What Is That Weird Noise? (DM BatMark) Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 9:18:51 PM Panzer reports on the strange noises, but can't make sense of them. He can see that the tunnel leads into darkness beyond the range of his sight. Sahabiel notes that the passage is wide enough for three side by side, and also notes the strange noises, suggesting that you go forward. Zazu and Boyo turn invisible. Lothlo wonders whether the sounds suggest that the cavern is being dug out as you listen, but the sounds do not seem regular enough for that, upon further reflection. Beech reaches out for the magical threads, but finds nothing of the sort. He puts on his mage armor and casts See Invisibility as well. Nightingale offers thanks that you made it through the paths and wonders about the noise, casting Bless while there is a moment of peace. Naithi and Camalayas listen, look, and sniff carefully, but discover nothing new about their surroundings. She suggests moving in two rows, with her mounted up front, after casting Barkskin.
Thus prepared, the Champions are able to move forward, whether two or three across. After a minute or so, you can tell that the tunnel opens up into a chamber just ahead. The chamber is dimly lit, and appears to be thirty feet across from where the tunnel enters. The sounds you have heard seem to emanate from the chamber ahead, although there is no obvious source for them. On the far wall, you can see three dimly glowing runes, and more glowing runes run in a short line across part of the floor, perpendicular to the tunnel entrance. The runes on the far wall appear to be in Old High Woldian. If you can read the language Highlight to display spoiler: {They translate as ‘Rock’,’Glass’, and ‘Sand’.} You do not have a good angle yet to make out the runes on the floor.
(OOC: Naithi, Panzer and Lothlo each gain a hero point, nominated by fellow party members for their willingness to take the path less favored!)
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20+1=11 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 10:07:35 PM
Beech, not able to read the runes, tries to decipher them using Linguistics. (that was SEE invis that was cast) He then says, "Those Runes are ancient, but I can't make them out. Try not to make them explode, I know some do."
Spells In Effect: Mage Armor : 8 hours See Invisible : 80 minutes
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 3:00:42 PM "...does any of ya also wonder if those paths through the mist, we've crossed into a fae realm? Because I certainly do not recall anything like this being along the way to the grove before.", Sahabiel inquires.
Since other already looked at the glowing markings on the wall and nothing terribly happened, she looks at them too, but sees only squiggles and geometric shapes. She shrugs; "I don't know, but if that is a map of the tunnels, it does not seem to say where we are now."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 3:00:44 PM
Nightingale looks at the runes and shakes her head, "That's not any language I recognize."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=22 ; Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 5:36:04 PM
Panzer can't read any of that stuff but he can't see the whole room either. That is a greater concern to him. He steps forward a bit more both to be able to see the runes on the floor and to see the rest of the room. He scans for possibly hostile things. Perception 22
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+3=18 ; Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 7:06:42 PM
Lothlo looks at the strange symbols. Hmm, that's not a language I'm familiar with. I don't think I have the skills to decipher it, but I'll give it my best shot.
Linguistics = 18
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 8:47:51 PM
With a spider climb still active, Zazu -- with Boyo of course -- seeks some height to get a better angle on the floor runes. The wizard sketches them and descends to show everybody.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 9:07:32 PM
Neither Naithi or Camalayas know High Woldian, say the observe their surroundings and wait.
Only the Persistent May Pass (DM BatMark) Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 9:16:29 PM Beech does not note anything invisible in his field of view (OOC: Previous DM post is corrected to See Invisibility) and tries unsuccessfully to figure out the ancient runes on his own. Sahabiel wonders whether you have crossed into the fey realm, because this is not like anything in the area of your grove. She decides that the runes are not a map of the tunnels, at least. Nightingale also does not recognize the runes. Panzer is more focused on seeing the environment, moving up to see the whole space and the runes on the floor. Lothlo is also not familiar with these runes, but with a few consultations with Beech, manages to puzzle out a reasonably good quess. (Treating Beech’s roll as Aid Another) Zazu spider climbs higher and closer to get a look at the runes on the floor, sketching them to show to the others. Naithi and Camalayas are not familiar with High Woldian, so wait and observe.
Panzer, having moved forward, can see that the chamber is roughly 30’ x 30’ and the runes in the floor are Sylvan script, similar to those you saw on the mist outside the grove, although he does not know that language, and hence doesn’t immediately know their meaning. There are no creatures in the room, or other notable features. Zazu lets the others in the party know that the Sylvan runes read “Only the persistent may pass”. Meanwhile, Lothlo, with help from Beech, has figured out that the High Woldian runes are ‘Rock’, ’Glass’, and ‘Sand’.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 11:22:22 PM "Weird, Rock, Glass, Sand.... Rocks and be ground into Sand and Sand can be made into Glass.... But I'm betting that's not what it means...." Beech is a bit confused by it.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Thursday May 4th, 2023 4:46:34 AM
When Sahabiel realizes what the writing on the floor says, she laughs. "If Limka were here, she would say I should get a pass for this room already."
Hearing Beech, who seems to have worked out the meaning of those probably-not-a-map markings on the back wall, speak of their most likely meaning, she turns to the two linguists.
"So anyway.. Lothlo, Beech - ya say those signs there mean ' rock', 'glass', and 'sand'?" She thinks this over. "...and the sounds we heard from the tunnel earlier, didn't those sound to ya like grinding, shattering, and bubbling? If those match up.. grinding goes with stone, shattering goes with glass, so bubbling... I guess could go with sand, if the sand were quicksand..."
She looks at the back wall. "No other exits in sight, but the persistent make their own way when there is no obvious one. Now I don't have the means ready at hand to grind stone, and bubbling sand would not be the first thing I'd like to try my chances with on nothing but a hunch, but..." She eyes the spot of wall that has the rune Beech referred to as 'glass' on it, and hefts her heavy and enchanted morning star. "...I am up for testing if that will shatter. Unless any of ya have a better idea?"
Unless asked to belay that, Sahabiel will give the section of the back wall marked with the 'glass' symbol a few tentative hits with her weapon to get a feel for the material.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday May 4th, 2023 12:03:57 PM
Nightingale smiles, "That sounds like an interesting approach. I don't see any other way to test your idea ..."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d12=6 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 2:36:31 PM
Naithi rides Camalayas forward, her eyes gleaming large in the dim light. She looks even more childlike than usual and you can see her fey nature growing. You have no doubt that one day she will become one of them.
These runes call to me. Can you hear them? With just a touch I can feel the tremendous power that lurks behind this mystery. I can almost hear the voices of ancient spirits whispering to me from the darkness.
As she sits on Camalayas back she lets out a small gap. Oh! When faced with choosing between Glass, Rock, and Sand, she realizes that there might be a reason why the the maker chose these three words. The fey like their riddles. It's as if the choice of Glass represents the clarity and sharpness of vision, the truth of the world that we see around us. Sand stands for the endless mystery and complexity of the Universe within which we are but a tiny spec. And Rock, of course, represents the foundation on which we build our lives and the strength of our resolve. We must choose one of these paths that will lead us o the long journey towards our destiny. A choice full of meaning, but meaning nothing.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+5=11 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 3:32:03 PM
OoC I looked back to make sure I wasn't being needlessly dense, but I don't see the answer to these questions stated before so.... What is the tunnel made of? Is there stone and sand here, maybe stone walls and a sand floor? Are the runes made of carved or shaped glass? IC Panzer ponders for a moment and then asks Sahabiel to stay her hand for a moment. Since this is odd for the normally violent Badgerkin he hurries to explain. Profession Mining 11 " OK, so I know mining and stone, and have a passing acquaintance with sand and we all have seen glass. Beech's reasoning is sound, that all tracks. Stone can become sand which can be heated to make glass. Breaking glass seems too easy for persistent people, but grinding stone, like the sound we heard, and melting the resulting sand to make glass and then breaking it, to mimic all the sounds we heard is pretty consistent with persistence, and madness. How hot does that beach ball of fire you can make get Beech? Hot enough to make glass?" " Naithi's reading of the pattern also makes alot of sense if we are going to keep splitting up to follow separate paths. That's what the first test wanted, maybe this one is the same." "My idea might reveal a single path to follow, but Naithi's would set us on three paths which is already familiar territory in this place. I think I like her idea better than mine, at least as a first try."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Thursday May 4th, 2023 8:12:30 PM Last time we were able to test a single path to verify with no ill effect before splitting up. Assuming this was set up by the same person, it would be logical to expect similar results. Naithi's idea may be more likely to be correct and could be faster, but would Panzer's suggestion possible be safer to try first?
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Thursday May 4th, 2023 9:19:19 PM
"The pattern is probably that we have to split. I can;t figure out the best division, though."
These Runes Call to Me (DM BatMark) Thursday May 4th, 2023 9:26:48 PM Beech speculates a bit about the meaning of the rock, glass, and sand runes, but is unsure. Sahabiel laughingly claims to be sufficiently persistent. She equates grinding with stone, shattering with glass, and, with a very canny intuitive leap, bubbling with quicksand. Not seeing any exits, she prepares a windup with her morning star to try to ‘shatter’ the glass rune. Nightingale smiles at Sahabiel’s unorthodox approach, but sees no better way. Naithi rides forward, child-like fey eyes gleaming. She claims to hear the runes calling to her, and offers a deeply philosophical explanation for their meaning and meaninglessness. Panzer sees that the tunnel and chamber are made of stone. The runes have a silvery glow, but do not seem to be made of any physical substance. He calls for Sahabiel to stay her hand for a moment, and offers opinions on the various interpretations of the runes by his fellow Champions, eventually settling on supporting Naithi’s take. Lothlo suggests trying a single path first to be safer. Zazu suggests that the pattern is to split, but not sure how best to do so.
As you enter the room and ponder the runes more closely, you notice that they each glow a little brighter when you say their name, in any language. Only one brightens at a time, dimming again when either another rune’s name is spoken or after a few seconds even if none is spoken. So will the Champions choose all for one, or one for all?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday May 4th, 2023 11:05:12 PM The runes glow brighter as we say their names. It's as if they are responding to my voice and are calling out to me. We must choose which word will open the path to our destiny, knowing that the choice we make will have consequences that we could never have imagined.
The runes are glowing brighter and brighter as the pressure mounts, and Naithi knows that she must take that first step down the path she chooses without hesitation or regret. Only one word can lead her down the path to her destiny, but which one?
As she stands before the ancient runes it is clear to her what must be done. These runes are not a puzzle that can be solved by logic alone, but rather they are a test of the heart. They require a choice to be made between two equally valid options, and the only way to know which path is right is to follow the intuition and the guidance of one's own heart. This is a choice of faith, a choice that can only be made from deep within the soul. We must trust in ourselves and our instincts to make the right decision.
My heart says that we should stay together. The only way to make this work is through teamwork and coordination, and by staying together we will be stronger, more resilient, and better able to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Staying together also means that we will have the support and encouragement of each other, which we will need in the difficult times ahead. Staying together is the only way!
Logic tells me that the rune of Rock stands for strength and unwavering resolve. It is the foundation upon which we build our lives, a symbol of the stability and security that we seek in our world. Glass shatters under pressure and sand is a symbol of change and transformation that drives us forward. The choice of Rock represents persistence and stability.
Naithi feels fine is of the essence and says Rock and nice's to stand by it, but will wait for the others and to see if there is any objections or better ideas.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Friday May 5th, 2023 6:15:50 AM
While there may be a lot to what Naithi is saying, Sahabiel feels that which path to choose, and whether to do so all together or to split up again, is all rather secondary to the issue that so far making marks glow dimmer or brighter has not opened up any path forward at all yet.
"...if they dim each other, then I think we need to pick one and stick with it. That is persistence, too. So if that is going to be rock, then let's all say 'rock' together, over and over, and see if that makes it go brighter and brighter until something interesting happens? So... rock! Rock! Rock, rock, rock!"
Through repeating the same word over and over, she drifts into a sing-song rhythm, and it occurs to her that a group of people underground rhythmically chanting the word 'rock' at a stone wall, is really a lot like dwarven opera.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Friday May 5th, 2023 8:11:28 AM
ooc: for some reason I was picturing a different rune in front of three different tunnels. Not sure where I got that image.
If there are no tunnels or paths, I think repeating the word is a better option. It also makes the rock persistent connection less important.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Friday May 5th, 2023 1:49:50 PM
Panzer has spent his life in, around and under stone so Rock is an easy choice for him. He will join in and chant the word rock with the others.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Friday May 5th, 2023 2:24:48 PM I agree with your assessment, it's better we stick together. Besides, whenever one is in doubt on what to do, not splitting up is always my preferred option.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Friday May 5th, 2023 3:26:07 PM
Rock wouldn't be Beech's choice, but since everyone else seems to be choosing it, Beech will concede. "I guess it's gonna be rock, but just about everything I have is useless..."
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Friday May 5th, 2023 8:24:26 PM
"So that means ... Team One names the first rune and enters? Then Team Two names the second rune and enters there, and then the rest name the third rune and enter? Does that make sense?"
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Friday May 5th, 2023 8:35:19 PM "Ummm, Zazu, I think you misunderstand, We are going to all try the same one I think...."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday May 5th, 2023 10:00:40 PM
Nightingale will take it a step further and begin to sing and dance to the word "Rock"
Rock and Roll (DM BatMark) Friday May 5th, 2023 11:21:22 PM Naithi decides that the runes are a test of the heart, and her heart suggests that you stay together. She chooses and says Rock and moves to stand by it. Sahabiel agrees that sticking with one is the way to go, also exemplifying persistence. She repeats “rock” quite a few times. Panzer is comfortable with rock and repeats the word as well. Lothlo agrees with sticking together. Zazu seems confused about the plan proposed by pretty much everyone else, who suggested all going for one rune, Rock. Beech isn’t too keen on rock, but will go with the group decision, even coaching Zazu about what the plan is. Nightingale really gets into it, singing and dancing with some original rock music.
As most of the party chants or sings “Rock”, the corresponding rune glows brighter and brighter, until it suddenly flashes with nearly blinding brilliance, only to fade back to dimness. Then all three rock, sand, glass runes fade to darkness. Beneath the rock rune, however, a naturally-formed tunnel has appeared in the stone, leading into darkness beyond. From it, you can hear the occasional sounds of grinding, scraping stone a bit louder than before. It begins only 5’ wide, but you can see that it widens to at least 15’ before it bends out of sight to the left about 35 feet ahead. The ceiling is also irregular in formation and height, starting at about 8’ but going up to 25 or so feet at one point within your line of sight. How do our heroes approach this way ahead?
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Saturday May 6th, 2023 5:21:16 AM
Nightingale will stop dancing and look at the darkened tunnel, "I have an idea my friends."
Nightingale will call upon her racial abilities and summon 4 glowing butterflies and send them into the tunnel to illuminate it ...
Dancing Lights - racial spell - lasts 1 minute.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+7=22 ; Saturday May 6th, 2023 7:05:11 AM
Sahabiel feels well enough pleased that she was right about how this one was going to work. With that ominous grinding sound louder now though, probably not the time to reflect on it too long, as there is clearly going to be a 'next step' to this gauntlet..
With a way forward now open to them, she chooses to complement what Nightingale is doing and recites the prayer to see the magical auras of things (Detect Magic), so that by the light of her cousin's butterflies she can see into the tunnel and keep an eye out for both the mundane and the magical.
Perception d20+7 = 22, with Detect Magic active
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Saturday May 6th, 2023 11:17:27 PM
"Oh yeah right, ROCK, that's the ticket, sorry."
OOC: Has it been 3 minutes since the invisibility?
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Sunday May 7th, 2023 1:32:16 AM
OOC: When e cleared that pond out to get the negative piece of the seed, did we find money/gems in addition to our magical item? I thought we did but I must have spaced writing it down ... old blonde guy you know
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Monday May 8th, 2023 12:33:01 PM
Beech, Squeezing his way through, let's one of the others lead. Being in this tight place, leaves him a bit restricted in what he can accomplish....
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Monday May 8th, 2023 1:37:31 PM
Nightingale will go last so she can keep an eye out for anyone sneaking up behind the party
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Monday May 8th, 2023 1:50:03 PM
Panzer flexes his shoulders to loosen the tension created by these puzzles that don't require much thought from him. He has smart friends and they have so far taken the brunt of the puzzles. What he can do is walk up front and take any hits that come their way, though he expects their next step to be a third puzzle.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+5=22 ; d20+13=16 ; Monday May 8th, 2023 6:53:46 PM
Naithi and Camalayas suddenly perk their ears as they listen to the scraping. I don't like that sound... It reminds me of an old story of a statue coming to life. Does anyone have a way to check if there is a construct up ahead, specifically a stone golden e?
Knowledge Arkana = 22 Perception= 16
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Monday May 8th, 2023 7:02:06 PM
Sahabiel will follow Panzer - both because the two of them form a pretty good first line of defense, and because the prayer that allows her to sense the auras of all things magical is more useful if she is also in a place to see them before anyone else touches anything...
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=16 ; Monday May 8th, 2023 8:09:41 PM
Peering into the darkness, Lothlo strains his eyes but is unable to notice anything useful. Let's see what those butterflies reveal, hopefully there's not another army of the undead lurking down here.
perception = 16
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+21=37 ; Monday May 8th, 2023 9:56:35 PM
Zazu follows Sahabiel and hopes this is going to work out.
Perception 37
And They All Came Tumbling Down (DM BatMark) Tuesday May 9th, 2023 6:46:28 AM Nightingale summons four glowing butterflies and sends them into the dark tunnel, then hangs in the back of the party. Sahabiel is pleased that this is going according to expectations. She casts detect magic to scan the way ahead, joining Panzer in leading the way. Zazu gets with the Rock plan. The trickster has about a minute and half of invisibility remaining. Panzer takes point, ready to take whatever hits come your way. Beech squeezes through the tight beginning of the tunnel but finds that it is comfortably wide moving forward. Lothlo peers into the darkness and tries to see what the butterflies reveal. Naithi wonders about stone statues, but isn’t sure whether that explains the scraping rock sounds.
Nightingale’s fluttering lights illuminate your way through this irregular tunnel that continues to wind through the rock for about a minute. Sahabiel detects a faint lingering aura of conjuration throughout the area, but nothing more active.
As you proceed, Zazu notices something amiss ahead, and points out that the stretch of rocky tunnel ahead is threatened by an easily triggered rockfall.
You may make an additional Perception, Knowledge Engineering, Knowledge Dungeoneering, or Profession Mining check. If you succeed on a Perception DC 23 or DC18 on any of the other three skills Highlight to display spoiler: {”You can tell that there is a safe path on the left side of the tunnel that should protect anyone going further down the tunnel from the rockfall.”} If you think you have something that might give a circumstance bonus to any of those, suggest it in your post.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20+5=12 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 1:08:32 PM
Beech doesn't notice anything, and is ready to proceed, but waits for those leading to go.....
Know Engineering : Rolled 12
Spells In Effect: Mage Armor : 8 hours See Invisible : 80 minutes (ish)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+13=32 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 4:02:55 PM
As Naithi looks down the tunnel, she notices a subtle difference in the rock at the edge. It appears to be more dense and less porous than the surrounding rock. If we are careful and quick, we should be able to use this difference to our advantage and stay safe from any falling rocks. I tell the group about my observation and explain how we can use this difference in the rock to stay safe from the danger ahead.
As we continue Naithi hums. Grind. Grind Scrape. Scrape. What horror does await.
Perception check= 32
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=11 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+5=9 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 7:33:38 PM
Perception 11 Knowledge Engineering 9 Profession Miner 9 Panzer notices nothing wrong but stops when Zazu and Naithi spot a problem. He waits to see if it is a trap that Zazu can disarm or if it is just a hazard they need to pass.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+7=20 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 9:02:16 PM
Sahabiel is glad for Naithi's keen senses, and she follows her without comment while she continues keeping her own eye out for magic.
Still using Detect Magic
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=29 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 10:17:54 PM
Lothlo looks at the dangerous rocks and scans for a safe path Naithi, I agree that it looks like we may be safe if we take the path on the left side of the tunnel.
Perception = 29.
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+21=31 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 10:20:53 PM
Perception 31
Zazu concurs and directs everybody that way too.
To The Left (DM BatMark) Wednesday May 10th, 2023 6:16:45 AM Naithi spots the potential rockfall hazard up ahead, but also discerns a safe path along the left side of the tunnel. She hums a dissonant rock melody as she points the way. Panzer doesn’t see the rock hazard until the others point it out, but his familiarity with mines lets him confirm their findings. Beech waits for the others who have found the hazard to chart a safe path. Sahabiel is glad for Naithi’s keen senses, and continues to scan for magic. Zazu and Lothlo agree that the left side looks safe Nightingale comes along silently.
As you make your way through and past the hazard, the rocks do come tumbling down, with a familiar scraping sound. But as Naithi was first able to discern, you are kept safe by sticking to the left wall (including Beech squeezing.) In all, there is a roughly 60’ stretch of tunnel that partially collapses in the rockfall, but you have successfully moved beyond it. Sahabiel continues to detect the lingering conjuration aura throughout the area.
The tunnel continues beyond, still taking the occasional twist and turn, before narrowing again to a 5’ width as it enters a dimly glowing chamber, about 30 feet across. From the chamber, you hear the occasional, familiar shattering and bubbling sounds. The glow seems to be coming primarily from runes on the floor, which Sahabiel can tell are illusory in nature. As before, you would need to be closer to read them.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Wednesday May 10th, 2023 12:17:34 PM
Nightingale ponders aloud, "Who or what made this place ... it's rather interesting to say the least."
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Wednesday May 10th, 2023 2:19:37 PM "I'm fairly certain this place wasn't created by the Tecuri, I've heard mom tell and retell of all of her adventures in their machines as she described them. This place is much more primal, natural if you want. I'd say it was created by very early Fey, their tricks and magic have progressed into much more elaborate styles than this. It might even be from a much earlier age, being so rough in design." Beech then realizes he actually said that out loud, and just shrugs his shoulders....
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=18 ; Wednesday May 10th, 2023 11:04:52 PM
Panzer enters the room and trys to look everywhere at once. He stops as he reaches the far wall. Perception 18
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=26 ; Wednesday May 10th, 2023 11:13:38 PM If this is so old, what do you think caused the disruptions we are seeing to suddenly start up? I'm not sure if it being an ancient cavern makes this a relief that it's not some recent targeted attack, or if it should make me more terrified that it's something much older and more sinister that's laid buried here all this time.
Lothlo looks around for signs of traps of danger. perception = 26
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Wednesday May 10th, 2023 11:23:17 PM
Zazu helps read the runes.
"Panzer, please do not step on the runes!"
"Beech, I think you are right! This whole thing feels fey to me too."
Deja Vu (DM BatMark) Thursday May 11th, 2023 6:51:05 AM Nightingale wonders aloud about the makers of this place. Beech comments on the likely early fey origins of this rough place. Panzer enters the room, looking all around. Zazu agrees that this looks fey and warns not to step on the runes. Lothlo enters and wonders about the potential for this to be an old menace resurfacing. Naithi and Sahabiel come along quietly.
As you enter and look around, you realize that this room is nearly identical to the one you left to enter the ‘Rock’ tunnel. It is exactly the same size and shape, and the runes on the floor, which appear upside down when viewed from this side, also say “Only the persistent may pass” in Sylvan. The Rock rune is still present just above the tunnel you have emerged from, but no longer glowing, while the Glass and Sand runes glow dimly. The tunnel that you originally entered through is no longer there.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:16:54 AM
Sahabiel sighs... "I guess this means that we do them all in turn, hm? Well, who is up for repeating 'glass' together this time?"
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Thursday May 11th, 2023 10:40:51 AM " That would be my read too." "Glass"
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Thursday May 11th, 2023 12:50:39 PM "Aye, Glass it is..." Beech then thinks for a couple more moments... "Does anyone know the order of appearance of the Races? Including the Fey."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:16:21 PM I'm up for it, but can someone clarify why we are doing glass next? Wouldn't the process of making glass put the glass last?
The rocks are ground down, which we no longer hear the grinding. Then the sand is melted, which would be the bubbling we here. Then the formed glass is shattered?
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:44:06 PM
"It is like that kids' game. Rock breaks Glass, Glass melts Sand*, and Sand wears down Rock."
"But how does that help? Glass next?"
* (with a lens)
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:46:38 PM
Nightingale opens and closes her mouth ... "That makes sense Lothlo ... especially since we do hear the bubbling sounds....but I'm good with whichever we try."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday May 11th, 2023 9:52:48 PM
The bubbling sound is both beautiful and haunting. It is the sound of something sparkling, like the bubbles of a crystal glass of champagne, but it also has a deep, almost glass thick quality. This sound seems to be coming from the path of sand... She looks to her companions, wanting to be sure that we are all in agreement before deciding which path to take. The sound of the sand makes her eager to follow it, a sound of transformation and rebirth...
But the idea of a deep shattering sound is quite ominous. Naithi is not looking forward to that final path.
Heart of Glass (DM BatMark) Thursday May 11th, 2023 10:03:22 PM Sahabiel concludes that you need to face these challenges one by one, and starts with “Glass.” Panzer agrees and also says “Glass.” Beech also raises a “Glass” and wonders what order the races appeared on the Wold, including the fey.noting that in the process of making glass, rock and sand would logically come first. Zazu thinks it might be like a kids’ game. Nightingale likes Lothlo’s theory but is fine with either approach. Naithi finds the bubbling sound both beautiful and haunting, and is eager to follow that path.
As several folks in the party repeat the word “Glass” the corresponding rune glows brighter, much as with Rock before. With the expected flash, a tunnel appears beneath the Glass rune, 10 feet wide and twisting into darkness ahead. You hear the tinkling of shattering glass from down the tunnel.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Friday May 12th, 2023 9:45:27 AM
Sahabiel points out that if the glass is to be polished, then sand comes last again. There are so many possible relations between the three words that, added to the likelihood of deliberate fae trickery, they might as well just go down the runes in order of appearance? In any case, the path of the Glass challenge lies open now.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday May 12th, 2023 11:16:25 AM
Nightingale's butterflies should still be flitting about, so she'll send them into the tunnel to light it up
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20+8=15 ; Friday May 12th, 2023 1:44:28 PM
Beech expects a trap of some sort, even though he's not very good at it, he tries to spot anything that may fill the criteria.
Perception 15
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=29 ; Friday May 12th, 2023 8:10:38 PM We need to keep a close eye out on this one. Falling rocks is bad enough, but jagged shards of glass are even more terrifying.
Perception = 29
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+21=30 ; d20+12=29 ; Friday May 12th, 2023 8:31:56 PM
Zazu looks for traps too. Perception 30. "Maybe Lothlo and I can help each other search?"
If there is a trap, Zazu tries to disarm it remotely.
Disable 29
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=13 ; Friday May 12th, 2023 9:24:36 PM
Panzer takes point and looks for anything out of the ordinary Perception 13
OOC sorry I posted earlier but apparently didn't hit done
Click! (DM BatMark) Friday May 12th, 2023 10:32:29 PM Sahabiel shrugs at the various possibilities, given that the Glass path now lies open. Nightingale’s butterfly flit forward to light the way. Beech expects a trap, and tries to look for it. Lothlo is wary of shards of glass, watching carefully for danger. Zazu also looks for traps, and is ready to disarm them remotely. Panzer takes point and looks for anything unusual. Naithi follows along.
After about ten minutes, the party has wound through the rock tunnel, turning a bend to see a 20’ long stretch of stained glass about 30’ away, with the tunnel continuing on beyond the glass area. The stained glass is backlit, and depicts a bizarre scene from a fey nightmare, with grotesque creatures, corrupted plants, walking dead, and a single dark but formless creature looking down from above. Beech and Panzer miss it, but both Lothlo and Zazu spot shadows that hint at a mechanical mechanism behind the glass, and are able to determine that pressure on the glass will send a hail of shards in all directions. Luckily, Zazu is able to spot a weakness in the mechanism about halfway across the stained glass stretch of corridor, and remotely disable this feyndish trap without having to enter the area. What do our heroes do after this accomplishment?
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Saturday May 13th, 2023 12:02:56 AM
"Can anyone think of a way to take this with us? Imagine the tales we could tell."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Saturday May 13th, 2023 1:38:39 AM
Nightingale "hmmms" then adds, "We might be able to mend pieces we break back into shape ... "
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Saturday May 13th, 2023 2:06:09 PM "Maybe..? I should warn ya that I have been seeing a background aura of conjuration over this entire area pretty much from the moment we crossed those paths through the mist. This tunnel, this gauntlet of trials, may be real enough here and now, but I have to wonder about its.. permanence.. if we should try to bring any of it back with us?", Sahabiel contributes an opinion to Panzer's idea.
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Monday May 15th, 2023 1:17:44 PM
"Well, I disarmed it. Usually that means it will not go off, right?"
Zazu approaches and takes a close look.
"Since it is not going to shatter, why don't we keep it? It sure is beautiful, even if it is a bit weird. Reminds me of that shadow thing we got darkening the Culverwood these days."
The elf looks at the artwork and tries to figure out if it could be shrunk as is, or would need to be detached first. If it needs to be detached, maybe ranged legerdemain and more disable checks would get the job done?
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Monday May 15th, 2023 2:08:44 PM
Beech, about to mention that Zazu likes to shrink stuff,but doesn't bother as Zazu does it himself.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=6 ; Monday May 15th, 2023 2:55:09 PM " Well I mean there is the fact that it seems to have a bearing on or current problem too.like Zazu said.Besides I have never seen it's like before, and doubt I will again." Panzer is pretty agile. He will help Zazu in any way the elf needs to make the stained glass walls safe. Dexterity 6
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=19 ; Monday May 15th, 2023 7:07:09 PM Hold on one minute, this scene shows the walking dead we saw earlier. I want to examine that formless creature's depiction, see if it shows any details on what it is, what dangers it might present, how it might be defeated... anything that could be useful before we press on to actually find it waiting for us.
Perception = 19
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+10=25 ; Monday May 15th, 2023 7:27:39 PM
Since it looks like we have briefly stopped, Sahabiel prays for the Will of the Wood's guidance as she looks upon the image in the stained glass, to see if what is shown matches any myths she might be aware of..
KS (religion) d20+10 = 25
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Monday May 15th, 2023 8:23:23 PM
Naithi nods. That's ac good call. Who here knows about these things?
ooc: Who has a high knowledge religion score?
Glass Houses (DM BatMark) Monday May 15th, 2023 9:30:28 PM Panzer wonders whether you could take this stained glass with you. He is willing to help others’ efforts, albeit potentially clumsily. Nightingale opines that you might be able to mend pieces that you break. Naithi nods at the latest ideas, and suggests thinking about this from a religious point of view. Sahabiel warns about the background conjuration aura in the place, and wonders about the permanence of things from this place. Zazu is confident that, being disarmed, the trap will not go off. The trickster wants to keep the beautiful but strange stained glass, and grins while saying it can be shrunk and turned into a piece of cloth! Beech had been about to mention Zazu’s incredible shrinking skills, but finds it unnecessary. Lothlo examines the formless creature’s depiction, but whether by design or due to the nature of the creature, it is merely a vague dark shape, at most perhaps leaving the impression of a grotesquely twisted, massive humanoid. But that could just be the dark places in your mind filling in the blanks as you gaze upon the horror.
Looking more closely, Zazu realizes that the whole stained glass creation ahead of you is probably too big to shrink with the spell. It actually covers the floor, walls and ceiling for 20 feet of corridor, with metal pieces holding the individual panes of stained glass in place, and the whole creation firmly anchored to the rock in multiple places. Moreover, the pieces of glass seem to be firmly in place in their metal frames, and the ranged legerdemain is not strong enough to free them. It should be possible to remove sections (carefully or not) if you choose to do so. This could be done safely, with the possible exception of the ceiling, which while no longer trapped, might be hard to pry material away from without bringing sections down on your heads.
Sahabiel studies the images and prays for guidance, but the teachings she is familiar with do not shed light on this mix of fey and undeath; on the contrary, even the dark fey historically have still had a strong attachment to the (super)natural world, not returning things from the grave. You have apparently become embroiled in a novel dark plot!
(OOC: Feel free to do any of the above that is workable and keep moving on in your posts, unless there is something else that you want to try here.)
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Tuesday May 16th, 2023 12:09:17 AM
Zazu can shrink 10 cubic feet with a Shrink Item spell, so if the art is say 1/10 inch thick, a portion 10x10 should be doable. The elf tries to find a floor or wall patch that is beautiful but not so dark, not with the dark figure.
“This will be so beautiful with daylight shining through when we install it at home.”
Job done, hopefully without misadventure, it is time to press onwards.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Know: Religion - d20+7=25 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2023 10:43:43 AM
Before it gets removed, Nightingale wants to take a peek at the artwork. " Friends, one moment. Undead are abhorrent, and if by taking this we release something worse, we need to be prepared."
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Tuesday May 16th, 2023 12:27:51 PM "Even worse than that, it could be like a magnet or even worse, a "window" with a direct connection to whatever is causing this. Even if we beat it, who says having a section won't give it easy access not only to us, but to those we've sworn to protect. It was supposed to "explode" on us, I say we just leave it here, if we are meant to take it, it will be obvious once we've finished. So, please don't shrink any of it, I might be forced to do something that none of us want...."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Tuesday May 16th, 2023 1:53:02 PM We already have a hoard of undead heading towards the town, I don't think it's worth delaying moving forward just to take home some souvenirs, especially if it could increase the danger for us our the town.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=13 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2023 7:13:31 PM But it was fine to stand around going what if and maybe this and maybe that at the first puzzle Panzer shakes his head and helps Zazu. In a moment when the portion is saved he resumes taking point and walking on towards the next challenge. Perception 13
Sands of Time (DM BatMark) Tuesday May 16th, 2023 9:43:17 PM Zazu moves to shrink just a section, and not a scary dark one, to take with you. Nightingale takes a closer look at the undead in the glass, which seem to be an assortment of corporeal undead such as zombies and skeletons, with perhaps a few more powerful such mixed in. She sees no obvious triggers for releasing them by manipulating the glass. Beech expresses concern that remnants of the stained glass could bring trouble to you, and wants to leave it for now. Lothlo agrees that you should not delay, given that there is already a horde of undead heading toward town. Panzer starts getting antsy again, deciding to help Zazu to get things moving. Sahabiel and Naithi watch and wait.
Despite worries by a few party members, Zazu and Panzer manage to shrink and free up a not too hideous section of the stained glass, and get it shrunken and rolled up without any harm. Afterward Panzer leads the way down the tunnel, which eventually ends in…no surprise…a room that looks much like the one that you left to enter the stained glass tunnel. It is exactly the same size and shape, and the runes on the floor, which appear upside down when viewed from this side, still say “Only the persistent may pass” in Sylvan. The Rock and Glass runes are no longer glowing, while the Sand rune glows dimly. Do you persist?
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Tuesday May 16th, 2023 11:27:11 PM
"Come on everybody! Only one more to go!"
Feeling a bit nervous about it. Zazu casts darkvision and shares it with Boyo. In case there is sand, the elf ties the stained glass cloth bandito-bandana style to cover mouth and nose.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Wednesday May 17th, 2023 1:33:02 PM
Beech, not exactly happy with what happened, says sand and waits for the rest.....
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 2:43:39 PM
Seeing as nothing bad happened, Naithi will also take a section of the stained glass, assuming it is not magic. She quickly turns a section into a beautiful flower and tucks in into her hair.
She has nothing else to add at the moment and when everyone is ready will begin repeating the word
ooc: Not sure what happened. I thought I posted last night. Mostly an unneeded perception check for danger.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 7:17:48 PM ooc: I never sent my post yesterday?! Sorry; I guess I have another Saturday post coming up to make up my numbers this week.
Sahabiel is not interested in bringing pieces of glass along, and simply proceeds to the now familiar room and its single remaining glowing rune.
"Very well then... sand!", Sahabiel joins Beech in opening the third and hopefully final way forward from here.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Wednesday May 17th, 2023 7:21:36 PM "Sand"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 7:51:56 PM Sand it is, let's hope our persistence pays off.
Scirrocco (DM BatMark) Wednesday May 17th, 2023 9:58:54 PM Sahabiel has no interest in the glass, and speaks the word. Panzer says “sand.” Zazu urges everyone to take on this third (and last?) challenge. The elf ties on a bandana and shares darkvision with Boyo. Beech isn’t happy with being overruled but says sand and waits for it. Lothlo says sand and hopes that persistence pays off. Naithi, encouraged by the lack of negative effects, takes a bit of glass and shapes into a flower for her hair. She then joins the others in saying the word. Nightingale abides.
As expected, the Sand rune flashes, revealing a 10 foot wide, sand-floored stone tunnel twisting into the darkness ahead. You hear a susurrating sound, along with an occasional bubbling from farther into the tunnel. How do our heroes proceed?
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+21=35 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 1:26:59 AM
Zazu takes a good hard look ... Perception 35
Also, based on a hunch ... is there a wind? A hot desert wind?
[DM Note: The draft of wind quickly dies off, perhaps it was just pressure balancing once the portal opened. And it was not particularly dry; the post title may have been inadvertently misleading.]
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday May 18th, 2023 10:52:22 AM
Nightingale looks at her friends, "Well the door is open, lets go see who or what is waiting for us..."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+13=17 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 2:29:41 PM
As Naithi and the party make their way into the dark tunnel, she feels a sense of excitement mixed with a hint of fear. She grips tightly onto Camalayas' reins, her mind racing with anticipation for what lies ahead. Her thoughts are scattered, but she is focused on taking in everything around her.
She listens closely to the sounds ahead, trying to discern what might be making them. The susurrating sound grows louder as she proceeds further down the tunnel, causing her heart rate to increase. She can feel herself becoming more alert and ready for anything that may come their way.
Naithi scans the area again for traps and enemies, but her mind begins to wander. Blow, blow, bubble, bubble. Ahead those are the sounds of trouble. Twice a trap and then a path as we again avoid it's wrath.
Perception=17
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday May 18th, 2023 2:30:51 PM
Remember to make you knowledge and perception rolls.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=35 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 2:37:05 PM Let's see what kind of traps they may have laid out for us this time. Is everyone ready? Lothlo looks around for traps, and for any clues what is waiting for them as they continue further through these tunnels. Perception = 35 (nat 20)
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20+8=21 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 4:17:32 PM "It's Sand... And you can drown in sand....be careful."
Perception check, 21
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+7=27 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 7:16:00 PM
Sahabiel too keeps an eye out for traps, as that has been a bit of a pattern through these halls, and suggests moving cautiously.
Percaption d20+7 = 27
(Sahabiel would have the group move at half speed, to make better detect trap checks)
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=15 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 7:23:56 PM
Panzer was thinking the same thing as Beech. He pulls out his rope and passes it to everyone as he takes point. " Keep a hold of the rope with 1 hand, just in case Beech's thoughts come true." Perception 15
Castles Made of Sand (DM BatMark) Thursday May 18th, 2023 9:15:41 PM Zazu takes a good hard look as you move forward, wondering what to make of the puff of wind. Nightingale is ready to go forward. Naithi feels a mix of excitement and trepidation. She looks and listens closely, scanning for traps, while making mental rhymes. Lothlo also wonders what sorts of traps lie ahead, looking carefully for them, as well as clues. Beech warns that you can drown in sand, looking around carefully. Sahabiel suggests moving slowly, the better to look out for the traps that must lie ahead. Panzer likes Beech’s way of thinking, and passes along rope for everyone to hold onto to prevent any such calamity.
As you round a bend into a 60 foot long straight part of the tunnel, Zazu and Lothlo notice a subtle change in the sand just ahead, including an occasional popping of an air bubble disturbing the surface. This must be the trap that you anticipated! Moreover, there is clearly something magical about it. Even normal quicksand doesn’t act quite that way. How do our heroes deal with this unusual quagmire?
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Friday May 19th, 2023 2:48:04 PM
Beech looks over the area where the trap seems to be located....
Question: How big an area of tunnel does it fill up? (I expect it side to side of the tunnel, so how long does it go down the tunnel)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=26 ; Friday May 19th, 2023 4:30:59 PM Do you see those air bubbles in the surface of the sand? Do those look like something natural, or do you think there is something alive under there making those air bubbles?
perception = 26
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Friday May 19th, 2023 5:22:46 PM "Ya definitely do not want to step onto this...", Sahabiel says, perhaps unnecessarily. She shares Beech' interest in how much of the tunnel floor exhibits this clearly unstable sandy soil, and while others are working out those details, she resumes her prayer for the detection of magical auras, to identify the extent by means of seeing how far this particular aura is spread if need be.
"I am having a look at the aura of the magic at work here, but I'll be a little while before I have a clear picture. Don't let it stop ya from trying yer own things in the meantime, but just know ya don't need to risk yerselves if it'll be only to find out the same things the aura will tell me in less than a minute anyway -- we don't want to have to mount an unnecessary rescue, eh?"
Detect Magic active again and maintaining. Will take three rounds to get to the 'know school of effect and exact location / extent' stage.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday May 19th, 2023 7:17:18 PM
Nightingale looks at the floor and then the ceiling, "Can anyone climb on the walls or ceiling - might be beneficial if they could and see if there is some mechanism on the other side to disarm the trap."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Friday May 19th, 2023 7:21:19 PM " Good question. I was originally going to go with them being escaping gas from decomposition or gas pockets underground, but a creature adds a whole 'nother dimension to the problem." " Zazu do you have a way to see under that quicksand, remotely I mean, safely, or should I go take a look?" Panzer starts tying the rope around his waist. He sorta thinks he knows the answer to his question.
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Friday May 19th, 2023 10:14:50 PM
Zazu offers to reach around with the mage hand to feel out whatever is un there. Not sure that will work, but worth a try.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Friday May 19th, 2023 10:20:10 PM
Naithi pets Camalayas, feeling a sense of caution and fear creeping up on her. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself before speaking up.
Is it is an enemy, does anyone have something like a shape stone spell they could use to trap the creature? If not, maybe I can send an elemental down to check it out.
She pauses for a moment, her eyes flickering around the area as if searching for any other signs of danger.
Bubble, Bubble, Sand and Trouble (DM BatMark) Saturday May 20th, 2023 8:18:10 AM Beech looks over the trapped area, and scopes out more details. Sahabiel agrees that you don’t want to step in that area, and prays for divine insight into any magical properties. She concentrates for more than a few moments. Lothlo tries to determine whether the bubbles are natural or something caused by living creatures under the sand. Panzer thinks Lothlo asked a good question about critters, and is prepared to dive in to look if Zazu or others don’t have a way to find out in a less dangerous fashion. Nightingale asks whether anyone can climb the walls or ceiling to reach the other side to look for a mechanism. Zazu offers to feel around with the mage hand. Naithi wonders whether a stone shape could trap a creature or elemental could go down to check it out.
Beech is able to see that this stretch of unusual sand covers the 60 foot length of this part of the tunnel. Sahabiel’s magical investigation indicates that the trap is magical and imbued with moderately strong transmutation magic. Zazu sends the mage hand in to feel around a little bit. The elf finds no creatures in a quick search, but does find a series of interconnected bubbles and tubes beneath the sand, as well as some firmer areas. Perhaps those bubbles and tubes could be manipulated to disarm the trap? Otherwise, Panzer is tied off with a rope to take a risky plunge…
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+20=26 ; Saturday May 20th, 2023 8:36:20 AM
Zazu will try to disarm the trap! "Doing it remotely is hard [OOC: -5 on the attempt], but I'll try my best."
That means Zazu will use a hero point for a pre-emptive +8.
Disable Device +17 -5 +8 = +20 = 26.
[OOC: Also, I gotta remember my roguish trapfinder and trap sense!]
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Saturday May 20th, 2023 7:52:54 PM
Sahabiel shares her findings, and admits to having no good idea as yet how to disable this trap. "I am willing to try a.. costly and ill-advised idea though if we otherwise remain stuck in here... but I'd rather keep the details of that one to myself for now, as to not funnel yer thinking down the same path as my own. In the previous two tunnels, there was always a simple way of disarming or avoiding the traps... surely there is one here...?"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+2=9 ; d20-1=8 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 1:22:35 PM
Naithi and Camalayas try their best to help, hoping their understanding of transmutation might help with the disarming, but neither has any idea what they could do to help.
ooc: Both aid another rolls failed.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Monday May 22nd, 2023 1:39:54 PM
Beech, is out of his depth, he don't know traps, but he will pull out his rope of climbing, for it to be handy if needed.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Monday May 22nd, 2023 6:04:02 PM
Sahabiel will slightly improve Zazu's chances by performing the quick orison of Guidance on them.
+1 to Zazu's skill check. Sahabiel can't offer Aid Another, because the skill is Trained Only and she does not have it.
Everyone that can, please pile bonuses on Zazu because that roll might be our best shot!
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Monday May 22nd, 2023 6:18:54 PM
Nightingale backs up Sahabiel, ready to use her magic to save or aid her friends
Click, Whumpf, Hisssssss (DM BatMark) Monday May 22nd, 2023 9:02:10 PM Zazu attempts to disarm the magical trap remotely, which is quite the trick. Sahabiel hopes that this trap can be dealt with in a straightforward manner like the last two challenges, and offers divine guidance to assist Zazu. She is also able to help guide Zazu’s efforts somewhat thanks to the arcane discoveries that she made previously. Naithi and Camalayas try to help Zazu, but to no effect–this sort of thing is beyond their ken. Beech is similarly out of his depth, but does get his rope of climbing ready, just in case things go wrong. Nightingale is ready to use magic to help her friends. Panzer and Lothlo wait with possibly varying degrees of patience.
As Zazu gets to work, you can practically hear the gears turning in the trickster's head, “Maybe a little pinch here, a squeeze and twist there, huh what’s this wire connected to, was it the green wire or the red wire?” Sahabiel is able to guide Zazu's efforts to a degree, pointing out where the transmutation magic seems strongest. (OOC: I granted a +2 circumstance bonus to Zazu for Sahabiel having spent time to investigate via detect magic) After some tense moments, there is a muffled ‘snick’ from beneath the sands ahead of you, along with some strange ‘whumpfing’ sounds. With a hiss, the sand begins to drain away gradually, then more rapidly, ultimately dropping the surface level of the sand down about 10 feet before stopping. It leaves behind a series of previously hidden 2’x2’ stone pillars that form an irregular path across the 60 foot stretch of the trapped area. It should be fairly simple to simply walk across them to the other side, now that Zazu has disarmed the trap.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=35 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 10:07:26 PM Great job, looks like we now have a safe way forward. Lothlo examines the pillars to verify that they are indeed a safe path to walk across and that there are no new traps on these platforms. perception = 35 (nat 20)
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=17 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 10:19:42 PM
Panzer exhales when the trap is disarmed. He hadn't been aware he was holding his breath like that, but he was going down in there if it didn't work so, yeah, he was relieved. He steps out onto the pillars and move to the other end. He waits there ready to protect the others if there is an ambush. Perception 17
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Monday May 22nd, 2023 10:39:42 PM
Zazu grins, satisfied. On Boyo, the trickster directs the dire bunny to hop on.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 12:37:34 PM
Nightingale will remain in the back of the party, ensuring that nothing is sneaking up on the group
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 2:33:35 PM
Beech, being careful, loops the rope around himself, and then tells it to attach both ends to the caves ceiling at the far end of the trap. He'll only then make his way across. "I'm a bit more of a wide load than the rest of you are, just being careful." He'll command the rope to shorten as he goes across....
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 4:42:54 PM "This... was a children's game back home," Sahabiel says as she looks on the now revealed sturdy pillars. "Treating the ground as quicksand and only being allowed to step on the squares we'd draw... funny it should bring back such memories now. Anyway, we should be safe now so take your time in crossing everyone."
Sahabiel will cross using the half-speed movement rule, as per sneaking -- not that she is being stealthy, just really careful about her step.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 5:16:48 PM
Naithi nods in agreement. It's funny, from all the stories I heard, I always expect quicksand to play a much bigger role in my life. Hey and Camalayas then follow the others.
And That Makes Three (DM BatMark) Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 6:54:07 PM Lothlo congratulates Zazu and friends on a job well done, and examines the pillars to ensure that they are safe. Sahabiel recalls games of hopsand from her youth and moves across the pillars carefully. Panzer exhales when the trap is disarmed, relieved that he doesn’t have to take the plunge. He moves to the other side and waits to protect others. Zazu grins in satisfaction, and hops on Boyo to hop on. Beech exercises caution, using his magic rope to help cross safely. Naithi nods, having expected more quicksand in life, and moves forward with Camalayas. Nightingale brings up the rear to make sure nothing sneaks up on the Champions.
You safely negotiate the pillars after ensuring their safety, and move down the tunnel. As before, it winds through the rock before coming back to the familiar chamber, with Sylvan runes on the floor. Yet this time is a little different. As you round the last bend, you can see that the chamber–about 30 feet ahead–is occupied! Standing in the center is a large female minotaur, with light brown shaggy fur and the gleam of mail, holding a glaive and looking alert. She has a few injuries, perhaps claw and bite marks, but is nowhere near mortally wounded.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 8:09:36 PM
Adamantine kukri in one hand and Cold Iron in the other Panzer greets the Minotaur. " Good day lass! Are you lost in here or meant to be another challenge to keep us from stopping the evil that is claiming the Culverwood?" Panzer appears to be a man shaped Honey Badger. He has fur, a tail, whiskers and the teeth of a honey badger, but his paws are much closer to hands and feet than to animal paws. His fur is fairly thick but his hide seems loose. This it seems is why it is difficult to grapple him. He wears sturdy traveling clothes under full plate armor. The hilts of many knives poke from sheathes on his belt and across his back. His greeting seems jovial but it does not look like he will allow any shenanigens to occur. He firmly plats himself between the Taur and the rest of his friends.
OoC Welcome to our new player, at least I think...8)
Berotha (Jason W) Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 9:08:48 PM
The minotaur turns to eye Panzer and nods, keeping her finely engraved glaive held ready in one hand but not in a threatening, two-handed grip.She bears approximately the inventory of a general store on her broad back as well as a ten foot longbow as thick as a man's arm. seems to stay light enough on her feet. She raises an eyebrow at Panzer's greeting and grunts "Not another challenge, unless you make that necessary. I heard there was an undead problem here and some law enforcement veterans dealing with it." She taps a notebook poking out of her backpack with her free hand. "Perfect way for a patroller of Imod to learn a few things to take back to the clan."
OoC Thanks for the welcome! I will figure out a proper statline and formatting in my posts tomorrow.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 10:44:36 PM
Lothlo looks at the minotaur standing before them. He lowers the hood of his cloak, revealing short, well kept cinnamon hair frame a strong, lively face Does that mean that you were just at our village? Are they still safe from the undead?
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 11:03:43 PM
Zazu is an elf who is as small as a halfling, riding a dire bunny who is as big as a human. No armor, mithril buckler.
"Hello, Miss Minotaur! My name is Zazu, and this is Boyo. He is very cute! That's why I named him Boyo, because, Boy, oh boy is he cute!"
"We like fighting undead too, for sure. And we are kind of the law enforcement vets of this area -- heck, we're kind of the entire local government, mostly. So you're welcome to join us, I'm sure." The elf grins and looks around at everyone else for affirmation.
Berotha (Jason W) -- AC: 21/13/18, HP: 85/85, CMD: 28 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 9:50:29 AM
Berotha nods to the strangers, each in turn, as they introduce themselves. "The village is safe, for now. A scout named Painter is leading a scout patrol to monitor this growing plague of undeath. The threat grows toward your village but slowly. Perhaps there is time for us to do something about it. Hilia Nighttongue and Brother Matthew thought you would have an idea for the best place to apply force." She slaps the thick, engraved haft of her glaive twice, indicating an itch for more action against the abominable undead.
She does pause for a moment, though, to regard the small elf and their mount. She kneels and stoops even farther down to extend a long arm ending in well-trimmed, hoof-like fingernail to be sniffed. Gravely, she states "He is a noble creature." Then she asks "Does he like being scratched behind the ears? Or perhaps large carrots?"
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 12:50:52 PM
Nightingale grins, happy at the prospect of another girl in the group, and one that might want to hair her hair, hmm, fur, braided and colored. Stepping towards the minotaur she will present herself, "Hi. I'm Nightingale. You look wounded, would you like me to heal you? How did you get down here anyways..."
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Wednesday May 24th, 2023 3:04:31 PM
As the other's introduce themselves, Beech waits for a break... "Hello, I'm Beech, the Son of Aztyr. I joined the group quite a while ago, just after they arrived at the now site of the village. I'm from Black Bird Lake, where mom adventured...." Beech is a Liontaur, and an extremely strange one at that. Gear wise, he's wearing a mithril shirt, and carrying a long bow, but he's obviously a spell caster. While that's strange, it's the fact he has pure white fur, but it looks like it's white from age not naturally white. And then there's the fact that his muscles seem to be moving about on his body all on their own.
Berotha (Jason W) -- AC: 21/13/18, HP: 75/85, CMD: 28 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 4:52:42 PM
Berotha gives small bows to Nightingale and Beech as well, replying in her smooth baritone. "Greetings Beech, Son of Aztyr. And greetings Nightingale. I arrived at Freedom's Landing and heard of this outbreak of undead in the sacred grove. I had to fight through some of them and soon found myself lost in an impenetrable black cloud of swirling fog with only three paths before me." She shakes her massive head. "Strange magics ahoof. Arcane paths, they were. I chose the black one and had to drag myself through by my will alone. Then I came to this odd chamber" she gestures to the incomprehensible runes. "The tunnel I came through closed up and yours opened in turn."
To Nightingale, she nods "If you are skilled in the healing arts, then yes. I have received a few scratches, though nothing grave."
To Beech, she queries "My mother was a patroller of the Hand of Imod, like her mother before her. Like myself, they travelled our island and fought lawbreakers. Tell me more of your mother, if and when the time is right."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=22 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 5:39:30 PM
Panzer puts his blades away and formally introduces himself. " I'm Panzer. Sahabiel and I form the Muscle around he, or did. I suspect you fit into that group now too. I like knives. They are small and easily hiddenand take a fair amount of skill tobe dangerous with. I'm getting there. I am also a miner and a part time engineer." :" Lets see what our third puzzle is going to be here."Panzer begins looking around the chamber to see what is different from the other chambers, aside from a big Minotaur lady. Perception 22
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 6:07:04 PM
Sahabiel steps forward as well, having figured even before introductions that if Berotha were with the one(s) that set this gaunlet, it would make no sense for her to be here with injuries, so she probably was not. She has the tell-tale finer facial features of a half elf, although she is perhaps a bit tall for a half-elf. And a bit muscular. Her skin, where it is exposed, has a distinct green hue over it, and she sports short brown hair which does little to hide her pointed ears. In any case, she approaches wearing a set of fine looking elven armor, adorned with the sacred symbol of the Culverwood itself, and when she opens her mouth she speaks in a heavily wood-elf-accented Common "Ya did well to make it out here on yer own at all, no? Me and my cousin here- (she nods in the direction of Nightingale) also came by the black path. Quite a handful, or rather, quite full of hands", she says in reference to the many skeletal hands that had tried to prevent their progress along that particular path.
Sahabiel looks Berotha over and smiles. "Nice glaive." You notice that the knightly cleric herself is holding a rather heavy looking morning star of a design similar to her armor.
"So anyway, much as I think I'd love longer introductions, we are kind of in the middle of a thing here, so if ya are up to getting to heart of... whatever it is, this unholy mixture of the fey magics and vile necromancy that has overrun our grove... then I for one would be grateful for an extra pair of capable hands -- and ya look like ya know what yer doing. Getting this far is proof enough for me. What do ya say?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 6:52:08 PM I agree with Sahaniel, I'm glad to hear that the town is still safe, but we should really press on and stop whatever this is before they hoard arrives. We can have a more relaxed introduction once everyone is out of danger.
Berotha (Jason W) -- AC: 21/13/18, HP: 75/85, CMD: 28 d20+14=15 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 9:07:17 PM
Berotha stows her glaive as well in response to Panzer's de-escalation of the situation. "Well met, Panzer. I too am curious of such puzzles." She gazes around but is much too distracted by all the strangers moving around to notice anything.
OoC: First roll of the campaign is nat 1 perception for 15.
She bows a little deeper than before to Sahabiel and Nightingale. "I believe it was easier for me to push through because you and your cousin cleared the way." For the first time, she beams when Sahabiel compliments her weapon. "Haft and head are my birthright. From mother to daughter." She nods to the morning star. "A deadly weapon more difficult than it appears. I look forward to seeing it swing alongside mine. Yes, let us get to the root of this thing. I have dealt with the unnatural and unholy before so perhaps I can assist." She watches her new, temporary allies with interest to see how they proceed with unlocking this mystery.
Dark Grotto (DM BatMark) Wednesday May 24th, 2023 9:19:50 PM Panzer greets the minotaur and inquires into her purpose here. Once she has answered, he puts his blades away while still talking about them among his other abilities. Berotha, heavily laden but still looking quick, nods and proclaims her intention to deal with the undead hereabouts. In response to subsequent questions, she reveals that the village is still safe for now, although the undead continue to advance slowly. Hilia and Brother Matthew thought that she might be able to lend her strength to your efforts. She fought her way through them, and followed what sounds like the same path to get through the mist and tunnels that the rest of you did. She shows a soft spot for Boyo, offering a carrot or scratch behind the ears. She also welcomes Nightingale’s offer of healing, and is obviously pleased with Sahabiel’s compliments on her weapon. Lothlo discerns that the minotaur must have come from the village, and inquires into the situation outside. On hearing the situation, he is all for pressing on expeditiously, more talking can wait. Zazu and Boyo turn on the cute charm, and note their intention to deal with the undead, as sort of law enforcement types for the area. The elf issues an invitation to join forces, with a sidelong glance at the other Champions. Nightingale likes this potentially braidable newcomer, and offers some healing. Beech introduces himself, as his muscles ripple oddly under his unusual garb. Sahabiel steps forward in her Culverwood-besymboled armor, noting that she also entered via the black necromantic path. All while comparing Berotha’s glaive to her own morningstar. She invites Berotha to join in combating the fey and necromantic powers that have afflicted the grove. Naithi waits quietly.
Berotha seems ready to join the Champions’ quest! Having now dealt with the unexpected encounter, you notice that the three runes on the wall behind the seven heroes from Freedom’s Landing have faded, as have the Sylvan runes on the floor. Moreover, the tunnels that you entered or reentered this chamber from have also disappeared. In the place of the original tunnel leading here, you now see a dark grotto that leads outside, where there is a dim, grey light. You hear nothing but eerie silence from beyond. As far as you can tell, it seems like just over an hour since most of you first entered the mist.
Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+21=39 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 11:59:07 PM
"Boyo likes everybody," Zazu tells Berotha, but he especially loves people who give him love."
Looking into the dark grotto, Zazu concentrates on the Darkvision spell and peers into the gloom.
Perception 39
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday May 25th, 2023 2:33:20 PM
Seeing as the group has decided the new comer is a friend Naithi urges Camalayas forward. As Naithi rides forward you notice her hide armor covers most of her outfit, and that it is topped with what was once a Bogeyman's coat and has since been tailored into something significantly more feminine yet distinctly fey in design.
To you she looks like a child or fairie, or some cross of the two. People always mistake her race's facial features for youthful innocence. It also doesn't help that she come up to most of their thighs and weigh less than their armor. (3'6" and 30lbs).
She greets her friends and introduced herself to the others. My name is Naithi(N-eye-thee), though the orcs know me as Murder Muppet, a nickname I earned as a slave in the orc gladiator pits. You can probably tell by my appearance that I am one of the beastfolk. Specifically I am a Sloth-kin, which you would lump in with the Ursine or bear class of beastfolk.
Camalayaas, my dire rabbit, and I are hunters and adventures along with my guard dog Fizzgig. I also have my trusted cuddly mule and Jen...sort of a butler cat that helps out.
It is good to have your blade watching our back.
If you happened to have met her in the past, you would be surprised to notice that Naithi looks younger than when she left and a little more aloof. If he can recall her ambitions, you might be able to put together that the young druid is now both a Lost Child and a Morphling (she is spiritually connected to her intelligent dire rabbit and they ate taking on each other's traits and Naithi is in the process of becoming a fairykin and growing fairy wings. She will actually be smaller in a couple more levels).
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Thursday May 25th, 2023 2:57:24 PM
Beech casts a spell, and a man shaped light, appears, and it strides into the darkened area but within range...
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday May 25th, 2023 3:07:22 PM
Nightingale looks at the ominous grotto, and mutters "I don't like this location."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=28 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 3:25:05 PM Hmm, it's pretty quiet. But every room so far has been trapped, so don't let your guard down just yet. Lothlo scans the hallway for any signs of traps and pays attention to the air for the telltale stench of the undead. perception =28
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=21 ; d20+4=21 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 3:25:58 PM
Panzer redrawn his blades and heads into the grotto. Perception 21
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+7=27 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 5:39:40 PM
Sahabiel gives Berotha an understanding nod. "Then let both of us wield our weapons in honor. Soon as something to wield them against shows its head, that is. It looks like our path continues through there..." She waits for Beech' conjuration to shed some light in the dark grotto, then follows in after Panzer.
Perception d20 + 7 = 27 (natural 20)
Berotha (Jason W) -- AC: 21/13/18, HP: 75/85, CMD: 28 Thursday May 25th, 2023 7:51:02 PM
Berotha hears Zazu's comment and, in response, withdraws an oversized carrot from her backpack. She breaks off a small piece and holds it out for Boyo. Then she chomps down the rest of it in a businesslike fashion.
When Naithi introduces herself, Berotha bows and offers another piece of carrot should Camalayaas want one. She looks a little confused at the mention of Jen the cat. "How... exactly does a butler cat help out? Unless perhaps he is more than a cat?" She looks around at the diversity of the company, sure that an intelligent cat butler would not be completely out of place here.
To Sahabiel, Berotah slaps her armored shoulder twice and moves forward along with Panzer and Sahabiel, trying not to hog the entire passage. But she holds her glaive ready and high, prepared to strike over the heads of her diminuitive new acquaintances who have moved to the front.
Weep for the Willow (DM BatMark) Thursday May 25th, 2023 7:58:48 PM Zazu looks with darkvision out through the grotto, after appreciating Berotha’s attention to Boyo. Naithi aka Murder Muppet, introduces herself and her various companions. Beech casts a spell to create a man-shaped light that moves out into the dim area beyond the grotto. Nightingale takes a dim view of the dark grotto. Lothlo scans for traps and sniffs for undead, finding neither at the moment. Panzer redraws his blades and heads into the grotto. Sahabiel gives Berotha a nod, and follows after Panzer and Beech’s light-man. Berotha offers Boyo a bit of carrot, and chomps the rest down herself. She wonders at the diversity of this crowd of characters, before clapping Sahabiel on the shoulder and moving forward with Panzer and the others.
Moving through the grotto, you emerge into a dark version of the grove beloved to many of you. It is dimly lit and filled with a thin veil of mist. The grove is still surrounded by the thicker layer of dark fog that you previously saw from the outside. The central weeping willow is grotesquely twisted, and the surrounding circle of willows, pines, and other trees are a mockery of themselves as well. In the center of the circle, just in front of the central weeping willow, is a rotting blackwood staff implanted in the ground. The path to it is blocked by a swirling, thirty foot radius miasma of threads of magic erupting from the top of the black staff, reminiscent of the three paths (black, green, and purple) that you first encountered when entering the black mists surrounding the grove. This multicolored weave, however, is a barrier, not a set of paths. The staff itself is also sheathed in a dull grey aura. How do you deal with this abysmal scene?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday May 25th, 2023 10:54:08 PM
Camalayas nods her head yes and snuffles in a way you somehow can tell us an affirmative and accepts the carrot.
ooc: Camalayas is an intelligent animal companion. She started off as my Druid animal companion and evolved after I took the Lost Child prestige class. She is a dire rabbit (a reskinned version of a large cat).
Fizzgig is a guard dog, but at this level of just a lap dog that doesn't participate in combat because it's level it to low. Jen is a pet cat that was received in game as a reward, but because Naithi has a high handle animal check she trained it to be a butler cat...I think Katie Nana, the dog nurse maid in Peter Pan was my inspiration. Jen is also a non-combatant.
Jen was taught come, fetch, maneuver (to grab items), seek, steal, and to listen exclusively to Naithi
In her mind these are the perfect skills for Jen. Especially after training her a little in stealth/sneak so she can avoid any combat the group is part of. That's how he can help, but I haven't role-played that much yet. I had a plan for him in the Druid Grove... Which is currently occupied by undead.
So Camalayas is combat trained. Fizzgig is the perfect hunting and guard dog (tracking, perception and gathering food). Cuddly Mule is good for hauling gear, snuggling, and heavy labor. Jen can fetch items and serve her....and theoretically as a cat burglar.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday May 26th, 2023 1:12:30 AM
Nightingale sobs as she sees what has happened to the trees within the grove, then she turns angry, "This shall not be allowed to continue...whoever has done this must be found and brought to justice."
Berotha (Jason W) -- AC: 21/13/18, HP: 75/85, CMD: 28 d20+13=15 ; Friday May 26th, 2023 7:08:56 AM
Berotha takes a look around the grove and shakes her horned head. "No... this doesn't look good. I wonder if anyone was walked through here..." She checks the ground for tracks.
OoC: 15 survival to check for tracks.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Friday May 26th, 2023 2:13:15 PM
Beech casts Detect Magic, and studies the miasma of swirling mists, he wants to verify the types of magic involved. They might be the same, or they might be opposing schools of magic.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+14=19 ; Friday May 26th, 2023 3:53:35 PM
Naithi looks around in horror at what has been done to her precious Druid Grove.
He eyes quickly scan the grove for any and all changes in desperate hour that this isn't her grove, but a deeper layer if the Culverwood.
Get mine races. Are the trees the right size and spaced the same? In her grove a place of honor was given to the largest and oldest tree in the area, a massive Weeping Willow with a small Druid Tree planted to either side
They're were previously two large circles of weeping willows that were grown to serve as the groves root stock. She has just recently rung the entire outside of the grove with weeping pine, spruce, elm, cedar and willows to create a wall of privacy. The inner ring are weeping flowing trees including weeping cherry, redbud and wisteria. She also just planted a new circle if weeping willows to serve as the root stock for next year's new trees.
Towards the center of her grove a large mushroom had sent out underground tendrils, that have formed a large circle of mushrooms which serve as a fairy circle the fey can dance around.
She also checks for the tree that serves as a magic doorway to the dryads and for and sign of the Sahabiel's Leshy.
(I don't mean to overlook anyone else's contributions, I looked up my descriptions using a key word search and couldn't quickly find a reference to anything others added. If you mention it, I'll try to record it for future reference.)
Actions ------ Survival check to keep from getting lost in the Culverwood and to determine they have entered a deeper layer of the forest = 29 (19+10 for Forest Walking= 29)
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+22=41 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+7=11 ; Friday May 26th, 2023 5:16:18 PM
Panzer looks around and sees the others garthering information in their ways. He tastes the air and can feel the magic in it. It wasn't very nice magic. He could see the barrier, but what did it do? The staff seemed to contain the essence of the spell that was holding this place, and presumably the undead horde, together. Destroying that would probably go a long way towards setting things right. Mind made up he decided to gather his own information. He charged the barrier, planning on using momentum to carry him through it and get him near the staff. IF he breached the barrier he would use his adamantine blade to sever the staff. Attack roll to breach the barrierd20+CMB+2 for charging + hero point = 41 Power attack on the staff (lol) 17 nat 1, Miss Fort save 13 Will Save 7 Reflex Save 11 Didn't know what save you would need for the barrier, pick whatever applies I am sure all of those fail hard.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+7=15 ; Friday May 26th, 2023 6:18:00 PM
Sahabiel is, for the moment at least, rather unconcerned with the question of whether this is their own grove or an echo of it across some other layer of the Deeper Culverwood. No, what concerns her is the staff planted in the ground just ahead of them, shielded by this large barrier... now that was something that clearly needed to be taken care of as a step to resolve the threat the expanding circle of undead poses to Freedom Landing.
"I guess we're at the center of the circle now? Keep yer wits about ya, any magic I know that goes in circles usually has some interesting part or source right in the middle.. and after all those trials to get here, I am sort of expecting a guardian just about around here? Or at least someone to gloat at us..."
Perception to look for where someone responsible for that staff might be around here: d20+7 = 15
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