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.
Cyrion the Black - HP Rolls 2nd: d8=1 ; 3rd: d8=2 ; 4th: d8=1 ; 5th: d8=7 ; 6th: d8=1 ; 7th: d8=8 ; 8th: d8=6 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 4:10:33 AM
I wasn't sure where else to roll these lol
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday January 31st, 2023 6:17:06 AM
The Twins follow along bow at the ready.
DM Post by SteveM -- 1/30 d3=2 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 11:04:39 PM Asimov keeps an eye out for trouble. He positions Irony near Zeoll. Zeoll moves along the wall, keeping two rat swarms in front. The Twins have a bow ready. Mundhildur and Elron are quiet.
The path they are following leaves the wall and heads towards the center of the cavern. Elron and Zeoll see nothing unusual out there to the extent of their vision.
The group continues along the path until a mongrelman asks, "What's that?" He points into the darkness.
Everyone strains to see. "Well, what do you think it is?"
"Where is it?"
"Out at the edge of my vision."
"I don't know. I think it's big, but it's not moving."
"Maybe it can't see us this far away."
"I can't see it this far away."
(OOC: As I recall, Cyrion gets to re-roll 1's rolled for hit points.)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+11=24 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+6=11 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=6 ; d100=58 ; d100=24 ; d100=80 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2023 8:00:12 AM
The Twins knock an arrow. "An unknown thing" "In an area where everyone who goes there dies?" "Likely our target" They will wait for the others to be ready to start combat, or voice objections, then fire a round of arrows at the thing (24, 26, and 11 to hit, 13, 16, 14 damage, first and third arrow succeed vs concealment if I need to roll that.)
Elron -- SteveM d20+18=29 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2023 8:29:29 AM
Figuring he's fast and sounds like a spider now, Elron moves up slowly to get a better look. (Perception = 29)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Knowledge nature: d20+2=12 ; Knowledge dungeoneering: d20+2=9 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2023 7:51:03 PM
Mundhildur says quietly, "Hold. I do not know much about purple worms, but I know they are large and can swallow people. Let us quietly spread out, and quietly walk, slowly, carefully toward it. I know little worms can sense vibrations. Big ones, maybe, too. I have silk rope and a grappling hook. I might want to get on top of it, ride it, and stab and bash it a lot. I will take the far left side. Let us spread out to my right. And have a zig-zag pattern, so it cannot simply turn and swallow us in a row.
"Everyone make sure you have a knife. If it swallows you, stab it as much as you can from inside. Those of us outside will try to kill it, too. If it dies, I will go in and try to bring you out. I have extra rope. If you want, tie one end around your waist, so if you go inside, we can maybe pull you back out." She makes four lengths of hempen rope available to whoever wants it.
She will see if others agree to the plan, or have improvements. Then she moves, slowly, off to the left, then slowly toward where the mongrelmen perceive the mass ahead of them. She does have 60' low-light vision.
DM Steve -- Here is a map. -- An unknown thing. Wednesday February 1st, 2023 10:45:20 PM The Twins are ready to fire into the darkness when Mundhildur says, "Hold." Elron moves forward to look. Mundhildur lays out a plan of attack.
The mongrelmen hold the torches.
There is now a link to a map, and I think it's set up so that people can move themselves. The mongrelmen have the light sources at the moment, which limits the field of vision as shown. The cavern's fungal life is well beaten down in the area. There are occasional rock outcroppings keeping the floor from being even, but not enough to make movement difficult. Zeoll's spell makes the movement of the adventurers inaudible, but he was not able to affect the mongrelmen. Zeoll himself is playing his pipes to maintain control of the rat swarms.
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)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday February 2nd, 2023 12:31:15 AM
Zeoll holds off for now, not sure this is an enemy or not. He readies to command the swarms to attack if the party (or allies) is attacked.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20=9 ; Thursday February 2nd, 2023 7:35:51 AM
The Twins shrug and put away the bow to switch to their greatsword. One of the Twins cl gets a torch and advances. They are not stealthy at all as they advance. (If there are no extra torches the Twins will take one from a mongrolman, otherwise they will light one for themselves.)
Time slows down for Asimov and Irony as they wait for their companions and quarry to move
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+13=31 ; Thursday February 2nd, 2023 10:41:18 PM
Zeoll takes a closer look as he plays his Pipes of the Sewers ...
Perception 31
DM Steve -- Here is a map. -- I see somethin'. d4=3 ; Thursday February 2nd, 2023 11:15:41 PM "I see, I say I see somethin'," Elron calls out. "Pretty big."
======
Asimov and Irony move up a bit and Asimov casts light emitter on his mechanical minion. Zeoll waits to get a better look. He continues playing the pipes. The Twins switch weapons, grab a torch, and move closer. Elron sort of describes what he sees.
As the light sources multiply and move closer, it is clear that the party has indeed found an incredibly large purple creature of some sort. More, the end of the creature that they see tapers to a massive stinger of a sort that might reasonable puncture a mongrelman nastily.
The mongrelmen start muttering among themselves.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday February 3rd, 2023 3:09:55 AM
"Wonder if we could chop that pointy thing off before it tries to stab us?" asks Mundhildur. "Twins - might your sword be up to the task? Maybe I swing on one side with the blade at the end of my longspear, and you swing from the other side with your sword?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+18=24 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; Friday February 3rd, 2023 8:11:02 AM
The Twins decide that they've scouted enough, this is clearly their target. They charge to W28 and attack (24 to hit, 17 damage)
Elron -- SteveM d20+11=16 ; d4=3 ; Friday February 3rd, 2023 9:59:05 PM
Elron looks at the thing. Going and attacking it would be like going and attacking a rock. They need to out think it. And he's the one here least qualified to do that.
Elron moves up and attacks with his scorpion style. He hits AC 16 for 3 damage.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Saturday February 4th, 2023 10:38:49 AM
Ugh, with attacks launched, there is little chance of charming the monster. Ah well.
Zeoll throws his swarms at the things, making sure that they do not swarm friends.
DM Steve -- Here is a map. -- Wonder if we could chop that pointy thing off before it tries to stab us? d20=3 ; d20=11 ; d20=6 ; d20=20 ; d20=11 ; d8=3 ; d4=2 ; d20+25=28 ; 2d8+12=25 ; d4=3 ; Saturday February 4th, 2023 5:13:12 PM Mundhildur wonders about cutting off the stinger, and asks the Twins about coordinating an attack. The Twins charge to the attack. (Not sure if that's meant to be a literal charge, but the results don't change if it is.) Elron makes an unarmed attack. Zeoll sighs as he realizes he can't charm the creature now, and send the rat swarms at it. Asimov and Irony wait for their companions and quarry to move. . The Twin's attack glances off the gargantuan creature without fully piercing its hard hide. Elron's doesn't even come close to penetrating. Zeoll's rat swams move towards it, but do not reach it this round.
Four of the mongrelmen in back hold torches, while the four in front shoot their bows. (One natural 20 = one hit, not confirmed -- for 3 points of damage)
The purple worm, which can be completely seen in the torchlight now, swings its head around towards the Twins. Meanwhile, it's tail constricts in a movement that quickly sends the stinger in Elron's direction. It hits AC 28 for 25 points of damage. Elron also needs to make a Fort save (DC 25) or be poisoned, losing 3 points of strength,
Even with some damage reduction that hurts, but at least Elron isn't poisoned. But he does get angry.
Elron attacks with a flurry of blows, hitting AC 23 and 27 for (miss) and (4+2+1+2=) 9 points of damage.
"Course you know, this means war."
===== AC: 23 HP: 43/64 Rage: 1/12
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 35/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) d20+10=15 ; Sunday February 5th, 2023 9:03:37 PM
Irony fly charges the worm, attempting to slam into it but alas the mechanical minion misses. Asimov boots up his jetpack and takes to the air in the cavern himself moving up to fly overhead near Zeoll.
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) - cast, medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+18=29 ; d20+13=24 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; Sunday February 5th, 2023 9:42:57 PM
One Twin presses the attack, blade biting into the thing's flesh this time for 20 damage (29 and 24 to hit). The other then switches out, dropping their torch on the ground so it lights the area while leaving them free to raise their shield against the counter attack.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+12=13 ; d20+12=20 ; Monday February 6th, 2023 4:54:14 AM
The Twins' impatient attack throws her off. Mundhildur thinks them impetuous, imprudent. She scrambles to draw near, but her first slash of the spear misses entirely. She tries for a better follow-up, yet fails.
[OOC: Though I stated she was moving forward, I earlier neglected to move her on the map, so her current position assumes she actually moved as stated, rather than concur with the cartographic representation.]
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday February 6th, 2023 7:58:00 PM
Zeoll continues to send his rats after the thing.
OOC: I'm assuming I need to spend a standard action each round controlling rats. Sound right?
Time slows down for Asimov as things start to get real
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/6 d20=6 ; d20=9 ; d20=7 ; d20=5 ; d20=8 ; d20=8 ; d20=8 ; d20=20 ; d20=13 ; d6=5 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+25=39 ; 4d8+18=30 ; d3=1 ; d20+25=35 ; 2d8+12=21 ; d3=3 ; Monday February 6th, 2023 10:40:03 PM Elron injures the worm. Asimov takes to the air while Irony attacks the worm but misses. The Twins succeed in gashing the monster. Mundhildur moves towards the middle of the creature. She misses with her attacks. Zeoll concentrates on a rat attack, moving the creatures. They have a 15' movement rate, which lets them reach the worm but not attack this round as it takes a full move.
In two rounds of firing their bows, the mongrelmen successfully hit once more, causing 5 damage.
Now that the worm is aware of the party, when Mundhildur approaches it makes an attack of opportunity with its stinger. Fortunately, it misses (natural 1). When it constricts to lash out, it has a good 15' reach.
The worm brings its head to bear on the nearest creature -- one of the rat swarms. It does 30 -- excuse me, 24 (I used the swallow whole adder) -- points of damage to the swarm. The worm would attempt to swallow the swarm, except the swarm has no CMD. However, I'm calling the damage bludgeoning, which means there's enough to disperse that swarm.
The worm targets Elron again with its stinger, hitting AC 35 for 21 points and make a Fort save (DC 25) or be poisoned, losing 3 points of strength,
===== Purple worm -- AC 26, 37 HP damage
Zeoll has to keep playing the pipes or the rats leave, so I agree with it taking a standard action.
Cyrion the Black HP 68/68 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday February 7th, 2023 5:54:50 AM
test
Cyrion the Black HP 68/68 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday February 7th, 2023 5:55:44 AM
OOC: Sorry it took me so long ... here's the finished product however
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+18=32 ; d20+13=25 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2023 6:41:58 AM
The Twins take a 5 foot step to be at the head of the monster and fullfill their duty as a meat shield. They hit once (30 and 23 to hit, I've been rolling with the +2 charge bonus since last turn doh!) and do 16 damage.
Asimov decides the time is right to use his electromagnetic charge emitter and sends a light of lighting straight at the worm being careful that none of his friends are caught in it (DC 18 reflex save or take 27 electric damage; success means only 13 electric damage)
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) - cast, medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt) - cast
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday February 7th, 2023 10:33:06 PM
Zeoll hurls all remaining rats at the worm!
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/7 part 1 d20+8=12 ; d6=3 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2023 11:26:26 PM The Twins attack the head of the monster, hitting once. Irony misses with an attack, and Asimov uses a device on the worm that catches it full force. Zeoll has the rats attack, which they can do since they are climbing on the worm. 1d6 damage = 3
===== Purple worm -- AC 26, 83 HP damage
Elron -- SteveM d20+10=30 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+12=24 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2023 11:32:31 PM
Elron saves for a second time, and suddenly feels invincible. That's a bad way for a slightly large chicken facing a sixty-foot long worm to feel.
Elron attacks with another flurry of blows, missing twice in his excitement at still being alive. The spirits surrounding him also miss.
===== AC: 23 HP: 22/64 Rage: 2/12
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/7 part 2 d20=11 ; d20=3 ; d20=20 ; d20=3 ; d20=10 ; d8=5 ; d20+25=36 ; 4d8+12=25 ; d20+36=48 ; d3=3 ; d20+25=44 ; 2d8+12=21 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2023 11:39:25 PM
The mongrelmen manage to hurt the worm with another arrow.
Then the worm attacks. * It bites at the Twins, hitting AC 36 for 25 points of damage and following up by swallowing them (48 vs the Twins' CMD of 29). * It strikes at Irony with its stinger, hitting AC 44 for 21 damage.
===== Purple worm -- AC 26, 88 HP damage
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+20=37 ; d20+15=24 ; d8+5=6 ; d20+15=30 ; 2d6+4=9 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=16 ; 2d6+4=10 ; Wednesday February 8th, 2023 4:11:32 AM
[Sorry - slammed by work, health, and roof problems made it hard to get in a post. Am combining two posts into one. DM may overrule: If such is not allowed, then simply ignore 2nd paragraph below. -Kim]
Munhildur uses a hero point to lean and stab her longspear deep into the back of the worm (AC 37), doing only 6 hp of damage, and also giving her a stout anchor to cling to for mounting the worm to attack it further - as well as possibly to avoid stinging and swallowing - but we'll see on that. Climb check 24 (left hand holding firmly to embedded spear shaft). She slam attacks with knee (AC 30) for 9 hp damage.
She slam attacks twice (AC 21, miss; AC 35 - nat 20, not confirmed (nat 1 on confirmation roll)) damage 10 hp.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 59/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+13=22 ; Wednesday February 8th, 2023 7:25:36 AM
The Twins attempt to escape the the creature as it tries to swallow them (Apperently you can attempt a CMB to escape the grapple in addition to just cutting your way out. I'm guessing a 22 doesn't do it though)
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=29 ; d20+12=27 ; d6=6 ; d4=3 ; d6=1 ; d4=2 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=19 ; d4=2 ; Wednesday February 8th, 2023 7:56:55 PM
Elron tries his attacks again, hitting AC 29 and 27 -- for a total of (6+3+2+1)+(1+2+2+1) = 18 points damage.
The spirit wisps hit AC 30, but do not crit -- for 2 points.
===== AC: 23 HP: 22/64 Rage: 3/12
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday February 8th, 2023 8:13:24 PM
With the rats only doing 1d6 per round, maybe Zeoll should be doing more. He dismisses the rats and starts singing, giving everybody a +2 to hit and damage. And he backs off 40 ft!
Mundhildur sets a spear in the worm's hide that she hopes will stop it from attacking her, and uses that to anchor herself while she attacks. She hits two more times. Let's say a DC 20 climb check is needed every round to keep hanging on, and another every attack from which she takes damage. The Twins try to escape the worm, but do not succeed (a 40 is needed). Elron attacks, hitting three times. Zeoll releases the rats and starts inspiring courage. Asimov hurls a ball of flame at the worm, hitting. Irony misses with it's attack. The stinger is a physical attack, so I don't think it would bypass hardness.
The rats do 4 damage as they disperse. The mongrelmen are ineffective this round.
The worm continues to twist around, bringing its head closer to its tail. * The Twins take 40 points of damage inside the worm, and retain the grappled condition. Forgot to roll the combat maneuver until the end, but it was 45. * The worm is unable to bite this round as it is performing the swallow. * The worm lashes its stinger at Irony again. It hits AC 34 for 23 points of damage.
===== Purple worm -- AC 26 (touch 4), 144 HP damage
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20=8 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+16=31 ; 2d6+6=13 ; Thursday February 9th, 2023 3:20:49 AM
The side? It was as close to the top as her height would allow.
The first roll was supposed to be d20+12, which barely, yet exactly, equals 20. She hangs on.
The second roll was an attempt to sink her second longspear into the back which was not good enough (22 - adding the +2 from Zeoll's song).
The third roll, 31+2=33, hit that AC for a slam of 13 hp damage to the purple worm.
She begins to recalibrate for a better spot to sink her second longspear.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 19/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+13=28 ; d20+13=18 ; d8=7 ; d4=2 ; Thursday February 9th, 2023 7:19:23 AM
The Twin's don't usually carry a knife, but considering it was specifically mentioned they should get one on the way over I'm hoping they can have one despite me forgetting to put it on my sheet. Presuming it's allowed they cut the inside of the thing for 7 damage. (28 and 13 to hit)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday February 9th, 2023 12:50:54 PM
Zeoll is really worried about the twins, but does not have much that would help. He attempts to confuse the monster, using a DC20 Confusion spell to befuddle the worm.
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=27 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+10=20 ; d6=4 ; d4=4 ; d6=2 ; d4=4 ; Thursday February 9th, 2023 8:15:33 PM
Elron continues as he has been.
Hits AC 27 and 31 for (4+4+1+2)+(2+4+1+2) = 20 points damage. Spirit wisps hit AC 20, missing.
Asimov throws another small fireball at the worm (15 vs touch; 8 fire damage)
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/9 d20+4=12 ; d20=4 ; d20=20 ; d20=10 ; d20=10 ; d20=6 ; d8=6 ; d100=20 ; d20+5=25 ; 4d8+18=33 ; Thursday February 9th, 2023 11:12:05 PM Mundhildur manages to hang on and successfully hit with one of her attacks. The Twins attack the worm from the inside, where it is less protected. They deal some damage. Zeoll attempts to confuse the monster. It fails the save. Elron hits with a flurry of blows. Asimov throws another ball of fire at the worm.
The mongrelmen lauch a small volley of arrows at the worm, one of which gets through.
Unexpectedly hurt, the worm abandons its attacks and tries to escape, getting half of its length into the ground.
The Twins take another 33 points of bludgeoning damage.
===== Purple worm -- AC 26 (touch 4) (AC 20 from inside), 198 HP damage, Confused ===== OOC: I had not expected the party to do this well.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+12=31 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+18=29 ; 4d6+8=31 ; Friday February 10th, 2023 2:51:03 AM
Mundhildur is getting the hang of riding the monster. She does not sink her 2nd longspear, but this time chucks a rock onto the back of the critter (should have been AC 26, not 29 - but 26 hits) for 31 hp of bludgeoning damage.
She wants to kill this thing, and get the twins out. ========== Edit: Autocorrect changed 'hang' to 'hand' - so I fixed the nasty autocorrect's choice.
Mitch - The Twins HP: -14/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday February 10th, 2023 7:40:37 AM
The Twins fall unconscious inside the creature.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+9=21 ; d6+7=9 ; Friday February 10th, 2023 5:22:38 PM
Still singing, Zeoll casts Produce Flame and throws the fire missile at the worm. He hits touch AC21 for 9 fire damage.
REMEMBER: +2 to hit and damage, everybody!
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=20 ; Saturday February 11th, 2023 2:35:43 PM
Elron gives the scorpion style attack another try, hoping to slow the worm. He misses (hits AC 20).
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Level 2 reroll: d8=6 ; Level 4 reroll: d8=4 ; Level 6 reroll: d8=2 ; Saturday February 11th, 2023 10:54:02 PM
OOC: HD rerolls to hopefully replace the ones I rolled lol ... that would move his HP up to 77
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/10-ish Sunday February 12th, 2023 11:40:23 AM Mundhildur bashes the worm with a rock. The Twins fall unconscious inside the creature. Zeoll casts Produce Flame and attacks. Elron misses with his attack.
The worm stops moving under the onslaught. Half of its length in the ground, the Twins are somewhere inside there and injured.
===== Purple worm -- AC 26 (touch 4) (AC 20 from inside), 238 HP damage, DEAD
Mitch - The Twins HP: -14/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+3=12 ; Sunday February 12th, 2023 4:40:25 PM
The Twins manage to stabilize inside the monster, giving their allies time to find them (12 con save)
Since Irony is now in positive hp territory Asimov asks the beaten up mechanical man to probe the dead worm for the twins
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday February 13th, 2023 2:29:37 AM
The Jotun removes the longspear from the back of the worm, then moves to a point about ten feet this side of the hole. She pulls out tools from her bag. Two picks, two axes, two shovels, three crowbars, and a pile of iron spikes. She points to the tools. "Use what you need." She also gets a few lengths of rope. "We make a hole. I promised to go in. I'm fine having Irony do so, too."
She uses a pick to start cutting a hole in the side of the worm, likely getting splashed with blood and gore the deeper she goes. Where an ax works better, she uses that. She uses crowbars to spread the opening, and perhaps a shovel or two to help prop open the entrance. All who want to help, she welcomes. Having an opening about 3 - 5 feet wide, 6 to 8 feet tall, and enough depth to get inside the throat / digestive tract / esophagus is her initial aim. When that aim is met, she takes several deep breaths, then enters into the worm (in her smallest form, which is not terribly small).
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