Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 65/92 | AC : 35; Touch 23; Flat 26 CMD 35(37vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) Thursday March 7th, 2024 1:39:01 AM
Ayotnom waits to hear what else "Gad" has to say. (OOC: Checking in)
DM Mark - Separate Ways Thursday March 7th, 2024 11:27:10 AM
Ayotnom does not hesitate to pay the hermit Gudianen, and has several questions. Ayotnom, Tsak and Kiwina make sure that this man knows he was dealing with a lich, and that the town may have need of his abilities.
Q:"Did you know that Prudan was actually the lich Achtoor, seeker of immortality in disguise?" A:"A lich, eh?. Well, that would explain a few things. He was odd, seemed knowledgeable on extra planar things, and such. Also seemed keen to know about immortality and undead. Specifically asked about the Forest of Regret, but I don't know many specifics about that particular part of the Realms of Shadow."
Q:"What specifically did Prudan want to know about Woldsblood?" A:"He seemed to want to know what Woldsblood could be used for, and if it could extend life. I don't know about extending life, but Woldsblood usually don't stick around outside of the Realms of Shadow. It seems to evaporate as soon as it's here. But in the Realms of Shadow, it's kind of a permanent thing, and it don't pose the threat there that it does in the Wold. He must'a found a way to open a connection to the Realm of Shadow if he was using Woldsblood here."
Q:"How did you yourself come to possess such detailed knowledge about Woldsblood and the Realm of Shadows?" A:"Let's just say I'm well traveled."
Q:"If the villagers were affected by Woldsblood, will they return to normal?" A:"That's tough to say. I'd think it'd wear off, but not really my area of expertise. But this Prudan fella, if he was a lich then he was a baddie for sure. Evil in the Wold comes on fast and fades fast once the evil's gone. Good tends to take longer to take effect and linger longer longer even after the source of that good is gone. Even though you say the lich left, maybe there's still a linkage to what he was doing."
Q:"Will you help the village?" A:"I may check in on 'em now and then. But I live out here cause I don't much like being around folk. And I'm about done talking with you three."
Q:"The druid's are watching the townsfolk." A:"Bah, those busybodies are always mindin' everyone else's business in the woods. Jerks."
It's getting dark. Time to get back to town.
—--------------------------------------- In Willsden, Mak and Beech check the well. Mak pulls up some water and looks at the water and the bucket for signs of contamination, Woldsblood or anything else.
The water smells alright and the bucket looks fine. You recall that some villagers mentioned being given tea. Beech recall that it's commonly known that Woldsblood does not typically last long in the Wold, unless someone found a way to make it stay around longer. It's possible the beer could have been contaminated, but again Woldsblood might not last long in the beer either.
Nothing about the well detects as magic, nor does anything in the tavern.
Mak is tired and needs to sleep.
—--------------------------------------------- Falco pokes around Cresthaven. He finds the usual assortment of goods you would expect to find in a small seaside town. Folk there are curious about him, but polite. Some suggest that since you're supposed to wear a feather in Blackbird Forest, perhaps being a birdman covers that. Then he finds a quiet place to pray.
In the WLA, Panzer relates the recent happenings in Willsden. They say this would explain why the druids quarantined the town, and they pepper him with questions. Is there anything Panzer does not share? As for info on the Realms of Shadow, he will learn enough to read here about the Realms of Shadow and the Estates of Unrest.
Aboard the Rose, Falco lets Ramsey know everyone's alright, but that the Petals will be gone for a while more. He tells Ramsey to keep the crew out of trouble, and Ramsey says Cresthavin's too small for them to cause much problem, but he'll make sure of it.
Elyas intends to sleep aboard the ship. What about Falco and Panzer?
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet Thursday March 7th, 2024 3:21:04 PM
Panzer tells those in the WLA anything he knows about what transpired out at Wilsden. The WLA are heroes of the realm and he sees no reason to not inform them. He soaks in everything he is told about the Realm of Shadow. He also asks how long it takes a lich to "put itself back together" after being defeated. Panzer shoulders the bag of goodies from the mission and heads to the catacombs. Nothing had been claimed by the Petals so he intends to sell everything and bring back the gold to be split up. As to where he sleeps.... well he makes sure to sleep abord the Rose if he has either the loot or the gold from selling the loot on him. No need to be dumb and get robbed he figures.
'Falco (RyanM) AC20 T16 F16, CMD 24, HP 94/94 Channel 3/7 (6d6) | Hero Points:2 | SHIELD OF FAITH Thursday March 7th, 2024 6:50:31 PM
After he prays and settles his spirit before stopping by the catacombs for something he had been forgetting to buy for some time, a handy haversack, along with the diamond powder. Once settled he heads to the boat for the night. He worries briefly before he beds down that he does not have water breathing prepared as he normally would but gets over it.
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:22 or 26 vs AoO | HeP: 1 | Status: awake ! Swim 60' Thursday March 7th, 2024 7:54:45 PM
Sensing that Gad has been as forthcoming as he's going to be, Kiwina asks no more questions before they head back to the village.
Kiwina figures that even though Woldsblood evaporates, it has to go somewhere. Maybe it filters up through the earth and affects the village on its way to wherever -- in which case shutting down the gate ought to help the village. And also, in which case, they ought not delay long enough to be affected themselves. (Kiwina has no knowledge of the planes and little enough of religion, so defers to anyone with another explanation.)
Beech (JohnC) AC 20(24)/15/15,HP 93/93 See Invis/Darkvision Character Thursday March 7th, 2024 9:02:01 PM
While Mak rests, Beech stays as a alert as can be, until the rest of the group returns for it's chat. Then after a watch is chosen, he preps some more food, but stuff that's portable and stable enough for a few days to eat.
DM Mark - Separate Ways Friday March 8th, 2024 1:51:32 AM
Kiwina can sense that the Petals may have extracted what information they can from this hermit the locals call Gad. The three thank the old man and turn to go. The old hermit responds, "Watch out for them druids going back. They're a tricky bunch, an' I would trust 'em as far as I can throw 'em." (I don't mean to cut you off - if you have more questions you think this guy may have answers for, let me know.)
Kiwina, Ayotnom and Tsak make their way back in the dwindling light - DC 21 Survival check to follow the druid Jasent's directions back to town. As you approach the Wilsden, you see dim lamplight in some of the town windows. While you see a villager or two move mechanically about some task or another, there seems to be no guard posted.
You make your way to the empty house the villagers had mentioned. Opening the door, you startle Beech a bit. Mak is pretty tired and is already asleep. But there is no sign yet of Elyas, Falco or Panzer. Which is not shocking, since you figured Elyas may need to spend the night to be able to teleport again to get back.
In the morning, the five in town wake. Mak feels greatly refreshed as is his old self, achy leg and all. He's glad to not feel that strength sapping exhaustion and fatigue he felt the day before.
Stepping outside, you see the villagers beginning to shuffle about, but you wouldn't describe the activity as lively. Soon, you see Jasent and with him are three others dressed in leathers and carrying a staff or a cudgel. Jasent greets whomever of the Petals are outside.
He looks around carefully as he say, "Good morning. I trust you slept well. And I trust you were not visited by a lich or his ilk during the night? I've brought some friends - this is Urla, Ques, and Halvarion. We'll check the villagers as you suggested. I wonder if there's anything we can do for them? Is there anything we can do for you all?"
—-------------------------------------------------- At the WLA in Cresthaven they are very glad to talk to Panzer, taking copious notes as he relates what happened with the lich. They will tell him that a lich takes some time to reform, but time can move differently in the Realms of Shadow and the Vales of Twilight. If indeed the portal Panzer mentioned connects to such places, as the pool of Woldsblood suggests, there's no telling when or where the lich may be.
That evening, Falco and Panzer hire a boat to take them out to the Rose, which is the Petal's ship. As you approach, you can see there are lanterns lit, and your boat is soon spotted as a call goes out from the ship, answered by the man rowing your little boat. A rope ladder is let down and as you climb aboard, Elyas and Ramsey, the ship's first mate, greet you. They are happy to find Panzer a place to bunk, and the three comrades drift to sleep with the gently sway of the ship anchored in the bay.
You wake in the morning refreshed. Ramsey has the cook prepare a simple breakfast.
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 65/92 | AC : 35; Touch 23; Flat 26 CMD 35(37vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) d20+2=17 ; Friday March 8th, 2024 4:52:54 AM
Survival vs DC 10 to aid another: 17
Ayotnom knows he's canny at nature craft but he is more wise than average so he tries to aid one of the other party members in navigating back and is successful in his aid attempt (OOC: whoever is trying to beat the 21 gets a +2)
Ayotnom asks, "I don't suppose you druids know anything about the Realms of Shadow or Forest of Regret specifically. I think that is where we are headed if we use the lich's portal and well we probably will need all the information we can get."
Mak(JamesM)(89/136)|AC:25/15T/--FF(Encum)|CMD 29| Arrows/20+1 CLB|12/7/2/12(RS)/-|(FA,WF,WS,WT,DA,RS,MS,IG)**|1d8+12(MS)(20)x3)) Friday March 8th, 2024 8:21:58 AM
Mak went back to bed after an exhausting and unproductive trip to the well.
'Falco (RyanM) AC20 T16 F16, CMD 24, HP 94/94 Channel 3/7 (6d6) | Hero Points:2 | SHIELD OF FAITH Friday March 8th, 2024 9:55:22 AM
In the morning Faloc find Ramsey. "Its good to be back on the boat, even if just for a short time." He pats Ramsey on the back. " I am sure we will be leaving again shortly but is everything going ok with the ship?"
Falco will ills his time talking to the crew before they teleport back to the others.
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:22 or 26 vs AoO | HeP: 1 | Status: awake ! Swim 60' Friday March 8th, 2024 1:51:14 PM
While they are waiting in town for the others to return, Kiwina tries reading the notes he had gathered from the caves. He won't understand them as well as Elyas would, but maybe there is something in there about manipulating the gate or about the shadowlands.
Tsak follows the druids instructions without any real trouble and they make it safely back to town. He beds down and grabs as much sleep as he can. In the morning he's pleasantly surprised to see the druids. At their offer of assistance he enquires what they know about dealing with a lich, finding his phylactory and also navigating and travelling in the shadow realms.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet Friday March 8th, 2024 7:20:18 PM
Panzer just heads to the hammok he was assigned on the trip to this town, no need for Ramsey to worry. In the morning he heads to the catacombs to sell off the groups excess treasure. He packs a lunch, not knowing how full the catacombs might be.
In hindsight he should have brought a cot too.
Beech (JohnC) AC 20(24)/15/15,HP 93/93 See Invis/Darkvision Character Sunday March 10th, 2024 4:28:53 PM
Beech, decides he needs a quick run to the Catacombs, but he guesses it can wait... He will make a mention that Telepathic Bond might be useful again, knowing he can cast it, if given a scroll.
DM Mark - Separate Ways Sunday March 10th, 2024 11:44:57 PM
Ayotnom helps navigate the woods getting back to town, but between he and Tsak, they get back to town just fine. He's worried the Petals don't know enough about where they're going in the Realms of Shadow.
Mak rests and awakes refreshed.
As Kiwina waits for the others to return, he pours over the notes found earlier. They include a collection of writings in a few languages, but most of the more recent notes are in draconic. They seem to cover a number of topics, including construction of interplaner portals, the Realms of Shadow and Woldsblood.
These detail Achtoor’s experiments on different people in the village, including details about each of the NPCs encountered. It seems he discovered that the more life he draws from his experiments is more potent the younger the subject. The journal has some notes about moving to a larger town, preferably with several orphanages nearby. Perhaps some war torn regions in Asildur would serve that purpose, though no specific areas are specified.
Information on Woldsblood says that in the Realm of Shadows, Woldsblood carries the souls of the newly dead deeper into the afterlife. When brought into the Wold, the substance remains a very dangerous thing, one that poses special dangers to the careless. It suggests that any persons of the Noble or Ignoble Races who come within a few feet of Woldsblood will feel the pull of the substance on their souls, which can be distracting and confusing.
There is no additional information on the Realms of Shadow beyond what you already have from these and other sources.
Tsak greets the four druids. He asks Jasent and the others what information they may have about liches, their phylacteries, and Realms of Shadow. The druids know less about these things than you already have from other sources.
Beech looks forward to a visit to the Catacombs as he considers what sort of spells might help. —---------------------------------- Falco checks in with Ramsey and the crew of The Rose, making sure all is right with the ship. The crew is a bit sparse as many of them are ashore. Ramsey reassures him that he's aware the Petals may be delayed, and he and the crew are prepped for an extended stay as they attend to any ship repairs that may be needed.
Panzer rests and heads to the Catacombs.
(I know we're all waiting on the Catacombs sales to dispense gold so you can all head ot the Catacombs for purchases. I've sent a request for Catacombs help. Everyone will be able to visit the Catacombs.)
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 65/92 | AC : 35; Touch 23; Flat 26 CMD 35(37vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) d20+9=11 ; Monday March 11th, 2024 2:02:18 AM
Ayotnom decides to go to the catacombs himself at some point after the others get back. He also thinks about what might be able to help them moving foward.
Know(Planes): 11
'Falco (RyanM) AC20 T16 F16, CMD 24, HP 94/94 Channel 3/7 (6d6) | Hero Points:2 | SHIELD OF FAITH Monday March 11th, 2024 10:21:29 AM
Falco hangs on the boat until Panzars transaction takes place so he can do any last minute shopping. The handy haversack and piles of diamond powder ate almost all the cash he had on hand but the diamond powder will prove life saving he is sure.
Mak(JamesM)(103/136)|AC:37AO/29/19T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/18/13/-/-|(TH,KN,*HY,FA,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+9+2d6(Evil)+1d8(Sonic Monday March 11th, 2024 12:17:12 PM
Mak woke and though he felt better was still a little worse for wear and his limp was less noticeable. Still he'd lost the desire to investigate the Woldsblood and had decided that it would wear off over time.
"What's the point here? It seems to be fairly clear that there is nothing we can do to further aid these people."
Elyas (Ben A.) (84/103, 12 NL damage HP | AC: 21; Touch:15; Flat: 18; CMD:21) | Monday March 11th, 2024 2:59:19 PM
Elyas wakes up and does his preparations, preparing several teleports
Once everyone is back together again, Elyas gathers them up and teleports them back to the house they were staying at in the villiage with the rest of the petals.
He then shuttles anyone else who might need to go shopping, using up a few more teleports as needed
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:22 or 26 vs AoO | HeP: 1 | Status: awake ! Swim 60' Monday March 11th, 2024 8:00:28 PM
Kiwina lets the others know what he finds in the notes. He doesn't recognize all of the languages, but does understand draconic. He makes a point of telling Mak about the impending move to Asildur, although he's not sure whether that's a concern for Mak or not.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet Monday March 11th, 2024 10:30:32 PM
Panzer returns from the Catacombs with a heavy, no really heavy bag, and the crystal ball. They needed that to find the Lich, right. He hopes so because it seemed like an eternity in there. Heck he was even talking to random gnomes.
OOC DM Mark said he possessed the Gold-fu to help even out WBL. He should dole out shares soon.
Beech (JohnC) AC 20(24)/15/15,HP 93/93 See Invis/Darkvision Character Monday March 11th, 2024 11:48:21 PM
Beech needs a Catacombs trip, but is trying to figure out just what he can afford.... "I'm thinking of picking up two or three Arrows of Undead Slaying, what do you think? Good Idea or no? Is anyone thinking about Mind Link?"
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 65/92 | AC : 35; Touch 23; Flat 26 CMD 35(37vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) Tuesday March 12th, 2024 1:49:08 AM
Ayotnom says to Beech, "Those arrows sound like a good idea"
DM Mark - Back Together Again d100=56 ; Tuesday March 12th, 2024 2:01:18 AM
Elyas wakes in the morning aboard the Rose. Falco checks on important material components as Panzer shows the others a really big bag of loot to his friends. Elyas soon teleports the three back to Wilsden. They arrive without mishap in the midst of the village. (Rolled a 56 on the teleport.)
Ayotnom thinks about what sort of things he might want to purchase in the catacombs that will help with where they are going. (Ayotnom rolled a Knowledge Planes 11. What sort of information is he looking for?)
Mak says to his friends, "What's the point here? It seems to be fairly clear that there is nothing we can do to further aid these people."
Kiwina tells the others what he found after pouring through all the notes they brought out. He makes a point of telling Mak about Achtoor's reference to moving to the war torn parts of Asildur where there might be orphanages to continue his experimentation on children there.
As the morning progresses, Jasent will speak to Ques and Halvarion, sending them off on some errand. Jasent and Urla move among villagers trying to assess their condition. Many of the villagers try to avoid the two druids, but lack much ability to put up a fight. Jasent and Urla try several curative spells, but they appear frustrated, perhaps feeling the same way Mak did.
Jasent comes to the Petals. "I am concerned that these people still seem afflicted despite our efforts. My hope is that these ill effects will wear off over time, but I don't know. I wondered if somehow Prudan the healer, you called him Achtoor, may have cast some spell on them, but I sensed no magics here. Perhaps the connection he established - that portal you mentioned - maybe that has some lingering effect. Assuming Achtoor is a lich as you say, he would represent a strong evil. Typically, once an evil is removed from a place, their effect fade quickly. But you say he is gone, so I'm at a loss."
Panzer wants to dispense treasure to his friends, but is interrupted by calls from two excited druids. He's also has the crystal ball (is this a party item?)
Ques and Halvarion return, struggling to push what appears to be a heavy chest on a small cart. "Jasent, we were searching for answers in that healer's house, and we found this hidden beneath the floorboard in a bedroom. We were worried about opening it, based on what you said about that place. We were worried it might be trapped."
It doesn't take the Petals much time to check the chest over and determine it is not magicked. They also are pretty sure it's not trapped, though everyone stands back as Panzer uses his kukri's to "open" the lock. Within, you find gold, gems and jewelery totaling 150,000 gold in value! You can quickly tell from the goods and the sheer amount that this could not have come from Wilsden. As the party looks at Jasent, he is quick to say, "No, we lay no claim to that. It is you who vanquished the lich - this is your spoils.
—---------------------------------------------- The total from the catacombs was 190,611 gold. Adding this 150,000 gold from the chest gives a total of 340,612 gold. Based on the current wealth Ryan sent me for each of you, each person get's the following amounts, which should bring them to 181,254 total wealth.
Since you have access to teleportation, feel free to make a visit to the catacombs. We don't need to roll for each teleportation. I just want to get everyone geared up so we can start the next adventure.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC22(22) (T15/F14) 81/123 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow1 1D8+1 Status: Tuesday March 12th, 2024 5:47:24 AM
(OOC added the above gp to Tsak's character sheet. Tsak is as flush as he's ever been)
Tsak guesses the best thing to do is put the whole chest into the bag of holding until they can get it back to the Rose. Or someone could just teleport it. He's not sure if he needs anything for the journey ahead. He talks with most of the Petals separately looking for inspiration or guidance.
When the petals all get a chance to sit together he poses the main question on his mind How are we gonna find the phylactery. Not much point fighting the lich until we find that - cause we can't kill him without it. At some stage he's gonna get lucky.
'Falco (RyanM) AC20 T16 F16, CMD 24, HP 94/94 Channel 3/7 (6d6) | Hero Points:2 | SHIELD OF FAITH Tuesday March 12th, 2024 10:06:55 AM
Before they are teleported back Falco runs back to the catacombs for a couple of more purchases. Boots, a ring and a belt that will help him in future battles. He knows he needs more survivability and a greater ability to move around the battle field to heal.
Elyas (Ben A.) (84/103, 12 NL damage HP | AC: 21; Touch:15; Flat: 18; CMD:21) | Tuesday March 12th, 2024 10:10:02 AM We have to learn more about the lich if possible. we already searched his underground bunker. maybe his phylactery is on the other side of the portal? it is difficult to find one because it could be tied to any magical item. But I don't know that we can do much more for the village without finding and dealing with the lich for good.
Elyas continues to help with shuttling people between the Rose and the village, which is fairly easy to do now that he has a studied anchor point on both sides.
He stops in the Catacombs during one of these hops as well
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet Tuesday March 12th, 2024 10:21:07 AM
Panzer pulls the crystal ball from his pack. " I thought we were going to scry on him with this, right? He's pretty messed up, being a fine powder the last I saw him. He needs to reform and I am hoping that makes it hard for him to resist things like this right now. From what I hear from our magic folks that dagger is PART of him, made from one of his bones. That should be a strong connection to him and should allow us at least a glimpse of where to go to find him. Additionally, a good part of his kit was meant to make people not able to find or see him for what he really is. With that gone and him regenerating from ash he shouldn't be able to use such items right now. I think this is a perfect time to spy on him, find him, and go finish kicking his butt to the point he stops coming back. Once he is really, truly gone I think these folks will get better." Panzer looks proud that he managed to figure this out all on his own. You had heard he wanted to become a weapon mage once but gave it up when he saw how it hindered his fighting. Maybe he does have some brains in there after all. Panzer returns to the catacombs. After taking both of those spells directly to the face, the Badger kin is thinking defensively. He wants a ring of evasion, a pearl of the sirens so he doesn't need to worry about drowning or not being able to fight underwater and a pair of winged boots so he can get to bad guys faster and without stepping in bad things like red slime and woldsblood.
OOC I saved the crystal ball out as party loot to do this very thing. I had heard other party members discussing it and it sounded like a good plan. So yeah the crystal ball is party loot and we can sell it when we are done and split it.
Mak(JamesM)(103/136)|AC:37AO/29/19T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/18/13/-/-|(TH,KN,*HY,FA,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+9+2d6(Evil)+1d8(Sonic Tuesday March 12th, 2024 3:45:53 PM
News that Aisildur might be in jeopardy certainly got Mak's attention. It has been a while since he'd been home, so he wondered what the place was like now.
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 65/92 | AC : 35; Touch 23; Flat 26 CMD 35(37vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) Tuesday March 12th, 2024 5:48:40 PM
(OOC: Checking in; on phone was in office today. Will make a longer post when I can)
Ayotnom resolves to go to the catacombs as for what he was wondering plain wise he wanted to know if there was an item that could protect against any negative effects of the shadow realm
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:22 or 26 vs AoO | HeP: 1 | Status: awake ! Swim 60' Tuesday March 12th, 2024 5:57:33 PM
Kiwina does what he can to estimate what surface features the chamber with the lake is under, making trips up and down as needed to figure it out. He does not try to cross the lake, or even enter the cavern it is in.
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:22 or 26 vs AoO | HeP: 1 | Status: awake ! Swim 60' Tuesday March 12th, 2024 6:00:17 PM
To clarify, Kiwina has 12 ranks in geography, 23 in perception, and 25 in survival to help with that assessment, and is making multiple attempts to narrow in on the most likely spot.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet Tuesday March 12th, 2024 11:50:24 PM
Posting for Beech (He's not feeling well) Beech heads to the catacombs to pick up some special arrows
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 65/92 | AC : 35; Touch 23; Flat 26 CMD 35(37vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) Wednesday March 13th, 2024 1:35:39 AM
Ayotnom takes stock of his items, his wealth and what it will cost to upgrade.
Eventually he settles on his rapier, his cloak, his headband, his amulet and his ring going up 1 step each and then sets off to the catacombs to make it happen.
DM Mark - Wrapping Up Purchases Wednesday March 13th, 2024 2:57:36 AM
A bit overwhelmed at his new wealth, Tsak tries to put it aside and focus on the lich, thinking finding the phylactery needs to be a priority.
Elyas agrees with Tsak. He fears that it may be difficult to help the village further without dealing with the lich for good.
Panzer has been thinking. He suggests scrying the lich and using the bone dagger to help with this. He looks forward to ending the lich completely, as he too thinks that may be necessary to helping the people here.
Mak is concerned that the lich seems to have mentioned using orphans in Asildur to further his experiments.
Ayotnum considers what may be most effective to prepare him for where the party is going. He knows they plan to journey to the Forest of Regret in the Realms of Shadow. Information on what may be there has not been definitive, but he generally knows the place is populated by the souls of the dead, doomed to wander that realm until they resolve things from their lives. Many become trapped there and never leave the Realms of Shadow. The old hermit warned the Realms of Shadow can be a dangerous place for the living because of this.
Kiwina uses his skills in geography and survival to try to determine where the underground lake might be relative to the town. Underground, he looks out over the dark, still surface of the lake, careful not to cross it or go in as he recalls the ghouls that attacked in increasing numbers before. He is able to determine that the underground tunnels lead away from the town. Coming back up, he thinks he knows the approximate area of the forest that should be above the underground lake, though it is probably a few hundred feet beneath the surface.
Ayotnom, Falco and Beech focus on what sorts of items may help them in this place.
Fortunately, Elyas is able to ensure everyone can make their way to the Catacombs.
As the Petals ponder the sources of the malady affecting the people of Willsden, they are a little sad. From the looks of the homes here, this looks to have been a thriving village, but the people they see before them do not look capable of maintaining what they have for long. It's rather reassuring to know that some of the druids are here and will help look after them for now.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC22(22) (T15/F14) 81/123 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow1 1D8+1 Status: Wednesday March 13th, 2024 5:28:53 AM
Tsak notices Kiwina popping about here and there, measuring things, consulting maps. He's intrigued. What're ya thinkin big guy?
Mak(JamesM)(103/136)|AC:37AO/29/19T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/18/13/-/-|(TH,KN,*HY,FA,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+9+2d6(Evil)+1d8(Sonic Wednesday March 13th, 2024 8:23:16 AM
Mak continued to lay abed as he recovered from his injuries.
'Falco (RyanM) AC20 T16 F16, CMD 24, HP 94/94 Channel 3/7 (6d6) | Hero Points:2 | SHIELD OF FAITH Wednesday March 13th, 2024 9:54:00 AM
Falco tries on his new gear, particularly enjoying the fancy new boots, and waits for the group to regather.
Beech (JohnC) AC 20(24)/15/15,HP 93/93 See Invis/Darkvision Character Wednesday March 13th, 2024 5:52:53 PM "I think we need to leave the village to those who are in the area. Because I'm assuming we are not moving here for the next year or two to be sure they recover. We can probably support those who we leave here, but I'm betting evils of the Wold won't just stop for a couple years. During Mom's adventuring years, she told of some down times, but there was always something simmering away in the background that needed looking into."
He seems a bit distracted by something.... Highlight to display spoiler: { put in Catacombs order, Slaying Arrows can be shot from anysize? since they don't do the arrows damage?}
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet Wednesday March 13th, 2024 6:12:40 PM
Once he finishes his purchases in the catacombs Panzer returns and is ready to follow the Lich into the Realm of Shadows.
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:22 or 26 vs AoO | HeP: 1 | Status: awake ! Swim 60' Wednesday March 13th, 2024 7:59:44 PM
Kiwina replies to Tsak that he just would like to be able to get around the lake of undead -- although a way into the tunnels further from the village would not be a bad thing in his mind. As deep as that cavern seems to be, he's got no way to get down to it. On the other hand, that also means he's not worried about the ground collapsing onto them if he does what little he can to start filling the lake in.
(Soften earth and stone would take about three weeks to fill the lake, assuming he could keep the cavern ceiling in range of the spell.)
Kiwina agrees somewhat with Panzer -- he's probably as ready as he's ever going to be to follow a lich through a gate to the Shadowlands.
DM Mark - Wrapping Up Purchases Thursday March 14th, 2024 3:31:30 AM
Mak spends the day relaxing in town as his friends shuttle back and forth to the Catacombs with Elyas. Falco tries on his new gear, and Panzer has wrapped up his purchases.
Tsak notices Kiwina's business and brief absence, and asks him what he's doing.
Kiwina tells Tsak that he's trying to figure out where the underground lake is located, since he's considering bringing the roof down over it and hopes there may be another entrance to the chamber where the pool of Woldsblood and the portal is.
Beech worries that the malady affecting the folk of Willsden may take as long as a year or two to wear off, and he trusts the druids to keep an eye on the people until then. This causes some concern among the druids. Jasent says, "A year or two? Do you really think these folks could be ill that long? If that is the case, perhaps we should relocate them to Cresthaven where they can be better looked after by a larger community. Do you have any means of divining how long they may be affected? I fear that even in this state, they may not willingly relocate."
The Petals see four villagers heading off into the woods carrying bows and a few poles. You also see that one of the villagers has carelessly cut his leg with an axe while chopping wood. He sits down, looking at the wound, seemingly numb to the pain.
(Does anyone still need to wrap up Catacombs purchases? If there any mundane things that are needed, the druids may be a useful source for certain items.) —------------------------------- As to Beech/John's question about Arrows of Slaying, typically magic weapons do not resize. However, for an Arrow of Slaying, let's assume it will resize since as you note, it's damage is a fixed amount. Good suggestion John.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC22(22) (T15/F14) 81/123 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow1 1D8+1 Status: Thursday March 14th, 2024 4:06:56 AM Oh ok, good idea, but shouldn't we confirm the 'other way in' thing before we collapse the roof or otherwise wreck the way in that we know about?
Tsak is as ready as he'll ever be. He spends his days feeding soup to Mak and helping out wherever he can. It's times like these he still misses Esmerelda.
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 102/102 | AC : 30; Touch 25; Flat 22 CMD 38(40vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) Thursday March 14th, 2024 4:32:55 AM
(OOC:Just took care of mine)
Ayotnom now has several upgraded items including his amulet, headband, ring, rapier and cloak
Ayotnom says, "Don't forget we have to distract that scaly arm somehow when we go to enter the portal."
Mak(JamesM)(103/136)|AC:37AO/29/19T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/18/13/-/-|(TH,KN,*HY,FA,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+9+2d6(Evil)+1d8(Sonic Thursday March 14th, 2024 6:50:58 AM
OOC: I’ve some experience with bows. The size of the arrow relies on draw length. Beech can have a large body, but a medium human like torso which gives him the same draw as a human. No need to resize the arrows.
Beech (JohnC) AC 20(24)/15/15,HP 93/93 See Invis/Darkvision Character d20+16=20 ; Thursday March 14th, 2024 8:54:56 AM "A Party Favor or three should distract that beastie."
To the Druids "We will defer to whatever you decide, we discovered the problem, and we are going to go and end the undead thing that created this mess. Maybe, just maybe when we put that permanent nail in him and send his soul off to judgement, it will break whatever effect that is holding on so tightly. But then again it may not. If I can make a suggestion for when they do return to some sense of normal, try to work with them. I can't say it will make any difference, but maybe, just maybe, they and you can form a working relationship rather than a semi-combative one. We will stop back by to inform once we are successful, unless one of the higher powers decides our presence is needed elsewhere without delay, if that's the case, we will manage to get you a message, I hope..."
Diplomacy so as to calm the Druids and give them some hope.... Roll 20
Highlight to display spoiler: { Beech has quivers of various size arrows, because he does sometimes get larger and shooting shovel handles is more effective than shooting shovel handles that return to normal arrow size after firing.}
'Falco (RyanM) AC20 T16 F16, CMD 24, HP 94/94 Channel 3/7 (6d6) | Hero Points:2 | SHIELD OF FAITH Thursday March 14th, 2024 9:36:00 AM
Falco stretches his feet in his new boots and then look at the Rose docked off shore. He activates the boots and flies out o the ship, practicing how to use them and how best to maneuver Once he is confident he waits for his teleport back to the main group.
Elyas (Ben A.) (84/103, 12 NL damage HP | AC: 21; Touch:15; Flat: 18; CMD:21) | Thursday March 14th, 2024 9:36:16 AM
Elyas rejoins the group after finishing the catacombs jumps.
"We should use the crystal ball to see if we can get any hint about where the lich is, or what kind of container he is in. Panzer, do you want to do the honors, or should I?
Elyas also would like to spend some time the next time we camp looking through the lich's spellbook. [ooc:did we ever get a list of what was in that spellbook? I don't remember seeing it.]
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet d20+20=40 ; Thursday March 14th, 2024 10:23:03 AM
Panzer licks his lips. He had done a little research into things like crystal balls and scrying while he was at the WLA and while he sat waiting in the catacombs. He had learned that planar barriers were significant in thwarting scrying attempts. Thus he wanted to be on the other side of that portal when he tried this.
He mentions this to the others and signifies that he is ready to go back down into the caven and try to scry on the lich. If they are ready he will head down and prepare to cross the barrier. Before going he will take the Bone dagger and the crystal ball and store them in his backpack. He will also use his wand to enchant both of his blades with Weapon Bless and himself with Shield and then head through the portal to perform the scrying. He is fighting defensively as he flies through the portal.
The rest depends on if that big scaly thing is still there wanting to die. If it is then combat will happen. If not he will unpack the items and , in full view of the portal attempt to view the Lich. The crystal ball does not say it requires anything to activate but in case it does here is a UMD check. Panzer wants this to work so he applies a hero point wherever it will have the best effect, either on the UMD check, or hopefully to the Lich's saving throw or to what information is gleaned from the attempt, (DM's call) UMD Nat 20 for 40
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet Thursday March 14th, 2024 10:23:42 AM
Hero point spent
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 29 (T17, FF24) CMD 34 HP 171/171 ) Character Sheet Thursday March 14th, 2024 10:27:07 AM
if combat happens Panzer's AC's would be Normal 35 Touch 19 (I don't think shield will help this) Flat 28 (shield helps but dodge and thus fighting defensively IIRC does not) Plus any other buffs he gets pretransition
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:22 or 26 vs AoO | HeP: 1 | Status: awake ! Swim 60' d20+15=23 ; Thursday March 14th, 2024 7:44:47 PM
Kiwina helps the hurt villager (23 on a heal skill check, plus a CLW if needed).
He tells the druids, "The effect may stop when we vanquish the lich. But it looks like trying to care for them will be more than a handful. Move them when you think it's best."
To Ayotnom he adds, "Distract the arm? Might attacking it once we're on the other side be a distraction?"
DM Mark - Wrapping Up Purchases Friday March 15th, 2024 3:24:11 AM
Kiwina tends to the villager with the axe wound to his leg. It was a pretty bad gash, but a curative spell from the centaur fixes him up. The druids are impressed and will talk to Kiwina about his profession and spellcasting abilities.
Tsak worries that Kiwina's plan of bringing the ceiling down over the ghoul infested lake may seal off the way to and from the room with the portal.
As Tsak mentions the portal, Ayontom wonders aloud if the party is prepared to deal with whatever was on the other end of that scaly arm that reached through. Beech suggests throwing the thing a party favor. Kiwina suggest just attacking the thing on the other side.
Elyas suggests using the crystal ball to scry on the lich.
Panzer is happy to oblige. He takes the crystal ball as he holds the bone dagger, and he focuses on the image of the lich. As he concentrates, the crystal ball grows cloudy and seems filled with mist for a moment. And then … nothing. Bit of a let down really. But it seems to have no effect, and the crystal ball is clear once again. (No need to expend a hero point. As I look over the rules for hero points, there's really nothing that a hero point would do to diminish another's save or other defenses. Hero points affect the PCs rolls and saves and such. Also, I know Panzer intended to scry the lich once through the portal, but he may try again once he passes through.)
Mak and Falco are ready to proceed. However, an overlooked element is that Elyas has been teleporting party members several times today, so he's pretty much out of 5th level spells. A prudent party may decide they want their mage at full power going in, so the DM assumes you would rest another night for this.
So, the following day, the party will bid the druids farewell. Kiwina tells them that the Petals hope that vanquishing the lich may release them, but if not the druids should do what they think best.
As the party heads down, they are confronted with the large, dark lake, and I need to know what you do to move across it. There is that boat, but it's on the far side as you used fly spells and such last time you came back. You may recall that crossing the lake with the boat drew the attention of ghouls that attacked you. Strangely, the ghouls never left the lake. At least, not as far as you know.
If you decide to simply fly across, kindly let me know what spells you use and mark them off.
If you do avoid contact with the lake and proceed directly to the portal, before you is a green, shimmering portal 25' wide. The room here smells pretty awful, what with decaying undead, and rotting bodies. Running through the portal is a 5' wide channel filled with Woldsblood, leaving plenty of room on either side to pass through the portal without contacting the Woldsblood. While proximity to the Woldsblood can leave you dazed for a round, the short duration means we don't need to track that now.
Please let me know (1) what you do about crossing the lake, and (2) how you prepare and proceed through the portal. Of course, if you decide to fight the ghouls, we can take it from there.
(For Elyas - I forgot about the lich's spellbook. I will get that info to you tomorrow.)
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 102/102 | AC : 30; Touch 25; Flat 22 CMD 38(40vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) Friday March 15th, 2024 5:09:42 AM
(OOC: Ayotnom can cast up to 3rd level spells, Lich's book might interest Ayotnom too)
Ayotnom uses a fly spell to cross the lake. As for the portal he says, "Who has the party favor? Last time merely putting the food on string near the threshold caused the arm to appear. We need to distract it first with something so some of us can cross and engage leaving things open for the rest of us to make it through."
Mak(JamesM)(117/136)|AC:37AO/29/19T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/18/13/-/-|(TH,KN,*HY,FA,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+9+2d6(Evil)+1d8(Sonic Friday March 15th, 2024 8:12:39 AM
Mak rose from bed still stiff and sore from his ordeal. He felt a little guilty for his fear and subsequent flight from the battle however, so he prepared in silence as he adjusted his bandages and gingerly donned his armor and equipment. He didn't know what the plan was since he'd been out of most of the discussion, but he'd been told they were shipping out, so he'd be ready.
A short time later Mak joined up with the crew as he limped up to them. "Where are we headed?" he asked.
'Falco (RyanM) AC20 T16 F16, CMD 24, HP 94/94 Channel 3/7 (6d6) | Hero Points:2 | SHIELD OF FAITH Friday March 15th, 2024 11:04:54 AM
If Mak is actually still injured Falco would heal them him the night before they head back to the portal.
Falco looks at the water and thinks on the ghouls. "IF they don't leave the water, and the water isn't too deep, I could probably clear them out using holy channels repeatedly. Still best to leave the for only if necessary."
Crossing the water is easy enough with his new boots leaving him the option of flying twice more that day. As always he stays to the back of the group as they discuss the portal and will try to be the second to last member though so as not to be a target.
'Falco (RyanM) AC23 T19 F16, CMD 28, HP 94/94 Channel 7/7 (6d6) | Hero Points:2 Friday March 15th, 2024 11:15:20 AM
{Header Update}
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC22(22) (T15/F14) 81/123 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow1 1D8+1 Status: Friday March 15th, 2024 11:43:49 AM
Tsak looks at Mak Land of the dead. We hear they have donuts, and maybe some whiskey.
Tsak's armour can fly him back across the lake, and he could probably carry some other stuff too - someone's backpack, spare pair of boots, a broken fighter. He can only use fly once a day, but what could possibly go wrong on the other side of the portal with the Woldsblood and all? Piece of cake!
Before crossing over he looks to Kiwina You wanna clear these things out boss man or do we just fly right over top of them?
Mak(JamesM)(117/136)|AC:37AO/29/19T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/18/13/-/-|(TH,KN,*HY,FA,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+9+2d6(Evil)+1d8(Sonic Friday March 15th, 2024 12:11:00 PM
OOC: Don't know why Mak would be healed. He took nearly 90 hp of damage and it's only been 2 days, maybe 3.
Elyas (Ben A.) (103/103 HP | AC: 21; Touch:15; Flat: 18; CMD:21) | Friday March 15th, 2024 2:37:15 PM
Once the group is rested and ready to proceed, Elyas checks to see if anyone needs additional help crossing the big lake. He has a Fly spell and could use some dimensional steps to move someone else if needed.
For himself, he tries out the new boots he just purchased in the Catacombs and flies over the lake easily.
Standing in front of the portal Elyas casts See Invisibility and Protection from Evil on himself. He also has Mage Armor and Darkvision on himself that he casts most mornings.
Spells prepared:
cantrips: Resistance, detect magic, light, mending Level 1: 1/2X protection from evil, mage armor, 3X magic missile, Comprehend Languages Level 2: Darkvision, 2X Scorching Ray, Mirror Image, Glitterdust, 1/2X see invisibility Level 3: 2X Dispel Magic, Haste, Fly, 2X Lightning Bolt, Stinking Cloud Level 4: 2X summon monster IV, Dimensional Anchor, Greater Invisibility, Black tentacles, Wall of Fire Level 5: Baleful Polymorph, Summon Monster V, Teleport, Cone of Cold, Break Enchantment Level 6: 2X Chain Lightning, Summon Monster VI, Flesh to Stone, Disintegrate Level 7: 2/2X Summon Monster VII, Force Cage, Prismatic Spray Special: Acid Dart (10/10 remain, 1d6+6), pearl of power 1, pearl of power 4, bonded item, Quicken Rod 0/3 uses left, dimensional steps (390/390)
Active effects: On Self: Mage Armor (14 hours) darkvision (14 hours) Protection From Evil (14 minutes) See Invisibility (140 minutes)
On Party
Summon
Beech (JohnC) AC 20(24)/15/15,HP 93/93 See Invis/Darkvision Character Friday March 15th, 2024 3:41:29 PM
In the morning, Beech casts Overland Flight on himself, it may be slower than a regular fly spell, but it's duration is hours long.... "I suggest avoiding the lake, for two reasons. First, we want to conserve as much of our "Power" for once we cross the portal to the Shadowlands. Second, most important, we may need all the time we can get to find our target once we get there." Most seem able to fly, so getting across should be simple. once we as a group gets to the portal and the important question is asked.... "Who do you think brought the party favors. But I need someone to toss this boar leg through first to get it's attention." Beech pulls a good sized chunk of smoked boar leg out of his sadlebags and holds it out to be taken. After which once he sees it grabbed, hacked or whatever it does, he'll toss a fireball at it to start with, expecting Panzer to be about a 1/2 step behind the blast...
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