Interviews (DM MikeK) Monday November 6th, 2023 6:18:00 PM
Armalad and Stock walk up to Star Mages Wold Headquarters on the Gold Level. Neither need to have worried about finding someone to help them. Again, the reputation of the Silver Shields opens a lot of doors, including here. In no time, they find themselves in the office of Master Aerylon Marinor, Chief Assistant to The Chancellor,
The lanky elf appears to be in his mid-forties, belying his centuries of actual age. His straight white hair is held out of his face by a golden band, and falls down past his shoulder blades. He wears a blue robe, tied a the waist with a white cord. His guild badge, a multi-colored scintillating crystal formed as three interlocking circles, sits prominently on the right side of his chest.
“And how may I be of service to the Silver Shields?” he inquires.
Upon learning of the group’s predicament, he considers a moment, then answers. “Certainly, you could hire us to cast the spell repeatedly. However, you are likely to find a more permanent solution at the Overlord’s Palace. They have cells specially equipped to hold the most powerful of spellcasters.”
Bartomus, Stohp, and Delia hire a carpet, and fly their burden to the Grove.
They soon find themselves in consultation with Druid Cathbad, who is deeply troubled by what they have to say. She gives them a similar answer to the one received by Armalad and Stock. “I would say hold her at the Overlord’s Palace. She should be safe there while I consult with some colleagues on a means to free her from this domination.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday November 6th, 2023 10:37:21 PM
(OOC: Armalad is a member of the Star Mage guild herself; She just diversified her knowledge to where the number of antimagic spells she could cast is less than if she was a pure caster)
Armalad says, "Thank you for the suggestion of the Overlord's palace."
She then says to Stock, "Let's move our prisoner there as soon as possible so that we can figure out how to break the enchantment that holds her permanently."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday November 7th, 2023 6:10:15 AM
Right. Stohp had made a knowledge check about that but may have forgotten the answer on the long trip. She'll facepalm, explain it's been a long day and/or night, and head that way.
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday November 7th, 2023 9:32:16 AM "Alright Cathbad, we can do that. Seems we were asked to help in a more protective role for the Float by the Overlord." Bartomus said in response to the Druidess' suggestion. "Any help for her would be appreciated. Also, any information that can be obtained from all of you regarding who she served may be essential to preventing any new terrors arising in the Woods or even from the bottom of the Lake itself."
He looked over at the others and gave a slight shrug.
"Could we ask you another favor? Some of our party went to the Star Mages, and I am wondering if we could ask that a message be sent to them as to where we are heading? We are going to need to call a carpet as well."
Stock (JonM) HP: 108/238; AC: 29/26/16; DR 4/-; CMD: 38; Rage: 23/41 used Tuesday November 7th, 2023 5:54:35 PM
Stock looks blank faced at Armalad, "Seems like we should have known that." He looks back to the minister and says, "Thank you for your time and your help. Would you mind sending a MESSAGE to Bartomus that we are heading to grab Norella and bring her to the Overlord?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 60/200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 0/14 SE 6/6 Tuesday November 7th, 2023 6:14:18 PM
Zanderallen tags along with the group, glad of the solution of the Overlords palace.
== (OOC: sorry for missing a couple posts. We had a huge project launch at work that has consumed my time.)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 Tuesday November 7th, 2023 6:19:40 PM
Delia listens to the explanation to the druids, offering any additional details. She's relieved that there is a solid solution and leaves the druids to deliver Norella somewhere she'll be safe until they have a more permanent solution.
The Palace (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 7th, 2023 6:50:53 PM
Messages whiz back and forth, as each group secures from their hosts the means to let the others know what they’ve learned.
Cathbad assures Bart she’ll do her best both to assist Norella and to learn more of this Karkasan person.
Soon enough, all of the Shields, plus the drugged Norella, arrive at the Overlord’s Palace.
More Messages had preceded them.
They are let in immediately, and escorted through a secret door in an unfamiliar side room down a long corridor lined with locked steel doors. The guards pause before one.
“There’s a permanent anti magic shield in this room,” the Captain politely informs the team. “You’re free to come in if you like, just letting you know.”
The door opens to a sparsely furnished, windowless, prison cell. Norella is locked in.
“I’m told the Star Mages and the Druids are coming in a couple of hours to check her out,” the Captain relays.
Thus, Norella appears to be safe and secure.
The Shields are on their own.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday November 7th, 2023 10:29:31 PM
Armalad says, "Well what do we do in the meantime while we are waiting for the druids and the star mages to get here? I really should have known about this cell considering I was a palace guard before I joined you guys. I guess I just had a brain fart."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday November 8th, 2023 7:25:58 AM
Stohp is glad that the druid is safely stored and heads to bed. She didn't get much sleep on the trip.
Stock (JonM) HP: 108/238; AC: 29/26/16; DR 4/-; CMD: 38; Rage: 23/41 used Wednesday November 8th, 2023 9:09:59 AM
Stock smiles at Armalad and says, "You wizard types often don't see the answer in front of your face...as long as its not in a book...if it is in a book then you'll find it.
I suppose the next step is completing an interrogation of Norella. It would be nice to get the jump on the bad guys for once, rather than waiting for them to kill somebody."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 d20+14=20 ; Wednesday November 8th, 2023 12:45:44 PM
Delia, after resting from the ship-sprint home, will employ her knowledge of the natural world to try and come up with a plant that would survive in a windowless cell. If she comes up with nothing, she will ask Stock and Bart for assistance in carving a small flower just so that there's something other than stark walls in that cell. She would verify with Bart that with anti-magic, there's no trouble a druid could get up to with such a plant or other natural material.
Know (Nature) 20
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 60/200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 0/14 SE 6/6 Wednesday November 8th, 2023 8:28:15 PM
Zanderallen shudders at the cell but accepts it's necessity. "I'm going to stay here and wait for Norella to wake up. I can't imagine what she has been through possessed by Karkasan. I promised she would come to no harm and I want one of us to be there when she wakes up to assure her she's safe and we kept our promise."
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday November 8th, 2023 8:57:23 PM
["I think she'll be safe here, but I've not been in such a cell, so I don't know if there's some other means of her getting out." Bartomus said to Delia. He looked over at Zander.
"Zander, I think you want to.slso screen anyone coming to see her. Be sure of who they are and that others are sure of who they are. "
He turned over to Stock.
"We gotta have a talk st HQ about next steps. "
Good night (DM MikeK) Wednesday November 8th, 2023 9:46:24 PM
The Shields leave Norella, the guards, the druids, and the Star Mages to their own devices, though Delia does think of a nice plant to bring next time to cheer the room up.
A bit later, both Cathbad and Master Marinor contact Bart and Armalad respectively to let them know Norella appears to be the victim of a very powerful type of Domination spell. Both think they can dispel it in the morning, once they’ve assembled the right people and prepared the right spells.
This pretty much frees up the Shields for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Most have gone sleepless for the past 32 hours.
Stohp, for one, heads for bed.
Anyone checking will have found there’s quite a haul from the day’s activities:
4 Large Trident +2 4 Bracers of Armor +5 4 Ring of Protection +2 4 Belt of Giant Strength +4 pearl of power (5th), potions of cure moderate wounds (2), potions of cure serious wounds (2), potions of delay poison (3), potion of glibness, potions of invisibility (2), scrolls of detect secret doors (2), scroll of dimension door, scrolls of fly (2), scroll of greater invisibility, scrolls of scorching ray (2), scrolls of see invisibility (2), scrolls of teleport (2), dark reaver powder (2), deathblade (2); +1 dagger, amulet of natural armor +3, bag of holding (type I), belt of incredible dexterity +2, cloak of resistance +4, hat of disguise, headband of vast intelligence +4, ng of mind shielding, ring of protection +2, slippers of spider climbing, eye ointment for true seeing (worth 500 gp), silver mirror (worth 1,000 gp), spellbook, 1,823 gp Spyglass MW Trident various gems (20,000 gp) 6 everburning torches Ring of Protection +3 Wand of Delay Poison (CL 2) Emerald encrusted mithril necklace - nonmagical (20,000 gp)
Chest full of diamonds (250,000 gp)
potions of haste (2); +1 ironwood wild full plate, +2 darkwood heavy wooden shield, +1 club, masterwork shortspears (3), belt of mighty constitution +2, cloak of resistance +3, druid's vestments, dusty rose prism ioun stone, eyes of the eagle, headband of inspired wisdom +4, ring of protection +2, holly and mistletoe, spell component pouch, waterskin, 134 gp
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday November 8th, 2023 9:56:00 PM
Armalad would normally rogue-ally look at and appraise the treasure haul but they've all had a long ordeal. Therefore Armalad does whatever it is that Elves normally do at night (OOC: I think we talked about the whole trance thing in the past but I don't know if we ever reached a consensus that that was a 3.5 thing or what but if an elf is immune to magical sleep effects why can they sleep of their own volition?
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday November 9th, 2023 7:54:50 AM
Stohp sleeps straight through till next morning unless something comes up to get her up.
Stock (JonM) HP: 108/238; AC: 29/26/16; DR 4/-; CMD: 38; Rage: 0/41 used Thursday November 9th, 2023 8:46:02 AM
Stock begins the thankless job of cataloging all of the finds, posting a note that while it will take some time to get it all priced out, bids for any items can be place in the usual place!
He then collapses into his bed in Shield HQ, not even taking the proper time to clean and dress his wounds.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 Thursday November 9th, 2023 9:05:45 AM
Stock is very appreciated for handling the treasure. Delia curls into her bed, glad for a solution to Norella's trials and that she won't be locked in a cell for long.
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday November 9th, 2023 10:02:10 AM
Bartomus looked over the piles of things that were saved from the underwater domain. He nodded at Stock and made clear his thanks for the work that lay ahead in sorting all of that out. Then he slowly climbed the stairs and found his door. Moments later, he was in his room and snoring amongst the blankets of his bed
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 60/200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 0/14 SE 6/6 Thursday November 9th, 2023 4:02:02 PM
After making sure Norella is safe and sound Zanderallen heads back home and crashes hard. Even so his hardened body accepts no excuses to sleeping in. He is up barely later than his usual hour and completes his prayers and exercises feeling refreshed of spirit. Preparing a loaded repertoire of Enchantment Breaking magic he prepares to journey back to the palace to assist with Norella.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday November 9th, 2023 8:38:37 PM
If Armalad wakes up she goes to checkout the treasure now (OOC: Checking in)
Good morning (DM MikeK) Friday November 10th, 2023 10:14:37 AM
The Shields spend the afternoon and evening get much needed sleep, or in Armalad’s case, rejuvenation.
Morning comes, as morning tends to do. Zanderallen is up and working through his morning routine.
Others begin examining the gear recovered during the last adventure.
Others sleep in.
After a hearty breakfast, the Shields are pretty much free to pursue what they wish. The dragon boat crew expects someone with money to show up at the Giggling Ghost, but not until evening.
The Circle and the Star Mages plan to make their attempt to free Norella in a hour. Then, there’s the pile of gear. Or visiting one of more persons/places of interest.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 Friday November 10th, 2023 10:51:25 AM
Delia will be trading in her ring of spell storing (50,000gp) now that its purpose of an extra casting of Freedom of Movement was spent and poke around with the others in their treasure pile.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday November 10th, 2023 7:12:41 PM
Stohp will look over the loot but nothing catches her interest. She'll be sure to show up in time for the attempt to free Norella
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday November 10th, 2023 9:52:48 PM
Bartomus eventually awoke and after dealing with some necessities, he wandered down to the table where the loot was still piled up.
"I could use a set of these bracers, be a good addition to the breastplate and wouldn't interfer with my hands and such." Bartomus said and then pointed to the four bracers. "Use the bag there and put those potions all in it. Be worth having a fall back for the team."
After giving that a thought, he caught the other smaller collection. He looked at it and then sighed.
"Those are her's," he pointed to what had to be Norella's belongings. "Part of me says, we lock them down in a bank vault for her, if she ever really regains her, so that she doesn't loose everything."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+26=35 ; Sunday November 12th, 2023 9:50:16 PM
Armalad says, "The cloak of resistance and amulet of natural armor are better than what I have now. Also I could use some of those healing potions since I can't cast those spells."
Armalad swapped her normally prepared Toros Taur Try for Read Magic and examines the captured spellbook.
Spellcraft:35
Stock (JonM) HP: 108/238; AC: 29/26/16; DR 4/-; CMD: 38; Rage: 0/41 used Monday November 13th, 2023 10:45:25 AM
Stock posts the list next to the gear with a group of gear set aside as Norella's. "I'm indifferent to setting this aside for Norella. I see Bart's point but I still haven't gained much sympathy for the woman until we know for a fact that she is being controlled."
Without much else to do, Stock heads down to his workshop to hone his craft and wait for word from the mages and druids.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 60/200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 0/14 SE 6/6 d20=6 ; Monday November 13th, 2023 5:33:50 PM "We can make final determinations after we see what has happened to her. I plan on attending the attempt to remove her enchantments, throw whatever I have into the mix as well." Zanderallen takes his leave but makes a stop at Rosebud's to see Pepper on his way up. He apologizes for being on the run and gives her the briefest of summaries, "If what Norella says is true than she needs all the friends she can get and the Shields have finally found the source of so many of the Float's problems." He promises to stop by later and then hurries on to the Overlord's Palace, wanting to check on Norella before the ordeal of the enchantment breaking began. ============ Random roll, oops
Friendly face (DM MikeK) Monday November 13th, 2023 6:45:32 PM
Several Shields look through the gear.
Armalad reviews the spellbook.
There is some discussion around Norella’s gear, which is tabled pending the results of the enchantment breaking.
Later that morning, the group returns to the Overlord’s Palace. Norella has been moved to a different side room, this one without an anti-magic shield. The druid is lying unconscious on a padded table, surrounded by several druids, mages, and a familiar looking halfling dressed in white and exuded an aura of peace.
“You always find such interesting mysteries,” Paragon Belkior remarks by way of greeting. “I hope you are well.”
Spellbook - 9th - Power Word Kill, Dominate Monster, Meteor Swarm 8th - Horrid Wilting, Mass Charm Monster, Mind Blank, Incendiary Cloud, Discern Location, Symbol of Insanity 7th - Insanity, Statue, Finger of Death, Power Word Blind, Greater Teleport, Mass Invisibility 6th - Chain Lightning, Disintegrate, Greater Dispel Magic, Mass Suggestion, True Seeing, Acid Fog 5th - Baleful Polymorph, Dominate Person, Teleport, Cone of Cold, Passwall, Blight Pretty much all the Level 4 and below spells, except for good aligned spells.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday November 13th, 2023 10:40:30 PM
Armalad says, "There are a lot of spells in that spellbook I'm also interested in copying into my own. I don't think I have every 4th level spell and some of the higher level ones so I'm going to want to copy some spells into my spellbook."
later when in the cell Armalad says, "I believe her word that she was enchanted to act the way she was as she peacibly surrendered once I caught up to her with my anti-magic field."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday November 14th, 2023 8:13:48 AM "Well there's something out there mind controlling people into being mass murderers but other then that I'm doing great." Stohp comments dryly as she watches the procedure intently.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 29/26/16; DR 4/-; CMD: 38; Rage: 0/41 used Tuesday November 14th, 2023 9:01:26 AM
Stock gives Stohp a wry smile. "Girl, we're problem solvers and this feels like our kind of problem. Never a dull moment..."
To Belkior he says, "Good morning, Paragon. What do you mean by 'mysteries'? So Norella is or is not being controlled by some long dormant force of magic? Is there something else you've learned?
Did you have a chance to talk to her after the proceedings?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 Tuesday November 14th, 2023 12:02:13 PM
Delia waits patiently for Norella to be conscious and in full control of her mind.
Wakey, wakey (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 14th, 2023 7:14:04 PM
Belkior laughs easily at Stohp’s wit. Turning to Stock, he replies.
“I have not had a chance to speak with her yet. But, I understand she’s the subject of some kind of powerful mental domination. The Chancellor sent me a note asking for aid. Now, let us see.”
Belkior casts a spell, sprinkling a great deal of diamond dust over Norella as he does so. Spellcraft DC 24 Highlight to display spoiler: {Miracle}
The Paragon finishes the casting, but remains still. His eyes appear to be focused on a point deeper in the room, and his lips move, as if in a conversation.
After a solid ten seconds, the halfling collects himself, looking troubled.
“She should be free from control, for now,” he informs the group. “But, it would be safest for her to find somewhere else to live, say Plateau City. She will remain susceptible to this being’s power, and her resistance will wane over time and proximity.”
Belkior nods at one of the druids in attendance, who steps forward and waves some kind of root under Norella’s nose. She is awake in instant, gasping and waving the offending plant away.
“Welcome back,” Belkior says kindly. “I believe the Shields have some questions.”
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday November 14th, 2023 8:38:29 PM
Bartomus was shocked into silence at seeing the Paragon had returned to the Float. He always appreciated the Paragon's presence and was sad to see him move on to other duties that were needed by the Overlord and the Council.
When Norella awoke, Bartomus snapped out of his silence and watched her being revived with a plant that he needed to add to his "learn more about that" list.
"Are you up to the questioning Norella?" Bartomus asked with some hesitation. He glanced at the Paragon and smiled. "You can be assured with his presence that no harm will come to you within this facility. You are on the Float and we are wanting to know a lot more about how you were being controlled."
He stopped there and looked over at his fellow Shields.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday November 14th, 2023 11:48:47 PM
Armalad asks, "Do you know what the entity that was controlling you end game was?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20=10 ; Wednesday November 15th, 2023 8:37:07 AM
Stohp will let the other's ask questions. As the one who tended to the druid and fed her more herb every time she stirred there is a chance she'll be a calming, comforting presence which she doesn't want to spoil by asking pointed questions (would I roll diplomacy for that? she isn't talking, but just in case 34 diplomacy.)
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 29/26/16; DR 4/-; CMD: 38; Rage: 0/41 used Wednesday November 15th, 2023 10:09:25 AM
Stock nods at Belkior and then watches the procedure with interest. "Well I guess that confirms that she was being controlled."
He waits patiently for a moment when it seems Norella is fully "with-it" and then asks whatever is on his mind... "Where did you come into contact with Karkasan? Where is it now? What is it now? I mean it is not really living right? What will its next move be?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 Wednesday November 15th, 2023 11:31:28 AM
While Belkior is preparing for his spell, Delia will brew or request that someone brew some tea, so that the conversation with Norella feels less like an interrogation.
She listens intently, not having any questions to add at this time.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday November 15th, 2023 8:46:46 PM
(OOC: Checking In)
Armalad waits to hear the answer to her question and any asked by her fellow party members.
Q & A (DM MikeK) Thursday November 16th, 2023 9:33:53 PM
Armalad does indeed have a question. Stock has several.
Meanwhile, Delia and Stohp take some steps to make Norella feel more comfortable.
Bartomus does both.
Norella sits up and takes in her surroundings while listening to Bart. She frowns at Cathbad, who is present. Belkior’s presence does help. Everyone, in fact, is a bit more at ease.
Turning to address the Shields, and pointedly not the Circle of Alder members, she answers questions.
“I don’t know how I was controlled. Some kind of spell ability I assume, though there was no visible caster. I was in the Crying Wood, dealing with the aura of animosity one always experiences inside the wood. Then, a voice in my head said, ‘you’ll do’. I felt an indescribable pain. When I recovered, I was sharing my body with another presence. It was controlling me, and I could do nothing.
He calls himself Karkasan. He is very old, very powerful, and full of rage. Rage against everything, but particularly the Shadow Elves.
Right now? He IS the Crying Wood. Karkasan is that malevolence you feel when you enter the Wood. His, I don’t know, soul, I guess, is trapped in the Wood.
What he wants is freedom. I felt very clearly. He is imprisoned somehow, and he wants out. He wants vengeance. He wants to kill us, kill the elves, conquer the lizard folk, and rule.
Kar-tiss was one of his followers, back whenever they were in charge. Kar-tiss talked a lot. He implied he and some other acolytes of Karkasan were imprisoned in soul gems, and recently got out. They are gathering components for some kind of ceremony to release Karkasan.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday November 16th, 2023 11:57:30 PM
Armalad asks a follow up question, "Can Karkasan be removed from the wood without being released? Like could we transfer him to some other vessel that doesn't have the capabilities of the crying wood? Maybe something inert and then throw it into a volcano or something?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday November 17th, 2023 6:05:48 AM
Stohp considers this. "Him being freed could provide a chance to deal with him permanently. No one's been able to do anything about the woods, but if his bond is cut from the woods then he might be mobile but it'd make him venerable, possibly even mortal."
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 29/26/16; DR 4/-; CMD: 38; Rage: 0/41 used Friday November 17th, 2023 10:44:23 AM "I agree Stohp. We deal with the thing permanently; and I can't chop down the entire Crying Wood so unless there is some magical solution, I think we may need to free it to kill it. With that said, I worry about this news that some of Karkasan's acolytes have been freed.
Norella - do you have a line on where any of these acolytes might be found?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 Friday November 17th, 2023 11:37:21 AM
Delia agrees with Stock and Stohp. The hazards of the Crying Woods have claimed many lives. Removing the source of the corruption and putting it down for good seems like a great option. She does like Armalad's suggestion of throwing his soul in a volcano though. "We need more information on what Karkasan was before he was trapped, so that if we do have to fight him, we know what we'll be up against."
(OOC: unless we've already gathered that info? I can't remember what we know about him - sorry)
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday November 17th, 2023 12:54:41 PM
Bartomus listened and then remembered something.
"Hey, you all remember the fight with the wright with the library and the metal spider thing?" He said as Delia mentioned the need for more information.
"Well one of the books I kept, and gave over the Guild for study, was filled with these amazing illustrations about a war between the shadow elves and the lizard folk. BUT, there were some big lizards and we also had the visitor who was one of the 'children' of the lizard leader. Could there be more hints about Karkasan in that?"[b]
It was an idea at least. He had offered money to the Guild librarian, what was his name?, to work on the translation of the book.
[b]"We might want to go back and revisit the Shadow Elves' ambassador here to the Float. This won't go well if the acolytes bring back their boss before we are ready."
Some Answers (DM MikeK) Saturday November 18th, 2023 2:48:24 PM
Norella shrugs at Armalad’s question. “I was a tool, not a follower. I don’t know what is possible and what is not.”
Stohp, Stock, and Delia seize on the possibility. Separating Karkasan from the Wood on their terms, and then dealing with him, could result in removing the malevolence of the Crying Wood.
As Delia comments on acquiring more information, Bartomus realizes they may already have.
In days past, Stock, Stohp, Bartomus and Zanderallen relieved a lich under the Surface Drow city of It’lal of library full of tomes and scrolls. A treasure trove Bart has turned over to the librarian of the Woldian League of Adventurers, a halfling by the name of Pip.
Pip had previously come to the Shields with a partial translation, identifying Karkasan as responsible for the ancient war between the progenitors of the Lizard Fok and the earliest drow of It’lal. He noted Karkasan was defeated and bound to the Crying Wood in a ceremony similar to that endured by the paladin Florin, when bound as protector of Elvengard. Florin volunteered, Karkasan did not. Pip also reported Karkasan’s body was entombed in the Heart of the Wood, and his soul bound to the forest…eons ago. And he found the binding process could be reversed by a another ceremony, one which required three components -Sarr’s Armor, Largon’s Dragon Crown, and the Scepter of the Dead.
Norella perks up. “The Crown and the Scepter. Kar-tiss spoke of these. Other acolytes were seeking them.”
Pip was still researching, and can be found at the WLA library.
Bartomus also wonders about perhaps visiting the local representative of the Surface Drow.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday November 19th, 2023 11:39:43 PM
Armalad says, "Wait so other flunkies of Kartiss were looking for the crown and the scepter? What about the armor? If we can get our hands on at least one of these items we can disrupt their ceremony and maybe figure out how to put his soul somewhere else."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 Monday November 20th, 2023 9:03:38 AM "Doesn't Stohp have the armor? Isn't that part of why we were targeting and baited underwater in the first place? Regardless, I want to know why he was trapped instead of killed. To know what made his previous opponents unable to find a more permanent solution to him."
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 29/26/16; DR 4/-; CMD: 38; Rage: 0/41 used Monday November 20th, 2023 9:29:34 AM "Let's go talk to Pip then. It seems we have to start being proactive.
Norella - I suggest you go far from here. If I see you in these parts again, I will assume that you are under Karkasan's control again."
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Monday November 20th, 2023 5:17:01 PM "Stohp, what about a blacksmith and a really really hot furnace for the armor?" Bartomus gives Stohp a very 'i-m-serious' look, and then nodded at Stock.
"let's go see Pip. Zander, you want to take a few to the Drow emissaries to the Float?"
Seeing the Librarian (DM MikeK) Monday November 20th, 2023 8:19:33 PM
Armalad wants to get her hands on one of the items.
Delia recalls they may already have. Kar-tiss did say Stohp was wearing Sarr’s Armor. Though he also said,“Any number of items would do. Stohp just happens to be closest”
Stock and Bart think it's a good time to visit Pip, the WLA Librarian.
As Zanderallen remains mum on Bart’s idea to also visit the Surface Drow, the group accordingly heads to the WLA.
Bart knows the way, and soon enough the group finds themselves in a small room whose walls, and most other space, are lined top to bottom in scrolls and tomes.
Sitting morosely at a center table is the halfling. He looks up, and upon recognizing Bart his eyes go wide. Pip starts to his feet, swallows convulsively, then tries for a smile.
“Ah, Master Bart! What, ah, what a pleasure. Um, what can I do for you?”
Sense Motive DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Seems Pip is trying to hide a guilty conscience about something. }
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday November 20th, 2023 10:14:22 PM
Armalad says, "Ok so we may have one of the items already, then all we need are maybe 2 more and maybe we can remove Kartiss's soul from the wood and put it somewhere safe like in several boxes waited and sunk to the bottom of the Wold's deepest trench or a Volcano or Jericho space. I'd like to see someone figure out how to retrieve Kartiss's soul from Jericho space especially if we made sure it was traveling through Jericho space somehow
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday November 21st, 2023 6:40:28 AM
Stohp remembers that and is a little surprised that it's true. She didn't think her breastplate was all that powerfully magical when she got it, and some sort of ancient hero's item strikes her as something that should be incredibly enchanted. Then she stops herself, reflecting that to the average person a 1000 magic sword was more gold then they'd ever see in their lives and her perspective is really skewed.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 d20+6=15 ; Tuesday November 21st, 2023 2:05:16 PM
Delia cocks her head at Pip's nervousness, a gesture Hawky mirrors from her shoulder. "What's wrong?" She asks, genuinely concerned, "Did you find something out?"
Sense Motive: 15
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20=11 ; d20+12=13 ; Tuesday November 21st, 2023 6:01:12 PM
Bartomus walked into the room and smiles at Pip. He sat down at the table and looked up at the librarian he had befriended. Before he could answer Delia called the somewhat nervous librarian out. Bartomus looked at her with obvious confusion and then back at Pip.
"Good to be back here Pip, but something worrying you that Delia here caught, or are a group of us upsetting your schedule?
Bartomus let his question hang there in the air. I got an 11, but didn't add the bonus when I did, it's a one
Something amiss (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 21st, 2023 7:28:14 PM
Armalad has all kinds of ideas around what to do with pieces of Karkasan. Stohp reflects on her perspective of power and monetary value.
Delia and Hawky, upon be introduced to Pip, sense the halfling’s nervousness and ask about it.
Bart follows up.
The halfling tries, for about two seconds, to maintain a stoic front. But it immediately crumbles under the head tilting gaze of ranger and hawk.
“Oh Master Bart! I’m so sorry! I’ve made a huge blunder! I tried to fix it, but they wouldn’t let me in and now here you are and I’ve lost them and you’re looking for answers but now they’re down the chute and I tried to get them back but they won’t let me and now I’ve ruined everything!”
Pip collapses into a sobbing heap on the table, utterly despondent.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday November 21st, 2023 8:38:30 PM
Armalad asks, "What chute are we talking about and who the heck is they?"
Bartomus(Rod) SBM 13//1-5 HP: 99/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+16=21 ; Tuesday November 21st, 2023 8:53:09 PM "Who are we talking about, Pip?" Bartomus asked after Armalad's question. The reaction of the librarian put him on edge instantly. He glanced about the room and tried to notice if there were others in the immediate area.
Perception 21
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday November 22nd, 2023 8:00:43 AM
Stohp is equally confused and waits for an explanation.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 30/18/24; CMD 41 Wednesday November 22nd, 2023 11:33:56 AM
Delia belatedly realizes he was trying to hide whatever happened and looks around, grieved as he starts sobbing, "Oh no. I'm sorry, Pip. I didn't mean to upset you. But... what chute?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 200200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 0/14 SE 6/6 Wednesday November 22nd, 2023 4:44:32 PM
Zanderallen steps to the front of the group and sits next to Pip, putting an arm around the despondent halfling. "Hey now, calm down there friend. There's no reason for these tears. I'm sure whatever it is there's a way it can be fixed. Look here. Breath in. Breath out."" Zanderallen continues to work on calming the poor fellow down before he starts asking any questions.
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