StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 Friday January 5th, 2024 11:27:55 AM
During some of the down time Aydi will look for Nadia. He wants to talk to her about what it means to be a druid and will ask for some help to understand being a druid. He also will have Yuki with him as well (she is never really that far behind anyway.)
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Friday January 5th, 2024 2:11:45 PM
Ian has been working on getting to know the area around the bear cave and working on his bowmanship.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 Sunday January 7th, 2024 5:46:15 PM
Nora loans a drum to test the idea of using one as a communication device, and goes to play it at the bear cave. When she tries some rhythms, she suddenly notices the piggies come to see what is happening on some beats, and leaving again on others. "Well... that is strange? But it might be quite useful if it really works every time", she wonders their reactions.
Time spent at Bearcliff: - Kaida: 0% by default - Nora: 30% - Ian: 0% by default - Aymar: 0% by default - Aydi: 60% - Hamlin: 20% - Frit: 70% - Nadia: 90%
Weeks pass. You settle into the routine of living in Drakemeade.
Aydi takes his time and places a handful of traps around Bearcliff. [OOC: Please email or post right away what those are and where you put them. I’m arbitrarily ruling that you have time to make up to 5 traps, but with no CR higher than your character level -- 3.]
Also, Aydi befriends a snow leopard cub.
Ian works to sustain the community, contributing to hunting and gathering. He finds that the dwarves who range out of doors, such as Muriel and Marnish, stay close to home, setting traps and looking for small game and fowl, and never stay out after dark. They always emphasize stealth and retreat from possible danger.
Nadia works on her drumming, encourages the concealing bramble outside Bearcliff, and pores through what records the community has about the area roundabouts. [OOC: Please accept a +2 competence bonus on your next three Knowledge Local checks made regarding places in the Scab. Be sure to track this on your PC sheet.]
Hamlin studies magic and socializes with friends.
Frit works hard with construction, and as Bearcliff is finished, with his own monkish training.
Nora busies herself with the piggies, who are settling into their new home just fine. She also spends time with her comrades training her skills.
Aymar and Kaida keep busy with training their skills and settling into life at Drakesmeade.
One day, there is a visitor outside Bearcliff. At the time, the people there are ...
Garog is always there. Nora is there 30% of the time -- the DM rolls a 00, and determines that Nora is back in Drakesmeade. Aydi is there 60% of the time -- the DM rolls a 70, so he is not there. Hamlin is there 20% of the time -- DM rolls an 89, so he is not there. Frit is there 70% of the time -- DM rolls 45, so Frit is there. Nadia is there 90% of the time -- DM rolls a 4, so Nadia is there. Kaida, Aymar, and Ian tend not to spend time at Bearcliff.
Nadia, Frit, and Garog are at Bearcliff when the visitor arrives. Garog was in ther tower, and quickly summons the two heroes.
The visitor is an unimposing man, dressed in skins but also carrying an oversized battleaxe. He looks up at the tower, and seems to be looking for an entrance. The overgrowth and brambles are thick, and he has not yet seen the door. You are not sure if he has seen you in the tower.
“I’ll sound the alarm!” whispers Garog. He races back to the drums and starts pounding on them. With the doors shut between you and the drums, in the tower, Frit and Nadia can hardly hear them. Frit and Nadia, what do you do?
Back in Drakesmeade, the alarm is heard, and you heroes are quickly alerted. Aymar, Kaida, Nora, Ian, Aydi, and Hamlin, please roll Perception checks to see how alert you are when the alarm comes in.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 d20+2=4 ; Sunday January 7th, 2024 11:26:00 PM
Kaida potters about Drakesmeade finding small tasks to do. She tries to meet as many of the dwarves as possible and get in the habit of greeting them on a first name basis when she passes by them in the corridors. Kaida is a very social gnome and wants to ingrain herself in the clan. If she passes someone that she doesn't know she'll stop to speak with them until she gets the hint to move on.
She's busy talking with one of the hunters she's cornered when the alarm comes in. "So let me get this straight, you were face-to-face with a wolf and your crossbow locked? That would be so scary! What did you do?" She's so engrossed in the conversation that she fails to notice much else.
------------- Sheet updated to level 3.
Perception: 4
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+8=21 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 12:05:09 AM
Aydi is about to head back to Bearcliff with Yuki to check the traps when he hears the sound of the drums. "That is never good we need to get down there." Aydi picks up Yuki and sprints to the outpost.
OOC Perception 21 ------- Sheet updated to Lvl 3
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d20+13=31 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 9:58:24 AM
Ian grabs his bow and heads to the outpost
Perception 31
Sheet updated
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 d20+7=11 ; d20+8=20 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 11:11:12 AM
Frit observes the man and scans the area to see if there is anyone else with their visitor or if he appears to be alone. He then turns to Nadia. "We should, um, talk to him. See what he w-w-, see, um, why he's here. Make sure he's not a threat. But we don't, um, I don't think we want to jump to conclusions about him about him, just because he's, uh, got that nasty-looking axe."
He runs his hand over his hair and looks down, avoiding eye contact with her. "You should, um, probably do the talking, though, ma'am."
While they converse with the man, Frit attempts to sense if the man is telling the truth in his responses to Nadia's questions, but has a difficult time reading him.
OOC Perception 20 Sense motives 11
Sheet is updated to level 3!
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+9=28 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 2:04:21 PM
Perception 28 to hear the drums. Hamlin studying a Geology text book hears the sound of distant drums and realizes the danger. He jumps up from his comfy chair and heads from the apartment area in a run to see what is amiss. Sheet should be updated to level 3!
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 d20+6=23 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 3:09:34 PM
Nora is practicing a song she's been trying to write. "But what kind of rhythm would work on this?"
She listens to the beats starting suddenly. "Hey, maybe that works... no they can't hold the time, it's... it's.. it's... Oh no, the warning! Where's my pack, and bow?" She grabs her gear, and runs toward the bearcliff tunnel, still wearing her dress. "I hope it's not anything too dangerous, or if it is, that I get time to put on my mail".
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 17/17 d20+3=16 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 10:05:44 PM
Aymar is working with the carpenters, he tries to keep himself busy, and they don't mind having Scout around. Above the sounds of the machinery, he thinks he hears something, though its very hard to tell.
{OOC: 16 Perception, unsure of the DC. If it passes he will head to Bearcliff as quick as possible. Otherwise he will take the round to exit the shop to get a better listen.}
Kaida is slow to react to the Bearcliff alarm. The hunter with whom she had been conversing says, “Hey, do you hear that?”
Aydi starts sprinting toward the bear cave. It will take about a minute at a flat run.
Ian and Aymar are right behind him.
Nora, who is slower, will take longer.
Frit smartly looks around for other visitors. He sees that among the trees behind the man, fifty or sixty feet behind him, are two imposing humanoid figures about ten feet tall. And in the distance is an even taller one with two heads.
Frit urges Nadia to talk with the fellow. But so far she has not stepped forward.
The human fellow dressed crudely looks up. He seems to be looking for something.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Monday January 8th, 2024 10:53:35 PM "Huh?" Kaida pauses and stays quiet, listening for what the hunter has heard. "The alarm!"
She turns and sprints along the corridor, calling back "It was nice to meet you!"
Her little gnome legs mean she's going to be very late to the party.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 d20+3=22 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2024 2:11:23 AM
Nadia takes a moment to respond, but does so only to Frit. She knew enough of the world of the Scab no one just wondered about like this, let alone... Well alone. Something was wrong. But unless Frit points out the other people, she says "We have no idea if he is alone. If he is, we can not allow him to leave. If he isn't... None of them can leave. No one just wanders the Scab alone without ill intent, not to my knowledge. Though give me a moment to recall if any of my studying reveals anything."
Sheet I think is properly updated for me, but still working on adding Stone to it like how Aydi's is. The 22 is for a knowledge local, marking one of my plus three uses.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d20+13=15 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+8=10 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2024 8:23:01 AM
Ian will have his bow ready to use when he reaches the others. He will try to ascertain what is going and then will try to move to the side stealthily to support his comrades. Perception 15 Stealth 29
if there is combat he will attack as soon as he sees the enemy. Attack 10
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 d20+8=22 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2024 10:55:30 AM "He's, um, not alone," Frit says to Nadia, keeping his voice low. "Did someone mention something about, um, giants in the area?"
He tells her about the other visitors he has spotted, verbally directing her where to look without pointing. If possible, he doesn't want to reveal that they have knowledge of the imposing figures.
"You know this place and, uh, those who live here, ma'am. I don't. So, I'll f--follow your lead. If you think we need, um, that we need to stop them from leaving, I'll do what I can. But I can't do much from up here. And not sure how, um, how well we're going to manage just the two of us. Hopefully, the others heard the alarm."
He keeps an eye out for any additions to the numbers outside their walls.
OOC Perception 22
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 12:06:20 PM
While Aydi is sprinting to down the path. Yuki jumps off and runs next to him knowing that something is not right. Aydi will pull out his short sword and Dagger and continue down the path. He will think I might need to spend more time at Bearcliff I would not have to hurry down there if there is an attack.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 1:29:23 PM "Oh dear this stuff weighs" Nora complains as she tries to run to Bearcliff. "But it will be easier when I get the apartment finished, all will be there."
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 17/17 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 9:28:12 PM
Aymar meets up with Aydi in stride and gives him a head nod. He does not draw a weapon, as he does not want to slow his progress. When he gets to the room with Frit and Nadia, he will ask them what the situation is.
If the group wants to send out a messenger, Aymar will volunteer. He has confidence that the rest group will have his back.
{OOC: Sheet is mostly ready, just some touch ups. Should be done shortly.}
Nadia thinks deeply and deduces that there is something suspicious about this human fellow. For one thing, what is a random human doing out in the Scab in the company of giants? For another, why is he wearing rough raw hides for clothing?
She lets Frit know about her reservations.
Garog concerns himself with bringing the pigs underground to safety. They oink and squeal, annoyed but obedient.
The human cocks his head and calls out, “Hello! Anybody home? We’re neighbors! Can I come in for a talk? Hi! Hellooo!”
“My name is Joshua! We can be friends!”
Those running for Bearcliff are about a third of the way here. The slower folks are about a quarter of the way to the pig farm.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 4:49:33 AM "Coming through!" Kaida yells out to any dwarves she can see in path. She keeps running at full speed, ducking around people as she goes but unintentionally bumping into one. "Sorry Hurdrek" she calls back without stopping "I'm in a rush. Drinks later?"
Kaida doesn't stop to see if he's ok, but she's pretty sure he would be, what being twice her size.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 4:55:22 AM
The running continues!
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+10=30 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2024 11:37:29 AM
Aydi continues to sprint down the corridor with Yuki at his side. He will listen to see if there is any fighting or anything else that would be important.
OOC Perception 30 (Nat 20)
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+10=30 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2024 11:37:33 AM
Aydi continues to sprint down the corridor with Yuki at his side. He will listen to see if there is any fighting or anything else that would be important.
OOC Perception 30 (Nat 20)
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d20+13=15 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2024 3:37:35 PM
Ian realizes it will take longer than he thought to get there so he will hold all actions till he assess what is happening.
Perception 15
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 5:20:42 PM
Frit listens to the man speak and then turns to Nadia, ready to follow her lead based on her assessment of the situation.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 5:49:18 PM "I should have kept watch at the cavee..." Nora wheezes as she continues running.
----------- OOC: Sheet suggestion done.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 17/17 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 7:00:08 PM
Aymar continues heading towards Bearcliff.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 7:31:46 PM
Nadia deeply distrust this, and tries to figure out what exactly the human wants, without answering. What gave away their location so quickly? She tries to puzzle it out, and whispers to Frit " Make sure the others are coming, go quickly. This isn't right, and giants... Giants should not be here either. This is all wrong."
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 d20+6=16 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2024 8:03:17 PM
Frit nods to Nadia and tries to quietly climb down the tower as quickly as he can. He then darts down the tunnel, all of those morning runs paying off as he sprints swiftly toward Drakesmeade to make sure that the drums have worked and reinforcements are en route.
OOC Stealth 16
My sheet updates haven't been approved yet, so I am not sure if Frit's speed is 40 (which he is due to move up to at level 3) or 30 (which it previously was).
- DM SteveM & Cayzle Thursday January 11th, 2024 2:02:35 AM
The party members not in Bearcliff keep running to get there.
Frit sneaks off and runs (at enhanced monk speed) to check on them.
Nadia tries to figure out what alerted the giants to the existence of Bearcliff. Well, she may suspect, the overgrowth seems to have hidden the wall and olf entrance to the cave. But the tower rising above that may have given the game away.
Frit meets Aydi, Aymar, and Ian about 3/4 of the way from Drakesmeade. He quickly explains the situation.
(Nora and then Kaida are about half way.)
Meanwhile, met with silence, the human starts clearing the brush under the tower. It takes him about a minute. As he works, every so often he calls out, “Hello! Coming for a neighborly visit!”
Joshua seems genuinely surprised that all he finds is wall. He looks up and calls helloo again.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 d20=16 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 5:50:12 AM
Nadia being the only person close by, keeps her silence for now, as she isn't the best at figuring out people's motives, given her closest friend outside of say Nora or Frit was a mountain lion. To say she wasn't good with people wasn't a disservice, but she couldn't exactly trust this was not a hostile enemy that she knew of.
16 sense motive check, because I honestly can't figure out how to trust this, and a lone dwarf seems weird.
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 Thursday January 11th, 2024 11:14:51 AM "Giants. Three. One has, um, two heads. A human, too. We, um, don't know what they w--want. Are the, um, others on their w--, are the other's coming?" Frit says to Aydi, Aymar, and Ian.
He barely waits for a response as he turns abruptly to sprint back to outpost. He does not like the idea of Nadia and Stone being there without back-up, and he pushes himself to get back to them as quickly as he can.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 Thursday January 11th, 2024 11:20:55 AM
Aydi sees Frit and hears what is going on at Bearcliff. "I am pretty sure all of us are heading there. Wait you said Giants! Crap well let's hurry." Aydi will continue to sprint to Bearcliff with all haste.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 Thursday January 11th, 2024 5:52:58 PM
Nora waves at her party members in the distance ahead of her, and continues running and panting.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Thursday January 11th, 2024 6:27:12 PM
Kaida pushes on. "Maybe next time, instead of an armor spell, you learn a spell to run faster" she chastises herself.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 17/17 Thursday January 11th, 2024 6:45:50 PM
Aymar was concerned to see Frit running towards them, worried that the entrance has already been compromised. He was relieved to hear that Nadia and Stone were fine, but that was quickly dismissed when Frit explained the situation. He follows Frit, as best he can, back to the entrance.
Nadia stays quiet, but the big guys who had been standing back are not quiet, not at all! They seem to be getting frustrated. They shout at the human in a language Nadia does not understand.
The two big guys come forward. They are about 10 ft tall, and they have beady eyes, meaty fists, and puffy faces with ill-fitting teeth.
They start ripping out the bushes. Joshua shrugs and helps.
At this point, the faster group arrives in the cave. Kadia and Nora are still running.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Thursday January 11th, 2024 10:20:37 PM
Kaida runs
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+15=29 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+6=17 ; Friday January 12th, 2024 12:29:41 AM
Aydi will sneak up (Stealth 29) the wall (Perception 19) and gets up next to Nadia. "Well we have some guest I see I am going to try something." Aydi stands up "Sorry for taking so long I was indisposed (Bluff 8) you know dropping the kids off at the pool. I figured you would not mind if I finished before coming out up here. How can I help you. (Diplomacy 17) There is no need to tear up the bushes they hae not done anything to you. How about we just have a nice chat."
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 Friday January 12th, 2024 12:30:32 AM
OOC
Stealth 29 Perception 19 Bluff 8 Diplomacy 17
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Friday January 12th, 2024 12:46:33 AM
Nadia nods knowing the drums not only worked, but there isn't that much of a delay if everyone else is coming. She stays quiet to let the better talking members handle the diplomacy, but she does ready Stone to fight if need be.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d20+17=35 ; Friday January 12th, 2024 10:42:46 AM
Ian will move stealthy to the side as the others attack and ready his bow if it turns violent.
Stealth 35
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Friday January 12th, 2024 1:33:29 PM
It should have said as the others talk.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Friday January 12th, 2024 1:33:29 PM
It should have said as the others talk.
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 d20+8=20 ; Friday January 12th, 2024 4:34:36 PM
When Frit arrives, he dashes over to Nadia, and asks her what happened while he was making sure that the others were on their way. "The rest should, uh, they should be here soon," he tells her.
He observes the destruction to the vegetation by the wall, and keeps watch on what the human and giants are up to as Aydi talks to them, scanning the horizon to see if there are any others approaching to add to their numbers.
OOC Perception 20
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 Friday January 12th, 2024 6:29:18 PM "Why was I born as a dwarf" Nora mourns as she tries to catch up the members of the bigger races.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 17/17 Friday January 12th, 2024 8:18:42 PM
Aymar readies himself at the door, awaiting the resolution of Aydi's conversation. He prepares for both diplomacy and a fight.
- DM SteveM & Cayzle Saturday January 13th, 2024 11:39:10 AM
Nadia and Stone are ready to fight, but of course they are 30 ft up in the tower right now.
Fast Frit is first back to the tower, and watches carefully. The two big nine footers are continuing to rip up the bushes and expose the base of the wall. The human in raw hide is looking up at the tower.
Frit notes that the human is tall and has blue tattoos. The two big guys are really enjoying the wanton destruction of the carefully tended plants. The big guy with two heads is staying back. Far overhead, Frit sees a bird with two heads.
Aydi joind Nadia in the tower and attempts diplomacy.
Ian is off to one side (hiding on the catwalk crouching behind the wall, the DMs assume.
Aymar waits at the door to the base of the tower.
Kadia and Nora arrive at the back of the cave.
One of the two big guys shouts when he finds the door in the base of the wall.
The human, looking up, says, “You guys should really run away if you have a back door. Sticking around could be mighty unhealthy!”
Here’s a map! (if you do not like your map placement, just say where you would prefer to be. Except for Nora and Kadia.)
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Saturday January 13th, 2024 8:09:20 PM
Nadia seeing her back up arrive let's out a breath, but knows that for now her roll is to help support those up here, as if the door is breached, they should have the advantage, as it wasn't built for Giants.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+6=9 ; Saturday January 13th, 2024 8:44:37 PM
Aydi sees that talking didn't really go anywhere. "You know we could still try the whole talking thing before we both have to do something we do not want to do. Are you sure we have to go down this road. (Diplomacy 9)."
Aydi will then run to the lever for the log Trap and wait for everyone to get I to place then release the logs.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 Sunday January 14th, 2024 5:38:51 PM
Nora continues running toward the entrance, getting to the middle of the Inner hall.
"Wait, wait, what's going on there?" she asks when hearing some nervous discussion from ahead.
---------------- OOC: standard: move, move: move. You can use E for Eleonora, so Nadia can have N.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Sunday January 14th, 2024 6:10:23 PM "What... is all... the fuss?" Kaida pants as she reaches the cave. She keeps moving towards the others.
-------------- Double move to Q14
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Monday January 15th, 2024 11:09:41 AM
Ian readies his bow
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Monday January 15th, 2024 11:50:14 AM
Hamlin arrives and hopefully gets apprised of the situation. "Well I suppose we can try diplomacy but who wants to be our representative with this person. I myself am not talented at diplomacy".
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 Monday January 15th, 2024 12:04:55 PM
Frit quietly says to the others gathered atop the tower, "I'm not g--going to be much, um, help from up here. I'm not really, uh, I'm not good at fighting when it's from a distance."
He continues to keep lookout and moves to W16.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 17/17 Monday January 15th, 2024 7:03:25 PM
Aymar moves to V13 and pulls out his weapon. 'Hmm, maybe some slits that we could thrust swords through might not be the worst idea to add.'
[OOC: We’re not quite in combat rounds, Nobody has attacked anybody else ... yet, So you do not have to go round by round until an attack is launched.]
Nadia waits to offer support to her friends.
Aydi attempts diplomacy but is ignored. He moves over to the lever for the log trap. NOTE: The lever is in the top of the tower. Where do you want to be?
Kadia and Nora advance.
Ian has his bow in hand.
Hamlin -- located where? -- invites someone else to negotiate.
Frit moves to the catwalk atop the wall.
The big ugly guy nearest the iron door starts banging on it to pound it in. He hits it twice, and you think it will buckle in less than a minute.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Monday January 15th, 2024 11:37:45 PM
Nadia calls out once her friends arrive, glad for the back up and the timely response, " Who can it be now? Who can it be knocking at my door? Go away, don't come round here no more. We have nothing to steal and little to offer outside of that. Stand your business here."
She doesn't offer violence at first, but makes a play at neutral annoyance, as if they were busy with other task, and the post was not always guarded.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 d20+6=25 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 1:43:18 AM
Nora finally reaches the entrance.
"Hello neighbours! No need to knock so hard! How can we be of assistance, are you looking for something to trade, or just paying a friendly visit? Please, let's sit down and have a nice chat, I would like to learn to know you better!" Nora shouts a greeting to the visitors, her voice as soft and innocent as she can get it.
-------------- OOC: Diplomacy 25
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 4:15:22 AM
Kaida moves into the outer area. She doesn't know what is on the other side of the gate, but assumes it's bad. Hopefully Nora's silver tongue will resolve this quickly.
On the off-chance though, Kaida prepares to boost the defence of anyone who asks.
--------------- Kaida moves to about T14 and will cast Mage Armor on anyone who asks for it.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 8:40:03 AM
Ian shakes his head and mutters quietly to his self "This going to go bad real quick"
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 8:40:03 AM
Ian shakes his head and mutters quietly to his self "This going to go bad real quick"
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+6=15 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 12:55:46 PM
Aydi will continue staying near the lever for the trap in the tower. He will try to aid Nora's Diplomacy check. "You know we do not want a fight but if we need to we will defend ourselves. It would be nice if your friend would stop hitting our door. That would be great." If Nora does not get threw Aydi will release the trap.
OOC Diplomacy 15 to Aid
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+6=15 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 12:55:49 PM
Aydi will continue staying near the lever for the trap in the tower. He will try to aid Nora's Diplomacy check. "You know we do not want a fight but if we need to we will defend ourselves. It would be nice if your friend would stop hitting our door. That would be great." If Nora does not get threw Aydi will release the trap.
OOC Diplomacy 15 to Aid
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d8+3=10 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 2:45:50 PM
Hamlin moves up to Aymar and just whispers. " We should prepare for trouble here. I'm going to give you a spell. (Hamlin casts Aid on Aymar gives him 10 temp hit points and plus 1 morale bonus on attack)
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 4:34:14 PM
Frit, seeing the destruction of the door, figures he'll be more use below in case of a breach than on the catwalk, so he moves down to the courtyard.
As he passes Kaida, he says, "If you're, um, offering, I could use some help with that. I'm fast, but not always that, um, not always that great at dodging."
OOC Frit is going to move to either V12 or V14. Not sure which way the door swings, but he'll move to which ever side he's not going to get hit or blocked by the door. lol.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 27/17 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 7:50:07 PM
Aymar nods in agreement with Hamlin, "Thank you my friend." He steadies himself, giving a quick prayer to Domi as the creature continues pounding on the door.
Nadia calls down to distract and delay the intruders.
They mostly ignore her.
Nora moves to the front door and attempts the same, but with a silver tongue.
The big ogre pauses for a sec and shouts, “You let us in or else!”
Kaida follows, ready to buff her allies.
"This going to go bad real quick," says Ian, with a realistic appraisal.
Aydi stands by the level in the tower and also calls down.
Frit moves into the courtyard next toe Kaida and accepts a Mage Armor.
Hamlin and Aymar are ready for a fight!
The intruders listen, then pay little attention. The human shrugs and calls up, “If you run for it, maybe a couple of you could survive. Nothing personal.”
At the least, diplomacy bought you a round or two. Does Aydi trigger the trap?
You figure the big guy will break down the door in about 7-8 rounds.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 4:57:10 AM
Aydi thinks talking really is not going anywhere. He pulls the lever to release the log trap. And immediately pulls out a magical item (Goblin Seal of Sleepy Good) and get ready to use it.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+6=14 ; Wednesday January 17th, 2024 5:22:40 AM
Also would like to do a Knowledge check. OOC Knowledge Local 14 on the big guys
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 d20+10=13 ; Wednesday January 17th, 2024 5:36:56 AM
Kaida gives Frit a pat on the back as he walks past. "No problems my friend"
She then casts a Mage Armor spell on herself. She doesn't have a lot of protection so every bit helps.
Since diplomacy isn't working Kaida tries to bluff what other defences the party might have. "Get the wolves ready!" She calls aloud "On my signal release them!" If anyone asks, Kaida shrugs and mouths "Maybe they'll buy it?".
----------- Last round: cast Mage Armor on Frit This round: Cast Mage Armor on self Bluff: 13.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 d20+5=25 ; d20+5=25 ; d4+1=4 ; Wednesday January 17th, 2024 9:56:02 AM
Nadia nods, as the challenge to be peaceful was sent and ignored by them. That marks them as enemies, and enemies are going to be dealt with the dwarven way, the best way.
" We offered peace, now unless you are scared like goblins, you will stand and fall!" She then takes her sling and hits the human with a rock, defending her home Two nat 20 it seems to hit the human with a sling, and a 4 for damage, which on a crit becomes an 8 correct?
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d20+8=12 ; d20+8=25 ; d6+2=3 ; Wednesday January 17th, 2024 10:04:53 AM
Ian takes a standard action and shoots two arrows at the human.
He gets a 12 with 1st arrow and 25 with 2nd for 3 pts damage.
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 1:17:57 PM "Thank you, Kay" Frit says.
The courtyard reverberates with the sound of the giant pounding against the outer door. He grimaces, but remains in position, breathing deeply and readying himself to face down the giant to protect his new friends and the home they've built here.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 5:01:06 PM
(I'm at U 15 next to Ian) Now presuming I can see the foolish human who seems to be the leader I will use my 1/day focused curse along with blindness/deafness this makes the fort save DC 19 or go blind.
" We are not without power fool. Take your giants and leave"
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 27/17 d20+5=16 ; d10+3=10 ; Wednesday January 17th, 2024 5:59:41 PM
Aymar turns to those around him and whispers, "Someone open the door on my signal, so i might be able to get a surprise swing in." He will wait until someone is in position and gives a nod once he hears the human scream in pain. Once the door opens, he will lunge at the creature banging on the door.
{OOC: Surprise attack (hopefully on a flatfooted creature) - 17 to hit, 10 damage}
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 12 -- HP 19/19 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 6:11:37 PM "Why does it have to come to this... well maybe the word will spread that we can't be bullied."
Nora opens the door for Aymar and starts singing a new song: "Hit the road, ogre, and don't you come back no more, no more..."
--------------------- OOC: Move: Open door Standard: Start bardic performance. AC now 13 as Nora is not wearing her armor when inside the stronghold. Aymar take another +1 to hit & damage.
- DM SteveM & Cayzle d20=7 ; d20=19 [log trap saves]; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 [log trap damage]; d20+3=18 save vs blindess]; 2d8-3=9 ; 2d8-3=6 ; 2d8-3=8 [damage done to door previously]; 2d8-3=13 ; 2d8-3=1 [damage to door this round]; Thursday January 18th, 2024 6:35:09 AM
In the tower ...
Aydi deduces that the two nearby big guys ARE ogres. He pulls the lever to trigger the log trap! Then he takes out a magic seal. That starts the combat!
The trap requires a DC20 Reflex save for 3d6 damage or half damage on a hit. It affects the two big guys. They fail their saves and take 9 hp damage each.
Nadia swirls her sling and hits the “human” for 8 hp damage!
On the wall ...
Ian shoots twice at Enemy A, the “human,” and hits once for 3 hp damage.
Hamlin deploys a focused curse with blindness against Enemy A. He rolls a save of 18 and misses it by one! He is blind!
In the outer sty ...
In the outer sty, the one exposed to the sky above, Frit listens to the pounding at the door and waits.
Kaida buffs herself after buffing Frit and then shouts a bluff about wolves! (Bluff: 13).
Note that there are TWO narrow iron doors in the outer wall, a fact unknown to the enemy. Aymar opens the inner door. There is a small 5x5 ft space, and then the outer door, currently deformed and partly broken in by the enemy attacks. Do you keep the inner door open, or do you close it again? Or do you advance and try to open the pounded door? Deformed and broke, it will take a DC18 Str check.
Nora starts a bardic performance. Starting next round, everybody gains a +1 to hit and damage from her inspiration.
The enemies ...
After the logs fall, the two ogres get serious. Rather than just one hitting the door, both take a whack. Ogre 1 hits and backs off; Ogre 2 moves in and swings. BOOM! BOOM! With both hitting it, it will fall twice as fast.
The “human” blindly triggers a magical effect. You do not see him say any magic words or wave his hands like spellcasters do. The effect covers an area, like a fireball, so you can cast it blind. Unlike Fireball, the effect is invisible. It covers the top of the wall, Nora, Ian, and Hamlin are within the effect. You three ONLY please ... other players, do not read ...
Highlight to display spoiler: { Make a will saving throw against DC16 or be confused for six rounds. If you are confused, each round you must roll 1d4 and ... on a 1, act normally; on a 2, do nothing but speak gibberish; on a 3, hit yourself for 1d8+Str damage; and on a 4, attack the nearest creature excluding familiars and animal companions. If you are attacked, do not roll the d4, just fight back.}
Then he moves to the bushes and lies down, making him a harder target to hit.
Status:
Enemy A - AC19 - 11 dam & blind lying prone in bushes = +4 AC vs ranged attacks, 20% miss chance prone. Ogre 1 - AC 17 - 9 dam Ogre 1 - AC 17 - 9 dam
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=7 ; d4=4 ; d20+4=16 ; d8=1 ; Thursday January 18th, 2024 8:31:12 AM
Will save fail! I am confused. Hamlin attempts to attack Ian with his light crossbow 16 to hit Ian. If a hit it is 1 damage.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+5=14 ; Thursday January 18th, 2024 9:07:27 AM "Both of the ogre's took a bit of damage. We missed them off. I am going to see if I can put them down for a nap." Aydi will break the seal and say the magical words "Bah Bah Black sheep" A sheep apeers in his hand. He will the break off the cloud and next turn he will chuck it toward the ogres. While waiting he wants to get some info on the human.
OOC Knowledge Local 15 (meant to put a plus six not five)
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 16/23 d20+9=10 ; d4=3 ; d8-1=7 ; Thursday January 18th, 2024 5:58:46 PM
Nora looks at her crossbow, then smacks it on her own head. "Ouch!" she cries, then stares the bloodied crossbow.
-------------- OOC: Bardic performance ends after this round. Rolls as required by the magic effect.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 20 -- HP 27/17 Thursday January 18th, 2024 5:58:55 PM
Aymar tells Nora to close it. He will head to the tower, sheathing his sword and drawing his bow. Once there he will do his best to take a quick assessment. He will prepare to fire an arrow next round.
{Aymar moves to W17}
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Thursday January 18th, 2024 6:20:46 PM
Kaida isn't sure if the attackers believed her ruse, so tries something else.
She casts a Ghost Sound spell on the inner door to create the sound of a troop of 12 dwarves!
"Everyone! Prepare to attack! For Drakesmeade!" she calls out, which is a very true statement for all her friends.
The 'troop' cheer!
---------------- Cast Ghost Sound at inner door. Will Save vs DC17 to disbelieve
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 23/23 Thursday January 18th, 2024 8:52:44 PM
Frit remains where he is, hoping that the others are more effective than he can be right now.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 d100=50 ; d20+5=12 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 5:00:15 AM
Nadia attempts to shoot the human who is laying down with her sling, and it seems to go into the bushes, but she is unsure if it hits! She stays at the tower for now, as she thinks there may be more enemies to come outside of these three, as one did hang back if she remembers right.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d4=1 ; d20+10=13 ; d3=3 ; d6=2 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 1:37:20 PM
(rolled a 1 so I act normally) Hamlin's mind clears briefly but he does not roll high enough to recognize the spell that was cast on him (spell craft 13). "I'm sorry Ian i don't know what happened there he cast something on us. But don't worry i have some new tricks!"
Hamlin proceeds to utter a dark sounding incantation and then he leans out the window and vomits up a swarm of spiders onto the giants they are commanded to attack the giants immediately. The giants would take 2 damage and have to make saves against the poison and distraction effects. This swarm will last for 3 rounds or until they are killed. (gm i will send the stats in a separate post)
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d20+2=10 ; d4=4 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 2:20:04 PM
Ian is a bit confused
- DM SteveM & Cayzle d20+3=7 [ogre fails save vs sleep]; d20+11=18 ; d4+5=9 [O1 hits O2 for 9 hp nonlethal]; Saturday January 20th, 2024 8:44:49 AM
[OOC: For some reason I thought Nora was atop the wall and subject to the confusion. I was wrong! Nora is not affected by the confusion, does not bop herself on the head, and does not have to end her performance if she does not want to. My apologies. To make up for it, I’m shortening the duration of the confusion by a round.]
HEROES
Aydi uses his magic seal to cast sleep. It can affect just 4HD of enemies, that is, one ogre. The ogre (O2) rolls a 7 and falls asleep.
Aydi also looks at the blind prone humanoid in the bushes and deduces that he may not be human at all ... something is off about him.
Aymar asks Nora to close the inner door. He moves to the tower, drawing his bow.
Nora, unaffected by the confusion, follows Aymar’s request and closes the door.
Kaida follows her wolf bluff with the sound of many dwarves.
Frit stands pat.
Nadia shoots at the prone humanoid but misses.
Confused Hamlin takes a shot at Ian, but the bolt glances off his armor. [OOC: Hamlin, your roll of a 1 for confusion for next round was premature, but given that I am late with the post, I’ll let you keep it for next round, and you can decide what to do, the same as your prior plan or something different.]
Confused Ian does nothing.
[OOC, Hamlin and Ian, each round roll a d4. on a 1, act normally; on a 2, do nothing but speak gibberish; on a 3, hit yourself for 1d8+Str damage; and on a 4, attack the nearest creature, which right now is each other.]
ENEMIES
The humanoid calls out in giantish. The ogre who is awake shouts back and is answered. (a little talking is a free action.)
The humanoid, using full defense, crawls five feet.
O1 takes a step to O2 and slaps him hard. O2 takes 9 hp nonlethal, wakes up, and shouts in alarm. He stands up.
The two-headed giant in the back shouts something.
STATUS
Enemy A (humanoid) - AC25 20% miss chance - 11 dam & blind lying prone in bushes using full defense Ogre 1 - AC 17 - 9 dam Ogre 2 - AC 17 - 9 dam + 9 nonlethal
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d20+2=6 ; d4=4 ; d20+7=13 ; d6+2=8 ; Saturday January 20th, 2024 8:57:26 AM
Ian is confused reacts to Hamlin shooting at him and fires back. He gets a 13 for 8pts of damage.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Saturday January 20th, 2024 9:11:57 AM
Nadia and Stone both take a cue from the others, and goes down to fight with her battleaxe and companion, moving to V15 to await them to open the door. They needed to sally forth and defeat this threat, but mostly the human!
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d4=1 ; d20+7=14 ; Saturday January 20th, 2024 9:36:49 AM "I think we need to focus on the big ones. If they breach the gate it will get a lot more difficult. Once they are out we can focus on the smaller one. The big boy in the back seems to be waiting we need to hurry. Kaida make sure those reinforcements are ready. (Bluff 14) Aymar I learned something new that might help you."
Aydi will walk next to Aymar while drawing his crossbow V17 and Cast Guidance on Aymar
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 d20+8=10 ; Sunday January 21st, 2024 4:10:48 PM
Nods to Nadia as she and Stone join them by the door. He frantically looks around for something to brace the inner door with in order to by the fighters on the wall time to get off a few more shots before the door is breached.
"Do you see anything we can, um, b--, we can use to shore up this door?" he asks Nadia, Nora, and Kaida.
OOC Perception 10
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 16/23 Sunday January 21st, 2024 5:41:23 PM "Don't worry, the corridor is too narrow for the big guys anyway", Nora answers Fritjof. She continues her song "...hit the road, ogre, and don't you come back no more", then runs to get up to join the other ranged folk, calling the help of her goddess in the way: "Kukan siunaus!"
----- OOC: Free: Continue bardic performance, Move: Move, Standard: Cast Bless. +2 hit / +1 damage to the group.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 34/24 d20+7=12 ; d8+1=4 ; Sunday January 21st, 2024 8:02:35 PM
Aymar fires an arrow at the previously sleeping ogre (O2).
{13 to hit, 4 damage}
He will wait to see the giants next move, but moves onto the walk (W16) with plans to climb or jump down to engage the giants.
+10 Temp HP (Aid) +1 Morale Bonus to Attack (Aid) +1 Morale Bonus to Saves vs Fear (Aid) +1 Morale Bonus to Damage (Bless) +1 Competance Bonus from Guidance (Aydi)
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Sunday January 21st, 2024 9:56:32 PM "I'll see what I can find!" Kaida calls to Frit. She looks about for anything with some bulk to it - a crate or barrel - and will even check the inner sty for a wooden trough. She might be able to drag something, but carrying will probably be beyond her.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Monday January 22nd, 2024 11:15:25 AM
Hamlin will retain his previous move. Sorry it was premature.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Monday January 22nd, 2024 8:17:47 PM
Nadia prepares to go out and swing at the giants, because all dwarves knew how to kill them. Was in their blood almost. " We might need to go out and kill them by hand. And that would be more fun really. We have tried the ways of peace, now it is time for war. And war we shall bring them. "
In the magic’s second round, Confused Ian shoots at Hamlin and misses.
Confused Hamlin, in a moment of clarity, realizes he is confused and takes a moment to cast a spell while he can. His swarm lands on Ogre 2 by the door -- who starts yelling and swatting the bugs.
Nadia and Stone move from the tower down to the door.
Aydi moves to Aymar in the tower and casts Guidance.
Frit looks for anything to bar the door. He finds that fencing used for the inner sty (see dotted lines on map) might help ... a little.
Kaida helps Frit with using the fencing materials from the inner sty to brace the door.
Frit hopes the people on the wall might get off a few shots. But the two people on the wall are confused and fighting each other!
Nora is banking on the very narrow doorways to keep the bad guys out. She may be right. She moves to the top of the wall and sees that Hamlin and Ian are confused and fighting each other (ineffectually so far, thank goodness). She continues her song and blesses the group.
Aymar shoots and misses, even with the song and the bless. He wants to move down to the top of the wall, and then maybe to jump down and fight, but right now it is crowded down there, with Nora, Hamlin, and Ian on the wall, and the latter two confused and flailing. Also, if you make a Wisdon check vs DC5, then Highlight to display spoiler: {you consider that the walls are what is saving your lives, and jumping down is likely a sure way to get killed.}
ENEMIES
The big guy with two heads in the back shouts something. Ogre 2 runs away from the swarm that is in front of the door. Ogre 1 eyes the swarm, clearly reluctant to enter it. He gives a shout. The blind human stands up and moves 15 feet to Ogre 2. Ogre 2 picks him up and walks away.
The two-headed vulture lands next to the swarm and starts wolfing down spiders. You had only seen it in the distance, but look! It is really really big! Maybe you don’t want to bother it, if it is content to eat spiders.
With the retreat of the giants, combat is over, unless you want to take a parting shot or attack the massive two-headed vulture? Note that Ian and Hamlin are still confused!
STATUS
Enemy A (humanoid) - AC19 - 11 dam & blind carried Ogre 1 - AC 17 - 9 dam Ogre 2 - AC 17 - 12 dam + 9 nonlethal
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d6=4 ; d20+2=22 ; Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 11:42:31 AM
Ian shakes off the confusion and looks around to see what has happened.
The d6 roll was a mistake
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 23/23 d20+6=19 ; d20+6=21 ; Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 1:10:59 PM
Aydi will cast speak to animals on himself and yell out to the Vulture. Friend or Foe? You can stay chowing on the spiders. We do not want to fight if want to leave after you are done with your meal you are free to go.
OOC Diplomacy 19 or Handle animals 20 whichever fits for the situation
Ignore the second roll
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 3:21:25 PM "Thanks, Kay," Frit says. The banging stops and he lets out a sigh of relief. "If those are the kinds of, um, neighbors we've got, we... we might want to see about additional fortifications. Or m-m-maybe some more big weapons on the walls or something. Figure out more ways to protect ourselves if they come, um, come knocking again "
- DM SteveM & Cayzle Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 3:27:11 PM
Note: Confusion does not grant a save each round. Ian and Hamlin should roll out their confusion effects for the remaining four rounds. If others want to intercede, please so post!
Confusion: each round you must roll 1d4 and ... on a 1, act normally; on a 2, do nothing but speak gibberish; on a 3, hit yourself for 1d8+Str damage; and on a 4, attack the nearest creature excluding familiars and animal companions. If you are attacked, do not roll the d4, just fight back.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 6:16:16 PM "Oh no, I've heard of such spells! But they are too strong for me, and I don't know the counterspell to that, I have to study more..." Nora mourns the effect on her friends.
She keeps watch with her crossbow if something still attacks the defenders, and also on the fighting pair, to be ready to heal them back if they get too hurt.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 6:32:14 PM
Kadia does her best to stay out of everyone's way (and the reach of those still fighting).
"Well, the secret is out. It looks like our location is now going to be pretty well known. Maybe we need a few more traps, or possibly some early warning systems?" she ponders "Perhaps someone to cast an alarm spell each day" She isn't sure what spells Kethril knows, but he might be well suited.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 d4=2 ; d4=1 ; d4=1 ; d4=3 ; Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 6:38:38 PM
Rolling my confusion rounds. This round Hamlin starts to speak in gibberish!! (The following are two rounds of acting normally)
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 34/24 d20=6 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+5=16 ; Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 7:31:27 PM
With the foes in retreat, he will notice Hamlin and Ian acting weird. He recognizes the effects of the spell and moves to act. He will go to grapple Hamlin to keep him from hurting himself or any of his friends. He knows the spell will not last long. "Sorry friend, but this is for your own good." He will put his body between Hamlin and Ian.
{OOC: Wisdom check - 6 (Action before thought, fits well enough)} { Spellcraft check - 15 (Successfully recognizes the spell)} { CMB check - 16 (Beats Hamlin's CMD to restrain him)}
The confusion effect runs it course, and if some damage results, well, it is not life threatening. And with friends at hand -- especially Aymar -- to grab Ian and Hamlin, no lasting harm is done.
Meanwhile, Aydi talks with the two-headed vulture. “Mmmm, spiders!” it says, wolfing more down. It is not especially hostile, but it is greedy. “Smell piggies! Give piggy please!”
After this encounter, Frit asks his friends about other fortification options.
Kaida agrees and thinks about traps and spells.
Nora is alert and keeps her crossbow out. But the giants seem to be set on simply wandering away.
Do you give the giant bird thing a piggy?
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 10:31:37 PM
Nadia ventures out to talk to the two headed culture, clearly confused as to why it can talk. " We can make a deal if you wish. We let you roost and stay near by, eating what is left over, but not the nice piggies, and we help protect your nest. Do you travel often with those three that where just here? Would you want to eat them?"
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Wednesday January 24th, 2024 2:46:16 AM
Kaida is still on the ground so isn't sure what's going on up in the tower or on the other side of the wall. For now things are quiet.
"What's happening?" she calls out. "Is it safe?"
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 d20+8=22 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 8:11:56 AM
Aydi continues talk to the vulture. Aydi walks over to Nadia and uses his last spell and cast speak with animals on her. " Sorry friend I can not do that. You can have what ever is on that side of the wall. and like my friend said would you like to work together protecting each other?
Aydi will then look past the vulture and confirm the others left? (Perception 22)
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 d3=3 ; d20+8=10 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 8:52:15 AM
OOC
To see what the big bird is (K Nature 10)
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 d20+8=23 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 10:49:30 AM
Now that the banging on the doors has stopped, Frit doesn't wait for the others to answer Kay before climbing up the tower. He's a bit taken aback by the two headed vulture, but the others seem to be dealing with it. Instead, he scans the horizon for the retreating figures, noting the direction they are heading.
"Do you think we should, um, track them?" he asks the group. "See if we can l---, can learn more about them, who they are, and what they, uh, might want?"
OOC Perception 23
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Wednesday January 24th, 2024 12:25:51 PM
Aydi will yell down to Frit. "I think a small scouting party would be a good idea. Hopefully we can get our friend here to not want to attack us." He will then ask the group. "Do we have a bit of meat that is about to go bad that we could give to bird out there?"
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 d20+8=21 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 2:40:09 PM
Hamlin finally settles down and thanks his allies that restrained him. He looks out the window in surprise. " a two headed vulture.... now that's something new." Know nature: 21 (check would be the same for knowledge arcana if it's a magical beast) Hamlin will head down to join the group talking to the creature.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Wednesday January 24th, 2024 3:17:06 PM
Ian collects his wits and watches the interaction with vulture.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 d20+1=13 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 5:20:26 PM "Safe enough, I think", Nora answers Kaida.
"Could we trade with the bird? What could we ask from it in exchange? What is easy for it to get and hard for us?" Nora asks everyone, trying to get some ideas.
----------- OOC: Bardic knowledge 13 about what might be tradable with the vulture.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d6=4 ; d20+2=22 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 5:51:52 PM
Ian shakes off the confusion and looks around to see what has happened.
The d6 roll was a mistake
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 34/24 Wednesday January 24th, 2024 7:35:06 PM
Aymar releases Hamlin once he confirms the spell effect has ended. He will then join the conversation about better defenses. "I think a few holes in the door that we could stick spears through would be something to consider" , Aymar suggests.
Aydi talks with the bird, along with advice from friends. It seems that it follows the giants around because they tend to kill things that the bird can eat.
It does not seem to comprehend nuance, but it gets a clear "no" message, and flies off.
The confusion wears off and some consider tracking the giants.
Others ponder upgraded defenses.
A good minute or two has passed. Any other actions right away?
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Thursday January 25th, 2024 12:35:14 AM "Is there something that's supposed to be played on the drums or bell to let the clan know the danger has gone?" Kaida isn't sure.
She's ready to help someone repair the door. She may not know exactly how to, but she can hold a hammer.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Thursday January 25th, 2024 8:46:25 AM " Well, we didn't practice that. But what I do know is we should probably follow the giants and remove them as a threat. And leave them out as a message. We can't appear weak."
Nadia seems to hesitate saying it, but they had been attacked unprovoked, and giants had been enemies for years for a reason. She would follow them to finish the fight and protect the hold, but didn't really see a point in it outside of ensuring they weren't attacked again
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Thursday January 25th, 2024 1:54:05 PM "Well, they might have taken enough beating and don't want to return. Or come back with more force. Who can tell what a giant thinks?" Nora considers the options with little expertise.
"I think just a steady beat is best. All things, including sounds, in nature, are a bit irregular. Anything regular sticks out and it's really easy to do", she offers advice to Kaida. Nora stays a while at the tower, keeping watch and enjoying the view.
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 Thursday January 25th, 2024 3:28:25 PM "We don't know, um, much of, well, anything about them," Frit says. "That's why I think we should, uh, find out more about them, before we decide on, um, what to do next. Master Thrissa always told me that half of, um, defeating an enemy is understanding them. Otherwise, you're just, um, throwing punches in the dark."
Frit will volunteer to be part of the scouting party, but he's not sure they should plan to attack right away. Rather, for now, they should focus on recon.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Thursday January 25th, 2024 4:15:37 PM
Aydi agrees with Frit. "We need to know more about them. At least we know if we see our 2 headed bird friend is around we can use that as an early warning sign. I wonder what the small one was he was not human he was something else. I would gladly go on the recon mission with Yuki around she can help track their scent."
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Thursday January 25th, 2024 6:30:40 PM
Hamlin addresses Aymars thought "Well the holes in the door would weaken the structure as a whole." He then turns to the group. " We got really lucky here friends those two could have smashed us to Itty bitty bits. We had better report it to Thaeden since he may want to do a counter attack"
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 34/24 Thursday January 25th, 2024 8:24:12 PM
Aymar agrees with Hamlin, "Reporting to Thaedon should be done urgently. I worry about a scouting trip because of the unknowns. What if the retreat is a clever ruse to get us to follow and they ambush us?"
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Thursday January 25th, 2024 9:34:55 PM "Makes sense Aymar we can try scouting in the morning that way we can at least see if there were more then the four we saw. We should keep a few of us here on look out. I will volunteer and then the rest tell Thaedon. I will stay and keep watch" Aydi will think to himself, we need to have more traps that we can trigger. We were able to a fair amount of damage with the logs. If we had more then the one that could help slow down their advance. Maybe we can soak the logs in some sort of flammable substance that way when the are released they could also add some heat to the intruders.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Friday January 26th, 2024 12:23:07 AM " While I see the point everyone makes, we should work on reinforcing the door, resetting the traps... and perhaps a scouting party. We know they are there, they know we are here, and so you can not be surprised if you are expecting an attack." Nadia seemed keen on tracking the giants, but she also knew they had other work here to take care of first before moving off, and they needed to inform the rest about the giants presence. There has to be something they could do to help out more. She goes back to her idea of moving towards other outpost for material to review and scavage.
" They seemed like they had done this before. Do you think they have raided other outpost nearby? We may need to check on them to see if anything worth having is left."
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 d20+5=15 ; Friday January 26th, 2024 5:11:57 AM
Kaida is also concerned about the safety of the area. First thing to do though is to make repairs here, though it appears they don't have all the materials on hand. They're going to need support from Drakesmeade.
She isn't sure what the appropriate signal is, if it's even been discussed, so she heads over to the drum and does her best to give the all clear. If she isn't sure the signal, then she does something with a slow beat to it. "You know, I think I like your music better, Nora"
------- Perform check for the drum? 15
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 d20+8=27 ; Friday January 26th, 2024 8:26:45 AM "You make a, um, wise point, sir," Frit says to Aymar. "We should be p-p--, be patient as we can. I think Aydi's right to suggest that we wait until, uh, morning and then proceed with caution."
He'll also volunteer to help Aydi keep watch while the others return to Drakesmeade to tell Thaedon what happened and, hopefully, get assistance fixing the buckled door.
OOC Perception 27
- DM SteveM & Cayzle Friday January 26th, 2024 8:36:25 AM
Kaida is concerned about giving te all-clear. She uses the drums to send that message.
Nadia suggests following the giants and giving them te what for. She is concerned about appearing weak. Of course, outside the strength of the walls, you actually ARE weaker than these foes.
Nora wisely suggests that the giants have had enough and will not return. But she keeps watch, just in case.
Frit thinks that emerging from the walls for stealthy recon might be useful, NOT to fight.
Aydi agrees with Frit. "We need to know more about them.”
Hamlin sees clearly that these foes were tough, and it was lucky that they were driven off.
Aymar worries that a scouting party might get ambushed.
A consensus emerges -- reset the log trap, fix the front door, and recon in the morning.
Hamlin, Aymar, and Kaida want to report to Thaeden, and here he is, with 20 dwarves in armor. You tell him about what has happened. With the aid of dwarves, the door is fixed and the trap reset before the end of the day.
“We have had giants come and bash on the front door to Drakesmeade, too.” he says. “It’s what they do.”
“But your stout defense and the way this place is set up has now been proven effective. Imagine if these giants had shown up at one of the other sites you scouted!”
“But I am satisfied. We just need a meeting to set signal patterns for the drum! Overall, well done!”
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Friday January 26th, 2024 10:00:33 AM
Nadia tries to let go of the anger towards the giants, knowing her friends are right. They aren't in a position to fight that many, and while it changes her, she has to yield to the wiser decision. Even a druid can have her blind spots.
" I hate giants. But you are right, and if they have done this before Thaeden, then they may be back. We will have time to train then hunt them down. And even if they had gotten past the first door, they would have not gotten to much of anything. We did pick the best spot. The bear was a wise creature."
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Friday January 26th, 2024 12:20:28 PM
Ian nods his head and volunteers to go on scouting party.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Friday January 26th, 2024 2:45:37 PM
"Im willing to go and scout with you guys. Though I would prefer a day to prepare my spells. Would you like to leave in the morning?"
Hamlin will attempt to use the mending spell to help fix the door.
Hamlin would also talk to Thaeden " they had a human with them. Humans working with giants is uncommon. Might this be something bigger at work?"
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Friday January 26th, 2024 3:36:59 PM "Good point, Hamlin. I will pray and think about what would help most. I can come a bit behind, not to spoil your stealth, but still able to help a bit if something happens. I just hope they don't sneak around you to our rear. But how could a being that large sneak?"
Nora looks around, holding her bag in her hand. "Maybe if I left some gear here... I wouldn't have to drag everything around all the time? I do have two crossbows and two armors.", she considers.
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 Friday January 26th, 2024 4:49:33 PM
Frit is planning to travel light (even lighter than usual). He says to Nora, "I can carry anything you don't, um, don't want to, ma'am. Just as long as it's, uh, not too heavy. It's no trouble."
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Friday January 26th, 2024 6:15:44 PM
Aydi will spend sometime talking to the elders and some time at the library seeing if anyone has ever heard of what was the guy with the ogres was. He is pretty sure he was not human something just didn't seem right. After doing some research and helping clean up the mess the ogres made he will find Frit and see if he would like to do a little bit of training before they bed down for the night. He plans on being part of the recon team and knows rest is important.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 34/24 Friday January 26th, 2024 7:51:00 PM
Aymar will join Aydi in the library to help research. "Something was certainly off about that human fellow. Plus he was casting high level magic."
Later that evening, he will be soaking in the hot springs.
{OOC: Check to discover information?}
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Friday January 26th, 2024 9:37:03 PM
After Aydi t Does some training he will take the opportunity to jump in the bath. And then head out to the outpost and get ready for the recon mission.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Saturday January 27th, 2024 2:47:59 PM
Ian nods his head and volunteers to go on scouting party.
Nadia urges everybody to step back, be calm, and carry on.
But Ian is still willing to go out and scout, even if the danger is great.
Hamlin offers a compromise -- scouting in the morning.
Nora also offers to scout, but from the rear, since she is not very sneaky.
Frit offers to help Nora with her gear.
Meanwhile, Hamlin and the crafter dwarves set to work on repairs to the defenses.
Later, Aydi and Aymar do some research ... and it seems the most logical answer is that the “human” was a shapeshifter of some kind.
Thaeden hears you planning to go scout in the morning, and he asks you to delay your expedition. It seems Stern Blackaxe himself would like to tour the place in the morning. You have no shortage of dwarf hands helping to repair everything and get it all clean.
The night passes. Do you change your likeliness of being at the cave / pig farm? Currently: - Kaida: 0% by default - Nora: 30% - Ian: 0% by default - Aymar: 0% by default - Aydi: 60% - Hamlin: 20% - Frit: 70% - Nadia: 90% (by default means you never expressed a preference that we could find)
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Saturday January 27th, 2024 5:05:55 PM
Ian will go to 50% now
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Saturday January 27th, 2024 5:08:57 PM
After doing research Aydi will look at his room in Drakesmeade and decide it is not needed as much as once thought. He will bring his personal items out to the outpost and spend the majority of his time out there. Yuki prefers to be outside much more then in the stronghold so it works out for both of them.
OOC: Aydi will be at the bearcliff 80% of the time
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Saturday January 27th, 2024 5:48:16 PM
Ian will go to 50% now
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Sunday January 28th, 2024 11:18:18 AM
Aydi will stay the night and the following day at thr outpost so he would be there when the Chief shows up.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Sunday January 28th, 2024 5:17:37 PM
Nora still spends time at the main stronghold, but as her quarters get more ready, starts to spend more time at Bearcave.
She moves her old mail, shield and crossbow to the tower at Bearcave. "Now I have at least something ready here, and don't have to drag them along all the time."
-------------- OOC: Say 50%/50% when the quarters are ready. Have to spend time to learn songs and religion at the main stronghold, pigs know quite little of them.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Sunday January 28th, 2024 6:15:12 PM
Considering the increased threat. Hamlin will move up to 50% and resolves to learn more about dwarfen engineering while working alongside them to get everything fixed up. He will offer to do the night shift on guard duty since his darkvision is 120 feet.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Sunday January 28th, 2024 6:28:30 PM
Kaida will keep to Drakesmeade as much as possible. She came to be a part of the clan, and that means living as they do. It also keeps her near all the dwarves and allows her to continue her mission of learning every dwarf by their first name.
Besides, the accommodation is better!
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Sunday January 28th, 2024 8:32:44 PM
Nadia doesn't split her time any different, but she does make sure to ensure everything is more clean and presentable, and that everyone has clean clothes and at least smells decent. She buried Nora about what she was doing, and when told, she immediately thinks it a great idea.
" Crossbows at the top is an excellent idea. For one who seems so timid, Nora you have the best ideas sometimes. A true honor to all dwarves all around!" Nadia seems to be excited that some extra steps are being taken.
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 Monday January 29th, 2024 6:44:08 AM
In the wake of the attack, Frit decides to start spending more of his time at Bearclaw. He lets whoever needs to know that he won’t be using his apartment in Drakesmeade anymore, thanking them for letting him stay there when he first got to town. He plans to spend his nights at the outpost.
He notices Nadia’s efforts to tidy up and does his best to help by making everything, himself included, look as presentable as possible.
While the dwarves are working on repairs, he is going to ask them about the possibility of eventually installing a pull up bar, a bench, and punching bag for his training, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble. He also goes to the blacksmith to see how much it would cost to purchase some heavy rounds of metal and a rod to attach them to.
OOC Frit will bump up his time at the outpost to 90%.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Monday January 29th, 2024 4:03:04 PM
Ian is willing to wait for morning before going out.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Monday January 29th, 2024 4:37:54 PM
Hamlin likes Nadia's idea of cleaning things up and making the place more " homey" if you will.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Monday January 29th, 2024 6:25:32 PM
Nora blushes at Nadia's praise. "I was just thinking about myself there, not wanting to drag everything around all the time... but yes, we could put more there to be ready. They are simple to use and with enough people even giants will be scared under the barrage of bolts."
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 34/24 Monday January 29th, 2024 7:12:04 PM
Aymar will help with the clean up.
Ian spends about half his time at Bearcliff. He is willing to wait for morning before going out.
Hamlin is about the same. He chips in with repairs and tries to learn more about engineering. And he keep watch at night.
Nora and Aydi also decide to spend more time there.
But Kaida prefers Drakesmeade proper.
Nadia makes sure that everything is spiffy and clean. The head of the clan is coming to visit!
Aymar and Frit join in to help clean and make repair too.
Stern Blackaxe himself arrives to tour the place. He compliments all of you as well as his son on having the vision to make this improvement to the Clan.
He invites you all to learn from your successes. “You kept this place secure. Well done! Now, how can you make this outdoor area more secure? Strive to make this place a redoubt, so that I can send you away from Drakesmeade as needed without worrying about security here.”
A large number of dwarves have come with Stern for the ocassion. If you pay any attention to the crowd, please make a Sense Motive check vs DC20. If you succeed, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense respect, gratitude, fear, and curiosity. You may make another roll to learn more.}
Stern mentions that you have earned a reward for your valor. He motions, and a strong young dwarf carries up a small chest, filled with 8,000 gp.
“And I hope you will find your reward useful! Seeing as a merchant train is scheduled to appear any day now.”
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 d20=15 ; Monday January 29th, 2024 11:28:39 PM
Nadia tries her best to ensure her and Stone are properly dressed as much as one can be for a druid, giving respect the the elders of the clan and their leader. While not a traditional dwarf herself, she still understands the parts that must be played by all, even her role as an outsider and wise person one day to be respectful to all. She does take time that any elder who helped her in her previous searches she does thank personally herself, and shows any improvements made based on their information.
As for the redoubt, Nadia gives a voice to her ideas, noting "Honored Leader and eldership, we do have plans, and each of us have ideas to work with. I think many here have thought to reinforce the door, and I would ask could we enforce it to prevent giants from even walking in. Others such as Nora have suggested having easy to use weapons like crossbows set up for quick and easy use against any opposition. However, we are all young in our years, and it is not just our ideas that count, but yours as well. What would you suggest?"
Nadia tries to give credit on each idea that everyone gave as she remembers or knows about, but may have forgotten someone.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 d20+6=23 ; d20+6=21 ; Monday January 29th, 2024 11:50:41 PM
(Sense motive 23) second sense motive (21). Hamlin graciously extols the virtues of his comrades and agrees with the idea of additional overwatch outside. In he suggests the following.
" Well what if we built say 20 ft watchtowers on the outside big enough for two people in each one but manned by one person for now. We could have a birds eye view of the surrounding terrain and even a giant can't hit a person in the watchtower easily."
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 d20=18 ; Tuesday January 30th, 2024 5:36:38 AM "Merchant train?" Kaida asks, and then realises that this may be one of those times for formalities so adds "m'lord?"
She wonders whether this is similar to the caravan that brought them here. Would it be just a merchant train, or would there be newcomers to the clan? Visitors? She isn't sure what to expect. Having a little gold in her pocket to spend is nice though.
In terms of how to better protect the area, she likes the ideas from the rest of the group and Hamlin's watchtowers in particular.
--------- Sense Motive vs DC20: 18=Fail
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 d20+5=21 ; d20+5=6 ; Tuesday January 30th, 2024 8:27:06 AM
Ian perks up at the thought of merchant caravan. "I be needing a few things" he mutters to himself.
Sense motive 21 and 6
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 d20+7=22 ; d20+7=17 ; Tuesday January 30th, 2024 1:33:01 PM
Frit stands toward the back of the group, observing the assembled dwarves, and shifting a bit awkwardly and doing his best to ignore the heat rising in his cheeks at the compliments.
He let's the others who are better with that sort of thing do the talking. He does manage a mumble a quiet "Thank you, sir" to Stern Blackaxe.
OOC Sense motive: 22 Sense motive: 17
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 d20+6=10 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+6=11 ; Tuesday January 30th, 2024 4:37:37 PM
Aydi will stand there let some of the others talk when the chief comes to him he will say. "Thank you for vote of confidence in us. We were lucky that they did not press on us. Some of the added defenses that I could see us adding is maybe a second log trap and maybe a portculus added to our gate so we can attack through the gate. And maybe a balista added to the wall. I know that is a lot but some of those can be goals that we can set. Thank you sir for your trust in us."
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 d20+2=4 ; Tuesday January 30th, 2024 6:25:56 PM
Nora shies a bit from Nadia mentioning her, but gets some courage from the words, to offer her view: "I would like the area widened later, it might be more welcoming to other races. A permanent settlement just outside and protected by the stronghold should bring many good things. When attacked, they can get inside the mountain. But maybe after the giants and such have learned they won't get anything from here with violence."
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Tuesday January 30th, 2024 8:22:46 PM
OOC my phone went nuts with the roller all fails so I guess Aydi was meant not to know.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 34/24 d20+4=5 ; Tuesday January 30th, 2024 8:23:41 PM
Aymar does his best to pay attention to their visitors but his mind keeps wandering back to the giant attack, most notably what was leading them.
He will refuse any of the reward. He feels he did nothing to justify being rewarded for.
{OOC: Sense Motive - 5}
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Wednesday January 31st, 2024 11:10:32 AM
(To the elders) "Are there many giant tribes around the area? I'm just curious if we have to worry about a significant giant attack in the future?"
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Wednesday January 31st, 2024 5:59:40 PM "I hope there isn't much larger giant groups! But if they are that eager to pick up fights, they can't form big groups before starting to fight each other, or am I wrong? But even if one comes, they would be stuck in the dwarf-sized tunnel", Nora considers the possibility of a bigger attack.
Entertaining the Council - DM SteveM & Cayzle Wednesday January 31st, 2024 7:15:57 PM Nadia shows the dwarven elders the outpost and talks about ideas while making sure the right people get credit. She also asks the dwarves for their suggestions.
Hamlin extols the virtues of his comrades suggests towers to provide an additional watch. He also asks about other giants in the area.
Kaida perks up upon hearing about merchants coming. She supports the ideas the others bring up.
Ian, too, likes the thought of a caravan.
Frit allows the others to do the talking.
Aydi suggests some additional defenses. He thanks the dwarves for their trust.
Nora makes some suggestions after being dragged into the spotlight by Nadia. She adds a hope that giants don’t come in larger groups.
Aymar is distracted. He will refuse any of the reward. Note: This leaves it to be distributed among the others.
Grizzled and experienced, one of the dwarves steps forward, addressing the heroes: "Ah, ye be wantin' to know 'bout giants, do ya? Giants, they're a surly bunch, making their homes deep in the crags and peaks. Ye stumbled upon a handful, but let me tell ye, there's more where they came from. Giants live in tribes of their own kind, each claimin' a mountain or valley as their stompin' grounds. Up yonder, there's the Stoneheart Clan. They favor the cliffs and caves, and their leader, Boulderbeard, is a stubborn one. If ye cross paths with 'em, speak slow and steady, or they'll think yer up to mischief. . . Then there's the Frostpeak Giants, dwellin' in the icy reaches. Cold as the north wind, they are, and their chief has a temper chillier than the snows. Best not to tread too close to their icy abode. . . Now, the Ironpeak Giants, they're a crafty lot. They forge their homes within the mountains, mining for precious metals. . . Lastly, the Stormrage Giants – lightning-loving folks dwellin' on the high plateaus. If yer lookin' for trouble, that's the place to find it. . . Mind ye, these tribes, they keep to their territories, and they ain't too fond of interlopers. But when they go wanderin’ themselves, it’s usually just one – or a handful at the most. . . Keep cautious. There are dangers still lurkin’ in the mountains."
Hamlin and Frit – Highlight to display spoiler: { Most of the dwarves hold a deep admiration for the heroes. A few are curious and uncertain, recognizing that the heroes succeeded despite following ways that aren’t traditional. Stern himself appraises the group carefully, while Thaeden is no doubt weighing whether they are yet ready to be presented as a symbol of hope.}
”We will give you some heavy crossbows,” Stern says. ”A place for a watch, carved higher in the cliff, also sounds good.” He estimates the watchtower will be a few months off, however.
That evening, any of the adventurers who spend time in the stronghold overhear rumors of their confrontation, and are pressed for details.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Thursday February 1st, 2024 2:12:25 AM
Kaida wonders about 'upsizing' the heavy crossbows to ballistas on swivels. That might be a bit overkill at the moment though. She keeps the thought to herself and just grins.
That evening in the tavern, when she overhears any rumours about the event she'll join in on the conversation but try and stick to the facts. "No, fortunately there weren't 20 giants" ... "A demon lord? No, I don't think there was one of them either" ... "We fought them off using only our hands and a rusty nail? Yeah, that one's true, and the nail was crooked"
If she catches any of the party nearby she gives a wink and invites them over to the table for a drink.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Thursday February 1st, 2024 2:36:38 AM
Nadia knew of the issues with giants but to be able to speak with one in a somewhat peaceful manner means that perhaps there could be some type of trade to work out with them as well. She ask that elder who knew about them " Elder, if they can be spoken to, perhaps instead of hunting them like I had first thought to, we could.. maybe not trade, but some exchange could occur? The human looking one seemed smart enough to talk peacefully with us, and knew to speak. These group just chose not to. And if they survive in the mountain well, then they may have some farming or other ideas we might can use. Given what we have told you, could you guess which tribe this was? Perhaps the Stoneheart Clan?"
She was thinking that there was a good chance of learning something from the giants on farming or atleast some druid craft she could help use for the clan. Or atleast learned what did not work.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Thursday February 1st, 2024 10:06:02 AM
Ian will grab a drink, check on Penelope and wait on the caravan.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Thursday February 1st, 2024 10:28:40 AM
Hamlin has a grand old time talking about the "fight" with the giants and how the sturdy defenses of the outpost held up against them. Likely playing off of Kaida's story. Of course Hamlin always having a tendency to exaggerate tends to go overboard describing the events. (This is not intentional by the way but more a facet of the excitement of the day) "Well there were four of them 15 feet tall and a powerful human wizard with them. I got into a spell battle with the wizard while everyone else braced the door and took shots at the giants. It's incredible that we held but id match any group of giants against my team"
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Thursday February 1st, 2024 11:48:06 AM
Before all of the visitors leave Aydi will step forward and speak. "I want to thank everyone to allow us to call this our home. By this being our home I will and I know my friends here will agree we will give it our all to protect it. I know we brought a different way with us and you have also changed our way of thinking, but when it comes down to it we all want the same thing to have Drakesmeade survive and prosper."
That evening he will find Frit for some additional training he also will try to find Nadia to learn a bit more about his budding druid abilities. After that he will suggest to whoever is near that they have a nice relaxing soak.
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 d20=1 ; d20=10 ; Thursday February 1st, 2024 1:46:47 PM
Frit is very happy to train with Aydi. After some sparring, he continues to work out and then meditates while Aydi and Nadia talk.
Once in the bath, he realizes how tense he's been since the attack. "What you said about home," he says to Aydi, "I, um, I f-feel that, too. I haven't ever had a home like this. The monastery was one, but it was different somehow. Maybe because here, home's something I, um, something that I helped build. Or, um, something like that I guess." He smiles somewhat sheepishly, and then shakes his head. "Don't like that it was threatened. And don't like that I couldn't do much to help in that fight."
When he returns to Bearcliff, Frit brews a pot of tea and offers some to anyone who is around.
OOC Please ignore the two rolls. My cat jumped on my laptop and decided she wanted to play too. Unfortunately, some not so great roles.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Thursday February 1st, 2024 6:48:14 PM
Nora agrees with Nadia on the thought of peaceful relationships with the giants: "Anything that can persuade them not attacking would be good. If we can get even a minor trade going, it would discourage them from angering us, and maybe they would rethink their aggressive ways eventually?"
She joins Kaida and Hamlin in the bar. Not wanting more attention to herself, her story is more about other people: "Me, I just called Flowers aid and encouraged the real fighters. You should have seen them go bravely against foes much bigger than themselves. First, when I arrived, I heard and saw the door getting punished by powerful blows. Every strike bent the door a bit more, and it is thick steel! But Aymar wasn't intimidated at all, just standing ready to attack and asked me to open the door, while the rest were up on the walls sending rain of pain on the attackers."
After evening at the tavern, she returns to sleep at Bearcliff, exhausted. She takes half a mug of honey and adds some Fritjof's tea, tries to mix it up to something drinkable and goes to have a moment of peace after the long day, sipping the thick liquid.
Entertaining the Council - DM SteveM & Cayzle Thursday February 1st, 2024 10:44:21 PM Aydi thanks the visitors before they leave. In the evening, he trains and enjoys the baths.
Kaida sticks to the facts as they recount the attack to the dwarves that night. Mostly.
Nadia has more questions about the giants for the elder who spoke about them. Could trade be established? Which clan were their attackers from? The elder answers that he doesn’t think you could get a giant to listen long enough to discuss trade, except maybe some of the storm giants. But these attackers sound like ogres and an ettin – he’s not sure about the fourth. They wouldn’t belong to any of the giant tribes.
Ian is eager for the caravan to arrive.
Frit trains and goes to the baths. He is surprised that this place seems like a home already.
Aymar is quiet.
Hamlin exaggerates a smidgen when he tells tales of the fight, showing some enthusiasm for the way things should have happened.
Nora thinks peaceful relations with the giants would be wonderful. When she talks to the dwarves at the bar, she is more restrained than some of her friends.
Thaeden stops by while the heroes are at the bar, making sure they don’t have to pay for their drinks that night and adding his thanks. ”Though the council may not overtly convey it, rest assured that your presence has instilled a newfound sense of security among us.”
Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {Although a majority of the dwarves in the bar are grateful and openly admire the group, there are a handful at the table in the corner who are talking to each other about the giants now having a new target. }
During the days before the caravan arrives, the group has a chance to figure out how to split their reward.
Hamlin Vashtel -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Friday February 2nd, 2024 9:56:31 AM
"Well friends I for one am excited for that caravan to come. Hopefully bearing a magic item or two. We have 8,000 gold to split and believe two of us have those rather expensive rings so that means that each of us remaining should get 1,330 gold." (check my math I might be off).
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Friday February 2nd, 2024 3:48:05 PM
Nadia notes the fact the attackers were not from a tribe, and that some may even.. well not be friendly but at least open to the idea of trade. That gave her some hope of perhaps working together, because if they had issues with other creatures here, perhaps the giants did to. While to far to help proper, trade and knowledge may be helpful to share.
" I wonder what the caravan will have. Maybe a new axe would be good for me, or something else. I feel I need to help more in battle than just a sling and spells sometimes."
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 d20+5=23 ; Friday February 2nd, 2024 6:18:46 PM
The next morning, Frit wakes up early and runs while the sun rises, admiring the beauty of dawn's rosy glow over the harsh landscape of the Scab. On his way back to the outpost, he checks the tracks the attackers left, making that the party will still be able to find them.
When he returns, he goes through his morning work out and meditation routine.
OOC Survival 23
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Friday February 2nd, 2024 7:01:34 PM "I don't know... I'm pretty happy content with what I have", Nora thinks about the money. "I might even have more than I need, too heavy... wait isn't mithril and darkwood light? Oh that could be really useful! Let's go see what they have!" she remembers from her studies of tales.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 13 (no armor) -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 d20+6=15 ; Friday February 2nd, 2024 7:02:58 PM OOC: Perception. Under 20, so Nora didn't notice anything.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 d20+8=26 ; Friday February 2nd, 2024 7:40:50 PM
Aydi will take the time to get ready for the upcoming scouting mission. He will also go for a run with Frit with Yuki following behind.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/14* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 d20=7 ; Friday February 2nd, 2024 7:55:50 PM
Kaida is happy with the split of gold, though equally happy that the drinks have been covered by Thadean.
Like the others she's not sure what to expect with the caravan. "Will they be bringing visitors or guests to Drakesmeade?" she asks about "Or are they just here for trade?"
Between the metals and gems from passing the tests, and the coin she's collected along the way, Kaida has an idea. She wants to make a headband for herself made solely out of materials from Drakesmeade. She'll see if she can trade the gold for more raw metal, and then go and see the blacksmith to see if she can use his forge for a little while.
Her plan is to create something equally fashionable and functional, but also as a fitting tribute to Drakesmeade. A slender silver headband sounds like just the thing.
----------- Perception vs DC20: 7=Fail DC13 to create a Headband of Alluring Cha. Taking 10 Kaida hits DC16=Pass. It will take her 4 days to craft
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