Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Tuesday January 3rd, 2023 1:24:41 AM
As Zeoll sang, Mundhi did what she could to add by singing harmonies, once she had heard enough of the song to do so.
"That was really beautiful, Zeoll. How can you make all those sounds at once?" Mundhildur asks him.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday January 4th, 2023 6:59:38 AM
The Twins turn into a newt. Then they get better.
DM Post -- 1/4 Wednesday January 4th, 2023 7:41:32 PM There were no actionable player posts after the last DM post, so that post is repeated here. Recall that the group had just successfully fought a crystal creature in a cavern that they had climbed down to from a crevice in a mountainside not far from the village of Comberton.
Zeoll tries to identify the creature. Mundhildur gathers metal nuggets from the creature.
Zeoll does not recognize the creature, although he is able to identify it as something akin to oozes.
Mundhildur collects 500 gp worth of refined ores.
Looking around finds that aside from climbing back up, there is only one way out of the room. That leads into a long, narrow cave.
Additionally: It seems unlikely that another of these creatures would be in the cavern. Zeoll had suggested rest.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday January 4th, 2023 10:35:17 PM
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Thursday January 5th, 2023 1:03:59 AM
Mundhi will take a watch [Assume: Rolex], just in case it is needed, then sleep the rest of the ... rest period.
Elron -- SteveM Thursday January 5th, 2023 11:37:16 PM Mundhildur, you're hurt. I've got a potion of cure major wounds if you need it. I don't suppose it would help Irony much. . . Elron happily takes a watch.
DM Post -- 1/5 Thursday January 5th, 2023 11:43:27 PM
The cavern does indeed prove to be unoccupied by other crystal creatures, and the party can stay here while they heal. Or, if it would help with repairs they could head back to Comberton. The question is whether the press on, and in what condition the injured do so.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Friday January 6th, 2023 2:48:23 AM
Irony and Mundhi are both significantly injured - especially the metal guy.
"Well, we could go back up, and give a preliminary report, and take care of our wounds. Or, remain here, take care of ourselves, then wait to go on until we are all fully fit again. Lastly, we could risk going forward. I'd lean toward the second option, but am willing to consider all three. And, yes, Azimov, if we remain down here, I would love to try that potion."
She listens to hear others' opinions. And takes a minute to sharpen her spearhead.
Elron -- SteveM Saturday January 7th, 2023 3:27:56 PM
Elron gives Mundhildur the potion of CMW. The cave doesn't seem like a fun place to him, but he understands the need for folks to heal up.
Well, let me tell you 'bout the last time I was in a spot like this. . . Once, before we all met, I was out explorin' a new cave that I had heard 'bout in th' mountains. It was a beautiful day, and th' cave seemed like it was goin' t' be a great adventure. I made my way through th' narrow passageways, marveling at the stalactites and stalagmites that seemed to go on forever. But as I was walkin', I suddenly tripped over a rock and fell to the ground, landing hard on my leg. I immediately knew that somethin' was wrong 'cause I felt a sharp pain shoot up my leg. When I tried t' stand up, I couldn't put any weight on my left leg. I had broken my leg!
I was stuck in the middle of the cave with no way to call for help. I tried crawling on my hands and knees, but that was slow goin' and didn't get me at all far. I started t' worry I'd be stuck in th' cave forever. I remembered that I had some mastic gum in my pouch, an' bein' kinda bored I took out a piece o' gum and started blowing bubbles with it. T' my surprise, the bubbles started floating up towards the entrance of the cave. I realized that the air flow in the cave must be just right, because the bubbles were actually carryin' my cries for help up to the surface!
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Saturday January 7th, 2023 11:06:24 PM
Zeoll grins. "Those bubbles floated mighty high. I guess that makes it a tall tale!"
After resting, Zeoll is ready and raring to go. He just wishes he had had some way to bring Bill down with him. He thinks again about putting Bill out to pasture back home and taking on a bird or a snake.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday January 8th, 2023 9:11:25 PM
The Twins find it slightly silly to rest after just getting down here but if the others want to do so they will do so.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday January 9th, 2023 11:24:32 PM
Zeoll looks around. "I just wish Honorr werre herre to join us," he says sadly.
Elron -- SteveM Monday January 9th, 2023 11:38:53 PM Mundhildur lays out their options and says she favors staying here to heal up. Elron offers Munhildur a potion and tells a tale to pass the time. Zeoll rests and is ready to go. The Twins think it odd to rest already. Asimov repairs Irony quickly but effectively.
The group waits at least another day for Mundhildur to heal. The potion Elron provided is only worth 2d8+3 hit points. If no one is able to speed the process further, the wait might be days.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 2d8+3=15 ; d20+7=13 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2023 5:15:40 AM
+15hp Thanks to the potion that Elron gave her.
If someone else can care for Mundhildur with the healing skill, she can recover 32 hp over the course of 24 hours. Though she can care for others, it requires complete rest for her. She may be able to verbally advise others on what to do (maybe +2 to heal skill as aid another? -not certain if this is kosher), but another will have to help her. Otherwise, as DM SteveM points out, it will take two days.
Did anyone bring a deck of cards? Checkers? Where's a cleric when you need one? :-)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 7:23:48 AM
The Twins have no skill in healing so wait.
Zeoll rouses himself from his reverie. "Oh, sorry, Miss Mundhi. I can help."
The bard casts three Cure Moderate Wounds on the giant warrior. Actually, he stops at two, because that is enough to cure 16, and then 22, total 38 hp, leaving Mundhi at 41+38=79 hp.
[OOC: Sorry for the extra clicks on the dice roller. Got too excited.]
Just before setting out, Zeoll plays his Pipes of the Sewers, attracting 1d3 rat swarms to serve him.
Pipes of the Sewers If the possessor learns the proper tune, he can use these pipes to attract 1d3 rat swarms if rats are within 400 feet. For each 50-foot distance the rats have to travel, there is a 1-round delay. The piper must continue playing until the rats appear, and when they do so, the piper must make a DC 10 Perform (wind instruments) check. Success means that they obey the piper's telepathic commands so long as he continues to play. Failure indicates that they turn on the piper. If for any reason the piper ceases playing, the rats leave immediately. The Perform DC increases by +5 for each time the rats have been successfully called in a 24-hour period.
Zeoll has a +11 on Perform (wind instruments), so no worries on the DC10 check. The question is whether or not there are any rats nearby. If any show up, Zeoll will continue playing as the party proceeds, sending the rats out ahead.
Used so far Lvl 1: 0/6+1 slots Lvl 2: 2/6+1 slots Lvl 3: 0/6+1 slots
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2 - cast, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) - cast 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly), medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt)
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday January 10th, 2023 10:57:29 PM
Elron was just preparing another story when Zeoll saved the party from it by casting those cures.
DM Post -- 1/10 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 11:07:00 PM Mundhildur uses the potion. Elron ponders what story to tell. Zeoll finishes curing Mundhildur. The Twins wait. Asimov offers medihalers if anyone needs them.
With everyone who had been injured by the ooze back to full strength, the group is ready to go on.
The group encounters a few more empty caves before coming to an underground lake. It’s not an especially large lake, but it is fed by an underground spring; the water is clear and cold. The western edge of the lake is right against the cave wall, but there is a ledge going around the eastern side, and what looks like a tunnel beyond.
As the group pauses to take this in, they see two humanoid figures emerge from the tunnel and head for the lake. They are carrying smaller objects and a small barrel, and clearly intend to fetch some water. When they see the group, however, they drop their things and flee.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=25 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2023 11:57:21 PM
OOC: Did Zeoll summon any rats?
Zeoll calls out, "Wait! We arre not enemies! Can we talk?"
Doplomacy 25
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20=16 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 9:06:27 AM
The Twins keep their eyes out for other possible dangers that might have sent the pair running just in case. Perception 16.
DM Post -- 1/10 Addendum d100=28 ; d3=2 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 7:49:51 PM
Zeoll was able to summon some rats.
Elron -- SteveM d20+18=34 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 7:52:15 PM
Elron tries to make out what was dropped. (Perception = 34)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday January 11th, 2023 11:35:32 PM
Zeoll mentally commands the rats to move off behind the heroes. "Probably scared of rats," he mumbles in Liontaur.
DM Post -- 1/11 Wednesday January 11th, 2023 11:51:13 PM
Zeoll calls out and asks the retreating strangers if they will talk. He surmises they may be scared of rats. The Twins look for other dangers. Elron tries to see what they were carrying. Asimov also calls out, asking if they are the Fireborn or the Belly of the Earth.
The caves are not exactly well lit, so the party did not see much detail of the creatures or what they were carrying. After a few moments, it does not seem that they are going to respond to the requests to talk. But since they dropped the items when they fled, it would be easy enough to investigate. And, in addition to the barrel there are a couple of stone jugs.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Thursday January 12th, 2023 5:06:48 AM
How far away were the two who fled when we first saw them?
Mundhildur walks to where they left the water containers.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:11:13 AM
The Twins advance cautiously in case of more danger like the crystal monster.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+11=31 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 7:08:12 PM
Hey wait! When Zeoll called out, he had to have stopped playing. So the rats an away, I presume (does the item only work for CONTINUOUS playing? Prolly?)
Zeoll casts detect magic on the objects dropped.
The liontaur sniffs and casts around for a trail to follow those people, praying for guidance. "It only seems neighborrly to rreturrn theirr possessions to them, afterr we scarred them so."
Asimov scans the location where the jugs and dropped objects were located looking for other clues as to the identity of the people here.
He remembers that the Dwarves dismissed one of the legends as being too far from where it is thought to be and that some of the others were singular entities so he is still leaning towards either the Fireborn or Belly of the Earth if any of the Dwarves legends fit what they encountered.
Asimov says, "The dwarves discribed the Fireborn as Dwarf-like but weaker...that could explain why they scampered off. Then again they said the Belly of The Earth was bad news in which case maybe this was a ploy and we are being led to a trap."
Elron -- SteveM Friday January 13th, 2023 12:31:18 AM
Elron follows the others, not unhappy that the rats dispersed.
DM Post -- 1/12 Friday January 13th, 2023 1:00:48 AM
Mundhildur walks over to the water containers. The Twins advance cautiously. Zeoll casts detect magic and then tries to find the creatures' trail. Asimov tries to figure out the identity of the people, and wonders if they fit one of the Dwarven legends. Elron follows.
When the party first saw the creatures, they were barely visible to those with low light vision near the edge of their vision. The creatures were not carrying a light source.
The items that were dropped are not magical. The creatures' trail starts off pretty obviously, a single narrow tunnel. And even though the tunnel divides and branches, there is one well-worn and easy to follow path at each intersection the group encounters. This leads to a cavern. When the party can make out the entrance to the cavern, they also see a handful of humanoids are waiting there.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Friday January 13th, 2023 7:53:48 AM
Mundhildur calls out greetings, first in the Common tongue, then in UnderWold. If there appears no response or comprehension, she adds Giant and Auran.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday January 13th, 2023 9:20:36 AM
The Twins will gather any left behind items to return to their owners in a gesture of good faith.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday January 13th, 2023 8:32:37 PM
Picking up on The Twins' beau gest, Mundhi takes one of the large barrels, walks over to the water, fills it up, carries it to a short distance (~30') of the humanoids, and gently sets it down. "Hope this helps," she says in UnderWoldian and Common.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+12=24 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 9:18:09 PM
Zeoll says a word of prayer and then plays a sweet melody on his pipes.
Perform 24
Elron -- SteveM Saturday January 14th, 2023 12:45:22 AM
Elron worries a bit at the little maze they just went through, but realizes the path to the lake must be the one that gets the the most use.
DM Post -- 1/13-ish Saturday January 14th, 2023 11:12:00 AM Mundhildur calls out greetings in the Common tongue, and prepares to do the same in others. The Twins have brought the items that were left behind to return to their owners. Zeoll plays a sweet melody on his pipes. Elron thinks about why the path they followed was well worn.
When Mundhildur calls out in common, the creatures answer, still at a distance. "Who are you, and why are you wandering in the caves?"
One of the creatures shuffles towards the party. It walks with a limp. Although the size of a man, it proves to be ugly and misshapen, although its loose-fitting and abundant clothing hides any details. The remainder of the creatures stay back and spread out a bit, weapons at the ready.
As the one approaches, its face is clearly visible -- the bulbous nose is set off by a patchy beard and head covered in bald spots. One ear looks elven, the other is covered in fur. The eyes are mismatched, one like a cat's and the other a man's. When it sees Elron, it shouts to the others, "Hey, one has feathers!"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday January 15th, 2023 7:20:56 PM "A crevasse to the surface opened." "those above were frightened." "they sent us to investigate." "You left some of your things." The Twins say and they hold out the stuff they collected.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday January 16th, 2023 12:26:27 PM
"I am Mundhildur, and these are my friends. Strange noises and winds have come out of the crevices which opened up. We came to learn what has happened. What may we call you?" .
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday January 16th, 2023 6:43:31 PM
Zeoll is content to let others speak. He just smiles in a friendly way. Sometimes big folk like liontaurs can be scary to them what don't know them.
Elron -- SteveM Monday January 16th, 2023 9:57:31 PM "Well o' course I have feathers! You want me t' dress up in such outlandish get-ups as my friends here?"
DM Post -- 1/16 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 12:06:28 AM The Twins explain briefly why the group is here and try to return the stuff that was dropped near the lake. Asimov asks about the dwarven legends. Zeoll hangs back, worried that he might seem scary. Mundhildur introduces herself and provides a slightly different explanation how the group came to be here. Elron reacts to the comment about feathers.
The creatures thank the group for returning the items, and respond to the answers with further questions looking for more details until a cohesive explanation forms, with mention of the earthquake and Comberton.
As for Asimov's question, they say they are not the Fireborn or the Belly of the Earth, whatever those are. However, they appear much as the Belly of the Earth were described. All of them are deformed and misshapen.
As they talk among themselves about the group it seems that they are more inclined to trust Zeoll and Elron than Asimov, the Twins, or even Mundhildur. But overall they are agreed that the party "ain't no worm" (or perhaps wyrm or wurm) and went out of the way to return things, so probably aren't a threat.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 5:54:44 AM
The Twins are fine wither other's being more trusted and let them do the rest of the talking.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 9:17:08 AM
Mundhi knows that some things might be offered to encourage friendship, or at least show kindness. She pulls out of her bag a loaf of bread and a quarter wheel of cheese (about 2.5 pounds of cheese). "If you are hungry," and she tears off a small bit of the loaf, and uses a knife to slice a bit of cheese, which she places on the bread, "You can do this."
She offers the remaining loaf of bread and cheese to the brave one who came forward to speak. "If you need a knife, you can use this one." If he indicates a positive response, she holds the knife by the blade, so the handle faces the fellow, and lets it go if he takes it. If he seems nervous about the blade, she takes a bit of cloth, lays it on the ground, and the knife upon the cloth, then steps back several paces. She munches on her bit of bread and cheese.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday January 17th, 2023 7:36:44 PM
Elron breaks the ice as well. "A momma sends her son t' th' lake t' fetch water. When th' boy comes back without water, he explains that there was an alligator in th' lake. Don't worry, says th' mother. Th' 'gator is just as scared o' you as you are o' him!
Mom, says th' boy, if'n that 'gator is as scared o' me as I am o' him, we shouldn't be drinking that water no how."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=35 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 10:30:58 PM
Zeoll comes forward, seeing as they are friendly. The bard does his best to bring these people around, to convince them that they have nothing to fear, and to sway their attitude to a more helpful state.
Diplomacy 35
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday January 17th, 2023 11:11:44 PM The Twins let others talk. Mundhildur shares bread and cheese with the creature that approached the party. Elron tells a joke. Asimov asks about the creatures intentions. Zeoll tries to befriend the creatures.
The conversation continues. At the offer of food, the one who approached is very appreciative, and soon the entire guard force is sharing the loaf. Their leader apologizes if they seem rude -- it's just that hunting's been bad since the earthquake. The creatures assure Asimov that they have no designs on the people dwelling on the surface. They may need to hunt on the surface at night, but have no need to go as far as Comberton.
As the conversation continues, the creatures offer to let the party rest here, if you need rest. They are not used to such symmetrically formed people being so pleasant.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 7:49:54 AM
The Twins do their best to be entertaining guests telling stories of distant lands and strange peoples they have met. While nowhere near the storyteller Zeoll is they prove at least mildly amusing depending on the tastes of the audience.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday January 18th, 2023 7:06:29 PM
Elron is a bit miffed that no one laughed at his joke. But perhaps a proper roost would be nice for a rest.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=27 ; Wednesday January 18th, 2023 10:48:41 PM
OOC: Do we need to rest?
Zeoll enjoys conversing, and asks these folk about the dangers of this area. He tries to sound them out about their enemies, the challenges they face, and maybe some hint of what the heroes are down here for.
Gather Info 27
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 35/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Wednesday January 18th, 2023 11:44:47 PM
Asimov says to the party, "Well if these folks are the Belly of The Earth we will have to tell the Dwarves that their legends are wrong about them. Either that or they are under new management since whoever came up with the Dwarven legends encountered them."
DM Post -- 1/18 Thursday January 19th, 2023 12:03:01 AM
(The party does not actually feel a need to rest yet.)
Nevertheless, you are shown around this village of mongrelmen. The have serviceable homes, which mostly survived the earthquake, and underground farms, which took a bit of a beating in the shaking. The mongrelmen are insular, independent, and want nothing to do with the outside world. However, they are being forced to hunt on the surface because of the damage to their crops and because of the worm.
They know it is a worm because an injured member of a hunting party said so before he died. It has not discovered their village, but they have lost several hunting parties to it. At least, several hunting parties never returned, and they do not know of anything else down here that could have taken them. . . Although no one has seen it and survived.
The mongrelmen point out that the worm may also discover Comberton at some point, although it is farther away.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Thursday January 19th, 2023 1:15:09 AM
"A worm caused the quakes? The fissures?" Mundhi asks. She does not dispute that there is a worm, and does not let on, but thinks it fairly dubious that a single worm would cause such devastation in so wide an area. "Or, perhaps, did the earthquake do something to stimulate or give passage to a worm?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday January 19th, 2023 7:26:58 AM
The Twins have heard stories of giant worms causing trouble in other lands. If this one is eating people and causing quakes then the party had best deal with it. They'll ask for directions where the last hunting party to vanish went
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday January 19th, 2023 10:43:45 PM
Zeoll asks for any details about this worm. At least, in which direction was it encountered? "We should go check it out."
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 35/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Thursday January 19th, 2023 11:39:51 PM
Asimov says, "Agreed. If these are friendly peaceful folk who just want to be left alone but can't because some worm is plaguing them then we should do what we can to investigate it and either convince it to leave these folks and Comberton alone or if it can't be reasoned with then we should either drive it off somewhere else or better yet slay it so it doesn't harm anyone else."
DM Post -- 1/19 Friday January 20th, 2023 1:06:18 AM
A couple of the mongrelmen offer to take the party to the caves where the hunting parties disappeared. Others suggest it is too dangerous. They're not saying the worm caused the earthquake mind you, but if it did it must be awfully big.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday January 20th, 2023 7:48:06 AM "Well it may be dangerous." "But there's really only two options." "Either our group tries to deal with the problem" Or nothing is done until everyone gets eaten or is forced to flee the area." "We're willing to risk the former to prevent the later." The Twins point out.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday January 20th, 2023 11:59:32 PM
"Come on, my frriends! We have a worrm to hunt!"
Zeoll leads the party out to go worm-seeking.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Saturday January 21st, 2023 5:29:38 AM
"I volunteer to help de-worm this area," says Mundhildur.
Elron -- SteveM Saturday January 21st, 2023 9:34:40 AM "I don't have a joke about worms. But from personal experience, they can be dee-licious. I'm in."
DM Post -- 1/20-ish Saturday January 21st, 2023 2:47:27 PM The Twins point out that their choice is to go fight the worm or wait for it to come. Zeoll, Mundhildur, and Elron are all ready to join the hunt. Asimov is quiet.
The mongrelmen agree to take the party to the area where their hunting parties disappeared. As word spreads in the community, there are a number of volunteers. They seem mostly interested in what tactics the adventurers plan to use to fight the worm, since such creatures are so difficult to land an effective blow on, and seem to so easily take a bite out of a mongrelman. In the end, the community elders limit the size of the hunting party that will accompany the group to eight archers.
Elron -- SteveM Sunday January 22nd, 2023 4:55:02 PM "Tactics?," Elron asked. "Why, birds is th' greatest worm-hunters o' all."
"Did I never tell you about th' time I lived on th' farm with my friends? I was known 'cross th' farm for my brav'ry and love for huntin'. I would dig through th' dirt and peck at th' ground t' find my prey. One day, while wanderin' the fields, I came across the biggest worm I'd ever seen. The worm was as thick as a tree trunk and as long as two carts end t' end.
I knew I couldn't take on th' worm alone, so I rallied my friends and together we set out to hunt th' worm. We searched the fields, peckin' at th' ground, lookin' for any sign o' th' worm. Finally, we found it, hidden deep in a hole.
Me an' my friends formed a plan. We used our sharp beaks and strong claws to dig around th' worm's hole, cutting off its escape routes. Then, we struck at th' worm when it emerged. Th' worm, sensing danger, began t' thrash and writhe, tryin' t' escape. But we were too quick for it. We pounced on the worm, strikin' it with beak and claw. Th' worm let out a deafenin' roar, but it was no match for us brave roosters.
We was proud o' that catch, and showed it off t' all th' farm. Everyone was amazed and impressed by th' size o' th' worm that we had caught. We had proven that with determination and persistence, a chicken could catch even a giant worm."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday January 22nd, 2023 7:13:53 PM
The Twins suspect that the tactic is just going to be 'hit until it dies'. They double check all their gear is in order and are ready to go.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday January 23rd, 2023 10:21:31 PM
Zeoll explains that his plan is to charm the worm, if it can be charmed, or railing that, to sing songs at it.
DM Post -- 1/23 Monday January 23rd, 2023 11:59:31 PM
Elron tells a tale about hunting a large worm. The Twins check their gear. They favor going toe to toe with the worm. Asimov asks Elron about worms and fire. Mundhildur wonders about cutting her way out of a worm if swallowed. Zeoll plans to charm the worm.
The mongrelmen hunters make themselves ready to lead the party to the region of the suspected worm attacks. It is a good distance from their village, taking hours to reach. Finally the party comes to an enormous cavern. The mongrelmen are adapted to see in the dark, but carry lights to aid the adventurers. This cavern is much bigger than the light reaches.
The cavern is by no means barren, though. There is a veritable forest of fungus growing in the place, and small things scurry through the detritus. Nothing larger than a mouse seems to be moving, whether because larger things aren't here or because the light chased them off. "Until the earthquake, this was the best area for hunting. But listen to it now -- " one of the mongrelmen whispers. It would seem that he finds the place unnaturally silent.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday January 24th, 2023 12:00:33 AM
Elron tells Asimov that worms like moist soil, so he's pretty sure they won't like fire.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday January 24th, 2023 8:30:52 AM
The Twins doubt that the habits of regular worms have anything to do with giant ones.
Asimov listens when the Mongrelman suggests they do so. Does he hear anything nearby?
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday January 25th, 2023 4:29:31 PM
"I heard just a bit of scurrying as we arrived. Little critters, I think. What sorts of animals used to be here? Also, any idea how big the worm's mouth is?" Mundhi comments and asks.
DM Post -- 1/25 Wednesday January 25th, 2023 10:09:28 PM
Elron tells Asimov about worms. The Twins doubt that the habits of regular worms have anything to do with giant ones. Asimov listens to see if anything is nearby. Mundhildur notes that she heard just a bit of scurrying, as of little critters, I think. She wonders how big a worm is.
Asimov hears occasional scurrying, most likely from diminutive creatures.
The mongrelmen say that the area had a number of creatures the size of Elron or even themselves. The reason they think this is a worm is that Zhehlu called it that before he died, so none of them actually saw it. He was stabbed, not bitten.
The mongrelmen decide that leading the party further into the cavern is their best option, but they don't want to leave the safety of the walls so eventually decide to go to the left. After several minutes of walking, the party reaches a point where the growing fungi have been broken in a path over ten feet wide. This path heads towards the center of the cavern in one direction, and through a 25 to 30 foot wide tunnel in the other.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20=6 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 11:36:53 PM
From how these people describe it, Zeoll tries to recall what this monster may be, its type, abilities, etc.
Knowledge checks range from +7 to +12. raw roll is a 6. +1 with guidance.
Anything?
Elron -- SteveM Thursday January 26th, 2023 6:56:59 AM
Elron asks, "Are we huntin' it or ambushin' it?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday January 26th, 2023 9:55:28 AM
[b]"If we could track it to it's lair" "That would be a good ambush spot if it's out" "We have no way of knowing if it will come back this way" "just that it passed through." The Twins point out.
Asimov also tries to place what the worm exactly is and perceive where it may be or if anything else is near them
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+21=40 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 10:25:04 PM
Zeoll keeps alert and wonders if the worm can burrow up from underneath.
Perception 40
Since any cave or underground dweller is sure to rely on sound and vibrations, Zeoll casts Sculpt Sound. That lasts 8 hours, and it makes all the members of the party (up to 8 creatures) sound like tiny spiders as we walk.
Note that Zeoll, with his spider cloak, is walking on the ceiling and playing his pipes. He seems to attract rats, to swarm up in front of the group.
DM Post -- 1/26 d100=15 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 1:02:32 AM Zeoll tries to recall what the monster may be. He wonders if it can burrow from underneath. He casts a spell to make the party sound like spiders when they walk, and summons a swarm of rats. Elron asks how to proceed. The Twins favor tracking it to its lair. Asimov also tries to place what the worm is. Mundhildur is quiet.
Upon seeing the size of the creature's trail, Asimov deduces that this could be the near-legendary purple worm, a gargantuan beast notorious for swallowing their prey whole. It is not uncommon to hear of a group of adventurers vanishing down the ravenous maw of a purple worm, screaming as they disappear one by one.
The mongrelmen say that if it nests in this cavern, the path to the right should head toward the nest, since that's towards the center of the cavern. Of course, if it nests elsewhere then either direction is as likely to get there.
Zeoll is able to stay near the others while spider climbing here where they are near the wall of the chamber or going into the tunnel. But if they move toward the center, with him on the ceiling, he will move further away and not be able to easily rejoin them except by falling.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday January 27th, 2023 3:58:01 AM
The tall woman checks her supply of stones for throwing at things and critters. Yep, good supply.
She takes a moment to hone the blades of her two longspears. "You think you can track it? Looks like it leaves big tracks," she says to the Twins.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20=3 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 8:05:36 AM
The Twins shake their head. "We only get two skill points per level." "We have a very basic understanding of a wide variety of things."
Elron -- SteveM d20+9=23 ; d4=4 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 11:14:22 AM
(Survival = 23 to track)
Elron studies the broken down fungi. "Easy enough t' tell where ti's been. An' from th' way things're broken, I think it went this way," he says, pointing to the right.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+5=20 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 3:12:28 PM
Mundhi considers Elron's recommendation. She says, "I agree."
=========== Survival for tracking: 20
DM Post by SteveM -- 1/27-ish Saturday January 28th, 2023 5:00:46 PM Mundhildur takes stock of her throwing rocks. She asks about tracking the creature, and agrees when Elron explains what he thinks. The Twins say they can't track. Elron is pretty confident he puzzled out which way the worm went.
The party still has to decide which way to go. The mongrelmen are ready to follow the party, but don't seem too keen on leading anymore.
========= Edit by Kim M: Put DM's name in header ;-)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday January 30th, 2023 3:01:23 PM
"Since as the worm moves, it will tend to smash things down in a certain direction, we simply follow the trail that leads out, rather than the one that leads in." I am assuming that combining Elron's tracking of 23, with a +2 add from Mundhildur's of 20, to give us 25, has a high probability of leading us in the right direction. Our DM will have to tell us which direction that is, as we have no map. We go that way.
DM Post by SteveM -- 1/30 Monday January 30th, 2023 10:53:00 PM
Elron says, "Well, it went this way," as he heads into the cavern rather than into the tunnel. "An' I think I'm happier meetin' it in th' open than in a confined hole in th' wall."
=====
Asimov worries that a purple worm is beyond their ability. Mundhildur is ready to follow the worm. Elron leads the way. Behind Zeoll's rats, of course.
The eight mongrelmen fall in behind the party, trying to watch everywhere at once.
Zeoll needs to say whether he's traveling on the ceiling or joining the others on the floor. It is not so high here, meaning that the ceiling is clearly visible within 60' of the lights the mongrelmen are carrying.
Asimov keeps an eye out for trouble as the party continues to move.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday January 30th, 2023 11:28:03 PM
Zeoll moves to the right wall, about 30 ft up, and keeps his rats moving forward. How many swarms are there?
Hopefully the party does not mind following the wall of the chamber, to the right please.
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