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The Dino-saster
Regrouping


DM Mitch Town Map  
Monday November 7th, 2022 7:25:04 AM
Marest smiles on realizing that the dinosaurs are animals
Grim nods at Rothlorean’s words of advice and then hands in his crude ammunition to the communal stores before asking the elf lady about her path that is hard for the Thunder Gods to follow
Ezekiel states that with respect to food, medicine and weapons what is really sought which is time which is an illusion with lunchtime being doubly so.
Yofiel makes many suggestions and a few references. She is told dinosaur senses can vary wildly so there is no advice that will help as there is no way to know what is still in town.

The party is able to scrounge up a few extra rations out of the meager supplies left. The trip through the woods is quiet and uneventful, though there are a few scares with harmless wild animals like deer. Yofiel leads them to where she climbed around, but it doesn’t look very feasible for a large party. It’s a tough climb, they have no good climbing equipment, and it’s narrow so they’d have to cross one at a time. Unless the group is extraordinarily good at climbing or lucky at least a few of them would certainly fall to their deaths.

Rothlarion’s suggestion, if the party wants to take it, is to approach the town from the market side and stop at the edge of the woods. That wll give them a good view of most everywhere they need to go and with most of the market flattened they can spy out any big dinosaur threats.

Map key:

1) The Cracked Hoof Tavern - Best taken care of building in the town. The tables, bar, and decorations are all mismatched, but someone with a fine eye for such things really made something of it.

2) Nimbus Castle and Lift - Guardhouse, jail, and lift to the bottom of the plateau.

3) No Hope Chapel - on the right wall are busts and holy symbols of most of the gods that anyone ever worshiped here carved out of wood. One grabs a bust and a holy symbol and moves it to the back of the chapel where there are places to place the items of worship. If one wishes. On the left side are a series of beds and medical supplies. Bandages, politics, even a few magical healing potions all set up for people to come in and treat themselves or be treated. A donation box is inside the door. A sign says, “Leave things as you found them.” There’s usually someone around to monitor things and treat the wounded, but not always.

4) Market - no rental, just pick a stall and sell stuff.

5) Lift Beasts Corral - the beasts that operate the lift are kept here. The best feed and care is always given to these animals.

6) Town corral - sections for small, medium and large mounts. Same for the stable just to the west of it.

7) Lookout Park - a place to sit and contemplate life.

8) Jail - a place to lock folks up. A main room with a desk, chair and a hammock. 3 small cells on one side. Bars well crafted and secure.

9) Windy Arms - Rooms for rent.
General Store/Blacksmith - a mish mash of survival equipment, tools to fix things that are broken, On the backside is a shed open to the back side with an anvil and other equipment needed for blacksmithing. Most of the equipment is geared to repair the lift and to repair mount gear and wagons.


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Monday November 7th, 2022 9:53:11 AM
"My wisdom knows no bounds," says Ezekiel to Yofiel, "neither upper nor lower."

"I could feather fall us down the cliff, but I won't know that spell until Tuesday, and I'm not even sure which Tuesday that will be. But I will know it on some Tueaday in the future! Of this I am fairly certain."

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Monday November 7th, 2022 10:41:44 AM
Kazzor grunts at the idea of stealth or climbing, "I'm a minotaur, we aren't made for stealth. and your cliff will kill half of our group. Even though we will probably all die, we should probably take the most direct route. Where should we go first? I have no preference, but I can take point."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Monday November 7th, 2022 2:06:30 PM

Yofiel thanks Rothlarion for his additional insights. [And Kim thanks our DM for the map key.]

"Right, Kazzor. When I brought it up, I mentioned that some of us might use it. I was thinking it could be a way that those who are built for climbing could get around. It is not the best way for everyone in the group."

She waits for a moment after hearing Kazzor's offer to go first. He certainly is one of the largest in the group. "You are big and strong. You mentioned you are not made for stealth. Might it be wise to have the few of us who can be more stealthy to go a little bit ahead of the group, scout things out?

"When we know we are going straight on to face a surmountable foe, I'd love for someone of your courage to take point," she adds with sincerity.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Monday November 7th, 2022 2:07:19 PM

That is... Yofiel thanks Rothlarion for his additional insights.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Monday November 7th, 2022 7:29:10 PM
OOC: for all practical purposes, MOST those in the group know the layout of the town, the plateau, what vegetation, etc. since they've BEEN HERE SOME TIME!

So, if the DM pleases, give one (or more) of the PCs ideas of how to get back. I mean, GOOD ideas. It's not like the PCs were sequestered in one little town and unable to wander and explore the plateau so they only know what's up to the outer Out House and back. Geez.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Monday November 7th, 2022 7:34:40 PM
OOC: ok, so my post came BEFORE I read the DM post. Oops. Sorry. :)

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11 
Monday November 7th, 2022 8:07:03 PM
The Direct Approach

"I might have the lithe body of a wonder Drow, but believe me, I'm better off with the direct approach," says Marest. "Climbing is not my strong point." continues Marest.

"Who else is going to approach the town from the market side and stop at the edge of the woods?" asks Marest.


Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12   d20+5=25 ;
Monday November 7th, 2022 9:41:10 PM
As far as Grim was concerned, the path was ok. But it is obvious that it is not a path for most of their group.

"We all go together," Grim states.

"The Thunder Gods have the best in smelling prey or danger. Those that hunt see you well. How could they hunt if they didn't? They see, they smell, they hear. But they eat things that run and things that play dead. So, better is to run."

He looks around. Rothlorien's directions are somewhat familiar to him but he's never been outside the town. On the other hand, it's a plateau, how can they miss the town? Or what's left of it?

Find big sticks. Everyone. If anyone has magic that can make fire and light the sticks, be ready. Thunder Gods do not like fire. They may not fear your spears, but they do fear fire."

Grim finds a decent sized (for his size) dead branch and starts towards the town.

Perception +5 = 25 N20
Keeping a lookout for T.G's.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+2=13 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+7=25 ;
Monday November 7th, 2022 9:47:18 PM
"I will," RJ answers Marest. "I have some climbing gear, as required by my job, but I'd rather see the climbing situation at the market first. And I'd rather not split up our group yet, not even at the risk of taking point."

He nooks a bolt into his crossbow. "Besides, I've got some rope and climbing skill but I'm not foolish enough to try my own luck against the shear face. I just barely conquered trees."

RJ starts with some watching for signs of anything nearby (survival 13 for dino tracks), then makes his way to the edge of the forest by the market (stealth 29, perception 25).

At Grim's suggestion, he takes out a couple of torches from his pack, moving aside some rations.

Dapple (Kathy)k] 
Monday November 7th, 2022 10:06:23 PM
Dapple is fine with skipping the cliff climb. " It's really not a good idea to tempt Wardd like that, " she says.

Following Grim's advice, she picks up a little stick. "Though I don't think there's much that will make a dinosaur afraid of a halfling."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+6=21 ; d20+10=11 ;
Tuesday November 8th, 2022 2:52:59 AM

The elf lass strings her bow, nocks an arrow, and is able to hold a few extra arrows with her left hand against the convex side of the bow. Her rapier is available to draw with her right hand from her left hip. A sheathed dagger is on her right hip. The 2nd dagger is strapped to her thigh hidden beneath her skirt. Her guittern rests against her back, held by a strap which allows her to swing it around to the front for playing.

She has used a piece of the beautifully dyed cloth she bore into the cave a few days ago to wrap a bit of meat in to use as a possible distraction should they be pursued by a hungry critter.

Yofiel is fine fitting in near the front, or to the right side of the group as they walk through the woods. Once they arrive near the edge of the trees, unless they face immediate opposition, she quietly says she will climb a tree. The arrows she places back in her quiver adjacent the guittern, the bow she places across her back, and she climbs, using the rope [climb DC 21]. Once she reaches about 15' to 20' above the ground, she takes a good look about. Ow! A branch thwacked her in the face, so she shifts her position a little higher, with care, giving her eyes a chance to stop watering. [Perception 11 - not terrible, but that was a natural 1]. Will try again next post - unless compelled otherwise.

DM Mitch Town Map  
Tuesday November 8th, 2022 7:31:00 AM
Ezekiel states that his wisdom knows no bounds and he says he could featherfall them down the cliff except he won’t know that spell until some future Tuesday.
Kazzor grunts at the idea of being stealthy or climbing. He suggests they take the most direct group asking who will go first while volunteering for point.
Yofiel clarifies that her suggestion only applied to some of the group and suggests that some of the stealthier members of the group scout things out first.
Marest explains she isn’t built for climbing preferring the direct approach and asks who else is for approaching the market from the woods.
Grim votes they all go together and cautions that Thunder Gods will eat both things playing dead and things that run so running is the better option. He also suggests everyone get sticks and prepare to light them on fire to keep the Thunder Gods at bay. He also learns the danger of posting before reading the DM post :P
R.J. volunteers to go first although he did have climbing gear he could use he does not want to split up at this time and thoughtfully removes some torches from his pack before advancing.
Dapple is glad to avoid the cliff however she doesn’t think there is much that will make a dinosaur scared of a halfling.

The party circles back around town. RJ keeps his eyes open for tracks and sees lots - the attack left tracks everywhere and not all of them have faded. However from what he can make of the mess there aren’t any large dinosaur tracks newer than several days more if not longer. The freshest tracks are smaller and from animals native to the plateau.

Once they’re back around the north side of town they look out over the market. Crushed stalls and bodies are everywhere and there’s a carpet of scavengers picking at the dead, dinosaur and human alike. Everything from vultures to small, chicken like dinosaurs. They don’t see any of the big dinosaurs that lead the charge against the town though.

Seeing the little town post attack is quite startling. In addition to the leveled market many of the buildings are heavily damaged - some torn open by great jaws like a bird cracking a nut, others seemingly damaged by accident as giant beasts ran and fell and crashed about. The three buildings you’re most interested in seem mostly intact at least, though evidence of violence around them abounds.

Knowledge Nature 10 or Local 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { You recognize the small dinosaurs as Compsognathus (just going to call them Compies). Mostly scavengers or small game experts they have a powerful venom and can be shockingly dangerous if they decide to fight. Most of the time however they will just flee from larger animals though, especially if another food source is within easy access.}


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Tuesday November 8th, 2022 11:21:40 AM
As Kazzor scans the gruesome scene, Fenton appears and says, "What do you think, do you still want to join the dead Kazzor? Pretty nasty sight." to which Kazzor answers, "Everyone dies sooner or later!"

In truth, Kazzor no longer has a death wish, having a purpose can do that, but that doesn't mean he has reverted back to his old carefree self, it will take more than a purpose in life to do that. No I'm afraid our minotaur friend is permanently scarred emotionally.

Sniffing the air, Kazzor says, in his gruff voice, "The stench of rot is almost over powering, lets get to our destinations and than get out of here. Any preference as to where we should go first?"

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+9=12 ;
Tuesday November 8th, 2022 1:05:07 PM
Compies

"It appears to me, that if Miss Yofiel uses her meat snack as a decoy we would probably be successful in reaching the market place." explains Marest just loud enough so the surround group can hear her. Marest doesn't wish to get the group killed.

Marest continues to explain, that, " applying my Knowledge of Nature skillset, I have determined that:

the small dinosaurs as Compsognathus. Mostly scavengers or small game experts, they have a powerful venom and can be shockingly dangerous if they decide to fight. Most of the time however they will just flee from larger animals though, especially if another food source is within easy access."

"So, a combination of Fire sticks and meat decoys should do the trick here to get us into the marketplace." states Marest.



Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Tuesday November 8th, 2022 4:45:13 PM
Ezekiel picks up a rock and casts light on it. "I can distract them with shiny things," says Ezekiel. He then uses mage hand to flitted it about.

"An if tha fails, I can give them a stern whispering."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Tuesday November 8th, 2022 4:45:14 PM
Ezekiel picks up a rock and casts light on it. "I can distract them with shiny things," says Ezekiel. He then uses mage hand to flitted it about.

"An if tha fails, I can give them a stern whispering."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+12=13 ;
Tuesday November 8th, 2022 8:31:12 PM

RJ nods. "Want me to be putting out rations, moving bodies or just keep a crossbow cocked in case I need to peg one in the head?"

For now, he keeps a compy in his sights.

Readied action if anyone asks: he circles around the marketplace (stealth 13) and proceeds to lead the compys to a food source.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Tuesday November 8th, 2022 11:29:14 PM
Spells in effect: rotting flesh stench: area effect. radius - all around within hundreds of yards, depending how the wind blows.

The stench doesn't bother Grim. "Well, we got plenty of food for Thunder Gods laying around, let's not waste any of ours."

Grim takes Marest's word on what the Thunder Godlings are. He just knows they hunt in small packs and are very dangerous despite their size. The young Orc Warrior will typically hunt these small ones but part of growing up and living to grow up is to know which ones to just leave alone.

He points at different group members and says a bit gruffly. "Join together in a pack, just like those Thunder Godlings do. They will pick you off easily if we continue as we are. Come together and hold your weapons outward. Then we go to inn first. It has cellars that are hard to get to. You," pointing to whomever ends up in the circle pointing to the inn, "start moving, and everyone keep sharp."

Grim practices what he preaches by holding his guisarme firmly forward.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+8=14 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+10=24 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2022 5:33:28 AM

"Two suggest the market first. It is on the way to the inn - the Windy Arms, that is. Let us see the market, then consider whether the inn.

She agrees with the formation that Grim suggests. She chooses the right side of the group, arrow nocked. And heads toward the market, which, as she pointed out is between where they stand and the Windy Arms.
=======
Perception: 24 - keep an eye, and ears, on what is going on about them.

DM Mitch Town Map  
Wednesday November 9th, 2022 7:39:03 AM
Kazzor scans the gruesome scene and Fenton appears asking him if he still wants to join the dead. Kazzor replies that everyone dies sooner or later though Kazzor no longer has a death wish he just isn’t the carefree person he once was. He suggests they get to their destinations and then out of there due to the overwhelming stench of rot.
Marest suggests that if they use Yofiel’s meat snack as a decoy they’d probably be able to reach the marketplace considering what she knows about the Compies ahead of them adding that the fire sticks should also scare them back.
Ezekiel casts light on a stone and flits it around with mage hand offering to distract them with that or failing that give them a stern whispering.
R.J. asks if he should be putting out rations, moving bodies or covering the dinos with his crossbow waiting for the time being with one of them in his sights while preparing to stealth around and try to lead them to a food source.
Grim suggests there is plenty of food for the Thunder Godlings lying around so they shouldn’t waste any of theirs. He also suggests the party join together in a pack to prevent them from getting picked off individually, their weapons facing outward as they make their way towards the inn as the cellars are hard to get to.

Yofiel agree’s with Grim’s formation and says they should head through the market on their way to the inn.

The debate about the compies and how to avoid or scare them away proves redundant, as they scatter at the party’s approach. Unfortunately many run into the various buildings, including the places the party plans to visit.

Still it’s a safe, if incredibly gruesome, walk to the inn. The PC’s native to the area will know many of the dead they pass, though many more have been rendered unrecognizable in their half eaten state. The stench is terrible.

At the inn there is a ring of dead fighters near the door. It seems many died trying to fight their way out of the place. You don’t hear any sounds from inside but saw at least a few of the dinosaurs rush in here.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+2=6 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2022 11:52:46 AM
Kazzor, with his ax at the ready, approaches the door to the inn. "This is were I bite it!", the minotaur says to himself. Before entering, he turns back to the party and growls, "This looks like a good place to get killed, keep your eyes peeled!" (perception 6)

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=18 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=18 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2022 3:51:27 PM
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;

Marest having not previously located a heavy stick for self-defensive use, now locates one (Perception check: 18), and using her dagger, sharpens one end. Marest believes that a torch should also have a point.

Using her other skills, she tries to be helpful to the group as she joins the "Pack" formation.

Skill Checks:

Perception: 18
Stealth: 9
Knowledge (Geography): 15
Knowledge (Local): 24
Knowledge (Nature): 18


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Wednesday November 9th, 2022 4:30:45 PM
"This one seems eager to die," says Ezekiel. "I, other hand, plan to continue living even past my death. If you need me I'll be hiding behind him."

Ezekiel casts mage armor and takes cover behind Kazzor.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12   d20+5=21 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2022 8:51:16 PM
Special: Darkvision 60'

Grim switches from his guisarme to his falchion.
"If you don't see well in the dark, make sure you have a torch or magical light," he says gruffly.

Next to minotaur, Grim holds a hand up and asks for silence, then (assuming the doorway is open), listens for the Compsies.
Perception +5 = 21


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+7=27 ;
Wednesday November 9th, 2022 8:51:59 PM

The carnage does begin to affect RJ, almost as if he faced less war than he might have implied earlier.

"Ok, on the count of three... One, two..."

RJ gets to the side of the door, crossbow ready. When the rest of the group gets into position, RJ kicks the door open and then swings back beside the frame for cover. (Perception 27 to listen/watch for dinosaur noises or humans or other activities).

Readied action: attack (std) any dinosaur that runs through the doors.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Wednesday November 9th, 2022 9:01:53 PM
Note: I put the map and key up on our Woldipedia page. You can also get there any time by clicking on the link at the top of the page which says "Click here to visit the Woldipedia Cloudhaven game page."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+10=13 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2022 4:04:29 AM

When we walked by the market - could we see anything inside? If no one else looked, then at least, as she had stated, Yofiel looked inside from whatever opening (likely through open, or busted down doors), what things would have been obvious from there? Is the market open air, or has it a roof to cover it?

Having seen some compies rush in to the Windy Arms (this is the Windy Arms, #9 on the map, right?), that would imply the doors already are open, would it not? And, if the doors are not already open, then are there other openings they are using?

Does it look as though someone who is used to climbing various places might be able to get to the roof of the inn without serious trouble? Are there windows available to peer through? Other doors about the building?

Sigh. The boys want to rush in before checking the perimeter. Well, the new member of the WLA is not going to let folks do so without her direct support. Arrow nocked, string slightly pulled so she can quick pull and loose an arrow should one of those chicken-sized lizards show up, Yofiel prepares for the let's-enter-the-building-with-as-little-information-as-possible approach.

Upon entering, Yofiel will look for places she can get up on. A counter. A chair. A table. Solid shelves that might be climbed. And the like.
=======
Perception: 13

The Cracked Hoof Tavern


DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map  
Thursday November 10th, 2022 8:17:27 AM
Kazzor approaches the door to the inn, ax at the ready. He says to himself that this is where he bites it and tells the others to keep their eyes peeled as this is a good place to get killed.
Marest quickly sharpens a stick as they make their way towards the inn. Her knowledge and perceptiveness confirm that this is indeed the inn they seek.
Ezekiel suggests Kazzor is eager to die and casts mage armor taking cover behind the minotaur.
Grim switches to his falchion then tells the others if they don’t see well in the dark they should have a torch or magical light. He holds up a hand and asks for silence while listening for Compies
R.J. starts to get affected by the carnage and suggests they go on the count of three. When the others get ready he kicks the door open then sticks back to the frame for cover prepared to shoot any dinosaurs that run out.
Yofiel wants to get a view of the market, but you have been doing so. It is open air, a series of stalls and wagons you can put your wares out on. All of them have been flattened, leaving an open field of shattered wood and corpses.

(There have been some term confusion, my fault, see email.)
The party heads to the Cracked Hoof Tavern, where the food is kept. The Inn is just a place for people to sleep from the caravans before they leave, there is no food served there.

Heading inside the place is surprisingly free of the dead. It seems many tried to escape or fight - most of the windows are broken and you can see a few that fell after jumping out of them. Many of you were here when the attack happened and it seems the dinosaurs got in at some point. Clawmarks are everywhere, most of the furniture is knocked over, and all the meals people didn’t finish have been eaten.

The most likely place to find food the dinosaurs couldn’t get into is in the back, with the kitchens and celler. However, you hear the noises coming from back there. DC 10 perception - Highlight to display spoiler: { It sounds like several dinosaurs are fighting each other. One sounds decidedly larger then the companies you saw run in here.}


DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map  
Thursday November 10th, 2022 8:18:30 AM
The header has been updated to a map of the tavern.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+10=16 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2022 11:13:34 AM

Hearing what sounds like small lizards fighting a bigger lizard, Yofiel hand signals for people to be quiet, and gets in front of any who are looking to move forward, waving for them to stop. When she has their attention, she eases the string on her bow , and, holding arrow and bow with her left hand, pantomimes with her right hand as well as possible something big fighting several little things. She whispers, "Lizard battle in back. Wait for them to kill each other a bit more?" she asks. The elf also holds a finger to her lips, indicating the need to be rather quiet.

===========
Perception: 16

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+2=12 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2022 11:23:06 AM

I should add, after the pantomime, Yofiel returns her right hand to where the arrow meets the bowstring. She tries to stand in a way that she will be able to pick up any motion coming from Q14 and R14, yet also discern what her friends are signaling, eyes darting left and right to try to keep track of both areas as much as possible (use her Perception 16 for adjudicating how successful she might be at this divided attention).

Should she see something show up in the areas on the map mentioned, she is prepared to loose an arrow (AC 12, 5 hp). Yofiel stands at U12 on the map.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+2=13 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2022 12:23:14 PM
Perception 13

Kazzor affirms what Yofiel has revealed. "How long do you think we should wait?"

Dapple (Kathy)k] 
Thursday November 10th, 2022 12:50:24 PM
Dapple draws a dagger and casts light on the blade.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Thursday November 10th, 2022 1:07:20 PM

"If we wait, there probably won't be anything left for us to take," RJ pointed out. "I'd rather not risk a straight fight, but this seems like a time we might need to lead them away or snipe at them from a bite proof box. Maybe up in the rafters?"

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Thursday November 10th, 2022 6:59:25 PM
"Men and little lizards alone, like the four elements, are weak," says Ezekiel. "But together we can form the fifth element, boron, and take out the big lizard."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12   d20+5=9 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=13 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2022 8:25:01 PM
Grim hears noises from inside but not immediately inside and quickly moves in. The noises come from the back somewhere and the common room seems clear, of T.Gs at least.

Perception +5 vs DC10 = 9

All the others crowding him distracts him somewhat, enough not to make out details of what's going on in the back. However a fight of some sort is going on and he takes Yofiel's assessment as being probably correct.

"You," pointing to Ezekiel, "Go on in first then," and lets out a gruff laugh. "These little Thunder Godlings are opportunistic. Offer an easier prey, like you, and they'll drop the fight immediately and go for you, rip you apart, and run off," he snorts.

Approaching the entrance where the noise comes from (put G on the map), Grim listens for the fight to die down, trying to pick out the different calls and snarls in hopes to identify exactly how many are in there.

Perception + 5 = 9

He remains poised with falchion raised to chop any T.G. that pops its head around the corner.
Readied Attack:
D20 + 5 = 13 vs AC

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+8=9 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2022 9:23:57 PM

RJ looks around for a place to position, since a battle seems likely.

If he can't find a place to climb or find cover (looking like there isn't), then he lays prone on the floor (RJ placed) so that he can watch the door.

He readies an attack as soon as a big dinosaur bursts in front of him (Attack Roll Nat 1).

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=18 ; d20=10 ; d20=16 ; d20=16 ;
Thursday November 10th, 2022 11:10:56 PM
The Cracked Hoof Inn

Marest removes her hood, makes sure, her smoked goggles and up and in her braided hair, then recovers her head. Now she can see more clearly into the eerie (Darkvision = 120 ft.) darkness of the inside of the destroyed inn. Using her skillset, she tries to perceive what's actually taking place & why. Marest even tries to use her knowledge of these animals with how she understands the local area.

Ever ready with her large pointed stick, in case she needs to defend herself and her group.

Skill Checks:

Perception: (d20)=18
Stealth: (d20+2) = 12
Knowledge (Local): (d20+9)= 25
Knowledge (Nature):(d20+9)= 25

DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map   d20+5=13 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+1=2 ; d20+1=13 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ;
Friday November 11th, 2022 6:18:38 AM
Yofiel hears what sounds like small lizards fighting a bigger lizard so she signals for folks to be quiet and gets in front of those who would move forward, waving for them to stop. She pantomimes the dinos fighting each other and asks if they should wait for them to kill each other a bit more. She also prepares to loose an arrow should one of the dinos show up while she is stopped with her companions.
Kazzor asks how long they should wait.
Dapple draws a dagger and casts light on the blade
R. J. suggests that if they wait there probably won’t be anything left for them to take and that although he’d rather avoid a straight fight perhaps they might need to lead the dinos away or snipe them from a bite proof box or up in the rafters. R.J. then looks for cover or a place to climb and finding none, decides to lay prone instead so he can cover the door.
Ezekiel suggests that men and little lizards alone are weak like the four elements but together they can form the fifth element boron and take out the larger lizard.
Grim suggests that Ezekiel go in first then and that would give the Godlings an easier target so that they’d run off. He tries to listen to the sounds to figure out how many are in there and stands ready with his falchion should any thunder godling make its way around the corner.
Marest removes her hood and her goggles so she can see clearer in the dim light. She tries to understand what is going on in the context of what she knows of the dinos and the larger area. She also stands ready with her pointy stick just in case.

(OOC: Treat the pointed stick as an improvised weapon that deals damage equal to a short spear of the appropriate size for Marest)

Suddenly a large raptor like dinosaur leaps backwards into p14. This triggers two attacks, but one misses entirely and the other just hits feathers. It notices the party and turns to give a threatening cry, but then is distracted by the swarm of compies that come after it. One gets close enough to draw Grim’s attack but he’s no more successful then his allies.

The Compies swarm, leaping at the Deinonychus (Deino) and back at random intervals to try to confuse it. One gets punished by it’s leap though - the Deino crits and slashes it’s throat. Another manages to get a good bite in while it’s doing that though, poisoning the larger dinosaur.

We are now in combat, please place yourself on the map. There are open windows so the tavern is normal light, though the cellar and back of the kitchen are probably darker.

Damage tracker: all dinos have AC 15

Compy 1: Dead
Compy 2:
Compy 3:
Compy 4:
Compy 5:
Compy 6:
Deino: 1 damage, poisoned.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+8=15 ; d8=7 ;
Friday November 11th, 2022 10:17:26 AM

RJ reloads his crossbow (move action) while humming some hymn only he knows.

Aiming at the big raptor (though he doesn't care that there's a chance he'll hit the compy up front), he fires again. (Attack Roll 15, Damage 7).

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+7=12 ; d20+3=10 ;
Friday November 11th, 2022 1:43:22 PM

The readied arrow attack failed to hit home. Yofiel recalls the stories of her father, of how he and other bards would inspire their companions to enhanced effort through song, chant, and music. Perhaps she can help somehow in similar manner. She sings out in a warm, high contralto:

"Pull together in this battle
Let not lizards spirits rattle
Courage, wit, and arms of might
Together we will win this fight"

Inspire Courage (Su): A 1st level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard’s performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

So - add +1 competence to attacks and weapon damage, everyone.

As she sings, she takes a step to her left (to V13) to draw a better line of sight, and shoots at the larger lizard, but this arrow also misses (AC10).

Perform Sing: 12
Note to DM: Realizing that, as a bard, I had neglected to give her a Perform skill, by your leave, I have reassigned the skill point for acrobatics to Perform: Singing for Yofiel -Kim

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=5
Friday November 11th, 2022 2:29:19 PM
Deino & the Fab 5

Marest using her skillset & perception will cast Dancing Lights of four glowing spheres of light upon the area of the enemy (near position P14); specifically, one at position Q14, and the other 3 ten feet away from Q14, say Q12, O14, & O12. They will all revolve around the closest sphere at their movement rate up to 100 feet per round.

Marest whispers to those close to her, "I'm gonna light up our friends in the next room, hopefully we can use that to our advantage. Also, lets try to leave one of them alive, so I can ask it where it came from."

Skill Checks:
Perception: (1d20+2) = 7

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+6=18 ; 3d6+8=17 ;
Friday November 11th, 2022 6:41:00 PM
Kazzor rushes forward and uses his reach to attack the compy at 14,Q. He hits AC 18 and does 17 damage

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8  d20+5=16 ; d6+2=4 ;
Friday November 11th, 2022 10:03:42 PM
Ezekiel fires a bolt of lightning (elemental ray) at the biggun.

Attack (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 + 1 PBS + 1 IC = 16.

Damage: 1d6 + 1 PBS + 1 IC = 4.

"Thunderstruck!"

Dapple (Kathy)k] 
Saturday November 12th, 2022 9:45:10 PM
Dapple brings her little light into the room.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12   d20+6=19 ; 2d4+6=9 ;
Sunday November 13th, 2022 6:50:25 PM
Spells in effect: Bard Song (+1 att/dmg)

If Compy at Q14 is still up and kicking, Grim takes another swing at.

Falchion attack:
D20 + 5 + 1(bard song) = 19 vs AC15 (the wall may provide some partial cover)
dmg 2d4+6 = 9

DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map   d20=5 ; d20=2 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=17 ; d8=6 ; d20=18 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 8:29:51 AM
R.J hums some hymn only he knows while reloading his crossbow before firing again aiming at the big dino.
Yofiel sings a song to inspire her companions courage, remembering tales of her father and other bards. She also takes a side step and fires another arrow, missing.
Marest casts dancing light causing 4 glowing spheres to appear and telling her companions she’s going to light up their friends in the next room to get an advantage and they should leave one alive for questioning.
Kazzor rushes forward and uses his reach to attack one of the compys, pretty much destroying it in the process.
Ezekiel fires a bolt of lightning at the biggun, striking it
Dapple brings her little light into the room
(OOC: Kazzor pretty much rekt that compy so I’ll interpret your post as a readied action instead)
Grim readies an attack against the next compy that gets in range.

Grim doesn’t have to wait long. With the party swiftly killing compies the remaining ones rush the door and attack. Fortunately what gear the party has protects Kazzor and Grim from their poisonous bites.

The Deino tears the backmost compy apart and roars it’s challenge at the party.

Knowledge nature or sense motive 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { The compies seem panicked and ready to flee, but the Deino is healthy, angry, and probably strong enough to kill several party members if the compies aren’t there to keep it distracted.}

Damage tracker: all dinos have AC 15

Compy 1: Dead
Compy 2: Dead
Compy 3: 9 damage; dying, prone, unconscious
Compy 4:
Compy 5:
Compy 6:
Deino: 12 damage, .


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+3=12 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+7=26 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 11:46:13 AM

"Let us not the little ones slay
Until the large upon the floor doth lay
Aim high! Aim high! Take out the large
Lest small ones die and big one charge"


Yofiel counsels in her song. Sheesh! The tiny ones are our allies, for the moment.

Her singing is better than her archery. Hit AC 12 for nevermind the damage.

Knowledge nature: 25
Perform, singing: 26 - +1 attack/damage (competence bonus from inspire courage) for all who hear and understand

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+2=21 ; d8+5=6 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 1:38:52 PM
Kazzor growls a bit as he can't get to the big guy. He takes a 5 ft step back, and throws a javelin at the deino hitting AC 21 for 6 damage. He makes sure to keep a grip on his great ax, with his off hand, as he draws and throws the projectile.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+9=18 ; d8+1=6 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 7:33:05 PM

RJ assumes that he'll be fine with Ezekiel in front of him. He also eyes Yofiel carefully, not thrilled that she boxed him in.

Move action: reload.
Standard Action: Fire at the big guy (Attack 18 hits unless a -4 into melee is in effect. Damage 6).

-------------

prone (+4 AC range, -4 AC melee)
song (+1 attack, damage)

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8  d20+5=7 ; d6+2=7 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 8:56:16 PM
"Stand still so I can zap you a second time!"

Ezekiel continues to zap the big dino.

Elemental Ray
Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 (IC) + 1 (PBS) = 7.
Pretty sure that will miss but just in case since its touch AC.
Damage: 1d6 + 1 (IC) + 1 (PBS) = 7.



Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=16 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 10:02:46 PM
Deino & the Fab Four

Marest thinks about what she could do to change the tides in this fight...using her Knowledge Nature skillset, she casts Grease onto the floor of the area the Large Deino is occupying in & around square P14, hoping to turn its advantage against it.

Skill Checks:

Knowledge (Nature): (1d20+9) = 16 + 9 =25

Spells Casts:

Grease:

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+10=25 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 10:43:11 PM

Having forgotten to move, and somehow sensing [Perception 25] that RJ Muffins wants to move, Yofiel takes a step back to W13.

Dapple (Kathy)k]  d6=1 ; d20=7 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 11:07:28 PM
Dapple moves up to one of the smaller dinos, and waves her little dagger in what she hopes is a convincing manner.

[Use the Aid Another action. Hit AC 8, fail.]

DM Hugh - scratchpad  d20+6=10 ;
Monday November 14th, 2022 11:44:01 PM
(OOC: dm stuff)

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12   d20+6=20 ; 2d4+7=11 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 12:36:34 AM
Spells in effect: Bard Song (+1 att/dmg)

The battle rages between the Thunder Godlings but also turns on them as well. He dodges the vicious poisonous bite and chops down on the one right in front of him. He doesn't even notice the little one with the tiny dagger swinging at it also.

Falchion attack:
D20 + 5 + 1(bard song) = 20 vs AC15
dmg 2d4+6 + 1(bard song)= 11

DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map  
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 7:49:21 AM
Yofiel counsels her friends in song to attack the big one and leave the little ones alone for now.
Kazzor growls that he can’t hit the big guy and proceeds to throw a javelin that does manage to hit it, though does nowhere near the damage his ax does.
R.J. reloads and fires at the big guy striking true.
Ezekiel fires off another lightning ray but this one misses it’s mark
Marest casts grease on the square the larger dino is occupying.
Dapple moves up to one of the smaller dino and waves her dagger in what she hopes is a convincing manner but fails the attempt at providing aid.
The larger dino loses its footing and falls prone (OOC: rolled 10 vs DC 16 on reflex)
Grim chomps down on one and manages to kill it.

With 2/3rds of the compy’s dead and the Deino heavily injured the various dinosaurs decide it’s time to run away. Cutting past Grim and Dapple they rush towards various doors and windows and evacuate the building. You get attacks of opportunity if you want, but the battle is won regardless.


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+3=22 ; d6+1=3 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 11:30:44 AM

Yofiel lets one more arrow fly against the Deino on its way out, actually hitting it (AC22) this time for 3 hp damage. She asks those toward the front, "Any critters left up there?" When she hears the all clear, she holds the bow against her body with her biceps, and claps her hands. "We won! Nobody is hurt, right?" she exults and asks.

She makes an effort to recover her arrows. I assume the one that struck the deino left with it.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+8=10 ; d20+2=16 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 1:40:10 PM
Kazzor tries to drop the deino as it runs by but misses. He than watches his javelin fleeing with the dino it's stuck in. "There goes my best javelin!", Kazzor grumbles put loud. Of course anyone who is looking at the minotaur can see that he has 3 more identical ones on his back. He than heads to the top of the stairs and tries to listen to see if anything may be in the basement. (Perception 16)

Dapple (Kathy)k] 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 3:03:09 PM
Dapple lets the dinosaurs go, for high-minded reasons of fair play, and not at all because she'd probably miss anyway. "Is everybody okay?" she asks..

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=9 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 3:29:42 PM
Coulda chatted with 'dem

Marest wonders aloud if the dino's could have been calmed and interrogated for anything useful in the information front.

Marest terminates 3 of the 4 glow spheres, leaving the one closest to the stairs on a dim light. Using her gifts of Darkvision and skills of perception, Marest spies everything so as to figure out what was happening.

Skill Check:

Perception: (1d20+2) = 11

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+7=11 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 3:58:44 PM

RJ signals to Dapple that he's fine and grunts at Marest. "If you happen to speak lizard, you're welcome to try yourself. Personally, I think we made our position quite clear."

Not really expecting to recover the single bolt that missed, RJ did take some time to make notes about dinosaurs. "I suppose my benefactors would have appreciated the opportunity for study, but it would hardly be diplomatic."

He takes some time to aid Marest in searching (Perception above 10, low light vision).

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12   d20+7=12 ;
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 7:43:39 PM
Grim looks at those trying to hit the fleeing T.Gs with disgust, then looks at Marest with a look of skepticism.
"I'd like to see that. I take you to my chief. If you can, he make you his mate. He make you famous. All orc tribes come see who can speak to Thunder Gods. Maybe you speak to the Great One too! Then you become big powerful chief shaman of all orc tribes!"

He then proceeds to cut the heart out of the Thunder Godling he killed, takes a bite out of it and belts out a loud half-shout half-roar up to the 'sky' (roof in this case).

Intimidate +7 = 12

OOC: although he's not trying to intimidate anyone in the party, for roleplay the point is, as orcs are known to do, to impress upon those around of his ferocity. For friends, that could be a morale booster. For everyone else, a warning of what he can do.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 8:51:07 PM
"Yeah, you better run!" says Ezekiel. "And tell your friends to behave or we're coming for them next!"

DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map  
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 7:37:43 AM
Yofiel lets an arrow fly against the deino on its way out and asks the others if there are any more left. She confirms no one is hurt and then tries to recover her arrows.
Kazzor tries to drop the deino as it runs by but misses and complains he lost his best javelin. He then heads to the top of the stairs and tries to listen for activity in the basement.
Dapple lets the dinos go for high-minded reasons of fair play and not because she’d probably miss anyway. She too asks of her companions health.

Marest laments that she could have interrogated the dinos for useful information before extinguishing 3 of her 4 glowing spheres and taking a look around.
R.J. signals to Dapple that he is fine and tells Marest that she is welcome to try to communicate next time by herself, but as a whole they made their point quite clear. He makes some notes about the dinos and then aids Marest in the search.
Grim looks at those attacking the fleeing Thunder Gods with disgust then tells Marest he’d like to see her talk to Thunder Gods and he would present her to his chief so she could become his mate and then she would become chief shaman of all the orc tribes. He then cuts the heart out of the one he killed and shouts to the sky.
Ezekiel yells after the dinosaurs.

Kazzor isn’t able to see far into the dark basement from the stairs but he listens hard. He can’t hear anything below, but he can smell more rotting corpses below. A smell he’s sadly very familiar with since the party came into town.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 1:50:07 PM
"I smell death downstairs, but I can't see squat!", Kazzor complains.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 1:55:59 PM

Yofiel walks past Grim. "My father was killed by one of your kind." She shudders as he bloodies his own face with the little heart.

She joins Marest at the stairs. "Do you want to move the pretty light down the stairs as we descend?"

She will begin to walk down the stairs, testing each step carefully before trying the next, grasping the railing, if any, or pressing hands against opposite walls if possible. Her bow is put away and arrows returned to her quiver. Whichever hand may be free (if there is a railing), or in the right (if her hands are to press against stairway walls) holds her rapier.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+12=19 ;
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 2:45:03 PM

RJ taps Grim on the shoulder. "Always good to meet a fellow garbage eater, but you need to let the thing rest and roll around in it first."

He does have a torch prepared but he waits to see if anyone casts or moves spells first. He also takes advantage of the dark himself in the meantime, slowly moving and sniffing to see what might be down there (stealth 19).

Dapple (Kathy)k] 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 5:00:39 PM
Dapple winces a little as Grimm eats the heart.

“Grim,” she says, “don’t eat raw meat. It isn’t good for you.“

Since the others are exploring the cellar, Dapple goes back into the kitchens. She is especially looking for spices and herbs, anything that might make roasted dinosaur a little more interesting.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=12 ; d20=18 ; d20=5 ; d20=14 ;
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 8:58:09 PM
Opportunities

Marest send the last glowing sphere down into the basement to illuminate the area while she heads to the top of the basement stairs to get a good view into the darkness beyond.

Turning to Grimm, Marest says, "Grimm, although I maybe of age, I feel a need more experience before I try your path. As for the next Thunder God interview, stick around as I am sure it may happen sooner than later.

Marest then turns to peer into the basement to get a good view of what might still be be of use or alive in the basement by using her gift of DarkVision coupled with her skillset of Perception. She also tries to recall the area & how the basement maybe laid out based on her knowledge of Geography & the locals. Thinking about it, she casts Detect Magic into the basement & then uses her knowledge of the Arcane to discover what spells may have been used if anything is detected.

Skill Checks:

Perception: (1d20+2) = 12+2 = 14
Knowledge (Geography): (1d20+9) = 27
Knowledge (Local): (1d20+9) = 14
Knowledge (Arcana): (1d20+9) = 23

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 11:51:48 PM
Zeke lights his staff.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12   d20+5=20 ;
Thursday November 17th, 2022 1:07:40 AM
Grim barely notices the tap on the shoulder but the comment from R.J. stings.
Grim spits a mouth full of blood all over R.J.'s feet.
"There, you can now say it's 'rolled in the dirt'. You know nothing of the Great One, nor do you know respect to the Created Ones. I mourn the loss of any of my tribe to the Thunder Gods no more or less than by any other cause. But to say they are garbage you show total ignorance of any animal you have ever eaten. You should eat only plants. I should petition to the Great One to remove all ability for you to eat meat in any form as you do not respect that Life."

He turns away to head outside to make sure the ruckus didn't attract any other Thunder God when the Little One speaks to him.

"Indeed Little One. But the Hear is Sacred. It is a dishonor to cook the heart. As for the rest of the body, we pay the respect to it and to the Creator and the meat is blessed, cooked or not. But cooked is better."

He plants himself at the door and keeps watch, switching back to his guisarme.
Perception +5 = 20


Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Thursday November 17th, 2022 1:09:12 AM
OOC: that should say "But the Heart is Sacred."
oops

DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map  
Thursday November 17th, 2022 8:27:19 AM
Kazzor notes he smells death downstairs but cannot see squat
Yofiel walks past Grim telling him her father was killed by one of his kind before joining Marest at the stairs and asking if she wants to move that light. She slowly tests the stairs a step at a time.
R.J. tells Grim it is nice to meat a fellow garbage eater but the half-orc needs to let it rest and roll around in it first. He holds off on using his torch for now in order to observe if any of the others use a spell and takes advantage of the darkness to hide himself a little.
Dapple suggests that Grim shouldn’t be eating raw meat as it isn’t good for him before opting to explore the kitchen looking for spices.
Marest sends some light down there and investigates with eyes and magic. She comments on future thunder god interviews.
Ezekiel lights his staff.
Grim is highly insulted by RJ and explains some of his customs to Dapple.

While most of the obvious food has been eaten by the dinosaurs up here there are clay jars of herbs and spices untouched by them. Dapple is able to gather several.

From the top of the steps the party can’t see much more then some bloodstains in the basement, but advancing down a couple gives a full view. The Innkeeper, his wife and two small children, and maybe half a dozen patrons too afraid to make for the keep lay below, dead faces twisted in pain and panic. It seems even down here they were found and killed in the attack. They lie huddled against the boxes, barrels, and crates of food stored down here. The food stores seem intact, the seals holding and keeping the scavengers from smelling and finding the food, but you’ll have to move the corpses to get to them.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 12:30:05 PM
Kazzor looks at the corpses, and grimaces. The scent of rotting flesh is strong and the idea of touching, let alone moving these poor souls. "There is nothing for it, we have to move these poor souls." Kazzor lifts the front of his shirt over his nose, and goes to work moving the bodies. He takes care to show as much respect to the dead as possible.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 8:56:24 PM

RJ doesn't really have the strength to move bodies, but he does take some time to look around and start gathering supplies.

Dapple (Kathy)k] 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 10:03:52 PM
Dapple emerges from the kitchen, her arms full of little clay jars. “Hey, can somebody give me a hand with this? There are a few more jars in there, including some on a high shelf. No foodstuffs, I am afraid, but the spices will help us make our food taste better.”

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Thursday November 17th, 2022 10:38:38 PM
Grim maintains his surveillance of the outside from the doorway. It's not likely those T.Gs would try to come back but others might stray by and notice fresh food. The pack of compys live in small groups and don't go about gathering friends for revenge. Neither would a solitary deino.

He can't hear what's going on downstairs but deduces no T.Gs are down there, or he'd know it by now. So he waits until called upon.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 11:41:13 PM
Ezekiel lends Dapple a mage hand to get the jars down from the top shelf.

"Take one down, pass it around," he says.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Friday November 18th, 2022 6:26:23 AM
The heart of the elf sorrows for the loss of life. Who sent these great lizards? Time will out.

Not especially strong, yet neither a weakling, Yodiel begins to help by dragging the body of one poor soul to near the bottom of the stairs. Then she stops. "Should we not first prepare a site to bury them, before bringing them up to where lizards will feast on their remains?"

She shifts the body off to one side so it does not block passage.

"We owe it to the living to see if we first can get them some food that they not starve. Then later return and perhaps prepare a pyre for the dead, or cast them to the sea below, or dig a large pit, and deep, we can cover up."

She goes to one of the clay pots to open it to see what is inside.

DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map  
Friday November 18th, 2022 8:25:48 AM
Kazzor looks at the corpses and grimaces, admitting to his friends that there is nothing for it except to move those poor souls. He lifts his shirt over his nose and shows as much respect as possible as he sets about his grisly task.
R.J doesn’t have the strength to move corpses so he takes the time to look around and start gathering supplies.
Dapple emerges from the kitchen with a bunch of little clay jars full of spices. She asks for help from some of the others in getting the rest.
Grim maintains his surveillance of the outside of the doorway. He isn’t expecting the compys or the deino to come back but others might stray by and notice fresh food. He figures there are no Thunder Gods downstairs so he waits to be called.
Ezekiel lends Dapple a mage hand to get jars down from the top shelf.
Yofiel wonders about burying the dead and opens a pot. The one she opens has pepper in it. Others have salt and a variety of more exotic spices. Very valuable.

The corpses are moved and some things are gathered. Now the question is who carries what, and how much? There’s plenty down here to feed everyone but if you carry too much it might slow you down if you have to run from any dinosaurs. There’s enough storage of various sizes that you can distribute it however you want, just decide if you want to stop at a light load or carry medium/heavy loads of food back to the group.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Friday November 18th, 2022 10:43:52 AM
(OOC: I forgot to actually calculate my equipment weight, and my character is already in heavy encumbrance. Unless the DM allows me to leave most of the equipment back at the camp, I might be stuck making some decisions moving forward.)

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Friday November 18th, 2022 11:53:41 AM
(OoC.... Kazzor can carry an extra 144 lbs and still be carrying a light load, 410 if he wishes to be encumbered with a medium load.)

Kazzor looks at his new friends and realizes that Grim and him are going to have to do most of the heavy lifting, and due to his size advantage, he will be carrying the lion's share of the food stores. "I'm a minotaur not an ox!" The fighter grumbles under his breath, as he goes about prepping things for transport. To his companions he says, "I have rope, but little skill with knots. Can someone tie these into a carryable bundle?"

Kazzor is willing to carry a medium load.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+10=11 ; d20+2=17 ;
Friday November 18th, 2022 2:44:55 PM

"Spices are wonderful, but we need food for energy," Yofiel says. She searches deeper, trying to see if any stored vegetables, salted meat, fruit, nuts, or grains can be found in the stores. She asks if others can also help search.

She can carry at medium load ~35 pounds more; ~75 pounds more at heavy load. She can drag a bit more than 500 pounds more than she currently bears - but she's not going to drag anything more than a few feet.

"I can help you with the ropes," she offers to Kazzor.
==========
Perception: 11
Survival 17 for helping to bundle up Kazzor's burden



Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=3 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+2=13 ;
Friday November 18th, 2022 7:49:42 PM
Supplies

Marest will use her knowledge skills to determine what's useful amongst the foodstuffs in the basement. As Marest travels from container to container, she will shift the light sphere to cast maximum light over the containers. Marest uses her understanding and knowledge of local customs to determine what might be where and stored in what types of containers as well as her wisdom and knowledge of Nature to recall which spices go with which food types.

Marest will also look around to see if she can find her spell component pouch that she dropped when the mayhem started.

Marest is not really strong enough to pack much, and as most of her gear has fallen to the wayside by the time she made it to the Northern Cave, she really can only deal with a light load and when she says light, she means not much more than what she currently has.

The Survival skills to determine how to pack up the found items & tie knots in the helping of the team. At best, Marest can carry 30 pounds as a light load, 60 medium, or 90 heavy, but she is currently at 30 pounds now.

Skill Checks:
Perception: (1d20+2)=5
Knowledge (Local): (1d20+9)=27
Knowledge (Nature): (1d20+9)= 29
Survival: (1d20+4)= 6

Perception: (1d20+2)=13 [To find her spell pouch]

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Friday November 18th, 2022 7:51:29 PM
Ezekiel can carry 26 pounds as a light load, 53 medium, or 80 heavy, plus another 5 with mage hand.

Dapple (Kathy)k] 
Friday November 18th, 2022 10:01:29 PM
Dapple begins packing spice jars into her pack.

“These don’t weigh much,“ she says. “The amount of food we could pack instead is negligible.“

She sticks to the lighter weight spices, knowing that she can’t carry much, and that the medical supplies are still to come.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12   d20+5=8 ;
Saturday November 19th, 2022 11:59:23 AM
OOC: Grim's CS details his carrying capacity. When I add equipment/gear or stuff, it will update automagically so I'll know when he reaches his max.

IC:

Grim catches whiffs of conversation coming up the stairs and it appears there's a conundrum on how to get all the stuff back to the cave.
His tribe hunts game for food and Thunder Gods are among that list. When a large one is brought down, they have carts to bring the chunks to their home.

He thinks back on their trip into town trying to remember if he saw a cart and if it was rather intact or fixable.

Perception +5 (did he notice a cart at all and was it 'fixable') = 8

He was too busy watching out for T.Gs he's not sure he saw one, but he remembers seeing a lot of canvas and cloth booth coverings at the market. Large sections could be salvaged where it could be dragged to the edge of the plateau. Barrels, of course, could be rolled there.
He waits a few more moments to see if these non-orcish types can come up with the same solution, and grins. Although what does an orc grin look like?

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Monday November 21st, 2022 4:38:25 AM

Note regarding Grim's query: Yofiel, her mother and brother have a cart used to bring their textiles to the plateau. It's up to the DM as to whether it survives the dinosaur brigade.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+3=16 ; d20+7=19 ;
Monday November 21st, 2022 10:13:58 AM

(RJ can carry a light load up to 25, and his armor and crossbow/bolts are 20 alone.)

RJ remembers that he left a lot of equipment at camp (medium load) so he can move around some, and even carry a little more (lets say 5-9 lbs worth in his backpack, 10 lbs puts him at heavy).

RJ notes that Grim might have a point, and offers to help skin or butcher the dinos should someone throw him a knife (Professional: Hunter roll). For now, though, he continues with gathering (climb skill 16, perception 19), and with scouting the area.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Monday November 21st, 2022 11:38:40 AM
With Marest and Yofiel's help with the knots, Kazzor is able to tightly bundle several containers of food together, and he than slings the bundle over his shoulder and says, "Let's get back to the cave. The other locations can wait to be explored."

On the way back, if they find a serviceable cart, he will gladly transfer his load to it. he carries the load buy holding onto to two ropes, with the bundle only a few inches off the ground. His thinking is if they are attacked, he can simply let go of the ropes and draw his ax, figuring that such a short fall shouldn't cause much in the way of damage to the containers, or their contents.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Monday November 21st, 2022 2:01:04 PM

Yofiel hands RJ Muffins a dagger that he might use to prepare the tiny lizard bodies.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11 
Monday November 21st, 2022 4:43:57 PM
Supplies...

Marest recalculates after looking up & towards the left doing figures in her head. "I've misspoken, I can carry seven (7) additional pounds and still be at light encumbrance. Sorry, I was running off my list before the dino encounter."

"Is there something I might help out with?" asks Marest of the remaining group.


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Monday November 21st, 2022 6:08:35 PM
"We should return with the food," says Ezekiel. "Like I always say, why put off starving until tomorrow when you can put off starving until the day after tomorrow."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 12:30:02 AM
When supplies start coming up the stairs in small bits and pieces, he comments on how a cart or wagon would be handy.

Yofiel mentions their family cart.

"You know where it might be? We go get it while others start bringing up stuff."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 1:13:55 AM

Yofiel explains it should be inside the market toward one of the back booths, toward the left as one looks in through the main entrance. "I did not get a good enough look as we hastened past it." [Again, DM call as to how the cart has fared.]

DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map  
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 5:52:18 AM
R.J. is feeling weighted down.
(OOC: how much of the equipment that you have on your sheet have you actually used on this foray? If you haven’t used an item in a post on your trip to town then I’m inclined to say you left it back at camp only don’t expect to use it in town if it is established to be in camp)
Kazzor looks at his new friends and realizes he and Grim are going to have do most of the heavy lifting. Under his breath he says he’s a minotaur not an Ox but at an audible level he asks for help in tying the bundle into a manageable load.
Yofiel oppines that spices are wonderful but they need food for energy as she searches for stored vegetables, salted meat, fruit, nuts, or grains. She tries to enlists others in the search and volunteers to help Kazzor with his ropes.
Marest helps Yofiel search the foodstuffs. She applies her light to get maximum use of it. She also looks for her dropped component pouch and tries to help the others pack the food efficiently knowing she won’t be able to carry much if any of it herself.
Ezekiel details how much he can carry
Dapple begins packing the spice jars into her pack arguing their weight is negligible
Grim realizes they have a conundrum on their hands for how to get the items back to the cave and thinks that when his tribe brings down a large Thunder God they have carts to help bring in the yield. He tries to remember if there is a cart in town they passed they might be able to fix or failing that perhaps they could fashion together something serviceable from the tarps and cloth booth coverings in the market or find a barrel or 2 that are rollable. He wonders if any of the others will suggest the same solution.

(OOC: Yofiel’s family cart did not survive the dino attack, sorry)
R.J. remembers he left some of his gear at camp and can carry a little more should he need to. He offers to help skin or butcher the dinos if someone throws him a knife but for now continues gathering

Kazzor is able to get the bundles in a manageable way with the help of Yofiel and Marest. He suggests they get back to the cave and explore the other locations later.
Yofiel hands R. J. a dagger that he can use to prepare the lizards
Marest realizes that she can carry 7 additional pounds and asks if there is anything else she can help with.
Ezekiel agrees that they should return with the food

The party packs up what they can and debates how to get more. A cart is suggested but two problems present themselves - firstly the market was flattened so any carts there were destroyed. Second, even if they find a cart the cave everyone is hiding in is in a thick jungle and it would be nigh impossible to drive a cart through it.

Someone suggests they return with just the food, but the medical supplies they were sent for are also pretty crucial and if they return without the weapons and gear then the group will not be able to defend themselves in case of future trouble. It seems pretty important to check out the other two locations before leaving. Which do you want to go to first, the keep or the temple?


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 12:10:25 PM
Since the chapel and the keep are basically the same distance from the tavern, Kazzor doesn't care which one they head to first. "Now that I think about it, heading back to the cave, only to return for arms and medicine seems a bit foolhardy. Way to much effort, and who knows what the extra stirring up of the jungle will draw out. Which location should we search next? the chapel is right across the street, and the keep is next door."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 1:26:30 PM

"Chapel, then Keep," Yofiel recommends. "There may be survivors in the Keep, where my mother was seen to have entered. If...", she begins, then starts to choke up, swallows, and takes a deep breath.

"If there are people within we can help, some may need medical attention, too. And we can let them know that it looks like most of the really large lizards are no longer about."

Regarding food - did we find anything of protein, carbohydrates, and greater caloric benefit than just spices? Spices are wonderful and helpful. But - any grains? What kinds of food did we find, if not only spices?

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+5=7 ; d20+7=9 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 6:38:01 PM
RJ makes an attempt to produce anything other than a mess (Hunter roll 7) before handing the knife back to Yofiel. "Clearly we need a better breed of dinosaur," he remarks.

He takes a moment to himself, the bodies beginning to get to him. "Keep it together, soldier. Remember your training, remember you've been in the field. Just keep going, just keep on mission."

He second's Yofiel's decision, not having a better option. He takes 5 lbs of food for now, and agrees to take some medicine.

When they leave, he takes time to check the back door (Perception 9).

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 6:44:08 PM
"Don't worry, I know a trick to decide which way to go," says Ezekiel looks toward the keep and the temple and the tosses his staff before him. He retrieves it using mage hand.

"So which way do you think we should go?" he asks.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=7 ; d20=20 ; d20=11 ; d20=14 ; d20=19 ;
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 11:04:38 PM
Keep or not to Keep...

Marest, thinking aloud, suggests "The Chapel is the next best location as most of the Thunder Lizards attacked the Keep...and the keep is the one place many tried to go to leaving the Chapel mostly empty of patrons. I suggest we go to the keep last. That's my two cents!"

Using her skillset, Marest tries to determine how bright it might be outside using her survival skill. Assuming it's correct, Marest will readjust her smoked goggles back into place over her sensitive eyes from just under her hood prior to walking outside. Judging by what she knows of the Geography, the local area, and Mother Nature, Marest hopes to convince the rest of the group to head to the Chapel next.

"We can set up our product retrieval in stages: making groups of Foodstuffs, medical supplies, & then weapons along with Other finds in organized batches for easy retrieval on the next run back to town. Taking a bit from each group (Foodstuffs, medical supplies, and weapons/misc.) may allow us to retrieve it all in a timely manner, especially if the Thunder Lizards are still in the area. The way, we can all be armed and useful to one another along the journey. Those of us that are of the not-so-strong physique can carry other items such as medical supplies." Marest explains after checking some attributes and thinking about the best way to tackle this task.

Skill Checks:

Perception: (1d20+2) = 9
Survival: (1d20+4) = 24 (NAT 20)
Knowledge(Geography): (1d20+9) = 20
Knowledge(Local): (1d20+9) = 23
Knowledge(Nature): (1d20+9) = 28

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 1:04:28 AM
Grim simply smirks at the discussion.

"Without a way to carry much, what's the point? Until we devise a way to take back what we find, we've done nothing but scout."

OOC:
1) all carts and wagons just happen to be all at the market at the same time and got crushed.
2) the dinos hunted out all the carts and wagons in the town and crushed them

So, which is it if there are no halfway salvageble carts or wagons in the whole town? 1 or 2?

IC:
Grim suggests, "Plenty of wood planks about. Plenty of nails about or at the smithy. We nail together ten planks or so and attack ropes to pull. Once we get to the edge of the forest, we leave it there. Plenty of help from the survivors in the cave can bring the stuff the rest of the way much faster."

He waits a little for a decision on a plan, but it is clear that as smart as he is, he's not the patient sort to sit down and philosophize on everyone's ideas.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard  d20+10=25 ;
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 3:18:53 AM

"Surely a few axles may be found, and perhaps a few wheels. Mending may help if any have that skill. Good idea, Grim," Yofiel praises him.

She sees the work of R.J. Muffins and smiles. "I've skinned a few rabbits. Never one of these little lizard fellows. Maybe I'll try the next one. We can see which of us does the worst of it," she offers. The elf ensures the knife is well-cleaned of blood before placing it back in its sheath.

She looks out a window to see if there is any activity about, then goes to the door with the same thing in mind. She even looks up to see if any faces of any sort are peering down from the roof. "I propose we leave the bodies below, for now, and return after the living have been cared for. That may seem callous, and we ought to honor the dead. Yet only two among us appear to have the strength to bear large burdens."

Should there not be any obvious lizards moving about or discernibly crouching nearby, Yofiel says, "So, the chapel," and takes a few cautious steps in that direction.
==========
Perception: 25

DM Mitch Tavern Combat Map  
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 8:04:38 AM
Kazzor does care which location they head to first seeing as they are equal distance from the inn. He also realizes it is too much effort to trod all this way to not gather all the supplies they possibly could.
Yofiel opines they should hit the chapel and then the keep noting that her mother was last seen headed to the keep and the chapel’s medical supplies could potentially help any potential survivors from the keep.
R.J attempts to produce something other than a mess with the dino carcass and fails. Remarking they need a better breed of dino for food. He needs a moment before seconding Yofiel’s decision and keeps an eye on the backdoor.
Ezekiel says he knows a trick to figure out which way to go as he tosses his staff, retrieves it with mage hand and asks it its opinion in which way they should go.
Marest agrees the chapel is the next best location and that they should go to the keep last. After adjusting her goggles she uses her skillset to try to convince the others that the chapel is the next logical choice. She also has ideas for how to arrange things once they have visited everywhere and have presumably a collection of foodstuffs, medical supplies, weapons and other finds to bring back.
Grim is of the opinion that they need to secure a way to carry what they want and suggests making a cart.
Yofiel comments on having skinned rabbits before and suggests they leave the dead for now. She takes a few tentative steps outside.

Most of the stores for the town are kept here. As such you can find all the staples of a commoner’s diet - lots of breads, crackers, salted meat, even things like butter and jam. There’s far more than you could carry, even with a cart. Generally when the merchants came people would buy what food they wanted specifically for themselves, then the rest would be stored here to be used as a communal store and kitchen. Many never bothered to buy food or cook, they just got food here for each meal. Food would also be supplemented with what could be harvested from the jungle - there’s probably enough to feed your small group for a month without needing more, though you’ll lose a good portion to spoilage over time since there are fewer mouths to each things that won’t last so long.

The party cautiously exits. The scavenging birds have all returned and their racket echoes through the town. No dinosaurs in sight, at least not immediately. There were many votes to go to the chapel but also much talk of a cart. You could almost certainly find one somewhere in town, though how you’ll get it through the thick jungle to your cave is another question (maybe with really high survival and STR checks).


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 8:19:21 PM
"Let us head over to the chapel than, the sooner we get what we need the sooner I can retire as a beast of burden."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 9:00:32 PM

RJ smiles at Yofiel's suggestion of seeing if rabbits are easier, and nods at Grim's suggestion of bringing a cart to the edge of the jungle.

As RJ walks outside, he keeps an eye out for anything that might attack, using the proper form of caution.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=20 ; d20=14 ; d20=14 ; d20=8 ; d20=3 ;
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 10:08:51 PM
The Chapel

Marest, Smoked Goggles in place, makeshift spear in hand, will cautiously make her way to the door, heading towards the chapel. Using her skills of perception to see if it is safe to proceed towards the chapel and the best way to make it there coupled with Survival, knowing when to move and when to remain perfectly still along with her knowledge of the area, the town, and Mother Nature, Marest hopes to arrive intact as well as being a make a path for her friends.

Skill Checks:
Perception: (1d20+2) = 22 (NAT 20)
Survival: (1d20+4) = 18
Knowledge(Geography): (1d20+9) =23
Knowledge(Local): (1d20+9) = 15
Knowledge(Nature): (1d20+9) = 12

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 10:31:54 PM
OOC: As far as I know, Kazzor is carrying a load? Don't know that load is and how much weight, Dapple is carrying some jars of spices. Is there anyone else carrying anything?

IC: Grim sort of smirks at Kazzor's comment.
"It's your choice. You don't have to carry that much," he 'grins'.

For Grim's part, he's not a 'beast of burden' either but he does take the head of the T.G he killed and puts it in a sack, and then in his backpack. (OOC: so how much does a head weigh?)

When they head out, Grim looks for homes that look like they had a barn or detached building that could have been to house goods and a cart or wagon. In the meantime, he gathers up wood planks left over from the smashed houses, no longer than 5' in length. He gathers about five of them. (OOC: DM calculate that weight also.)

He orients himself as they go along looking for the smithy. (OOC: Can't find a map with a key, only just the numbers. Was the smithy in the keep? if so, they plan to go there anyway. Right?)

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 10:45:09 PM
"Huzzah! The old toss a stick and ask someone else works every time," says Ezekiel. "Onwards to the temple!"

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard 
Thursday November 24th, 2022 6:50:26 AM

Upon discovering the decent quantity of foodstuff in addition to spices, Yofiel suggests the following: "Let us keep covered the bulk of the foods here, but take some to help out who remains of this community for the next few days. May the heavens grant that we can return in the next few days to recover more. Let's take perhaps half of what we might carry with half a load, reserving additional capacity for dealing with whatever lies ahead of us. Does that make sense?"

As is, she can take about 18 pounds, leaving room for another similar amount. As her knapsack has a fair bit of room, she should be able to fit it all there.

When the group makes its way towards the chapel, the bard's bow is out, an arrow nocked.
==========
I already rolled Perception 25 for her journey toward the chapel. Let us know how it goes.
=========
P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 
Thursday November 24th, 2022 6:55:06 AM

Friends, for a map with a key, you can click on the link just below the 'Cloudhaven' header at the top of the page, then scroll down on the referenced page. If you don't want to scroll all the way to the top, here it is: http://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Cloudhaven_(game)

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+2=8 ;
Thursday November 24th, 2022 10:19:07 AM
As they approach the chapel, Kazzor sets down his bundle of food containers, (about 200lbs worth) and draws his ax. He approaches with as much Alertness ass he can muster. (Perception 8)

No Hope Chapel


DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Thursday November 24th, 2022 2:38:18 PM
Kazzor agrees they should head to the chapel then so he can retire as the party’s beast of burden though one could argue he’s certainly rough and hard enough for the job.
R.J. smiles at Yofiel’s suggestion of seeing if rabbits are easier and nods at Grim’s suggestion of pulling a cart into the jungle. He keeps an eye out for anything that might attack.
Marest is extremely cautious as she makes her way to the chapel.
Grim looks about for good places to find a cart. He see several places that look promising, though they also look like places dinosaurs might be a that he couldn’t see from here. Though none are visible you can still hear them about town. The head weighs 1 lb if it was a compies, 7 if it was the bigger raptors ( I can’t find where that was mentioned). There are no houses between the tavern and chapel but he can get some wood from the nearby destroyed market. It’d take a perception check to find good quality wood though.
Ezekiel is thrilled his method worked.
Yofiel suggests they only take a few day’s worth of food for now.
Kazzor can carry a lot, but leaves it outside for now as he draws his weapon.

Again the various feasting birds and small scavengers make way for the large group as they move towards the chapel. At the foot of the stairs is another grim reminder of friends lost - the lower half of Brother Cadmus who was slain before Dapples eyes.

The inside of the building is a mess. Several beds have been knocked over and it looked like some people tried to hide in here. It didn’t do them much good though as their corpses lay mostly eaten towards the back of the main room. Four Compies crouch over the corpses, crying out angrily at you interrupting their meal.


Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11 
Thursday November 24th, 2022 8:13:28 PM
Four Compies wished for a baked Pie

Once Marest rounds the chapel corner and spies the Compies, she will cast Grease onto the area the compies are occupying.



Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+6=12 ; 3d6+7=21 ; 3d6+7=14 ;
Thursday November 24th, 2022 10:36:01 PM
"Great more poison spitters!" Kazzor was about to tell his friends they should just try to frighten the beasts away, but since Marest went all in from the get go, he moves to the edge of the grease spell, and if one of the compies is within his 10ft reach, he will attack with his ax. He hits AC 12 for 21 damage (please ignore second damage roll, accidently hit the button twice.)

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11 Ffted 15 HP 17/17 CMD 12  
Friday November 25th, 2022 12:33:10 AM
Grim is prepared to block the doorway and keep their front line small, but a Grease spell is cast and Kazzor rushes in, so, Grim he puts away his falchion and drawing his bow while stepping inside.

Two move actions: 1) sheath weapon, 2) move and draw weapon.

Dapple (Kathy)k] 
Friday November 25th, 2022 9:08:01 AM
Dapple draws her little dagger and moves up near Kazzor.

[OOC,: Sorry, I can't edit the map with my current device.]

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+2=4 ;
Friday November 25th, 2022 11:24:39 AM
Yofiel steps in, goes to the corner at P16, and lets fly her already-nocked arrow, aiming for the compie at Q9. This time her aim was poor, and the flight was off course. (AC 4)

She attaches another arrow onto her bowstring.

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map   d20+4=21 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=17 ; d20+1=21 ; d3=2 ; d3=2 ; d20=11 ;
Friday November 25th, 2022 1:09:54 PM
Marest spies the compies and casts grease on the area they are occupying.
Kazzor was about to tell his friends they need to frighten more compies away but since Marest went all in at the get-go he moves to the edge of the grease spell and readies an attack against any compy within 10 feet of his ax
Grim moves in and draws his bow.
Dapple also advances drawing a dagger
Yofiel moves in and shoots but her aim is wide.

The Compies (that I should stop forgetting to number) are fairly agile. The two in the grease easily manage it. Kazzor swings at one but it leaps right over his blow and clings to his arm and biting. Two others attack Dapple as the nearest target.

Dapple and Kazzor are each bitten once, taking 1 damage and must make a DC 12 fort save or lose 1d2 STR (cured on 1 success, so you must roll every round until you make it, max of 4 rounds).

HP Tracker: (15 AC for enemies)

C1:
C2:
C3:
C4:

Map in header


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+2=20 ; d6=4 ;
Saturday November 26th, 2022 12:38:08 AM

Yofiel lets fly another arrow, and this time her aim is spot on. Compie C1 at Q10 is hit (AC 20) for 4 hp damage. She nocks an arrow, then thinks maybe she should make a new song...

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 12 Tch 7 Ffted 11 HP 19/17 CMD 12   d20+9=13 ;
Saturday November 26th, 2022 1:24:32 AM
Grim's orc tribe would not have survived very long if they acted stupidly as the bull-headed Kazzor had just done. But what enrages him is that it pulled that little girl into doing the same thing!

With a roar he drops his readied bow and charges C3 pulling out his falchion as he rushes in.

Condition: Rage (free action) - +4 STR, 4 CON, +2 Will, -2 AC
Action: Charge Attack w/ draw weapon while moving as free action and -2 AC
Charge attack C3 d20 +5 +2 (charge) + 2 (rage str bonus) = 13
Modified AC and HP in header.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+8=21 ; d6=1 ;
Saturday November 26th, 2022 11:00:50 AM

RJ considers some options, but ultimately chooses to just fire at C2.

(Attack Roll 21, Damage 1).

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Saturday November 26th, 2022 2:12:14 PM
The party engages and lands at least one hit. Some have dark thoughts about the other's lack of strategy.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+7=19 ;
Sunday November 27th, 2022 2:36:56 AM

Yofiel breaks into song, seeking to inspire courage in this new team.
"A healing site this place has been
But dinosaurs have ravaged within
We join to take this chapel back
So let us now the spitters hack."
She winces as she thinks her rhymes are a bit of a hack, but, well, by golly, may the ditty still help in-courage the group.

Perform, singing: 19, Inspire Courage = +1 attack/damage (competence bonus from inspire courage) for all who hear and understand

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+2=11 ;
Sunday November 27th, 2022 8:01:02 AM
Bad Luck

Marest realizing she jumped the gun & may have gotten the group into a Wold of hurt, casts Ill Omen on the Compie3 in position T11. On her next turn, Marest will do the same thing to Compie2. Marest looks around to find a better position for resolving her faux pas.

Skill Checks:
Perception: (1d20+2) = 11

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+2=11 ;
Sunday November 27th, 2022 8:01:04 AM
Bad Luck

Marest realizing she jumped the gun & may have gotten the group into a Wold of hurt, casts Ill Omen on the Compie3 in position T11. On her next turn, Marest will do the same thing to Compie2. Marest looks around to find a better position for resolving her faux pas.

Skill Checks:
Perception: (1d20+2) = 11

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8  d20+4=9 ; d6+1=6 ;
Sunday November 27th, 2022 12:17:18 PM
Ezekiel looks up from eating his turkey-jerky ration.

"Oh, are we fighting again? I thought we were taking a break to eat."

He steps up and fire another elemental ray at Compy 2 (If C2 is down, he'll target C1 instead, or C3, or C4).

Attack (vs touch): 1d20 + 3 + 1 (PBS) = 9.
Damage: 1d6 + 1 (PBS) = 6.



R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+9=20 ; d6+1=7 ;
Sunday November 27th, 2022 9:24:16 PM

RJ reflected on the possibility of buying a second weapon.

Reload, Attack (20), damage 7

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map   d20+1=13 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+1=16 ;
Monday November 28th, 2022 8:20:02 AM
Yofiel starts singing inspiring the others to greater acts of courage.
Marest casts Ill Omen on Compie 3 realizing she may have jumped the gun.
Ezekiel looks up from his turkey jerky ration and attempt an elemental ray at Compy 2 but the ray flies wide against the agile lizard creature
RJ thinks about getting a second weapon and shoots something. It dies.

The Compies press the attack, but between the ill omen and the parties armor they are spared any further bites.

HP Tracker: (15 AC for enemies)

C1: (dead)
C2: 1
C3: <- ill omened (rolls twice, takes lesser roll)
C4: 4

Map in header


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8  d4+1=3 ;
Monday November 28th, 2022 11:44:52 AM
"Heh, these little rascals are hard to hit," says Ezekielm "Lucky I don't always aim!"

Ezekiel casts magic missile on C4 (or whichever is the most wounded eligible target).

Damage: 1d4 + 1 = 3.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+4=8 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+3=10 ; 3d6+7=17 ;
Monday November 28th, 2022 12:15:25 PM
Kazzor fails his save and is poisoned. the feeling of loosing some of his strength stuns him for a round, and he fails his round 2 save as well.

Kazzor takes a 5ft step back so as not to be crowded by Dapple and takes a swing at, and hits #2. He also tries to gore the little beast but misses. his ax does 17 damage.

(OoC... Just a reminder, as a minotaur, Kazzor takes up a 10 ft space.)

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+3=14 ; d6=1 ;
Monday November 28th, 2022 12:39:53 PM

The elf bard continues her song.
"One down, three stand
Now with steady hand
Take down the rest
Have done with all these pests"
She shoots another arrow, narrowly missing compie #2 (AC 14 for what would have been 2 hp damage). And nocks a fresh shaft.

All: +1 attacks, +1 damage. (Inspire courage competence bonus)

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+9=18 ; d6+1=5 ;
Monday November 28th, 2022 3:26:56 PM

RJ shrugs. "Seems to be working well enough for myself."

(Attack 18 on C4, damage 5)

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12   d20+8=28 ; d20+8=14 ; 2d4+9=16 ;
Monday November 28th, 2022 7:49:28 PM
Spells in effect: Bard Song (+1 att/+1 dmg), Rage

Grim does not necessarily consciously understand the principle of singing while fighting. Growling, howling, snarling, yes, but not singing. However, he does feel a bit inspired as he takes another mighty swing at the Thunder Lizardling in front of him (C3). He instinctively shifts five feet for a better position. An instinct born of many years brawling and fighting, such that even in a Rage, that instinct is quite active.

Condition: Rage (free action) - +4 STR, 4 CON, +2 Will, -2 AC
Move: 5' step to U10, gaining Flanking with Dapple vs C3
Action: T-H Falchion Attack C3 d20 +5 +1 (Bard Song) + 2 (rage str bonus) = 28 N20
Crit roll: 14 misses
Dmg = 2d4 + 9 = 16
Modified AC and HP in header.



Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Monday November 28th, 2022 7:51:13 PM
OOC: sorry, dmg should be 17 with the Bard Song +1 I forgot.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+2=5 ;
Monday November 28th, 2022 7:51:42 PM
Bad Luck II

Marest casts Ill Omen on the Compie2 in position Q11.

Skill Checks:
Perception: (1d20+2) = 5

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12   2d4+10=17 ;
Monday November 28th, 2022 7:54:56 PM
OOC: and I forgot to add the +2 to attack for flanking, but I guess that really didn;t matter, but it does up the crit roll to 16, so that would be a confirmed Crit.
Damage then would be an extra 2d4 +10 for 17 more hp damage.

Dapple (Kathy)k]  d20+4=7 ; d4=3 ;
Tuesday November 29th, 2022 12:43:55 AM
Dapple fails her save, and her pathetic Strength ability becomes a bit more pathetic. She doesn’t let that stop her. Reaching out, she slaps Kazzor on the back, saying “good luck!”

[Uses her Luck Domain power. On his next d20 roll, Kazzor can roll twice and take the better result.]

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Tuesday November 29th, 2022 8:24:44 AM
Ezekiel observes the Compies are hard to hit but then says he’s lucky he doesn’t always have to aim as he fires off a magic missile hitting compie 4.
Kazzor fails his save and is poisoned feeling himself lose some strength and be stunned. He takes a 5 foot step back and swings his ax at #2 hitting it. He fails to follow up with a gore attack though.
Yofiel keeps singing though her archery could use some practice as she misses again
R.J. shrugs and says aiming works well enough for him as he contributes in his own way to the carnage
Grim doesn’t understand the concept of singing during battle but between flanking and the song he’s able to swing his falchion in just the right way that he utterly eviscerates the creature in a single hit, killing it instantly
Marest casts ill omen on Compie 2
Dapple gives Kazzor luck.

All the compies lay either dead or dying, the day is won. The poison courses through the veins of some of the party though so danger remains.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+4=11 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+2=4 ;
Tuesday November 29th, 2022 11:45:30 AM
Thanks to Dapples luck gift, Kazzor is able to overcome the poison running through his veins (rolled a 24, which is a nat 20)

"Thank you, I believe I was able to overcome the poison due to you assistance."

Kazzor looks around as well as listens intently for anymore signs of trouble. (Perception 4)

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+7=15 ;
Tuesday November 29th, 2022 1:43:06 PM

Sheathing his crossbow, RJ moves forward to take a look through the temple (Perception 15).

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Tuesday November 29th, 2022 5:58:56 PM
"If you stand still, I'll zap you to shock the poison out," says Ezekiel. "That's how that works, right?"

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=10 ; d20=4 ; d20=15 ; d20=3 ;
Tuesday November 29th, 2022 8:58:00 PM
Well, it is what it is

Marest apologizes to the group, saying, "I'm sorry for jumping the gun, and I will defer to the fighters of the group in future combat situations for their prowess."

Marest will look around to determine what might be here that would help those in need by using her skillset.

Skillchecks:
Perception: (1d20+2) = 12
Knowledge (Arcana): (1d20+9) = 13
Knowledge (local): (1d20+9) = 24
Knowledge (Arcana): (1d20+9) = 12



Dapple (Kathy)k]  d20+4=15 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=17 ;
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 12:23:48 AM
“Let’s call that Plan B,” Dapple tells Ezekiel.

[The description is a little unclear, but I’m going to assume Dapple can use her Luck power on herself.]

Dapple manages to shake the poison without any further damage.



Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 1:07:00 AM
The battle over, with muscles bulging, arms slightly stretched out, Grim gives out a loud, horrid, roar!
Then his rage subsides.

Rage 2/6.

The sudden explosion of energy takes a toll on him and it takes a few seconds for his mind to clear away the battle readiness and think more about the non-battle things around him.

Not necessarily aware of the poison that briefly affected his new friends, he proceeds to go through his heart-eating ritual with the T.Gling he just killed. Although it was easier to get the heart out of this carcass once he found the body piece containing it.

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 8:05:55 AM
Dapple has some problems with her own strength waning due to the poison but gives Kazzor some luck
Kazzor thanks Dapple for the luck
R.J. sheathes his crossbow and moves to take a look through the temple
Ezekiel offers to shock the poison out of people as that is how it works right?
Marest apologizes for jumping the gun and then tries to figure out how to best use her skills.
Dapple manages to fight off the poison.
[b]Grim[b] enters the post rage drain and does his heart eating ritual.

Though those poisoned will suffer no further damage the damage done remains. Ability damage done by poison lasts until cured, either through magic, or at a rate of 1 point per day per stat (IE, if you had STR and DEX damage you’d get a point of each a day).

Several people look around. This building served as both chapel and infirmary and the dinosaurs had no interest in the medical herbs, bandages, and other supplies. There’s also some antivenom that would have helped against the poison if the party had thought to find and apply it as soon as the combat ended (adds +5 to your save). The locals have probably heard of compies being a problem before so it looks the infirmary has the right supplies for compy bites. You can also make a heal check to try to treat any wounds should someone be injured, now or later (get +5 to heal check, heals +1 hp on 15 or 1+wisdom on 20+)

RJ and Marest are able to find everything the party needs to bring back. They also find a locked cabinet that was once full of potions, but sadly in the chaos was knocked over and something heavy punched a hole through the back. Still two healing potions seem intact and are a highly useful find.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 8:34:33 AM

"We have a problem," RJ grumbled as he looked over the cabinet. "Dinosaurs that can handle doors."

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 12:31:06 PM
"If we got what we need, we should head to the keep so we can get back"

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+10=29 ;
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 2:48:19 PM

[Thought I posted yesterday... looks like it didn't go through]

Yofiel looks around the floor for unfamiliar objects. "Where is the gun? How or why does one jump it?" she asks Marest. She's not familiar with the phrase.

She helps gather and figure out what is what. She can take a few things. "I can carry one of the healing potions. Shall we try some of the antitoxins on those who were bitten? Dapple, you're a healer, right?"

She looks at RJ. "That is, if 'handling' means punching a hole through the back of a cabinet that has doors in the front."

Are there any additional rooms or doors (secret or otherwise) in the chapel?
=========
Perception: 29

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8  d20+5=17 ; d20+5=11 ;
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 5:50:44 PM
"Ha! I scared the poison out, didn't I? Everyone take note that poison doesn't like to be zapped for future reference!"

Ezekiel will investigate anything in the temple that might catch his fancy.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 5 = 17.
Knowledge (planes): 1d10 + 5 = 11.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 8:38:58 PM
Dapple is careful to pack up all the precious first aid supplies. Those she can't carry herself, she gives to some of the others. "We really need this stuff," she says. "We ran out of bandages days ago."

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=2 ; d20=14 ; d20=13 ;
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 10:31:36 PM
First Aid

Marest looking at the cabinet (Perception: (1d20+2=4) wonders how to remove the potions intact. Using her survival & Craft skills tries to remove the potions. (Survival: (1d20+4) =18, & Craft (1d20+9=22))

When finished, Marest will help Ms.Dapple with the remaining first aid supplies.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 11:50:13 PM
Grim, recovered fully from his Rage, smirks at R.J.
"Looks more like a desperate soul tried busting into it to get some healing. They are motivated by smell and movement. Hardly a description of a cabinet of bottles."

As Grim already has a head, he takes a pair of T.G. feet for the talons.

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:32:19 AM
R.J. opines they have a problem since dinosaurs can open doors.
(OOC: try booting up the door locks, jk, lol)

Kazzor suggests if they got what they need they should head to the keep so the party can head back.
Yofiel looks around for unfamiliar objects asking what is a gun and how one jumps it. She then helps gather and figure out what things are and suggests that by opening doors R.J. means punch holes in things. She then looks around for secret doors
Ezekiel suggests he scared the poison out of folks since it doesn’t like to be zapped
Dapple is careful to pack up the first aid supplies, handing out what she can’t carry to others. She notes they need this stuff as they ran out of bandages days ago.
Marest looks at the cabinet and tries to remove the remaining potions intact. She then helps Dapple with the first aid supplies
Grim posits that it’s more likely someone broke into the back to try to get some healing.

There are a few rooms in the back. Some storage for extra supplies, a bedroom for the now deceased caretaker, nothing of use or particular interest. Attempts to get more useful out of the potion cabinet fail - the bottles inside either broke open or spilled when it was knocked over, pooling together into a foul magical mix. Drinking, or even touching, the stuff is likely to result in highly dangerous and/or random magical effects. Or it just might be useless foul smelling sludge. Without knowing the exact contents of the potions or reagents now mixed together it’s impossible to tell.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Thursday December 1st, 2022 12:14:59 PM
Assuming no one stops him, Kazzor heads to the door, and starts heading towards the keep.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+10=17 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2022 2:58:43 PM

"What if we scoop the mixed potions sludge into a bucket, and pour it on the next big lizard we come across?" Asks Yofiel. "Just an idea, just an idea."

"Looks like Kazzor is heading out. Anything else we need to do here? If not, then, let's get to the Nimbus Castle, and see if ... well, let's go find out." As with Kazzor, unless someone suggests doing more where we are, Yofiel, after retrieving her arrows and nocking one of them, heads out to catch up with the minotaur. She looks up, left, right, and listens to discern if there are other dinosaurs, or non-dinosaurs, about.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Thursday December 1st, 2022 4:45:30 PM

RJ scratches his head before heading out.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Thursday December 1st, 2022 5:45:16 PM
"I bet you that stuff will make you sneeze lightning bolts or something cool like that." suggests Ezekiel. "I volunteer giving it to the big guy instead."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:45:26 PM
Grim takes some stuff from Dapple and stuffs it in his backpack.
On the way out the door following Kazzor he shoots back, "Yofiel, you get the live and kicking Thunder God's mouth open, I'll dangle you over the open jaws so you can pour that stuff down its gullet."

It's hard to tell if Grim was joking or serious.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=5 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2022 10:21:46 PM
1st Aid stuffs

Marest also assists with storing/carrying some of the supplies from Ms. Dapple, then heads out to catch up with the rest of the group. Before making it to the doorframe, Marest will adjust his smoked Goggles back into their comfortable place over her eyes from her hair just under her hood. Once past the door frame, eyewear firmly in place, Marest will look to make sure it is safe to proceed (Perception check: (1d20+2) = 7)



Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+6=14 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2022 3:36:52 AM

"Good idea," she replies to Grim Ripr. She looks about for a bucket or other suitable container. Perhaps one of the food jars they have could have its contents transferred into a sack, and the goop be carefully scooped into the glass, or clay, or whatever, using something (large piece of broken glass or pottery, perhaps) to transfer it.

Not sure what to roll for this. But using concentration, and +2 from dexterity, results in a DC 14 to transfer the contents into a container. 14 - not bad, but not stellar. Perhaps there will be an explosion and she will be blinded? Up to the DM.

If she is successful, she carefully caps it with a lid... Carrying it may compromise her ability to have her shortbow ready for use.

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Friday December 2nd, 2022 8:05:39 AM
Kazzor moves to the door and starts heading to the keep
Yofiel suggests that they scoop up the potion sludge and drop it on the next big lizard they come across. She points out Kazzor is heading out and asks if there is anything else they need to do there before heading out after the minotaur.
R.J. scratches his head before heading out
Ezekiel suggests the potion sludge would make the dino sneeze lightning bolts or something and that they should give it to the big guy instead
Grim takes some stuff from Dapple. On his way out the door he suggests if Yofiel gets the Thunder God’s mouth open he’ll dangle her over it so she can pour the potion sludge down its gullet.
Marest assists in storing and carrying some of the supplies from Dapple. She adjusts her goggles on the way
Yofiel like’s Grim’s suggestion and attempts to scoop up the potion sludge into a suitable container.

This place makes potions. There are dozens of empty bottles for using to hold dangerous or useful magical concoctions.

The first bottle that the part scoops the much into melts into a puddle. The second one also melts into a puddle. The third one catches fire, is dropped, and then melts into a puddle.

But the Fourth one stands!

The party is ready to move on and goes back outside. The scavengers again object as you progress through their feast. Though the sight of so many you once knew remains gruesome as the third time passing through perhaps some are getting used to it. As you near the keep you hear noises coming from within, even over the racket of the vultures. Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { It sounds like over a dozen dinosaurs are in there, though nothing sounds as large as some of the ones that attacked the town earlier.}


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+15=29 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2022 12:46:23 PM

Tears well in Yofiel's eyes as she hears the scrabble of several lizards within the keep area. She knows there are areas within that may serve as refuge, but how could they survive or prevail against what sounds like a multitude? "Alemi, I pray mercy that there may be survivors within. Domi, I pray courage that we may route the beasts that prey upon our people. Serenbeth, I pray to you that my mother lives within, for she is all the family I have left. And Kevintar, grant me, grant us, wisdom and insight into how to deal with the beasts within the keep. Selah."

She tells her companions, "There are perhaps a score of lizards within - none sound so large as the great beasts which earlier attacked, but my ears tell me not all are as small as the compsognathus sort.

"I propose to climb the walls with my rope, and fix it so others of you may climb behind. I shall knot it to make the climbing easier. I know not how well the different lizards may climb, but being able to shoot them from above may give us some advantage, and keep the larger ones from us."

She asks, "What counsel might you offer?" - looking to the others for what they think.
=========
Perception: 29

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+2=16 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2022 12:58:58 PM
Kazzor hears the multitude of death dealers inside and growls, "I knew this was a suicide mission, but today is a good day to die! How do we want to meet Lord Gargul? I for one want to go down fighting, and take some of these hell spawn with me!"

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 
Friday December 2nd, 2022 4:02:14 PM

Yofiel looks askance at Kazzor.

Then something pushes forward in her mind. The dress. The dress her mother made. It was for a minotaur bride.

And now he has a death wish. It would not be wise to bring that up now, would it? No. Or... ?

"Kazzor, let us see if we can approach this in a way that results in the death of the lizards, not our own. It is not a good day for you to die, nor for any of us. There have been enough deaths." She points to the left of the castle keep. "My young brother - most of him went flying over the edge of the cliff there. Dapple worked with the cleric whose remains we just left in the chapel. My mother made a dress for a bride, whom I have not seen since the great lizards came. We may think to join our loved ones and pass through the Woldsblood. But if we are to survive beyond this moment, we need your strength to help us protect others. Those weaker than you need you. Find some hope, friend.

"I admire your courage. But look to avenge yourself against more than just those chittering critters that are inside. Let us work together to multiply our force, and divide and dilute the strength of our foes. Let US win. Let THEM lose. Let your courage benefit from the tutelage of cunning."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+7=27 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+12=22 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2022 4:52:06 PM

At Yofiel's words, RJ listened in (Perception 27) and looked carefully at the wall to see if it was scalable (if needed, climb 22, stealth 22). "It'd be nice to at least see what we are dealing with, and if we can sneak past them. My bolts aren't exactly unlimited right now."

"Yeah, I would prefer not to die now, before I get paid. I wouldn't call it a strong preference but it's there."

RJ took a moment to reflect that he might be the only mercenary here. That he was supposed to have shipped out days ago. Another soldier might know what to do with this outpouring of emotion, but this soldier remained silent.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Friday December 2nd, 2022 7:36:26 PM
"Climbing in sounds like a good plan to me, although I may need some help," Dapple says. "That poison really took a lot out of me."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12   d20+5=22 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2022 8:00:46 PM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6

Grim didn't really know any of the townsfolk but still feels bad that they have to be left to be eaten by the scavenging birds and what not.

"When we are satisfied that we have removed all we can, we need to set fire to this place and burn it all to the ground, buildings, corps, all of it. Then those back at the cave can sweep the ashes over the edge and start over again."

Approaching the keep he pauses to listen to the ruckus.
Perception +5 = 22
Spending his life surviving in the hills and forests around his tribe's settlement hunting, even at night, he calculates the different roars and such and comes up with a good guess.
"There's probably around a dozen Thunder Lizards around the compound. Probably a little more. If we want in there, we need to find a postern gate that might lead us inside bypassing the baily, or set a trap for them out here, were we can lure a few of them at a time."

He leans up against the keep wall and ponders the problem. "It is not normal for Thunder Gods to just hole themselves up. This is ominous. Unless the gates got closed behind them, they should be just wandering around like the others. Getting someone up on the wall to take a peek is a good idea. Go for it. We'll help build a humanoid ladder to insure you can make it up to peek over."

He looks over the group then asks, "Of you that lived here, can you think of where there might be a store of oil? Getting a few casks of oil would help in either burning them out or luring them to a fiery trap."


Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12   d20+5=11 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2022 8:03:02 PM
Grim:
Perception +5 (did he notice the keep gates open or closed when the approached the keep) = 11

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+2=18 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2022 9:52:10 PM
The Keep

Marest explains to the group," It sounds like over a dozen dinosaurs are in there, though nothing sounds as large as some of the ones that attacked the town earlier." "I'm not sure there will be many survivors based on the sounds. Does anyone have stealth & reconnaissance skills? Perhaps someone could get a look over the keep's walls and relays to us what they have witnessed?"


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+6=11 ;
Monday December 5th, 2022 1:34:21 AM
"Muffins - how about you climb with this rope I've knotted, and find something to tie one end off to at the top? If need be, I can magic the rope to tie off, but if I can save that magic for later tangling up some lizards, I'd just as soon keep it In reserve.

"Dapple, you look pretty light. Maybe I follow you close up, or, when I get up there, R.J. and I haul you up, or you wait below a beat until we can peek over the edge and get a view of what's going on inside.

If R.J. Muffins is up for that idea, she hands him the rope. Once he has affixed one end to setting solid above, she climbs up next. DC 11 is what she manages - marginal, but perhaps successful.

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Monday December 5th, 2022 8:42:50 AM
Yofiel’s eyes begin to tear as she hears the scrabble of several lizards in the keep. She prays to various Woldian gods. She then suggests she attaches a rope she will prepare for climbing to the wall and they will be able to shoot the lizards from above. She asks the others for their counsel.
Kazzor states that he knew this was a suicide mission and that today is a good day to die. He then asks the others how they want to meet Lord Gargul and he says going down swinging taking some of the hell spawn with him.
Yofiel looks askance at Kazzor and begins to put 2 and 2 together about the dress her mother made. She then suggests that they should work toward an outcome where they don’t die for there has been enough death and that his courage could benefit from the tutelage of cunning.
R.J suggests they should at least see what they are up against and potentially try to sneak past it as his bolts aren’t exactly unlimited and that he would prefer not to die before getting paid.
Dapple agrees that climbing sounds like a good plan except that poison really took a lot out of her and she would need help.
Grim didn’t know any of the townfolk but feels bad they have to be left to be eaten by scavenging birds and what not. He suggests after they have removed all they can they should set fire to the lot and rebuild from the ashes later. He then listens carefully and figures there are probably a dozen or more Thunder Lizards in the compound and if they want to go in there they need to find gate that bypasses the bailey or set a trap for them out here where they can lure a few at a time. He then remarks that it is not normal for Thunder Gods to hole themselves up and unless the gates got closed behind them they should be wandering around like the others. He agrees with the idea to send a scout up to peep the top of the wall. He also asks the people who lived there if they might know where the oil is kept.
Marest also suggests there are a dozen dinosaurs in the keep and that she isn’t sure if anyone could survive given the sounds. She then agrees they should send someone up the wall to scout.
Yofiel says she can magic a rope to tie itself off.

The walls of the keep are about 40 feet tall. Made of solid stone they are not made to be climbed on, and time has worn the lower 20 feet smooth. Per the chart under climb the bottom 20 feet are DC 25 while the upper 20 feet are DC 21 climb (this is typical building DC). Climbing moves you at a quarter of your speed and you need 1 check per move - so 30 feet of movement means 5 checks, 2 at the higher DC (advancing 7.5, 15, 22.5, 30, 37.5, done). You can take 10 but not 20.

The party is currently west of the gate, near the tower that holds the jail. From here you can see the twisted remains of the gate poking out, but not inside the main room - the sounds stopped you as you approached. You can move around to see inside, but might also be seen in turn.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Monday December 5th, 2022 10:53:49 AM

Kazzor looks at the people he is with. He's not sure if he should trust them or not, but when Yofiel mentions the dress, a tear appears in the minotaur's eye, as his shoulders slump forward, and anyone who is watching can see that the bard struck a nerve. After a moment or two, the fighter straightens himself up and brushes away the tear, than says, "I don't know if any of you can make the rest of the climb, but I can lift someone pretty close to top of that smooth area on the wall, especially if we can find something for me to stand on."

Kazzor is 10'6" tall and has 10ft of reach. Even in his poison weakened state, he still has a str of 18

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Monday December 5th, 2022 12:12:55 PM
RJ looks up at Kazzor's suggestion. "Maybe... it'd be a close jump, though."

RJ is small size, no guidance on size ranges so I think I treated him as a dwarf so don't treat 4'10" and 120 lbs as gospel size, I didn't think it would actually matter. He has an acrobatics of +8 so he theoretically could bridge a gap. Problem is the DC is 4xgap so we're realistically looking at like 6-7 feet that he can jump. Oh, and that paltry +3 to climb that I hoped to modify later.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Monday December 5th, 2022 12:51:37 PM
"Wardd and I can give you good luck," Dapple says.

[OOC: Touch of Luck allows you to roll twice and take the best result. Dapple has 3 uses left today.]

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12  d20+4=8 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+10=18 ;
Monday December 5th, 2022 3:37:59 PM

When she notes Kazzor's reaction to her words, she feels a warmth toward him. He is a very tough individual, yet has a tender place in his heart. She blushes involuntarily.

After coming to understand the task better, she thinks the spell may be the most efficient way to handle things. She looks upwards at the top of the wall, and looks to see if there is something that a rope may be tied to, if so...

"Thank you, Kazzor," she responds to his suggestion. "Let me try something quickly, and if that does not work, then let us try your taurish boost with R.J."

Then she casts animate rope to have the rope reach upwards and tie one end on something reasonably solid at the top of the wall (depending upon what might be grabbable up there, she will use "tie and knot" or "loop and knot"). If that is successful, then the Climb DC should come in at 5, for knotted rope, or 5 for rope against a solid wall.

And if it is successful, she asks R.J. if he'd like to try it first. If not, she is happy to do so. So she will be first or second to the top, even with a Climb check of 8.

Should there not be purchase for rope tying at the top of the wall, she will ask if R.J. Muffins, or someone else, would like to take advantage of Kazzor's offer.

Yofiel adds to the conversation, "If we had a solid 3- or 4- hook device to add to the end of the rope - what's that called? A hook. A something-hook. Grabbing hook? Whatever. I saw a fellow use one once. Anyway, with one of those, we could toss one end of the rope, with the - grappling hook, that's it! - over the wall, and tug. If it catches on something, then we could climb it that way." She pauses. "But I don't have one, and no one else has mentioned such."

If she makes it to the top, she will try to keep a low profile to whatever is inside the wall, then see what she can see.
==============
Climb: 8
Stealth: 13
Perception: 18

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Monday December 5th, 2022 9:27:34 PM

RJ as stated does agree to trying to climb the wall, Yofiel or Kazzor plan.

He suspects, though, that they're going to be shuttled towards the more obvious gate, and begins to think of some strategems there

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Monday December 5th, 2022 9:33:37 PM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6

Grim looks up at the wall. If the gates are open, and why shouldn't they be if they were busted in, then staying away from them would be best. But even if the 6'3" half-orc stood on the 10'3" minotaur shoulders, that wouldn't even get half-way up. And Grim doesn't trust these people enough to try a three-tier humanoid ladder.

"Well, magic it is then. Wiggle your little magic fingers and get that rope up there."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Monday December 5th, 2022 9:34:55 PM
OOC: wouldn't hurt for the residents to roll a Knowledge Local check to see if they can remember some postern gate or such hidden entrance.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Monday December 5th, 2022 10:41:51 PM
Ezekiel will mage hand a rope to the top if someone can provide one.

"I can lift anyone up there with my magic hand," says Ezekiel. "Just as long as you don't weigh more than 5 pounds."



Marest Bralfah (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+2=16 ;
Tuesday December 6th, 2022 5:42:05 AM

As the others work their magic with wall scaling, the 6'5" surface drow bloodwitch steps back a bit, looking about to ensure no dinosaurs are creeping up on the party as they focus on getting up, as well as looking toward the gates. How did the dinosaurs manage to get into the keep in the first place?

Perception: 16

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Tuesday December 6th, 2022 7:56:12 AM
Kazzor looks at the people he is with and isn’t sure he can trust them or not when the bard strikes a nerve. He offers to give someone a boost up.
R.J considers taking Kazzor on the offer but it would be a close jump
Dapple suggests her and Wardd can give R.J. good luck.
Yofiel notes Kazzor’s reaction and feels a warmth towards him. After coming to understand the task better she thinks the spell may be the better option using animate rope to ease their climbing task. She casts it and while the rope can’t climb the wall itself someone could probably throw it to get it to tie around one of the crenulations
R.J. agrees to climb the wall but starts thinking up strategems in case they are herded toward the more obvious door.
Grim agrees that magic is the way to go because even the orc on the minotaur’s shoulder wouldn’t be enough to reach and he doesn’t trust the group enough to try a 3 humanoid tall pyramid.
Ezekiel offers to attempt to mage hand the rope into positon.
Marest keeps an eye out and wonders how the dinosaurs got inside anyway.

Options are discussed. The Rope Trick seems like the best, however per the spell description it cannot move up the wall on its own. Someone will have to throw it with a ranged attack vs AC 17 (5 base to hit a 5 foot square,+4 per range increment, which is 10 feet for rope). Ropes are 10 lbs so mage hand will not let them put it on top, but rope trick means you just have to hit the general area before the magic wraps the rope around a crenelation - it might take a few throws but you’ll be able to secure the rope.

Marest tries to remember how the dinosaurs got into the keep. Some of the PC’s witnessed it and can say if asked (I forget which ones). A great dinosaur rushed the gates as they were closing and slammed into it hard enough to break them.


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Tuesday December 6th, 2022 11:47:59 AM
"Ah, the rope weights too much for mage hand," says Ezekiel. "In that case, I propose we cut the rope in two. We shall learn the real owner of the rope because they would rather give up the rope entirely rather than see it cut in half."


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+1=4 ;
Tuesday December 6th, 2022 12:16:44 PM
Grindar growls as he takes the rope, and attempts to throw it. When he misses, he growls even more, as he drops the rope and walks away from it.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Tuesday December 6th, 2022 3:39:31 PM

RJ watches as things fizzle with people stacking and with magic. While scaling the wall remains physically possible, it looks like a lot of work and luck for a relatively minor advantage.

"Ok, alternate ideas. What about throwing one of the bodies around here in front of the gate, and see if anything runs out into our firing range (everyone can ready a range attack at anything that emerges)?"

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12   d20+2=12 ; d20+2=17 ;
Tuesday December 6th, 2022 8:24:15 PM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6

Grim snorts at Kazzor's give-up. Wait, Minotaurs are the snorting kind, NOT half-orcs!

He takes one end of the rope and tries to get it up there.

ranged attack d20 +2 vs AC 17 = 12

It falls short. However, he's not discouraged.

"Little One. Dapple, is it? You still got any of that Wardd Luck? Might help," he tries to ask without sounding too gruff.

He takes the rope again and gives it another try.
ranged attack d20 +2 vs AC 17 = 17

"Ah! Little One. Wardd must favor you so much he gave me the blessing just by asking you. HA!" he grins and gives out a loud roar. Then remembers that there are Thunder Gods over there that might be attracted to noise on the outside.

"Er, sorry. Bad habit."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday December 6th, 2022 9:50:14 PM
Dapple is trying to figure out how to explain to Grim that it's not a good idea to use Touch of Luck on something when you can just try again, when he just tries again.

"Maybe Wardd is pleased with you for acknowledging him," she suggests. She watches to see if Yofiel's spell is able to tie the rope where it needs to be.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 12:19:14 AM
"Well Little Dapple, I don't much about this Wardd. I've just heard you speak his name. Most likely the Great One has shown me favor so I can accomplish what he sent me to do," Grim grins a toothy grin.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9  d20+4=19 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+10=28 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 2:43:38 AM

Waiting patiently below until the rope got within reach of the upthrust portion of the wall between two of the crenels [the crenel itself is the opening, the gap], she laughs when Ezekiel makes a joke about cutting the rope in half, and wrinkles her nose. "Silly fellow!" she says to the sorcerer with a grin.

She hopes Kazzor's toss works, and shrugs when he walks away after one attempt. Maybe the poison of the little lizard's bite affected him more than she first figured.

When Grim's second effort succeeds, Yofiel commands, "Loop and knot!" while moving her hands to indicate the direction and pathway for the end of the rope to follow.

When that succeeds, she almost claps her hands, yet leaves just a little gap between her palms so she does not make the sharp sound, and impulsively hugs Grim's throwing arm. "We did it!" she stage whispers. She gives Dapple a thumbs up.

Then she motions to RJ to lead the way if he so wishes. If he chooses to do so, she'll climb after he gets up. She'll go first if he defers. Regardless, whether first or second, the elf does climb the knotted rope herself. Her climb starts quite well, but her muscles feel the burn as she rises higher against the wall. [Climb vs DC 5 of 19, 9, 8, 6]. She makes it breathless to the top, not fully letting go of the rope until her body is firmly within the crenel to the right. [one more check to wrap up the climb, 8 vs DC 5 - likely don't need that, but just in case].

She crouches low for a moment, peeking over the edge to see what lies below, then pulls back lest any of the critters notice her.

The elf had incorporated the 5 yards of 3 feet wide fabric (albeit folded over so it's only several inches wide when extended out) she had carried with her from her mother's market stall as a body wrap, now part of her clothing. She removes that, wraps it around the adjacent upright, and ties that off, so that as one gets to the top, he or she will have something firm to grasp onto to help top the climb. She adds a knot about six inches from the end to help give the climber something to hold firmly to.
=============
Climb: 19, 9, 8, 6, 8
Stealth: 13
Perception: 28

Marest Bralfah (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11 
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 2:55:22 AM
Marest reminds the party that someone reported, during the initial attack, how a great dinosaur rushed the gates to the keep as they were closing and slammed into it hard enough to break them. She nods tentatively at RJ's suggestion to place [shudder] some dead body parts near the gate to see if they can draw some of the dinosaurs out.

She is delighted that the rope was placed. "I do not think I could climb that thing without falling off somewhere on the way up. Let us know what you see," she requests of Yofiel and whoever else climbs up for now.

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 7:46:18 AM
Ezekiel states that the rope weighs to much for mage hand and then proposes they cut the rope in two in order to learn who the rope’s real owner is because they’d rather give up the rope than see it cut in half.
Kazzor growls as he takes the rope and attempts to throw it. When he misses he growls even more, dropping the rope and walking away.
R.J. starts to think scaling the wall is more trouble than it is worth and suggests an alternate plan of trying to use one of the corpses to draw out a dino from the keep.
Grim is not impressed at the others giving up and attempts it himself. His first try misses but his second attempt he asks Dapple if she has any more of Wardd’s luck before tossing the rope only to see it make it before she can help him in his undertaking. He then comments he doesn’t really know much about Wardd
Dapple theorizes that Wardd might have aided in the endeavor on his own since the half-orc acknowledged him.
Yofiel hugs Grim’s arm in excitement before she climbs on up and puts a few added touches to make the final few feet easier.
Marest talks to the party about the attack, alternative plans, and says she doesn’t think she can make the climb.

With the rope secure and the magic of rope trick helping the DC for the climb is now only 5. You can climb very slowly and cautiously, IE take 10, so most of the party should be able to make it if they so desire.

The top of the keep has a narrow wall path that runs along the entire side, about 3 feet wide, and a tiled roof. There are four small turrets at each corner of the keep, two of which have stairs that allow access into the keep from here - the northeast and southwest turrets. From what the party can remember the northwest tower has prison sells in it, which is why there's no roof access, and various supplies are stored in the other towers and in the basement. It will take a knowledge: Local check to remember exactly where what you want is.


Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 12:49:07 PM
Dapple hangs back, letting others climb the wall first because she knows she's going to be moving slowly. When her turn comes, she takes 10, getting a 9.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16  d20+4=22 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 1:01:09 PM
Kazzor isn't sure if the rope will support his 1020 lbs, and waits for everyone else to go up first. He examines the rope to try and decipher it's tensile strength. If our DMs decide it is indeed strong enough he will climb up. (Climb: 22) If not he will wait for the others to reconnoiter. Even though he has lived in Cloudhavan his whole life, he has no knowledge of the inside of the keep. (No ranks in knowledge local)

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+3=23 ; d20+7=14 ; d2=2 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 2:07:24 PM

RJ shrugs before scaling the wall with ease (Climb 23, natural 20).

After scouting the roof for a bit (Perception 14), he flips a coin (tails) before pointing towards the southwest tower with confidence.

There's a quick check of the tower door before opening it.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 6:39:50 PM
Ezekiel uses mage hand to levitate his staff as he climbs.

Take 10 - 1 = 9.



Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12   d20+4=7 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+5=23 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 8:14:30 PM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6
Grims total weight is 460lb

Grim volunteers to have Dapple climb upon his back and wrap her arms around his neck and carry her up the rope. Either way, he waits to the end of the line to ward off any wandering T.Gs. it they get near.

5 Climb rolls
Climb +4 vs DC5 = 7.23,13,13,16.

With or without Dapple.

Once on top of the wall:
Perception + 5 = 23
What does it look like in the compound, what types of Thunder Gods, what are they doing, and why are they inside and not wandering outside. Stuff like that.

Marest Bralfah (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+2=6 ;
Thursday December 8th, 2022 2:15:59 AM

There are several members of the group for whom strength is not their strong suit.

She takes ten, of DC 9, grasping as firmly as she can to each knot on the rope, and wrapping her feet to help keep her from slipping back. She finally arrives at the top with the rest of the party. Fortunately, she arrived not too much out of breath.

She hesitates briefly, trying to see what others are doing. Marest decides to walk down to where RJ is by the door. She crouches down, to not give any dinosaurs below a good chance to see her. And because she feels a bit more secure being closer to the stone beneath her feet. Yet she is still not highly stealthy.
========
Stealth 6

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9  d20+8=15 ;
Thursday December 8th, 2022 5:27:55 AM

As Yofiel has twice looked over the edge and still not learned a thing about what the dinosaurs are doing in the courtyard (with perception of 18 and 28), she thinks about screaming, "Hey, lizards, what are you doing down there?!" However, she does not scream that, as it may be considered untoward. Perhaps Grim with his perception of 23 may have better success than she.

"Good teamwork, friends," the bard says quietly as the last of the group arrive safely atop the battlements.

She looks toward RJ, and thinks back upon what she may know concerning what is kept in that tower [Knowledge, Local: 15]. Yofiel might have some idea, but be lacking in detailed specifics.

She heads that direction.

DM Mitch Chapel Combat Map  
Thursday December 8th, 2022 8:20:23 AM

Dapple hangs back, letting the other climb first because she knows she’s going to be moving slow.
Kazzor isn’t sure the rope will support is weight and decides to hang back and inspect it first, letting the others go before attempting it himself.
(OOC: apparently someone did the numbers based on the strength DC to break and tensile strength for hemp is 1,150 pounds and silk 1,500 pounds, so either way you are good)
R.J easily scales the wall using the rope then flips a coin to determine to checkout the southwest tower.
Ezekiel uses mage hand to levitate his staff as he climbs
Grim offers to give Dapple a lift, also waiting till towards the end of the line in case more Thunder Gods show. He takes a look around once he gets up there.
Marest climbs up and hesitates before joining RJ at the door down.
Yofiel tries to spot dinosaurs and compliments the groups teamwork. She tries to remember what’s in this particular tower.

As mentioned the building has a roof, so there is no way to see the dinosaurs from on top of the building. However there is a window a short way down the tower that gets the party a good look. Below in the walled courtyard the corpse of the great beast that shattered the gates lays. It’s entire front is scorched and burned and many arrows and slashes pepper it’s body. It seems it went down hard, but it did go down. Two large packs, one of compies the other velociraptors, are feasting on it. Sometimes a compie will wander to close to a raptor and get swiped at but it seems the food is plentiful enough to keep them from fighting each other over the corpse as long as everyone stays in their own section.

Yofiel is also able to remember that this particular tower stores the many parts and tools needed to keep the elevator in repair. The gear you are looking for is likely stored in the basement, accessed through one of the towers that doesn’t contain stairs to the roof.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Thursday December 8th, 2022 12:22:41 PM
"Now what?", Kazzor says, as he makes it to the roof, "If we need to make it to the basement, I don't know if we will be able to get there from up here, but at least we know what we are up against."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9 
Thursday December 8th, 2022 6:21:16 PM

How many velociraptors can we see? How many compies?

"Let's make a quick trip down this way," Yofiel suggests, "see what is below - yet, as we descend, be on the lookout for lizards that may have gotten into it. Also, my mother came into the keep. I want to find her, and any others who may have made it. So, ready as we open the door, take care as we descend. Decide what to do next once we have done this. If someone has a better idea, then let us know.

"Otherwise, if RJ, or Grim, or Kazzor? will open the door, let's go."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Thursday December 8th, 2022 8:27:10 PM
"There may yet be survivors," Dapple says. "Somebody killed that massive beast, and they may still be around. We should try to find them."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+7=17 ; d20+12=19 ;
Thursday December 8th, 2022 8:31:52 PM

RJ takes a moment to quietly make his way to the door, and carefully makes his way in.

(Perception 17, stealth 19)

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Thursday December 8th, 2022 8:59:33 PM
"I have a plan," announces Ezekiel. "My plan is to make the meat really salty so that the lightning lizards must leave to quench their thirst. Now does anyone know where we can find a tower filled with salt in this town?"



Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12   d20+5=18 ;
Friday December 9th, 2022 12:24:52 AM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6

Listening to Ezekiel's plan makes Grim glad he's only half human, as his orcish parentage appears to be better equipped brain-wise.

"A cunning plan indeed," he nearly laughs.
Grim goes to the door and tries it. If it won't open he tries to bash it in.

OOC: oh for the Bend Bars/Lift Gates roll...sigh...

IC: He lines up and charges the door to bash it in.

Att : d20 + CMB (5) = 18 vs DC



Marest Bralfah (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11 
Friday December 9th, 2022 1:49:29 AM

Marest asks Grim, if he looks to be lining up to bash in the door, "Did you check to see if it opens out or in?"



DM Mitch  
Friday December 9th, 2022 8:09:06 AM
Kazzor asks what now considering they are on the roof and they need to get to the basement
Yofiel suggests they open one of the doors and prepare to descend looking out for her mother or potential other survivors as they go.
Dapple agrees that there may still be survivors as someone killed that massive beast and they may still be around.
R.J. takes a moment to make his way to the door and sneak in quietly
Ezekiel announces his plan to make the meat really salty so the lightning lizards will need to quench their thirst he only needs a tower filled with salt to pull it off.
Grim is ready to bash in a door, but the door at the top of the tower was open and they haven’t descended to the bottom and found any other doors yet.
Marest asks if he checked how the door opened before he goes bashing it in.

The party takes a moment to get their bearings and remember what they can of the layout. The castle isn’t really much of a castle, more of a small keep. Originally a natural rock formation it was hollowed out over the years as storage and/or living space until some time back the lift was made and it was carved to look more castle like and given the rather pompous name of Nimbus Castle by those living here at the time

Due to this history the building is almost entirely one large room where the PC’s are currently looking down. You can see a large dinosaur corpse in the north of the room and at least a dozen companies and half dozen or more velociraptors feasting on it. Due to the angle and the fact some of the dinosaurs are crawling into the corpse to feed an exact count is difficult. Also you’re at less of a window and more of a tiny arrowslit.

There are four towers, one at each corner. The southern two are little more than stairwells and storage and much smaller than the northern two. You are standing in the southwestern one near the top, and from this angle cannot see the south end of the main room well. From what you were previously able to remember mostly spare parts and repair tools for the lift are in here. The southeastern tower is mostly rock that hasn’t been hollowed out other then some stairs downwards to more storage rooms. Excess inventory of gear that belonged to the town was was stored down there and it is likely your best option for finding what you need.

The northeast tower has a guard barracks and also roof access. Guards were stationed there at all times to keep an eye on the all important lift so that no sabotage or unauthorized usage could occur. If someone wanted to sneak into town they’d have a long climb ahead of them. While the guards there certainly had weapons, it’s also likely said weapons were grabbed as guards rushed out to fight in the current emergency.

The northwest tower held the town jail. A few cells stacked vertically, it was mostly to hold people while the town leaders figured out a punishment for any wrong-doers and the occasional violent drunk.

With the corpse in the north end of the room it seems likely all the dinosaurs are concentrated there, though you can’t see for sure.

The party agrees to head on down and find nothing of interest as they descend. The door at the bottom looks damaged and is a little hard to open but gives at Grim’s strength.

On the other side you find those who took shelter here. It seems they panicked and rushed the tower doors, which opened outward. Without space to pull the door open due to the press of the crowd they became trapped and easy pickings for the dinosaurs. A ring of well equipped guards and adventuring types lie between the larger corpse and the civilian ones, surrounded by smaller dinosaur dead, their gear and bodies rent asunder as they fought the invaders.

Most of these bodies have been picked clean already, and none of the scavenging dinosaurs pay are amongst them.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+12=27 ; d20+7=8 ;
Friday December 9th, 2022 4:01:56 PM

"Right," RJ whispered. "Hang tight here until I can scout the southern area."

Using the bodies as cover, and pushing in as slowly as he can (Stealth 27, move about 10 feet out from door), RJ tries his best to ignore just how messed up this all is. But his goal, beyond seeing if anything jumps out as a still usable weapon or tool, is to look down along the southern wall, and to see if anything is between the southwest tower and the southeast tower ahead. (Perception 8 but low light.)



Dapple (Kathy) 
Friday December 9th, 2022 7:22:15 PM
R.J. announces his intentions to scout solo. Dapple is small and nimble, but has had no special training in moving silently. She wants to come with him, but acknowledges it isn't a good idea.

"Don't outrun the cleric," she cautions him.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Saturday December 10th, 2022 2:08:56 AM
Kazzor doesn't say anything, but he is a little concerned that RJ went off on his own.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Sunday December 11th, 2022 12:48:12 PM
"If you need to communicate with us, signal me where I can see you," says Ezekiel. "When I point to you like this, I can whisper to you and you can whisper to me as if we were standing next to each other. This will work as long as where are within 100 feet or so."

Marest Bralfah (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+2=22 ;
Sunday December 11th, 2022 6:42:47 PM

Marest waits, listening to discern whether she can hear any sounds other than those of the party and the feasting dinosaurs. Any audible signs of others who may be about?
===========
Perception: 22 (nat 20)


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9  d20+8=17 ;
Sunday December 11th, 2022 6:47:16 PM

Yofiel whispers to Dapple. "I want to find my mother. I hope she is still alive."

She thinks over what else she knows about the Keep. Where are places herein that someone may have been able to hole up, protected from the lizards. And she considers the best way to get from where they are now to where some folks may yet be alive and well in the area.

Knowledge, local: 17

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Sunday December 11th, 2022 9:00:40 PM
Grim waits to see.

OOC: which tower are we in?
By the map, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of room in this covered bailey. So, what are the dimensions of this bailey, how far away are the dinos? It doesn't look like anyone can 'scout' around much down there without being seen or smelled.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9 
Sunday December 11th, 2022 11:21:25 PM

[A quick-sketch map could do wonders to helping us to get through here in the 3 days of posting we have left :-) ]

DM Mitch  
Monday December 12th, 2022 9:34:00 AM
R.J suggests the party stay tight till he can scout the southern area. He uses the body as cover and going as slowly as he can in order to see if anything jumps out at him, or if there are usable weapons or if anything is between the southwest tower and southeast tower.
Dapple cautions R.J. not to outrun the cleric as she has no training in stealth and does not wish to be a burden on the scout
Kazzor doesn’t say anything but is worried that R.J. set out on his own.
Ezekiel wants to use the whisper spell to communicate with R.J.
Marest listens to hear if she can identify anything else besides the party and snacking dinosaurs
Yofiel whispers to Dapple that she wants to find her mother and she hopes she is still alive. She thinks over what she knows of the keep and if there were any places where one could hole up and if there is a best way to get from here to there.

The bailey’s about a 70x70 square. The party is in the southwest tower. You’re about 25-30 feet from them. If they’ve noticed you they have given little indication, they are far more focused on their food. There seems to be nothing to prevent you from reaching the southeast tower, though if you want to explore the northern towers you might get close enough to the dinosaurs to draw their attention. The towers and basement are the most likely places for people to have hidden at.

RJ notes that many of the corpses still have their belongings, though most of the clothing is damaged beyond repair. The dead guards/adventurers likely have useful stuff on them but you’ll have to get about 20 feet from the dinosaurs to check.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14  d20+12=22 ; d20+7=24 ;
Monday December 12th, 2022 10:09:11 AM

RJ waves to the group that it's safe to head to the south east tower, and that's where he thinks the next stop should be.

If the group begins to follow, he heads in that direction a little ahead, keeping an eye out for any issues (stealth 22, perception 24). (If the group calls him back, he will return.)

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9  d20+6=12 ; d20+10=12 ;
Monday December 12th, 2022 12:41:08 PM

Yofiel signals to the rest of the folks that she's going to follow RJ. She does so, arrow nocked and ready to let fly if it looks like any of the critters gets aggressive, but otherwise scooting in as stealthy a fashion as she might toward the SE tower.
==========
Stealth: 12
Perception: 12

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Monday December 12th, 2022 12:41:33 PM
Kazzor follows the others towards the tower hoping his complete lack of stealth skill doesn't give away their position.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Monday December 12th, 2022 2:49:00 PM
Dapple follows, methodically moving as quietly as she can without trying anything fancy.

(Take 10 on Stealth and get a 17.)

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Monday December 12th, 2022 5:31:14 PM
Ezekiel will message RJ just in case he has something he wants to add before the party advances.

"You can reply to this message."

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20+2=10 ; d20=16 ;
Monday December 12th, 2022 8:21:58 PM
Tip toe through the...

Marest, not wanting a repeat of last time, removes her smoked goggles from her face and adds them back to their hiding place nestled into her braids. Now that she can see in the dim & darkened corners, she follows everyone else's lead moving as stealthily as possible.

Skill checks:

Perception: (1d20+2) = 10
Stealth: (1d20+2) = 16+2 = 18

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Monday December 12th, 2022 10:00:55 PM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6

Grim scans the area. He's never been in here, only to the market, and that was a good number of moons ago. He takes up the rear of the group and follows.
Considering the hearing of these creatures, he doesn't try to be 'stealthy', but of course, he's no dummy either and makes only the noise his gear makes as he walks, guisarme poised to fend off any curious compies.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9 
Tuesday December 13th, 2022 12:55:24 AM
Yofiel whispers to RJ, [i]"If there are people safely within, they may have barred the door. If we give a rhythmic knock, say from a well-known song, that may identify us to those within - if there are such - as people, rather than lizards. But see if you can open it first, at least, and if not, I can tap out a rhythm."

DM Mitch  
Tuesday December 13th, 2022 7:24:18 AM
R.J. waves for the group that it is safe to head to the SE tower and that is where he thinks the next stop should be and starts moving in that direction.
Yofiel follows after R.J. arrow knocked
Kazzor follows after the other hoping his stealth skill or lack their of doesn’t give away their position
Dapple follows staying as quiet as she can without being fancy
Ezekiel uses his message spell to ask R.J. if he has anything else to add
Marest removes her goggles and then follows after the others
Grim scans the area then takes the rear and follows. He doesn’t try to be stealthy but he has his guisarme poised to fend off any curious compies that may stray close.
Yofiel suggests a rhythmic knock to get people to open the door in case of survivors.

The party carefully advances. The dinosaurs definitely notice a few of them but make no action other then give the party a wary eye. They pass by the dead guards and the lift. The lift beasts are dead and the mechanism damaged for the lift. It looks like it’s been lowered so perhaps some people escaped using it. Or got trapped partyway down.

The door to the southeast tower is partially open and damaged - it looks like something heavy hit it and forced it to open the opposite way it’s supposed to. A stairway goes down into the basement at the bottom of which you find more dead. It seems at least a few people rushed in here and fell down the stairs in their panic - or were knocked over by others in the rush. They seem less eaten then the corpses you have found so far.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Tuesday December 13th, 2022 4:13:16 PM

RJ makes his way toward the stairway and down.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=5 ;
Tuesday December 13th, 2022 7:59:54 PM
Going down...

Marest, looking from the top of the stairs into the darkness follows RJ as he goes. What does Marest see? If it looks safe enough, Marest will follow RJ but keeps a 10 ft distance between them.

Skill Check:
Perception: (1d20+2) = 7



Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12   d20+5=7 ; d20+5=17 ;
Tuesday December 13th, 2022 8:14:39 PM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6

Grim notes the unusual aspect of the whole thing and comments, "These Thunder Gods seemed to have worked in unison for a common goal, unusual for these animals anywhere else. Once the common goal was achieved, the destruction of the town, whatever controlled them left, and these animals reverted back to their normal behavior. So what was it about this town that brought this out? Or is whatever that is behind this intent on wiping out all civilized inhabitants from these lands?"

Grim finishes opening the door so they can enter and exit easily. If the T.Gs want to follow, they'd do so anyway with or without a busted door.

Bash in/sunder if necessary:
Att : d20 + CMB (5) = 7 vs DC of already busted door

2nd try if 1st try fails to do much:
Att : d20 + CMB (5) = 17 vs DC of already busted door



Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday December 13th, 2022 8:19:23 PM
Dapple does not feel a need to go down to the basement with all the bodies. Staying near the door, she offers up prayers for the dead.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9 
Wednesday December 14th, 2022 2:46:00 AM

Remote desperation comes more to the fore in Yofiel's spirit. Her hope was that her mother would have found refuge somewhere in the keep. Perhaps in some corner below? She races down the stairs, going as far in as she might. "Mother. Mother? Diennia? Oh, is anyone alive in here?" she asks in a tremulous voice.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Wednesday December 14th, 2022 2:57:55 AM
Kazzor follows RJ in silence. A person never trully gets used to all this carnage, and it is weighing on the minotaur's already burdened heart.

DM Mitch  
Wednesday December 14th, 2022 6:51:34 AM
R.J. makes his way toward the stairway and down.
Marest trails after R.J keeping 10 feet between them.
Grim makes an observation about the unusual coordination between the Thunder Gods in wiping out the town and wonders what possessed them to do it.
Dapple stays near the doors to the stairs and offers up prayers to the dead
Yofiel starts to get desperate and rushing around looking for her mother.
Kazzor follows in silence, struck by the carnage around them.

Passing the corpses on the stairs the party heads down below. This area seems relatively untouched. Various chambers store everything that is needed to arm and equip the town. It’s not packed for transport, but should be easy enough to gather everything the party needs. There’s some blood and signs of a scuffle, but no corpses human or dinosaur down here. It looks like a good place to take a break for a while, away from the noise of the scavengers and the everpresent dead above.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Wednesday December 14th, 2022 12:51:59 PM
Kazzor does his best to bundle up as much equipment as he can, adding it to the already sizable bundle of food stuffs he is carrying. He takes the time for what he considers a well deserved rest.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11  d20=14 ;
Wednesday December 14th, 2022 8:04:46 PM
Setting up Camp

Marest whispers to the group, not knowing how far down she is from the predators above, "Are we going to camp here for the night? If so, I think we should barricade the way down to prevent intrusion, but that would be easily removed when we are ready to part."

If the consensus is that we make camp, Marest will busy herself helping make the area suitable for camping, sleeping, and having a guard watch.

If the consensus is that we grab what we can & make haste, Marest will see if there is a weapon here she is familiar with: hand crossbow, rapier, and/or short sword. If she finds them, she will ask if anyone needs any of them before she takes one for herself.

Marest looks around in the gloom of the basement area using her Darkvision. (Skill Check: Perception:: 16)

Skill Checks:

Perception: (1d20+2) = 14+2=16

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Wednesday December 14th, 2022 8:22:32 PM

RJ took a moment to help set up camp and gather supplies.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Wednesday December 14th, 2022 10:24:49 PM
"I reckon we better make haste whilst the thunder lizzies are busy at chow time," says Ezekiel.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Thursday December 15th, 2022 12:55:17 AM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6

Grim mumbles, "They've been eating on these carcasses for days now. Nothing's very fresh, but... these littler ones rather go for food that doesn't fight back. Kill a few and the rest will just go for the fresh new meat at their feet. Who knows..."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9 
Thursday December 15th, 2022 4:57:17 AM

"So, we're going to rest for a while?" Yofiel asks. "I really am hoping to find my mother. Thank the heavens I have not found her dead, nor have I seen any of her clothing. There must be some hiding place here.

"Yet we have been busy, and done a good deal. Yes, rest." She sets about helping to set up a few places for people to sleep. "Let us take turns keeping an eye out. If one or more of the lizards tries to get down here - let us set some noisy obstacles so that we can hear them coming."

She collects arrows. She figures to add 40 to 60 to her supply, then seeks to inventory how many more there might be for other archers as well. "Thank you, Marest. I have a rapier already. Well, let me take a look at that one for a moment." She looks over the rapier (or rapiers) at hand, to see if any be of exceptional quality. If so, she gives Marest first pick.

"Grim, I mentioned earlier that there must be someone behind this attack. You are right that the lizards, as far as I have been aware, do not organize so sudden and coordinated an attack. Someone does not want an outpost here. Well, I will tell you, I do not want whoever did this to win in the long run. Obviously, it must be an individual or a group with a decided amount of skill and power. We are unlike to match them right soon. Yet, give us time - anyone of us, that is, who want to stick together - give us time, and we'll start figuring things out."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Thursday December 15th, 2022 8:27:15 PM

RJ remains quiet about any thoughts regarding the dinosaur motives.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Saturday December 17th, 2022 1:11:39 AM
Spells in effect: *
Rage 2/6

"My tribe has not seen anything to suspect an invasion or other race trying to establish supremacy here in these lands. It is a mystery that must be solved for all races living here." Grim states grimly.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9 
Sunday December 18th, 2022 9:49:20 PM

"Yes, indeed," Yofiel answers.

"Oh! My father used to tell me about the Giggling Ghost. It's a place that adventurers can go to in their dreams. Are we adventurers, now?" she asks. "I'm going to see if I can dream a visit. Wake me when it's my turn to watch!"

[OOC: Get yourselves over to the Giggling Ghost. It's Yuletide, with songs, food, games, prizes, and wrapped gift boxes. Join in (in character), and add to the festivities!]

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9 
Wednesday January 4th, 2023 3:05:17 AM

After taking a watch, then spending some time catching up on sleep, the elf awakens. She finds the small treasures she won while taking advantage of the ability of Woldian adventurers to show up at the Giggling Ghost tavern while sleeping.

She sits up, stretches, circles her ankles a few times, squeezes muscles all over, then stands up with a measure of grace. In her left hand she holds a stout spear - it looks rather large based upon her slender frame. "Say, big guys. Are either of you skilled with a spear? 'Cause this cold iron spear is a masterwork item, and might come in handy from time to time." She shows marks along the length of the 20-lb. spear. "This is where lightning struck the weapon some time ago. Still should work well." She gently touches the sharp, pointy end. "Nicely honed stabber."

"So, Grim Repr? Kazzor? You want to give it a try?" [Note: Source is the Giggling Ghost, December 31st 2022: "Yofiel - A masterwork iron longspear that was once owned by a man struck by lightning; the weapon weighs 20 lbs and is marked by the scorches of the lightning. Non-magical."]

DM Mitch  
Wednesday January 4th, 2023 6:54:43 AM
Kazzor does his best to bundle up as much equipment as he can adding it to the already sizable bundle of food staffs he is carrying. He takes the time for what he considers a well deserved rest.
Marest asks the others if they are going to camp here and prepares accordingly whether the consensus is to leave or stay.
R.J takes a moment to help set up camp and gather supplies.

The party is in the basement of the fort/castle, where supplies are kept. They have gathered food, medical, supplies, and a variety of weapons and survival gear. Though their mission is complete they still must make their way safely out of town which is still infested if dinosaurs and scavengers.


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 9/9 
Wednesday January 4th, 2023 4:18:49 PM

Wait - have we explored all of the fort/castle there is to explore? Because if not, Yofiel wants to do so. Why? She has hope that she can possibly find her mother, or to find out if she somehow got away.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Wednesday January 4th, 2023 5:11:05 PM
RJ notes that they still have the northern towers to check out… by engaging the dinosaurs. He’s rather blunt, though, that finding survivors is both futile and not on the agenda.

He’s prepared to scout again, preferring stealth to speed.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Wednesday January 4th, 2023 6:44:50 PM
"Finding my mother is on my agenda. If there are any here still alive - they may be hanging on by a thread," returns Yofiel to RJ's contention. "Also, might we be able to get into the northern towers by going along the upper walls, rather than across the feasting site?

"As to engaging the dinosaurs - I think we could take them down - or lower their numbers, with arrows, from above. I think taking out the larger ones first, then the smaller, is not a bad approach.

"However, I could entertain the notion of taking what we have found thus far back to the caves, as there are people there who need the food and medical supplies - and weaponry. So long as we agree to return here to clear out the lizards feasting here, and look for survivors."

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11 
Wednesday January 4th, 2023 8:21:01 PM
First Watch

"So, who has first watch?" asks Marest of the group. "Also, now that we know what Yofiel's agenda is, what is on everyone else's agenda?" ponders Marest.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Wednesday January 4th, 2023 9:41:46 PM
"Let's see, what's on my agendas? not get eaten by thundy-gizzards and impress a party of adventuresome-types with my wisdom and magic," says Ezekiel. "I think I'm good here."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 12 CMD 14 
Thursday January 5th, 2023 1:17:04 PM

RJ glances at Marest. "My agenda is to keep alive long enough to get paid and maybe find some stable employment. Anything else stems from my duty."

He stared out a bit. "If ordered, I'll walk right up to a dinosaur and kick him in the shins. But if you want my opinion, we'd be putting ourselves and the guys in the cave at risk without great odds of finding more survivors. Say what you will about these dinos, but they've been thorough.

"But if we're going to insist on being all heroic, I am capable of scouting ahead to determine if anyone is in the north east tower. If I recall, that's the only other place we might find survivors."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Thursday January 5th, 2023 2:46:42 PM
"ff there are survivors, then we have a duty to try to help them," Dapple says. "However, running into a pack of dinosaurs is not going to help anyone. If we can find an alternate route to the north tower, I would like to try it. If we can't--well, I don't think we're strong enough to take on those creatures."

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 18 HP 16/16 
Thursday January 5th, 2023 4:11:48 PM
Kazzor shakes his head at Yofiel's offer, "I don't think that toothpick will work for me, it's a little small, besides, my ax is much more comfortable to me."

When the talk turns to the next move, Kazzor merely keeps quiet and waits for the other's to decide what's next.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Thursday January 5th, 2023 7:30:34 PM
Grim looks at Yofiel. Takes the spear, spins it around, flips it back and forth, gives out a wild growl holding it in a threatening stance, then hands it back.
"Sorry, just not me, to flimsy."

He keeps watch while the others discuss their next steps, to the Thunder Gods and the north tower or to safety of the cave.

He gives Muffins a slap on the shoulder, "Grim got great stable job for you back home. We always need someone to clean out the Worg stables! HAHAHAHAHAHA! You learn quick! Maybe stay alive to learn how to ride one! HAHAHAHAAHAHA!"


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d100=37 ; d20+11=16 ;
Thursday January 5th, 2023 7:41:17 PM

Twisting the braid of red hair over her right shoulder, Yofiel listens to the others. She closes her eyes for a moment and considers.

"All right, look, let's do this," the elf says, eyes still closed. "Back up the stairs, skirt the courtyard, climb the tower we came down earlier, down the ropes - and then back to the caves - we can deliver what we have gathered. Then, whether later today, or early tomorrow, those who want to can return with me, and we shall see about exploring the Northeast tower. I shall pray, should there be any survivors there, that they will endure a little more before receiving help." She opens her eyes again. "If there are none, then the matter is moot - but at least we will learn what is in that tower, perhaps recover something else useful to us."

A couple of more ideas occur to her. "Unless it would be as easy to walk out through the gate as to use the rope. I found some more rope down here, anyway. Or, is there a way up through the tower we are in now?"

Yofiel will check to see if there are inner stairs leading up through this tower toward the top of the wall - inviting along any who care to explore that option.

So:
- Check to see if we can ascend this tower to the top. If we can, do so, then descend the rope.
-- If not, then: Is out through the front gate a reasonably safe option? If so, take it.
--- If not, then: Retrace the steps that got us here.
Return to cave
=========
d100 roll - to help decide her response
Perception: 16

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Thursday January 5th, 2023 7:47:13 PM

Sorry - forgot one thing:
If we can ascend back to the top of the wall, and from there descend the NE tower, and others agree, then Yofiel is up for that.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11 
Thursday January 5th, 2023 8:58:39 PM
Agenda Time!

Marest listens to each member of the group states their opinions, turning to the group, suggesting, " Alright, who wishes to engage in these ideas and if any, which ones?"

Dapple (Kathy) 
Friday January 6th, 2023 5:46:50 PM
"I like Yofiel's plan," Dapple says.

DM Mitch  
Friday January 6th, 2023 7:40:05 PM
Yofiel wants to explore all of the fort / castle.
R.J. notes that they still have the northern towers to check out by engaging the dinos but he isn’t hopeful on the survival front.
Yofiel claims that finding her mother is her agenda and suggests they scale the walls of the tower rather than across the feasting site as they could then thin the herd with ranged weaponry. She is ok if they wanted to go back with the supplies they had as long as it was promised they’d come back to find survivors
Marest volunteers first watch and reasons since they know Yofiel’s agenda asks about the agenda of the others
Ezekiel says his agenda is not to get eaten by the thunder gizzards and to impress a party of adventurers with his wisdom and magic
R.J. says his agenda is to keep alive long enough to get paid and maybe find gainful employment. He admits if ordered he would kick a dino in the shin but reiterates his opinion that the odds are not good for the risk but if they are insistent on being heroic he could scout to the north.
Dapple points out that if there are survivors then they have a duty to try to help them but running into a pack of dinos isn’t going to help anyone. She agrees about finding an alternate route to the north tower.
Kazzor says that he doesn’t think the toothpick will work for him then keeps quiet as the others discuss the next move.
R.J. notes they still have the northern tower to check by engaging the dinos but again he doesn’t think there will be any survivors though he is prepared to scout again.

Grim looks at Yofiel, takes the spear and tries it out before handing it back claiming it is too flimsy. He keeps watch while the others discuss next steps. He slaps R.J. on the back and says he has a job back home available cleaning out the Worg stables.
Yofiel suggests they go back up the stairs, skirt the courtyard and climb the tower they came down earlier to deliver supplies before returning back later in the evening or the next day to checkout the tower and hopefully find any survivors. She also hopes they can hold on for aid for the delay and has a couple more ideas with respect to movement options. She goes looking for more stairs leading up or if the front gate is safe otherwise they have to come back the way they came. Alternatively if they can ascend and then make it to the NorthEast tower she is okay going that way too.
Marest asks who wishes to engage in any ideas and if so which ones.
Dapple like’s Yofiel’s plan.

The tower you are currently in does not have roof access. It is solid and acts mainly as a way to enter the basement stores. The northwest tower is the prison tower and has only one access point into the main room. The northeast tower is the guard barracks and can be entered from the ground floor or roof, so that one you can search by going up and over. You came down the other southern tower.

You have searched the two southern towers thoroughly and found no survivors, though there are hints that at least a few people made it down here. Neither northern tower has been explored, and though you passed through the enclosed courtyard an examination of the bodies to find useful items or familiar corpses has not been done - the party just kind of passed through while keeping their eyes open, they didn’t flip over corpses or rifle through pockets. It might be possible to move carefully around the dinosaurs to search the northern towers without drawing their ire but it would require skill or luck.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Friday January 6th, 2023 8:46:04 PM

RJ sighs, seeing the writing on the wall. What Grim said regarding employment didn't sound too hot, either.

"We do have other options," he intoned. "But they all lead to keeping the dinosaurs on the east side of the room while we head to the northwest tower."

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:3/R:3/W:2), HP:11/11 
Friday January 6th, 2023 9:01:26 PM
Other Thoughts?

"Ok, well we need a consensus here on our next series of actions... "says Marest. "What say yee?" states Marest to the group?

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 14 Tch 9 Ffted 13 HP 19/17 CMD 12  
Friday January 6th, 2023 9:12:37 PM
Spells in effect: none

Grim figures if there any survivors in the northwest tower it would be prisoners still behind doors/bars. They might be alive if they haven't starved to death yet and the T.Gs. bothered to squeeze through the narrow passages and bust down the doors/bars. He states that out loud.
"Rescuing prisoners can create its own problems, of course. We don't know what crimes they committed and letting them loose along with the others might work against us. And the only way is the only way out. Meaning we have to get past the Thunder Gods twice. Sounds like something to tray another day. Maybe dump a pile of wood, set the pile on fire and smoke them out."

Maybe he's being too smart for a half-orc, but then again, he was sent here because he's one smart half-orc.

"We get to the northeast tower same way we got here. We explore it, then head home."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=31 ; d20+11=24 ;
Saturday January 7th, 2023 1:12:41 AM

Getting a clearer idea of the circumstances, Yofiel, reluctantly, recommends, "New friends, let us now return to the caves with what we have gathered. We may have other beasts to fight on our way back, laden down as we are. I do want to return later to explore the northeast tower - but not much later, whether today or tomorrow. I suggest going now back the way we came, at least to the bottom of the wall. From there, let's take whatever way seems best back to the caves."

She does also say that perhaps they might see if there be useful items to recover from the bodies of those they pass by. "I'd like us to give a decent burial to those whose remains we find, but first we must serve the living, and bring what healing and sustenance we can to those in the cave."

Assuming the group chooses that option, Yofiel can use the ropes they picked up from storage to help lower the gear down to the bottom edge of the outer wall, with the help of some of the stronger and bulkier members. She will be the last to descend.
=======
Perception: 31 (nat 20) for finding useful items among the remains of dead
Perception: 24 for being alert to dangers along the way back toward their exit.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8 
Saturday January 7th, 2023 12:39:24 PM
"I have learned to go where the wind blows," says Ezekiel. "And then blow everything up when I gets there."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 8/8  d6=6 ;
Saturday January 7th, 2023 1:23:03 PM
Level update

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/17 
Saturday January 7th, 2023 1:23:27 PM
HP header update

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Saturday January 7th, 2023 1:23:46 PM
HP header update correction

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Sunday January 8th, 2023 6:33:03 PM
"Either way we have a chance to die, but we don't know if there are any survivors here, and we know we have some back at the cave. So let's head back and face death in pursuit of saving others."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Sunday January 8th, 2023 6:50:23 PM
"I'd rather not face death at all," Dapple says. "But I agree that bringing this stuff back to the caves is the right course of action."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Sunday January 8th, 2023 11:50:39 PM
OOC: updated header. Have not uploaded new pc sheet yet.

DM Mitch  
Monday January 9th, 2023 7:34:24 AM
R.J. sighs, seeing the writing on the floor and reflecting on what Grim said about employment. He points out they have other options but they involve keeping the dinos on the east side of the room while they go to the Northwest Tower.

Marest suggests they get a consensus on their next course of action and polls the group.

Grim figures if there are any survivors in the northwest tower it would be prisoners behind bars and that they might be alive if they haven’t starved to death yet and the Thunder Gods decided not to squeeze through the narrow passages to break their doors. He states that out loud. He points out that rescuing prisoners creates its own problems considering they don’t know the crimes they committed or if they would be trustworthy and then there is still the problem of needing to get past the Thunder Gods twice. He suggests waiting another day and perhaps dumping a pile of wood, setting it on fire and smoking them out. He suggests heading to the northeast tower the same way they got here and then head home after exploring it.

Yofiel suggests they return to the caves with what they have gathered as they may have other beasts to fight on the way back considering they’ll be encumbered. She maintains she wants to return later to explore the tower but not much later whether that is the same day or the next. She suggests heading back the way they came to the wall and then onward back to the caves. She also suggests checking the bodies they pass along the way for useful items. She is prepared to use the ropes she picked up to help the party lower the gear down the wall should they go with her course of action.

Ezekiel states he has learned to go where the wind blows and then blow everything up when he gets there.

Kazzor points out that they have a chance to die whatever they do but they don’t know if there are any survivors in the keep but there are survivors in the cave so it would be better to aid those in the cave.

Dapple says she’d rather not face death at all but agrees returning their haul to the caves is the correct course of action.


The party agrees that they should head back, maybe searching the guard tower on the way out. Advancing up the stairs and into the main room you find the dinosaurs continuing their feast. Yofiel looks over the corpses on the way by and finds something interesting. A corpsed dressed in ruined robes and near the edge of a scorched area of ground has two red beads, like you might fight on a necklace. He is holding one with the other next to his hand. They are unusually large and he seems to have written “fireball” in blood right next to the one on the ground.


Dapple (Kathy)  d20+5=21 ;
Monday January 9th, 2023 4:28:12 PM
Dapple scans the area to see if she can find anything useful. [Perception 21]

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Monday January 9th, 2023 6:53:55 PM
Kazzor doesn't try to be stealthy, as he just isn't, instead he tries to stay far enough behind RJ so as to not give him away, but is ready to charge into the fray if things go south.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+13=18 ; d20+8=11 ;
Monday January 9th, 2023 7:45:17 PM
(Sorry Jeremy but the last post was a repeat from when I looked at the page on my phone.)

RJ continues to move stealthily (18) as he looks around (perception 11 as to dino movements).

RJ keeps an eye, thinking about what looks like a trap to him. No real ability to hit the dinosaurs with a fireball, though.

He takes a moment to load, and keeps an eye for any dinos that are near walls.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Monday January 9th, 2023 8:50:01 PM

"Oh, my. Oh my," breathes out Yofiel. "This poor soul left us a message. See, right there? 'Fireball.' These two beads can, I believe, be cast out, and when they land, a huge ball of fire will erupt!" She thinks about how they might be used to defeat the dozen lizards as they engorge themselves.

"Well, let's save these until later." She wraps the two beads in a cloth, which goes into a pouch. "Let's get everything to the cave now."

At the wall top, as earlier stated, she will use ropes to help lower the gear to the ground. She takes a moment to breathe a prayer for the soul of the fellow who died, leaving behind a message in his life's blood.



Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+2=15 ;
Monday January 9th, 2023 9:15:09 PM
I Owe, I Owe, so it's off to work I go...

Marest will scan the area using her dark vision (Perception: check: 15) to see if anything out of the ordinary catches her eye. As the group approaches the outside, Marest will don her smoked glass from their resting spot nestled in her braids.

Marest will hang back with Ms. Dapple.


Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday January 9th, 2023 11:39:20 PM
OOC: testing header


Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday January 9th, 2023 11:43:26 PM
OOC: testing header

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday January 9th, 2023 11:44:58 PM
OOC: I don't get the Norton warning going to the other pages (LnB, Woldepedia, etc.) but I do get the warning on Cloudhaven.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday January 9th, 2023 11:54:01 PM
OOC: DMs, Grim's PC sheet ready for review, link should work.

IC: Grim takes up the rear, guisarme at the ready.

DM Mitch  
Tuesday January 10th, 2023 7:28:16 AM
Dapple scans the area to see if she can find anything useful.
Kazzor doesn’t try to be stealthy and instead tries to stay far enough behind RJ so as not to give him away but ready to join the fray should things go south.
RJ continues to move stealthy as he looks around. He thinks the fireball thing looks like a trap but it doesn’t really have the ability to get any of the dinos though. He loads and keeps an eye out for any dinos near walls.
Yofiel guesses at what the beads are and suggests they save them.
Marest keeps her eyes open for loot.
Grim is ready for combat, just in case.

The party is able to move past the dinosaurs safely. Other then the fireball beads they find nothing of use. They climb up the tower and to the roof. It’s easy enough to lower everything down with ropes, and there shouldn’t be difficulty climbing down themselves either. Do they check the guard tower before leaving since it has safe access from up here?


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=24 ;
Tuesday January 10th, 2023 7:37:21 AM

"Oh, look, there's a way into the guard tower, looks safe enough. How about a quick check?" asks Yofiel.

If a few would like to do so, she'll join in with them. If some don't want to, she says, "Would it be all right if you just wait here for a few minutes, a few of us will look, then let you know what we find?"

As long as two or three beside herself are okay with checking it out, she does so with them. Whoever wants to go first is fine with her. If no one else wants to go first, then she will.
=========
Perception: 24

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Tuesday January 10th, 2023 12:28:11 PM
Kazzor is about to follow his new friends, or lead if they would prefer his strength at the lead, but he spots something he missed before, a dead minotaur. Knowing it could only be one person, Kazzor rushes over to the body of his fallen father. He kneels down and rolls his father over, so he can look at his face one last time, and than tears begin to run down his bovine cheeks. He had hoped that somehow his father may have survived, but now he knows he is truly alone. First his mom and fiance, and now his father. He sees his father's ax, the Great Ax Bonvar, laying next to his dad's lifeless body, and he say's, "Father I don't know what happened here, but I don't understand how this tragedy could have happen naturally. Lend me Bonvar so that I may avenge the loss of so many, especially you, mom, and Rina!"

As he is takes up Bonvar, Fenton appears before him, "You should leave your old ax with your father's body. if anyone else saw him unarmed, they may think he was a coward and tried to run away from the fight, instead of dyeing trying to save lives." Kazzor nods to the dragon only he can see, and lays his mundane ax where Bonvar was. Turning to his new friends, and wiping the tears from his eyes, he growls, "Let's get out of here!"

(In case anyone was wondering, Bonvar is my legacy Item for co-DMing the Taur Island game)

Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday January 10th, 2023 6:51:50 PM
"Oh, Kazzor, I'm so sorry about you father," Dapple says.

"I'll come with you," she tell Yofiel.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Tuesday January 10th, 2023 7:44:14 PM
Ezekiel will detect magic.

"Ah, so that's how you do that," he says. "Good to know."

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20=2 ; d20+9=29 ;
Tuesday January 10th, 2023 8:23:33 PM
Oh! Look! Another safe place!

Marest thinks this is a good opportunity to examine the other guard tower as it appears to be safe to do so, this time. (Perception check: 2+2=4)

Marest will accompany anyone else going to the guard tower just to look around. Using her Engineering Knowledge skill (Knowl (Engineering ) 1d20+9 = 29 NAT 20), Marest will try to recall lore and the inner workings of architecture, fortifications about the guard tower, and how the group might be able to use this knowledge to our advantage.



R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+8=27 ;
Tuesday January 10th, 2023 8:53:05 PM

RJ looks mournful as some of the others discuss or look for their loved ones. "I do mourn with you, even if my own family passed long ago. It is hard for me to know how you must feel."

With a couple of others volunteering, RJ stays behind. He prefers to use the tower's vantage point to look around, seeing if there are any dinosaurs nearby (Perception 27).

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+6=15 ;
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 1:00:19 AM
Spells in effect: none

"Let's search the tower then. Won't take that long and we can honestly say we've done all we could manage at this time."

Grim leads the way into the top level of the tower and looks around, listening.

Perception +6 = 15

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=22 ;
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 2:43:20 AM

Kazzor's discovery of his father's body must have taken place in the courtyard, as no doubt the minotaur would have been discovered in the area down below the NE tower - and earlier they had rather hastened across the yard, not taking much time to inspect the fallen.

Yofiel hears Kazzor's conversation with his papa. Tears flood her eyes. Kazzor makes his declaration, and the elf concurs. They climb the SW tower, and she seeks to dry her eyes, with mixed success on the way upwards.

At the top, as they move along the crenelations, the door to the guard tower is spotted, and the decision to take a look is reached. She places her hand on Kazzor's forearm, looks up at him, and blinks. She then moves forward, following Grim Ripr, Dapple near her, and Marest. She glances at Ezekiel, raising her eyebrows as if to ask whether he plans to join them.

She trusts RJ to keep a good lookout, and to ascertain what might be the best way to go once they get done with the guard tower.
===========
Perception: 22 within the guard tower. Looking and listening, and taking the steps downward with care, a hand on the railing or wall.

DM Mitch  
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 9:02:33 AM
Yofiel points out the way to the guard tower and asks for a quick check. She prepares to check it out whether anyone else is interested or not.
Kazzor finds the corpse of his father and claims his father’s axe as his birthright leaving a mundane ax in its place lest someone think he a coward. He swears vengeance for his family.
Dapple offers Kazzor condolences and plans to go with Yofiel to investigate the guard tower.
Ezekiel casts detects magic.
Marest accompanies Dapple and Yofiel to the guard tower thinking what she might know about it from an engineering perspective that could work to the party’s advantage.
R.J looks mournful as some of the others discuss or look for their loved ones offering some condolences of his own although his family died long ago. He prefers to stay put using the vantage point offered to look out.
Yofiel is moved by Kazzor’s grief.

The party does a quick check on the guard tower. There is surprisingly little chaos here, though a few signs of a hasty arming and exit remain - a desk with papers knocked off it, a mostly empty weapon rack with things knocked askew, etc. There’s a lot of files and administrative stuff in the tower, maps showing patrol routes and reports of problems various people have made. Other then a few pieces of gear to add to the pile found stored below there is nothing of use and no survivors hiding inside.

WIth their mission done the party heads out. They don’t run afoul of any major threats on the way out, just more corpses and scavengers. A few passing corpses are probably recognized, but there remains no sign of survivors or missing parents. All that’s left to do now is creep through the jungle to the cave everyone is hiding.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 11:14:43 AM
Kazzor isn't sure how to take the outpouring of support he is receiving from his new friends. He is touched of course, and he finds himself allowing the wall of gruff indifference, he had built around himself, to slip a bit, in their presence at least. He says to Yofiel, "I hope we find your mother soon. Hopefully she's alive, but if we find her otherwise, at least you can find closer, like I have with my father." Turning to the rest of the party he says in a very stern voice, "None of you better die, because I've already lost the 3 people dearest to me, and I'm not losing anyone else!" By saying this, he has said that he cares for the rest, without actually coming out and saying it. To come out and say he cares about the rest of the party members, would be way to much to ask from the grumpy minotaur.

As the party reaches the outskirts of town, and are about to head down the trail to the cave, Kazzor asks, "How do we want to proceed? I'm not worth anything when stealth is required, but I hit hard, and can take a hit. I can take the vanguard if we opt to not use stealth, otherwise I'll linger in the back, hoping not to give away any of your positions."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 4:19:32 PM
Dapple avoids looking too closely at the bodies on the ground. Her family is safely far away, for which she is grateful, but there are many townsfolk she would recognize. Nearly everyone in town had swung by the temple at one time or another, and there were many that Dapple had helped. She didn't want to see them now.

"I've never trained to be sneaky," she says, "but I'm little and don't make a lot of noise."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+6=17 ;
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 7:06:48 PM
Spells in Effect: none

Grim's eyes are on things that might help fight or defend, not paper stuff so he ignores the documents and stuff.
He does not know anyone here so the corps' are just decaying faces, although the minotaur one is obvious and he fells for Kazzor. However, as far as orcs go, you mourn the loss by killing the perpetrator and all his kin.

"Lugging all this stuff, stealth is out of the question no matter who takes the front. I'll lead the way and cut a save path through if necessary."

Carrying as much as he can, he lumbers onward, weary of scavenging Thunder Gods.
Perception + 6 = 17



Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+4=19 ;
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 7:42:43 PM
Marest tries to stay solemn while making their way back to the cave. She is not a rogue, and not accustomed to needing to be sneaky, people normally feel uncomfortable around her anyway, no need to hide.

Using her Perception Skills, Marest tries to stay in the know about people, places, and things around them on their long road back. (Perception skill check: 19)

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+11=15 ;
Wednesday January 11th, 2023 8:50:26 PM

"So if stealth is out of the question," RJ asked, "then is there any way to move through the jungle quickly?"

RJ still agrees to move through the jungle as a scout, though he has a medium load at this point. (Stealth 15).

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+7=20 ; d20+11=29 ;
Thursday January 12th, 2023 2:20:19 AM

Yofiel takes up some of the maps and a few files. Maybe looking through administrative files later will help them get a better idea at least as to what has gone on here before, who the players were, and what the comings and goings to the plateau have been.

She is touched by Kazzor's words and wishes, but simply nods as he speaks.

"We can always go for a mixture of subtle and blatant, RJ. If some of the big guys make a hullabaloo, and the smaller, sneakier ones take advantage of the attention drawn to the big guys to sneak through the brush, well, that's an approach we can take. I'll go with the quiet group, at least this time."

"Hey, where's Ezekiel?" she asks, looking around, and staring through the sorcerer as though he were invisible. Then, her focus coming closer, she gives him a little poke in the ribs. "You've been so quiet, I thought you disappeared!"

"Let's stick together, Dapple. You can maybe teach me to seem smaller," she says with a wink. Yofiel manages a semi-respectable stealth of 20 while wending her way through the brush. And manages to keep a fairly sharp eye and ears out for what is going on in their surroundings.
========
Stealth: 20
Perception: 29

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday January 12th, 2023 6:19:14 AM
"Sorry, must have drifted there," says Ezekiel. "Losing folks is hard. Brought back some memories. At least I think they're memories."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday January 12th, 2023 6:22:56 AM
"Sorry, must have drifted there," says Ezekiel. "Losing folks is hard. Brought back some memories. At least I think they're memories."

DM Mitch  
Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:19:39 AM
Kazzor isn’t sure how to take the support he is receiving from his new friends and allows the wall of indifference he built up around himself to slip a bit. He hopes Yofiel finds her mother alive and if not then at least she’ll have closure. He tells the other party members not to die b/c he isn’t losing anyone else and then questions how best to proceed moving forward.
Dapple avoids looking too closely at the bodies on the ground. Her family is far away but there were many townsfolk she’d recognize since many of them visited her temple. She chimes in that she never trained to be sneaky but she’s little and doesn’t make much noise.
Grim isn’t really interested in the papers and he doesn’t really know any of the corpses though he empathizes with Kazzor course with orcs you mourn loss by killing the perpetrator and their kin. Grim volunteers to lead the way since stealth is out of the question with all the stuff they are carrying. He takes point, wary of scavenging Thunder Gods.
Marest tries to stay solemn on their way back. She isn’t stealthy either and since people were usually uneasy around her anyway she didn’t have a need to hide. Still she keeps an eye out for familiar landmarks and other distinguishing features on their way back.
R. J. Muffins asks if there is any way to rush through the jungle.
Yofiel is touched by Kazzor’s words. She makes a suggestion about stealth and asks about Ezekiel.
Ezekiel apologizes for drifting.

The party is able to leave town without much trouble. The trip through the jungle is uneventful, though at times awkward with the amount of gear they are carrying. They pass a small group of monkeys who eye them with interest but do nothing else but see nothing else larger then a songbird.

At the cave a pleasant surprise awaits the party. A group of people rush out to meet them as they approach and one of them is Yofiel’s mother. After a tearful reunion it’s explained that 5 or so people managed to get to the supply tower and lock themselves in a storage room. They snuck out the day before and have been looking for other survivors in the jungle since. They found the cave while the party was away.


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:34:11 AM
"Huzzah! The successful heroes return! Naturally, our success was entirely due to my wits and my magic."

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Thursday January 12th, 2023 1:31:08 PM
Kazzor sets his large bundle of provisions on the floor of the cave, without saying a word. He is a ball of mixed emotions. On the one hand he is happy for his friend, and that she was reunited with her mother, but on the other, he struggles with a hint of jealousy. He retreats to his place at the back of the cave, and as he does, Fenton appears again, "You should be happy for your friend, why are you acting so gloomy?"

Kazzor answers the invisible dragon, "I just found the lifeless body of my father, and you want me to be Mister Happy Man? I have no one left, I watched helplessly as a t-rex devoured my precious Rina, and my mother, and though I had little hope of finding my father alive, I still hung on to that little hope like a fool. Now I have no one, I'm alone in this Wold, and I... I... well, I don't know what I want."

Fenton responds, "You have much to grieve, of that their is no doubt, but you are far from alone. you have your new friends, who are now your brothers in arms, and you have all these survivors who are counting on you and your comrades. You will find out why this tragedy happened, and you will avenge your loved ones, but for now you need to live."

Kazzor doesn't respond to his imaginary friend, only shakes his head in agreement.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Thursday January 12th, 2023 7:06:44 PM
Dapple carefully unloads her little jar and vials of spices, herbs, and medicine. She rolls her eyes a little at Ezekiel's speech. "Sure," she says. "Yeah, okay, let's go with that."

"Hey," she adds, "where'd Kazzor go? I'm kinda worried about him."

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+4=18 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=18 ;
Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:27:43 PM
Marest listens to Ezekiel's boasts and wonders aloud, "If Ezekiel isn't overcompensating for a shortfall somewhere else?"

Marest ties to ride the tide of good cheer now that they have returned. She did feel poorly about Kazzor's lot in this dinosaur event, no matter how horrific it was, as many people known & unknown were needlessly cut down. The event touches close to the heart when your companion(s) are the ones that have the loss.

As a loner, Marest tends to keep to herself most of the time, and this time is no different. She stands aloof from the rest and observes while using her skills:

Perception: (1d20+4) = 18
Knowledge Eng. (120+9) = 19
Knowledge of Dungeoneering: (120+9) = 18

Looking at the cave mouth and the surrounding areas, Marest wonders if it's possible to beef up the security or concealment of the cave mouth itself. What does Marest see in the surrounding area that would help with this task?

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Thursday January 12th, 2023 9:04:17 PM

RJ unloaded his gear quietly as the rest of the group continues to mix in with the town. He watches them grandstand, think of their lost ones, bond with the ones that are left.

As others respond to Ezekiel, RJ decides not to test how well he can catch. Instead, he takes some time to note Marest looking over the security. "A welcome instinct, though I doubt the townspeople plan to stay here much longer. Be kind of nice to hunt some of these dinos on our terms, though. So, what's your story? No loved ones for you to search for or mourn?"

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Thursday January 12th, 2023 11:34:37 PM
Grim is surprised that others survived however, considering the amount of 'food' laying around keeping the Thunder Gods rather busy, he shrugs, accepting the obvious. It could be that last tower has some survivors after all.

He immediately heads to the back of the cave where they stash the goods and unloads his burden.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday January 13th, 2023 7:48:39 AM

"Aiti!" Yofiel says with sing-song emotion, and she and her mother rush together to embrace. They spin together, then her mother leans back enough to pull her taller daughter's head down enough that she can kiss her forehead. "Tytaruh," she whispers to Yofiel. "How I prayed." They talk quietly together for half a minute, then the red-haired bard turns to her friends and says, "This is my mother, Diennia. She is a weaver, litster, and does fine embroidery. Mother, this is Dapple, a healer. Ezekiel, a sorcerer. Marest, a bloodwitch. RJ, a sharpshooter. Grim, a mighty warrior. You saw Kazzor walk by, a minotaur? He is also a fearsome fighter, and my friend. These are all my friends, though we met only a few days ago."

Diennia looks at each person in turn, acknowledging them. "Some of you I saw about town before the... attack. We mourn. We must survive, together. Thank you for your bravery, friends of my daughter. May heaven help us, and we, one another."

Yofiel returns several steps to where she dropped much that they had carried, and adds a lot of it to the pile that others have begun.

She says to those who had waited for them in the cave, "We brought food. And spices. Some weapons."

DM Mitch  
Friday January 13th, 2023 9:31:56 AM
Ezekiel celebrates the groups success and suggests it was due to his own wits and magic.
Kazzor drops his load and then runs off to the back of the cave and has a conversation with the imaginary dragon only he can see.
Dapple unloads her jar and vials of spice and medicine and rolls her eyes at Ezekiel’s speech. She notices Kazzor’s absence.
Marest wonders if Ezekiel is compensating for something. Marest then keeps to herself and looks for ways to either conceal the entrance or make the cave more secure.
R.J. unloads his gear and thinks better of testing Ezekiel’s ability to catch. Instead he notices what Marest is doing and suggests the townfolk probably won’t want to stay in the cave much longer and that it would be nice to hunt dinos on their terms. He also asks Marest her story seeing as she doesn’t seem to be looking for any friends or family like some of the others were.
Grim is surprised there are other survivors.
Yofiel has an emotional reunion.

The townsfolk demand a detailed explanation of all that happened in town and help sort out the supplies brought back. Once the full story is shared a fierce debate begins. The news that all the big dinosaurs are gone cause widespread calls for returning to the town. Rothlorien is immediately against it.

Arguments for going back include burying and honoring the dead, the seeming lack of danger in town for the moment, and that the town is far more secure then some random cave in the woods in case of a future attack. Arguments against are that secrecy and hiding is all that kept everyone alive who is still alive and that the town defenses were not enough the first time, why would that change with so many fewer combatants?



Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Friday January 13th, 2023 10:51:07 AM
When people begin debating moving to town, or staying here, Fenton says, "You need to go help Rothlorien convince these people to stay put. Sure there aren't any large dino's there now, but how long until they return? We have no way of knowing where they went!"

Kazzor stands up and walks over to those debating, "Any of you who thinks it's safe to return to town is a fool!' he growls, "How many of you can swing a sword with proficiency? Not many I'm sure, otherwise you wouldn't need Rothlorien, and those of us who went to retrieve these supplies, would you? If you want to go, than leave, but this minotaur isn't going anywhere! We don't know what happened to the big dinosaurs, they could return at any moment, but we do know their are a bunch of the little guys, and I can say for certainty that you don't stand a chance against even them. We few train combatants struggled against them, how do think you will fair? There is anger in Kazzor's voice as he growls at the debaters.

Of course if the whole band of survivors decide to return, Kazzor will go with them, in spite of what he said. He may be a grumpy pessimist, but inside he feels responsible for the safety of the survivors, but he will never let them know that.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Friday January 13th, 2023 3:50:30 PM
"Once a ship sinks, it makes a poor sailing vessel," says Ezekiel. "We will need to patch the hull before the town be seaworthy again."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday January 13th, 2023 7:43:04 PM

"As we mentioned," says Yofiel, taking a step forward, "there are about a dozen small and medium-sized critters we left behind an hour ago, sating themselves on the body of a larger lizard. We would do well to rid the plateau of them before any sort of full-fledged return.

"How about if we take a short time to prepare ourselves? Some of us with some skill or training in combat can then return, as see about taking them down. There were other lizards scattered about, as well. Can we consider whittling down the population of the invading animals prior to a measured return to the town?" she asks those assembled, and looks to Rothlorien for his take on the idea.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Friday January 13th, 2023 8:40:43 PM

RJ thought about his options, not really wanting to weigh in.

"Are these really the only two options?" he finally asked Rothlorien. "No other nearby towns we can evacuate to? No military camps for reinforcements? Not even a larger space for growing crops and starting a new town? Because I can't really say I think the old town or the cave is a forever solution. You say the town has been hit by these things before?"

Beyond that, RJ doesn't have any strong opinions one way or the other, and tries to remain neutral.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+4=21 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+3=4 ;
Friday January 13th, 2023 8:55:26 PM
Should we stay or should we go?

Marest turns to the Muffins man and explains that "I am not from these parts, so there is no one to look for or to morn for. I was only in town a short time before the Dino Rampage."

Turning back towards the townsfolks, Marest scans the growing crowd to look for any recognizable notables from the town like Mr. Rothlorien. (Perception Check: 21) If she finds any, she will recall anything she read or learned of the local history to see if it can be used to persuade them to stay in the cave a while bit longer. (Knowledge Local = 1d20+9 = 22 & Knowledge History = 1d20+9 = 20)

Not being a good charismatic speaker, Marest waits for her turn to chime in. "Good People of CloudHaven, having accompanied these brave souls to what's left of your town, I can tell you from first-hand experience, it is not currently safe to do so. All the major buildings took damage some more severely than others, but nonetheless, as it wasn't a military training ground, but rather an up-and-coming yet important trading route to The Floating City, it is best to have experienced adventurers eliminate the existing dangers for you prior to you formulating your return. (Diplomacy check: 1d20+3=4 NAT 1)

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+8=22 ;
Friday January 13th, 2023 10:59:43 PM
OOC: just a reminder, as it is easily forgotten: A NAT 1 on a skill check just means you rolled a one. You can still succeed in a skill check when rolling a 1. Hard, but not impossible.

IC: Grim returns from the inside of the cave where he unloaded his cargo to hear the commotion about returning to the town. After listening for a bit he stomps over to the crowed pushing to return flexes his muscles up, looking a good bit taller and bigger, more like an ogre, and lets out a huge, loud, roar:

Intimidate +8 = 22

That getting their attention, he shouts, "He said the Bit Thunder Gods are gone! Only the little ones are still around. Fools, the Little ones he's talking about are still as big as I AM!'.

He turns to head on over to Rothlorien then pauses. He pulls out his sack from his backpack and pulls the Compsognathus head out and rushes them, bellowing "Looky who's gonna eat you! Yum-Yumy! Human in my Tumy!"



Dapple (Kathy) 
Friday January 13th, 2023 11:27:31 PM
Dapple closes her eyes for a moment. Kazzor and Grim mean well, but half-orcs bellowing at the townsfolk is probably not the ideal strategy.

"If the town sounds safe to you," she says, "then we've been describing it wrong. There are still many, many dinosaurs, most of them carnivorous. Would you go out there if there were a few dozen hungry lions waiting for you? We don't need to stay in this cave forever, but we do need to stay until the dinos run out of food and go somewhere else."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+7=17 ;
Sunday January 15th, 2023 11:59:09 PM

"Boys, boys," Yofiel moves to face the two members of the away team who issued vehement rebukes against those who want to return to town. "They are not fools. They feel cooped up, and want to get out and reclaim what the lizards have taken. They are showing a measure of bravery. And wanting to bury the bodies of those who died, and honoring them, is a noble desire. Let us show them some respect - those who want to do so are not fools for having such a desire. So, please, let us drop the name calling."

Then she turns her back on Grim, specifically, and faces those who were advocating for returning to the town.

"Keep in mind, though, that even the little ones can kill you. They spit poison, and it weakens you quickly, and they gang up on you. The larger ones - 'medium-sized,' - right? They can rip your arm, or head, right off. And they practice team tactics.

"So, my request to those who want to rush out right away is this: Prepare. We brought some weapons. Who of you have skills with them? Who can learn?

"Rothlorien, are you open to gauging the skill sets of those who want to go out? Because if a bit of testing and training can be set up, drills run, and abilities known, then, after that, several may be made ready to do as they are asking.

"But in the meantime, let those of us who have proven we - each one of us an adventurer - let us go out again, clear out more of the lizards, and report back when we have most of them, or all of them, dead, or captive.

"It is possible that one or more of us may die as we endeavor to finish clearing out the invaders. I pray that does not happen. Please, you also pray for us, for our safety.

"We need someone to help plan the rebuilding, also. And doing so in such a way that we will be able better to defend should such an attack recur in the future. Also - who of you know how to run the lift? And who has carpentry skills?"

"Last thing: Our large companions here speak so boldly because they do NOT want harm to come to you. Their words may have upset or angered some of you, or caused others of you to fear.

"I think their point is: Respect how even the smaller critters can harm us... and take time to prepare, as we whittle down the worst of them. Does that sound okay to you all?"
==========
Diplomacy: 17

Return


DM Mitch  
Monday January 16th, 2023 9:29:53 AM
Kazzor gets advice suggesting he put a damper on plans to move back to the town so he does just that.
Ezekiel suggests that once a ship sinks it makes a poor sailing vessel so the hull needs to be patched before it can be seaworthy again.
Yofiel reminds the others that there are still dinos in the city and suggests they should be dealt with before trying to return.
R.J. asks Rothlorien if there are any other options.
Marest explains to RJ that she’d only been in town a short time before the attack happens. She looks for any notables from the town but aside from Rothlorean and now Yofiel’s mother there aren’t any and Yofiel’s mother barely qualifies. She suggests since a lot of buildings took damage it is best to wait for adventurers to clear things out.
Grim listens to the debate then reminds the town folk that the smaller dinosaurs left are as big as he is and makes a threatening gesture with the compy head to further dissuade the idea.
Dapple suggests that the idea that the town is safe might have been an over exaggeration and that they don’t to wait in the cave forever just large enough for the dinos to run out of food and go home.
Yofiel chastises those who insulted the survivors and suggests a careful planned out return.

A few questions are answered. The town is on a plateau, with the only way down either an insanely long and difficult climb down far beyond the skills of anyone here, or the lift. While in the keep the party saw that the lift was heavily damaged during the fighting and will need repairs - repairs no one here knows how to make. There are no other towns or settlements on the plateau, though if the group could get down they might be able to make it to another town.

As the debate rages it becomes clear that those who want to go back out number those who are wanting to stay away. It also becomes clear that there is little logic to their decision. Some are delusional in their grief, wanting to go back and establish some kind of normalcy and safety despite the town offering no such thing. Some are as Yofiel described, bravely determined to find their dead loved ones and bury them despite all risks. Others are merely sick of the tiny, stinky, cramped cave they’ve been trapped in, one that will become even more cramped now more supplies and extra people will somehow have to fit inside.

Stopping them from returning seems impossible - there are just too many of them, and no logic or argument will change their purely emotional decision. At best you might be able to come up with a plan to ensure everyone's safety during the return and chase away the more dangerous dinosaurs.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Monday January 16th, 2023 11:48:14 AM
Kazzor shakes his large head in disbelief as the people insist on not listening to reason. He growls at them, "First you ask us to go get these supplies, and now you want to go back to town. You could have saved us a trip! If you insist on heading back into town, than your carrying your own darn supplies!" He than retreats back to his solitude in the rear of the cave.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Monday January 16th, 2023 11:53:56 AM
"I understand that any eyet in a storm will do," says Ezekiel, "but we best be sure we're not sailing into any port. There is still the matter of the storm bringer. What caused these thunder gizards to strike like justice lightning."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Monday January 16th, 2023 8:26:12 PM

RJ considers scaling the climb, with or without anyone following, despite the difficulty. It's unclear what ultimately drives him to stay.

"We can't get any of you your lives back. Things were always going to change. But I'm sure we can figure out some way to secure the town, though I am unclear on how."

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16 
Monday January 16th, 2023 9:49:51 PM
Alchemy / Herbalists?!

Marest realizing that this situation is going to end badly for the emotional ones starts asking around the tiny group if there are any alchemists or herbalists that would be willing to share what they know with her. Marest even offers monetary compensation for those that offer worthwhile knowledge. Marest heads into the cave to see if anyone takes her up on her offer.



Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 12:24:22 AM
Spells in effect: none

Grim shrugs at Yofiel.
As some people still seem adamant about going back to town when it is still not secure, he shrugs again.

"You can build a wall to protect people, but you can't force them to want to be protected," he remarks.

He looks at his new squad and says, "I know we'll be going back to town for more stuff and to scout. But more important, we need to get to the entry point before these pathetics trample over any evidence of where the Thunder Gods came in. We know they didn't climb the cliffs, and certainly didn't pay the fee to ride the lifts. They came in by magic. And any of the Greater Thunder Gods that left, left by magic also. And Thunder Gods don't cast magic. We find where the tracks start and see if there is anything that might give us an idea of who did this. So let's plan to go back tomorrow."


DM Mitch  
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 7:37:11 AM
Kazzor shakes his head in disbelief as the townspeople insist on not listening to reason. He tells the town if they are insistent on heading back into town, then they are carrying their own supplies and then retreats to his solitude at the rear of the cave.
Ezekiel says that he understands that any eyet in a storm will do but suggests they make sure they aren’t sailing into any port as there is still the matter of what caused the thunder lizards to attack.
R.J. considers leaving and trying the climb but stays for unclear reasons. He tells the townsfolk they can’t get their lives back but can try to secure the town somehow.
Marest searches about for anyone with alchemical or herbalism skill. The closest she finds are the apprentice brewer and barkeep, both with good knowledge of herbs used in alemaking and a little in cooking, but really only half trained.
Grim comments on the impossibility of protecting those who don’t want it. He urges they find some way to keep the trail intact and follow it.

Rothloian suggests the keep as the best place to go to. WIth the survivors from the basement it is at least a little secure, and he has no fear of the smaller dinosaurs despite their numbers. A tentative plan is worked out where the group heads to the edge of the town, then Rothlorian clears the way to and into the keep. The PC’s stay hand back and protect the townsfolk as best they can. He is against any plan that involves splitting into smaller groups - unless driven by whatever strange influence caused the attack most dinosaurs will avoid such a large group as too risky to engage.

As a whole those who don’t want to return manage to convince those who do to wait at least until morning so everyone can be well fed and rested.


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+7=16 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+11=17 ;
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 9:07:17 AM
[I had a sizable post 80% written for Yofiel... but then enjoyed a series of interruptions. Sorry 'bout that. I'll include small snippet of that.]

In and near the cave
On the day of their arrival with the food and supplies, and the topic of leaving was under discussion, Yofiel recommended that all wait until tomorrow morning, so that adequate preparations could be made.

Among the prep she suggested setting up some traps, channeling barriers, and a few tree ladders to climb up and out of range of pursuing lizards. She'll work with those who want to help.

She asks if some of her team members can help in getting those who play to accompany them ready. She has a couple of nets that might be useful for tossing over nearby dinosaurs of a small or middle size, and sees if Rothlorien or someone else in the group has experience in casting nets in combat.

She uses spellcraft (25) on the two fireball beads she found near the man who wore robes - presumably a mage. Presumably she learns enough about them to know how properly to use them. She asks if another party member would like to have one. Yofiel will teach him or her how they work - as far as she understands it.

---------
Diennia, Yofiel's mother, talks with Marest. "Dear, I am acquainted with herbs, and some things about alchemy. I don't know that my areas of knowledge will cover what you seek. But I use a variety of plants, herbs, insects and some animal parts, tree bark, minerals, and chemicals to fashion various dyes to color fabric. I also know what herbs and such are good for eating, and some that help make healthy the body, or help the eyes. But my main expertise is in color, and in making color fast for garments. And by 'fast' I mean something that stays for a long time, not something quick. I'd be happy to teach you what I know. Are these things anywhere near to what you seek?"

In the town
Yofiel makes sure that at least three pairs of townsfolk have rope. "If a lizard comes close, have a few of you hold to opposite ends of the rope, and use it to trip and maybe wrap it up."

She has her composite longbow out, with an arrow nocked.
==============
Sense motive: 16 - Trying to read the motives of various townfolk
Diplomacy: 24 - To convince people to wait to leave until the morning [It worked!]
Spellcraft: 25 - To identify properties of the two fireball beads. Once she feels she understands how they work, she will offer one of them to another party member, and teach him or her how they work, and what to say [if anything] when throwing it. And how to stay away from the landing zone.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29  d20+3=15 ;
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 11:32:46 AM
Kazzor stays at the head of the group, as they make their way to town. He is not at all at ease, as he now has to defend a band of untrained commoners from gods knows what. With Bonvar in hand, he does his best to remain vigilant. (Perception 15) He doesn't say anything, but it is clear, by his body language, that he isn't happy about the situation.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 2:10:46 PM
Dapple sighs. The keep might be made safe with some work, but it isn't safe now. And she doesn't think the town has the materials or expertise to make it safe. She wonders what will happen when the dinos run out of food and start to get desperate. Determined dinosaurs could probably, eventually get into the keep no mater what the defenders do to stop them.

But nobody can stop the townsfolk either, so Dapple decides to go along and make the best of it. "Wardd," she says, "we're gonna need your help on this one. Don't be a jerk this time, okay?"

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+13=14 ; d20+8=21 ;
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 3:37:41 PM

RJ spends some time working on his (legacy) bow, which doesn't leave much time for anything else.

He takes some time to determine where he can fire without being seen, preferably prone and/or high up. He also figures he can break out some neat tricks like ricochet or staple. (stealth 14, perception 21).

(I'm confused. Are we staying/defending the cave or huddling on the path to town?)

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+9=10 ;
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 7:19:31 PM
Nature of the Beasts

Marest visits each of her friends to ask if the tasks at hand have turned into escorting the people back to the demolished town or to try and keep them alive. Each in turn, Marest speaks to Dapple, Muffins Man, Kazzor, Grim, and Yofiel; "So, what is our next task? Is it an escort service, or forward TG Exterminators?"

When Marest is not asking for guidance from her newly acquired friends, she spends a few moments with Ms. Diennia to learn about color, pigments, and the art of "Color Fast". (Skill Check: Knowl (Nature): = (1d20+9) = 10

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 9:18:09 PM
"They're may be called thundy gizards, but that don't mean they don't fear the lightning!" Ezekiel instructs the townfolk. "Just give them a go zapping, that's what I likes to do."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Tuesday January 17th, 2023 10:59:41 PM
Grim sees the obvious protection of the keep as the best solution, now that he's been in there.
"Whatever came won't come back soon. And these Thunder Gods don't reproduce like rabbits, so, with a few days work and Lothlorien, we can have them cleared out. Until then, these people can gather wood and oil so that any that do try to get in, get a good singing."

Grim sleeps well and is ready to go in the morning.

DM Mitch  
Wednesday January 18th, 2023 7:29:23 AM
Yofiel suggests that on the day they return they put off the discussion of whether to leave the caves for another day. She then works with the townsfolk and members of her party to set up some kind of traps to hopefully help deal with any dinosaur stragglers. She’s able to confirm the beads are beads of fireball, one more devastating then the other (3d6 and 5d6 damage beads)
Kazzor stays at the head of the group as they make their way to town. He isn’t thrilled he has to defend a band of untrained commoners.
Dapple sighs. The keep might be made safe with some work but it isn’t safe as is. She wonders what happens when the dinos run out of food and offers up a prayer to Warrd
R.J works on his legacy bow not leaving a lot time for much else
Marest asks each of the party if their next task is escorting townsfolk or exterminating Thunder Gods. She also spends time with Yofiel’s mother to learn about pigment.
Ezekiel suggests that even though they are called thunder lizards they don’t fear lightning and that they should just give them a good zapping as he likes to do.
Grim thinks the keep is the best option. He suggests they gather oil and wood to start fires in case of another attack.

The group rests and heads out in the morning. It’s a tense trip. The other survivors are a mix of common laborers and half trained apprentices. A lot of them have no skill in navigating thick jungle so there’s a lot of trouble keeping everyone together as the big group has to weave around trees and things. They see plenty of wild animals, including a few that might be dangerous, but as Rothlorian said such a large group means they have no trouble on the way into town.

Once they clear the woods and get a good view of the town most of the survivors are stunned at the devastation. Many fall down weeping or stand in shock. Rothlorian grimly takes in the sight for a moment before drawing his great sword. ”Wait here. Keep the group safe.”

He marches into town sending scavenging birds and companies scattering before him. A few raptors notice him and roar a challenge only to be instantly cut down. When he reaches the keep he enters and leaves line of sight, but you can hear his war cries and soon see those that were feasting on the great corpse fleeing before him. Looking outside waves the group towards him before taking position at the gate so nothing else can sneak in while the group approaches.


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Wednesday January 18th, 2023 8:21:01 AM
"So do we just stand here then or what?"

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29  d20+3=23 ;
Wednesday January 18th, 2023 11:14:29 AM
Kazzor leads the group to the keep, and waits outside with Rothlorian as the survivors enter in. He may be a grumpy and pessimistic soul, but he does have a big heart, and he worries for the safety of this ragtag group of survivors.

Kazzor tries to remain alert throughout the whole thing (perception 23)

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Wednesday January 18th, 2023 2:13:50 PM

Despite himself, RJ found his youth and admiration spreading across his face. Despite some time in the field, it's clear that he's still a bit of a rookie and in awe of authority.

RJ follows along, keeping an eye out for anything that might attack them.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16  d20=14 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=12 ;
Wednesday January 18th, 2023 2:27:23 PM
Ezekiel will scout the area with detect magic, or at least as much as the area as he can without leaving the safety of the group.

Perception: 14
Arcana: 16
Planes: 12

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday January 18th, 2023 8:56:19 PM
Dapple giggles when Ezekiel tells them to give the dinos a good zapping. "Try to eat my face? That's a zapping," she says. "Of course, I don't know how to zap."

She watches Rothlorien as he one-shots a bunch of raptors. "Well," she says. "Okay then."

She moves toward the keep with the group. "It's pretty smelly in there," she warns.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+4=16 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+9=24 ;
Wednesday January 18th, 2023 10:10:41 PM
Marest looks towards visiting the other areas of the keep they didn't look at during the last trip, now that the Reptilian threats are gone. Once inside the darker areas of the keep, Marest remove her smoked goggles for a better look.

Marest will use her various knowledge skills to get ideas on architecture, reinforcements, and perhaps a new way to address various issues moving forward.

Skill Checks:

Preception: (1d20+4)=16
Knowl (Engineering): (1d20+9)=16
Knowl (Dungeoneering): (1d20+9)=15
Knowl (Local): (1d20+9)= 18
Spellcraft: : (1d20+9)= 24

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Thursday January 19th, 2023 12:04:59 AM
After seeing Rothlorien work, he figures that if the town only had a couple more like him they would have survived, but... who really is this Rothlorien? Why would someone with such power be here and not be a ruler somewhere more pleasant?

Grim takes position behind the townsfolk, now turned villagefolk, or hamletfolk, and makes sure they keep moving and don't stray.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+4=22 ; d6+1=3 ;
Thursday January 19th, 2023 1:10:25 AM
Since some fled upon Rothlorien's entrance, Yofiel plinks one with her arrow (AC 22, 3 hp damage). She looks at her bow, and considers the big man's sword. "I've got some catching up to do."

She approaches the leader. "There is an administrative office above. They may have some documents on the care and keeping of the lift. Mind if I take a few who know to read to start going through, and see if we can find some decent documentation, sir?"

DM Mitch  
Thursday January 19th, 2023 8:07:11 AM
Ezekiel asks if they should stand here then or what.
Kazzor leads the group to the keep and waits outside with Rothlorien. He may be gruff but he has a big heart and he worries about the safety of the group.
R.J. is still a bit of a rookie and in awe of authority. RJ follows along keeping an eye out for anything that might attack them.
Ezekiel will scout the area with detect magic without leaving the safety of the group
Dapple giggles when Ezekiel tells them to give them a good zapping considering she doesn’t know how to zap. She watches Rothlorien take out some raptors and just says okay. She warns the others it is smelly in the keep.
Marest looks forward towards visiting the other areas of the keep they didn’t look at now that the Reptilian threat is gone. In the darker areas, Marest removes her smoked goggles for a better look. Marest uses her various knowledge skills to get ideas on architecture, reinforcements and perhaps a new way to address various issues moving forward.
]Grim thinks Rothlorien is impressive and the town would have lived had there been more like him.
Yofiel shoots a raptor as it runs and how far she has to go to match Rothlorien. She asks about checking the administrative area for documentation on how the lift was made and maintained.

With the keep cleared out everyone makes it inside safely. What follows is several hours of hard work making things livable. The keep is solidly built, but there’s no way to fix the front gate so it’s decided the basement is the best place for people to make beds and live out of as the safest place. The place is searched again and plenty of paperwork is found - too much of it, it will take days to figure out where something useful might be. THere are no survivors in the jail - either no one was in there when the attack came or they were freed and died among the others.

Corpse removal occupies a lot of the time. Rothlorien recruits the strongest of the group to help him move the giant dinosaur corpse while others try to identify the humanoid dead inside if at all possible before moving them to a chosen spot just outside for now. Moving the giant corpse is possibly the most disgusting job in the history of the town. It’s been rotting for days, chewed on all over, and it’s falling apart. Just trying to pick a spot and push just gets you covered in gore and possibly breaking off a chunk. In the end it has to be cut apart and carried out load by load and everyone involved gets covered in gore.

Ezekiels detect magic proves to be useful in the most frustrating way. All of Rothlorien’s gear is magical and it seems most of the combatants in the town were equally well equipped, but a lot of the gear is ruined. That doesn’t always stop it from giving off a faint glow of magic though, meaning that there’s aura’s all over the place and it’s hard to tell what’s actually useful magic, what’s just a random utility item, and what was usefully magic but damaged or broken in a way to render it unusable or even dangerous. It turns into another task that will take days, if not weeks, and that’s just for what is found inside the keep.

Still at the end of the day, once people have a chance to wash up, the net result is they have a semi secure place to stay free of corpses and have dragged enough beds and bedrolls to the keep that everyone will sleep warm for once. In the morning the group can look forward to… more of the same for the entire rest of the town.


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday January 19th, 2023 9:18:26 AM
To Dapple:

"Well, if you want to learn how to zap, whatcha got to do is climb a tree in a thunderstorm. Then get hit by lightning, and you'll be ready to zap!"

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Thursday January 19th, 2023 12:36:02 PM
Kazzor pitches into to help, but first, he gives his father a proper burial. He wishes he could do the same for his mother and his beloved Rina, but they were swallowed whole by a t-rex, and, one would assume, long since digested. As he tries pushing on the big rotting corpse, the carcass splits open, and he falls into the rotting flesh. completely covered in gore, form horn to hoof, the minotaur grumbles, "This is why we should have stayed at the cave!"

Dapple (Kathy) 
Thursday January 19th, 2023 8:04:18 PM
Dapple is decidedly not among the strongest in the group, so she gets out of dino-corpse-moving detail. She does, however, get corpse identification detail, which in many ways is worse. She remembers not only peoples' names.but their families, where they lived, and what trouble or ailment brought them into the Temple of Wardd. When the task is finally done, she feels more tired than she's ever felt in her life.

When she learns that Detect Magic may take some effort, she approaches Ezekiel. "Well, I still can't zap," she tells him, "but I can cast [i]Detect Magic[/i[. Let me give you a hand."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Thursday January 19th, 2023 8:43:17 PM

RJ spends some time dumping some of his pack, figuring he could loan stuff to the rest of the group.

(Sheet wise, I'm getting rid of some gear in order to get his load back down to light. But I won't do gear/catacombs in earnest until the weekend, assuming I get any free time then.)

For the most part, RJ remains detached in his job of identifying the dead, occasionally writing in his research journal. (Like Dapple, he isn't much in the strength department.) (He does take some attempts to make moving the large dinos at least easier, say by skinning a few. Profession Hunter Take 10 for 15.) He also notices a compy running around a corner, and takes a moment to ricochet a bolt into it.)

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16 
Thursday January 19th, 2023 8:50:24 PM
Marest tries to find some of the herbs that Diennia; Yofiel's Mum; explained to her that she uses to add to her herb collection.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Thursday January 19th, 2023 11:00:21 PM
Grim confers with Ezekiel, "How much of this Detect Magic do you have? We need to find the Thunder Lizards' entry point to the plateau so we can set up a watch in case it is used again."

He also speaks to Rothlorien, "Whoever brought them in must know this place well enough. From now on, we need to thoroughly inspect every newcomer in case they decide to send spies to see what's left, if we are recovering, and plan a second attack."

After the long day's work, Grim gathers his new companions together and proposes that there are enough townsfolk to continue this kind of work. They, however, should head out to the outskirts and keep hunting down any stray Thunder Gods, and specifically try to find where they came in. He hopes there is still some magic residue left to pinpoint the spot.

He hopes they will see the need to root out any compsies left in the odd barn or cellar before the townsfolk get adventurous themselves.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday January 20th, 2023 1:54:55 AM

Diennia, Yofiel's mother, says to Rothlorien. "I have a strongbox in the market. Some of my tools, herbs, and such are in there." She asks him, "Can someone come with me to see if we can retrieve it? Marest has questions. I may help her with some answers."

Yofiel decides to get started on the examination of the documentation. She starts with a quick overview of the general organization of the paperwork, trying to get a general idea of what is here.

If, as her mother requested, Rothlorien concurs, Yofiel wants to join those who recover her mother's box. She is well acquainted with it.

DM Mitch  
Friday January 20th, 2023 8:41:54 AM
Ezekiel suggests to Dapple that if she wants to learn to zap she should climb of the tree in a thunderstorm then get hit by lightning and then she’ll be ready to zap.
Kazzor pitches into help but first gives his father a proper burial. He wishes he could do the same for his mother and his beloved Rina but they were eaten by a t-rex and long since digested. He gets covered in gore when working to clear the corpse and suggests that is why they should have stayed at the cave.
Dapple is not among the strongest in the town so she gets out of dino-corpse removing duty but she does help identify the corpses of the fallen which is in some ways worse. She also offers her ability to cast detect magic.
R.J. spends some time dumping his pack, using his journal to help identify the dead, and using his hunting skills to help with cleanup duty by skinning some of them. He also takes a potshot at a random compy in a corner.
Marest tries to find some of the herbs that Diennia identified to add to her herb collection.
Grim asks Ezekiel just how much Detect Magic does the mage possess. He explains the need to find the entry point that the Thunder Lizards used to get to the plateau so they can set a watch lest it be used again. He suggests to Rothlorien that they should inspect every newcomer in case they end up being spies. He also suggests to the others that they should stop clearing the keep and switch to hunting down stray Thunder Gods since the townsfolk can continue to clean up the keep.
Yofiel’s mother explains about a lock box in the market. Yofiel herself starts going through paperwork.

After a hard day’s labor everyone heads downstairs to rest and compare notes and ideas. The paperwork here in the keep is mostly about security and guard patrols. Yofiel was able to find the most recent ones from the last week or so, none of which mention anything unusual in or around the town. That suggests that however the dinosaurs got here, they came from outside the town.

All of the corpses in the keep that can be identified have been identified. There’s still a whole town of corpses to be cleared and identified though, and with no way to close the gates it will be impossible to keep thunder gods from being drawn in by the feast and encountering the survivors. As such Rothlorien suggests that the next step is to slowly sort through the town, gathering the dead, burying them, and chasing off the feasting scavengers. The rest of the survivors agree; though devastated by the state of the town, the sight of it has made them determined to see to the proper burial of their loved ones if at all possible.

It is also agreed that Grim Ripr is right and finding out how the attack happened and whomever is responsible is important. The plateau is fairly large, and the dinosaurs came from the outskirts of the town from all sides. Combined with the reports Yofiel found it seems likely the answers they are looking for lay somewhere out in the jungle. A thorough survey will be required, not only for the answers but also for finding resources to rebuild the lift mechanism and/or increase the groups odds of survival in case they are forced to flee the town again. Such a survey would take at least a couple of days though, and there might be information elsewhere in town that will help with the search so it will probably have to wait a few days until the town is cleaned up.


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Friday January 20th, 2023 3:15:36 PM
RJ continues his activities, and checks in.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+4=20 ;
Friday January 20th, 2023 10:19:55 PM
Marest helps with the search for the strongbox LadyDiennia mentions in town. Marest offers to go along to look for said item. If accepted, Marest will don her smoked goggles to avoid the bright sunlight while searching and only remove them if it is warranted.

Perception check: (1d20+4 = 20)

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday January 20th, 2023 11:36:35 PM

"Yo! Rothlorien!" (That's to get your attention, DM Mitch, as Yofiel asked him a question you did not respond to.) Yofiel continues: "Marest, my mother, and I are going to go grab her box. It's only a few hundred feet outside the gatehouse. If anyone else wants to join us, they are welcome to come along. We might get eaten on the way. But she needs that box. Bury us with the rest of the bodies if we don't make it. Or, you could come along, and we all can be there and back again in about ten minutes."

The sturdy box measures 4'x3'x2.5' and weighs about 95 pounds, full of her working materials, with a few tools and instruments. It had been carried on a cart but was taken off and left under a table in the market. If that can be obtained, and they return, then Dienna can pick up with her teaching of Marest, and Yofiel can get back to going through the paperwork.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Saturday January 21st, 2023 12:19:22 AM
Grim volunteers to accompany Yofiel and his mother to get her strongbox. He has no intention of staying cooped up in that rock igloo.

"I can carry your box without problem. I'll go with you."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Saturday January 21st, 2023 3:05:19 PM
"Sure, I'll come along," Dapple says. "I haven't been eaten by a dino yet. I'm overdue." After a moment, she adds: "That was a joke, Wardd. Don't go getting any fancy ideas."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Sunday January 22nd, 2023 1:44:05 PM

Yofiel feels gratitude toward her friends. "Thank you, Marest, and Grim, and Dapple, and Mama. Let's give the others a moment to see if they'd like to join in. After that, I'm ready!"

Yofiel spends a little time practicing drawing her new rapier, as well as replacing it in its sheath, as well as pulling arrows from her quiver, and rapidly nocking them on the string of her composite longbow. At the same time, she waits to see if anyone else intends to join the group on the quick jaunt to the marketplace.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Sunday January 22nd, 2023 8:59:03 PM
"I can only zap so many times per day without rechargin', but when it comes to detecting magic? I can day that all do."

DM Mitch  
Monday January 23rd, 2023 8:24:50 AM
R.J. continues his activities and checks in.
Marest helps with the search for the strongbox
Yofiel informs Rothlorien that her mother and her are going to secure the lockbox.
Grim volunteers to accompany Marest and Yofiel on the lockbox rescue mission.
Dapple also joins in, telling her patron she was only joking about getting eaten by a dino.
Yofiel thanks her friends for helping to retrieve the lockbox and also spends time practicing with her rapier and pulling arrows from her quiver.
Ezekiel claims he can detect magic all day.

What follows is a grueling week of careful expeditions. The first is to get the lockbox. It’s uneventful and the party is able to get the box back to the keep without too much hassle, finding it remarkably intact underneath a stall that has been smashed into the ground. Others are for clearing out corpses. Generally Rothlorian and some members of the party station themselves around an area nearest the keep and scare off any dinosaurs while other gather up the corpses and search for useful supplies. The humanoid corpses are gathered and identification attempted. The dinosaur ones are thrown off the cliff to get them out of the way. It’s exhausting work, emotionally and physically. Even those just on watch get worn down by the constant vigilance needed.

Several of the nearby houses are explored. Some are basically untouched, their owners either being out or rushing out of the home to help when the attack came. Others had people hid in them and were torn apart by searching dinosaurs. With so few survivors it’s hard to remember which place belonged to which person but some useful items and information are found (knowledge: local if there’s any particular house with information or gear that might be useful).

Plans are made for a mass funeral for the dead. The area around the keep is designated a burial area out of necessity and people start following Kazzor’s example, holding small personal funerals for those they knew when they find the time. For those unidentifiable or who have no living friends and family the burial start a few days later as people tired of digging through corpses dig holes to stay busy and useful. By the end of the week the area around hte keep is full of freshly dug holes and freshly filled graves. Once the job is done, probably in another week or so, Rothloien intends to hold a ceremony on top of the keep for all of the dead and he asks advice from any survivors/PC’s with a religious bent on what to say.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Monday January 23rd, 2023 11:09:51 AM
When Rothloien asks for religious input, Kazzor scuffs, "What need is there for seeking the gods now? Do as you feel would make a fitting ceremony. The gods have left us to die, I have no time for them anymore!

Realizing he may have offended Dapple he adds, "You seem to be the only one here that any of the gods seems to care about, I'm glad your on my team.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Monday January 23rd, 2023 11:24:32 AM

"Ok, Kazzor, we get that you're having a rough time. But you're starting to bum out even the veteran of the group. We all lost family, some earlier than others."

It had been a grueling time of scouting and scaring off dinosaurs with his bow and some handmade alchemical bombs. In the meantime, he had started a new bow, this one masterwork heavy repeating. Though not really religious himself, he hadn't felt the need to quarrel with any gods either. They did what they did and he did what he did.

(OOC: Basically, all my finds/purchases are masterwork versions of the items I already have, and maybe one item that can be made by craft: alchemy or craft trap.)

Dapple (Kathy) 
Monday January 23rd, 2023 3:29:01 PM
"We need to consecrate the ground," Dapple says. "We don't want these corpses rising as undead."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday January 23rd, 2023 7:59:02 PM
Grim is ever ready to diminished the numbers of the Thunder Gods that continue to harass them. As he keeps watch, his bow is used quite often as he sees snoopers. He manages to bring down a few, and even sets up bait outside where he can lure the odd one or two into a cul-de-sac, then leap down on the hapless Thunder God.

Also, while out and about, he finds a breast plate armor piece in the smithy that was set aside in a fancy box that, although the box is damaged, the breast plate armor is in perfect shape.

DM: permission to 'find' a suit of masterwork breast plate armor as part of Grims' WBL.

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+9=19 ;
Monday January 23rd, 2023 8:02:32 PM
" That's a great idea, Dapple! Yes, we should consider that..Tg's are bad enough, Undead TG's or Undead anything is worse!" states an excited Marest to her friends.

As I am not explicitly religious, I would recommend suggesting that those that do believe take comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones are in a better place...(Knowledge (Religion): 1d20+9 = 19)



Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Monday January 23rd, 2023 9:34:31 PM
"Their bodies may return to earth, but their spirits will forever ore soar on the winds," says Ezekiel.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Tuesday January 24th, 2023 2:23:27 AM

Each morning Yofiel arises shortly before dawn. She prays with her mother Diennia, offering prayer and praise to various deities, followed by petitions for wisdom, and attentiveness to opportunities to serve the gods through service to the people during the day, and they close with a short, sweet, elvish song - sung quietly, nearly whispered. If any wish to join them for morning devotions, they are welcomed.

Aside from helping her mother Diennia with her friends retrieve her mother's litster box, Yofiel has spent about a third of her waking time gaining as much acquaintance with the records as she is able. She has developed a journal organizing and summarizing the records, and what history she can piece together. As Marest seems to have an interest in engineering - or at least she talks about it, the bard draws her attention to any records which focus on the construction and mechanical operations of the place. She attends, likewise, to such, and asks if any in the community have carpentry or construction skills.

Any social records, historical, criminal, and the like which might help tell the story of the place she jots down, at least in summary form, highlighting points of particular interest to a story-teller.

"Say, once we are reasonably confident we have cleared most of the lizards - or dinosaurs, as most of you call them - how about we take advantage of a few of the houses that managed to escape significant damage? We who have survived could use places to live, no?" She addresses that question first to Rothlorien, then to her adventuring friends. He leaves it to them the notion of bringing it to the rest of the survivors.

What is the living population of the survivors? 30? 50? More? Yofiel ensures she learns each person's name, as well as picking up what she can of their character, personalities, skills, interests, backgrounds. [OOC: Some extra-credit work for our DMs? :-) ]

Funerals. Mass burials. "Dapple, can you share with me songs, prayers, and ideas we might include in honoring and remembering those who have died? My father used to sing for funerals. I sang at my father's burial, and know the songs of the elves. I know some things, yet not many, of the practices of other races."

She speaks with their fellow survivors about those who lost friends and family. She writes notes about those who died here, and writes a phrase or two to serve as epitaphs for each person who is buried, or soon to be buried. She asks among the survivors if there is someone who can write those on pieces of wood for people to read and remember as they walk around the burial area. If others wish to join her in the task, she is happy to have them share the work. She offers to Rothlorien to help with the ceremony.

Yofiel asks if each night, one to three people can, at meal time, share with the community a brief word of encouragement, or solace, or request for help of sorts.

DM Mitch  
Tuesday January 24th, 2023 8:19:06 AM
Kazzor asks what need is there for the seeking of the gods now since he reasons the gods have left them to die and he has no time for them anymore. He then realizes he may have offended Dapple and tells her that she seems to be the only one the gods seem to care about and he’s glad she is on the team.
R.J. tells Kazzor that he gets that the Taur has had a rough go of it but he’s starting to bum out even the veterans of the group and reminds him that they’ve all lost family, some earlier than others. He had also managed to upgrade his equipment in the intervening period.
Dapple points out they need to consecrate the ground lest the corpses rise as undead.
Grim Ripr is ever ready to diminish the ranks of the Thunder Gods harassing them and has ample opportunity to do so. He also finds a serviceable breast plate among the ruins of the town.
Marest thinks Dapple has a good idea lest they find themselves dealing with Undead TGs or anything else. She suggests that those who believe take comfort that their loved ones are in a better place.
Ezekiel says that the dead’s spirits will soar forever.
Yofiel quickly establishes a daily routine. Getting up early for prayers and spending large amounts of time reading through documents. She suggests that they can move into some of the abandoned houses once things are cleared out. She does a headcount and tries to start a record of known survivors and known dead.

There were about twenty-two non PC/Rothlorien survivors who initially made it into the cave and Yofiel’s mother came with 5 more, for a total count of 27 1st level NPC classed survivors, 7 PCs, and 1 Rothlorien, or 35 people. A lot of them have some training in some sort of craft, covering most everything the group could need, though their skills in those crafts are somewhat lacking since they are 1st level. Their names and exact skillset the PC’s would know, but we are keeping intentionally vague so we can invent characters as needed for things like bloodwitch coven members or new PC’s.

As the week closes out the last graves are dug. Many have small wooden markers, but a large number remain unidentified, either due to being mostly eaten or simply because none of the survivors knew the deceased well enough for a certain identification. The funeral is held on the battlements overlooking the ring of graves that now surround the keep.

Rothlorien gives a stirring eulogy, talking about the loss and grief everyone feels and the brave sacrifices the defenders of the town made. ”As the only survivors of Cloudhaven it is our duty to not let their sacrifice be in vain. Every day we survive despite the odds honors them, and I intend for us all to survive no matter what gets thrown at us.”


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Tuesday January 24th, 2023 8:57:20 AM
RJ remains respectful and professional though this mourning period.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Tuesday January 24th, 2023 11:33:57 AM
As R.J. chastises Kazzor, the minotaur simply huffs off and finds a quiet place to mope, he doesn't even try to defend himself. He realizes everyone has lost someone, but he has lost everyone he ever considered precious. What R.J., or anyone else for that matter, doesn't understand is how alone he feels. After losing so much, he is afraid to bond with anyone, on a deep level, yet he finds, in spite of his fears, that he is beginning to care for his team mates, and to a lesser degree, the rest of the survivors. the thought of anyone else dying is almost too much to bear for the broken minotaur, and he simply doesn't know how to handle himself. In spite of all that he truly believes what he said about the gods. He used to have faith in Domi, like his father and mother, and most taurs for that matter, yet after such a tragic event he has lost all hope, and his faith has been shattered. He truly believes that the gods have not only forsaken them, but that they are playing some sick joke at their expense.

At the funeral, Kazzor is glad that Rothlorien doesn't bring up the gods, and even though he thought he was all out of tears, the taur finds himself with tears running down his cheeks again. He doesn't even try to wipe them away, he just lets them flow. After the funeral, returns to his quiet place and as he does Fenton appears,

Fenton says "That was a lovely ceremony, a fitting send off to the dearly departed"
Kazzor huffs, "If you say so."
Fenton "I saw your tears, I know it meant something to you"
Kazzor "I had something in my eye!"
Fenton "Both eyes?
Kazzor "Fine I cried, but those will be the last tears that ever dampen my cheeks! This is my vow! I refuse to let anyone else die while I'm still breathing air!"

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Tuesday January 24th, 2023 1:46:17 PM
"The big guys talking to himself again," says Ezekiel. Turning to Dapple, "Can you exercise him or something? I can shoot ghost missiles, but they don't do me much good if I can't see what I'm shooting."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday January 24th, 2023 5:13:12 PM
When Yofiel asks her about songs and prayers, Dapple laughs a little. "You may find this hard to believe, but people don't usually want a cleric of Wardd conducting funeral services. Something about saying to the family, 'well, you win some and you lose some.'" Nevertheless, Dapple does share a few songs that Flower's clergy use as a farewell to the departed.

Since she wasn't asked to help with the funeral, she doesn't. She stands respectfully, her face uncharacteristically somber.

Afterwards, Ezekiel asks her about "exercising" Kazzor. "I think he gets plenty of exercise fighting dinosaurs," she replies with a grin.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Tuesday January 24th, 2023 9:01:17 PM
The Plateau Compsognathus, as Grim struggled to pronounce their new names from orc names, soon gave up their scavenging around town as the source of food was being buried and large angry half-orcs made short work of a good handful of them.
On the other hand, Grim always prayed to The Great One to put it in their little pea brains to stay away. Those that did, Grim left them alone.

With more time on his hands now, Grim goes to work making arrows and bows. If any survivors show an interest, he offers lessons on bow and arrow making.

The mass funeral ceremony only grabs a little of his attention. His tribe cremates rather than bury. The jungle has a way of erasing anything left unkept for more than a week and the tribe just has better stuff to do than tend to graves. Besides, burning the body away frees the soul to go wherever it wills. Everybody knows that!

DM Mitch  
Wednesday January 25th, 2023 7:53:34 AM
R.J. remains respectful and professional during the mourning period.
Kazzor huffs off and finds a quiet place to mope. As much as he tries to isolate himself he finds himself starting to bond with his teammates and other survivors even though he really has lost his faith in the gods. He is glad Rothlorien didn’t bring the gods up in the Eulogy and ends up in conversation with his invisible dragon pal again after the fact.
Ezekiel notices Kazzor talking to himself and asks Dapple to exercise him or something as his ghost missiles don’t do much good if he can’t see what he is shooting.
Dapple tells Yofiel most funerals don’t really want priests of Warrd to conduct funeral services since their philosophy is sort of you win some you lose some. Nonetheless she does have some songs that the clerics of Flower used to sing. She stands respectfully during the funeral and when Ezekiel asks her about Kazzor later she points out he gets enough exercise fighting dinosaurs.
Grim is glad the wrangling job is done and spends some time working on his bow and arrow. He reflects on what everyone knows about cremation.

With the town cleared of corpses, the dead buried and honored, and most of the scavengers either chased away or moving on things quiet down. There’s finally time to work on crafts and relax a little. Rothlorien calls for a concentrated search for general information on what’s on the plateau. As previously discussed, finding the entry point for the dinosaurs, and if any remain on the plateau, is crucial, and he wants to find out what can be learned about what’s out there to better plan the expedition. It seems most likely the same group that scouted the town will be sent to scout the plateau as Rothlorien remains crucial to the continued safety of those who cannot combat any wild animals that might threaten the group.

A knowledge (Local) will help remember details about the area and/or where useful documentation might be, a Diplomacy will help quizz survivors and help them remember important details, and a survival or knowledge (nature) check will help you know what to prepare for. You can also do typical downtime activities.


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Wednesday January 25th, 2023 7:56:17 AM

At the Remembrance
Yofiel and her mother sing an elvish song of sorrow, remembrance, and hope as they remember the loss of Yofiel's young brother during the dinosaur invasion.

Yofiel's mother Diennia with Kazzor
Diennia speaks with Kazzor, finding him at a time when he is not surrounded by others. "I cannot claim to understand your losses, strong warrior. I chose the flax, and wove the linen, and brought out the white for your fiancée. I spoke with Rina, and with your mother. Rina smiled warmly as said she loved a certain furrowing of your brow when thinking in earnest. Your mother squeezed her hand, and said it mirrored your father. Yofiel told me how you found your father, and... received an inheritance from him, in the weapon that he favored." She hands him a small fold of linen - taken from the same weaving from which the fabric for the wedding dress came. "I forgot to give her this handkerchief, and had planned to get it to her later that day. I hope you do not mind that I give this small memento to you." Embroidered on the 15" square of fabric is a rose with pale green leaves, and petals, yellow near the center, blending to pink as the petals broaden. Folded double, it is just shy of 4" square.

She bows to Kazzor with grace, and leaves him to his thoughts.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Wednesday January 25th, 2023 12:42:21 PM
Kazzor is at a loss for words when Diennia speaks to him. If not for his vow to never cry again, he probably would have broken down again. Even though he doesn't reveal anything through his expressions, he is truly touched, and he added her to his list of people who he would be willing to die for. He takes the handkerchief with a simple and expressionless, "Thank you" but when Diennia turns way to attend to whatever else needs doing, he quickly stuffs the handkerchief between his armor and clothing.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+6=16 ; d20+3=23 ;
Wednesday January 25th, 2023 1:05:28 PM

After the services, RJ gets to work with some area scouting to determine what he is looking for.

Know Nature: 16
Survival: 23 (Nat 20)



Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16 
Wednesday January 25th, 2023 10:34:32 PM
Observing from afar

Marest stands aloof and reserved while watching the procession and the mourning. She tries to remain supportive, but as she didn't lose anyone she knew here, she feels out of her element.

She does observe some of the folks that come and go during the Mass Funeral procession, trying to decipher who might be a good Adept follower; perhaps a herbalist or budding alchemist wonders Marest to herself.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday January 25th, 2023 10:37:28 PM
Dapple's knowledge of religion will be of little use in tracking the dinosaurs, and she's not especially diplomatic. So she focuses her attention on restoring the temple. She clears debris from a small area, then borrows a broom and sweeps it. She sets up a little altar on one side; on the other side, she places first-aid supplies on an improvised shelf.

The rest of the temple remains a shattered mess, but at least the townsfolk will have someplace to worship and seek healing.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+5=7 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+6=11 ;
Thursday January 26th, 2023 12:04:13 AM
A knowledge (Local) will help remember details about the area and/or where useful documentation might be, a Diplomacy will help quizz survivors and help them remember important details, and a survival or knowledge (nature) check will help you know what to prepare for. You can also do typical downtime activities.

Knowledge (Local): Grim has only been up to the town once on a trading expedition for his tribe and was not there but a few days to see if there was anything worth trading for.

Knowledge (Nature) +5= 7
The plateau is much larger than any other he's seen, specially the one his tribe lives on, so the ecology is different enough that Grim only has ideas of what 'might' be around.

Diplomacy +1 = 19
At times Grim has found the 'diplomatic' approach more useful than the 'intimidation' approach when fishing for information. Of course, it could be the people are very appreciative of him running of the compies and working hard to keep them safe. He asks around for any recollections of what kinds of wild animals are up here, how large is the plateau (x miles wide and x miles long), edible plants growing wild, etc. He has seen a fair amount just in the trips to and from the cave, but prods the survivors for anything they know,

Survival +6 = 11
He knows that they need to carry plenty of water, bug repellant, and arrows. He figures that if they run out of food they can just hunt for meat and hopes the townsfolk know of edible plants, fruits, and tubers. And grubworms, and beetles, and ...

So Grim is ready to go.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=12 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+9=13 ;
Thursday January 26th, 2023 2:16:39 AM

Usually the elf is much better at spotting things around the area that might help her and the exploring team out, but those senses seem somewhat dulled following the funeral. Eyes blurred by tears?

But documentation / archival work of late provide the bard a better measure of insight. Perhaps some of the maps she found will have useful tidbits.

She makes a few diplomatic inquiries here and there to see if some of the survivors other than the exploring team may give her more notions to pursue, but that does not significantly advance her pursuit.

Yofiel considers her acquaintance with various elements of the natural world. She has traveled much with her family over the years, but Cloudhaven is somewhat new to her. They did come by about a year ago, but only stayed a few days, and the elf did not explore beyond the settlement area.

=========
Perception: 12 - looking about to consider some of the items available to them, Yofiel has no particular flash of inspiration at first.
Knowledge, Local: 23.
Diplomacy: 10
Knowledge, Nature: 13

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16  d20=2 ; d20+6=10 ;
Thursday January 26th, 2023 6:17:21 AM
Ezekiel will try and look for any lingering magic indicating how to dinos were able to attack the town.

Detect Magic
Perception: 2
Arcana/Planes/Spellcraft: 10

DM Mitch  
Thursday January 26th, 2023 10:54:36 AM
Yofiel and her mother sing an elvish song of sorrow, remembrance and hope as they remember the loss of Yofiel’s younger brother during the invasion. After the funeral Diennia gives Kazzor a kerchief she wove to match Rina’s wedding dress as a token to remember her by.
Kazzor is at a loss for words as Diennia speaks to him. He holds off crying remembering his vow and adds her to the list of people he’d be willing to die for. He thanks her for it and tucks it away.
R.J. does some scouting after the area.
Marest is aloof and awkward, having lost no one important to her and unsure what to do. She notes that the apprentice tanner and brewer both have experience working with herbs and concoctions and are eager to help - they might make good candidates.
Dapple does what she can to clean up the temple. At least some of the folks appreciated and begin to regularly visit, turning to the gods for comfort.
Grim proves surprisingly adept at getting information out of survivors.
Yofiel finds great success in digging through documentation and learning useful items
Ezekiel does a magical sweep of the town.

Between the skills of the party a great deal of information is found. RJ is the most adapt at tracking of the group and with a little help from the others they are able to establish that the attackers spread out before they reached town and approached from all sides. He’s able to find clear signs of massive dinosaurs flanked by more raptors then should be together moving around in the thicker parts of the jungle on the outskirts before charging into town. He identifies footprints of at least a dozen species, many of whom he can identify clearly enough to know they would normally be natural predators and enemies of each other. With the trail over a week old it would be difficult to track across the plateau (DC 20+) but he gets an impression that the attackers fanned out soon after arriving, however and wherever that happened, before converging on the town once they got close. More evidence of unusual intelligence, as while predators might fan out and use pack tactics like this doing so across so many species and such a distance is beyond mere animal intelligence.

Between the natural knowledge of various people and the information the locals can remember the party is also able to get a better grasp of what lives up here. The plateau is miles across and thickly jungled, providing enough nutrients to sustain a vibrant ecology. Birds are by far the most common animal, able to visit and leave as they see fit, but the canopy is host to a huge variety of creatures from insects and lizards to monkeys and sloths. Ground based animals are mostly limited in size - the limited size of the plateau prevents anything that needs a wide feeding range such as bears, but there’s enough small game to support small populations of raptors and some big cats like jaguars. The number seen in the attack seem to exceed those that are likely to exist on the plateau.

Finally Yofiel’s paperwork skills and Grims surprising ability to get information from people lets the group find the homes of key members of the community that have better documentation of the area. There was a particular family of artisans that cared for the lift for generations, and though the father and son perished in the attack you locate their house where extensive documentation on the operation, maintenance, and mechanics of the lift are found, complete with blueprints. From his notes you learn that a special wood is used in the lift and the location of the grove where it could be easily found and gathered for maintaining it.

The guard captain also had a private residence and was quite the woodsmen. He theorized that there might be an ancient tunnel or cave system somewhere on the plateau where animals could find their way to the top, for how else could it host so many animals that could never climb or fly this far up? As such he made frequent trips into the wood to explore, along the way hunting extra meat and gathering fruits to make the town’s supplies last longer. WIth no way to grow food or raise food animals out here the town was sustained by frequent caravans and foraging trips, and the guard captain was a master of gathering enough food to enrich and stretch the towns rations consistently. There’s no word on if he ever found such a cave system.

From this information a plan is more fully fleshed out. Repairing the lift is crucial, as that would allow the group to escape the area if it became necessary as well as re-establish contact with the outside world and the trade network that supported the town. Additionally a grove of fruit growing trees the guard captain mentioned would be good to check, as it would likely draw in any remaining of the attacking dinosaurs that were herbivores and offer they party a chance to stretch their supplies and bring food back to stretch the supplies in town. So the plan becomes for the party to search the plateau for any surviving giant dinosaurs while visiting three important landmarks, the fruit grove, the grove with the wood for the lift, and the north end of the plateau where the jungle ends and becomes rockier and ore for replacing the damaged gears of the lift might be found.

A crude map is drawn by someone who is strangely great and terrible at art. They seem capable of making perfect geometrical shapes, but their apple to indicate the fruit grove looks more like a heart with a flag in it then an apple and their drawings are fairly simple and crude. The party can redraw the map and/or add landmarks as they find them.

Plateau Map


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Thursday January 26th, 2023 3:55:59 PM

RJ will do more another time but for now he focuses on updating everyone about his findings, and on verifying that this is looking increasingly less like some mere accident.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Thursday January 26th, 2023 8:08:00 PM
"I don't care where we go first, as long as I get to sink my ax into some Dino flesh, and if we ever find out who orchestrated this, well let's just say he isn't going to be happy to see this minotaur!" He says the last bit with look and sound bordering on maniacal.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Thursday January 26th, 2023 9:10:20 PM
After gathering all the new information into his half-orc brain and sorting it out, he sits and ponders: what was really the mainstay of this place? What was it that kept it going? There seemed to be no natural resources for the people to exploit that explained the economic survival of the town.
Caravans came in with food and goods, but what went out? SOMETHING has to be traded for trade to even exist!
So.... why was it so important to be destroyed? Were the explorers in the town about to discover something some deity didn't want revealed?

And why was the vision sent to his Shaman if it was not something that would affect all tribes in the whole region? And who's next?

Grim answers Kazzor, "We won't find the perpetrators of this calamity up here. They are out there, somewhere, in that vastness of these lands. Hiding. Waiting. Planning on their next victim."

Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16 
Thursday January 26th, 2023 9:25:21 PM
Something Wicked this way...came

Marest, trying not to seem too out of place, listens to her companions surmise where the great onslaught on Thunder Gods originated. " Mr. Muffins, You are correct in surmising that the Thunder Gods were no mere accident. The sheer number and collection of different species working together to lay waste to the town and its inhabitants by pure logic are not possible...without the assistance of much higher intelligence," explains Marest.

Marest turns to address Mr. Ripr. "That's a very good question...what does this town and her peoples barter with that allows for sustainable trade?"



Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday January 27th, 2023 1:47:05 AM

Looking over the conceptual map, Yofiel concludes, "The orchards are closest to us. Food is an ongoing necessity. Shall we go there, first? Perhaps we can bring some cuttings to add the beginnings of an orchard closer to us, but mainly insure we have adequate sustenance to maintain our community. Next, to the forest - but first, compare the drawings with how the lift and its framework and appurtenances need to be replaced, repaired, and shored up, that we might have a reasonable estimate of the types of lumber that are needed, and what metal parts need to be repaired or reforged. Is there a smith, or even smith apprentice among us? That would pertain to what we might go for last of these three objectives, the ore fields.

"Does that notion sit well with you all? Orchard, first?"

DM Mitch  
Friday January 27th, 2023 8:24:42 AM
R.J focuses on updating everyone concerning his findings and that this is looking less and less like an accident.
Kazzor opines he doesn’t care where they go first as long as he can sink his ax into dino flesh and if they ever find out who orchestrated this they won’t be happy to see this minotaur.
Grim Ripr gathers all the new information into his half-orc brain and sorts it out. He ponders what the mainstay of this place and what kept it going. He wonders if they were about to discover something that someone didn’t want discovered and suggests to Kazzor that the perpetrators are hiding somewhere out there.
Marest agrees with RJ that something had to be directing the dino attack based on the sheer numbers and different species that took part. She also thinks that Grim’s question holds merit as well.
Yofiel proposes a path for their survey and asks about blacksmiths.

The apprentice blacksmith did survive, and he promises to study the documents and do his best to hone his craft for the task. While only half trained he has the basics down pretty well and he can run try to melt down some of the scraps found to make test pieces.

The question is raised how the town kept itself afloat. The locals and the documentation provide a clear answer - spices. Spices, exotic fruits, meats, and leathers. There are extensive notes on where to find various plants around the bottom of the plateau and anyone who’s lived here very long is used to large groups frequently being sent down the lift and out to hunt dinosaurs or gather resources. The many small jars of spices you found in the kitchen could only exist here or in a rich noble’s kitchen for each is worth hundreds, if not thousands, of gold.

The caravan that arrived when the attack happened was dropping off fresh supplies like food and gear and being loaded up with great boxes and sacks of spices, fruit, and meat that would have been worth a fortune and kept everyone in town well paid and able to gear up their high level guards. There have been several attempts to start a true spice farm, but the plateau seemed to lack something that made the spices grow well, none grew at all outside of the Cthonian climate, and attempts to start any such thing off a plateau always ended in disaster when some dinosaur herd stomped through the place. Using the plateau as a base while generally harvesting the area has proved lucrative enough that Cloudhaven is probably the dozenth attempt at making it work long term - previous towns had fallen apart due to everything form infighting, accidents, disasters, or just the financial backers having issues and being unable to continue operations.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Friday January 27th, 2023 1:43:58 PM
After Yofiel suggests the orchard, Kazzor takes another look at the map, and without saying anything, begins walking in that direction.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Friday January 27th, 2023 2:21:21 PM
Dapple studies the map. It seems a perfectly fine map to her. "What is our current food situation?" she asks. "I'd like to get thet wood to get the lift repaired, but if the food situation is dire, we should go after the fruit first."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday January 27th, 2023 2:35:57 PM

Yofiel gets the name of the young blacksmith and speaks words to encourage him to study and apply. "Your skills will be among the keys to success for this community. Study diligently, apply what you learn - and work on it as safely as possible. I know for smithing sometimes one needs an assistant - just as you have been as an apprentice. See if someone could help you at least once in a while."

She notes to the group, "According to these records, this is not the first time a plateau outpost has been overrun by dinosaurs. If similar to what happened here, that speaks perhaps of more than an individual, but rather an organization that seeks to disrupt communities such as Cloudhaven."

Then, on to the next course of action. "So, friends, shall we first explore the orchard area?"


Marest Bralfah (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  d20+9=12 ; d20+9=22 ;
Friday January 27th, 2023 7:42:21 PM
Fruit hunters

Marest believes looking at and observing the Fruit Orchard may in fact be beneficial for the group & the town. At least we should take a go and discover what options we have there.

Marest uses the skills she thinks would best server her as the group assembled and heads off to the Orchard using the rough map. Along the way, Marest will take notes and see if she can't come up with a better map.

Skill Checks:
Knowl (Geography): (1d20+9) = 12
Knowl (Local): (1d20+9) = 22



R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Friday January 27th, 2023 8:54:43 PM

RJ remains noncommittal. The answer to "where to go next" he'll always leave to the bosses or on the question of what provides pay first.

The history is somewhat interesting but this isn't the PC that's interested in solving mysteries and thinking about stuff.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Sunday January 29th, 2023 12:21:52 AM
When Grim had been here before, he hadn't seen any spices so they must have already been shipped out. All he found in the market was the usual outside stuff. Besides, spices would not be of much use as a survival tool for his tribe. He knows of some that his tribe collects, but those are for medicinal purposes and certainly affordable and available for every tribe member.

"Food and water first. Then lift. But perhaps those people who own the caravan will wander why the caravan has not returned and send some soldiers to look for them."

Grim follows Kazzor.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Sunday January 29th, 2023 3:09:17 AM

"Great, we have a well-worked-out plan, and we all know what we're up to!" the bard says with a wry grin. "I'll be along in about ten minutes, once I've grabbed a few things. Grim, tell Kazzor to take a break until the rest of us catch up. After that, we'll try to keep up with the big boys."

She did have her things pretty well together, but does take the time she mentioned to ensure she has collected a few things she left in one of the towers. Then she begins to hustle until she reaches, along with the rest of the group, the impetuous ones. She makes certain one of the other impetuous group members also joins in. "C'mon, Ezekiel!"

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Sunday January 29th, 2023 1:04:17 PM
"Well, I didn't find any magic, but I find a nice stick!"

Ezekiel shows off his new staff.

"Where we going?"

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Sunday January 29th, 2023 1:58:17 PM

"A staff is useful for steadiness in walking, and bonking assertive lizards on the head, Ezekiel," Yofiel tells him.

"We are off, Zeke, to try to find the place that our simple map indicates there is an orchard," the redhead answers her distractable new friend.

======
Brian - you may want to add the staff to your character sheet!

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Sunday January 29th, 2023 2:59:22 PM
[OOC: Oh, Brian, I see you already put your masterwork staff on your sheet - I just did not look in the right place!]

DM Mitch  
Monday January 30th, 2023 10:13:11 AM
Kazzor takes another look at the map before preparing to head off to the orchard.
Dapple studies the map and asks how their food situation is. She thinks repairing the lift would be a good idea but if they need food then that should take priority.
Yofiel encourages the young blacksmith (a male human named Timothy Pritchet) to study up and then notes that this is not the first time a plateau outpost has been attacked by dinos raising questions if an organization could be trying to disrupt things. She suggests they explore the orchard area first.
Marest thinks that observing the orchard would be beneficial to the town and then while on the move to the orchard she tries to improve the map.
RJ remains noncommittal and while the history is somewhat interesting RJ isn’t really into solving mysteries and thinking about stuff.
Grim Ripr agrees food and water first and then the lift. He also suggests that perhaps the people who own the caravan will wonder what happened to it and send soldiers to investigate.
Yofiel is glad everyone seems to be in agreement regarding the orchard and then makes sure to grab a few things she left in one of the towers. She also tells Ezekiel to get a move on.
Ezekiel says he didn’t find any magic but he found a nice stick and shows off his staff, asking where they are off to.
Yofiel agrees a staff is useful in providing steadiness in walking and bonking assertive lizards on the head. She also tells him they are on their way to where their simple map tells them they should find an orchard.

Rothlorian suggests a zigzagging pattern to survey the majority of the plateau and hit all of the points of interest. The trip is expected to last most of a week (A woldian week is 5 days, it’s a 3-4 day trip to see the whole plateau).

With all preparations done the party heads out. The jungle quickly thickens as they head out of town and they are soon surrounded by the noises of the diverse wildlife of the area. The first half a day is fortunately uneventful - you get further out in the jungle then the cave was and start to see new territory. With no compass the party will have to rely on their own skills to keep in the right general direction as they are forced to wind around thick growths, great fallen logs, and the occasional change in elevation.

As you proceed you start to notice this area has a lot of monkeys. They swing through the trees or occasionally are spotted crouching on the ground. Some yell at the party in outrage or challenge, some flee and hide from the large group, and some show cautious curiosity.


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