DM Mitch Jungle Rumble Map Wednesday August 16th, 2023 8:10:14 AM Ezekiel offers a magical helping hand seeing as he isn’t that strong physically. RJ tells Colt he was trained not to be a hero but to do the job, protect the pack and get the treat. He suggests his canine companion be allowed to alpha for a while. He too considers whether he could help repair the platform but his minor crafting abilities are likely outclassed by the task at hand. Dapple says she isn’t really a lifter and that she’ll just sit and heckle. Marest admits that heavy lifting is not a skill she possesses and decides to play wallflower. Grim thinks another party will come after the lift is fixed and checks on his mask. Stella, the liontaur tanner, tells him she just has to add finishing touches which she’ll do after they test the lift. She wants to see it. He has muscles to help with the lifting. Siolo is willing to help though not as strong as clothes. Yofiel waits to see who else steps forward.
Grim and Siolo step up, as do Rothlorian and Regtar. Grimelda, who used to help train and work the beasts, steps up. ”Bringing up the lift is as much about coordination as strength. You want a smooth, even ride and no jaring stops or sudden acceleration. So I’ll give signals on when to start and coordinate. It won’t matter to much while it’s empty so now’s the time to practice.”
The wheel is big enough for the four of them, just, and on Grimelda’s signal they start to turn the wheel. It resists a lot at first but once moving becomes easier to keep moving. Then when Grimelda signals that the lift is nearing the top slow it down to a stop it gets really hard to stop it again. If anyone had been on it there definitely would have been a lot of shuddering and jaring.
As the lift reaches the top and everyone can see it they see only smashed pieces remain attached to the ropes. Timothy nods. ”When the mechanism was damaged the lift must have entered freefall and smashed on the ground. Give me 10 minutes I’ll get the new platform attached.”
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 11:08:51 AM
Yofiel is amazed at how quickly Timothy estimated it would take him to get the new platform hooked up. She looks to see how it is attached.
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 3:23:15 PM
"Falling down when the mechanism is damaged is a bad design," says Ezekiel. "I have heard unremovable rods. If we could obtain one...perhaps more to keep the lift balanced, perhaps we could devise a mechanism to disable them when we want the lift raised or lowered, but without the mechanis, they would return to being unremovable and the lift would not move. Actually, we might need to have someone activate the rods. A lift attendant if you will."
When someone askes don't you mean unlovable rods, Ezekiel says "Well, if they can't be move than they can't be removed very easily, can they?"
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 3:24:06 PM
RJ stares at the platform, smashed to pieces.
"On second thought, I may not be as eager to leave as I earlier suggested."
Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:6/R:4/W:6), HP:22/22 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 8:09:02 PM The Lift
Marest stares in awe at what freefall does to wood! Marest is also impressed with Timonth's ability to fix the platform in 10 minutes!
Marest excitedly states, "I'm glad we are all on the same side!"
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Wednesday August 16th, 2023 10:37:13 PM
(for the record, Dapple would welcome a Jeckle.)
"Grim, you call that lifting? My great-grandmother could do better. Gargul rest her soul."
"Siolo, what was that? You tryin' to swat mosquitos?"
and so on.
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 11:26:13 PM
Siolo is glad to have helped lift the lift.
Despite some of the critiques from the crowd, he maintains a smile and cheerful demeanor.
"Isn't it awesome the smithy and now the lift are back on track?" he says happily at one point.
"The reconstruction efforts are truly inspiring! Many of you hand out the compliment of 'hero'. But maybe you forget what you've contributed. There are a great many heroes here."
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 Thursday August 17th, 2023 12:28:20 AM
OOC: wasn't sure how the lift worked but I picture, from your description, like the ship crew raising the ship anchor.
IC: Grim puts his weight into the wheel and with the others it starts moving. "Could use some grease over here, if anyone can target the wheel joints..." but the thing picks up speed. He's not surprised at the condition of the platform. Good thing Timothy thought ahead and built a spare platform. He helps hold and/or lift the new platform into place for Timothy to tie the lift ropes into place.
DM Mitch Jungle Rumble Map Thursday August 17th, 2023 7:52:45 AM Yofiel is amazed at how quickly Timothy estimated it would take him to get the platform hooked up and looks to see how it is attached. Ezekiel opines that falling down due to damage to the mechanism is a poor design and suggests using an unremovable rod to balance the mechanism. RJ stares at the smashed platform and realizes he’s not as eager to leave as previously suggested. Marest is in awe of what freefall does to wood and is also amazed at Timothy’s capacity to reattach the platform so quickly happy everyone is on the same side. Dapple heckles and would welcome a jeckle. Siolo is pleased to have helped and compliments the general group on their heroic efforts to rebuild shattered lives and town. Grim comments the thing could use some grease but then it picks up speed. He’s not surprised at the platform’s condition and helps maneuver the new one in place.
”Oh there were safety features according to the blueprints, but no one expected a dinosaur to tear out half the mechanisms. There’s only so much you can design for.” Timothy says.
The old platform was a sturdy, massive, impressive 30 by 30 affair with solid railings, decorative features, and a little gate that could be lowered into a ramp. The replacement is half the size, a mere 15 by 15, and a simple set of sturdy logs tied and glued together with a simple short railing to keep anyone from falling off. Attaching it is as simple as securely tying the 4 massive ropes to the four corners of the new platform then pushing it out over empty space.
Timothy looks over the work carefully to make sure it’s all secure. ”Ok lets run it up and down several times. We’ll need more people to pitch in with the wheel and trade out - there’s a reason we used lift beasts this gets tiring fast.”
There’s a pair of test runs, lowering it all the way empty and back up to make sure it all actually works. There don’t seem to be any problems, but then again no real weight has been put on it yet. Rothlorian calls a halt after the second test run. ”Alright then. It works, or at least there are no obvious problems. Now we need to test it with people. People who can fight, since I bet the supplies that didn’t get brought up have drawn scavengers.”
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Thursday August 17th, 2023 11:49:30 AM
"I'll go," Yofiel offers.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Thursday August 17th, 2023 12:43:06 PM
Colt slumps to the ground after the second empty test. It was far easier helping Grimelda usher the lift beasts when the lift was working before the attack.
When Rothlorian calls for volunteers, the young man remembers his conversation with Yofiel, and volunteers immediately after the elf.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Thursday August 17th, 2023 1:55:19 PM
"C'mon, guys; that's our cue!" Dapple jumps up and moves to the platform.
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Thursday August 17th, 2023 2:34:11 PM
"Why didn't I learn feather fall instead of shocking grasp," opines Ezekiel and he heads onto the lift.
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 Thursday August 17th, 2023 2:47:57 PM
"Is there a, uh... A range between minimum and maximum numbers or weight or anything? I kind of feel like that should be mentioned before you take volunteers."
(I assume that it's expected that the entire team get on the platform, in which case RJ does get on. But it's possible that you only expected the platform to hold half the team or something....)
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Thursday August 17th, 2023 5:27:36 PM
"But, hold on a moment. I left my bow and arrows back at our place. Just in case, we might want to take extra food. Also, let's take some extra rope as a failsafe. Ezekiel, I have the feather fall spell, which can help, well, one or two of us. Someone take two lengths of 50' ropes, and make loops about every eight feet that we can put arms or legs through - that will shorten the ropes to about 40' total each. And, we should have three - no, four additional 50' ropes, that we can put to good use.
"Now, I for one believe that the platform will get us safely down. But, us being the first to test it, wisdom would have us prepare contingencies, right?" she asks those gathered. "Any other ideas? Talk about it, and I'll be right back."
The elf runs to the group's house, quickly gathers up her backpack, weapons, and a few other items, and returns within ten minutes or so.
Upon her return, she asks, "Oh, and how do we communicate with you all when we want to come back up?"
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 Thursday August 17th, 2023 8:01:02 PM
Siolo takes a deep breath, anxiety rising. He then steps forward. "Of course I'll go," he says with a smile.
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 Friday August 18th, 2023 12:40:00 AM
Grim looks at the new platform as he helps get it set and tied. A far cry from the one he came up on but all you really need is a flat piece to stand on and a rope long enough to go all the way to the bottom.
As his friends start getting on, he sighs and gets on too. There's plenty of room but not if someone gets queasy and starts spewing their dinner.
He looks down and comments, "You'd better have a Feather Fall that lasts a long long time."
He hangs on tight and warns, "It was a bit rough with nothing on it, it'll be rough with us on it. So hold on tight."
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Friday August 18th, 2023 3:21:09 AM
Just in case no one has taken up her suggestion to prepare looped ropes during her 10-minute absence, the elf sighs, and will say, "All right, for starters, everyone needs to have a rope tied to some solid part of the platform, and to themselves - like around the waist, so that if it shakes or tilts on the way down, we don't have a bunch of people taking a too-fast descent to the bottom. If you're roped, some of the rest of us can pull you back up, or you can climb up yourself."
She asks that the folks lowering the platform wait until everyone is secured.
"And, Dapple, have you a suitable blessing for us as we are about to head down?"
She does want to know how they are supposed to signal to those above that it is time to bring them back up.
DM Mitch Jungle Rumble Map Friday August 18th, 2023 6:08:52 AM Yofiel volunteers to go. Colt slumps after the second empty test as the lift beasts made the lift a lot easier in the past. He volunteers to go immediately after Yofiel. Dapple tells the other that that is their cue Ezekiel asks why he didn’t learn feather fall instead of shocking grasp RJ asks if there is a range of minimum or maximum numbers or weight and that that should be mentioned before you take volunteers. Yofiel remembers all the gear she wants to take with and suggests they come up with some contingencies in case things dont’ go as planned. She also asks how they are going to communicate when they want to come back up. Marest volunteers for the lift Siolo is anxious but he’ll go Grim sighs and joins the group hanging on tight. Yofiel suggests they all tie themselves to the lift so they can’t fall off.
Grimelda detaches something from the wreck of the old lift and hands it to the party. It’s a rock. ”Here. This is how you signal us up here. Touch it and say ‘Red’, ‘Green’, or ‘blue’ and it will change color. Green means go down. Red means stop. Blue means go up.”
She demonstrates, touching the rock and saying, “Green”. Sure enough the rock changes color, as does a similar rock embedded in the lift mechanism.
Once people are secure and other precautions prepared the party climbs onto the lift and the slow descent begins. It starts out pretty dark - the lift shaft tunnels through a bit of rock at the top of it. It’s a few hundred feet - about the length of Yofiel’s suggested extra safety rope - before the party emerges into sunlight. They get a stellar view out over the wild jungles lit up from overhead by the sun.
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 Friday August 18th, 2023 8:28:39 PM
Grim notices the rock's color already on red and same with the one on the lift mechaanism. When Grimelda calls 'green' and both turn green, he surmises out loud, 'Well, those poor folks on the lift screamed RED! RED! RED! all the way down I guess."
Staring out over the vase sea of green treetops he comments, [/b]"That Feather Fall idea of your is a good idea but better to have it as a permanent spell on the lift platform. It would make it lighter to move up or down and provide that safe landing if another fiasco happens.[/b]
He continues to ejoy the view and looks down as the ground starts taking shape.
OOC: I presume the area right around the platform landing is clearcut as the caravans would be camped here waiting to go up or waiting to leave.
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 Friday August 18th, 2023 9:32:03 PM
RJ continues to look out into the lush jungle below. "Looks like we're going on a little adventure," he noted.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Saturday August 19th, 2023 5:23:38 PM
Dapple admires the view. "It's a jungle out there," she quips.
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Saturday August 19th, 2023 5:44:35 PM
"That's not a bad idea, Grim," says Ezekiel. "Unfortuantely I believe the platform is too large for the limitations of that particular spell."
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Sunday August 20th, 2023 2:21:45 AM
Colt helps with the ropes. Then he runs to get his gear. He returns with his pack and staff. There's something new sticking out of the top of the pack, the hilt of a sword that's about two feet long judging from the length of exposed grip and height of the pack.
The young man takes everyone's advice seriously, and ties himself to the lift.
When the platform clears the lower edge of the shaft out of the keep, Colt watches catefully. When he rode the lift up a few weeks ago the trip was going from danger to relative safety. The safety of Cloudhaven is now questionable, and the jungle floor has gotten no better. If the are any of Grim's thunder gods, or eventually predators below them, he wants to know before the platform touches down.
Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:6/R:4/W:6), HP:22/22 Sunday August 20th, 2023 8:53:10 AM Permanent Featherfall!
Marest ponders, suggesting that, "You could probably use multiple Permanent Feather fall spells, as the platform is made of multiple pieces, no?"
Looking over the canopy of the Jungle, Marest is amazed...quickly scans the area for any structures as she moves to make sure her goggles are in place.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Monday August 21st, 2023 12:14:21 AM
Aside from ensuring each person has a link to a safety rope, Yofiel is rather quiet on the way down She saw this view on the way up. However, on the right side of the plateau wall, with her back to the view, the older sister searches for any signs of her younger brother whom a dinosaur cast over the edge. Any of his blue clothing, the little leather bag with a few toys he always kept slung over his shoulder. By now, too, bones...
Tears run down her cheeks, but she does not relent her vigilance. A crag, a snag, a ledge, whatever.
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 Monday August 21st, 2023 1:30:57 AM
Siolo sits on the platform and watches as the whole thing is lowered.
The land is truly wondrous. We often take for granted the beauty of the creation that is the Wold. This is why I want to meet Maab, he thinks to himself.
DM Mitch Lift Map Monday August 21st, 2023 7:44:43 AM
Grim notices that both rocks are on red and then when she calls green and the other one turns green he reckons the folks on the lift called Red, Red, Red all the way down. He suggests perhaps they upgrade the platform with a permanent featherfall in case something happens. He then continues to enjoy the view but then looks down as the trees start taking shape. RJ continues to look down at the lush jungle below and remarks they are going on an adventure. Dapple admires the view and quips it is a jungle out there. Ezekiel says that the feather fall idea isn’t bad but the platform might be a bit large. Colt helps with the ropes then runs through his gear. The young man takes everyone’s advice seriously and ties himself to the lift. When the platform clears the lower edge of the shaft he watches carefully. While the last time he rode the elevator it was safe, the safety is now questionable and the jungle floor has gotten no better. He wants to know if there are any threats below before they hit the bottom. Marest ponders and reasons they could probably use multiple permanent feather falls as the lift is made of multiple pieces. She is amazed as she looks out over the canopy of the jungle making sure her goggles are on correct. Yofiel looks for the corpse of her brother who was thrown from the plateau. Siolo reflects on the wondrousness of the Wold.
The lift descends at a good pace. The practice runs certainly helped make things a smoother ride as there are on a few jaring moments where the lift slows down or speeds up unexpectedly. The lift is in a sort of sheltered nook of the plateau, surrounded on three sides by stone to provide shelter, so Yofiel’s attempts to look at the sides don’t reveal much.
As the party gets low, maybe a bit over 100 feet of the ground they can start to hear noises echo from down below in the confine area. It sounds like Rothlorian’s guess about scavengers coming was right, though you can’t actually see them at this angle yet.
Please place yourself on the map inside the 3x3 square marked “lift 130 feet up”. We’re not in combat yet and you can’t get a line of sight/fire on the enemy (well unless you fly or lean reaaaaally far out of the lift and risk falling)
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 d20+11=16 ; d6=1 ; Monday August 21st, 2023 9:38:55 AM
RJ thinks about this for a bit. "Do you think we can stop the platform a dozen feet up, and fire with a height advantage? Keep them from attacking us?"
Presuming not, and knowing that he would be at disadvantage if someone blocks him, RJ starts at one of the corners and prepares his heavy crossbow.
He also readies an action to fire at first sight of anything coming at the group. (Attack 16, damage 1),
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Monday August 21st, 2023 2:07:50 PM
Dapple places herself directly in the center, so she can easily reach anybody who needs help.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Monday August 21st, 2023 9:54:00 PM Yofiel post the first [OOC: Retcon: Since the lift is largely enclosed by three walls, the flaws in the Player's plan would have been obvious to the Player Character, so, though she would be alert to perhaps a few times when the right side of the shaft opened to allow a peek here and there, Yofiel instead trained most of her focus to the surrounding countryside, mentally mapping for later transfer to paper the area, and far more attuned to strategic and tactical observation of land contours, types of vegetation, and any outstanding elements of the local scene, fixing her eyes on landmarks here and there. Nevertheless, recalling they are quite near where her brother had been cast, tears still cloud her vision toward the early part of the descent, but she wipes them away by the time they have lowered perhaps 2/5ths of the way down from the top, so as to see with clearer vision. /OOC]
On the way down, Yofiel took an unusued 50' length of rope, and spends a few minutes wrapping the butt end of her masterwork iron longspear several times in a tight spiral so as to make a retrievable throwing weapon.
"Maybe a little higher," Yofiel answers R.J. With having observed how long it took for the people to stop the lift on the way up and down, and guessing how long from the time the signal goes out via the stones to when they notice it and slow them to a stop, the bard goes to the rock and says 'RED' in time to try to give the signal so it will stop at between 50 and 60 feet. From there her arrows will work. If need be, they can next try to nudge it down with the stone from between 30 and 40 feet.
And, she figures, better to stop too early than too late.
Laying out some strategy & tactics "Friends, a few ideas. Let's take a moment," Yofiel begins, "figure out what we're doing, so we don't trip over each with surprises. I'll suggest some, you all add, or subtract, what you want, and once we think we have a plan that can work, then go for it. Sound good?"
"First, Dabble great position. You're our number one healer."
She turns to the big guy. "Grim, I brought the masterwork longspear with me. And I fixed this rope to the butt end of it. If you would like, you could try spearing some of the velociraptors below when we get a little closer, then yanking it out, pulling it back up, and poking them from afar again." She offers to let him try the weapon.
"Ezekiel," the elf says, "You have useful skills. One thing: Let's try to not light on fire nor scorch with electricity the wagons nor any remaining possibly useful contents. The hungry beasts? Sure, go for them. Unless Siolo has something else in mind."
"Folks, I have two nets that can be used for many different things." She takes a carefully folded net out of one of two bags that were hanging from her backpack. She unfolds it, lets people look it over, then shows how to fold it back up for ease and efficiency of casting forth. "Perhaps, including, tossing each one over a critter that wants to eat us. Might slow them, tangled them up a bit. If someone managed to get one 'round a velociraptor, a bit of webbing from a spell might help fix it pretty tight."
[I have a little more, will have to post a bit later to add final ideas.]
Marest hearing the possible scavengers, readies herself for a possible battle. She casts Spectral Hand.
Spells in Effect: Spectral Hand HP:3 AC: 22 Dex: +5
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Monday August 21st, 2023 10:35:06 PM
Ezekiel casts mage armor and takes a position that puts him as out of harms way as he can get.
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 d20+7=13 ; Monday August 21st, 2023 11:32:40 PM
OOC: so the 15'x15 platform with a short railing (see through) slides down a 'shaft' that was built for a 30x30' platform with sturdier see through railings. So we have about a 15' gap between the platform edges to the carved-out shaft walls. We basically can see straight ahead and down (if you care to look down) as the shaft walls prevent a wider view. Like our standard outside elevators enclosed in glass, except we have open air. Right?
IC: Grim notices the activity down below and wanders what could be left after this much time has passed. He turns to R.J. "Sure we can stop it. That's what the stones are for. Let's experiment to make sure it works and how long it takes to stop." He calls out 'RED' to the stone, then starts counting to assess how many seconds it takes to stop. Yes, all orcs can count, most can count up past #100. And Grim is a bit smarter than the average orc.
Good thing he turned the stone red as Yofiel wanted a tribal meeting and discuss tactics and have a democratic vote on which one to use.
"Let's see what down there first, eh? The Carnivorous Thunder Gods' teeth can slice through most nets."
Once the lift stops he leans over a little to see if he can recognize anything. The big ones would be easy enough to see from their height. Perception + 7 = 13
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 d20=20 ; Monday August 21st, 2023 11:40:32 PM
Siolo thinks for a moment. He then says, "I could try to talk to these animals. I can also outline them if they persist."
Siolo recites an incantations. ((Casts Speak with Animals))
He then begins making strange loud croaky noises into the dark below.
(("WE ARE COMING DOWN AND WILL KILL YOU IF YOU ATTACK US!"))
((Intimidate 20+3=23))
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 d20+12=29 ; Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 4:01:34 AM Yofiel post the second "Marest, I cannot even begin to understand the full realm of spells you command as a, well, the things you practice." The elf does not know whether Marest wants the designation 'blood witch' used of her, as some prefer not to noise it abroad. Superstition on the part of others, the bard supposes, but she wishes to show deference. "I know you can draw from several areas. And I've seen some of what you can do - and it has been effective." She pauses. "If there is something you want us to know in advance, though, just mention it. If not, we shall see what you come up with!"
"R.J. - I came up with another thought. Would you mind scooting over next to me? What if the two slingers take turns - Colt and Siolo - Say Siolo slings, steps back, Colt steps forward, slings. Next round, Colt slings again, steps back, and Siolo steps forward, and casts the next stone." [A rotation between W10 & W9].
"Colt - looks like you have a sword I have not seen yet. While we are on the platform, are you fine using your sling? We can soften up, maybe even drive away some hungry ones before we signal to lower the platform the rest of the way. So I'll loose arrows, R.J. shoots bolts, and you and Siolo keep a sling rotation going. If you have another idea, let us know."
"Druid Siolo - Is there a velociraptor below you don't want us to hit, so you can try to make friends with it after the rest are down? Or do you have something else in mind? Are you fine with you and Colt starting out with the sling rotation? Like with all, give us a better idea if you have an improvement."
"Anything else, Dapple? Anyone?"
Depending upon where [b]Grim's[b] command 'RED' manages to stop the platform - how many feet high are we? If 50-60, or even 70, great. If higher, after people on the platform seem ready, Yofi asks Grim to go 'GREEN' then soon after to 'RED' so we end up at 50' to 60', "So long as the folks up above can handle it. I imagine they are a bit tired after lowering us this far."
About then, Siolo casts his spell and starts talking, apparently, to the dinosaurs below. But she does not know what he is saying. "Or, you can talk to them, and Colt can stay in front and sling."
She figures once they are in range, she will begin to sing to inspire courage among her mates.
She takes a look and listens downward, too. ------------------- Perception: 29
DM Mitch Lift Map d20=15 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 6:53:39 AM RJ thinks about this for a bit and asks if they can stop the platform a dozen feet up and fire with height advantage. He then makes the assumption that this probably isn’t an option and goes to one of the corners to ready his heavy crossbow. Dapple places herself directly in the center so she can heal if need be. Yofiel prepares a spear to be thrown and retrieved and talks tactics. Marest casts Spectral Hand. Ezekiel casts armor and moves to the back. Grim sees no reason they can’t stop it and checks to see how long it takes to stop. Siolo casts speak with animals and yells at the enemy below. Yofiel suggests a plan.
The party yells stop and nothing happens for a moment until they realize the person saying the command has to be touching the stone. Still they manage it well enough. How long it takes to stop is not a purely mechanical process so really depends on how alert the team up top is. They manage to get the lift to stop about 50 feet over the ground.
Below they have a bit of a better sight line now and can see a small pack of velociraptors scavenging at the abandoned wagons. Siolo yells at them and they yell back their intent to defend their easy meal. The noise echoes weirdly in the enclosed space.
RJ is the first one to spot the small family of Pteranodons disturbed by the yelling and the noise of the lift. His reaction triggers and he fires off a shot that scratches the lead flyer. They fly out crying out their anger at these noisy intruders who just shot them and fly at the lift. The first one out has enough movement to land on the edge of the lift and strike out at Siolo, biting the noisy druid for 7 damage. The other two bank around the tight space to come at the lift from other angles next round.
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 d20+11=30 ; d20+11=12 ; d8=2 ; Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 10:45:24 AM
RJ figures that they can do the trades that Dapple suggested, though the flying enemies make all three of them exposed. He is willing to trade places with Siolo (5 foot step) if Siolo asks.
In the meantime, he reloads and fires (attack roll crit, confirm roll nat 1/12, damage 2 or 4)
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 12:23:41 PM
Nobody is injured yet, so Dapple reaches out and gives Colt a Touch of Luck. On the next d20 roll, Colt can roll twice and take the most favorable result.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 1:06:34 PM
"Whether they run or they fly From the ground or the sky We will fight and prevail And ere long they'll turn tail," sings the bard, inspiring courage, and granting +1 to hit and damage.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 1:07:55 PM
Yofiel also nocks an arrow.
"You know what they say," says Ezekiel. "The bigger they are, the easier they are to zap with lightning."
Ezekiel casts elemental ray on the pteradon.
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 12/19 , NL 0 d20=12 ; Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 8:15:39 PM
((Acrobatics 12+2=14))
Siolo dives away from the nearby creature to make space, hoping he can make it.
Once away, he looks over to one of the other ones ((P3)) and incants another spell.
((HOLD ANIMAL DC 14 Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Target one animal Duration 1 round/level (D); see text Saving Throw Will negates; see text; Spell Resistance yes Description This spell functions like hold person, except that it affects an animal instead of a humanoid.))
Marest seeing how close the flying critter is, casts Blindness-Deafness onto it (P1). As the spell begins to form, Marest whispers, "Blindness" releasing the spell upon its target (P1).
Spells in Effect: Blindness-Deafness
Casting Time 1 standard action Components V Range medium (130 ft.) Target one living creature Duration permanent (D) Saving Throw Fortitude negates; Spell Resistance yes
Spell DC: 16
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 d20+4=16 ; d6+3=5 ; Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 10:34:48 PM
Colt agrees to Yofiel's suggestion of a sling rotation, but before it can really be organized, the pteranodons attack!
The first pteranodon swoops in close, so Colt foregoes his sling and just strikes out with his staff.
(
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 d20+4=10 ; Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 10:36:38 PM
[ooc] Accidentally hit submit instead of roll when I made the second roll for Dapple's bit of luck. Net attack including inspire courage is +1 over the roll, so 17 to hit , 5 damage. [/ooc]
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 d20+8=26 ; 2d4+7=11 ; Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 11:55:49 PM
Grim remembers how the wagons were roped down so they wouldn't shift and cause an imbalance on the lift platform and how the wagon oxen and mules had special carts so they couldn't bolt and jump over the railings. So he decides to stay put and not rock the platform any more than necessary.
But he does have his guisarme menace any flying Thunder God that gets within striking distance.
AoO if situation calls for it: Att + 7 +1 (bard insp) = 26 dmg 2d4+6 +1 (bard) = 11
OOC: Question_ when you trip, you entangle the opponents leg(s) such that he looses his balance and lands prone. If you trip a flying creature, you entangle a wing/wings such that you impede flight, right? Then what?
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 12:00:27 AM
OOC: got my answer. Flying creatures can't be tripped. oh well. grapple a wing?
DM Mitch Lift Map d20+6=17 ; d20=16 ; d20=17 ; d20=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d20=8 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 7:06:44 AM R.J. figures they can do as Dapple suggested, though the flying enemies leave several of them exposed. He reloads and fires yielding another weak blow to the Pteranodon. Dapple reaches out and gives Colt a Touch of Luck. Yofiel sings a little ditty granting the others the benefit of bardic inspiration and knocks an arrow. Ezekiel casts an elemental ray against one of the pterodons. Siolo dives from the nearby creature to make space and then casts hold animal against P3 and it fails to save. Marest tries to blind the raptor on the lift but it makes it’s save. Colt forgoes the sling to hit them with his staff. Grim doesn’t want to rock the lift so stays still. It looks like one of the enemies is coming right at him anyways.
Pteranodon 1 is incapable of hovering in place with it’s flight speed so it has perched itself on the railing of the lift, causing the lift to shake and sway a little. Marest casts a spell next to it drawing an AoO. It strikes out at her with it’s fangs hitting AC 22 for 9 damage. It lashes out again but misses as Marest recoils from the first blow.
Pteranodon 2 finishes it’s turn and lands on the south side of the lift. It looks over the group in reach and decides Grim is the most threatening, striking out at the orc who deflects the blow.
Pteranodon 3 has fallen to the ground helpless, taking 15 falling damage. The velociraptors hesitantly move towards what might be easy prey, but the Pteranodon makes it’s save on it’s round to break the paralysis and give an angry cry that makes the raptors jump back.
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 d20+12=17 ; d8+1=3 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 10:40:24 AM
Firing Again
Attack Roll 17, Damage 3
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 d20+8=16 ; d6+4=7 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 12:22:29 PM
Yofiel continues her song: "Spells we cast Stones we sling Bolts we shoot Songs we sing
We will fight and prevail And ere long they'll turn tail."
...continuing to inspire courage, granting +1 to hit and damage...
She also lets an arrow take a very short flight against pteranodon #2 right in front of her, taking advantage of her point-blank shot feat, hitting AC 16 for 7 hp damage.
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 d20=7 ; d4=4 ; d20+7=22 ; d6+3=6 ; d6+3=9 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 1:23:23 PM
Ezekiel joins Yofiel singing but is not nearly as good.
"Zap zap zap, all day long. Zap Zap Zap while I sing this song."
Elemental ray at P1 again (switch to P2 or P3 if P1 is down).
Attack: 1d20 + 7 = 22. Damage: 1d6 + 3 = 6.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 2:35:26 PM
Dapple uses her Touch of Luck again, this time on Grim.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 d20+4=17 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 8:29:49 PM
The pteranodon obliges by lighting on the railing and Colt responds with a thrust of his quarterstaff to the creature's sternum as he steps to his left.
[ooc] Moved on map. Adding in Yofiel's insprire courage, and Colt's strength bonus to damage that's 18 to hit and 7 damage. [/ooc]
Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:6/R:4/W:6), HP:19/22 d6+1=4 ; d20+3=20 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 8:32:36 PM You hit me?!
Marest recoils from the damage from the lizard-flying critter. "Oh, you have the chutzpah to hit me?! Wait, little one...bad vibes coming your way!" threatens Marest. Marest casts Touch of Gracelessness upon P1 at location X10 by way of utilizing her Spectral Hand, rolls (1d20+3 = 20) to hit the P1 lizard-flying critter for 4 points of lost Dexterity!
Marest then braces herself for the next round of attacks...
Spells in Effect: Spectral Hand Spell DC: 16 HP:3 AC: 22 Dex: +5
The spell gives you a +2 bonus on your melee touch attack roll
*-=-=-*
Touch of Gracelessness Spell DC: 16
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Components: V, S Range: touch Target: creature touched Duration: 1 round/level = 3 rounds The target takes a penalty to its Dexterity equal to 1d6+1 per two caster levels: 1d6+1 = 4 points of Dexterity lost if successful
if the subject moves more than half its speed, it falls prone. If the subject flies, its maneuverability is reduced by one step (perfect maneuverability becomes good, good becomes average, and so on).
A successful Fortitude save halves the penalty to Dexterity and negates the possibility of falling prone or the reduction to fly maneuverabilities.
*-=-=-* Bard: Inspiring Courage, and granting +1 to hit and damage
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 d20+8=20 ; 2d4+7=11 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 9:09:17 PM
The Flying Thunder God must think half orcs tastier than the others but that's ok. As it lands on the railing the guisarme is waiting and makes a big cut into the wing membranes. (Readied Attack) He blocks the toothy beak that tries to bite him back with the guisarme shaft and then follows with a thrust between Yofiel and R.J.
Guisarme Reach attack: Att + 7 +1 (bard insp) = 20 (touch of luck probably not needed) dmg 2d4+6 +1 (bard) = 11
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 12/19 , NL 0 Thursday August 24th, 2023 2:00:10 AM
Siolo adopts a defensive pose.
((Full defense))
DM Mitch Lift Map d20=9 ; Thursday August 24th, 2023 7:20:03 AM RJ fires again hitting a small amount of damage Yofiel continues her song and persists in inspiring courage in her comrades in arms and hits Pteranodon # 2 with her arrow striking it in the torso. Ezekiel joins Yofiel in singing those his doesn’t have any particular effect. He hits pteranodon 1 with an elemental ray again. Dapple gives Grim a touch of luck Colt thrusts with his quarterstaff against the pteranodon on the rail and gives it a decent bludgeoning Marest recoils from the hit from the flying lizard creature and casts touch of gracelessness with her spectral hand and the Pteranodon fails the save and becomes clumsy Grim skewers the pteranodon with his guisarme dealing a significant amount of damage but not enough to fell it. Siolo goes full defense.
Pteranodons 1 and 2, badly hurt, try to drop off the lift and flee. This provokes AoOs. Pteranodon 3 gets off the ground and starts flies up to the lift attacking Grim but also drawing an AoO from him. The attack fails to penetrate Grim’s armor.
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 d20+7=11 ; d6+3=6 ; Thursday August 24th, 2023 8:23:24 AM
"Yeah, you better run!" shouts Ezekiel at the fleeing pteranadons.
Seeing that have been doing well, he fires another Elemental Ray, this time at P3.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 = 11. Damage: 1d6 + 3 = 6.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 d20+8=22 ; d6+4=5 ; Thursday August 24th, 2023 12:56:20 PM
Yofiel lets fly another arrow at P2, hitting AC 22 for 5 hp damage.
She continues her song, repeating the chorus. Bardic inspiration +1 att/+1 dam continues.
The elf nocks another arrow, ready to use next round, perhaps, against the third leather-winged pointy-head creature.
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 d20+12=32 ; d20+12=25 ; d8+1=6 ; Thursday August 24th, 2023 1:52:46 PM
RJ continues to fire away, this time at P2.
(Attack Roll Nat 20, crit confirm 25, damage 6x2).
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Thursday August 24th, 2023 2:39:40 PM
Seeing that the combat is becoming ranged, Dapple gives a Touch of Luck to Yofiel this round.
Marest, seeing that the flying lizard creatures are fleeing, delays her attack. Instead, she casts Cure light wounds upon herself; healing herself for 10 points of damage.
Looking around, recalls that there are also several lizards on the ground as well, and should probably get ready for them.
Spells in Effect: Spectral Hand Spell DC: 16 HP:3 AC: 22 Dex: +5
The spell gives you a +2 bonus on your melee touch attack roll *-=-=-* Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 points of damage + 1 point per caster level (maximum +5) = 1d8+3 = 10
*-=-=-*
Touch of Gracelessness Spell DC: 16
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Components: V, S Range: touch Target: creature touched Duration: 1 round/level = 3 rounds The target takes a penalty to its Dexterity equal to 1d6+1 per two caster levels: 1d6+1 = 4 points of Dexterity lost if successful
if the subject moves more than half its speed, it falls prone. If the subject flies, its maneuverability is reduced by one step (perfect maneuverability becomes good, good becomes average, and so on).
A successful Fortitude save halves the penalty to Dexterity and negates the possibility of falling prone or the reduction to fly maneuverabilities.
*-=-=-* Bard: Inspiring Courage, and granting +1 to hit and damage
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 d20+8=21 ; 2d4+7=10 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=10 ; 2d4+7=14 ; Thursday August 24th, 2023 9:28:27 PM
As P2 tries to get away, Grim takes another jab at it. AoO Att + 7 +1 (bard insp) = 21 2d4+6 +1 (bard) = 10
new round: The wingbeats sounding to his right alert him to the last Flying Thunder God approaching. He swinging his guisarme back around and swipes at it as it enters the attack range of the polearm.
Att + 7 +1 (bard insp) = 28 N20 Crit roll to confirm Att + 7 +1 (bard insp) = 10 crit not confirm (I'm pretty sure)
dmg 2d4+6 +1 (bard) = 14
The creature takes the hit but plows onto the railing making Grim have to dodge the terrible teeth.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 d20+4=6 ; d6+3=5 ; Friday August 25th, 2023 7:00:42 AM
Colt tries another thrust of his staff at the departing pteranodon.
[ooc] AoO . Will mis even with Yofiel's inspire and the dex penalty. [/ooc]
DM Mitch Lift Map d20=2 ; Friday August 25th, 2023 8:17:00 AM Ezekiel tells the fleeing pteranodons that they better run and he fires another elemental ray at P3 but he misses the creature. Yofiel lets fly another arrow at P2 knocking it unconscious and causing it to fall out of the sky, crashing to the ground below dead. She continues her song while knocking another arrow. RJ was going to take out P2 but Marest already killed it so the DM rules he switches to P1 and shoots it right in the eye so it crashes too the ground also dead. Dapple gives her touch of luck to Yofiel this time Marest takes the opportunity to heal herself Grim opens up a large wound on the remaining Pteranodon with his guisarme Colt misses his AoO on the retreating enemy.
The final Pteranodon sees the fate if it’s two comrades that fled so stays to fight to the death. It rolls a 2 on it’s attack so accomplishes nothing on it’s likely final attack.
On the ground the raptors swarm the dead and begin to feast.
Pteranodon 1 - dead Pteranodon 2 - dead Pteranodon 3 - 29 damage
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 d20+8=15 ; d20+8=20 ; d6+4=9 ; Friday August 25th, 2023 11:24:05 AM
Appreciating Dapple's lucky blessing, Yofi shoots her arrow at the last visible pteranodon (#3), hitting AC 20 for 9 hp damage. She gives it a nudge with her bow to ensure it falls down to the ground rather than onto the platform. She finds it remarkably light for all its size. [the critters weigh on average about 40 lbs.]
She stops her song, but the +1/+1 effect of inspire courage remains for a few more moments.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Friday August 25th, 2023 12:46:07 PM
Colt cheers as two of the flying dinosaurs fall to earth. He turns to look at the party and sees the last pteranodon engaged on the far side of the platform. He rests his staff in the crook of his arm and pulls his sling and a bullet from his belt pouch. Then he fits the ball into the sling's pouch.
[ooc] And that will be two move actions. [/ooc]
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 d20+12=29 ; d8+1=3 ; Friday August 25th, 2023 1:07:09 PM
RJ readies a fire action against the last dino if it's still flying (Attack roll 29, damage 3).
He makes a note that he really needs a better way for damage, and may need to look through the info on heavy crossbows again.
Marest whistles as the fliying lizards fall out of the sky bringing the visceral critters Food from the Heavens! "I think, we should wait til those other critters get full..then attack them too!" Marest remarks to her group on the lift.
Spells in Effect: Spectral Hand Spell DC: 16 HP:3 AC: 22 Dex: +5
The spell gives you a +2 bonus on your melee touch attack roll *-=-=-* Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 points of damage + 1 point per caster level (maximum +5) = 1d8+3 = 10
*-=-=-*
Touch of Gracelessness Spell DC: 16
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Components: V, S Range: touch Target: creature touched Duration: 1 round/level = 3 rounds The target takes a penalty to its Dexterity equal to 1d6+1 per two caster levels: 1d6+1 = 4 points of Dexterity lost if successful
if the subject moves more than half its speed, it falls prone. If the subject flies, its maneuverability is reduced by one step (perfect maneuverability becomes good, good becomes average, and so on).
A successful Fortitude save halves the penalty to Dexterity and negates the possibility of falling prone or the reduction to fly maneuverabilities.
*-=-=-* Bard: Inspiring Courage, and granting +1 to hit and damage
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Friday August 25th, 2023 8:11:19 PM "Why wouldn't we just attack them now?" Colt asks.
The platform is in a good position, relatively safe from the raptors. He can't see any reason to chase them off after they're well fed.
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 12/19 , NL 0 Friday August 25th, 2023 8:13:49 PM
Siolo remains in the defensive posture awaiting his powerful allies to finish the last flying dinosaur.
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 d20+8=17 ; d2+5=6 ; Sunday August 27th, 2023 10:37:23 AM
If the pterodactyl is still alive: Unable to effectively use his guisarme, Grim slugs the creature with a clenched fist:
He calls out down below at the raptors chowing down on the dead pteros, "HEY! LEAVE ME A HEAD!"
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 d20+7=9 ; d6+3=7 ; Sunday August 27th, 2023 2:04:54 PM
If the Pteranodon is still up, Ezekiel will fire off another Elemental Ray.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 = 9. I assume that's a miss, but I'll roll damage just in case. Damage: 1d6 + 3 = 7.
"I must have dirt in my eyes, my aims off!" says Ezekiel.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) d6=5 ; d6=2 ; Sunday August 27th, 2023 3:06:36 PM
"Let's hold here for just a minute." If the pteranodons are all gone, Dapple channels positive energy.
Everybody heals 7
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 Monday August 28th, 2023 12:53:30 AM
As the last pteranodon falls, Siolo relaxes. He begins feeling the pain of his wound more severely when a wave of healing washes over him.
"Thanks Dapple," he says gratefully.
He shouts down to the raptors below with their clicks and screeches, "We just gave you a fresh meal. Any chance you could not attack us when we come down?"
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Monday August 28th, 2023 2:55:49 AM
"Yes, why not?" Yofiel responds to Colt's query about going after the ones on the ground. Hearing Grim's request to the raptors below, she says, "Let's shoot the ones going after the last one to fall, so we can save the head for Grim."
She readies her next arrow... awaiting a chance to let fly against the ones that do not fly.
The elf who is so enamored of ropes adds, "If those pointy-headed winged things had tried to carry one of us off, the ropes we have attached would have prevented a flight of more than a few feet - and they could not cast us to the ground."
DM Mitch Lift Map Monday August 28th, 2023 8:44:28 AM Yofiel appreciates Dapple’s blessing and shoots her arrow at the last Pteranodon putting it out of its misery. She stops singing though the effect lasts a little longer. Colt cheers as two of the flying dinosaurs fall to earth. He looks and sees the last dino engaged and readies his sling. RJ makes a note to look into heavy crossbows again Marest suggests waiting for the raptors to get full and then attacking them too Colt asks why wouldn’t they just attack them now Siolo remains in defensive posture waiting for the others to finish the dinos Grim RIpr calls down for the raptors to leave him a head. Ezekiel readies to fire elemental rays at the raptors soon Dapple channels healing energy as the pteranodons are gone. Siolo thanks Dapple and yells at the raptors to leave them alone. Yofiel agrees with attacking the raptors and says the ropes would have saved them from being carried off.
The last Pteranodon falls and the raptors are chased off. The party is now sitting about 50 feet over the ground and everything looks clear. The wagons and supply train sits below full of crates of supplies that have been broken open and dug through by various animals looking for food. Technically the current mission is just to make sure the lift works but they could maybe look over the wagons for useful supplies while they’re hear.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Monday August 28th, 2023 8:58:20 AM
After several bolts and arrows and sling stones and Siolo chatting with them and Ezekiel cooking small portions of the raptors, plus whatever else the rest of the party does, the elf bard Yofiel sings [i]"We will fight and prevail And ere long they'll turn tail." - yet not with bardic inspiration, instead merely repeating the chorus from before.
"Shall we descend? Grim, would you do the honors?" She waits for him to give the GREEN signal.
Once they get down, she joins with others in rooting through the broken boxes.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Monday August 28th, 2023 1:19:23 PM
"Somebody should keep watch in cast the raptors come back before we've finished sorting this stuff," Dapple says. "I'm willing to do it, but I'm not always good at noticing things."
Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:6/R:4/W:6), HP:22/22 d20+9=25 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=23 ; d20=19 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=20 ; Monday August 28th, 2023 8:42:14 PM Making a GO Bag
Marest looks up through her smoked goggles, trying to determine the hour of the day...Marest begins to go through her skills trying to determine if it is safe to remove her Smoked Goggles.
Once she determines if it is safe to remove her Smoked Goggles, she does so. If not, then she does not.
Once down, onto the ground, Marest moves towards Dead Flying-critter P3 to determine if there is anything left that she could use in a brew or future potion. (Skill Check Knowledge (Arcana) & Knowl (Nature): 1d20+9 = 12 & 13 respectively).
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 d20+7=24 ; Monday August 28th, 2023 8:43:03 PM "I can watch. I've got pretty good eyes."
Once they land on the ground, Colt quickly hurries to one of the wagons, and climbs up so that he gets a little extra height while he's keeping guard.
[ooc] Perception: 24 [/ooc]
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 d20+4=24 ; d20+9=12 ; Monday August 28th, 2023 9:16:13 PM
With Colt doing the watches on the wagons, RJ focuses on better understanding what attacked the caravans (survival 24) and of whether anything of use survived (perception 12).
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 d20+7=27 ; d20+7=16 ; Monday August 28th, 2023 10:05:31 PM
Grim nods at the suggestion he take the honors of sending the command to renew their decent and speaks the word Green while touching the stone. After a few moments the downward jerking commences indicating their trip down is about over. About 10' from the ground he calls our Red while touching the stone. He figures it could take 10' of decent before the crew actually stops.
If he got it right, he whoops and hollers in orc. If he got it wrong, he cusses in orc, turning the stone green and red and green and red until they hit the ground.
If he notices the raptors lurking in the jungle, he warns of them. If they've gone for now, he goes to the 3rd pterodactyl and in the middle of Marest's inspection blurts "WATCH YOUR FINGERS!' and lops the head off. Next, with his skinning knife he proceeds to cut the heart out.
He holds it up to Marest while she's trying to find parts for only she knows what, "Want a bite?" If she accepts he reminds her to belt out a roar of thanks. If she declines, he takes the heart and with his head up and back lets out a loud roar, then bites a big chunk out of it.
He then says "You can have the rest, I got what I need," and walks to the platform and tosses the head there then goes to the edge of the forest to keep an eye out for the raptors or anything else.
Perception +7 = 16
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 d20=20 ; Tuesday August 29th, 2023 3:10:32 AM
Siolo joins RJ in the investigation of possible animal occurance.
((Survival 20+10=30))
DM Mitch Lift Map Tuesday August 29th, 2023 5:52:20 AM
Yofiel finishes her ryme/song and gives Grim the honor of sending the signal to go down. Dapple suggests they keep an eye out for the raptors or other dangerous animals. Marest tries to determine the hour of day and if it is safe to remove her smoked goggles. She then starts checking out the picked over remains fo the flying creature for any reagents. Colt keeps watch from one of the wagons once they reach the ground. RJ focuses on figuring out what attacked the caravans and whether anything useful survived Grim nods at the suggestion he give the command to descend before doing so and calls the stop command 10 feet from the ground to be safe. He’s close enough, there’s maybe a few inches shy of being flat on the ground. He then starts butchering whats left of the third pteradon offering some to Marest after getting the heart and the head Siolo checks the general area.
It looks like the supply wagons have been a popular spot for scavengers. All of the food has been broken out, eaten, and/or spoiled. Most of the supplies seemed to be of that kind, but one wagon is entirely full of metal goods. Nails, horseshoes, and lengths of metal that you’d guess are meant to be fashioned into various weapons like swords at the smithy. Lots of spell reagents as well, enough to supply all the town’s caster’s for a long time.
Those keeping an eye out don’t see any dangers. The raptors seem satiated and ready to move on because they don’t stick around. Siolo notices what might be a nest up on the cliffside in the little nook the Pteranodon flew out of. That’d explain the aggression of the animals.
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Tuesday August 29th, 2023 10:50:49 AM
Ezekiel takes some pteradon meet if Grim is offering.
"Takes like chicken?"
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Tuesday August 29th, 2023 11:59:28 AM
"I wonder if there might be some eggs or baby pteranodons up there in that nest," ponders Yofiel. How climbable does the cliff seem? She is willing to climb up if it looks accessible.
Meanwhile, though, she suggests, "Let's work together to pull this wagon with metal aboard."
Among the other wagons, she also checks to see if there still may be any unbroken small bottles or chests. Also she looks for more rope. And intact wheels could be useful, as well as axles.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Tuesday August 29th, 2023 3:07:08 PM
With Colt keeping watch, Dapple is free to help sort through the wagons and their cargo. When the time comes to roll the wagon onto the lift, she helps by staying out of the way.
Marest removes her goggles now that she feels it is safe to do so in this Lift lobby of sorts. Marest asks her friends, "is it possible to move these reagents onto the lift...as well as anything the smithy could use..like these sword blanks?"
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 Tuesday August 29th, 2023 9:42:46 PM
RJ agrees, and helps the best he can to get the surviving wagons (the metal and the reagents) on board.
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 32/37 CMD 18 d20+7=24 ; Wednesday August 30th, 2023 12:59:56 AM
Grim eye-measures the cart. Is it more than or less than 15' long?
Either way, he figures the others will figure it out soon enough. More important is what happened to those left down below. If the attack was only on the top, those left below would have taken the wagon animals, loaded with food for the return trip, and left very quickly. So there would not be any beast of burden or humanoid bones except for those that were on the lift when it fell.
On the other hand, if the attack was both above and below, there would be humanoid bones scattered around.
He looks for them. Perception +7 = 24
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Wednesday August 30th, 2023 7:32:38 AM
Colt continues his watch unless called to help with something else.
DM Mitch Lift Map Wednesday August 30th, 2023 8:02:24 AM Ezekiel takes some meat if grim is offering Yofiel wonders aloud about what might be in the nest before suggesting they work together to salvage the wagon with metal while looking out for assorted other bits and bobs. Dapple helps sort through wagons and cargo before getting out of the way of the metal wagon. Marest inquires to the others about moving reagents and sword blanks onto the lift. RJ[b] agrees with Marest and helps move things onboard the lift [b]Grim eyes the carts. They are 10x15. He looks for bones and signs of what happened to anyone down here. Colt stays on watch.
It looks like 1 wagon can fit on the reduced lift, though half the party will have to sit in it/on any supplies it’s loaded with. There are spare wheels, ropes, and a few unbroken bottles and jugs containing various liquids still intact in the cart, mostly water and juice.
The cliff looks about as climbable as any other random cliff, so DC 25 (DC for natural rockface). The nest is about 30 feet up.
Grim gets a good look at the area. It’s been to long to pick up any trail, but he doesn’t spot any animal or humanoid bones that might fit horses and the people unloading wagons down here. Perhaps there is hope for more survivors.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Wednesday August 30th, 2023 2:30:56 PM
"Let's get this wagon up before we do any more exploring," Dapple suggests.
Yofiel empties most of the contents into one of the large empty bags she carries, placing it among the wagon stuff, leaving the worn conveyance quite a big lighter, and taking her other two large sacks along with her. "This will take just a couple of minutes, Dapple. Be right back." Yofiel uses her knotted rope, which is about 40' long or so, casts animate rope, swings it with one end to fly upwards. She accidentally steps on the slack rope as she tosses it upwards, so it makes it only about 10' into the air (rolled nat 1). She tries another time, taking greater care this time, and gets it up to a good height. (AC 19). At its apex near a suitable spot, she calls, "Loop and knot." The rope should firmly grasps a bit of rock, giving her the knotted rope to try. She puts weight on it, trying to ensure it is well seated. If so, she climbs up to the top (DC 5, Climb skill: 8). Once there, she surveys the scene of the nest, keeping a hand on the rope. If there are young there, she is ready to descend and let others know. If eggs, she uses her backpack to store one or two (depending upon size), and uses one or two large sacks for additional eggs. If there is something else there, she checks it out, perhaps taking or leaving.
If she does need to descend, she uses her Climb skill again: 25. If she thinks a critter will bite the rope, she gives a command to the rope to untie when she is down below... Will await a description of the area for final decisions.
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Wednesday August 30th, 2023 6:20:57 PM
"Let me know if you need a hand!" says Ezekiel to Yofiel. He casts mage hand to carry any small (<= 5 lb) object down for Yofiel.
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 Wednesday August 30th, 2023 9:39:18 PM
RJ continues to help out in any way that he can.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Wednesday August 30th, 2023 10:21:12 PM "I can help get the wagon unto the lift." If anyone at all agrees, Colt hops down from his wagon to put his back against the rear of the loaded wagon and help push it unto the platform.
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 d20=14 ; Wednesday August 30th, 2023 10:40:39 PM
Siolo also offers to help move the cart onto the lift. "One...two...hUUP!"
((Str check to aid 14+2=16))
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 37/37 CMD 18 Thursday August 31st, 2023 12:12:05 AM
OOC: Missed this one... After Grim's big bite out of the heart, there's not much left, so he slices a piece off of the what amounts to a thigh and hands it to him. "Be warned, Dapple says it isn't healthy to eat raw meat. I only do it for ceremonial purposes. Cooking it takes the natural blessing out of it. But it does taste better cooked."
Grim is satisfied that a number of the caravaners were able to escape and turns his attention to the wagons again. Pulling out the railing on one end of the lift platform, he helps push the chosen wagon on to it, then places the section of railing back in place.
"I just hope there's enough muscle up there to pull this thing up," he comments as he adds the Flying Thunder God head to the wagon's contents.
DM Mitch Lift Map Thursday August 31st, 2023 7:15:15 AM Dapple suggests they get the wagon up before doing any more exploring. Yofiel takes a moment to explore the nest to see what they are dealing with with respect to eggs or young pteranodons. Ezekiel tells Yofiel to let him know if she needs a hand and he’s ready with a casting of mage hand. RJ continues to help out in any way he can Colt volunteers to get the wagon unto the lift Siolo helps with the wagon. Grim talks about the advantages of cooked meat and is satisfied that some people escaped. He helps get the wagon on the lift and hopes there’s enough muscle to get it up.
Yofiel finds a large nest, big enough to fit the small family of dinosaurs, and a single large egg in it. She carefully stores it and is able to get back to the ground without complications.
At the party’s signal the lift starts to rise and there’s a long, slow ride up to the top. Again they get a great view as they go up, right up until they enter the dark man-made shaft that is the last third or so of the ride. The emerge in front of the large, curious crowd that has maybe even grown a bit since they went down.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Thursday August 31st, 2023 12:24:44 PM
Colt spends much of the ride up enjoying the view, although he keeps his sling loaded and ready for any pterodactyls that might appear. He stands at the railing, leaning out, letting the occasional breeze swirl his hair. (He's tied himself off per Yofiel's suggestion for the trip down.)
"Look! I think that's the river we crossed with the caravan on the way here."
Arriving at the top, a small furry bolt of grey darts from the crowd and leaps onto the platform. Colt laughs and picks up his dog. "Foggy! Sorry I left you here, but if the lift failed I didn't want you to die too."
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Thursday August 31st, 2023 4:06:19 PM
"We're back!" Dapple calls cheerfully. "And we have lots to tell. Who wants to help unload?"
R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 20 (before prone)/15/16 HP 28 CMD 16 Thursday August 31st, 2023 7:43:22 PM
RJ gives a half wave to the crowd
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Thursday August 31st, 2023 10:20:33 PM
"Huzzah! Another successful mission for Ezekiel and the Lightning Bolts!"
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 Thursday August 31st, 2023 11:38:36 PM
Siolo again enjoys the view of the trip.
Upon arriving at the top, he waves to the crowd with a bright smile. Without any further words, he turns to the remains they brought back up, and begins unloading.
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 37/37 CMD 18 Friday September 1st, 2023 12:28:42 AM
Although Grim has seen this view before, his perspective is now different, in that he knows what it's like to be trapped. His plateau is not as high and has a few ways up/down that they keep a vigilance and is rigged with traps, so being up with no way down was a different experience.
He decides to let the villagers participate in the heroic adventure down and back by leaving them to unload the wagon. He tosses the headless carcass of the third Flying Thunder God to some bystanders and says "Take this to the cook for the stew tonight. Take the leather of the wings to the tanner."
He then takes the head back to his favorite preparation place behind some buildings with a lot of sun.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Friday September 1st, 2023 5:34:08 AM
The elf is pleased with what she pulled from the nest, though she is not sure just what to do with the egg. She asks, "Should we wait for it to hatch, and see if we can make friends with the baby bird? Raise it? Train it? Or, will someone want to make egg soup?"
Yofiel spends far more time enjoying the view during the slower ascent. She comments, "You all did well today. It was kind of scary for a minute, wasn't it?"
As they arrive at the top, after Ezekiel makes his announcement, she laughs, and adds, "Yes, the Cloud Hunters had a rollicking exciting time down there. Hey - thanks to the team that muscled us up and down. We'll fix up a nice lunch for you tomorrow to say 'thank you!'" she promises.
"You've seen the pteranodons before, right? Well, looky here - we found one of their eggs!"
She helps unload a few items, but really wants to figure out a good way to protect the egg. She asks around about providing something to insulate the egg, and keep it warm, and turn it, like she has seen birds do. She has never watched pteranodons car for her young, but figures there have to be some similarities to how they handle eggs as compared with their smaller, feathered cousins.
"Who would like to help me care for the egg?" she asks among her fellow villagers. If she can get three or four faithful people to share in the job, that would likely do.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Friday September 1st, 2023 8:15:15 AM "I'll help with the egg." Colt volunteers. "I don't like the wild dinosaurs much, but maybe if we raise them we can tame them like dogs."
DM Mitch Lift Map Friday September 1st, 2023 5:26:48 PM Colt spends the ride up enjoying the view although he keeps his sling loaded and ready for other threats. He stands at the railing enjoying the breeze. He’s followed Yofiel’s suggestion and is tied. He points out some landmarks and when he gets back Foggy is excited to see his favorite person in the way dogs only can be. Dapple announces they are back and they have a lot to tell and a lot to unload RJ gives a half wave to the crowd Ezekiel counts this as another success for himself and the Lightning bolts Siolo enjoys the view from the top and waves at the crowd as well while smiling. He then starts unloading Grim reflects on being stuck and throws a corpse to someone to someone telling them to stew it. Yofiel is pleased by the egg and is pleased by the results of the little adventure. She holds up the egg for all to see. Colt is willing to help with the egg.
There’s a lot of relief when the party shows up and some cheers that the lift works that the party got back safe. With supplies! People don’t even seem to mind Grim throwing corpses at them, though caught off guard and flustered for a moment. Honestly a bit of a party atmosphere starts to build up.
And then Yofiel’s announcement and reveal of the egg kills the mood as if a switch was flipped. Some people just freeze in place at the sudden suggestion. Some look about ready to cry. Others ready to murder the bard. Even Rothlorian has a pained look on his face. He tries to calm things down before someone does something stupid. ”Ok everyone. Show’s over. The lift is fixed and we’ve tested it, all’s well that ends well. Let’s get back to work, we still have a lot to do to patch things up and keep it secure.”
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Friday September 1st, 2023 10:08:55 PM
A surprised Colt watches the change in the crowd. "I'll still help you," he tells Yofiel. Then he steps away to help unload the wagon.
After the work is done he seeks out Yofiel. "That was too bad. I guess they're not ready for -- I don't know. Just that. But I did mean it. I'll help you raise it if you still want to."
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Saturday September 2nd, 2023 7:16:25 PM
"Pteranodons are wild animals," Dapple says worriedly. "And wild animals are unpredictable. Yofiel, are you sure you want to do this?"
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 d20+7=24 ; Sunday September 3rd, 2023 11:52:13 PM
[Sorry - anniversary weekend, and little time to post. Just grabbed a moment here.]
Not one to remain long clueless, Yofiel reads the expressions on the faces. She does not recall seeing pteranodons mixed in during the dinosaur rampage from months before, but her attention had been focused on what was happening to her brother and mother, as well as herself escaping over the edge of the cliff to hang on for dear life. She thinks to herself that some lives may have been lost to flying creatures then.
Just after Rothlorian grimaces and speaks to break things up, the bard says so all can hear. "Sorry, folks. There are a few choices before us. We can make an omelette or souffle, instead, perhaps. Or, we can find out if we with our druid's way with animals turn such a bird into a fearsome defender of our place. Whoever sent the beasts against us twisted them one way. Can we not perhaps turn some in our favor?"
"Feel free to come speak with me tonight, or tomorrow morning. I hope we always are open to counsel. Shall we eat an omelette? Or turn the creature into our guardian? Let us decide on the morrow. But yes, let us now return to work."
======== Diplomacy: 24
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Monday September 4th, 2023 12:16:51 AM
To Colt and Dapple, she says, "I think we might be able to raise it - if Siolo agrees - to bond with us. Train it to hunt outside our area - and not to attack people. Do I know for certain? Dapple, you are right, they can be unpredictable." She smiles and says, "Dapple - it might be possible for you, one day, to have what this egg grows into, fly you into the skies. Maybe R.J., too."
Her countenance turns serious. "But I will wait until the morning, once I have heard from the people. If they cannot be persuaded, and the fear is strong, then let us put it to rest. If enough are open to letting us try, though, then let us name the critter 'Omelette.'"
She thanks Colt. "I'll find a spot to place the egg for now. And something to keep it warm. I will turn it every few hours. I will pray for guidance and wisdom. Let us see how things are in the morning."
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 37/37 CMD 18 Monday September 4th, 2023 1:50:43 AM
Grim shrugs at the villager's reaction. He didn't see any Flying Thunder Gods during the town's massacre, but to the minds of these that can't let go of the past to rebuild the future, a Thunder God is a Thunder God.
In response to Rothlorien, he comments, "So, they don't expect to put grass eating Thunder Gods, raised and tamed by them, to work the lift like it was done before? They are that scared of them now?"
He shrugs again, this isn't his town and once this mystery is resolved he'll be going back home.
He encourages Yofiel to try to hatch it and see if she can raise it tamed. It's something the Great One would aprove, take care of His animal children.
Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:6/R:4/W:6), HP:22/22 Monday September 4th, 2023 8:49:54 AM Silence
{Hurt my fingers of my right hand, as I am RT-handed, it's been a slug to use the computer}
As usual, Marest observes and remains quiet while witnessing the reaction of the people to Yofiel's announcement.
DM Mitch Lift Map Monday September 4th, 2023 10:44:34 AM Colt tells Yofiel that he’ll still help her and that he guesses the townfolk aren’t ready yet even though he agrees he’ll help. Dapple says that Pteranodon are wild animals and that they are unpredictable and asks Yofiel if she is sure she wants to do that. Yofiel guesses at what people are thinking and ties to make a peace offering of cooking it if everyone is that upset. She discusses the options with the party as well. Grim shrugs and wonders about their thoughts on the lift beasts. He things they should raise it. Marest stays quiet.
Things break up and people go back to what they were doing. The pteranodon meat is cooked and served and people seem encouraged at the lift being back in working order. Yofiel, and others if they are paying attention, get a general read on the town’s feelings on the dinosaur egg. Most don’t like the idea. Some are just scarred by recent events and want nothing to do with any dinosaurs, but others have more sound reasoning on why it’s a bad idea.
Raising a random wild dinosaur is nothing like raising a dog or horse. They’ve been domesticated for centuries and know how to act and interact with people safely. Wild animals do not - they can kill a person just by accident and will act out in unpredictable ways that are highly dangerous. Even the lift beasts, long used by the town, had special handlers like Grimelda who knew how to manage them safely, and there had been deaths when people who didn’t know what to do tried to interact with the surely beasts. Yofiel gets the feeling that no one will stop her directly, but unless she puts the egg somewhere hidden and away from town some of the more emotional survivors might try to break it or kill the hatchling when the party is off on some mission.
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Monday September 4th, 2023 11:42:27 AM
"Weren't going to go back down and see if we could find any survivors?" asks Ezekiel. "I thought that was a thing, but my memory gets a little fuzzy some times. Too many lightning bolts to the head, you know?"
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 Monday September 4th, 2023 2:49:15 PM "It could certainly be possible," Siolo responds when asked about raising the dinosaur.
He then secludes himself for a bit, rooting through the memories of his teachings as well as the select few books he brought with him. He concludes that raising it would likely be akin to raising another burd of prey.
He also is present for the conversations with the townsfolk when they express their positions. Disappointment are his feelings at the end of the sessions.
"Trying to raise such an animal would be tough enough without most people being against it.," he says somberly. "It would be ill advised to do in town. If we wanted to try it anyway, I could set up outside of town for the task."
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Monday September 4th, 2023 3:34:02 PM
"Once trade has started back up," Dapple says, chewing her pteranodon thoughtfully, "we should try to get some oxen for the lift. They're not as strong as big dinosaurs, of course, but they're a lot easier to manage."
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Monday September 4th, 2023 5:57:13 PM
Yofiel breakfasts with her mother, talks about their recent journey below, asks about what she has been doing. Her mother tells her she has been sewing for some of the people of Cloudhaven, writing poetry, making friends in the community.
Having listened to the people on the fate of the pterosaur {not a dinosaur}, Yofiel is saddened, but yields to the wishes of the community in this matter. Before she takes it from the nest she built yesterday afternoon, she says, "Sorry little one, but it is not to be," and gives the egg a kiss...
"All right, what chef among us can whip this into a good omelette?" she asks in town. She turns the egg over to someone skilled at cooking.
"Ezekiel, from what Grim says, it looks like they managed to get away, perhaps. I'm open to the notion - but that was months ago. What chance might we have, if they did not somehow escape on their own?"
"Thanks for your encouragement, friends," she says to Grim & Colt. To Dapple, the elf says, "Looks like your observation was sound, Dapple."
She checks to see what items of interest may have been sorted from the wagonload they brought up yesterday, then goes to the kitchen to help prepare a luncheon for the people who helped lower and raise them yesterday.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Monday September 4th, 2023 9:57:54 PM
Akh! I missed what was posted for Siolo.
"Thank you too for supporting the idea, Siolo. But I told the folks I'd heed their counsel, and the choice was between eating the egg and raising the bird. I'll try to be more discreet the next time such an opportunity arises - should that happen."
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 37/37 CMD 18 Tuesday September 5th, 2023 12:00:12 AM
Grim growls at Yofiel's bad judgement. "You gave the egg to be eaten. The egg was innocent. Rather than raise it, the proper honor was to say a prayer to the Great One explaining why you could not try to raise it, then drop it over the cliff. It's a shameful thing you did to submit to the demands of a few over your better judgment. 'Oh, a few are scared and offended!' Bah, you offended the Great One. So be it."
He points out that handing the carcass of the Flying Thunder God was proper, as it was killed in proper battle, AND he'd already done the ceremonial purification prayer to The Great One.
"I'll wager you could have set up a nest in the new dryad grove, providing she didn't mind taking care of it. If she could train it properly, it would have served a great scout for her. But...too late now," he shrugs then walks away.
DM Mitch Lift Map Tuesday September 5th, 2023 8:13:33 AM Ezekiel asks if they were going to head back down and search for survivors. Siolo says that raising a dinosaur could be possible before secluding himself for a bit in order to remember his training and comes to the conclusion it would be like a bird of prey. He suggests they try to raise it outside town if that is what they want since folks seem opposed to the game. Dapple suggests that once trade starts back up they should get some oxen for the lift. Yofiel has breakfast with her mother and they have a conversation about what they each have been doing. After that she relents to the townsfolk request to have them try to make an omelette out of the giant egg rather than raise it and next time they have a chance Grim has opinions.
Food is eaten. Gatter may be surly and kind of a jerk but he makes a mean omelet. It’s only lunch time and the party had discussed going down and looking for survivors. Rothlorian also suggests they should look for signs of large dinosaurs in the area - they still don’t know where the ones that attacked went and if they need to flee the town or just leave to re-establish contact with the patrons who finance the place it’d be good to know if anything dangerous is hanging out in the area.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Tuesday September 5th, 2023 1:08:35 PM
Colt can't help himself when Grim criticizes Yofiel. He steps toward the barbarian. "So you never eat eggs, Grim? Not sure what the difference is here. We found an egg. Now we're eating it. I think you'd have more friends if you stood beside them instead of sniping all the time."
The anger washes out of him, and he's suddenly aware of the size disparity between Grim and himself. He glances quickly over his shoulder then returns his attention to Grim, and waits for the half-orc's inevitable invective, or worse.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Tuesday September 5th, 2023 2:00:57 PM
"Grim feels a strong connection to his Thunder Gods," Dapple explains.
"Grim, please be patient with us. We weren't raised to honor the Thunder Gods in the same way you were. We're bound to make mistakes."
Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 17/13/14; HP 24/24 Tuesday September 5th, 2023 3:29:10 PM
"If I am understanding him correctly," says Ezekiel. "Grim isn't upset that you are eating the egg, he's upset you are eating it after committing to raise it."
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 Tuesday September 5th, 2023 10:12:33 PM "We should spend some more time at the bottom of the lift," Siolo says loudly, clearly trying to change the subject. He gives a nod and heads to the lift to await the rest of the crew.
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 37/37 CMD 18 Tuesday September 5th, 2023 10:22:48 PM
Grim's eyes squint down to slits, the way one does when gathering strength, for something, but Colt may never know what, as Dapple and Ezekiel chime in. The muscles don't seem to be relaxed but his face eases up a little.
"Looky here! My tribe owes its survival in these lands to The Great One! We escaped The Scabb with only a few and would have perished here but for a vision our chief had. The Great One told him that we were interlopers. The Balance was set and humanoids, of ANY kind would upset that balance. But our chief knew we had no choice but to stay here. So he made a deal, forgo the age-old tribal worship of the ancestral orc gods and pledge our allegiance to Him who Guards these lands. Now my tribe has been here for a couple of centuries, how long have the other humanoids made it so far? The Ways of The Great One was revealed to our chief and appointed him Grand Shaman. We have followed those ways ever since and we are no longer interlopers, invaders, but part of the Life of the jungle. It was through a vision to our clan's Shaman that revealed great calamity here and I was to find out who, what, and why!"
He stares down Colt. "You eat it. Eat it with gusto. But for those who choose to listen to the ways of the Great One, He will be watching over them, as they will be trying to be Part of the jungle, not Against it."
Grim glares hard once more then turns abruptly and goes to sit next to Dapple. What a sight! "Thanks Dapple. You are greater than you believe you are."
When Rothlorien proposes a forey down bellow, Grim gives him his report of what he noticed. "The only Thunder Gods hanging around were the few scavengers and the nesting Flying Ones. But the Thunder Gods roam to and fro until the rains come, then they move to higher ground and we can go by boat without too much worry of the Great Ones coming splashing after us. But then... there are other things in the water to worry about. But at least we can observe if any we do find act unusually regarding their normal behavior."
DM Mitch Lift Map Wednesday September 6th, 2023 10:43:21 AM Colt sticks up for Yofiel against grim before the size disparity between the two of them has his anger washing out of him. Dapple tries to calm things down by explaining Grim to the others and asking Grim in kind to be patient with them. Ezekiel points out that Grim is upset not because the egg is being eaten but because it is being eaten after some people said they were going to raise it. Siolo tries to change the subject by suggesting they visit the bottom of the lift again. Grim explains more about his tribe’s origin and why he was sent to Cloudhaven. He tells Colt to eat the egg with gusto but if folks listen to the Great Old one who guards these lands then they’ll be protected too. Grim complements dapple and briefs Rothlorean on what they saw when the foray below is mentioned.
Some of the party are ready to head down below, other’s haven’t expressed an opinion yet.
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Wednesday September 6th, 2023 4:15:43 PM
"I don't know about that," Dapple replies to Grim with a roguish smile. "I think I'm pretty great."
"Are we ready to go back down?"
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 37/37 CMD 18 Wednesday September 6th, 2023 11:24:16 PM
Grim will do whatever the majority decides to do. Meanwhile he goes and checks on the progress on the Shaman Mask.
Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 21/21 Thursday September 7th, 2023 4:34:55 AM
"Grim, if she would have been willing, yes, asking Delilah to try to raise it with our occasional assistance might have been a good option," Yofiel humbly concurs. "I made a trap of my own mouth by saying I would go with the recommendation of the people." She turns aside as tears well up. The bard feels she betrayed one in her charge, in her desire to assuage the fear of others.
"I repent, but it is too late for this one. Look, I do not believe that the great lizards are gods of any sort. They are creatures. Powerful, some of them yes. But not gods. I am willing to kill to protect others, to protect myself." She looks down, and her shoulders begin to shake. "I thought... maybe there was a chance... but gave it to the cook... and..."
She sinks to the ground, legs crossed, hunched over, and sobs. Yofiel does not often weep. She did so for her father. She did so for her brother. Now - she feels all mixed up - why am I weeping for a flying bird beak she thinks to herself. did I help anyone by giving in to their fears? she asks herself as she recalls the faces of anger, fear, and shock. She whispers, "Yofiel, betrayer of the egg." She weeps some more, then begins to laugh. And sob, and laugh.
DM Mitch Lift Map Thursday September 7th, 2023 7:33:05 AM Dapple tells Grim she doesn’t know about what he is saying and that she thinks highly of herself. She also asks if the party is ready to go back down. Grim will do whatever the majority decides so in the meantime he goes to check the progress of the shaman mask. Yofiel gets very upset at the outcome of her choices, torn about the responsibility of caring for the egg, the town, and surrendering to the fears of others.
The Shamen mask is finally done. It’s no masterpiece, but it’s solid work. Stella was only an apprentice after all, but it’s clear she put her heart into doing the best job she could.
Most of the party seems ready to head down the lift to check out the surroundings. Grimelda and some strong types are called over and man the wheel to lower the party back to the ground for the second time since the disaster.
Colt Human Rogue (Tim) AC 16 T 14 FF 12 HP 22/22 CMD 18 Thursday September 7th, 2023 12:37:20 PM
Under the barbarian's glare, Colt feels his legs go shaky. He's relieved when Dapple and Ezekial moderate the situation, but still stands transfixed until Grim releases his glare and moves next to Dapple.
The boy makes sure to take a portion of the egg, then retreats to a quiet spot alone where he sits on the ground and shares his breakfast with Fogbank. He watches the exchange between Grim and Yofiel intently. Colt stuffs the last of the egg white into his mouth, wipes the last bit of runny yolk out of the bowl with a finger that he offers to his enthusiastically licking dog. When the elf sinks to the ground and sobs, Colt jumps to his feet and walks quickly to her.
"Don't feel bad, Yofiel. You did the best you could. You always do the best thing. Grim's -- I don't know. He's a real hero. I wish I could fight like him. He's done a lot for this town, but he's still a jerk."
[ooc] Ready to go whenever the party is. [/ooc]
Dapple [AC 18; HP 28/28] (Kathy) Thursday September 7th, 2023 12:39:46 PM
"Back down we go," says Dapple. "Looking for signs of survivors, right? Or anything else of interest."
Siolo (Joe) - AC 16/12/14 ; HP 19/19 , NL 0 d20=10 ; Thursday September 7th, 2023 10:20:50 PM
Siolo awaits the rest of the crew at the lift. While he does so, he investigates the nearby flora for any advantages that might help improve the lift.
(Kn Nature 10+6=16)
Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 11 HP 37/37 CMD 18 Thursday September 7th, 2023 11:20:17 PM
As Grim gets up to leave Yofiel speaks up, then the half-orc answers. "Life is Learning, if you live to learn it. You are alive, so apply your learning." Then he smiles(?) a little. "My tribe call them Thunder Gods from what they appeared to be when we first came here, crashing through the jungle chasing prey or running form the predator shaking the ground like gods. We know they aren't, The Great One taught us that, and how to respect all the creatures under his guardianship. You may not get another chance at with a flying one, but there are thousands other creatures out there."
He then goes to see about the Shaman Mask, missing out on the Yofiel's grief and Colt's name calling. Probably a good thing too. What he would have expected was for Yoviel to stand up and firmly apologize, not crumble and apologize. Also probably a good thing Grim didn't hear Colt call him a jerk, although Grim's past getting too riled at such names. He was called far worse as a young boy until he proved himself passing his Initiation in better shape than most of the others his age.
Returning, though, it is evident from signs on Yofiel's face that bard had been upset. From the orc perspective, you DON'T pry into other's business, so if Yofiel wants to talk about it, she can bring it up.
LOG ON