Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life d10+7=13 ; d20=18 ; Monday June 17th, 2024 12:24:40 PM
When they get to the spot where they need to leave the road, Mortimer turns around and asks, "Oi, we goin' offroadin' now. Try not ta be so bloody tasty to a bear, yeah!"
Mortimer prepares himself by harnessing the powers of unlife. His skin turns a lighter shade of pale and his features take on a slightly more severe appearance.
(Mortimer casts False Life on himself. Effect: 1d10+7 = +13 temporary hit points. Duration: 7 hours.)
(Survival: 18)
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Monday June 17th, 2024 4:01:10 PM "Don't worry. I didn't pack my barbecue -flavored sunscreen, so we should be safe." Hank makes a mental note of which party members have the slowest run speed...
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Monday June 17th, 2024 6:44:47 PM
Manolo scoffs and says," I think it's still safe, we are looking for something hidden, not a marching army!, no animal is going to try and eat us".
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Monday June 17th, 2024 10:29:44 PM
Gnubert walks behind the others. Moving has generally improved the cleric's mood, and as they approach the cutoff west the cleric is bantering with the others and telling his normal jokes.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Tuesday June 18th, 2024 1:03:59 AM
Ash tries to recall exactly where they were, but he also trusts his instincts. Its a bit off the beaten path, but aren't all adventures.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Tuesday June 18th, 2024 7:40:53 AM Mortimer turns around and asks the group if they are going offroading now and tells the others not to be tasty to bears. He prepares himself by harnessing the power of unlife. Hank says he didn’t pack his BBQ flavored sunscreen so they should be fine then starts making note of party members with slow run speeds. Manolo thinks it is safe and that no animal will eat them Gnubert’s mood is greatly improved by the wilderness walk. Ash trusts his instincts.
Between Mortimer’s survival knowledge and the information Ash got on the route the party has a fairly easy time keeping track of where they were and where they were going. It’s a fairly pleasant walk across hills that slowly grow larger over the next day and a half. Sometimes things get a little tricky, like a hill that just ends in a sheer drop down to a river they have to find their way around but they make good progress.
Early into the second day they enter what should be Eagle’s Pass. A long gradual slope leads to a lush forest and in the distance the rocky cliff walls on either side of the valley are lined with scruffy trees poking out of the cliffside and the multitude of bird nests that give the pass it’s name.
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Tuesday June 18th, 2024 11:50:17 AM
The group makes good progress and Loryn is happy to see Gnubert's spirits lifting. It was good to be on the road and out amongst the beauty of the Wold. Then again, Loryn liked be out amongst the beauty of the creations of the Noble races. Lets face it, the nearly hyperactive gnome liked to be out and about 'doing' something.
"OK step 1 down, Eagles Pass eh? Spotting an 100 year old plus battle I think is going to require an above ground approach. I'm leaning to getting up on one side of the cliffs and give the valley a good looking from above. Anyone ever study engineering and might be able to pick out really old signs of a settlement on entrenchment?
I can levitate the lot of up, so no worries on getting topside."
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Tuesday June 18th, 2024 11:07:55 PM
Gnubert smiles, "The Gods blessed me with an air walk spell today. I can either cast it on the most intelligent of us. I know little to nothing about engineering or old battle sights but I can set up a camp so others may take a look."
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life d20+1=21 ; Tuesday June 18th, 2024 11:39:07 PM
Mortimer carefully considers what he brings to the table.
" 'ave my trusty spade, I do. Maybe I can dig somethin' up, yeah."
And that's it, he shuts up with nothing else to add.
He considers the geography of the area; what towns, villages and groves are nearby. What kind of people live there. People are always finding things and taking them home. (Knowledge [Geography]: 21, natural 20! Wow!)
He wonders if he goes tapping on the trees he'd wake up a dryad or two. They would know something.
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Wednesday June 19th, 2024 12:37:18 AM
(Tuesday post. Long day.)
Hank is not an outdoorsman, knowing little and being able to contribute little, but he follows along and offers to assist however he can.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Wednesday June 19th, 2024 8:00:40 AM Loryn enjoys being outdoors. He asks if anyone might know how to recognize a good spot for fortifications and suggests they get a high vantage point. Gnubert has air walk and offers to cast it on someone else while he sets up camp. Mortimer has his spade and not much else he can contribute or so he thinks, but upon reflection knows a surprising amount about the local geography of the area. Hank is not an outdoorsman and mostly just follows the others.
After some reflection and experiments the party quickly figures out that Eagle’s Pass may be a pain to search. The place is lush with greenery, especially some very tall trees so a high vantage point won’t let them see much. Fortunately Mortimer is able to guestimate the best area for some kind of fortification to be built in the area, a narrower, shorter side valley that would greatly slow invaders in ancient times. It’ll still probably take a few hours, but if there’s anything here the party should be relatively close (perception checks to find signs of the ancient battle, everyone gets a +2 for Mort’s Geographical assistance)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 d20+8=27 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2024 8:03:39 AM
Ash begins looking around for signs of the battle, listening to Mortimers help. (Perception 27)
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+11=20 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2024 10:28:07 AM "Airwalk? Nice call Gnubert. So much faster than levitating." The tall full trees are then pointed out and Loryn frowns momentarily
"Looks like Mortimer's idea is the winner, lets fan out and poke about as we work our way towards Ash's narrow side canyon."
Perception 20
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 d20=10 ; d8=2 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2024 7:43:49 PM
Manolo looks out for anything that might indicate. Be a clue for that dangerous D20=10
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 d20+18=28 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2024 11:00:54 PM
Gnubert smiles at Loryn, then noticing the trees he shakes his head, "See no use in matters such as these." After Mortimer points out the other location the cleric pats him on the back, "nice job my friend. We should head that way." gnubert looks around for anything that may help (Perception DC 28))
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 d20+3=7 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2024 11:46:06 PM
(Perception 7)
"Oh, look. A tree!"
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life d20+6=24 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2024 11:53:55 PM
Mortimer casts Gnubert a smile and answers, "Ta muchly, mate!" He breathes in a healthy amount of fresh air and sighs with satisfaction. He's feeling lucky today. He goes on to say, "I do like diggin' up 'he roots ov things, yeah. Findin' wistful sentiment an' regret in the shadows ov the old days, an' all that sorts."
He makes his way to the most probable spot and starts looking around. His eyes dart about looking for traces of unnatural stone or areas of ground cover that seems blighted or stunted. He takes out his spade and begins tapping the ground for the tops of buried wall remains.
(Perception: 24.)
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Thursday June 20th, 2024 9:11:48 AM Ash begins looking around for signs of the battle listening to Mortimer as he does so. Loryn comments to Gnubert in gratitude that air walking is faster than levitating then agrees Mortimer’s idea is the winner and suggests they fan out as they poke about and work their way towards the narrow canyon side. Manolo looks out for anything that might be a clue or dangerous. Gnubert comments that flight isn’t much use here and helps with the search. Hank spots a tree! Gasp! Mortimer feels lucky today and looks for signs of the old battle.
As the party spreads out and searches they find things that may or may not be signs. A knot of rust that may have long ago been part of a weapon or some armor, a random tree Hank points at that has way may have once been an arrow stuck in it, the tree having long grown over most of the length.
The cliffsides have the most signs. Scars in the stone that may have been blasted out or carved into them via siege weapons. Rock falls and collapsed cave entrances that once went into the hills. It’s hard to tell but perhaps the more imaginative of the party can imagine a once great fortress network of tunnels and caves here, long destroyed in the ancient battle.
Gnubert and Ash simultaneously spot one cave entrance that’s still open, just barely. Perhaps some animal dug out the rockfall to make an entrance or perhaps it just didn’t quite close off the cave or tunnel, but there’s nothing useful out here and there might be in there.
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Thursday June 20th, 2024 9:32:33 AM "Let's investigate the only cave we can enter without digging. Do we want me in front to be a shield, or do we want someone with darkvision to take a look first?"
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+11=17 ; Thursday June 20th, 2024 9:44:20 AM "With the magic at our disposal Hank, I think you can lead" and with that, Loryn casts Light on the fighters helm.
Loryn will enter just behind Hank and try to slide out of the way for others to crawl through Perception 17
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Thursday June 20th, 2024 8:29:01 PM
"Bingo" Ash exclaims as he points to the cave. The Mage smiles to the group as he again points to the opening.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Thursday June 20th, 2024 9:23:59 PM
"I am not going first", Manolo says....
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Thursday June 20th, 2024 11:20:24 PM
Gnubert slides in the middle, "lead on big guy!"
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life, darkvision d20+6=23 ; Friday June 21st, 2024 12:23:52 AM "Maybe we needta grease up the big guy. Things could get a bit tight, yea'."
Before Mortimer enters the cave, he activates his darkvision so he can see in the dark places the light can't reach.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Friday June 21st, 2024 8:20:06 AM Hank suggests they investigate the only cave they can enter without digging and asks if he should be in front with shield or if someone with darkvision should take a look first. Loryn suggests Hank should lead and casts light on the fighter’s helmet. Loryn enters behind Hank and tries to slide out of the way for others to crawl through. Ash says “Bingo” as he smiles and points to the opening. Manolo says he is not going first Gnubert slides in the middle Mortimer suggests greasing up the big guy as things could get tight but before he enters he activates Darkvision.
At first, near the entrance where things are at least somewhat exposed to the elements, there is nothing but dust. The cave proves to be a tunnel though, and as they travel up its slight incline signs of the ancient battle begin to show. Dusty bones clad in bare scraps of armor are found, cracked open by wild animals and picked clean. Some are alone or in small groups, but twice they run across a dozen or more, tangled together as they died locked in battle. None of the detritus looks particularly promising as either a clue or a focal point for scrying like the Minotaur requested.
The tunnel itself isn’t in the greatest condition either. At some points it’s cracked and scorched, or they might pass a side passage that collapsed in a cave in half blocking the main tunnel as well. It twists and winds gradually upwards into the hills.
After about 20 minutes of travel the tunnel opens up into a larger room. A great stone chair rests on the back wall, flanked by stone statues. Poles on the wall indicate where banners were once hung, but everything of value is long gone. The statues have gaping holes where gems once rested, the banners are taken or rotted away, and a shattered stone table is strewn about the floor.
Several more of the corpses from the ancient battle are here as well, the massive bones indicating many ogres fell here long ago. Perception DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { Some of these corpses are remarkably well preserved, far more so than any other. They even have some skin on them, shriveled and gray as it is.}
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Friday June 21st, 2024 10:26:03 AM
Hank gives the scene a cursory glance, but leaves further investigation to the party. (I would need to roll a nat 30, lol)
He walks over to the stone throne and takes a closer look. "Do you think I could sit on it? Without having my bones turned into tapioca pudding by an ancient curse?"
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+11=26 ; Friday June 21st, 2024 5:25:26 PM "We seem to be in the right area at least. Looks like Ogre bones and that is what we learned about the warlord right?"
Loryn casts Detect Magic as he looks about
Perception 26
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life, darkvision d20+6=19 ; Friday June 21st, 2024 6:07:24 PM (Perception: 19. No possible chance.)
As he walks among the bones. Stoops down and stares into their bony faces, wiggles a limb or two. He gets down really close into the nitty gritty and scrutinizes every aspect very hard ... doesn't notice a darn thing. Nothing unusual or of any importance here, he thinks. It was perfectly reasonable that these corpses had been lying here, exposed to the elements, for thousands of years.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 d20=17 ; Friday June 21st, 2024 8:49:16 PM
" I think the bones are well persevered."..he than shares what he sees and thinks
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 d20+16=21 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2024 7:11:49 PM
Gnubert notices nothing unusual within the throne room. The cleric looks around and takes in the area,"What in the name of the Gods happened here?"
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Sunday June 23rd, 2024 8:13:38 PM
Manolo looks at the others to see their reactions.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Monday June 24th, 2024 6:31:05 AM Hank gives the scene a cursory glance but leaves further investigation to the party. He asks if he could sit on it without falling victim to a curse. Loryn says he thinks they are in the right area as he casts detect magic and looks about. Mortimer walks among the bones and scrutinizes them realizing they’d been lying here exposed to the elements for possibly thousands of years. Manolo thinks the bones are well preserved Gnubert notices nothing unusual within the throne room and asks what in the name of the Gods happened here. Manolo looks at the others to see their reactions
Everything left here is big, clearly ogre sized. The chair and respective statues fill up a whole 10 feet! Loryn notes something seems odd about the back right wall. He’s just moving to investigate with Mortimer, who happens to be nearby, when five of the corpses near the door float to their feat.
When people think ‘ogre’ they usually think large, fat, but powerful monsters favoring brute strength and their belly. These ancient corpses look nothing like that, all fat and muscle long withered away leaving giant skeletons clad in scraps of gray, withered skin. Knowledge Arcane or Religion 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Those are vampires. The pointed teeth are unmistakable.}
The middle corpse considers the party for half a second before bowing. ”Long has it been since we had visitors.” it says in a deep, raspy voice. ”Welcome to our humble abode. Tell me, what brings you here?”
Mortimer curses himself. He should have sensed them. He should have Detected Undead as soon as they noticed the first bones. His undead blood turns a touch colder in his veins.
Mortimer turns toward the speaker and replies, "Margrave's the name. We came ta ask Warlard Kronk a few questions, yea'. Would that be you?"(Diplomacy: 13.)
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+11=28 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=12 ; 4d6=15 ; 4d6=15 ; Monday June 24th, 2024 12:24:53 PM
Loryn's hands and mind begin casting, but the undead thing then speaks and he is given pause. "Well that's something you don't see everyday. Gnubert? What are we looking at here?" he asks, hoping the cleric can share some knowledge on the situation and the rising creatures.
Mortimer lays out the first response and it was a good one, Loryn keeps his mind running, but his mouth still.
Perception 28 Readied Attack Scorching Ray if they attack with the Empower Rod Touch Attack 14/12 Dmg 22/22
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 d20+18=37 ; Monday June 24th, 2024 4:10:22 PM "Listen up! We're here for Warlord Kronk." Hank hefts his bat to his shoulder and stands straight as a board, his voice stern and booming. "We are far too busy, and far too important, to waste time in chit chat in this smelly little hole in the ground. Either one of you is Kronk, or you know where to find Kronk, so tell us now. I do not appreciate my time being wasted. Tick-tock."
(Intimidate 37)
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 d20+14=20 ; d20+4=6 ; Monday June 24th, 2024 7:03:28 PM
Gnubert blurts out,"those are vampires," he stammers out just before the middle corpse speaks (Religion DC 20). The cleric tries to remember important information on the Vampires. Gnubert looks out across the corpses, "We seek information, and not conflict if we can avoid it" he says (Diplomacy DC 6)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Monday June 24th, 2024 7:16:41 PM
Manolo keeps quiet, surprised by their quick find of a lead.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Monday June 24th, 2024 11:41:29 PM
Vampires, Ash mutters to himself. Fear started creeping, thinking of never seeing the sun again. Ash readies a Fireball, but doesn't cast, and let's the Vampires speak.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Tuesday June 25th, 2024 7:52:54 AM Mortimer curses himself that he didn’t cast a spell to detect undead as soon as they saw the bones. He explains they came to ask Warlord Kronk some questions and ask if that is who the vampire is. Loryn begins casting but then holds when the undead thing speaks. He asks Gnubert what they are looking at as Mortimer responds and he readies a spell should things turn sideways Hank attempts to intimidate the vampires into giving up Kronk Gnubert blurts out that the creatures are vampires then tries to explain poorly that they seek information, not conflict Manolo keeps quiet and is surprised by their quick lead Ash gets a little afraid of the the vampires and readies a fireball but doesn’t cast and let’s the vampire speak
The adage about animals being more afraid of you then you of them comes to mind. The vampires physically recoil at Hank’s aggression, glaring with both fear and hatred at the group. They very obviously do not like the group of heavily armed strangers in their home and fear for their unholy lives. The spokesman too flinches, but manages to keep his composure better than the other 4. ”Kronk? I haven’t heard that name in ages. He was a great and terrible warlord, forcing many to his banner and seeking to conquer the whole area. In the end he was an overconfident fool who united the world against him, his body burnt to ash and scattered to the wind to ensure he could never return.
We were mere grunts to be thrown at his enemies, slaughtered and forgotten until a new master brought us back for his own schemes that similarly failed. If you seek to reclaim the glory and power Kronk had there is nothing here for you but dust and bones.”
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Tuesday June 25th, 2024 8:30:33 AM "Very well. We are also looking for a magic box. The Box of Svengaxi. What do you know? Tell the truth, and we will leave you alone."
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Tuesday June 25th, 2024 1:44:11 PM Vampires? 5 of them? A fine time for Drack and Torrynashkabbeth to take their leave Even as Loryn thinks on how the group may survive this, Hank is looking to strike a deal with them. A deal that he is fairly certain his cousin Gnubert will not abide.
The gnome maintains his vigilence
Perception 28 Readied Attack Scorching Ray if they attack with the Empower Rod Touch Attack 14/12 Dmg 22/22
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Tuesday June 25th, 2024 7:47:25 PM
Gnubert thinks on his words, and can taste the anger on his lips. The cleric knows he cannot allow these creatures to exist, but he also knows he cannot force his beliefs and a fight on his friends. [i]What now? Do I allow these undead to live, and possibly harm others or do we slay them where they ar?[i] he thinks to himself. Gnubert can feel his heart quicken in his chest as he ponders his internal monologue. [b]"Who created you? Is this the life you wish to lead?"[b] he blurts out.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Tuesday June 25th, 2024 10:56:28 PM
Ash continues holding the spell. Vampires were evil and these were probably more of the same.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Wednesday June 26th, 2024 12:27:41 AM
He winces a little when Hank goes into his speech. A bit unnervingly, Mortimer slowly turns his gaze back at Hank. His head almost twists completely around. like that of an owl. He stares unblinkingly for just a moment before he slowly twists it back at the giant vampire.
[Mortimer has been hung by the neck, multiple times, over the course of his young, criminal life. Such an execution never seemed to harm him, but he pretended to choke and die anyway; to satisfy the crowd. Such conditioning did however loosen up his neck bones, allowing this disturbing display of flexibility.]
In this line of questioning, he adds, "Kronk besieged the Spire Armory at Chimney Rock, yea'. Tore open the vault an' stole ovf wit' the box. We thought it might be 'ere."
(Mortimer readies an action to cast Shield, IF they attack.)
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Wednesday June 26th, 2024 7:45:55 AM Hank inquires as to the Box of Svengaxi and says if the vampires tell the truth they’ll be left alone Loryn seeing the 5 vampires think it is a fine time for Drack and Torry to take their leave. He thinks his cousin may not abide by the deal Hank is trying to make and maintains his vigilance. Gnubert is conflicted between needing to destroy the vampires and the threat they pose and not wanting to drag his friends into fight. He blurts out the questions of who created the vampires and is that the life they wish to lead. Ash continues to hold his spell figuring vampires are evil and these are probably more of the same. Mortimer winces a little when Hank goes into his speech and peers at the fighter like an owl. He adds that Spire Armory was besieged and Kronk stoll off with the box then and that they thought is might be there. He readies his own spell in case of attack
If the vampires know what the box is they give no sign. ”Many a place was destroyed or raided for their treasures, and by the end Kronk had a fortune in treasure. To the victors went the spoils and all that remains are some minor trinkets.”
Gnubert interrupts with his own question, causing the ogres to pause and consider the question. With a shrug the one on the far left says, ”It’s a living.” Another adds ”Better than getting bullied and ordered around.”
A third observes, ”Back when I was alive I was always hungry, it’s nice to be sated after we catch a big bear or two.” “Oh yeah bears the best. Almost as good as…” the second starts to say. The spokeogre elbows him before he finishes that last sentence. ”As I said, another fool. A necromancer who considered himself all powerful and the next Kronk who would unite the ignoble tribes and conquer the land. He got himself killed by adventurers long before he became more than a minor threat to a local town. As soon as we had our freedom of him we came back here and have bothered no one ever since, living off the local wildlife and avoiding anything that would draw attention to us.
We have no quarrel with you, and have done no harm to draw your wrath. We will give you what remnants and keepsakes we have of the old battle in return for you leaving us in peace.”
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life, darkvision d20+4=20 ; Wednesday June 26th, 2024 10:43:29 AM "This Necromancer ... who was this bloke? He asks in an attempt to get another lead in this mystery. "An do ya know what group did him in, yea'."
(Sense Motive: 20)
(Mortimer continues to ready the same action as before.)
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Wednesday June 26th, 2024 3:36:37 PM
Non blood thirsty vampires? Loryn shook his head a bit. But they came back here and so the gnome had his question then.
"Trinkets and information and we will indeed leave. We of course will keep our ears open for strange tales of mischief from this region going forward. As my friend has asked, and I'll add from where did you return to here from? Where was this fool destroyed?"
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Wednesday June 26th, 2024 3:45:42 PM "You're playing ball. Good. Give us the leftovers from that battle, answer the other questions, and we'll leave."
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Wednesday June 26th, 2024 6:41:07 PM
Gnubert frowns slightly before catching himself at Hank's bluntless. "Do we have your word no travelers, or innocents might come to harm from your..ahem group? Gnubert almost shakes his head at the words falling from his mouth. "The information is of course necessary. What are these remnants and keepsakes you speak of?"
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Wednesday June 26th, 2024 8:29:29 PM
Manolo doesn't seem to think they are a threat but keeps quiet still for the time being.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Wednesday June 26th, 2024 11:31:17 PM
Where they really negotiating with vampires.. just a few years ago he was studying shipping lanes and now he was in a vampire negotiation. This was a weird time.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze d20=18 ; Thursday June 27th, 2024 7:17:54 AM Mortimer asks who the Necromancer was and if they knew who did him in, in an attempt to get another lead while readying his spell. Loryn is shocked by the concept of non-blood thirsty vampires and he had to question them. He says trinkets and information and they will leave but they’ll keep their ears open for strange tails of mischief from this region moving forward. He also asks where did the vampires return here from and when was the fool destroyed. Hank says for the vampires to give them the leftovers from that battle and answer any other questions and they’ll leave. Gnubert frowns slightly before catching himself at Hank’s bluntness. He asks the Vampires if they have their word that no travelers, nor innocents might have come to harm from the vampires. Gnubert almost shakes his head at the words falling from his mouth. He adds that the information is necessary and asks for details on the keepsakes and remnants. Manolo doesn’t think they are a threat but keeps quiet still for the time being
The vampire ogres consider things deeply as various questions are asked. The spokes-ogre finally answers, ”... I honestly don’t know the necromancer’s name. He demanded all of his minions call him master, and was crushed by some passing adventuring group who stumbled on him while on some other quest. Honestly it’s rather hilarious how casually the egomaniac was crushed. We only survived because our coffins avoided their notice and they assumed we were fresh spawn.”
“As for promises… we promise that no humanoids will die, unless some other cause would kill them.”
Mortimer, and anyone else who rolls higher then 18 sense motive, Highlight to display spoiler: { They maybe aren’t lying, but are absolutely hiding something. One was about to say something before the spokes-ogre interrupted him and the others looked various nervous about whatever it was. The promise in response to Gnubert’s demand is also worded a bit oddly, and the whole group looks pleased and amused by it.}
At a nod by the spokes-ogre, one of the ogres turns into mist and flows to the back right, where Loryn noticed an oddity in the wall. It flows into a crack in the wall and vanishes.
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Thursday June 27th, 2024 9:47:45 AM "As long as that '"some other cause" isn't a trap or disease intentionally set up by you... Fine. Hurry up. We have places to be."
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 d20+4=7 ; Thursday June 27th, 2024 10:34:15 AM
Sense Motive 7
These guys seem legit, Ash thinks to himself. Nothing seems off, and they seem like the opposite of normal vampires.
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Thursday June 27th, 2024 5:51:06 PM "We still need to know where you were, when this necromancer of yours was destroyed."
Loryn trusted the phrasing about as far as he could throw Hank.
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 d20+17=21 ; d20+4=19 ; Thursday June 27th, 2024 8:35:34 PM
Gnubert gets the feeling the vampires are concealing something (Sense Motive DC 21), and the smug demeanor of the vampires irritates the gnome tremendously. What would the Gods do in a moment like this? he thinks to himself.
"Having fun are we? We have been honest, and truthful with you. We have explained out position, and have agreed at least in principle there exists a way this does not turn to conflict. However, you would deliberately conceal your true motives, and use such a specific answer to our question that would leave you able to harm innocents. All we ask for is your honest responses. Instead you haid behind words only a devil would use in a contract. We still have no desire for conflict, but we are also not fools! What say you?" The young cleric shifts his body causing his holy symbol to fall loose from his surcoat, and be displayed on his chest.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Thursday June 27th, 2024 8:35:54 PM
I forgot Diplomacy DC 19.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 d20=15 ; Thursday June 27th, 2024 9:55:23 PM
"Hi, Listen to us !", Manolo says a little bit loudly but still trying to be respectful.
Aid another -15 (aiding Gnubert)
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Friday June 28th, 2024 8:43:26 AM
Mortimer, with a slight smile and a nod, affirms what Gnubert had said.
"Yea', I get it. We've all been there ... wit' the secrets, and all. It's freeing really. 'onesty makes ya feel light as ah feather, it does."
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Friday June 28th, 2024 6:03:33 PM Hank says as long as the trap or disease isn’t intentionally setup by the vampires that is fine by them but they need to hurry as the party has places to be. Ash figures these guys seem legit Loryn says they’ll need to know where the vampires were when the necromancer was destroyed and trusted their phrasing as far as he could throw Hank. Gnubert gets the feeling the smug vampires are hiding something and wonders what the Gods would do. He points out the party has been nothing but honest and has agreed at least in principle to a resolution that does not involve violence. He then calls their phrasing of answers into question and calls the vampires to account. Manolo asks the vampires to listen to them. Mortimer comments on how freeing revealing secrets can be.
The ogres huddle up for a consultation at the party’s insistence on the trust on whatever the party is debating. After a few moments the one that misted into the wall comes back out and proffers a motley assortment of old gear and items remarkably well preserved. Some sigils are evident on them, like an organization might use. An organization the party can look up the history of perhaps.
The ogres finish their conference. ”I think the name of the village was Draycott. Tiny place of no real importance, it was going to be a ‘test run’ of his undead. Here are your items, we’ve held up our end. Begon and leave us to our rest, the day grows long.”
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Friday June 28th, 2024 7:27:46 PM
'That's it', Manolo thinks as they get their information
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Friday June 28th, 2024 7:37:23 PM
Hank takes the proffered items. "See? That wasn't so hard. Come on, guys. Let's get out of this hole." He starts back out, winding his way through the tunnels, until emerging back outside.
Once outside, he turns to Gnubert. "My pious friend, I know that took a lot of restraint. I'd like to make it up to you. Let's go buy some stakes, garlic bulbs, silver holy symbols, and the biggest barrel of holy water we can find, come back here, and purge them with holy zeal. Like a bunch of negative energy pinatas. How does that sound?"
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+11=26 ; Saturday June 29th, 2024 3:26:18 PM Going to need a substitute starting July 5 through July 15 basically a week and a day Thanks
Loryn will exit without issue. Once they are further away from the area he will voice his concerns that with night approaching, being here is going to be dangerous. We need to be especially watchful tonight. If we can banish fatigue in the morning, I would suggest we all remain awake and on watch this night. Even if Gnubert needs to pray for fatigue banishing spells in the morning to the exclusion of others, I think it is a good idea.
Perception on Watch 26
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:63/50. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Sunday June 30th, 2024 9:10:20 AM "Take a lot more than that ta make me fatigued, it would." He looks a little confused and asks, Why camp then? We just 'ead back now an' sleep when we get 'ome. Give ya all darkvision, I could."
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Sunday June 30th, 2024 7:40:12 PM
Gnubert grits his teeth as they are dismissed like servants. Gnubert stiffly walks away. Once outside the young cleric smiles weakly at Hank, "Thank you Hank, but I believe we gave our word. I do not remember if their destruction, or rather their continued unlife was something we agreed to but we should ask the others before we come in swinging bats and treating them as piñatas."
Gnubert turns to Loryn "I can definitely but I would also be willing to take Mortimer up on his offer and march through the night. The further we are away from here the safer we will be!"
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Sunday June 30th, 2024 9:14:56 PM
Manolo simply nods and says, "Morty is right, we can march all night"
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Sunday June 30th, 2024 11:57:50 PM
"I really thought this was gonna be the end of our adventure and not another start. I guess we can loom up these sigil and the town."
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Monday July 1st, 2024 9:21:31 AM (Mortimer's character sheet is leveled to 8.)
(ooc: Question: Did we ride, walk, or a combination of the two, to Eagle's Pass?)
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Monday July 1st, 2024 1:00:15 PM I believe we walked, at least 5 days to get here
Marching all night and confronting multiple vampires while exhausted seems like a bad idea at best. There are 5 of them. I don't know about you, but I don't relish a 1v1 vampire fight. We have some daylight, we push to get as far as we can and then we set up a location of our choosing for a possible fight. Unless you have the spells now Gnubert that will stave off exhaustion after another 7 hours of hiking through the hills."
Perception on Watch 26
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Monday July 1st, 2024 1:07:01 PM (ooc: The reason I asked about our transportation status is because Mortimer's new 4th level spell would help expedite our return to Windhorn. I will use it when Im given the go ahead. )
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Monday July 1st, 2024 1:50:48 PM
Per the post that the start of June the party traveled for a full day and reached Eagles Pass early on the second day. They spent most the morning searching and is now lunchtime. There wasn’t much discussion as to how they traveled so I assume that means you walked
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 Monday July 1st, 2024 3:26:48 PM
Hank starts gathering some wood for a fire, anticipating the party is used to putting on a kettle or cooking some fresh food to supplement their trail rations. "Let's get some carbs and protein in our bellies, then keep searching. An army marches on it's stomach."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 d20=7 ; Monday July 1st, 2024 6:12:52 PM
"I will help", Manolo says to Hank and will help.
Aid another 7
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Monday July 1st, 2024 6:25:43 PM Manolo figures that’s it as they get their information. Hank takes the proffered items and points out how things weren’t so hard before leading the others out. He then suggests that they stock up on things vampires don’t particularly like then come back and wipe them out in recognition of Gnubert’s patience. Loryn will exit without issue then raise concerns that things will be dangerous with night approaching so perhaps they should stay alert this night and have Gnubert prepare fatigue removing spells in the morning Mortimer is confused and asks why don’t they just head back now and sleep at home as he can provide Darkvision for everyone. Gnubert thanks Hank but points out they gave their word and says they should ask the others before they come back swinging and treating the vampires as pinatas. He tells Loryn he could prepare the restore fatigue spells but he’d rather take Mortimer’s offer of marching home Manolo agrees they can move and be alert at night. Ash thought they’d find the box here, not a longer trail. Loryn isn’t sure a night fight while tired favors the party. Hank and Manolo start up lunch.
It’s about mid-day, so if the party wants to try to rest early they can march through the night. Alternatively they can make it back to the road and a bit towards town if they leave immediately. There is debate on the best option.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Monday July 1st, 2024 7:28:29 PM "Hank I do not have the spells necessary today but can pray for them in the morning. As for fighting Vampires in the dark I do not relish that either. Perhaps a hard march until just before sunset, and a safe camp overnight until we find out where the next location?"
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Monday July 1st, 2024 10:40:30 PM
Mortimer senses eyes upon him. All around him. From the shadows of the trees and the other dark places. It's not an uneasy feeling, nor does he discern danger or malice. No, this is something familiar to him; from a very long time ago. An eye blinks, a head nods, a deep, comforting sigh.
His jaw-drops, eyes go wide as he stares back a 1,000 years or more. All Mortimer can mutter is the name, "Shadowmane?"
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Tuesday July 2nd, 2024 12:50:02 AM
"Yea,I'd rather not encounter these vamps on their home turf, in the night. I agree to leave and deal with them another time.
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+11=15 ; Tuesday July 2nd, 2024 5:21:27 PM "Lets get as much distance as we can from here. Do we have magic that we can employ to speed us along, even if only for a little while? We make the road, we find a good spot and set up. If they are coming, Fire will only help us and so lets set several good ones, like 3 and camp within the light of them. Nothing else this close to Windhorne to be concerned about."
Loryn wants everyone on watch through the night. Perception 15
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Tuesday July 2nd, 2024 6:01:24 PM
(ooc: Dan K - the answer to Loryn's question would be "Yes" if Mortimer's character sheet were approved. :)
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Tuesday July 2nd, 2024 7:37:11 PM
Gnubert shakes his head at Shadowmane, "I don't know what that means. Explanation?"
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Tuesday July 2nd, 2024 8:34:55 PM Gnubert tells Hank he can pray for those spells in the morning and he doesn’t relish fighting Vampires in the dark. He suggests a hard march until just before sunset and a safe camp overnight until they figure their next location. Mortimer has a strange vision Ash would not like to encounter vampires at night in their territory. Loryn wants to get as far away as possible. Gnubert isn’t sure what Mort means.
Consensus seems to be it’s time to go. After a quick lunch the party departs, making their way back to the road and towards home. They make it a good ways there, but have to camp at a suitably defensive location. It’s looking like bad weather is on the way as well to add even more fun to the night. Watch order and checks please.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 d20+11=14 ; Tuesday July 2nd, 2024 9:27:11 PM
"The weather is getting bad, maybe we can find a safe place to rest for a bit, marching in this kind of weather is not good", Manolo says. Manolo will take whatever shift is offered...
Perception 14
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 d20+1=17 ; Tuesday July 2nd, 2024 11:28:36 PM "I agree. We need to find shelter, and quickly."
Perception 17
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 12:29:07 AM
Mortimer doesn't hear Gnubert's question at first, but then responds. "Uhh, yea'. It seems I 'ave a steed. One I'm just rememberin' 'bout. It's name is Shadowmane. It's waitin' ta be called over, yea'. I haven't quite figured out 'ow. On the tip of me tongue, it is."
After a short pause, he adds, "Got a stable full, yea'. There's a twee one you can ride, named Tony the Pony."
(ooc: Mitch - let me know if I can use the new spell.)
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. icy disposition, false life, darkvision d20=7 ; d20+6=15 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 1:30:21 AM
Mortimer keeps an eye out for suitable shelter to make camp and wait out the storm.
(Survival: 7. Perception: 15.)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 d20+6=20 ; d20+1=2 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 8:37:50 AM
Ash, like the others, looks got suitable shelter from the night and weather.
Perception 20 Survival 2
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20=5 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+2=21 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 1:27:23 PM
Loryn glances up as they start looking for a good place to camp for the night. "I don't think the heavy stuff is going to come down for some time."
Loryn has no training in survival, but he does his best to aid Mortimer, while the young grave digger didn't have any training either to the gnomes knowledge, he at least had spend far more time outdoors. Aid Another 5 so nope
Perception on watch 21 stay awake roll if needed using a Con check 21
Party Watch order is everyone is on watch all night
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 d20=8 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 7:14:45 PM
Manolo will keep an eye. Perception 19
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 7:43:02 PM Manolo wants to camp soon with the weather turning. Hank agrees - they should move quickly. Mortimer reflects on his vision and may have a way to speed things up. Ash helps as well. Loryn is ready to stay up all night on watch.
It’s a dark, stormy, and miserable night. What starts as a drizzle quickly develops into a downpour that lasts most of the night. No fires will stay lit and the low ground quickly starts to flood, though the party managed to find a nice hill to camp on and avoid the water. Even with the rain it’s hard to stay up all night after a long day of travel - if you want to stay up all night instead of setting watches make a DC 10 fort save to not nod off at some point in the night.
After a long night the rain stops an hour or two before dawn. The sun rises with no attacks or other incidents.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 10:21:25 PM
Gnubert follows the others (on foot or horseback) until they make camp. The cleric shivers in the rain, until exhaustion overcomes him at which point he falls to sleep the rain dripping from his nose.
When the rain begins coming down, he turns to the others and says, "Oi, I'm buyin' a tent as soon we get back ta Windhorn, yea'!" After saying that, he realizes all this fancy indoor, chamberpot living has been making him soft.
Even though he looks sickly, Mortimer has an indomitable endurance. Way more than enough to stay up all night after a long march. He decides to keep a watchful eye over the group. (Perception: 24)
As the sun begins to rise, he looks over to see if anyone is stirring. If anyone is awake, he asks, "How far out ya think we are?"
Mortimer is still uncertain how to conjure the horses and his trusted old steed (pending DM approval). He can remember them now, every last one. There were so many. The family lived on an expansive margraviate. Not far from the palace were the stables. He recalls spending much of his time there as a child. He loved tending to the horses. 'Wait one minute,' he thinks, whose childhood was he remembering? He spent most his younger years living on the streets; stealing what he could to survive.
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 24 -- HP 70 d20+9=29 ; Thursday July 4th, 2024 10:49:20 PM
Fortitude save 29
Hank could stay awake for days, if needed. "I think that investing in a wagon and several horses would be a good idea. This is not fun marching weather."
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 d20+8=16 ; Friday July 5th, 2024 1:20:24 AM
Surprising for a rich kid who grew up in Mage studies... Ash has a bit of a toughness to him and slogs through the rain in the night with the others. "Yes, a wagon, tents, sleeping bags... the whole showroom. "
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Friday July 5th, 2024 8:09:30 AM
Tired and very wet, the gnome smiles as the sun brightens the horizon Step one, survive the night. had been a resounding success. After Gnubert prays for the spells that will remove their fatigue, Loryn pulls out small ready made plates of breakfast from the Bag of Holding. "Eggs, ham and berries anyone? Oh and," he reaches back in and produces glasses of fresh squeezed juice.
Now, we have about a day on the road to home. lets get going"
Empower rod 3/3 Acid Ray 8/8 30' range 1d6+3 Innate Used: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 6/6 3rd lvl: 4/4
AC 13 HP 45/45 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Friday July 5th, 2024 8:10:14 AM
Reminder. I need a Sub for Loryn all next week
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Friday July 5th, 2024 5:09:40 PM
All PC sheets need to be leveled and DMs notified that they are ready for approval by this coming Monday! You have 3 days. :)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Friday July 5th, 2024 5:51:55 PM
"We can keep going", Manolo says confidently. "It could have been worse to be fair", he adds.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Friday July 5th, 2024 7:03:31 PM
OOC: Character Sheet is ready for review.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. icy disposition, false life, darkvision Friday July 5th, 2024 10:47:11 PM
After breakfast, a wicked smile forms across his face. "I remember now."
Moritmer begins to mutter words of power, repeating himself several times, like a chant. The shadows around the party seem to whirl and flow unnaturally, coalescing into the deeper shadows of the tree line. Suddenly a majestic steed-like creature comes trotting out of the darkness. It has a black head and body, shadowy mane and tail, and smoke-colored, insubstantial hooves that make no sound. It has what seems to be a saddle, bit, and bridle. It walks directly up to Mortimer and greets him like a long, lost master. "Shadowmane, boy ... it's been too long, yea'!"
Three more horses follow after the first. Two are large-sided riding horses and the third is a smaller, medium-sized pony. All with saddles, bits and bridles, ready to ride. Unlike the Shadowmane, these look like natural horses.
"Yea', that's all I'm able ta conjure. Some of ya will needta double up."
(Mortimer casts Shadow Conjuration x4. Mimicking 3rd Lvl Phantom Steed and 1st Lvl Mount spells. Durations: 16 hours. Will Save: 20, if successful, their true nature is revealed to you, they appear as transparent horses superimposed over shadowy forms.)
Mortimer immediately leaps up onto Shadowmane and takes the reins. He's grinning ear to ear. As if reunited with an old friend.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. false life Friday July 5th, 2024 10:54:09 PM
(ooc: DanK, I can play Loryn for you next week. I will try and be the best gnome I can be.)
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Saturday July 6th, 2024 12:59:03 AM Gnubert follows the others until they make camp. The cleric shivers in the rain, until exhaustion overcomes him as he falls asleep with rain dripping from his nose. Mortimer tells the others he’s buying a tent as soon they get back to Windhorn as indoor fancy chamberpot living has made him soft. He decides to keep a watchful eye during the night. As the sun begins to rise he asks how far out they are. He has some uncertainty on how to conjure the horses and his faithful steed before remembering how he really grew up Hank thinks a wagon would be a good idea in the future. Ash agrees, they should be more prepared for camping in the future. Loryn is ready to make some breakfast after the long wet night. Manolo says they can keep going and it could have been worse. Mortimer remembers and does cool shadow magic stuff for magic horses.
With the addition of magic horses getting back home is much, much faster than leaving was. It’s a nice, easy ride down the road and as they pull up to their lodgings a familiar minotaur is waiting for them.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Sunday July 7th, 2024 7:51:37 PM
Gnubert follows Mortimer's lead and tries to relax. The ride passes pleasantly enough and Gnubert laughs and jokes with his friends. As they ride up to the inn he sees the minotaur, [i]great this idiot already, as though vampires aren't enough[i] he mutters to himself.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Sunday July 7th, 2024 9:27:25 PM
"I'd rather trek back through the rain and sleep next to the vampires than deal with this one again." Ash whispers.
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 26 -- HP 77 Sunday July 7th, 2024 10:31:26 PM "This ought to be just lovely. Let's see what Mr. Sunshine has to say to us." Hank pulls his hood down and sits back, recognizing that a tough-guy approach is not going to be appropriate at the present time.
(updated header)
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Monday July 8th, 2024 7:06:11 AM
Gnubert follows Mortimer’s lead and tries to relax. The ride passes pleasantly enough and he laughs and jokes with his friends. As they ride up to the inn he sees the minotaur. Ash remarks he’d rather trek back through the rain and sleep next to the vampires than deal with him again. Hank says they should see what Mr. Sunshine has to say and then pulls his hood down and sits back as he recognizes the tough guy approach is inappropriate at the present time.
The minotaur nods respectfully, if stiffly, to the group. ”You have returned. Have you found any further clues?”
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Monday July 8th, 2024 6:03:33 PM
Manolo awaits for the others to spill the beans.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Monday July 8th, 2024 7:01:52 PM
Gnubert dismounts, looks at the minotaur and nods his head
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. false life Monday July 8th, 2024 11:25:03 PM
As they ride in, he notices the minotaur, which isn't hard, being so big.
"Not attemptin' to stay secret, are we?" He slides off Shadowmane, gives him a pat and dismisses him. The steed dissolves into a swirl of shadow that retreats to the darker places. Once everyone has dismounted, the same happens to the other horses. Mortimer then heads inside and goes up to his room. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loryn Glitterfall (subbing for DanK.)
He pauses to address the minotaur. "I hope you don't mind. We've all had a rough night and a very long day. Most of us hadn't a wink of sleep. We do have new information, and found trinkets that might provide some clues. We have yet to scrutinize these things. May we postpone this meeting until my friends and I have had a chance to catch their rest. You can come in and wait if you like."
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 26 -- HP 77 Monday July 8th, 2024 11:50:05 PM
Hank hops down and starts toward the front door. He stays quiet to avoid conflict.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Tuesday July 9th, 2024 1:09:31 AM
Ash moves next to Gnubert, knowing his disdain rivaled his own.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Tuesday July 9th, 2024 7:10:20 AM Manolo awaits for the others to spill the beans. Gnubert dismounts, looks at the minotaur and nods his head Mortimer remarks the Minotaur isn’t attempting secrecy. The shadow horses dissipate as people dismount. He then heads inside to his room. Loryn pauses to address the minotaur. He explains how they’ve had a rough night and a long day and that they did indeed find trinkets that may provide information but they would like to postpone the meeting until after they have a chance to rest. He invites the minotaur to come in and wait. Hank hops down and starts towards the front door. He stays quiet to avoid conflict. Ash moves next to Gnubert.
The minotaur nods at Loryn’s words. ”My apologies. The dangers of prediction, we knew when you’d return but not what state. I’ll come back this evening.” He turns to leave, and if no one stops him will go down an alley and quickly vanish from sight.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Tuesday July 9th, 2024 8:08:17 PM
Gnubert walks inside not acknowledging the Minotaur's words. "Thank you Loryn. That creature irritates me to no end. Mortimer thank you for the transportation."
The cleric assists in bringing any items and then heads upstairs to clean up and most importantly pray for patience!
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 26 -- HP 77 Tuesday July 9th, 2024 9:46:31 PM "Maybe we don't need to talk with him? Just leave a note. Haha." Hank kicks off his boots and reclines in a chair.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Tuesday July 9th, 2024 10:01:09 PM
"I am sure there is someone around here we can pay to be a go between" Ash jokes, but also looks around to see if anyone is nodding in agreement.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. false life d20+2=11 ; d20+3=7 ; Tuesday July 9th, 2024 11:49:05 PM
Mortimer spends most of the day sleeping. After a magical cleaning and change of clothes, he emerges from his room as fresh as he could possibly be. He comes down to the common room and begins to examine the trinkets the vampire ogre's had given them. He casts Detect Magic to see if they have a magical aura.
(Linguistics: 11, to decipher any ancient script. He knows High Woldian. Appraise: 7, to determine their value.)
He looks to Ash and Gnubert for their opinions on the lore of these items. "Oi, do any of these things say anything to ya?"
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Loryn Glitterfall (subbing for DanK.)
There's a knock at the door. Loryn hurries out of the kitchen, "Oh yes, just in time." and answers the door. A delivery boy from the market presents a basket with a fully dressed chicken and an assortment of fresh vegetables and a loaf of bread. Loryn pays the lad and sends him on his way. "I thought a nice chicken and vegetable soup would hit the spot after the night we all just had."
He can't help but notice that the others have started in on the items they found. "Excellent, fill me in after I get this started." Loryn then disappears behind the kitchen door.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Wednesday July 10th, 2024 8:12:37 AM Gnubert walks inside without acknowledging the Minotaur’s words. He thanks Lorryn for dealing with it and thanks Mortimer for the transportation before helping to bring in the remaining items and heading upstairs to clean up and pray for patience. Hank suggests they don’t need to talk with the minotaur and instead they just leave a note. Ash jokes that there has to be someone they can pay to be a go-between. Mortimer spends most of the day sleeping and then reviews the items they retrieved. He asks others to assist. Loryn takes a food delivery and cooks for everyone.
The party has a nice break. They eat some food, get some sleep, and look over the items they have. It’s mostly stuff that you’d expect to find soldiers to have, armor, weapons, and tools, mostly metal as other materials didn’t last. The most interesting part are the inlaid sigils or crests in several of the items. A distinctive blue diamond sigil appears on several items, likely indicating some sort of group, while others seem to be more personal sigils or identification of rank. It’ll take a bit of research, but you can probably track down whatever group these once belong to with some additional research.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 d20+10=30 ; Wednesday July 10th, 2024 5:47:59 PM
Manolo thinks if he ever saw something similar or heard about something similar with the symbols related to the local region. Local knowledge natural 20 (30)
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Wednesday July 10th, 2024 7:31:06 PM "Sorry Mortimer, they do not look overly familiar to me." As dinner arrives there is a noticeable growl from the gnomes stomach which causes him to giggle a bit
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 26 -- HP 77 Thursday July 11th, 2024 12:28:40 AM
Hank knows nothing about the symbols. *helpless shrug*
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 d20+7=11 ; d20+16=33 ; Thursday July 11th, 2024 5:04:20 AM
Ash perused his usual books and research, to help figure the symbol.
Knowledge Local 11 Knowledge religion 33
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Thursday July 11th, 2024 7:06:16 AM Manolo thinks if he ever saw something similar or heard about something similar to the local region Gnubert tells Mortimer they don’t look familiar as dinner arrives and his stomach growls Hank shrugs as he knows nothing about the symbols Ash goes over his books to try to find out something.
The party’s knowledge and research doesn’t immediately give them answers but several small details point to some sort of sailing organization. Research indicates Thistleport, a port city a few days north up the road, is the next place to get more details.
The minotaur returns in the evening as promised. Presuming that the party explains what they found he will offer to take an item or to and attempt to have his elder’s scry more information. ”It may prove pointless if the wards on the Box stop the attempt, but it may give more information and you’d still have plenty for your more regular inquiry. Two chances of success are better then one.”
There’s also the matter of the vampires. The party had discussed dealing with them and getting items to help in the fight. They are on the way to Thistleport, so if they want to follow up they should prepare.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. false life Thursday July 11th, 2024 8:24:37 AM
(ooc: Sorry, I never got around to posting last night. Ive been horribly sick all week and I passed out early last night.)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Thursday July 11th, 2024 9:05:41 PM
Manolo will stock on some arrows if he gets the chance and still have some gold, assuming he didn't forget.
OOC: will send an email tomorrow about possible arrows/bolts restock ?
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. false life Thursday July 11th, 2024 11:00:07 PM
Mortimer is fine with the minotaur taking the items to his superiors to use a divining focuses. However there is still one issue that nags at him.
"Oi, I've introduced myself to ya thrice now, all nice an' proper, and I still don' knoh your name. Wha can we calls ya, other than minotaur, yea'?"
After the minotaur leaves, he turns to Gnubert an asks, "Been thinkin' 'bout ways ta smite down those ogre vamps, I 'ave. Lyin' through their fangs, they were. Ya can't fool a fooler! There's more on the other side of that 'ole in the wall, yea'. Thay gave us their rubbish." Then a wicked smile forms across is face and he continues, "I recalls a spell that you priesty types cast that 'ide people from vamps , yea'. Thay can't see or 'ear ya or even smell your stink. If ya cast that magic, we could just stroll in, all leisurely-like. We set jars of alchemy fire all arounds them. Ash, here, could wiggle his finger an' set them all ablaze ... KABOOM! ... yea'!"
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Loryn Glitterfall (subbing for DanK.)
Loryn offers the minotaur a bowl of chicken soup. "They say my broth will cure what ails you. Not just me, oh no," he says with a chortle, a bit of chuckle, and even a dash of a guffaw. He tries to make the evening as enjoyable as possible.
When the minotaur leaves, he asks, "Please let us know what you find out."
Hank (Tanner) -- AC 24/12/22 -- CMD 26 -- HP 77 Thursday July 11th, 2024 11:19:46 PM "I am fine with wiping out the vampires. Or leaving them alone. We have not heard of any disappearances in their vicinity, so it is unlikely that they have been eating people before we found them." Hank shrugs. "Either way."
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Friday July 12th, 2024 7:06:55 AM
"We can wipe the vamps out on the way if everyone is good with that. I am sure Gnubert would like to take that road. "
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Friday July 12th, 2024 9:41:55 AM Manolo will stock up on some arrows if he gets the chance Mortimer is fine with the minotaur taking the items to his superiors to use as divining focuses. There is one thing that is bugging him and that is he’s introduced himself to the minotaur 3 times now and he still doesn't know his name. He asks Gnubert about a cleric spell that can hide folks from vampires and suggests the gnome cast it they go there set up a bunch of alc fires and have Ash firebomb the place. (OOC: If the spell you are talking about is hide from undead, intelligent undead (like vampires) get a Will saving throw to resist) Lorryn offers the minotaur a bowl of chicken soup and play the gracious host in order to make the evening as enjoyable as possible. He asks teh minotaur to let them know what he finds when he goes to leave. Hank says he’s fine with wiping out the vampires or leaving them alone. He points out they haven’t heard of any disappearances in the vicinity so it is unlikely they were eating people before the party found them. Ash says they can do it on the way to their destination.
The party gets fully rested and prepared before moving out confident in their ability to eliminate the vampires. About half a day up the trail, (3/4ths of a day if they don’t speed up with magic mounts or buy/rent horses), past the point they rested previously, they run across a grim sight. There’s a space commonly used as a camp by travelers, with a fire pit and logs dragged around in a circle by some group in the past re-used again and again. The party passed it in their rush to get away from the vampires, and it turns out it’s a good thing they didn’t stop to rest there. A mudslide from the nearby hills have buried the whole camp. A mostly buried and overturned carriage indicates someone was caught in it.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Friday July 12th, 2024 5:10:45 PM
Gnubert nods to the Minotaur when he asks about taking one of the items for scrying. ”I am good with wiping the lot from the wold. Regardless of what they told us they are still a danger if we let them be. Going in at daylight would be helpful, as well as having fire, holy water, and the like.”
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 20 T: 14 F: 18 R: 9 F: 14 W: 11 HPS: 47/51 CMD: 6 Friday July 12th, 2024 5:12:20 PM
Gnubert lowers his head when they come across the mudslide. The gnome reaches out towards the wagon and turns to the others,”We should give whomever a proper burial.”
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 21/17/16 -- CMD 20 -- HP 37/43 Friday July 12th, 2024 8:58:58 PM
"So that was the result of the vampires we met ?", Manolo asks dumbfounded/dumbfoundedly
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:20/15/16. temp/hp:70/57. false life d20+12=21 ; Sunday July 14th, 2024 10:57:12 PM Before they head out ...
Mortimer does the very thing he promised to do when he got back to Windhorn, he bought some small tents. He puts them in his handy haversack. He wasn't going to be caught again unprepared. He mutters to himself, " 'Ow daft are we ta go out in the bloody wilderness without all the bits an' kits?"
Also ... Mortimer isn't going to waste his spells to give everyone magic horses when they have access to a plethora of horses and ponies at the guard stables and the local livery. -------------------
When they arrive at the scene, he immediately jumps from his steed. Turning to Manolo, he answers, "No .. this is a result of the storm an' the rains we met." He pulls three shovels from his haversack. " Here, grab one an' help me dig!"
With a shovel in hand, Mortimer immediately starts to digging around the edge of the wagon.
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Loryn Glitterfall (subbing for DanK.)
Loryn rides up on his giant salamander and his horrified at what he sees. He looks the area over for any signs of tracks left by survivors in the soft ground (Perception: 21). He then employs the only spell in his arsenal that could help move and clear the earth away. He casts Mage Hand and begins clearing away 5-pound scoops of soil at a time.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11 ( 15 Mage Armor)(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 14/36 Monday July 15th, 2024 2:24:28 AM
Ash prepares his spells, and heads out with the others. At the scene of the mud slide, Ash takes one of Mortimers shovels and helps dig out anyone.
DM Mitch and Hugh Crypt maze Monday July 15th, 2024 6:35:29 AM Gnubert nods to the minotaur when asked about taking an item for scrying and agrees that wiping the vampires out would be a service to the wold. He suggests going by daylight as well as having fire, holy water and the like. When they come across the mud slide he lowers his head and suggests they give whoever a proper burial. Manolo asks if the mud slide was caused by the vampires they met. Mortimer stocked up on tents prior to leaving but he doesn’t waste his magic on giving everyone shadow mounts when regular mounts can be had from the nearby stables. When they reach the mudslide area he answers Manolo’s question in the negative saying it was the rains that caused it before grabbing a shovel and telling others to do the same. Loryn rides up on his giant salamander and is horrified at what he sees. He looks for any tracks left by survivors in the soft ground before using mage hand to help clear soil. Ash immediately starts in with one of the shovels.
Mortimer’s assessment seems to be right. This is no trap, set off by evil monsters, but just a natural event caused by heavy rain and a tall hill. Mudslides aren’t unknown in the area, especially as you get closer to the Red Hills, but it’s rare for people to get caught in them like this. The party are able to dig up a tent some ways from the wagon. Inside they find the smothered bodies of two women - one older, one just old enough to be starting her own life. They’re dressed in fineries and there’s a fine dress off to the side, now ruined, of pure white with a veil.
Inside the wagon the party finds signs of a third person. There’s a bloodied sleeping roll thrown against the side of the carriage. Likely whomever was in here was injured when the mudslide hit the carriage and dragged it a ways, tumbling the occupant around viciously. However, whomever was here is now gone, and there are signs of a forced entry into the carriage.
LOG ON