DM James: Teddy’s Terrible Adventure Map Wednesday April 26th, 2023 2:35:32 PM
Snark, Benni, Jasper, and Khord engage in telling stories of times past and how they arrived first in Heranmar or on the southern continent. Snark told his as memories flashed through his mind of the atrocities he had to endure during his captivity as a pet and what was required of him during those years. Benni congratulated Teddy on his strength of character, and Khord also told his tale.
As the evening wound down, Teddy hauled himself from the warm fireside, the hot tea, and said his goodbyes to the crew. When the door opened there was a strong gust of ice cold wind and blowing snow that he had to force himself past as he walked out into the darkness and wagon trail down the way to Pete’s. The sky overhead was angry and white with a reddish tint to the east where Hook City sat hanging in the air where they’d left it.
The little bear had quite the chill by the time he made it to Pete’s and on entering he decided quickly enough that Pete’s place wasn’t nearly as comfortable and warm as the Captain’s Quarters. He’d not freeze here and a small spot in a corner would be all he’d need, but as soon as he walked in he was accosted by the wenches that worked the place.
“Oh dear.” said the freckled red head. “Look at this.” “Yes, he is so cute.” said a shorter blonde girl. “He talks,” said the red head. “Smells a little roadish.” replied the blonde. “Come on then,” said the red head. “Let’s get you seen to.”
The two women locked the door as it was closing time and escorted Teddy to a private room with a large wooden tub full of steaming water. They helped Teddy into the tub then stripped and joined him. Each took turns washing his thick fur and massaging his stiff muscles until the water was going warm then they helped him out, dried him and set him in a large comfortable bed and snuggled in with him.
The next morning Teddy woke rested, smelling fresh, and with a tray beside his bed with food way better than that offered in Pete’s usual fare.
Outside the luck makers walked out into a brisk morning, fresh snow covered the ground, and the small collie was bounding around in the corral happily rounding up sheep and cattle as some of the caravan crews were packing up for the final leg of the journey. Others were packing it in for the trip back to Fort Wayfarer, but it would be hours before they were ready to travel.
Meanwhile a cold wind blew overhead as the clouds started to part as the last bits of snow fell upon the countryside. Even so the road west was clearly marked as they set out for their meeting with Zenia the Dark.
Everyone but Teddy Highlight to display spoiler: {Teddy has a little blue bow tied into his fur on his head. He smells nice too.}
DM James: Going to need a marching order my peeps and any maintenance spells you have running would be cool. It’s breezy and 25 degrees F out with light snow.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Wednesday April 26th, 2023 4:20:31 PM
Khord is decked out in his cold weather gear, Longbow in hand and will be at the front of their little band. He catches a glimpse of Teddy and almost does a double take. The little bearman cleans up quite nicely.
Niko bounds around in the fresh snow, give the collie a sniff before Khord calls him to heel. "There will be time for that when we return, doggo," he says to his hound.
He looks over the caravans coming and preparing to go, and feels a little bit of homesickness for the plains around Dirt CIty. "We should be on our guard as we head into the wood. The trail seems well used but I assume we will be leaving it before long. Are we ready?"
once on the trail Khord will keep an eye on the woods (take 10 on perception = 21)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Wednesday April 26th, 2023 6:42:14 PM
Were Teddy human, or a humanoid raised in a mix race setting, the greeting he gets at the inn would be incredibly awkward. He is not human and was raised as a bear cub in the woods by druids.
He's very nervous as he crosses the town to the other inn. Though he didn't want to spend so much money on accommodations he is realizing he is alone of those staying at the other inn and the missing presence of Gore'Thum seems all the larger now he has to go to sleep without that comforting presence next to him. He hesitates halfway across, but screws up his determination and enters Petes.
When he is accosted by the two (?) wenches he is at first very nervous. But they say nice things to him in pleasant voices and they help him get cleaned up. Their care and the warm water brings him back to his childhood - of romping in the fields playing chase with other animals and Terrasa, running over logs and splashing through mud puddles, ending the day with bathing in a stream together, having a hearty meal, and sleeping together next to the fire. Or his older days, full grown and in his strength, fighting battles against nature's foes made worth it by the cause, but also by the gentle cleaning and care given to him after the struggle was over.
By the end of the bath all of his barriers have been broken down and he shyly treats them like old friends, asking them about themselves, telling funny stories about when he was a cub, and feeling more at ease then he had since, well, since he was just a regular bear. In the morning he gives them all a hug, thanks them for being so kind, and even works up the nerve to ask about the cheap perfume one of them is wearing, hoping to borrow some and maybe buy a bottle.
When he rejoins the group Teddy is beaming, looking cleaner then he ever has and smelling slightly of flowers. "You chose the wrong inn." he tells his companions. "They were so nice there!"
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday April 26th, 2023 8:02:04 PM
Jasper grins at Teddy. You look well rested.
She's wearing her cold weather gear too, but plans to Wildshape into a yak once again to carry Snark and Teddy if they so wish.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday April 26th, 2023 8:10:05 PM
As for marching order, the formation Benni proposed on the trip to Five Mile probably makes sense.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+14=18 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+8=18 ; Wednesday April 26th, 2023 11:29:51 PM
Snark leaves a gold piece in the room for Wilma, and he thanks the fussy innkeeper for the nice accommodations. After eating a hearty breakfast, he buys some food for the road and some nice bread and cheese for this Zenia person. He already bought three bottles of the red wine he was told about. (How much were those each?)
His cold weather gear makes it harder to climb onto the back of Jasper-Yak. He helps Teddy up.
As the group sets out, he grabs on to Jasper-Yak's hair, not so much to hold on as to just be in contact with Jasper. Snark could easily conjure a mount for the trek, but he knows there is value in giving and receiving. It brings him comfort to accept the ride, makes him feel cared for. This makes him smile.
Snark will keep a sharp eye out for trouble, or anything that look wrong.
(Perception 18, Knowledge Nature 27, Survival 18)
Marching order: Isaac Benni Snark and Teddy on Jasper. Khord and his dog, sometimes watching the rear, sometimes ranging out to check for trouble.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Thursday April 27th, 2023 12:08:51 PM
Isaac will take point ready to defend the group. He does ask Teddy " What got you in such good mood? Wait.."sniff sniff " are you wearing perfume? Smells fruity but nice. "
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday April 27th, 2023 1:43:46 PM
Onesimos walks with the team.
He has an Endure Elements spell active and will give a second one to who wants it.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Thursday April 27th, 2023 4:38:56 PM
Jasper takes her quarterstaff in hand before shifting, then waits for her friends to clamber aboard.
DM Esther: Yakking Down The Road For A Pig's Ear Thursday April 27th, 2023 5:38:39 PM
Teddy tells the others of his night, and the happy memories of his past that it stirred. Isaac notices and comments on the fruity, flowery scent on the small bear-person.
Snark: the Red Hills Red you are buying is 2gp per bottle.
At the insistence of Wilma who wishes them luck them during the inn’s breakfast service, the party gets some very reasonably priced pocket pies (you identify the filling as a hearty stew mix of turnip and the meat leftovers from last night) to take with them as ready-to-eat lunches for on the road. (“Even the caravanfolk don’t want to have to set up cooking gear in the snow along the roadside in these parts if they can avoid it”, she points out.)
With everyone ready to set out in winter gear or being under the protection of a spell to keep the cold away, or kind of doing a little of both by adopting the form of a thickly fur coated yak, the party prepares itself to set out after breakfast.
The road starts out pretty similar to the last stretch of the one you arrived by, a frozen path through a land of cold and snow. According to the description given to you by Snark, you are looking for a rock formation that looks like it has a pig’s ear on top, to the right of the road, within a day’s walk of Five Mile. Cold winds blow, but the main caravan road is far too well trodden to give you any difficulties keeping to it.
Snark + anyone else that rolls a Survival DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {You remember that while Khord has his campfire bead, you should pick up some natural wood likely to produce more smoke, for the sake of using it as a signal. Finding some along the way is easy enough, this check is only for remembering to look for some before you reach the rock formation because there is not guaranteed to be any right there.}
By the time that a rock formation hovers into sight with a bit of a plateau at the top, and on that a single stony outcrop that does indeed look quite remarkably like a pig’s ear, you are halfway through the afternoon already. The rock formation is not prohibitively tall to climb up, but it does look slippery with ice clinging to parts of it. Everyone that wants to climb up to the plateau to light the signal fire, Climb checks at DC 10 or take 1d4 damage from scrapes along the way.
Jasper - I believe your Wildshape only lasts six hours at your current level? You are going to have reached the end of duration a little before here. Snark and Teddy will have to dismount and walk the last little bit by themselves?
After you get your signal fire set up, you wait…. (Please decide if you are waiting up on the plateau or at the base of the climb, what you are doing, roll Perception checks, and let me know if you set guards even though it is mid-day?)
Jasper (Holly) HP 50 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+14=31 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+2=9 ; d4=2 ; Thursday April 27th, 2023 6:42:36 PM
Jasper-Yak snorts a warning a bit before her Wildshape gives out, giving her friends a chance to climb down.
She resumes her own shape, stows her quarterstaff, and starts collecting firewood for the last few miles of the walk.
When they arrive at the curiously shaped rock formation, she volunteers to climb up to the plateau to light the signal fire: She wants to get to high ground to assess the lay of the land. As she scrambles up the escarpment, she hits a slippery patch of ice and painfully bangs her shin. She winces at the sharp pain (and embarrassment), but has too much dignity to yelp.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+11=31 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+4=5 ; d4=2 ; Thursday April 27th, 2023 10:10:14 PM
getting out on the road is just the tonic that Khord needed after the long sea voyage. As they trek up the trail, Khord realizes that though he will have no problem setting a fire when they reach the plateau, he will need to find some punky wood that will create a lot of smoke. He has Niko fetch some sticks from the fringe of the wood and he grabs some himself and stows it in his haversack. (Survival = 31).
As they reach the outcropping, Khord bounds up effortlessly but Niko dislodges a rock under the snow and tumbles before recovering. (Khord climb = 25, Niko climb = 5) (Niko = 2 damage). He follows Jasper, wanting to get a good look around. (perception = 16). He produces the wood he collected and along with the wood Jasper brought uses his flint and steel to light a fire, fanning it to keep it going and producing smoke.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Thursday April 27th, 2023 10:10:55 PM
OOC: added damage to Niko
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday April 28th, 2023 1:04:39 AM
Snark thanks Jasper-Yak for the ride. He will likewise gather some green wood and leaves to make for a smokey fire. He gathers these into a large sack and stuffs the sack into an extradimensional pants pocket.
At the rock, Snark will carefully climb up (Take 10 on climb for 13.) Once at the top he watches as his friends start a fire, ready to pull out some magical fire if necessary. Either way, he gives his green wood and leaves to Khord for the smoke.
As the fire begins to emit a lot of smoke, the little gnome waits. And hopes.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Friday April 28th, 2023 6:26:00 AM
Teddy remembers to politely thank Jasper for the ride and stays down below as the others climb up. They seem to know what they are doing and the entire party probably shouldn't crowd onto the top - it'd be crowded and an accident might happen since it's so slippery. Or maybe he's just being overly cautious.
DM Esther: A Sudden Situation d20+10=14 ; d20+4=21 ; Friday April 28th, 2023 8:51:11 PM In the end only Jasper and khord made a Perception check, I am going to presume the rest of you felt it was in the bag because Holly got a 32 on her check? ….okay, fair enough.
Jasper-Yak snorts a warning a bit before her Wildshape gives out, giving her friends a chance to climb down. She resumes her own shape, stows her quarterstaff, and starts collecting firewood for the last few miles of the walk. When they arrive at the curiously shaped rock formation, she volunteers to climb up to the plateau to light the signal fire: She wants to get to high ground to assess the lay of the land. As she scrambles up the escarpment, she hits a slippery patch of ice and painfully bangs her shin. She winces at the sharp pain (and embarrassment), but has too much dignity to yelp.
Getting out on the road is just the tonic that Khord needed after the long sea voyage. As they trek up the trail, Khord realizes that though he will have no problem setting a fire when they reach the plateau, he will need to find some punky wood that will create a lot of smoke. He has Niko fetch some sticks from the fringe of the wood and he grabs some himself and stows it in his haversack. As they reach the outcropping, Khord bounds up effortlessly but Niko dislodges a rock under the snow and tumbles before recovering. He follows Jasper, wanting to get a good look around. He produces the wood he collected and along with the wood Jasper brought uses his flint and steel to light a fire, fanning it to keep it going and producing smoke.
From atop the formation like on a small watchtower, Jasper gets a much better view of how the landscape has been slowly, subtly, changing around them. Since you have all been well insulated from it thanks to your gear and spells it has not been quite so noticeable, but there are clear signs that just a day out there are already signs in nature that the climate here is at least marginally less harsh than it was at Five Mile, or anywhere right outside Hook City for that matter. If this morning you set out through a rocky wasteland of stone and lichen, and ice and snow with only occasional patches of trees, then now it looks more like rocky terrain in the process of being overtaken by something not unlike a sparse taiga… it is a strange notion, as it is only the quirks of the erstwhile shifting geography of the southern continent that would have a taiga forest in this place. That.. does make it make a lot more sense as to why a Greenmage would have chosen to live here, in likely the only or at least one of very very few places in the world where this kind of forest can be found within at most two days of travel from a major city full of convenient magical facilities.
Teddy does not think climbing up is necessary for him or even a good idea, given the limited space up there, and he stays at the base of large natural formation, as do Isaac and Benni, waiting for Zenia to notice their signal.
At the rock, Snark will carefully climb up. Once at the top he watches as his friends start a fire, ready to pull out some magical fire if necessary. Either way, he gives his green wood and leaves to Khord for the smoke. As the fire begins to emit a lot of smoke, the little gnome waits. And hopes.
The party has brought ample undried wood to pile onto a fire to produce a steady trail of smoke reaching into the sky. Over an hour later there is however no sign yet of the greenmage, and the first other people you see, instead come from the same direction you did - a group of caravaneers that must have also left this morning some time after you did. They notice the signal fire, and briefly stop to enquire if there is any trouble up ahead, but their planned stopping point for today is further down the trail so they do not stick around.
Evening sets in and the sun already comes close to setting, when Jasper is the first to notice something amiss.. a few cloaked figures approaching moving between large rocks, ridges and trees as if trying to not be seen – but even in twilight their stealth is already failing against Jasper keeping a keen eye out for anything that looks like a greenmage from her elevated position. Then, Niko also starts to look towards the wilderness and growl…
Because you had some early warning from Jasper, Khord and Snark may choose whether they want to stay in up where the fire burns, or return to the ground before the following event happens-
An arrow whizzes ineffectively through the air, strikes a rock fifteen feet away from Isaac, and bounces back a few feet before landing in the snow!
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Friday April 28th, 2023 9:51:10 PM
Isaac had used a endure elements spell to brave the cold and had stood guard at the base not feeling confident about climbing up the rock. He hears Jaspar's warning and draws his sword and shield. "Which way Jasper?!" the arrow clues him in pretty soon "Never mind."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Saturday April 29th, 2023 7:26:08 AM
As Jasper mentions the figures moving among the boulders, Khord suggests the spellcasters stay by the fire to take advantage of the visibility the height provides. He then clambers back down with Niko falling in behind and warns the others of the danger. As the arrow comes flying in, Khord will knock one of his own waiting for a target to present itself. He order Niko to defend for now, until they get into melee.
Jasper (Holly) HP 50 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+6=17 ; Saturday April 29th, 2023 6:39:45 PM Khord, incoming!
Jasper looks for cover from the arrows and prepares Wind Wall to defend against the barrage. _______ Attack roll = 17
OOC: I don't think I have any proficiency bonuses so I just used D20 + Wisdom mod. Let me know if I messed that up!
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Effect wall up to 10 ft./level long and 5 ft./level high (S) Duration 1 round/level Saving Throw none; see text; Spell Resistance yes ________ Spells/Effects Running: None
Spells, * = cast/used: 0 (DC 10 + 6 = 16 ): Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink 1 (DC 17): Entangle, Goodberry, Shillelagh, Obscuring Mist (D), Produce Flame, Speak with Animals 2 (DC 18): Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall (D), Resist Energy (electrical) 3 (DC 19): Call Lightning, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form (D), Summon Nature's Ally III
Wildshape: 1/2
Jasper (Holly) HP 50 AC 20 CMD 8 Saturday April 29th, 2023 9:20:16 PM
Edited to add: Not yet cast, just prepared -- I think I need to see a map first!
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+14=30 ; Sunday April 30th, 2023 3:06:27 AM
Given the warning from Jasper, Snark will not climb down, but will instead cast Fly on himself. Once the arrow whizzes in ineffectively, he will cast Mage Armor on himself. He looks where these figures are moving in the rocks below. (Perception 30.)
It seems odd that what appear to be several figures would only fire one arrow.
He will rise into the air above the rock and say, "If you are Zenia testing us, we were told where and how to contact you. We come in peace and we brought wine."
"But if you are not Zenia, you have made a grave mistake attacking us. Show yourselves and declare your intentions or this will go very badly for you."
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday April 30th, 2023 10:09:17 AM
Onesimos hears Khord’s shout and prepares for possible battle.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 46/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d4=1 ; Monday May 1st, 2023 7:12:29 AM
Teddy jumps as the arrow flies past the group on the ground. He tries to find somewhere to take cover/hide and casts Spectral Hand.
DM James: The Trio of Death Map d20+10=18 ; d20+5=19 ; d100=44 ; d8=2 ; d100=89 ; d8=8 ; d6=5 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+5=22 ; d100=32 ; d100=54 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d6=3 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+5=11 ; Monday May 1st, 2023 10:33:03 AM Jasper prepare to throw up a windwall between herself and the bandits (DMJames: Please place it on the map.) while Benni takes in the battlefield and makes his plan.
Snark called out to the attackers in the hope that this was merely a test, but he got no replies.
The three cloaked figures were at range and had cover under the shadowy canopy of the trees in the distance as they ducked in and out of cover in the snowy and darkening landscape. Two arrows shot out of the twilight to miss Snark as more flew out at Teddy and Issac. The ones aimed at Issac missed completely but Teddy took two glancing shots. It was almost as if they'd been aimed at someone else and just found Teddy by accident.
Teddy ducked and looked for cover. What he found was a little concealment(20%) in the bushes behind him.
Issac looked over from the base of the plateau and spotted their attackers.
Issac and KS: Local DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The arrow had a black shaft on it. This was the symbol of a small bandit group known as the Trio of Death. They'd taken on fairly large groups, but were really interested in treasure. If you dropped enough gold and moved away they generally wouldn't follow.}
DMJames: Map Positions Not official until next round, move your PC to its starting position. No moving onto or off the plateau.
Bandits AC??, Concealment 20% Miss chance. Please be aware that a lot of difficult terrain is between you and them. You can't run or double move through difficult terrain at this time.
TD1 - Snark, Roll 18-6=12(Concealment Roll 44), 19-6=13(Concealment Roll 89)Miss, Miss. . TD2 - Teddy, Roll 21-6=15(Concealment Roll 32), 22-6=16(Concealment Roll 54). Hit, hit. Damage 2 Hp TD3 - Issac, Roll 12, 5. Miss, miss.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday May 1st, 2023 12:04:03 PM
Onesimos isn’t sure what he can do. He is at the bottom of a cliff and can’t climb well. There are attackers on the top of Pigs Ear and he can’t help. He puts away his Morningstar and pulls his bow. …. -2 AC, not using buckler.
DMJames: please refer to the map for enemy position
Jasper (Holly) HP 50 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday May 1st, 2023 12:19:30 PM
Jasper moves to AU36 and faces out toward the bandits to cast Wind Wall.
It won't help her friends on the ground, but it will buffer those of us atop the plateau.
____ Wind Wall info Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Effect wall up to 10 ft./level long and 5 ft./level high (S) Duration 1 round/level Saving Throw none; see text; Spell Resistance yes ________ Spells/Effects Running: Wind Wall
Spells, * = cast/used: 0 (DC 10 + 6 = 16 ): Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink 1 (DC 17): Entangle, Goodberry, Shillelagh, Obscuring Mist (D), Produce Flame, Speak with Animals 2 (DC 18): Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall* (D), Resist Energy (electrical) 3 (DC 19): Call Lightning, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form (D), Summon Nature's Ally III
Wildshape: 1/2
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+9=15 ; Monday May 1st, 2023 5:01:57 PM
Khord's feet hit the trail at the same time as Niko's, the barrage of arrows goes by his companions and Khord cannot see well enough too get a good shot through the trees. He drops his bow, and draws his short swords as he double moves to close the distance between him and the bandits, moving along the trail to flank them. He whispers a command to Niko to flank with him, and the dog pins its ears back. His playful demeaner gone.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 3d6=10 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 1:09:33 AM
(I'm a bit confused exactly where the Wind Wall is, as it seems to be spread over a large area.)
Snark flies north, but stays behind a Wind Wall. It appears from the map and the elevation map that he can see the square where TD2 is in. He will cast Flaming Sphere on TD2. (Take 10 fire damage, DC 17 Reflex save for no damage.)
He will hover there, taking 10 to make sure he makes his DC 15 fly check.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d100=96 ; d20+6=20 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 7:36:14 AM
Teddy gets scratched by an arrow, yelps, and digs himself deeper under cover. He really, really wishes Gore'Thum were here. Not that the frog could actually do anything to help against archers. He spends a second or two working up his courage before peeking out and sending his spectral hand flying towards one of the attackers.
The hand manages to not get stuck on their cover (96 vs concealment, pass) and tries to touch one of the archers (20 vs touch AC). Should it touch it Bestows Curse, inflecting the bandit with -6 DEx.
(First time using spectral hand, there is no travel speed listed so does it just zoom out to it's max range/the target before zooming back to my PC in 1 round?)
DM James: The Trio of Death - Round 1 Map d20+7=13 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+5=14 ; d8=3 ; d100=68 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+5=23 ; d100=2 ; d20=3 Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 10:50:21 AM
Edit: Teddy's bestow Curse was added. Snark's position changed to reflect windwall position.
DMJames: The top down map actually shows the stone wall you climbed in a flattened out way. So for each 5' square you are moving up and not over. The elevation map shows this a bit better. Since the wind wall is tall it's represented on the top down map with its height spread out over the squares. Combat rounds are one per day with surprise rounds messing up the start a bit.
Benni saw the trio of attackers on the ground to the west of him. They were using bows to attack those in the plateau above and one had spotted Issac on the trail. He couldn't tell if the arrows that hit Teddy were aimed at him or the small bear since they were so poorly aimed.
Jasper cast Windwall and such was the spells area of effect she was able to cover everyone on the plateau from the ground all about five feet over her head. The spell would protect her and her companions up there from those arrows.
Khord thought to run up the trail, but he forgot that he'd have to climb down the icy slope and with the wind wall the 50' climb down would be more hazardous. (Climb DC 17 to safely reach the trail.)
Snark flew up and west as he rose above the bounds of the wind wall (see Map) and cast flaming sphere on one of the bandits who as partially taken off guard by the attack and jumped back to avoid the sphere too late.
Teddy cast Spectral Hand and once the hand appeared he started casting Bestow Curse.
The bandit trio sifted position as they kept to the cover provided by the trees. The one set on fire by Snark took aim at the flying gnome and loosed his arrows missing the small wizard due to the Windwall spell. Another fired an arrow at Khord as he stood at the edge of the plateau, but the windwall deflected it as well. The last bandit saw the windwall had deflected his associates arrow so continued to focus on those on the ground as he shifted his attack from Teddy to Benni.
DM James: Keep in mind that you can't run through difficult terrain and movement is halved. Climbing speed is at 1/4, so it will take 2 rounds to get down off the plateau unless you jump or fall.
Also, a reminder that you cannot take 10 (or 20) in combat. Taking 10 means that you have time to concentrate on the task without any distractions, that's not the case here.
Snark - TD2, Flaming Sphere DC 17, Roll 13 Fail. Damage 10 Hp Teddy, Bestow Curse, TD1 Save, Roll 10. Fail. -6 Dex Jasper, Windwall TD1 - Khord, Miss, miss. TD2 - Snark, Roll 26(Concealment Check 68), 14. Hit, Miss. Damage 3 hp TD3 - Benni, Roll 18, 23(Concealment Check 2), Miss. miss.
Based on Snarks position I assumed he flew above the Windwall and isn't protected by it. If that assumption was incorrect the attacks listed above missed him.
Low Light Vision and Darkvision - If you have low light vision you don't suffer the 20% miss chance from concealment. If you are in range of your Darkvision the same applies.
Spectral Hand - The hand can move up to its range each round, returning to your position after each attack to hover over you as it waits on your next command. Casting SH is a standard action. You can't cast Bestow Curse until next round.
Flying Creatures: A spellcaster with a bat familiar gains a +3 bonus on Fly checks. Fly Speed Creatures with a fly speed treat the Fly skill as a class skill. That's a total of +6 to Snark on the Fly Checks plus his Dex mod.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+3=16 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 11:30:09 AM
Onesimos sidles up to a tree trunk and arcs an arrow back towards Bandit #2, more to keep them looking over their shoulder than any real expectation of hitting something.
…. AC 16. (Including penalty for 2 range increments)
Jasper (Holly) HP 50 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 12:34:32 PM
Jasper casts Entangle on square W13, where TD1 is standing.
If the bandit can't make the saving throw, he'll be able to only move at half speed and won't be able to run or charge. The spell also imparts a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and a -4 penalty to Dex.
Let's hope that underbrush is thorny so he'll also take some piercing damage.
Spells, * = cast/used: 0 (DC 10 + 6 = 16 ): Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink 1 (DC 17): Entangle*, Goodberry, Shillelagh, Obscuring Mist (D), Produce Flame, Speak with Animals 2 (DC 18): Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall* (D), Resist Energy (electrical) 3 (DC 19): Call Lightning, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form (D), Summon Nature's Ally III
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+2=15 ; d20+3=6 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 5:05:10 PM
Isaac sigh's "the Trio of Death more interested in money than killing but I'm not interested in giving up anything" Isaac begins to run up the trail and tries to get the bandit's attention "Hey you gonna sit back and cower or fight us?!"
Moved 40ft north on the trail and attempted to get the bandits to attack Isaac. Know Local:15 Bluff:6
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 3d6=9 ; 3d4+3=10 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 5:29:09 PM
He hears Isaac's info. He shouts, "Trio of Death, eh? Well, there's three of you, so yeah - I predict a trio of death today!"
With his low-light vision, Snark can see the vines and brush begin to wrap around these bandits. He flashes a thumbs-up to Jasper for her work.
He will move the Flaming Sphere (move action) into TD2's square. (Take 9 fire damage, DC 17 Reflex save for no damage.) Then he casts Magic Missile at TD2 for 10 points of damage.
Snark continues to hover, (DC 15, taking 10+12 = 22.) Fly Skill: 1 Rank + 3 Class Skill + 2 DEX +3 Bat Familiar + 3 Fly Spell = +12
Finally, he makes a 5' move forward a bit, but still behind the Wind Wall.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+7=19 ; d20+4=22 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 8:00:48 PM
Khord and Niko shimmy down the rocky wall to get to the trail. (climb = 19, Niko climb = 22). They both take in the changing landscape as they reach the trail, ready to spring into action.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 8:59:13 PM
Forgot to move on the map
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d100=14 ; Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 7:03:16 AM
Since it seems to have worked Teddy tries Bestow Curse again this time against TD3. Sadly this time he fails the roll against concealment, but that bush the bandit is hiding in is very, very cursed (-6 dex to the bush )
DM James: The Trio of Death - Round 2 Map d20+4=5 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+3=17 ; d100=4 ; d20+5=14 ; Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 9:36:26 AM
DM James: As mentioned in the previous post, you cannot take 10 in combat. Snarks actions this round therefore are spent staying in the air.
Benni takes cover behind a tree and fires an arrow at the distant archers. Benni Highlight to display spoiler: {Please adjust your AC +2 for partial cover.} The arrow he fires ends up falling a bit short, though it was on target otherwise.
Jasper cast her entangle spell causing the undergrowth in the area to shoot up through the snow and ice to grasp at the trios legs and torso. Teddy's cursed archer gets caught up in the twisting vines and branches, but the other two manage to avoid the effects and move out of the area.
Issac called out to the trio in the hope to bait them into entering hand to hand combat, but the entangling undergrowth and possibly his reputation keep them safely away from him.
Snark had planned to move his flaming sphere and cast magic missile, however his close proximity to the wind wall made his attempt to hover more difficult than he anticipated so he ended up struggling for a bit to avoid falling.
Khord and Niko climb down to the trail through the Windwall and emerge at the bottom unscathed and ready to fight.
Teddy's Spectral hand rushed out to the third bandit, but in the dark of twilight and the shadows of the trees he misjudged the attack and missed.
The bandits were scrambling to avoid all the attacks aimed at them as they ran to clear the area covered by Jaspers spell. The entangled bandit was stuck so he fired an arrow in retaliation at Benni. The arrow came dangerously close but struck the tree Benni was behind. The last bandit shot an arrow at Issac, perhaps to silence him, but the arrow went wide and crashed into the cliff face.
DM James: Benni - TD2, Roll 16, Miss. Jasper (Entangle) Teddy - TD3, Bestow Curse, Concealment Check 14, Miss. TD1 - Benni, Roll 11, Miss. TD2 - Teddy, Roll 17(Concealment Check Roll 4), Miss. TD3 - Issac, Roll 14, Miss.
Jasper (Holly) HP 50 AC 20 CMD 8 d20=9 Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 12:07:12 PM
Jasper takes the opportunity while the trio is Entangled to run back down the trail.
She draws her quarterstaff as she moves and casts Shillelagh upon it to give it some extra wallop.
She arrives in AM37.
DM James: Sorry if I wasn't clear. Going up or down to/from the Pigs Ear requires a climb check.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 1:17:30 PM
Onesimos doesn’t shot another arrow. He’s pretty sure the attackers aren’t allies of Zenia, and so the Luck Makers actions may determine how well they are received by the Greenmage. There is just no way to coordinate this or a plan with his friends without the bandits also hearing.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 6:44:12 PM
These bandits are beginning to get on Khord's nerves, he will run up the trail to get level with the furthest bandits with Niko right on his heels. He will take shelter behind some underbrush along the side of the trail. He yells out, "Your outnumbered and out-magic'd you lousy sods. You picked the wrong group of travelers to mess with. Drop the weapons and give up and we won't hurt you."
Khord runs to AP13, Niko to AQ13.
Jasper (Holly) HP 50 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+2=7 ; Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 10:24:04 PM
OOC: Gotcha! Makes sense, seeing as the ice didn't move.
Annnnd a 7. Jasper is no more nimble scampering down as she was trundling up. She mutters a curse under her breath to the effect of "rakka frakka."
2 more points of scraping damage, I presume? That takes Jasper to HP 48.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 11:35:42 PM
Isaac ran forward again along the path trying to get into a position to attack
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 3d6=11 ; 3d4+3=11 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 1:29:52 AM
Snark moves forward 5'. (No need for a fly check - he is +12 and it's DC 10 if you move less than half your movement rate.)
Then he will move the Flaming Sphere (move action) into TD1's square. (Take 11 fire damage, DC 17 Reflex save for no damage. If he is Entangled he is at -4 DEX, so that may affect his save.)
Then he casts Magic Missile at TD1 for 11 points of damage.
From the bottom map, it looks like he is still behind that wind wall, but not sure about that.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday May 4th, 2023 8:07:33 AM
Teddy's nerve fails him for a moment as arrows keep flying at him. He burrows into his bush and hides for a round (total defense action)
DM James: The Trio of Death - Round 3 Map d20+2=8 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+5=16 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 9:58:18 AM Jasper came down the narrow icy path that lead down from the Pig's Ear slipping and sliding along the way. When she arrived at the bottom she was a little worse for wear with a few scratches to prove the journey wasn't entirely without incident.
Meanwhile Benni pressed his back to the tree trunk and waited for an opportunity to talk to the others as he formulated a plan.
Khord ran down the trail since it was the easiest path and only stopped when he had a clear view of one of the attackers. He called out them and reminded the bandits that they were outnumbered and out magiced.
Like Khord, Issac ran along the path as he tried to get into position to attack the archers.
Snark, once more in control of hisself was able to direct his flaming sphere and cast Magic Missile.
Teddy hid in the underbrush.
The entangled bandit saw the Flaming Sphere coming at him and first tried to break free of the roots and branches twisting around his arms and legs to no avail. Then with fear and desperation he wrenched his body to one side and in a heroic attempt managed to dodge the sphere as it passed over and to the right of him. He was still entangled however, he'd just managed to drag the vegetable matter along with him. No sooner had he made it to safety from the fire when Snarks force missiles blasted into him.
The entangled man's companions seemed to have lost their desire to fight as the second one moved around the area of entanglement and turned to fire a parting shot at Khord which missed. The last man also had a clear shot at Khord so tried to fire his arrows at the half-orc as well, but the distance, conditions, and Khord's canny movement caused both his arrows to miss.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Something seems to be moving up ahead to the west, but it's too far to completely make out. It looks like a bright green flame bobbing up and down through the bushes.}
DM James: Condition: Bandits, AC ??, TD1 -6 Dex, Entangled -4 Dex, -2 to Hit, -11 hp TD2 -10 Hp TD3 - Unharmed
Combat/Actions TD1 - Strength Check, Roll 8. Fail. Snark - TD1 (Flaming Sphere, Reflex DC 17), Roll 22, Success! Snark - TD1, Magic Missile, 11 Hp TD2 - Khord, Roll 13. Miss. TD3 - Khord, Roll 16, 16. Miss, miss.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+12=18 ; 3d6=9 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 4:43:18 PM
Jasper casts Call Lighting and aims it at TD3, who is standing in O17. If she hits, she'll do 9 points of electrical damage. Bzzzt! ______
OOC: I think this counts as a Spell Ranged Touch attack. Are the modifiers Wisdom + SPRT + d20? I'll roll with those and for damage; hope that's correct.
DM James: This is a Save only spell, so no attack roll is required. Also due to it snowing and cloudy the spell does d10 damage instead of d6.
_____ Call Lightning Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Effect one or more 30-ft.-long vertical lines of lightning Duration 1 min./level Saving Throw Reflex half; Spell Resistance yes
Spells, * = cast/used: 0 (DC 10 + 6 = 16 ): Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Purify Food and Drink 1 (DC 17): Entangle*, Goodberry, Shillelagh, Obscuring Mist (D), Produce Flame, Speak with Animals 2 (DC 18): Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall* (D), Resist Energy (electrical) 3 (DC 19): Call Lightning*, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form (D), Summon Nature's Ally III
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 3d10=24 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 5:03:59 PM
YUHSS!
An even bigger BZZZT
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 3d6=11 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 7:07:31 PM
The little Greenmage in the air moves forward (move action.) He's about 35' in the air, and beyond the protection of the Wind Wall.
He directs his Flaming Sphere into the square occupied by TD1 (move action.) (Take 11 fire damage, DC 17 Reflex save for no damage. If he is Entangled he is at -4 DEX, so that may affect his save.)
"You fellas really didn't think this through. Lay down your weapons and surrender and I'll stop making toast out of you."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+2=9 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 10:27:24 PM
Isaac continues moving up the trail.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+10=25 ; d20+14=33 ; Friday May 5th, 2023 2:27:38 AM
Perception 33
Snark sees the green flame coming from the west, but does not want to alert the Trio of Death to it. He keeps an eye on it as it comes.
(Ignore the first roll - accidently rolled here instead of the Taur Isles board.)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+11=23 ; d20+9=13 ; Friday May 5th, 2023 5:39:43 AM
Perception 23.
"If you keep firing arrows at me, it is gonna make it very hard for me to go easy on you." Khord sees out of the corner of his eye some sort of green light in the brush off to the west, and suddenly feels quite exposed on the trail.
He steps around the under brush and moves towards the bandits, firing an arrow at bandit 2 (2 range increments) (longbow d20+11-2= 13). He curses under his breath as the arrow deflects off a branch, "Domi, watch me"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Friday May 5th, 2023 7:28:52 AM
Teddy is trying to screw up his courage to peek out of cover again when he realizes arrows have stopped flying at him. He looks up to see the bandits trying to run and breaths a sigh of relief.
DM James: The Trio of Death - Round 4 Map d20+2=21 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+20=22 ; Friday May 5th, 2023 11:01:10 AM
The entangled bandit was afraid and managed to break free of the entangling roots and branches and didn't waste any time moving out of the effected area. The other two bandits continued moving away as well with the most distant of them disappearing into the forest and undergrowth.
Jasper called lightning down on the most distant of the bandits as he ran away into the forest, but he leapt to one side to avoid most of the damage caused by the electrical attack during his flight.
Snark sent the rolling ball of flame after the fleeing bandit to light him up as he ran away. Snark continued to taunt the bandits in an attempt to get them to surrender.
Meanwhile from the west...
You see an old gnomish woman with brown, wrinkled, skin, enlarged joints in her old, shaking, fingers, but with bright green hair swept up into a point much like the flame from a candle. Her face was marked with white dots across her forehead and cheeks as she clenched a long red clay pipe between brown and broken teeth. You could see the white dots were also down both arms and on her legs where they weren't covered by her long yellow and red dress. The whole thing made the small gnomish woman look rather savage.
"Hear hear. What you people doing to my bush!?" the small old gnome said as she waved a hand at Jasper's entangling spell and dismissed it on her way to a shriveled and cowering bush.
"Come here my baby." said the old gnome as the bush uprooted itself and came running over to her and wrapped itself around her waist and shook its leaves.
DM James: Condition: Bandits, AC ??, TD1 -6 Dex, -22 hp(Fire) TD2 -10 Hp TD3 -12 Hp
Combat/Actions TD1 - Strength Check, Roll 21. Success! Jasper - TD3, Call Lightning DC19, Roll 20, Success! Damage 12 Hp Snark - TD1 (Flaming Sphere, Reflex DC 17), Roll 10, Fail. Damage 11 Hp Khord - TD2, Roll 13, Miss.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday May 5th, 2023 3:13:50 PM
Snark sees the appearance of this old gnomish woman. Her wild look and concern for an ambulatory plant suggests to him this is may be the Greenmage we've been seeking. It's odd she had no concern for the fleeing bandits.
Steam wafts up from where his Flaming Sphere sits on the snow. Satisified that it is not burning the local flora, he flies toward this woman.
"Greetings. If you are Zenia the Dark, then you are the person we have been seeking. We were set upon by bandits, though they are now fleeing.
"Back in Five Mile, Wilma judged us trustworthy enough to tell us where we might find you. I am Snark Riverstone, and my friends and I have been seeking you. We bring a gift, and I hope you can help me become a Greenmage."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+7=14 ; Friday May 5th, 2023 4:23:52 PM
Khord lowers his bow, so the gnome woman will not mistake him for a foe, and snarls at the bandits. "Pray we don't meet on this trail again, next time we will drag you in and you can face justice in Hook City you rogues."
Niko nuzzles Khord in the side, excited by the action and instinctively wanting to chase the bandits. Khord gives him a reassuring scruff on the head and remarks that they are not for chasing today.
Khord gives the weathered gnome woman a closer inspection, checking to see her intent.
Sense Motive = 14
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday May 5th, 2023 6:13:43 PM
Jasper is mortified that she upset the plants.
Penitent, she says to Zenia "Forgive me. That was my Entangle spell, used to coax plants into snaring foes. I was not aware that the plants had an opinion. Please convey my apologies."
She places a hand over her heart and sketches a quick bow.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Friday May 5th, 2023 10:30:39 PM
Isaac goes over to the remains(?) of the Trio of Death and check to see if either of the bandits are still alive. He looks over at the old gnomish woman "I guess your the green mage we're looking for?"
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday May 6th, 2023 7:45:30 AM
Onesimos accompanies Isaac to see if any bandits were too hurt to run: they may need his assistance.
As the elf trots up, he gives an encouraging wave to Snark. Benni, too, believes they have found the Greenmage.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Monday May 8th, 2023 8:09:02 AM
Teddy recognizes the bush as the one he cursed by accident. He is tempted to just keep hiding in his own bush, but he should accept responsibility for his actions. So he walks up nervously. "I'm sorry, I was trying to curse a bandit hiding in it and hit the bush instead. I can undo it for you."
DM James: Green Rampage Map Monday May 8th, 2023 8:26:35 AM
Snow started to fall in ernest as the sun finally set and the unnatural cold of the region took a grip on the landscape. With each breath clouds of vapor filled the air while each of the Luck Makers endured within their protective clothing or magic.
Zenia, or who they presumed to be Zenia, didn't respond to any of them. To Khord and all of them it was apparent that the gnomish woman was annoyed as she wasn't hiding her ire very well. Jasper's apology got a grunt while the woman was examining the bush who had a trembling limb out and branches that to the imaginative might look like a trembling lower lip.
Issac scouted the area and found no sign of the bandits. They had made good their escape and in his estimation likely would think twice about engaging the Luck Makers again. Benni too confirmed that the bandits weren't anywhere around when he happened upon a game trail to the south that they must have used to make good time away from the ambush site.
When Teddy emerged and owned up to the curse and then offered to remove it, the bush stomped over petulantly and stuck out a limb and waited for Teddy to remove it as the green flame haired old gnome looked on and waited.
Otherwise the falling snow had blanketed the entire region with its noise deadening properties.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=20 ; Monday May 8th, 2023 10:00:04 AM
Onesimos spies the path and gets an idea. He walks over to where the Luck Makers are gathering with the gnome and her bush. He waits patiently for Snark, Khord, Jasper, and Teddy do say and do the things they want to to mollify the supposed-Zenia. Then he makes a suggestion.
”These bandits are probably not the best friends of the forest. I found a trail they probably used, and Khord is a great tracker. We can remove them from the woods to help you, if you wish.”
The elf is hoping that this can help Snark’s case.
….. Diplomacy. 20
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+18=24 ; Monday May 8th, 2023 12:01:17 PM
In his interest in becoming a Greenmage, so Snark watched with interest in how she was able to dismiss Jasper's Entangle spell. (Spellcraft 24)
He flies back down to to where this person is, keeping a respectful distance. Snark is quite confident that Teddy can remedy anything he may have inadvertently done to the bush.
"Are you Zenia? Wilma in Five Mile sent us, and said that we should mention her. She said you like Red Hill Red. I was seeking you out because I need to understand that is required to become a Greenmage. Can you help me?"
As he says this, he reaches in and pull an entire bottle of wine from his front pants pocket.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday May 8th, 2023 1:29:13 PM
Jasper moves up to AP 16 to be closer to most of the party. She blinks when Snark produces the wine. Those are some capacious pants.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Monday May 8th, 2023 4:30:27 PM
Khord is at a loss, he has never seen an ambulatory bush before and much less a mage concerned with a bushes health. He will stand back and observe as he figures trying to put his two coppers in would do nothing to help the situation.
When Benni mentions that he is a tracker, Khord manages to mumble, "In this snow anyone could follow those tracks, but yeah I can track them down if that is what is needed."
Niko cocks his head and examines the bush, he thinks it might be great fun to snatch it and run into the wood as it is just a big stick after all but does nothing since Khord told him he has to heel.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Monday May 8th, 2023 9:37:11 PM
Isaac looks over at the old gnome, better to be safe than sorry, he thought as he concentrated and tried to detect any evil influence on her. The walking bush was weird and he asks Teddy "Is that a shambling mound or a wandering hedge?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20+6=19 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 7:18:46 AM
Teddy casts Remove Curse, rolling a 19 and thus successfully removing the curse he placed on the bush. He gives a little bow and apologizes again for cursing it in the first place.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Tuesday May 9th, 2023 7:19:54 AM
He has no idea what is up with the bush and can only shrug helplessly at Isaac's question.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+8=26 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 4:12:15 PM
Jasper's ears prick at the mention of a shambling mound. Nasty, they can be. She's well versed in the natural world, though, and this shrub feels merely... shrubby.
Know: Nature +8 ______________
OOC: This isn't a Pathfinder monster, to my knowledge, but I'm imagining Zenia's little buddy as this:
DM James: The Bush Off Map Tuesday May 9th, 2023 5:20:12 PM Benni commented that he bandits were likely not friends of the forest and offered to track them down in an effort to get on Zenia's good side.
Snark asked it the old gnome was Zenia and revealed that he had brought a special beverage for her. If she was indeed Zenia he said, he needed her help in becoming a Greenmage.
Snark Highlight to display spoiler: {She cast Dispel Magic rather expertly if he was any judge of spellcraft. He suspected the old gnomish woman was so very very dangerous. He also suspected she changed the bush into a plant companion.}
Jasper noted the size of Snark's pants.
Khord commented that anyone could follow tracks in this snow. Niko considered playing with the bundle of sticks.
Issac's eyes lit as he checked the small woman for evil.
Issac Highlight to display spoiler: { The old gnome's aura has no evil taint.}
Teddy removed his own curse without the need to cast remove curse since the spell wasn't permanent. He just needed to touch the plant to end the spells duration. Once removed the plant walked away feeling much better about itself judging from its haughty stride.
Jasper watched the plant closely as well and noted that it was more shrubby than shambly.
Jasper Highlight to display spoiler: { You suspect the plant was animated by the Greenmages plant companion ability.}
Snow fell on the ground making it unnaturally quiet, but even so Zenia's "hrumph" echoed against the rocks as she turned and stormed off with her bush in tow.
Would the heroes follow? Had Zenia bushed them off, I mean Brushed them off? What WOOD they do?
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday May 9th, 2023 5:35:52 PM Soooo, that went well. I don't even think she took the wine. Do we follow? I can hang back if it would help. Egads; that Entangle spell really ticked her off.
Jasper is glum.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday May 9th, 2023 8:01:52 PM
Snark will land and catch up with this woman. He still holds the bottle of wine he was told to bring. He wonders what he's missing here?
"Beggin your pardon maam, but I can see we have interrupted you or offended you or something, though that was not out intent. If I may be so bold, are you Zenia the Dark? We've so far only found trouble in these woods, so I respectfully need to know if we should follow you or climb back up on this rock and tend our signal fire as Wilma instructed us. We'd hate to be gone when Zenia shows up. If you're not her, that is."
Snark is beginning to rethink this whole Greenmage thing.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Tuesday May 9th, 2023 10:13:17 PM
Isaac relaxes slightly no evil miasma surrounded her. He still felt a something was off about the woman.He chalked it up mostly to her attitude and the bush following her. Isaac shrugged and asked the gnome woman as she walked away "Is there any questions you will answer miss?" he got the feeling they were going to have to follow her.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Wednesday May 10th, 2023 5:41:21 AM
As the gnome woman walks away, Khord looks to the other luck makers for some sign of what to do. He will move to keep the gnome woman in sight, wondering if she will try to magic herself away.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 10th, 2023 5:44:59 AM
Onesimos follows the gnome.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Wednesday May 10th, 2023 8:15:29 AM
Teddy figures this is Snark's expedition and follows his lead, wherever that might end up being.
DM James: Home Map Wednesday May 10th, 2023 3:14:51 PM Jasper was uncertain how the encounter with Zenia went and asked if they should follow her.
Snark seemed penitent then fell back into his Snarky self almost immediately.
Issac was relieved that the woman wasn't evil and then thought to ask her if there were any questions she would answer.
Khord moved slowly so as to keep the gnomish woman in sight as she walked away.
Benni{/b] didn't wait for an invitation, he just followed the old gnome.
[b]Teddy looked to Snark to the old gnome, then to Snark again and hoped Snark would give him a clue as to what to do next.
Snow was falling a bit heavier as the green haired old gnome walked along with her bush following along dutifully. Though the woman walked the snow, she left no tracks, but the bush wasn't so gifted. In this snow a blind man could follow the bush.
The bush also kept glancing back at the Luck Makers and shaking its branches doing so more urgently with each step until the old gnome relented.
"Very well. Come along then Snark. Your friends too." said Zenia.
It wasn't very long afterwards she approached a crack in the cliff face and turned left into it. As each Luck Maker approached they could see that it wasn't a crack, but a passageway into the rock face. After a few turns they entered a stretch of dark tunnel with a light shining through from the other side.
As each emerged into the light thy could see the landscape had changed and the weather was more pleasant, but unlike in Hook City where the weather seemed unnatural, the weather here appeared untouched and what it was meant to be.
Zenia moved along the trail as it zig zagged up a small wooded mountain and then about halfway up entered a pass between two of the low mountains. There in the crook between the mountains sat a small house with rows of trees radiating outward in the shape of rays from a sun. As she passed two of these she touched them with a cane she produced from thin air and the trees turned into black cloaked bandits. The bandits didn't hesitate as they tore off down the mountainside and presumably to freedom.
The bush happily "skipped" over to a small pond and waded in as the gnome went inside the house where the rattling of crockery could be heard.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday May 10th, 2023 6:07:54 PM
Jasper marvels at the fleeing bandits-who-once-were-trees.
She has no defenses should Zenia decide to turn her into a tree too, so she just hopes for the gnome's good grace. She follows Benni toward the sounds of perhaps tea time.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+18=29 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=19 ; Wednesday May 10th, 2023 7:53:43 PM
Snark is intrigued by some things the woman does. Maybe this is what Greenmages can do. He tries to see what he can discern since she seems uninterested in answering questions.
How did she leave no tracks? (Spellcraft 29, Knowledge Nature 19, Survival 11)
The area we emerged into: Where are we? What does the sky look like? Are we on the same plane? (Knowledge Nature 22, Knowledge Geography 19, Knowledge Planes 26)
How did she summon her staff? Did she seem to cast a spell or use an item? (Spellcraft 35, Knowledge Arcana 13)
How did she turn the trees into bandits? (Spellcraft 29, Knowledge Arcana 19)
He continues to follow along with his friends.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday May 10th, 2023 9:18:12 PM
Isaac follows the gnome and the group as the enters the clearing he looks around "Weird it feels so much nicer here." When she changes the tree's back to bandits he watches them intently as they run off hopefully they had learned their lesson. "How often do you have to turn people to trees?" he asks her. He turns to Snark "Not much of a talker is she."
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday May 10th, 2023 11:52:37 PM
Jasper wonders if Zenia has Trackless Step. That might explain her ability to glide unseen upon the snow.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Thursday May 11th, 2023 5:57:45 AM
Khord falls in at the back of the luck makers, keeping an eye on the woods as the travel. Once they have entered through the short tunnel he starts to understand how Zenia keeps hidden away from average travelers.
He is surprised when she turns the trees into bandits and reflexively raises his bow, but does not shoot as they take off running down the mountain. he wonders if the luck makers will see them again on the return journey.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=13 ; Thursday May 11th, 2023 7:14:25 AM
Onesimos nods, Zenia seemed like a good sort of a bit gruff. That was her reputation in Five Mile too, so his hunch of being patient paid off.
He continues to watch and be patient.
……
Perception 13
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:09:25 AM
Teddy starts to get nervous as the strange woman leads them on and on and on. What if she's an imposter? What if it's a trap? What if she's still angry about the bush and bops him on the nose? He starts to hang back a bit as his anxieties get the better of him and when they finally arrive seriously considers staying outside.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+17=24 ; Thursday May 11th, 2023 4:34:00 PM
Jasper takes in her surroundings. She's eager to learn more about Zenia and her friendship with green, growing things.
----- Perception 24
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:55:25 PM
Isaac gets the feeling the gnome has a lot more experience than any of the Luck Makers.
DM James: Home Map Friday May 12th, 2023 3:52:58 AM Jasper marveled at the fleeing bandits-who-once-were-trees.
She had no defenses should Zenia decide to turn her into a tree too, so she just hoped for the gnome's good grace. She followed Benni toward the sounds of perhaps tea time.
Snark was intrigued by some things the woman did. Maybe this is what Greenmages could do. He tried to see what he could discern since she seemed uninterested in answering questions.
How did she leave no tracks? How did Jasper leave no tracks? Perhaps she shared a similar background as their castaway druid?
The sky above was lighter, but only because the clouds and snow seemed to end at the edge of the cliff face and the Pig's Ear. There was obviously some form of magic happening here.
Snark Highlight to display spoiler: {While the are around five mile seemed unnaturally cold, this area seems unaffected by whatever makes that place so cold. Perhaps a leyline is at work here and blocking the effects of the Ice Vein. Snark also suspected she'd used some kind of unfamiliar magic item to summon her staff. It also looked like she dismissed a Tree Shape effect on the bandits. }
Isaac followed the gnome and the group and as they entered the clearing he looked around "Weird it feels so much nicer here." When she changed the tree's back to bandits he watched them intently as they ran off hopefully they having learned their lesson. "How often do you have to turn people to trees?" he asks her. He turns to Snark "Not much of a talker is she."
"More often than you'd think." Zenia replied from inside the small cottage.
Jasper wonders if Zenia has Trackless Step. That might explain her ability to glide unseen upon the snow.
Khord fell in at the back of the luck makers, keeping an eye on the woods as they traveled. Once they had entered through the short tunnel he started to understand how Zenia kept hidden away from average travelers.
He was surprised when she turned the trees into bandits and reflexively raises his bow, but does not shoot as they take off running down the mountain. he wondered if the luck makers will see them again on the return journey.
Onesimos nods, Zenia seemed like a good sort if a bit gruff. That was her reputation in Five Mile too, so his hunch of being patient paid off.
He continues to watch and be patient.
Teddy started to get nervous as the strange woman lead them on and on and on. What if she's an imposter? What if it's a trap? What if she's still angry about the bush and bops him on the nose? He starts to hang back a bit as his anxieties get the better of him and when they finally arrive seriously considers staying outside.
It wasn't long and Zenia arrived with a tray with a mismatched set of cups and a wooden teapot happily steaming away. Piled up on one side of the pot were some cakes and a couple of biscuits. She set the tray on an old stump and sat on a log as she waved a hand around indicating that they should sit as well. Then to Issac, she asked. ."What brings you here from the city?"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Friday May 12th, 2023 6:06:49 AM
Khord will stow his bow and warily accepts some tea and a cake, sharing the cake with Niko. he will sit and wait to here what Snark is here to find out.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Friday May 12th, 2023 7:41:50 AM
Teddy timidly nibbles on a honey cake and stays quiet.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday May 12th, 2023 10:59:39 AM
Onesimos also accepts a cake and offers to pour the tea. At Zenia’s question to Isaac, the armored elf nods towards Snark.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday May 12th, 2023 1:44:18 PM
Jasper sips her tea. "There are worse things to be than trees.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday May 12th, 2023 5:01:49 PM
Snark looks back a Benni and shrugs a bit. He's already told this woman twice why he is here, what he seeks, and about the wine - she seems uninterested. Seems like she's going to just do things her way.
He's a little puzzled why she addressed Isaac instead of him, but maybe she wants to see why the paladin is here too.
Snark looks around the house as he takes some tea and a cake. And waits.
DM Esther: Teatime at Zenia's Saturday May 13th, 2023 1:15:05 AM Khord warily accepts a cup of tea, and shares a cake with Niko. He waits.
Teddy timidly nibbles on a honey cake and stays quiet. He waits.
Onesimos accepts a cake and offers to pour the tea. At Zenia's question to Isaac, the amored elf nods towards Snark.
Snark looks back to Benni and shrugs a bit, because he has already started to tell this woman why he is here twice, and she didn't seem interested. He looks around at the house as he takes some tea and a cake. He waits.
The house is a small woodland cottage, and Snark notices all sorts of animals roaming freely about.
Isaac remains quiet for the moment.
Jasper sips her tea, and conversationally observes that there are worse things to be than trees.
With just about every one of the Luck Makers passing on initiative and waiting, there is a pause during which Zenia draws a slow sip from her cup of tea, and then she nods at Jasper when the druid makes a remark about trees. "Quite a lot of things, if you ask me", the old gnome agrees, and now that she has wetted has lips and throat, she sounds a little better than before. And there is no small hint of command in her voice, as if it were a noble lady speaking instead of the yellow toothed gnarly gnome before you. "Fools and unmannered idiots for example, and yet there is no end of people that give barely a thought about being those."
Teddy meanwhile expertly discerns that the cake he is eating is made with fresh wild honey.
Her eyes still on Jasper, Zenia continues; "You have the look and attire of one initiated in the draoidheachd. That is.. somewhat in your favor. And young Wilma is usually a fair judge of character." She turns her gaze towards Snark. "..as she is knowledgeable about my taste in wine. I was listening back there."
Zenia takes a long, glazed earthenware pipe from inside her cloak, and starts to calmly pack it with some kind of dried leaf. After she is done, she lights it, and takes a few very deliberate puffs.
"Patience. Quite a lot of it."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+4=17 ; Saturday May 13th, 2023 7:25:18 AM
As the silence lingers near the edge of being uncomfortable, Khord decides to try to move things along. "Your patience with our intrusion on your fair home is noted and appreciated. As my friend has stated on our walk in, he comes seeking knowledge. We come bearing gifts that we have heard are pleasing to you but in return he is asking for the most valuable thing, which is your time and tutelage. If the scales in this transaction would need better balancing, we are quite capable and are known for solving problems and could offer our services." As he finishes he takes another long sip of his tea without breaking eye contact with Zenia.
Niko gives a big yawn as Khord finishes and plops down at his feet, getting comfortable and preparing for a short nap.
Diplomacy = 17
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Saturday May 13th, 2023 11:56:15 AM
Snark looks around. He wipes his hands nervously on his robes.
"I kinda suck at being patient. Now stubbornness - I got that in spades. But stubborn is kinda like the unruly step-child of patience, so I probably gotta do better there."
The gnome takes out his pipe too and lights it to give his hands something to do. He offers to share his tobacco to the woman if she's interested.
"Anyway, thanks for lettin' us into your house. It's a nice house. And for the tea and stuff."
"We come from Heranmar. We sailed here to guard a load of woad beer headed for Hook City. But what really drew me here was that I had an interest in becoming a Greenmage. Growin' up, I heard some elves talking about greenmages, and it always kinda stuck with me. When I asked an old druid near Heranmar about this - his name is Peerimus, do you know him? Peerimus told me to look for a greenmage near Hook City. Folk outside Hook City said to look for a greenmage at Five Mile. Then we come across Wilma in Five Mile, an' she said we could find Zenia the Dark in the woods here, and to light a fire at that rock where you found us.
"All my friends here come a long with me just so I can pursue this goal, so they're pretty great friends, eh? I owe 'em big time for this."
"Oh, and we brought this." Snark will pull out two bottles of Red Hill Red from what seems like an impossibly small pocked for such things. He puts them nicely on the table.
"So, will you please help me to become a greenmage, or at least point me in the right direction?"
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday May 13th, 2023 10:24:18 PM
Onesimos sees there is nothing more to add: this is the third time the Luck Makers have tried to tell the same things to Zenia. Maybe third time’s the charm. And then Benni gives home self a little shake: he’s starting to sound as superstitious as the people from Heranmar!
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Monday May 15th, 2023 7:15:54 AM
Teddy is not stuffed with fluff and he has far more then very little brain but it is a fool's errand to try to conceal honey from his nose and taste buds. He digs in and tries to sooth his anxieties with delicious honey..
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday May 15th, 2023 1:08:48 PM
Jasper smiles when Snark mentions "great friends." It's been a long time since she's been deemed such.
To Zenia, she says, "You're right; I am a druid, though I'm far from my home, now. Hmm. Maybe patience, and quite a lot of it, is the first lesson of becoming a Greenmage."
DM James: Greenmages, Rocks, and Patience Map Monday May 15th, 2023 1:42:13 PM Khord grew impatient with the silence and lack of action. "Your patience with our intrusion on your fair home is noted and appreciated. As my friend has stated on our walk in, he comes seeking knowledge. We come bearing gifts that we have heard are pleasing to you but in return he is asking for the most valuable thing, which is your time and tutelage. If the scales in this transaction would need better balancing, we are quite capable and are known for solving problems and could offer our services." As he finishes he takes another long sip of his tea without breaking eye contact with Zenia.
Niko gives a big yawn as Khord finishes and plops down at his feet, getting comfortable and preparing for a short nap.
Zenia looked at the half orc with an appraising eye as she rocked back and took a draw on her pipe and cut her eyes over to Snark who was obviously nervous.
"I kinda suck at being patient. Now stubbornness - I got that in spades. But stubborn is kinda like the unruly step-child of patience, so I probably gotta do better there."
The gnome takes out his pipe too and lights it to give his hands something to do. He offers to share his tobacco to the woman if she's interested.
"Good. At least you know what you are bad at." Zenia responded and sipped at her tea. "To be a greenmage is to know time as a tree does. To count your seasons, and to see one turn of day and night as but a single breath and exhalation." She paused again. "Was it but an hour ago that you were sitting on a rock making smoke? And now, you are here, in my valley, drinking my tea. Does that count as so little progress to you, that you feel you already need to press things along instead of letting us all enjoy our tea before getting to business? Your journey is just starting and my sense is that you’ve more to learn than others. Jasper here for instance." Zenia said as she allowed the younger gnome to respond.
Snark explained the groups background, their mission here, and his own personal journey to the region. He mentioned the old druid Perimus back in Heranmar.
Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The mention of Perimus got a rise out of her. You aren’t certain if it’s interest or ire. however.}
"Anyway, thanks for lettin' us into your house. It's a nice house. And for the tea and stuff." Snark offered.
"All my friends here come a long with me just so I can pursue this goal, so they're pretty great friends, eh? I owe 'em big time for this."
”You can be polite.” Zenia observed with a nod. ”With friends that have manners too.” she continued pointing her pipe at Khord and Issac.
"Oh, and we brought this." Snark will pull out two bottles of Red Hill Red from what seems like an impossibly small pocked for such things. He puts them nicely on the table.
Sense Motive DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {She looked at the bottles appreciatively.}
Then Snark made his ask and the Greenmage Gnome smiled, showing her brown and cracked teeth, or were they simply made of wood? ”Yes, I think something can be arranged. It’ll take some time. Are you and your friends ready to spend the time you need to take this next step?” Onesimos also seemed a little impatient, which was odd for an elf and he was certain the Greenmage had made note of it. Little it seemed got by her.
Teddy is not stuffed with fluff and he has far more then very little brain but it is a fool's errand to try to conceal honey from his nose and taste buds. He digs in and tries to sooth his anxieties with delicious honey..
Teddy Highlight to display spoiler: {”There appears to be several containers of honey lined up along the wall just inside the cottage beneath the window. He can’t see them, but he can smell them. There is also a berry patch around back of the small house.}
Zenia looked at Isaac.
"I know that look. Paladin? Doer of good, yes?" She took him by the arm and gestured across the view of the rest of the valley. "Much good there is to be done here. Many are the troubles of the common man out in the wilds. For starters, last winter there was some rockfall on the path to where I gather some of my herbs… You sense that Zenia is going to have some tasks for you there is this one, it has a purple flower and a red stem. I need the greens from that and its roots. Clear the rubble and bring me three of those. Oh and watch out for Jeffery, I think those rocks are his, he gets a little possessive."
Zenia lays her hand on Snark's arm. "If you are always in a hurry... do not work with plants. And I say this in the most well-meaning way."
While she is not treating him as a child, Snark can tell, by that sense by which gnomes distinguish age amongst themselves despite being one of the more timeless races, that that no matter Snark's beard and many decades, Zenia must have been at least twice his current age already around the time that Snark was only just born.
"Even so, I could teach you, if we start at the basics. Not that I am not tempted to point you in the direction of someone else to do it, but lately I do not think I know of anyone who would be more qualified than me to teach someone like you…and you need to stay clear of Perimus. Very impatient he is, more so than you. Jasper dear, help me bring the cauldron around."
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday May 15th, 2023 6:05:24 PM
Jasper cringes internally. The Wold is vast, and the one thing she knows with absolute certainty is how little of it she knows: Its people, its arcana, its mystery. She didn't even know that one could befriend shrubs.
She hops up to help Zenia with the cauldron.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+7=24 ; d20+7=25 ; Monday May 15th, 2023 6:58:15 PM
Sense Motive = 24,25 respectively
Khord perks up a bit at the mention of the tasks to Isaac, and has a question. "Pardon me for asking, but you mentioned the rocks belong to Jeffrey. Who or What is a Jeffrey?"
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+14=21 ; d20+14=21 ; Monday May 15th, 2023 8:10:37 PM
Onesimos is also a good judge of character, and doesn’t have to watch closely to see Zenia’s reactions. The elf idly wonders what being a tree for a day will do to Snark’s impulsiveness. It certainly seems like something Zenia herself keyed in on.
From his own, earlier, impatience, the cleric feels the most expedient course of action to win the Greenmage’s favor is to do nothing. But that feels subtly wrong, and Benni ponders until he finds inspiration from his own teachings.
”Patience is a potential virtue for the races, but so is action. The key depends on ‘why’ the waiting or action take place.”. The cleric let’s the thought hang without explanation: thinking is also a way to learn.
…. Sense Motive. 21 , 21
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+6=18 ; Monday May 15th, 2023 10:41:57 PM
Isaac isn't sure if she is messing with him when she says Khord and he had manners. When she asks him to move some rocks and gather some flowers he looks a bit confused "Wait so someone "owns" the rocks how can someone own rocks if they fell in a rock slide? Who is Jeffery? I'll help move them but as for plants I'm a city guy. I'm gonna need someone to help me with gathering those flower otherwise I would come back with everything from dandelions to hemlock and probably miss what you wanted anyway."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+4=23 ; d20+4=23 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2023 12:11:08 AM
(Sense Motive 23 and 23)
Snark is a bit daunted by all of this. He thought he would just come here and get a few simple tips and be on his way. But he's also worried the effect his studies may have on his friends.
"A long time, eh? Well, I do indeed want to learn to be a greenmage, and I'm willing to put in the time. But I also have a responsibility to my friends, and we have a responsibility to the Town of Heranmar. As I mentioned, we brought a shipment of woad beer to Hook City, but as a result we have the wealth of the town and they are counting on us to bring that back in a timely manner.
"I suppose a week might be OK, but if I need to be here longer than that, perhaps I should stay and they can return the payment to Heranmar. And if that won't do, maybe I can come back another time.
"I sure don't mean to be rude or nothing. But I cannot in good conscience ignore my responsibility to a whole town just to pursue my own goals. That just wouldn't be right."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Tuesday May 16th, 2023 8:26:22 AM
Teddy sits quietly, hoping to listen in to any magic lesson that is given and hoping not to be noticed and given physical labor.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday May 16th, 2023 4:38:59 PM
Jasper listens to Snark. Although she's new to the Luckmakers, she's invested in supporting them in their mission.
"I do confess that I want to learn whatever you might be willing to teach, Zenia, even though my own magic tradition might not allow me to access the same kind of power or perform any of the same spells you do.
I'd be happy to with herbalism, crafts, or how to ensure my spells don't hurt the green growing things-- within however much time my companions have before their responsibilities pull them away.
That said, thank you for your hospitality and this excellent tea. If you'll have me, I'd like to visit you again someday."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Tuesday May 16th, 2023 10:04:05 PM
"Hopefully the ship won't depart without us. If we're staying e should probably send word back to them about us staying. Don't want them to think we went and ditched them."
DM James: Rocks and Brothers Map Tuesday May 16th, 2023 10:15:38 PM Jasper hopped up to help Zenia with the cauldron.
Khord perked up a bit at the mention of the tasks to Isaac, and had a question. "Pardon me for asking, but you mentioned the rocks belong to Jeffrey. Who or What is a Jeffrey?"
Zenia looked over to Khord. ”He’s a nasty piece of work that one is, but if you stay out of sight he won’t bother you. He’s but a minor annoyance to me, but should I do anything about him in a permanent manner, his brother the Chieftain will come and take his revenge upon me. So, while I could handle one giant easily, a whole tribe of them is simply out of the question. Now, if outsiders were to take care of my little problem and at the same time clear the trail and bring back my herb, that would be a mighty boon and I’d be grateful. Of course I’d blame you, but you’d be long gone.”
Onesimos wondered what being a tree for a day would do to Snark’s impulsiveness. It certainly seemed like something Zenia herself keyed in on.
”Patience is a potential virtue for the races, but so is action. The key depends on ‘why’ the waiting or action take place.” Benni said.
Zenia considered Benni’s words, shrugged and said. ”I’m a practical person and those who rush in are caught in traps.”
"Wait so someone "owns" the rocks how can someone own rocks if they fell in a rock slide? Who is Jeffery? I'll help move them but as for plants I'm a city guy. I'm gonna need someone to help me with gathering those flower otherwise I would come back with everything from dandelions to hemlock and probably miss what you wanted anyway." Issac asked.
”Of course no one can own rocks, but Jeffery likes them, no one else can move them, or throw them, so he claims them. I think his brother must pay him for the rocks.” Zenia said comfortably as she rocked by on the tree stump.
Snark was concerned about the amount of time Zenia was asking for and how it would impact his friends and their mission as a whole. He agreed to a week.
”Hmm.” Zenia said in reply. ”Let us see how you do in collecting my herbs and other ingredients.”
Teddy sat quietly, hoping to listen in to any magic lesson that is given and hoping not to be noticed and given physical labor.
”Teddy” Zenia said. ”Jeffery has something of mine. A green rod. If you return that I’ve a thing or two here you might be interested in.”
DM James: Rocks and Brothers Map Tuesday May 16th, 2023 10:15:47 PM Jasper hopped up to help Zenia with the cauldron.
Khord perked up a bit at the mention of the tasks to Isaac, and had a question. "Pardon me for asking, but you mentioned the rocks belong to Jeffrey. Who or What is a Jeffrey?"
Zenia looked over to Khord. ”He’s a nasty piece of work that one is, but if you stay out of sight he won’t bother you. He’s but a minor annoyance to me, but should I do anything about him in a permanent manner, his brother the Chieftain will come and take his revenge upon me. So, while I could handle one giant easily, a whole tribe of them is simply out of the question. Now, if outsiders were to take care of my little problem and at the same time clear the trail and bring back my herb, that would be a mighty boon and I’d be grateful. Of course I’d blame you, but you’d be long gone.”
Onesimos wondered what being a tree for a day would do to Snark’s impulsiveness. It certainly seemed like something Zenia herself keyed in on.
”Patience is a potential virtue for the races, but so is action. The key depends on ‘why’ the waiting or action take place.” Benni said.
Zenia considered Benni’s words, shrugged and said. ”I’m a practical person and those who rush in are caught in traps.”
"Wait so someone "owns" the rocks how can someone own rocks if they fell in a rock slide? Who is Jeffery? I'll help move them but as for plants I'm a city guy. I'm gonna need someone to help me with gathering those flower otherwise I would come back with everything from dandelions to hemlock and probably miss what you wanted anyway." Issac asked.
”Of course no one can own rocks, but Jeffery likes them, no one else can move them, or throw them, so he claims them. I think his brother must pay him for the rocks.” Zenia said comfortably as she rocked by on the tree stump.
Snark was concerned about the amount of time Zenia was asking for and how it would impact his friends and their mission as a whole. He agreed to a week.
”Hmm.” Zenia said in reply. ”Let us see how you do in collecting my herbs and other ingredients.”
Teddy sat quietly, hoping to listen in to any magic lesson that is given and hoping not to be noticed and given physical labor.
”Teddy” Zenia said. ”Jeffery has something of mine. A green rod. If you return that I’ve a thing or two here you might be interested in.”
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 12:07:20 AM
This woman seems a little loopy and unfocused, and he's losing confidence. He's really starting to wonder what he's gotten his friends into.
"So Zenia, I'm getting a little confused. What exactly is it you want from us, and how can I become a greenmage? And along those lines, are there more greenmages? Is there a community of them? Maybe I can meet some of them?"
"Also, Isaac's right. We need to return to our ship before we decide to stay here. We at least owe them that much. Maybe Jasper can fly back to deliver our message to the Captain?"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 5:55:34 AM "Oh, I see now. This Jeffrey is a giant who is covetous of the stones, and is an irritant to you and the peace of your home. This seems like a problem that we could handle. What can you tell us about the conditions around this trail, the rockslide, and do you know if Jeffery has a lair nearby." Khord is starting to see that even the magically powerful still must deal with mundane problems.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 17th, 2023 7:03:37 AM
Onesimos nods, the action needed by the LuckMakers is beginning to make sense. While sending a message to the ship that the LuckMakers will return to the Sea Witch in a week, they will clear the trail and retrieve a green rod and some plants for Zenia. In return, Zenia will start Snark's journey on becoming a Greenmage.
The next steps are to determine 'how' to message Captain Rio, gather information on Jeffrey and the terrain, then scout out the same to form a final plan of success.
Since Khord has already said as much, and Benni doesn't have solutions, he stays silent.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 7:28:27 AM
Teddy is... doubtful of this proposition. Why can't someone own a rock, people own all kinds of things? And if he does own the rocks then messing with them to pick a fight seems kind of off to him. Of course if the giant is claiming the rocks as an excuse to pick a fight then that's another story entirely. To timid to express his doubts and lacking enough information to make a real decision Teddy just ends up staying quiet and following the group.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 9:27:22 AM
Snark blinks a bit as others explain what he was missing. At least he understands our objective now. Maybe he just wasn't paying attention.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 11:55:05 AM "Good idea, Snark. I can be there and back within a few hours. Shall I tell Cap'n Rio that we'll be ready for the return journey in one week's time?"
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 10:46:35 PM
Isaac pales a bit at the mention of giants "So wait let me get this straight Jeffery is a giant and is the brother to the chief of a tribe of giants. He has a bunch of rocks blocking a path and he claims to own the rocks. He has stolen a green rod of yours. You want us to reclaim the green rod and get three of a certain herb that exist in a forest beyond the rockslide." Isaac looks to the others "A giant is a big problem I would rather not fight him maybe we can trick him into moving the rocks himself." He asks Zenia "Does he have any likes dislikes food he really likes maybe we can bribe or pay him for the rod and to move the rock slide."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday May 18th, 2023 8:03:21 AM
Teddy takes a few honey cakes to go.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday May 18th, 2023 9:38:13 AM
Onesimos thinks Jasper’s idea is great. They can get ready with plans while the Druid flies faster than a horse could run.
DM James: Rocks and Brothers Map Thursday May 18th, 2023 11:11:24 AM
DM James: Had a stomach bug visit me in the night. I'm well now and we should get these posts going again.
Snark expressed concern about their return trip on the Sea Witch.
Khord expertly summarized the task set before them by Zenia.
Benni agreed with Khord and started to think how they could communicate with Rio aboard the Sea Witch.
Teddy waxed philosophical about ownership and what it entailed. Then he helped himself to another cake, or two.
Jasper considered Snarks idea a good one and agreed that she could fly back to inform Rio about their delay.
Issac summarized the situation with Jeffery and suggested they might find some way negotiate with the giant for the items they needed.
Zenia leaned back. "I suppose I could short cut your training, but I have to brew a special potion and I just used the last of the one I had on those bandits. I'll need those three herbs and some other things. Teddy, in the morning make me a fire over there, Jasper, get on with your messenger service but you might have trouble in the dark if you go now, and Snark, in the morning after you fill the cauldron with creek water from the roots of a cypress and you will need to look through this tome here while the water is brewing. Creeks that way."she pointed to the north. Oh, and I think Jeffery has a cave near that rock slide.""I usually sleep in most days. I like fresh berries and squirrel for breakfast."
Teddy Highlight to display spoiler: {The wood has been treated with something. He suspects it's to make the fire burn hotter, but getting this to light is going to be a chore. Survival DC 30, if he takes 20 it'll take all morning to get it lit, but he'll be able to do it. Once lit he can tell the fire will burn for a few hours.}
Zenia brushed her hands on an apron and stood up. "It's getting late for me. I'll see you all in the morning. Make camp wherever you like, but that tree there is going to turn into an ogre soon, probably best to not be there when it does."
Setting watches, deciding if Jasper will venture off alone at night in the snow storm outside this valley, and if they were going to scout out Jefferies lair now or wait til morning.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+17=34 ; d20+14=18 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 11:55:49 AM
Jasper decides against a night-flight. She'll take the form of a falcon tomorrow morning and deliver the message. For now, she searches for a sheltered spot to camp, assiduously avoiding the ogre tree.
After she settles herself, she'll contemplate her spells and perhaps swap some out.
____ Perception 34 to spot other dangers Survival 18 to find a comfortable, safe spot to camp
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+9=14 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 1:18:54 PM
Snark is good with the plan for what we will tackle the next day.
He uses Aid Another to give a +2 to Jaspers survival roll to find a good camping spot away from the ogre-tree. He will cast Tiny Hut to give us a warm shelter for the next 12 hours. As far as a watch goes, he will have his bat Luna stand in for him and wake him if she sees anything threatening approach the hut.
The next day, Snark will create an unseen servant to haul water, but he keeps a close eye on the thing.
"I heard about a mouse wizard once that let a created servant get outta hand and it didn't end well."
"Also Teddy, lemme know if you need help getting that fire going and I'll see what I can do."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+11=22 ; d20+11=31 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 4:43:08 PM
Khord also uses an aid another action to help Jasper with a +2. As they settle into the tiny hut He will ask Isaac and Benni is they have any experience with giants and try to formulate some tactics if negotiating does not go well.
In the morning, he will make himself useful around camp, and will take to the nearby wood to see if he can hunt up some squirrel. Survival = 31 (nat 20)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+11=22 ; d20+11=31 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 4:43:08 PM
Khord also uses an aid another action to help Jasper with a +2. As they settle into the tiny hut He will ask Isaac and Benni is they have any experience with giants and try to formulate some tactics if negotiating does not go well.
In the morning, he will make himself useful around camp, and will take to the nearby wood to see if he can hunt up some squirrel. Survival = 31 (nat 20)
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Thursday May 18th, 2023 9:28:46 PM
Jasper, who has been used to fending for herself for a long time, is gobsmacked by the kindness of her friends. TINY. HUT!!!
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Friday May 19th, 2023 5:49:33 AM
At Khords question Isaac shakes his head "We didn't get many giants or large creatures in the city so it's mostly hearsay. If we can find out what type of giant he is it will make this easier. The merchants talked would often tell stories about giants that threw boulders around as if they weighed no more than an apple. So we should be careful if we get into ranged combat. But there are many giants and they all have different tempers. We'll have to see him before we can really make any plan." Isaac enjoys the restful night in the hut.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20+12=27 ; d20+12=31 ; Friday May 19th, 2023 8:19:12 AM
Teddy is used to sleeping outdoors and enjoys the night out. In the morning he manages to get the fire going in only 2 tries (27 then 31) - maybe half an hour of work. He's very proud of his success.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday May 19th, 2023 8:53:50 AM
Onesimos ensures the LuckMakers have their usual watch amended with the recent loss of Corym and Tykeas, and appreciates Snark's Tiny Hut: excellent!
The elf confesses he knows little about giants. Stories say they are stupid, like riddles, and live in clouds attached to magic bean stalks. With a shrug, Benni sheepishly admits he has no idea if any of that is true!
For a plan, the cleric suggests a scout team of sneaky people like Jasper, Khord, and Teddy and an overwatch team of noisy, armored people like Benni and Isaac and Snark in the overwatch too. The Scout team goes about 100' in front of the Overwatch team to try and spot the giant before it spots the LuckMakers. Depending on where it is, maybe we can distract it or lead it on a chase while the others clear the path?
Watches Snark and Jasper Teddy (with Gore'Thum) Khord (with Niko) Isaac and Benni
DM Esther comment: Gore'Thum is not with the party at this time so you may need a different watch schedule?
DM James: Ogres, Snow, and Squirrels Map d20=18 ; Friday May 19th, 2023 12:18:31 PM
The night passed uneventfully with the Luck Makers precautions, with only one interruption in the night when something in the darkness outside grunted and howled. The noise quickly faded into the distance.
Language Giant or Linguistics DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {"Free at last! Now, where did I put my spear?"}
The next morning Jasper changed shape and headed back to the port.
Jasper Highlight to display spoiler: {Jasper soared into the air, slowly climbing to an altitude to be able to see around her. Once she had her bearings she flew due east towards the coast. It was still snowing outside the small protected valley, but the ground was clearly visible from air where Jasper was flying. Jasper make a Survival Check, DC 15}
Snark Highlight to display spoiler: {The creek wasn't too far away and he found it easily enough. Finding that cypress tree however was another thing. Survival DC 15 each hour of searching. As Snark looked around he spotted a spear laying on the creek bank. It had a silver and gold head and a heavily decorated shaft. Also }
Snark Perception DC 16 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is an ogre coming your way and he's spotted you.}
Teddy was tasked with moving the cauldron to the fire after lighting one. The cauldron however is a bit large for him to handle alone, but someone had to collect the berries and Khord was hunting squirrel.
Strength Check DC 15 to move the cauldron 5'. You have to move it 4 times to get it into place.
Khord was out hunting and with Niko at his side he was sure to be successful. (Khord is gone 20d6 minutes.)
That left Issac and Benni at camp with Teddy....
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+14=16 ; Friday May 19th, 2023 12:32:50 PM "I'm off, everyone. I should be back by nightfall. I'll find you. Khord, maybe you can leave a few signs for me along your trail? Good hunting! And Snark: Best of luck with Zenia. I'll think good thoughts for you."
With that, Jasper takes to the air and heads east. She scans the forest floor occasionally as she flies through the snow, looking for signs of bandits or other trouble along the way.
____ Survival check 16. Whew!
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 20d6=82 ; Friday May 19th, 2023 9:10:11 PM
Khord was up with the sun, he and Niko heading into the wood as Jasper is getting ready to take flight. They are gone for nearly an hour and a half, but when they return Khord has a couple plump squirrels and a rabbit strung to his pack. He sees the others down by the creek and looking at moving the cauldron, thinking he will let them try to move it while he dresses the animals and readies them for cooking.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20-1=11 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+14=33 ; Friday May 19th, 2023 10:29:13 PM
Luna listens during the night and tells Snark what she hears. (Bat succeeds with Air Another to Snark's Linguistics Check.) Alas, Snark is not able to tell what the Giant says.
In the morning, Snark will look around for some sort of buckets or containers to hold the water he needs to collect. He locates the cypress he seeks right away (Survival 18), and he also spots a spear with a silver tip. He sees the ogre headed his way. Snark backs away a bit, and waves at the ogre as it approaches. Then he pulls out a scroll of Comprehend Languages out of his pocket and reads it in case the ogre says something that suggests he better run.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20=2 ; d20=5 ; d20=14 ; d20=18 ; d20=7 ; d20=11 ; d20=11 ; d20=10 ; d20=14 ; d20=10 ; d20=5 ; d20=16 ; d20=14 ; d20=1 ; d20=16 ; d20=3 ; d20=14 ; d20=15 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 7:30:13 AM
Teddy is tiny and not strong. Asking him to move a cauldron is just going to be an exercise in frustration for him and anyone watching him. It takes him 17 checks to move it 20 feet on his own. That being said he is not the type to let his pride prevent him from getting help when he needs it. If anyone else is around who offers to help or looks not busy he will accept with relief.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday May 22nd, 2023 7:42:50 AM
Onesimos rises early, performs his ablutions and meditations, and assists with the normal camp chores.
The elf knows he is not a scout and would only alert the giant if he were to walk up the trail. Hmmm... maybe a two pronged attack where Benni and Isaac are the 'bait'...
Half-formed plan will have to wait until the Scouts return.
DM James: Perseverance, Pondering, and Pronouncements Map Monday May 22nd, 2023 8:43:20 AM
Weather in the protected valley was cool, but clear and felt good in the morning sun as it shone down and warmed those walking around in the verdant mountain forest. Jasper had taken flight and after a few moments of circling chosen a direction that seemed to be mostly east as she flew into the white clouds at the edges of the valley. Khord had gone into the wood to hunt for squirrel, Snark was gone in search of water, while Issac, Teddy, and Benni stayed back at camp not too far distant from Zenia's small cottage.
While Benni was meditating Teddy manhandled, or bearhandled that cauldron like a champ and showed perseverance in his task. He felt good and being in contact with the cauldron had somehow emboldened him. Somehow he felt that Zenia would be pleased and it made him smile.
Jasper Highlight to display spoiler: {The snow and ice battered the a flying Jasper as she struggled to fly blindly through the clouds and snow. After an hour she spotted the corral outside Five Mile as she soared over with powerful strokes of her wings. In the clearing weather she could see the griffon patrols flying overhead and though they noted her presence, did nothing to detain her as she made for the Sea Witch at the docks.}
Khord Highlight to display spoiler: {Finding a squirrel wasn't difficult and soon Khord had found his quarry. He also spotted some tracks heading north that could only have been made by a giant or large booted creature. }
Snark Highlight to display spoiler: {He found a bucket close by. A gnome sized one to be sure, but he was certain that he'd not have to fill the cauldron. One bucket full should be enough. When he spotted the spear he knew right away it belonged to a large creature due to its size. Then he saw the ogre and cast his spell. Grunts, belches, and flatulence amazingly turned into spoken word as his spell completed. Where'd he leeve it? By the water me thinks." the ogre answered himself. "It'll be the stick with the pointy end. Most spears have pointy ends." he answered himself. "Ah, dere it is. But who that. Hum. Looks like tree witch. Same small. Maybe he wif her? Gronk better be nice, or get treed again." In broken common the ogre spoke up from about 20 feet away. "Oi slim, dat my spear. You find. You gives me back spear, I gives you hide, fair?" he said while detaching an old rabbit hide from his belt and holding it forth.}
Teddy Highlight to display spoiler: {Teddy gets a +4 Circumstance Bonus on Fear Checks until he fails one of them. This has no limit, as long as he makes the save he continues to get the bonus on the next check. Yes, the cauldron is magic. Spellcraft DC 30. Now he just had to start the fire with that special wood and he felt like using magic would spoil it. Survival DC 18}
Issac contemplated that giant problem. They still had to get those herbs.
Issac Highlight to display spoiler: {If Jasper was quick and didn't get lost she'd be in Hook City before Khord returned, and back here by late breakfast.}
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday May 22nd, 2023 1:12:48 PM
After a hard flight, Jasper approaches Hook City's borders.
She's exhausted, and surprised by the relief she felt at seeing its strange profile on the horizon. She might hate the place, but at least it's warm. Then she spots the blasted griffon patrols.
She does her best to "fly casual." Her unhurried wing beats convey "Nothing to see here; just a simple falcon."
Thank goodness they seem uninterested!
She wings her way to the docks in search of the Sea Witch. Ah, there it is. She gratefully lands on the deck and resumes her own shape.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20=15 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 6:07:36 PM
Isaac isn't sure exactly what he should do in this situation. Out in the wilderness he was pretty lost and if it wasn't a fight he had little to give. He does tell the others "I think Jasper is exaggerating she should be back by late breakfast if she's quick" Isaac will help with breakfast if he is allowed.
untrained profession cooking:15
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+2=11 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 7:01:54 PM
While cooking the squirrel and rabbit (untrained cooking = 11) with the help of Isaac, Khord mentions that he saw some tracks of what he assumes to be a giant heading up the trail. "I think it should be pretty easy to follow the big fella to his cave. After jasper returns and we are done with our chores we should be able to head off after this Jeffrey. Do you have any experience with giants, I have heard some can be talked to and bargained with but some are just savage brutes. With a name like Jeffrey, let's hope he is the first kind."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday May 22nd, 2023 11:34:22 PM
Snark considers his situation.
This isn't his place, and this isn't his spear. It also doesn't look like an ogre's spear, and this ogre doesn't exactly know what he's looking for. Zenia lives here and didn't see fit to kill the ogre, so Snark should probably respect that.
(I assume the spear is ogre sized? If so, he has no reason to deny the ogre the spear.)
Snark will cast Fly on himself and zip up into the air. He speaks to the ogre in common.
"Gronk! Stop there. The witch that lives here told you to leave. This is not your spear, you must ask her before you take it."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20=2 ; d20=7 ; Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 7:07:54 AM
Tired from his efforts with the cauldron he fumbles his first attempt to start the fire but succeeds the second time. (survival 14 then 19) He sits down and rests for a while by the warmth.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 7:41:38 AM
Onesimos, like Isaac, is not a great help in the wilderness, but he is pretty good at picking up dry sticks and bringing them to the fire. Otherwise, he takes directions on what to do from Teddy.
DM James: Giants, Gravy, and Green Eyes Map Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 9:46:31 AM
Hook City and the adjacent Look City, or Mudtown, is as mild as it always has been with it's magic keeping the chill of the Ice Vein in check. In Mudtown and the docks it's currently raining as normal as those venturing away from the docks slog through the sometimes knee deep mud.
Jasper Highlight to display spoiler: {The deck of the Sea Witch is clear as the sailors have taken to areas below deck to get out of the rain. The one officer on deck, Patch, greeted Jasper on her return. "What news?" he asked when he recognized her from their earlier encounter at sea and subsequent involvement with the Luck Makers. As Jasper was about to speak Captain Rio came on deck. Today she was wearing a broad brimmed black hat with a large white feather stuck in a black band to keep the rain from her face. Piercing green eyes that seemed to look right through you studied Jasper closely as she relayed her information. }
Issac, Benni, Khord, and Teddy improvise with a separate fire and with a small camp pot and rations they manage a thick squirrel gravy with some flaky biscuits that Issac remembered a recipe from during one of his patrols years ago. A little salt, some pepper and a few road side herbs and it was ready to go as a serviceable breakfast.They still needed to collect the berries, but Khord was on it after he related the the news about the tracks he'd found.
The weather in the valley is mild, though still a bit cool as those remaining go about their business. Inside the small cottage you can hear coughing and stumbling about as the small greenmage starts moving around. She's awakened.
Issac, Benni, Tedddy, or Khord and Perception or Survival DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { You notice that tracks of similar size also come from the area where a tree was the previous day.}
Snark Highlight to display spoiler: {The spear was indeed giant sized, more of a lance sized spear really and certainly fancier than an ogre had the right to carry. "How you know Gronk's name? How he know Gronk's name?" the ogre whispered to himself. "Maybe he heard us talkin." Gronk replied to himself as he nodded. "You take hide. Me get spear, nice little wizards mate? Me not blame you for ugly woman, you brave little man. Ugly woman scares Gronk." he said looking up at Snark as he hovered in the air.}
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 12:21:13 PM
Jasper nods to both Patch and Captain Rio.
"Well met. I bring a message from the Luck Makers: They'll return here in one week's time for the return trip to Heranmar. Can I convey a reply?"
As she speaks, she flips up the hood of her tunic to protect herself from the rain.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+11=19 ; Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 5:10:17 PM
While foraging for berries (survival = 19) Khord notices what is going on with Snark as the gnome lifts into the air. He returns to the others and points out that something has caught Snark's attention and urges that they should go check it out.
Khord orders Niko to stay by the fire, and he will try to sneak around to whatever the gnome is dealing with. He draws his short swords and heads into the wood to intercept. (Stealth =
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+12=17 ; Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 5:11:57 PM
(Stealth = 17) he tries to come around into a flanking position from Snark and keeps about 30 feet away.
*Hit submit instead of roll button
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+14=18 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 12:23:22 AM
Snark stares at the ogre for a minute before he speaks.
"My mate? Ugly? How dare you talk about my mother that way! See those trees? One of them is my dad and another is my brother. So I promise you don't want to anger my mom."
"But listen - maybe there's a better solution here. I'll tell you what. I'll let you get the spear if you'll do a favor for me. I need to get some rocks moved and deal with a giant named Jeffrey that may cause us some trouble. Do you know him? Will you agree to help me? I'd sure hate to see you turned back into a tree because my mom heard you called her ugly."
Snarks (perception 18) sees Khord. He'll wink at the ranger to let him know he knows Khord is there to back him up.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+3=19 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 12:26:49 AM
Isaac is pleased with the biscuits not as good as when his old squad made them but passable. Isaac notices some tracks were a tree was yesterday. "I guess she wasn't kidding about a troll." When Khord comes back from foraging and tells them something has captured Snarks attention and that it's left tracks Idssc points out the tracks were the tree was yesterday. "If that is a troll we should be careful" As Khord tries to sneak around Isaac stays back not wanting to ruin Khords stealthy approach.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=15 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 6:25:05 AM
Benni helps about.
Ooc: traveling. Sorry for short post
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20=17 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 6:57:22 AM
Teddy goes to check on and help Snark with Khord.
DM James: Muk, Gurgar, Brudda's and Bros. Map d20=1 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 9:09:29 AM
Alerted to the danger by Snarks rise into the air, everyone converges upon the scene with Snark and an ogre. Snark seems to be in conversation with the hulking humanoid.
"doe kay." the ogre responded to Snark's bluff. "I'll move dem rocks. Jeffery...." the ogre said in it's strange contorted language. "he's da giant? Dat's Gurgar. His brudda runs the Muk tribe dat way." he said pointing west. "Maybe I git him ta visit his brudda and you give me the spear and dat fancy arm band you have on ya head? You move dem rocks wit ya fancy magik?" he said shrewdly indicating the headband Snark wore with a gnarly and dirt encrusted finger and nail.
Jasper Highlight to display spoiler: {Rio looked up at the taller jasper and nodded. "Still provisioning. Purchase orders, bills of materials, and release forms in triplicate. Ole Patch is a right flummoxed man." she said looking the man beside her who was nodding. [b]"Tell 'em it's looking good."
The return trip would probably be another hour and a half with strong head winds possible, but Jasper was certain she'd make it back before noon.
}
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 1:34:33 PM
Jasper winced at Patch in sympathy. "Sorry, Patch. I've never heard of anything good that required 'triplicate.' Thank you for the update, Captain. I'll take my leave of you now. See you in a week.
She shifted. In her place, a little falcon shot into the air back in the direction of Five Mile.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+7=8 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 4:52:39 PM
Khord hears Snark talking to the ogre (not close enough to make it out if in common, not understandable if in giant), but he gets the sense that things aren't going well (sense motive = 8). he catches that snark has noticed him and thinks he needs to brush up on his sneaking, but decides he will give Snark some room to talk before making any hostile actions.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 11:49:05 PM
Snark is relieved to see his friends are around. Still, this ogre may be of some use. Besides, if Zenia wanted him dead him dead or gone, it would already be so. She must've had some reason to keep an ogre alive.
"GRONK! Let me be clear. If you want the spear, you must first help us with getting rid of Jeffrey and moving the rocks. Otherwise, leave the spear and leave this place. Do not test me in this. And if you help us well, I will also give you magic fire you can throw at something.
"Do we have a deal? Don't make me call my mom."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday May 25th, 2023 8:22:57 AM
Teddy is very confused when Snark mentions his mom and wild speculation about why he hadn't mentioned Zenia is his mom before sparks through his mind.
DM James: Muk, Gurgar, Brudda's and Bros. Map d20=16 ; d20=20 ; d20=13 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 9:22:45 AM "Gronk don't care if little man mate with ugly..mom. Spear mine, too big for little man. Gurgar...not Jeff..ery. Gurgar big giant in Muk tribe. Gronk talk Gurgar into visiting brudda, you give Gronk spear....and throwing fire thing. Gronk maybe move rocks." The ogre countered with a shrewd look.
Sense Motive DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Gronk seems frightened of "Jeffery", Gurgar, or whatever the giants name is and he's doing a very good job of hiding it. He's noticed Khord and the others hanging at the edge of the conversation. He's clearly frightened of all of you.}
Jaspar Highlight to display spoiler: {The druid took flight once more and was thoroughly wet before getting away from Hook City. With a few aerial shudders, Jasper shook the water from her feathers and climbed into the sky as she turned west towards the valley. Soon she was soaring through the snowy environment past Five Mile and over the wooded hills towards the greenmage's home. Survival Check DC 15}
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday May 25th, 2023 10:03:52 AM
Benni helps about camp.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+14=31 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 1:01:53 PM
Jasper gets her second wind. The snowy landscape passes below.
_______ Survival 31
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 d20+7=19 ; d20+12=29 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 4:29:44 PM
Khord will try to creep a little closer so he can get a better read on the situation (sense motive = 19) (stealth = 29). He will stay about 20 feet from the ogre is possible, hiding his blades under his cloak but ready to strike.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Thursday May 25th, 2023 6:46:05 PM
Isac waits for any signs things are going south he draws his sword and shield incase they are needed,
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+4=18 ; Friday May 26th, 2023 1:42:47 AM
(Sense Motive DC 18)
Snark remains firm in his resolve with this Gronk. Snark will place himself between Gronk and the spear and repeat his last offer.
"GRONK! Let me be clear. If you want the spear, you must first help us with getting rid of Gurgar and moving the rocks. Otherwise, leave the spear and leave this place. Do not test me in this. And if you help us well, I will also give you magic fire you can throw at something.
"If you will not help us, then I will give this spear to Gurgar to appease him."
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday May 26th, 2023 9:13:24 AM
ooc: sorry, I'm confused. Is everyone with Snark now, or is Teddy, Isaac, and Benni still at camp and Jasper still in Hook City?
...........
Benni helps about camp.
Jasper (Holly) HP 48/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday May 26th, 2023 11:25:46 AM
Jasper glides into the little green valley, noting the transformed weather: Snow outside, warm sunlight here. Zenia must be powerful indeed.
As a falcon, her eyesight is very keen so she quickly spots Snark and his ogre situation. She alights on a low branch within sight of Isaac and Khord, maybe six feet off the ground. She waits and watches. Through , she has the ability to cast while wildshaped, so she prepares to help should diplomacy fail.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 44/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20=2 ; Friday May 26th, 2023 11:41:16 AM
(Khord came back and told the group - up to you of your PC went with him to check on Snark).
Teddy suspects this creature will only respond to a show of strength, but has no idea what he should do to scare them. Gore'Thum is the one good at that.
DM James: Muk, Gurgar, Brudda's and Bros. Map Friday May 26th, 2023 2:21:23 PM
The stand off between Snark and the ogre seemed to stretch for over an hour as each jockeyed back and forth in the negotiations. Eventually Snark lost his patience.
Gronk seemed taken aback by Snarks sudden assertiveness and holds up his hands. "Me talk to Gurgar, but need warspear first. Spear is Gronks....badge." he said after a few moments struggling to come up with the common word for a symbol of office. "Gronk Warchief Muk tribe. Gronk talk nice to Gurgar, make him leave. Okay...Gronk move rocks too." Gronk said with disappointment.
So while they were standing there a call came from Zenia's cottage. "Where's my breakfast!"
Gronk squeeked and ran past Snark quickly picking up the spear as he passed. "Gronk move rocks, get Gurgar to go home. You see. Tell Zenia I've been good. Gronk promises."
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