DM Bob and Carla - ”Home for the solstice holidays? ” Sunday December 17th, 2023 8:38:29 PM
The Luck Makers trudge through the cool night, with only stars and their own conjured illumination to light the way. Snark puffs thoughtfully on his pipe, summoning a small donkey to expedite his travels. Urist finds purpose helping Benni with the remains of the two WLA members, and asks the elf what he means by ‘oceanid acquaintance’? The cleric brings the troubadour up to date recounting how the recent storm surge brought a vengeful visitor to Heranmar, an oceanid who blamed goings on at the Abbey for the apocolyptic destruction of her under water home, and tasked the party with ‘setting things right’.
The gates of Heranmar are open as usual, with a lone guard at the entrance. ”Poking around the Abbey, eh? Didn’t expect to see you back. Carry on! The burly man waves the party through.
The streets are quiet and dark, except for lit candles in at least one window of each house. Knowledge local DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { during winter months folks put a single candle in their window to ward against the Snow Witch in hopes that they won’t have too much snow to shovel! }. The windows of Luck Makers House are dark, but as the group approach, the magical lights on each side of the front door light up.
Inside, the house is dark - except for the very faint glowing blue sigils on the ship’s bell on the fireplace mantelpiece. The air smells of cinnamon, ginger and…pine? Activating the magical lights, and moving through the house, you spot fresh greenery tucked around the bell from Nyana, the spyglass salvaged from the wrecker’s cave, and Isaac’s trophy on top of the mantel. The kitchen is stocked, the cookie jar full, but it is very late.
Benni and Jasper offer to help expedite Beatrix’s recovery. The centaur accepts poultices and ointments, however declines the services of her friends, and retires to her room, allowing the cleric and druid time for their own recovery. Most folks do the minimum required to meet their basic needs, and head to bed. Snark stays up a little longer, and leaves a present for Beatrix. Urist doesn’t have trouble falling asleep, but her dreams turn into nightmares - the residual effect of the Great Hall ghosts’s deathly delusion.
***********
The next morning the glorious smells of breakfast waft from the kitchen up to the second floor bedrooms. Maggie has a smorgasbord of good food set up on the sideboard including a casserole of potatoes, onions, ham and cheese, with eggs cooked on top. There is also a braided bread studded with dried fruits and nuts and drizzled with a sugar glaze, and a large pot of porridge, with a towel wrapped around it to keep in the warmth. Maggie greets you from her work space where she is tending the bread ovens. ”I brought mistress Beatrix a tray earlier - more like a wheelbarrow of food it was! - and master Snark’s tonic. When I left her, she was reading a book and resting.”
After a leisurely brunch, folks are feeling pretty good, but not quite up to tackling the haunted Abbey. Further rest and recovery is required by some. There are two bodies to bury. Some loot to inventory. Possibly a visit to the Catacombs?
(OOC: everyone has had a long rest. Beatrix will have recovered 1 pt strength for 8 hour rest, and roll 1d4 additional pts if she accepts and drinks Snark’s elixir of lesser restoration (if I’m understanding the crafting/quaffing correctly). Note: long term care requires 8 hours of continuous care. If Benni or Jasper had spent the night looking after Bea, they would be ‘tired’ due to lack of sleep. Based on my reading of Bea’s post, it looks like she declined. -DM Carla)
The Catacombs is open to the party via the portal in the trade house.
We are in ‘down time’ this week. Post what your character would reasonably do from 12 noon until bedtime.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 44/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d3=3 ; d4=3 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ; Monday December 18th, 2023 7:05:15 AM
Onesimos is relieved Beatrix declined long-term care; he needed the sleep! And waking to Maggie's wonderful cooking was just the thing. A fresh change of clothes, with only his belt pouch and Star Knife, he descends the stair in smiles. "Maggie! You are a treasure!", and the elf tucks in to the food, taking a little from every dish.
His priorities is Beatrix' restoration, the WLA corpses coordinations, treasure distribution, town life activities, and then his own shopping to the Catacombs to get something to make him faster on the battlefield. He considers and assesses all that will take several days!
First things first: his weakened Centaur friend. In his morning meditations, he prepares 4 Lesser Restoration spells, and uses them on Bea one at a time until she is at full vigor! (3, 4, and if needed, 3 = 10 ability damage restored!) That took less than an hour.
The rest of the day starts with the elf going to the WLA booth with Urist and introducing the dwarf to Miles. Benni breaches the subject of the deceased WLAers the LuckMakers found in the Abbey, and tries to identify who they were. They rest of the day is taken by coordinations: with Miles at the WLA, Reshakka at the Sanctuary, and probably several others about town for appropriate last rites and rests for the mortal husks of these brave adventurers.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d4=4 ; d20=13 ; Monday December 18th, 2023 8:53:36 AM
Clarification - someone offered to help her walk and that was what Beatrix was turning down, not the offer to healing and treatment.
Beatrix spends the day resting and reading, letting those who know what they're doing assist her in shaking off the curse of the undead. It works pretty well to, she's already halfway to full strength! (rolled a 4 for 5 total, half of the 10 STR she lost)
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday December 18th, 2023 11:58:36 AM
Jasper eats something, thanks Maggie, and then vistis the garden-- even in the cold months, it will want tending. After that she slips away to the woods to forage and be among the trees.
She thinks about what she could purchase at the Catacombs to be more effective.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday December 18th, 2023 8:23:51 PM
Snark wakes to good smells! He comes downstairs, and when he sees what Maggie has laid out for the Luck Makers, he says, "Maggie, you are pretty awesome and you certainly earn your pay. If there's anything you need, you let me know." The little gnome helps himself to some delicious food.
Snark is glad to see Benni has Beatrix' healing well in hand. Later that morning, he turns his attention to the Luck Maker's collected loot.
"We got some stuff here we need to sell. Anyone have a special interest in something, speak up now afore I sell all this. I recall Urist wanted the Belt, and a few folks wanted some other things. I estimate each person is due about 4,000 GP once we sell stuff.
Telescope - 2,000.0 GP Scroll (A) - Protection from Evil - 25.0 GP(Snark) Scroll (D) - Consecrate - 150.0 GP (Benni) Scroll (D) - Remove Curse - 375.0 GP (Benni) Scroll (A) - Obscure Object - 150.0 GP (Snark) Scroll (D) - Dismissal - 700.0 GP (Benni) Leather Armor - 10.0 GP Flute - Recorder - 10.0 GP Deck of velum cards in a fancy box - 5.0 GP (Jasper) 6 Dice - 0.4 GP(Urist) Bag of Marbles - 2 lb - 0.1 GP (Snark) Punching Dagger - 2.0 GP Headband of Vast Intelligence +2 - 4,000.0 GP Monk’s Robe - 13,000.0 GP Ring of Protection +1 - 2,000.0 GP Rapier +1 - 2,320.0 GP Leather Armour +1, Shadow - 4,925.0 GP Quarter Staff +1 - 2,300.0 GP Belt of Giant Strength +2 - 4,000.0 GP(Urist) Ring of Protection +2 - 8,000.0 GP MWK Thieves Tools - 100.0 GP
Urist thanks Benni for all the great info. That night she has a nightmare, which she recounts in the morning, but the experience leaves her quiet and reflective, for a change.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+6=24 ; Monday December 18th, 2023 10:07:26 PM
Isaac heads over to the Sheriff's office, both to give a report of their progress and to help him out with anything around town.
Helping around town as a guard :24
DM Bob and Carla - ”Home for the solstice holidays? ” Tuesday December 19th, 2023 12:15:46 AM
Clean, fed, and reasonably well rested, the party split up to tend to personal and party business in and around Heranmar.
Jasper is first out the door. She checks on the walled garden behind the Bottom Feeder Inn and Blue Cat Tavern. Despite the bite of cold in the air, the space is still productive. Some plants tolerate cold better than others, and certain vegetables, like carrots, are sweeter after a frost. There are large orange hips on the roses - nutritious and good for jam, and flowers gone to seed provide food for birds. Maybe the druid can divide some of the plants in spring and start a garden at Lucky House? Satisfied that all is as it should be in the garden, the druid leaves the confines of the town, and strikes out for some quiet time in the woods.
Isaac heads for the Sheriff’s office and barracks where he makes a report to a startled Eugene. ”Ward preserve us!” is all the man can say at first, as he reaches unconsciously for his talisman. However, the sheriff pulls himself together when Isaac volunteers his services. ”People in the lower part of town lost pretty much everything except their homes in the storm surge. The good folks of Heranmar have donated what they can and the merchants have added to the lot. It’s all been collected at the Truesdale Brothers warehouse. Guardswoman Wren here is in charge of getting everything distributed before the solstice, and she could use your help! If the paladin is in agreement, he will have a very busy day working to get food, clothes, and household goods distributed to the needy.
Snark does an inventory of the loot accumulated by the party. He sets aside any items in which his companions have shown an interest. The rest he bundles up for transportation to the trade house. Corinn is in her stall, and after a chat with the gnome, and teasing him about last minute shopping for the solstice - she points him to the back and the magical portal entrance to the famous Catacombs shopping emporium.
After tending to Beatrix, Benni leaves the centaur to continue her recovery in her well appointed room, surrounded by her beloved books. He invites Urist to accompany him on his visit to the WLA stall in the trade house, where he introduces the dwarf to Maethor Mahtor, better known as ‘Miles’ the new WLA representative in Heranmar. Miles greets the cleric using his elven name Onesimos. He is alone in the small stall, and informs his visitors Akoka is out ‘helping’ with the distribution of items collected for the victims of the recent disaster. He listens to what Benni has to say about the deceased. It sounds like the rogue Tolen Kranford, and the monk Sister Alvea - who were part of Akoka’s gang. I’ll need to send the WLA badges off to headquarters for verification, but in the interim the bodies can be given a proper burial.”. Miles volunteers to arrange with the Truesdales for coffins, and will send someone ‘round to Luck Makers House to collect the bodies.
The town is bustling with activity. The detritus from the storm surge has been cleaned up, and repairs are underway. Ships won’t be able to dock for a while. They’ll have to anchor in the bay, and use row boats to ferry goods and passengers to shore. Only a little progress has been made on repairing the breach in the town wall. There is only a small crew of townspeople supervised by Frank Cinderman, who is better known for his work on chimneys. Olostim comes into town to help, but once his magick is used up, he retires to his lighthouse (after a stop at the Blue Cat for refreshment!)
The Sanctuary by the Sea is pretty busy. Reshaka and Roland Appleton have their hands full with folks bringing offerings for the gift wall. Some offer thanks to Serenbeth and Ward that they were spared during the disaster, while others ask the powers for luck going into the new year.
(OOC: Post what your character would reasonably do over the course of several days to a week, understanding that the town is recovering from a natural disaster, but still in anticipation of marking the solstice - DM Carla)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday December 19th, 2023 2:15:59 AM
Hmmm. Actions over the next week.
Snark waits a bit for response from his friends about items they wish to keep, and he will sell the rest in the Catacombs.
When he sees his old pal Olostim, he asks the wizard if he has any of the following spells that Snark might be able to copy: Greater Invisibility, Wall of Fire, Dimensional Anchor, Illusory Wall, Elemental Body I, Minor Creation, or Scrying. He'll fill Olostim in about what's been found in the Abbey so far.
The little gnome will approach Jasper. "Beggin' your permission Jasper, but may I use some things from yer garden? I'll even add some plants I think might be beneficial if you don't mind? See, I got some skill in herbalism like you do, and I think I can make some things that'll help folks, though they don't last more'n a day." He keeps a sharp eye out for any plants that might be beneficial.
Each morning, Snark will spend 1-4 hours using his Greenmage Herbal Healing skill to craft one infusion that seems most needed - most likely Cure Disease, Lesser Restoration, or Cure Serious Wounds. Then he will use that infusion that day to help where it's needed.
In addition, as he is about town, he will use Mending and Prestidigitation and Unseen Servant to help with the repairs. He creates a Mount for 7 hours to help move heavy things. He will summon a medium Elemental for a short time to lift, tunnel, or move debris as needed. He can cast Knock on a chest where the key was lost in the flood, or maybe levitate something up to help in rebuilding.
Some of his time is also spent writing a scroll here and there, and crafting an item or two.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 44/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+11=24 ; Tuesday December 19th, 2023 6:59:20 AM
Onesimos nods at Snark's list, he has nothing to add or to change. "I think the Consecrate could be used when next we attend the Abbey, and I have a stop to the Catacombs to help make myself quicker on a battlefield, so the coin will be welcome. If any need me today, I'll leave word at the Sanctuary."
There certainly is enough to do! Benni asks his friends if they can use one of the spare bedrooms for Tolen and Alvea until the coffins arrive. If no, Benni uses his own bedroom; laying out the bodies and casting two spells of Gentle Repose before arranging their non-magical worldly possessions about them. And then he tries two spells of Speak with Dead, one for each. (Will DC 16 if different alignment to answer any question)
1. How did you get into the Abbey? 2. What magical item did you find? 3. What magical area did you find?
Once done, he waits for Snark to return from the Catacombs by helping out at the Sanctuary; providing muscle, casting spells (creating food and drink), and keeping morale up by his many parables of people pulling together for community love. (Perform: Oratory 24)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d4=3 ; Tuesday December 19th, 2023 7:39:32 AM
Beatrix eventually gets bored of sitting in her room recovering and starts running her little lirbrary/school for small children the second day. If someone tends to her again she can recover in another 2 days (rolled a 3 on a D4)
(OOC: Benni provided further lesser restoration 18Dec2023, so Bea’s strength is restored to full/normal!-DM Carla)[/i]
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday December 19th, 2023 7:40:57 AM
The ring of protection +2 is a strait upgrade to Beatrix's current ring of protection +1, which she will give to whomever wants it should she get the stronger ring. If someone without a ring of protection wants the +2 ring she'll let them have it though.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Tuesday December 19th, 2023 4:59:44 PM "Thanks, Snark! I'd like that +1 quarterstaff (assuming it can stack with Shillelagh). And this isn't my garden, per se. I just tend to it. Let me know if there's anything I can help you find, or if there's anything you want to plant. I'd also love to trade knowledge and lore."
During the week, Jasper helps around the town, shifting when necessary-- here an ox, there a raven. She also makes sure mulch is down in the garden and that the root cellar is tidy. She takes apples and root vegetables to those who might want or need them.
She watches curiously when Snark summons the elemental. She capble of taking on the form of smaller elementals, but she's never tried it before. She gives it a whirl. Curious!
Urist is grateful for the introduction to the WLA -- and Miles and Akoka. She trains with the League as her first priority.
Second, she tags along with Benni in the hope she will have the chance to talk about Flower and maybe attend some services. If the local congregation needs a musician, she will volunteer.
Finally, Urist just hangs with her new friends, trying to feel the lay of the land, settle into the group.
DM Bob and Carla - ”Home for the solstice holidays? ” Wednesday December 20th, 2023 12:01:38 AM Benni has no trouble finding a vacant room in which to lay out the remains of the unfortunate adventurers. There are in fact two completely empty chambers on the second floor of Luck Makers House. As he tends to the corpses, he notices there are no obvious wounds on the bodies, but their faces are contorted in a hideous rictus. When the cleric attempts to commune with them - he gets no response! Knowledge Religion DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {The spell speak with dead does not affect a corpse that has been turned into an undead creature. Victims killed by a Shadow rise afterwards as new Shadows. }
Urist joins the Cleric of Flower at the Santuary by the Sea where they are put to work by the ancient Reshaka. Brother Roland grins when the two adventurers are directed to hang the garlands of twined yew and holly in one place, only to have the half blind liontaur direct them to take them down and move them to another. For maybe the first time Benni finds the visitors to the temple paying attention to his message of love! Whether it’s the food and drink he provides, Urist’s accompaniment on her gitar, or the elf’s performance - Benni doesn’t know.
Snark has a conversation with Jasper who is more than happy to furnish the greenmage with supplies from the secret garden, and even some wild things - mushrooms, willow and cedar bark, the sap of some trees - that could be foraged from the woods without harming the ecosystem.
Experimenting with the new +1 quarter staffJasper realizes that shillelagh does not stack - however the new weapon would not have to be magicked, so would open up a spell slot. There might be other spells that could be cast upon this new weapon, however. It might be worth talking to her companions about it.
Snark visits the area down by the breach to offer his infusions and volunteer his magical minions. The gnome spots Olostim at work on the wall. The wizard is singularly focused on the breach. Moving his arms forcefully through the air and uttering words - like the sound of rocks grinding against each other. A wall of stone appears, merging into adjoining rock surfaces. More movement. More words. The wall thickens as another layer - and then another - are laid down. After a while, the old wizard drops his hands, rolls his shoulders, and stretches his neck - right, then left. Spotting Snark, he invites the gnome to join him for a drink at the Blue Cat. After learning what transpired at the Abbey, Olostim agrees to let the junior wizard copy from one of his spell books, (DC 19 - 8 hours and 200 GP per spell. Snark can copy one or both Scrying and/or Minor Creation) but he must do so at the lighthouse.
After being cooped up in bed Beatrix is champing at the bit for something to do. It’s too cold to entertain children out of doors for long, but she discovers a day camp has been set up in Quendock Mansion and she is welcomed by the harried counsellors to provide some educational content to the day’s activities.
***********
That evening, when folks are relaxing in the great room of their home and sharing the events of the day, the flames of the fireplace flare up, then part, much as a curtain would, to reveal a scene of merriment and celebration! It looks to be the inside of a restaurant or tavern. All the races of the Wold seem represented. Does a part of you want to go through?
(OOC: Your PCs are free to enter the Giggling Ghost for the Woldian Yule celebration. It’s one of the magical powers of the Giggling Ghost that you can be in 2 places at the same time - 3 if you count the Catacombs. Keep posting your activities in this game to the end of the week, December 23 - DM Carla)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday December 20th, 2023 2:14:36 AM
Snark hears Beatrix' interest in the +2 Ring of Protection, and Jasper's interest in the +1 Quarterstaff as part of her share? Does Jasper still want that? It would save her having to cast Shillelagh. Any other interest in those items above?
Snark will be glad to accompany Olostim back to the lighthouse so he can write Scrying and Minor Creation into his spellbook. Of course he will bring along his own spell ink for this. (Snark is +19 to spellcraft to learn these two spells. The cost to write each in 160 GP.) In addition, he is happy to share what spells he has learned, just in case there are some that Olostim might not have.
When this is done, Snark will return to Heranmar and lend a hand by using Minor Creation to make things for those that lost all in the flood. And his other spells too, of course.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday December 20th, 2023 7:10:52 AM
Onosimos shrugs his shoulders at the Speak with Dead spell not working; he was hoping that because they were not currently undead... Well, it was a long shot anyways!
Benni spends a lot of time, it turns out, with Urist. The pale elf and dark dwarf train with Miles at the WLA booth and salle out behind the Trade House. the cleric and troubadour visit and help out at the Sanctuary by the Sea with almsgiving and teaching. And they discuss Flower and the lack of any following in Heranmar or even known anywhere in the Gateway Downs.
"You see the Sanctuary is a square, open to the sky at the back. While there are 5 alcoves, each dedicated to an Immortal currently in favor, none are specifically for Flower. At the rear of the temple, under the open sky, is the Gift Wall, along with an inscription: 'To the powers of past and future. May they be kind to us.' "
"I have not petitioned the Town Council for a niche, and will not ask until more people are using the Gift Wall for Flower. Instead, my ministry is among the community, helping and sowing seeds of love in stories and action until the people themselves turn to common purposes, familial, universal, and fraternal love instead of superstition as the source of their mutual strength."
"Give us 20 years, maybe 40, for a generation or two to grow up hearing the stories of Philia and Agape', of Storge' and Pragma. Then, we may be rewarded with a dawning understanding. I am, however, willing to keep trying for the rest of my hopefully very long elfin life to enable a single change."
Benni also checks out the fireplace, taking his first walk to the Giggling Ghost...
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday December 20th, 2023 8:29:46 AM
Beatrix is thrilled to participate and engages the children in some game's she's learned that are both fun and educational.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Wednesday December 20th, 2023 8:18:01 PM
Japser clarifies that yes, she would indeed like the quarterstaff. That extra spell slot will be useful.
As a very shy person, she's not sure about the Giggling Ghost. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained. She promises herself she'll try.
She continues practicing her shifting, works on her druidic herbalism (with an eye toward taking it on as a proper profession), and talks to the trees. On one ramble, she finds a marten denning in one of the ancients of the wood and strikes up a friendship.
Urist asks Benni to explain this 'niche' and 'Gift Wall' stuff, please.
"Do you think we should do some missionary work, my friend?" she asks him. "Or is it enough to do good works in Flower's name and lead by example?"
The wizard ponders training as a transmuter, and using her new learnings to be quicker in battle.
"I know some people say I'm a gal who goes too fast as it is, but you don't win any prizes being slow."
[OOC: Another level of transmuter wizard at 8th level means a total +2 to dex. Which sounds pretty sweet.]
DM Bob and Carla - ”Home for the solstice holidays? ” Thursday December 21st, 2023 12:41:48 AM
Conversations continue around the disbursement of items acquired during the party’s recent adventures and how treasure might help them attain personal and shared goals. For some it is gear, and for others it is specialized training. Snark works on expanding his repertoire of spells. Urist considers specialized training. Benni is bound and determined to make himself quicker on the battlefield. Jasper practices shape shifting, and works on learning more about the usefulness of herbs with a view to developing an expertise in that area.
Everyone finds a purpose during the short break from exploring then haunted Abbey, and fall into a kind of routine. Beatrix is very popular with the children entrusted to her care, and has no problems winning them over with games that are both educational and fun. By the end of each day, she is tired - but in a good way. Snark spends time in the lower part of town helping those affected by the storm surge. He crosses paths with Isaac who is working with the town guard on a similar mission. Urist and Benni work out in the morning, and volunteer at the Sanctuary by the Sea in the afternoon. Normally very shy, Jasper has no problem making friends during her forest visits!
Towards the end of the week, Frank Cinderman calls at Lucky House with a wagon bearing two simple wooden coffins. He collects the bodies of the deceased WLA adventurers and transports them to the cemetery just beyond the town wall where a simple burial is held. The Luck Maker’s are invited to attend the interment where Roland Appleton says a few words before committing the bodies to the ground. Akoka is in attendance, as is Miles. The wind is bitingly cold and there is the smell of snow in the air. Afterwards, Miles invites those in attendance to the the Blue Cat. He is going to bring his lute and play a little after dinner.
How do you spend your evening?
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+15=33 ; d20+11=16 ; Thursday December 21st, 2023 6:42:19 AM
Onesimos considers Urist's questions for a time before replying. "By 'niche' I meant one of the 5 alcoves that are dedicated places in the Sanctuary. The Gift Wall is there for anyone to provide any gift to any of the gods or immortals: the Sanctuary uses the gifts provided for appropriate support for people in need."
"Missionary work? The Lands of Rest, no! Love is patient, love is not rude. Flowers holy days are weddings and birthdays, the sacrifices she asks are time spent loving and serving others, gold given in service, and love to those who need it. None of these things needs a space in a temple. They all need to be where there are living people."
"And are there not prizes for the slow, patient path? Maggie puts time in every pie. Frank Cinderman could make a wall fast, but it would look poor and not last. And I am out with the people, helping as an example on what love looks like. The pie I am making first needs seeds planted so wheat and apples may grow." ...............
Benni attends the ceremony, and stands to flank Akoka with Miles. He wonders at Akoka's feelings (Sense Motive: 33), and if appropriate, gives a few words to help her healing (Diplomacy: 16). He also accepts Miles' invitation and is in the Blue Cat that evening, dispensing the love of comrades and friends.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday December 21st, 2023 7:33:13 AM
Beatrix attends the funeral, looking solemn and a bit awkward. She'll claim the +2 ring and add her old one to the loot.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Thursday December 21st, 2023 1:42:07 PM
Jasper attends the funeral and hopes their souls are now at peace. She's more determined than ever to clear the Abbey of malign forces.
Later at the Blue Cat, she hums softly to herself along with the lute.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday December 21st, 2023 2:42:00 PM
Isaac after helping out the sheriff and attending the funeral retires to the Blue Cat to get some food and relax.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday December 21st, 2023 5:59:46 PM
Time Spent:
Snark spends 10 hours at Olostim's copying two spells into his spellbook (cost is 160+160 gp).
He will craft an Ishgaran Belt of +1 CON, and this takes him 2 days to craft (spellcraft DC 13 - auto success, and cost is 1500 gp). He will also craft a 1st level Pearl of Power (spellcraft DC 6 - auto success, and cost is 750 gp).
As he has time here and there he will write 5 scrolls - Mage Armor, Unseen Serv, Exp. Retreat, Knock, and Water Breathing. The first four take him two hours each, but the last takes 8 hours (cost 450 gp in scroll materials.) But he can wait on these scrolls if he needs to.
Snark will attend the funeral and the subsequent dinner.
DM Bob and Carla - ”The longest night” Friday December 22nd, 2023 12:11:31 AM
The party find some unoccupied chairs set up along a community table, where they enjoy a companionable meal with Akoka, Miles, and some of the Blue Cat regulars. When the dishes are cleared, Miles takes out his lute and moves to a tall stool set up near the hearth. After a few moments of fiddling with the instrument and getting it tuned to his satisfactions , he plays a traditional melody and in a pleasant tenor voice sings an old winter solstice blessing:
May you find peace in the Promise of the solstice night, That each day forward is Blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, Unbroken and true, Brings faith to your soul And well-being to you. Rejoice in the darkness, In the silence find rest, And may the days that follow Be abundantly blessed.
***** *** *
(OOC: Have a peaceful solstice and a joyful holiday season. This is the last ‘official’ DM post of the year, and the start of the Woldian Yuletide Slowdown. You may post role play type activities, or take a vacation from the board, or bring your character to the Giggling Ghost. We will check this board, and post responses as appropriate if you do. Regular play/posting resumes January 8 - DM Bob and Carla)
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday December 22nd, 2023 7:46:09 AM
Benni enjoys the evening, remembering people past, reveling with those present, and planning future works of love.
(Ooc: I’m taking a break posting other than in Giggling Ghost and will be back when the Wold resumes. May all of you, my friends, have your chosen celebrations bring peace, community, and refreshed promise.)
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday December 22nd, 2023 5:07:05 PM
Japser soaks in the warm glow of the pub and the company of her friends. She is content.
(OOC: Thank you so much for creating and maintaining this space and for welcoming me here. Yuletide cheer and Flower's love to you all.)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Friday December 22nd, 2023 9:11:33 PM
Isaac takes a moment to appreciat the quit and the song of the bards He will need to go back and do some shopping but for now its a good time to rest.
Urist enjoys the feeling of peace and yet has the irresistible urge to, well ...
"Say, What is green, covered in Yuletide lights and ribbons, and goes ribbit?"
"A mistle-toad."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday December 26th, 2023 7:04:17 PM
Snark returns from his run to the Catacombs.
"Awright. I got some treasure to disperse. And there were some things each person wanted.
Benni - you got 3761 GP, and you kept three scrolls - Consecrate, Remove Curse, and Dismissal. Isaac - you got 4986 GP. Beatrix - You didn't get any gold cause you got that +2 Ring of Protection. Jasper - you got 2681 GP, and you kept that +1 Quarterstaff and a Deck of Velum playing cards. Urist - you got 986 GP, and you kept them dice and a +2 Belt of Giant Strength. And I (Snark) get 4811 GP, and I kept a bag of marbles and two scrolls - Protection from Evil, and Obscure Object.
So, here you go."
The little gnome will make sure everyone has their stuff.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday December 28th, 2023 2:28:52 PM "Thank you, Snark, that was well done!"
Onesimos is already anticipating showing off the new equipment bought from the Catacombs.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Tuesday January 2nd, 2024 12:54:52 PM
Jasper spins her new quarterstaff experiementally. It has good heft and exquisite balance.
"This frees up the spell slot I had allocated to Shillelagh!"
OOC: Hello eveyrone! Happy 2024!
Urist (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Tuesday January 2nd, 2024 5:01:26 PM
Urist privately considers the better answer to Jasper's issues ... of shillelagh, then enlarge person, then greater magic weapon! That's a lot of buffs, but the bennies are sweet.
Out loud, and out of any context other than her interior thoughts, she says, "Benni, you're sweet too, so don't be offended!"
[OOC: HP and sheet updated at the new link above.]
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Wednesday January 3rd, 2024 1:52:47 PM
Jasper caches her gold and spends some time preparing her spells. She exchanges Shillelagh for Magic Stone.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 d4=1 ; d4=3 ; d4=3 ; d4=3 ; d4=3 ; Saturday January 6th, 2024 4:32:04 PM
Snark has a couple of days. He will conjure a pony and take a quick ride out to a copse of trees. There, he will cast Wood Shape to create several flasks from the living wood.
On his return, he will use his greenmage ability to create several healing and restorative concoctions, storing them in these lifewood flasks. (He is careful not to craft for more than 8 hours in a single day.)
In preparation of our return to the Abbey, the gnome will lay in a good supply of tobacco, buy a couple new pipes, and refresh the food he carries.
------------------------ For the DMs, Craft Lifewood allows Greenmages to cast Wood Shape at will, but only on wood taken from a living tree. "Items finely crafted of lifewood are masterwork items. However, if a lifewood item leaves the greenmage's possession for more than an hour per level, it dies."
DM Bob and Carla - ”Visit from the Snow Witch!” Sunday January 7th, 2024 8:05:12 PM Recap…
It’s been a week since their return from the haunted Abbey and the Luck Makers have had time to digest what they’ve learned and speculate about what further mysteries might lurk behind the magical facade of the ruins. The source of the underground disturbance that resulted in cataclysmic damage to the oceanid Nyana’s underwater home, and calamitous storm surge that wreaked havoc on Heranmar has not yet been discovered - nor resolved. However, there have been no warning flares from the dimly glowing ruins.
After a few days of rest and the ministrations of her friends, Beatrix fully recovers her strength. The centaur gets an opportunity to teach at the day camp set up for youngsters in Quendock Mansion, where she is popular with youngsters and staff alike.
Urist is plagued by nightmares at first, but these eventually resolve. She and Onesimos make up a team of sorts - as the elf makes his way around town, he points out landmarks and introduces the dwarf to the citizenry, and when the duo end up at the Sanctuary by the Sea, the troubadour provides music to support the cleric’s stories. Whilst tidying up the ‘gift wall’ Benni notices a few donations have been dedicated to Flower.
After a visit to the Catacombs, Snark sees to the equitable distribution of goods and gold. He and Jasper forage In the late season gardens of town, and the environs of the nearby woods for ingredients to be used in the creation of medicinals. The gnome carves some time from his busy schedule to visit the lighthouse and study with Olostim, whilst the druid spends as much time as possible in the solitude of the great trees of the Druid’s Wood making friends with it’s inhabitants.
Isaac is kept very busy with the town guard as he and guardswoman Wren deliver household goods, clothing, and food baskets to the folks in the lower part of town who lost so much in the storm surge. The paladin does manage to attend the solemn interment ceremony arranged for the WLA adventurers, and joins his friends for a convivial evening at the Blue Cat
The air outside the tavern is nippy - tweaking noses, and pinching cheeks. On the way home, the party pass Looking Glass Pond and see a thin film of ice forming along the edges. There is a glint of gold as the great fish makes a lazy circuit. Could old Gendry Weatherall be right with his prediction of snow?
* *** ***** *** *
”Bang! Bang! Bang!”
The loud sound of someone knocking against a downstairs window, followed by ”Hail! The House!” is enough to wake the household. The windows of the second floor front bedrooms are encrusted with snow and ice and it’s hard to make out who’s below! Benni, Snark, Isaac - who have street facing bedrooms: Perception DC 18 to see through the frosted panes of glass or Strength DC 12 to open the frozen window Highlight to display spoiler: { and see your housekeeper, Maggie, and a dwarf with a cart. They are in the street looking at a great drift of snow blocking the front door!}
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 d20+16=32 ; d20-1=17 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 1:34:48 AM
Snark is awakened by a loud banging and shouting. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes as he says, "This town and their superstitions. Prolly someone comin' to warn us we didn't put a candle in the window to ward off that stupid Snow Witch. Sheesh - if it's not a Sea Witch around here it's a Snow Witch, an' they can both kiss my little gnomey butt!"
As he crawls out of his warm bed he shrugs on a warm robe and shoes. He grumbles, "Boy, how'd it get so dang cold?"
He rubs at the frosty window to look outside (perception 32.) He sees Maggie with a dwarf and a cart, and he can see they are blocked from getting in the front door by a large drift of snow. He manages to open his window (strength check 17.) He hollers, "Hang on Maggie, we'll be down to clear that snow and get you in." He looks to see if Maggie is using the Continual Flame he gave her to light her way. (Continual Flame cast on a silver ring that hangs on a neck cord.)
As the little greenmage traipses downstairs, he will say to his friends, "Hey, Maggie's stuck outside. There's a big snowdrift at the door and she can't get in!"
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday January 8th, 2024 5:28:41 AM
By the end of the week Beatrix is antsy to get back in there. They didn't solve the problem and they don't need another tidal wave attack to happen because they were to slow to do as Nyanna asked.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=20 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 7:50:18 AM
Benni wakes, refreshed from his dreams of carousing in a strange tavern with many heroes from all over the Wold, along with Urist and Snark. It takes him a moment to realize he is starting to think of himself as Benni, too!
But the noise outside cannot be denied. The cleric slips on a heavy robe and slippers and takes a glance outside the newly frosted windows. Snark's grumbling is all the elf needs to know what is happening. "Yes, yes, be right down! Stuffing his feet into woolen stockings and strong boots, Benni hustles downstairs to grab a couple of pot lids to use as shovels.
And then he gets to work! ............
Perception 20
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday January 8th, 2024 3:22:14 PM
Jasper blinks blearily at the snow, then wildshapes into a badger-- adept at digging!-- and gets to work burrowing through the snow bank. She makes her way out to Maggie, then sets to work widening the channel to human size.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+3=23 ; d20+5=6 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 6:19:34 PM
Isaac wakes up surprised that someone was yelling so early in the morning, he gets up and opens the window. Little bits of ice from the frost fall off into the snow below. He sees the snow drift has covered the door and from what he hears from Snark it sounded like they needed to shovel the snow bank that was covering the door. "Morning Maggie we'll be down in a bit to open the door and clear the snow." Isaac walks down and he sees Bennie with some pot lids "Do we not have any shovels in the stable?" Isaac goes out to the stable/Tool shed in the back of the house to look for some shovels. Perception :6
Urist (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Monday January 8th, 2024 9:55:37 PM
Urist hears the noises and comes out to see what is going on. "Snow and someone pounding?!" she exclaims. "This makes me hungry for bangers and mash!"
She starts making breakfast for everybody.
DM Bob and Carla - ”…and delivery from the Catacombs!” Monday January 8th, 2024 10:14:59 PM
A dusting of snow coats the streets and roofs of Heranmar but whether due to the open aspect of the street, or the fact of having omitted to light a candle to ward against the Snow Witch’s ire - there is a sizeable drift of the white stuff blocking the front door to Luckmakers House!
Snark is first to answer the summons. He alerts his companions, then let’s Maggie know that help is on the way. Isaac pokes his head outside, and calls down a cheery ”Morning!” to the housekeeper, before following Onesimos downstairs and into the kitchen. On seeing the cleric armed with the pot lids, the paladin decides to check the sheds behind the house. Maybe the service engaged to clean the jakes have left a shovel behind? On opening the back door, Isaac is greeted by a solid wall of white. This explains why the housekeeper is at the front door!
By the time Onesimos opens the front door, Jasper has transformed. A bluish grey badger with silvery white stripes flashes under his arm and burrows into the snow, bursting through to the other side. She chitters at the housekeeper, then returns to the work of widening the channel. Between Badger-Jasper, Onesimos, and the dwarf - equipped with a shovel procured from his cart, a passage is cleared for the housekeeper. The badger, elf, and dwarf make quick work of clearing the steps, and piling the snow on either side. Other than the quantity of snow in front of Luck Maker’s House, there isn’t much to speak of in the street or neighbouring yards.
”Got a delivery from the Catacombs here,” volunteers the dwarf, whilst Badger-Jasper and Onesimos survey their handiwork. ”Parcel #2163 for Omesimos Elpis, #2165 for Master Snark Riverstone, and this one, #2175 for Isaac Harker.” Looking at the pot lids held by the elf, the dwarf adds: ”I can let ya have me shovel for 2 GP, if ya like?”
The house is cold, but it shouldn’t be hard to get fires going in the hearths. (Survival DC 12) while Maggie hangs up her cloak and changes her boots for thick soled woolen slippers. Snark notes that the housekeeper wears the lit ring like a lucky talisman, hanging from a green ribbon ‘round her neck, as well as Onesimos hand woven ‘hair ornament’ perched atop her hair.
Urist shows up anxious to help out by making breakfast. Owing to the late start, the housekeeper, Maggie, is grateful for the assistance. ”There’s no time to peel spuds and such today. It’s pancakes and bacon!” the dwarf is set to work breaking eggs while Maggie starts frying up the bacon.
Oblivious to the chaos beyond her bedroom door, Beatrix is fixated on the haunted Abbey and completing the mission for the oceanid Nyana.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 d20+8=19 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2024 12:33:16 AM
Snark sees the melting snow tracked in. He will summon an Unseen Servant. "Listen Casper, take this towel and this bucket and get that wet cleaned up so nobody breaks their neck slipping on it. And when you're done with that I'm gonna have you clear a path through the snow at the back door."
Then he will arrange kindling and wood in the fireplace, and pull out a tinder twig to set it ablaze. Soon a warm fire is burning on the hearth, and the little gnome will relax in a nearby chair. (I assume a tinder twig obviates the need for a Survival roll to light the fire, but if not it was a 19.)
"Good work Jasper and Benni getting that snow cleared. And you too Mr. Dwarf. Thanks for bringing all this stuff by."
"And how come the doors to this place got so much piled up snow? If somebody's playing a trick on us, I'm gonna want to have a talk with them."
-------------------------- (IMPORTANT - Heranmar Players - please see my character post on Tuesday December 26th, 2023 7:04:17 PM. It had important information regarding dispensation of magic items and gold.)
Urist (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) d20=9 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2024 5:23:24 AM
Urist casts her daily Temperature Control spell, both to keep everybody warm and to help with the cooking.
Untrained Profession Cooking: 9
She is careful to dig out the broken shell from the whites and yolks she has inexpertly managed.
"You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs, amirite?"
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday January 9th, 2024 7:58:05 AM
Benni, damp and sweaty from his exertions, lets everyone precede him inside, even offering the dwarf to join them to break their nightly fast together. He, however, stays out with Snark, looking up and down the road at the drifts only around Luck Makers House. Isaac's report that the back door is similarly blocked is also concerning.
"We know there are many haunts in this area, and fey too, and some of the superstitions of the townsfolk may have reasons behind them (although they no longer know why or what). We also had some funny grins when we were 'gifted' the House. All of which sounds to me as if we have some research to do ... after we finish our work at the Abbey."
"Jasper, could your knowledge of nature or survival tell us if these are natural or man-made?"
The cleric takes time for a clean-up, opening his package, a change into warmer clothes, and a meditation for the day before coming back down stairs for Maggie's delicious pancakes.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 9:51:32 AM
Beatrix emerges from her room fully kitted out to go adventuring again. "I think my strength has fully returned. We should get back to the abbey as soon as we can." she says eagerly.
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+10=19 ; d20+14=22 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2024 2:25:17 PM
The air shimmers as Jasper resumes her own shape. "That was fun. Heh." She shakes snow off her shoulders and stamps her feet, making quite a mess on the threshold. "Oops. Sorry for the extra work, Casper." (Despite Snark's assurances, she can't quite stop herself from antropomorphizing the construct.)
She considers Benni's question. (Know Nature: 19; Survival 22)
"The snowdrifts certainly aren't 'normal.' I was listening to the wind last night, and it didn't sound like it was flowing any differently about our house than any other structure in town. Besides, weather events aren't so... localized as that. Well. Unless you're talking about a tornado. They're tricksy." She realizes she's rambling and blushes.
She casts Detect Magic on the snow.
DM Bob and Carla - ”Which witch is which?” Tuesday January 9th, 2024 9:46:37 PM Snark has no problem getting a fire going in the common room fireplace. The tinder twig does the trick - setting the gnome’s neat pile of logs and kindling alight. Silently the conjured servant tidies up the foyer after the shovelers have entered, then turns to the task of clearing the snow from the back door.
Urist is able to keep the area around the kitchen work table warm, allowing her and the housekeeper the ability to cobble together breakfast in comfort, while the kitchen fires take hold. Maggie encourages the troubadour: ”never mind if the batter is lumpy. Lumpy is good!”
The dwarf from the Catacombs declines Benni’s offer of breakfast, but does accept getting his flask topped up with hot tea laced with honey. ”Must be on me way. Lot’s ‘o deliveries this time ‘o year.”. The cleric of Flower has one last look up and down the street, before retreating inside to discuss the suspicious snow patterns around Luck Makers House with his companions.
Jasper is pretty sure the snow is neither magical or unnatural, but can find no explanation for the pattern of drifting that caused the snow to block both front and back doors. She shares this knowledge with her companions. Snark suspects a prankster, and Benni suggests further investigating the matter after the party has finished their work at the Abbey.
Overhearing the group discuss the phenomena of the snowdrifts, Maggie chuckles. ”Why it’s the Snow Witch passing through Heranmar and tweaking you for not setting out a candle to light her way!” The housekeeper will explain the tradition of leaving a lit candle in one window to ward against the witch, explaining that it’s especially important around the solstice. ”Folks say she comes for a visit with Honora and some of the other witches hereabouts and they hold a celebration at the Standing Stones on the longest night of the year.” Twiddling the ring on the green ribbon about her neck, she adds: ”don’t know for sure. Never saw her myself, nor heard of any who have.” Distracted by the smell of scorched pancake, Maggie rushes back to the kitchen.
Beatrix joins the group, kitted out for adventuring, and volunteers that she is ready to return to the Abbey!
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 12:33:43 AM
Isaac takes his parcel that he got from the delivery dwarf and unwrap it revealing his sword that he had sent off. "Looks better than ever." He asks Maggie "How long until the celebration? And do you know any stories about this Whitch? I've tried my hand at learning the stories and rituals of the town but it seems like no matter how much I dig or listen to their's ways more layers. Like a onion."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 2:28:58 AM
Snark smells good things to eat. It is with some effort that he decides that this Snow Witch will not put him in a bad mood this early in the day.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 6:08:51 AM
Beatrix finally gets off her one track mind to ask the others what they are talking about. "It could be possible. It could also just be bad luck. It's not like it was hard to clear either way."
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday January 10th, 2024 7:24:19 AM
Benni, while he has to admit that 'luck' is in the Wold, (he could hardly do otherwise with Wardd being part of the Woldian panthenon!), he is entirely certain that a community of good people working together is stronger still. "As proof that love of a common purpose and the good of all beats out luck, we cleared the snow in time for a quick breakfast!"
Maybe next year, they stay up at night to assess this Snow Witch fable...
Ah, well, other business first! "Eat hearty and lets make our preparations. I would like to be at the Abbey by our luncheon."
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 11:19:34 AM
Jasper munches her pancakes. "Oo, these are tasty. Thank you, Maggie."
She's ready to get back to the Abbey.
DM Bob and Carla - ”Like an onion…” d3=2 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 9:52:12 PM
If Isaac, Benni or any of the other Luck Makers want to dance naked under the Solstice moon with the witches of the Gateway Downs - they’ll have to wait until next year!
”Like an onion”the housekeeper echos the paladin’s words cryptically. ”That’s Heranmar…”.
Beatrix wonders aloud if the abundance of snow on their doorsteps might be attributed to ‘bad luck’ when a rumble overhead, followed by the sound of snow sliding from the roof, interrupts her. All sound from the back yard ceases for a moment…and then a muffled scrape and thump as Snark’s invisible servant resumes bailing snow with the bucket provided to him. (Casper gets dusted in snow, but I believe takes no damage?)
Jasper and Snark tuck into pancakes and bacon, and are soon joined by Benni and the rest of the gang. Who knows when next they will get a hot meal? The cleric voices his desire to be on the road to the Abbey by noon, and there is general agreement.
Since the friends got an early start to their day, there is still time to pack kits, and do a little planning…
Urist (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Wednesday January 10th, 2024 10:17:35 PM
Urist is happy to help make (and eat!) breakfast, and after that is eager to get back to the abbey.
"We should get on the abbey road!" she says. "OOH! That gives me an idea!"
She heads to her room and someone else comes out in a short while. The person who emerges is dressed like a schoolboy, with a schoolboy outfit, and Urist's maul looks all silvery.
"Hi everybody!" the young man says, "You all can call me Maxwell! I'm here to school the bad guys!"
"BANG! BANG!"
If you make a perception check, ask the kindly DM for the results.
DMs only please: Highlight to display spoiler: {Urist has a disguise skill mod of +22. The DM rolls the disguise check secretly. Please let the players know if they see through Urist's disguise.}
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 d20+16=29 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 1:21:03 AM
Snark's perception roll is 29. But he does not need a perception check to know this is Urist. He looks flatly at the transformed dwarf. "You are not a serious person Urist."
Finishing breakfast, Snark says to Maggie, "Thank you my dear for another wonderful meal."
The little gnome will see to his gear, returning later to the common room with his backpack and staff.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=16 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 7:21:53 AM
Beatrix is shocked at this sudden intruder! Who is this interloper that clearly waylaid their ally and replaced them! "Speak, foul intruder, how did you enter this place and what did you do to Urist?!" she proclaims, though tone of voice indicates she isn't entirely serious (percpetion 16)
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday January 11th, 2024 7:29:37 AM
Benni thoroughly enjoys breakfast, and makes sure Maggie knows. Then the elf trots up the stair to set his gear. What comes down to the common room is a cleric dressed head-to-toe in full plate mail, including some new Pants O Plenty! "I finally have some magic to increase my speed when I need to as well."
He is completely thunderstruck over Urist's costume, and comments with a chuckle. "Chaos Bells, I think you should get back in black for your dirt cheap deeds."
"I have three Ghost Weapon spells, one each for Isaac, Beatrix, and Urist: our heavy hitters. And have three restoration spells for ability damage, as well as a couple of bless spells and a prayer. I can make a weapon holy and can use the love of community to resist a spell for all of you, but only once."
"I think we should return the same way we came, prep long spells in the Chapter House, and then descend into the crypt. Any other ideas?"
..............
Channel(0/9), Good Touch(0/7), Calming Touch(0/7), Unity(1), Holy Lance(1) 0. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Bless. Sanctuary. Shield of Faith. 2. Shield Other. Less Restore. Less Restore. Resist Energy. Silence 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. Ghost Weapon. Ghost Weapon. Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Dimensional Anchor.
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Thursday January 11th, 2024 2:00:17 PM
Japser raises an eyebrow at Urist. As a druid she generally likes beetles (and Beatles), but as ever, the troubador's idea of what constitues humor is a mystery. Eh. To each their own.
To Benni, she replies "I have several spells that make for difficult terrain. The only problem is, well, they make for difficult terrain-- for all of us. That only works if our enemies are far away and we decide to pick them off at range. I think I'll try my luck as a bear."
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday January 11th, 2024 2:27:15 PM "As a tactic, Jasper, you could Entangle or Black Tentacles an area as I put Freedom of Movement on Beatrix. She could then charge through without a problem!"
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday January 11th, 2024 4:58:07 PM
Isaac looks over at the new person not sure if Urist had put on a disguise or had legitimately changed places with a new person. "Uhh..Nice to to meet you Maxwell I'm Isaac. We're in the middle of something we're preparing to go into a cursed chapel. Will you be joining us?"
"I don't have alot of options on spells. Other than Bless and spells like Bulls Strength my spells are focused on buffing me." Isaac responds to Benni's question about spells.
Maxwell (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Thursday January 11th, 2024 8:15:11 PM
The young boy grins at Snark. "I've known teachers that were serious. And judges. Didn't work out for them like they mighta preferred!"
When Beatrix "seems" to be "alarmed." Maxwell is quick to reassure her. "Don't worry, miss centaur. That Urist is a pal of mine. She'll be back. I think She Went Out Through The Bathroom Window."
"And I like your plans, Mister Benni. And if it's bells you want rung, I got just the thing for that right here!" -- he pats his silvery hammer.
Maxwell nods to Jasper and offers to shake Isaac's hand. "Nice to meet you too!"
DM Bob and Carla - ”Looking through a glass onion” d20=13 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 10:09:13 PM
Finished with breakfast, folks retire to their rooms in order to change into adventuring gear and collect packs and weapons.
Urist plays the fool again, Snark is annoyed. Wishing to avoid an unpleasant scene when Isaac, Jasper and Beatrix are momentarily startled the gnome busts Urist-Maxwell’s cover. But as the words are leaving his lips, a noise comes from behind. ”Clang! Clang” it’s Benni in his full plate armour coming down the stairs!
As the party congregate in the common room, Urist-Maxwell reassures her companions that she is, indeed, up to the job.
Benni suggests the party return to the Abbey, retrace their steps through to the Chapter House, and bolster themselves prior to descending to the crypt below. Jasper would like to experiment with her bear form, and learns from the cleric they might work together to make terrain difficult for the enemy, whilst not unmanageable by the party. Isaac volunteers that he doesn’t have a lot of magic, but he forgets that his mere presence provides an important boost to his companions’ morale!
Well before noon, the party strike out on the long and winding road to the haunted Abbey.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 Friday January 12th, 2024 2:34:54 AM
In spite of Urist's antics, Snark is glad to see the party Come Together as they prepare to head down Abbey Road. It must have been Something In The Way She Moves that gave her away - relative to the gnome, She's So Heavy.
Then Benni tromps out in his armor. "Whoa. Boy, You're Gonna Carry That Weight a long time - or at least as far as the Abbey."
"Anyway, as far as spells go, I think I'm good. Black Tentacles is good, but it can be rough in an enclosed space where we can't get around it. But let's see how that goes."
Then he says to the Unseen Servant, "C'mon Casper, we're headed out." (The Unseen Servant will last for 8 hours from when he first created it to help with the snow.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Unseen Servant, Continual Flame hanging from the gnome's neck.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 2 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights*, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals*. 2 Pearls of Power - 1st level Staff - 10 charges
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday January 12th, 2024 6:57:29 AM
Beatrix again plays outrider, riding out a bit farther from the party to spot any trouble before the group wanders into it. She stays in sight of the party.
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday January 12th, 2024 9:21:23 AM
Benni smiles, it is good to get some banter going, it helps pull the team together. "Just think of me as a One Dog Knight. Hopefully, we will be the meddling kids to stop the hidden villains from getting away with it."
All ready? Off to the Abbey! ..............
Channel(0/9), Good Touch(0/7), Calming Touch(0/7), Unity(1), Holy Lance(1) 0. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Bless. Sanctuary. Shield of Faith. 2. Shield Other. Less Restore. Less Restore. Resist Energy. Silence 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. Ghost Weapon. Ghost Weapon. Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Dimensional Anchor.
ooc1: updated Onesimos PC Sheet based on DM Bob's notes. Thank you!
ooc2: I must have missed Cayzle's schoolboy reference. I thought AC/DC, but some people honed in on Beatles, and some are references that escape me.
ooc3: For the younger crowd, Benni is referencing an original episode of 'Scooby Doo: Where Are You?'.
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday January 12th, 2024 1:32:38 PM
Jasper likes the idea of working togehter. As they hike, she shares her spell list.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Friday January 12th, 2024 9:31:12 PM
Isaac gets ready packing up all his items and starts to head to ward the Abby with the others.
Maxwell (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Saturday January 13th, 2024 11:10:50 AM
Maxwell laughs as more friends get the joke.
[OOC: The starting reference was the Beatles' Abbey Road album, especially the song "Maxwell's Silver Hammer."]
On the way to the Abby, Maxwell mentally reviews his spells prepped (underlined = cast).
0: Mending, Message, Arcane Mark, Prestidig 1: Feather Fall, Enl Person, Shield, Grease, Uns Serv, Rose Temp Cont. 2: Bull Str, Glitterdust, See Invis, Invis x2. 3: Fly, Shrink Item x2, Stink Cloud, Haste. 4: Stone Shape, G Invis x2, Dimension Door.
Telekinetic Fist (d4+2) used 0 of 7 Bardic Performance used 0 of 7 rounds Scrolls/Potions used: 0
DM Bob and Carla - ”The long and winding road…” Sunday January 14th, 2024 9:38:28 PM Benni announces the group’s departure, and is first out the door. The party recognize the townsfolk going about the activities of daily life. Ilthemar the Minotaur is sweeping a quantity of snow from the steps of his butcher shop. As the party pass by he shrugs his shoulders, a sheepish look on his bovine face. Maybe the Luck Makers weren’t the only ones who forgot to leave a lit candle for the Snow Witch?
The guard at the East Gate acknowledges Isaac by name, and the rest of the party with a nod as they exit onto the road that leads out of town. The magic users prepare mentally for what is to come. Interested in working collaboratively with her friends, Jasper shares her spells. Snark provides some opinions. The gnome’s companion - invisible and silent - stays close to his master’s shoulder. Urist-Maxwell starts off with a laugh, but goes quiet as the group trudges along.
After about half an hour the road forks in two, and the adventurers take the southern road with the Wayfarer Forest on the left. The Abbey is a little farther ahead on the right, but it is hard to see through the mist rising from the ground. Is it a combination of the warmer air temperature and cold snow on the ground…or something more ominous? Beatrix, riding a little ahead and to one side of the group doesn’t spot anything unexpected…as far as she can see, anyway.
Somewhere up ahead is the stone wall that separates the Abbey grounds from the surrounding landscape.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday January 15th, 2024 9:40:22 AM
Beatrix is eager to go (But IRL I have a cold)
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday January 15th, 2024 10:14:58 AM
The nearly hour’s walk settles Benni, and he sees his friends sober up (as much as Urist can anyways!) too.
At the low stone barrier, the cleric pauses, steeling himself. ”All right. Prepare yourself for the feelings of dread. And before we go over, Urist, Beatrix, and Isaac, please brings your weapons to me. I’m going to make them able to strike the incorporeal. It will last 8 hours, plenty of time for a day in the Abbey!”
He casts Ghost Weapon three times.
............ Active Spells. Ghost weapon (0 of 8hrs) Isaac’s sword, Urist’s hammer, Beatrix’ lance.
Channel(0/9), Good Touch(0/7), Calming Touch(0/7), Unity(1), Holy Lance(1) 0. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Bless. Sanctuary. Shield of Faith. 2. Shield Other. Less Restore. Less Restore. Resist Energy. Silence 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Dimensional Anchor.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 d20+15=32 Monday January 15th, 2024 1:00:40 PM
Snark troddles along with his friends, his little legs needing to move a bit faster than the others. He tries not to slow them down too much. As we reach the wall that is also the border into this quasi-fey realm of the Abbey, he presses close to Isaac as they go in. (Will save against the usual dread feeling is 32.)
"Ugh, this place. Maybe while we're poking around fer a solution to that Sand Witch's problem, we'll also find something to get ridda' this awful feeling when we enter. Although, come to think of it, that's probably helpful in keeping other folks out."
Once in he pulls out his new metamagic rod and casts and extended Mage Armor on himself. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Extended Mage Armor, Unseen Servant (4/8 hours?), Continual Flame hanging from the gnome's neck.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 2 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals. 2 Pearls of Power - 1st level Staff - 10 charges Extend Metamagic Rod - 1/3
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 24* /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+13=20 ; Monday January 15th, 2024 1:49:00 PM
The creeping dread induced by the Abbey settles in the pit of Jasper's stomach. She too tries to stay close to Isaac and nods her agreement to Snark.
She takes a deep breath and casts Barkskin on herself, increasing her AC to 24.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 87/87 AC23/ T10 / FF20 Monday January 15th, 2024 9:41:41 PM
Isaac greets the guard by name as well, "Morning, Mr. Elroy, keep warm." As they approach the Abbey he can feel the malaise and evil of this place try to affect him and simply slide off like snow on a warm roof.
Each ally within 10 feet of Isaac gains a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against fear and charm effects.
Maxwell (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Monday January 15th, 2024 10:33:05 PM
"Call me Maxwell, please."
"And thank you for enchanting my Silver Hammer!"
DM Bob and Carla - ”With a little help from my friends…” Monday January 15th, 2024 11:24:09 PM
On reaching the stone wall that separates the Abbey grounds from the surrounding landscape, Benni alerts the group to prepare for an assault on their emotions. Before crossing over, the elf casts ghost weapon on Isaac’s sword, Beatrix’s lance, and Urist-Maxwell’s silver hammer.
Isaac reminds everyone to keep close in order to benefit from his personal protective aura.
Snark and Jasper protect themselves with magical armour.
Crossing the boundary wall is like crossing from day into night, except there are no twinkling stars or friendly moon overhead. The sun seems to fade from existence, and the temperature drops. A feeling of unease as if entering a nightmare where terrible things lurk and horrors crawl forth to plague the living threatens to overwhelm all - except Issac who's somehow found within him the ability to resist the feeling, and Snark and Jasper huddled close to the paladin (and already made their rolls.)
Benni, Beatrix and Urist Will Save DC 15* vs Fear (Save or be Shaken -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.)
* If within 10ft of Isaac, add +4
*****
Once over the boundary wall, the party skirt the outbuildings, seeking out the front approach to the largest part of the structure. Tall columns of grey rock shot through with veins of green support a grande archivault over two massive wooden doors ornamented with intricate ironwork, and the now familiar lock of solid green stone on one door.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 1:04:59 AM
As we go over the wall, Snark says to Isaac, "Hey Isaac, I'm glad you make the weirdness of this place a little less weird. Want me to enlarge you when we head downstairs?'
At the front door, he will try the lock since he doesn't remember locking it all up when we left.
If it is locked, he turns to Benni and says, "Are you the key master?"
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+11=23 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 9:12:58 AM
Benni withstands the feeling of dread on his own, and prepares to provide a Calming Touch to any who become shaken. As the group approaches the massive doors and green lock, the cleric pulls the appropriate key from his Pants O Plenty. "I suppose I am, Snark, but I do not anticipate Eros will have me seeking a Gate Keeper any time soon."
The brown-haired elf inserts the key, opens the lock, and opens the doors to pass through the Great Hall.
............ Active Spells. Ghost weapon (0 of 8hrs) Isaac’s sword, Urist’s hammer, Beatrix’ lance.
Channel(0/9), Good Touch(0/7), Calming Touch(0/7), Unity(1), Holy Lance(1) 0. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Bless. Sanctuary. Shield of Faith. 2. Shield Other. Less Restore. Less Restore. Resist Energy. Silence 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Dimensional Anchor.
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 24* /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=38 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 2:03:54 PM
As they advance into the Great Hall, Jasper sniffs the air for the scent of barbequed dog hair-- or anything else.
Has anything changed since the Luck Makers were last here? (Perception 38)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=5 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 2:51:16 PM
Being aware of the aura of the place Beatrix falls back to cross while near Isaac. It's fortunate that she did else the fear might have overwhelmed her (17 with Isaac's bonus and her +7 vs fear)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 87/87 AC23/ T10 / FF20 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 10:07:23 PM
Isaac nods, "As long as I have enough space to swing my sword I should be ok enlarged, just be careful. I don't want to suddenly grow and hit my head on the ceiling."
Isaac draws his sword and shield, ready for a fight.
Standing close to Isaac, Maxwell is not affected by fear (17 or 21 passes either way).
"Thank you, Brother Isaac! I'm not afraid, nooo-oh-oh-uh-oh!"
Maxwell listens to Benni as the clergyman talks about Eros and sends a Calming Touch into his Pants of Plenty and ... is silent ... unless you hear a slight muttered whisper ...
Highlight to display spoiler: {No, don't go there. Even *I* have some standards.}
DM Bob and Carla - ”All together now” Tuesday January 16th, 2024 10:54:03 PM
Everyone makes it safely over the boundary wall. Urist-Maxwell and Benni without trepidation. Beatrix wary of the dark aura tucks in close to the paladin, just to be sure.
Snark asks Benni to do the honours, since the party did indeed lock up on their way out. The cleric inserts the key, and gives it a turn. As before, a shimmering starts high overhead and cascades gently downward to reveal the larger and more magnificent structure hidden behind the illusion of a smaller set of ruins.
On entering the Great Hall, Jasper is pretty sure nothing has passed through the space since the party left the premises a little over a week previous. Two ghosts go about their business amongst the books, and the illusion of a great chasm stretches across the far part of the chamber. There is no challenge there, however, for the adventurers know it for what it is - an illusion.
Snark volunteers to supersize Isaac before they head down into the crypt. The paladin agrees, with the caveat that he needs a deal of space to swing his great sword.
Spreading out into the Great Hall, the Luck Maker’s find their way unimpeded.
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday January 17th, 2024 7:31:08 AM
With Jasper's confirmation, Benni nods, replaces the key in his Pants O Plenty and moves to the doors that will open to the inner courtyard. It's time they made their way to the Chapter House.
He doesn't seem to have a reaction to Urist's mumblings. (ooc: that's me, always inadvertently playing the straight man!)
............ Active Spells. Ghost weapon (0 of 8hrs) Isaac’s sword, Urist’s hammer, Beatrix’ lance.
Channel(0/9), Good Touch(0/7), Calming Touch(0/7), Unity(1), Holy Lance(1) 0. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Bless. Sanctuary. Shield of Faith. 2. Shield Other. Less Restore. Less Restore. Resist Energy. Silence 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Dimensional Anchor.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 64/64 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 10:26:45 AM
Beatrix is ready to go. By which I mean I have leveled her.
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 24* /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 1:41:51 PM
Jasper glances at the ghosts as she passes. She hopes they're content, in their own strange way.
"Any ideas about how to fight the entity that was repelling us the last time we attempted the crypt? What was it, anyway?"
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 64/64 AC 16/13/14 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 5:00:16 PM
Updating header again, forgot CMD increase.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 5:51:33 PM
Snark moves along with the others. In answer to Jasper's question, "Yeah, that was a Crypt Thing, some sorta guardian. I don't think it'll be any more trouble - I got its skull back in my room in Heranmar."
"I think we need to finish checking out that crypt. Boy I sure hope we can find what's causing the ocean problems, 'cause I don't really want to have to deal with Angry Aquawoman again."
The party will move along through the Great Hall, past the illusory hole in the floor, out and over to the Chapter House where the rosette was in the floor. We'll activate the mechanism in the floor again to open the passage into the crypt and move down into the crypt area where we fought that Crypt Keeper.
Well, unless something stops us first.
Maxwell (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Wednesday January 17th, 2024 7:53:28 PM
"Oh, is it time for the casting of spells?" asks Maxwell. "I'll go with my fab four!"
He casts Unseen Servant, See Invisibility, Message, and Enlarge Person.
spells prepped (underlined = cast).
0: Mending, Message, Arcane Mark, Prestidig 1: Feather Fall, Enl Person, Shield, Grease, Uns Servant, Rose Temp Cont. 2: Bull Str, Glitterdust, See Invis, Invis x2. 3: Fly, Shrink Item x2, Stink Cloud, Haste. 4: Stone Shape, G Invis x2, Dimension Door.
Telekinetic Fist (d4+2) used 0 of 7 Bardic Performance used 0 of 7 rounds Scrolls/Potions used: 0
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 87/87 AC23/ T10 / FF20 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 9:41:28 PM
Isaac ask Snark" Beatrix and I were teleported away, did that Crypt guardian pull any other tricks out after we left? Or explain itself?" Isaac was very curious if the Crypt guardian had the capacity to speak or if it just a mindless if magical undead.
DM Bob and Carla - ”It won’t be long…” Wednesday January 17th, 2024 10:44:54 PM Benni leads the way through the Great Hall. Jasper checks out the ghosts, who take no notice of the adventurers - this time. The druid wonders aloud about the undead resident of the crypts that divided the party. Isaac having only glimpsed the thing before he was transported elsewhere, has some questions as well. Snark identifies it as a Crypt Thing - bound to the chamber and acting as some sort of guardian. He is pretty sure the party won’t have to deal with it this time ‘round.
Beatrix follows her friends - raring to go.
Urist-Maxwell preps her favourite spells. (Please identify how long each spell lasts in your next post.- DM Carla)
The Luck Makers progress down the darkened Great Hall, over the illusiory chasm, and through the unlocked double doors leading out to the open air courtyard beyond. Gravel crunches underfoot as they skirt the space marked ‘Garden/Exercise Yard & Cloisters’ on Isaac’s map before finally arriving in front of the locked double doors of the Chapter House.
(OOC: everyone has submitted updated PC sheets. 4 have been approved. 2 are very close to ready. Thanks, everyone, for working hard to meet the deadline. - DM Carla)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 11:49:09 PM
Snark will wait until Benni opens the locked door. Then we will activate the puzzle in the floor, and proceed down the stairs into the crypt.
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday January 18th, 2024 7:12:40 AM
Benni takes out another key and opens the doors to the Chapter House. He takes comfort in the thought that there wasn't yet another Displacer Beast in the Cloisters. He then provides the amulet to Snark so the gnome can activate the stairway going down.
A final spell, Light is cast on his buckler shield to help spear the darkness, and he is ready to follow the leaders down to the crypts. "Just in case there are more guardians, I will be ready to use my Unity ability to allow everyone to better resist the teleportation effects of a Crypt Thing."
............ Active Spells. Light (on buckler) (0 of 80min) light 20', dim light out to 40' Ghost weapon (0 of 8hrs) Isaac’s sword, Urist’s hammer, Beatrix’ lance.
Channel(0/9), Good Touch(0/7), Calming Touch(0/7), Unity(1), Holy Lance(1) 0. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Bless. Sanctuary. Shield of Faith. 2. Shield Other. Less Restore. Less Restore. Resist Energy. Silence 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Dimensional Anchor.
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 24* /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Thursday January 18th, 2024 1:54:28 PM
Jasper draws her quarterstaff so she has it at the ready as they descend.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 64/64 AC 16/13/14 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 Thursday January 18th, 2024 2:53:54 PM "I hope there are more, I want a rematch. This time I'll win." Beatrix says confidently.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 87/87 AC23/ T10 / FF20 Thursday January 18th, 2024 9:19:02 PM
Isaac agrees with Bennie, "Good idea, last thing we want is another teleportation mishap. " Isaac smiles a Beatrix confidence" On that I have little doubt, but hopefully we won't meet anymore."
Maxwell (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Thursday January 18th, 2024 10:00:51 PM
Maxwell sees how easily the party advanced over previously-traveled ground, and wishes he had waited and cast his spells here.
He reassures Beatrix that she has what it takes to win. He nudges Isaac, agreeing with him and pointing to the centaur, saying, "She never stops, she's a go-getter."
DM Sanity Info
spells prepped (underlined = cast).
0: Mending, Message, Arcane Mark, Prestidig 1: Feather Fall, Enl Person, Shield, Grease, Uns Servant, Rose Temp Cont. 2: Bull Str, Glitterdust, See Invis, Invis x2. 3: Fly, Shrink Item x2, Stink Cloud, Haste. 4: Stone Shape, G Invis x2, Dimension Door.
Telekinetic Fist (d4+2) used 0 of 7 Bardic Performance used 0 of 7 rounds Scrolls/Potions used: 0
Current Ongoing Effects: Temperature Control: cast at breakfast, lasts 16 hours Unseen Servant: cast in the Great Hall, lasts 8 hours Message: cantrip, renewed at regular intervals. See Invisible: cast in the Great Hall, lasts 80 minutes Enlarge Person: cast in the Great Hall, lasts 8 minutes
DM Bob and Carla - ”Under the Chapter House…” Thursday January 18th, 2024 11:31:08 PM
On crossing the threshold of the Chapter House after the door has been unlocked and opened, the party see the room just as they left it.
Benni hands the medallion to Snark who fits it into the depression at the centre of the design on the floor. Once joined, the medallion and the surface of the stone both begin to glow. Those who remember how the portal work, align the outer rings marked with glyphs with key markings on the medallion. When turned just so, the central plate pops upward ever so slightly and the portal swivels to one side, revealing a steeply descending circular stairway leading down into the darkness.
Jasper grasps her quarter staff tightly, whilst Urist and Isaac tease Beatrix before descending .
The stairs wind down some 50ft. before ending on a rough stone floor. The light from buckler (60 ft cone) and the ring of continual flame (20 ft radius) reveals the long corridor lined with shelves packed tightly with skeletal remains, decaying wood reliquary, arched burial vaults containing stone sarcophagi, etc. A grey-green mist rises from the floor in some spots - nothing to obscure the view - whilst rats and other small vermin scurry away, avoiding the light.
This time, there are no glowing red eyes to greet the adventurers.
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=14 ; d20+7=10 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 7:29:54 AM
Benni is pleased that nothing moved in to the Abbey areas that they had cleared. He points out, "It has been a week since we were here last. It was better to be ready just in case, than to not be ready and be surprised."
Speaking of surprise, the elf looks carefully around, shining his Light spell to the left and right, seeing if he can spot any telltale signs of undead. "The crypt seems like an ossuary, usually used when space is at a premium. And while I would expect a magical disturbance to be hidden as well as that stair in the Chapter House, we still don't know what it is we are looking for..."
He begins to walk down the center of the room.
............ Perception: 14 Know: Religion: 10
Active Spells. Light (on buckler) (0 of 80min) light 20', dim light out to 40' (DM effect is 60' cone) Ghost weapon (0 of 8hrs) Isaac’s sword, Urist’s hammer, Beatrix’ lance.
Channel(0/9), Good Touch(0/7), Calming Touch(0/7), Unity(1), Holy Lance(1) 0. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Bless. Sanctuary. Shield of Faith. 2. Shield Other. Less Restore. Less Restore. Resist Energy. Silence 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Dimensional Anchor.
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 24* /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=38 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 12:37:00 PM
Jasper is on alert. She scans her surroundings for anything of interest, including traps.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 87/87 AC23/ T10 / FF20 d20+5=11 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 11:34:24 PM
Isaac looks around for any stairs or paths down deeper he also tries to detect any concentration of evil that might be in the crypt. Isaac tries to Detect evil. Perception:11
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 Saturday January 20th, 2024 1:38:41 AM
Snark looks at the ring hanging on a cord around his neck, wondering why Benni's light spells seems so much brighter than his own Continual Flame down here. "Huh. Something might be messing with the magic, or maybe this place just favors divine light. Or maybe it's powered by Benni's love stuff."
As the party descends into the catacombs, he will pull out a wand to cast Enlarge Person on Isaac. "This'll only last about a minute, but I'd rather be ready just in case."
The little gnome walks cautiously as we proceed, staff at the ready.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Extended Mage Armor, Unseen Servant (4/8 hours), Enlarge Person on Isaac (1 minute), Continual Flame hanging from the gnome's neck.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals. 2 Pearls of Power - 1st level Staff - 10 charges Extend Metamagic Rod - 1/3
Maxwell (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) d20+8=15 ; Saturday January 20th, 2024 7:53:17 AM
Maxwell tries to sense existing magical effects throughout the place ... Know Arcana 15. That's only with what he can see by the light of his magical flaming silver hammer -- just with a few looks around (and no detect magic, a cantrip the wizard has not prepared).
"Let us not delay, friends, seeing as a few of us have buffs that expire soon. Let's get to the Bang-Bang!"
He follows Benni down the passage. "Come!"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 Sunday January 21st, 2024 1:25:33 AM
Good point.
Snark will cast Detect Magic to make sure nothing is missed as we go.
DM Bob and Carla - ”Going down?” Sunday January 21st, 2024 10:36:10 PM (OOC: Apologies about the discrepancy describing the light spells. For some reason I had the ‘60ft cone’ of detect magic in my head! All light spells have the same range of 20 ft, with dim light to 40ft - DM Carla)
The party wastes no time and progresses quickly, but carefully, down the long corridor, past the many alcoves filled with the remains of the dead. No dangers now lurk in the arches holding the remains of those who have passed, nor in the hallway, and there are no surprises for Onesimos or Jasper.
Snark picks up the same magical vibes that seem to permeate the very stones of the entire structure - the ones that bind the stones together, the ones that cause fear - but no new magics.
Urist-Maxwell doesn’t pick up any useful information related to the arcane, but she does remember finding an arched passageway leading downward off to one side at the far end of the hall.
A magically enlarged Isaac is able to move with relative ease down the wide and tall corridor. Without focusing on any one thing specifically, he still manages to pick up a very faint trace of some old evil.
At the end of the corridor, through an archway on one side, the party discovers a stairwell - a wide shaft - the stairs spiralling downward around the outer wall, and a dark void at its center.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 14, HP 58/58 Monday January 22nd, 2024 12:51:37 AM
Snark looks down the stairwell. "Hmm. Dark void. Nothing ominous about that. Not magic though. We prolly oughta go down this thing single file, hugging that outside wall."
He gets out his pipe and tobacco, and lights it. As he puffs on it, he says, "Well, let's see what's waiting for us down there." The little gnome pulls a sunrod out of his pocket, cracks it against the stone floor to set it alight, and tosses it down the dark void.
Assuming nothing unusual is seen, he will proceed down with the others.
"Careful there - don't be stepping on my Unseen Servant."
“Benni” AC 23/11/22 CMD18. HP 55/ 55 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=24 ; Monday January 22nd, 2024 7:07:15 AM
Benni was weighing whether it would be better to see all the way down or to avoid rousing whatever was down there when Snark drops the sunrod. The elf shrugs. "Anything down there would hear me a long ways away anyways."
"Urist, take the lead, but be careful. I am worried about loose, crumbling, or trapped stones. Your dwarf senses should be best for that, and we need solid stones for Isaac and Beatrix' larger weights."
The cleric will be third in line, behind Urist and Isaac, watching how far down it is...
............ Perception: 24
Active Spells. Light (on buckler) (0 of 80min) light 20', dim light out to 40' Ghost weapon (0 of 8hrs) Isaac’s sword, Urist’s hammer, Beatrix’ lance.
Channel(0/9), Good Touch(0/7), Calming Touch(0/7), Unity(1), Holy Lance(1) 0. Mending, Purify Food/Drink, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Bless. Sanctuary. Shield of Faith. 2. Shield Other. Less Restore. Less Restore. Resist Energy. Silence 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. *Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite, Freedom of Movement, Restoration, Dimensional Anchor.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 64/64 AC 16/13/14 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 Monday January 22nd, 2024 9:36:55 AM "Ugh, stairs. Always a pain. I wonder how deep this place goes? We're relatively near the ocean so you'd think they'd run out of space for basements."
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 24* /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=32 ; Monday January 22nd, 2024 12:07:35 PM
Jasper once again makes a perception check to catch any loose stones, pits, snares, hidden doors, or other hazards. She also tries to sense the presence of any animals who might be talkative or otherwise willing to help, like rats or bats.
She falls in line and starts the descent.
Jasper (Holly) HP 66/66 AC 24* /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=38 ; Monday January 22nd, 2024 12:27:39 PM
Jasper is on alert. She scans her surroundings for anything of interest, including traps.
Maxwell (AC19, HP72) (Cayzle) Monday January 22nd, 2024 6:11:06 PM
Maxwell is ready to descend. Just before the first step, he says, "I never tell jokes or use unarmed attacks descending stairs. A nice comic should never punch down."
LOG ON