To Do with Dragons Day 1 DM Dan K Tuesday August 15th, 2023 4:43:07 PM
The group discusses the egg and one course of action is easily determined to not work. The Egg remains on the ground when Gaffer shifts form while holding it. Hmerrin's Haversack does accept it and within an extradimensional space Gaffer could Wildshape as well. The biggest decision is how long. Nira wants 8 days, if a fight with the pair of mighty dragons is ahead, having a fully charged staff of healing might make the difference. Hmerrin is not so sure the dragons will wait that long. Gaffer thinks they have waited a considerable time.
The big question would be is how long would the dragons wait, knowing you are back?
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Tuesday August 15th, 2023 5:10:45 PM
"I'm pretty sure Vyrnix knows the egg is back in the Wold. If the scale he gave us could sense it, he's probably very aware."
"If the concern is a fight then maybe we should take Atharges's advice and prepare to escape instead. I think making him wait on the egg is the more likely path to a confrontation."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Tuesday August 15th, 2023 5:26:25 PM
"Agreed. Two days. As soon as Nira gets that second charge in, we go see Vyrnix. And since we're talking about running away, I'm pulling this scroll out of the To Sell pile."
Hmerrin sets aside the Scroll of Greater Teleport, a Blessed Book, and the Grimoire, gives a jauny salute, and heads for the Catacombs.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 8:10:00 PM If we are worried about having some extra healing available, we could always pick up a few scrolls.
Ramirez adds scrolls to his shopping list for the catacombs.
So are those scrying and other defenses still working?
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 (31) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 8:14:07 PM
Adding to the conversation..
" I'll note that for elder dragons like this... days mean very little. They tend to think in terms of decades. Centuries even. "
He shrugs and follow Hmerrin to the Catacombs.
"I'll see if I can pick up some fresh carrots for the trip... "
To Do with Dragons Day 1 - DM Steve K Wednesday August 16th, 2023 12:22:49 PM
The Tide decide to prepare for 2 Days and then go see Vyrnix and his mate.
Day 1 is occupied with equipping, meeting people, and resting.
In other news, Tombo slaps his forehead. "Why I nearly forgot in the excitement of your return. There was a bit of a to-do a month or so back. An adventuring group from the Taur Isles came here looking for you and a lead on some information they had heard was in Dirt City. And Master Wilford Grimly was one of the heroes." Hmerrin, Gaffer, and Desdichado will all immediately remember the name of a long-time former member of The Tide. Dredging up memories, those heroes will remember "Wil" had some personal business to deal with soon after the first couple of encounters with the Rakshasa.
.................
OOC: I"M BAAAACK!!! The heroes have the initiative.
Note: The Catacombs is only for magical equipment purchases. The PCs can get any non-magical item listed in the Handbook by a morning's stroll though any of the Dirt City markets. Any food item more specific than 'meal' or 'ration' will have to be role-played in post.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Wednesday August 16th, 2023 4:50:54 PM
"Ah, good ol' Wil. I hope he's doing well. Too bad we missed him."
Desdichado spends the downtime enjoying some meals at Tombo's place and patrolling the neighborhood. He makes a brief visit to the WLA, just to say hello.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 32(T:18/FF:27) CMD:35) Wednesday August 16th, 2023 5:47:34 PM "It's nice to know he's still out there adventuring." Gaffer is happy to hear Wil is doing well in a new group.
Gaffer does his best to cram in some relaxation before they are off on another adventure. Which is mostly sleeping. He does check in on his rooftop gardens when he isn't busy.
"Ok, so, final check. I'm going to prepare as if we're going to fight the Rakshasa, and not the dragon, and we'll just escape if the dragon does decide to attack?"
----- I think Gaffer had set up a Hallow with Dispel Magic previously, and would use the Shambler spell every 7 months to keep a retinue of shambling mounds around to defend the base.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Wednesday August 16th, 2023 7:25:45 PM
Once Hmerrin gets back from the Catacombs, Still waiting for service he shakes his head in disappointment at missing Wil.
"Well nuts. How'd he and his new crew look?" he asks Tombo.
At Gaffer's question, he nods. "We run from dragons. Hopefully teleport, otherwise however we can. Plan is to fight rakasha. Really nasty, highly magical rakasha."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 (31) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 8:01:59 PM
When back with Hmerrin from the Catacombs
He nods to Tombo...
" 'Sup. "
To Gaffer.
" Teleport or Plane Shift. I can do either. "
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday August 16th, 2023 8:03:35 PM
Nira raises her eyebrow and looks to Hmerrin. "You know I used 4 of those 8 charges on you, right?"
"Ok. 2 days. But, if Vyrnix says we don't have to go to the Rak plane straight away, we come back here for a week? Is that reasonable?"
Nira has been asking for some time to spend with Atharge's grimoire since the party found it, but so far the group has been too busy for her to get the opportunity. There's no point of having it if she can't use it.
------ Still waiting for service in the CC? It's been less than a day! Give the CC staff a chance :D
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 9:11:10 PM That sounds like a good plan Gaffer. And Nira, that sounds agreeable as well.
So...do we need to check in with Wilford and see if he is ok?
To Do with Dragons Day 2 - DM Steve K Thursday August 17th, 2023 9:35:43 AM
Tombo provides more information to Hmerrin and the others' questions. "He was with a team called the 'Eight Petaled Rose', or 'Roses' for short. Looked good, but was a little wary about dropping away so quickly before. Came looking for you to learn more about a fellow named Nevras. When I told them you were away and didn't know about no Nevras, they started poking around and got the interest of several Houses. Turns out two of 'em, Knives and Teeth, I think, were planning some sort of power grab: one using an intelligent, magical monster and one using Nevras who was a golem-making Necromancer. The Petals put paid to both schemes, and I heard the Prince had a meeting with all the Houses and the Petals about it. Don't know what happened there, but none of this seems to have bled over into the streets, so there's that."
For Vyrnix and Warp, his spouse, the Tide plans to get ready to fight Rakshasa and flee from the dragon if necessary. And Nira reminds Hmerrin about how she helps feed his habit of getting better after bleeding over everything.
The 2nd Day arrives and passes, the Tide should be ready to visit Vyrnix tomorrow. In the evening, however, there is a visitor. He is escorted to the study by Jasper, the Tide's gnome tidy-upper of the mansion. There, as confident and as lacking in any magic item as ever, is Darmious Foxx.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Thursday August 17th, 2023 4:57:56 PM
Tombo's recitation of recent events suddenly makes Desdichado realize that they should have a way to communicate with or contact Tombo, or Jasper, or Cinzi and the others while the Tide is away.
As Darmious enters, Desdichado sighs. "Well, we did agree to meet with him every time we're back in town." To Darmious he says, "Here to exchange information? You're last lead sent us on a bit of a roundabout, you know."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 32(T:18/FF:27) CMD:35) Thursday August 17th, 2023 5:39:15 PM "Great, because I mostly use fire and that dragon would have been a problem." Gaffer is happy with the plan, and doesn't mind a catch up with Darmious before they leave, their meetings are always pleasant enough. "Hey Darmoius, come on in, I hope you and the Prince are well."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Thursday August 17th, 2023 7:13:24 PM
Hmerrin was just wondering how to get more information on this Knives/Teeth thing, and in walks his favorite assassin/spy.
The fighter plops down in a nearby chair for Foxx's reply.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Thursday August 17th, 2023 9:37:19 PM Greetings Darmious. It seems we have already had one update since our return. Do you have any new information for us?
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday August 17th, 2023 9:53:06 PM
Nira still doesn't know Darmious as well as most of the party, so gives a nod of her head in acknowledgement and waits to hear his reason for coming by.
People seldom come to the house just to say 'hi' anymore.
Highlight to display spoiler: {Nira will copy the following spells from the grimoire into her blessed book: 6th level: Mass Suggestion 5th level: Feeblemind, Wall of Force 4th level: Black Tentacles, Dimension Door 3rd level: Slow, Stinking Cloud 2nd level: Mirror Image
Time to understand 8 spells = 8hrs. Time to scribe = 32hrs (6+5+5+4+4+3+3+2) At 16hrs/day = 2.5days (or <2days if she reduces her rest time)}
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 (31) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Friday August 18th, 2023 6:30:52 AM
Danko listens with the others.
Darmious Foxx - DM Steve K Friday August 18th, 2023 6:07:54 PM
Nira has plenty of time to copy what she wants in the coming days...
Darmious responds to Isaac with a shrug, but also a nod at the implied rebuke. "That was not my intention, surely. You do, however, seem back and moving about Dirt City with a purpose, which seems to suggest that you are in fact following a lead. So, instead of me telling you everything I know, would you be interested in telling me and the Prince anything?"
"I really don't have anything to tell you unless you have some specific questions?"
As usual, Detect Evil shows Darmious is not evil, Detect Lie shows he is being truthful, and Sense Motive gives a hint that he genuinely believes his meeting here is in the best interest of the the Prince, Dirt City , and the Tide.
..
It appears the Tide has the initiative
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Saturday August 19th, 2023 7:39:47 PM
Desdichado sends None of us know Darmious very well, Nira. He first showed up just after we came back from the Scab with you all. But, he styles himself the Prince's representative, so it's better to talk with him than send him away.
I suggest we be very limited in what we say about our most recent adventures. Maybe something like 'Yes, the lead on Atharges was good. There's something - we don't know what - that will be useful in finally ending the rakshasa menace from the Wold. That's our next step.'
Anything else - any services that theoretically may have been rendered or objects theoretically recovered - we should keep quiet. For all I know, he's listening to us now.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Sunday August 20th, 2023 10:45:01 PM
Nira responds to Dez with a simple "Gotcha". If Darmious can somehow hear their telepathic communications then he's more powerful - and tricky - than she's comfortable with.
She doesn't say anything to the man and instead leaves the talking to someone more familiar with him.
Darmious Foxx - DM Steve K Monday August 21st, 2023 11:58:54 AM
Darmious sips his tea like a well-mannered guest and allows his hosts to move the conversation.
.........
It appears the Tide has the initiative
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 32(T:18/FF:27) CMD:35) Monday August 21st, 2023 3:37:30 PM
Gaffer breaks the long pause by saying "Yes, the lead on Atharges was good. There's something - we don't know what - that will be useful in finally ending the rakshasa menace from the Wold. That's our next step." and then adds.
"We heard there was some trouble while we were away, some houses vying for power, anything we should be concerned about?"
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 (31) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Monday August 21st, 2023 5:21:09 PM
Danko produces a carrot and waits....
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Monday August 21st, 2023 9:15:42 PM
Hmerrin nods along with Gaffer.
"We've a solid lead. Heading back out in a day or two once we've resupplied a bit. Also had a recent conversation with the Eight Petaled Rose. Is that Knives and Teeth issue under control?"
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Monday August 21st, 2023 10:12:08 PM
Ramirez offers Darmious something to drink while some info is exchanged.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday August 21st, 2023 11:09:13 PM
Nira notices that the others are being a little vague with the details they share with Darmious. It makes sense for something this important though.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Monday August 21st, 2023 11:11:20 PM
Desdichado is willing to listen to what Darmious might have to say about a possible House conflict, but it sounded like the Petals had that taken care of. He's much more concerned about getting the dragon egg back to Vernix.
Darmious Foxx - DM Steve K Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 7:58:39 AM
Darmious smiles at the close-lipped Tide, taking what is said and not said with equal aplomb, merely nodding that the lead was good and the heroes are still following up.
When asked about the recent incidents with the Taur Isles hero group, the Prince's diplomat to the Tide nods again. "All this under your hats, of course: the Prince required no talking about the issue as part of the agreement with the Eight Petaled Rose. But, yes, it is settled. Keeping a balance of power is important, and the Teeth and Darts (not Knives) were making plays that could have upset that balance. Once the Prince pointed this out to the other Houses, he had more than enough to force the Teeth and Darts to pay the E.P.R. a fine and let them be on their way. I believe they were headed to Blackbird Forest. It was a great bit of work, the Prince had. The two Houses got punished by the other Houses, the other Houses didn't get more money to get into trouble themselves, and the Prince is the diplomatic good guy. It was lovely to watch."
"In other news, the man on the street has nearly forgotten about the Rakshasa. After all, that was 8 years ago: ancient history lost in the urgency of daily life. Oh, and I almost forgot: Shield House was bought by the Wolves as a refugee home."
"Well, that's all I have and certainly all I'm going to hear from you, so I don't want to overstay. Lovely speaking with you all, again. I'll keep in touch."
..............
With no other points of conversation, Darmious Foxx takes his leave.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 12:52:43 PM
As Darmious leaves, Desdichado's paladin guilt begins to take over. Foxx may be a rogue and a scoundrel, but the paladin still doesn't like not being forthright upon reflection. But, someone in the Prince's palace might find news about a dragon egg just to tempting to pass up, so it's best not to let anyone know until it's safely returned. Maybe the Tide can tell him everything when they get back.
Turning to the others, he says "Ready to go back to the lair now? Danko, I'm guessing you can teleport us there like last time, right?"
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 (31) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 5:29:06 PM
" I can indeed. I can transport 6 of us at once. "
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 7:19:50 PM
Hmerrin merely shrugs at Dez' disquiet. He doesn't trust either Foxx or the Prince.
Nodding at the pair, he stands. "All right then. Get yourselves together folks, and lets go say hi."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 32(T:18/FF:27) CMD:35) Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 8:54:12 PM
"I'm ready. Not particularly excited to meet the dragon again, but ready."
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 11:20:14 PM Looks like it's time. Do you think we need to prepare some defenses first?
Get yourselves together folks - DM Steve K Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 10:45:48 AM
The Tide lets Darmious leave. The heroes have never found anything that shows the fellow isn't truthful, open, and honest in his meetings with the Tide. Yet the fellow works for the Prince of Thieves which automatically provides distrust. As the Grubber saying goes: 'No one can help a tanner without stinking like piss.'
The group is ready to leave. Danko says he can teleport 6 people, but doesn't actually do it (ooc: say the magic words: "Danko casts teleport"). Ramirez asks about defenses.
...............
The heroes have the initiative.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 4:18:59 PM
After casting an extended mage armor on himself, Danko gathers everyone close to him.
" Hocus pocus smellus EXPEDICUS! "
Danko casts teleport and takes everyone to meet the dragon
---------- Mage armor
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 5:48:02 PM
"Too many defensive spells will make it look like we're coming for a fight, but I suppose a few standard adventuring spells wouldn't hurt" considers Desdichado. "Besides, last time we arrived the first thing Vyrnix's mate did was to try and dispel everything."
Desdichado is ready to appear at their destination.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 6:46:40 PM
Hmerrin mentally prepares himself for Vyrnix.
Like Dez, he sees no value in buffing.
The fighter takes a deep breath as Danko casts his spell.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 8:26:19 PM You're right, too many defenses could make the dragons wary. I'm ready.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 32(T:18/FF:27) CMD:35) Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 9:49:29 PM
Gaffer gulps down his glass in the moment before the teleport takes hold.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 11:45:41 PM
Nira grabs her gear in preparation for the teleport. She's hopeful that Vyrnix simply shows the group the way and not send them to the Rak plane straight away. She wants more time with the grimoire, time to recharge her staff, and time to do some catacombs shopping.
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