist in scrying for Pepper. She lets the pair know the standard cost for such a request is 500 gp.
Once paid (or invoiced to Drazz) Galendral settles down before a bowl of water with a mirror in hand, and begins the incantation. The process takes nearly an hour, and there are points where the elf is obviously laboring.
“Something is trying to interfere with the spell. Not the reporter. Otherworldly” But, Amalad picked out Galendral for a reason, and eventually the pool in the bowl shows a dirty and disheveled Pepper sitting on a stone floor, knees up with her arms wrapped around them, back against a stone wall. The surrounding area occasionally fades to grey mist before coming back into focus.
“Not her surroundings,” Galendral states. “That’s the interference.”
When the mist fades, the diviner rotates the scene. There isn’t much to go on. Pepper is alive, and apparently unharmed. She is inside a 10’x10’ pit of grey stone. The ceiling is an iron grate 10’ above her.
Stock and Bart visit the WLA.
Of Lord Vanius, the pair find nothing but Stock’s own report from their first meeting - A very pale, very good looking, male half elf, armored in breastplate and with a longsword sheathed at his side. Pretty much everything he's wearing screams masterwork level craftsmanship. Though shorter than an average human, he has a very commanding, regal presence about him. High level magic user. Probably undead. Said he was from the Harrowed Lands and his mistress was Fidelia.
The Lands of Rest are where souls go after death, whereas the Shadow Lands between leads from the lands of the living to the lands of the dead.
Harrow Moon is one of the realms composing the Shadow Lands. It is land of blasted rock and everdarkened sky, ruled without question by an ancient vampire named Fidelia. It is populated primarily by trolls and goblins. It is cut off from the gods, and thus divine spellcasters have trouble connecting. Magical detection and magical modes of transportation, even flight, are said to attract dangerous attention. The entire land is oppressive to the psyche, wearing down the will of would be heroes. There is one place of refuge, called The Inn, an unassuming building bathed in a warm light. Adventurers are said to be safe there, and it contains the only known portals out of the realm - one of which is said to lead to the Giggling Ghost.
Lernitig’s Gate has no known connection to Harrowed Moon, other than The Shields’ encounter with Lord Vanius during the Sargrass Event. Prior to that, it had been dormant for 50 years. Prior to that, an occasional traveler would suddenly appear at the gate, usually quite surprised. There is no indication that said travellers were from anywhere outside the Wold proper.
Zanderallen appearance, reputation, and countenance result in a quick audience with the Overlord. Drezz listens carefully, asks one or two intelligent questions, then nods. “You do what you have to do. I’ll make sure the Gate is watched, alarmed, and defended.”
Delia keeps watch. Nothing unexpected happens.
That evening finds the group back at HQ.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday September 4th, 2022 11:06:15 PM
Before leaving Galendral Armalad asks, "Just what do you mean by otherworldly? Something alien, celestial, demonic, infernal, fae, Imortal Power, God or do you don't really have a flavor to go with what is impacting the spell?"
Armalad will wait patiently for an answer if one is forthcoming if not she heads back to HQ and reports what they have learned.
She tells the others that something other worldly was interfering with the spell but eventually they were able to see Pepper. She tells the other Pepper is alive but she's in a 10 x 10 cell of grey stone walls with an iron grate above so it is kind of a generic dungeon location that could be anywhere.
She finishes with "I don't know if there are any places on the float that might match this description that we should search first before checking out the gate again"
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Monday September 5th, 2022 12:34:56 PM
Wishing he could have some mode of instantaneous communication with Armalad, Stock sighs and re-reads his own description of Vanius. He looks at Bart and says, "Probably a vampire or something. I gotta say, after fighting that Lich, I don't love the idea of another deadly undead."
Stock then makes his rounds and pays respects to the various guild masters before heading back to HQ.
========== Assuming Stock connects with Armalad to get an update, is it even possible to have a pit on the Float? I mean given it's unusual construction? Knowledge Local take 10 for 15 - are there any "pit-like" constructions that Stock knows of on the Float? Just trying to figure out if the pit is definitely not here
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Monday September 5th, 2022 12:59:13 PM
Delia will head back to HQ at their set time. As she listens intently to Armalad's report, she will place a both steadying and restraining hand on Zanderallen's shoulder, "Was there any light from the grate? Did it look like torchlight, sunlight, weird light?" At the suggestion of checking the Float, she objects, "We know someone came through the gate around the time she went missing and left weighed down by something. They could, technically, not be related, but then why would a magic gate key be in her apartment? The longer we take to commit to going through the gate, the colder Pepper's trail gets. And the more time she spends as a prisoner of presumably this undead guy and his vampire mistress."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Monday September 5th, 2022 8:29:44 PM "So, we got to deal with a lich or something worse? That's just lovely," Bartomus said with enough level of sarcasm that even Stock would note that. He waived off as Stock went about visiting with those he might know in the guilds.
Bartomus grabbed something to eat from a street vendor cart and then he walked back to the HQ building. When everyone got there and Stock shared his report, Bartomus added anything that Stock might have missed. "So what, vials of sunlight? Holy water blessed by various temples? What else might we need for such a thing?"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d3=1 ; d20+23=32 ; Monday September 5th, 2022 10:11:26 PM
Armalad thinks to what she knows of liches to add ideas for what to use against them. She'll share anything relevant with the team.
(Know: Arcana - 32)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday September 6th, 2022 8:07:09 AM
Stock nods to Bart and says, "I don't know...but I do wish Micah was here. He always had some kind of way to fight back against undead."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+17=31 ; Tuesday September 6th, 2022 9:11:51 AM
Stohp pays close attention to the vision and tries to pick out any and all details that might help the party locate the pit later. She thanks the Star Mage and convenes with the others. "It seems likely Pepper is indeed on the other side of the portal. We'll have to go through it to get our answers." she tells the others what she knows about the magical interference native to the realm they are likely going and brainstorms what work arounds they might manage.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday September 6th, 2022 3:08:58 PM
Zanderallen thanks Drezz for the assistance and warns him the Shields will be entering the Gate in the morning. Joining back up with the others he listens intently to the various pieces of information. The others fear the table might crack under the force of his grip as he hears of the state of Pepper. His voice is almost shaky as he speaks up, "Thank you all for the support. I think the only path open is to go through the Gate. Delia is right, the trail only grows colder the longer we wait. Harrow Moon does not sound like the sort of place to go lightly, rest up well tonight and we'll enter in the morning."
Zander barely manages to follow his own advice, eventually falling deeply asleep. He is awake before the first crack of dawn and wastes no time preparing for the day. First to the roof for prayers and martial exercise, really one and the same to a paladin of Domi. Then he begins his arming ritual, following a ritual prayer over each armor piece. He eats a quick breakfast and is ready to depart.
We'll have to go through (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 6th, 2022 8:00:14 PM
Galendral shakes his head at Armalad’s question. “Not of the Wold is the best I can do.”
Delia’s question reminds Armalad that they saw no light sources looking up, merely an overall dusk like effect.
Stock, and everyone else, knows you can’t dig a stone pit in the Float.
Armalad shares what she knows about liches to the team. OOC - Feel free to read the monster manual entry on the Pathfinder site
All in all, the group determines that they’re gonna have to go through the gate.
A night’s sleep is taken.
Preparations are made.
In the morning, the Shields work their way down to the alley on Trash Level, and close to Lernitig’s Gate.
The Gate flashes, and becomes transparent. A window to another place. Or more accurately, a door. On the other side is a wasteland of black rock under an eerie, cloud covered, sulfur colored sky.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday September 7th, 2022 12:19:09 AM
Armalad says, "Well Liches are undead so they are immune to all mind affecting effects, bleed, death effects, disease, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning, nonlethal damage, ability drain, energy drain, physical ability score damage, exhausition, fatigue effects, and they are not at risk of death from sustaining massive damage. That also means they don't eat, sleep or breathe. Liches particularly are harder to impact with channeling than most undead, and require magical bludgeoning weapons in order to bypass their damage reduction which is fairly high. They also are immune to cold and electricity and they have this thing called a phylactery that we have to find and destroy if we don't want it to keep coming back. It's touch attacks do negative energy damage, it possesses a fear aura that could make us shaken and if it hits you with its touch attack you need to physically resist or become permanently paralyzed though for all intents and purposes you appear dead and in order to remove the paralysis you need either remove paralysis or any spell that can remove a curse so we probably should prepare some of those spells or get some scrolls going into this and it probably wouldn't hurt to have some way to improve our ability to resist things physically."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday September 7th, 2022 8:50:01 AM
Stock looks at Armalad and says, "You sure you didn't miss your calling as an encyclopedia?" He then leads the way through the portal.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20=3 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 9:23:49 AM
Stohp goes in behind Stock keeping aware of any possible dangers (perception 20)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=36 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 10:52:50 AM
He had gotten himself up and did his morning meditations with his focus on projectiles, healing, and strength along with flashes of fire and lightening. It was a meditation that sent him reflecting on previous battles and engagements and what had worked and what hadn't as well as he hoped. He made sure when it was over and he was gearing up, that he double checked his new gear and loaded the sling with one of the magic bullets before wrapping it about his hand. Grabbing his glave after he got his armor shifted into the right place, he headed down and joined the others. He made sure to grab a roll and some cheese to munch on the way to the lifts.
As they walked he reflected on what Armalad shared about liches. He had asked her a few things as they walked and he nodded in understanding as he heard what she said clearer this time. When Stock made his encyclopedia comment, Bartomus sighed as the dwarf stepped through the portal.
"Ya know, he does have a cute, softer side," Bartomus tried to say it sincerely and then started giggling at the thought. "Probably at the bottom of his left toe or something. What would an adventure be without someone playing the Grumpy type, right?"
Bartomus stepped through the portal scanning about as he did so.
Perception 36
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+21=30 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 1:24:32 PM
In the morning, Delia went through her morning routine of stretching, exercising, and thoroughly checking her equipment. As they set out, she move next to Zanderallen, "It would be useless to tell you not to worry, but we will find Pepper." She awkwardly nods and then moves to the front of the group.
Delia tries to move through the portal first and immediately starts searching for the match of the tracks left on their side of the portal before their own footprints can muddy the ground.
===================== Survival: 30 (37 for tracking)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d100=24 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 3:35:01 PM
Zander pauses just outside the gate, holding the key model. "Do we need to leave the key on this side, or take it through with us?" If nobody knows he steps through the gate last, holding the key. ------- OOC: accidental role
Scene 2: To the Rescue
Harrowed Moon (DM MikeK) d20=14 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 8:10:06 PM
The Shields make their preparations, and step through the Gate.
-
You find yourself on a slight rise, overlooking a wasteland of blasted black rock under an eerie, overcast, sulfur colored sky. It is chilly - a dry, thin sharpness in the air - pricking at your windpipe and lungs, as they struggle to adjust to the feeling. It is silent, no wind, no birdsong, no insects, no movement but your own. Even that sounds wrong, the once familiar creak of leather, clink of metal, and crunch of footfalls on the stone perceived as if from a distance, rather than your own.
Shadows form, and then dissipate, across the landscape below, with no discernable reason for their existence. Landscape is covered, and then revealed - craggy black hills, sharp waterless gullies, a cluster of white crystal-like forms in the distance.
Perhaps you are surprised, perhaps not, to note the Gate is gone, as is the replica that brought you here.
Delia bends low, eyes scanning the ground. The rocky soil is difficult to read. The odd shadows hinder her. And yet, the ranger’s eyes make out telltale sign. The footprints were here, and moved … wait, there is no north. No stars. No suns. No moon. Cardinal directions do not exist here. The ranger considers. The tracks lead … straight ahead.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=35 ; Thursday September 8th, 2022 12:47:04 AM
Armalad changed her spells up a little. She says, "So remember we were talking about how Liches have high DR overcome by magic and bludgeoning weapons, well I don't have one of those or the ability to even temporarily give myself one, so I guess I'll cast and use my bow like I always do."
She also takes in her surroundings (Perception: 35)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday September 8th, 2022 7:46:50 AM
Stohp is immediately concerned. "This rescue attempt is pointless if we can't cross back over from this side. Do we have magic that can get us out of here?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+24=28 ; Thursday September 8th, 2022 8:53:08 AM "Oh yeah bludgeons - I have one of those. Of course it may not be a lich - I was actually concerned about vampires. I bet you could pierce one of those."
He scans the landscape and follows Delia, keeping relatively close. "It might help to let Hawky do some scouting..."
========== Perception 28
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+28=34 ; d20+12=16 ; Thursday September 8th, 2022 10:40:48 AM
Delia takes a moment to steady herself at the sight of the lightless sky, pointing out the tracks. "Whatever took Pepper wanted us to come. And is easy to follow. This screams trap." She takes a moment to cast Longstrider (11hrs) and Darkvision (11hrs) on herself and then strides on, eyes on the footprints.
She puts a concerned hand on Hawky when Stock asks about scouting, "Didn't someone say that flying could get the attention of dangerous things here?" For now, Hawky will keep watch from Delia's shoulder.
Survival: 34 and at full speed Hawky Perception: 16
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+10=12 ; Thursday September 8th, 2022 5:23:50 PM
Zander grimaces slightly when the gate and replica disappear, but he was honestly expecting as much, "We'll just have to find The Inn when we're ready to leave. If we hurry we can make it back in time for supper at the Giggling Ghost. If anyone is in need of a weapon I have a spare", he pats the warhammer bouncing at his hip, "It is made of adamantine, magic, and baned against the undead. If we come against a Lich my blade will carry all the wrath of a paladin's fury." With that said he looses said blade for easy access and motions Delia to lead on, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. -------------------------------- Perception 12
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=21 ; Thursday September 8th, 2022 7:50:37 PM
Bartomus stepped forward and looked about again. It was weird.
"So are we ever going to get the nice warm welcome like at the Ghost with good food, music and drink minus all of this?"
He turned about and gulped as he saw more of the same and at the fact that the gates big or small were already gone.
"Yea, not a fan of this at all."
perception 21
Hawky stands fast (DM MikeK) Thursday September 8th, 2022 7:51:50 PM
In the dim quiet, the Shields converse. Voices are oddly muted.
Armalad confesses he has no weapon to combat liches. Stock replies he is expecting vampires. He asks if Hawky should take flight. Delia recalls stories of this land, and is reluctant to set her loose. For her part, Hawky remains very firmly attached to Delia’s shoulder.
Stohp wonders how the group will get back to the Wold. Zanderallen recalls the Inn should provide the means. The paladin also offers an adamantine war hammer to any who wish it.
Delia casts preparation spells, and follows the tracks. All follow.
Footfalls are muffled as you descend from the rise into a series of small, rocky hillocks.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=35 ; d20+11=22 ; Thursday September 8th, 2022 11:01:07 PM
Armalad says, "Hey what do you know, because I am an arcane archer I know how to use all martial weapons. So I could totally wield that war hammer and my specializiation in universal magic means I can attack with said warhammer at range so unless someone else thinks they'd have a better shot with it, I'll borrow it when we fight the lich."
She then keeps and eye out and keeps a silent step as they move along.
Perception: 35 Stealth: 22
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday September 9th, 2022 8:35:21 AM
If someone needs to borrow a weapon and there are no other spares handy Stohp will surrender her flail. She only uses it to trip people after all. She'll follow the tracks with the rest - this is certainly a trap but they have little other choice in the matter.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+24=37 ; Friday September 9th, 2022 9:54:06 AM "I'm not sure if the thing that took her is intentionally being easy to follow...you could just be really good at tracking, D."
Stock keeps on pushing forward with Delia, eyes on the surrounding hills. He'll choose a larger hill at random and jog up to the top, slowing his pace as he nears the ridgeline to keep from being silhouetted along it. He takes a long from the height and assuming he doesn't see anything, jogs to catch up with the Shields.
======== Perception 37
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday September 9th, 2022 2:35:52 PM
Nodding at Armalad's request for the hammer, Zander trundles onward. "We're not in the Float anymore." he says to no one in particular as the alien landscape and atmosphere weigh down on him.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+28=43 ; d20+12=19 ; Saturday September 10th, 2022 4:30:57 PM
Delia shrugs off Stock's compliment, "He doesn't look to be doing much to cover them. Straight ahead, no diversion, no nothing. Unless he is and I'm totally missing them," she adds with a crooked smile.
She keeps her eyes to the tracks as she walks, trusting the others to spot incoming dangers. So far, her singleminded focus on the tracks help her to push off the gloom of this plane.
New Survival if needed: 43 Hawky Perception: 19
Scout (DM MikeK) Sunday September 11th, 2022 10:30:07 AM
Some discuss weapons. Delia focuses on tracks. All attempt to keep this place, and the reason for being here, contained in the back of your minds.
Stock jogs to the top of a nearby hill.
As he reaches the top, a panicked humanoid scream pierces the silence, accompanied by snarls and howling of some group of animals.
As Stock reaches the top of the hill, and the rest round the corner, the shadows concealing the path suddenly part, revealing four simple wagons lined up next to a gully. Large lizards, now dead, served as draft animals. Lanky canine forms circle the wagons, their snarls now audible in the stillness. One leaps onto a wagon bed, sinks its fangs into a small humanoid creature, and flings it to the ground. An impossibly bright crimson spray marks the arcing path of the unfortunate. It thumps heavily to ground, and is set upon by three more of the canine animals. Its screams are mercifully short.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+9=23 ; Sunday September 11th, 2022 8:40:15 PM
(Can't access the map)
Stohp moves forward and if she can get within 20 feet of one of the things she'll throw a tanglefoot bag at them. 23 to hit touch AC, DC 15 reflex to avoid being glued to the floor, –2 Penalty on attack rolls and a –4 Penalty to Dexterity
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+21=22 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+11=24 ; d8+13=20 ; d6=3 ; d8=7 ; d6=1 ; d8+13=16 ; d6=4 ; Monday September 12th, 2022 3:41:47 PM
If she can see any of the assailants, Delia will fire a full volley off.
If she can't, she will move up to get line of sight and take a single shot.
Hawky remains firmly fixed on Delia for the moment. ======== Attack 1: Nat 1, miss If I didn't have to move: Attack 2: 34 to hit; 23 damage (20 piercing, 3 cold) Attack 3: 26 to hit; 21 damage (20 piercing, 1 cold) Attack 4: 24 to hit; 20 damage (16 piercing, 4 cold)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+22=36 ; d8+17=23 ; d6=4 ; Monday September 12th, 2022 4:19:56 PM
Galvanized into action by the scream Zander wastes no time in rushing to aid without a second thought. He charges the nearest canine, drawing his sword and willing it to ignite as he rushes forward. ------------------------- Charge if within 60 ft, otherwise double move forward 60 ft. +2 to hit, -2 to AC (AC 29)
36 to hit, 27 damage (23 weapon, 4 fire)
Scout Take 2 (DM MikeK) Monday September 12th, 2022 8:07:16 PM
Some discuss weapons. Delia focuses on tracks. All attempt to keep this place, and the reason for being here, contained in the back of your minds.
Stock jogs to the top of a nearby hill.
As he reaches the top, a panicked humanoid scream pierces the silence, accompanied by snarls and howling of some group of animals.
As Stock reaches the top of the hill, and the rest round the corner, the shadows concealing the path suddenly part, revealing four simple wagons lined up next to a gully. Large lizards, now dead, served as draft animals. Lanky canine forms circle the wagons, their snarls now audible in the stillness. One leaps onto a wagon bed, sinks its fangs into a small humanoid creature, and flings it to the ground. An impossibly bright crimson spray marks the arcing path of the unfortunate. It thumps heavily to ground, and is set upon by three more of the canine animals. Its screams are mercifully short.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday September 12th, 2022 8:58:37 PM
Armalad casts Fly on herself and moves forward 60 feet to AR 36 Joker tailing after
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Monday September 12th, 2022 10:11:27 PM
Bartomus runs straight forward after realizing the silence had been pierced by a blood curling scream
"that doesn't sound good at all" He said as he ran.
running straight forward to I believe line 40
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday September 13th, 2022 5:36:43 AM
Stohp takes advantage of her run feet moving 150 feet to AQ/AR 25/26 by my count.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/35 used d20=7 ; Tuesday September 13th, 2022 9:54:59 AM Status: Cat's Grace Stock waves his arm in the direction of the rest of the party, beckoning them forward. He then pulls a potion and drinks it.
============ Knowledge check to identify the canine-like animals rolled a 7 depending on the skill for a total of Nature 17, Local 10, All others 8 Move - Draw potion Standard - Drink 5 ft step to AE37
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday September 13th, 2022 10:51:00 AM
Hearing the howl and seeing Stock wave them forward, Zanderallen takes off at a run. All his training kicking in as he covers grounds, even in his heavy plate. As he comes around the corner of the hill to see the full caravan he draws his sword, willing flames along it's length. He roars a challenge to the wolves hoping to draw their attention from any potential survivors, "AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!" ------------------------------------- Run action for x4 movement (-1x from heavy armor +1x from Run feat) to AM25
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+13=25 ; d20+22=34 ; d8=4 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday September 13th, 2022 12:54:15 PM
Delia also takes off at a run, seeing if she recognizes the wolf creatures. She lets the others rush past her as she lines up her first shot on W6.
============= Move to AQ37 Attack 1 with range penalty: 34 to hit; damage 22 (17 piercing, 5 cold) Know(25) dungeoneering or nature (+4 if they are aberrations)
Wolf Fight - rd 1 (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 13th, 2022 7:27:42 PM
The Shields respond to the attack as heroes do. En masse, you push forward. Stock drinks a potion.
The creatures look like very big wolves. Their hackled fur matches the blackness of the stone ground. All dozen raise their heads, and appraise the approaching heroes with yellow eyes. Each is approximately 8 feet long, stands 4-1/2 feet tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 450 pounds.
Joker follows Armalad, and Hawky glides off of Delia’s shoulder and circles behind her J and H respectively on map. Though both are flying, neither the familiar nor the hawk make any attempt to ascend. Hawky in particular seems keen to stay as close to the ground as possible.
Delia gets close enough for an archer. Her arrow leaves her bow with an unnervingly loud “TWANG”.
The missile flight is true.
The arrow strikes with a THACK easily heard from 200+’ away. Even the sound of the creature’s skin cracking from the freezing bolt is audible.
Your previously dulled senses have come alive, now heightened well beyond normal. Every cry, every clank, every weapon strike is amplified. You can see the saliva dripping from wolves mouths. You can smell the salty tang of blood. Every nuance of the life and death conflict assaults your senses.
Everyone Will Save DC 12 or be Shaken.
The wolves advance, moving silently but quickly to form a long front to meet the Shields.
Armalad fires an arrow and imbues it with Shadow Evocation choosing to mimic a fireball spell.
She targets W5 (37 vs AC; 7 + 1 shock nonlethal damage) to W5 plus W5, W2, W6 and W7 all have to make DC 21 Will Save followed by a DC 21 Reflex Save or take 34 fire damage
Succeeding on the Will save means the damage done is only 1/5th (so 6) and surviving on the Reflex save mean only half the damage is dealt (3 or 17 depending on Will save result)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday September 14th, 2022 8:05:59 AM
Stohp moves 10 feet to the left to stand with Z. Let the wolves come to them while the ranged PCs wear them down.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+20=28 ; Wednesday September 14th, 2022 1:06:43 PM
Zanderallen slides to a halt, the crunching of the ground loud beneath his plate boots. He throws off any feelings of dread and stands ready to meet the wolf like creatures. "Come and meet Domi!" He calls forth his divine bond to empower his blade. His sword seems to blur slightly as it moves with inhuman speed. ------------------------------------ Divine Bond Sword - improved to +5 Flaming Speed Longsword - 14 minutes
Shaken - Immune if Fear, Will Save 28 if otherwise
Standard action Divine Bond
no other actions.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+12=24 ; Wednesday September 14th, 2022 3:26:21 PM
Bartomus snapped put of the mental fog when he heard the arrow release and all sensory perceptions increased dramatically. He moved quickly forward and came to a stop as he cast the spikey stone fence from the slope on his left and out in front of Zander and Stohp.
will save 24 Spikey stones starting at 20' Square @ AF/Ag 32/33 forward 7 20' sqs then over 1 20 sq w top edge at AH/AI 23. Then two upwards to AH/AI 19 Then to the right to Aq/AR 19
Here's the spell link 1d8 per 5' sq traveled thru Reflex save against 18 to avoid injures to feet reducing sped by half if failed.
Wolf Fight - rd (DM2 MikeK) d20+14=19 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+20=35 ; 2d6+11=18 ; d4=1 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=21 ; Wednesday September 14th, 2022 8:57:58 PM Stohp, Delia, and Stock Will Save DC 12 or be Shaken.
Armalad flies forward, and launches an arrow imbued with Shadow magic. The arrow strikes W5 true.
W2, W6, and W7 dodge frantically at the blast. W2 and W6 manage to avoid the brunt of the damage.
Stohp closes with Zanderallen. The paladin slides to a halt, the crunching of the ground loud beneath his plate boots.
Bart moves forward and casts a spell. What he has done is not immediately apparent to anyone else.
Most of the wolves continue circling in on the Shields.
W10 and W11 rush in and snap at Stohp. Stohp gets an AoO
One connects, sinking its teeth into the taur's calf and yanking her off her feet. Stohp takes 18 hp damage. Also make Fort Save vs DC 19 or -1 Con (poison). Also, has been tripped and is prone.
W8 and W9 close on Zanderallen. Large jaws snap at his legs, attempting the same tactic on the paladin. But they are unable to get past his defense.
W6 and W7 advance, but then recoil sharply at something on the ground. W6 stops at AG-AGH/23. W7 at AF/24-25. Both warily back off and circle.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+9=23 ; d20+19=35 ; d8=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; 4d6=9 ; Thursday September 15th, 2022 12:17:16 AM
Armalad says to Joker, "Meet me 20 feet off the ground at my position then how about you make me a cloud."
Armalad moves to AR30 at 20 feet up, Joker moves to AR31 at 20 feet up then Joker uses 1 charge of the wand of silent image it carries to make the illusion of a cloud in AR30, AR31, AP30 and AP31. (OOC: Joker's UMD score is +21 and activating a wand is DC 20 so Joker auto-succeeds at the attempt)
Armalad saves against the silent image of a cloud that Joker creates (23 vs DC11) around her
She then proceeds to launch a single arrow at W10 for which she has concealment is within 30 feet and uses her deadly aim ability (35 vs AC; 1d8 + 1d6 + 1d6 shock + 4d6 + 11 = (1 + 3 + 6 + 9 + 11) = 24 + 6 shock nonlethal damage to W10
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+8=24 ; d20+22=24 ; Thursday September 15th, 2022 8:05:07 AM
Stohp will try to trip one of the wolves as they rush in to keep them in range. 24 to trip.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 83/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday September 15th, 2022 8:05:53 AM
(Forgot to update HP in header. She did make the fort save with 24)
Stock (JonM) HP: 214/214; AC: 27/24/15; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 1/35 used d20+10=12 ; d20+18=23 ; d10+23=31 ; d6=6 ; Thursday September 15th, 2022 9:57:36 AM Status: Cat's Grace, Raging Stock notes the encircling wolves, he thinks about closing with his friends but instead charges ahead, slipping into a rage and trying to strike the nearest lupine form.
=========== Will Save 12 vs DC12. Nailed it. Move to AD33 PA hits AC23 vs W1, 31 damage + 6 electricity Depending on their reach, Stock may get an AOO here from Unexpected Strike. Rage Power: Unexpected Strike - The barbarian can make an attack of opportunity against a foe that moves into any square threatened by the barbarian, regardless of whether or not that movement would normally provoke an attack of opportunity. This power can only be used once per rage. A barbarian must be at least 8th level before selecting this power.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+21=28 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=14 ; d8+18=20 ; d6=5 ; d8+18=23 ; d6=4 ; d8+18=21 ; d6=5 ; d8+18=21 ; d6=3 ; Thursday September 15th, 2022 2:57:34 PM
Zander has no time to assess the main battle, he knows they're outnumbered but he has several bad doggies snapping at his ankles. Keeping his guard and stance low to meet their ugly mutts he unleashes a series of lightning fast attacks. -------------------------- Divine Bond Sword - improved to +5 Flaming Speed Longsword - 14 minutes
Full Attack W8
28 to hit, 25 damage (20 weapon, 5 fire) 36 to hit, 27 damage (23 weapon, 4 fire) 19 to hit, 26 damage (21 weapon, 5 fire) 14 to hit, 24 damage (21 weapon, 3 fire)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+12=18 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+11=15 ; d8+14=18 ; d6=1 ; d8+14=18 ; d6=3 ; d20+12=22 ; Thursday September 15th, 2022 4:05:47 PM Apologies. Yesterday got away from me
Delia shook her hand, trying to clear it of the ringing the twang of her bow inches shattering the muted silence caused. By the time it cleared, the wolves had advanced.
She took a deep breath, taking in the brutality surrounding her, and let it out, steadying herself (Will 18). She repositioned and targeted the wolf trying to flank them (W10), releasing a disappointingly inaccurate volley. She shakes herself and resets her feet, ready for them this time.
Hawky will stay close to Delia, rising about 20 feet in the air to stay away from the wolves and keeping an eye out for other incoming threats.
============================================================ 5 ft step to AR36 - full round attack (w/ point blank shot that I forgot to add) Attack 1: fumble Attack 2: 28 to hit; damage 19 Attack 3: fumble Attack 4: 16 to hit; damage 21
Hawky Perception: 22
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday September 15th, 2022 6:42:51 PM
Bartomus didn't like the figures showing up on the ridge and watched in complete dismay as Stock went running off that direction as another large wolf came about at where he and Delia was. He didn't like this at all. He pulled out the metallic rod he had been given and concentrated on the idea of a deluging firestorm coming down on the wolves to Stock's left side.
"Let it rain fire," Bartomus said as he completed the spell and flicked the tip of the metal rod where he intended the storm to erupt.
Utilizing the Lesser Maximize Metamagic Rod and casting it centered on X40 - excluding Stock if the 28 ten-foot cubes would reach that far - I don't think they do.
Reflex save against 18 saves half; spell resistance.
1d6 x 14 to all those struck by fire - I believe that would be 84 points of damage done to anyone caught in the storm; Those that fail the reflex save - catch fire and endure 4d6 fire damage each round until put out.
http://legacy.aonprd.com/coreRulebook/spells/fireStorm.html#fire-storm link as I may not have done all of this right
Stohp tries to trip “one of the wolves”. She missed. Designate actual targets from now on, please.
Throwing caution to the wind, Stock races forward. W1 nimbly dodges the frothing dwarf’s attack.
Zanderallen can feel the heat from his blade as the lays about. Two deep crimson lines appear in W8. The giant wolf yips in pain but doesn’t retreat.
Delia repositions and fires a volley at W10. Only one of her arrows find the mark. Hawky ascends, but is only willing to rise to 15’, no higher.
Bartomus casts a spell. As he is casting a 7th Level spell, and Lesser Metamagic rods only work for spell levels 1-3, he gets no aid from the wand. Also, no charge is used. Since Stock is not a plant creature, Bart cannot explicitly exclude the dwarf from the area of effect. However, we will assume Bart placed the area of effect just beyond Stock, The five wolves to Stock’s front are engulfed in a Fire Storm
W1, W3, and W7 catch fire.
As Stohp falls prone, W5 joins W11 and W12 in attacking the taur. One rips into her. Stohp takes 19 hp damage, plus make Fort saves vs DC19 or -4 Con.
W8 and W9 continue to attack Zanderallen, One breaks through his defense. Teeth clamp painfully on his leg, and with a quick rip of its head, the wolf has him on ground. Zanderallen takes 22 hp damage, plus make Fort saves vs DC19 or -1 Con (poison), plus is prone.
W10 swoops in at Delia. It too, rips her from her feet. Delia takes 21 hp damage, plus make Fort saves vs DC19 or -3 Con (poison), plus is prone.
A flaming W7 turns tails and runs away.
W2 and W3 join W1 in attacking Stock. Stock does get an AoO. Two rip into him. But knocking a dwarf from his feet is no small task. Stock remains upright. Stock takes 36 hp damage, plus make two Fort saves vs DC19 or -2 Con and -2 Con respectively (poison).
—---------------- W1 - wounded, on fire W2 - wounded W3 - wounded, on fire W4 - wounded W5 - wounded W6 - wounded W7 - run away W8 - wounded W10 - wounded
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+13=16 ; Thursday September 15th, 2022 9:28:30 PM
Bartomus watched the fire rain down and smirked as he slipped the rod into his belt. He hadn't ever really used that spell before, had learned it and thought about it, but it was something else to see. Then he saw the wolf slam into Delia ripping her from her feet and biting into her.
"I am really starting to hate this place," Bartomus moved to where he could take a swipe Wolf 10 attacking or moving away from Delia.
[I]16 to hit, I think that is a miss. Not sure if that wolf dashed in and then left or is near to Delia.[/]
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+17=29 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+12=14 ; d8=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; 4d6=19 ; Thursday September 15th, 2022 11:19:55 PM
(OOC: With respect to Joker saying we are too high to be within 30 feet Pythagoras says otherwise. Per the pythagorean theorem a squared + b squared = c squared when trying to find the distance of the hypotenuse of a triangle. Because the Wolf is on the ground at AU30 and Armalad is 20 feet up at AR30 then sides a and b of the triangle between Armalad and the wolf are 20 and 15 respectively so side c which is the distance from armalad to the wolf is the square root of 20 squared + 15 squared or 400 + 225 or 625 and the square root of 625 is simply 25 so Armalad is 25 feet from W10 meaning she is right where she intended to be)
"keep concentrating on the cloud!" Armalad says to Joker
Armalad fires a rapid shot barrage of deadly aimed sneak attacked arrows at W10
29 vs AC; hit I think? for 1d8 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 4d6 + 11 = 3 + 4 + 2 + 19 + 11 or 37 + 2 shock nonlethal damage 24 vs AC; miss I think? 14 vs AC; miss I am certain
Stock (JonM) HP: 184/214; AC: 27/24/15; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 1/35 used d20+18=30 ; d10+23=32 ; d6=5 ; d10+19=22 ; d3=3 ; d10+19=29 ; d10+18=21 ; d10+13=23 ; d10+8=10 ; Friday September 16th, 2022 8:39:44 AM Status: Cat's Grace, Raging
Stock reacts on instinct slamming one of the incoming wolves, he then feels them slam into him, biting and trying to flip him off his feet. Easier said than done though when dealing with a raging dwarf.
His battle rage focuses on the wolf in front of him and he swings over and over.
========== AOO vs W2 from last round hits AC30, 32 bludgeoning + 5 electricity Fort Saves - 22, 29 (actually I think those should have been +20 so 23 and 30); can you also tell me how many incoming attacks hit so I can apply DR effectively? This time it is easy because of the Fort saves but in the future... PA1 vs W1 hits AC21 PA2 vs W1 hits AC23 PA3 vs W1 hits AC10 (oh those rolls)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 127/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+21=25 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+7=22 ; d8+18=24 ; d6=2 ; d8+18=25 ; d6=3 ; Friday September 16th, 2022 11:42:38 AM
Falling with an oof and a loud clang Zander fights to a sitting position. With two wolves looming over him he rates his chances of regaining his feet as low and fights from the ground, making as brave an effort as he can. Even from the ground his sword strikes out with a vengeance. -------------------------------------- Divine Bond Sword - improved to +5 Flaming Speed Longsword - 14 minutes
Prone (-4 to hit in melee, +4 to be hit in melee)
Fort save 25 passes
Full Attack W8 19 misses 24 to hit, 26 damage 14 misses 22 to hit, 28 damage
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 64/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+8=14 ; Saturday September 17th, 2022 2:05:49 AM
(Sorry I meant for that to be the AoO on the one that damaged me)
Stohp decides she won't be much help killing these things but she can keep them distracted. She goes total defense for +4 AC this round. She fails her save this time.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 58/79; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+12=13 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+20=34 ; d8=1 ; Saturday September 17th, 2022 11:02:23 AM (this is totally on me, but I hadn't updated my CMD on my header with the belt of str/dex and I guess some levels of BAB and it's actually 39, updated now)
Longstrider, Darkvision, Con -3, maybe Prone
Prone AC: 22 (24 against the first hit)
Delia curses colourfully as she hits the ground, unable to shake off the burning sensation spreading from her wound. She whistles and Hawky swoops to AU34, using the Aid Another action to give Delia a +2 AC versus the next attack against her.
Her sword slithers from her sheath and she will attempt to stand up, taking a single swing at W4.
================== Con save 13 vs DC 19 Hawky Attack: 28 vs Aid AC 10 Delia Attack: 34 to hit, 6 damage
Wolf Fight - rd 4 (DM2 MikeK) d20+18=33 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+18=25 ; 2d6+11=21 ; d4=4 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=20 ; 2d6+11=19 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=20 ; 4d6=11 ; Saturday September 17th, 2022 12:03:33 PM
Bart moves to aid Delia, swinging at the wolf, but missing.
Armalad snaps at Joker to maintain the illusion. She fires a salvo at W10. The first arrow hits hard, killing the wolf.
Joker is not happy. “Boss, it’s not safe. We’re too high.” The mephit maintains her position.
Stock blasts W2 as it approaches, but is unable to connect again.
Zanderallen lays about from a sitting position. But none of his attacks connect.
Stohp goes totally defensive.
With W10 dead by Armalad’s arrow, Delia is able to get to her feet unmolested. W4 is too far away to attack
W5, W11, and W12 continue attacking Stohp. Snarls, teeth, and the scent of death assault the taur. W5 rips through her defense, drawing more blood. Stohp takes 21 hp damage, and Fort DC 19 or lose 4 Con.
Zanderallen is experiencing the same. W8 and W9 snap and growl. W8 bites down hard. Zanderallen takes 19 hp damage.
W2 has had enough and flees the raging dwarf.
W1 and W3 are still burning, and both decide that takes priority. Stepping away from Stock, each rolls along the stones in an attempt to extinguish the flames before rising back to their feet. W1 is still burning. The odor of roasting flesh is powerfully strong. W3 has managed to extinguish the flames.
—---------------- W1 - wounded, on fire W2 - ran away W3 - wounded W4 - wounded W5 - wounded W6 - wounded W7 - ran away W8 - wounded W10 - dead
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+13=23 ; Saturday September 17th, 2022 6:39:16 PM "Really, really starting to hate this place," Bartomus shifted to AP/AQ 36 (5') and tried stabbing at the wolf that had torn into Delia. But his glave missed. The Taur bellowed loudly.
Attack on W4 for 23 - miss
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 43/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+8=26 ; Sunday September 18th, 2022 8:20:53 PM
Stohp managed to resist the poison (26 save) and continues to play defense and keep them hopefully busy.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+17=22 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+12=29 ; d8=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; 4d6=12 ; d8=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; Sunday September 18th, 2022 9:00:08 PM
Armalad says to Joker, "What is so unsafe about our position? Also keep maintaining the cloud illusion"
Armalad fires at W12 this time with the same combination she used against W10 ( a rapid shot barrage of deadly aimed sneak attacked arrows )
22 vs AC miss 30 vs AC hit for 1d8 + 1d6 + 1d6 shock + 4d6 sneak attack + 11 = (3 + 5 + 1 + 12 + 11) = 31 + 1 shock nonlethal damage 29 vs AC hit for 1d8 + 1d6 + 1d6 shock + 11 = (3 + 5 + 3 + 11) = 19 + 3 shock nonlethal damage
Stock (JonM) HP: 184/214; AC: 27/24/15; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 1/35 used d20+18=37 ; d20+22=24 ; d10+23=32 ; d6=1 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+12=32 ; d10+23=30 ; d6=4 ; 2d10+46=56 ; d6=5 ; d8=6 ; Monday September 19th, 2022 8:33:55 AM Status: Cat's Grace, Raging "No you don't get away, Doggy. Come back here." Stock closes again with the smoldering wolf thing, gives the end of his flail an extra twirl and then slams it again...and again...and AGAIN.
He looks up at the other wolf and shouts, "You're next" ========= 5 ft step to AC32 PA1 vs W1 hits AC37, Crit threat, Probably does not confirm vs AC24, 32 bludgeoning + 1 electricity PA2 vs W1 hits AC27, 30 bludgeoning + 4 electricity PA3 vs W1 hits AC28, Crit threat, Confirms vs AC32, 56 bludgeoning + 5 electricity + 6 sonic + DC14 Fort save or be deafened + sickening critical = sickened for 1 minute
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 108/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+17=27 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+7=8 ; d8+18=26 ; d6=5 ; d8+18=21 ; d6=3 ; Monday September 19th, 2022 10:52:46 AM "Bad dogs!" Zander yells as he fights to keep his shield between himself and the gnashing teeth. He's mostly successful but roars in pain as he gets chomped again. He retaliates with some swings of his own. ------------------------------------- Divine Bond Sword - improved to +5 Flaming Speed Longsword - 14 minutes
Prone (-4 to hit in melee, +4 to be hit in melee)
Full Attack on W8 27 to hit, 31 damage 29 to hit, 24 damage 17 misses 8 misses
Delia (Hannah) HP: 58/79; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+22=34 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+12=29 ; d8+14=21 ; d6=6 ; d8+14=20 ; d6=5 ; d8+14=21 ; d6=6 ; d8+14=22 ; d6=3 ; d8+14=15 ; d6=1 ; d20+14=24 ; Monday September 19th, 2022 4:22:10 PM (if no wolf was able to eat me, I would have kept my bow out and not drawn the sword)
Delia will shout up at Armalad as she carefully maneuvers away from the wolf's snapping jaws, "Somebody said flying high is bad and attracts attention! Hawky won't go up high either."
She takes a breath in, releases slightly, then fires a devastating volley at the wolf in front of her (W4). If she kills it, she whirls to face W12 and unleashes the rest. She lets out a signal whistle as the last arrow leaves her hand and Hawky swoops off to help Stohp.
====================== 5 ft step to AR36 34 to hit; 52 damage (21+6+20+5) 26 to hit; 27 damage (21+6) 36 to hit; crit threat 19 not confirmed; 25 damage (22+3) 29 to hit; 16 damage (15+1)
Hawky (10ft elevation) moves to AS22 and uses his action to Aid Another (24 to hit vs AC 10) to give Stohp a +2 AC against W11's next attack.
Wolf Fight - rd 5 (DM2 MikeK) d20+18=35 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+18=25 ; 2d6+11=17 ; d4=1 ; Monday September 19th, 2022 7:06:31 PM
Bartomus shifts position and tries stabbing at the wolf that had torn into Delia. But his glave missed.
Stohp resists the poison and continues to play defense to hopefully keep the wolves busy.
Armalad asks Joker what the issue is with her position, while directing him to keep it up. She fires a salvo that buries two arrows deep into the previously unwounded W12. Joker maintains position. “I can’t explain. I just got a really bad feeling about being this visible to anyone looking. We’re the only cloud in the sky.”
Stock closes again with the smoldering W1, gives the end of his flail an extra twirl and then slams it again...and again...and AGAIN. Bones crack, and crack again. The wolf howls piteously before another crunch cuts it off.
Zanderallen shifts and scoots and swings. The paladin starts to get his range. W8 drops with his first blow. He slices W9 deeply on his second.
Delia shouts up at Armalad as she carefully maneuvers away from the wolf's snapping jaws, "Somebody said flying high is bad and attracts attention! Hawky won't go up high either."
The archer then looses an impressive volley. W4 doesn’t have time to utter a sound, and W12 fares no better. Both wolves die quickly.
W3 isn’t interested in taking on Stock alone. The wolf turns tail and runs.
But W5, W9, and W11 think they might be close to poaching a taur sized meal. All three turn on Stohp. W5 snaps through her defensive flailing. Stohp takes 17 hp damage, and Fort DC 19 or lose 1 Con.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=38 ; d8=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; 4d6=16 ; Monday September 19th, 2022 10:44:59 PM
Armalad says to Joker, "Follow me and don't stop the cloud illusion. Also would you rather take your chances on the ground with the wolves?" she asks the mephit
She moves at an angle to be 15 feet off the ground at AR27 with Joker hopefully the same height at AR28 and then fires a single arrow (no rapid shot but with deadly aim and sneak attack)
38 vs AC; for 1d8 + 1d6 + 1d6 shock + 4d6 + 11 = (2 + 3 + 6 + 16 + 11) = 32 + 6 shock all nonlethal at W11
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 26/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+8=26 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2022 7:30:59 AM
Stohp manages to continue resisting the poison and stay alive long enough for her allies to hopefully bail her out this round. She continues to flail with her flail in a defensive way.
Stock (JonM) HP: 184/214; AC: 27/24/15; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 1/35 used Tuesday September 20th, 2022 10:09:20 AM Status: Cat's Grace, Raging
Stock runs down the hill to assist Stohp.
=========== It looks too far to charge into combat so looks like Stock will take the Run action. Run to AN25
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 108/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+17=31 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+7=13 ; d8+18=23 ; d6=3 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2022 11:27:44 AM
Zanderallen rolls slightly to get his sword arm over, "Get off her!" he yells as he fights to get the wolves off Stohp. He gets one blow in. ------------------------------------ Divine Bond Sword - improved to +5 Flaming Speed Longsword - 14 minutes
Prone (-4 to hit in melee, +4 to be hit in melee)
Full Attack on W9 31 hits, 26 damage 24 misses 13 misses 13 misses
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+15=26 ; d6+2=5 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2022 3:59:14 PM
Bartomus moved forward taking time to uncurl the sling wrapped about his hand and drop one of the magic bullets into it and twirled it about. The sling, it was the new one he had specially worked in the catacombs to combine with the bullets, sent a bullet at the wolf to Stohp's right (w11). He was equally grateful for the training the WAL had given him in making precise shots.
Move to AP/AQ 30 for 30 feet Magic sling and magic bullets - 26 v AC? - if a hit = 5pts damage
Delia (Hannah) HP: 58/79; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=22 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=25 ; d8=7 ; d6=3 ; d8=2 ; d6=1 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2022 6:49:55 PM
Delia switches targets to one of the wolves still alive attacking Stohp and fires away.
22 to hit; miss 25 to hit; 23 damage (20+3) 19 to hit; miss 29 to hit; 16 damage (15+1)
Wolf Fight - rd 6 (DM2 MikeK) Tuesday September 20th, 2022 7:01:19 PM
Armalad reduces his height slightly, then batters W11 with a well placed shot. Joker follows suit, maintaining the illusion.
Stohp flails with her flail.
Stock dwarf rushes down the hill.
Zanderallen, Delia, and Bartomus succeed in bringing down W9.
This last casualty breaks the resolve of the final two wolves. They turn and bound away.
– End Combat
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=22 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2022 7:48:11 PM "really, really not a fan of these things," Bartomus said as he examined one of the creatures and took some time to memorize the form, just on case its a form he may need to assume at some point.
"we gotta check on those folk that these things attacked," Bartomus added. He fished into one of his pouches and pulled out s couple potions. "Who needs healing swigs?
Bartomus will offer two of his CMW potions with anyone needing them. Also has a pair of CSW and can heal as well.
Go along with others to caravan survivors. Perception of 22
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=30 ; Tuesday September 20th, 2022 11:19:59 PM
"Come Joker, let us attend to the wagons the wolves were attacking. We can reduce our height further to ground level and you can dismiss the cloud illusion, we shan't be needing it anymore." Armalad says to her familiar as they move towards the caravan.
Perception: 30
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 26/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday September 21st, 2022 7:09:15 AM
Stohp tiredly raises her hand, being down to a quarter of her health.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 58/79; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+22=23 ; d20+12=23 ; Wednesday September 21st, 2022 10:15:15 AM
Delia will join in looking for survivors, sending Hawky to sit on the top of a wagon (not pushing him to go higher than he will comfortably go) to keep watch.
Delia Perception: 22 Hawky Perception: 23
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 108/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20+14=24 ; Wednesday September 21st, 2022 1:57:09 PM
Zanderallen pushes up to his feet, watching the last couple wolves run away. He offers a hand to Stohp, palm slightly glowing with holy energy. "On your feet big girl, I'll channel some more healing once we've checked for survivors in case they need help. But this should patch up the worst of it." ------------------------ Divine Bond 13 minutes
Lay on Hand on Stohp for 35 hp also neutralizes any poison and removes any disease with a save DC of 24 or less
Stock (JonM) HP: 142/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used d20+19=30 ; Wednesday September 21st, 2022 6:07:55 PM
A tired Stock comes to a stop and grunts. "Hold up Armalad...let me help."
Perception 30
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday September 22nd, 2022 1:05:59 AM
Time slows down for Armalad as they approach the caravan (OOC: Checking in)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 61/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday September 22nd, 2022 7:23:16 AM
Stohp thanks Zander for the healing.
Caravan (DM MikeK) d20+17=29 ; Thursday September 22nd, 2022 8:25:16 AM
With the wolves fled, the plain falls silent. The sharpness of the battle again gives way to a subdued dullness.
Bart offers healing potions to any who need one. Stohp raises a tired hand. Zanderallen pushes up to his feet, watching the last couple wolves run away. He offers a hand to Stohp, palm slightly glowing with holy energy. Stohp - healed 35 hp and poison neutralized, healing lost Con damage.
Aramalad returns to ground level, to the obvious relief of Joker. The mephit also returns to ground level and dismisses the illusion.
You all head over to the ambushed caravan.
Four wagons, ten by fifteen feet, were each pulled by a pair of large monitor lizard looking creatures. The wagons contain basics of a moving household under canvas - foodstuffs, some simple tools, wood, a couple simple stools. The household was a dozen or so goblins. Haphazardly scattered arms, legs, and torso make the exact count difficult.
The lizards and the goblins are all dead.
Stock and Armalad Highlight to display spoiler: { The pair are standing upon the third wagon when both hear movement under one of the piles of canvas.}
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=18 ; Thursday September 22nd, 2022 12:10:58 PM "Poor folk didn't stand much of a chance against those things," Bartomus said as he shook his head in frustration at the complete brutality of the attack on the goblin caravan.
"Seems like two choices, we follow the way they traveled, of see if we can get some idea of where they were heading." He tried scanning back the direction that the caravan had traveled, but kept having his eyes wander about the remains.
[I] perception 18, so rolled a two.[ /i]
Delia (Hannah) HP: 58/79; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Thursday September 22nd, 2022 12:51:16 PM
As the adrenaline of the battle fades, Delia examines the bite on her leg, grimacing at the look of it and the burning sensation still pulsing through her veins. She carefully limps over to Zander, "This bite isn't normal and Stohp's bites look a look less angry after your help. Would you be able to help me out too?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+5=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d20+14=16 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; Thursday September 22nd, 2022 3:05:32 PM
Zander grimaces as he views the aftermath of the wolf attack. He's a little surprised to see goblins, until he realizes they're not in the Float anymore, the shields were the outsiders here. He wishes peace to their souls and moves to deal with the injuries of the group. He inspects Delia's bite wound and determines it needs some attention. So he first focuses to cleanse it before gathering his will and the group to heal everyone. ----------------------------- Heal 19 to inspect wound for poison or disease
Lay on Hand Delia - heals 27 hp and removes poison and disease with a save DC of 16 or lower
Channel Energy (lay on hands x2) - Everyone heals 31 hp
4 of 14 lay on hands used
Stock (JonM) HP: 142/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used Thursday September 22nd, 2022 6:33:09 PM ”Armalad - do you hear that? Help me move this stuff. Something is alive down there.” Stock starts trying to dig out whatever is making the noises.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=20 ; d20+17=33 ; Thursday September 22nd, 2022 11:13:45 PM
Armalad says, "Come Joker. Let's help our Dwarf friend with the investigation into the mysterious noise."
Armalad and Joker help Stock as needed.
Perception - 20 - Armalad Perception - 33 - Joker
Something is alive down there (DM MikeK) Friday September 23rd, 2022 7:39:18 AM
The carnage is disheartening, even when victims are goblins.
Zanderallen turns to heal up Delia.
Meanwhile, Armalad and Stock have found something in one of the wagons. The pair move a box, a chair, a sack of meal, a coil of rope, and find a goblin. The female, clutching something under her cloak, scoots as far away from the two as the gear in the wagon will allow. Shivering with fear, she stares with widened eyes at the dwarf and the elf.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used d20+3=20 ; Friday September 23rd, 2022 12:47:17 PM
Stock looks rather unimpressed with the goblin. "Who are you? What can you tell us about this place?"
He scratches his face, looks over his shoulder and then shouts out, "Z - I need your eloquence over here."
========== Diplomacy 20
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday September 23rd, 2022 2:15:44 PM
Hearing his name Zander comes over, "Does anyone speak goblin?" Not waiting for a reply he makes sure his weapons are fully put away and removes his gauntlets, baring his hands. He walks up to the back of the wagon making sure not to crowd the goblin, hands held up and open. He speaks in as soothing a voice as he can manage hoping to get his point across in tone and body language even if the goblin can't understand him, "Hello. You are safe. My name is Zanderallen. What is your name?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=36 ; Friday September 23rd, 2022 5:33:25 PM "um uh, no, not even sure what it sounds like." Bartomus does everything possible to look less than a threat. He continued to walk about trying to see if there are any indications of where this caravan was heading.
perception 36
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=32 ; d20+12=16 ; Friday September 23rd, 2022 10:42:15 PM
Delia nods in thanks to Zander as the poison leaves her system and then lets the others deal with the goblin.
She will keep watch, settling Hawky on her shoulder and smoothing down his ruffled feathers. He will Aid Another on keeping watch
=========================== Delia Perception: 34 Hawky Perception: 16 vs dc 10 aid
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Saturday September 24th, 2022 8:33:04 AM
Stohp thanks people for the healing. She hangs back, not wanting to scare the survivor with her giant size.
Grta (DM MikeK) Sunday September 25th, 2022 2:11:03 PM
Stock is unimpressed with the goblin. Truth be told, it is an unimpressive looking goblin. Scrawny, even for a goblin, and covered in a ragged cloak of worn canvas, it stares wordlessy at the dwarf.
Zanderallen comes over, and begin soothingly talking to it.
Bartomus stays away from the goblin, instead walking around the wagons. There is worn track here that the wagons were traveling along. The makeshift road continues westward, weaving around a couple hills until it is lost from sight.
Delia and Hawky keep watch.
Nothing appears while Zanderallen keeps up calming the goblin.
After five or ten minutes, the goblin begins to relax slightly. Looking at Zanderallen, she answers in common, “I am Grta. Why are you here?”
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+17=19 ; Sunday September 25th, 2022 7:09:23 PM
Stohp looks for anything useful that isn't 'broken. The survivor will need anything and everything that survived to rebuild her life. (perception 19)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday September 26th, 2022 12:17:55 AM
Armalad says in Goblin, "We are looking for someone."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used d20+24=37 ; Monday September 26th, 2022 8:35:55 AM
Stock backs off but keeps within hearing range, rifling through the remains of the caravan for anything of use or value.
========== Perception 37
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Monday September 26th, 2022 11:04:59 AM "Alright, so we have a couple of options," Bartomus offered up as he looked westward towards the hills in the distance. "If we can't figure out from her where they were going, we can always take her back to where they came from, right?"
Bartomus pointed off to where the road vanished between the hills. When he heard the woman speak, he looked over in her direction.
"Oh, good, we can communicate," Bartomus said with some relief apparent in his town.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Monday September 26th, 2022 12:24:51 PM
Delia continues to keep watch for any additional external threats, murmuring to Hawky in an encouraging tone that is just as much for her as it is for him.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+25=40 ; Monday September 26th, 2022 7:07:11 PM
Somewhat surprised at hearing the goblin answer in common Zander continues talking in an easy tone, "Nice to meet you Grta. We're here looking for someone. Someone very important to me. She was taken from her home. Where were you going?" ------------ Diplomacy 40
Whete are you going? (DM MikeK) Monday September 26th, 2022 7:40:05 PM
Delia and Hawky keep watch, the ranger comforting herself as much as her companion.
Grta responds to Zanderallen’s questions. “We are going to Town Two. Krrl says we will be safer there. Krrl….” Grta stops, realization sinking in. “Krrl shoved us back here when the wolves came. Told me to hide.” Still lying low in the wagon, Grta asks in a scared whisper, “Where is everyone else?”
Stohp and Stock look through the wagons. Of value, there is nothing, and it doesn’t appear there was anything of value to begin with. However, having very little does help the salvage effort. There are basic tools and grain and simple stools, tables, and a bedframe that can be gathered up.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday September 26th, 2022 11:23:07 PM
Armalad asks Grta if she speaks Goblin being a Goblin.
Armalad then says (in common this time), "I hate to break it to you but until we heard your movement we thought the wolves had gotten everyone. With respect to your destination of Town Two you said you would be safe from something. Was that just the Wolves or are there larger dangers afoot?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=32 ; Tuesday September 27th, 2022 12:42:45 AM
Bartomus focused his attention on the carts and tried to determine if they had enough of any one cart to put all of the things into to transport.
"Remember the big beetles in the Crying Forest?" Bartomus said while looking at the remnants of the caravan. "What if we gather up her belonging and either creatively create a cart that a huge beetle like that could carry, or load her and the stuff onto the huge beetle and we get moving towards either of these two towns.
Perception for the making of a cart - 32
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday September 27th, 2022 6:31:56 AM
Stohp is familiar with the big beetles but wonders why Bart is brining them up. Even with magic they're far more likely to get a horse or ox or something to carry the wagons then a giant beetle that lives only in one area. For that matter, what was pulling the carts before, some kind of now dead animal or were they just carts pulled by hand?
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used d20=3 ; Tuesday September 27th, 2022 9:24:30 AM
Stock stops rummaging when he hears the goblin's former destination. Town Two? Is that a place? Did I hear that wrong? Maybe it's in the Crying Wood since Bart is now talking about beetles...
He then rejoins the others talking to the goblin, doing his best to look Knowledgeable about Town Two.
=========== Knowledge Geography (untrained) 3 - pretty sure he's never heard of Town Two
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday September 27th, 2022 1:02:40 PM
Zanderallen is pretty sure Town Two is a place no Shield has heard of since they're in a different plane. But this leaves him feeling tugged hard in different directions. But first the news had to be broken to Grta. "Grta, there's no good way to say this, and I'm very very sorry, but the wolves got everyone... I'm afraid you're the only one left. But don't worry we'll make sure you're safe. How far is it to Town Two?" Even as he says it Zanderallen has no idea how he's going to accomplish it, but he knows it's the right thing to do.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Tuesday September 27th, 2022 2:31:47 PM
Delia continues to stand lookout, listening curiously to the debate on what to do with their new goblin charge.
we'll make sure you're safe (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 27th, 2022 7:21:04 PM
Delia continues to stand lookout, listening curiously to the debate on what to do with their new goblin charge.
Bart asks about beetles, confusing some of his comrades.
Stohp looks about for pack animals, but none of the giant lizards hitched to the wagons remain alive.
Three of the four 10’ wide x 15’ long wagons are still intact. Bart figures he and Stock could likely cobble together a hand cart of sorts out of the wreckage of the fourth. Whatever he has in mind could be pulled off, with time.
Armalad and Zanderallen break the news to Grta regarding her companions. She sighs, and is quiet for a bit. Armalad asks if larger dangers are afoot. Grta looks at her as if she asked if fire was hot. “Wolves, trolls, thieves, ghouls, vampire, skulls, The Hunt. This is a land of nothing but larger dangers, Outsider.”
Neither Stock, nor anyone else, has heard of a place called Town Two.
“It is five more miles,” she answers Zanderallen. “Around this bend, then left. We thank you for your offer Outsider, if you would see me part of the way. The town won’t like Outsiders, so we should make the last part on our own.”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Tuesday September 27th, 2022 9:22:32 PM "I am thinking if I transform into a beetle, I could either pull their cart along behind or stick everything they own atop and we just move towards where she's suggesting." Bartomus tossed out his idea trying to figure out how the widowed doesn't also become completely desolate.
"Also, I wouldn't recommend this as a potential resort location from the Float. Once we find Pepper and get back, we need to make sure this stays here," Bartomus waved a hand about and shrugged.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday September 27th, 2022 10:53:51 PM
Armalad says, "Tell me about this Hunt. I am interested in knowing more."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+15=30 ; Wednesday September 28th, 2022 8:11:23 AM
Stohp considers before shaking her head. "If you go beetle and we adjust a cart for you to be able to move that'll get her places until we leave, but afterwards she'll be stuck with a cart she can't use unless she finds new animals. Let's make a handcart out of this refuse that she's capable of moving herself. Heck with three wagons intact you can go beetle and pull one while the smaller, single man one is loaded in with the rest. You can pull it until we separate but that way she won't be stuck once we're gone."
She'll lend her carpentry expertise to Stocks to make the smaller cart and make any adjustments required for Bart to pull a wagon in beetle form. (30 carpentry)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used d20+9=29 ; Wednesday September 28th, 2022 9:12:19 AM "Excuse me ma'am. How exactly do you figure the folks in Town Two will react to us?"
Eventually he moves to help Stohp with the wagons.
========= Craft Carpentry 29 to aid Stohp
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Wednesday September 28th, 2022 1:51:33 PM
Delia finally adds to the conversation, in her usual blunt fashion, making an assumption due to the continued use of "we" and "us" and her holding something under her cloak, "Are you or your kid hurt? And do you need a cart to carry your belongings or are these well meaning folk just making assumptions for what you need? We want to help you, so tell us to buzz off in anything that's not that."
"We can also take this travel opportunity to ask a resident about this place and some of the hazards here," she'll add to the Shields.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday September 28th, 2022 4:20:41 PM
5 miles, that wouldn't take them too far off the hunt for Pepper, 'Sorry dear, you know I have to help Grta' he thinks to himself as he makes the mental commitment to escort Grta. "Alright Grta, I'm afraid we're on a tight schedule to who we're looking for, so we can talk as we get things ready and travel. We will escort you to within sight of Town Two and then we'll have to be on our way." He will help with carrying anything that is needed.
Are you or your kid hurt? (DM MikeK) Wednesday September 28th, 2022 6:54:47 PM
Bartomus and Stohp get to work doing whatever they plan on doing with wagons. The carpentry skills are there, so whatever you can imagine is doable.
Armalad asks about the hunt. Grta gives him the same look. “The Huntsman and his Hounds sometimes enjoy walking these lands and killing whoever they find.”
Stock asks about Town Two’s reaction to the Shields. Grta replies immediately, “Half will run and half will attack. Outsiders only come here to kill and be killed.”
Zanderallen expresses that the group is in a hurry, but will still escort the goblin within sight of Town Two. Grta stammers for a bit, then finally nods her head in acceptance.
Delia cuts to the point. "Are you or your kid hurt? And do you need a cart to carry your belongings or are these well meaning folk just making assumptions for what you need?"
At that, Grta finally pulls herself out of her hidey hole, one arm reaching out to grab onto a box for balance. Standing, she eases back her makeshift cloak to reveal an infant goblin sleeping on her arm. “We are not hurt. Thank you. I would be grateful if you would carry food, and maybe a chair. There are friends at the village who will help me get them after you leave.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday September 29th, 2022 12:11:25 AM
Armalad asks, "Does this huntsman ever go to other places and captures folk to lure new folks here to hunt them?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday September 29th, 2022 7:25:31 AM
Stohp finishes her work and looks at it approvingly. If it turns out to not be needed then fine, it's good work regardless.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 2/35 used Thursday September 29th, 2022 9:17:56 AM "Kill or Be Killed? Sounds like a lovely place. I'm either the worst ambassador for a place like that that the Float could send or quite literally the Best.
And this Huntsman? He sounds like a peach. How would the folk of Town Two react to his demise? Just wondering if this will gain us friends or enemies."
========= I think the plan ended up to put together a makeshift hand cart that Bart could also pull in one of his forms.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20=12 ; d20+8=9 ; Thursday September 29th, 2022 1:53:50 PM
Bartomus set in and tried to figure out how to build a cart for a beetle and made an effort to help Stick who seemed to know what to do. He kept looking up at the horizon and then trying to cobble something together to be helpful.
Craft - 1st role didn't add the skill bonus. Second role was a fumble with the bonus. Gm call.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 139/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday September 29th, 2022 2:51:32 PM
Zander does a double take as he realizes he completely missed the hints of a little one. He offers a hand to help Grta if she wants it. With a hand cart fashioned and remnants of the supplies loaded he asks if everyone if ready, "If that's all we should be off. Who knows what else may become attracted by this caravan. Point the way to us Grta and we'll get you as close as you think is wise."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Thursday September 29th, 2022 3:35:26 PM (distance question, if Delia goes back over to where the tracks we were previously following are and walks beside them, will she be out of sight. Also, do they go approximately the same direction?) If Delia can safely stay with the tracks they assume will lead them to Pepper, she will range out and do so. If not, she will stay with the group and stay alert.
She nods to Grta, "If your arms need a break, one of us can hold the baby. If not, we'll cover everything else until Town Two."
Scene 3: The Searchers
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
Scene 4: The Inn
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.
Scene 5: Rescue
The Keep (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 1st, 2022 7:32:32 PM
You discuss the skulls. Delia’s commentary seems appropriate.
Nothing else appears on the road for the rest of the “day”. The road branches, and you take the left in accordance with Proudfoot’s map.
Near the top of yet another rise, Delia stops, crouches, and motions everyone to join her. Moving up slowly, you peak over the top.
Below you is a shallow valley, about a half mile wide. On the far side, a keep and some outbuildings sit on the opposite rise.
The keep is composed of a single block of black stone. It is 90’ square and 25’ high, with no windows. There is a large set of wooden double doors on the south side of the keep, facing you. These doors are closed. A block of stone, 20’ square, sits on top of the keep, offset south and west of center. There is a wooden ramp on the eastern side of the keep, allowing visitors to walk up to the top. There are a dozen or so small hovels arrayed around the ramp.
You have been walking for 13 hours. The location of the keep coincides with the location of the village given to you by Proudfoot.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday November 1st, 2022 8:33:09 PM
Armalad says, "Well, I'm pretty sure if she's in there for my spell to work I need to be in there too. If the spell is blocked by running water I can't imagine those thick stone walls will help it any."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+19=35 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 7:49:27 AM
Stohp examines the landscape (perception 33). Is it possible to avoid the small town and approach the keep from another side? Another option that comes to mind is lowering themselves from the top of the valley into the keep, does that look feasible?
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 12:36:56 PM "If it is just stone, your spell may work Armalad. If you've heard that about running water, that sounds very specific and unless that stone is somehow special, it may still work. Certainly worth trying if you have a couple attempts prepared. Also Earth Elemental Bartomus could glide underground and maybe pass through the stone...if it is truly just stone."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=25 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 2:43:54 PM "I like that idea, Stock. Be worth considering. Was also wondering if dropping in on the top there might be an option?" Bartomus asked as he pointed down to the square and wood ramp about it.
He scanned the area and looked at the village trying to see if anything jumped out at him about the people that lived there.
Perception 25
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=32 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 3:49:07 PM
Delia will scan the keep for sentries, arrow slits, etc, and then the hovels for people out and about who could spot them.
Perception: 32
The Keep (DM MikeK) Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 7:34:48 PM
You consider your options.
The keep sits on the rise on the far side of the valley, level in elevation with you, but half a mile away. Dropping down onto the roof is not an option, unless you all fly above it.
All of the houses are arrayed around the ramp on the eastern side of the keep. No one sees any houses on the south side or the west side. As you are south of the keep, you've no idea what's on the north side.
Bart and Delia both note a few humaniod figures moving about the houses. They all seem on the smallish side.
There are no arrow slits, or windows of any kind, in the keep. Delia believes she spots a door situated in the block on top of the keep.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+23=37 ; d20+23=28 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 8:23:37 PM
Armalad says, "I didn't prepare enough Fly spells for everyone just me and Joker can always fly so I don' know how everyone else would get up there."
Armalad uses detect magic and takes a look around. If the door really is that high up maybe there is some magic gimmick nearby they could use to get up there.
Know[arcana]: 37 to detect the presence or absense of auras Spellcraft: 28 to identify any effects
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday November 3rd, 2022 7:59:53 AM "We should circle around at a distance if possible. Get a look at the place from all angles." Stohp suggests. I'm not sure from the description if that's possible though.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Thursday November 3rd, 2022 3:20:07 PM "There is the door up top in that block but also the large set of wooden double doors on the south side of the keep, facing us. We can almost all of us get to the top - Armalad and Jester can Fly Hawky can fly Bartomus can turn himself into something that can fly That just leaves myself, Stohp, Z and Delia. I have 2 potions of Fly on me so that just leaves 2 extras. Still though - I think there's value in Armalad trying to LOCATE Pepper and it seems like that requires us to get a bit closer."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=27 ; Thursday November 3rd, 2022 4:17:17 PM "Well, then let's scout about, but eventually we gotta find a way inside, cause I doubt she's in one of those residences." Bartoms added and then moved back down the slope following it along for some distance before working up to peak back down at the keep and village.
perception 27
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday November 3rd, 2022 5:37:12 PM
Zanderallen surveys the keep and the surrounding area and has a thought, "I'm all for scouting the place but the way that keep is built there is no way to get inside without being spotted. Even if you make it to the top undetected there is only the one door. So why not just walk up to the town and introduce ourselves? If they didn't want us to follow they wouldn't have left the gate stone in Pepper's apartment. And if they want to hurt her they've had ample opportunity already."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday November 3rd, 2022 9:17:36 PM
Armalad says, "Let me see if I spot any magical auras about. If that really is the entrance maybe there is some trick nearby meant to help those local her to get there and we don't have to waste my magic."
(OOC: checking in)
Planning (DM MikeK) Thursday November 3rd, 2022 9:32:04 PM
You continue to discuss options.
You have been traversing a series of ridge lines.
You are on the road at the top of one of those ridge lines. To your north is a shallow valley, half a mile wide. On the far side of the valley is another ridgeline. On top of that ridge line is the keep.
The rood continues across the valley, climbs the far ridge line, and ends at the small village east of the keep.
The village is arrayed around a wooden ramp that goes from the ground to the roof of the keep.
On the roof of the keep is the stone block with a door.
There is also a set of large double doors set in the southern wall of the keep. These look like your typical keep/castle gate doors.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday November 4th, 2022 7:52:12 AM "I think we've learned all we can from here. Lets try to get closer, avoiding the town, and maybe we'll see something useful when we can make out more details."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Friday November 4th, 2022 10:26:23 AM
[b]"I agree with Stohp. We can't undo it once we announce ourselves. Let's keep low and travel along the ridgelines to get closer, staying out of sight of the town. If we see nothing else noteworthy once we're within 800 or so feet, we go to the front door...or that roof door via the wooden ramp.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday November 4th, 2022 5:23:45 PM
Zanderallen nods in agreement with Stohp and moves forward with the others, doing his best to stay inconspicuous.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+11=31 ; d20+23=27 ; d20+23=29 ; Friday November 4th, 2022 8:08:25 PM
Armalad moves forward stealthily with the others but still keeps her magic detecting cone functional.
(stealth: 31)
(Know[arcana]: 27) (spellcraft: 29)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+2=22 ; Friday November 4th, 2022 11:15:39 PM "Alright, let's move closer." Bartomus said with an added shrug.
Bartomus moved closer and made an effort to approach with as much stealth as he could manage.
Stealth - 22 a natural 20...wow
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+28=46 ; Saturday November 5th, 2022 1:06:57 PM
Delia creeps forward with the others,"For all we know, the ruler here my already know we're in her realm. I mostly trust that the Inn is safe, but it also seems like a convenient place to attract your potential problems to..."
Stealth: 46
Recon (DM MikeK) Sunday November 6th, 2022 11:05:20 AM
Following Stock's plan, you leave the road, moving westward along the ridgeline until you've lost sight of the village.
Climbing down, you cross the valley to the next ridge, furtively dodging from outcropping to outcropping.
The land is silent and dark. The air is still.
You see nothing as you cross, ascend the next ridge, and approach the keep from the west. You close to about 800'.
The western side of the keep is solid black rock. No doors. No windows. A quick peek on the north reveals the same.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=37 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+23=27 ; Sunday November 6th, 2022 8:41:58 PM
(OOC: Does Armalad detect any magical auras)
Armalad peers at the walls of the keep taking a good long sweep with her 60 feet of magic detecting cone
Perception: 37 Know [Arcana]: 32 to determine if she can identify any auras Spellcraft: 27 to puzze out the effects of any auras
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Monday November 7th, 2022 6:27:28 AM
Stoph looks for guards or anything that might keep them from just climbing the wall with a rope. After all one of them can fly up there and secure a rope, but that seems too easy.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+17=33 ; Monday November 7th, 2022 6:30:29 AM
(perception 33)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used d20+24=32 ; Monday November 7th, 2022 9:29:16 AM "OK we're close enough now that Armalad's magic should work, right? If we're not convinced that magic will work, let's scale this wall like Stohp says."
======= Can we see any movement on the roof? Or really anywhere around the tower? Basically trying to ask if we broke cover right now and climbed the wall would we immediately and obviously be spotted? Perception 32
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=17 ; Monday November 7th, 2022 3:55:45 PM "Still liking the air approach," Bartomus offered his opinion as he looked at the dark black wall. He kept looking at it and then turned about to the older Shields. "Is it just me, or didn't we something similar - black walls I mean - in the odd step pyramid along the lake? Or is my memory getting a bit fuzzy?"
He tried scanning the walls, but really his mind was lost in memory and he found himself looking about as if trying to return to some part of his mind that wasn't easily accessible.
Perception - 1+16=17
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Monday November 7th, 2022 6:20:16 PM "Well. We have two options, and we gotta commit to one. Sneak in and risk antogonizing the owners of this here building? Or knock on the door and risk antogonizing the owners of this building? "We have no intel on the inside either way. And, no offense, but I don't like our odds of remaining unseen and unheard once we're closer. But... can Zander remain civil to these folks who might have kidnapped Pepper?"
Recon (DM MikeK) Monday November 7th, 2022 8:01:57 PM
At 800' out, you're still too far away to make use of Armalad's detection ability.
Stohp sees no guards.
Bartomus wonders about the similarity between the keep and the ziggeraut in the woods. But no, the stone here is different, just the color is the same.
Despite Delia's misgivings, you creep closer, and closer still.
Now, you are only 60' from the western wall. The ground is open. Anybody looking down from the top of the keep couldn't help but seeing you. Anybody rounding a corner would also spot you.
But you see no one. No alarm is given.
Armalad confirms the walls have no magic aura.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday November 8th, 2022 12:22:08 AM
Armalad says, "Well the walls aren't magical."
She peers at everything in their vacinity though just to make sure there is no hidden secret way of getting to that high perch everyone notced.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday November 8th, 2022 7:11:37 AM "So. Either this whole place lights up with guards or magic once we're in and it's a trap, or she isn't here at all." Stohp guesses. "Remind me what the scrying showed before we left?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 Tuesday November 8th, 2022 8:50:13 AM
Delia nods at Stohp, "This screams trap and I'm not thrilled about it. The scry showed her in some sort of pit cell. If we had more detail than that, I don't remember it."
(Does the color of this stone match the color of the stone in the scry? But I guess none of us actually cast the spell so we might not know)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday November 8th, 2022 12:09:05 PM
Zanderallen fights hard to keep his breath steady and even as they approach closer and closer. He resists an irrational urge to call out, instead he replies in an undertone, "The scrying was fairly limited, just enough context to guess she was in a cell, or other small dark room. If no one is going to greet or stop us I guess we head right up. Being on top of the keep is better than being stuck down here."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used d20+21=37 ; d20+24=26 ; Tuesday November 8th, 2022 12:30:58 PM "Alright then. I'm going up top."
In quick succession Stock chugs two potions, and disappears. He flies to the top, takes a peak around, and lowers his Rope of Climbing, instructing it to fasten to any outcroppings he sees up top and to knot along the way down.
========= Potion of Fly, Potion of Invisibility Stealth 37 including +20 bonus from invis Perception 26 Rope of Climbing lowers Climb DC by 10 when knotted.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Tuesday November 8th, 2022 4:21:48 PM
[I have no idea why it reposted that from yesterday - please delete GM]
"Agreed it's probably a trap. But, I'm with Stock. I'll follow along but in a different format," Bartomus said and turned himself into a small wind elemental and tried to the best of his abilities to blend into the sky as best as possible. He would land on the wooden ramp atop the building.
Wind elemental - wild shape 2/6; Hide away 1/6
Top of the Keep (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 8th, 2022 7:58:26 PM
Armalad peers at everything in their vicinity to make sure there is no hidden secret way of getting to that high perch everyone noticed. She sees none.
Stohp, Delia, and Zanderallen discuss the results of the scrying.
Everyone is thinking ‘trap’.
Nevertheless, you continue on.
Stock drinks two potions, disappearing from view. Well, except for Armalad, who can spot the magical aura ascending to the top of the keep. He lands on the roof, and looks about.
There is the stone block to his southeast (S13/T14). It is 10’ square and 10’ high. The dwarf sees no openings from his vantage point, but recalls Delia said there was one on the south side, where she had seen movement.
Stock finds a crenellation, and attaches his Rope. The other end tumbles over the wall to the ground below.
Bart becomes a wind elemental and moves to join Stock. Landing on the ramp would put you opposite the dwarf, and in view of everyone in the village. DM is putting you there for now, but please clarify if that is where you really want to be.
Top of Keep Brown squares - ramp from top of keep to ground. Black squares - 10’ cube stone block
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+11=25 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+17=33 ; Wednesday November 9th, 2022 12:39:22 AM
Armalad takes 10 on the climb check 12 vs 10 = pass and Joker flies up afterward.
Armalad and Joker want to be at R13 and R14 respectively taking cover behind the stone block while trying to peer around the sides toward the village.
Armalad uses the message spell while on the roof so that the team can communicate over distance by whispers.
Active Effects: Message: Whispered conversations at a distance (140 mins, up to 14 creatures)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday November 9th, 2022 7:22:40 AM
Stohp will also take 10 to climb and get on top. She'll stay near the rope and look for ways in and/or any indications that there's a basement.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used d20+4=23 ; Wednesday November 9th, 2022 8:58:41 AM Invisible and Flying With the rope secure and the Shields climbing, Stock moves over to the door on the south side of the block to inspect the door, looking to see if it is unlocked and able to be opened. Also checking for traps.
======= Perception 43 (I added +4 instead of +24 on accident)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20=8 ; Wednesday November 9th, 2022 9:48:34 AM
Starting to feel the hair on the back of his neck stand on end Zanderallen reaches for his sword to calm himself. As he does so he intones a prayer to Domi, calling upon his spirit to inhabit his blade. The rope signalling all clear to him he clambers up the side of of the keep, moving out of the way of anyone else coming up and looking around. -------------------------------- Rope of Climbing DC -5 vs 8 succeeds
Divine Bond 1 of 3 used +1 Speed added to Sword for total of +5 Flaming Speed - lasts 14 minutes
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=31 ; Wednesday November 9th, 2022 12:39:25 PM
Delia sighs, shrugs, then climbs up after everyone else. She will encourage everyone towards the lowest profile spots on the top and look around to see if anyone is visible.
Perception 31
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=22 ; Wednesday November 9th, 2022 5:42:01 PM
Bartomus walked over to help Stock with the effort to bring the party members up via the rope.
"See anything of importance folks?" Bartomus whispered aloud. He scanned about as the others joined atop the building.
Perception 22
Surprise (DM MikeK) Wednesday November 9th, 2022 8:06:27 PM
You climb up, joining Stock.
Armalad casts a spell, enabling you to communicate. She and Joker sidle up to the west side of the stone block.
Stohp looks for a basement. But, as you are on the roof of a 25’ high structure, there is none to be found.
Stock circles to the south of the stone block to get a look at the door.
He discovers there isn’t one. The whole south side of the stone block is open. Inside is some kind of lift. The floor is of wood, and there’s a pulley system through the center of the floor to some block and tackle on the ceiling. Its pretty clear that pulling on one of the two ropes will cause the lift to descend into the keep.
Standing on the lift are two goblins. They are unarmed and unarmored. At Stock’s appearance, their eyes get very wide and their mouths drop open in surprise.
What they’ll do next is anybody’s guess.
Top of Keep Brown squares - ramp from top of keep to ground.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday November 10th, 2022 12:56:30 AM
Armalad whispers to Stock, "Do you see anything? Should we advance on your position?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday November 10th, 2022 7:33:56 AM
Stohp hadn't expected to find a basement up here, she was just checking if she could see a trap door or something down below in the ground. She'll move the rope to the other side so the party can climb down and join Stock when he signals for them to advance.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Thursday November 10th, 2022 9:27:00 AM Probably still invisible and flying OOC - Keep in mind, Stock is still invisible. It's possible he hasn't showered on this trip and gear may shift on his body as he flies over - but at the least it is hard for the goblins to see him.
Seeing the opening and the door minders, Stock ducks back around the block and holds a finger up to his lips for everybody to be quiet...and then realizes nobody can actually see him. He goes up to Z as he reaches the top and whispers "There's no door but a small lift with two goblins. They may have heard me. Or smelled me."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday November 10th, 2022 10:20:44 AM
Zanderallen nods in the direction Stock's voice is coming from. He whispers back and motions for everyone to move forward, "Then let's go say hello."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+29=45 ; Thursday November 10th, 2022 10:38:08 AM
Delia opens her mouth to ask if it's a friendly hello or a sword hello, sees everyone already moving, shrugs again, and advances. She still does try to keep a low profile in case there are more than just goblins about.
Stealth 45
Surprise, again (DM MikeK) Thursday November 10th, 2022 7:57:48 PM Oh right. Stock is invisible.
Stock rounds the corner and sees the goblins. The goblins' faces scrunch in confusion, but neither does anything.
Stock tells Zanderallen about the goblins.
Zanderallen leads everyone around to the south side of the stone block.
The whole south side of the stone block is open. Inside is some kind of lift. The floor is of wood, and there’s a pulley system through the center of the floor to some block and tackle on the ceiling. Its pretty clear that pulling on one of the two ropes will cause the lift to descend into the keep.
Standing on the lift are two goblins. They are unarmed and unarmored. At your appearance, their eyes get very wide and their mouths drop open in surprise.
What they’ll do next is anybody’s guess.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday November 11th, 2022 1:42:02 AM
Armalad says, "We are looking for our friend. A paladin suggested she might be in your village. May we have a look around?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday November 11th, 2022 5:52:42 AM
Stohp moves around to join the group, while also just happening to put herself between the goblins and their avenue of escape.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Friday November 11th, 2022 8:57:09 AM I'll let Invisibility end - it's just 3 minutes; Fly should be about done too at 5 minutes
As soon as the Shields get to the roof, Stock grabs the rope and asks it to coil up. He joins the others at the lift and says, "What is this place anyway? Who uses it or lives here?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20=13 ; Friday November 11th, 2022 8:15:41 PM "can we offer then gold?" Bartomus asked aloud hoping he could be heard. "or, can we pit them to sleep?
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 39 d20+21=35 ; Friday November 11th, 2022 9:59:56 PM
Delia attempts to look casual as she holds her bow just shy of ready, nerves taut as she remains on alert to threats from the goblins or elsewhere.
Perception: 35
Zanderallen (Hannah subbing) d20+25=27 ; Friday November 11th, 2022 10:09:19 PM
Zanderallen resists the urge to shake answers out of the goblins, instead schooling his features into polite interest, "Once we find our... friend unharmed we'll be out of your hair."
Diplomacy 27
Q and A (DM MikeK) Saturday November 12th, 2022 11:30:35 AM
You move around to face the two goblins, who both appear to be scared to death. Stohp blocks most of the doorway, as Stock, Armalad, Bart, and Zanderallen offer questions and commentary.
The two pairs of goblin eyes both momentarily flick to Bart at the word ‘gold’, but mostly they focus on various swords, axes, and bows.
Zanderallen tries to put them at ease. One swallows nervously, then speaks a few short bursts.
“Grantham Drall’s castle. Just us in the village. Drall has a human in the pit.” It points down.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday November 13th, 2022 7:19:01 PM
Armalad says, "Yes this pit sounds an awful lot like the vision we saw that spurred us on our quest in the first place. Who exactly is this Grantham Drall character and why would they want to get on the bad side of the Silver Shields of The Float?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20=12 ; d20+16=34 ; Monday November 14th, 2022 12:59:14 AM "Gold can be arranged for those that help us find our friend. Maybe even a better place to live" Bartomus adds to the discussion. "Ya don't want to get on Z's bad side and if there's gold and good food in the offer, wouldn't that be even better?
Perception 12 +16=28
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Monday November 14th, 2022 8:11:53 AM "Does this elevator lead to the pit?" Stohp asks.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Monday November 14th, 2022 8:56:35 AM "I just got a strange sense of deja vu from Bart."
Stock shakes his head to clear the strange thought he had and then focuses on the goblins. "Is Mr. Drall here today? and if not is he expected back soon?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday November 14th, 2022 11:45:13 AM
Zanderallen conscientiously fights to control a building rage, getting his words out around deep breathes. The overall effect is probably not that calming but atleast it keeps him from smashing things, or people. "You will take us to this pit, now. Or if you can't do that then to Drall. I'm not asking." And with the Zander steps onto the lift.
You will take us to this pit, now (DM MikeK) Monday November 14th, 2022 8:34:27 PM
Questions continue.
The goblins are answering, but they’re not happy. Thus the responses are short. They get confused by Armalad, and don’t answer.
At Bart’s offer of gold, they share a look.
Stohp asks if the lift stops at the pit. The goblins nod.
Stock asks if Drall is home. The goblins nod again,
Zanderallen demands to be taken there now, and steps on the lift.
The goblins hasten to obey. Both make to pull on one of the two ropes.
The problem that manifests itself to the rest of you is the lift is 10’x10’. It is not nearly big enough to accommodate all of the Shields.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday November 14th, 2022 11:28:44 PM
Armalad says, "I'll cast fly on myself and joker and I will folllow behind those who can't fly and need to ride the elevator down to the pit level."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday November 15th, 2022 7:32:46 AM
Stohp suggests they rig up a rope. Or just use the ones for the elevator. Since the elevator is going down those who won't fit or fly on it can climb down the rope after it so they can be there sooner in case of immediate trouble at the bottom.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday November 15th, 2022 9:29:41 AM "I think Stohp is the odd one out here - Armalad flies, Z, myself, Delia on the lift. I'm sure Bart has some solution to get down there."
Stock hands Stohp his Rope of Climbing in case its needed.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 97/97; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Tuesday November 15th, 2022 12:39:34 PM
Delia will cast Barkskin on herself (will update header when posting on computer) and then step into the lift if there's space. If not, she can climb down after it. "Well. This sounds fun and not at all like we're riding into a trap." She crouches down to be eye level with the goblins, "If you don't cross us, we have no reason we know to hurt you. So I would recommend not. And if things do get sour, get out of his way," she points at Zander as she speaks and then prepares to descend.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday November 15th, 2022 3:54:20 PM
Zanderallen makes no additional comments to the goblins, barely paying attention to them anymore other than to tell them to wait until everyone is on the lift. But Delia's threat does come right as he is attending to his gear. Including an ominous hiss of steel as he looses his blade in it's scabbard to be ready at a moment's notice. Along with a now almost ritual tightening of buckles and straps.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20=2 ; Tuesday November 15th, 2022 4:29:35 PM "so how watched is this lift?" Bartomus asked as he looked at the top of the lift to see if it had a roof. "A large spider or even a bat?
Bartomus shrugged and weighed either option.
Perception w+16= 18
Troll Keep - Round 0 (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 15th, 2022 8:07:29 PM
Zanderallen, Stock, Armalad, Delia, Joker, and Hawky crowd onto the lift with the two goblins.
It makes for a very full car.
Properly motivated by Delia and Zanderallen, the pair of goblins pull on the ropes for all they’re worth.
Everyone notes the lift has a roof (picture an elevator car), but walls on only two sides (east and west). The north and south sides are open.
Stohp and Bart have the option of squeezing together onto the top of the lift, or doing something else.
The lift drops to the next level, an open space containing storage and cooking areas. There are several more goblins on this floor, none of whom are the least bit interested in getting anywhere near a lift packed with heavily armed humanoids.
The lift continues its descent, stopping on the first floor.
The roof of the first floor is 15’ high. Assuming Bart and Stohp are on top of the roof, they would need to squeeze through the 5’ opening between the roof of the lift and the ceiling of the first floor in order to be able to drop to the floor.
Delia, Zanderallen, Armalad, and Stock find themselves in an open hall 100’ x 140’. A set of simple, wooden, unbarred doors sits in the wall to the south. Three doors are evenly spaced into the eastern and western walls.
Two trolls were playing bones on the north side of the room.
They glance over at the lift’s appearance, do a double take, and start bellowing If you know Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {”Intruders!”}
Each rises, while pulling out and drinking a potion. They wear some kind of hide armor, While carrying no weapon, it does appear their claws are encased in some kind of steel sheathe.
We are in rounds
Anyone with arcane sight or detect magic Highlight to display spoiler: {The entire room is under the effect of a moderate evocation spell, Both trolls have multiple magic items (armor, rings, amulet)}
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+10=19 ; Tuesday November 15th, 2022 8:42:08 PM
Armalad knows Giant and she's going to respond with their call of Intruder with a heroic bluff (OOC: used a hero point to add +8 onto the roll.
Bluff: 19
Armalad calls out in Giant: Highlight to display spoiler: {"WE ARE NOT INTRUDERS. WE ARE CLEARLY EXPECTED BY GRANTHAM DRALL. IF HE WASN"T EXPECTING US WHY THEN WOULD HE EXTEND THE INVITATION TO VISIT HIS KEEP BY KIDNAPPING OUR ASSOCIATE?"}
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+4=6 ; Wednesday November 16th, 2022 7:17:03 AM
Stohp is not going to overload the already overloaded lift with an extra 800 pounds. That's just asking for the lift to fail. She had considered climbing down the lift ropes after the party but that might be just as bad as standing on the roof upon reflection. The rope of climbing probably is nowhere near long enough. So with a shrug she eventually decides to conceal herself nearby and keep watch (stealth 6, or 14 if she can take 10)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=19 ; Wednesday November 16th, 2022 11:23:53 AM
Bartomus waited until the lift started to drop and then changed into a large spider and road the lift on down with the others. He makes a point of counting the number of floors they drop past. When the lift stops, Bartomus started to crawl out of the gap, but heard the shouting from the trolls and then loud shouting back from Armalad.
He quietly chattered his mandables and shifted to where his eight eyes could see the trolls reaction to what ever was said and study the hall.
Perception 19
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday November 16th, 2022 1:46:23 PM
Zanderallen doesn't speak Giant, but he can read body language. He can only guess at what Armalad is trying to do and so refrains from taking any immediately hostile actions. He instead moves to place himself between the trolls and the rest of the party. His shield already strapped to his arm he places a hand upon his sword to draw at a moment's notice if the trolls charge. ---------------------------------------------- Divine Bond from the roof +5 Speed Flaming Longsword ~10 minutes left
Move to the I column 5 feet in front of Armalad
Ready Action to draw longsword if the trolls get close
Delia (Hannah) HP: 97/97; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Wednesday November 16th, 2022 2:46:52 PM
Delia moves out of the lift, repositioning to column F and 5 ft back. She eases her body into a firing stance, nerves screaming to defend against the trolls, but she waits to see if Armalad can successfully diffuse the situation.
Troll Keep - Round 1 (DM MikeK) Wednesday November 16th, 2022 7:51:32 PM
Bartomus shifts into the form of a large spider and rides down on the roof of the lift. He watches warily as the trolls say something, and Armalad responds with something. The druid sees nothing else of note.
Zanderallen moves forward, protecting the Shields, while allowing Armalad time to do whatever it is she’s doing.
Delia exits and falls back into nice bow range.
Stock holds his ground.
Stohp elects to wait on the roof.
Armalad calls out a response.
Troll 1 and 2 look at Armalad, then each other. Neither answer her, but neither approaches or does anything else either.
In the meantime, the northwest door opens, but no one comes out.
You can hear the sounds of an incantation coming from behind the middle door on east wall.
The northeast door opens, out strides an imposing looking troll. He is encased in full plate mail, wears a long cloak that is a patchwork of beast and humanoid hides roughly stitched together, and his hands are encased in bulky gauntlets with the palms and fingers studded with wickedly serrated spikes.
“Grantham Drall.” he growls, tapping his chest. Then waves his arm in the universal ‘go away’ motion.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday November 16th, 2022 8:22:17 PM
Armalad says to Grantham, "Charmed I'm sure, but we didn't come all this way to leave without our friend Pepper, who we've been informed is being kept in your pit, so you want us to go away, fine, but we aren't leaving without her so if you produce her then we will be on our way with Pepper, otherwise well Zanderallen might get angry and you wouldn't like him when he's angry so we can resolve this whole misunderstanding without further violence or we can do it the hard way and potentially mess up your lovely keep. I know which way I prefer."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday November 17th, 2022 7:56:00 AM
Stohp didn't want to get on the roof due to weight concerns. She's outside concealed next to the tower waiting for her companions to return.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 97/97; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Thursday November 17th, 2022 9:55:12 AM
Delia mutters under her breath, "I also have a way I prefer." However, she allows the others to negotiate without initiating the 'messing up his lovely Keep.'
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday November 17th, 2022 10:07:21 AM
Zanderallen looks this Grantham Drall up and down and glares at him. He taps his own chest and says, "Zanderallen" Not expecting the troll to understand common he speaks a little anyway, "I am not leaving without Pepper or information about where she is." ---------------------- Divine Bond +5 Flaming Speed Longsword ~10 minutes
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 29/25/17; DR 3/-; CMD: 36 (40 vs trip); Rage: 0/35 used Thursday November 17th, 2022 11:28:43 AM "He speaks well for a troll. Nice armor too.
Bart! Stohp! You might want to get down here."
Stock casually moves forward and makes himself a shield between the trolls and the rest of the Shields.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday November 17th, 2022 4:41:46 PM
Bartomus continued to watch the exchange and only shifted to where if necessary he could do a spider leap off the lifts roof and into the hall. He also began to prepare a spell just in case this all went very badly.
Begin prep of Stoneskin and executing it if things start to fly.
Troll Keep - Round 2 (DM MikeK) d20+25=35 ; Thursday November 17th, 2022 8:22:25 PM
Armalad has quite a bit to say. Of course, it’s all in Giant, so none of the rest of you understand her.
Stohp is apparently planning to sit this one out on the roof of the keep.
Delia prepares for action.
Zanderallen states his name, and makes it rather clear he’s not leaving.
Stock calls for Bart and Stohp to come join the Shields and steps forward.
Unbeknownst to the dwarf, SpiderBart is already there, watching from the top of the lift and preparing a spell.
The two goblins are doing their best to hide behind Armalad.
Troll 1 and Troll 2 tilt their heads as they try to follow along with Armalad.
Gantham isn’t having it. The troll raises to his full height. Gigantic bat wings unfurl from his back. Giant - Highlight to display spoiler: {”Angry? I will show you angry!”}
The half troll, half something else roars a challenge at Armalad that can easily be heard by Stohp at the top of the keep. Even the highly educated and experienced half elf cannot help but shudder at the display. [Intimidate check to Demoralize 35.] Armalad is Shaken for 3 rounds.
Drall looks at Zanderallen, snorts, and waves his arm again.
From behind the middle door in the east wall, another incantation can be heard.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+7=27 ; d20+17=20 ; d8=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; 4d6=14 ; 10d6=35 ; Thursday November 17th, 2022 9:27:51 PM
Armalad shakily cries out, "Ssss...so it is unstoppable force versus immovable object time then? You were warned and chose poorly!"
To Joker she says, "Fog cloud" quietly as she and her familiar step out of the elevator (to I11) and her familiar does his familiar trick of cloaking her and him in illusionary fog-like smoke as he follows her out of the elevator.
(Will Save vs the Illusion = 27)
Armalad then fires off an arrow magically imbued with the spell cone of cold targetting Drall.
Drall should be denied his Dex to AC and he's within 30 feet so sneak attack (20 vs flat footed AC) if that hits Drall takes 32 nonlethal magical damage + 3 nonlethal shock damage and if it hits a cone of cold springs up outward from where her arrow struck Drall aimed at catching both him and his two troll cohorts in the spells area meaning Drall and his trolls must make DC 21 Reflex Saves or take 35 cold damage and will only take 17 damage on a successful save. This only matters if the arrow hits otherwise the spell fizzles.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20=20 ; Friday November 18th, 2022 8:13:53 AM
Stohp will hear the noise and start her climb down. Hoping the noise means no one is on the elevator anymore she'll start to climb down. With the narrow shaft she can probably brace against the wall which means she can be slow and careful. That means she only makes 15 feet of progress per round though, so she'll probably miss the fight regardless.
23, or if she can take 10 13.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31(35 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+29=42 ; d8+31=37 ; d6=5 ; Friday November 18th, 2022 1:00:05 PM
Zanderallen doesn't need to speak Giant to understand that. His sword roars out of scabbard with a flash of flames and a battlecry roars out of his throat. "FOR PEPPER!!!" His feet pounding the ground he charges straight at the demonic troll calling Domi's power into his blade as he ducks under the trolls arms to close and smite him. ----------------------------------------- Divine Bond +5 Flaming Speed Longsword ~10 minutes
Swift Action - SMITE Drall +6 to hit and AC, +14 damage, bypass DR
Charge Drall +2 to hit, -2 AC combined with drawing sword
Attack on Drall 42 to hit, 42 damage (37 weapon, 5 fire)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+1=17 ; Friday November 18th, 2022 6:37:58 PM "I guess we're doing this, " Bartomus said aloud but in reality it was just chattering. He finished his spell and then leaped out of the space above the lift.
As he landed on all eight legs off to the side of the lift where Zander had once stood, he hissed at the trolls.
Acrobatics for the landing 17 - landing at I 11/12 Finished casting stone skin 140/140 reflected in header. Will change back into Bart next round.
Delia will 5ft step to F13, then unload on Drall, muttering to herself about killing kidnappers not negotiating with them and giving them a chance to prepare.
Hawky finds something on the wall to perch on and awaits instructions.
============== Attack 1: 41, 30 to confirm crit Damage: if crit, 78 (54+24), if not crit 43 (19+24), 6 of that is cold Attack 2: 24 to hit; 27 (21+6 cold) Attack 3: 21 to hit; 18 (16+2 cold) Attack 4: 29 to hit; 17 (16+1 cold)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 1/35 used d20+17=35 ; d20+17=31 ; d10+19=20 ; d6=5 ; d10+19=25 ; d8=5 ; d20=11 ; Sunday November 20th, 2022 8:30:02 AM Raging "Oh. We're doing this Bart.
MIDDLE DOOR, EAST WALL. SPELL INCOMING. CAN ANYBODY SEE THE SOURCE?"
Stock looks that way before focusing on the big trolls in front of him. His rage builds as he charges.
====== Rage, Charge Troll 2 - AC is 2 less, header not updated AC is 4 high vs. giant subtype Charging PA1 hits AC35, Critical Threat, Confirms vs AC35 (forgot +4 from critical focus), 20 bludgeoning + 5 electricity if not confirmed, 45 bludgeoning + 5 electricity + 5 sonic as the thundering enchantment goes off DC14 Fort save or permanently deafened That last D20=11 is the Perception I forgot to roll to see whatever is casting a spell in total that should be a 36 (+25)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 1/35 used Sunday November 20th, 2022 8:30:43 AM should have been charging Troll 2
Troll Keep - Round 3 (DM MikeK) d20+29=41 ; d20+29=34 ; d20+29=36 ; d8+30=32 ; d6+32=33 ; d20+26=35 d20+26=29 d20+26=27 d20+26=41 d20+26=45 d20+26=38 d8+16=22 d6+15=18 d8+16=24 d6+15=16 d6+15=17 d6+12=14 Sunday November 20th, 2022 1:45:30 PM
Armalad gives instructions to Joker quietly as she and her familiar step out of the elevator and her familiar does his familiar trick of cloaking her and him in illusionary fog-like smoke as he follows her out of the elevator.
Armalad then fires off an arrow magically imbued with the spell cone of cold targeting Drall.
DM Asks - What are the dimensions of the illusionary fog cloud?
The arrow strikes true. However the shock damage seems to have no effect. A cone of cold springs up outward from where her arrow struck Drall catching both him and his two troll cohorts in the spells area
The spell effect fizzles at Drall (spell resistance-dm rolled for PC) for no effect. The cone does impact Troll 1 and Troll 2, with Troll 2 unable to evade the full effects.
Stohp uses the ropes and sides of the shaft to climb down to the second floor.
Zanderallen charges Drall, his sword roaring out of scabbard with a flash of flames. The troll actually grins in anticipation of the coming fight, swinging a meaty claw at the paladin as he approaches. The barbs catch Zanderallen across the ribcage. AoO - Zanderallen takes 22 hp damage.
The paladin’s sword slams home, but Zander notices the fire damage appears to have been negated.
Bart completes his buff spell, and spider leaps from the top of the lift. Armalad is in his intended landing spot, so the druid has to adjust slightly.
Muttering to herself, Delia steps forward and launches a full barrage at Drall. Her first arrow hits, though not critically. She notes the cold damage did not affect him, either.
Stock calls out a warning that casting is taking place behind the middle door in the east wall. The raging dwarf charges Troll 2. The creature tags Stock with a clawed hand as the dwarf closes the range. AoO attack hits Stock for 18 hp damage. Stock puts the hammer down with a thunderous BOOM,
With the departure of all the heroes from the lift, the two goblins waste no time on launching it upward. They get as far as the second floor, where they find themselves face to face with Stohp, who has managed to step aside just in time to avoid the ascending lift. Stohp is a 5’ step away from boarding the lift.
As the lift rises, all can see it was resting upon iron grating set into the floor. Delia spares a half-glance. It’s the pit.
Grantham Drall laughs with unrestrained joy as he lays into Zanderallen. The paladin is fortunate to avoid one clawed gauntlet. But the other claw and the bite strike home. Zanderallen takes 63 hp damage, bypassing DR.
Troll 1 steps in. The two trolls slash and bite at Stock.
Troll 1 misses with one claw. He hits with bite and claw, while Troll 2 hits with bite and both claws, raking the dwarf as well. Stock takes 111 hp damage.
The door in the middle of the east wall opens, and in steps another troll. He is unarmored. He begins casting a spell, but Drall bellows something, Highlight to display spoiler: {Not the Pit!!}, and the spell fizzles in the troll’s hands. He ducks his head in deference to Drall,
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+17=26 ; d8=5 ; d6=2 ; 4d6=18 ; d20+12=29 ; 10d6=39 ; Sunday November 20th, 2022 9:15:15 PM
(OOC: let's do 3 squares long by 2 wide this time)
Armalad says to Joker quietly, "stay with me" as she and her Mephit take a 5 foot diagonal step to J10 (meaning the fog cloud should be at J10, K10, L10, J11, K11, L11)
She then imbues an arrow with Selective Fireball and fires another arrow at Drall, presumably still versus his flat AC (26 vs AC; which presumably hits again for 1d8 (5) + 1d6 (2) + 4d6 (18) + 11 = 36 nonlethal damage and a selective fireball centered on Drall, and including Troll 2 and Troll A while excluding Stock and Zanderallen (OOC: don't think any other ally is in range of the fireball, if they are she can exclude up to 4 others in the spell range)
Armalad also rolls to overcome Drall's SR with the selective fireball 29 vs Drall's SR
Presumably Drall, Troll2 and Troll A must make a DC 19 reflex save or take 39 fire damage, success means they only take 19 fire damage.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 93/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20+27=34 ; d20+27=42 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+17=27 ; d8+32=38 ; d8+32=37 ; d8+32=39 ; d8+32=38 ; Monday November 21st, 2022 10:08:06 AM
Zander roars in pain and anger as Drall's claw and teeth find purchase. He adjusts his stance as he regains balance from his charge and quickly swipes his shield hand over the worse wound closing some of it back up with divine healing. He lets the divine spirit in his sword guide his hand as he wings with inhuman speed. ------------------------------------------ Divine Bond +5 Flaming Speed Longsword ~10 minutes 1/3 used Smite Evil +6 to hit and AC, +14 damage vs Drall - 1/5 used Lay on Hands 1/13 used
Swift Action Lay on Hands 29 healed
Full attack +1 from Speed into Drall (not including fire damage) 34 to hit, 38 damage 42 to hit, 37 damage 36 to hit, 39 damage 27 to hit, 38 damage
Stock (JonM) HP: 64/172; AC: (30 vs giants) 26/24/14 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 2/35 used d20+18=21 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+8=17 ; d10+23=32 ; d6=6 ; d10+23=31 ; d6=4 ; d10+23=24 ; d8=5 ; d10+23=27 ; d6=3 ; Monday November 21st, 2022 10:16:27 AM Raging and REALLY hurt If Stock wasn't raging, he'd realize how woozy he really was. His footwork shifts slightly and he lays into the original target of his attacks. He blinks away the flames that briefly surround him but feels at least one strike hit home.
========= 5 ft. step to J6 PA 1 vs T2 hits AC21, 32 damage + 6 electricity PA2 vs T2 hits AC33, Critical Threat hits AC36, Regular damage: 31 bludgeoning + 4 electricity; if it is a crit: 55 bludgeoning + 4 Electricity + 5 sonic PA3 vs T2 or T1 hits AC17, seems unlikely but 27 bludgeoning + 3 electricity Stock can't be flanked (improved uncanny dodge), Also please tell me how many hits he takes so I can take off DR
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+22=39 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+13=23 ; d8+14=18 ; d6=1 ; d8+14=21 ; d6=1 ; d8+14=21 ; d6=1 ; d8+14=17 ; d6=1 ; d8+14=20 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; Monday November 21st, 2022 6:09:47 PM
Delia takes a quick glance down at the pit, but the trolls ripping apart her allies are her more pressing concern and she doesn't want to distract Zander. She adjusts closer to be within point-blank range and fires at Troll 1, shouting, "STOHP! WE NEED YOU DOWN HERE NOW."
============================= 5ft step to G12 - full round attack (attack 3&4 I added the wrong thing in the roller, last d6 roll to make sure it wasn't broken with all those 1s lol) Attack 1: 39 to hit, 41 damage (18+1 + 21+1) Attack 2: 26 to hit, 22 damage (21+1) Attack 3: 28 to hit, 18 damage (17+1) Attack 4: 23 to hit, 21 damage (20+1)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 14d6=41 ; Monday November 21st, 2022 7:02:14 PM
Spidey-Bart changes back into himself. He looked at the challenge presented by the trolls and looked upwards..
"Eberyon, strike them with your firey touch."
cast flamestrike at 08 to try to catch Drall and Troll A. 10' radius. 41 damage...1/2 fire and 1/2 divine energy. Refle. Save to avoid half...against 18, I believe. Divine energy not flame resistant http://legacy.aonprd.com/coreRulebook/spells/flameStrike.html#flame-strike
Troll Keep - Round 4 (DM MikeK) d20+12=19 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+14=31 d20+14=21 14d6(2+2+5+2+6+2+6+5+4+4+1+3+2+1)=45 d20+26=42 d20+26=40 d20+26=29 d8+16=24 d6+15=20 Monday November 21st, 2022 8:05:08 PM
Armalad fires another arrow at Drall, hitting. The resulting fireball is impressive, but orange flashes around each of the four trolls indicate some kind of protective magic is in play. None of the trolls take any damage from the fireball.
Zanderallen heals himself, and assaults Drall, landing three impressive blows.
Stock roars in pain. The dwarf shifts his footing, and lands one heavy blow on T2
Delia takes a quick look into the pit, and spots a red haired humanoid cringing at the bottom. The archer doesn’t have a lot of time though, and moves forward to aid Stock. Arrows fly. Only the first hits, but it hits hard.
Bartomus turns into himself and casts flamestrike. A column of divine fire slams down upon Drall and Troll A. Both have spell resistance. Dm rolled this time, but please do so in the future.
The spell fizzles against Troll, but impacts Drall! And Drall fails his reflex save! While neither troll seems hurt by the fire, the spell’s remaining power is enough to overcome the Troll boss.
Drall collapses, unconscious.
Troll 2 and Troll A both grab their unconscious leader and push/drag him into the corner room. Stock gets an AoO on Troll 2.
Troll 1 attacks Stock. The dwarf his hit with one bite and one claw. Stock takes 44 hp damage (two hits). Note Stock was hit 5 times last round.
Another troll (M) steps out of the door to the northwest. She casts her own Flamestrike on the taur and the cloud. Armalad, Joker, and Bart 45 hp damage. Half divine. Ref DC 20 for half.
Note - Armalad’s fog cloud provides Concealment for everyone, INCLUDING trolls. No one but Armalad has line of sight through fog bank.
Troll 1 - AC 30 Troll 2 - AC 30 Grantham - AC 32 (ff 26), SR29 Troll A - AC ? Troll M - AC ?, SR 22
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+14=18 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=25 ; d8=6 ; d6=3 ; 4d6=14 ; d6=3 ; 10d6=34 ; d20+12=31 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 12:03:10 AM
Reflex Saves: Joker - 18 <- has improved evasion feature as familiar so half damage Armalad - 33 <- has evasion class feature so no damage
Armalad heroically calls out to Joker, "Look out" (using a hero point to grant half her bonus to Joker) to her familiar as the flame strike hits. Unfortunately her warning was not enough for the mephit to completely ignore the spell
She then imbues an arrow with lightning bolt and fires her arrow at Troll M for 25 vs flat footed AC, if that hits then Troll M takes 1d8 (6) + 1d6 (3) + 4d6 (14) + 11 + 1d6 (3) = 34 nonlethal + 3 nonlethal shock and a line of lightning stretches forth from F5 to S5 (supposed to be 120 foot line but it looks like S5 is bounded by a wall) and Troll M, Troll 1, Troll 2 and Drall all must make DC 19 reflex saves or take 34 electric damage, half on success (also since Drall is unconscious I think he auto-fails the save).
(OOC: Armalad rolled 31 on her SR check meaning I think both Troll M and Drall are impacted by the lightning bolt)
(OOC: the fog cloud is a 1st level illusion spell, meaning if someone interacts with it and succeeds on a DC 11 will save then they know the fog is an illusion and can see through it)
Armalad is worried about her familiar and since he got a little singed by that last spell she orders the familiar to fly 40 feet and take cover behind the elevator shaft moving the illusion with the mephit
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 6:07:56 AM
Stohp continues to climb? (I forget which floor the fight is happening on).
Stock (JonM) HP: 65/214; AC: (30 vs giants) 26/24/14 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 3/35 used d20+18=23 ; d20+36=56 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+8=21 ; d10+23=31 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 9:59:08 AM Raging! "No Leaving!" He reacts with fury, swinging out with his flail, but only catching air. Stock pivots on the troll nearby, sucking wind and tries to catch the troll unaware, going for the legs!
=========== I realized my header wasn't updated correctly for the extra HP from Rage. It should be correct now. Rage is such a pain to deal with in Pathfinder, says this guy 5 years after starting to play a barbarian! AOO on T2 hits AC23 miss Attack 1 - Trip vs T1 using flail special ability and strength surge rage power 56 vs CMD *This draws an AOO PA2 vs hopefully prone T1 hits AC31, Critical Threat does not confirm vs AC19 PA3 vs T1 hits AC21 31 damage + 6 electricity
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 118/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d20+21=36 ; d8+18=19 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 11:00:05 AM
Zander takes the brief opening afforded by the felling of Drall to heal more of his wounds. But his battle rage is in full swing and he doesn't hesitate to press the attack, moving into Troll 2's reach to attack the beast. He roars at the top of his lungs as he rushes forward, "Come back Drall, FOR PEPPER!!" Something jumps to his mind as he remembers previous fights with trolls. "Drall isn't dead! Fire doesn't hurt him, we need acid!" ------------------------------- [i]Divine Bond +5 Flaming Speed Longsword ~10 minutes 1/3 used Smite Evil +6 to hit and AC, +14 damage vs Drall - 1/5 used Lay on Hands 2/13 used
Swift action lay on hands - 25 healed
Move to N7, believe that's an AoO from Troll 2
Standard attack on Troll 2 36 to hit, 19 weapon damage + 4 fire damage
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+6=18 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 1:37:34 PM
Bartomus had started to snicker as his call to Eberyon for flames seemed to have had some effect. Then the other troll returned the favor and Barts howel end with him reaching for a vital while looking at the magic wielding troll.
"Laugh for us," Bartomus hissed and swallowed the vial.
Drink CMW 2d8 +3 (?assuming the caster level for catacombs spells is just +3) Swift action - Fey Domain- hideous laughter on mage troll. Will save against a DC 23, they may get a +4 due to our character type differences. Failure = prone this round 13/14 uses.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+21=29 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+12=14 ; d8+14=20 ; d8+14=16 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d8+14=22 ; d6=6 ; d8+14=21 ; d6=6 ; d20+13=22 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 6:31:08 PM "I really hope that's actually Pepper," Delia mutters under her breath as she switches targets to the spellcasting troll, moving forward again to hit her target more easily. She then calls, "I've got frost and fire, but no acid. Bart? Armalad? Stohp?"
She whistles and sends Hawky to fly-by aid Stock, cawing and battering the prone troll with his wings to distract the troll and make it harder to hit Stock. With Spring Attack he ends up back around F12 and won't provoke AoO.
==================================== 5ft step to F11 - full round attack at Troll M (missed factoring pointblank on first shot) Attack 1: 30 to hit, 43 damage (20+5 + 16+2) Attack 2: 33 to hit, 28 damage (22+6) Attack 3: 25 to hit, 27 damage (21+6) Attack 4: 14 to hit,
Hawky Aid Another: 22 vs AC 10 to grant Stock +2 AC against Troll 1's next attack.
Troll Keep - Round 5 (DM MikeK) d20+13=27 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+26=36 ; d6+15=18 ; d20+26=45 ; d6+15=20 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+26=31 d20+26=28 d20+26=28 d8+16=21 4d8(3+7+8+8)+14=40 3d8(7+8+7)+5=27 Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 7:35:25 PM
Armalad imbues an arrow with a spell and fires her arrow at Troll M. It hits. A line of lightning streaks across the room, and only the caster is able to evade any of the damage.
She sends Joker and the fog cloud to the back of the room. (There is no shaft, just a hole in the roof where the lift comes through.)
Stohp avoids the ascending lift, and then climbs the rest of the way down. She finds herself standing on an thickly barred floor above a 10’ deep pit. There is also quite the battle underway.
Stock swings and misses at the departing T2. Continuing his turn, the dwarf ducks and swings for T1’s legs. The troll connects as he closes. Stock takes 15 hp damage.
But, the maneuver is successful. T1 is on his back. Stock follows up with a hit, but misses on the next attack.
Zanderallen pursues the fallen Drall, running up to and attacking T2. The troll smacks him as he approaches. Zanderallen takes 20 hp damage.
Whatever fire protection is in effect is on this troll as well. (but keep telling me what the fire damage is, please).
Bartomus drinks a healing potion, and then casts a spell on Troll M. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work on her.
Delia takes another step forward, and fires another round, this time at the spellcasting troll. Three arrows hit home.
Hawky takes off at Delia’s command, and rakes across T1’s face, throwing off its aim.
T1 rolls away from Stock, and stands up.
T2 is in bad shape. But he stands his ground and attacks Zanderallen. The troll must be really woozy, for only its bite finds purchase. Zanderallen takes 21 hp damage.
Troll A casts a spell on Drall.
Drall moans. Still prone, he pulls out and drinks a potion.
Troll M makes a motion. Armalad and Delia start feeling very sleepy. Armalad and Delia Will Save DC20 or fall asleep.
Troll 1 - AC 30, CMD 37 Troll 2 - AC 30, CMD 37 Grantham - AC 32 (ff 26), SR29 Troll A - AC 19 (ff 16), SR 22 Troll M - AC 21 (ff 16)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=32 ; d20+12=22 ; d8=2 ; d6=5 ; 4d6=11 ; d6=3 ; 10d6=40 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 8:33:26 PM
Armalad is a full blooded elf, not a half elf and as a full blooded elf she is immune to magical sleep effects so no save needed for Armalad.
Armalad takes a 5 foot step to I9 and as an Arcane Trickster possesses the ability to declare an impromptu sneak attack which she does against Troll M who is within 30 feet of her.
Also it has been 3 rounds so Armalad is no longer intimitaded so she rolls her full attack bonus against Troll M's flat footed AC as she imbues her arrow with her last Lightning Bolt
32 vs Troll M's Flat Footed AC = Hit
Armalad also rolled a 22 to overcome SR so she overcomes one of the troll's SR but not Drall's
Still after Troll M takes 1d8 (2) + 1d6 (5) + 4d6 (11) + 11 nonlethal + 1d6 (3) nonlethal shock = 29 magic nonlethal + 3 nonlethal shock another lightning bolt springs forth spreading from F5 to S5 and every single troll (except Drall whose SR wasn't overcome) takes 40 lightning damage unless they make a DC 19 reflex save in which case they only take 20 lightning damage
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 84/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 2d8+3=15 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 11:48:18 PM
forgot to roll potion - +15-45=-30 reflected in header
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 84/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 2d8+3=15 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 11:48:22 PM
forgot to roll potion - +15-45=-30 reflected in header
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 96/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 7:26:01 AM
Stohp remembers the vision and checks down the grate to see if Pepper is there. She trusts her allies to handle the fight for now.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 107/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=16 ; d8+18=24 ; d6=6 ; d8+18=22 ; d6=4 ; d8+18=24 ; d6=4 ; d8+18=26 ; Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 12:02:49 PM
Zanaderallen heals some of his wounds and continues his push. Stepping in closer as he continues his swings. "For PEPPER!" is his continued battlecry as his blade hacks into troll flesh. He splits his attacks between the trolls in front of him, hitting them even if they go down to slow down their regeneration. -------------------------------- Divine Bond +5 Flaming Speed Longsword ~10 minutes 1/3 used Smite Evil +6 to hit and AC, +14 damage vs Drall - 1/5 used Lay on Hands 3/13 used
Swift action lay on hands - 30 healed
5ft step to O6
Full round attack 1st and 2nd into Troll 2, 3rd and 4th into Troll A 27 misses Troll 2 35 hits Troll 2, 24 damage + 6 fire 22 hits Troll A, 22 damage + 4 fire 28 hits Troll A, 20(16+4 Crit Focus) Crits, 50 Damage + 4 fire
Stock continues to labor, trying to slam it as it crawls away. He steps into the troll as it rises to its feet and continues to bear down.
"HEALING!!!"
======= The troll can't be prone and move without an AOO - that is under the crawling rules In case you allow it I will roll for an AOO PA hits AC37, Critical Threat Confirms vs AC28 (it is still prone), 55 damage + 6 electricity + 1 sonic Perception 27 - So there is some kind of energy resistance to fire...but are the wounds regenerating or is that stopped by the fire? PA1 hits AC30, 28 bludgeoning + 6 electricity PA2 hits AC33, Critical Threat does not confirm vs AC23, 24 bludgeoning + 4 electricity PA3 hits AC16
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+12=13 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+12=25 ; d8+14=20 ; d6=4 ; d8+14=21 ; d6=3 ; d8+14=17 ; d6=4 ; d8+14=22 ; d6=2 ; d8+14=21 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 2:04:23 PM Will save 13, use Improved Iron Will to reroll to 23
The troll's magic has her for a heartbeat. Delia stumbles, the warm embrace of sleep after the stress of these few days almost too inviting to resist. But then she roars, nearly matching Stock's ferocity as she simply refuses. She gets her feet back under her and sends a volley of arrows flying around the room.
============= (I don't know who's still alive, so target priority M, A, 1, 2 | to hit and damage are 1 less vs A & 2)
Attack 1: to hit 31; damage 48 (20+4 + 21+3) Attack 2: to hit 29; damage 21 (17+4) Attack 3: to hit 23; damage 24 (22+2) Attack 4: to hit 25; damage 26 (21+5)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 84/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 4d8+14=32 ; Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 2:25:31 PM
Bartomus heard Stock's call and moved behind him. He worked his fingers and as he came up behind him he slapped his shoulder.
"Heal, heal I said!" Bartomus said aloud.
move to 7 IJ...cure critical Wounds on stock for 32
Troll Keep - Round 6 (DM MikeK) d20+13=23 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=30 ; 16d6=56 ; Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 7:27:17 PM
Armalad’s elfin blood suffices to ward off any attempts at magical sleep. She steps forward and fires another arrow into Troll M. Again a bolt of lightning tears across the room.
Troll M, 1, and 2 are able to avoid the full blast.
Stohp looks down into the grate below her. Sure enough, Pepper is at the bottom. The woman is huddled in a corner with her arms held protectively over her head, but she seems all right.
Zanderallen continues to attack. He steps into Troll A, and attacks both he and T2. The hit on T2 is enough to drop it.
Stock calls for healing. The dwarf blasts T1 as it rolls away, then pursues and blasts it a couple more times. The troll falls He notes the trolls are not getting burned. The regular wounds are regenerating.
Delia shakes off the sleep effect, and lets her arrows fly. The first drops Troll M. The next three drop Troll A.
Bart circles around Armalad and casts some much needed healing on Stock.
Bellowing in pain and rage, Drall stands. The half troll casts a spell. Everyone can feel the moisture being sucked out of them.
All PCs take 56 hp damage. Fort DC 18 for half (28 hp).
Troll 1 - AC 30, CMD 37 - Collapsed Troll 2 - AC 30, CMD 37 - Collapsed Grantham - AC 32 (ff 26), SR29 Troll A - AC 19 (ff 16), SR 22 - Collapsed Troll M - AC 21 (ff 16) - Prone
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+9=10 ; d20+19=25 ; d8=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; 5d4=13 ; d20+12=30 ; Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 9:13:39 PM
Armalad does not succeed on the fort save and says in response, "Now I need healing, I don't think I can take another spell like that"
She then fires off another arrow at Troll M imbued with burning hands this time
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 78/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+21=22 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d20+27=47 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+27=34 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+17=28 ; d8+32=37 ; d8+32=34 ; d6=4 ; d8+32=34 ; d6=3 ; d8+32=35 ; d6=5 ; Thursday November 24th, 2022 9:43:15 AM
Zanderallen gasps in agony as the water is ripped from his body, caught completely off guard by the attack. Fearing how it might leave his allies he Heroically follows the wave of dehydration with a wave of healing. "Somebody finish these trolls off. Drall, Domi says hello." Zander takes a quick step into the troll, coming in under his guard. His blade still flashing with holy energy he lays into the demon troll. ---------------------------------------- Divine Bond +5 Flaming Speed Longsword ~10 minutes 1/3 used Smite Evil +6 to hit and AC, +14 damage vs Drall - 1/5 used Lay on Hands 5/13 used
Hero Point spent to use Channel Positive Energy, selective channeling to exclude Drall, Troll 2, and Troll A. Zander, Stock, and Bart heal 29 HP
5ft step to P6
Full Attack on Drall, not stopping if he drops 47 hits, 38 confirms crit, 71 damage +4 fire 34 hits, 34 damage +3 fire 35 hits, 35 damage +5 fire 28 misses,
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+7=18 ; Thursday November 24th, 2022 12:46:49 PM
Stohp makes her save so ends up slightly healthier then before the troll's attack (18 exactly). Now sure Pepper is safe she'll move to J/K 5/6 to provide flanking to Z (I think she can get there without provoking AoO, but it will take her full movement)
Stock (JonM) HP: 86/214; AC: (30 vs giants) 26/24/14 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 5/35 used d20+20=28 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+22=31 ; d10+23=25 ; d10+23=33 ; d6=4 ; d8=7 ; Thursday November 24th, 2022 3:48:41 PM Raging “I’m regenerating too! Haha!! Stop their regeneration!!!” Stock moves over to the regenerating troll and tries to drop it again.
——- Fort save 28 Move to g4 PA hits TM AC37, Threat confirms vs AC 31, 58 damage + 4 electricity + 7 sonic
Delia (Hannah) HP: 79/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+12=30 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=36 ; 2d8+10=20 ; Thursday November 24th, 2022 8:46:31 PM
Delia will draw her sword and move to Troll M, taking a very deadly swing.
She sends Hawky up the elevator shaft to avoid more AoEs.
Fort save: 30 Attack: 40 crit threat, 36 to confirm, 20 damage
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday November 25th, 2022 12:00:59 AM
(OOC: checking in)
Troll Keep - Round 7 (DM MikeK) d20+28=45 ; d6+16=21 ; Friday November 25th, 2022 11:56:08 AM
Armalad requests some healing, but doesn’t stop firing. She hits Troll M with another arrow. The troll collapses again. The fire damage to her and T1 is still getting absorbed.
Zanderallen sends out some healing, then moves in to attack Drall There is a wall in the way, so the paladin cannot simply step and attack. He must step over the body of Troll M to get close enough, which allows Drall to slam him with a clawed hand.
Zanderallen takes 21 hp damage
The paladin only gets one attack, but it’s a doozy.
Blood flies as Drall collapses.
Zanderallen also notes the flame of his blade appeared to gain strength as he left the larger room.
Stohp moves up.
Stock swings around and slams Troll M again.
Delia moves up and also stabs Troll M. Hawky flies up the lift shaft.
The trolls’ wounds heal. All are unconscious, though Troll 2 and Troll A appear nearly healed.
Troll 1: -32 hp (AC 30, CMD 37) Troll 2: -5 hp (AC 30, CMD 37) Grantham: -32hp (AC 32 (ff 26), SR29) Troll A : -2hp (AC 19 (ff 16), SR 22) Troll M: -104hp (AC 21 (ff 16))
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday November 25th, 2022 12:56:27 PM
Stohp tries to remember what it is that stops troll regeneration (I know OOC and I think we've fought trolls before but I don't' remember if she'd know)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 75/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+12=28 ; d8+14=19 ; Friday November 25th, 2022 3:17:58 PM
Bartomus was taken back by the life-draining sucking feeling let loose by the troll.
"OUCH!" The taur managed to get out of his mouth after taking a bit of a pause, too long of one actually, to check out his condition.
"Heal the Shields!" Bartomus said aloud and concentrated on the six Shields in the room.
Fortitude Check - -28; Mass Cure Light Wounds - six w/i 60 - headed for 19 points for each of the Shields
Zanderallen takes Dralls fist and follows it back in to put the troll down once more. Seeing the monster's wounds still closing he moves to a more permanent solution. Reversing the grip of his blade he performs a coup de grace on Drall. "Back to the abyss, fiend. Don't mess with Pepper." ------------------------------ Divine Bond +5 Flaming Speed Longsword ~10 minutes 1/3 used Smite Evil +6 to hit and AC, +14 damage vs Drall - 1/5 used Lay on Hands 5/13 used
Full Round Action Coup de Grace Drall 76 damage + 5 fire DC DC 86 Coup de Grace
Delia (Hannah) HP: 98/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 3d8+42=57 ; d6=1 ; Saturday November 26th, 2022 12:15:03 AM
Delia glances between her sword in her right hand and her bow she had passed to her left, then drops her sword with a clang and fires an arrow through the spellcasting troll's throat. "Thanks, Bart," she croaks through a dry mouth.
======= Coup de grace on Troll M: DC 68 Fort save or die
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Saturday November 26th, 2022 2:07:50 PM
Seeing the others handling the trolls Stohp moves back to Pepper. "Hey. It's safe now. You ok?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 86/214; AC: (30 vs giants) 26/24/14 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 5/35 used d20+18=20 ; d10+23=26 ; d6=4 ; Sunday November 27th, 2022 5:59:18 PM Double post there...This is the one that counts[i] "Deja vu all over again!"
Stock moves to the nearest almost alive troll and slams it again. "STOP COMING BACK"
[i]========== Move to L4 power attack vs T2 hits AC20...woof; that might miss the dead troll; 26 damage + 4 electricity
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=32 ; d8=7 ; d6=5 ; 4d6=13 ; d6=1 ; 5d4=16 ; d20+12=23 ; Sunday November 27th, 2022 9:07:23 PM
Armalad takes a 5 foot step to K9 and fires off another magically imbued arrow at Troll 2 this time.
32 vs flat footed (since unconscious) = hit for 1d8 (7) + 1d6 (5) + 4d6 (13) + 11 + 1d6 (1) = 36 nonlethal magic damage + 1 lightning damage (however if they are alreayd negative does nonlethal become lethal at this point?)
This time the arrow causes a selective burning hands to be cast getting troll A and Troll 2 in the arc of the 15 foot fiery cone for 16 fire damage to both
Armalad also rolls a 23 on her caster level check to overcome SR so Troll A takes the 16 fire damage (or it is absorbed)
Stock (JonM) HP: 86/214; AC: (30 vs giants) 26/24/14 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used Monday November 28th, 2022 8:46:04 AM "Why do they keep coming back? How do we get Pepper out?" Stock stays near the downed trolls in case any regenerate enough to start getting up.
Not Dead Yet (DM MikeK) Monday November 28th, 2022 1:18:54 PM
Stohp returns to the pit. She calls down to Pepper, "Hey. It's safe now. You ok?"
The woman looks up. It is Pepper. "Stohp?" She asks incredulously. "Oh, thank the gods! Is Zander there? Yes, I'm ok. Where's Zander? Is he ok?"
Stohp notes there is a door in the iron grate on the pit, which is latched but not locked. It's a simple matter to hop down, help Pepper out, and then climb back out.
Meanwhile, the others continue pounding on the trolls. You are easily causing damage more quickly than the trolls' regenerative ability can heal it. But they are slowly healing.
Everyone recalls that trolls naturally heal nearly any wound. The only way to truly kill them is to use fire or acid as the killing stroke. Quite a few of you are using fire, but there is some kind of spell effect in this main room making the trolls highly resistant to fire. (There's a Resist Energy - Fire in effect).
Eventually, the Shields are able to cause enough fire damage to overcome this and kill all but one of the trolls.
Grantham Drall appears to be naturally resistant to fire. Experimentation reveals Zander's flaming sword does not do enough damage in one blow to overcome it.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday November 28th, 2022 2:39:55 PM
Upset that Drall's wounds won't stop healing, Zanderallen is convinced the damage he inflicted will keep the troll leader down for a good long time. He helps with the other trolls before hearing Pepper calling out. Having charged off he had never seen the pit under the lift. "Pepper?! I'm here.' He comes running to the pit, helping her out if no one else has, and lifts her in a huge embrace, completely forgetting he is covered in a good bit of blood, his own and troll.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 98/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday November 28th, 2022 7:08:43 PM
Delia reclaims her sword and sheathes it. She will then stand over Drall, firing an arrow into his throat every so often to keep him down until Pepper and Zander have their moment. She will stop as soon as the Shields decide they might like to talk to him (coup de grace every other round w/ longbow: Minimum of 55 damage).
Delia (Hannah) HP: 98/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday November 28th, 2022 7:19:11 PM OOC:(oops, I meant 45 min damage, 55 is average. Also, I realized that there is no max negative hp for regenerators. So, if it's alright, I will coup de grace every 5 rounds instead so that he's not at negative 500 when we want to talk to him)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday November 28th, 2022 11:54:44 PM
Armalad says, "I'm down to just a flaming sphere but if it is safe for him to return to be near us Joker can make a 15 foot cone of acid every 4 rounds or less or fire off an acid arrow every hour. He also could potentially summon another water mephit but the odds of that working are only one in 4. What do you guys think?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday November 29th, 2022 8:14:06 AM "I think there's got to be more then this then these trolls. I mean they couldn't exactly march through town to kidnap someone without being noticed, and what caused them to target Pepper?"
She'll give Zander and Pepper a moment before asking her about what she knows.
Stock (JonM) HP: 65/172; AC: (31 vs giants) 27/25/15 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 7/35 used d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 9:08:51 AM "Well I'd call that a success. Also a reminder to bring more fire and acid next time."
Stock takes a knee and lets the others keep the regenerating trolls down. He takes a potion out of his bag and chugs it.
"I agree with Stohp though. That big troll can barely speak. It doesn't strike me as the criminal mastermind behind Pepper's kidnapping. Pepper - do you know what's going on?"
========= Potion of Cure Serious, heals 21 Sidenote - if a troll regenerates a handful of HP every 6 seconds.just imagine how fast that means their skin and muscles are reknitting back together; Talk about some gruesome body horror.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 75/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=23 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 4:17:22 PM "Can we toss them all down into the pit and lock the door? I mean it might buy us some additional time. Also easier to do that acid ring thing," Bartomus offered up as a suggestion looking down at the slowly healing trolls. "I can also do a fireball, or if we got something I could make into a snare that is another option. But, I wonder if we told the goblins we needed their help with getting rid of these guys. Maybe a little insurrection here could be a good thing to start some change?"
Bartomus looked about at each of the openings in an effort to see if there might be something that might work to hold these things back.
Perception 23
My Hero! (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 29th, 2022 7:51:00 PM
Zanderallen runs to embrace Pepper, who isn't at all concerned about what the paladin is covered in...at first. After a few moments, she lets go, takes a step back, and looks down. "Oh, I'm covered in...oh...oh dear."
Nonetheless, the plucky reporter is quite ready to get out of here.
Four trolls have been permanently killed, using fire. Delia keeps Drall down, puncturing him every couple dozen seconds or so.
Various options are given regarding the troll's future - blast him even further and leave, throw him in the pit and leave, take him with you until you get enough fire and/or acid to really kill him, let him wake up and question him.
Several Shields don't think Drall makes a good mastermind of this kidnapping scheme. Something is off.
The side rooms with open doors appear to be quarters for the various trolls.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 75/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Tuesday November 29th, 2022 9:12:02 PM "Alright," Bartomus said after looking about at the various openings. "I vote that we put Drall in the pin, lock it and then see if we can get some information from the goblins. Cause, none of this makes sense."
Bartomus paused after saying the last word and looked as if he was really processing something. "Could this be a distraction? Send the Shields after Pepper and that leaves the Float open to who ever or what ever kidnapped her?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 2d8+2=15 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 9:14:13 PM
Bartomus then reached into his doublet and pulled out one of the vials and gulped it down.
CMW potion for 15
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday November 29th, 2022 9:14:58 PM
Armalad says, "I think we might want to bind his hands and gag him if we toss him in the pit. Didn't we just see that Drall can cast spells?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday November 30th, 2022 7:48:42 AM
Stohp asks Pepper what she knows - did she see who kidnapped her, what she found out she thinks might have caused it, etc.
Stock (JonM) HP: 65/172; AC: (31 vs giants) 27/25/15 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 7/35 used Wednesday November 30th, 2022 11:12:48 AM
Stock cleans up some troll skin on his breastplate that is trying to move towards the rest of the body as he listens to Pepper's response to Stohp's question.
"I say we question Drall. I don't think we are in a hurry to get leave...although we don't know the lay of the land well enough to say what other forces are in the area that would take offense to use being in this dungeon."
He hears Bart talk about this being a diversion and his eyebrow raises..."...that's a disturbing thought."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday November 30th, 2022 11:26:17 AM
Zander apologizes, "I'm so sorry dear." He then pulls a cloth out of his bag but quickly gives up as he recognizes the futility of wiping off Troll blood. When Stohp comes over to ask her questions he gives her hand a final squeeze before returning to help deal with Drall. He walks over to where Delia is keeping an eye on Drall. "Let's get this armor off him, and bind him up. Drall did not kidnap Pepper, he's just the jail keeper. Stock, help me move this great mass. We need to find out who's he's working for and why they wanted the Shields here." Zanderallen takes a minute to look Drall over as they bind him, trying to identify him and his bat wings. ----------------------------------------- Knowledge(religion): 22 (taking 10)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 98/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Wednesday November 30th, 2022 5:58:23 PM
Delia will help loot and bind Drall, giving Pepper a nod in greeting. "Sorry I didn't say something immediately. Didn't want to distract Zander from his troll slaying."
Just a jail keeper (DM MikeK) Wednesday November 30th, 2022 7:54:55 PM
Once Pepper has been disengaged from Zanderallen, Stohp asks what she knows.
Which is nothing.
Pepper stares off into space for some time, obviously trying to remember, and just as obviously frustrated. “I don’t know,” she sighs in exasperation. “I was in my apartment, and then I was there.” She points to the bottom of the pit. “They never talked to me. They never let me out. They just threw down some bread and cheese.”
The topic of what to do with Drall is ongoing.
Eventually, Zanderallen, Stock, and Delia combine to strip him of his armor and bind him up.
The paladin tries to figure out why the troll has bat wings, but other than eliminating undead and gods, can’t make a determination. (Will need a Knowledge - Planes check)
Delia finds out what goodies Drall possesses. Quite a few:
potion of bear's endurance, potion of haste, potion of invisibility +3 full plate, bag of holding (type I), belt of giant strength +4, cloak of the troll king gauntlets of rending headband of alluring charisma +2, ring of major energy resistance (fire), ring of protection +2,
Drall is unconscious, stripped, and bound. But is not in the pit.
At this time, only Drall himself has been searched.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+25=26 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+25=32 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=35 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 10:58:16 PM
Armalad says, "cloak of the troll king? That sounds expensive what does it do?"
She then casts detect magic and starts searching the other trolls for goodies
(OOC: here are 20 spellcraft rolls to identify magic items let me know if I need more: 26, 45, 34, 26, 33, 40, 40, 41, 33, 28, 41, 44, 45, 38, 40, 44, 32, 37, 41, 35
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:05:26 AM
Stohp will check what the other rooms are, starting with the room the others tell her Drall came out of.
Stock (JonM) HP: 90/172; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ; d20+24=30 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 9:31:58 AM
Stock waits patiently for Drall to regenerate enough to talk. "I'll take any more healing that you guys have. While he waits he pops his second of three healing potions and tosses the bottle idly against the wall. [b]"That was a strong one..."
[i]=========== Cure Serious 25hp I thought all the other trolls were dead. If any others are not dead, Stock will search them Perception 30.[i]
Delia (Hannah) HP: 98/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+21=23 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 10:55:26 AM
Once the ring has been removed, Delia will comment, "Well that should make our lives easier now." She will search the rooms for anything interesting as well.
Perception: 23
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday December 1st, 2022 11:10:14 AM "Stock, take these two - not the super strong stuff, but can help. If you need more, I can hand you another."[b] Bartomus handed Stock two of the vials.
Then he walked over and reached down to grab Drall's feet, grimacing as he got too close and began dragging the creature to the open pit.
[b]"You can talk to him as I get him into the pit, right Stock?" Bartomus asked as he pulled slowly on the bound trollking. "Anyone else can help with getting him locked away!"
Stock - 2 CMW potions for 2d8+2 each, have a few more and two CSW potions
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 14d6=39 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:48:27 PM
Zanderallen apologizes for not attending to wounds and channels energy twice, excluding Drall. He waits for Drall to come to, not ever going too far from Pepper. ------- Everyone heals 39
Watch your step (DM MikeK) d20=17 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 8:02:11 PM
Armalad wonders about the nature of the Cloak of the Troll King. It sounds expensive. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Price 9,000 gp; Slot shoulders; CL 5th; Weight 2 lbs.; Aura faint evocation This long cloak is a patchwork of beast and humanoid hides roughly stitched together. A crude, crown-shaped patch of yellow-dyed fabric is sewn on the back, and a length of knotted hemp rope secures the cloak around the wearer's neck. The wearer gains a +5 competence bonus on Intimidate checks and the ability to use burning hands as a spell-like ability three times per day.
Armalad then gets the magic items from the dead trolls, as well as verifying that yes, all trolls except Drall are dead.
Loot, including Drall’s stuff:
potion of bear's endurance, potion of haste, potion of invisibility (x2) potion of barkskin, (x2) potion of bull's strength (x4) potion of protection from energy (fire) (x3) elixir of fire breath (x3) ring of protection +2 (x4) ring of major energy resistance (fire) ring of protection +3 ring of jumping (x3) +3 full plate, large +4 hide armor, large (x2) amulet of mighty fists +3 (x2) amulet of natural armor +3 bag of holding (type I) belt of giant strength +4 bracers of armor +4 cloak of resistance +3 cloak of the troll king dust of disappearance headband of vast intelligence +4 gauntlets of rending headband of alluring charisma +2
Bartomus drags the unconscious Drall to the pit. Unless there is some objection, the troll fits in there nicely.
Delia and Stohp go to explore rooms, starting with Drall’s and then proceeding to the other two open doors. As seen in the map of the last round of the fight, there are three doors each in the eastern and western walls, and a pair of double doors in the southern wall.
The rooms all appear to be simple quarters - a bed, a table, an unlocked chest. In Drall’s room, the pair find a bag of gemstones (7500 gp).
As Stohp passes through the threshold of the northwest doorway, she triggers a protective spell. The spell radius is 60’, meaning everyone is affected, except for Hawky who is not in the room.
Everyone except Hawky Fort Save DC 17 or suffer wracking pains that impose a –4 penalty on attack rolls, skill checks, and ability checks.
Pepper goes wide eyed for just a moment. "What was that?" she gasps. Pepper makes her save!!
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+12=23 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 10:39:50 PM
Bartomus was somewhat careful in lowering Drall into the pit, but not overly careful. As he finished getting Drall down into the pit, he turned back towards Stock and asked if there was anything he wanted to ask. But a weird ear popping, spine-tingling, hairs on the skin raising sound and feeling permeated the space they were in. Bartomus cringed and then shook it all off.
He looked over at Pepper and nodded. "Yea, what the heck was that?"
Fortitude save = 23
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+9=12 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+22=26 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 3:24:57 AM
Fort: 12 = armalad Fort: 19 = joker
Joker saves, but Armalad doesn't.
She says, "Maybe next time I should search for traps first in a strange castle."
If possible Armalad still tries to disable the tripped trap
Disable Device: 26
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+8=14 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 8:08:19 AM
Stohp is highly embarrassed that she forgot to search for traps. She pays for it too, having to wait out it's effects (14 fort). "Sorry."
Stock (JonM) HP: 152/172; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used d20+17=23 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 10:04:03 AM "What was that? It felt like a little pinch."
He power chugs the potions and basks in the healing of Z's channel. "That feels better." He throws the empty potion bottles at Drall's body.
He keeps waiting for Drall to wake up so that maybe the Shields can interrogate it.
===== Fort Save 23 First Bart Potion: 14 HP Second: 9 HP Loot sheet is updated. Start thinking about claims.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 98/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+12=22 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 11:49:59 AM
Delia blinked as the wave of magic crashed over them, pain tingling down her limbs. "That did not feel good," she comments as she pauses, giving the rogues a chance to examine the remaining rooms and anything else for traps.
Fort save: 22
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+21=38 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 4:28:12 PM
Zanderallen grunts as he fights off the waves of pain, "Well, lesson learned I guess." He ponders healing Drall to wake him up faster. -------------- Fort 38
Lingering pain (DM MikeK) Saturday December 3rd, 2022 10:35:08 AM
Most of you fight of the effects of the spell, but Armalad and Stohp do not.
The effect does not wear off, nor go away, nor do the duo get used to it. Every muscle feels on fire, stinging pain rips through nerves, and the brain desperately fights through the pain just to function. [DM Note - It hurts, it doesn't wear off, and Armalad and Stohp have an ongoing –4 penalty on attack rolls, skill checks, and ability checks]
Despite the pain, Armalad is able to find the trap. It is an elaborate magical rune etched into the floor of the doorway. She is able to identify it as a Symbol, and given the effects, a Symbol of Pain. Unfortunately, she is unable to disable the trap.
Bart deposits Drall into the pit.
Based on his rate of healing, and the time elapsed searching the other bodies, you estimate another 5 minutes before he heals enough to regain consciousness.
All the trolls have been searched. Only Drall's room in the northeast corner has been searched. Only the door in the northwest corner has been searched for traps (after the triggering of the Symbol on that doorway).
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Sunday December 4th, 2022 3:02:12 PM "Well. Unless someone can dispel this, or we get in another fight, I'm going to just sit down and hurt for a while." Stohp says grimacing.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Sunday December 4th, 2022 3:44:58 PM
Bartomus looked down in the pit and made a point of closing the lid and putting in the lock necessary to buy them some time. Then he grabbed his glave and standing about the wall to be further back from the opened door, he reached around the wall with his glave and pushed the doors open a bit farther in hopes to see if there were any other things that happened with the doors being opened.
"Anything anyone knows to help them?" Bartomus asked as he held his head back from the door opening. "We are running out of time with guy in the pit by the way."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday December 4th, 2022 8:17:16 PM
Armalad says to Stohp, "I'm with you." and also lays down on the floor
Stock (JonM) HP: 152/172; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used d20+24=27 ; d20+24=35 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 8:49:46 AM
Stock starts methodically searching the adjoining room starting in the top left and working counterclockwise around the room. He checks each door for traps prior to opening and then searches each room as he goes. If Drall comes to consciousness while he's searching, he will stop that and return to interrogate Drall.
========== Top left traps / searching: 27 and 35...you know what, Stock will take 10 on the rest rather than making a whole bunch of rolls...34 perception for traps and searching.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+12=24 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 9:23:17 AM
Delia calls Hawky down, then sends him back up the shaft with instructions to warn them if he sees anyone approaching the keep.
She then joins Stock in his methodical search (auto succeed on aid to make his check a 36 perception).
Hawky perception: 24
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+5=20 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 4:59:49 PM "Symbol of Pain, that's a bit above my ability to fix. It will wear off eventually or I believe if you get far enough away the effects will end." He doesn't have an interest in searching the troll keep and instead keep a watchful eye on Drall, stopping Bart from putting the cover on, "I want to see when he wakes up." ---------- Spellcraft 20 for Symbol of Pain
He's awake (DM MikeK) Monday December 5th, 2022 8:03:32 PM
Stohp and Armalad endure the pain. Zanderallen lets everyone know it will wear off eventually.
The top of the pit is a grating, so Bart can close and latch it, with everyone still being able to see Drall.
Delia sends Hawky to keep watch.
She and Stock begin working their way around the adjoining rooms. In the next five minutes, they is able to clear all the western rooms. They find 8000 gp, but nothing else of interest.
Bart messes with the doors in the northwest corner, but finds nothing else of interest.
Delia and Stock have reached the closed double doors in the south, when Drall regains consciousness.
The troll looks about, then up. He rolls over to sit against one wall, and looks expectantly at Zanderallen.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=33 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 11:48:41 PM
Armalad warily watches Drall (Perception: 33)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday December 6th, 2022 8:02:06 AM
Stohp half expects Drall to have some way out and that they'll have to wrangle trolls at some point.
Stock (JonM) HP: 152/172; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used d20+18=36 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 9:24:57 AM
Keeping his voice low, Stock says, "Can any of you guys speak Drall's language? I can't." Stock walks up to the pit and calls down,
""Hey Big Guy - You are in for a WORLD of hurt unless you give us the answers we need..."
========== Intimidate 36 - goal is to Influence Opponent’s Attitude The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier It technically takes 1 minute of conversation to do this.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Tuesday December 6th, 2022 12:38:34 PM "Alright, so some good, but that's it." Bartomus shrugged and looked back at the lift shaft. "I still think we head up. Get back to the Tavern and get Pepper and us home. Maybe we turn the Goblins on Drall and they can reclaim this for themselves?"
As he talked, he walked over to the lift and tried to get a sense on how to call it back down.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+25=36 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 2:45:33 PM
When Zander sees Drall come to his smile while talking to Pepper disappears behind a steel wall. Locking down his emotions he let's Stock take the opening since the dwarf really seems to have it in for the troll. He puts his foot on the edge of the grate and leans down to look at Drall, "Now, now, I'm sure it doesn't need to come to that Stock. Drall, you and I both know you're not behind tanking Pepper. Somebody put you up to it. You just tell us who it is and we're out of your hair, claws, teeth. However you trolls say it." ---------------------- Diplomacy: 36 (trying to play some good cop, bad cop with Stock's opening to get info out of Drall.)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20=13 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 3:55:34 PM (misclicked the roll)
Delia will back Pepper up away from Drall - and what Stock and Zander might do to him - and the pit and let the good and bad cops do their thing.
He speaks! (DM MikeK) Tuesday December 6th, 2022 7:22:26 PM
Stock and Zanderallen work on Drall, good cop/bad cop style. Armalad watches warily as she can with a -4 penalty. Delia backs Pepper out of the way. Stohp waits for some inevitable trick. Bart looks for a way to call the lift back down. The taur figures out that simply pulling on one of the two ropes will bring it back.
Drall spends several minutes establishing what has happened to the other trolls. He speaks only in Giant, requiring Armlad to translate.
Once it has been firmly established that all the other trolls are dead, though, he starts chuckling. The chuckle builds in strength until he is laughing, nearly uncontrollably. After a good minute, he winds down.
“Oh, She’s not going to like this,” he chuckles in perfect Common. He gazes back up at Zanderallen.
“Lord Vanius appeared in the middle of my keep with the girl,” he replies, as affably as a troll could. “He had all the trolls come out and instructed us to watch her until he returned. He then disappeared. Then you came.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+19=27 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+8=26 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 10:27:39 PM
Through the pain Armalad searches her memory for any reference to Lord Vanius. (OOC: remembered the penalty this time)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday December 7th, 2022 8:52:26 AM "So we should expect another guest at some point. One either responsible for the kidnapping, or at least knowing who is. Shall we wait for them and ambush them when they return?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 152/172; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used Wednesday December 7th, 2022 9:10:05 AM "WHO is not going to like this and WHY is that so funny? Also, WHAT even are you?...with those wings and all."
To Armalad he says, "Well done on the translations. I don't understand the words you are saying but you are clearly communicating the emotion in the words. Really impressive."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Wednesday December 7th, 2022 9:43:52 AM
Seeing the confusion on Armalad's face, Delia leans over to her, "Lord Vanius was some jerk from this plane who butted heads with the Shields a while back, before I joined. He's Mistress what's-her-undead-face's high up minion. She is probably the one who isn't going to like this..."
She asks the rest of the group, "Didn't we already think it was this Vanius guy because of his history with the Shields? He have any surprises he could whip out if we jump him?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday December 7th, 2022 5:54:41 PM "Other than being powerful enough to operate the gate that nobody thought was active we know very little about Lord Vanius. He showed up when everyone though the Wold was ending due to the blood grass catastrophe, laughed at us and I seemed to remember unleashed some sort of powerful magics to bind us." He turns back to Drall, giving him a look as he replies in common, "So is Lord Vanius a big enough deal that you just drop every to do what he says?"
Curiouser (DM MikeK) Wednesday December 7th, 2022 7:53:55 PM
Again, Drall has shifted to Common, and thus no one has to translate for him.
The Shields have a brief sidebar to recall Lord Vanius. Zanderallen and Delia have the long and short of it.
Delia also answers most of Stock's questions. Drall shrugs at the dwarf and points to Delia.
"This," he also replies to Stock, indicating himself, "is a half fiend troll."
Zanderallen follows up. "So is Lord Vanius a big enough deal that you just drop everything to do what he says?"
Drall blinks. "Yes." By his tone, you might as well have asked if water is wet.
Stohp is starting to wonder when other bad guys will be arriving.
Stohp and Armalad are still suffering.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Wednesday December 7th, 2022 7:57:57 PM "I am kinda thinking we take Pepper and blink back out," Bartomus added his thoughts tot he conversation. But, then he thought for a bit. "Being on a different plane, could we call for some help and maybe set a trap for the Vanius? I mean if it would be worth the effort, I am game. But if we can just head back to the Inn here and then back home, there's something I am more than willing to just do."
Bartomus looked back at the pair of ropes.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday December 8th, 2022 1:09:02 AM
Armalad asks, "Can we just blink out from here or would we have to go to the equivalent point where the gate is and use the key? I mean does anyone among us know how to planeshift and would that work considering how we got here?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday December 8th, 2022 7:32:26 AM "If possible we'd probably better deal with whoever behind this here, else when we return they can just kidnap our friends and allies again and force us back here. We can't protect everyone we know." Stohp points out.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/149 AC: 31(37 vs Drall) T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday December 8th, 2022 3:58:15 PM
Zanderallen weighs their options and comes to a decision. "We have achieved our immediate goal of rescuing Pepper. But, Lord Vanius, whether on his own initiative or under the bidding of his mistress, has decided to make enemies with us. As Stohp so aptly put, we can't protect everyone we know. Which means we need to get Vanius to back-off. We could return to the Inn to rest and leave Pepper somewhere safe, and then seek out Vanius."
"Hey Drall. Since you've been so helpful, you wouldn't happen to know where Lord Vanius is would you?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Thursday December 8th, 2022 4:10:36 PM
Delia agrees that they can't just leave Vanius alone now that he has shown his willingness to kidnap loved ones, "Surely he had some kind of reason for taking Pepper. And all he's got is a few dead trolls, so I doubt he's gotten what he wants out of it yet. But, first priority should be to get Pepper to safety, whatever we decide that means, and be ready to take Lord Vanius, and maybe the lady who runs this place, head on if it comes to that."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday December 8th, 2022 9:30:58 PM
Armalad says to Drall, "You don't know how to release that undead goblin oracle outside of that inn do you?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday December 9th, 2022 7:43:13 AM "The Inn seems like a good rallying point. Let's move quickly, he'll be able to find out where we are going pretty easily since Drall's been listening in. The sooner we leave the sooner we get there."
Next steps? (DM MikeK) Friday December 9th, 2022 10:21:44 AM
You continue discussions.
Drall answers Armalad. "I don't know any undead goblin oracle."
Drall answers Zanderallen. "Lord Vanius quarters with Mistress Fidelia in her Castle."
The troll pauses, debating internally. He speaks again, looking Zanderallen dead in the eyes. "You have beaten me and killed the others. But you are not strong enough to enter the Castle. You are also not strong enough to earn the enmity of Vanius. Some other game is being played.
Go to your Inn. Go to the Wold. Rejoice in your lives."
Stock (JonM) HP: 152/172; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used Friday December 9th, 2022 10:27:40 AM "Yeah back to the Inn I think. Maybe we can take another run at Proudfoot about the undead goblin. We also need to warn The Float that there may be trouble coming from Vanius."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday December 9th, 2022 11:04:04 AM "Ask him where this Mistress' castle is located, just so we have some idea of where these raids are being launched. Agree with you Stock, better to warn the Float and start looking at ways to watch for unexpected visitors." Bartomus suggested to Zander and gave a slight tug on one of the lift ropes. "Still say we free the goblins or at least tell them the trolls are dead and he's locked in the pit. Give them something hopeful you know."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday December 9th, 2022 2:21:09 PM
Zanderallen blinks as Drall speaks so directly to him. He takes a moment to stare back and assess the troll before nodding in thanks, "It seems honor can be found in many places. Thank you Drall."
He turns to the rest of the Shields, "I don't like it, but I trust what Drall has said. Let us return to the Inn. I begin to fear what was thought earlier that we might have been lured here as a distraction. Vanius has earned himself another mark and one day we will collect. But there is still too much to be done in our world to throw our lives away in pointless battles in the Land of the Fey."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Friday December 9th, 2022 2:43:28 PM
Delia purses her lips, "It seems like our two options are to go home or storm the castle. I'm all for the going home and regrouping one. As much as I dislike the idea of being a plaything for the Fey, there's not much we can do about that right now. Maybe just check in on friends and family a little extra for a while."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Sunday December 11th, 2022 6:41:54 PM
Stohp's said her peace so she grits her teeth and makes herself get up and get ready to leave.
Exit Strategy (DM MikeK) Sunday December 11th, 2022 7:12:18 PM
Zanderallen makes the call, and the rest appear to agree - time to head out.
The lift returns, with the two goblins still attending. They are very surprised by what they see on the ground floor, and are very helpful in getting The Shields to the roof.
It takes a couple trips. Pepper stays locked at Zanderallen's side.
Bartomus gives some thought to the goblins as well.
Will you travel straight back to the Inn, or is there anything you wish to do first or on the way?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday December 11th, 2022 8:27:01 PM
Armalad casts locate person thinking of Pepper. She has 2 preparations of the spell and with Drall saying there is some other game afoot well changlings are a thing. Is the Pepper by Zanderallen pinging on her locate person spell?
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=31 ; Sunday December 11th, 2022 10:26:00 PM "So, here's the deal. You can run this place. You and your fellow soldiers - make the place better, friendlier. Find a way to get rid of those dang wicked flying skull things."[b] Bartomus explained to the two goblins as he rode the elevator upwards. [b]"Be creative - you could even form an autonomous collective. You can do this."
Bartomus waits for the other Shields to join him and scanned about where the goblins told him to stay until the others arrived.
Perception 31 for where he is told to stay - assuming there may be a more direct exit out of the building, but if on top, then scanning about the area.
Stock (JonM) HP: 152/172; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used Monday December 12th, 2022 9:31:34 AM
Stock listens to Bartomus' impassioned speech to the goblins and says to him, "You are a noble taur. Definitely doing more for these creatures than I am willing."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday December 12th, 2022 12:08:45 PM
Delia, in a rare moment of social awareness, decides to refrain from commenting to Bart that Drall is still alive and will almost certainly behave the exact same way as he did before he got the fear of Domi beat into him. Assuming that Armalad does not raise any alarms with her spell, Delia wants to leave this plane as soon as possible so that they can see if anything happened while they were away from the Float.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday December 12th, 2022 12:28:54 PM
Zander does not object to Pepper being locked to his side, he nods to Drall as the last group rides up the lift, expecting the half-fiend troll will not remain locked in the pit for long. But Drall was not the issue, what game was Vanius up to? Someday maybe they would beat the answer out of him. Now back to the Inn and maybe they could devote some more thinking to that Goblin Oracle.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday December 12th, 2022 11:09:00 PM
Armalad waits patiently for her spell to confirm if the Pepper by Zanderallen is the real Pepper
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday December 13th, 2022 7:29:44 AM
Stohp is skeptical about any efforts to inspire goblins to change things considering the actual person in charge and responsible for things around here is still around. This Fidelia lady. She advises the party to avoid the town on the way back.
Stock (JonM) HP: 152/172; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 7/35 used Tuesday December 13th, 2022 8:56:08 AM
Stock leans over toward Armalad and says in a low voice, "Why are you looking at Pepper like that? You don't think she's in on this do you?"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday December 13th, 2022 8:54:37 PM
(OOC: checking in; not feeling well fyi)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 90/114 AC 21; 140/140 CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d8=6 ; Friday December 30th, 2022 10:13:23 AM Happy New Years everyone! Starting the level update so rolling for new HP!
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday January 2nd, 2023 10:27:29 AM
(OOC: Updated Armalad's Sheet for the new level)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday January 3rd, 2023 10:38:07 AM Just updating header
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 94/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday January 3rd, 2023 10:39:22 AM Found error - needed to put current hit points correctly
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday January 4th, 2023 6:59:53 AM
Stohp is ready to continue (I have leveled)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 115/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 Wednesday January 4th, 2023 5:09:26 PM
Zanderallen is leveled up and ready for review.
(I added a table at the bottom of the sheet to track level up approvals)
The Goblin (DM MikeK) Wednesday January 4th, 2023 7:27:42 PM
Having pursued Pepper’s kidnappers deep into Koshe Marr, the Silver Shields infiltrated a keep and destroyed her troll guards.
Their leader, Grantham Drall, a half troll half something with wings, survived. The Shields locked him into the very pit where Pepper had been held.
In the ensuing discussions, the Shields determine to go back to the Inn, escape from this place, and warn Floating City that the denizens of Koshe Marr appear to have a way into the city.
To be safe, Armalad casts a Locate Person for Pepper. She should be relieved to find that the woman they’ve rescued is the one and only.
Bartomus gives a speech to the goblins. It impresses Stock, but its hard to tell if he’s made an impact on the goblins. Stohp and Delia also are skeptical.
The Shields depart the keep without incident.
It’s a solid day’s march back to the inn, and the group spends a long night in the barren plains. But, their luck holds out, and they are unmolested either in camp or on the road back.
As you approach the Inn, you note the goblin is again sitting beside the door. Pepper recoils at its appearance. It looks as it did before, ripped ears, broken legs, rag tied around its eyes, gaping wound in its belly. As you approach, he sighs, “At last. You have come.” Then he cackles, a barking sound that quickly becomes a coughing fit. “Fulfilled the prophecy yet thwarted His plans…nice.”
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Wednesday January 4th, 2023 10:00:06 PM Header HP update. Delia (and Hawky) level up will be complete once I decide on new favored enemy and which skill to Skill Focus for her.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 94/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday January 5th, 2023 1:31:41 AM "We did it then?" Bartomus asked the goblin at the door. "Not sure we did, not sure if we helped your neighbors. But, if you think we helped, then let's celebrate that."
He reached for the door to the inn and held it open for the rest of the Shields while looking down at the goblin.
Stock (JonM) HP: 167/188; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/37 used Thursday January 5th, 2023 8:57:24 AM "Hey ghost goblin. Did we ever ask your name?
Celebration sounds great, Bart."
Stock says this in passing and doesn't really wait for a response from the ghost. He enters the inn and wipes his boots at the door. As he does so, he scans the faces looking to see if it is all the same patrons as their previous stay.
=========== Header updated OOC - Should we assume we are fully healed? Or just healed for one night's rest?
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 18d6=68 ; Thursday January 5th, 2023 5:06:01 PM
Zanderallen expends most of his remaining lay on hands to channel healing for everyone before resting. He's nervous out in the plains at night, but his heart is much steadier with Pepper safely rescued. While traveling his almost never more than an arm's length away.
When they approach the Inn and the goblin greets them he puts an arm around Pepper, "Pay this hideous creature no mind dear. It speaks gibberish. Let's get inside and eat." --------------------- Zander will use 6 of his remaining 9 lay on hands to channel energy 3 times. Everyone will heal 68 HP before resting.
Rest and Relaxation? (DM MikeK) Thursday January 5th, 2023 9:17:23 PM
Bartomus holds open the door for the rest of the Shields while looking down at the goblin. "We did it then?" he asks. "Not sure we did, not sure if we helped your neighbors”
Stock asks its name, but isn’t really interested in the answer. The dwarf is through the door before it can.
Zanderallen is even faster, escorting Pepper on through the door.
The goblin’s face scrunches up at Bart. “My neighbors?” he remarks caustically. “Who gives a rat’s fart about my neighbors? You freed Me!” With that, the goblin disintegrates into ash.
Zanderallen provides more healing to the team.
Other than the innkeeper and two waitresses (the same ones you encountered before) the main room is empty.
Pepper looks around. “How does this get us home?” she asks, though Zanderallen notes she’s relaxed upon entering the Inn and is starting to shift into Reporter Mode.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday January 5th, 2023 10:18:19 PM
Armalad says, "I really wonder what the heck that prophecy was about. It kind of bugs me knowing that we fulfilled it but not knowing what exactly it was. I mean it is great that goblin guy gets to go see Gargul after who knows how long he was undead for but I don't know how I feel about secret prophecies also I wonder whose plans we thwarted in fulfilling said prophecy. I mean given where we are I would imagine no one nice but still it would be nice to not be in the dark about all this."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 94/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday January 5th, 2023 11:47:42 PM "Totally agree Armalad," Bartomus said while following the others into the Inn. He continued to walk towards one of the tables the others seemed to be heading towards and felt an empowering warmth course over him. He glanced about and saw Zander in deep concentration while also being relatively close to his rescued date. "Thanks Zee."
"Can we order some really good food, some good drink, and take a moment before jumping back into the float?" Bartomus asked as he looked past the Shields to the innkeeper. He really wanted some cold mead and good food.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Friday January 6th, 2023 9:20:24 AM
Delia looks at the ash pile of the goblin muttering, "I guess it's too late to ask whose plans we thwarted." She continues at a more normal tone, "But I guess it might be a good thing that someone's plans were thwarted if they had anything to do with Pepper." She shrugs, moving inside with the rest of the Shields, ready for a nice meal, but seating herself with eyes on the door.
Stock (JonM) HP: 188/188; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/37 used Friday January 6th, 2023 11:53:50 AM "Hey Pepper - you didn't know that goblin ghost outside did you? Seems unlikely but I thought I'd ask."
Stock hears Bart's request and looks expectantly at the inn staff. He then says to the innkeeper, "Is Proudfoot still here?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 Friday January 6th, 2023 4:56:07 PM "The Inn is some sort of safe haven here in Koshe Marr. That statue will teleport us back home, I believe to the Giggling Ghost but I might be thinking of something else. But first it's been a very long walk and the food and drink here are quite good." Zander shakes his head at the report of the goblin turning to dust, "I am sure that will come back to haunt us some day. Glad we freed the poor soul, a little worried about what we stumbled into. But I'm sure we'll work it out in the end."
Proudfoot's letter (DM MikeK) Saturday January 7th, 2023 11:43:06 AM
You collectively wonder about the goblin’s prophecy and who you may have thwarted.
Stock takes a flyer and asks Pepper if she knows the goblin. “I’ve never seen a goblin before,” she replies. “Or a troll either, for that matter.” She tucks in even closer to Zanderallen. “You really fight things like this for a living?” She shudders at the thought. “How do you keep yourself from collapsing at the sight of them?”
Several of you think it's a very good time for some food and drink.
The staff starts bringing out bread, cheese and wine for the appetizer course.
Stock asks the innkeeper about Proudfoot.
“He went out,” the elf replies. “He left this.” The innkeeper hands Stock a folded sheet of paper, sealed in wax with the same High Woldian symbol that adorned the halfling’s armor. Knowledge Religion DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Symbol of Pantheon}.
The note inside reads
I told you when we met, this is a place of lies and secrets. Everything out there has an agenda. I am no exception.
I am a pawn, extorted to send more pawns forward to battle for kings, or in this case bishops vying to be kings.
I have received my reward and leave on my last quest for revenge. I pray against all logic that I am successful. More likely, I will die like my friends.
My confession: It is impossible to connect with the Woldian gods in this cursed place, even at the Inn. Spells, especially those most powerful, cannot be recovered once spent. At least not by one's own god. But in my deepest prayers, other voices here offered me a bargain - In exchange for my spells, all I had to do was direct you to the keep of Grantham Drall.
Yesterday, the Oracle outside began to speak clearly, proclaiming his prophecy fulfilled. “No creature of the Land, nor any with impure heart, shall harm a hair on his head.”
It seems this Drall was a favorite of the Mistress. One of her other Captains, jealous of her attentions, sought to destroy him. The Oracle’s words prevented him or his company from attacking Drall directly. Thus, he lured you here to do his work for him. It appears you were successful.
I pray all of your company, and your distressed damsel, survived this ordeal unharmed.
As recompense for my part in this, I offer you the contents of the chest in my room.
I doubt I will need them again.
With sincerest apologies, Justicar Brennan Proudfoot
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Sunday January 8th, 2023 9:10:16 PM
Stohp reads the note and considers. "Well if this is true then we don't have to worry about a repeat hopefully. I don't like being used, but with Drall defeated whomever is behind this hopefully got what they wanted even if Drall wasn't killed"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 94/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Sunday January 8th, 2023 9:51:35 PM "So he used us to have the prophecy fulfilled, is that it?" Bartomus asked before stuffing his mouth with some of the treats brought to their table.
"Oh, which room is, or was, Proudfoots?" Bartomus added and looked about then chewed on another pastry.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+12=14 ; Sunday January 8th, 2023 11:28:16 PM
Know[Religion]: 14
After reading the leader Armalad says, "That is why arcane spells are better than divine, you can prepare the spells using your own power not someone else's. I wonder what kind of thing Proudfoot made a deal with, I can't imagine that turns out well assuming he makes it, though it sounds like he doesn't expect to. I thought paladins were supposed to not make bargains with not good entities."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday January 9th, 2023 11:27:35 AM "Desperate, scared, and hurt people will do lots of things they would normally be horrified by," Delia says quietly. She shakes her head, "Anyway. So this Lord Ventriloquist guy wanted to murder Drall, but because a prophecy said he couldn't, he kidnapped Pepper and gave her to Drall so that us "pure of heart" could kill him? That's... convoluted. But we didn't kill Drall, so now what?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday January 9th, 2023 11:28:02 AM (Delia is leveled and ready for review)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 Monday January 9th, 2023 2:09:21 PM
Zanderallen has a sudden insight of how terrifying what they do is to most people. To him it had been a slow build up of things that just needed doing. His eyes take on a haunted look as he thinks back over some of the more dreadful thing they've had to face. He shakes himself off and smiles back at Pepper, "You just stay focused on the important things. Protecting the people you care about from the monsters. And it helps knowing I've got Domi in my corner."
Zander notes the symbol on the note, "Pantheon, god of justice."
His face goes pale as the note is read, he swears quietly as it finishes, "I was so blind. Focused on only my problems. It's so obvious Proudfoot was deeply lost and all I did was get upset that he wasn't helping us. Now he's sold himself to some fell power and gone to his destruction." Zander weeps quietly, "Pantheon, judge your servant in the fairness of his loss."
"We have been used. Drall may not have been killed but he has been knocked down several pegs. I doubt there will be repercussions to us, other than we are now known as pawns to be used. I doubt this is our last visit to Koshe Marr. Let us honor Proudfoot's last wishes and collect his gift. Once we're home I'm going to see if I can find record of Proudfoot. Something happened to him and his friends and I bet someone back in the Wold knows." ---------------------- Knowledge Religion: 24 (taking 10)
Stock (JonM) HP: 188/188; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/37 used d20+1=14 ; Monday January 9th, 2023 7:05:04 PM "So don't get me wrong. I don't like to be used and I certainly don't like that Pepper was brought into this but I have no issues knocking around Drall. He seemed like he needed it and I'd do that kind of work for free. Let's grab this reward though and head back to the Float. If I don't miss my mark, I'll bet somebody else will want our help soon."
====== Religion 14
Let's grab this reward (DM MikeK) Monday January 9th, 2023 7:56:14 PM
The various Shields generally agree that they’ve been used for someone else’s purposes to eliminate Drall.
How you feel about that varies from hero to hero.
Zanderallen in particular regrets his treatment of Brennan Proudfoot.
Neither Proudfoot nor Drall are within reach any longer though, and thoughts turn to food, drink, and rewards.
The innkeeper points out Proudfoot’s room. The door is unlocked, and the room cleaned out, except for a chest at the foot of the made bed.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+21=31 ; d20+27=42 ; d20+27=39 ; Monday January 9th, 2023 8:36:16 PM
Perception: 31 to check for traps Disable Device: 42 to disarm trap (if needed) Disable Device: 39 to Open Lock
Armalad examines the chest and makes sure it is safe. Since she didn't know the nature of the entity Proudfoot bargained with she figured it was best to make sure he didn't gift them the chest then booby trap it to amuse whatever it was he struck a bargain with.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 94/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 d4=4 ; d20+16=34 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2023 12:14:39 AM "Any traps?" Bartomus asked from the hall looking into the room as Armalad. He peaked into the room through the now open door.
Perception - 34
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday January 10th, 2023 7:22:55 AM
Stohp rests and recovers. Presumably the pain spell has long worn off but it still took a lot out of her so she mostly just sits and eats and lets the others worry about chests and traps.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 9:41:31 AM Forgot to adjust HP after Zander's healing effort.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 3:13:50 PM
Zanderallen doubts there is any danger in opening Proudfoot's chest but he also doesn't say anything to stop Armalad from thoroughly checking it. Instead he moves just outside the door to the room but around the corner to be nearby in case anything happens. He motions Pepper to not stand in line of effect from the chest.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+28=33 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2023 3:50:28 PM
Delia also stays behind the corner, letting Armalad check for traps. She habitually glances around for any potential threats while the rogue does her thing.
Perception 33
Mind the chest (DM MikeK) Tuesday January 10th, 2023 6:43:46 PM
Armalad moves into inspect the chest.
Zanderallen doubts its trapped. Nevertheless he, Delia, Bart, Stock, and Pepper wait around the corner. Stohp sits and eats. The others can worry about the chest.
Armalad finds nothing. The chest is unlocked. Carefully she opens it.
Nothing explodes.
Inside are a short sword, a large book, a rod, and four decent sized diamonds.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+26=30 ; d20+26=27 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+26=33 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+26=37 ; d20+26=41 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2023 10:43:58 PM
Armalad casts Detect Magic and starts examining the contents of the chest.
Spellcraft to identify properties of magic items: 30, 27, 36, 33, 36, 37, 41
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday January 11th, 2023 9:07:26 AM
Stohp idly wonders if anything there will be useful to her.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Wednesday January 11th, 2023 9:16:01 AM
Delia keeps up her watch, waiting for Armalad to identify and appraise. If the book is non-magical, she will curiously flip through it.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 Wednesday January 11th, 2023 2:59:50 PM
Letting his breath out Zander realizes he's grown very distrusting in his time as an adventurer. No naïve do-gooder caught in a warehouse of rats. Times had been so simple when the dark alleys of the Fence level were the Shields greatest fear. Now denizens of dark and twisted planes were toying with them.
"Who is ready to go home? I for one miss the smells and sounds of the busy streets of the Float. The quiet lifeless of Koshe Marr really puts a dampener on one's spirits."
Who is ready to go home? (DM MikeK) Wednesday January 11th, 2023 7:54:00 PM OOC - Bart, please see/respond to my emails regarding your character sheet
As the others idly wonder, Armalad identifies each item, which are all magical
Rod of Metamagic, Quicken Icy Burst Short Sword of Speed +3 Manual of Bodily Health +2
In addition the four diamonds are appraised at 20,000 gp each
After some self-reflection, Zanderallen declares he’s ready to return to the Float.
The innkeeper takes the opportunity to ask you, “Will you be requiring rooms, or..?” he lets the sentence hang while holding an arm toward the dwarven statues.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday January 11th, 2023 8:28:04 PM
Armalad says, "The dwarf had some neat stuff. I'm surprised he left it behind. That manual, rod and sword would probably be useful. Well are we staying here tonight and setting home in the morning via some kind of magical route or are we going to try to use the Dwarf statues to get us to the Catacombs and then presumably from there we could take the normal Float exit"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday January 12th, 2023 2:32:58 AM
Bartomus just watched the efforts to identify what was in the chest. He got distracted by the decorations in the hallway and when he heard the mention of returning to the Float, he clued back into what was going on.
"All for going home. One way trip though. Wanna just sell everything when we get into the Catacombs? Might be a way to handle the diamonds and such."
Sorry - got distracted IRL. MK, saw your email about feats - will get that taken care of probably over weekend as on the road Friday morning.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:10:20 AM
Stohp finishes her meal and leads the way to the exit home.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Thursday January 12th, 2023 9:16:08 AM "I'm all for heading home too. Especially if resting here does weird stuff like Proudfoot was saying."
Stock (JonM) HP: 188/188; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/37 used Thursday January 12th, 2023 10:39:27 AM "That's nice book..." Stock looks greedily at the manual. He then says, "Lets return to the Float - or at least attempt to. Grab the stuff. We can sort it out on the way."
========= I'm working on the loot sheet is updated. Please make your claims. Right now I'm the only one requesting anything...if anybody also wants the same stuff I've claimed, we'll flip a coin or something.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 Thursday January 12th, 2023 3:37:59 PM
Zanderallen nods to the innkeeper and walks over to the bar, "We will not be requiring rooms. Thank you for the food it was all excellent." He then squares up whatever is owed and grabbing Pepper follows Stohp to the statue. He gives Stock a friendly jab as the dwarf eyes the book, "Will you need someone to read it to you Stock. Doesn't look like the sort of book with a lot of pictures." --------------------------- I'll get my picks marked of the loot
The Float (DM MikeK) Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:55:33 PM
Some of the treasure is of interest to some of you.
Going home is of interest to everyone.
With a final nod to the innkeeper, the Shields step up to the dwarven statue. A portal opens. You walk inside.
There is a flash of green, and you all find yourselves in the familiar confines of The Giggling Ghost. Happy is schmoozing at a nearby table. He has glanced up at the flash of green, and smiles. "Ladies and Gentlemen!" he cries to the inn, extending a hand toward you, "Our very own Silver Shields!"
There is a general cry of approval. "Shields!" And the crowd goes back to its respective dinners, as adventurers popping through the green flamed fireplaces into The Giggling Ghost isn't really all that unusual.
Welcome back to the Float. You're home.
------- Nice job! Everyone earns a Hero Point!
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday January 12th, 2023 9:16:30 PM
Armalad asks, "Are we eating here or somewhere else?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday January 13th, 2023 9:14:35 AM
Stohp, having already ate, is ready to go on home and take a nap.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 Friday January 13th, 2023 2:15:15 PM
Zanderallen takes several seconds to orient himself as he adjusts to the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of the Giggling Ghost. Taking a deep breath in and out he smiles as the gloom of Koshe Marr leaves him. "I think I'll be taking Pepper home. I'll catch up with the rest of you later." Offering his arm he starts navigating the crowd towards the door.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday January 13th, 2023 4:45:17 PM "awesome, we're home, " Bartomus said with some relief. He looked about and realized that the food was pretty tempting.
" I'm wanting for a bite. But you kids go catch up." He added with a smirk aimed at Zander. He headed over to.a stool and sat down.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Friday January 13th, 2023 11:00:26 PM
Delia shies away from the welcoming shouts after the constant impending doom of Koshe Marr, relaxing again as the familiar bustle and smells of home flood her senses and her brain correctly files the noise away as not a threat. She smiles, clapping Stohp on the shoulder, "I'm with you. Resting at home sounds like the best idea."
Interlude (DM MikeK) Saturday January 14th, 2023 2:27:45 PM
Zanderallen takes Pepper back to her place.
Delia and Stohp head for HQ.
Bartomus stays at the Ghost for some grub, which Happy provides on the house.
Armalad and Stock are on their own.
There is plenty of time to study, meet up with folks, get some Catacombs time in, or craft stuff.
Stock (JonM) HP: 188/188; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/37 used Sunday January 15th, 2023 8:49:51 AM
Stock is unusually quiet when the Shields return. He joins the others returning to the HQ and eventually makes his way to his workshop.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Sunday January 15th, 2023 7:21:53 PM
Stohp goes to catch up on her WLA training.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday January 15th, 2023 8:50:39 PM
Armalad will also grab a quick bite from the ghost before going home. (OOC: I think I hit a level where I don't gain a CR so I don't think I get anything this level for going to the Star Mages)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday January 15th, 2023 8:50:43 PM
Armalad will also grab a quick bite from the ghost before going home. (OOC: I think I hit a level where I don't gain a CL so I don't think I get anything this level for going to the Star Mages)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Sunday January 15th, 2023 9:19:07 PM
After sharing with Happy and those interested in the tale, Bartomus tried paying his host for the meal. When his payment was refused, Bartomus rolled his eyes knowing that he would not win with the owner of the Ghost. Bartomus took the few coins and passed them to the waiting staff as a tip.
He made his way back to the Shields headquarters and took his time strolling through the Float appreciating it much more than the dark tower they had just left. When he got to the headquarters, he headed up to his room and stretched out on the bed in his room. He was asleep moments later.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Sunday January 15th, 2023 9:19:11 PM
After sharing with Happy and those interested in the tale, Bartomus tried paying his host for the meal. When his payment was refused, Bartomus rolled his eyes knowing that he would not win with the owner of the Ghost. Bartomus took the few coins and passed them to the waiting staff as a tip.
He made his way back to the Shields headquarters and took his time strolling through the Float appreciating it much more than the dark tower they had just left. When he got to the headquarters, he headed up to his room and stretched out on the bed in his room. He was asleep moments later.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday January 16th, 2023 1:02:28 PM
Delia relaxes on the roof of HQ with Hawky, practicing some combat focused tricks and pondering a shopping list (that will certainly include acid arrows).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 Monday January 16th, 2023 2:41:53 PM
Zanderallen lingers with Pepper but eventually leaves her after he feels confident she feels safe in her home. Koshe Marr now knows not to mess with her or there will be an avenging knight come to flip their world upside down. He then heads home for a deserved night's rest.
In the morning he gets up and after greeting the new day asks if anyone wants to join him in going to inform the guard and the palace that they have safely return with Pepper. With anyone in tow who wants to join he goes to do just that. Giving a very brief tale to the guard and filling the Overlord in on a few of the details, especially relating to the Gate that was activated.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday January 16th, 2023 8:16:39 PM
Armalad has some mead whilst at the Giggling Ghost (OOC: checking in)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday January 17th, 2023 5:53:02 AM
While at the WLA Stohp asks around for anyone looking for more long term, consistent employment. If they're going to expand the operation and hire some domestic staff then some adventurers would make good guards and general helpers. She'll set up a day and time to do interviews with anyone interested.
A knock at the door... (DM Wayne) Tuesday January 17th, 2023 12:16:52 PM
Stock rejoins the Shields, making his way to his workshop. Stohp visits the local Woldian League of Adventurers and catches up on her WLA training, also putting in job postings for Shields HQ and confirming a date and time later in the week for interviews with candidates. Armalad stops by The Giggling Ghost, placing, and quickly receiving, her to-go order of food and mead. Bartomus enjoys catching up with his acquaintances and friends at the Ghost, finishing the night by returning home to Shields HQ and tucking in for the night, a rest well-deserved. Delia rises to the roof, practicing difficult maneuvers in preparation for future battles. Zanderallen concludes an enjoyable evening with Pepper, and then seeing her safely in for the night returns to Shields HQ where he too tucks in for the night, a rest well-deserved, with plans in his head for going, with any Shield who will come, to the guard and the Overlord to report on Pepper’s safe return and the activation of the Gate.
Six days pass, with no candidates for Shields HQ. When Stohp asks why, the WLA say that the local merchants posted openings shortly after Stohp was last in, and the merchants apparently have been hiring every new adventurer who’s come by, promising better pay than other posted offers. Stohp returns to Shields HQ wondering what could be so important to the merchants…
The next morning, the Shields are enjoying a rare communal brunch together – enjoying the comforts of home and just… being home. Zanderallen, a man of action, got up early, bought yeast dough from the local bakery, and set it to baking. He then secured a brief meeting with the Overlord. The Overlord receives Zanderallen’s report with some interest, asks a few probing questions, and then agrees to post a guard on Lernitig’s Gate. Zanderallen then rushes back to Shields HQ, finishes baking bread for everyone, and serves it with the glee of a man whose true love has just been rescued. Delia and Bartomus contribute expertly-selected nuts and berries from the nearby forest, consulting Armalad first for her encyclopedic knowledge of such things, and Armalad returned to combat practice after Delia and Bartomus went gathering. Stock and Stohp select meats from the local butcher and have them grilled before bringing them back to Shields HQ. Much camaraderie ensues. The meal is soon finished and the dishes put away, and the Shields are lounging around relaxing for once in a long while. Then comes a knock at the door, an insistent knocking followed by a voice with an animal’s edge to it, yet in Common, “Hey Shields… Shields… are you in there?” It’s then that you realize there are various silhouettes of armed and armored individuals visible through a window or two near the door… a motley group – some silhouettes big like Zanderallen or Stock, or thin like Armalad or Delia, but none as big as Bartomus or Stohp.
What do you do?
(DM Wayne here, I hope my first post finds you well! My apologies for the delay in posting.
OOC – crafters may spend up to seven full days of crafting time before responding to this post.)
Stock (JonM) HP: 188/188; AC: (32 vs giants) 28/25/16 ; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/37 used Tuesday January 17th, 2023 12:40:54 PM
Stock is up quickly. "...it all usually starts with a knock at the door. Let's see what's happening this time."
He heads to the door and opens it, using his wide body to block as much of the door frame as possible.
"What do you need?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+30=44 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 3:19:10 PM
Delia would spend that time crafting, repairing, or purchasing regular arrows to replenish her stock.
When the knock on the door sounds, accompanied by the sight of armed folks outside their door, Delia rises and draws her bow in one smooth motion. Though not really expecting anyone to be storming HQ in broad daylight, she puts a little distance between herself and the doorway, but positions herself so that she can see over Stock's head.
Along with observing the front door interaction, she will listen for anything outside of the ambient sounds of the Float. (perception 44)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 31 d20+21=23 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 4:34:25 PM
Zanderallen looks over to the door when he hears the knock wondering what could be going on. Seeing the rough outlines of who is outside he tenses, trouble has come to the Float too many times for him to ever really feel at ease, especially so soon after Pepper had gone missing. He is on his feet, hand on his sword just behind Stock. He gives the dwarf room to maneuver if needed but takes a position immediately in support. He adjust slightly as he notices Delia behind him to give her a clear line of sight. He scans the crowd outside, trying to get a judge on their attitude. ------------------------- Sense Motive: 23
Armalad (Hugh) HP 59/128 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+20=25 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+12=21 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 9:10:47 PM
Armalad tries to observe the figures at the door and figures out if she can place any of them.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday January 18th, 2023 7:35:42 AM
Stohp double checks the time to see if these might be her interviewees. She would have course kept the group informed as to what she had been up to so hopefully no one jumps to silly assumptions. Regardless of the time she'll head over in case this does has something to do with her efforts.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 7d20+9=95 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+8=18 ; Wednesday January 18th, 2023 10:50:26 AM
Bartomus enjoyed the first relaxing Shields morning get-together. They needed those moments to normalize what otherwise seemed to always be a crisis response and management approach to daily living. He noted he needed to work on a few carvings and took the time in the days following to spend time at his work bench carving the various pieces of bone he had acquired to record their adventures.
He finished the carving of the merfolk and their lovely princess that the Shields had rescued down in the depth of the castle under the lake. He actually felt pretty good about that and took it down to let the other Shields take a look. Craft 19
Then there was the carving of the encounter with the Drow and that one he took a couple of days working on to ensure it was of the highest quality. He made sure that the carving was also inked and waxed giving it a sense of life. It was also added to a shelf in the common room used for their meals Craft 27[/]
He picked up the carving that was supposed to help the ratfolk with their new settlement in the somewhat tamed forest. But, he just didn't like the layout and struggled with how best to represent that effort. [I]Craft 12. He stepped away from the workbench and wandered about the merchant level picking up needed fruit and pastries to take back to their HQ.
The next two days, he fell into his grove and knocked out a carving about the events of masking day and really felt it captured all of the special actions each member of the Shields took to ensure the safety of the new leader of the float. He decided to keep that one all-bone with no stains or coloring and added it to the shelf.
He had still the woods adventure to get done...and this time the carving tool was laid out and made significant gains on that project. It wasn't done, but it was close enough to where only a few last touches would be needed. He stepped away from the carving bench and descended the stairs to the main room and realized everyone was looking at the door.
"We have visitors, I take it?" Bartomus asked as he stepped off the stairs. He scanned the group standing at the doorway.
Perception - 32; Knowledge Float - 18
A knock at the door... (DM Wayne) Wednesday January 18th, 2023 8:32:34 PM
Stock straightens to his feet while others are still rising and reaches the door first, and begins to open it, occupying the space.
Delia is sitting one second, and up and bow in hand with arrow nocked the next, ready to give Stock a reverse mohawk if that’s what it takes to make the shot. Delia hears the ambient sounds of the Float… and the slight clinking and clanking of armor as some outside the door appear to be shifting their armored bodies nervously.
Zanderallen is just half a step behind Stock, sword magically appearing in his handm and finishes in a tactically-wise position.
Armalad shifts her feet slightly, angling for a more definitive look at the crowd outside, her keen eyes quickly scanning the group, catching partial views of: two Drow elves, a thickly muscled arm connected to a body just out of view, and a human with a shaved head covered with tattoos, and… is that one green eye and one blue? From the windows, the cast shadows, and the voices it sounds like there’s about eight of them.
Stohp checks the time, and then remembers that the WLA told her that there were no interviewees because the merchants had been snapping them up.
Bartomus comes down the stairs, looking ahead to the doorway just as Stock fully opens it.
Standing before the Shields is what looks like… an adventuring company? A short male beastfolk (rat) stands in front, slender with a protruding face and two prominent front teeth. Behind him stand a female Drow with long white hair in a single braid, wearing robes, and a well-muscled male Drow with piercing green eyes, hair dyed to match, and all the hair on the right half of his head shaved off.
As the Shields take in that sight, just beyond the two drow is a tall and heavily muscled male half-orc, over 6’ tall, with a whole-head helm standing next to the bald human. The half-orc has a cocky stance and with a smile first cracks his knuckles and then tilts and cracks his neck, each way.
Bringing up the rear and spread to the sides so they’re visible to Stock and others close to the door are a lanky male human in light armor nearly 6’ tall, a half-elf with long arms and a big longbow on his back, and a Dwarf in chain shirt and wearing a holy symbol.
Knowledge: Religion DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a holy symbol of Alemi.}
The male beastfolk looks from side to side quickly, pauses, and says “Oh wow, the Shields are here!” With that he turns his head back to his companions and says, “are you guys ready for this?” There’s a choral shout of “yeah!!!” from the group, and the beastfolk turns his head back to Stock and says, “So… ah… Stock, right? Can we come in now?” The beastfolk looks at Stock expectantly.
LOG ON