Rhys notes the chest and looks around. Seeing no traps, he notes that something is up, but maybe cleansing the fountain did something?
Zarsellet casts detect magic and dancing lights.
Nintos also casts detect magic, but needs to wait a round to make the spellcraft check.
Zarsellet and Nintos sees Highlight to display spoiler: {There are auras, on the pedestal, on the case, on the chest... and up above.}
Xuce and Kwarsk enter and look around the room. Kwarsk asks if Fingers would like to check for traps.
Paige remembers and calls out that there is a guardian. Myre wonders if they should stab the chest. Nintos points out that a range attack would be better.
At the casting of dancing lights, the light above the pedestal begins to shift. At Paige's remarks, shadows begin to glow and fall.
Eventually, you see the source of light land between you and the pedestal. It is a humanoid figure obscured by darkness, but you can make out his brilliantly glowing wings, his stern and shining eyes, his drawn mace.
"You have made a grave mistake in pursuing this scroll, whatever your business," he growls. "But it is not too late to turn back now."
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Thursday January 12th, 2023 6:19:57 PM Myre speaks up quickly, hoping to satisfy her curiosity before violence happens. It's much harder to find answers once stabbing is involved.
"We did? Clarisse was pretty adamant that bad stuff would happen if we didn't come get it, and I don't think she'd lie to us.
"Honestly we don't even know what it is! Could be a strawberry jam recipe for all we know. Maybe you can tell us? Doesn't feel right fighting you when we don't really know why."
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Thursday January 12th, 2023 7:09:18 PM
Paige peers past her companions and into the room at the winged figure. ”Hold your fire whilst I discern the nature of this ‘guardian’! It may be a good spirit concerned that the scroll might fall into the wrong hands!”
Orisons: 2/4 used Level 1 spells: 3/3 used Level 2 spells: 0/2 used Domain spells: 0/2
Channel energy: 2/6 used
Wand CLW2: 32 charges remaining
Rhys (Bob W) AC16; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 d20-1=0 ; d20-1=0 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:15:55 PM
Rhys purposefully leaves his sword secured in its sheath and strapped across his back. Hands empty and pointing forward so that this being can see his exposed palms, the elf strides into the doorway and calls out. ”Peace! Peace! Our goals may be one and the same. Our patrons in the church had a vision that the scroll was in peril and sent us here to rescue it. We too have been charged with its protection.” . (Diplomacy =0, Sense Motive =0).
Rhys is his usual diplomatic self and despite all efforts cannot get a sense of how this winged being might respond to his protestations. All he can do is hope that Paige is right with her intuition about the guardian.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | d20+9=11 ; d20+9=20 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:46:19 PM
Zarsellet calls out as he spots magic. "There's magic, on the pedestal, on the case, on the chest, oh, and up above." Then sees the creature land and issue his challenge. He stays at the dorrway but doesn't enter the room yet. Hearing Paige's call for caution he nods agreement. He adds to Rhys's words, using his 'best' diplomatic voice, "I don't know if they had tried to break in here yet, but we stopped a small tribe of kobolds that were just outside of this door. We'd much rather talk with you than fight."
OOC: Wow! Bad diplomacy rolls all around? My +9 gets me an 11! LOL!!! And Sense Motive 20.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28-1=27 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 d20+7=25 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 11:43:52 PM
Fingers moves to K18:L19. While everyone else is rightfully paying attention to the guardian, he looks for traps and such the best he can from this spot. (Perception: 25, +1 vs traps)
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 d20+9=19 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 7:25:19 AM
Xuce moves in front of Myre (L14) and in a whisper "I thought we just talked about this..." (Sense Motive 19)
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Friday January 13th, 2023 11:10:18 AM Myre whispers out the side of her mouth at Xuce. "We're not fighting yet! It doesn't count!"
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 11/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+10=26 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 12:01:40 PM
[Spellcraft 26] Seeing the auras Nintos speaks up; “Yes, everything is magical in here… more than I would” As the winged humanoid appears his attention quickly turns to the guardian.
Nintos enters but hugs the wall towards the chest, but only a few feet away from Paige and whispers to her; “I don’t specialize in this, but don’t angels have wings?”
[ooc]Do we have our spells/abilities from leveling up or do we need to rest first?[/ooc] Nintos’ holds from doing anything that could turn this situation sour.
Myre attempts some diplomacy first, dropping some information.
Paige guesses that this might be a good spirit and casts detect evil. (No evil is detected.)
Rhys makes an attempt at diplomacy, but he is so bad that the shrouded figure looks quite concerned.
Zarsellet does a little better at diplomacy, insisting that they just wish to talk. He presumably continues with detect magic, noting that they are of moderate strength.
Fingers moves to look for traps. Xuce suspects a trap of his own. Nintos is himself nervous, having not seen the wings.
Knowledge Arcana DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {They are all moderate abjuration magic.}
Spellcraft DC 18 or Nintos Highlight to display spoiler: {The pedestal is surrounded by a magic circle against evil. The scroll case is surrounded by nondetection. The chest is arcane locked.}
As Fingers moves, the shrouded figure fires a spell at him, but it has seemingly no effect except to mollify the figure.
Spellcraft DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {He's been casting detect evil himself, constantly.}
Finally, the figure stands down himself. "I am Evanthe, guardian and angel of the room, a volunteer to remain behind to protect the scroll against evil doers. Of which you do not seem to be... and your desire to talk rather than fight speaks well to your wisdom (glancing at Rhys) if not your eloquence. But I am not familiar with this Clarisse, or this Church. Of where did you say that you hailed? You said some peril is coming?"
Rhys (Bob W) AC16; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 Friday January 13th, 2023 6:54:23 PM ”Truth be told Evanthe, I feel more comfortable with a sword in my hand than I do with words in my mouth.”Rhys looks abashed as he speaks. But all I have said is true. We have been sent by the Black Cathedral in Plateau City, by the clerics of Gargul, because one of them had a dire vision about the scroll.”. The elf stays a safe distance from the guardian, sure that the angels gaze can see right through to his very core.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Friday January 13th, 2023 7:16:39 PM
Zarsellet sheaths his little sword and smiles at the creature. He steps up by Xuce, "That's great to hear Evanthe. I'm Zarsellet Farhing, and I very much prefer singing to swinging a sword. Those kobolds were more fighting than I like seeing. How long have you been guarding that thing? Seems to me that if it's that dangerous it should just be destroyed. Protect the world the simple way...."
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28-1=27 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 d20+11=15 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=6 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 11:20:52 PM
Arcana: 15. Ouch. Spellcraft: 21 Okay good to know. Spellcraft: 6. He must have cast Detect Handsome or something.
Uh, if you're not sure about us...perhaps you can come with and deliver the scroll yourself?
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Friday January 13th, 2023 11:23:05 PM
(OOC: missed yesterday, sorry, but my Wednesday post, "5' inside and 5' to the right," would have placed Kwarsk at M16.)
Kwarsk was bewildered and awed at this glowing creature called... Evanthe?
Kwarsk, seeing that Rhys has the right flank, slowly walks over to near Paige (OOC: M16 -> J15) for an unobstructed view of Evanthe. Kwarsk grimaces. I should be in front, but this is parley time and all the silver tongues are in front. Hmm...
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 11/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+10=14 ; d20+10=12 ; Saturday January 14th, 2023 7:03:00 AM
[Arcana 14 | Spellcraft 12] Not being the most diplomatic of the bunch Nintos leaves himself to study the magics in the room. Still standing near Paige and Kwarsk he whispers to them; “The magic around the pillar would not harm us. It is against things that are evil. I believe we are on the same side.”
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Sunday January 15th, 2023 12:18:44 AM
The cleric of Domi concentrates on the cone of detection*, and pushes her focus beyond the winged creature towards the scroll to learn if perhaps it might be an evil thing.
”The one called ‘Clarisse’ is a servant of Gargul, the god of life and death in the Wold and beyond. At some time in her youth she appears to have learned of this cave and visited it with dwarvain friends. Her god recently sent her a vision that she has chosen to share with us. This scroll is linked to a ruined place in Plateau City that sits under a mysterious curse and is know as The Scar. The church hopes to amend the curse that condemns The Scar to remain in ruins, and allow the place to recover and thrive.
Detect evil second round
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Sunday January 15th, 2023 1:07:36 AM "Waddles, I need to start paying attention." She only thinks it, but that's enough.
Myre keeps quiet, but wonders if she could just walk up and grab the scroll. The figure said he was there to guard it from evil doers. Myre is not evil. No sir...not even a little.
"Logic seems sound enough..." she mumbles quietly to herself.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Monday January 16th, 2023 11:07:42 PM
Whilst Paige awaits the winged guardian’s response to the party’s overtures, she takes note of where her companions have positioned themselves around the chamber.
Zarsellet notes that it might be better to just destroy the thing. Evanthe stares at the scroll like the thought never even occurred to him.
Fingers asks if Evanthe can deliver the scroll itself.
Kwarsk continues to circle the area, wanting to be on the front lines. Evanthe pretty clearly watches this, one of the few actions that can be construed as aggressive.
Nintos passes along the message regarding the pillar.
Paige explains who Clarisse is. Evanthe replies that he does remember a group visiting a while ago.
Myre wonders if they should just run up and take it, if it's only protected against evil things.
Evanthe does ultimately relax. "Long ago, I volunteered to remain here and guard the scroll. I do not truly know of what the scroll is, except that if must be protected from evil. And now, it would appear that my time to protect it has passed, if you truly wish to take on that burden. You have shown that you are capable. You have braved the challenges, but you have also risked the scroll itself to do what is right.
"I meant what I said in the beginning. To take the scroll is heartbreak, even if it is ultimately necessary for stopping the evil that gathers. Even if you desire the scroll only to protect it. If you take it, I suggest some precautions... keeping its non-detection scroll case, for instance. Otherwise, I wish to you all, the best of luck."
And with that, Evanthe began to fly back from where he once came.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 2:42:31 PM
Paige watches as the angel goes…wherever angels go. ”Hmmm…so the case protects the scroll from being seen…more or less.” The cleric looks over the party, and recognizing a fellow adventurer who is both lawful and good and furthermore has a strong inclination to protect she suggests Kwarsk be the scroll bearer.
The half elf contemplates the idea of ‘heartbreak’, but having no real experience with the emotion, she shrugs her shoulders.
Rhys (Bob W) AC16; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 2:58:17 PM
Rhys feels relieved at the disappearance of the angel. It is discomforting to think that a being can peer directly into your soul and see every weakness and frailty. He looks over at the chest ” That may contain things that will help us protect the scroll on its journey back to Plateau City and the Black Cathedral…care to see what you can do Fingers?” . Rhys stands back not knowing just how proficient the taur is with these kinds of locks and traps.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 4:34:56 PM "Maybe..." Myre starts, gears whirling, "it's literally bad for your heart. Maybe it prematurely ages your heart to the point where it...well, breaks." She frowns. "Probably not, though. It's a weird choice of words, isn't it? I would have expected something like 'despair' or 'suffering', but heartbreak? Well, I'm just glad we didn't have to fight that guy. He seems nice."
Myre walks up to the scroll, but won't touch it. She just wants a good look. Maybe it's unrolled some and she can read it. She does keep an eye out for the case too...
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 d20+11=31 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 9:19:00 PM
Xuce walks back to the door and makes sure no one is sneaking around. (Perception: 31)
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | d20+7=8 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 9:44:12 PM
Zarsellet casts his detect magic again and studies the lock. "Could the arcane lock be covering something? Perhaps a trigger to a magical trap? But I'm not seeing anything...."
OOC: And a 1 rolled for Knowledge-Arcana, total of 8 so "I know nothing!"
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+11=17 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 10:51:18 PM
Kwarsk is in contemplation of Evanthe's words, and also Evanthe's piercing gaze as Kwarsk shifted position in case of a fight, but hoping words would solve the matter. Apparently words did solve the matter, Kwarsk thinks to himself.
After Paige speaks, Kwarsk says, " Paige, wait, I know I would do my best, but shouldn't the scroll be locked in the Cathedral or the City Council's chambers with lots of guards instead of travelling with me, with us, wherever we adventure?
(to all the group) What do the rest of you think?"
While waiting for replies, Kwarsk slowly walks over to the door near Xuce and also watches for an ambush.
(OOC Perception = 17)
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28-1=27 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 d20+8=15 ; d20+10=24 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 11:00:19 PM
Muuru watches the being fly away. No one tell the Adventurers back home that we talked ourselves out of a boss battle. We’d never live it down. He’s not his usual snarky self when he says this; somehow he feels…ennobled by this Presence, and somewhat taken aback by the warning.
Uh, yeah, Kwarsk; hide that case deep in your backpack. If anyone asks – like the kobolds – we say that our plunder consists of whatever’s in that chest. With that, Muuru goes to the chest, checks for traps (Perception:15 ), and unlocks it (Disable Device: 24) )
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 11/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 10:24:22 AM
Hearing that the scroll case prevents outside forces to detect it causes Nintos to think; “Fascinating, It does cause me to wonder if nothing is supposed to be able to detect it why was it able to be found.”
As Rhys mentions the chest; “There is an arcane lock on that chest,” Before Evanthe flies up; “Do you have a key, or a way to open the chest?”
Looking to Kwarsk; “I believe that Paige means you should be the bearer of it back to where we are going, not for the rest of your days.”
Nintos also joins Myre in looking over the scroll, if there are any visible parts of the text. Is it written in common, elven, celestial… Nintos ponders.
Paige suggests that Kwarsk carry the scroll. She notes that she has no real experience with heartbreak, but the campaign is still young. (Seriously, that sounded like a challenge to a DM finishing up the next module.)
Rhys notes that its uncomfortable to be on the wrong side of a scan, even if the scanner is on your side. He asks Fingers to try and unlock the chest.
Myre takes him at his literal word, then asks why heartbreak specifically. She tries to read it without touching it, but it's still pretty tightly wound.
Xuce checks for anyone behind them but the path out is clear.
Zarsellet tries to take a look at the trap, but fails.
Knowledge 17 Highlight to display spoiler: {The spell is what locks the chest, boosting the DC needed to pick the lock. It can be dispelled or suppressed, i.e. by knock. Or you can see if the angel will help out.}
Kwarsk reminds them that they should really take it to the Cathedral. Nintos suggests that might be what Paige had in mind.
Before the angel leaves, Fingers tries really well at disabling the chest. Feeling sorry for the guy, and because Nintos asked nicely, the angel helps Fingers out and the chest unlocks.
Fingers feels ennobled and nervous. He also hopes vainly that tales of talking their way out of a boss battle doesn't become cannon.
Nintos wonders why this particular set if it wasn't supposed to be found. But perhaps it was only supposed to be found by the right people.
The arcane locked chest(unlocked by Evanthe) contains: a mithral chain shirt(1100gp), masterwork cold iron longsword(330gp), masterwork silver dagger(322gp), ring of protection +1(2000gp), ring of feather falling(2200gp), boots of elvenkind(2500gp), cloak of elvenkind(2500gp), amulet of natural armor +1(2000gp), brooch of shielding(1500gp), eyes of the eagle(2500gp), bag of holding 1(2500gp), bracers of armor +1(1000gp), cloak of resistance +1(1000gp), and a chime of opening(3000gp)
For now, the cave is quiet, only lit by a few sources flashing against the blue quartz gems in the rock. The fountain itself awaits travelers in need of healing and rest. The kobolds are long gone. The group takes the scroll in its case, though one can open and unscroll it easily.
It looks like it might be time to rest, mine or head for home.
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 4:23:09 PM
Xuce would like to coin toss (or the equivalent) for the Boots of Elvenkind, Eyes of the Eagle, and the Cloak of Resistance +1.
Xuce walks around the room "This place would be as good as any to rest for the night and go over things we have learned and found in this place."
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 5:54:40 PM
Paige ‘face palms’ when the dwarf mistakes her intent, and nods her head in agreement when Nintos straightens things out. ”Maybe you and Myre could have a look at the scroll when we get back to ‘the Patch? If Kwarsk is worried about being the bearer over the time it takes to get back to the city, maybe you’d like to do it?”[/ i]
The cleric lets Xuce and the rest of the party know she’s in agreement that they take a long rest before heading for home. She suggests the ‘Fountain Room’ is as good as any in the string of chambers.
If the party decides to ‘make camp’ in the cave, Paige will spend some time explaining to the newest party members -Xuce and Zarsellet that the group has a ‘lair’ in the [i]Nightmare Quarter with lots of space, individual bedrooms, and even a courtyard for martial training or other outdoor pursuits. She’ll explain that it was a ‘gift’ from the Black Cathedral after the party routed a poisoners guild. She expresses her hope that the halfling and the gnome will continue adventuring with the group.
”We don’t have a name yet, but we call our place ‘The Patch’”
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 9:08:03 PM
Rhys agrees with the others, time for a rest. ” I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel the need for more sustenance than that provided by some magic fountain water. Give me a few minutes and I will bring in our provisions and get started on a meal.”. After a few moments the bard returns with two large burlap sacks , one containing a mixed assortment of potatoes and root vegetables, and the other containing a wheel of cheese, a cured ham, and two large salamis wrapped in cheesecloth. He settles down to start preparing a meal.
When the topic of ‘The Patch’ comes up, the elf pipes in with a brief description of the building, it’s rooms, and more importantly the role they hope ‘The Patch’ will play in the poorer area of the Nightmare Quarter. ” We are still setting it up. Fingers has an area set aside for an alchemy lab and assorted alchemy supplies, and Paige has a room set aside for an infirmary. We hope to be able to provide needed medical, magical and where necessary protective services to the less fortunate in the area around the Black Cathedral . While we are away one of the orphanages is helping look after the place. If you are interested you are more than welcome to join us and help in the cause.” . He looks at the two newest members of the team with a hopeful expression.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Wednesday January 18th, 2023 10:13:44 PM
Kwarsk's cheeks flush red, then back to normal, and he says to Paige and Nintos, "Ah, sorry, 'bearer' is more of a job title in the Scab, not just a temporary task."
Kwarsk looks over the loot. "Wow, that's a lot! Hm, Fingers you should flip a coin with Xuce over those Eyes of the Eagle - you're our trap-finder!
As for me... I'd flip a coin to try to get the amulet of natural armor and the ring of protection - really make it hard for foes to take me down!"
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Wednesday January 18th, 2023 10:16:04 PM
Having failed spectacularly trying to figure out the magic Zarsellet goes with Rhys to get some food for the group. "I haven't trained any at cooking but I am interested. The book I found is interesting but I'm sure I'll learn more by doing. Let me help." He accepts any direction and helps with the meal preparation.
When Rhys explains the work in a place called 'The Patch' Zarsellet listens. "So besides it being a place to live we'd be helping out anyone that needs it? Count me in. I've had a pretty good life and that sounds like a good way to pay it back."
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28-1=27 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 11:58:01 PM If we're comparing wish-lists, Kwarsk is right -- I'd like those Eyes too! Hopefully the monk won't make me wrestle him for them. Also, I'd love the bag of holding -- a real conversation starter, that is!
If I lose those die rolls, I'll be happy with anything else as long as it fits me.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 11/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+8=13 ; Thursday January 19th, 2023 8:02:33 AM
When Evanthe opens the chest Nintos slightly bows; “Thank you, we will do all we can with this to keep the scroll safe and out of the hands of evil.
As others begin to look through the magical items within, his jaw drops at what all is within. Seeing a few things within he speaks up;[b] “As Myre would know, for those who conjure the arcane armor is a real hinderance. I would put a chip in the hat for those Bracers of Armor. Everyone would benefit from that resistance cloak. But, I would put a chip in the hat for the Ring and Brooch, those are always handy situational things to have.”
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Thursday January 19th, 2023 12:29:55 PM Myre looks over the haul. "The bag may be best as party property. I've already got fancy bracers, but the ring would sure help." She looks to Nintos. "Maybe we lightweights can split them?"
She's reluctant to claim anything else. The cloak would be pretty nice, but it's the ring she'd really like.
Xuce suggests that they rest for the night, and that they coin toss for loot.
Paige explains herself, and suggests they look at the scroll when they get back. She agrees to rest for the night, and gets the new people up to speed.
Rhys brings in their food and they begin to camp. He explains some of the amenities.
Kwarsk lays down some of the things that he would like. (You can use the dice rollers to divide loot but you should have this discussion over email and/or through a shared google sheet. Not really sure how coin flips work if three people want something, though.)
Zarsellet attempts some cooking, and notes that he's ready to give back in life.
Fingers throws his wish list in as well.
Nintos says thank you to the angel. "No, thank you," Evanthe replied, "for proving that at least one of you has some manners. Farewell, and may you find what you are searching for."
The group takes some time to set up camp and to divide the loot. It might be time to discuss where you will sleep, as well.
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 Thursday January 19th, 2023 4:16:09 PM
Rhys leads Zarsellet through some meal preparation. The various vegetables are cleaned, cubed and placed in a large pot with water and salt and heated over a small fire in the outermost chamber. While they cook, the cured ham is sliced and the rind removed from the cheese before it too is sliced. As the vegetables and potatoes cook the elf sprinkles in a mix of herbs and spices. ”Normally I would add the meat into the vegetables to make a stew, but Fingers doesn’t eat meat so I’ll keep them separate and folks can help themselves to what they wish.”
It doesn’t take long before a heart vegetable stew with sides of cheese and ham are ready to eat. ”It’s a pity I didn’t see fit to include a keg of ale on the cart, 8 suppose the magic water in the fountain will have to suffice”.
The elf will take first watch and see the the horse and cart before being relieved.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Thursday January 19th, 2023 7:52:26 PM
Zarsellet enjoys working to make the stew. He is surprised at the mention of Fingers being vegetarian. He'd heard of people not eating meat but couldn't imagine it himself. "Is that a personal preference or some sort of penance? I've heard of people swearing some sort of oath like that too.... Not me though. Meat's good!"
Once the food is ready he does a quick headcount and calls out to anyone that isn't in sight. "The food's ready. Enjoy!"
OOC: He'll take whatever watch is open. He can't see in the dark but can keep his magical lights active.
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 Thursday January 19th, 2023 8:31:43 PM
Xuce takes a bow of stew and after a few bites, says "Thanks Rhys and Zarsellet this is outstanding. I should be good to take any watch so long as I have some light to see with."
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Thursday January 19th, 2023 10:42:53 PM
Kwarsk stands for a moment, perhaps lost in thought, then speaks to the group, "Friends, it's about time to sleep before heading back, and we have a lot of choices as to where to sleep. I suggest, if the door out is sturdy enough, we pick the library. It has a lot of heavy bookshelves we can shove to block the door from the inside so we can sleep in peace. What say you?"
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Thursday January 19th, 2023 11:16:53 PM Rhys, just serve my bowl first, then add the meat to the rest.
No one back home eats meat, really. Since I've started traveling, I try some out of curiosity, or to be sociable. But most times...(shudders a little) ...there's more for the rest of you.
Now about splitting the loot: have you heard of the "round robin" method? That's where all of us roll dice, and that tells us the order in which we pick an item from the stash. We go around again until nothing's left.
Maybe Nintos should roll twice -- once for himself and once as the party quartermaster. For that last one, he picks items that should be shared by the party, like the Bag or Holding.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Thursday January 19th, 2023 11:27:53 PM Myre sits cross-legged with a bowl of stew in her lap. She nods at Fingers' suggestion. "That sounds reasonable enough to me." She takes her first spoonful of stew and sighs contentedly. "We should just use that bag of holding to keep Rhys stocked with ingredients. It'll be our portable pantry." She takes another spoonful and resumes talking before it's swallowed. "Cush I'm naa goin back ta rashons aftah this."
After finishing up, she asks about those kobolds. "We just gonna kick'em out of the cave and tell them to behave themselves? Fine by me if we are, especially if we can barricade ourselves in the library with that creepy statue."
OOC: Reminder that our wiki page has our watch order.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 d20+6=11 ; Friday January 20th, 2023 12:13:04 AM ”Looks to me like the kobolds are long gone*, Myre” volunteers the cleric - making a little stack of cheese and ham. ”and it looks like there’s only one way in or out of this place. I’d be more comfortable taking up watch closer to the cave entrance, and bedding down where there’s some fresh air, afterwards.”.
Having finished the cheese and ham, Paige fills a tin mug with the soup, grabs her pack and finds a spot that lets her keep an eye on the cave entrance without being seen herself. She takes out the pearl she has acquired and studies it for a while, then puts the magical bauble away and concentrates on the task at hand. (Perception = 11).
”I wonder what Evanthe’s comment ‘to take the scroll means heartache’ is about?” she asks the individual with whom she shares a watch.
*DM post 18Jan2024
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 11/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+10=13 ; Friday January 20th, 2023 10:14:12 AM
Nintos takes this time to look over the spellbook and scrolls. He finds a location off by himself so he can study the See Invisibility scroll. He takes an hour studying the spell in an attempt to add it to his spell book, this way he can recall the spell in the future and use it as needed. [Spellcraft: 13]
In his frustration he rolls back the scroll and puts it in his scroll case. Mumbling to himself; “This is not a proper location to study… Once we get back to plateau city I will try again at the library.”
[ooc: Ar we allowed to just say that the bag of holding is a party item and not roll for it? It is something that we would always want to use anyway, right?]
Rhys and Zarsellet cook and talk over Fingers being a vegetarian and about how alcohol would be good right now.
Xuce is quite appreciative of the food.
Kwarsk suggests camping in the library so that they can use bookshelves to block the doors.
Fingers suggests a good way to split the loot. He notes that the vegetarian thing is cultural.
Myre wonders about the kobolds but telling whoever is left to get out and behave themselves generally does the trick. She suggests keeping a bag of holding available for food.
Paige notes that the kobolds escaped and don't seem to be coming back. She votes to sleep at the cave entrance, and continues to wonder about the use of the term "heartache," though no answers seem forthcoming as of yet.
Nintos asks if they can just make something a party item. (OOC: You can do that by everyone adding to the sheet at 1/8 wealth and deciding who carries it. Other groups can and have done so.) He has trouble adding spells to his book and decides to wait until later.
You continue to work out a watch schedule (if you haven't already, you can use that schedule for any time) and discuss traps. I'll give you the weekend to come to some consensus. Otherwise, I'll take the seeming majority vote on monday.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Friday January 20th, 2023 9:57:44 PM
Kwarsk says, "Before we go to sleep, we haven't added Xuce and Zarsellet to the watch order. Zarsellet, would you be willing to pair with Rhys for the 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. watch? Xuce, would you be willing to pair with Nintos for the 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. watch?
As for the bag of holding, thinking about it, I too think it should be a party item, perhaps rotating among the three of us who are extra-good at dodging attacks, even magic. That is, myself, Fingers, and Xuce, though I think Fingers, with all his tools, would most appreciate carrying the bag all the time," Kwarsk finishes with a smile.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Friday January 20th, 2023 11:35:15 PM
Zarsellet nods to Kwarsk on the subject of the watch schedule. "Sure I'll pair with Rhys in the middle of the night. And I'll keep the lights on...."
"Wouldn't a bag of holding be a bit of a load for a little guy like me, or Xuce? It's a great utility item that should be for the good of the party. But I know I wouldn't want to be lugging around a bag that weighed close to half of my weight."
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 d100=97 ; Friday January 20th, 2023 11:39:37 PM Yeah, I would; that's why I hoped to get it in the rounds of choosing. But unless there are any objections, sure; let's call it our party item.
For everything else: Does everyone agree to the round-robin method? In case you say "yes" I'm going to make my roll now:
d100 = 97
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d100=6 ; Saturday January 21st, 2023 1:59:15 PM
Kwarsk follows Fingers' lead, and rolls the bones!
(OOC - Result = 6)
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 d100=73 ; Saturday January 21st, 2023 4:49:40 PM
Rhys remains unsure about the method proposed for dividing up the spoils of battle but rolls the bones before taking his watch (73)
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 d100=55 ; Saturday January 21st, 2023 5:53:49 PM
Paige agrees that the bag of holding is a good item to share. She considers the wand of CLW2 in a similar vein. Though more than happy to wield it for the benefit of her friends, she hopes another would not hesitate to take it and wield it if she was to become incapacitated.
The cleric prays that everyone is able to select a prize that suits their needs. She is pretty happy with items she has acquired to date, and only wants a little gold to sponsor her advancement with the WLA. (D100=55)
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 d100=100 ; Saturday January 21st, 2023 6:52:15 PM
As Xuce is setting out his things for a night's rest "Yeah I can pull watch with Nintos. And having the Bag of Holding be a party item is a good idea."
(OOC are we going highest to lowest or low to high? d100=100)
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Sunday January 22nd, 2023 2:53:35 PM
OOC: I already got the MW armor and sword, and most everything on the list is better suited to someone other than me. Can I just take the last place on the list so everyone else gets their pick before me?
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 d100=78 ; Sunday January 22nd, 2023 3:53:21 PM Myre agrees with the round robin plan as well & rolls the dice.
She perks up when Paige suggests camping at the entrance. "That's a good idea! We could keep an eye on the outside too that way."
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Sunday January 22nd, 2023 11:20:19 PM
[B]Xuce, I didn't want to emphasize this when I rolled a 97, but we usually go from highest to lowest. You win!
Zar, I guess anyone can lower their number or skip the whole thing if they like.
Has everyone rolled?
DM Melvin - Cave Entrance Monday January 23rd, 2023 11:53:16 AM
Kwarsk adds Xuce and Zarsellet to the watch list, and suggests rotating the bag of holding.
Zarsellet agrees to the watch but notes that he's got a load limit.
Fingers notes that he can use it more than others but agrees to make it a party item. He begins the round robin, and Kwarsk follows, followed by Rhys.
Paige wonders if the wand of CLW should be a party item (particularly if she's the one who needs healing). She's generally happy with what she has.
Xuce rolls. Zarsellet picks the last on the list instead of rolling, feeling that he already got what he wanted.
Myre hops on to Paige's idea, and that seems to be the consensus.
While the group uses (offscreen) methods to divide the loot, they settle in at the entrance to the cave, making sure that nobody comes in. And with dancing treasure in their head, they fall asleep (except on watch).
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 Monday January 23rd, 2023 5:17:22 PM
(OOC Xuce's first pick would be the boots of elvenkind)
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 d20+6=23 ; Monday January 23rd, 2023 7:12:34 PM
Rhys checks on the horse and cart and then collects any samples of the blue crystals left behind by the long departed kobolds. He hopes they may prove valuable to the miners guild along with his sketching of the surrounding area. It has been his experience in the past that the species of vegetation in an area often reflects the surrounding geology and mineralogy (Survival 23). A number of questions race through his minds as he awaits his turn on watch… What is the scroll, why might it result in heartbreak? What trauma resulted in Clarisse’s lack of memory and might it have been caused by the corrupted well? How are things back at the Patch and what progress has been made on the shop sign he had commissioned before leaving on this adventure? And finally, what of these feelings niggling in the darker recesses of his thoughts that he might not be suited to sit on the Elven Council as was his father’s wish? Was being an adventurer and member of the WLA his real calling? . Rhys spends an uncomfortable night wrestling with his thoughts
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Monday January 23rd, 2023 8:28:10 PM
After Myre finishes her first watch, she lies down to sleep. Just before she closes her eyes, she has a realization.
"We're going to have to go up all those lifts again, aren't we?" She groans, then falls asleep.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Monday January 23rd, 2023 8:32:44 PM
When Paige sees Rhys making notes about the cave and surroundings, she is reminded of the party’s promise to the Guilds back in Plateau City. The cleric fishes out her maps, and fills in some of the blanks with additional details during her watch, taking breaks to reconnaissance the front of the cave and around the entrance.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | d20+8=22 ; Monday January 23rd, 2023 9:30:46 PM
After the meal and clean-up Zarsellet spends a little more time searching the books again. He knows it's silly, but he's hoping to find another book about cooking, hopefully NOT written by an orc, kobold, or similar race. He wonders if lizardfolk cook their food....
OOC: Perception 22 to find any such book?
Whether or not he finds anything he settles down for the night relaxed as he can be. Tomorrow they'd be heading back to the city and their homes. He promised himself at least one good sleep in a bed. He considers learning a magical lullaby to help himself fall asleep but realizes that it probably wouldn't work.... then quickly drifts off to sleep.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Monday January 23rd, 2023 11:20:26 PM
Muuru choose the Eyes of the Eagle. He puts the lenses on and looks around; does it make his vision better all the time, or is it only for close work, like a jeweler's loupe?
He goes to sleep along with the others. When its time for his watch, assuming Kwarsk doesn't object, he'll take a little time to wander around the library, looking for anything about magic, history, crafting, or the story behind that fountain.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Tuesday January 24th, 2023 12:37:57 PM
Kwarsk says, "Fingers, as long as you're awake on our watch and can hear or smell intruders, I think we're good."
Rhys takes some samples of the blue crystals along with some sketches, hoping to give them to the miners guild. (His survival check does confirm that there are a number of minable blue crystals in the cave and surrounding area.) He spends his nights thinking about what might come.
Myre realizes that they have to go up the lifts again. (Probably, though I need time to look up what that means.)
Paige, remembering their promise, helps Rhys out
Zarsellet looks for a specific cookbook, but doesn't seem to find one fitting his desires. He tries to sleep in the surroundings.
Fingers spends his time for the watch checking out his eyes of the eagle (they improve all perception checks) and getting some basic knowledge about stuff. He learns a few things that help explain his new abilities, but as a matter of finding exposition, it looks like all the secrets that the cave held that can be revealed has been revealed.
Kwarsk agrees that Fingers can do it.
Everyone exits the cave the next morning, and it is a beautiful day. The scroll remains nestled in the non-detect case one of you carries out. A soft breeze floats past each of you.
With a nod of your heart, you begin taking the long trail back to the miners and eventually back home.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Tuesday January 24th, 2023 5:31:41 PM
Although he is disappointed at not finding another cookbook Zarsellet does get an OK night of sleep. They prepare and eat an OK breakfast and set out for their home. He thinks about the lift and is actually looking forward to it this time. Up this time, not down. Not that he wants it to happen, but he does wonder if the lift has something like a featherfall magic on it to prevent a total disaster if the lift were to break loose....
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Tuesday January 24th, 2023 11:32:19 PM
Muuru holds open the bag of holding so the sunlight can shine in.
Hey, this thing's only about two feet across and deep. That's a little disappointing; some of these are like the size of a room inside. But this one should hold about 250 pounds.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Tuesday January 24th, 2023 11:59:05 PM
If Kwarsk declines the role of protector of the scroll, Paige hopes Nintos will accept the task and that the dwarf will act as his body guard.
If neither of them wish to assume the burden, the cleric will take on the responsibility of transporting the scroll.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 d20+5=15 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 12:38:06 AM
Myre remembers that woman who said she'd pay for mining locations. She didn't think the place they came from. "Maybe I could tell her she can mine for knowledge in the library? She doesn't seem like the kind to appreciate the pun."
She will keep an eye out for potential cave entrances as she walks (perception 15).
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 d20+6=9 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 8:22:09 AM
Rhys double checks the harnessing of each mule and ensures that everything is loaded and secured in the cart before departing. Along the way he continues to scan his surroundings, not only for things of geological interest, but also for any signs of the escaped kobolds or other dangers. Perhaps it is the considerations of his future role in life, or perhaps the beauty of the day, but he fails to keep his attention where it belongs (Survival / Perception 9)
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Wednesday January 25th, 2023 1:35:47 PM
Kwarsk says, "Ok, the scroll, in its case, is secure on me. We definitely need to get it to the church, maybe they have a vault or something."
Kwarsk passes the bones to Nintos to roll, as the group begins walking back to the miners.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | d20+8=17 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 5:53:37 PM
Once they get moving Zarsellet keeps watch out for any dangers along the road. He doesn't understand what the scroll is but everyone seems very concerned for its safety....
OOC: Perception 17
DM Melvin - Heading Back to the mining camp Wednesday January 25th, 2023 8:40:04 PM
Zarsellet looks forward to heading back out to the lift.
Fingers checks out the bag of holding.
Paige worries about who will carry the scroll. Kwarsk insists that he will carry the scroll.
Myre keeps an eye out for cave entrances.
Rhys is the first to understand that he should scan for dangers like escaped kobolds. But he keeps getting distracted.
Zarsellet decides to watch out for figures as well.
Zarsellet Highlight to display spoiler: {You can hear someone approaching on a nearby path.}
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 d20+6=7 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 9:13:42 PM
As Paige trudges along the path back to the dwarven mining camp, she check’s the party members to ensure they are feeling well and none the worse for the time spent in the caves. She asks everyone if they are ‘okay’ - not just physically, but mentally. Finding herself beside Myre she scritches the magicker’s porcine companion behind a shiny rubber ear and muses aloud: ”I wonder how this scroll is linked to The Scar back in Plateau City? Do you think it would lift the curse and allow for rebuilding in the area? Might it put a stop to the mysterious holes that keep popping up?”. The half-elf is too preoccupied with thoughts of the scroll and its implications to pay much attention to her surroundings. (Perception = 7)
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Wednesday January 25th, 2023 11:58:41 PM
While driving the wagon, Muuru tries out his fancy new eyewear by scanning the countryside. (Perception, taking 20 = 32)
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 11/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Thursday January 26th, 2023 10:36:44 AM
[ooc= I have updated the Wiki and will move forward with the loot page shortly. Sorry for being away. Strep & ear infections invaded my house…]
Nintos snaps out of what funk he has been in and breaks his silence; “My apologies, after what we have been through with this adventure, which really is my first real one, it made me wonder about Alexander’s pilgrimage that he is on.” He thinks for a moment; “When we get back I would like to try to send word for him, wherever he may be. I don’t even know if he is alive.”
Turning to Paige; “Some evil has to truly be behind The Scar, so an artifact? like the scroll could be a key to correcting it.”
Nintos also makes mental notes as they begin to divide the items.
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 d20+5=13 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 11:54:08 AM
Rhys snaps back to the present and continues to scan for potential dangers ahead (Perception 13). As they walk he reaches into his boot and draws out the magical dagger he had retrieved from the kobold King. ”If there are no objections I will lay claim to this fine blade as my selection. It has nice balance and holds a fine edge.”. The elf slips the blade back into his boot and continues to walk alongside the mules.
OOC Rhys selects the +1 flaming dagger
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Thursday January 26th, 2023 12:07:14 PM
During a pause along the trail, Paige removes her long dusty travelling cloak, rolls it up, and tucks it into her pack. She reaches into the back of the wagon and selects one of the cloaks from the new treasure haul. This one falls to her knees, and is lighter in weight. The simple act of putting it on makes her feel a little more confident. (Selected the +1 Cloak of Resistance.)
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Thursday January 26th, 2023 1:59:40 PM
Kwarsk trudges onward, endlessly, sometimes he and the small folk fall a slight pace back, but then the tall folk pause a moment to rest and Kwarsk catches and passes them. Kwarsk smiles, remembering a surface folk tale retold in the Scab, about the tortoise and the hare... Kwarsk absentmindedly rubs the amulet now around his neck and says, "For my pick, this amulet which seems to make even my skin tougher and deflect weapons more... good thing for a bodyguard to have..."
DM Melvin - Wilderness Thursday January 26th, 2023 3:51:59 PM
Paige discusses the scroll out loud while walking around. Nintos notes that the scar might have an artifact behind it, so the scroll might correct it.
Fingers tests out his fancy new eyewear.
Nintos notes that he has been thinking about Alexander.
Rhys flips around the magical dagger. Paige adds her cloak of resistance.
Kwarsk tries to maintain a pace with the rest of the party and picks his amulet.
Pretty much the entire party suddenly tries, with varying degrees of success, to watch out for enemies and to gear up. (OOC: you can't take 20 on a check like that.) But it doesn't take a lot of looking around to determine that you are not alone.
As Zarsellet shouts a warning that someone has been following them, the entire group is hit by a spell. (Will DC 16 or -1 to all rolls.)
"So, the dream was true. The scroll in the cave does exist."
Turning around, the group sees a cleric emerging from the wilderness. He twitches, he glowers, he smiles. In his hands, a scorpion whip swings back and forth.
"I only prepare, just like you. You have questions, you seek power, and I can give you that help. Tell you how to use the... how to fix the scar. Help you avoid your... heartbreak."
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 d20+4=12 ; d20+4=21 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 7:07:43 PM
Rhys feels the spell wash over him and tries to fight it off (Will =12, 14 if the spell is an enchantment and 15 if it is a fear effect) (Will =21 using a hero point)
Angered by the unprovoked attack, the elf draws his curved elven blade and heads immediately towards the cocky cleric swinging his chain in the roadway (double move to end up immediately adjacent to the cult cleric ; AC versus Atk of opportunity = 22). [Drop the chain or I drop you! [/b] Rhys growls at his adversary.
Xuce (Chris) AC: 24, T: 23, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 d20+6=10 ; d20+11=21 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 7:18:59 PM
(Will 10, +2 vs enchantment spells and effects, +2 vs fear)
Xuce turns around hearing the voice Who are you and what are you talking about? As the spell takes hold Xuce looks around for others that may be hidden and then takes a defensive stance.
(Perception 21, Total Defense)
Myre (Carl) -- AC 13/12/11 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 d20+4=11 ; d20+5=10 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 7:48:53 PM
Will save 11. If it's an enchantment, it's 13 and I'm using a hero point to bump it to 17. I'm NOT using a hero point if it's not an enchantment and I'd fail anyway.
***
Myre looks askance at the weirdo who just showed up, then watches as Rhys advances. "You have a lot to learn about good first impressions, dude. Luckily Rhys is here to give you a lesson..."
She decides to take a good look around them, thinking he may not be alone.
***
Perception 10 to keep a look out for anyone else. Readied action: Daze on anyone who approaches. Save DC is 14.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+9=22 ; d20+7=11 ; d20=17 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 8:01:59 PM
(OOC - +2 vs spells; net save 22)
Kwarsk stares at the interloper intently, evaluating his words... the mention of heartbreak when Paige never used that word after we left the cave...
(OOC Sense Motive = 11)
Kwarsk, right hand open, tower shield in his left hand as always, turns and full moves (N11 -> I11, 30' our of 40' max for a double-move) to a position to flank the priest with Rhys (AoO AC = 23). From behind his raised Tower Shield, Kwarsk says, "What he said. Drop your whip, have your friends come out from the bushes and trees, they drop their weapons too, and we talk." Kwarsk's stern face glowers at the priest.
(OOC Intimidate = 17)
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | d20+3=16 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+6=7 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 8:12:24 PM
OOC: Will Save 16 Spellcraft to identify what the cleric casts? 14....
Zarsellet calls out a warning (too late) and turns to see the person approaching. He readies his bow. "Casting hostile magic on people before you try to negotiate? Not smart. Care to start over before you make any more bad moves?" Zarsellet aims at the priest.
OOC: Ready action: Shoot an arrow at him if he starts to cast another spell. Perception 12. And I miss if I shoot....
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 d20+9=11 ; d20+9=15 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 9:19:32 PM ”Gah!” cries the cleric as she tries to resist the villain emerging through the wilderness. Paige digs deep (burned a Hero point) but she fails to deflect the evil spell, even with her new cloak! (Will = 11, 15)
The half elf counters with some divine magic of her own, as she channels Domi’s gift through her holy symbol - a blessing* upon her companions!
*Bless - +1 on attacks, +1 on saves vs fear affects. Counters and dispels ‘Bane’. 3 min or 30 rounds - should last the whole battle!
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 d20+1=13 ; d20+1=15 ; d20+12=30 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 11:57:00 PM
Will: 13. (Second roll was accidental, unfortunately)
Fingers stops the wagon, readies his crossbow, and looks around for more interlopers. Perception: 30. (Sorry, actually 29.)
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP 11/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+8=22 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 9:43:02 AM
As a flurry of questions and comments have started to fling towards the newcomer, Nintos whispers to Merletta; “Fly, look for others that are hidden.” Merletta circles overhead with her full speed double while looking (80 feet total)
OOC: Prayer is an enchantment-compulsion effect, mind affecting, non-fear. I'll try to express the type from now on, but you can always google it later.
Rhys uses a hero point to fight off the prayer and double moves next to the cleric (no AoO issue). He warns the cleric to drop the whip.
Xuce takes a defensive stance and takes in what happened.
Myre uses a hero point and manages to just avoid the prayer. She readies an attack on anyone else who approaches but it looks like he's alone. She snarks that Rhys is going to teach the cleric a lesson in manners.
Kwarsk looks over this guy, trying to figure him out. (The sense motive is enough to show he's paranoid and deranged.) He flanks with Rhys, saying the group is willing to talk but only if he disarms and shows his friends. "No friends, don't need," the cleric responds. "Too many questions."
Zarsellet resists and can see that he cast Prayer. He readies his own attack and warns the guy not to shoot.
Paige manages to avoid the prayer with a hero point but counteracts with a bless spell of her own.
Fingers readies his own weapon.
Nintos sends Merletta to look for more villians but the road is clear.
The cleric looks back and forth at all the raised weapons and warnings (though he keeps locking an eye on Paige a lot). "You fools, you do not understand." His voice drops to a growl. "I am not even close to finished making bad moves... for you..."
The cleric raises his arms to begin. Zarsellet fires his arrow but is so surprised that it barely gets past the bow. Myre fires her daze at the cleric but it doesn't even seem to hit him.
With a shout, he begins to fire his negative energy, hitting Rhys, Kwarsk and Merletta. (12 damage, Will DC 16 for half damage.)
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Friday January 27th, 2023 5:17:49 PM
Zarsellet chuckles to himself at how bad his bow shot was.... but then calls out a war chant, empowering it with his bardic power to aid his friends.
OOC: Bardic Performance Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. Does not stack with the Bless +1 morale bonus against Fear, but the competence bonus on attack does stack since Bless is a morale bonus to hit.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 24/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+7=21 ; d10+2=9 ; d20+7=24 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 6:32:43 PM
Kwarsk grimaces and grits his teeth as the evil anti-life energy passes through him, and he redoubles his Dwarven Sternness!
Kwarsk takes a five foot step to follow the priest, nodding to Rhys as Kwarsk moves back into what will become a flanking position once Rhys moves to match Kwarsk. (OOC - CP hasn't moved on map to match his 5' step yet)
Kwarsk readies his Dwarven Waraxe as if waiting for something.
(OOC - presuming Rhys gets the hint and moves into the flank, Kwarsk's readied attack hits AC 24 (including Flanking and Paige's Bless and Zarsellet's Bardsong) for 10 damage. (forgot the +1 damage for Bardsong on the roll)
Just noticed I did the Readied Attack prior to resolving the Will Save - CE is supernatural, not a spell, so Kwarsk does not get that bonus, and his Save is a 24, so he takes 6 damage.)
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP14/26 d20+4=15 ; d20+11=17 ; d10+4=6 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 6:50:32 PM
Rhys shudders as the energy courses through his body. (Will save =15 Rhys takes full damage). Angered by the clerics continued attack and obvious arrogance the elf presses in, moving up into a landing position with Kwarsk. The blade sings as it cuts through the air (Hit AC 17 for 6hp).
Xuce (Chris) AC: 22, T: 21, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 d20+3=23 ; d4=1 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 6:57:27 PM
Xuce moves up next to the cultist (J10) and goes into a defensive stance (fighting defensively) then attempts to stun (stunning fist) him by punching him in the side of the head (Nat 20 for 23 to hit, 1 damage Fort save DC 13 or be stunned). You are not making any sense so take some time and think about what you're doing.
(A stunned character drops everything held, can’t take actions, loses any Dexterity bonus to AC, and takes a –2 penalty to AC)
(stunning fist: 2 out of 3 remaining)
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 2d6=5 ; d20+6=24 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 7:08:40 PM
Paige follows those who have moved towards the villain (M10) in time to witness the attack on her friends. “Domi’s knees!” she cries noting the ferocity of the strike. The cleric clasps her holy symbol and channels positive energy toward all party members (healing for 5 HP).
Squinting her eyes, she tries to identify the spell focus of the mad cleric. (Perception = 24)
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Friday January 27th, 2023 11:04:29 PM
Fingers takes a 5-foot step and readies an action: as soon as the cleric is "clear" of party members, Fingers shoots him.
(OOC: To avoid the -4 penalty for firing into melee, target must be at least 10 feet from party members, unless they're immobilized/unconscious and he's not still attacking them.)
Myre (Carl) -- AC 14/13/12 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 d4+1=3 ; d4+1=4 ; Saturday January 28th, 2023 1:27:09 AM "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting pretty sick of being the only ones who don't know what we've gotten ourselves into."
She points at the jerk who hurt her friends and two motes of energy unerringly fly out and strike him.
***
Standard: Magic missile for 3 +4 damage Move: Glower menacingly at this jerk
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP -1(+falling damage)/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+2=8 ; Saturday January 28th, 2023 7:45:39 PM
[Merletta Will Save 8 = Failed] The negative energy blast through Merletta and life winks out from her eyes. Nintos watches as his companion of all these years plumet lifelessly to the ground with a sickly thunk.
“NOOO!” He begins stepping forward and cast a spell at the cleric, pulling free powder he blows it towards the creature muttering a few arcane words; “nautkyn lae dreikic whedabra glomic dout sidric” Nintos cast Glitterdust [Will Save DC 17 or blinded & covered in dust.]
Kwarsk signals to Rhys to keep flanking and connects with his swing. Rhys does so as well.
Xuce comes in with a stunning fist, but the cleric shakes it off. He looks really insulted that you said he doesn't make sense.
Paige heals and tries to identify his holy symbol. You can make it out but don't really recognize it (I rolled a knowledge religion check for you.)
Fingers readies an action to fire should the cleric break free.
Myre lampshades that shes tired of all this exposition and fires magic missile.
Nintos mourns for his bird, and fires glitterdust. The cleric once again shakes it off.
He definitely looks like he's seen much better days, and sounds like hes seen better decades. "You fool, you'll all pay. I'm just the messenger. I... I... you."
He points to Paige.
"You are the cleric. You spoke of the scroll. You must have it, you must know what you have done, you, you..."
Targeting Paige, he casts call lightning defensively. Arcs send down towards Paige as a last gasp of anger. (11 damage, Reflex DC 16 for half.)
-------
Cleric - AC 16, 24 damage, prayer (+1 to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves and skill checks)
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP19/26 d20+11=19 ; d10+4=10 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 3:50:54 PM
Rhys pivots and brings his blade back towards the enemy cleric, pulling the blade low across the torso of his opponent (Hit AC =19 for 10hp). His anger fuels the blade in its path towards the clerics vital area, and just as quickly back towards a defensive position to parry any incoming attack. ”Remember, you were provided the chance to stand down” the elf growls.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP -1(+falling damage)/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+5=11 ; d6+3=8 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 5:15:07 PM
Seeing that his Glitterdust was unsuccessful, he fires off an Acid Dart. [Attack 11 -4 in combat 7 | DMG 8]
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | d20+8=24 ; d3=3 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 5:46:56 PM
Zarsellet moves up closer to the enemy and throws a dagger at him. "Messenger? For who? You're acting more like a thief."
OOC: Continues his Bardic chant, and moves up to throw a dagger at the enemy. 24 to hit. 3 damage.
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 d20+5=16 ; d20+5=9 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 6:16:27 PM
Xuce switches up his footing and unleashes a flurry of blows upon the Cleric. (Hit AC 16 & 9, Damage 4 & 3)
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 24/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+9=20 ; d6+3=6 ; d6+3=6 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 9:19:24 PM
Kwarsk is mildly surprised that once more someone didn't fall to the first blow of his mighty waraxe!
Kwarsk then realizes that if we kill this priest we'll never find out what he's talking about, and while Rhys' flanking has the priest distracted, Kwarsk goes for an elbow to the priest's throat!
(OOC elbow strike nonlethal, +5 base, +2 flank, +1 bless, +1 bardsong, result = AC 20 for 6 NON-LETHAL damage (sorry for the double-roll; browser was slow))
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Monday January 30th, 2023 10:46:44 PM
Fingers takes a 5-foot step and readies again.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 d20+3=22 ; 2d6=7 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 11:44:54 PM
As the villain sends arcs of lightening in her direction, Paige grasps the edge of her new cloak with her right hand, swirls it up across her face and over her head (Reflex = 22 for half damage) then sweeps it back down - revealing a shining holy symbol held in her left hand. Once again she channels Domi’s healing touch to restore vigour to herself and to her allies! (Channel positive energy - 7 HP restored to all injured allies)
Channel energy: 2/6 (used to restore 5 HP 27Jan and 7 HP 30Jan to all party members/allies. This should include Rhys, Kwarsk, and Merletta. Note: the radius includes the villain cleric!
Bless on party members - +1 to attacks, + 1 saves vs fear - 3 min/30 rounds
Bardic chant from Zarsellet - +1 to attacks and damage, +1 saves vs charm and fear )
Myre (Carl) -- AC 14/13/12 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 d4+1=3 ; d4+1=2 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 12:16:31 AM "You can teach us, or attack us, but not both you jerk!" Another volley of glowing energy orbs strikes out at the weirdo.
***
Magic Missile - 3 & 2 damage
DM Melvin - Wilderness Tuesday January 31st, 2023 1:42:07 PM
As Paige manages to dodge much of the lightning and heal, Rhys slices the evil cleric's chest right open.
The rest of the team make a number of statements that the cleric does not respond to.
Only Kwarsk tries to switch to non-lethal, though it's not clear you would have gotten any good answers even if you captured him.
Eventually, the forest goes silent.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 d20+5=7 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 2:21:35 PM
Rapidly covering the space between herself and the villain, Paige picks up the symbol through which the bad man channeled his magic’s. Even close up, she has no idea of it’s provenance (Knowledge religion = 7)
With a sigh, the cleric looks around: ”You’ve got better luck with this sort of thing, Kwarsk. What do you make of this?”. She holds out the talisman for the dwarf and any one else who is interested.
*Everyone should be healed up due to channel energy x 2. Possibly even Merletta
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 d20+5=8 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 2:22:41 PM
Rhys nudges the body at his feet with a boot to satisfy himself that the cleric is dead. He sheaths his sword, bends down, and performs a cursory search of the body and removes any weapons and interesting items Paige might have missed from the corpse and puts them to one side, out of reach from the body…just in case! (Perception +5 to search the dead cleric).
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 d20+12=31 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 3:28:00 PM
Not dropping his guard just yet, Fingers scans the surroundings in case the cleric was lying about being alone. (Perception: 31)
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 Tuesday January 31st, 2023 5:09:20 PM
Xuce takes a deep breath after the Cleric drops then looks over everyone making sure they are doing alright.
I think we need to have a talk with whoever sent us out here... Xuce motions around the area not sure if it's safe to mention the scroll out in the open.
As Rhys is searching the body Xuce says We should probably watch what we say from here on out too. This guy Xuce points at the now-dead cleric. Must of been watching us or the cave for some time.
After Rhys is done searching the body Xuce adds What are we going to do about the body?
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP -1(+falling damage)/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Tuesday January 31st, 2023 5:32:19 PM
Seeing the rest of the party has the cleric taken care of, Nintos makes his way to look over Merletta…
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+5=10 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 9:00:09 PM
As the positive energy of Domi flows through him, Kwarsk sees that it has undone all of the damage from the cult priest, and smiles a broad smile.
Kwarsk turns to page to thank her, but instead she asks him to examine the priest's holy symbol.
Still smiling, he nods at Paige and takes the symbol, flipping it to and fro, back and forth, contemplating.
(OOC: Knowledge Religion - 10 - should be enough for a well-known deity, or at least one that is not obscure in the Wold, right?)
Kwarsk begins to explain his thoughts to Paige, based on his religious studies in the monastery of Pantheon...
(OOC - DM Melvin, please fill in whatever Kwarsk learned, in the DM post please :-) )
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | d20+7=18 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 10:16:02 PM
Zarsellet walks by the body, retrieving his dagger. He glances at the holy symbol, then moves off to scan in the direction the man had come from. "Gather anything useful of interesting, then toss his body off the road for scavengers to eat. He shouldn't have attacked...."
OOC: Know-Religion 18 to recognize the holy symbol?
Myre (Carl) -- AC 14/13/12 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Wednesday February 1st, 2023 12:41:22 PM Myre joins in poking the corpse, not wanting to be left out. "He attacked eight adventurers single handedly and immediately jumped to violence. It's like he wanted to be killed!" Her face goes white. "Do you think he wanted to be killed? Like...his soul is now in the scroll or something? Paige! Is that scroll any heavier? How much do souls weigh?"
DM Melvin - Wilderness Wednesday February 1st, 2023 2:39:03 PM
Paige sighs and heals everyone up. She still can't make out the talisman.
Rhys checks the body of the cleric, making sure he is dead.
Fingers keeps watching for a second wave but that's it.
Xuce notes that they need to be more discreet on the road, perhaps even so with their employers. He asks what to do with the body?
Nintos checks on Merletta, and the bird is fine (since Paige channeled healing energy in the round it went down.) It lets out a few squacks and shakes - maybe a sneeze - before moving normally.
Kwarsk can't really make out anything about the symbol either. Yet it looks really familiar.
It isn't until Zarsellet takes a long look that something clicks. Highlight to display spoiler: {It looks like a variant of Ga'al... but with a dwarven symbol that can't be placed.}
Myre notes that the cleric was almost suicidal, but tries to game out what rational reason he might have.
On the cleric's body is a +1 chain shirt, a masterwork scorpion whip, dagger, cloak of resistance +1, potion of invisibility, scroll of owl's wisdom, and a wand of cure light wounds (50 charges). And, of course, his symbol.
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 Wednesday February 1st, 2023 6:22:00 PM
Rhys helps strip the cleric of his possessions and loads them into the wagon for division later. ”Xuce is right, this fellow must have been watching for us to have found us so quickly. We will need to be on our guard at all times!”. Rhys will also help dispose of the body in whatever fashion the party decides.
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 Wednesday February 1st, 2023 7:55:42 PM
Xuce looks up and down the road I think we toss him off the road and make a straight line back home. Stopping for nothing until we talk with those who gave us the quest.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP -1(+falling damage)/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 d20+10=30 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2023 9:55:15 PM
[OOC: I added the cleric’s items to the loot sheet. Also, where did we end off with people claiming items?]
Nintos makes his way to Merletta and is overjoyed with the sight of her fluttering her wings in the dirt; “You… haven’t we talked about keeping your distance? Wide births when you scout for others. Up you go.” as he guides her to his shoulder. Reaching in his cloak pocket for some dried scrap food bits for her.
Making his way over to the body, he eyes up the holy symbol to determine who they were a follower of. [What a time for a nat 20… K-Religion 30]
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Wednesday February 1st, 2023 10:10:53 PM
Kwarsk for once doesn't contemplate, decisive, he says to all, "I agree with Xuce. Unless we need to briefly stop by the Dwarven miners, we should do exactly as Xuce said."
Kwarsk helps Rhys load the wagon and then looks expectantly at the group, using his head to point in the direction home.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Wednesday February 1st, 2023 10:41:01 PM
Zarsellet hands the holy symbol to Nintos. "I don't recognize it. Possible variant of Ga'al, but dwarven? I don't know."
OOC: Another wand of CLW? I'll carry that one for use on whoever needs it. Unless anyone else can use it?
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Wednesday February 1st, 2023 11:56:57 PM That's a magic chain shirt, right? Anyone object to my trading the mithral shirt for it? The magic one will fit me better.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Thursday February 2nd, 2023 1:10:44 AM
Paige helps pull the evil cleric’s body off the road, and covers it with a layer of brush. She shudders as she wonders how the villain’s soul is faring with his audience in front of Gargul - the god of life and death.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Thursday February 2nd, 2023 1:47:03 AM Wait, the magic armor won't resize to fit me? Never mind.
And I thought I could get an armorer to refit the mithral shirt, but there's not enough material in it. Someone else can have it; I'll take the Brooch of Shielding instead.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 14/13/12 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Thursday February 2nd, 2023 1:11:58 PM
Myre's face pales. She flashes back to talks with dad about the gods. He was a devout (in his own way) worshiper of Wardd, but gave all gods their due respect. All except Ga'al. It was one of the few times he was completely serious with her.
"Myre, do not get tangled up with Ga'al. There's some evil in this world that will not reason with you." Sure, he'd then chuckled at his pun about getting tangled, but he was serious.
"No one told me he would be involved." She carefully cuts through any clothing covering his chest (that's non-magical), looking for any evidence that the jerk before them was heart-seeded.
DM Melvin - Wilderness Thursday February 2nd, 2023 3:20:55 PM
Rhys collects the rest of the treasure. He notes that they need to be further on guard.
Xuce wants to dump the guy and head straight home.
Nintos reminds Merletta that they need more caution and scouting. He continues to try to determine what the cleric is a follower of, but doesn't really get more into that. (I'll send why in a group email.)
Kwarsk agrees with Xuce, but notes that they might need to stop by the dwarven miners.
Zarsellet notes of what it is, and of what it might be.
Fingers places a claim for the +1 chain shirt, but then remembers that he might be a little large for it. (Also it's not a mithril shirt, it's just a normal chain with the normal armor penalties.)
Paige basically hides the cleric's body, and thinks of death.
Myre freaks, noting that Ga'al was basically the worst one. She looks for heart seeding but he doesn't seem to be anything but ordinary human.
With nothing else to do, it becomes time to hit the road, and to decide whether to go straight for home, occasionally camp, or head off to the dwarven miners.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | Thursday February 2nd, 2023 5:26:38 PM
Not hearing any objection Zarsellet tucks the wand away. Everyone knows about it so he's sure it'll see some use, hopefully not too soon.... "So? Back home quick to figure out what to do about the scroll?"
OOC: Were we going to stop with the miners? Or all speed to home?
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 Thursday February 2nd, 2023 5:58:41 PM
Xuces eyes go wide as Zarsellet mentions the scroll out in the open I don't think we need to go back to the miners... maybe just send word that the cave is clear and to be on the lookout for the kobolds we let go? Then glances about, shrugs, and walks next over to the wagon.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Thursday February 2nd, 2023 6:03:26 PM ”You know how to use that thing, then?” the half elf asks Zarsellet”Good!. The cleric eyes what remains of the items collected from the cave and off the evil cleric and concludes there is nothing she wishes to claim. She hopes the others will kit themselves out for the benefit of all, and suggests that whatever isn’t useful can be sold.
Paige rubs her nose in thought, then asks: ”We didn’t make a commitment to the miners did we? I say we do as Xuce suggests and press on for home as quickly as possible.”.
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 Thursday February 2nd, 2023 7:20:51 PM
Rhys spends a few minutes doffing his chain shirt and slipping into his newly claimed Mithril armour. From beneath his fine elven shirt and cloak only a small glint of Mithril can be seen, and that only by a keen eye. He tucks his old chain into the wagon and is ready to continue their trek. ”I think we can give the miners camp a pass for now. We can always send word from the guild as to the condition of the cave and fountain.”. The elf takes his position next to the mules should they need any coaxing.
Fingers (Shawn) | AC:14 T:11 FF:12 | HP 28 | CMB:6 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:1 Thursday February 2nd, 2023 7:25:20 PM I'm all for heading straight home, but it would be nice if we could drop the dwarves a note. Could Merletta carry one? Or is it too far out of our way?
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Thursday February 2nd, 2023 8:41:57 PM
Kwarsk says, "If I recall correctly, the local miners were of help to us because the mining guild back in Plateau City recommended them as having the most local knowledge about the mine, but everything else we found, like blue stones or gems, maps we drew, and so forth, that's all stuff the mining guild wanted.
Anyone a good enough writer to document everything we found in writing, or draw illustrations or somesuch? Nintos, weren't you making occasional sketches, or was that Rhys?
We can walk towards Plateau City as we go, unless we think the local miners might have more info to give us when we tell them what we found in the cave. I still vote for going straight back to Plateau City."
Myre (Carl) -- AC 14/13/12 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Thursday February 2nd, 2023 10:13:28 PM Myre frowns, resisting the urge to poke at the man's corpse while looking for evidence of Ga'al's parasites. She gives the man an angry glare before turning her back on him.
"Sounds like we're going home, then. Sooner we get there, sooner we can get that thing out of our hands."
She's ready to head off with all haste.
DM Melvin - Wilderness Friday February 3rd, 2023 2:32:50 PM
Gear is distributed, bodies are poked and the group moves on.
Everyone agrees to skip the miners, with varying degrees of sending a message.
And with that, the group begins to head back to the home, carefully guarding the scroll as they go. The path takes you westward at first, into the sunset.
Myre (Carl) -- AC 14/13/12 CMD: 13 HP: 20/20 Spell Slots Remaining: Inf/1 Friday February 3rd, 2023 2:42:42 PM Myre spots the sunset, and immediately her mood perks up. She looks to the sky, hoping it's clear. "Looks like we'll be sleeping outside tonight!" She seems oddly excited about the prospect.
Nintos Melinous (Clint) | HP 22/22 | AC:12 T:12 FF:10 | CMD:13 CMB:1 | Fort:3 Ref:3 Will:4 | Merletta (Familiar) HP -1(+falling damage)/11 | AC:15 T:14 FF:13 | CMB:0 CMD:6 | Fort:1 Ref:4 Will:2 Friday February 3rd, 2023 4:22:05 PM
Turning to Fingers as he ask about Merletta delivering the message; “I have never used her as a long range “carrier pigeon” but I am sure it would be something she could carry out for us.”
[ooc: With my ranks in K-Geography and her Int score I am sure it would be possible… DM?]
“I was making general sketches and notes. More of the paintings and sculptures than of a map route. I also believe Rhys was doing more of that.” Nintos responds to Kwarsk.
Smiling at Myre; “I do like a good campfire story.”
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 22/T 13/FF 19, HP 30/30, CMD 16/20 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+11=26 ; Friday February 3rd, 2023 9:42:08 PM
Kwarsk trudges on, using his tower shield to guard himself from the setting sun's glare, but rotating from time to time to ensure the group is not ambushed from the front.
Kwarsk isn't contemplating now. He's on mobile guard duty, and his unmoving guard face is on!
(OOC: Perception = 26)
Rhys (Bob W) AC18; CMD 18(20 vs disarm and sunder); HP26/26 d20+5=12 ; Friday February 3rd, 2023 11:11:45 PM
Rhys walks along beside the mules and scans the roadway on either side (Perception 12). ”This road should turn eventually to the east, or we are headed in the wrong direction, for Plateau City and home lies to the east yet we are headed west. Nintos, can you send Merletta up to scan the wider area?
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 27/27 | Fort: +4, Ref: +5, Will: +3 | d20+8=13 ; d20+9=14 ; Friday February 3rd, 2023 11:40:41 PM
Zarsellet glances at Nintos and grins. "A good campfire story.... I know a couple. But first maybe some music?" He opens his pack and removes a soft leather case, carefully unpacking a small harp. Sitting and holding across his lap he starts to play and sing a few songs. OOC: Must not have taken enough time tuning it though. Performance-Sing: 13?
Setting the harp aside he looks around at his 'audience'. "But you did ask for a story. Here's an oldy for you."
"Creak", a sound, faint, distant, but still heard. "Crack", something snapping, or being trampled on.
"The man sits in his room, reading. The room is silent except for the quiet fire burning."
"Creak" ..It's just the the house settling, nothing more. "Crack", Perhaps some small animals outdoors. "Whoosh", Was that the wind?
"The man stands up and peeks out the window. A clear night is all he sees, the full moon brilliant in the sky. Laughing at his nervousness, he returns to his book."
"Creak", the man now silently chuckles at the sound. "Crack", how could he have been scared of some sounds. "Whoosh", must be breezy out tonight. "Thump" …did that come from within the house?
"The man stares into the fire, trying to calm his jangled nerves."
"Creak"… "Crack"… "Whoosh"…will the sounds never cease? "Thump"… "Thump"… "Thump"…
"Closer, he thinks, the sounds are getting closer. He shuts the book and closes his eyes, and thinks of something besides his wild imagination."
"Creak" "Thump" "Crack" "Thump" "Whoosh"
"Thump"… "Thump"… "Thump"… a pause? The man moves quietly, slowly, towards the door with a nervous gait. "Thump"… a step back… "Thump"… yes, it’s getting closer. "Thump"… he stares at the door, trying to somehow see through it… "Thump"… he reaches slowly for the doorknob, hand shaking, no longer able to take not knowing… "Creak", a loose floorboard, near the door outside… "Thump" , he slowly opens the door…
"A scream"
"…silence…"
OOC: And the dice hate me.... Perform Oratory: 14.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 17, CMD 13, HP 32/32 Saturday February 4th, 2023 12:36:21 AM
Paige confirms that she has made some notes on the maps she holds for the party, and that Rhys has made notes on the cave as well as collected a sampling of blue crystals. ”So we’ve got stuff for the ‘Map Makers Guild’, the ‘Miners Guild’…and something for she drops her voice to a whisper before continuing ”our ‘friends’ in The City”.
Wherever they are and whatever they are doing, the cleric keeps and eye on Kwarsk. She trusts he doesn’t find the task of bearing the ‘you-know-what’ too onerous.
****
The half elf listens to Zarsellet’s story - eyes round and mouth agape - hoping the bard will describe the gory details…
The
Xuce (Chris) AC: 18, T: 17, F: 13, CMD: 16, HP: 21/21 Sunday February 5th, 2023 5:31:36 PM
Xuce remains silent as they make their way into the setting sun his thoughts drift to the events of the day and the vision he received looking into the waters in the cave. I for one can't wait to get back and sleep in a real bed
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