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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LOG ON