DM Bob & Carla A Captain’s Tale Wednesday June 28th, 2023 10:58:36 PM Snark joins Benni at the docks where they greet the newly arrived Beatrix and Malhynn and of course Tinkerbell as well.They are soon joined by Khord and Jasper who escort them up the road towards the Blue Cat.
The street is busy with merchants and tradesmen preparing to accept shipments from the Next Horizon, or to begin provisioning her for the next voyage. Busy as they are, many pause to acknowledge the Luck Makers with a nod, a wave, or a doffed cap. When they lay eyes on the two newcomers they appear more hesitant and some clutch at small broaches, talismans or other charms. Two children dart out, curious about the centaur and her enormous collection of books. “Any pictures in them books?” the boy asks. An apologetic woman quickly regains control of her offspring. ”Sorry about that. They’re just curious. We don’t have many books.”. The women presses two strips of green ribbon into Beatrix’s hand and quickly hustles the children away.
Once they arrive at the Blue Cat they are joined by Isaac who has returned from talking with the Sheriff and introductions are made all around.
The Blue Cat is equally busy and Ralphus Bottim, the burly proprietor offers the Luck Makers and their two new companions a round of ale on the house. ”These fine folk have been of great service to our small community and if you’re associated with the likes of them, you’re OK in my book.”
Captain Hugo has to recount his tale several times as more townsfolk gather to hear the tale. Some just wish to live vicariously through the perils of another and are quick to thank their lucky stars such a fate did not befall them or anyone else. Others see this is a sign of more bad things to come, exactly what, is unknown to them. Rap Goodfellow however has a more immediate interest… “Captain, did you by chance come across the merchant ship Godspeed out of Hook City on approach? She is overdue by several weeks and carries cargo and supplies destined for our merchants and tradefolk. They will be out of pocket a tidy sum if she has succumbed to the fate you yourself have just narrowly escaped. Where exactly did this take place? What else can you tell us?”
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday June 29th, 2023 1:03:53 AM
As the child runs up and asks about picture books Beatrix quickly grabs one of the books from her pockets and offers it, first to the child then to the mother as she runs up. "Yes, and if you want I can teach you how to read it too." she says. it seems to be a simple children's book with a colorful illustration on the front and a simple title. In fact most of what she's carrying seems to be copies of similar books and other educational material judging by what can bee seen poking out of her pockets, though a large leather and metal bound tome is a noted exception. She accepts the two green ribbons and slips them into one of her pockets.
Since she hasn't been chased off Tinkerbell settles into Benni's hair and enjoys the ride, squeaking in satisfaction. Once the mother and child are gone Beatrix returns to the conversation at hand and tells Benni "No she says she just really likes hair. I think she does it to annoy people myself. She'll stay up there until something catches her attention or you chase her away."
Beatrix will quickly secure a room and leave her cart there, along with the contents of some of her pockets, before heading to the tavern. At the offer of free beer she comments "I've known them 5 minutes and they mostly just seem curious but I'll never turn down free beer. I'll take a hot meal to go with it" Once given her food she'll settle down to enjoy a hot, non-salted meal for the first time in months and listen in on the local chatter.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday June 29th, 2023 5:41:18 AM
Onesimos, amused when Beatrix’ bat was playing in Snark’s hair, is much more uncomfortable with it among his own brown locks. He tries to be resigned, but can’t stop thinking about it, and puts a hand up to move it to another person before they arrive at the Blue Cat.
Once free of distraction, Benni hears Captain Hugo’s story for the first time and becomes immediately concerned! Pirates or worse! He catches the other Luck Makers eyes and tosses his head towards Rap Goodfellow: they need to hear this conversation!
Quieter, the elf turns to Malhynn and Beatrix. ”We have recently had the loss of three companions; two to Hook City and one ready to travel to Plateau City, and could use some assistance. I noticed the spellbook along with your bat, Beatrix. Could you be like Malhynn and also freelance as a champion of Good in addition to being a teacher?”
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+14=21 ; Thursday June 29th, 2023 8:24:46 AM
Isaac notices the towns folk superstitious mumbling and looks at Malhynn and Beatrix. "Don't take the whispers personally. The townsfolk react that way with any new comers. We all got the same treatment when we first arrived." As Isaac listens to the description of the lights and fog he tries to remember if their was any aquatic undead that could cause that. Know religion:21
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday June 29th, 2023 9:40:52 AM
At Benni's question Beatrix chokes on her ale. After recovering from the coughing fit she answers, "Freelance champions of good? What? No, I'm a school teacher. I teach small children how to read and do math and stuff. I've never been called a freelance champion of anything."
Tinkerbell squeaks something that causes Beatrix to snort. "Fair, I guess I could be a called freelance champion of education. And I do love a good fight, So if you are going to go do something dangerous and productive then let me know I'll do what I can to help." She quickly hides her face behind her ale mug again as if to hide embarrassment over admitting she's a schoolteacher who likes to beat people up in her off time.
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) AC 15(19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Thursday June 29th, 2023 10:59:04 AM
Mal chuckles at Benni's offer, shaking his head as he does so. "Freelance Champions of Good? Are you sure you;'re not a Bard, Benni? That's quite the proclamaiton, there." The elven wizard glances over at Beatrix as the dark skinned centaur answers.
"Well, I'd certainly be up for an investigation, I suppose. Those lights definitely could have been the end of us, last eve. If the crew hadn't have been so skilled..." Malhynn trails off, exhaling loudly. "Well, I'm just glad we're here in one piece."
Mal nods at Isaac, "Thanks for that. I've had to learn to be a bit thick-skinned in some places, being elven, depending on the locals. Never really had a cause to want to downplay my magic before. It's a new one..."
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) AC 15(19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Thursday June 29th, 2023 11:00:53 AM
(Trying Signature again. I made a typing error above)
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Thursday June 29th, 2023 3:06:29 PM
Jasper listens to Captain Hugo's tale and turns to the Luck Makers with a history in Heranmar.
"Those lights sound magic-made. Know you of any wrecker crews nearby? The Godspeed would be quite a prize, and luring her onto the rocks would be easier than an attack in open water."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+5=15 ; Thursday June 29th, 2023 4:22:54 PM
Khord gives a look around the tavern for the boy he sent to look for his companions, not seeing him he turns his attention back to the group. "whatever it is, it seems it would be a threat to the town. If they can't get reliable trade in and out of the port the people will suffer. "
He listens carefully to the captains story and tries to figure out where these lights might be coming from, using the memory of the maps he examined while aboard ship. (Know: Geo = 15) " captain, would you be able to show us on a map where you think it is you saw these lights? Does anyone have a map of the area?" he asks the crowd in general.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday June 29th, 2023 5:15:28 PM
Benni spreads his hands. ”No Bard, though many in Flower’s service doubles as such. I am a Cleric of the goddess of love, and that just about sums up what the Luck Makers do.” . Far from embarrassed, the elf is quite proud of the moniker.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday June 29th, 2023 8:50:59 PM
Snark is interested in the Captain's answers to the questions he's being asked. But, to no one's surprise, he is easily distracted.
At the mention of magic and spellbooks, he turns his attention back to Malhynn and Beatrix. "So, you two are wizards eh? Maybe we can share some spells? If you don't mind my asking, what spells do you know. Here's mine."
The little gnome pulls a spellbook out of his pants pocket and lays it on the table.
DM Bob & Carla A Captain’s Tale d3=1 Thursday June 29th, 2023 11:00:55 PM
Despite the enthralling description of events laid out by the Captain and the recognition by Khord and the others of the importance of events to Heranmar, the Luck Makers still find time to devote some of their attention to getting to know the newcomers. Isaac tries to explain the reluctance of the locals to readily accept newcomers whilst Benni enquires about their interest in helping out. Snark’s interest leans more towards the scholarly sharing of spells. Both Beatrix and Malhynn are pleased to have been so warmly greeted by the adventurers (and the Barman ) and agree that they would help where needed in a good cause.
The tavern grows quieter as the Captain’s tale is retold and questions begin to fly. Speculations run rampant as the suggestions of pirates, wreckers, magical storms and even the undead make their way into the conversation. Isaac scours his memory of past teachings for knowledge of any specific aquatic undead that might be able to cause the phenomena experienced by the Next Horizon but none come to mind. Comparatively little is known about aquatic forms in comparison to those on land. Jasper points out that the Godspeed would be a valuable prize.
Patch, the quartermaster of the Sea Witch pipes up at Khord’s request for a map. ”I’ve sailed these waters for many years and that stretch of coastline is bedevilled by bad weather, strong currents and rocky shoals. I have no charts with me, but I dare say I can draw that coastline from memory as fine as any chart”. In no time a table is cleared and a sheet of brown butcher paper laid upon it. Patch begins drawing the coast from Port Heranmar eastward to that point where the coastline turns south towards Hook City. Individual inlets, promontories and rocky shoals are highlighted as well as areas of strong currents and deeper waters.
Captain Hugo watches as the map takes shape and can’t help but admire the quartermasters knowledge of the area. “There! That headland right there! That is where we saw the lights and near ran aground!” He stabs at the map with his finger. The site would appear to be about 1 days travel across the downs and along the coast. However, Patch’s map shows almost nothing about travel routes or features of the land not immediately on the coast itself.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday June 30th, 2023 7:20:19 AM
Onesimos has little surprise that Patch knows his waters, but little about anything beyond the shoreline: from the group's one trip along the coast, it didn't look like even a fishing shack was there for trade or conversation. He makes an assessment on the interest of his companions old and new. "The wise advice would be to take some time to think on these stories before the Council decides on what to do, Councilor Goodfellow. And then, when you do, to not announce the plan in public: there are too many ears and eyes." Benni frowns, remembering the traitorous First Mate from their last voyage and how he engineered a pirate attack. But then also saved Captain Rio, so there is more to the tale...
The cleric waits until Snark, Isaac, Khord, Jasper, Beatrix, and Mahlynn is together in Benni's room. "Unless we want everyone to know what we are doing, we should act like we are going to explore more of the Haunted Abbey and then go to the headland overland. If it is wreckers, they almost certainly have spies in Heranmar."
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday June 30th, 2023 7:38:08 AM
Beatrix is immediately diverted by the mention of the abbey. "You've been to the abbey? The one where the Chaos Bell was right? And it IS haunted? Yes! Score! I wanted to check that place out. Did you fight any ghosts? Maybe a ghoul or two? Ooh, maybe a shadow! You've got to take me with you!" She does a little dance like horses do when happy or excited.
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) AC 15(19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Friday June 30th, 2023 3:23:03 PM
((OOC: Might either Beatrix or Malhynn have noted anything magical about the lights that night when we were on the 'Horizon? Perception + 10, Spellcraft +11))
Mal arches an elven eyebrow when Snark so freely lays out his spellbook for them to peruse. This one is either a good judge of character, or an utter fool....I'll hope for the first to be true.[/b]
"Master Snark, I would be more than agreeable to partake of some sharing of arcane knowledge...but perhaps in the middle of a setting like this might not be the best time? A bit distracting, even?" Malhynn shrugs and adds, "Afterwords, perhaps?["
The elven mage turns back to the community discussion of the mysterious lights before turning back to both Snark and Beatrix, "Though, if either of you has learned [i]Water Breathing, THAT might be something we should share amongst us as soon as possible. If not, we need to see if we can find out if someone in town has it available..."
((OOC: Snark,it would appear that you and Mal have rather similar thinking when it comes to spell selection. Haven't seen Beatrix's list, so that may differ from ours.))
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Malhynn looks down, impressed by the quartermaster's map and talent at offering a rendition of the coastline. He does his best to memorize what he can of it, simple as it is.
Later, in Benni's room, he grins at the Centaur's excitement, surprised to find himself sharing it. "Indeed, a haunted abbey is worth looking into, so it would make sense for us to be investigating there." He makes a face, then says, "Bea and I just got here, so I am afraid I'm at a loss...who are these 'Wreckers'?"
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Friday June 30th, 2023 3:24:25 PM
(( Just noticed I never added HPs to my signature line.))
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+13=23 ; Friday June 30th, 2023 4:27:55 PM
Khord marvels at the chart drawn by Patch, he has been fascinated by maps ever since he was a boy. He notes the headland the captain points out. As the commotion around the chart grows, he talks a sneaky look about the room to see if anyone suspicious is looking on. (perception = 23)
"What a tale this is, Captain. You and your crew are truly lucky to have found this safe harbor," he says. "We should pass this along to the town council, they will know what to do."
---------------
Later is Benni's room. "I agree that we must check this out, and traveling towards the Abbey first is a good idea. We can put the word around that we are headed there on some errand or another."
To Malhynn, "a wrecker is someone who salvages wrecked ships. And many are not above leading the ships into the wreck themselves. Not usually the friendly sort in my experience."
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday June 30th, 2023 5:51:52 PM
Jasper nods at Khord's explanation of wreckers. "Aye, as Khord says. Crews of wreckers often congregate near remote coastal communities; all the better if the waters and shore are as treacherous as Patch sketched for us. Have a magical person call the fog, then cast Dancing Lights or simply light a bonfire as the lure. I've seen it time and again."
After repairing to Benni's rooms, she turns to Malhynn. "Should the council want to dispatch us, I can shapeshift into a water-going animal or elemental. I can also cast Air Breathing, although it's not currently prepared. That said, I'd favor an overland approach to fighting the rocks and waves.
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Friday June 30th, 2023 6:29:09 PM "Ah, so a 'wrecker' denotes a profession or what they do, rather than the name of a group or cult. Got it." The elf shakes his head at the half-orc, amused and slightly embarrassed at himself. "Simple explainations are the best. Forgive me, friend Khord for looking for more than was necessary."
Malhynn nods at Jasper as she speaks, taking note of her abilities. "I've always found myself fascinated by druids and the ease with which you shift shapes. Does it hurt? Oh, and I rather agree on staying on solid ground as much as we can."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+9=29 ; Friday June 30th, 2023 6:52:15 PM
Snark watches as Patch sketches out a map of the coastline. He thinks back to his trips along and near the coast to orient himself as he watches. (Knowledge Geo 29)
He agrees with Benni. "It'll be interesting to see what the council says about this, but either way we oughta plan on going. I'm worried about that ship and crew that's late. Some mounts might be good to. I'd rather not use up all my spells making horses if we have other options."
Eager to for the opportunity to learn more spells when possible, he's not too keen on being reprimanded by Mal for his interest. He really saw no harm in discussing spells, and certainly Mal is fine seeking out the spells he needs. He replies a bit grumpily, "Yeah, I got Water Breathing. And yeah, yer welcome to it if you want."
He pays for a small beer to sip on while things are discussed.
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Friday June 30th, 2023 7:11:50 PM
The elven mage arches an eyebrow at Snark's comment, then blinks. To anyone really paying attention, it's obvious that Mal is replaying the conversation silently in his head. A sudden look of realization crosses the silver-haired wizard's face, and he turns to the gnome. "Oh. Master Snark, kindly forgive my brusk manner before. I meant no disrespect, truly. I just...well, sometimes my brain and mouth move far faster than my sense of diplomacy and manners. Far too often, really."
Malhynn sighs, "I am not always the easiest person to deal with...of this I have been assured by more than one of my associates. And more than a couple of room mates at the academy..." Another pause, then, Absolutely, if you are going to be a companion and ally, you are welcome to peruse my spellbooks for anything you might not yet have."
And with that, Mal draws both his personal spellbook and the one recovered in the Nightmare Quarter out for the gnome and Beatrix to look over.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Friday June 30th, 2023 10:33:24 PM
At Beatrix question about the Haunted Abby Isaac awnsers "Yes we've been up there a few times some sort of aura of fear surrounds it. Many undead and odd creatures have made their home there." Thinking back to the Abby and their last adventure Isaac asks Snark " Didn't we get some magical carriage on our last trip to the Abby? Is it still being repaired?"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Sunday July 2nd, 2023 3:02:41 PM "Well, first Malhynn, I didn't mean to put you on yer heels there. And second, truth be told, I can be a little grouchy. Here, lemme make it up to you."
Snark will hand the elf a silver piece with Continual Flame cast on it.
"It's a small thing, but I noticed you didn't have Continual Flame in you spellbook, so this might come in handy. See, I put a hole in the coin right there if you need to hang it on a string or something. Anyway, you have some interesting spells, though I don't know if I'll have time to copy them over to my book yet. Thanks pal."
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Sunday July 2nd, 2023 4:16:15 PM
Malhynn smiles, actually taken off guard. "Think nothing of it...and thank you as well. As for Continual Flame, it seemed a bit frivilous for me when operating on my own, since I can see rather well in dim light...however, that does nothing to diminish your gift."
The elven mage rumages through his pack for a leather cord to tie through the coin, and then hangs it around his neck. A moment later, Mal tucks it under his shirt to diminish the light.
"Tell you what, Master Snark. You let me know when I'm being rude and I'll keep you informed as to how grouchy you're being...if for no other reason than to not irritate our comrades with our attitudes." Mal chuckles.
DM Bob and Carla - Preparations Sunday July 2nd, 2023 8:20:32 PM Benni, Khord, and Snark wonder if the Heranmar City Council have plans, but Rap volunteers that only the merchants awaiting shipments are concerned with the lateness of the Godpeed at the moment. ”It’s only two weeks overdue, but if it’s delayed much longer there will be shortages…” he adds, ”…might arrive tomorrow, and all this worry is for nothin’.”. Regardless, the ‘Luck Makers’ and the newcomers alike are intrigued by Captain Hugo’s tale of mysterious lights on the headland and wonder if there is a connection? They aren’t the only ones, however, Khord is unable to sense anything but curiosity or concern from the folks in the Blue Cat. Unfamiliar with coastal traditions, Malhynn asks about ‘wreckers’ and is enlightened by Jasper and Khord.
Benni, Snark and Jasper suggest planning is in order, and the cleric offers the privacy of his room. Mention of the abandoned abbey piques Beatrix’s interest, and Isaac shares the group’s experience with that place. It seems the more they explored, the the greater the intrigue. The paladin remembers finding a velvet carriage or hearse, but can’t remember if the party furbished it up and kept it, or sold it on.*
Snark can confirm there’s a road through the Gate Downs, past the quarry, that would get them in the vicinity, but doesn’t know of any trail to the place where the lights were spotted. His guesstimate confirms it would take a full day to find the place.
Strike out right away or take time to get to know each other and strategize? Set a false trail to confound the overly curious? Approach by water, or by land? Walk, or arrange transportation? As the group debate options, there is a light rap on the door, and a child’s voice asks: ”Mum wants to know if you want supper” Little feet patter away, and then immediately return, ”an’ Pop says there’s someone to see mister Briarmark!”
* (OOC: appears from posts Aug. ‘22 that the hearse was sold to the local undertaker. Please correct me if I am wrong! - DM Carla)
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday July 2nd, 2023 9:18:37 PM
Onesimos outlines his idea that they strike out for the Abbey in the evening as a false trail, then skirt Druid Woods to take the east road from Heranmar until they get to the headland.
He waits patiently, interested in other’s input to make the plan better, and wonders at who among them is Mr Briarmark…
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday July 3rd, 2023 12:59:52 AM
Snark hears the announcements and he's good with the plan. He's glad they are not leaving until the evening, as he has a couple things to attend to. He reminds his friends they may want to get mounts unless they want to walk.
As for the plan, "Ya know Benni, I think you're being a bit worried about us being followed. But you know what they say - just because you're paranoid doesn't mean everyone's not out to get us. I gotta tend to a couple things, but I'll be ready to go this evening."
Snark will visit the catacombs and also check Jasper's garden for a few bits of certain herbs that might come in handy. Once he gets his scroll, he'll spend 5 hours learning the spell and writing it into his spellbook.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday July 3rd, 2023 7:37:07 AM
Beatrix doesn't know the area and will accept whatever plan the locals come up with. She is disappointed that they won't actually be visiting the abbey, but she tries to look at the bright side of things - she'll at least get to fight pirates. Unless their aren't any pirates, in which case maybe she can convince the group to visit the abbey afterwards.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday July 3rd, 2023 10:01:54 AM
Benni spends the day updating his WLA membership, and paying his dues to become a "Guardian".
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday July 3rd, 2023 12:20:14 PM
Jasper thinks Benni's plan is a good one: It never hurts to be cautious.
She quickly tends the garden and then sets out for a day of foraging and exploring. Heranmar is new to her, so she wants to learn and memorize the layout of the town as well as the surrounding woods, rivers, valleys, and hills.
She doesn't range beyond five miles of the town's border, arriving back at the tavern well before nightfall and with plenty of time to secure her pack and several days' rations.
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 d20+11=15 ; Monday July 3rd, 2023 4:09:07 PM
Mal listens intently to the plan, sees no obvious flaws, and finds himself at a loss to offer more than the others have already decided upon. He does take a few moments to peruse the "map", such as it is, and tries to memorize as much as he can.
Afterwards Malhynn spends some time attempting to learn the Water Breathing spell from Snark's spellbook, but it proves to be more difficult than the elf had expected, and the mage ends up handing the book back with little more than frustration to show for his efforts. (DC 18 to learn, rolled DC 15 FAIL).
Fuming, the elven wizard gathers his equipment and checks it over, making sure he'll be prepared when the others are ready to go.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday July 3rd, 2023 7:40:11 PM
Onesimos outlines his idea that they strike out for the Abbey in the evening as a false trail, then skirt Druid Woods to take the east road from Heranmar until they get to the headland.
He waits patiently, interested in other’s input to make the plan better, and wonders at who among them is Mr Briarmark…
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Monday July 3rd, 2023 10:10:18 PM
Isaac thinks back to their long hike "I'll definitely will be getting a mount to ride up there. The last hike was enough to last me awhile." Isaac will check to see how expensive riding mounts will be to ren.
DM Bob and Carla - Preparations Monday July 3rd, 2023 10:13:38 PM
There seems to be consensus to Benni’s plan that the party leave late in the day, striking out towards the Abbey in order to set a false trail, then swing back staying in the shadow of the Druid Woods before taking the east road.
It is already late in the day, and most folks working at the trade house would have closed up shop, and headed home for their supper. Beatrix and Malhynn have yet to settle in. Snark wants to update his magics before heading out, as does Malhynn. Jasper thinks familiarizing herself with the town and environs would be wise. Isaac is in favour of finding a mount. Seems like the trip to the headlands will be deferred by 24 hours while the ‘Luck Makers’ and their new associates prepare.
…meanwhile in the Blue Cat…
”I’ll give Khord 10 minutes…” huffs a half-elf female with short auburn hair and sly green eyes. The gangly youth standing nearby looks anxious.
(OOC: you can elaborate on your preparations…Ralphus would know where you can rent horses for 1 SP per day, 2 horses and a cart for 1 GP per day, and there would be no issues making arrangements. Sunset is 8pm. Full dark by 9pm.)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday July 4th, 2023 8:23:30 AM
Beatrix takes some time to get all of her stuff packed away and sorted in the room she's renting. Don't want to be carrying her books into battle where they can be destroyed. She will look over the other Wizard's spellbooks eventually but not right now.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Tuesday July 4th, 2023 8:46:34 AM
OOC: Sorry for missing yesterday, got caught up in family stuff with the elderly in-laws.
Khord is taken aback to hear someone use his surname. He rises to follow the boy, "Sorry everyone, that must be one of the companions I have been looking for. Don't think anyone on this continent knows my surname but those two. I agree with Benni's plan, and will be prepared to leave this afternoon." He excuses himself and follows the boy down to the tavern.
Upon seeing Wren, he smiles and greets her with a sarcastic tone. "I see you've gotten to the point in your apprenticeship where you are aloud to carry messages on your own, congrats are in order."
He will then fill her in on his travels, and his inability to gain entry to Hook City to follow up on the lead about the Midshipman.
............
After his interaction with Wren, Khord plans on going to rent a horse for the journey and buy some rations.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday July 4th, 2023 11:13:24 AM
Onesimos doesn't think he is paranoid, only cautious, as every adventure the Luck Makers have had so far have included opponents with uncanny information on who they were and what they were trying to do! It would almost make someone superstitious... No, ridiculous! There are always physical and magical means of rooting out information. Why, Benni himself can now cast a Divination spell.
Delay by 24 hours is a good idea, and the elf spends the first evening at a table in the Blue Cat getting to know Bea and Mahl. He himself tells his tale: how he is from Amberdale, which is on the First Plateau of the Kingdom of New Elenna. That he was a young boy during the Year of Ascension when Marteus killed all the gods, but was overcome by Gargul's preparations and the deeds of the heroes of the Wold. That was the year when Flower became a goddess, and the year Benni entered her service about 120 years ago.
He reluctantly gets a horse, and gets some pointers on how to ride from any hero willing. He is not a fan.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday July 4th, 2023 2:53:07 PM
Jasper too rents a horse.
"Benni, I can teach you to ride. I can even facilitate a chat with your mount."
Jasper casts Speak with Animals. After a time, she turns to Benni.
"He says his name is Daisy, and that he's happy to carry you. I asked him what he'd like you to know. He said, roughly translated, 'The main thing is to be calm, keep your legs relaxed, and sink your weight into the saddle. A gentle tug at the reigns is enough. Oh, and I quote, 'You don't need to be very loud; my ears are right here.'"
Daisy whickers and Jasper laughs. "He also said that he likes carrots. Hint, hint."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d4=4 ; Tuesday July 4th, 2023 6:26:09 PM
(Sorry, I think I misunderstood some of the timing in my last post.)
That evening, Snarks spends the time learning (auto success) Dimension Door from a scroll he bought and writes it into his spellbook (5 hours). In the morning, with Malhynn's permission, he spends some time learning (auto success) Mirror Image from his fellow mage and writes that into his book (3 hours).
When that's done, he turns to another task. He uses his newly gained Herbal Healing ability to brew a Cure Serious Wounds infusion (4 hours).
He will rent a pony, asking the animal's name before we go.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Tuesday July 4th, 2023 9:02:32 PM
Isaac heads down to Ralphus "Hello Ralphus right? Me and the other Luck Makers are looking to rent a cart and two horses for about a week or so we're heading up the coast to investigate some strange goings on. I heard you give reasonable rates. About 1gp for a day? Any chance you can you get that ready by tomorrow?
After negotiations Isaac heads over to the catacombs to get some new gear.
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Tuesday July 4th, 2023 9:31:40 PM
((OOC: Sorry, but the 4th of July holiday is interfering today. Short version - Mal will also secure a horse rental, and spend some time getting to know his new companions))
DM Bob and Carla - Setting out… Tuesday July 4th, 2023 10:46:57 PM Khord’s friend tosses the messenger who fetched her a coin and dismisses the youth with a tilt of her head towards the door of the tavern.
”You’ve fallen in with some good people”, she says when the half-orc recounts his adventures with the ‘Luck Makers’. ” Lars figures the ‘Midshipman’ will show up in Heranmar sooner or later,” she continues, before explaining how lucky she was to get a job shortly after arriving two months ago, how she likes the town, and how she hopes to get on permanent with the town guard once her probationary period is complete. ”Lars is off hunting, but he’ll be back.”. Wren punches Khord playfully in the bicep, ”Look, I gotta go. I’m on the wall tonight!”
After so much together time on the road, the ‘Luck Makers’ split off to attend to their own affairs. Beatrix and Malhynn secure rooms at the inn. Everyone has a good night, though some sleep in the next day due to having stayed up late with books and scrolls.
Later in the day, 5 sturdy ponies and a small wagon drawn by 2 horses are waiting in the street in front of the Blue Cat. Jasper makes friends with Daisy, and introduces him to a reluctant Benni, while Snark quickly sees that his pony’s name, Slim, is a misnomer. The wagon rented by Isaac is plain, but well made and can carry 3 medium sized individuals, with a driver making 4.
****
At the appointed hour the group leaves Heranmar via the East Gate and head up the road with the Quarry on the left, and the abandoned abbey to the right, soon arriving at the intersection of the East Road and the South Road. It is fast becoming dark.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday July 5th, 2023 8:26:46 AM
As the party travels Beatrix acts as an outrider, circling just in sight of the party and checking for dangers. She's more then fast enough to move ahead and scout while rushing back in case of trouble. She's out of her baggy, pocket filled red outfit for a sleeveless green shirt like an athlete might wear on the court and a matching horse blanket with straps to hold a variety of tools that might be needed while out camping. A great lance seems to be her weapon of choice that she carries pointed to the sky as she patrols.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday July 5th, 2023 11:03:37 AM
Onesimos is quite out of his comfort zone with horses, and takes Jasper's advice seriously. Carrots? The cleric does a last-minute purchase for a handful of the orange root vegetables, and gives one to Daisy. "Don't shout, sink into the saddle, gentle tugs. Thanks Jasper." He is still an inept rider at best.
The cleric keeps beside Isaac and the cart, along with Snark and perhaps Mahlynn. With Khord (and Niko), Jasper, and now Beatrix all being wide-ranging scouts, Benni is much less worried about getting surprised on the road. "Good, evening means the quarry is done for the day and it will be difficult for anyone on the wall to see which road we took. Let's push ahead a few more miles beyond Druid Wood before making camp off the road. Then we can get an early start and hopefully see some of the headland during daylight."
Benni makes suggestions for night's watch:
Snark and Beatrix Khord (and Niko) Jasper and Isaac Benni and Mahlynn
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday July 5th, 2023 1:16:20 PM
OOC: I have the flu so I haven't rolled hit points yet. I'll do that when my head doesn't hurt so much. ____ Jasper rides near Benni when the trail allows, offering riding advice and softly-spoken corrections as necessary. He really does seem to be getting better!
She keeps a watchful eye as the sun descends and the twilight deepens to full darkness. Stars wink into sight overhead.
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Wednesday July 5th, 2023 3:43:24 PM
Malhynn is an adequate rider at best, with some instinctive skill, but not much training. And so, with Issac's permission, the elven mage hitches his pony to the follow the cart, and sits alongside the paladin.
Mal passes the time alternating between getting to know his new comrades and taking in the countryside,
"So. This abbey we're not investigating...what's the story on that? Is it truly haunted?"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+12=16 ; Wednesday July 5th, 2023 5:18:40 PM
Khord takes a little time to get used to the pony, as he is breaking in some new gear as well he lingers near the wagon for the first part of the journey. Niko runs up and down their little column, enjoying the chance to stretch his legs. As the sun sets, Khord makes his way toward the front to take advantage of his Darkvision. He keeps a wary eye out for hazards or brigands (perception = 16)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday July 5th, 2023 9:22:23 PM
Snark rather uncertainly climbs into his pony's saddle. As the Luck Makers get going, he will cast Speak with Animals. He says to his pony, [b]"So listen, I'm kinda new to this riding stuff, but you take care of me and I'll take care of you. We probably go a couple of days together. My name is Snark. The folk where you come from tell me your name is Slim. If you prefer another name, I'll use that. What would you prefer I do with you when we stop to rest. Anything else I should know about you? I can talk with you now, but I won't be able to do so later."[b]
Once we decide to stop and spend the night, Snark will scout a good spot to cast Tiny Hut for us to sleep in.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday July 5th, 2023 9:22:24 PM
Isaac relaxes in the wagon as they head off glad he paid the seven gold to rent the wagon and horses. As they pass by the Ruined Abbey he tells Beatrix "Don't get too close to that Abby some sort of weird curse makes people fearful. We all had a tough time dealing with it first few times we went."
When Malhynn asks to hitch his pony to the cart "Sure I got this cart so we would have an easier time. hop on." At this question about the Abbey he lets a small sigh escape "At first I thought it was all superstition but true evil lurks in there Abby. First time we went a horde of ghoulish creatures swarmed out of the out house like a plague of rats. Next time we found some ghoulish thing proclaiming it was a lord or something. The place is haunted to high heavens. But we also found fey like portals and a more benevolent ghost in there as well. Still I fear we have yet to see the true horror infesting the place. As for it's history well I know that's where the Chaos bell is kept but it's sealed off thankfully. Other than that not a clue. So to answer your question yes it's haunted.
As they ride along Isaac grow curious about the centaur teacher "Beatrix a moment of your time? Your a teacher right what's your specialty? I'm pretty knowledgeable about religious matters but not much else."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday July 5th, 2023 9:33:52 PM
Snark climbs uncertainly into the saddle. Once the Luck Makers get going he will cast Speak With Animals to talk to his pony.
"So listen, my name is Snark and I'm kinda new to this riding stuff. But you take care of me and I'll take care of you, OK? The folk where you come from told me your name is Slim. You got another name you'd prefer? When we go to rest, what can I do for you? Anything else I should know now? I won't be able to talk to you for long, because I can't normally do that. Oh, and this looks like fire, but it's not - it just lets us see in the dark, OK? Also, I'll put this bell on you so I can find you if there's trouble."
Snark will attack a ring with Continual Flame on his pony's harness. He also attaches a magical bell that can be heard a mile away.
Snark will affix a ring that in the dark. And I'll put this bell on you in case I need to find you."[/b] Snark will attack an ring with
DM Bob and Carla - Setting out… Wednesday July 5th, 2023 10:40:01 PM
The adventurers find an order of sorts, with the less secure riders staying close to the small wagon as the party veers left, taking the road in the direction of the headland identified by Captain Hugo on Patch’s map. Jasper keeps Benni company as they ride side by side beside the wagon, while Khord initially takes up a position on the opposite side of the conveyance, before moving forward to the front of the column. The half orc doesn’t see anything to concern him, but does notice lights in the distance, possibly lanterns, indicative of some activity at the quarry as they pass by. Beatrix scouts ahead, and Snark takes up the rear, attempting to get in touch with his pony, whilst festooning him with lights and a bell. The pony isn’t an intelligent creature, but manages to communicate a need for food and water.
Isaac welcomes Malhynn’s company, and invites the elf to join him up on the bench of the wagon. In answer to the newcomer’s questions, the paladin fills him in on the party’s early forays into the Abbey and its outbuildings.
After a couple hours it is full dark with the exception of a half moon, and twinkling stars that are occasionally hidden by scudding clouds. As long as the riders stay on the road, travel is straightforward, if not entirely comfortable for the uninitiated. Benni brings up the topic of watches, and Snark volunteers his magiks for the creation of shelter, and finds a suitable spot in a small clearing just off the road.
What preparations do you make for the night?
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday July 6th, 2023 7:09:17 AM
Beatrix has camping gear in case everyone won't fit in the hut. She is large sized so if she tries to squeeze in there it might be a tight fit. It turns out Tinkerbell spent a good portion of the day sleeping so she can stay up and keep watch at night - her blind sense and low light vision make her an excellent night guard and it seems the pair have a habit of sleeping on shifts when in potentially dangerous areas as they often only had each other to keep an eye out.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=22 Thursday July 6th, 2023 7:46:52 AM
Onesimos, hearing no objections, sets the watches as Snark casts his Tiny Hut. "There are six small or medium people here and one large, which will just all fit into the 'Hut' comfortably. And since Snark's Hut is opaque from the outside, but transparent from the inside, we'll be able to do watches inside as well. The horses and Niko, however, will have to be content outside."
The elf finds riding is not the same as walking: there are many sore muscles that he never knew he had! The stiffness is reduced by some massage, and Benni offers to help anyone else who might have cramped muscles too.
........... Heal Skill: 22
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+17=37 ; Thursday July 6th, 2023 3:45:47 PM
Jasper is grateful for the Tiny Hut.
She listened to Isaac's tales of the Abbey during the ride. Ghosts, ghouls, and fey (oh my) -- a dangerous place indeed.
She's on high alert during her watch. (Perception 37)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+12=23 ; Thursday July 6th, 2023 4:50:16 PM
Khord takes in the tales of the Abbey and is struck by a desire to explore the building when he has a chance. He gets that same thrill of anticipation he would get from tracking a bounty back home.
As Snark raises his magical hut, Khord will bend down and give Niko some attention and food. He will then give him the command to guard the horses while explaining that there isn't room for him inside the hut.
Once they have settled in, He will mention some thoughts on tactics he has to Isaac, " I was thinking. When we get in a fight, Niko and I have trained to work together to flank opponents, thus giving us an advantage. It would be an even greater advantage if you were able to get into flanking positions with us. It keeps the enemy off guard and provides better opportunities to end a fight quickly. If it doesn't cramp your fighting style, I think Niko and I will try to use your positioning to set ourselves up for more flanks. If this offends your paladins code, we can carry on as we have before but I thought it worth discussing before we are in another fight."
Before heading to sleep, He examines his new amulet made from Boar's tusks and bristles and hopes it works like they said it would. He wraps himself in his new Black cloak and nods off until it is time for his watch.
On his watch, he steps outside with Niko and the two make a few rounds into the surrounding countryside, never out of sight of camp. he uses his darkvision to peer into the darkeness (perception = 23)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+8=11 ; d4=4 ; Thursday July 6th, 2023 6:37:21 PM
(oof - not sure what happened at the end of my last post. Weird.)
As we get to a suitable location, Snark will look for trees where we can tether the animals and that will give them some cover from the night sky. (Survival 12.) Snark is fairly pleased with himself riding a not-magical pony for a change. He could get used to that. He removes the Slim's saddle like he was told and brushes it down, and he sees to its food and water. He removes the Continual Flame token from the pony, but leaves the bell on it. He leaves the saddle on the ground near the animals.
He uses Continual Flame to scout around near camp for any useful herbs. He asks his familiar bat Luna to hide in the slim's saddle to keep an eye on Slim and to alert Snark if there is trouble during the night.
Then he will cast Tiny Hut near the animals. The Hut is transparent from the inside, but an opaque forest green from the outside. It keeps a comfortable temperature inside, and Snark sets to making a tea from herbs he has on hand. He will take the first watch. (4 hours to brew another Cure Serious Wounds infusion.)
"OK, so I set my bat Luna by the animals to keep an eye out there and alert me if she sees trouble. This hut is good shelter, but if I leave the hut it goes away. I'll try not to do that."
---------------------------------- Bat named Luna AC 20, 23 HP, Fly 40, INT 9, blindsense 20 ft., low-light vision, Perception +6
Malhynn Saendithas(Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 d20+10=25 ; Thursday July 6th, 2023 9:05:29 PM
Mal is utterly enthralled with the magical hut, and spends a good deal of time inspecting the ar and structure. "I honestly had never given this spell a second thought before...fascinating.""
The elf takes his turn on watch without complaint...save for some comments about being sore from the day's ride. Still, he is attentive and alert.
(Perception = 25)
DM Bob and Carla - A new day… Thursday July 6th, 2023 10:02:46 PM Snark sets an excellent example - tending to his pony’s needs before his own, and ensuring the various mounts are tethered so they won’t roam, but with enough slack to allow them to graze on what tufts of grass grow under the trees. The gnome’s mini-habitation is a wonder to Malynn, and relief to a grateful Jasper.
Khord is fascinated by Isaac’s narration of events at the Abbey. Later, the half-orc discusses tactics with the paladin, hoping for an ally in situations where such things might be needed.
Benni ensures folks get some relief from any aches or pains they might be experiencing, in order that everyone can have a decent chance at a good night’s sleep. He confirms the watches for the rest of the night before retiring himself.
Beatrix is given the option of sleeping in the hut, though the centaur isn’t adverse to camping rough.
Some folks keep their watch from inside the dome, whilst others elect to make the rounds of the campsite or explore a little beyond it. Despite heightened vigilance, and attention to the smallest movement in the area of the campsite and nearby forest - there is nothing to cause concern during any of the watches. With the exception of the occasional nickering or huff of the livestock, and some ordinary nocturnal sounds from the nearby forest - all is quiet - until it’s not.
As a red sun peeps over the horizon and reaches rosy fingers across the sky, the forest burst into a joyously noisy cacophony of birdsong.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+3=13 ; d20+6=12 ; Thursday July 6th, 2023 11:29:28 PM
Isaac listens to Khords strategy thinking it over he tells him "I welcome any help in a fight. I'm willing to help flank enemies to take them down quicker. The only problem is that I don't have much in the way of movement so those that can get into melee quicker might have to hold their own for a bit. I don't have any hang ups about fighting fair when it's stuff like undead or mindless beasts but if the enemy surrenders I expect everyone to capture them instead of killing them. I don't want to kill without reason. I was a guard back in Hook City so a lot of my fighting style comes from that time."
Isaac settles down to sleep until his shift. During his shift Isaac has his gear on ready to fight but tries to keep quite channeling the time he spent as a guard to help keep him alert.
Perception:13 Proffession: Guard: 12
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday July 7th, 2023 2:41:33 AM
Snark wakes to the sound of birdsong.
"Oooo, I like this place!"
He studies his spells. Then he tends to Slim, making sure the pony is fed and watered. He puts on the saddle and gear, making sure it's tightened up like they showed him.
He has a quick breakfast. He struggles a bit to climb into the saddle, but once there he's ready to go. He pats Slim's neck kindly and calls Luna to him.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday July 7th, 2023 7:35:34 AM
Onesimos, having the last watch of the night with Mahlynn, is awake as the birds start calling and companions begin stirring. "Time for an early start", he declares, and begins his morning routine: quick ablutions, dressing and armoring, packing his gear, and setting to his meditations before breakfast.
The elf contemplates how love brings people together in common cause, in familial bonds, in an altruistic love of everything around them. And how that has been demonstrated recently to Benni in the Luck Makers in camp: Khord and Isaac discussing tactics and mercy, Mahlynn and Jasper appreciative of the Tiny Hut, and Snark's simple joy in bird song.
A brewed tea and some porridge and a quick help to put the campsite as close back to safety and nature as possible, Benni is as eager to continue the journey as he is hesitant about getting back on Daisy. "Sink into the saddle, cleric, it's not that hard. People do this every day..."
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday July 7th, 2023 8:22:03 AM
Tinkerbell spends the night getting to know Luna and getting into trouble. She find some way to harass every night watchman, usually by unexpectedly landing in their hair but sometimes other things. Come morning the little bat settles into a pouch of Beatrix's to sleep and the centaur helps make breakfast, though she's only middling as a cook.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday July 7th, 2023 1:00:52 PM
Jasper wakes early and takes a moment to commune with the trees.
When she returns to camp, she gulps some tea and listens to the tactics discussion.
"What's the approach to the Abbey like? Will we have the advantage of higher ground? Hmm. I guess a better question is, how do you like to fight? What would you say your strengths are?"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Saturday July 8th, 2023 7:44:10 AM
As Khord breaks his fast and prepares for another day on the back of a pony, he makes sure to spend some time going through a few stretching and warm up routines he learned during his training.
Overhearing Benni talking about the ride, "You should do some stretching too, Benni. It will help with the aches and pains of a day in the saddle."
After thinking on Isaac's response, "We agree brother Isaac on the need to capture enemies that surrender. I think your slower movement is something we can actually use to our advantage. Niko and I can move to set up the flanks based on your positioning, our increased speed will help that."
in response to Jasper, "Niko and I fight best when we can move and strike, and I prefer using my short swords to any of my other weapons. Do you take on your beast forms when pressed into a fight or would you rather stay back and use your spells?"
He then turns the conversation to the rest of the group, most of whom are spellcasters, "Have we got a plan for how to deploy your spells against our enemies. We think we might be headed to a confrontation with some pirates. do you have spells that would bolster those of us who fight hand to hand, or that can help us control the battlefield like Snarks pit that he summoned on the Sea Witch."
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday July 9th, 2023 6:16:04 PM
Onesimos joins the discussion on tactics. He also is willing to be the slow defender where Kord, Niko, and others could flank an ememy. The capture or otherwise cause an intelligent enemy to stop fighting is preferable, but he is resigned that ending their potential for redemption is always a possibility.
The cleric will also reserve a spell for water breathing just in case, and specializes on spells that bolster defense or provide special attack features. He lists what he has ready for the day.
…… 0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Malhynn Saendithas (Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Sunday July 9th, 2023 7:55:19 PM
Mal wakes in the back of the wagon, sore and stiff. Sitting up, the silver-haired elf frowns and studies his spells for the day.
After taking care of morning necessities and eating a bit of trail rations, Malhynn greets Beatrix first, and then the others as they wake Hearing Khord's advice to Benni, the mage stretches a bit himself but when he climbs back onto the wagon, Mal rubs his lower back. "I had honestly thought that the wagon would be far easier on me..."
As the conversation turns to tactics, Mal offers, "I am only adequate with my sword, to be honest, but I am good to help with flanking, whether as a combatant, or with one of my summonings." He pauses. "That's my primary skillset...summoning creatures, if I hadn't already shared that.."
DM Bob and Carla - A new day… Sunday July 9th, 2023 9:52:11 PM
If the dawn chorus of birdsong doesn’t awaken the adventurers, the last watch ensures folks don’t sleep in. Snark and Jasper enjoy a closeness with the natural environment, while Khord and Malhynn deal with residual stiffness from the previous day’s travel, and Benni meditates on the various forms love takes. While Beatrix helps rustle up a quick breakfast, Isaac reintroduces the topic of combat tactics. Over breakfast, the party discuss how to approach hostilities and continue the discussion as they break camp, and even as they make an early start down the East Road in much the same order as they set out the day before.
Mid-day Snark, Khord and Malyhnn, having studied the map drawn by Patch, and paid attention to Captain Hugo’s comments* have the impression the party should be heading north if they wish to search for the area of coast identified as being ‘about one day’s travel’ from Heranmar.
(Survival Check 15 (Snark, Khord and Malhynn can add +2 to their roll Highlight to display spoiler: { Within the first hour of looking, there’s a trail branching off from the main road and going in what appears to be a northerly direction. It is rutted and somewhat grown over.})
(Please, everyone who is riding a horse or driving a wagon, roll an Animal Handling or Ride Check - whichever is better for you.)
The day continues fair, with the sun directly above, and few clouds in the sky.
*(OOC: from player posts 30 June 2023)
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20-2=6 ; Monday July 10th, 2023 7:13:08 AM
Onesimos takes Khord's advice and stretches before getting back in the saddle with Daisy. He finds he can stay in the saddle if she rears or bolts unexpectedly. But not much more than that, and not even that if there are restricting circumstances!
As the tactics discussion continues, Benni admits they never much planned on what to do before hand: the cleric just assumed everyone would do what they do to work together. The closest the Luck Makers came to planning was learning each hero's fighting style and then making decisions during combat to take advantage of their styles. He listens to the half-orc closely, who seems to know more about this type of planning than Benni.
The elf also listens to Mahlynn's expertise. "Summonings can prove very useful, especially when we are outnumbered. From what little I know about magic, we will need to protect you so you have enough time to conjure your creatures without distraction."
…… Ride: 6
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday July 10th, 2023 8:09:49 AM "Tinkerbell and I prefer to stay mobile in combat. Charging the enemy and attacking before getting out of their range of a counter attack or her diving in to deliver a touch spell before retreating. With my magic I can even be air cavalry with the fly spell."
Malhynn Saendithas (Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 d20+3=10 ; Monday July 10th, 2023 12:45:38 PM
Malhynn squints against the sun, cupping a slender hand over his eyes as he takes in the scenery. After a long time of looking, the elf sighs, "It seems that I am never destined to be a true tailblazer. With as much time as I took inspecting that map, I can't make heads or tails of this area. One deer trail is as good as another, as far as I'm concerned, with no guarantee it'll lead to the cove we want..." (OOC: Survival 10)
"I will do my best to not need to be protected while summoning, Master Benni, but it would be welcome should things go poorly when I cast spells defensively." The mage glances at Khord, "Especially should we indeed encounter pirates..."
A pause, then Mal chuckles to Beatrix, "I'm dreadfully jealous of that fly spell, my dear. Perhaps we can find time for you to teach it to me in the near future?"
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20=12 ; Monday July 10th, 2023 3:38:13 PM
Jasper listens to her companions' descriptions of their fighting styles and strengths.
I'd say I'm situational. I tend to use my shifting abilities to scout and spy more often than I use them for fighting, although being a bear or mountain lion sometimes has its uses. Heh. Big teeth; big claws.
When I need to deal damage, I can call lighting, hurl fireballs, and scorch opponents whilst fighting hand-to-hand. I guess I'm pretty handy with the quarterstaff, too.
Defensively, I can call the wind, coat the ground in ice, make it impenetrably foggy, and create grasping thickets. I don't do it very often, but I can also turn myself to mist-- handy for appearing unexpectedly! Then, sometimes, there are willing animals who might assist when asked. You'd be surprised at how pugilistic wasps are. Well. Maybe not."
---- Handle animals: 12
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+14=32 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+12=13 ; Monday July 10th, 2023 3:42:49 PM
As Khord takes in the rolling discussion about tactics, he begins to see how they can work to each others benefit. "flight is a dimension I am not used to working in, but I think we can all work together to more than a match for our foes. Summonings and spells that can shape the batttelfield will be greatly benefitial. I am glad we had time to share these ideas before we are in a scrap."
As they reach the area where he thinks they should turn north, He spots a rutted trail leading off in the general direction (Survival = 32). He points it out to the others as he slips out of the saddle (Ride = 21) and leads the pony down the trail, looking for signs of passage or anything out of the ordinary. (Perception = 13)
Niko, thinking that it is time to play when Khord dismounts, keeps jumping and yelping in the way of his obesrvations.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+5=15 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+15=22 d20+13=15 Monday July 10th, 2023 5:23:35 PM
As we set off, Snark will have Luna ride on his shoulder and help keep an eye out as we go.
Snark responds to Khord's question about tactics and spells. "Tactics, eh? Well, I usually got something for affecting an area like Web or Sleet Storm. And I'm usually able to cast Haste on us or Slow on others, but not both. Just depends on what I think's coming that day, ya know? Got anything in mind Khord?"
Occasionally, he will ask his bat to go check on something, or fly to look ahead and report back.
Luna - Survival roll 15 to aid another Snark - Survival roll 19 Snark - Ride 12 Snark - Perception 22 Luna - Perception 15
After about an hour of travel, Snark notices a trail branching off from the main road and going in what appears to be a northerly direction. It is rutted and somewhat grown over. "Hey, good spotting there Khord. Looks like this older trail headeds north, which is where I think we we oughta go from our map."
"Khord - if we're in a fight, would it help you if I cast Enlarge on you? It makes you bigger and a little easier to hit, but you hit harder and it give you a 10' reach."
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52/52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+14=25 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+2=22 ; Monday July 10th, 2023 5:43:46 PM OOC: I forgot to make my Survival and Perception checks! I also used the wrong skill for the pony check; shoulda rolled with Ride. Apologies.
Survival: 25 Perception: 28 Ride: 22
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+4=19 ; d20+2=8 ; Monday July 10th, 2023 10:34:53 PM
Isaac thinks for a moment about what spells he can now use before answering"For me bless is what I've used most just a pretty good low level spell but recently I have gained more power ful spells like Zone of Truth and Bull’s Strength. But I would stick to buffing my self or others. I don't have a lot of spells. However I do have a good amount of healing I can spread around." Ooc:Incase Isaac needs to make any check with animals. straight charisma check:19 Ride:8
DM Bob and Carla - A new day… Monday July 10th, 2023 10:47:19 PM Beatrix and Benni, to the right of the wagon, don’t see the trail opening on the left, and Malhynn from his perch on the wagon bench beside Isaac is too engrossed in conversation with the Cleric of Flower to notice anything.
Reaching the area where he thinks they should turn north, Khord spots the trail, and wisely decides to dismount and lead his pony down the trail. Snark draws the group’s attention to the trail, conjecturing that it matches up with what he observed on the map back at the Blue Cat. Jasper also notices the trail. Luna flys a little way down the trail, then hangs upside down from a branch in a shady spot, while Nikko races down the path, returning to cavort and yelp about the ranger, before racing off again.
The party are able to carefully navigate down the trail - sometimes riding, sometimes walking and leading their ponies. The wagon is more of a challenge, often brushing against the undergrowth projecting into the path, and occasionally getting stuck in a rut and requiring the driver and passenger to disembark and give it a push! Managing the animals makes the going a little slow. At times it appears as if the path peters out, but then it is found again. Eventually the travellers pass out of the forest, onto a rolling land of tall grasses dotted with knots of dense shrubby growth and the occasional scrawny tree. The air is humid, and the wind carries the tang of salt.
Arriving at the top of a knoll as dusk falls Khord, Snark and Jasper perceive a cluster of stunted trees about half a mile ahead and to the right. Two figures can be seen reaching up into the weathered branches.
The sea stretches north beyond the promontory. (Perception 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { to spot the sails of a ship quite far off, but making in the direction of Heranmar Port.})
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday July 11th, 2023 7:20:25 AM
Beatrix sees the others on the knoll looking at something so goes up to join them.
“Benni” AC 20/12/16 +2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=15 ; Tuesday July 11th, 2023 12:06:08 PM
Onesimos is happy enough to begin walking, occasionally putting his own shoulder to the cart to help it along. As the others look and describe what they see, Benni looks out towards the Plaktic Ocean. "Are those ship sails? Khord, Snark, and Jasper, if those fellows you have spotted are putting up a light, we need to tie up the horses and get ready to get over to that hill!"
The elf hobbles Daisy as Jasper taught him, and ensures he has his equipment for an extended hunt-and-battle.
When the Luck Makers are ready, he will trot with the slow, noisy members towards the hill a 1/2 mile away.
..... Perception 15
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
"Ship sails? Where...oh. I think I see...they're making for Heranmar." Surprised to welcome a view of the sea so soon after arriving on dry land, Malhynn checks his equipment, and that his pony is still secured to the wagon, then drops down and follows after Benni.
The elven mage almost casts his Mage Armor spell, but holds off for the moment, just to be sure combat was even going to be necessary.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+3=11 ; Tuesday July 11th, 2023 4:00:59 PM A ship's sails indeed. It looks to be in open ocean though, beyond the reach of the rocks. I can't tell what those two are doing from here, but hanging a light seems like a good guess. Let's get a little closer, quietly, to find out."
Jasper pads forward, stealthily as she can, at normal speed. She keeps low to ensure the two figures by the tree can't see her.
Stealth: 11 ____
0.. Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Detect Magic 1.. Entangle, Goodberry, Shillelagh, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame, Speak with Animals, Faerie Fire 2.. Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall, Resist Energy [electrical], Spider Climb 3.. Call Lightning, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form, Summon Nature's Ally III, Thorny Entanglement 4.. Ice Storm, Ball Lightning, Flame Strike
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+12=21 ; d20+10=19 ; Tuesday July 11th, 2023 4:33:05 PM
In response to Snarks question, " I hadn't ever thought of that, It would make flanking easier. I would only be concerned that the precision with which I normally strike might be thrown off by my increased size. I would be willing to try it sometime, though."
Khord gets control of Niko and commands him to Heel. The wolfhound shows his displeasure at not being able to run as they make their way down the trail by nudging Khord and trying to get between him and the pony.
(Perception = 21) As they top the knoll, Khord is taken aback at the sea spread out before them, noting the tops of sails in the distance. as he scans the horizon back toward the shore, he sees the cluster of stunted trees, and tries to identify some figures moving among the branches. One of his hands goes for his short sword as the other works to wrap the harness of the pony around a nearby branch. Once seeing the motion, his eyes never leave them as he hisses under his breath to the Luck Makers, "We have company." (knowledge: local = 19)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+12=13 ; d20+3=7 ; Tuesday July 11th, 2023 4:35:38 PM
Khord will also make his way as stealthy as he can, (stealth = 13) and Niko (stealth = 7) falls in behind him.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+15=26 ; Tuesday July 11th, 2023 6:25:54 PM
Perception 26 - he spots the sails.
Snark responds to Khord, "I think it's more like they're about to have some company. I s'pose you're right Benni, they're probably not out there picking apples. And there is a ship out there.
"Let's go find out what they're up to."
He gets off his pony. He makes sure the animal has food and water and ties it to a branch as he casts speak with animals. "Listen Slim, we gotta go check on something and we're leaving you here to be safe. I'm leaving you saddle on for now incase we come back and have to leave quick. I'll get you brushed down when we get back."
Then he tells the rest of the animals to just sit tight while we go deal with whatever is out there.
Snark will walk with the others over to the trees in the distance. Khord and his dog might be trying to sneak over unseen, but the rest of us don't have much chance of that.
"Say Jasper, a little areal reconnaissance would be great to tell us what we're dealing with over there. But be careful."
Wreckers!
DM Bob & Carla - Wreckers! Tuesday July 11th, 2023 10:33:40 PM
As the party reaches the top of a grassy knoll, the sure sighted of the group spot the sails of a ship off the promontory heading for Heranmar. Khord knows that the regular shipping lane from Hook City and beyond passes through the area farther out in deeper water, beyond the shoals.
Suspicions run high as both Jasper and Snark voice their opinion about the likelihood that the figures in the distance are up to no good. Khord and Jasper, with Niko in tow lead the way towards the sparsely treed hill in the distance. Snark, Malhynn and Benni secure the horses out of sight before following up behind.
The two figures on the hill are still a long way off and seem to be focussing their attention out to sea. The tall grass that covers the rolling landscape reaches 3 feet in height in most areas, obscuring the shorter members of the party from all but the very sharpest of eyes. The wind blows steadily in from the sea, and along with the sound of waves on the shore should mask any sound of movement until you get closer to your quarry. As dusk settles over the coastline, the two figures can be seen reaching up into the branches above them. Two dim lights appear in the gloom, one red and the other green. Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The sails of the ship off the coast billow in the wind as it alters course towards the headland, although it is still far out at sea.}
It will take the party approximately 5 minutes or more to approach within 100 feet of the figures on the hill without being discovered …if they are careful! Please describe your approach and make appropriate rolls.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+4=22 ; Tuesday July 11th, 2023 11:41:57 PM
Isaac tries to make out the strange lights of the ship the others pointed out. Isaac for once can make out that the ship is coming towards the head land(ooc: I'm guessing coming towards us) "Looks like there coming this way but their still far off we can just move on if we don't want to engage with them."
"Aye. The ship seems to have taken the bait. We might still have enough time to warn them off...If I can get within a hundred feet or so, maybe I can take out those lights..." Malhynn trails off, pulling his cloak forward over his equipment, and setting off after Jasper and Khord.
Hustling, and a bit too eager, about half-way to the hidden figures Mal realizes he's breathing hard and making too much noise. The elf quickly slows his pace and gets his ragged breath under control...and hopes he wasn't noticed.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+15=35 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+12=18 ; Wednesday July 12th, 2023 1:51:20 AM
Perception 35, Stealth 14, Knowledge Arcana 18
Are those lights flames or candles or magic lights in a lens? Are they Continual Flame?
"Red and green? Those are ship's lights. Green's for the right side of the ship and red's for the left - it lets you know if the ship you see is comin' or goin'. Are they trying to look like a ship? Whatever they're doing, that ship out there is headed in to crash on the shore."
"Anyway, we gotta get up there to see what's going on and stop this. And if push comes to shove, I can put me and two of you under that tree in an instant." (Dimension Door)
Snark will cast Expeditious Retreat (speed now 50) and Mage Armor on himself, and he goes forward with the others.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals*.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday July 12th, 2023 6:08:44 AM
Beatrix is smart enough to put two and two together so she casts fly on herself and takes off, running straight into the air and towards the figures. She has no skill at stealth, but it's not like she can step on a branch and break it mid-air and the enemy is distracted. At 60 feet per movement she'll almost certainly reach the enemy before anyone else as well.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday July 12th, 2023 10:29:35 AM
Jasper turns to Snark. "I can get close to spy as an owl, but it might cost us time we don't have. We need to either snuff those lights as fast as we can or somehow warn off the ship. Dimension door is a good idea.
_________
0.. Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Detect Magic 1.. Entangle, Goodberry, Shillelagh, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame, Speak with Animals, Faerie Fire 2.. Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall, Resist Energy [electrical], Spider Climb 3.. Call Lightning, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form, Summon Nature's Ally III, Thorny Entanglement 4.. Ice Storm, Ball Lightning, Flame Strike
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=20 ; Wednesday July 12th, 2023 1:21:41 PM
Onesimos' face turns grim. "Green and red are also the buoy lights for the Heranmar harbor. I think we should...", the plan is stillborn as Beatrix and her large form takes flight, charging towards the lights. "New plan, get to the knoll as fast as you can."
The elf starts hustling (40' move per round), keeping his breathing under control and knowing that he will mainly only be needed for the aftermath of whatever happens. While not even bothering with stealth, he tries to keep his head on a swivel, looking around for other groups that may be near.
..... Perception 20
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday July 12th, 2023 3:51:44 PM
Jasper watches Beatrix sail overhead. "Wellp. That's one way to do it."
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 55/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday July 12th, 2023 4:39:18 PM
Beatrix’ speed actually depends on how tall the hill is - she moves at half speed while climbing, 30 up and 30 forward a move, so if the hill is tall enough the others might at least match her.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+12=26 ; d20+10=17 ; Wednesday July 12th, 2023 7:41:01 PM
As the lights go up in the trees, Khord turns his attention to the ship and can see it changing course. (perception = 26).
To Snark, "A dimension door might be in order, we need to put those lights out as quick as we can." He will run alongside Snark, giving up on his stealth in favor of speed. He will try to identify the what type of creature is tending to the lights (know:Local = 17 (+4 if goblin, +2 if human)
Malhynn Saendithas (Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 Wednesday July 12th, 2023 7:49:32 PM
Seeing the others reacting, Mal doesn't give it a second thought before bolting off at a run (40'), and casting mage armor on himself as he goes. Afterwards, he draws his darkwood wand of magic missiles.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 62/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday July 12th, 2023 8:54:09 PM
Isaac notices the others moving up the hill Isaac hurries after them as fast as he can with a movement speed of 25 feet. "Iam going to need to get some better boots if we have to start running everywhere." Isaac is way behind everyone.
DM Bob and Carla - and so it begins… B1 d20+6=20 ; d8+1=3 ; B2 d20+6=26 ; d20+6=15 crit. not confirmed; d8+1=4 ; Wednesday July 12th, 2023 11:10:47 PM
The party leave the wagon and animals behind, and make their way carefully towards the two figures tending the lights hanging in the trees. Malhynn, Snark, Jasper, Khord and Benni all notice the ship at sea change course in response to the lights being lit, and identify the necessity of snuffing out the decoys post haste, in order to stop the ship from being lured any further towards the headland.
Khord doesn’t recognize the two individuals as anyone he has seen during his brief time in Heranmar and thinks their form is elven or half elven - but he is really too far to tell with certainty.
Perceptive as he is, Snark is just too far away to learn anything regarding the nature of the lights hung in the trees.
Benni does not see anyone other than the two individuals at work with the lights - and his friends,
When Beatrix rises into the air and takes flight, likely betraying the group’s presence - those party members left on the ground, including Isaac abandon all pretence and pelt pell-mell towards the lights in the trees at the cliff’s edge.
The element of surprise is gone! B1 and B2 look up in awe as a 7ft 3in, 2000+ lb centaur with long blonde hair and tail flying on the wind runs into the air and towards them. They raise their long bows and take aim at the flying creature 100 ft. away and loose their arrows. Each finds its mark, one of them narrowly missing a vital organ (Hit AC 20 and 26 for 3 and 4 pts dmg to Beatrix). The two archers step back beneath the arching boughs of the dead trees.
All party members are ranged just inside and along the south-west quadrant of the circle - 20-29, A-O at the start of this turn and should post as in combat rounds. Please post time/rounds for spells in effect at the start of this turn. Please identify the square you occupy on the map.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20+14=21 ; 3d8+6=22 ; Thursday July 13th, 2023 12:30:15 AM
Beatrix is a little surprised they noticed her. Sure if they thought to turn around and look up she was plain as day but it's not like she made a loud noise to draw their attention. Not that it matters - with battle joined and arrows flying at her her heartbeat speeds up and the adrenaline kicks in. With a warcry she sets her lance and changes the pair hitting AC 21 for 22 damage. She charges in what is to her a straight line 120 feet, so no fly check needed, ending 20 feet past B1 and floating several feet above the hill (how many depends on how sharp the drop is)
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=25 ; Thursday July 13th, 2023 7:23:24 AM
Onesimos continues to hustle forward, keeping his buckler shield ready to deflect arrows. He keeps quiet, trying to observe any shouting or signal by the two bowmen.
…. Double move (hustle) 40’ from H,29 to M,23 Perception 25. (Low light vision)
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday July 13th, 2023 8:36:11 AM
(Fly is 5 minutes or 50 rounds)
Malhynn Saendithas (Steve W) HPS 56 / AC 15 (19) / Touch 14 / Flat 11 / CMD 15 / Perception: +10 d20+10=13 ; d4=4 ; Thursday July 13th, 2023 12:04:53 PM
(OOC: I'm logged in, but can't type anything into the image. Assuming all the squares are 5' (?), Let's say Malhynn will move to end up at 21 D. Perception Roll: 13 (Dang, can't catch a break. lol))
There's a slight shimmer as the mage armor spell sets itself in place on the elven mage.as he moves. Stopping, he tries to get a better understanding of where exactly the lights are in the trees and what they are. Flourishing his darkwood wand, he raises it to fire...
(OOC: IF the perception roll is good enough for him to get a clear visual of one of the lights, Mal will fire his wand at it, hoping to disrupt it or put it out. (D4 +1 = 5 DMG) IF he can't, he'll hold his attack and move forward another five feet and repeat next round.)
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 3d6=14 ; Thursday July 13th, 2023 1:22:06 PM
Jasper starts the round in square J25. She watches as Beatrix pierced with an arrow, then concentrates and casts Call Lighting on the first bandit. A crackling bolt of blue electricity engulfs him, dealing 14 points of damage.
Round 1: Duration 1 min/level _________
0.. Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Detect Magic 1.. Entangle, Goodberry, Shillelagh, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame, Speak with Animals, Faerie Fire 2.. Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall, Resist Energy [electrical], Spider Climb 3.. Call Lightning, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form, Summon Nature's Ally III, Thorny Entanglement 4.. Ice Storm, Ball Lightning, Flame Strike
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+15=25 d20+12=15 Thursday July 13th, 2023 1:44:54 PM
(For the DM, I had to delete that large circle since it prevented anyone from placing their character within the circle without continually moving it and putting it back. If you need to recreate it, it was centered on cell 20-O.)
Snark looks around. "Something ain't right. There oughta be more'n two people for an operation like this. Watch yourselves."
He looks around (Perception 25.) Then he sends his little bat aloft to look for any problems (Perception 15.) Luna flies in a large circle to look for hidden foes.
The little wizard crouches low in the tall grass and begins a summoning spell (full round action.)
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals*.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Thursday July 13th, 2023 4:02:21 PM
Starting position Khord 29L, Niko 29M.
Khord will break into a hustle, double moving while drawing both his short swords. He gives Niko a flank command and the wolfhound double moves to try to come around behind the bandits on the sea side. As he sees the first attacks of his companions strike true, he worries the bandits will be struck down before the Luck Makers can get any info from them. "Try not to kill them both, we need answers from them if we are to get to the bottom of what is going on out here."
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Thursday July 13th, 2023 8:53:20 PM
OOC: is it OK for us to talk strategy OOC? In a live game, you could totally do that. I'm just not sure how exactly PBP should work, especially because we don't do initiative or marching order.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Thursday July 13th, 2023 9:00:52 PM
Adding: I've got Entangle, which is a decent suppressing spell, but it also is AOE so I'm not gonna cast it until I know my party is clear of the mess. Fighters can't get in if I cast that first, right? I'd be effectively icing out Khord and Isaac, because they too would have to wade into the AOE and that would suck. It's not good etiquette. Am I reading that wrong?
I'm quite confused by this format. Thanks for the help!
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Thursday July 13th, 2023 9:01:42 PM
Adding again: Ranged attacks would do.
(DM Carla to Holly/Jasper - please read your e-mail for a message sent by Bob regarding your PC sheet, and one sent by me as well.)
DM Bob & Carla - A near thing B1 dex d20+6=26 ; d8+1=5 Thursday July 13th, 2023 10:33:44 PM Beatrix is startled that the archers have targeted her and swoops low, her belly brushing against the tall dry grass as she thrusts her lance beneath the overhanging branches of a tree, striking B1 (AC 16) a near fatal blow, before continuing just past the crest of the hill.
Jasper moves forward and calls down lightning on the injured bandit. A bolt reaches down from the sky in a flash of blue light, however B1 is able to hurl himself out of the path of the lightning (evasion) which hits the tree branches above him. The tree’s internal water is immediately evaporated in an explosion which splits the tree in two. The charred remnants of the tree fall smoking to the ground.
Malhynn moves forward to where he can clearly see the hanging lantern in the tree by B2 and targets it with a magic missile. The lantern is struck and falls from the tree, its oil and flames igniting the dry grass in a burst of flame.
Benni moves forward through the grass and tries to see if the archers are in communication with others but only sees them frantically engage in battle. Snark too is interested in the possibility of enemy reinforcements but sees none in the immediate vicinity. He sends Luna aloft to scout for danger. The bat climbs 20’ and begins its reconnaissance.
Khord races forward and prepares for melee hoping to capture a potential informant, while commanding Niko to ’flank’the enemy.
B2(AC 16) seeing the tactical situation deteriorate around him, disengages and runs towards the north east, over the crest of the hill and down a steep slope towards the rocky beach below.
B1 pulls a potion from his belt pouch and consumes it as he runs behind B2.
Out at sea, the ship veers course once again and heads back into deeper waters. Perhaps the growing grass fire has exposed the ruse?
(OOC please be specific about the target of your attack. Since Beatrix “ended 20’ past B1” and Jasper indicated “first bandit” B1 became the target of both attacks. If a PC or familiar is flying, please indicate how high above the ground. )
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d8=7 ; Friday July 14th, 2023 12:07:49 AM
Snark finishes his summons and a Lantern Archon appears 40' ahead of him. He says to the little glowing ball of light, "Hey, I'm gonna call you Coleman. So Coleman, go cast Aid on that flying centaur."
"What's that? Yeah, I never saw a flying centaur before this either, so that's new for both of us. Just help her out."
The Lantern Archon zips forward and touches Beatrix casting Aid on her. Beatrix gets 14 temporary hit points and is +1 (morale) on attacks and saves against fear.
Then he notices the fire. "Ooof, that fire's gonna be a problem if we don't stop it." He dashes forward (move 50) and says, "Perfundo", using his staff to cast Hydraulic Push. A quick blast of water puts out the fire before it spreads.
Luna continues to fly, looking for any additional opponents we may not know about.
Aid on Beatrix - 3 min - 14 temp. HP, +1 (morale) on attacks and saves against fear.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 21 Friday July 14th, 2023 1:18:20 AM
Isaac tries to get as close as he can to the group. (Q22) (1st round double moved to L22 then took a move action to get to Q22) Isaac decides to cast bless to help the others with their spells.
Bless 7 Minutes +1Attack and vs fear
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20+11=16 ; 3d8+6=19 ; Friday July 14th, 2023 1:40:36 AM
Beatrix thanks the archon for it's blessing and calls out to the enemy. "Surrender!" Seeing B2 trying to run, possibly to bring more enemies, she charges him down, hitting him and going on past. She decides that capture is better then kill and takes the -4 to do non-lethal damage - they've only seen the pair make a few lights and attack an obviously hostile flying centaur and have no real proof they're intentionally running ships aground and killing people. Yet. Also the two probably have friends and it'd be nice to know more before fighting said friends. (16 to hit, I believe it's match or exceed so hit? 19 non-lethal damage)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday July 14th, 2023 2:05:43 AM
(OOC: Regarding tactics discussions, if they're short you can just include in your player post.
Making separate posts for that can clutter up the board and make it confusing for our DMs sorting out which posts they need to respond to. For longer tactics discussion, I tend to start an email thread.)
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=10 ; Friday July 14th, 2023 8:48:36 AM
OOC: I like to use email for Wold board tactics. And yeah, much harder to do than from a tabletop!
........... Onesimos continues to hustle, trying to control his breathing and push until he is beside the fire and able to look down the other side of the knoll. He wants to know where the two lantern-lighters are running to...
The cleric has a stray thought to invest in some flying for himself. This is the third time Benni has spent most of a battle just running.
…. Double move (hustle) 40’ from M,23 to R,17 Perception 10. (Low light vision)
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Friday July 14th, 2023 12:17:19 PM
Jasper's eyes widen at the brush fire. She casts Sleet Strom to extinguish it.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Friday July 14th, 2023 12:21:31 PM
Edited to add: Centered on Square 17Q (where the fire is)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+12=19 ; d6+3=4 ; d20+8=13 ; d8+6=11 ; Friday July 14th, 2023 2:53:33 PM
Khord, seeing the bandits running away, will charge B2 ending in square Z14. Attacking with the flat of his short sword, (-4 nonlethal, +2 charge, +1 bless) (Attack = 19, damage = 4).
Niko will take a 5ft step to intercept B1 ending in square T16, and attempt to bite the him. (Bless +1) (Attack = 14, Damage = 11)
DM Bob & Carla - The Game is Up Sunday July 16th, 2023 10:29:51 PM
The situation in the grassy knoll devolves into chaos as trees fall, grass erupts into flames and B1 and B2 attempt to flee. Snark commands the Lantern Archon to aid Beatrix and it flies directly to her, providing a healing touch and a boost to her morale. Isaac casts Bless on all within 50 ft of him to bolster his allies. The centaur shouts a command at B2 and charges with her lance, clipping the half-elf in the forehead and sending him staggering into the flat of Khord’s blade. B2 falls awkwardly to the ground, unconscious.
Both Snark and Jasper understand the potential danger of an uncontrolled grass fire and react. The Wizard races forward and unleashes a surge of water from his staff while the druid calls forth a sleet storm that encompasses the top of the hill in an icy blast. The fire is fully extinguished before it can spread any farther.
Niko fails to stop the other fleeing half elf (B1) who continues running down the bank and onto the shingle beach below. Benni races forward to get a better view of the backside of the hill and the fleeing suspect but loses sight of him as he drops out of view. Beatrix can see B1 run along the beach but loses him in the growing dark. The Archon however, can see B1 duck behind a large boulder and he simply disappears from sight.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+15=19 ; Monday July 17th, 2023 2:04:53 AM
The Archon flies over to where the man disappeared to see if he is merely hiding. He reports to all, "The man disappeared. He ducked behind this boulder and disappeared." Snark tries to see if heard some verbal components of a spell being cast by the man.
(Perception 19 - Snark would normally be able to hear a spell being cast up to about 190' away, but these conditions are not optimal.)
He whistles for Luna and tells his bat to check out the boulder with her blindsense ability (20'). "Luna - go see if you can find a guy hiding near that boulder." She flies over to check.
The little gnome moves up to look at the lantern that was not destroyed. Is it also a mundane oil lantern? Is it still lit?
He looks out to sea with his low-light vision. About how far away is the ship and does it look like it's still on a collision course with the shore?
Aid on Beatrix - 3 min - 14 temp. HP, +1 (morale) on attacks and saves against fear.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=12 ; Monday July 17th, 2023 7:58:25 AM
Beatrix is still raring to go and flies after the remaining bandit, moving to where she last saw him and looking about for where he could have gone. (perception 12)
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=10 ; Monday July 17th, 2023 8:49:47 AM
Onesimos looks around. That tears it: lighting and fire and ice mean that everyone on the penninsula knows they are here. What's more, the LuckMakers are all spread out and he is unsure how many wreckers are nearby, which makes him nervous. He also realizes that the team doesn't have any signals or means of communicating over wide distances without shouting: a tactic with distinct disadvantages when opponents can also understand!
The best he can think to do is turn so Jasper and Mahlynn can see the cleric silhouetted at the top of the hill and make a big 'move forward' arm wave. Isaac and Snark are close enough to talk to: "Let's consolidate by the captured bandit and get ready for a counter-attack while we learn more of the situation." For Khord and Beatrix, he's just hoping they are also going to consolidate at the same point.
...... Double move from R,17 to X,14 Perception 10
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 21 3d6+4=15 ; Monday July 17th, 2023 9:41:19 AM
Isaac goes over to the unconscious man binding his legs and hands with rope before he heals him with a lay on hands. (Heals for 15.) As the man comes around Isaac looks him in the eyes and asks "So lets get the formalities out of the way what's your name and why are you up here running ships aground?"
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Monday July 17th, 2023 6:45:28 PM
Jasper sees Benni and does as he bids, hustling from J25 to N21.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+8=18 ; Monday July 17th, 2023 6:46:08 PM
Khord stands over the downed bandit, barely believing that he was able to bring him down with the side of his blade. Obviously Beatrix helped quite a bit, but the half-orc feels a sense of accomplishment.
Niko runs over to him and sniffs at the downed half-elf, and gives a bark to Khord to show he knows he is still alive.
Both make way for Isaac to come up and bind the prisoner. As Isaac brings the prisoner around, Khord stands behind the paladin, giving an intimidating glare and dangerous smile to the half-elf. "I suggest you answer him truthfully, he can tell when you are lying, and I don't play well with liars." (Intimidate = 18)
DM Bob & Carla - The Game is Up Monday July 17th, 2023 9:32:07 PM
With the immediate hostilities behind them, the Luck Makers begin taking stock of the situation. Snark sends Luna to search for the bandit who disappeared along the beach while he confirms that the remaining lantern still hangs from a tree. Despite its now battered appearance it is still alight although it has lost some of its oil. The gnome can barely make out the shape of the distant ship as it moves further out to sea.
Luna is joined by Beatrix and between them they see a darkened entrance to what appears to be a sea cave just behind a large boulder. The entrance is approximately 15 feet wide but not as tall.
Benni signals the rest of the group to gather around the unconscious half-elf and Isaac, Jasper, Khord and Niko congregate around the fallen bandit. Isaac binds the half-elf’s hands and feet before reviving him, and begins questioning him with the aid of some threatening posture and words from Khord.
The now conscious half elf licks his lips nervously and looks about but sees no immediate possibility of escape. The presence of the looming half-orc convinces him to begin speaking. ”Kelgor…my name is Kelgor. My brother and I …we…well you see…we were tricking ships into the rocks. We sorta have to… you see we owe them money, and well… you don’t want to owe these guys.”
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday July 18th, 2023 7:06:42 AM
Beatrix is all ready to charge in but remembers, oh yeah, she's with a group now. She should maybe coordinate with them. Reluctantly she makes herself calm down and fly back to the others.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday July 18th, 2023 11:28:35 AM
Snark is confident his friends have this person well in hand. He moves toward the cave opening to look around, casting Detect Magic on the entrance. (not sure where it is on the map.)
His Lantern Archon will fly around looking for any other entrances or exits along the shore line. (The Archon will only be around for another 8 rounds so kindly let me know when that has passed.)
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+15=24 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 2:31:57 PM
Onesimos keeps quiet and watches: Isaac and Khord have the lead and are doing well. He nods and smiles at Beatrix rejoining the group and worries a little at Mahlynn being a little delayed. "I remember an old cleric of Domi visiting one time, talking about his adventures. He could have had 'don't split the party' tattooed on himself for the number of times he quoted it."
"A cave? And forced to evil service by debt? Hmmm..." Plans are already being made in the elf's mind as he watches the half-elf Kelgor for hints of veracity. (Sense Motive)
......... Sense Motive - 24
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+8=21 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 4:40:58 PM
Khord continues playing his part as the "bad Sheriff" and glowers at the half-elf, "Well Kelgor, why don't you tell us what you know about these guys you owe money too. How many of you wreckers are in the caves over there? We are going to take care of them whether you help or not, so you might want to share what you know so you stay in our good graces."[/b]
(Intimidate = 21)
Khord hears Benni talking about the cleric of Domi, taking the advice to heart. Under his breath he whispers "Know me" to his patron.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Tuesday July 18th, 2023 5:22:47 PM
Jasper is still on the move. She advances to square T17. She's still too far away from the group to participate in the interrogation.
DM Bob & Carla - A sad story… 2d8+3=12 ; 2d8+3=8 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 11:09:55 PM Beatrix considers her options and returns to the group questioning the prisoner. Jasper also hurries over to unite with the others (OOC If all a character does in a round is move, they can move double their distance. If they flat out run in a straight line they can move 4x their normal distance).
Bennie studies the prisoner as he divulges his story. He seems to be telling the truth. Khord presses the half-elf for more information and the prisoner obliges. ”We lost a lot of money gambling in Hook City…really it was me who lost the money…should have known better than to roll dice with cheats and liars…Anyway, the next day some guy from one of the thieves guilds says he bought our marker and now we work for him or he kills my brother! What else could we do. So now we’re here working with Virkas. I don’t know if that is even his real name. Anyway there are 5 more inside the cave. Try to keep my brother alive will ya! It’s my fault he’s in this mess and Ma will never forgive me if I get him killed.”
As the interrogation continues , Snark takes the opportunity to further explore the shoreline and manages to spot the opening to the cave. He casts Detect Magic on the opening but no magic is revealed. The Lantern Archon flies along the shoreline looking for other openings but none are detected.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 21 d20+7=18 ; d20+2=14 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 11:28:13 PM
Isaac tries to tell if the hlf elf is lying he also tries to remember if any guy named Virkas worked out of Hook City. Sense motive: 18 Know local:14 (not sure if I should have a bonus since it deals with my home town of Hook City.)
Isaac pats the mans shoulder "Don't worry we'll get your brother out of there. But we need you to stay put. Are there any traps you remember or places you were told were off limits in the cave?" Isaac looks over at Khord "We better find some way to smoke them out of the cave. I don't enjoy the thought of walking into an ambush.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 2:17:02 AM
Snark moves down near the others. He hears what is said.
He says to Kelgor, "Listen Sparkie, you and your brother are in a pack of trouble, that's for sure. But if Isaac tells you we'll get your brother outta there, you can count on it. And like he asked, anything you can tell us about what we're likely to find in there would help us keep your brother alive. Also, how can we tell your brother we're on his side so he's not trying to kill us? You fellas got some code word? What's his name? What's your mom's name, and where is she? Anything we can tell him might help us.
"This Virkas fella, what's he like? Does he cast spells or use poison or turn into an animal?"
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday July 19th, 2023 7:27:24 AM
Onesimos, now with Khord, Isaac, and Kelgor the prisoner, moves just a little bit closer to the cave. He gives a nod to the paladin to show that Benni believes Kelgor is telling the truth as the half-elf sees it.
"The other one must have given warning by now. If we charge fast, we will only meet traps and ambushes. I think we need to take the cave slowly and together as a team."
He looks around for consensus, then focuses on Kelgor. "You have been blessed with an opportunity. It is good to remember your love for family, but selfish desire for gold put you in a terrible spot, and further eroded your concern for the common good. We will help even though it puts us in more danger, but you must remember these deeds, yours and ours, to help you help others in your future life."
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 8:23:35 AM "How much money are we talking about? I mean, we could probably just pay the problem to go away. There's plenty of historical precedent.." Beatrix points out. "Though it would let the mastermind get away without punishment, if we kill him we might start a beef with the thieves guild in Hook City and more problems. A show of force and a bribe for them to go away might let us both avoid an unnecessary fight and prevent future trouble from this group."
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 11:38:55 AM "Paying them off won't solve our larger problem though, which is this Vikras character luring ships to their doom and cutting off trade to Heranmar."
Jasper thinks.
"We should lure them out of the cave, or perhaps some of us can slip in unnoticed and somehow drive them out."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 4:11:20 PM "I have a thought, an old trickster gave me these little pebbles that are enchanted with a ghostly sounds spell. Could one of you summon a creature that could enter the cave with one that would attract the attention of the pirates. Make it sound like a group of guards plodding into the cave. Maybe it would make them show themselves or spring any ambush they have waiting too soon."
I am open to any other ideas as well. I don't like marching straight in there without a distraction.
DM Bob & Carla - what’s the plan? Wednesday July 19th, 2023 10:16:29 PM Isaac listens to Kelgor’s sad story and like Benni before him believes the half-elf to be truthful. He does not recognize the name Virkas from his time in Hook City but it is a big place after all. Beatrix and Jasper look for ways to buy the two half-elf brothers out of their situation but soon come to realize that the larger problem of criminal activity preying on shipping will not go away without more direct intervention.
Khord joins in the conversation and various tactical options are discussed. There seems to be a reluctance to enter the cave, at least not without a very good plan. Snark rejoins the group as a larger discussion about immediate tactics ensues. The gnome presses Kelgor for more information about the cave that might help in determining a course of action.
Kelgor hesitates for a moment and then replies, ”It’s really a pretty big cave with one main cavern and a couple of smaller caverns to each side. There is a fair bit of loot stored in there from our last couple of wrecks. We haven’t had time to move it back to the city yet. As for what to expect…well the two half orcs are pretty tough and mean, and Fletch is a seasoned fighter, but it’s Virkas you have to watch out for. He does magic and he’s mean as a snake.”
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 21 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 10:49:18 PM
"We better start heading in. I'll be up front and try and take advantage of any flanks we set up. Since there's only one exit and entrance that we know of we don't have much choice." Isaac makes sure everything is in order and gets ready to head into the cave.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday July 20th, 2023 7:02:44 AM
Everyone seems to have completely missed what Beatrix was driving at. That's ok though, she's a teacher. So while they gather their stuff and start walking towards the cave she gives a short lecture on the history of raiders and walled cities, how groups of raiders would harass the outskirts of a town they couldn't attack directly, and how governments and town leaders tried to pay off the raiders to make them go away and stop burning farms, harassing travelers, and attacking ships heading to the town. It's a bit surreal, this giant centauress waving around a giant, bloodied lance and an arrow sticking out of her but she hasn't seemed to notice giving a history lecture while walking towards a cave full of bandits she intends to fight, possibly kill. Or possibly just bribe
"Of course it mostly just taught the raiders that harassing towns is profitable, so they would leave and go find another town to cause problems for. In this case though that kind of seems to be the goal here - these guys are from Hook City and represent a larger guild. We want to discourage them from messing with Haranamar and probably don't want to fight the entire guild. We're also adventurers, small amounts of money to us are the life savings of other people. If we make a show of force and tell this guild lieutenant "look we'll pay you to go away, we don't want a beef with your whole guild that killing you might start so take this, go away, and if we ever see anyone from your guild causing problems again we'll send back corpses instead of gold. This is our turf." then I think it might be the kind of message he and his guild would respect. It's very, what's the word, gansta.."
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Thursday July 20th, 2023 1:15:01 PM "Are we sure the main entrance is the only way in? If there are smaller caverns, there might be smaller entrances, too. Kelgor, is there a back door?"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Thursday July 20th, 2023 5:08:15 PM
Khord, seeing Isaac set on entering the cave will fall in with him. "I think if Isaac, Beatrix, and I can engage the fighters, the rest of you can stand at the back and fling what spells will be useful. We will give them a chance to surrender if one is presented to us, then we can send the warning to the thieves of Hook City."
He will draw his short swords and command Niko to fall into step with him.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday July 20th, 2023 6:59:01 PM
Onesimos listens to Beatrix’ story and her options, but shakes his head. ”Every person have choices to make to love themselves, their community, and all Good creatures. And paying them off is not a choice I want to make even if it means fighting the entire Thieves Guild of Hook City. I would rather make the point that it will be too dangerous for them to try to ever mess with Heranmar.”
Benni is ready to go into the cave.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday July 20th, 2023 7:36:46 PM
Snark scratches his beard as he listens to Beatrix' proposal to pay these people. "So you want us to pay these criminals so they'll go hurt other folk instead of Heranmar? The ones that are tryin' to sink a ship and her crew. The ones that threatened to kill this fella and his brother if they don't help.
"Seems like we're just creating a bigger problem that way."
Snark gestures to the floating ball of light which is the Lantern Archon. "I had Coleman there scan the shore for other entrances, and it didn't see any obvious ones beside the one we know of. I say we go in an see what we got.
"Regarding tactics, take out the Virkas first. Always take out the spellcaster first. And split up as soon as you can in case that Vikras can throw fireballs."
Snark will go with the others. He proposes this marching order:
(For the DMs, not sure how long all this took. Is the Lantern Archon still with us? It had an initial duration of 10 rounds.)
DM Bob & Carla - At the Threshold Secret DM roll d20+9=25 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 10:06:05 PM
With everyone gathered around the prisoner, Beatrix further expounds on her history lesson and how payment in lieu of open resistance might apply to the current situation. Neither Benni or Snark are in favour. Isaac readies to lead the group into the cave and Khord suggest that he and Beatrix join the paladin on the front line while the others ready themselves to use magic from the rear. Snark encourages everyone to take out Virkas first.
Neither the archon or anyone else has seen any signs of a second entrance to the cave and when asked by Jasper, Kelgor can only say ”As far as I know there is just the one way in our out, but I’ve only seen parts of the cave and I wouldn’t put anything past that secretive weasel Virkas.”
Several minutes have passed before all of the interrogations, discussions, and preparations have been completed (spells with less than 3 minuted duration have been exhausted). Isaac leads the Luck Makers down the embankment and along the shoreline towards the cave entrance. All is quiet except for the lapping of waves on the beach. The cave entrance is darkened. What little light shines from the night sky reflects off puddles of water in the wet sand leading into the cave. Isaac can only see in a short distance, enough to see that the ten foot high narrow entry way opens up into a larger chamber some 15 feet in.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 21 Thursday July 20th, 2023 10:21:04 PM
"Narrow entry be careful."Isaac whispers to get group has he makes his way forward shield and sword drawn.
Isaac's bless should still be active.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday July 21st, 2023 6:13:48 AM
Beatrix will take the rear guard in case the enemy somehow gets behind them. She's not surprised the group didn't take her suggestion but it's important to consider all options and know history lest you repeat it. She wakes up Tinkerbell, who is first grumpy at being woken, then grumpy about missing the first part of the fight.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 Friday July 21st, 2023 11:30:35 AM
Anticipating fighting in close quarters, Jasper draws her quarterstaff and casts Shillelagh for some extra wallop.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+12=23 ; Friday July 21st, 2023 4:39:18 PM
Khord will peer through the darkness using his darkvision to see into the cave as they approach. (Perception = 23). He doesn't try for stealth as he is sure the enemy know they are coming and Isaac probably would not be able to move quietly in his medium armor. Niko slinks along next to him low to the ground and ready to pounce, as Khord limbers his shoulders while testing the grip on his short swords.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=21 ; Friday July 21st, 2023 5:25:14 PM
Onesimos allows Isaac and Khord to move forward first, and nods at Beatrix, the centaur’s mobility makes her a perfect choice for rear guard since she can quickly get anywhere. The cleric himself stoops to grab a local stone into his hand and follows close behind the paladin and twilight ranger, aiding Khord in seeing.
… Aid Another Perception 21
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday July 21st, 2023 7:55:04 PM
Before we go, Snark makes sure to get the names of the two brothers and the name of their mother, unless the brother we spoke with refuses for some reason.
"Well, they know we're coming, so let's see what we got."
Snark has low-light vision. He casts Dancing Lights as far ahead as he can see. As he moves he pulls out a Continual Flame ring on a cord around his neck. He holds it in his hand to make sure the only light right now is those Dancing Lights in the form of four floating lanterns well ahead of us.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights*, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals*.
DM Bob & Carla - At the Threshold Secret DM roll d20+9=22 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=23 ; d12+4=9 ; d20+6=22 ; d8+1=2 ; d20+8=27 ; 2d10=18 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+8=14 ; Sunday July 23rd, 2023 8:44:43 PM Isaac advances down the narrow entrance to the cave, sword and shield at the ready. Khord follows closely behind with Niko at his side and peers into the darkness. He sees a faint glow coming from his right. It flickers almost imperceptibly in the darkness. Benni, a small stone in hand, follows close behind (it is unclear how he can assist Khord in either seeing or hearing any better than he is capable). Snark gets the name of the half-elf’s brother (Levorn) and mother (Sharie) before hustling down to the cave. Once he reaches the cave entrance his dancing lights illuminates the cavern ahead. Jasper and Beatrix bring up their rear. The Druid casts Shillelagh in anticipation of trouble.
Between the half-orc’s dark vision and the gnome’s spell, the dimensions and shape of the cave start to emerge. The main cavern stretched back at least 65 feet and appears to be approximately 80 feet wide. The floor is covered in wet sand, silt and puddles of water for the first 20 ft. From there the floor rises into dry wave worn rock for the remainder. The ceiling at its highest is 20 feet but only 10 feet at the back of the cavern and is comprised of rough, uneven rock with sharp downward projections scattered throughout. To the left and right there appear to be smaller side chambers of roughly the same height. It is from a right hand chamber that the faint light was observed.
The only sound the Luck Makers hear, other than their own heartbeats and the shuffling of their own feet is the steady drip of water from the ceiling above, that is until Isaac, Khord, Niko and Benni emerge from the entrance and stand 5 feet into the main chamber. As they scan their surroundings Khord perceives movement from his right and two half orcs charge out of the shadows greataxes drawn. The first swings at Isaac and misses (hit AC 12) the second swings at Khord striking the half orc (hit AC 23 for 9HP). An arrow whizzes past from the same direction and strikes Niko at his side (hit AC 22 for 2 HP)and a bolt fired from a cross bow strikes a particularly heavy blow on Benni (Hit AC 27, unconfirmed critical for 9 hp). Lastly a figure steps out from behind a rocky pillar and sends a ray of burning light directly at Isaac which fails to hit the ranger (Hit AC 14).
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 3d6=14 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 1:46:18 AM
Snark looks around. The Dancing Lights give enough illumination for his low-light vision to see pretty well.
The first order of business is to shut down that wizard.
The little gnome points his staff at V and F and says, ”Deorsum!” A 30’ deep pit opens up beneath the two (centered on H,I-16,17,) and they must succeed on a DC18 Reflex Save to jump to safety in the nearest open space. If they fail, they fall and take 14 damage. In addition, the edges of the pit are sloped, and any creature ending its turn on a square adjacent to the pit must make a DC 16 Reflex Save to avoid falling into the pit.
Snark is not sure where this miscreant brother is, but he’s guessing he one of the combatants. He shouts, ”Hey Levorn - we talked to Kelgor. He said Vikras threatened to kill you if the two of you didn’t help him with his stupid shipwreck scheme. Kelgor asked us to try to keep you alive, but the more you poke us with sharp things, the less likely that is. And Sharie’s gonna be awful disappointed if we end up killing you. So stand down Levorn - don’t disappoint your mom.”
Then Snark moves to H23. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Expeditious Retreat, Mage Armor, Creat Pit (8 rounds)
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights*, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals*.
Create Pit - Creates a a 10-by-10-foot extra-dimensional hole with a depth of 30 feet. Does not displace the original underlying material. Any creature standing in the area where you first conjured the pit must make a Reflex saving throw to jump to safety in the nearest open space. In addition, the edges of the pit are sloped, and any creature ending its turn on a square adjacent to the pit must make a Reflex saving throw with a +2 bonus to avoid falling into it. Creatures subjected to an effect intended to push them into the pit (such as bull rush) do not get a saving throw to avoid falling in if they are affected by the pushing effect. The pit’s coarse stone walls have a Climb DC of 25.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday July 24th, 2023 8:41:42 AM
Beatrix will cast Haste on the party, affecting Khord, Isaac, Niko, Benni, and Jasper.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+12=28 ; d6+3=5 ; d20+6=20 ; d6+3=7 ; d20+12=25 ; d6+3=4 ; d20+12=23 ; d6+3=6 ; d20+7=19 ; d6+3=8 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=14 ; d8+6=11 ; d20+9=24 ; d8+6=9 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 5:03:40 PM
Khord feels Beatrix's spell wash over him and his muscles feel like they are going to vibrate out of his skin. "Ya really should have kept your distance, and definitely shouldn't have hit me with that axe." recognizing that the half-orc is not Kelgor's brother he unleashes a flurry of strikes with his short swords against K2.
Atk main hand ( atk = 28, 5 dam / atk = 20, 7 dam / haste atk = 25, 4 dam) Atk off hand (atk = 23, 6 dam / atk = 19, 8 dam)
Niko takes the opportunity to chomp on K2 also, gnashing at him with sped up teeth.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 34/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 50/52 Monday July 24th, 2023 5:05:15 PM
didn't subtract damage from signature line
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 8 | CMB 6 3d6=10 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 5:43:10 PM
Powerful spellcasters are dangerous, even when they're stuck at the bottom of a pit.
Jasper moves to Square I20 and casts Call Lightning on Vikras, standing in I13. Crackling blue energy surges through the air and strikes.
Unless he makes his saving throw, he'll take 10 points of damage.
DM Bob & Carla - At the Threshold Secret DM roll d20+9=19 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+6=24 ; d8+1=7 ; d20+5=23 ; d12+4=14 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=4 ; d20+6=15 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 11:35:26 PM
With the battle taking place around him, Snark uses his staff to open a large pit beneath Virkas and Fletch and then tries to persuade Levorn to stand down. Both Virkas and Fletch manage to avoid the gaping hole that opens up around them (Saves of 21 and 25).
Beatrix casts haste on Khord, Isaac, Benni, Jasper and Niko. Khord and Niko immediately set upon the half-orc rogue and between the two of them provide the cretin with a rather grisly death.
Jasper, expounding on the dangers of spellcasters, squeezes past Benni and calls lighting down upon the pit in hopes of putting Virkas out of action. Neither the spellcaster nor his henchmen fell prey to Snark’s pit and hence escape unscathed from the lightning.
Levorn sends another arrow towards Khord (Hit AC 24 for 7HP). ”It ain’t Virkas who threatened to kill me! You sure you talked with Kelgor? That fool must have been adopted if he thinks you guys can protect us.”
The second axe wielding rogue (R1) moves in to take the place of his fallen comrade and swings at Khord with his great axe (Hit AC23 for 14HP). ”Not very nice what you did to Steig!”
Virkas leans out from behind a rock pillar and thrusts his hand out. Two bolts of energy streak out towards Jasper striking her unerringly before he retreats behind the pillar (Magic Missile 4+4 dmg)
Fletch drops his now unloaded cross bow and chargers down on Jasper drawing his scimitar as he moves. His swing goes wide and the druid is left unscathed.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+12=27 ; d8+4=11 ; d20+12=20 ; d8+4=8 ; d20+14=30 ; d8+4=5 ; d20+7=18 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 12:48:47 AM
Isaac takes the initiative and moves to the other side of the axe wielding rogue to box him in and flank him with Khord. (five foot step to K-19. The rogue should be flanked) Isaac slashes at the rogue trying to make of for his slow reaction early in the fight. Attack 1:29 Damage:11 Attack 2:22 Damage:8 Attack 3:18 Damage:5
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday July 25th, 2023 5:27:45 AM
Onesimos calls for a quick Prayer for prowess in battle for the LuckMakers from Flower, and then drops his stone to draw his barnacle-covered Morningstar. The cleric steps up to Fletch defensively, hoping he can’t repeat his crossbow exploit with that scimitar.
..
Prayer. 1/7 rounds. All LuckMakers get +1 luck bonus on all rolls, and all opponents get -1 luck bonus on all rolls.
Fighting Defensively. +2 AC, -2 attack
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration, Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20+6=12 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 7:26:26 AM
Beatrix can't move forward very well with all the people fighting but Tink wanted to get in on the combat so she casts Vampiric Touch and the bat goes to try to deliver it.12 touch attack vs Fletch, 6 damage.
Jasper (Holly) HP 58/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d6+5=11 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 12:07:25 PM
Stinging from the Magic Missile hit, Jasper wheels to engage Fletch. She casts Produce Flame, rolling her wrist so her cupped palm is face up. Bright fire erupts in her hand as she slams it into her opponent.
Damage: D6 + caster level (maximum of 5) +1 from Benni's blessing = 12 _________
0.. Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Detect Magic, Mending 1.. Entangle, Goodberry, Shillelagh*, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame*, Speak with Animals, Faerie Fire 2.. Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall, Resist Energy [electrical], Spider Climb 3.. Call Lightning*, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form, Summon Nature's Ally III, Thorny Entanglement 4.. Ice Storm, Ball Lightning, Flame Strike
Running spells: Call Lightning
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 24/54; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 54/56 d20+15=18 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+10=16 ; 2d6+5=15 ; 2d6+5=10 ; 2d6+5=11 ; 2d6+5=15 ; d3=3 ; 2d6+5=15 ; d20+8=12 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 4:53:52 PM
Khord reels from the arrow strike, stepping right into the swing of the greataxe. "Oh, that is gonna leave a mark." Seeing Isaac move into a flank as they had discussed a wicked smile crosses his face. He will attack with both short swords.
ooc: missed some bonuses in last attack, mainly favored enemy as half-orc count as human.
Haste: atk 18, dam 15 Primary: atk 29, dam 10/ atk 24, dam 11 Secondary: atk 28, dam 15 / atk 16, dam 15
As he swings, he commands Niko " Attack the archer, but don't kill him." Niko will run to Levorn and try to grab him by the leg and bring him down.
Move to P20 and attempt a trip attack = 12.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+7=11 ; d20+7=12 ; 4d6=13 ; 4d6=20 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 6:55:51 PM
(For the DMs - Vikras ended his turn in a square adjacent to the pit. He must make a DC 16 Reflex Save to void falling into the 30' deep pit before he takes an action this round.)
Snark hurries around the corner to get a clear view of Vikras if he is still there. "He Vikras, you're already going to be knows as the looser of the Thieves Guild. Surrender now and you may avoid being the dead looser of the Thieves Guild." Snark fires a Scorching Ray at Vikras. He hits touch AC 11 and 12, for 13 and 20 damage.
If Vikras has fallen in the pit, he directs the Scorching Ray at Fletch instead - touch AC 11 and 12, for 13 and 20 damage.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights*, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals*.
Create Pit - Creates a a 10-by-10-foot extra-dimensional hole with a depth of 30 feet. Does not displace the original underlying material. Any creature standing in the area where you first conjured the pit must make a Reflex saving throw to jump to safety in the nearest open space. In addition, the edges of the pit are sloped, and any creature ending its turn on a square adjacent to the pit must make a Reflex saving throw with a +2 bonus to avoid falling into it. Creatures subjected to an effect intended to push them into the pit (such as bull rush) do not get a saving throw to avoid falling in if they are affected by the pushing effect. The pit’s coarse stone walls have a Climb DC of 25.
DM Bob & Carla - Skirmishes Secret DM roll d20+9=11 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+5=9 ; (Rolling touch Atk for Jasper) d20+8=27 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 10:15:33 PM
The battle in the cave has broken down into a series of individual skirmishes. Swords and spells and threats ring out across the cavern.
Benni brings favour on his companions, and disfavour upon the wreckers before moving to confront Fletch.
Isaac flanks the great-axe wielding half-orc with Khord and sends a flurry of slashes at the unfortunate rogue. The paladin’s longsword finds its mark each time, cutting deeply into its target. The half-orc staggers under the blows, until Khord strikes true with his short sword. The rogue drops face first into the wet sand of the cave floor, rapidly staining it red with the last of his life blood.
Niko races across the lower half of the cave to attack Levorn but fails to grasp hold of the half-elf with his powerful jaws. Realizing he could never outrun the wolfhound, the half-elf drops his bow and stabs at the large dog with his rapier (hit AC 9)
Beatrix and Jasper and Snark team up to attack Fletch. The centaur sends her bat Tinkerbell with a life draining spell which the man easily avoids while Jasper produces a ball of flame in her hand and slams it into the rogue (OOC you need to roll a melee touch attack for this spell - I rolled it for you this time…the only good attack roll of the DM’s turn!) The rays of scorching light sent by the gnome miss their target. With no ready escape route the rogue slashes back at Jasper with his scimitar (Hit AC 9) and hopes Virkas will provide much needed support.
Virkas however, has his hands full trying to avoid the crumbling edge (Reflex 14) of the magical hole. He slides down the slope of the pit (taking damage). The spellcaster has had enough and casts obscuring mist centered on his current position and vapour fills the pit.
Jasper (Holly) HP 58/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Tuesday July 25th, 2023 11:51:55 PM
OOC: Thanks for that; I wasn't sure if it should count as melee or as a standard spell. Noted for the future.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 3d6=11 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=14 ; d6+2=5 ; d6+2=4 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 1:45:22 AM
Snark derives some pleasure having Virkas out of the picture for now. (Virkas fall causes 11 damage if the DM has not already rolled this.)
Snark warns his friends, "Looks like Vikras fell in that pit, but be careful. The area (squares) around the edge of that pit slope in and might dump you in too. Steer clear."
He sees Fletch still fighting and flings a blob of acid at him. He hits (nat. 20), but probably does not confirm (touch AC 14). The acid does either 5 or 9, depending on confirming that crit. (He fired into combat at -4 to hit.)
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights*, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals*.
Create Pit - Creates a a 10-by-10-foot extra-dimensional hole with a depth of 30 feet. Does not displace the original underlying material. Any creature standing in the area where you first conjured the pit must make a DC 18 Reflex saving throw to jump to safety in the nearest open space. In addition, the edges of the pit are sloped, and any creature ending its turn on a square adjacent to the pit must make a Reflex saving throw with a +2 bonus to avoid falling into it. Creatures subjected to an effect intended to push them into the pit (such as bull rush) do not get a saving throw to avoid falling in if they are affected by the pushing effect. The pit’s coarse stone walls have a Climb DC of 25.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday July 26th, 2023 6:14:52 AM
The party has managed to position themselves perfectly to prevent Beatrix from approaching any enemy effectively. Very inconsiderate. They definitely need more practice at this group fighting thing. For now Tinkerbell flies back to Beatrix and she advances a little bit
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=14 ; d8+2=7 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 9:32:51 AM
Onesimos takes a step to move closer to flanking Fletch. "Everyone has a choice to love others or be selfish, and often there are outside pressures to influence a person's behavior. You are outnumbered without retreat. I pray you to surrender and cooperate in the love you bear yourself."
The cleric swings his morningstar, intending to continue the fight until Fletch sees reason.
.... Attack AC 15, Damage 8 (forgot to add Benni's own Prayer spell!)
Prayer. 2/7 rounds. All LuckMakers get +1 luck bonus on all rolls, and all opponents get -1 luck bonus on all rolls.
Fighting Defensively. +2 AC, -2 attack
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. **Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 49/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+7=21 ; d8+2=9 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 3:00:14 PM
Jasper spins her magically-enhanced quarterstaff and whams it into Fletch's scimitar arm. It connects with a sickening crunch.
Damage: 9 _________
0.. Guidance, Flare, Resistance, Detect Magic, Mending 1.. Entangle, Goodberry, Shillelagh*, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame*, Speak with Animals, Faerie Fire 2.. Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall, Resist Energy [electrical], Spider Climb 3.. Call Lightning*, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form, Summon Nature's Ally III, Thorny Entanglement 4.. Ice Storm, Ball Lightning, Flame Strike
Running spells: Call Lightning
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 44/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 54/56 2d8+10=20 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=27 ; d8+6=12 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 4:06:31 PM
Khord, feeling the bite of the many hits he has taken, moves deeper into the cave to a spot he thinks is relatively safe. He removes the potion of Cure Mod Wounds they got from the wood witch from his belt as he moves. He stands with his back against the wall and drinks it down. (20 hp healing) "Yeah, that feels better. Niko, keep after him boy."
Niko will keep after Levorn, taking a bite at him (atk=18, dam 12) and tries to trip him again with his haste attack (Trip combat maneuver = 27)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Wednesday July 26th, 2023 5:38:32 PM
Isaac decides to try and box Virkas in he uses the hasted movement to quickly get around the rock pillar to where the man was and to potentially cut off any escape route. (Moves to J 15)
DM Bob and Carla - Enough! (Secret DM roll d20+9=27); d20+2=5; (d4=1 ignore - sensitive key); 2d8+3=5 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 10:27:54 PM Beatrix advances a bit and sees there is a little more breathing room beyond the immediate cave entrance. She watches as Benni and Jasper encircle Fletch closely, while Snark lobs acid from a safe distance. The cleric misses with his morningstar, however the gnome wizard and druid hit the man. The wrecker’s eyes roll back in his head as he crumples to the ground in a broken heap.
Isaac moves quickly around a rock pillar, in order to cut off a potential escape route, while Khord takes up a position next to the same pillar and quaffs a potion. Fixed on the task at hand Nikko, clamps down on Levorn’s leg, nearly severing it above the knee. As the dog moves in to trip the half elf, the rogue stabs at the beast in panic, before tumbling to the ground! (OOC: trip attack provokes AoO, however 5 is a fail so no dmg to the dog.)
The fallen half elf cries out: ”Enough! I give up! Call off your mangy cur!”
Dense vapour continues to roil up from Snark’s pit, but no sound can be heard from it’s depths.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday July 27th, 2023 8:26:01 AM
Beatrix's fly spell should still be up unless they spent more then 5 minutes talking (hard to say). If it is she'll go down the pit to check on what's going on there. Even if she can't see she can feel around to find out what the guy is up to.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 2d4=6 ; Thursday July 27th, 2023 12:39:14 PM
Wincing from her wounds, Jasper takes a moment to cast Goodberry.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+11=29 ; Thursday July 27th, 2023 2:21:41 PM
Onesimos drops his weapon and drops beside Fletch, casting Stabilize to keep him from dying, and then seeking to bind his wounds and keep him alive. He holds off on channeling a burst of healing: the only one he was really concerned about was Khord, and the Twilight Ranger supported himself nicely.
Benni speaks aloud, for the benefit of his friends as well as Fletch and Levorn. "A good magical wind or dispel would take care of that obscuring mist. But first let's get our prisoners bound and comfortable. I am very interested in this one who is more frightening than Vikras!"
.... Cast Stabilize on Fletch (doesn't lose more hit points if negative but still alive) Heal Skill Check: 29 (treat deadly wounds DC20 for +1hp, DC25 for +2 hp non magical healing)
Prayer. 3/7 rounds. All LuckMakers get +1 luck bonus on all rolls, and all opponents get -1 luck bonus on all rolls.
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. **Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 44/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 54/56 Thursday July 27th, 2023 3:43:06 PM
OOC: I knew that Niko would take an AoO for the trip, but I like to think that in the moment a dog wouldn't have the intelligence to know that.
Khord calmly orders Niko, "Niko, Down" and the wolfhound gives a disappointed whimper as it Moves to P21 and sits not taking his eyes off the half-elf.
Khord will cross to P20, holding his primary short sword out toward the half-elf. "Any funny business and you can join these other two," he says, flicking the sword toward the two dead half-orcs. ”Put your hands up where I can see them, and no sudden moves. Once we have dealt with your buddy Virkas we will get you some healing."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday July 27th, 2023 5:38:17 PM
Isaac takes a moment to concentrate trying to sense the presence of any evil near him. He looks around not sure if Virkas has somehow turned invisible and escaped. "Anyone got eyes on Virkas?"
Movement action to Detect evil.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday July 27th, 2023 7:54:33 PM "Vikras is in the bottom of a pit that he filled with mist. Then Beatrix just flew into that mist, so maybe she knows more. I can end that pit anytime, but we oughta make sure we surround him before we do that. And be careful - the area right around that pit slopes in, and you don't want to fall in that pit yourself."
"Hey Vikras. How do you want to play this? You get rid of that mist and I'll get rid of the pit."
DM Bob & Carla - The edge of a precipice Secret DM roll d20+9=23 ; Thursday July 27th, 2023 8:57:22 PM
The Luck Makers seem to be getting the upper hand in the battle.
Beatrix flies towards the pit created by Snark and attempts to fly into the hole ( Beatrix please make a fly check vs DC 15 to avoid smashing into the wall of the pit; a 10’ creature must either make a very steep dive or hover gently down into a 10’ hole, in either case a fly check is required; failure results in 1d6 damage but the fly spell will still be active)
Jasper casts Goodberry while Benni stabilizes Fletch who remains unconscious but breathing. Khord calls off his hound from the severely injured half-elf and moves over to ensure the rogue’s continued cooperation. Snark voices his opinion about tactics and warns everyone of the dangers of the pit, however Isaac is already standing adjacent to the pit where he detects the presence of evil. (Isaac must make a DC 16 reflex save to avoid slipping into the extra dimensional space. Should Isaac fail the save he may make a second attempt vs DC 18 to grab the stone wall next to him and avoid falling into the pit itself. )
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20+13=24 ; d20+12=26 ; d6=6 ; d8=8 ; Friday July 28th, 2023 7:27:58 AM
Beatrix has had practice and is able to navigate the tight cave easily enough (24 to fly). She drops strait down it and smacks the mage as soon as she sees or feels him (26 to hit, 14 damage)
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=21 ; Friday July 28th, 2023 9:43:41 AM
Onesimos takes the opportunity of the lull in the action to search Fletch and deprive him of any possible weapons or equipment, tossing them into a pile behind Benni. As time permits, he starts binding Fletch with a piece of rope. "I hope this does not hurt, for it is as much for your safety as it is for ours." ...... Perception to Search: 21 Bind with Rope: (CMD+20 for escape artist = it should take Fletch one minute of contorting and an Escape Artist DC27)
Prayer. 4/7 rounds. All LuckMakers get +1 luck bonus on all rolls, and all opponents get -1 luck bonus on all rolls.
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. **Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday July 28th, 2023 12:15:24 PM
Jasper casts Guidance in preparation for whatever comes next.
________
0.. Guidance*, Flare, Resistance, Detect Magic, Mending 1.. Entangle, Goodberry*, Shillelagh*, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame*, Speak with Animals, Faerie Fire 2.. Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall, Resist Energy [electrical], Spider Climb 3.. Call Lightning*, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form, Summon Nature's Ally III, Thorny Entanglement 4.. Ice Storm, Ball Lightning, Flame Strike
Running spells: 4/7 Call Lightning
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 44/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 54/56 d20+5=25 ; Friday July 28th, 2023 4:30:10 PM
Khord will check the wounded half-elf for weapons and disarm him, throwing all his weapons and gear up the slope into the other level of the cave. "Just stay still, we healed up your brother and he is tied up outside. no worse for wear. (Diplomacy = 25) "He then turns to Niko, "I have to go help the others, if he moves from this spot you can chomp him again. Only if he tries to flee, guard him like you do the ponies at night."
full turn to disarm and give Niko instructions, he looks over his shoulder to see what is happening with Virkas.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+9=13 ; d20+9=19 ; Friday July 28th, 2023 6:19:45 PM
Isaac yells out in surprise as the ground seems to slope down suddenly "What the!" his feet can't find purchase on the rocks and he slides forward he tries to grab the wall and luckily is able to find a hand hold preventing him from falling into the pit. roll 1 vs Dc16 :13 fail roll2 vs Dc 18:19 success
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday July 28th, 2023 11:01:26 PM
The little gnome is starting to wonder about his friends.
"Beatrix, lemme know if you're having trouble in there and I can get rid of that pit. But right now, we got him trapped. Isaac - you need help getting back up?"
"Benni, these folks been trying to kill a ship full of people and now they're trying to kill us. I think it's ok if the ropes hurt a bit."
Snark readies an action to cast levitate on Isaac if he can't get back up.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday July 29th, 2023 9:11:24 PM ”It is not for me to be judge, Snark, but to provide opportunity for those in crisis to realize the peril they face in the Lands of Unrest.”
DM Bob & Carla - The Pit of Peril Secret DM roll d20+9=25 ; d100=65 ; Sunday July 30th, 2023 7:48:32 PM
Beatrix manages to navigate the narrow confines of Snark’s magical pit and strikes down through the mist hoping to injure the hidden spellcaster below and force his submission. (OOC Virkas has complete concealment hence a 50% miss chance applies. I rolled a 65) The hovering centaur manages to strike Virkas a deadly blow, ending both the spellcaster’s life and the invisibilityand obscuring mist spells he had cast.
Benni deprives the now barely conscious Fletch of any weapons and equipment and begins tying him up. With no rope at hand he resorts to using his prisoner’s belt and boot laces. While not as secure as a rope, it should do the trick in the short term. Khord likewise removes any weaponry from Levorn, tossing it further up into the cave and sets Niko to watch over the injured half-elf. Jasper casts Guidance on herself in anticipation of whatever may come next and Snark readies a Levitate spell should the paladin loose his footing and fall into the pit.
Isaac meanwhile hangs by a handhold in the rocks and needs to make a DC 16 reflex save to escape the dangerous terrain around the hole. Failing that, a continued fortitude save vs DC 15 to maintain his grip on the rock will be required. The paladin cannot help but notice the strange sensation emanating from his bag of holding as it vibrates violently in such close proximity to the extra dimensional space below. With no training in arcana or history, Isaac can only hope that the sensation is not as ominous as it feels.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=18 ; Monday July 31st, 2023 7:24:07 AM
Onesimos considers both his ingenuity in using Fletch's belt and laces, and his lack of foresight in having something of his own to tie up prisoners with... he's going to have to remedy that in the future.
He collects his morningstar and keeps watch to avoid anyone surprising the LuckMakers as they consolidate their position at the cave entrance. He relies on Khord to find out who the half-elf is really scared of, and the others to collectively take care of the pit and Vikras.
...... Perception to Keep Watch: 18
Prayer. 5/7 rounds. All LuckMakers get +1 luck bonus on all rolls, and all opponents get -1 luck bonus on all rolls.
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. **Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday July 31st, 2023 7:40:42 AM
Beatrix feels around and confirms yep the guy is lying very still. She'd intended to try to capture him but in the tight space and blind swing must have hit something vital. "I may have accidentally killed him a little. Can someone with more medical training see if he can be stabilized and interrogated later or is he just dead dead?" She'll carry him out of the hole to a more open area.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday July 31st, 2023 4:21:44 PM
_____
Jasper thinks they're more likely to get information out of Lavorn than the apparently dead-dead Vikras. She makes her way over to Khord and Niko (square O21) and leans down to address the battered half-elf.
"If Vikras didn't threaten to kill you, who did?" She glances over her shoulder at the dead and quirks the barest smile. "Other than us." ___
0.. Guidance*, Flare, Resistance, Detect Magic, Mending 1.. Entangle, Goodberry*, Shillelagh*, Obscuring Mist, Produce Flame*, Speak with Animals, Faerie Fire 2.. Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Windwall, Resist Energy [electrical], Spider Climb 3.. Call Lightning*, Sleet Storm, Gaseous Form, Summon Nature's Ally III, Thorny Entanglement 4.. Ice Storm, Ball Lightning, Flame Strike
Running spells: 4/7 Call Lightning
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday July 31st, 2023 7:28:03 PM
Snark smiles at Beatrix' comment.
"Heh, accidently killed him a little. Good one."
Snark will dismiss the pit spell, causing the floor of the pit to rise up to floor level. Then he moves up a bit.
If we are not still in combat rounds, Snark will use detect magic to see if there is anything magic in the area, including on our fallen foes.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+9=23 ; d20+10=25 ; Monday July 31st, 2023 8:54:54 PM
Ooc:not sure if this is still needed but will roll any way. Reflex:23
Isaac clambers away from the hole until he is a safe distance away and drops to the ground.As he looks back as snark dismisses the hole he spies Virkas now dead from Beatrix's attack. As she asks about someone taking a look at him Isaac raises a hand "I'll take a look but considering his wounds it doesn't look good." Heal check to see if he can be saved. :25
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 44/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 54/56 Monday July 31st, 2023 9:40:18 PM
Khord sees the limp body of Virkas come out of the disappearing pit and turns back to the half-elf, "Any immediate danger for you seems to have passed. I suggest you talk to us and tell us what you know." He then turns to Benni, " this one could use a little healing if you can spare some, Niko played a little rough with him."
DM Bob and Carla - Dead quiet… Secret DM roll d20+9=27 Monday July 31st, 2023 10:31:17 PM
The dissipation of the mist reveals the dead body of the evil wizard ringleader prone at the bottom of the 30ft pit under a hovering Beatrix.
With the pit spell dismissed, the bottom of the hole, and the dead body, rises to floor level where Isaac confirms that Virkas is indeed dead-dead.
Benni stands guard over the barely conscious human he trussed up, and is reasonably sure that other than the two wounded wreckers, the party are the only living creatures in the vicinity. Other than the beating of his heart, the calls of his companions as they echo off the rock walls, and the faint sound of the waves outside - there are no unexpected sounds.
Jasper moves over to support Khord and the two question Levorn but either they aren’t very persuasive (no roll?) or the rogue is more worried about the enormous dog standing guard over him - and doesn’t answer any questions.
Snark picks up an aura of magic from the dead wizard, though the only thing he can see is an empty vial on the ground next to the body. He detects a hint of magic from the pile of gear Benni took off Fletch and the kit Khord removed from Levorn.
Snark’s dancing lights will soon wink out, leaving only the dull glow from the embers of a campfire off in some chamber to the right of the main cavern. Other short term magics used by the party are fading.
(Combat rounds are over…)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday August 1st, 2023 1:57:17 AM
The little gnome pulls out a ring a cord. The ring has Continual Flame cast on it.
"There, that oughta give us some light. Now, let's see what these sources of magic are.
He will go over and examine each of the sources of magic to see what the sources is. This includes the empty vial. He concentrates to see specific sources, and hopefully determines the schools of magic and perhaps ever the properties of the items.
Then he will check the rest of this place for magic.
---------------------------- From Detect Magic:
3rd Round: The strength and location of each aura. If the items or creatures bearing the auras are in line of sight, you can make Knowledge (arcana) skill checks to determine the school of magic involved in each. (Make one check per aura: DC 15 + spell level, or 15 + 1/2 caster level for a nonspell effect.) If the aura emanates from a magic item, you can attempt to identify its properties (see Spellcraft).
Snark has Knowledge (arcana) +12 and Spellcraft +19
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday August 1st, 2023 7:46:42 AM
Beatrix is kind of disappointed it's already over. Not that wasn't fun. She finally notices the arrow in her but and gets someone to help her safely remove it - don't want the arrowhead stuck in there.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=31 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2023 1:06:13 PM
Jasper pulls out her Lantern of Continual Flame to help illuminate the cavern.
She takes in her surroundings, looking for passages that might lead off to hidey-holes or other rooms.
___
OOC: Another important PbP point of order re: rolling intimidation. Thanks.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) 4d6=21 ; d20+9=11 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2023 2:17:01 PM
Onesimos is surprised: he was expecting more opponents based on what Vikras said. ”No one else here, friends, so we need to look for clues to root out this conspiracy.”
Benni’s best chance to help is to ensure everyone is together, then releases a burst of positive healing, selecting to heal everyone; even Fletch and Vikras.
He then begins a dialogue with the two prisoners. ”This reminds me of a story when Storge’ left his friends to care for his imprisioned cousin. But found he could not help without Philia and Agape’. He found out his family could become a lever to make him a prisoner in his own actions without the love of friends and the goodwill of all things.”. He continues to provide conversation, hoping that he can help Vikras and Fletch realize cooperation is better than opposition.
….. Channel Positive Energy: 21 hit points healed for every living creature within 30’.
Diplomacy. 11
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. **Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+5=23 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2023 4:58:54 PM
Khord enjoys the sensation of the healing energy pouring over him, and looks on a Levorn's wounds seem to have knitted themselves as well. Niko gives a little yelp as the channel surprises him but then starts wagging his tail happily.
To the captive half-elf he says,"What more can you tell us about this cave and your activities? Are there any secret rooms we should know about? How deep does this cave go? I see it goes off to the left there past where your friends ambushed us. Maybe you will be more forthcoming if we reunite you with your brother." (Diplomacy = 23)
DM Bob and Carla - Healing and homilies Secret DM roll d20+9=27 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2023 10:34:15 PM Beatrix seeks attention for the wound to her hindquarters and Benni is happy to comply. The elf is generous with his healing magiks, which extend beyond his companions, to include the two wreckers as well. No longer distressed by their wounds, the prisoners look perplexed by the cleric’s homily on friendship and universal love. Khord’s line of questioning is easier to understand.
”We trick the ships into coming close to shore, where they founder on the rocks. Then we relieve them of their cargo…dunno ‘bout any other way in or out other than the one you used…we camp in the dry chamber by the front…store the goods farther back…”. Levorn jerks his head sideways in the direction of a bobbing lantern that disappears down a hallway on the left side of the cavern.
Fletch looks beseechingly at Onsimos and asks if the cleric can introduce him to ”them sisters what are named Philia and Agape”
Holding her lantern aloft as she peers beyond the threshold of the vaulted room at the end of the hallway, Jasper spots Highlight to display spoiler: { …a large number of crates, barrels, chests, and sacks stacked in piles around the perimeter of the room.}
The ring hanging about Snark’s neck casts a circle of light around the blue haired gnome as he moves to examine the piles of weapons and other items belonging to to the wreckers. The wizard is able to identify as belonging to:
Virkas: MW Longbow, 20 arrows, MW Rapier, Spell Book, 1 Scroll Glitterdust, 1 Scroll Magic Weapon, 1 Scroll Mirror Image, 1 Scroll Scorching Ray, Wand of Mage Armor (19 charges),113 GP - an empty vial that probably held a healing potion,
Fletch: MW Heavy Crossbow, 9 bolts, MW Scimitar, throwing axe, Elixir of Swimming, Potion of Bull’s Strength, Potion of CLW, Potion of Jump, Alchemists fire, 231 GP
Levorn: MW Composite Longbow, 15 arrows, Rapier, Oil of Magic Weapon (2), 73 GP
Karn and Steig: 2 chain shirts, 2 MW Great Axes, 2 Shortspears, Potion CLW (4 vials), potion of Feather Fall (2 vials), 118 GP
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+15=33 ; d20+9=28 ; Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 7:01:40 AM
Onesimos casts a Light orison on his buckler shield and gives a long look at Fletch (Sense Motive). In his many months on the Southern Continent and the half year aboard ship to get here from the Kingdom of New Elenna before, this is the first time that anyone has asked a question about his stories!!
"Introduce you I may, and to their friends, yet to walk with them is your choice. To help with recompense from your previous choices, can you assist us in supporting good deeds and good communities? What happens after you store these goods? Who comes or where do you deliver it to?"
The elf looks up, a small smile on his face as his friends each take care of other necessary actions to collect goods and information.
............ Sense Motive: 33 Diplomacy: 28
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. **Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 7:48:42 AM
Beatrix will cast light on something and go to thoroughly explore the cave, with Tinkerbell flitting about ahead of her using her blind vision to check all the nooks and crannies. There's still a little adventure left here, maybe they'll find something cool in the cave. Or if nothing else loot.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20=2 ; d20=6 ; Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 1:43:13 PM
Jasper says "You still didn't tell us who you're working for, Levorn. You said you're afraid of someone worse than Vikras. Spill."
Jasper isn't very scary, nor is she very persuasive. To her companions, she says "Maybe you'll have more luck with this numpty. I'm going to explore their ill-gotten gains."
She wanders back to the pile of crates and casts Detect Magic.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+8=19 ; d20+12=31 ; Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 8:32:31 PM
Khord follows on Jasper's lead, "In my experience , there is always someone else a rung higher on the ladder. Tell us what you know about Virkas' boss and we can help you out. You have nothing to fear from them any more, you should be more worried about misleading or disappointing us." (Intimidate = 19)
He helps the half-elf to his feet and dusts him off. He will lead him by the arm toward the cave mouth with Niko in tow and once getting to the entrance will look to see if they can spot his brother by our ponies. (Perception = 31)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 8:54:48 PM "Well, let's see what else they got squirreled away in this place. I'll help keep an eye on them and zap 'em if they move. Everyone else, step back from them."
"You two come over here and sit together. You're on the cleric's good side and that's fortunate. But you're still on my naughty list. You'll be fine so long as you sit tight. But cause a problem, and I'll make the the floor itself to rise up and choke the both of you."
Snark will see that the two are brought together in their tied up state. He will cast Levitate and rise up into the air, out of reach. He watches and readies an action to cast Black Tentacles on them if they cause trouble.
DM Bob and Carla - Honey and vinegar Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 11:12:27 PM Fletch is trussed up pretty good, thanks to Benni’s efforts, but Levorn is not restrained. However, having survived 2 near death experiences, the half-elf isn’t tempting fate - or the ranger’s dog. When Khord helps him to his feet and hauls him towards the mouth of the cave - he goes willingly.
The pair don’t get very far. The strong tang of salt on the air, the slapping sound of gentle waves, and the mirror-like reflection from water that now covers what was once just wet sand gives every indication the tide has come in. In an exercise in understatement, Levorn volunteers: ”looks like the tide’s coming in.”. The half-elf quickly adds:”It’ll only come up to where the floor rises into dry rock, see?” The wrecker points back into the cave from whence they came. ”It’ll be down by morning,” he concludes, in an attempt to be helpful.
Jasper comes back from her explorations, suggests the prisoners ‘fess up, then wanders back down the hallway she came from, looking for magic.
Beatrix casts light (on the tip of her lance?) and pokes it into a few dark corners.
Snark volunteers to keep Benni company and watch over the prisoners while the rest of the party explore the chambers off the main cavern.
Despite Jasper’s taunt and Snark’s posturing, it is Onesimos who demonstrates that you catch more flies with honey, than with vinegar. After Khord hauls Levorn away, Fletch ‘spills’: He’s never met the big boss, and the wreckers all worked under Virkas. He, and the brother’s were new hires. He doesn’t know about the others - the half orcs kept to themselves. The plan was for the wizard and one of the brothers to travel overland to The City once they had a good cache of loot, then a ship would be dispatched to the area…anchor in safe waters…and the cargo would be brought to the ship in row boats..then back to The City…the gang returning with the ship.
Benni senses the man is being truthful regarding his experience with his crew, and his interest in what the cleric has to say about Flower’s Loves is genuine, even if his understanding isn’t strong.
(It’s full dark outside (around 10 pm) and the incoming tide would make exiting the cave a challenge. The tide will reverse at high moon, and the beach should be accessible in the morning.)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+2=3 ; d20+11=21 ; Thursday August 3rd, 2023 5:14:56 AM
Isaac tries to think back to his days as part of the Hook City watch. Trying to remember if any other gang had tried this sort of scam before. But comes up empty only remembering a few cases of smugglers using colored lights as signals or distractions. With the tide rising blocking the mouth of the cave Isaac asks "Did your group ever have any trouble with monsters trying to get in during the high tides?" Diplomacy:21
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Thursday August 3rd, 2023 7:01:36 AM
Seeing the tide come into the mouth of the cave, Khord becomes slightly alarmed. Hoping that the prisoner outside and the ponies and cart will be safe as they are exposed and defenseless on the coast. He returns Levorn to the fire in the high part of the cave.
" I want you to sit here by the fire and behave," he says. "Your brother told us that he got you into this by running up a gambling debt, is that true?" Khord throws a couple of logs on the fire and stokes it with a stick. he quietly give Niko the guard command and the dog sits next to Levorn watching him attentively.
After receiving his answer, he excuses himself and goes to see what the Luck Makers have found in the other parts of the cave.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday August 3rd, 2023 7:32:51 AM
Beatrix is disappointed her and Tinkerbell didn't find any loot. Though on reflection that's a good thing as that means either no one or very few people were actually attacked by this group. Still her fly spell is up and the tides coming in so she's ready to call it a day.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday August 3rd, 2023 8:19:30 AM
Onesimos continues to speak with Fletch and also the half-elf as they are brought together. He relays what he learns to his friends, and listens in turn. "It looks like we are here until morning, so let's make camp and share the food."
What's more, Benni wants to take a real long and close look (take 20) at Vikras' possessions and any 'office' space in the cave. He is looking for written clues to assist the team in knowing points of contact or methods to how Vikras planned to contact a ship and who those contacts are.
................ Perception Take 20 : 27
0.. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1.. Prot v Evil, Bless, Resist Energy, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Prot v Chaos 2.. Align Weapon, Restoration Lesser, Resist Energy, Delay Poison, Silence 3.. **Prayer, Invisibility Purge, Water Breathing, Ghost Weapon. 4.. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Thursday August 3rd, 2023 1:22:25 PM
Jasper apparently didn't detect anything magical in the loot. She returns to the campfire and prepares to stay in the cave for the night. She hopes the ponies are safe.
I've got some rope. I should have mentioned that earlier, Benni. I suggest we bind Lavorn.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday August 3rd, 2023 10:48:05 PM
Snark will memorize a spell and create a Tiny Hut to provide a warm place in the cave. He has his bat Luna hang from the ceiling and keep watch.
DM Bob and Carla - Crates and Barrels Thursday August 3rd, 2023 11:41:57 PM
Alarmed by the incoming tide, Isaac and Khord move the captives to higher ground with Benni’s help. The prisoners are nonplused by the rising water. ”You get used to it after a couple nights. Nothin’ ever bothered us…’afore you guys.” volunteers Fletch in response to Isaac’s query, while Levorn answers more questions from Khord - confirming he and Kelgorn were working off a gambling debt…Kelgorn was the one who made the bargain, or rather was told how it would be. My brother said the fellow gave him the willies, an’ he never saw his face ‘cause he had a hood up and a big cloak. I never met no one but the wizard, Fletch here, an’ Karn an’ Steig.”
Reconciled to spending the night in the cave, Isaac and Niko take on guard duty, while the rest make camp and/or explore. Snark creates a tiny hut for those who wish an additional level of comfort. Luna is at home in the shadows of the cavern’s ceiling.
Beatrix is disappointed that her initial investigation of nooks and crannies didn’t reveal any loot (no roll?).
Anyone who follows Jasper when she returns down the narrow hall on the far left of the cavern, will discover a vaulted room with a large number of crates, barrels, chests, and sacks stacked in piles around the perimeter. It looks like cargo from one, maybe two sailing vessels - enough to fill 4-5 wagons. The adventurers will recognize the names and addresses of individual merchants and Heranmar establishments stencilled across most of them. One addressed Blue Cat Tavern c/o R.Bottim has had the lid pried open. A chest tipped on it’s side spills it’s contents of colourful silks and trimmings onto the ground.
Unable to detect magic from the general cargo, Jasper stands transfixed before a couple of locked chests that are giving off some interesting vibes! She picks up a jumble of faint auras - illusion, transmutation, divination, and conjuration.
Benni takes his time poking around and finds what looks like a narrow sleeping alcove in the room where the cargo is stored. There is a bedroll, a lantern, a leather satchel, and a brass and leather telescope. Should Benni decide to look inside the satchel Highlight to display spoiler: { he will find a document listing the names of ships expected to sail towards Heranmar over a 1 month period of time, and a key.}
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+15=21 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=32 ; Friday August 4th, 2023 7:05:48 AM
Onesimos considers the activities of his friends, settles into camp, then makes some suggestions.
"Beatrix, Jasper, or anyone, do we have another Fly spell, or Shapeshift available to get outside to ensure the horses will be OK overnight and that we can collect Kelgorn to be back with his brother. If we can't fly, do we have a means of communication to see if Kelgorn can escape from the manacles and take care of our horses overnight, knowing we will be quite grateful."
"I think we shouldn't open anything until we bring it back to Heranmar and get what is owned back in the right hands. Whatever is left over would be flotsam and rightfully ours to distribute."
"I also think we should have our watch up as usual just in case. With the pouch I found, the cave should be safe for a month. We have plenty of time to get back to Heranmar, inform the Council, and let them recover the goods for us while we track down other clues."
"With the tide up, no weapons, and having been bested once, I believe there is no danger from Fletch, Kelgorn, and Levorn not being tied up... is there?" The cleric will ask the former wreckers and gauge their reactions.
........... Sense Motive: 21, 34, 32
OOC: going to email for magic item discussion
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday August 4th, 2023 7:43:47 AM
(I didn't roll because I was looking for what Jasper just found and assumed it would be a giant obvious pile of stuff)
Beatrix only had the one fly spell prepared today.
(DM Carla - if a character doesn’t share information learned via hidden text, the other characters don’t necessarily know about it. Jasper provided detail about where she went looking, and had a good roll (see Aug. 1))
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday August 4th, 2023 1:12:02 PM
Shaking herself free of the allure of the chests, she turns to Benni.
"I can get out there and lead the horses to higher ground. Um. Can someone remind me of the terrain where we left them? Were they already sheltered and out of the way of the tide? If we're reasonably confident that we didn't leave them hobbled on the beach, it might be safer for me to stay put. Not that I mind going; I haven't been a tern for a while."
___
(OOC: I can't find the previous map!)
(DM Carla: the ponies and cart were left loosely hobbled or tied to bushes and somewhat hidden behind a rise of ground far back from the edge of the promontory (July 12) and the bandit was left under the scraggly trees where the lanterns were hung - also well back from the water’s edge )
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d4=3 ; Friday August 4th, 2023 7:33:46 PM "A fly spell? Sure Benni - I didn't have a need to cast that before, and it'd be safer for two folks to go out to check on the horses and that Levorn's brother. He'll probably be glad to know Levorn is alive and would stick around just to see him."
Snark will gladly cast Fly one someone if they want to accompany Jasper to see to the horses and Kelgorn.
Before resting, Snark will pull some herbs out of his pack and make a tea. (3 hours to concoct a Cure Serious infusion, per greenmage ability. Will only last 24 hours.)
(For the DM - What spells are in the found spellbook?)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Saturday August 5th, 2023 11:25:02 AM
Isaac looks over some of the products and wonders how much they'll be able to bring back to town with the bag of holding. The thought however brings back the memory of almost falling in the hole and the weird resonance the bag had with it. Isaac ask Snark "Hey Snark earlier when I almost fell into the hole something weird started to happen with my bag of holding. It started pulsing, vibrating...something when I almost fell in as though it was reacting to that pit. Any idea what was going on?"
Isaac will stay behind in the cave to help guard the prisoners he's not great with animals
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=3 ; d20=15 ; Sunday August 6th, 2023 1:44:36 PM
Since they are stuck there for the night Beatrix will get around to sharing spells with Snark like they've talked about. She's most interested in spells of her specialty, Transmutation, and she'll try to copy over the Enlarge Person and Levitate spells Snark has (DC is 15+ spell level, so 16 and 17 DC. She has +14 Spellcraft, and her specialization gives her +2, so auto succeed at both since you can't roll under 17 with a +16 bonus)
She compliments Snark on the size of his spellbook. "Mines a bit limited. I just jump between too many topics I guess." She'll help look over the dead wizard's spell book over the rest.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+12=29 ; Sunday August 6th, 2023 10:38:56 PM
After getting the prisoners settled, Khord will poke around the cargo and explore the rest of the cave. (Perception = 29) "i think the merchants of Heranmar are going to be thankful if we can get these goods back to them. The loss of this many goods could have crippled them."
OOC: Sorry about short post, daughter was in town for the weekend from DC and time got away from me.
DM Bob and Carla - Bedrolls and Spellbooks Sunday August 6th, 2023 10:50:19 PM Jasper is torn between investigating some very interesting chests, and looking in on the animals and captive left up on the headland above the cave. When Benni suggests someone go check on things outside the cave the druid volunteers, but she isn’t keen. Snark proffers a Fly spell, but there don’t seem to be any takers. Anyone trying to exit the cave would have to deal with the rising tide, minimal clearance, and the full darkness of late night.
Benni would like to leave the stolen property to the discretion of folks in Heranmar, expecting that what doesn’t get claimed will be handed over to the Luck Makers. Isaac and Khord ponder the dilemma of transporting the goods. If the party get to work early in the morning, and work as a team - as long as there are no obstacles - they should be able to load the wagon with some of the stuff and make it back to Heranmar, arriving just before nightfall (1 day).
The paladin is curious about the weird vibrations that came from the bag of holding when in proximity to the extra-dimensional pit created by Snark, and other than knowing extra-dimensional spaces can be subject to unusual reactions when combined, he doesn’t know what would have happened should the bag have somehow ended up in the pit. Since the bag didn’t come with an owner’s manual, Isaac asks his friend. Snark is pretty sure nothing serious would occur if Isaac had ended up in the pit with the bag, though there might be other scenarios where messing with extra-dimensionality might not have such benign results.
Beatrix makes time and spends some resources, in order to copy spells from the more experienced wizard’s spell book. The centaur and the gnome then open Virkas’ spell book.
Levorn makes a proposal to those around the campfire: ”Give me my bow, and Fletch his scimitar, and let us go in the morning. You’ll never see us again. We’ll stay away from Heranmar, and we have no interest in going back to The City.” The half-elf looks grim faced. Fletch looks defeated. Benni gathers the fellows will follow through on their plans if released, and that they are just as worried about what will happen if the group in Hook City get ahold of then, as what would happen if they are handed over to the law in Heranmar. It would probably be okay to leave them unbound, but wise to have Nikko on guard, as well as watches kept through the night.
It’s getting late. If the Luck Makers don’t seek their bedrolls soon, dawn will be upon them before they have the opportunity to recuperate from the day’s activities.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 7th, 2023 12:36:46 AM
Snark replies to Levorn, "Yeah, I figure the hassle of hauling you two back to Heranmar is not really worth it. We'll see in the morning, but if I ever hear of either of you causing trouble expect a visit from us."
Snark prepares to go to bed. He sleeps, wakes in the morning and memorizes spells.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 7th, 2023 8:31:31 AM
Beatrix is a newcomer here and will let the others decide the prisoner's fate.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday August 7th, 2023 1:01:02 PM
Given the late hour and rising tide, Jasper opts to stay put. She'll kick herself if anything happened to the ponies.
She considers the prisoners. "I'm not delighted by letting them go, but hauling them back to town doesn't sound very appealing either. Benni or Isaac, can either of you somehow compel them not to attack us if we return their weapons?"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+8=23 ; Monday August 7th, 2023 3:54:07 PM "How many ships have you wrecked on those rocks? Did you give quarter to those that managed to survive the shipwrecks and make it to shore? I am not so sure that you have earned any kind of freedom at this point. Domi says we are our deeds, and we all must take responsibility for what we have done, whether you felt like you had a choice or not." He lets the words sink in as he sets up his bedroll and prepares for his rest.
"I think our first load we bring back to town should be these pirates," he says to Jasper and Snark. "But we can debate this in the morning."
He gives Niko some scritches and a piece of jerked beef before saying to him load enough for the wreckers to hear, "You can make a snack out of these two also if the move to make a break for it." and he heads to bed. (intimidate = 23)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Monday August 7th, 2023 4:09:24 PM
Isaac shrugs "The only thing I can think of is a sanctuary spell but that is too short. Hauling them back is more of a pain than letting them go. Unfortunately, unless we want to tie them up and haul them back in the cart, I think we should let them go."
Isaac asks the others "In the morning when we got some time Bennie or I could cast speak with dead on the body of Virkas he might be more higher up and can tell us who sent him out here. Can anyone think of some other questions we should ask?"
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 39 /48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday August 7th, 2023 5:08:04 PM
Onesimos listens and nods. ”It is good to hear all sides before agreeing upon a decision. Fletch, Levorn, and his brother have done nothing to deserve mercy, but mercy is not to be earned, but given when not earned in the hope that a good deed will always be rewarded.”
“So, not the masterwork bow, but take Khord’s old bow in exchange. And gather as much food as you can carry yourselves. You should be able to reach Cliffport or Wayfarer in a couple weeks and start a new life. And you can go with the blessing to remember this, my brother. See in this some higher plan. You may use this precious mercy to become, ah, honest men! By the witness of these heroes. By her passion and her power. I have called you out of darkness. I will hope your soul for Flower.”
Benni seeks his bedroll, and sleeps restfully.
(With acknowledgement to Les Miserables, who has better words than I could ever achieve.)
DM Bob and Carla - A fresh start? Monday August 7th, 2023 8:36:55 PM
Whilst readying for repose, the party members consider Levorn’s proposal. New to the group, Beatrix thinks she will defer to whatever judgement the other five make. Letting the miscreants go does not sit well with Snark, Jasper or Isaac but neither does the hassle of escorting them to Heranmar.
Khord confronts the wreckers and says aloud what everyone’s been thinking. Fletch wilts under the half orc’s glare - looking anywhere but directly at the twilight ranger. Beads of sweat break out on Levorn’s forehead.
It is decided the fate of the pirates will be determined the following day. Having put the fear of Domi into the bandits, Khord has ensured they will pass a far from restful night - regardless of Onesimos’ eloquent defence.
Those who wish, retire to Snark’s comfortable, if temporary abode. Others stretch out on mats or snuggle into bedrolls. Watches are kept, and Nikko crouches down, head on forepaws, his eyes never leaving the prisoners.
*****
Rising refreshed and restored after a full rest the party do what is necessary to start their day. Khord’s dog seems a little tired, and gives a great yawn and shake of his head, before trotting down the cave entrance in order to do his ‘business’ out of doors. The two prisoners are red eyed and listless. Levorn casts a glance at his beautiful bow-with it’s core of intricately fitted woods that radiate from light at the belly, through dark ending with antler reinforced tips at both ends. The belly is laminated with horn on the archer’s side and sinew on the outside, giving the bow it’s dimensional stability and energy. The half-elf gives a sigh, and drops his head to his knees, hiding his face.
The cave is dark, but pale morning light illuminates the front of the passageway. The water has receded beyond the mouth of the cave, leaving puddles here and there in the wet sand. The retreating tide is exposing more of the beach with every ebb and flow, and the tricky path up the beach face to the top of the coastal bluff is now easily accessible from the beach.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday August 8th, 2023 12:23:29 AM
Snark will talk to his friends.
"I think we need to let these three go. We don't want to watch 'em, we don't want to have to haul them back in chains, and there are plenty of folk that make bad choices. And I'm fine with giving them some gear so they can survive, including their weapons."
Assuming his friends are in agreement, we'll get the horses and wagon, load up what we can, and make our way back to Heranmar.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=7 ; d20=18 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2023 7:40:36 AM
Beatrix exits the cave and looks about. They had left a pirate up here by her recollection and she tries to find him (perception 7, or if he's not in sight tracking 20 to try to find his trail)
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=39 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2023 12:55:08 PM
Jasper shrugs.
"They'll be back to wrecking, menacing, and general thuggery no matter what we do. I'm off to check the ponies."
She scans her surroundings as she goes, looking for signs of additional gang members.
Perception: 39
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Tuesday August 8th, 2023 4:26:39 PM
Seeing the the general consensus is that the wreckers should be given second chance, Khord will relent and put together packs enough for them to survive. he digs out his old bow and hands it to the half-elf. "I guess the price of your freedom is your masterwork bow." He carefully slips the beautiful weapon into its place on the side of his pack.
"Does anyone want to claim any of this before I pack it for travel. I would like one of the healing potions to replace the one I had to use in the fight, and the oil of magic weapon would be handy." After the others have grabbed what they want, he bundles up the other weapons, armor and potions and will eventually make for the wagon to stow it all.
He calls for Niko and tells the dog to help him escort the prisoners out of the cave. "Well, let's go see how your brother survived the night" he says to the half-elf.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+15=24 Tuesday August 8th, 2023 6:57:36 PM
Onesimos rises and takes care of his morning ablutions, meditations (to include Speak With Dead and a Divination spell) and breaking his fast.
The tide is out and his friends have generally agreed upon a course of action for the three hired wreckers. He disagrees with Jasper: Benni thinks that a true act of goodwill always sparks another. And how can someone who has never known kindness learn kindness unless they feel the benefits of kindness?
”Lets grab a wagon-load of stuff to get back to Heranmar. That will give the people of Heranmar the incentive to collect the rest while we track down this ring. And while you do that…”
Benni stands next to the dead Vikras and holds out his woven High Woldian symbol of Flower. And begins chanting…
When the spell is done he looks upon Vikras-that-was. ”By Flower’s Love, I have summoned you, and you may still assist your cause that is in balance against you. So, to help your soul in the Lands of Unrest, answer these questions three.”
“What is the name of your contact in Hook City?”
“What is the process to set up your contact?”
“Where do they commonly sleep?”
…. Vikras gets a Will Save DC 16 to partially answer or Bluff Benni. Benni’ opposed Sense Motive check is 2
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+16=17 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2023 7:08:05 PM
Isaac shakes his head at Khords question "If we were going to go on a ship again I would probably take the swimming potion but since we're not we can pack it up. I'm good on everything else."
Isaac takes a few moments now that they were rested to say some prayers over the dead bodies of the wreckers they had killed. "May your journey to your final destination be easy and your crimes be judged with kindness Linger not upon this earth and go in peace" Isaac will also give blessing for the following 3 gods to the wreckers that are still alive. Ffloy to watch over them and help them make honest work and coin,Serenbeth to let them find true family and friends, and Wardd to over see them and give them the luck to accomplish the other blessings. Know Religion:17
Once this was done he goes over to the body of Virkas calls over Benni "Benni if you have it can you cast speak with dead? If we can find out who sent Virkas I could pass that knowledge over to my dad. He might be able to catch them if we get enough info."
DM Bob and Carla - cold trails… d20+3=10 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2023 11:09:50 PM Snark is anxious to get back to civilization, or what passes for it, and he, Beatrix, and Jasper carefully navigate the tricky path up the beach face, until they stand on the top of the coastal bluff. Levorn’s brother, Kelgorn has disappeared, and there is no one else in sight. Jasper can see the spot under the trees where the half-elf struggled to free himself. She spots the ponies, but they are spread out across the promontory and it will take some time to rustle them up, and the druid only counts 4. The wagon with its two horses is where the party left it. Beatrix can make out the half-elf’s trail as far as the place where the livestock was tied up, but looses it in the trampled ground around the wagon.
Khord claims the masterwork composite longbow, and hands his older weapon to Levorn along with some basic provisions in a couple of sacks. Collecting the gear taken off the wreckers, the half orc and his wolf hound escort the captives towards the cave entrance, pausing to allow Isaac the opportunity to pray over them in hopes that they will find a better way of life. Isaac then moves to watch the cleric of Flower standing over the dead wizard as he uses necromancy to grant the semblance of life to the corpse. Fletch hurries after Khord muttering about how tisn’t right to do that to a body…
With a cry of anguish, the corpse rises from prone to a sitting position. Compelled to answer the questions (failed save) posed by Onsimos the answers come in chokes and groans ”goes by Mahta….a tavern in Mudtown, and wait…in their beds?” With an agonal gasp, Virkas’ corpse collapses.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday August 9th, 2023 7:00:53 AM
Beatrix will help round up all the horses. As she does so she reflects that she's killed someone. That's... never happened before. She's seen people die before - that gang brawl that started her liking combat was very violent - but she's never actually struck down a person before. It didn't really hit her at the time what with the whole fighting blind against a dangerous wizard and now she's not sure what she feels or how she should feel.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday August 9th, 2023 7:04:03 AM
Onesimos pauses to ensure the spell has ended, then moves Vikras' hands in repose. "I am not judge nor jury, but I pray your answers help you as you stand in front of Gargul's throne. Sleep in peace."
He looks at Isaac, and then goes to help the others. As they work, he gives an account of the questions and answers to the other LuckMakers: less than immediately useful but more than expected.
He gathers up the wreckers' personal equipment in the wagon.
"I can only ask three questions, the magic won't work on Vikras for a week, and I'm not excited about keeping him around for that long. So, our next steps are to go back to Heranmar and report. Do we ask the town to do the rest of the recovery and try to go to Hook City on our own? Do we merely send what we know to Isaac's father in the Hook City guard to see what may come and so free us up for other pursuits?"
Benni isn't excited about a long journey with little prospect for reward (i.e. going to Hook City and MudTown), but will follow along with the others if that's what they decide.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+3=6 ; d20+14=21 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2023 12:49:54 PM
Jasper briefly considers casting Summon Nature's Ally III to conjure a border collie, then decides to just round up the ponies the old-fashioned way. They're spooked, and it takes longer than she'd like. (Handle Animal = 6)
"It would appear that Kelgorn made off with one of our ponies-- I think he took Daisy." She joins Beatrix and examines the ground around the wagon, looking for tracks. (Survival = 21)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+15=30 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2023 4:01:32 PM
Khord exhales a low curse as he sees the ponies scattered and that Kelgorn has escaped. He tells the other two prisoners that he hopes he never sees them again and checks for tracks to give them a clue as to which way Kelgorn went. (Survival = 30) "If ya head off in that direction, you might have a chance of finding your brother. If you do find him, tell him he owes us for the price of the pony and if we see him again we will expect payment, one way or the other. I suggest you put your skills to better use and find a quiet life somewhere far from Harenmar."
He then will tell Niko to jump up on the bench of the wagon, give him some jerky and tell him he is a good boy and should get some sleep while we load up.
As he heads back towards the cave, he asks "Did we ever look in those locked chests that were at the back of the cave, there might some more loot or clues inside?" otherwise he will help the others load whatever we think should be brought out first and what can wait.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday August 9th, 2023 8:29:09 PM
Snark is pretty mad to see Kelgorn fled with one of the ponies.
He says to Fletch and Levorn, "Well, that tears it. That rotten Kelgorn didn't waste any time stealing from us and abandoning the brother he asked us to save. You two can each take a short spear to defend yourself but leave anything else. Including that bow. And get out of here before I change my mind and fireball you both!"
Snark will look for his pony Slim. He will use Speak with animals and and Slim what happened?
If we need more mounts he can conjure more mounts. Once we gather up the gear we'll leave.
(I'm traveling - will adjust my spells tomorrow.)
(
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday August 9th, 2023 8:30:59 PM ”Daisy? She is a good beast for a movie like me. I hope he takes good care of her.”. Benni doesn’t correct Khord, the elf is in agreement with the half-orc.
When the Twilight Ranger mentions the chests with no names, Benni wants to make sure they are included in the first load .
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+2=16 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2023 10:53:42 PM
Isaac watches as the body croaks out answers though he does look a Benni with some confusion after he asks the bed question. After the disturbing display he notes down "Mahta not sure i've heard that name before but if they are in mud town it would be faster to investigate it ourselves. The watch won't go into that place and trust me when I tried to do some good there certain places even I didn't go. I'll see if he can send us some more info about this Mahta but if we start trying to pursue this we might not be in Heranmar as much." Know local:16
Isaac watches as Snark explodes at the Levorn and Fletch and just sighs. "You two just get out of here before he finds something else to be angry about and stay out of trouble."
DM Bob and Carla - homeward bound Wednesday August 9th, 2023 10:56:34 PM
Beatrix and Jasper round up the ponies. It takes a little longer than they might have wished, but non-the less, Daisy, Slim, and the other two are found. Turns out the bandit made off with the pony that was tied to the back of the wagon. Slim lets Snark know he was set free, and went looking for greener grass to eat. There are mounts for Benni, Snark, Jasper and Khordwith Isaac to handle the horses and the wagon. Beatrix, naturally, can manage on her own!
When Khord escorts the surviving wreckers to the top of the bluff, a furious Snark strips them of their weapons (Khord’s old bow, and Fletch’s scimitar) and thrusts two short spears at them, and tells them to scram before he changes his mind. Jasper and Khord can discern one set of hoof prints heading down the trail the party used to get to the promontory - and send Fletch and Levorn on their way with an admonishment to reconsider their lifestyle if they know what’s good for them. The two bandits respond with alacrity, and hightail it down the trail.
Khord sends Niko to the wagon for a rest, and he and Benni haul some items up from the cave and load them into the wagon. They make sure to load all the equipment collected from the wreckers, the two locked chests that so enthralled the druid, Virkas’ leather satchel, and a collection of smaller crates, barrels, and sacks. Whilst sorting through the piled cargo for suitable items to take, Khord finds Highlight to display spoiler: {a locked leather bound box with the logo of the House of the Teeth entwined with the letters ‘H’ and ‘M’. }
Due to the delay caused by having to round up the ponies, the party departs later than they might have preferred. The benefit of being familiar with the route back is lost by the requirement of managing a fully loaded wagon. Benni reveals the information he learned from interrogating Virkas’ corpse, and wonders if disrupting the crew is sufficient to discourage any further incursions into the area, or if further action is required. The elf does not relish the idea of another long distance trip. Maybe sharing intel is sufficient? Isaac doesn’t recognize the name provided by Virkas. Beatrix feeling somewhat numb, muses over the taking of a life.
The return trip to Heranmar is uneventful, if long and uncomfortable. It is long dark, with folks depending on dark vision or lights of various sorts to make up for the lack of moonlight. The Eastern Gate is opened, and the party waved through without questions. At the inn, a yawning Ralphus, sends two stable boys to help manage the animals and store the loaded wagon in a safe place. Reporting on what has transpired will have to wait until the morning.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday August 10th, 2023 8:10:34 AM
Before they head out Beatrix checks how much loot are they talking about. There was talk of having to come back, but between her ridiculous carrying capacity and the wagon they may have to return with everything and not come back.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday August 10th, 2023 10:56:08 AM
Onesimos smiles and teases the centaur, for love is also playful. "You are certainly strong, Beatrix, but probably can't carry 2 ship loads in one go!"
The cleric is actually happy to see Daisy, especially as the ride back to Heranmar is well after dark. Fatigued is an understatement by the time they are waved through the East Gate and to Ralphus' care.
Benni will help unload the locked chests, leather satchel, and the thing Khord finds to be secured in his room (since there isn't a better common location).
And then he sleeps until waking.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Thursday August 10th, 2023 1:03:40 PM
Jasper really doesn't want to deal with the bureaucrats in Hook Ctiy again. If the Luck Makers can get the proper paperwork and have freedom of movement and NOT wait in lines, she'll... well, she still won't want to go. The idea of confronting a member of the Thieves Guild on his own turf sounds mad. She'd much rather shoo trouble away from Heranmar than go looking for it at its source.
As they ride home, she's drawn from her thoughts when she notices that Beatrix seems troubled. She falls in beside the centaur and says gently,"You couldn't have known. And, he was trying to kill us." She offers a small smile, then trots ahead.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Thursday August 10th, 2023 3:36:05 PM
Khord makes sure the locked boxes are carefully stowed, and rummaging through the other goods he comes across a small leather bound box. His eyes grow wide as he recognizes the House of the Teeth logo and the initials HM emblazoned on the outside, "Domi's lazy cousin, this box must belong to Haratio Mann," and he whistles in appreciation. Seeing that no one seems to understand him, "I came to fair Heranmar in search of an item that was stolen from a man named Haratio Mann who is kind of a big deal back home. This is either the piece I am looking for or a clue that will possibly lead me to it."
He tucks the box into his haversack and can barely keep a broad smile from his face.
He rides back to Heranmar in a much better mood than the one he arrived at this hill overlooking the sea.
Once back to Heranmar, he will help unload, return the pony, and asks around for Wren or Lars.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday August 10th, 2023 9:10:37 PM
Snark is both puzzled and concerned by Khord's behavior. Afterall, he has not known Khord that long.
The little gnome plants his feat and grasps his staff as he says to Khord, "Slow down there Sparkie. We all worked together to defeat those theives and stop what they were doing to ships headed to Heranmar. Before you start grabbing stuff you're going to need to explain what makes that package yours to keep.
"So pull it back out of your bag and let's all have a look at what it contains. Then let's start with you telling us who this Horatio Mann is and why you're grabbing his things. I don't recall you mentioning him before this."
Snark will cast Detect Magic to see if there's anything magic in the chests or in that package Khord shoved in his bag.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday August 10th, 2023 9:25:49 PM
Isaac is interested in Khords tale " I've not heard of this Horacio. What was he like? Some sort leader or someone famous?
On the way back Isaac asks Snark "You seemed pretty upset that the pony was released. Do you want to talk about it or do you want to be left alone?"
DM Bob and Carla - a little back and forth Thursday August 10th, 2023 11:57:23 PM Benni and Jasper both engage with the newest member of the group. Benni gently teases the centaur when she suggests hauling goods back to town. Beatrix can certainly carry some items on the return trip, but it might not make much of a dent in the 3-4 wagon loads of cargo left in the cave, after having loaded Isaac’s wagon. Jasper lets Beatrix know she finds her actions in combat with the wizard justifiable, and offers an encouraging smile.
Khord is chuffed to have found the box that lead him to Heranmar in the first place. Isaac and Snark want to know more, though the paladin is a little more diplomatic with his request than the blue haired wizard.
The leather box is locked, but doesn’t detect as magic to Snark, but the two locked chests definitely give off magical vibes (as previously noted by Jasper) It is a bit of a jumble, but the gnome can detect some faint auras - illusion, transmutation, divination, and conjuration.
*****
Having arrived very late the night before, folks may be a little slow with their morning routines. Whilst the party is getting about the business of breakfast, Rap Goodfellow - the representative for trade in Heranmar, and Gwenlian - the port master responsible for tracking ships in and out, make their appearance. “Ralphus told us you’ve found out something?” Rap says, his look questioning. Gwenlian stands nearby, looking expectantly and flipping a playing card that hangs from a green ribbon at her neck, over and over again.
(OOC: you can make a two part post with things you need/want to wrap up while enroute to Heranmar and
*****
things you do in the morning leading up to and during the breakfast encounter.)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday August 11th, 2023 7:15:05 AM
Beatrix is appreciative of Jasper's attempts to comfort her, but doesn't really know how she feels about it yet. She'll need some more time to think about it. On the way back she listens to the groups discussion but doesn't contribute much. She doesn't really consider herself a Luck Maker, she just came along to help, so once in town she goes strait to bed and is off in her own corner doing her own thing when the rest of the group is approached by the town representatives.
Tinkerbell spends the trip back flying about looking at all the things they're brining back in curiosity. She's more interested in the party, especially fellow bat Luna, so is up in the rafters nearby to listen in on the conversation with the representatives.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday August 11th, 2023 9:10:23 AM
Onesimos is also interested in Khord's actions but in a different way. "It will be difficult for your friends, Khord, to assist in your mission if we don't know anything about it. We help each other, you know."
Benni sits with Rap Goodfellow and Gwenlian over a morning breakfast of whatever Ralphus' staff has prepared. He divulges that they did find a team of wreckers that they defeated, brought back a wagon load and that there is still about three more wagon loads at the cave. "Any of the others would be better to provide directions or a map so Heranmar can recover the goods of the two lost ships. But action makes its own luck. No use waiting and hoping for something when one can affect the outcome oneself."
After the meeting, Benni would like Jasper or Beatrix or Snark to assist in opening and identifying the magical chests.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday August 11th, 2023 2:42:21 PM
Jasper swallows a bite of breakfast and clears her throat.
She's not familiar with Rap and therefore shy, but after a glance at Benni's kind face, finds her tongue.
"It was indeed wreckers that stole your cargo... and consigned who knows how many to the waves. We found one nest, but it appears they might be part of a larger network out of Hook City. Two of the crew are out there still, although they seem to be reformed. Or at the very least, afraid.
You might consider some sort of signal or pattern, a kind of code so the shipping traffic doesn't follow any light they see. You'd have to change it every so often and communicate it, of course. Hmm. That might be a job for wizards."
She watches the exchange with Khord but doesn't comment. She's new, too.
"We have a lot to do. When we get around to diving things, I request Flethch's scimitar. I can't use any of the wizard's things. Benni, I don't know if I'll be of any use with the chests, but I'm at your service."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+5=15 ; Friday August 11th, 2023 3:53:39 PM
Khord is caught off guard by Snark's accusations. He pulls the case back out and sets it where everyone can see it. As Snark does his detection spell over it he chimes in, "Please don't open it. Whatever it contains led Haratio to pay myself and my two companions to cross the ocean in search of it. And we are not being paid to pry into the business of such a powerful man."
He continues, "The initial reason I joined all of you on the ship to Hook City with the Woad Beer was to follow up on a lead there that we had uncovered when we arrived in Heranmar. The man who stole the item had been said to have traveled there. I couldn't check up on it as we were denied access to the city and I thought our investigation had come to a dead end."
"This Haratio Mann fellow is the second in command of a large concern back home in Dirt City. Truth be told they are a smuggler's clan known as the House of the Teeth. Dirt City is run by several houses of thieves' and my organization, the Twilight Rangers, exists to make sure that the houses don't overreach or grind the little people under there well-heeled boots. Sometimes that requires us to take commissions from the houses to help keep the peace as well, and this is one of those instances."
"Now I know I may have acted rashly by stuffing the box in my pack, and can see how it would look to you all. But I must insist that we return that box, unopened, to my fellow twilight rangers at the least. If it will make you feel better, we can come to an understanding of its worth and deduct that from my cut of the treasure from this little adventure."
He looks to his fellow Luck Makers for some sign that they agree to his request.
---------------------------------
In the morning, Khord will wake and make early and make a circuit of the town in the dawn light looking for his friends from the twilight rangers.
Upon returning to the group for breakfast, and encountering Rap and Gwenlien he will add. "I can draw you a map of where the cave is, that should help somewhat. It may not be the best but i marked out some landmarks that should help" (Know:Geo = 15)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Friday August 11th, 2023 4:11:24 PM
Isaac happy to be done with the Wreckers for the time being relaxes on the way back to town. Listening to Khords and Snarks explanations. *** Back at town informs Rap Goodfellow of what happened "We did fin a group of wreckers but it seems to have only been a small group. They had a boss Virkas but he seemed to only be a manager as he was taking orders from someone in Hook city a person who went by Mahta and they operated out of Mud Town. Didn't get much more than that. But we did find a lot of stuff from their operations."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday August 11th, 2023 5:27:21 PM
Snark looks up at the much taller Khord for a moment before responding.
"Awright Khord - what you're saying make sense. I seen some weird stuff and mostly I wanted to make sure you weren't under some sort of enchantment or compulsion 'cause of that package. Nobody wants to be controlled by an evil artifact. But I didn't sense no enchantments on you, nor any magic coming from that thing. I got no need to open it other than my own curiosity, and your mission with the rangers is enough reason for me to stay outa your business.
"But maybe next time you're on a secret mission you should tell your friends, assuming you still count me as a friend after I made you explain yourself. Sorry for doubting you pal." The little wizard will reach a contrite hand up to the ranger to shake.
He will reply to Rap and Gwenlian, "Jasper summed it up. We let Fletch, Kelgorn and Levorn go, so that's on us. Kelgorn and Levorn said they were forced into this, but I still wouldn't trust 'em as far as I could throw 'em. We need to get word to folk in Hook City about what was going on."
Snark laments that he does not know how to cast a Knock spell yet. "As for the magic in those boxes, we oughta break 'em open unless someone can pick a lock. Be a shame to ruin a good chest though."
If no one else has a way to open them, Snark is content to shove a dagger blade under the lock to see if me can pry it open, though the little gnome is not very strong and may need some help.
DM Bob and Carla - a little more back and forth… Sunday August 13th, 2023 10:54:46 PM
Eloquent in his defence, Khord elaborates on the mission that brought him to Heranmar, and how he and his fellow Twilight Rangers lost the trail of their suspect, and the purloined documents, somewhere between Hook City and Heranmar. He convinces the rest of the party to respect his mission, and permit him to make arrangements for the return of the box to its rightful owner.
*****
. After a good night of full rest the half orc is the first one up. Before dawn, as he makes the rounds of town, he encounters Wren coming off the wall as the guard shift changes. Stifling a yawn, the half elf lets Khord know that Lars returned the day after the Luck Makers went adventuring. He’s been hanging around the WLA stall in the trade building, jawing with that Miles fellow.” She rolls her eyes, then walks with her friend as far as the inn, before punching him in the shoulder by way of saying so long, and making her way to the barracks just beyond.
Breakfast is ‘help yourself’ with biscuits, slices of ham and cheese, a tea infusion for those desirous of something hot to drink, a juice of combined apple and pear, and small beer. Beatrix keeps her thoughts to herself, and finds a quiet place in the room to break her fast. Luna literally and figuratively hangs out in the rafters above.
The party collaboratively describe the results of their adventure to the representative of the trades-folk and the port master. Benni briefly touches on their tangle with wreckers, and the discovery of a cave with cargo from what looks to be two ships. Shy at first Jasper warms to her audience and volunteers that the bandits originated in Hook City, that those who survived shouldn’t pose a problem for Heranmar, and suggests the navigation signals used by the port be changed up somehow , so sailing vessels aren’t so easily fooled. Isaac fills in additional details, suggesting the crew of wreckers was small, and got their orders from someone in the Mud Town part of Hook City. He provides some names. Snarkwraps things up suggesting that word should be got to Hook City about the goings on, whilst Khord draws a map of the route to the headland and the cave with the cargo.
When the Luck Makers finish, Rap asks if there was any evidence of the Godspeed amongst the cargo? Gwenlian doubles down and wants to know if there was anything to identify the names and number of ships which might have been lured to their doom. She’d like to check those names against the list of vessels expected through Heranmar that haven’t shown up. Rap accepts Khord’s map, adding: ”it’ll take me a day to organize wagons and some folks to fetch the crates and such, but I can have some lads come over and collect what you’ve already brought out.” He rubs the back of head as if thinking, then adds: ”I reckon we might be able to get sheriff Eugene to lend us some of his people, but I’d sure appreciate it if some of you folks could come along tomorrow to help…make sure we don’t miss the turn off?…extra security?” He looks up hopefully. ”We’d be mighty grateful, and I reckon anything that remains unclaimed would be yours by way of reward…
*****
The business of what to do with the cargo dealt with, those interested in the two locked chests try to figure out how they might be opened. Snark asks his companions if any of them have the ability to spring locks, whilst holding a dagger in one hand, ready to make the attempt if there are no suggestions!
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday August 14th, 2023 7:32:15 AM
Onesimos slaps his forehead with the heel of his hand, "I could have had a spicy eight vegetable juice!" He looks about sheepishly, then explains. "Sorry, bad temple joke among postulants. What I meant was I was able to find a satchel among Vikras' bedroll that contained two vital pieces of information."
Benni then produces for the Halfling Councillor and Harbormaster the list of ships that was in the satchel. "Anyone who had a list of all the ships for the month going to Heranmar from Hook City must have some inside connections: or very very strong divination magics or burglary skills.' The cleric also thinks back (ooc: skimmed the last 30 days of posts), and had to admit that they never got a straight answer on how many ships were successfully wrecked. The cave, however, had enough stuff to be from one, maybe two sailing vessels - enough to fill 4-5 wagons. Benni offers the names that he could remember from the ones that had stencils, and helps show Rap and Gwenlian the one wagon load (and Beatrix load) they brought back.
The elf also hands Snark the key that was also in the satchel. "Sorry Snark, but this may work better on the chests?" ...........
For other actions, Benni nods and approves of Khord's explanation and reasoning, but shudders a bit at a whole city run by competing thieves guilds: the whole thing sounds crazy!
And he also looks at his friends for their assent. Once he gets three nods, he will also nod and accept the task of escorting and helping the team to collect the goods in the cave.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=10 ; Monday August 14th, 2023 7:54:34 AM
Beatrix came here to become a teacher. It's about time she do something to do that. She'll ask the tavernkeeper about the schooling situation in town and who she should talk to and, if necessary, wander the town asking questions until she can find someone important who can advise her on the local teaching situation. Hopefully the barman can direct her because gather information isn't one of her specialties (11 diplomacy to gather information if needed)
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday August 14th, 2023 1:01:30 PM
Should the key fail to work, Jasper offers to cast Guidance on whoever decides to give opening the chests a go.
"I need to tend the garden, and I do admit I want to see what's in those chests. When that's sorted, I'm ready to return to the cave."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Monday August 14th, 2023 4:44:54 PM
Khord nods to Benni, indicating he will help secure the goods from the cave. "Can't leave a job left only half done. I will feel much better once the goods have been returned to town."
Looking at the key, he feels a sense of relief that they don't have to try to break in to the boxes. He chuckles to himself, "I guess it is kind of ironic that I come from a town run by all manner of thieves, but have no skill at opening locks."
-----------------
After the chests are checked and plans are made to return to the caves, Khord and Niko will make there way to the WLA stall in search of Lars. As he approaches he calls out, Ho Lars, I found something I think you will want to see." He will give the others around the WLA stall a look before suggesting, "It has to do with our reasons for coming so far south, and I think we should talk about it in private."
If Lars can find them a quiet spot, he will produce the case and show it to his mentor.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 14th, 2023 8:06:39 PM
The little wizard take the key from Benni and opens the chests. Failing that, he'll do his best for force the lock, perhaps with the help of someone stronger.
Once open, he will cast Detect Magic to attempt to identify any magic items. (He is +19 on Spellcraft, and the DC to identify an item is 15+Item Caster Level.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+16=31 ; Monday August 14th, 2023 8:20:40 PM
Isaac makes a little ham and cheese biscuit out the breakfast offerings and finds the tea pretty good despite the unusual combination. "Rap I'll head down there tomorrow so you can count on me. However I've got not skill with locks. We should probably try and find a locksmith to come along"
If Isaac has time will spend the day looking into the ghostly hanging tree. Trying to better understand it. (The tree ghost haunt that killed Waldo) Know religion:31
DM Bob and Carla Monday August 14th, 2023 11:39:02 PM Benni remembers finding a list of vessels scheduled to sail from Hook City to Heranmar amongst the personal effects of the dead wizard, and hands it over to Gwenlian and Rap. The port master checks the list, and mentions the last ship on the list arrived the day before. ”The captain reported seeing some lights on a promontory, but on closer examination it looked like a brush fire. He decided to stay where the water was deep, and make port in the morning when he could confirm his position.” With a grim look, she adds: ”Two of the ships on this list haven’t made it to port yet, and one of them is the Godspeed.”
Benni, Jasper, Khord and Isaac volunteer to be part of the cargo recovery efforts. Rap asks them, and any other volunteers, to be ready to head out early the next morning.
Jasper is itching to visit the garden behind the inn, but sticks around a little longer, curious about the contents of the two chests the party secured in Benni’s room the night before.
The business of the missing ships and cargo over for the day, the party turns to the job of opening the chests. The cleric of Flower hands Snark a key found in Virkas’ satchel. It opens one of the chests. Inside the chest is:
A Wand of CMW (25 charges) A Wand of See Invisibility (10 charges) A Cloak of Elvenkind An Efficient Quiver and Gold, Silver, and Gems totalling 24,000 GP
The gnome then goes to work on the second chest, eventually opening the chest, but destroying the lock mechanism in the process. This chest contains several books and academic scrolls, what looks like a journal belonging to someone called Telpa Tenebris, and a magnifying glass. The journal is the only item in the second chest that seems to be giving off any magical vibes (faint transmutation.)
*****
Beatrix discovers that the Quendock Mansion runs a school, but only during the fall and winter. She also learns some families are trying to homeschool their children, but books are scarce in Heranmar.
Isaac consolidates what he knows about the Hanging Tree apparition. The stump of a real tree exists east of the docks. Once a year, an apparition of the tree appears with the body of a man hanging from it, bringing really bad luck to anyone who sees the apparition. He hears a story about a man who was falsely accused of a crime somehow implicated. Is there a soul unable (or unwilling) to cross over to the shadowlands? Perhaps there are other folks in the community who know more?
Khord finds his friend and old mentor, Lars, leaning against the doorframe of the WLA stall, talking to Miles. Lars excuses himself and follows Khord outside the trade building, He mentions the WLA representative has asked him if he’d act as courier, and deliver dispatches to WLA headquarters from time to time. When Khord reveals the leather bound box he discovered in the cave, Lars whistles expressively, then asks: ”any sign of the ‘Midshipmen’?”
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 7:07:02 AM
Beatrix has found pretty much what she expected and is please that she anticipated the town's needs so well - most small towns have some sort of schooling program but a lack of books which is why she brought so many. She'll head to Queendock Mansion to talk to the people currently working to educate the children of the town, coordinate with them, and let them know the bounty of children's literature she has brought with her so a plan can be made to distribute them (also what season is it now? Presumably not fall or winter)
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday August 15th, 2023 7:11:30 AM
Onesimos agrees to be off early tomorrow to help recover the goods, and whistles appreciatively at the magical items in the chest. Not wanting to appear greedy, he asks before selecting anything "So, what do people want?" (ooc: moving to email)
For the rest of the day, Benni spends the morning at the WLA booth, both helping and training. After the noon meal, he goes to the Sanctuary of the Sea to help tend the building, tell stories about his seven protagonists (Eros, Philia, Storge, Agape, Ludus, Pragma, and Philautia), and confer with the other clerics: Reshakka (Liontaur custodian) and, if in port, Roland (human cleric of Wardd).
At the evening meal, the cleric sits with his friends over a small beer and talks of the next day. "Our hired wreckers were truthful in they were intending to change their ways, but I believe we must be prepared in case they had second thoughts or ran into others who 'convinced' them to lead them to the cave. We may not be the only ones seeking to secure the lost cargo."
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 4:51:49 PM
Jasper works in the garden most of the day. Ah! The raspberries are coming along; those tomatoes should be ready to harvest any day. The bees seem content.
She rejoins the Luck Makers at evening meal.
"I don't want to sound cynical, but I'll be shocked if anything is still there. Too bad we couldn't set a ward on it before we left."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 5:06:52 PM
Seeing the contents of the two boxes, Khord is intrigued by the journal. "I think the more scholarly of us should spend some time looking over these papers. And I must say that is a princely haul from the first chest. Should we all meet here tonight to discuss dividing that up, I have an errand to run this afternoon and will be back this evening."
Before he leaves to head to the WLA stall, he says to the Luck Makers present. "I must go to find my mentor Lars, to tell him about the box, hopefully he will know how to proceed. It is my intention to convince him to bring you into our confidence and make our mission also a Luck Makers mission. That is to say, through our travels and adventures I feel I am as much a Luck Maker as I am a Twilight Ranger. And I think both of our groups are aligned in our goals. I will suggest I continue working with all of you while Lars and Wren investigate on their own and we can share knowledge of what we find. I think we can all profit from this arrangement if you are agreeable."
-------------
As Lars asks if there was any sign of the Midshipman, Khords stomach drops. "How could I be so dumb, there were a couple goons that we dispatched and a pesky wizard. But we captured a couple half-elves and a man who was second in command. they seemed to be remorseful and we let them go. I only now am thinking that one called Fetch could have been the Midshipman. We had not found the box by the time we let them go."
After Khord relays all the events of the trip to the cave, he says to Lars, "I would like you to come with me to meet the rest of the Luck Makers. They are a very resourceful lot, and I have grown to like them very much. I think they can be helpful in our mission, and I feel more compelled to help with there missions the longer I spend her in Heranmar. I think we should form an alliance or at least share knowledge of the projects we are working on."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 6:30:29 PM
Snark sees to returning the ponies, horses and wagon. He will readily accompany the crew intending to fetch what was left behind in the hidden cave of the wreckers. To prepare, he gathers some herbs useful in preparing his healing infusions.
The little gnome agrees that working to accomplish Khord's objectives seems to be a good is of the Luck Makers' time.
In the evening he will prepare another healing infusion as his previous one only lasted a day and has gone bad.
(Camping this week, so posts are limited.)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=26 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2023 11:21:18 PM
Isaac decides to try and look for someone more knowledgeable about the towns past he thinks on it and decides to talk to both Reshakka at the Sanctuary of the Sea Chapel and Honora though he's not sure if she'll be at The Crones Standing Stones. He decides to head over to Reshakka first entering the chapel he looks around for the Lion taur and spots him haveing a conversation with someone else he waits until the priest ids free before going over to greet him "Greetings Reshakka doing well? I'm sorry to trouble you but I wanted to know if you could tell me anything about the History of Heranmar? In particular about the Hanging tree." Diplomacy:26
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday August 15th, 2023 11:56:03 PM Beatrix doesn’t get very far with her enquiries into the schooling situation in Heranmar. The administrative types seem suspicious of her intentions, and resistant to her interference. However, on making her way back to the inn, she is accosted by the two children she met her first day in Heranmar. While their mother watches, the boy holds out the simple children’s book with colourful illustrations and large print that the centaur gave him. ”I’m finished with this one. If I give it back, can I borrow another?”Just outside the entry to the inn and tavern, a wide eyed, Gini Bottim, watches the two other children and Beatrix, before asking:”is there one with kittens?”
Khord is keen on his old friends getting to know his new friends, but when he broaches the subject of working together, the older twilight ranger has different ideas. Lars lets Khord know he’s been thinking of retirement. Since he’s going to courier some dispatches for the WLA, he can see about wrapping up the business with Horatio Mann while he’s at it. Though he might get some of his travel expedited due to the WLA business - getting from the Southern Continent to Izen and Dirt City in order to deliver the box, is a long trip. He won’t be around for a while. He adds that Wren’s found a home with the town guard, and Khord seems to have fallen in with a good bunch of folks.
The WLA official is glad to see Onsimos and hints that he’d appreciate any information the cleric would care to share about his recent adventure. After all, one of the League’s primary tasks is to gather local knowledge and information. Miles will enter whatever the cleric divulges, writing it down in his book after coaxing out pertinent details. ”I’ll make copies and add them to my dispatches for the Chapter House in Hook City, and Headquarters in Plateau City.”. At the Sanctuary by the Sea, Benni finds Reshakka snoozing in a small shaft of light. The old liontaur is definitely slowing down. He looks through cloudy eyes at the elf, and struggles with remembering the taur name by which he knows the cleric …”Morix, Mior,…what was it?” and falls asleep listening to Benni witness his faith as the elf tidies up the temple.
Isaac arrives at the temple, having been unable to locate Honora, and spots Benni and the old liontaur. Reshakka wakes with a start, when addressed and listens to the paladin. ”Sounds like a haunt that needs to be laid to rest. Could be the fellow that was accused of killing someone,…but didn’t do it. Stranger to town. Can’t remember his name. Best talk to the sheriff…”
Snark makes sure the ponies, horses, and wagon are returned. The owner of the stables counts the livestock, then frowns. ”There’s one missing.” he says, eyeing the blue haired gnome suspiciously. ”That’ll be 30 GP for the pony, and 10 for the tackle” he adds, holding out a large, calloused hand.
Jasper retreats to the garden and spends a productive afternoon. She can point out useful medicinal plants to Snark, who spends some time brewing a healing infusion.
*****
That night after dinner, the Blue Cat is busier than usual. There is a mix of townsfolk, and folks from visiting sailing ships. Miles shows up, a lute under his arm, and after collecting a drink from Ralphus, and finding a seat near the hearth, proceeds to sing a gentle ballad with a pleasant melody…
*****
The next morning, there are five wagons and half a dozen volunteers (including Sheriff Eugene and Rap Goodfellow) waiting in the street outside the inn, ready to fetch the cargo from the wreckers cave.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 8:15:59 AM
Well looks like she won't get to start things from the top down, so time to go bottom up. She got back in one of her outfits with the endless pockets and loaded up on material to show what she brought so she has more on hand. "I'm glad you like it. Yes, you can borrow another, and I do have one with kittens. It's a bit harder though, so if you have trouble with it ask your mom or come find me and we can help you figure it out. I have lots of spares so let your friends know too." She'll exchange the book for another one of a bit more advanced a reading level.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday August 16th, 2023 12:56:33 PM
Onesimos dredges up more details than he thought he could remember for Miles, and glad to help the cause of the WLA. For his old friend, the elf helps as best he can to do the things Rekkasa can't do, and to make the aged liontaur as comfortable as possible. He isn't sad, knowing the transition comes to all living things in due time.
The evening spent well, and glad Khord is staying with the LuckMakers, Benni will wake bright and early to join the caravan to the cave.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 1:27:26 PM
Jasper gets ready for the journey back to the cave. She makes sure her pack is prepared and that she has some provisions on hand. She's somewhat surprised by the number of volunteers and the profusion of wagons. It makes sense; the townspeople have a material interest in reclaiming their stuff.
She doesn't see ponies. "Ah. Going on foot, are we? I can shift to a pony if anyone needs a ride."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 4:31:50 PM
Khord feels a little sad that it appears Lars is headed back across the ocean. It makes sense, he is the one that should return the box as he is the most senior of his twilight ranger companions. He will miss his advice and friendship, but feels his work is not done here in Heranmar. The thought of being free to adventure with the Luck Makers and serve justice here appeals to him a lot.
"Well, Make sure to stop and say good bye before you ship off," He says to Lars and heads back to the Blue Cat.
-------------
At the Blue Cat, Khord tells the others of Lars' decision and lets them know he plans to stay and continue helping out here. He talks to Snark about the missing pony and offers to give him 10 gold to help cover the cost.
------------
In the morning, Khord will head to the stable to rent another pony for the trip and gather his gear and meet the Sheriff and Rap and is ready to head out.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 6:01:01 PM
As Snark is asked to pay for the lost pony, Khord graciously steps up. "That's real nice of you Khord, but we got some money from those miscreants so I'll just take the 40 gp out of that."
Snark works with the others to get the funds from the found treasure. Then he runs through what we got and prepares to make a visit to the Catacombs.
(I should be able to tabulate stuff and get that done soon.)
He is ready to go in the morning, and is content to ride in the wagon there.
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday August 16th, 2023 10:51:59 PM
With 5 wagons, 4 empty and 1 loaded with supplies for those embarking on the salvage mission, there is plenty of room for Snark, Jasper, Benni and Isaac - up on a bench, or in the box of a wagon. Khord decides to give riding another go, and hires out a pony after he and Snark ensure the party’s debt to the stable master is paid.
The trip along the East Road is uneventful, and with folks using axe and machete to widen the trail where it veers off from the road, the troupe make good time to the headland.
On arrival at the headland, the group split up with some making camp near two stunted and charred trees, whilst others check out the cave. The white bones of three skeletons lie in repose in the sand where the Luck Maker’s had left the fallen bodies of Virkas and his henchmen. Knowledge Nature DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { to spot a few diminutive crabs with spider-like legs twitching across the sand, and recognize that they are known to swarm over their victims plucking flesh with their pinching claws. }.
There is time to get some of the cargo out of the cave before the high tide makes further salvage dangerous. Work is then resumed the next morning as the ebbing tide ensures safe access to the cave and its contents.
With all the cargo loaded into the wagons, and camp broken down and gear packed, the group make the return trip. The mood alternates between satisfaction at recovering so much of the cargo, and sadness at the loss of life associated with the wrecking of the Godspeed and the Lucy.
Having remained in town, Beatrix tries to figure out how to subvert what passes for the education system in Heranmar. She starts her campaign by loading her many pockets with reading materials, and goes in search of willing accomplices. By the time her adventuring companions return to town, the ponytailed centaur has amassed a small following of early readers.
Rap thanks all the recovery crew for their efforts. He wishes the Luck Makers a good night, with the understanding that they will present themselves at the trade building courtyard at noon the following day. ”That includes you too, missy!” he says, pointing at Beatrix
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+1=12 ; Wednesday August 16th, 2023 11:31:37 PM
Isaac had been in the wagon and grimaces at the picked clean bodies "The crabs must have picked them clean after we left. We better take them back and give them a proper burial" Isaac grabs some of the empty sacks from the caves and places the bodies in a separate sack each, making sure to note which contain the two orcs and Virkas's bones. Back at town after returning Isaac will take the bones to a graveyard to be properly buried. (ooc: Does Heranmar practice burial at sea? or some other sort of burial? because there is no graveyard on the town map.)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday August 17th, 2023 7:35:53 AM
Subvert is such a strong word. Beatrix would prefer 'supplement'. Still she does her best to make a good impression on both students and parents, providing encouragement and help to the students and talking to the parents about her skills and what else she's able to teach - she's got a few points in most the knowledge skills specifically for this purpose and is always working towards more. She's a little surprised to be lumped in with the Luck Makers but she did participate in that mission so it makes sense.
Tinkerbell also tries to make a good impression on the students but in a much more mischievous way. She plays with and messes with the children, getting in their hair, messing with their tools, and generally being a class clown and getting scolded by Beatrix occasionally. It's occasionally annoying but also keeps things light and adds a bit of levity to proceedings.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday August 17th, 2023 9:18:51 AM
Onesimos gratefully accepts a ride in the box of a wagon, and by the time they get to the cave is regretting his decision. "Daisy would have been much preferred to all this bouncing around", he grimaces. Well, life is full of experiences and choices, and the elf files away this for future use.
He is pleased that nothing has been disturbed since they left. To be sure, he asks Khord and Jasper to see if there are any signs or animals that can be asked about anyone being here since they left.
Benni is disinclined to interfere with Isaac, but doesn't feel where a body is has much to do with life or the spirit entering the Lands of Rest. Yet everyone has their own method of remembrance.
The elf has to cover his mouth to avoid laughing out loud upon seeing the little halfling pointing a commanding finger at the very large centaur. He nods his head in the affirmative: the LuckMakers will be at the Mansion in the morning, and he makes certain to Beatrix that he is on her side about teaching the children of Heranmar. The centaur won't be alone.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=39 ; Thursday August 17th, 2023 2:16:52 PM
Far from being unsettled by the crabs, Jasper welcomes them. They're doing their job: Nature's clean-up crew.
At the cave, she explores to ensure all remains as they left it. She looks for disturbed earth, tracks, misplaced cargo, or anything else that might seem amiss. (Perception 39)
"Benni, it's a good idea, but I don't think there's anything intelligent enough around here to converse with. Those crabs are so focused on their meal that they probably wouldn't have seen anything anyway. There might be bats further into the tunnel system though. If I spot any, I'll ask them."
She then gets to work helping load the cargo.
Back in town, she sleeps well, putters in the garden the next morning, and then musters as directed by Rap at the appointed place and time.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+6=20 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=28 ; Thursday August 17th, 2023 3:45:14 PM
Khord grimaces slightly at the handywork of the crabs (Know:Nature = 20) and he has to keep Niko from chasing the little buggers down to the surf. The dog gives him a disappointed yelp but complies. He spends some time looking around the topside of the headland near where the lanterns were hung (Perception = 25) and then looks about the cave for signs of disturbance (perception = 28). He will share his findings with the others.
Once back in town, he will offer to help with the unloading of the carts and then spend the afternoon and evening at the Blue Cat. He will ask Snark "What ever became of that journal we found in them chests? If you still have it do you mind if I look at it?" If available, he will spend the evening sipping a brew and reading by the taverns fire.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday August 17th, 2023 5:40:28 PM
Snark is pleased to go along with the others, but agrees the ride in the wagon is bumpy. He will ride alongside one of the drivers, offering to take a turn as needed.
One there, he asks Isaac if he would mind if the Gnome kept the skulls and one of the leg bones. You never know when these things come in handy, and he has a plan. He will conjure an unseen servant to help with the loading.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday August 17th, 2023 9:22:17 PM
Isaac questions why he wants the bones " Snark I don't want to pry but what are you planing to do with the bones? I want to give them a proper burial so no spirits return to the bodies. We have enough undead to worry about."
Home Sweet Home?
DM Bob and Carla - ”Home sweet home?” Thursday August 17th, 2023 11:33:39 PM
No one has visited the headland or the cave since the party left it, 3 days earlier, Khord is relieved to learn. He and the Luck Makers all pitch in to move the cargo from the cave and secure it in the wagons for transport to Heranmar.
Jasper admires the efficiency of the crabs at tidying up, then makes an inspection of the cave and various chambers. As the cargo is removed from the largest chamber, a fissure just wide enough for an adult sized human to slip through is revealed. There is a distinctive draft that indicates the passage leads to the out-of-doors at some point. A brief investigation reveals a challenging passage of such difficulty that it would be used only in the direst circumstances when escape was necessary.
While Jasper ensures the passage is of no importance, Isaac scrounges 3 burlap bags and packs up the bones of the dead wreckers. Snark tries to wheedle the skulls and one of the leg bones for some purpose only known to himself.
*****
Being summer, school isn’t in session, and Beatrix isn’t encouraged to use the mansion. However, a steady stream of very young children find her wherever she goes about town. Most just want to borrow her books, but some of the youngest want her to read to them or see what else she has in her pockets. There is usually a mum or dad nearby, keeping a watchful eye on the centaur and making warding signs.
The group spends another night at the Bottom Feeder Inn, and have a late bite at the Blue Cat Tavern. Khord borrows the journal that was in the chest Snark had to force open, and spends a little time perusing it’s pages. Khord Highlight to display spoiler: { the book is the personal journal of Talpa Tenebris, an academic at the Star Mages Guild. Flipping to the back pages, Khord will learn that he was on board the Lucy - one of the vessels lured to its doom by the wreckers.}
*****
The next day Benni ensures the entire group is assembled in the courtyard of the trade house at the appointed time, where a small crowd awaits. Those familiar with the townsfolk will recognize merchants with stalls in the trade house, or owners of shops in town. Some are skilled tradesmen or crafts persons. Most would seem to have had a vested interest in the cargo discovered by the group, and returned to Heranmar.
Climbing onto a wooden box, Rap Goodfellow calls for everyone’s attention, then proceeds to point out the party and introduce the Luck Makers, thanking them profusely for the service they have rendered the community, and the merchants in particular. ”As representative for the trades, and a town councillor, I want to extend an invitation on behalf of the honest working folk of Heranmar for you to make a home in our fair town.” He extends his hands. In one is a roll of parchment tied with a green ribbon, and in the other, a ring of 8 keys. ”This is a 13 month lease on the old Morrison’s boarding house - and your new home!”. There are cheers, and some snickers. Climbing off the box, Rap thrusts the keys and parchment at Benni”needs a little fixing up…nothing you shouldn’t be able to handle…well, time is money! Must be off! Good luck!”. The halfling is lost in the crowd of merchants. However, Corinn, one of the gifted and the proprietor of Corinn’s Cures moves into his place and says: ”You can probably find most of what you need from these folks,” she waves at the dispersing crowd, ”however” she adds with a knowing look, ”if it’s something special you need, come see me.”
(OOC: the party have a week of down time for sorting out the chests/loot and ‘shopping’ (the Catacombs are open!), establishing living quarters, getting to know the community better, finding answers to niggling questions and wrapping up loose ends. )
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday August 18th, 2023 6:00:26 AM
Beatrix blinks. She just got here and helped with one thing now they're offering her a house? Well part of a boarding home. Which is sort of like an inn in that it has multiple rooms. So really just a free stay for a year. Still she's surprised to be included.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday August 18th, 2023 12:44:08 PM
Jasper is shocked. A home? A real home? She hasn't had one in years and years.
She gratefully accepts her key.
_____________________
OOC: I'll shop later-- traveling today. Thanks!
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday August 18th, 2023 2:18:19 PM
Snark answers Isaac about the skulls and bone. "Sometimes, what people think you're doing is more important than what you're actually doing. Having a skull or two to cast Continual Flame on along with Ghost Sound and such might allow us to divert or avoid a conflict in the right situation. Similarly, the bone might let me create a ruse. Just two of the skulls should be fine."
The little gnome gladly accepts a key. He's happy to go check out the place and over the next few days, conjure plenty of Unseen Servants to get the place cleaned out.
Snark will resolve the gear, visit the Catacombs, make a couple of minor items, and spend some time in town casting minor magics to help folks out. He'll also explore the area nearby to find herbs that may be useful in making his healing infusions. He'll generally make one such infusion each day, and since they only last 24 hours he will use them on townsfolk and their animals - cure wounds, neutralize posion, remove disease and blindness, etc.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Friday August 18th, 2023 3:55:54 PM
Khord gladly takes a key, and eventually heads to the old boarding house. He looks at it as only a new home owner (?) would. "It's better than some of the alleyways and safehouses we've stayed in before," he says to Niko.
After resolving the loot, he will take stock of what his new home needs and do some shopping to get his gear in order and maybe pick up something for his wolfhound companion.
OOC: will post again this weekend with more detail. Do we have a map available of the boarding house so we have an idea of how much space we have. Khord might want to brew some of the ale his family makes back home and that he misses so much.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday August 18th, 2023 5:57:57 PM
Onesimos accepts the parchment and ring of 8 keys; passing out one each to his fellow LuckMakers. "We are honored, really", he says, but his face tells a different story. The snickers are all Benni needs to hear that the 'boarding house' is a gift with a price attached. He nods at Corinn, figuring he is going to be a valued asset in learning what ... surprises... Rap awarded the LuckMakers with...
Benni extends his long-time room with the Bottim Feeders Inn for a week. For the next week, he investigates and cleans the former boarding house, exploring with a nose to what needs cleaning, what needs repair, what had possible haunts in it, and what section would be just perfect for Snark, Isaac, Khord, Jasper and Beatrix. Plus a couple of extra spots for potentially future arrivals...
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Sunday August 20th, 2023 7:07:45 AM
Khord picks up on the way Benni reacts to the gift of the boarding house. He will be cautious about moving in to the building until they have had time to thoroughly check it out.
He visits the catacombs and upgrades his armor, hoping to be a little tougher to hit as he has taken a beating in there last couple fights.
He will talk to a few merchants in the trades stalls about putting together a small brewing operation in the boarding house but does not act on it at this time as he thinks there may be some work to do before the building is ready for that.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Sunday August 20th, 2023 6:46:48 PM
Snark returns from the Catacombs and meets with the rest of the Luck Makers out of earshot of the townsfolk.
"Awright, I sold a bunch of stuff and here's what each of us got:
Benni - 1,296 gp, Bag of Holding II, Elixir of Swimming, Potion of Featherfall
Isaac - 6,596 gp
Beatrix - 6,596 gp
Jasper - 6,201 gp, 2 Alchemist Fire, MWK Scimitar
Khord - 4,146 gp, Oil of Magic Weapon, 2 Potion of CLW, MWK Composite Longbow (STR 12), Efficient Quiver
Snark - 3,921 gp, Virkas' Spellbook, 3 Potion of CLW, Potion of Featherfall, Wand of CMW (25 charges)
You might want to make your own trip to the Catacombs to equip yourself."
(See e-mail regarding Catacombs transaction, please. Some items show as both sold and distributed to party members. Clarification required.-DM Carla)
DM Bob and Carla - “Home Sweet Home” Sunday August 20th, 2023 9:28:00 PM
Keys are passed out, and received with varied degrees of enthusiasm by the six hero’s of Heranmar. A short walk across the green space beside the Trade House and south towards the East Gate brings the group to their new abode. Second from last is the old Morrison’s Rooming House. A few weatherworn wooden steps stand between the road and the surprisingly sturdy looking front door. The first floor is river stone, with a timbered second story protected by a slate roof.
The front door opens to a view of a room to the left. The dilapidated couch in front of the fireplace is threadbare and lumpy, and tilted awkwardly due to missing one leg. To the right is a large enclosed room with some rackety furniture - likely the previous caretaker’s room. Advancing further, there are stairs to the right and left, leading to the second floor. At the back of the building is an eating area with a battered but serviceable table flanked by benches, and a sideboard along the far wall. Opposite this space is the kitchen with its work table.
The back door leads to a yard overgrown with weeds. Mint and oregano have taken over the space nearest the house. Flat stones lead to a bathhouse/laundry room with a large tub, stone sink, and two hole privy. Opposite is a shed with two bays. The gate doors that once closed off access to a wide alley along the town’s outer wall, have fallen from rusted hinges and lie rotting amongst the weeds. There is a side gate that opens to a narrow space between the rooming house and it’s neighbour and leads to the front.
Upstairs, a wide wooden hallway is flanked by 4 rooms on each side. Each room has it’s own window, with the front 4 facing the street and the buildings across the way, and the back 4 looking into the modest courtyard and the high stone walls that enclose the town.
Despite an inch of dust covering just about every surface, the ratty condition of the furnishings, and a general air of neglect, the building appears sturdy. There is no attic, and no basement.
Beatrix is surprised by the generosity of the people of Heranmar., while Jasper seems ecstatic at the idea of a ‘home’. Snark considers conjuring some help, but first excuses himself and returns to the Trade House where he locates Corinn’s Cures and passes through the port key to The Catacombs.
Khord takes stock of his new home, then catches up to Snark who demonstrates how one can be both in The Catacombs and magically still in Heranmar!
Benni evaluates the rooming house and considers extending his stay at the inn. Other than a few mice, the place doesn’t seem haunted.
(OOC: please describe what you do with the rest of your day through night and then what you plan to do the next day. Each post this week is a full day of (reasonable) activity. You can visit the Catacombs for magical items, and shop locally in Heranmar for mundane stuff as well as take time to do other things your PC would do during ‘down time.’ Your DM’s would like your PC sheets updated with new items and new GP values for the beginning of next week.)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=25 ; Monday August 21st, 2023 1:24:33 AM
Isaac accepts the keys grateful that things are starting to look up. He had been thinking about trying to find some more permanent lodgings. However when he hears that it needs some fixing up he starts to worry.
Finally seeing the house Isaac's suspicions are confirmed "Snark your servants are going to have their work cut out for them." Hh takes a look around the house noting the couch probably needing to be replaced along with the gate doors in the back "I think until we get this place livable we shouldn't cancel our rooms at the Inn. I'll look around for someone to start fixing up some of the gates and furniture " Isaac will spend the day talking to various crafts people about the cost to refurbish the house and report it to the group. He spends the night at the inn. Diplomacy: 25 (Ooc: Does the house have beds?) The next day Isaac gets up eager to continue his investigation into the Hanging Tree. He asks the sheriff for information and studies it if he gets it. Isaac also helps anyone who wants to move their stuff into the Rooming house.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 21st, 2023 7:34:56 AM
Beatrix will find the time to sneak off to the catacombs and make purchases with her new funds.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday August 21st, 2023 12:33:32 PM
Onesimos pokes around the Old Morrison's Rooming House, and while run down, it is not the money pit that he had at first envisioned. In fact, the elf is downright pleased! "Nothing that a little work can't do to fix it up!", he declares, and decides to move in that morning!
First up is what rooms do people want? Benni himself selects a room close to the stair and overlooking the front of the house 'so people can find me quickly'. He takes the room on the lower left on the second floor. The others can choose their own rooms except... "Beatrix, how would you like the room on the lower floor so you don't have to climb stairs?"
Then an inspection, the elf making a list of things that need to be done and a general priority of when it needs to be accomplished. That pretty fills up his morning.
In the afternoon, he goes to Trade House and looks to hire a couple projects: 1. Teamsters to haul away and dispose of unusable furniture (keeping the dining table, benches, and sideboard) 2. Cleaning team to remove dirt, cobwebs, and the air of neglect. 3. Someone to assess if the LuckMakers just need new ironmongery for the back gate, or do they need an entire gate? 4. Finding out what is the Heranmar process to remove old latrine detrius, and hiring for that.
The remainder of his day is spent cleaning his own room, and placing his worldly goods and bedroll in his new room. How nice!
In the evening, he takes his meal at the Bottim Feeder, and finds a place to speak with his friends. "What do you think of the place? What can we do ourselves and what do we need to hire people to make, fix, or maintain?" The elf has a lot of ideas, but wants to know what his friends think, too!
At night, he goes to his room and bedroll, kicking a wedge of wood in the underside of his door as a makeshift room lock. And goes to sleep.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 21st, 2023 2:20:43 PM
Snark is very pleased with the accommodations. He will take the room next to Benni. He uses Prestidigitation to tidy up his room, and will conjure some Unseen Servants to work on the common areas.
He replies to Benni, "We can do most of what's needed ourselves, what with conjured help and all. But it would be nice to hire some local folks, especially for maybe checking and reinforcing any old stone work or timbers. And we could really use some new furniture - you know, comfy beds and maybe some stuffed chairs by the fireplace."
As he looks over his things, he realizes buying spells for his spellbook will be costly (700 gp for each 4th level spell.) He will conjure a mount and make a trip out to see his friend, the wizard Olostim in the nearby lighthouse to see if the wizard might have some spells he can study and copy into his spellbook.
He will tell Olostim all about the wreckers and what they were doing. He'll also share what he knows about Zenia the Dark.
(For the DMs, not sure where Olostim's lighthouse is or exactly how far away it is. It might take Snark an overnight if Olostim will actually let him copy a couple of spells. If the DMs are not incorporating Olostim into Heranmar, Snark will instead ask about town if there are any spellcasters, offering to share spells in the hope of gleaning a 4th level spell or two. He'd really like Stone Shape to help with work on the new house.)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Monday August 21st, 2023 4:12:45 PM
After returning from the Catacombs, Khord will make his way to the boarding house. Seeing that Benni and Snark have already claimed rooms, He will lay claim to the room in the back right at the top of the stairs, with the wash house below him so he can sneak out his window and onto the roof if needed. "Call me paranoid, but I always like to have another way out of any building I am sleeping in, learned that one the hard way back in Dirt CIty." he quips to his friends.
He sets up his bedroll and makes room for Niko to sleep in the corner. Seeing that Benni is headed to the trade house to hire some things out and will tag along with him. Niko bounding along as well.
After taking care of Benni's list, he will track down a carpenter or woodworker looking for the following for his room:
1. Frame for a feather bed 2. A Wardrobe for his clothes and adventuring gear 3. A desk for his papers and correspondence, and for him to work from. 4. A washing stand with a bowl, pitcher, and mirror for him to clean and shave.
He will also look for someone to make a feather mattress for him and a smaller one for Niko.
After this he takes his supper at the Bottim Feeder and returns to the boarding house to sleep.
--------------------
The next day, he will track down Wren as she comes off guard duty. He will tell her all about the fight with the wreckers, the recovery of the goods from the wrecked ships, Horatio's box and the imminent departure of Lars and what her plans are. He will tell her about the Boarding house and how if she needs to get away from the barracks she is welcome to come by.
In the afternoon he will check in with the craftsmen he talked too the day before to verify the work can be done before he tracks down Lars. He asks when it is he thinks he will be heading out for Dirt City and asks if he can take a letter with him for his folks, one he is dreading writing but feels if he knows the deadline that will help motivate him to get it done.
He has supper at the Bottim Feeder again and turns in early, letting Niko snuggle up next to him on his bed roll.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 21st, 2023 5:06:28 PM
After her catacombs trip Beatrix will check out hew new lodgings. The small staircase up is a concern - she weighs in at 2000 lbs. and change and she seriously doubts any of the stairs are made to hold that kind of weight. She circles the place looking for a back entrance and finds the little overgrown courtyard full of some sort of rock or statue. It's very much a mess but she immediately starts getting Ideas upon seeing it. She somehow manages the stairs to look around the ground floor and sends Tinkerbell upstairs to look around and report the layout up there before leaving.
Come the evening she gathers with the group to discuss the place. "It looks like we'll be roommates. I would like the ground floor room, if I went upstairs I'd probably fall through the floor. Tinkerbell likes the first floor rafters, she'll probably stay in the main room.
What kind of crafting skills does your group have? I'm a decent smith and that overgrown courtyard looks big enough for a small outdoor forge. Clear out that junk and open up the space some we could have a whole crafting area for whomever needs it. If you guys are interested that is."
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday August 21st, 2023 6:49:48 PM
Jasper would like one of the rooms overlooking the courtyard, if that's doable. If not, she'll take whatever is left. She spends much of the day hauling trash, sweeping, and scrubbing. She uses her Mending orison to make repairs as needed.
Tomorrow, she'll either purchase or hire craftspeople to make a bed, a chest, a hanging chair, and a potting bench, and then she'll visit The Catacombs for gear.
Finally, she'll go to the garden and the surrounding woods to gather herbs that might be used in potions. She makes sure to gather lavender, hyssop, and wormwood to scent her room.
DM Bob and Carla - “Decisions, decisions!” Monday August 21st, 2023 9:22:44 PM That afternoon and evening…
The rooming house is a pleasant surprise to most of the party, though some reserve judgement until a more thorough inspection is completed. A few claim rooms and plan to stay the night, using bedrolls and blankets until furnishings can be arranged. Everyone heads back to the Blue Cat Tavern in the Bottom Feeder Inn in order to pack up and make arrangements to move possessions over to their new digs, settle their tabs, and have dinner.
The next morning…
Unseen, Beatrix slips out early for a visit to the Catacombs while Benni tours the place, making a list of things that need to be done, and Snark summons invisible forces to perform some simple tasks. Jasper and Khord are above stairs discussing the room situation, when there is a knock on the door.
Making his way from the inn to the rooming house, Isaac spots a middle aged woman and two children on the doorstep, just as one of his friends opens it. ”Welcome to the neighborhood!” the woman says holding out a basket, warm and smelling of baked goods. The boy, his shoulders pulled forward by the weight of the item he carries thrusts an old rusted horseshoe at Isaac, while the girl points to a spot over the door. ”You nail it up there! For good luck!” The woman peeps past whoever stands in the doorway and spots the clouds of dust being whipped up by the unseen servants. ” I do housekeeping. 6 GP a month for cleaning, or 10 GP plus money for shopping if you want me to cook too. I won’t live in, though. I’ve got me kids and mother-in-law to look after. Maggie Greaves. Just down the road. Let me know if you’re interested.”. Benni, Snark and Isaac recognize the name as being that of the widow of Gavin Greaves, one of the victims of the pirate, Jack Lolly. Beatrix returning from the Catacombs recognizes the boy and girl as being the children who gifted her two green ribbons and borrowed some picture books. The children smile and wave at the centaur, then follow their mom back down the road towards their home.
After checking out the basket of breakfast pastries, and discussing what to do next, Benni, Isaac, Khord and Jasper head over to the Trade House where they make their first call on the Truesdale Twins - Owen and Ethan, wood working artisans. Owen is the artist with a flair for creativity, and Ethan the genius at carpentry and joinery. Together they craft sturdy, functional, and beautiful designs. ‘Yes’ they make furniture, Owen responds. In fact, they have some finished pieces in their warehouse. The half-elf leads the group to a warehouse across from the workshop, and lets the group browse. He answers questions and volunteers that he can co-ordinate with the local upholsterer and provide a complete set of bed, mattress, pillows, and bedding. He and his brother also collaborate with the black smith who provides hardware and simple locks. If the group want anything from the warehouse, it can be delivered the next day. If they want him to provide an estimate for work around the house, he can pay a call the next afternoon.
An ordinary single bed, like what they make for the guards’ barracks is 2GP, 6 GP total kitted out with bedding, including 2 changes of linen. A double bed with ornamentation (inlaid wood, carving) costs 10 GP, 18 GP kitted out. Custom orders can be accommodated.
The visit to the carpenters consumes most of the afternoon, however Khord finds Lars, and learns he won’t be leaving until the end of the week. Wren is harder to find, but agrees to pay a visit on her day off. Benni locates labourers who agree to come by the house and haul away the old furniture and outside trash. They know some other folks who can check out the outhouse. Jasper makes a beeline for the woods beyond the East Gate, and finds a very peaceful and safe spot in which to contemplate her good fortune.
Isaac locates sheriff Eugene and respectfully, but firmly presses for some home truths about the hanging tree. The sheriff nervously fingers the ruby pendant about his neck. ”Dunno where Wardd was when that poor fella needed him.” he says, then divulges what he knows: the hanging tree manifests once a year on the anniversary of the hanging of Gin Trellus. The man was lynched for having pushed a man through the glass window of a bakery, killing him. Turned out it was an accident, and Gin was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now he’s dead, and buried in an unmarked grave. Anyway, 4 people died , one right after the other after seeing the apparition. Folks decided to cut down the tree to stop the haunt. Now instead of a ghostly body hanging in a live tree, there’s a ghostly body hanging in a ghostly tree. Little Amy was the 5th victim. Seeing the apparition, then jumping off the city wall to her death. The sheriff admits he doesn’t know how to stop the haunt, and is worried about the coming of the dark fall days and the anniversary of the hanging. ”Wish I knew how to lay all these troublesome ghosts like Gin Trellus, Waldo, and such to rest, like what you done with Jack Lolly.”
Whilst the main group consult with tradesfolk, and Beatrix disappears into the backyard to assess the feasibility of a workspace, Snark summons a mount and makes his way to the lighthouse. What might have been a long trudge, is a short ride of just over 1 hour. The gnome hears the patter of steps, in response to his knock on Olostim’s door. ”Is that you, Talpa?” The door opens to reveal the wizard himself, looking confused.”Oh! It’s you. Come in. Come in. I’ve been expecting a friend from my Plateau City days and the Star Mages Guild. Coming the long way, but he should be here by now….” Olostim’s gaze fixes more firmly on Snark and having gained control of his emotions, the wizard asks: ”and how might I help you?”
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 21st, 2023 10:24:14 PM
If this place is going to turn into a home away from home Beatrix's room along is going to require a lot of work. As a Centaur her biology just isn't the same as two legged humanoids and her bed and other furnishings will need be be specially made to work for her, along with some other furnishings in the place. She's used to adapting, having grown up in a city away from the taur islands, but if she's to make this place her own it'd be nice to adapt it to her rather then the other way around for once.
For now she'll place a order for a special request bed, a nice table, and several shelves. She has plenty of gold even after her shopping spree so will spring for the fancy stuff, not just basics specially made for her.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 1:41:10 AM
Snark is glad to see the wizard Olostim.
"Greetings Olostim. I'm glad to see you are healed up from our last encounter. I wanted to check in, both to see if I could learn any spells from you to add to my spell book, but also to let you know what's been happening."
Snark will relate the details of the Luck Makers' encounter with the Wreckers. He tells him about the two brothers, and the gang from Hook City and their hideout. He mentions the false lights they were using to lure the ships in so they could wreck them and scavenge the cargo to take back to Hook City.
He will tell Olostim about the Greenmage Zenia the Dark and how Snark himself is now a Greenmage.
He mentions that the Luck Makers have been allowed to stay in the old Morrison’s boarding house in Heranmar, and asks if Olostim knows anyting about the history of the place.
Finally, he pulls out the one bottle of Red Hill Red to give to Olostim. (Snark had bought three, and gave two to Zenia.)
If Olostim asks, Snark is looking for the following spells:
Sum. Monst IV Resiliant Sphere Stone Shape Greater Invisibility Wall of Fire Dimensional Anchor Illusory Wall Elemental Body I
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 7:39:02 AM
Onosimos agrees with Beatrix that the ground floor room is hers, and nods as the others make thier choices, but hopes they can share the space in the back of the house. "I think as long as people's interests don't take up much space or are portable, the ground floor or out back is fine. I weave basketry and holy symbols, so that can be done anywhere, but a small kitchen garden would be like love growing nearby."
The cleric recognizes the name 'Greaves' and impulsively agrees to hire Maggie for regular cleaning; giving her the first 6 gold right then. "Thank you, neighbor, what a loving welcome! We are going to get the big cleaning done, but will definitely need someone for keeping things straight, especially when we are out of town. I couldn't think of a better person in all of Heranmar besides you." He solemnly takes the horseshoe from the child with thanks, saying he will take care of it later. Besides, the LuckMakers make their own luck!
Benni is pleased there is a warehouse, and immediately pay the Truesdale Twins for a fully kitted double-bed, a chest with a lock, an armoring stand, and a small writing desk with chair, paying more for delivery. He also agrees for Owen and Ethan to come by and make an expert assessment of the house and grounds.
The elf happily keeps up with cleaning, trash-hauling, and interacting with neighbors and workers of Heranmar, encouraging the feeling of neighborly love: Philia.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 6:50:48 PM
Khord is impressed with the selection of Owen and Ethan, He orders a double bed, fully kitted out (he is giddy, he has never had a bed of his own much less a double sized bed), and chooses a writing desk, comfortable chair, armor stand, wardrobe, washing stand, and asks them to make a half sized mattress for Niko.
On his way back to the house, after meeting with Lars, he will pick up a sheaf of parchment, an inkpen and some ink. He sits at the large table and begins writing to his parents. He tells them about his adventures, the friends he has made here, the lucky way he has accomplished his mission, and sadly how he is staying to explore and bring some the twilight rangers justice to this new land. He closes by telling them he misses them and will send further letters with other sea captains when he is able.
He spends the rest of the day ordering things about the house, goes for Dinner and drinks at the Bottim Feeder and then turns in for the night.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 6:55:15 PM
Jasper orders a fully kitted-out double bed, carved with culverclove leaves. She happily hands over the 18 GP.
___ OOC: Perusing the PHB for a trip to The Catacombs. This is proving to be a busy week so posts are shortish.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 7:14:55 PM
Isaac thinks over the information he gains from the sheriff. At least he had a name but he needed to investigate the murder that Gin was accused of mabe finding the true culprit would put the haunt to rest but he doubted it.
Isaac takes time to hammer the horse shoe above the door way. He makes sure its sticking up so it looks like a U. He also puts a request in for a single guards bed with linens and pays the 6gp. If Isaac has time he will make a trip to the site of the hanging tree to get a better look at it. Failing that he will focus on moving into the new house.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 12:12:11 AM
(Shortish? Holly - no short jokes. I play a gnome.)
DM Bob and Carla - “Moving in” Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 1:04:32 AM
Olostim opens the door to Snark and gestures for him to enter the lighthouse before leading the 3ft gnome up the winding stairs ‘round the tower to the level used as a living room. ”Red Hill Red!” he exclaims admiring the gift. ”Thank you, Snark! I think I’ll save this for a celebration. Maybe a little get together of like minds when my friend arrives?”. Olostim gives Snark a knowing look, then gestures for the gnome to take a seat in a deep cushioned chair, while he fetches some refreshments. ”Yes, I can let you copy a spell or two. What spells do you have to share”? As the blue haired wizard recounts the events related to the wreckers, Olostim becomes agitated and plucks at his lower lip anxiously. ”Ships run aground, eh? Any survivors? My friend is supposed to be aboard the ‘Lucy’!”.
If Snark elects to stay at the lighthouse overnight, he can attempt to copy one spell, but his host is far too agitated to leave him alone to concentrate on additional study, and requires the gnome’s company to return to a semblance of calm.
(Choose one from Stone Shape, Wall of Fire, and Illusory Wall)
*****
A big smile splits Maggie Greaves’ face when she spots the horse shoe affixed above the front door. The woman walks around to the back of the house, through the side gate , and after knocking on the back door, pushes it open calling cheekily: ”Everybody decent?” before crossing the threshold, dragging a small trolly of cleaning supplies behind her. Though the agreement is for cleaning only, the woman deposits a cloth wrapped parcel that smells suspiciously like apple cake on the dining table. Wrinkling her nose, she volunteers, “I’ll start here in the kitchen….”
A knock on the front door signal’s the arrival of a cart from the inn with the last of the group’s possessions, including an empty chest with a functioning lock and a chest full of academic texts with a broken lock. The carriers pile everything in the middle of the hallway between the stairs.
Just after noon, Owen Truesdal arrives with a wagon loaded high with furniture, followed by a cart covered with a clean canvas tarp. The half elf helps a Gnomish woman down from the wagon’s box seat and introduces her as Miss Maxine, owner of a fabric shop and sewing and upholstery business. Owen invites the party to help unload the wagon, while Miss Maxine directs the off loading of the cart.
Jasper takes delivery of a very fine double bed. The high arched headboard and low footboard edged all around with a carved vine and leaf motif. A thick mattress is wrestled up the stairs, along with 4 pillows and a thick duvet. Miss Maxine hands the druid a parcel containing 2 mattress covers, 2 comforter covers, and 8 pillow cases. The duvet covers are woven with a raised design of leaves.
Beni’s order is next. A sleek double size bed is off loaded from the wagon, followed by a desk, chair, armouring stand, and footlocker style chest with leather and metal reinforcements. Owen gives Onesimos two keys, then closing the door to the bedroom, shows the cleric how to spring the mechanism that opens a secret compartment in the desk. The elf’s bedding is natural linen, but his duvet cover Is a mix of linen and silk for a luxurious feel.
It takes several trips and many hands to get Khord’s furniture up the stairs to his room on the second floor, but eventually the sturdy oak pieces are put in place. Miss Maxine helps make the bed, with linen dyed a dark tea colour, and then drapes a patterned velvet blanket of brown, black, red, and gold across the foot of the bed, and tells the half-orc: ”I must thank you for finding my goods, and returning them to me. If I had lost the shipment I would have been ruined, and would have had to close my shop and lay off my workers. It was a lucky day when you came to town!” Khord learns that Nikko’s cushion is a special order, and will be delivered later in the week.
A very simple single bed is brought up to Isaac’s room. The mattress isn’t as luxurious as those ordered by his companions, but it is plump and smells lightly of fresh bed-straw. The comforter is good quality, but not thick. The linen fabric of his bedding dyed a medium blue. Isaac gets one pillow, but he also gets a dark grey wool blanket.
Miss Maxine consults with Beatrix while the carpenter tours the grounds with some of the other Luck Makers. She suggests a plush rug, and a large circular cushion to support the centaur’s upper body when she is in repose, along with a half dozen other cushions for support and decoration. Noting the large collection of books, the decorator suggests a floor to ceiling wall of shelves. However, she would like to hear what ideas Beatrix has for her room.
Isaac eventually escapes the chaos of the rooming house and heads towards the area where the hanging tree apparition is reported to manifest. As he studies the weathered stump, he ponders the relationship of the innocent man buried in an unmarked grave, and the remains of the hanging tree. Knowledge Religion Highlight to display spoiler: {the paladin remembers learning that some haunts are tied to objects, and can only be ‘destroyed’ by bringing final rest to their connected entities.}
At the end of a long day, Miss Maxine, and Owen Truesdale make their departures, thanking the adventurers for their custom. The carpenter will return on the morrow with a list of recommendations and quotes for repairs to the rooming house, as well as to take measurements for Beatrix’s furnishings.
Maggie gets ready to leave, but suggests the group get someone to check the chimneys since they seemed a little smokey when she lit a test fire. ”Frank Cinderman’s the best. If you can’t find him at his shop, you can find him at his other job at the cemetery”
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 7:54:55 AM
Yes lots of pillows and things seems the practical/normal choice for a centaur. After discussion the plan for the room is made. The back wall will be entirely shelving for her books and things. In front of that on the top side will be her 'bed', a mass of cushions and pillows covering a 10x10 area. Then the top left corner of the room will have a short desk, one she can use while laying in bed or on the ground in front of it rather the having to stand all the time. On the south wall she can have a pair of chests for her non-book belongings and a single chair in the bottom left corner for guests. Some hooks over her desk can hold her lands and other tools that won't fit in the chests. Finally the door really needs to be made into a double door - squeezing into the human sized on is doable but kind of a pain.
As for colors and theming Beatrix likes deep blue and chooses a sky theme for everything - she is a flying centaur and likes the sky. She'll pay for stuff of good quality and with designs and decoration on it. (can I just remove a flat amount to cover everything rather then mathing it all out? She has up to 600 gold at the moment)
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=6 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 10:33:39 AM
Onesimos welcomes Maggie inside, sniffing the air appreciatively at the pie. The elf may be 160 years old, but the only thing he knows about a kitchen is to boil water for tea: he thought the kitchen WAS clean! Never jog an expert's elbow, he thinks wisely, and leaves Maggie to it.
The cleric spends the morning weaving some rushes into a straw hat for Maggie as a gift for the pie. Its not his best work. (Basketweaving: 6)
The furniture is well-received, and Benni is delighted about the secret compartment in the desk! He thanks Owen and Maxine repeatedly for all of the work, and spends a lot of time getting his furniture just the way he wants.
That evening, and for the next couple of evenings, he works with Snark and Beatrix to set up a Continual Flame spell in each bedroom, putting them on a sconce near the door and a leather hood to cover the magic that allows people to make thier rooms 'light' or 'dark'. He will continue to do the same to the Common Rooms and a light at the house's entrance, side, and back gates.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 3:45:24 PM
Snark will share his spellbook with Olostim - if are any spells he may want, the little gnome is happy to oblige. He will gladly take the Stone Shape spell.
When Olostim mentions his friend, Snark looks around awkwardly and is quiet for a moment. "Uh, I think I got some bad news. The Lucy was one of the ships wrecked, along with the Godspeed. Maybe you oughta come back to town with us. There was a journal I think. Maybe it'll have more info.
"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news about your friend."
If Olostim wants to go with him to town to see the journal, Snark will conjure Mounts for both of them.
When Snark does return the next day, he will see to getting a gnome sized fully kitted double-bed, a gnome sized writing desk and chair, a gnome sized worktable, some shelving and a gnome sized wardrobe. He also asks about a large rug for the floor, one that will really pull the room together. He takes the locking chest if noone else wants it. He will also pay to have one of the empty rooms upstairs kitted out for human sized guests with a double bed, desk, etc.
Then he will check around town for any other spellcasters he could trade spells with, and make another visit to the Catacombs to buy some spells.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 3:51:39 PM
Khord will greet Maggie and try a slice of the apple cake. He thinks that they might just have to spring for her to cook for them, at least on those occasions they are home. "Delicious Maggie, sorry for the state of the kitchen. Let us know if you need anything."
He then greets the wagons, and helps with the unloading, muscling the heavy furniture up to his room. Khord is caught short by Miss Maxine's revelation that her business was saved by the return of the goods from the wreckers. " Well, we knew if someone didn't figure out what was going on with those wreckers that the town was going to suffer. I am just glad we were successful."
Niko, when not being underfoot, does his best to greet all the newcomers with excited yelps and a wagging tail. He manages to sneak some of the apple cake when no one is looking. And once Khord's bed is prepared, he pounces on the covers and messes them up, rolling in the blankets.
He will seek out Lars and Wren in the late afternoon, inviting them to dinner at the Bottim Feeder. He will hand over the sealed note to Lars. And he will enjoy the company of his twilight ranger companions, swapping stories and telling them about there new digs.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+16=20 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 6:11:19 PM
Isaac looks over the stump trying to better understand it he concentrates trying to detect any evil on the stump and the surrounding area. He remembers that haunts that are connected to objects somehow turn the object invulnerable. His mind wanders to one tale of a vase that would always reappear in the house it was haunting the next day even if it was smashed, given away or magically destroyed only by putting haunt to rest caused the vase to return to normal. Know religion:20
Isaac will head over to the cemetery the next day and drop off the three wreckers bones to be placed in graves. He will then head over to the Trade house looking for items for his room.
DM Bob and Carla - “Good neighbours” Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 10:57:48 PM Snark breaks the bad news to Olostim, explaining that the Lucy was one of the ships lured in by the wreckers. The lighthouse wizard takes the news hard. ”Talpa Tenebris is…was…an important academic at the Star Mages Guild in Plateau City. He was interested in the old Abbey and its origins. We corresponded, and he wrote to me that he had found something important. He was taking a sabbatical from the college to come to Heranmar for research.”
Olostim sees Snark off in the morning, advising him to keep the journal and any of Talpa’s personal effects safe until he can come retrieve them in a couple of days.
On his return to the rooming house, the blue haired gnome encounters a house full of strangers. Khord is negotiating with a middle aged woman. Something about stocking the kitchen and meal prep. The woman is wearing an interesting straw headpiece. Two elves, brothers by the looks of them, are taking measurements of the entrance to Beatrixe’s room and discussing ‘load bearing’ and ‘support beams’. A stocky man with bushy grey hair and bushy grey beard is poking around the chimney. ”Excuse me. Coming through!” A tiny female with straight black hair cut severely to chin length, bold black rimmed glasses magnifying her eyes, bustles past Snark her arms are full of cushions in various shades of blue. Benni stands in the middle of the hall studying a parchment held in his hand:
repair front steps (labour and supplies] - 6 GP new privy seats (2) - labour and supplies 2 GP each/4 GP total construct and install courtyard gate - labour and supplies - 40 GP total estimate, payable on completion - 50 GP
Having departed the rooming house before the arrival of the trades people, Isaac sets out to find the cemetery. He finds folk willing to give him directions, and often is given thanks for the service he and his companions have rendered to the town. The people still fiddle with their talismans or make warding signs, but with none of the fear or hostility he had encountered previously. There is no one at the cemetery, so the paladin heads to the Trade House for a little personal shopping.
Whenever the party go about their business in town, they are met with smiles and expressions of gratitude.
”It was unlucky what happened to the Lucy and the Godspeed, but Wardd hisself must have been ridin’ with you when you found them bandits.” “Saved the Next Horizon too, though her Cap’n shoulda knowed better than to be drawn in by them lights.” “…and to save all the cargo from the Godspeed!”
Not only have the Luck Makers safely delivered the proceeds from the sale of the Woad Beer, broken up a crew of coastal wreckers, and salvaged the cargo of two ships for the town - but individually and as a group the party have given the Heranmar economy a not unsubstantial boost with their recent purchases!
(OOC: No need to fuss about math for purchases. I’ll come up with a round number for each of you when mundane shopping is done. - DM Carla)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday August 24th, 2023 7:13:53 AM
Since her room is going to be being refurbished today Beatrix will go back to the inn, where her stuff is still at until it's ready. She'll get some reading done and maybe make an appearance to the children at some point.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday August 24th, 2023 7:14:39 AM
Onesimos smiles in satisfaction and places his mark on the paper in approval. "Ah Snark! Your arrival makes me think pleasantly of our common cause, our brotherhood, and the goodwill of all good creatures. By which I mean: welcome home!" He quickly introduces the gnome wizard to the townsfolk who are bursting with custom from the LuckMakers, and continues his business of the day. "Ethan, could you make a sign to go over the front door of this house? "Luck Makers House"? Its the last purchase the elf can think of...
Benni doesn't want to disparage Wardd, who after all, is in the pantheon of Woldian gods and has a cleric in town (Roland) that Benni gets along with. Yet he can't pass up an opportunity to plant a seed that love is better than luck. When he hears calls of being 'good luck', the cleric shakes his head. "That danger is that Wardd brings bad luck as well as good in his wake, and a chancy god to trek with. What I and my friends do is put trust in and actions for each other, in a common good cause, and in supporting the good endeavors of the community around us. This love is certain and enduring."
Like his stories, he isn't expecting any overnight conversions, but planting thoughts and ideas that may bud in 20 or 100 years. He is still expecting to be around to nurse those buds to full fruit.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+12=14 ; d20+5=21 ; Thursday August 24th, 2023 2:49:33 PM
With all the hustle and bustle in the house, Khord decides he will head outside the walls today and roam about the countryside. He will go to the stable and rent a pony for the day. He will head out the west gate and ride up the road for a couple hours, with Niko running beside him and exploring several interesting smells along the way. He will stop and have a picnic lunch from his stores, and head back. returning to the gate about an hour before sunset. All along his journey he keeps a watchful eye out for anything out of the ordinary. If he sees something, he will take note of landmarks to place it in his mind but does nogt ride off to investigate. (perception = 14, Know: Geo = 21)
He will head to the Bottim Feeder for dinner and turn in early.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday August 24th, 2023 6:08:55 PM
Isaac buys the following items for his room: a sturdy chest with a good lock with keys, A dresser, A table ,chair and a extra pillow. Isaac will assist the others moving into the house helping to haul any furniture books or stuff to their rooms.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday August 24th, 2023 7:46:37 PM
Snark walks in and is greeted by Benni. In reply he holds his hand up, five fingers spread out like a flower."Love you too Benni - Flower Power back at you pal! Ooo. Lots of activity goin' on. Nice to meet you...nice to meet you...nice to meet you. I better go see to my room."
The little gnome trots upstairs to his room, gets out the scrolls he bought in the Catacombs, and sets to copying spells into his spellbook. Over the next few days, he will write one second level scroll and craft a Pearl of Power, 1st level (Spellcraft DC 6, auto success.)
(Between the 2,250 gp value of the CMW Wand he has for the party, the 1,925 gp in scrolls he just bought to copy into his spellbook, and the 610 gp cost of writing those those spells into his book he's about tapped out of funds. He may not be able to fund much in furnishing the house, depending on the final cost.)
DM Bob and Carla - “House poor?” Thursday August 24th, 2023 11:15:59 PM
The commissioning of so much work results in the house continuing to be a hive of activity. Maggie is kept busy cleaning up after the workers. At one point, she gets Isaac to help her move a chest full of books out of the hallway, and against a wall in the living room. Since the Luck Makers seem to have no fixed schedule, the housekeeper sets up a self serve breakfast on the sideboard, but doesn’t make a sit down lunch. However, there is always bread, cheese, and cold meats to make a sandwich, a large bowl of seasonal fruit on the table, a keg of small beer in the kitchen and cookies in the cookie jar! Before leaving for the day, she sets a casserole or meat pie on the prep table, covering it with a clean cloth, for folks who are staying in.
The Luck Makers oversee the work being done, or alternatively escape the racket. There is some exploring within the walls of Heranmar, and some excursions beyond.
Whenever Beatrix is out and about, she is accosted by children wanting to borrow books, or returning ones they’ve read, and asking to borrow new ones. Her room shapes up quickly once the double doors are installed.
Unfamiliar with Heranmar and environs, Khord rents a pony, and he and Niko go for a ride and a picnic. The ranger makes note of several landmarks he had heard described by his companions, but never seen.
Benni commissions a sign rebranding the rooming house as ‘Luck Maker’s House’. The carpenters craft a smart looking sign repurposing the gift horse shoe, and sourcing another, and using them for the letter ‘U’ in Luck and House. Despite the elf’s proselytizing, the citizens of the town start referring to the old Morrison’s rooming house as ‘Lucky House’.
Snark takes delivery of his furniture. The curved headboard of the gnome sized bed is centred by a carving of The Green Man. The wizard is a little worried about his finances. He does have some knowledge of wood craft, and might be able to earn a discount by working with the carpenters - but that would cut into his time with his books and scrolls.
Although the workers are out of the house by dinner time, many of the party take their evening meal at the Blue Cat, or if they eat at home, eventually find their way over to the tavern for a nightcap and a gossip. Khord learns from Lars that the New Horizon will be departing at the end of the week, and that the old twilight ranger will be aboard with a packet of dispatches for the WLA, the box for Horatio Mann, and Khord’s letter for his parents.
*****
By the end of the week, things have calmed down at Lucky House. Most of the repair work is done. Most of the furnishings in place. Some folks are still waiting on delivery of special orders from the Catacombs. Breakfast is set out on the sideboard. Maggie answers a knock on the front door, and returns to announce: ”it’s that wizard from the lighthouse. He’s asking for master Riverstone.”
(OOC: Don’t forget to send your DM’s the receipt from the Catacombs once you’ve completed the transaction)
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday August 25th, 2023 1:11:14 AM
Jasper has been spending her days brushing up on herbalism, tramping through the woods, tending the garden, munching on cookies, and organizing her room.
She hasn't purchased much-- just that beautiful bed, a chest, a chair, and a potting bench for the courtyard-- and therefore can chip in a bit more towards the common good.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday August 25th, 2023 7:29:03 AM
Onesimos has to roll his eyes at the townsfolk's moniker of the heroes' new digs, but both by profession and species, he is taking the long view. Mentally, he revises his plan to not take 20 years. Maybe 200...
The elf couldn't be happier with Maggie: the meals are exactly as he would have said if asked. "You are a gem, Mrs. Greaves!"
He is sorry for Snark's recount of Olostim's friend who was certainly lost on the Lucy, but it makes him think of other things: the manual, the chest of books, and the locked chest! He begins reading, and encouraging the others, especially Beatrix and Snark to help out. For Talpa's Journal, Benni encourages Isaac to read it: the notes on the Abbey may contain information that helps with his 'haunt' research!
For the locked chest, if the wizards don't have a Knock spell, the cleric contacts Owen Truesdale. "That catch in my desk is a wonder. Would you also be able to pick a strange lock?"
(Snark forced the lock on the chest 14 Aug, and Khord has the Journal 17 Aug - DM Carla)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday August 25th, 2023 8:21:31 AM
Beatrix is turning into a librarian rather then a teacher at this point. Her books are meant to be for teaching, with many copies of each one, so she's going to either run out out of things the children can read without help relatively quickly. As such she'll start to spend more time inviting the children to stay and read the books with her so she can help them learn the strange and big words and tries to sneak in grammar and spelling lessons while she's at it.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Friday August 25th, 2023 4:45:15 PM
Hearing Benni talking about the Snark's friend, he goes into his pack and produces the journal. He will hand it over to Isaac. "Kind of dry reading, maybe you will get more out of it than me.
Seeing the chest full of books, Khord will spend some time examining the broken lock. trying to figure out how it worked when in better condition. He will pull some of the books out and pile them on the table for the others to examine.
He will talk to the others about commissioning some furnishings for the living area. He will offer to oay for them as he has quite a bit of gold squirrelled away right now.
Assuming they agree, he will head back to see the elves, Owen and Ethan at there stall with some rough drawings for a couch and overstuffed chairs, some side tables and a couple bookcases to flank either side of the fireplace, and a cloak stand to put by the door. He will request that the chairs and couch be covered in leather cushions and there be some small throw pillows. He is picturing some of the parlors he has seen in the homes of the wealthy back home.
The next morning, as he is making a plate from what Maggie has supplied for breakfast, "You keep feeding us like this Maggie, I won't fit my chain shirt anymore," he says with a wink. It is then that there is a knock at the door and Maggie shuffles off to answer. He sits at the table and starts digging in as she says it is the wizard from the lighthouse for Snark. He keeps one eye on him as he enters and continues to eat his morning meal.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=16 ; Friday August 25th, 2023 6:05:56 PM
Isaac sends a order off to the catacombs for some enchanting. With the house much more livable and having picked out his own room. Isaac takes a some time and writes to his parents he also writes to some of his old guards friends. To Sarge and Jeffcoat he sent greetings and a apologies that he had not contacted him in some time he also invites them up Heranmar to visit and catch up. To Desirunia he send congratulations on her marriage and a rough timeline of event that have happened since he left the city.He also asks how Plateau city is. He hopes all of his old guard friends are doing well and gives them a mailing address. Isaac drops the letters off at the post office.
Isaac takes some time talking to their new neighbors and making sure everything was alright. He also asks them about the history of the house and what is was originally. Diplomacy:16
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday August 25th, 2023 7:36:09 PM
Snark seeks out Talpa's Journal so he has it on hand when Olostim arrives. He will read through it himself first.
Snark has about 4 days of crafting and writing to get done. In between, he takes breaks to summon Unseen Servants to help clean and straighten up. He uses Prestidigitation to clean as well.
The little wizard is impressed with the work done on his bedroom furniture, and let's the brothers know. He also very grateful for the prepared food, and thanks Maggie profusely.
When the arrival of Olostim is announced, Snark will greet his friend and invite him in to read Talpa's Journal. He makes sure to share some refreshments with Olostim.
DM Bob and Carla - “A visit from a friend…” Sunday August 27th, 2023 10:06:26 PM Benni and Khord figure the chest full of books that Snark busted open must belong to the friend Olostim has been expecting. Learning that they will need to surrender the deceased academic’s possessions to the wizard from the lighthouse, some of the party members decide to have a quick look at the books in the chest and flip through the pages of the journal. The books and other papers in the chest are all academic texts pertaining to History, Architecture (related to monasteries, abbeys, cathedrals, shrines, and other houses of worship), Monastic Traditions and Sects, Geology, and general treatises on ley lines. Khord offers the journal to Isaac, however the paladin doesn’t seem interested, and Snark collects it instead. The journal is still giving off the very faint magical vibes (transmutation) the gnome detected when he first opened the chest, though the journal itself doesn’t appear magical…
Anyone who reads the journal will learn that Talpa Tenebris was interested in the old Abbey and its origins. That he had an assistant working with him back at the Star Mages Guild. That he was excited about finding something. That he felt like he was being watched, but had no real proof…just a feeling. That he was corresponding with his good friend Olostim. That he planned to stay with the wizard in his lighthouse for a period of time, and see the Abbey ruins for himself! Anyone who handles the journal finds it unusually heavy for what it is.
*****
The following morning….
Snark greets his friend from the lighthouse, and after welcoming him into ‘Lucky House’* hands over Talpa’s journal.
The wizard frowns, weighing the journal in his hand, before turning it so the spine faces him. ”There’s something not quite right with this book,” he says, slipping a short, and very sharp knife from it’s sheath on his belt. With a deft movement, he slits the spine along one edge, and out slips a key! The shape is similar to other key’s Snark and some of the other Luck Makers have seen before, but this one is finely crafted from green stone!
”I know you’ve been exploring the abbey” Olostim says. ”Why don’t you hold onto the key? I’ll take this chest of books, and the journal and see what I can make out. I’ll let you know what I find out. It might help you safely further your exploration of the place.” Olostim asks if someone can help load the chest into the cart he brought. He is anxious to get back to the lighthouse, and declines the gnomes’ offer of hospitality. He explains that he encountered Honora on the way into Heranmar and that she was visibly upset about something and had advised him to return home as quickly as possible. ”She said she was on her way to see the Mayor and the Port Master. “
As Olostim’s cart trundles off, a red faced dwarf arrives hauling a hand cart behind him. ”Delivery from the Catacombs for…. he takes a slip of paper from his chest pocket and squints… “Miss Beatrix, Master Khord Briarmark…an’ double checking Miss Jasper and Master Snark Riverstone have their items?”.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday August 28th, 2023 7:38:51 AM
Onosimos feels like he should slap his forehead and exclaim about the juice made of eight vegetables: why didn't he pick up about the unusually heavy journal? He consoles himself by remembering this is why everyone needs a good community of love around them: not even powerful heroes are all-powerful!
Benni will wait for Snark to accept or reject the key. If the gnome wants someone else to carry the green key, the cleric will!
His elven ears perk up about the warning of some important meeting happening in the Manor, and glances at Khord or Isaac who seem to have their ears in various places: do they know any local rumors?
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 28th, 2023 8:08:19 AM
Beatrix quickly gets her items. She thought she had arranged things more discreetly.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday August 28th, 2023 1:53:55 PM
Jasper confirms that she has her Snare scroll.
She's never been to the Abbey. She knows it's haunted, though. She asks the members of the party who have adventured there, "What lurks in the Abbey? What happened the last time you were there?"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 28th, 2023 2:33:28 PM
The little gnome gladly accepts a key from Olostim and says good bye to the departing wizard. He thoroughly inspects the key, looking for any writing or arcane marks. He casts Detect Magic on it and will use Spellcraft to identify any enchantments.
Snark asks the furniture folks, "So, what do I owe you for the stuff you made?"
(For expenses, please see e-mail sent last night. -DM Carla)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 28th, 2023 6:47:21 PM
When they tell him the charges for the furnishings and repairs is 160 gp, the little gnome is happy to pay them.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Monday August 28th, 2023 9:16:23 PM
Isaac takes a cursory glance at the journal before handing it back. "History was never my forte better to ask someone else."
Isaac pays off his tab for the furniture but asks the delivery dwarf "I thought i put an order in. Are you sure there's nothing for me?"
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