Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Thursday April 20th, 2023 8:16:48 AM Cryrion is fine napping with a wall. Zeoll gathers information, asking about any signs of trouble that could be seen from the shore. Elron wants to know more of the predators and roosts so someone can use his bed. Asimov sets Irony to guard him as he sleeps.
Zeoll turns up no information, which is itself informative. It seems there have been no signs visible from land that anything is wrong. The first sign of trouble was when the ship went to deliver supplies and no one came to pick them up. Attempts to get the attention of anyone from inside failed and the gates were sealed, preventing access. Unwilling to try to force the gates, in case they broke quarantine or were attacked by enemies hiding inside, the crew sailed back and reported the problem.
The team sent in later managed to get into the fortifications and reported finding no one there. They left to search the rest of the island, but after a week the captain had to order the ship sail back home lest they run out of food.
Elron asks about the dangerous animals and learns of plants that try to throttle passersby and great wolves and apes that live there and can be very territorial.
In the morning the party loads up on the ship and heads out. The captain and crew are pleasant professionals, doing the job well and answering any questions politely. Soon enough the island is looming in the distance - a green dot on the horizon. As they get closer they can see a densely forested land with pearly white beaches. The ship sails a complicated route through the reefs that no one can see hidden underwater to a long pier where the party can disembark.
You have arrived.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Thursday April 20th, 2023 1:44:01 PM
Cyrion turns to the boatmen, "Thank you for delivering us here, I feared that you would be reluctant to do so."
Elron -- SteveM Thursday April 20th, 2023 11:30:19 PM
Elron happily asks questions. "How long will it take us t' reach the island? . . . What types o' fish are caught in this area? Are they shore to be tasty? Does the crew have a reel passion for fishin'? . . . How do you navigate th' boat t' reach th'island safely? . . . What kind o' weather patterns are common in this area? . . . If we pass other boats will they wave to us? . . . Is there any particular type of gear or equipment that is needed for mining on th'island? . . . How deep is th' water beneath the boat? . . . Have there been any accidents or mishaps during previous trips t' th'island? . . . Are there any interesting landmarks or natural features on th'island that I should know about? . . . Do they have a net profit from the fishing and mining activities?"
Perception Asimov - 27 Perception Irony - 22; note Irony is flying in the air
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday April 21st, 2023 6:04:17 AM
Mundhildur makes sure she has plenty of throwing rocks for her bag. She attended to all that they were told.
She had slept on the floor. The beds were too small. She did thank Elron for his offer, though.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday April 21st, 2023 6:54:32 AM Cryion thanks the crew for bringing them as he had feared they would be reluctant. Elron asks all the questions. Asimov and Irony examine the debarkation point. Mundhildur makes sure she has plenty of throwing rocks.
The crew answer some of Elron’s questions, but when it becomes clear he will never shut up they politely say they are busy and ignore him. Asimov detects no dangers at the docks. The docks extend from near the south wall of the colony.
Deepmar Penal Colony occupies a stretch of land at the top of a low hillock along the southern coast of the island, a 25-foot-tall wooden palisade surrounding the buildings within. The gates are sealed - it seems the previous team climbed the wall to get inside.
Elron -- SteveM Friday April 21st, 2023 4:56:20 PM "Mundhildur, d'you think you could throw me t' th' top o' that palisade?" Elron plans to drop down on the other side after getting a good look from the top.
If it's the spiky sort of palisade, this could get more difficult. . . Elron pauses a moment, pulls a rope from his gear, and holds onto one end while the other end goes up and ties itself off. Then he can climb up and see what's on the other side, spiky or not.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Friday April 21st, 2023 10:36:27 PM
Zeoll is already glad he has Bill the eagle and not Bill the Camel. He has Bill fly up, scout around, and report back. If the bird indicates it has seen anything interesting, he'll use a Speak with Animals (the domain ability) to get the run down.
Meanwhile, if anyone wants help climbing, Zeoll will inspire competence for a +3 bonus and a +1 from Guidance, total +4.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Perc Check: d20+10=16 ; Saturday April 22nd, 2023 4:49:19 PM
Cyrion will scout out the gate and the area around it ... looking for anything out of the ordinary
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+7=10 ; d20+11=29 ; Monday April 24th, 2023 12:02:07 AM
"I could throw you, Elron." If he wants her to, she does. But not very well. "Let me try again." The second time, it is a very good throw. She does ensure he has a rope tied on to him prior to her throwing attempts, so he can be halted before he falls all the way to the ground on the other side.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday April 24th, 2023 7:34:53 AM Elron asks to be thrown over the wall. The top is… sort of spikey? The top of the stakes are carved to a point but a very wide point that’s more visual than functional, with more than enough space to squeeze through. Zeoll has Bill do a fly over. Cyrion examines the gate and the area around it. Mundhildur throws Elron up, missing the first time and succeeding the second.
Cyrion finds nothing interesting, which in and of itself interesting. There are no marks on the gate or signs of forced entry or trouble. It has a large, elaborate looking lock that looks like it requires a key of some sort. There are no marks indicating anyone passed this way at all recently.
Elron splats cartoonishly against the wall on the first throw but the second gets him to the top where he can cling and scout before dropping in. He and Bill both see about a dozen buildings inside the colony. It’s quiet and there are few signs of disturbances. They at least get a good look at the layout and can share with the party (attaching a map), and a good perception check from either might indicate the point of interest they should visit first.
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=32 ; Monday April 24th, 2023 8:02:43 PM
If he can, Elron opens or at least unbars the gate for the others. After that, he looks around. (Perception = 32)
(OOC: I think I forgot to hit submit yesterday...lol)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+12=28 ; Monday April 24th, 2023 11:19:18 PM
Assuming Elron can get us in, Zeoll suggests that we just stick together and tackle each building one at a time. He looks for tracks or other clues outside. Survival with Guidance 28!
Then, Standard procedure for each building: listen, look, enter, investigate.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Monday April 24th, 2023 11:46:31 PM
Cyrion will follow his friends once the gate is opened, and draws Carver from it's sheath on his back.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Tuesday April 25th, 2023 3:59:50 AM
If someone is unable to open the gate, then Mundhildur assists her mates in climbing up one side and down the other using knotted ropes. If she does climb, she looks about to get a good overview.
"I'm interested in those two buildings, for starters." She indicates what on the map are called A17 and A4.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday April 25th, 2023 7:01:14 AM Elron tries to open the gate. Asimov and Irony keep watch. Zeoll is all ready to look for clues. Cyrion is ready to follow everyone. Mundhildur helps everyone climb the fence.
Elron finishes going up and over and moves to the gate, but as stated it is not barred, it has an actual lock built into it, elaborate and looking hard to unlock without a key. Fortunately the rope tied around him is still trailing behind so if he can find a place to tie it off the others can climb in. Everyone make a climb check please so we know if anyone rolls a 1 and pratfalls before the make it on the 2nd try.
Once everyone does get in Zeoll takes a look around. He notices relatively fresh tracks of some large beast - it must have climbed the wall. It leads past a chicken coop, where some blood and feathers indicate it had a snack, and then towards a large building that has it’s door wide open.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20=19 ; d20=17 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+24=30 ; Tuesday April 25th, 2023 7:40:57 PM
Climb checks: 19 and 17.
Easily mastering the ascent, Zeoll chuckles. "Ha! I'm not so old as all that! Therre I go!"
On the other side, Zeoll sees the creature's tracks and quietly motions the group toward the door.
He looks at the tracks to tell if they are a natural animal, magical beast, or ... something else. Know Nature 30, Know Arcana 24.
Some fell thing may be within," the liontaur whispers, "So let us buff up quietly and then enterr. Let me go firrst, to trry to use my soothing music on it."
The taur is ready to sing and soothe the beast. If it turns out to be an animal or magical beast, Zeoll's Perform check acts as a Diplomacy check to change its attitude.
Perform Sing 30.
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=15 ; Tuesday April 25th, 2023 10:10:02 PM
Elron rushes to the chicken coop to see if anyone there can be saved. After checking that out, he stealthily follows Zeoll's lead (well, somewhat stealthily with a 15).
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh d20+6=17 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+6=16 ; Tuesday April 25th, 2023 11:07:24 PM
Irony flies over the gate. Asimov considers using one of his jetpacks to do the same but decides its limited fuel is better saved for soemthing else and then climbs and follows the others.
Both he and irony continue to keep an eye out.
Perception: 23 - Asimov Perception: 16 - Irony
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+10=13 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+9=10 ; Wednesday April 26th, 2023 4:22:46 AM
[The dice roller does not love Mundhildur today]
The Jotunar accompanies the others. When Zeoll sings, she begins to join him - but quickly drops the attempted harmony, as it did not seem harmonious.
Her perception is good enough for her to observe that there is ground beneath her feet.
[OOC: Which building number is the large one with the wide open door?]
========== Climb: 13 and 12 (both succeed the DC5) Perception: 10 (nat 1) Perform, singing: 9
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday April 26th, 2023 8:22:07 AM Zeoll tires to figure out what kind of animal it is from the tracks. It seems to be some large ape like creature - it’s prints show it walks on hands and feat, though the tracks are somewhat confused so it’s probably not a normal ape or gorilla. Elron rushes to the chicken coop (A6). The wood and wire coop was probably once large enough to hold a few dozen chickens, but now most seem to have flown the coop - he can see several wandering around the outpost. Only two hens remain in the coop itself, sitting on their eggs and giving the larger rooster man a curious look. Asimov considers using a jetpack to clear the gate but decides against it. Mundhildur tries to help with the singing and perceiving but isn’t feeling it at the moment.
The building is A3, and it’s door is ajar. A sign hanging over it depicts a frothy mog, a plate, and eating utensils. Inside are several long trestle tables, around which are scattered broken plates, forks, spoons, and a few wooden mugs.
A large apelike creature on the far side of the hall beating on a door there that leads to another part of the building - probably a kitchen since this room looks like a dining hall. It has matted white fur, an extra pair of arms, explaining why it’s trail looked so odd, and its eyes grow a strange, unnatural blue color. It notices the party and glares at them, but Zeoll’s music keeps it from deciding they’re a threat or rival to be challenged. It slams a fist at the door again as it glares, and the party hears someone inside screaming in fear.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday April 26th, 2023 2:35:08 PM
The giantess, at the moment at her normal height of 7'4", backs out, whispering to Azimov she is going to find another entrance, and hustles to the opposite side of the building. If she finds a door, she will try to open it. If there are no doors, she will look for windows.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+9=26 ; Wednesday April 26th, 2023 2:36:56 PM
Forgot to roll perception. Ah, 26 is much better than her earlier roll. Seeing the white 6-limbed ape helped to wake her up.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Wednesday April 26th, 2023 7:43:21 PM
Having made it more friendly, Zeoll uses his bardic performance to first fascinate the four-armed ape (that's a move action), and then to offer a magical suggestion (standard action). It's a DC19 Will save to fascinate the creature, and if that fails, a DC19 Will save or to be suggested.
If the save vs suggestion fails, Zeoll can continue to try the ability once per round thereafter.
Zeoll's suggestion is that the ape and Zeoll and Zeoll's friends are good friends.
If this all works, Zeoll casts goodberries and offers some to the ape.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday April 26th, 2023 11:34:04 PM "Just what I always wanted. My own little bunny rabbit. I will name him John Carter, and I will hug him and pet him and squeeze him..."
Elron has no real interest in hugging a white ape with so many arms, but approaches within no closer than 15 feet of it to get a different perspective on it and whoever is trapped behind the door. He prepares to retreat if it approaches aggressively.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20=7 ; d20=5 ; Thursday April 27th, 2023 7:39:29 AM
The Twins remember that they exist, and therefore should have made a roll to climb the rope like everyone else. Fortunately they are able to make the climb.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20+2=12 ; d20+2=18 ; Thursday April 27th, 2023 7:51:19 AM Mundhildur moves around to look for a back entrance. Zeoll tries to fascinate and suggest the creature. Asimov and Irony join Mundhildur. Elron talks about having his own rabbit. He gets a little close to the ape. The Twins exist again briefly.
Mundhildur and Asimov quickly find a back door leading to the kitchen inside the building. The sunlight shining through the door and window provides plenty of light but at first there doesn't seem to be anyone there. Then something makes a noise causing the voice to scream again, now clearly female, and a large barrel to shake slightly. It seems she is hiding, badly, inside it.
On the other side of the door in the dining room the Girallon (that’s what it’s called, going to start using it’s name now) seems to calm down slightly more. It lowers itself from its hind legs to all six limbs with a loud thump, which causes the voice in the next room to cry out again. Wincing the animal roars and slams it’s whole body into the door, which cracks the frame and causes it to push in the wrong way some, though it still holds. (Failed first same, made 2nd)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Thursday April 27th, 2023 11:54:50 AM
Zeoll decides to break out the big gun. Hopefully since the Girallon is more or less friendly to him, the spell will be more effective*. He casts Charm Monster. The will save DC is 21, and if it works, Zeoll asks the creature to come over to him and have a treat. If it does not understand, he will walk over to it, take it by the hand, and lead it away from the door.
Then he casts Goodberry and gives a few to the beast.
----- *The spell description includes this clause: "If the creature is currently being threatened or attacked by you or your allies, however, it receives a +5 bonus on its saving throw." With the fascinate and the lack of attacking, Zeoll hopes it will not apply in this situation.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Thursday April 27th, 2023 2:21:36 PM
Once he's over the wall, Cyrion will follow his friends with Carver drawn. Seeing the footprints, he's worried at the size of them .. once they see the beast, Cyrion mutters, more to himself than anyone, "What happened to all the normal monsters, the Gods must hate us."
OOC: Sorry, got busy the last few days .. he'll hold his action until he figures out what's gonna happen with the Girallon
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+9=15 ; d20+9=24 ; Thursday April 27th, 2023 6:59:28 PM
Mundhi opens the door, taking care to note whether it opens inward or outward. If it does not readily open, she asks Asimov, "Are you good at unlocking doors?" If he says he can, she'll let him try it.
If it does open, she steps in (7'4", so as not to bust the floor), and approaches the barrel. "Sweetheart, we are here to help you," she speaks quietly. "Don't be afraid - we'll protect you. My name is Mundhildur. Who are you? Mind if I lift the lid? Or do you want to do that on your own?"
"Oh - that furry fellow is noisy. Irony, want to form a blockade in case he manages to get through? We have someone to protect."
=============== Perception: 15 Sense Motive: 24
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=29 ; Thursday April 27th, 2023 7:40:47 PM
Elron uses the closest furniture for cover. From there he tries to stealthily move to whatever cover is closest to the creature without alerting it. (Stealth = 29) Hopefully it will respond to Zeoll, but he will act if it breaks through the door.
He then tells Irony to do as Mundhildur suggests and provide a meat shield as he sets to work on the lock.
Disable Device: 27
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20=17 ; Friday April 28th, 2023 6:17:30 AM Zeoll tries to charm the monster. Cyrion wonders where all the normal monsters went Mundhildur tries the door. It opens inward easily. She speaks soothingly to whomever is hiding. Elron takes cover and is prepared to attack should things turn violent. Asimov is ready to pick the lock if needed.
Zeoll’s spell seems to work. At the very least his soothing voice and offer of food brings it over to him and away from the door. It munches on a goodberry. Something seems…. Off about it still, but it’s close enough for Zeoll to examine.
Mundhildur checks the barrel, also being quiet and soothing. The lid pops open slightly and a middle aged woman looks up. She seems intimidated by Mundhildur’s size. ”Who are you? What’s going on?”
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Friday April 28th, 2023 1:36:30 PM
"As I said, my name is Mundhildur. I know, I'm a big girl, but I mean you no harm, so do not be afraid, please. This is Asimov, and his metal man, Irony. We are here to find out what has been happening. Also, at the moment, some of our friends are on the other side of the door that was just bashed, trying to calm down or otherwise deal with the furry white girallon.
"Now, your turn. Who are you? And, what can you tell us about what has been going on around here?"
Then she adds, "Can I help you out of the barrel, or do you want to do that on your own?" She will go with whatever the woman says on that count. ============= I'm sticking with the Sense Motive of 24 that was rolled in the last post.
Edit: Fixed hp in header
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+13=23 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+14=27 ; Friday April 28th, 2023 8:49:18 PM
While the Girallon has his snack, Zeoll looks him (is it a him?) over carefully and mutters a little prayer for guidance.
Know Nature 23 (with guidance) Sense Motive 36 Perception 27
Hopefully he can figure out what it is that is so puzzling.
Elron -- SteveM Saturday April 29th, 2023 8:45:45 AM
Elron maintains a position between the white ape and the door it had been battering, watching to see that it doesn't attack Zeoll. He wonders about having heard a person on the other side of the door, since he'd thought the place had already . . . Well, if there's one, there may be more.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Saturday April 29th, 2023 11:33:29 AM
Cyrion will sheath Carver and slowly approach Zeoll and the white ape ... "You think your friend would be ok with me checking his hands for any damage. I know some things about healing, but I'm not a holy man."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday May 1st, 2023 7:29:05 AM Mundhildur introduces the group and asks some questions. Zeoll examines the Girallon. Elron is a bit confused as to having heard someone and keeps guard on the door. Cyrion approaches carefully and asks about maybe treating the apes wounds. Asimov says they’re here to help.
Zeoll looks over the animal and it’s clear that something is very wrong. The glowing blue eyes are not natural he’s sure, it has a discolored bald spot on it’s head, and it seems mentally incapacitated somehow. It fumbles a little with the simple task of eating berries and it’s wild eyes seem constantly on the lookout for some invisible threat - Cyrion’s slow approach almost sets it off and it seems to react violently to any loud noise.
Fortunately Zeoll’s magic seems to have penetrated whatever haze the animal’s mind is under and he can probably lead it away an out of the colony. Further attempts at treatment/examination are likely not possible - in it’s current state of mind it would no doubt consider even a gentle touch an attack and respond with extreme violence.
In the kitchen the woman looks doubtfully at the strange group. With the ape no longer trying to break down the door she's calmed down a little, but she's very nervous and confused, you might want to try to calm her some more and convince her you're a friend (diplomacy). ”I don’t know what’s going on. Everyone seems to have vanished since last night.”
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+2=18 ; Monday May 1st, 2023 1:42:42 PM
"Huh. Well, we were asked to come here to find out what's going on. People who were sent a short time ago to investigate have not been heard from.
"We are a group of adventurers - you still want to stay in that barrel? I've told you my name twice already, so let's not repeat that. You've heard my friends' names twice, as well. We are trying to find a healer, a woman, to help a little girl, the daughter of a nobleman, and we care a great deal for her, and think the healer might be a key to helping to cure the lass.
"I'm not going to say 'don't be afraid,' again, because that's your choice that this point. But you know more than us, in some sense, because you have been here, and we just arrived.
"So, how many people were here? You don't have to be precise, but just give us a rough idea. What have you been doing in this place? What did you see or hear happening recently? Aside from the big white ape that was after you - sounds like he's been quieted down - are you aware of other invaders?
"Can I ask your name? Help us understand. We just may have saved your life. Perhaps you can put a tiny bit of trust that we are not here to hurt you?"
============= Diplomacy: 18
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Monday May 1st, 2023 6:30:01 PM
Zeoll is sad to leave his new friend behind, and even sadder to see it in such a state. "Therre, therre," he says soothingly to the damaged beast.
Speaking a calm, melodious voice designed to not set off the ape, Zeoll tells his friends, "I wish we could trry magic to rremove enchantments and mental contrrols. And I wish we could take the time to trreat this beast's injurries. But this situation speaks a deep urrgency in my soul, and I deem we cannot afforrd the time."
Zeoll leads the monster out of the camp and sets it free outside. He tells it he will try to return to help it soon, if he can. He does not know if it understands, but that's OK either way.
Zeoll tries to figure out how it came to enter the walled camp. Did it just climb?
Elron -- SteveM Monday May 1st, 2023 8:23:05 PM
Elron can do nothing to help the ape, except possibly whap it on the head in the hope that it would have a sudden change of mental state. But he doesn't think his friends would want to risk that, or they'd have already whapped the ape themselves. He trails behind it as far as the door to the outside, then returns to the inner door that the creature had been attacking.
He raps softly on the door and calls out, "It's gone now."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 7:23:59 AM Mundhildur explains the situation. Zeoll is sad he can’t stay with or help the giant ape monster. He leads it towards the edge of the camp, worried they don’t have time to treat the creature more fully. Elron reflects that he can’t do anything but hit the ape on the head. He lets the others know it’s gone. Asimov asks about everyone vanishing.
There is no obvious exit for the Girallon to take, but leading it to the wall seems to get the idea across and it climbs up the log fence like, well, a monkey up a tree, vanishing from sight.
Back in the kitchen the woman seems to relax some, especially when Elron announces the monster is gone. She stands up straighter and takes the lid off fully instead of just peaking at the party from a crack. ”Well I was making lunch for the guards and the prisoners. Mary cut herself and I was fetching a bandage. Then the next thing I know it’s evening and I’m sitting by the chicken coop. I get up and look around but no one is here and I get scared and decide to hide in here where there’s food until someone shows up. Then this morning the giant monkey monster shows up and I’ve been hiding in this barrel all day.”
Her claim that it was only last night that everyone vanished is very clearly false. Even ignoring the fact that the loss of contact with the colony was a month or more ago, a thick layer of dust covers everything, indicating it’s been unoccupied for at least a few weeks.
Elron -- SteveM d20+9=20 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 7:12:02 PM "So, you were one place, and th' next thing you know you were in anotha' place at a diff'rent time? I've had nights like that." Elron ponders what this could mean, and whether it had anything to do with the ape was acting.
But . . . "I've got nothin'. Why don't you thinky folks ponder this one while I look around outside?" Elron goes out and looks for tracks, to see if something else might be moving around the place.
(survival = 20)
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 8:00:10 PM
Cyrion is somewhat sad to see the Girralon go, knowing it was wounded. His head snaps around when he hears the lady share that "everyone" had vanished. Not wanting to scare her, he'll stay out side the cave, but ask her, "Where we all your friends, and you said prisoners? The front gate hasn't been opened and is still locked. We had to climb over a wall to get this far."
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+24=41 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 8:00:51 PM
Aware that as a big person he may scare her, Zeoll simply listens. but he tries to figure out if she realizes her story does not hold water. Does she know she is lying?
Sense Motive 41
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=20 ; d20+9=17 ; Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 9:06:48 PM
"What is your name?" Mundhildur insists, for the fourth time seeking the woman's identity. Though she has part of it - she cooked for others. And reports she was trying to help Mary with a wound.
She takes a step, runs her finger over a counter, and turns to show the dust on the fingertip to the woman. "Why is the kitchen so dusty, if yesterday people, besides you, were here?" She follows the woman's facial expressions closely, as well as seeing what she does with her hands.
================= Sense motive: 20 - Trying to figure out whether the woman is deliberately lying, or believes what she is saying. Maybe she went through some sort of time gap or displacement - or, what? Perception: 17 to note dust. Also, she looks to see if any evidence of dried blood can be spotted in the kitchen - any dark brown spots on the floor or work counters?
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 11:55:22 PM
Asimov says, "I think you missed a lot more time than you thought. You may remember lunch as the last date before you lost time, but the next evening you remembered after that might not have been right after that noon. Look at all this dust and we from the outside haven't heard from your colony for a month."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 6:58:45 AM Elron comments he’s had nights like that and looks for tracks. Cryion is sad to see the ape go and asks about more details. Zeoll doesn’t get too close but tries to get a read on the woman’s intentions. Mundhildur asks the woman’s name for a 4th time. She also asks about the dust and checks for dried blood. Asimov points out that she probably lost way more time then she thinks she did.
As for tracks and blood there are some signs of blood, but only in places you’d expect to find old blood in a kitchen, such as a section of counter likely used as a meat preparation station. Outside the only intelligible tracks seem to belong to the ape monster and the wandering chickens - it’s possible the woman has been here longer than she says.
She finally gives her name. ”Delbina Rask.” She starts to try to answer Cyrion’s question, but seems to lose her train of thought. She’s probably referring to the employees and workers of the penal colony.
Several people try to get a read on the woman. She looks very confused and frightened as the absurdities of her story are pointed out to her. She seems honest, but very confused, uncertain, and somewhat paranoid, as if any little thing might be a threat to her.
To Zeoll these symptoms are very familiar - they could all explain the Girralon’s activity as well. It was very confused and reacted violently to little things as if paranoid. It went from completely focused on Zeoll to smashing at doors again the moment Delbina made another loud noise, though his music swiftly drew its attention back again. It struggled to do simple things, like eating the berries, much like this poor woman seems to be struggling to answer simple questions like what her name is or who her friends were.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Heal check: d20+13=29 ; Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 3:08:28 PM
Cyrion notices that the lady is stuggling to answer his friends questions, and that she also seems to have lost time, based on the amount of dust here. He will attempt to determine if her ailment is physical or mental in nature
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 8:51:39 PM
Zeoll whispers to his friends that the girralon had unnatural glowing blue eyes and a discolored bald spot on its head. "Cyrrion, look forr the same signs in this woman, if you would, please."
Quietly, the liontaur suggests taking her back to the ship after we have learned all we can. Unless we suspect she may be ... contagious?
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday May 3rd, 2023 10:05:58 PM "No sign o' no one else out there," Elron says when he returns. "An' she seems t' be gettin' over whatever happened. I think she'd be safer on th' ship. You don't s'pose she's been voodooed by one of them demons, do you?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Thursday May 4th, 2023 3:55:13 AM
"Well, Delbina Rask, thank you for telling us what you have perceived. I think you say what you believe to be so. Yet there are details that make me think there is more going on here than you, or we, understand. It might be that bits and pieces of detail will pop into your memory. Please tell us when such occurs. Tell us what you remember, if you do.
She walks to a window. "My friends have mentioned a boat. It might be a good idea to let you find a measure of safety onboard, so long as it has not yet pushed off. Would you mind, though, first taking a bit of time to show us around this little fort?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Thursday May 4th, 2023 7:19:27 AM Cyrion examines Delbina (please include rolls in the body of your post - I almost missed your heal check) Zeoll tells of some physical signs that should be checked and suggests she can go to the ship. Elron also suggests that she should be safer on the ship and says he saw no tracks. Asimov tries to find any hints of magic in the area Mundhildur thanks Delbina for talking to them and explains that something weird is going on. She asks Delbina to give them a tour before they leave her safe at the ship.
With a bit of coaxing the party is able to get Delbina out of the apple barrel and get a better look at her. Her eyes are not glowing and she doesn’t have any discolored skin that you can see - you’d have to get her to undress for a more thorough examination. Asimov sees no enchantments on her or in the general area, nor can he think of any magic that might produce such effects long term. That leaves poisons, diseases, or some sort of head or brain trauma, but she doesn’t look like she has any head injuries. Whatever is affecting her, it doesn’t seem nearly as bad as what was affecting the Girralon.
She is willing to give you a bit of a tour of the place. You go outside and she can tell you what each of the buildings are and try to tell you about them as you visit.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=10 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=12 ; Thursday May 4th, 2023 1:59:18 PM
"Thank you so much, Delbina," Mundhi tells her during the tour. She does some checking for a key that might fit the gate while in a few of the buildings - the Captain's office, the mining office, the vault, perhaps the smithy, and the guard towers. She asks her companions to be on the lookout, too. ========== A few perception checks: 10, 16, 22, 28, 12
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Thursday May 4th, 2023 2:43:19 PM
Clarification: she is identifying the buildings for you but you need to decide if you want to explore one and which or if you want to leave her at the ship first. The colony is like a 3rd of the module - not all locations have encounters/important information but several do.
Elron -- SteveM Thursday May 4th, 2023 7:51:44 PM
Elron agrees with Mundhildur's suggestion -- it'll be hard to get Delbina to the ship without opening the gate. He suggests the guard tower next to the gate as the most likely location of a key. Plus it's small and on the way.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Thursday May 4th, 2023 9:21:29 PM
Zeoll thanks Delbina for the map and key. "This is just what we need, thank you, my dearr," the old taur says. He uses the key to open the gates so that we can bring her to the ship.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Friday May 5th, 2023 3:17:23 AM
Cyrion agrees, "The guard towers and Captain's office might hold the missing key for the gates..."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Friday May 5th, 2023 5:33:28 AM
If the 'Map Key' is only that and not Zeoll's interpretation, and if a usable gate key is not found, then Mundhi sets up her knotted rope and fits a climbing harness and belay line to ensure the safety of the woman. She helps get her up and over and escorts her with whoever else wants to do so to the ship - again if it is still docked. If not, then she will say, "Well, it might be a while before we can let you ship out. Let's find as safe a place as we can, and get you set up there."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday May 5th, 2023 7:22:24 AM
(Apologies, I wrote captain’s office when it actually says captain’s quarters)
Mundhildur thanks Delbina and suggests a searching order. Elron agrees they should try to find a gate key and suggests they check the towers on the way to the office. Zeoll tries to use riddle logic to open the gate. Sadly it does not work. Asimov asks about which area people are likely to congregate. Cyrion adds that the tower and office are the most likely places for a key Mundhildur is ready to carry the cook over the wall if needed.
The guard towers are simple fortified wooden things with a 25 foot ladder leading up to them. Each contains a pair of heavy crossbows propped neatly against a wall and a box of bolts. Since only Mundhildur rolled a perception check presumably she is the only one to climb up and search them thoroughly. She finds nothing of interest and it doesn’t look like there’s a hook or anything else where keys might have been stored up here.
The mining office is a simple building with a flag of Chelish flying outside of it. Inside there is a tall candelabra that has no candles, but flames still burn off the ends of it despite not being tended in a month. There is no key in obvious sight, but there is an enormous amount of paperwork. Ledgers, correspondence, pents, and ink bottles clutter a large desk and maps are pinned to the walls indicating dig sites and other key information. If you want to know more about the operation and what happened this might be a good place to look, though it’ll take a couple people to dig through it all in a timely manner.
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=32 ; Friday May 5th, 2023 8:58:52 AM
Having stepped into the mining office far enough to see all that, Elron figures he might as well search it. (Perception = 32)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Friday May 5th, 2023 8:28:38 PM
Zeoll casts detect magic to see if those are continual flames. If so, he takes them for the group. How many are there?
OOC: Can you mark off the locations on the map key as we see them? Thanks!
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 d20+10=28 ; Friday May 5th, 2023 10:03:05 PM
Cyrion will help with the looking through of paperwork
PERC Check: d20+10=28 ;
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=18 ; Sunday May 7th, 2023 12:32:09 AM
Sounds like 'over the wall' is not the option the DM had us exercise.
So, instead, Mundhi asks Delbina, "Can you read?" If she can, she says, "Then please, help us sort through this paperwork. I suppose I can do it, too, but sorting paperwork is not my first love."
Regardless, the Jotunar finds a seat or desk strong enough for her to sit at and begins reading and sorting.
Ledgers are not her strong suit. So she spends more time with the maps, as she has acquired an affinity for mapping.
============ Perception: 18 - she is a B+ student.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday May 8th, 2023 7:56:51 AM Elron figures he might as well search the place since he came inside. Zeoll checks for continual flame. It turns out they are! Cyrion also helps Mundhilidur asks Delbina if she can read and if she can help look through the paperwork. Asimov jumps right into the paperwork.
Taking the continual flame with you proves a little challenging. It’s a large metal candelabra, about as tall as a man, with the spell cast on each of the ends, making 5 flames. There seems to be no easy way to carry the thing, as it’s the empty candle holders that are directly enchanted, not something sticking out of them that could be removed. You could probably break apart the thing and take the enchanted parts but you’d also owe the locals a replacement later. Or a mending spell, should you remember to return them when you leave. On the bright side there’s enough for almost everyone should you decide to break it.
Between various papers various people find they can piece together a clear picture as to the number of dig sites and which ones were most active. If any problems came from the dig sites now they know which to search. Sadly there is no key anywhere in the office.
Dig sites Avernus, Dis, and Erebus have not been mined in some time. A note about dig site Phlegethon states that there were problems with large, aggressive apes led by a four-armed mutant ape with white fur that resulted in the mine being shut down and filled in. Dig sites Malebolge and Cocytus have had pockets of vermin unearthed that poisoned some of the miners. Dig sites Stygia and Caina were the current sites of mining before everyone went missing. They are also the farthest sites from the colony. The rest of the paperwork contains tedious accounts of daily production at the mines, supply lists and requisition orders, inventory, and other information about the daily administration of Deepmar’s operations.
Upon realizing that the party is looking for a key to let her out of the colony Delbina makes an offer. ”Oh I don’t need a key to leave. I rock climb in my free time - a little fence like that is no problem. If I’m in the way let me know, but I’m happy to stay and help if you want.”
Map Key: (visited locations in bold italics) A1: the gate A2: Guard towers. (seen north not south) A3: mess hall A4: kitchen A5: Garden A6: chicken coop A7: Barracks A8: Miner’s Quarters A9: Tool Shed A10: Staff living quarters A11: Latrines A12: Wagon Yard A13: Stable A14: Smithy A15: Vault A16: Mining Office A17: Captains quarters
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Monday May 8th, 2023 1:36:33 PM
Scratching his head, which looks weird as he has no hair, Cyrion will ask aloud, "What about the Captain's quarters?"
Elron -- SteveM Monday May 8th, 2023 8:31:28 PM
Elron agrees with searching the captain's quarters next. "We don't want t' keep you if'n you would feel safer on th' ship. But if you have ideas about what might've happened, we'd be glad t' listen to 'em. Did anything unusual happen the last few days you can remember?"
Elron -- SteveM Monday May 8th, 2023 8:31:31 PM
Elron agrees with searching the captain's quarters next. "We don't want t' keep you if'n you would feel safer on th' ship. But if you have ideas about what might've happened, we'd be glad t' listen to 'em. Did anything unusual happen the last few days you can remember?"
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Monday May 8th, 2023 10:00:54 PM
Zeoll decides not to destroy the magical chandelier, not wanting to earn the enmity of Countess Hatred!
He asks the woman what she wants to do. If she wants to go to the ship, Zeoll will pen a summary of what has happened so far, and send the account with Bill the Eagle to escort her to the ship.
If she wants to stay, he suggests she can help us explore.
Whatever she wishes.
"How about the Guarrd Towerrs next?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=19 ; Monday May 8th, 2023 11:09:36 PM
"That is very kind of you, Delbina," Mundhildur responds. "I would love to be able to work together with you on piecing things together.
"Say, might you know what sorts of things the miners have been going for? Is it just one substance, or several different types of ore and minerals and crystals?"
============= Perception: 19 to see if part of the answer to her question for Delbina was addressed in the paperwork they plowed through.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday May 9th, 2023 7:45:15 AM Cyrion asks about checking the captain’s quarters next. Asimov suggests the latrines might be the last place to look for clues, thus the best place to find one. Elron likes the captain quarters next and tells Delbina they don’t want to keep her if she wants to go to the ship. Zeoll also asks what Delbina wants and suggests the south towers next. Mundhildur thanks Delbina for her help and asks about what all is mined here.
Delbina says she’s fine with staying, as the danger seems to have passed and she finds the familiar camp reassuring. She thinks hard about Elron’s question. ”I can’t think of anything strange happening, but for some reason I remember some strange white eyes. They creep me out.” To Mundhildur’s question she answers she’s only ever seen the miners bring back red crystals, presumably the spell component mentioned. All mine output is kept in the vault until the ship can pick it up so you can check there to see if they found anything strange lately.”
The paperwork mentioned nothing about strange happenings that hasn’t already been mentioned and the reports only mention crystals as mine output.
There are two votes for the captain’s quarters and one each for the towers and latrines. The captain’s quarters are along the way so the party stops there. This building is constructed of wood and stone. Though simple in design, it appears opulent compared to the other buildings in the colony. A sign over the porch depicts a pair of white swords on a field of red and black.
The interior is rather nice. It has a large front chamber with a couch, dining table for 8, a stone fireplace, a bookshelf with military curios and a few books, and even a few pastoral paintings. They find a bedroom in the back, sparsely furnished with a single dresser with uniforms folded inside and little else. Next to a bed is a small table, on which rests a letter.
Map Key: (visited locations in italics) A1: the gate A2: Guard towers. (seen north not south) A3: mess hall A4: kitchen A5: Garden A6: chicken coop A7: Barracks A8: Miner’s Quarters A9: Tool Shed A10: Staff living quarters A11: Latrines A12: Wagon Yard A13: Stable A14: Smithy A15: Vault A16: Mining Office A17: Captains quarters
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+14=19 ; Tuesday May 9th, 2023 10:19:33 PM
Zeoll will read the letter and peruse the letter and then search for secret doors in the walls, bookshelves, and floor.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=24 ; Wednesday May 10th, 2023 7:39:01 AM
Mundhi checks around the Capt's quarters. She reads the letter in the bedroom. She also pokes around the fireplace, looking inside, up the chimney, poking gingerly here and there with a dagger.
She then looks at the couch - behind it, under it, between and under the cushions (if it has liftable cushions).
"After we finish here, I'd like to check the vault." =========== Perception: 24
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=26 ; Wednesday May 10th, 2023 7:09:17 PM
Elron also looks around (perception = 26). "What I want t' know is how, if th' gates are locked from th' inside, all those bodies we aren't seein' is gettin' outside."
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Wednesday May 10th, 2023 11:24:47 PM
"Elrron, all I want to know is what happens when a barrd, a barrbarrian, and a bakerr walk into a barr?"
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh Wednesday May 10th, 2023 11:33:16 PM
Asimov says to Zeoll, "The baker gets knocked out cold as they are an NPC class with low HP, The barbarian doesn't feel a thing and is unfazed due to their Damage Reduction and the Bard has to use a minor healing spell on themselves?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20=16 ; Thursday May 11th, 2023 6:24:08 AM Zeoll looks over the letter and searches for secrets. Asimov checks for hidden messages Mundhildur also does a thorough search Elron wonders how the gate was locked from the inside but no one is in here Zeoll makes a joke Asimov makes a punchline.
The letter is… interesting. It’s a completely mundane letter to the captain’s sister - the lady who you met at the Angry Chicken who first mentioned the lack of contact. It talks of boring everyday events at the camp, but it stops right in the middle of a sentence. The desk is in perfect order, everything in it’s place and the ink bottle even stoppered, as if the captain had merely remembered something he had to do, put everything away to come back to later, and then just never returned.
The thorough search the party gives finds nothing suspicious. There are no secret doors or compartments that the party could find.
With nothing further to find in the captain’s quarters the party moves on. Mundhildur mentioned the vault so Delbina shows it to them. ”I’m not sure how you’re going to get inside. I’ve heard there’s some sort of trap to keep prisoners from trying to get into it - this is a prison after all.”
The Vault is a stone building is surrounded by a tall fence. It occupies a spot of land well away from the other buildings in the colony.
Its door is also made of stone and has no apparent latch or lock. Large red letters painted multiple times on every side of the fence spell out, “Danger—Keep away!”
Map Key: (visited locations in bold italics) A1: the gate A2: Guard towers. (seen north not south) A3: mess hall A4: kitchen A5: Garden A6: chicken coop A7: Barracks A8: Miner’s Quarters A9: Tool Shed A10: Staff living quarters A11: Latrines A12: Wagon Yard A13: Stable A14: Smithy A15: Vault A16: Mining Office A17: Captains quarters
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Thursday May 11th, 2023 2:52:23 PM
[OOC: I had been hoping that Mundhildur would have at least found a silver piece in the couch.]
"Well, I will leave it to those among us competent to figure out and disarm traps to see whether or not we will explore the vault at this time," says the Jotunar.
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=32 ; Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:13:18 PM
Elron has never trained on traps, but figures he can look for one. He'll just be careful not to set one off. . . (Perception = 32)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:46:58 PM
Zeoll takes the letter to give to the sister some day.
He casts Guidance and Inspires Competence to give Elron a net +4 on his check.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Thursday May 11th, 2023 8:54:04 PM
Cyrion looks at the fence and the door, [b]"If we could somehow see inside the vault I might be able to slide into it."[/]
Asimov joins in in the trap searching assuming the traps are mechanical in nature.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday May 12th, 2023 7:31:20 AM Mundhildur leaves things up to the more competent. Elron looks at the vaut as best he can. Zeoll takes the letter and uses music to help Elron out. Cyrion things he can maybe get in if they could just see inside. Asimove assumes the trap is mechanical
It takes several minutes of careful examination from outside the gate but Elron eventually notices tiny runes inscribed on the vault and on the inside of the wall. It seems the trap is actually magical in nature, set to do something unpleasant to anyone who enters the fenced area. It will be difficult but you can maybe damage the runes to disable it from outside it’s activation area. Alternatively it likely can only go off once. Even if it magically resets itself that should take a good while, so you can intentionally set it off to get some safe time.
Furthermore there is no obvious door or keyhole for the vault. The runes on the vault, and the magical nature of the trap, may mean that entering the vault also uses magic and may not be as simple as picking a lock. From outside the fence it doesn't look like there's any way to see inside.
Elron -- SteveM Friday May 12th, 2023 11:11:44 AM "I could try t' whap 'em with my whappin' stick. Either th' 'lectricity might damage those runes or th' whappin' might set 'em off, and th' trap would be gone for a bit." Elron does not impulsively do this, yet, as he doesn't see a way to get into the vault once they're gone.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+7=23 ; d20+8=21 ; Friday May 12th, 2023 8:35:40 PM
Zeoll casts Detect Magic to get a better handle on the trap, seeking to know what kind of magic is at play. He uses his head on the problem, too.
Spellcraft 23 Know Arcana 21
[OOC: Boost those by +1 with a Guidance spell, please.]
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Saturday May 13th, 2023 9:24:18 PM
Mundhildur says, "I'll be right back." She walks up to the Tool Shed (A9), checks to find one metal and one wooden tool (she will try to find common tools, such that there is more than one instance of each type she takes), then returns to the fence by the vault.
She first takes the wooden item and tosses it over the fence to see what happens to it. Next, she does the same thing with the metal tool.
He then also uses his magic detector to join Zeoll in examining things.
Spellcraft: 36 Know[arcana]19
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday May 15th, 2023 7:13:20 AM Elron says he could try whapping it, but doesn’t until the others get a chance to learn more. Zeoll casts detect magic and looks over the runes Mundhildur heads to the tool shed and finds it locked. Upon reflection this makes sense - this is a prison camp with dangerous criminals. Easy access to pickaxes is asking for trouble. It’s a simple metal lock. However the kitchen has knives and things she can use for her experiments just as easily. Asimov asks about trap detection devices and helps Zeoll examine things.
Between the knowledge of Zeoll and Asimov and the experiments of Mundhildur you pretty well work out the set up. The vault itself seems to be enchanted with a stone shaping spell so that a door opens up when a password is spoken. There is no possible way to know the password sadly. The trap conjures something. Possibly some sort of mystical defender, more likely some sort of dangerous substance like poison, acid, fire, etc. It only activates if a living creature of sufficient size gets within 5 feet of the vault - Mundhildur’s inanimate objects cause no reaction and you don’t see any dead birds or bugs in the area. The trap effect probably spreads past the 5 feet, to catch any group of people trying to break in. The walls probably indicate it’s area of effect.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Monday May 15th, 2023 1:22:33 PM
Zeoll explains what he can figure out, and then sighs. "Frriends, this is not a dungeon we can loot. If it is undisturrbed, that's a good thing, and we would not want our patrron to be angrry because we looted the vault."
The liontaur leads the party on to the next unexplored area. The guard towers?
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh Monday May 15th, 2023 10:57:00 PM
Asimov says, "Wait if this trap only works when a living creature gets within range couldn't we have Irony or Cyrion the black try passwords to their heart-equivalent content? Aren't both Cyrion and Irony Constructs and thus not succeptable to the ward protecting the secret door?"
Elron -- SteveM Monday May 15th, 2023 11:21:12 PM "Didn't Cyrion say he was alive?" Elron isn't entirely sure, but thinks he heard something about that. "Anyways, I'm th' smallest. Though I wouldn't mind Irony havin' a go. What are we lookin' for here?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Tuesday May 16th, 2023 6:38:54 AM
"Since I was the one who suggested the vault - maybe we can come back to this one later," Mundhi says. "Lots more to learn about around here, I'm certain. It might be safer to check out the tool shed - and we may find something useful there. If that sounds good to you, that's where I'm heading now." She takes a few steps in that direction, pauses to see if any want to come along, then continues onward to the shed (A7) behind the Mining Office (A16) and the Captain's quarters (A17).
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday May 16th, 2023 7:32:22 AM Zeoll suggests they move on and maybe check the southern guard towers. Asimov wonders if one of their mechanical friends can enter. Elron wonders if Cyrion counts as alive or not and asks what they’re looking for. Mundhildur says maybe they can come back later and moves.
Zeoll is able to do a quick check on the southern towers. He finds them much the same as Mundhildur described the northern ones.
Mundhildur leads the group back to behind the office. A wide assortment of wagons and mining carts are stored back here near a stable, the smithy, and the employee quarters. A small shack with a mining pick painted on the door sits in the middle of it all with a lock on the door.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday May 16th, 2023 7:33:34 AM
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday May 16th, 2023 10:51:22 AM
Cyrion laughs about his state of "being," "Yes Elron, I am both construct and alive ... still though, that no one has entered the vault, at least to our knowledge, let's leave it alone for the moment, and continue our search of the grounds..."
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Tuesday May 16th, 2023 8:23:43 PM
Zeoll stands ready to cast if a danger appears from the locked door. Maybe a produce flame?
"Go ahead Miss Mundhi, you'rre the strrongest. Open that doorr forr us?"
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday May 16th, 2023 11:09:27 PM
Elron explains to Asimov how to break a lock with a good whap, and feels that he contributed somehow.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20=3 ; Wednesday May 17th, 2023 5:10:11 AM
"Uh, sure, Zeoll - especially now that Asimov seems to have made the job easier!"
She sees if she can now open the door.
========== Open door - rolled a 3, with a +5 from strength, +2 on top of that if dexterity is involved for 10 total. Unless it's not a normal door or needs something special... well, did she open the door?
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday May 17th, 2023 7:23:02 AM Cyrion laughs and explains his nature before saying they should leave the vault alone. Zeoll is ready to defend against unexpected danger and asks Mundhildur to force the door. Asimov instead tries to pick the lock. Elron knows how to break a lock with a good strike Mundhildur is ready to try to open the door.
The lock is a plain padlock, though very well made. I takes all of his skill but Asimov is able to open it up (DC 40 lock, exactly enough!). As soon as anyone touches the lock a startlingly loud alarm noise goes off. Nothing else happens so it seems to be some sort of security precaution against prisoners accessing tools that could be used as weapons.
With the lock open Mundhildur is able to easily pull it open. Inside the shed the party finds a wide variety of tools. Everything needed for mining of course, such as shovels, pickaxes, helmets, gloves, chisels, etc. There’s also a few farming tools, like pitchforks and spades, as well as copious amounts of rope. A large metal box contains smithing tools - either a spare set or the set used at the nearby smithy. In essence it seems that everything that could be used as a weapon and not kept on hand by the guards was kept here, though whether it’s wise precaution or overly paranoid is hard to say since the party doesn’t know much about the prisoners.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday May 17th, 2023 8:06:16 PM "Well, Zeoll, when a bard, a barbarian, and a baker walk into a bar, a curious and amusin' scene unfolds. The bard, known for a charismatic nature, immediately takes notice o' th' lively atmosphere and begins singin' a catchy tune. The patrons o' th' bar find themselves drawn to the melodious sound, and soon the entire establishment is filled with an air o' merriment and cheer. Much like, I say, much like when I tell one o' my stories.
"Meanwhile, th' burly barbarian, accustomed to more rugged environments, scans the bar, looking for any signs o' trouble. Spotting a rowdy group of individuals who ain't lovers o' music, the barbarian approaches with a determined expression. His mere presence an' intimidating physique are enough t' quell unruly behavior, ensurin' peace and order in th' bar.
"As the bard's performance reaches its crescendo, the baker, intrigued by th' joyful ambiance, joins in th' revelry. Inspired by th' music and the camaraderie around 'em, th' baker, known for their culinary skills, offers t' share some freshly baked goods with the patrons. Th'aroma o' warm bread and pastries fills the air, enticing everyone t' indulge in delicious treats.
"Together, th' bard, barbarian, and baker bring a unique combination of entertainment, security, an' food to the bar."
As if the story wasn't meandering enough, Elron starts to sing. . .
In a tavern far away, where heroes meet and warriors sway, A tale was born that fateful night, of three souls with hearts alight. The bard strummed his melody, with words that set the spirits free, As people gathered near, the rhythm pulsin' crystal clear.
Bread, beats, and battle-cries, echoin' 'neath the starry skies, A symphony of unlikely friends, where legends start and never end. We raise our glasses high, to the bard, the barbarian, and baker nigh, Their harmonies intertwine, in this epic bar ballad divine.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+14=23 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 5:18:06 AM
"The latrrines? You know that liontaurrs have excellent scent, rright? I'll stand guarrd and let Irrony take lead on this one! He does not have a nose."
True to his word, Zeoll stays a good 20 ft back from the site and stands watch while others search.
Perception 23
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Thursday May 18th, 2023 7:51:59 AM Elron tells a story/joke. Asimov suggests the latrines again. Zeoll stays well away from the latrines.
The latrines are a group of small, five-foot-wide wooden shacks with shingled roofs occupying an area well away from the other buildings. With no one around to maintain the things they now reek and are swarmed with flies.
The party is able to search them quickly and it is evident there is nothing of importance here.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Thursday May 18th, 2023 10:55:17 AM
Cyrion, who also didn't go near the latrines, looks around, "There aren't that many places left we haven't looked into ... if we're still looking for the key, or just clues, maybe we should hit the places these people lived and slept in..."
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=37 ; Thursday May 18th, 2023 7:46:56 PM
The miners' quarters are nearest the latrines, so Elron heads there. (Perception = 37 to search)
Th' barbarian stood tall and strong, his battle-axe th' bar's sweet song, With each swing and mighty roar, he kept th' chaos from th' door. An' by 'is side, th' baker stood, offerin' treats, all warm and good, The scent of dough and cinnamon, embraced th' crowd, won everyone.
Bread, beats, and battle-cries, echoin' 'neath th' starry skies, A symphony of unlikely friends, where legends start and never end. We raise our glasses high, to th' bard, th' barbarian, and baker nigh, Their harmonies intertwine, in this epic bar ballad divine.
Together they formed a band, their talents joined, hand in hand, Th' bar erupted in joyous cheer, as their legend spread, far an' near. Bard's melodies entwined with fight, barbarian's strength ignitin' th' night, Baker's treats fillin' hearts and souls, as laughter echoed, tales unrolled.
Asimov shrugs and follows Elron to the Miner's quarters.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=24 ; Friday May 19th, 2023 3:58:59 AM
Uninterested in the latrines, unless nature calls, she lets the other handle that particular exploration.
Charmed by Elron's song, the giantess listens carefully enough to memorize it.
"Yes, miners, then staff, then barracks?" she asks the others.
To the cook lady, she asks, "So, were the prisoners housed in the barracks? Or somewhere else?"
Perception: 24
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday May 19th, 2023 7:58:37 AM Cyrion suggests they search the places people lived and slept if they are still hoping to find any keys. Elron heads to the miner’s quarters and searches them thoroughly while singing. Asimov shrugs and follows, helping with the search. Mundhildur asks where the prisoners are kept.
Delbina looks baffled by Mundhildur’s question. ”The miners are the prisoners. This is a mining camp where prisoners work off their sentences. The barracks is for the guards - these people are dangerous. They’ve all done something that should get them executed or imprisoned for life and this is their only chance to work it off and live free instead. Everything is heavily guarded.”
With that context what is found in the two buildings indicated as miner’s quarters isn’t that surprising. The buildings are long wooden buildings with barred windows each made up of a single hallway with 16 10x10 rooms, 8 on each side. The rooms have a simple pallet, a small shelf, and a peg for hanging clothing. The doors exiting the building are sturdy, and it looks like the small rooms can be locked by a key in case a prisoner needs to be isolated.
The search the party makes is very thorough and they find lots of small things the prisoners have tried to hide from the guards or other prisoners. Everything from personal things like letters or pictures of loved ones to a few sets of rigged dice or marked cards to a little wooden flute someone seems to have managed to carve. None of it could be seen as particularly dangerous or valuable and there’s evidenced each of the cells is frequently searched. There’s not a loose floorboard or hidden nook in any of the cells, with obvious replacement boards probably put down when a prisoner tried to make such a hiding space and were caught.
Overall it seems the miners/prisoners have a frugal, but not cruel sleeping arrangement, with a few personal belongings allowed and their own space but with heavy restrictions on what they can own and frequent checks for contraband.
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=33 ; Friday May 19th, 2023 5:54:03 PM
Elron continues singing. . . And it looks like the barracks are the closest unsearched area now.
Perception = 33 to search
Through battles fought, an' stories told, th' bar's legend began to unfold, Th' trio's journey left their mark, their legacy brightened th' dark, For in that tavern's hallowed space, they brought a smile to every face, Bread, beats, and battle-cries, forever etched in memories' skies.
Bread, beats, and battle-cries, echoin' 'neath th' starry skies, A symphony o' unlikely friends, where legends start and never end. We raise our glasses high, t' th' bard, th' barbarian, and baker nigh, Their harmonies intertwine, in this epic bar ballad divine.
So let th' tale for'er be told, of three who turned brass into gold, Bread, beats, and battle-cries, united hearts 'neath moonlit skies. Their spirits live on, through th' years, in songs and laughter, we hold them dear, For th' epic bar ballad won't fade, in th' stories th' bard, barbarian, and baker made.
It seems the song is now complete.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Friday May 19th, 2023 7:20:39 PM
Ctrion looks around at all the buildings they have visited and searched and the few that are remaining, "For such a large enterprise, these people haven't left much of a footprint on the environment ... which is odd in itself, at least to me."
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Friday May 19th, 2023 10:15:34 PM
Zeoll claps for the song and agrees that the barracks are the next best spot to look.
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh d20+13=16 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 12:03:52 AM
For some reason Asimov finds himself looking for rock hammers and posters in any of the cells. If he finds a rock hammer with no poster he looks for signs of digging, if he finds a poster but no rock hammer he still moves the poster but likely finds nothing. If he finds both a rock hammer and a poster he will move the poster to hopefully find a tunnel.
Perception: 16
(OOC: any of the prisoners shawhank their way out of here?)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=24 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 4:20:12 AM
Mundhi checks to see if there she can find anything that might help to shed light on the issue of why everyone just seemed to disappear.
Perception: 24
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday May 22nd, 2023 7:59:55 AM Elron just can’t stop singing. Oh wait he finished. Cyrion wonders about the environmental footprint. Delbina points out that most activity takes place out in the mining areas. Zeoll claps along. Asimov looks for holes and rockhammers in the wooden prison. Mundhildur looks for clues on why everyone vanished.
Considering it is a wooden building neither hammer nor hole is found, though the mixed age of the boards tell stories of prisoners trying to pry them up to hide things or get out through and being caught and the boards being replaced.
The barracks is the next building checked. A placard hanging above the door to this building depicts a helmet over a pair of crossed swords. Several bunk beds occupy the interior. Pegs on the wall hold a few well-used cloaks. A collection of spears, swords, and a few crossbows hangs from a locked weapon rack on the far wall, next to a door leading to another room.
Inside a few things are of note. Firstly unlike the prisoners it seems each guard had a locked footlocker to keep personal belongings and valuables. They look untouched so whatever happened here it didn’t involve breaking into them to find what is likely the only valuables in the entire place.
Secondly, there is a key ring! The keys look to small to fit the gate but are no doubt for somewhere local. It’s hanging on a hook on a supporting beam
Thirdly they find a card game unfinished at a small table. Much like the letter found before it’s almost as if the 3 players set down their hands to go check on something and never came back. From the excess of queens at least one of them was cheating - maybe more than one.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Monday May 22nd, 2023 6:20:29 PM
Cyrion looks around, "Instead of making more senses with what we are finding, I feel like all this makes less sense, at least to me...
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=31 ; Monday May 22nd, 2023 10:16:07 PM
Elron thinks that the prisoners weren't involved in what happened or they'd have taken the weapons. He thinks checking the next room is more likely in order than the chests, and heads that way.
Asimov follows Elron in his quest to inspect the next room.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Monday May 22nd, 2023 10:41:36 PM
Zeoll takes the keys but does not loot the place. He follows Asimov.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 7:20:47 AM Cyrion is getting more confused as they find more clues. Elron thinks whatever happened the prisoners didn’t do it. Asimov follows the group. Zeoll takes the keys.
This building is cheerily painted, in contrast to the rest of the structures in the colony. A variety of potted plants sit alongside the building. The door is ajar, revealing a room with a table, several chairs around it, and many hanging plants. This building serves as the personal living quarters for the medic and cooks. A common room is furnished with a table and four chairs, a bookshelf, and a simple stone fireplace. Two doors lead to comfortably furnished private sleeping chambers, one for the colony medic and one shared by the two cooks.
The books are mostly fiction, with one well used medical tome talking about medical uses for herbs and plants. The two cooks share a room and the medic has a room on his own. A washroom connects the two rooms.
There is a cabinet Delbina says contains medicine and sometimes potions. If you can get it open she has no objections to you taking them on your mission to save everyone. You notice a hidden nook in the medic’s room where his personal cash is kept. The cooks also have various valuables in their rooms, though it’d be pretty heartless to take them with Delbina standing right there. She looks sadly at the bed of her friend and fellow cook.
With the staff quarters searched you’ve almost looked everywhere, but there are still many questions. Only 3 places likely to contain any clues remain - the garden, the stable, and the smithy.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 12:43:11 PM
Cyrion wants to pick up and flip through the "well-used" book ... he'll turn to Delbina, "Might I borrow this miss?"
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 10:58:34 PM
Elron is not a patient rooster. He does not see the point in collecting valuables right now. He thinks the garden is probably next closest.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 11:05:51 PM
Zeoll tries to (gently) open the potions cabinet.
If not, does it seem locked? If so, do any of his new keys work?
Asimov tries to open the lock on the medicine storage cabinet.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 3:43:23 AM
"What is the name of the other cook, Delbina?" Mundhi asks her.
She can read, but is not much of a reader. She does pick up one of the works of fiction, looks for the title page, looks through a few pages. "Whose books are these?" she asks the cook. "Do you know who picked them out?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday May 24th, 2023 7:43:44 AM Cyrion wants to borrow the book. Elron is a little impatient and suggests the garden next. Zeoll tries the cabinet. It does not yield to the keys on the ring. Asimov gets it open anyway. Mundhildur asks about the other cook and some of the books.
The cabinet contains a potion of cure light wounds, a medkit, and several bundles of herbs. Cyrion is able to find them in the book - it’s a medical text about the healing uses of local herbs - and it seems they are good for treating poisons and disease giving a +2 bonus to heal checks against them.
Delbina is happy to talk about her good friend and the books they have. The other cook was a dwarf named Bob. Yes it is an odd name for a dwarf, he was an orphan raised by humans. He has a very interesting philosophical outlook on life, having outlived his parents, siblings, and most everyone in the small town he’s from while growing up.
All of the books are personal property of one of the three who live here and Mundhildur happened to pick out a personal favorite of Delbina. It tells of a talking cat in boots and his struggle to find humility before death himself takes his 9th life for his wasting of the previous 8.
The garden is indeed nearby. Containing several fruiting trees and a few patches of other tasty plants like lettuce and tomatoes. A few bloodstains and feathers are here - remains of chickens eaten by the ape monster. DC 20 perception Highlight to display spoiler: { There are a pair of arrows hidden in the twisted roots of the trees. Buried in the earth at an angle, they must have been fired from one of the guard towers. Additionally there is a patch of earth in the corner that has been disturbed and then hastily replaced. About 3 feet wide it looks like someone was trying to hide something. }
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Perception Check: d20+10=30 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2023 12:53:45 PM
Looking through the book and learning about the herbs, Cyrion is impressed by the information stored in the book. " Let me hold onto the herbs guys, I can use them when we need them."
Once outside, he'll look around the garden for more herns to pick, and notices something odd, "Hey guys, someone tried to hastily bury something over here I think.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+14=23 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 12:02:51 AM
Zeoll looks where Cyrion points. The liontaur puts his sniffer to work. Is there anything special to the smell of it? Perception 23
Asimov is too distracted by that book about the cat too properly scope out the area.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=25 ; d20+7=11 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 4:08:45 AM
"Oh, I like good stories!" she responds to Delbina as she glances through the book, and hears the cook's synopsis. "Would it be all right with you if I read it after we finish searching? I'll return it, of course."
She smiles - "You're interested too, right, Asimov?"
With Cyrion calling out, she goes to see what he is describing. Arrows... and an area of freshly dug and covered-over dirt. "I like to dig." She pulls a shovel from her bag, and digs, carefully, so as not to harm whatever may be found under the soil.
============== Perception: 25 Survival roll to dig carefully. Well, at least not terribly carelessly: 11
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=20 ; Thursday May 25th, 2023 7:24:10 AM
(Perception = 20)
His friends having the investigating well in hand, Elron keeps his weapon ready and looks for the inevitable trouble that must be coming their way.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Thursday May 25th, 2023 8:16:25 AM Cyrion is impressed by the book and asks to hold the herbs since he has the skill to use them. He notices the disturbed earth. Zeoll smells it. Asimov is distracted by the puss in boots book. Mundhildur likes stories and asks to borrow/read the book. She digs into the hole. Elron is ready for the inevitable trouble.
After only a few shovels full it becomes clear this is not a hole. It is a tunnel dug up from beneath and filled as someone or something of about small size left the way they came. Only the top few feet are filled before it becomes a small tunnel leading into darkness. Any possible scents that might clue Zeoll in have faded over the month that’s passed since everyone vanished.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Thursday May 25th, 2023 3:09:31 PM
Cyrion looks into the hole ... "How in the nine hells would anyone have been able to get all the people here into that and no one resist...that's scary..."
Elron -- SteveM Thursday May 25th, 2023 10:28:10 PM
As the smallest of the group, Elron realizes he fits in the tunnel and some of the others may not. "Want me to have a look down there? Anybody got a light?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Friday May 26th, 2023 5:31:42 AM
Mundhildur takes out one of her two ever-burning torches and gives one to Elron. "Here you go. Don't lose it!"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday May 26th, 2023 11:11:21 AM Cyrion wonders how anyone could get all the people into the tiny hole. Asimov wonders about shrinking people Elron is willing to go look Mundhildur passes Elron a ever burning torch.
The small tunnel ranged between 3-5 feet wide and tall. It’s an easy fit for Elron, but a bigger creature would have to crawl. It soon opens up as dirt turns to stone under his feet, with several of the small tunnels all connecting up here. They all lead the same places though - dead ends and collapsed tunnels. It’s actually a pretty short walk, only about 30 feet or so. Perception DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { as you get close to the end of the tunnel you spot a small tripwire connected to some sort of crossbow pointed in your general direction. Clearly a trap made by an intelligent enemy. }
Elron -- SteveM d20+19=37 ; Friday May 26th, 2023 11:25:19 AM
(Perception = 37)
Elron explains what he sees -- short, dirt tunnels converging in an area with a stone floor. The tunnels are all collapsed after about thirty feet, and at least one is set with a trap. He tries to describe where they meet relative to where he entered so that folks can see what's above that spot. He also lets them know if he thinks the tunnels go under the fortress wall.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Sunday May 28th, 2023 3:36:13 AM
Cyrion looks around, and asks, "Do any of the tunnels lead towards the mines?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Sunday May 28th, 2023 5:17:06 PM
"I wonder whether there may not be similar tunnel entrances scattered about the other dwellings that we simply have not yet found," Mundhildur ponders.
When Elron describes the trap, she says, "Perhaps someone who carries a shield can hold it in front of the crossbow. Or - if we decide to try to travel through the tunnels, it might work if we all step carefully over the tripwire."
Asimov inspects the tunnel and then attempts to disable the found trap.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday May 29th, 2023 9:39:30 AM Elron explains what he’s found to the group. Cyrion asks if they head in the general direction of the mines Mundhildur wonders if there are more tunnels and suggests how they can bypass it. Asimov takes the trouble to crawl down there and disarm the trap.
The tunnels shoot off in various directions, several of which could indeed lead to the mines eventually. However with everything collapsed in it’s impossible to say where they might have once lead and it’s also possible that false trails were cut out of the stone to obscure what direction the enemy came from.
The area looks unstable after whatever was done to collapse the tunnels. Trying to tunnel after them would be hard work and dangerous, possibly causing cave ins.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=19 ; Monday May 29th, 2023 6:31:08 PM
"Well, I'm no miner," says the giantess, "but I'll trust your judgment on the wobbliness of the tunnels. Let's check the stables, then the smithy. I wonder if any horses are here."
If there are no objections, she will head toward the stables. Once there, she sees what she can see.
He follows her to the stables keeping an eye out for clues and other odd things (Perception: 33)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Monday May 29th, 2023 11:40:30 PM
Zeoll sends Bill the Eagle in with Elron, with orders to protect him.
"Alas, therre is no way I can fit down therre," the liontaur laments.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20+24=40 ; d20=18 ; d8=1 ; Tuesday May 30th, 2023 8:10:39 AM Mundhildur is no miner but trusts the judgment of others in the party. Asimov considers the shape of the tunnels (I see your check, what are you trying to figure out with it?) Zeoll sends Bill down below.
Mundhildur leads the party to the stable. Inside is a gruesome sight. The place did indeed keep horses, about half a dozen. All of them are dead, with their rotting corpses drawing swarms of insects that fill the building. There isn’t too long to dwell on the grim sight though. As the party moves into the building to examine them a shadow in the shape of a horse emerges from the dark corners of the room and strikes out at Mundhildur as she passes, sucking away 1 point of STR.
We are in combat.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+9=19 ; d6+7=11 ; Tuesday May 30th, 2023 11:43:39 AM
Zeoll starts to inspire courage as a move action and then casts Produce Flame and throws it at the Shadow Horse as a standard action.
Ranged Touch AC with the flame hits AC19 for 11 fire damage.
Everybody in the fight, please add +2 to attacks and damage!
[OOC: To clarify, are some people in the tunnel and some in the stable? Who can fight the Shadow Horse?]
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday May 30th, 2023 12:49:53 PM
There isn’t really anything else to discover in the tunnel so I’m assuming everyone finishes investigating it then moves on with Mundhildur
Elron -- SteveM d20+14=18 ; d4=1 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday May 30th, 2023 8:05:46 PM "I'll whap it," Elron offers if he's in range. "O' course, if th' fire works on it we could just burn down th' building 'round it. If'n it can't come out into th' sunlight, that is."
Assuming Elron is in range but must move to attack, he makes one attack hitting AC 18 for 1 (weapon) + 4 (electrical) + 1 (magic bonus) = 6 damage.
Asimov fires off a wrist rocket at the shape. 5d4+5 = 21 force damage
Irony tries to slam the shadow (17 vs AC; 12 damage)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Tuesday May 30th, 2023 11:43:46 PM
Checking in ...
Zeoll uses his music to encourage everybody.
"We can do it," the bard sings.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+6=16 ; d20+6=22 ; 2d8+6=22 ; 2d8+6=16 ; Wednesday May 31st, 2023 7:01:35 AM
Oh [[was supposed to be 1d20+17, not +6, thus Ac 27, AC 33]
Mundhi slams the shadow horse for 22 hp, 16 hp.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20+14=28 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=17 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; Wednesday May 31st, 2023 7:23:41 AM
The Twins quickly draw their bow and send a trio of arrows into the enemy (28, 33, and 34 to hit, 13, 12, 13 damage)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday May 31st, 2023 7:41:06 AM Zeoll sings to inspire his allies and sends forth some flames. Elron smacks the shadow with his wapping stick. Asimov fires a wrist rocket. Mundhildur defends herself The Twins fire a barrage of arrows.
The shadowy horse seems barely affected by the fire and physical attacks but the wrist rocket seems to really hurt it. So much so that the follow up attacks by Mundhildur and The Twins are able to finish the job. The shadowy horse screams and fades away to nothingness.
With the threat gone the party are able to quickly finish their investigation of the final two buildings. From the minor damage to the stalls on the inside it seems that no one killed the horses - rather with everyone gone they were trapped in the stalls and slowly dehydrated, unable to break out of the sturdy construction. A horrible way to die - enough so to draw that shadow in to feast on the death and misery.
The Smithy is a simple affair. A stone building with a stone forge surrounded by empty worktables and hooks for tools. The tools were found in the toolshed, apparently locked away except with the smith is working. There’s an attached bedroom with simple furnishings, the most notable feature being the large amount of art, mostly of scantily clad humanoids of various species and genders.
With most everywhere being searched the group can now consider all the clues they’ve found.
1.The place seems mostly undamaged and undisturbed. Everything is in it’s place and the vault seems undisturbed. 2.The gates were locked and the keys missing, indicating that someone took the keys with them and locked the fort on their way out. 3.You found Delbina and the Girallon who seem to have been afflicted with some sort of disease or poison that affects them mentally, making it hard for them to concentrate and causing Delbina to be unable to remember anything. 4.You found several places where it seemed people put something down and never came back - the letter and the card game. 5.You found arrows and a tunnel indicating that some person or group dug their way into the prison and a fight happened. 6.The tunnels were dug in such a way that it is impossible to tell which direction the enemy might have come from. Further, Asimov’s engineering expertise tells him that the tunnels were intentionally collapsed in such a way that any attempts to dig them out and follow them to the source is impossible, only causing more and more cave-ins. Add that to the trap that was placed and it is clear an intelligent enemy is responsible for this, not some random monster.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Wednesday May 31st, 2023 12:50:33 PM
Cyrion does a slow 360 turn, then looks at his friends, "Is there a way to charm or mesmerise the number of people that were here ... that's one thing that makes sense to me based on the clues we found ... especially where the letter and card game was concerned..."
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh d20+5=23 ; d20+14=23 ; Wednesday May 31st, 2023 8:42:02 PM
Asimov tries to think if there were any geological surveys or if any part of the camp might contain such information. He'd like to try to cross reference said information with where the tunnels they found came out and see if he can't find a logical explanation as to where the enemy might have come from.
Int: 23 Know: Geography: 23
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday May 31st, 2023 10:31:33 PM "Perhaps the enemy had t' get close before it could mind-whammy folks. Don't see no other point in tunnels," Elron says after little thought on the matter.
Maybe it was a bard, he thinks. But he keeps that to himself. No point in upsetting Zeoll. A dwarven, minin' bard. Well, and his band o' merry men. One dwarf didn't collapse all them tunnels.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Wednesday May 31st, 2023 10:36:41 PM
Zeoll is a bit baffled. He looks to his friends for help figuring this out.
Highlight to display spoiler: {OOC: Read the module, bowing out of this part.}
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Thursday June 1st, 2023 8:08:12 AM Cyrion wonders about mesmerizing the entire staff somehow. Asimov wonders about geology. Elron thinks the enemy had to get close before mind whammying people, thus the tunnel. Zeoll is baffled.
Asimov is interested in finding a geological survey, and the best place to look is back at the office with all that paperwork. The island is about 30 miles across and features a variety of landmasses, from a small mountain to forests to swamps. Lots of area’s geology is capable of supporting extensive tunnel networks and mining - it kind of has to for this place to be a proper mine.
If this attack is related to residents of the island, though the paperwork notes no known humanoid civilization here, then it seems likely recent mining activities might be what caused intersection and conflict. The paperwork mentions that dig sites Avernus, Dis, and Erebus have not been in use for a while, while Phlegethon mentions problems with a large four armed mutant ape - that very much sounds familiar. Dig sites Malebolge and Cocytus had vermin problems, probably unrelated, and Stygia and Caina were the current sites of mining before everyone went missing.
Regardless it seems clear that the answers the party seeks will not be found here. A map is scrounged from the office paperwork showing the entire island.
LOG ON