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.
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