Stock (JonM) HP: 104/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 9/46 used Wednesday July 10th, 2024 10:52:26 PM
Stock smiles, ”All is well that ends well, I suppose. Here I had a whole speech prepared I support of Delia. What do you guys suppose I do with this?
He holds up Delia’s body, as yet unmoving.
The Road Home (DM Wayne) Wednesday July 10th, 2024 11:04:35 PM
The Shields briefly stand in awe at Gargul’s pronouncements and Eberyon’s pronouncements.
Armalad ponders where Gargul is returning the Shields to.
Stohp is so surprised that more than one will be restored to life by Gargul that she misses the detail that Zell’s caretaker at the orphanage, Tarjorie, will also be returned to life.
Stock wonders what to do with Delia’s body.
Bartomus thanks Eberyon and Gargul, noting Zell and Tarjorie’s inclusion in being returned to life.
Zanderallen too is so surprised by Gargul returning Zell to life that he misses Tarjorie’s inclusion in the pronouncement.
Delia is still awestruck, looking at her spirit form, then her body, then her spirit form, wondering what’s next…
Peace settles upon the Shields, Zell, and Tarjorie.
Armalad looks around and does not see Dolgrin. As she does, Zell and Tarjorie fade out first, smiling and waving. “Delia, I’ll find you, somehow,” Zell says, and then her voice is gone with the rest of her!
Then the physical Shields begin to fade, and as they do, Delia’s body is like a quicksand, suddenly, without motion, pulling Delia’s spirit closer and closer until the two merge just as all the Shields fully fade from the Lands of Rest…
The Shields return to the cave chamber they were just in. Dolgrin is there, startled, taking a jump-scare!
Delia, still in Stock’s arms, is now warm to the touch and moving. She unsteadily gets to her feet, leaning on Stock’s shoulder as she does so. She is rubbing something like ‘sleep’ from her eyes, and asks… “Are we… am I… back? I can’t see just yet, but soon! What is this stuff in my eyes anyways? It’s like I slept for a year!”
Dolgrin says, with a sigh of relief, “Praise Gargul… and Domi! I’m glad to see you all together again but… I don’t know how long you were gone – after Bartomus cast his spell it was like I was frozen, without thought, and then suddenly you were back and I was unfrozen!”
He takes a few steps over to the chamber entrance and looks up, down, and all around.
Dolgrin says, “Well, no foes within Darkvision range at least.
I haven’t been into that upper cave Bartomus found, but given that we travelled about 17 or 18 days from the many-cave room while doing light mapping, I’d guess it’s two weeks or so back to Mountainhome via the tunnels, but if that upper cave puts us on the surface then I’m certain it’d be no more than 14 days’ march aboveground to Mountainhome, if not less because we wouldn’t have to deal with all the switchback trails and such. Of course, returning via the UnderWold would mean fighting that lake monster, or Flying to bypass it again. Say, did anyone recover the Crown?”
With Delia returned to life, Zanderallen pulls out the Crown from his Bag of Holding in answer to Dolgrin’s question.
What can only be Largon’s Dragon Crown is a wonder to behold – shining silver… no, shining platinum! Thoroughly enchanted, if not an artifact, as each of the two wrought-platinum dragons fail to bend in the slightest, though platinum is not a sturdy metal at all!!! The craftsmanship is exquisite, impressing even Stock, who grew up with many, many, dwarven crafters with combined millennia of skill and experience. The half-orc and his strange spider-squids are dead, his summoned elementals returned to their home planes, but can other crown-hunters be far behind?
Two paths lie before the shields: the climb to the surface and a perilous mountain journey in the cold and thin air, or the relatively more-comfortable Underwold caverns where the risk is not the cold, but the horrors that dwell therein and the ever-present fear of cave-in… or collapse! But now… now, as Delia rubs the last bit of sleep from her eyes… the Shields could count on Delia to lead the way, whichever path they take!
Dolgrin says, “Shields, I know you have important responsibilities back home, but you’ve denied Karkasan the Dragon Crown, it seems, and Clan Mountainheart is on the way back to the Float. The Royal Court, and the Chief, will be beyond happy that you have recovered not just the Crown, but the effects of Klink Barrelchest. Please, consider stopping there at least for a night so you can rest, recover, and we can show you true Dwarven Hospitality! Also… I’d prefer not to make the trek home alone, even with my magical defenses…”
While the Shields ponder Dolgrin’s query, Delia rubs her right forearm – all is normal, fully healed, but she rubs it as though it were still sore, if not injured. She then stares at her longbow which, thankfully, is highly-enchanted, for it fell over 500’ after she died. Two or three visible scratches from the fall. Cosmetic, she thinks, but resolves to stop by the WLA Fletchery shop to see about some wood stain or other way to fix or hide the scratches… Delia absent-mindedly rubs the back of her head, as though surprised to find that it, too, is fully healed.
What do the Shields do now?
(OOC – please use your posts to, among whatever else you want: 1) vote for the next destination and route to get there; and 2) provide a montage of the various tasks your Shield accomplishes before getting on the road.
The Shields will dotted-line travel (one-post travel) to that destination, and arrive in the next DM post.
OOC – Half-orc’s treasure: Non-magical clothing soaked in the liquids of a couple dozen broken potion vials. (He fell over 500’ onto the cave floor while deceased.) Spell component pouch with, notably, some ten (10) doses of diamond dust suitable for the Stoneskin spell. 1,000 platinum pieces 100 gold pieces amulet of natural armor +4 belt of incredible dexterity +6 boots of the winterlands bracers of armor +8 cloak of resistance +5 headband of alluring charisma +6 major ring of electricity resistance mantle of spell resistance ring of protection +4
Armalad (Hugh) HP 98/154 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday July 11th, 2024 12:28:33 AM
Armalad says, "There is technically a third option. However, unless we can somehow shrink the Taurs down to medium size I don't think we can take poor Dolgrim with us. Joker and I could use the scrolls to teleport us well I suppose first to the catacombs to buy more scrolls including ones of reduce person then back to the mountain home then after whatever fanfare is in store for us there we teleport back to the float."
"If we aren't going to do that then I vote for the overland method as I don't feel like facing that hydra or being out of 3rd level spell slots for whatever minions of Karkasan's catch up to us"
"However, I'd appreciate being healed to full health before we set out."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday July 11th, 2024 6:55:03 AM "It would be poor manners to abandon Dolgrin to a dangerous trek back home after he and the dwarves helped us in our quest. We should get him back safely before we teleport home."
Stock (JonM) HP: 104/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 9/46 used Thursday July 11th, 2024 9:22:51 AM
Stock smiles, ”All is well that ends well, I suppose. Here I had a whole speech prepared I support of Delia. What do you guys suppose I do with this?
He holds up Delia’s body, as yet unmoving.
Bartomus(Rod) HP:153/153 AC 21; Glv +18 2d8+2 Slng +15 CMD 14 Melee 13/8/3;Perc+17;Heal+11 Thursday July 11th, 2024 11:08:22 AM "A full heal and sleep would be wonderful," Bartomus said as he nodded in enthusiastic agreement. He looked about and up into the darkness where he knew that there was a way out.
"Overland would make a lot of sense to me, Dolgrin that means sunlight and such. But, do we have the gear for that and what the weather might be up top?" Bartomus winked and grinned at the dwarven guide. "Feel we need to get this crown into some place safe as soon as possible. That has to be our top priority and we know that someone else is expecting to be given the same thing relatively soon."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 1/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Thursday July 11th, 2024 11:32:59 AM (OOC: I was certain I posted, but then checking my computer I have a fully written post just sitting there... oops.)
Delia having reached out and taken Zell's hand when Gargul began to address her and the girl looked to her for encouragement, squeezes the girl's hand (if spirits can do such a thing) and smiles at her, "Not if I find you first." The in-line conversation should have been long enough for her to have asked enough questions about where they were from and other life story questions to have a good place to start on how to find her new friend. She nods to Tarjorie in respect as she feels the tug towards her body. She gives one final bow to the gods as the Shields fade away.
Now alive and in the land of the living, she slides out of Stock's arm to her feet, quietly regaining her bearings until her body has fully figured out she's alive again. Hawky rockets from Stock's shoulder back to Delia's, knocking her off balance but getting a happy laugh from her.
She takes a moment before weighing in to their next travel steps, "Fighting a hydra would be dangerous. But it, and the rest of the spelunking, would be a danger we know and are equipped for. Mountain travel can be dangerous and unpredictable. And cold. And Karkasan's minions might be able to find us more easily above ground. But, if we could find a way to teleport back to the dwarves without the Underwold magic interference thing that it does, that would definitely be best."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 238/238 AC: 36 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 36 LoH 6/15 SE 6/6 27d6=100 ; Thursday July 11th, 2024 4:13:39 PM
After being asked about and seeing the state of Stock and others Zanderallen focuses Domi's power and sends out burst after burst of positive energy, bathing his companions in it's warm light. The Shields feel their wounds tingle and burn as their bodies are stitched back together. After 3 bursts he staggers slightly and leans against the wall, the fatigue of battle, standing before the gods, and channeling catching up to him. But his body is hardened and he recovers quickly.
"I'm in full agreement with Stohp. We get Dolgrin home, he is our companion. I would prefer the Overland route. It's been two long underground and I see no reason to risk the monster in the deep." He briefly touches his chest, an old soreness flaring, as he tries to convince himself it is not fear pushing him to the mountain path. ======== Channel Positive Energy x3 - ALL SHIELDS HEAL 100 HP
The Road Home (DM Wayne) Thursday July 11th, 2024 10:28:39 PM
Armalad expands the options for the group to consider, but wouldn’t mind the overland route if mundane travel is the order of the day.
Stohp agrees to Mountainhome as the next destination, regardless of route.
Stock starts and stops several times, as if he can’t get himself to stop repeating what he said a few minutes ago. He waves off concern as he clears his head – perhaps the Lands of Rest affected him more than others.
Bartomus agreed with Armalad on healing. He voted for the overland route, so long as the group could deal with whatever weather and other conditions prevailed in the mountains.
Delia’s mind was still in the Lands of Rest a bit, her conversation with Zell and Tarjorie replaying in her mind. She brought herself out of her reverie and back into the present discussion, or did Hawky’s claws on her shoulder-pad do that? Delia votes for the teleport idea, but if not, she’d prefer the UnderWold route.
Zanderallen gathers the group closer and, summoning Domi’s power, repeatedly heals the group (per amount shown in Z’s post). He votes in favor of the overland route.
Dolgrin says, “Not that I get a vote, but it sounds like the overland route is a winner. Armalad, I like the teleport idea, but as you know, the Scab sometimes messes with that… less often aboveground.”
The group confers a bit more and settles on the overland route, saving the teleport scrolls for leaving Mountainhome to return to the Float.
Bartomus, Delia, and Dolgrin consult about the outdoor preparations. When the conversation shifts to useful spells, Bartomus realizes, starting tomorrow, he could simply prepare several Endure Elements spells for the group daily, which would cover up to 17 hours per day of travel and then the group’s well-worn bedrolls would keep them warm at night.
Delia recovers the group’s ropes from the cavern wall, and then the two Ropes of Climbing are just long enough for everyone to easily get up to the 600’ tunnel, with Bartomus in Air-emental form as “safety net.”
As the group heads down the new tunnel, Bartomus waves goodbye to the tiny bug he saw earlier.
Some several hundred feet of s-curve and switchback later, the group enters the outdoors again, the nighttime flight over the hydra fading into distant memory, and the sun has just finished setting. The group does a double-take at this, as it was the dead of night when they flew past the hydra, and if anything it should be getting near dawn! How long were we in the Lands of Rest, anyways???
Anxious to put as much distance between themselves and the former resting place of Largon’s Dragon Crown, the group presses on. Down the mountainside they go, frequently aided by Delia and Bartomus and judicious use of Ropes of Climbing. Across the rocky plains between the mountains, not so bad here as on the wagon journey to the Eastern Wind Tunnel Entrance in the first place, but it’s still some effort to constantly zig and zag to avoid various types and sizes of rocks.
Dolgrin picks out the remnants of a rockslide as a good place to camp, an open-air “room” with “walls” to reduce the chance of encounters while the group sleeps. Armalad and Joker trade off “wand of silent image duty,” the one on duty ready to defend against any flying marauders by making it look like settled boulders are above the campsite.
Delia enjoys her 2 hours of sleep and then, powered by the Ring of Sustenance, watches over the group until dawn breaks and everyone prepares to move out.
It’s a somewhat cold night, but the hours of marching followed by time in bedrolls keeps everyone warm enough.
Bartomus casts the first array of Endure Elements on everyone and then the marching begins. Useful bits of cloth for exposed skin helps prevent sunburn and Endure Elements keeps everyone toasty warm without being uncomfortable.
Dolgrin keeps the group away from areas of intense elemental activity – lava from active volcanoes, areas with many geysers, and so forth. Delia and Bartomus consult to avoid the more mundane threats like landslides, sinkholes, and the like. There are still the occasional battles with stray elementals or even bandits, but the Shields dispatch the inadequate threats with aplomb.
And so some fourteen sleeps later, the group once more becomes accustomed to waking up to the Sun in the morning – some swear they have never known a more glorious sight!
The group skipped the Eastern Wind Tunnel Entrance to save time, and it pays off.
Stock is the first to spot the group of mountains that Mountainhome lies within, and though he tells everyone securely in a low voice, perhaps, just perhaps, a signal of joy leaked through his words…
At the gates to Mountainhome, it happens that Morgrym is there, and so there is much Dwarven cheering and back-slapping!
Then… Morgrym spies the warhammer hanging at Stock’s side.
“It… it… cannot be!!!!! It IS!!!!!!!!!!! You’ve also found Klink… (he looks over the group, twice) oh… ooooohhhh… I understand. (He nods silently and solemnly.) Quickly, let’s get inside – the Chief will want to see all of you right away!” He gestures to the guards, who rush to open a door!
The group is ushered in a direct path, with Morgrym in front and trusted guards bringing up the rear, to Chief Sternbough’s Throne Room.
The Chief is not yet here, and for the next few minutes you converse with Morgrym, some of you once more admiring the murals on the walls – THERE, there’s the iconic mural with Klink Barrelchest fighting the Drow – it must be him – see that warhammer? Exactly like the one Stock carries, engravings and all!
Then the Chief enters, once more passing directly through his Throne from behind and then backing up and sitting on it. His guardians and scribes also arrive.
Dolgrin leaps into a bear hug with his fellow scribes, and is just as soon out of it and standing at attention, waiting for his Chief to bid him speak.
You all notice that the Shields and Dolgrin all still stand despite the large number of chairs, but it seems appropriate for a momentous occasion such as this!
Chief Sternbough speaks first, “Welcome back, Shields and Dolgrin! My scribes tell me it’s been a little more than fifty sleeps since you last stood here!
I would hear from either Stock or Dolgrin first. Go ahead!”
Chief Sternbough looks back and forth between the two Dwarves, then his eyes alight upon the Warhammer hanging at Stock’s side and stay there.
Dolgrin audibly gulps and turns to look at Stock, pleadingly.
What do the Shields do?
(OOC – Stock, you’re up!
(Elapsed Time: Total of forty-nine (49) sleeps since The Fork and the Mossy Path, and fifty (50) sleeps since entering Wind Tunnels.)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 98/154 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday July 12th, 2024 1:20:32 AM
Although not as intimidating as their recent meeting with Gods and Powers Armalad once again recognizes this is not her place to speak so she once again waits in respectful silence with Joker
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday July 12th, 2024 9:34:24 AM
Stohp is glad the overland route saved them some time and lets the dwarves speak once they're in the meeting. She wonders what made the dwarf so solemn - did he think Klink somehow survived all these years?
Stock (JonM) HP: 104/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 9/46 used Friday July 12th, 2024 11:54:24 AM
“Chief, you honor me with the right to speak first.”
He puts a fist to his chest before continuing. “I will take your word regarding how long it’s been, all I know is that we had an epic sojourn that ended in success. Z-show the Chief the crown…
We fought beasts in the trackless dark of the tunnels. Dolgrin dutifully guided us and recorded our progress. We came upon the crown finally in a cave guarded by a half-orc imbued with elemental power and supported by nameless beasts. We were victorious despite a loss of one of our own.
And now.let me honor you.”
Stock walks over to Z and recovers Klink’s shield, he slowly draws Klink’s hammer and he removes Klink’s armor from his pack. He bundles the pieces together and gives them to the Chief.
“Indeed we did find evidence of Klink’s demise…May his soul rest in peace.”
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 238/238 AC: 36 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 36 LoH 6/15 SE 6/6 Friday July 12th, 2024 4:14:18 PM
Zanderallen stands at attention before Chief Sternbough. On Stock's prompting he presents the Dragon Crown. As Stock collects the shield he unslings Klink's longbow, "Don't forget this" he quietly whispers to Stock before returning to respectful silence as Klink's fate is shared.
Bartomus(Rod) HP:153/153 AC 21; Glv +18 2d8+2 Slng +15 CMD 14 Melee 13/8/3;Perc+17;Heal+11 Friday July 12th, 2024 6:00:15 PM
Bartomus smiled as Stock worked to get everything they had recovered from the dwarven hero together and to present to his Chief. He nodded as his fellow Shield returned some items of significant importance, if not monumental importance to the Chief and Stock's entire clan.
He grinned when Zander had to remind Stock about the bow. Then his gaze began looking over the murals painted about the great hall. He realized he should be paying attention and swiftly brought his focus back on Stock and his Chief.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 1/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Saturday July 13th, 2024 7:05:42 PM
Delia stands quietly at attention as the others interact with the Chief. Too many authority figures have made her talk to them on this adventure and she hopes that this time she will be allowed to stay in her comfortable silence.
The Road Home (DM Wayne) Sunday July 14th, 2024 10:31:10 PM
Armalad and Joker wait in respectful silence.
Stohp likewise waits for the Dwarves to speak. She idly wonders about the lifespan of a typical Dwarf…
Stock accepts the honor of speaking first. He motions for Zanderallen to bring forth the Crown, and then relates his account of their UnderWold journey. He then gathers Klink’s Shield and Longbow from Zanderallen, placing them before Chief Sternbough along with Klink’s Armor and Warhammer. Stock offers a brief benediction for Klink Barrelchest.
Zanderallen presents the Dragon Crown as requested. He is thoughtful and diligent as he supplies Klink’s Shield and Longbow to Stock.
Bartomus took in the speech and activity solemnly, though the shiny of the wall murals, especially the one of Klink in his prime throwing his Warhammer and slaying 100 Drow at once, almost fully absorbs his attention. Could Klink have really accomplished that feat, or was that embellishment by the muralist?
Delia relaxes when no one asks her to do any public speaking.
Chief Sternbough listens carefully to all Stock says and likewise watches carefully Stock’s every act. He deftly pretends to scratch his chin at an opportune time to preventing his jaw from dropping to the floor at the presentment of Klink’s fighting gear.
The Chief gestures to the Scribes who send half their number off (to later return with royal cloths to wrap Klink’s gear) out of the room. He then bids Dolgrin speak, and Dolgrin, opening his journal, begins the long form of what Stock said. The Chief is quick to prod Dolgrin to hit the key points in order for now, and directs the Scribes as a whole to make several copies of Dolgrin’s journals, the intricate maps, and so forth.
Dolgrin has a modest soul, and therefore informs the Chief and all in the room of the significant and necessary contributions of Delia and Stohp to the mapping, as well as noting the diligent efforts of the rest of the Shields to ensure nothing of importance was missed in the maps.
The Chief does a double-take on this, replying to Dolgrin, “You would give such mapping credit to a human… and a Taur? Amazing! I will review the original maps later with the Chief Scribe, once the copies have been made.
(turns to the Shields)
Well done Shields, but especially you, Delia and Stohp! It appears you two have indirectly helped the defense of Mountainhome by contributing essential spatial details and innovations in map legends to the maps you and Dolgrin have provided to us – we shall definitely be ready should the Accursed Drow ever try invading again!
And, it is most impressive that not only did you find the Crown, but you also found the prized fighting gear of Klink Barrelchest himself – see how these engravings on the Warhammer precisely match those in the mural on that wall!
And… the Crown… we know not whether it possesses the powers reputed to it, or even if it is the same Crown the scrolls and fragments speak of, but… long ago my ancestor King Sternbough had fallen under a Bloodwitch’s Curse of Sleep, and Klink Barrelchest bravely, though without wisdom, it appears, set off alone to find the Crown and break the Curse by using the Crown’s reputed powers to break any enchantment. Unable to be fed, King Sternbough eventually starved to death when Klink did not return in time. I still find it hard to believe what Dolgrin just said, about a strange fungus reaching far distances to trick people into thinking everything was fine while the fungus feasted on their bodies, but I can see by the demeanor of the several Shields, and Dolgrin, that it is all true. Though we still lack a corpse, at least now we can grant Klink’s Clan an appropriate ceremony of final rites.
Now, I know you Shields have to get back to the Float – your foe, Karkasan, has had nearly two months of planning and plotting, fortunately frustrated since you have kept the Crown from him!
We have no present need for the Crown, but I ask if you’d consider, once you have defeated Karkasan, bringing the Crown back here – it would aid our defense against Drow Invasions if we could quickly break their powerful Charm magics before they turn one dwarf against another! For now, find somewhere safe for it other than here – the Scab was already target of one agent of Karkasan’s, and other agents may be in the area still, unknown to all of us.”
By this time the Scribes have returned with rolling carts and large royal tablecloths atop them, more than sufficiently large to wrap up Klink’s fighting gear. Each item is atop a tablecloth on a cart, but the items are not yet wrapped, and the lights in the Throne Room reflect off them, almost hypnotically.
Also, the Shields suddenly realize that, filling in behind them, all of Stock’s family and extended relatives are in the room!
Chief Sternbough turns to a guard, nods once, and the guard produces a small box, which the Chief takes,
Chief Sternbough turns towards Stock, opening the small box, taking something into his hand. He slowly and purposefully walks down the steps and stands face to face with Stock.
Chief Sternbough says, “Stock Simpleshard, you have never been trained as a soldier in our army, but you unflinchingly took on a very risky Special Mission and not only did you find your goal, the Crown, but you have also healed the pain of the Barrelchest family and restored to Clan Mountainheart the priceless weapons and armor Klink bore, that might take a magical smith up to a year to make all of them one after the other!”
Chief Sternbough reveals the item in his hand is a Clan Mountainheart Medal, and continues, “Stock Simpleshard, I award you the Mountainheart Medal of Valor, our clan’s highest award! It is special. It is awarded only to the bravest among us. You and your companions are equally brave, but I may only award this Medal to a member of Clan Mountainheart. People may use the term ‘hero’ all the time, but there are heroes among the heroes. And they are very rare. Since our clan was established long, long ago, less than 100 medals have been awarded, each after painstaking deliberation and consideration. Recipients have gone above and beyond the call of duty for Clan Mountainheart. We know you are a humble soul Stock Simpleshard but you will accept this medal as a symbol of the thanks of your Clan for your valor!
(Bellowing) Scribes, note this Medal has three marks for valor attached, the maximum!”
With that, Chief Sternbough pins the Mountainheart Medal of Valor on Stock!
At once, all of Stock’s relatives, nay, the entire room full of Dwarves, erupts into cheers!
(in Dwarven, though his name sounds about the same in both Dwarven and Common)
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
“Stock! Stock! Stock!”
Stock’s extended family swarms him and the rest of the Shields, cheering, backslapping, and vigorously shaking hands with the Shields!
Then… the loudness doesn’t abate!
(in Common)
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
Eventually, gentle gestures by Chief Sternbough restore order, and then he speaks to the Shields once more, “Stock… Shields… It is hard to imagine how to properly thank you enough… but it turns out we’re pretty good at that!” He claps his hands once.
Two of his retainers come around from behind the Throne bearing Bags.
Chief Sternbough says, “Shields, together, these two Bags, each with more space inside than one would expect, comprise a large fortune in gems, and even some gold in case an innkeeper can’t break a 1,000gp-emerald!” The Dwarves break into raucous laughter at this, but more gentle gestures from the Chief quiet the room once more. He continues, “These are for all of you Shields as a whole. Do not worry about Dolgrin – he too has done exceptional work, for a scribe, and will be well-compensated… and if my Chief Scribe is in agreement, promoted as well for his exemplary recording and his key guidance of you Shields to where you needed to go!
Finally, Stock Simpleshard, the Shields have important battles ahead, not to mention defeating Karkasan! Dolgrin noted you had some fondness for Klink’s Armor and Warhammer.
We would lend these two items to you, Stock Simpleshard, to be returned once the Shields have defeated Karkasan.
I think Klink would agree as well.
Stock Simpleshard, do you agree to carry Klink’s Warhammer and wear Klink’s Armor until such time as Karkasan is defeated?”
The room falls totally silent.
All are aware that Chief Sternbough has extended a singular honor to Stock – wielding the weapon and wearing the armor of the most famous hero of Clan Mountainheart of all time!
What do you do?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 98/154 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday July 15th, 2024 12:36:42 AM
Again Armalad and Joker stand patiently waiting for Stock to reply to the honor being offered to him.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday July 15th, 2024 6:15:30 AM
Stohp is a humble soul and is a bit overwhelmed at the praise and honors. If directly offered one of the bags to carry she'll bow and humbly thank the dwarves, otherwise she'll just sort of stand there hoping she doesn't come off as awkward.
Stock (JonM) HP: 104/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 9/46 used Monday July 15th, 2024 9:36:16 AM
Stock's mouth twitches as the ceremony comes to a head. He stands proudly as he receives the award. He is not surprised when his friends and family start to cheer - he noted them arriving minutes ago - but that doesn't mean he's not proud of the Shields' accomplishments.
Upon receiving the Medal, he says, "Chief - you honor me and by extension, my adventuring party as a whole. Thank you for this." He holds his chin high and turns to face the cheering crowd.
And when he receives Klink's artifacts his eyes grow wide in astonishment. "Of course I'll carry them; and when I decide to put my adventuring days behind me, I'll bring them back. As for the crown...well lets just go one step at a time. I will consult with the other Shields once this Karkasan business wraps up."
Stock (JonM) HP: 104/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 9/46 used Monday July 15th, 2024 9:36:49 AM OOC - I'm drawing a blank - where did the crown come from? Is it from the Dwarves?
Delia (Hannah) HP: 1/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 d20+45=58 ; Monday July 15th, 2024 1:06:47 PM
Delia smiles as the crowd begins to cheer Stock, the praise is well-earned. Her smile slips when the crowd turns their focus on the rest of the party. She takes a small step away from the party, shrinking into herself and somehow disappearing into the underground room even while observed and with no real cover.
When the focus is back on Stock, she unshrinks and her smile comes back as Stock accepts Klink's tools of war.
Stealth: 58 (high level rangers are silly)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 238/238 AC: 36 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 36 LoH 6/15 SE 6/6 Monday July 15th, 2024 5:28:52 PM
Zanderallen listens patiently to Dolgrin give the detailed account. Glad that Dolgrin was incapacitated for most of the fight against the fungus and unable to provide real details. Not a good look for Stock or the Shields.
As the Chief starts his medal speech Zander quickly senses this is a big deal. His face breaks into a huge grin when Stock is presented with such honor. As the crowd starts cheering for Stock Zander can't restrain himself and running over hoists Stock into the air. He sets his friend on his shoulders cheering along with the crowd. Sensing the glares from Stock he sets him down after a few cheers.
He thanks the Chief for the generous gift but refrains from further conversation with the chief in front of the whole assembly. He had enough tact to recognize the dwarves preferred their own clan.
Bartomus(Rod) HP:153/153 AC 21; Glv +18 2d8+2 Slng +15 CMD 14 Melee 13/8/3;Perc+17;Heal+11 Monday July 15th, 2024 9:22:35 PM
Bartomus joins in the chanting for Stock and beaming with appreciation for the recognition that the dwarf was receiving. He joined in the applause when Stock agreed to accept the loan of the hero's gear.
His mind though began to wonder about the crown and the easiest way to get it to the Float and then to some place safe.
The Road Home (DM Wayne) Monday July 15th, 2024 11:55:47 PM
Armalad and Joker hone their Wallflower skills.
The weight of earned praise almost causes humble Stohp to buckle, but she is a long-experienced Shield and finds the inner strength to bear it. She is near when the Chief hands the Bags to the Shields and she takes one with a polite bow and curtsy.
Stock summons the inner discipline of a dwarf of Clan Mountainheart and stands proudly as Chief Sternbough pins the Medal of Valor on him! Stock gives a brief, but gracious, acceptance speech. Likewise, he accepts Klink’s Warhammer and Armor for the duration of the Karkasan War.
(OOC – Largon’s Dragon Crown was a lost artifact of sorts, which Dwarven scribes over the years heard rumors about, and which Pip’s research back at the WLA also turned up information about. Its origin is presently unknown to the Shields, and to Clan Mountainheart and its Scribes. Allowing Pip to examine the Crown in person may be illuminating… or not… but there’s a chance…)
Delia enjoys seeing Stock receive the limelight, and reflexively Wallflowers when the Dwarves cheer the Shields as a whole! Klink’s Warhammer… looks good in Stock’s hands!
Zanderallen sighs with relief that the true horror of the Zygomind battle remained unknown to Dolgrin. He cheers louder than many when Stock receives the Medal of Valor and the cheers, thoroughly embarrassing Stock, in a good way, by hoisting him aloft so all may see the Dwarven hero! Zanderallen, like the rest of the Shields, politely thanks the Chief for the Clan’s substantial monetary gift.
Bartomus, too, cheered Stock for the Medal of Valor, and the loan of Klink’s gear. He pondered whether the Shields could get the Crown back to the Float without being attacked, either before or after Armalad and Joker use their Teleport Scrolls.
The gathering then turns into a bit of a party! Chief Sternbough and his aides excuse themselves to attend to Clan Matters, but Stock’s extended family and friends remain and servants bring in a variety of heavy appetizers, plenty of drink, and much celebration is had!
A few hours later things have lessened enough that, with far less background noise, actual conversations can be had.
Servants inform the Shields where their rooms are for the night so that they can begin their return journey to the Float well-rested and well-fed!
Stock, and some of the Shields, takes advantage of the opportunity to have conversations with the Dwarves that might not occur again for months… or years!
The servants also inform the Shields that they’re welcome to meet with Dwarven crafters and ‘talk shop’ as it were.
The Shields are forever welcome to visit Mountainhome, should they ever leave the Float again!
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, the Shields gear up and say their goodbyes. Morgrym leads them to just outside the Mountainhome cave doors so that the Scab’s occasional interference with teleporting is lessened.
Armalad expresses hope that since the destination is far from the Scab they’ll have no more trouble than they did arriving!
Armalad and Joker coordinate and start the Teleportation process.
Soon enough the Shields vanish in two groups, Stock in the second group so he’s able to see his home and kin for just a little longer, and then… the Shields are GONE!!!!!!!!!
(OOC – In your next post, describe a montage of your Shield’s activities during the party, what kind of sleep you got, your morning demeanor, and your actions as you travel outside Mountainhome and Armalad and Joker Teleport the Shields away. Next DM post will have the results of the Teleport…)
Stock (JonM) HP: 104/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 9/46 used Tuesday July 16th, 2024 8:31:57 AM
Stock does not sleep that night. Instead he spends his time with family and friends doing his best to get all the latest news of the last twenty or so years. Despite the fact that he hasn’t had a strong drink in all that time, Stock partakes and learns that his near mythic constitution(26!) makes feeling even the slightest buzz nearly impossible. He finds though that hours spent with these folk fill a place in his heart that the mighty barbarian didn’t realize was empty.
In the morning he has to be dragged from the gathering to meet the Shields for the return trip.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday July 16th, 2024 9:44:59 AM
Stohp spends an enjoyable time getting into deep conversations about the art of woodworking and sleeps well overnight, though a bit less then she should, only 6 hours.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 238/238 AC: 36 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 36 LoH 6/15 SE 6/6 Tuesday July 16th, 2024 5:17:23 PM
Maybe it's the stress of being underground for so long, or maybe the stress of the threat of Karkasan's return, the stress of having been away from the Float for so long, or maybe the stress of having a companion slain, even if returned. But whatever the reason Zanderallen let's loose with an unusual lack of restraint. At some point in the night he disappears with a group of dwarven warriors, war stories getting more and more unbelievable as the ale flows more freely. Zander's not quite sure how or when he ended up back in his room but he wakes up late for him but still in time for breakfast. He somehow finds himself more sore sleeping for the first time in weeks outside his armor that he can't bring himself to put it on, leaving it wrapped in oiled clothes in his bag of holding awaiting a DEEP clean and repairs for which it was long overdue.
He finds a cold stream to take a swim in before coming to breakfast, noticeably quiet and suffering. But he puts on a brave face to thanks the dwarves for their hospitality as they prepare to head back home.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 98/154 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+29=35 ; Tuesday July 16th, 2024 7:51:12 PM
Armalad chats with the Dwarves in their native tongue. She's specifically interested in locating and talking to Dwarves with knowledge of magical crafting or engineering. Anything interesting she can glean that the Star Mages guild is not aware of she devises a short treatise on what she has discovered and suggests future followup for anything especially interesting.
Armalad wants to stay up into the night but knows she needs her 8 hours of elf trance to be able to prepare all the spells she needs for Joker to be able to use the other scroll.
She excuses herself early so she has the time to prepare and spends the time in her room doing so. The next morning she is in a good mood and eats a hearty breakfast and enjoys the strong and earthy Dwarven cofee.
When they go to activate the spells Armalad uses Joker's Shared Spells familiar ability to make read magic work on Joker.
She then casts Eagle's Splendor on Joker giving him +4 Charisma for 12 minutes
She then casts Heroism on Joker giving him + 2 to skills.
Joker knows the scroll is a spell of greater teleportation and has an effective Charisma of 18 so he can just roll to activate the scroll.
1d20 + 29 vs DC 33; fail on nat 1 through 3 = 35 = succeed on first attempt; So Joker can take 5 medium creatures; large creatures count as 2 with him.
Armalad has a high int and greater teleport on her spell list. She also now has access to 7th level spell slots now and Greater teleport is a 7th level spell so she can just activate the scroll without a roll and can take 5 medium creatures with large counting for 2)
(OOC Total time elapsed for Joker read magic + eagle's splendor(Joker) + heroism (Joker) + standard action UMD = 4 rounds or 24 seconds)
(OOC Total time elapsed for Armalad = Joker's 4 rds + 1 standard action =5 rounds or 30 seconds)
Bartomus(Rod) HP:153/153 AC 21; Glv +18 2d8+2 Slng +15 CMD 14 Melee 13/8/3;Perc+17;Heal+11 Tuesday July 16th, 2024 9:42:00 PM
Bartomus ate with glee from the delights that were shared. He listened to the tales told, added details to the recounting of their efforts, and then got into a long discussion on the various carving techniques utilized by the designers of the furniture and the hall that they were in.
When morning came, he undertook his meditations and then went in search of a much-needed bath. Some place where the water that washed off him would quickly find its way out of the dwarves' home as he was certain it was going to be of a level of toxicity that could be problematic for anyone or thing downstream.
He moved his way back up to the breakfast being laid out for them and beamed with a smile that mirrored the level of cleanliness he had managed to achieve.
Home is where the Float is! (DM Wayne) Tuesday July 16th, 2024 11:21:56 PM
Despite the wear and tear of over a month underground and two weeks of overland trekking, Stock finds himself refilled with energy and stays up all night with family and friends! If anyone could compress twenty years of lived experiences into a long night of storytelling, it is the Simpleshards and their friends! Later, the call to breakfast makes him think… so soon?
Stohp soon finds the carpenters and woodworkers and nerds out for hours before finally getting a good night’s sleep in an actual bed (or, rather, two dwarven beds shoved together…).
Zanderallen, unable to truly rest and blow off steam for the last almost-two-months, does his best to pub crawl with some Dwarven warriors who, naturally, can put away far more ale than Zanderallen! Eventually, after a refreshing, extra cold dip in mountain water, the call for breakfast brings him to the table, in civilian clothes. The stark change in Zanderallen’s appearance, from armored to clothed, underscores the… depths… the Shields navigated for so long.
Armalad spends some time speaking Dwarvish to the Dwarves, hopeful of finding thinkers like her to nerd out with. The topic of Klink’s gear and the comment Chief Sternbough made regarding the length of time to enchant it all provides an opening for her, and in the joyous mood, she’s able to speak with two Dwarven magic smiths about Dwarven methods for enchanting weapons and armor. She thinks she has enough to do some tests at home and then write up a few to several pages for the Star Mages Guild. Then she does what is necessary for the Shields to be able to Teleport the next day, finding that the two weeks traveling overland gave her mind the rest it needed to more fully understand the Greater Teleport spell and other spells of that power rank.
Bartomus took to the lively social atmosphere with glee, eating and talking, talking and eating, and much listening when the Dwarven carpenters and furniture designers spoke. After a good night’s sleep, and a lengthy bath, he prepared for the day, praying the Teleport would go well, but if not, he’d be ready to aid the group in any remaining overland trek. Bartomus, after his efforts, felt relatively clean and was a happy eater, confident that he’d cleansed the stench of the UnderWold… for now…
Delia enjoyed the food but wallflowered as soon as the socializing began, though somewhere in there Dolgrin showed up and Delia shop-talked some with him on mapping techniques for caves, life underground and suchlike. Then she got some rest, what little she needed with her Ring of Sustenance, and pondered with Hawky what to do with even a night of downtime and not an archery target in sight!
The Shields gather outside, with Morgrym and several of Stock’s closest family members and friends.
Morgrym says, “Chief Sternbough sends his regards – Clan Mountainheart Defense Planning takes precedence over seeing you off, unfortunately, but at least some of the Simpleshards are here to see you off!”
Stock’s family insists on sending the Shields off with waterproofed bags full of Dwarven foodstuffs and drinks, enough for all of you for about two days, but lightly salted so you can safely eat whenever you want over the course of a week or so.
Armalad splits the Shields into two groups again, she with one, Joker with the other. Stock’s family says to Stock, “Save the Float and come back and see us again soon!”
Armalad instructs Joker on focusing on Shields HQ at the Float. Joker nods, “You got it boss!”
With that, Armalad casts several spells on Joker who disappears with the first group. Stock stands with Armalad to gain another six seconds of seeing his family and friends in person.
And then… the Shields are GONE!
…
…
Something is different – the Teleport to the Scab was instant – now, all the Shields see flickering images of hundreds of cities and lands, presumably all around the Wold, one after the other, as the Shields exist between places for what seems like several seconds – and then their vision ceases flickering and the Shields are back in the Wold, in some small town with startled villagers all around, their daily business interrupted!
Armalad muses about the teleport interference the Mountainheart scribes had explained – the Shields’ luck just ran out, it seems.
Then, Zanderallen asks the villagers some questions and it turns out the Shields almost got home – they’re in Cutter, the town just a bit south of Turtle Lake along a tributary river. Gold pieces are thrown about and the Shields are soon on a barge down the river to Turtle Lake!
At the entrance to the lake there’s a small pier nearby and a man is sitting on a giant turtle that is floating up and down in the water near the pier.
As the Shields approach, the man sees them and stands up, squinting, and then yells, “Shields! Shields! You’re back, thank Domi! So glad to see you – you remember me, right? I’m Rick and this here is James – we helped you out on your dragon boat some months ago!
Want a ride to the Float,” Rick finishes with a beaming smile.
Soon the Shields are all on board and James gets underway! It’s hard to tell, even with a Giant Turtle, but it looks like James is more muscular now and is swimming, even laden with the Shields pretty fast!
Rick says, “James is doing great, huh? Belba got him on a new eating plan and maybe even used some druidic power and now James is the strongest and fastest turtle in our little fleet! It’s really fortunate that you came when you did – otherwise we’d be on our way taking some of the Cutter merchants up to the Float for business – they’ll have to wait for the next turtle, but that’s ok – the Shields belong on the Float!”
The Turtle Ferry back to the float takes three days or so, which is still impressive given Pip’s WLA maps had the distance from the Float to this end of Turtle Lake at over 150 miles – James is much stronger now, and maybe a little bigger too!
Finally, the Float is in sight and the Turtle Ferry brings you closer and closer to the Fence Level – home at last!!!!!!!
As Rick brings James into one of the berths, you see the Dragon Boat is also berthed within sight. Soon there is a sound like crackling twigs from the Dragon Boat – most Shields squint but Delia can easily see – it’s Hasan Brage and the Fisherfolk, clapping loudly, but a bit distant. Then the clapping is suddenly closer and the citizens here in the Fence level have all noticed the Shields’ return and are clapping constantly, dancing, and whooping it up in the piers and the streets! They’re shouting and cheering,
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
“Shields! Shields! Shields!”
Eventually the applause dies down and the citizens welcome the Shields back, and then start going about their business, talking about how the Lads did well in keeping the Float safe but there’s nothing like having the real Shields back in the Float!
What does each Shield do?
(OOC – I suggest narrating where you go next, whether Shields HQ or to visit a different location.
(Hannah, feel free to add in your “last moments in Mountainhome” post anytime – I took a guess at what Delia might do, above, but you’re the authority on Delia!)
Thank you all for adventuring in my UnderWold Dreams!
DM Mike takes over tomorrow night, and then somewhere near January 1 he and I will likely take turns for the final two months or so of Pathfinder 1st edition in the Wold – I wouldn’t miss DMing level 20 characters for anything, especially the Shields!!!!!!!
“Shields! Shields! Shields…”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 98/154 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday July 17th, 2024 1:20:49 AM
Armalad tells the others she'll catch up with them later and proceeds to the Star Mages Guild.
She writes a brief report on the magical interference of the Dwarf's Mountainhold, The plant monster that bewitched the shields, underground lake hydras, Klink's Armor, Largon's Crown and the theories she's gleaned from the Dwarvish smiths with more to come later
She wants to pull scrolls of 5th level and below that she currently doesn't have in her spell book like reduce person at the reduced donation rate from the guild library for after when she can visit the catacombs and get the corresponding special inks and materials to copy the spells into her book. She also needs to pick up the inks and some higher level scrolls for scribing considering she has 7th level spots and no spells to put there but Selective Dispell Magic (which could be a useful spell)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday July 17th, 2024 8:36:45 AM
Geez. People are excited lately. Hopefully things calm down soon and Stohp can go about her business without being accosted and shouted about all the time. People are probably just excited their back after a long absence.
Stock (JonM) HP: 104/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 9/46 used Wednesday July 17th, 2024 9:23:39 AM
Like Stohp, Stock does not love the attention either. He gives the crowd a halfhearted wave and then ducks his head down. “Big Z - You can have the crowds focus.”
He heads back to Shield HQ and immediately to his own bed once again to catch up on some sleep.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Wednesday July 17th, 2024 1:23:59 PM
Delia, wallflowering so thoroughly as to almost miss a day, enjoys her map plotting with Dolgrin. Hawky, despite having ranged around before, is almost possessively latched to Delia's shoulder. She thoroughly enjoys eating meals again. The Ring of Sustenance is extremely useful magic, but not eating right, not sleeping right, and then her death, have all left her with an empty ache in her body. Now that they are safe, she takes the ring off and sleeps a long, peaceful night and then enjoys a hearty breakfast.
On the back of the Dragon Turtle, James, Hawky finally unglues himself from her side, unable to resist the lure of the open skies. Delia stretches out on the back of the turtle in a very cat-like manner, enjoying the quiet and the sun. She thinks about Tarjorie and Zell and how she can use what she knows about them to track them down in the land of the living.
Once safely on the Float, Delia will check in with the Lads with anyone else who wants to see how things went in their absence and then head back to HQ.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 238/238 AC: 36 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 36 LoH 6/15 SE 6/6 Wednesday July 17th, 2024 4:47:20 PM
Zanderallen greets Rick with a warm smile and James with a wide eyed look, "Rick what have you been feeding James? At this rate he'll be able to pull the Float around in a year. Good to see you both." He pulls all the latest news out of Rick, knowing the docks will know everything. Otherwise he enjoys the peace of the lake, even as worry about their long absence gnaws at him.
Once they arrive at the Float he obliges Stock by distracting the crowd, very briefly telling them the wonders of Mountainhome and the horrors of the Underwold, without sharing any details of what they were doing there. But in rapid order he gets them settled and back to what they were doing before. He makes a beeline for the Gold level, heading straight for Rosebud Publishing. Both extremely eager to see Pepper and knowing if she hears of his return from someone other than him he'd hear about it.
After some time with her and a promise to tell her more later he heads back to home to settle in to the long task of bringing his gear back to top shape after 2 months underground. He'd have to go see the Smith family tomorrow to make the necessary repairs to his armor.
Oooh Look! It's Zanderallen! (DM MikeK) Wednesday July 17th, 2024 8:25:13 PM
Most of the Shields, worn out from the rigors of the adventure, prefer to duck the welcoming crowd. So much so Stock elects Zanderallen as “Crowd Pleaser”.
The paladin does his duty, greeting familiar faces, slapping backs, shaking hands, and generally distracting the crowd while his comrades slink off. But in rapid order he gets them settled and back to what they were doing before. He makes a beeline for the Gold level, heading straight for Rosebud Publishing. A private reunion with Pepper awaits.
Over the next several weeks, the Shields find time to get themselves back into order. Weapons, armor, magic items, spell scrolls, studies, practice, and free time are all availed of.
OOC - Three weeks pass. Everyone received enough from the last adventure to get them to total wealth level of 530,000 gp. Please commence shopping at Catacombs.
DM will respond to any questions/inquiries as if three weeks passed for the relevant referencing
Armalad (Hugh) HP 98/154 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday July 18th, 2024 2:52:31 AM
(OOC: I might have to wait till the weekend to plot everything out as far as spell / item purchases go )
Armalad spends much of her time adding spells to her spell book as this past adventure not only added a new spell level to what she could cast but exposed spells she should have had but didn't like reduce person, overland flight, endure elements, dismissal, etc
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday July 18th, 2024 7:40:24 AM
Stohp knows this is no time to let their guard down. They have the crown and their enemy find mass murder fun. There will be an attack, and Stohp takes steps to prepare defenses and see if they can track down the enemy to strike first.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 133/133; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Thursday July 18th, 2024 3:09:57 PM
([i]OOC: same as Hugh for catacombs shopping. Though having time tonight is a slight possibility[i])
Delia starts putting together a shopping list for her catacombs trip. She spends much of the rest of the time accidentally stalking whichever party member has the crown to ensure they don't get jumped and plotting about finding Tarjorie and Zell, so that she can sponsor the girl and the orphanage.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 238/238 AC: 36 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 36 LoH 6/15 SE 6/6 Thursday July 18th, 2024 5:42:22 PM
Zanderallen searches their records for the 3 items needed to bring Karkasan back. Mixing in some shopping and personal time.
Bartomus(Rod) HP:153/153 AC 21; Glv +18 2d8+2 Slng +15 CMD 14 Melee 13/8/3;Perc+17;Heal+11 Thursday July 18th, 2024 8:24:06 PM
Bartomus got swept along with the other Shields and loved the attention, but really, really wanted a good, warm bath and a true bed. He didn't mind the beds in the dwarven keep, but when two beds were being put together so he could sleep on it, well it was better than the cavern floor. However, he wanted a good night's rest and sleep.
With the start of the next day, Bartomus awoke and did his meditations. He checked on the tree that he had planted that was on a small balcony off the edge of the Float's structure. Then he realized he needed to work on things in his room and order some additional gear.
R&R (DM MikeK) Thursday July 18th, 2024 8:48:08 PM
The Shields get some rest and then most start preparations.
Armalad continues filling out an already impressive spellbook. Bartomus checks on his tree. It is doing quite nicely, actually. Delia spends a lot of time stalking Stock, who has the crown.
Stohp wonders of ways to take the fight to the Karkasians.
Zanderallen sits down to reacquaint himself with the three items they seek. Or one item. The Shield possess Sarr’s Armor and Largon’s Dragon Crown., though they know the Armor, while rare, is not a unique item. Last item on the list is the pleasant sounding Scepter of the Dead.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 98/154 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+28=35 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+11=30 ; Friday July 19th, 2024 4:40:49 AM
While visiting the Star Mages Armalad checks their records for anything about the scepter (OOC: Dunno if I get a bonus for using the Star Mages Guild Records...)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday July 19th, 2024 9:54:33 AM
Stohp shops (will update sheet this weekend.
Stock (JonM) HP: 104/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 9/46 used Friday July 19th, 2024 10:44:49 AM "I have to say, it has been nice to be home again. How long do you Shields believe it will be before we get an ominous knocking at our door? It seems like that always happens when things feel like they are becoming 'normal' again."
Stock spends his days going through his gear, cleaning it and preparing to visit the catacombs.
Stock (JonM) HP: 277/277; AC: 34/31/17; DR 4/-; CMD: 42; Rage: 0/46 used Friday July 19th, 2024 10:45:24 AM Header updated
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 238/238 AC: 36 T: 15 FF: 33 CMD: 36 LoH 6/15 SE 6/6 Friday July 19th, 2024 12:15:09 PM
Zanderallen settles back into his normal routine with a little more book work than he typically prefers. He joins in the search for records of the Scepter of the Dead.
He makes sure and travel up to the palace to report their success to the Overlord.
The next morning when the Shields are gathered for breakfast at HQ he pulls the dragon crown from his pack and sets it on the table in front of him. "Do we have any idea what this does? If we could discover it's powers is there any reason we shouldn't use it?"
Later that day he will take a trip to the catacombs to spend some good dwarven gold.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 133/133; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Friday July 19th, 2024 2:29:37 PM
Delia also shops (should be able to finalize tonight).
Bartomus(Rod) HP:153/153 AC 21; Glv +18 2d8+2 Slng +15 CMD 14 Melee 13/8/3;Perc+17;Heal+11 Friday July 19th, 2024 3:47:22 PM
Bartomus headed to the WLA offices with the specific objective of sharing what he had learned about the caverns they had visited. He wasn't going to go into great detail about the purpose, other than to say that Stock had a family obligation that he had to tend to and needed some help from his fellow Shields.
He did want to check in with Pip and see if during their absence, the researcher had managed to find anything more Karkasan, the Drow, and the Lizardfolk.
Afterwards, he head down to the Sully's tattoo shop down on the trash level and made a couple of appointments with Abatalia, the cute and quick witted tattoo artist that he had gotten his earlier inkwork from. He also offered to take her out for lunch if she was available the next day.
More research, but this time with some answers! (DM MikeK) Sunday July 21st, 2024 5:27:43 PM
Stohp and Delia get some shopping done. As does Stock, though the dwarf pessimistically wonders when the next ominous knocking will occur.
Armalad, joined by Zanderallen, visit the Star Mages to see if their records contain anything regarding the Scepter of the Dead. They are both let in immediately and allowed to search whatever they like. It appears any restrictions the Star Mages generally enforce no longer apply to the Silver Shields.
It takes some doing, but Armalad does manage to find two references. One is 900 years old. The second dates back 800 years. Both reference the Scepter as a one shot weapon of unimaginable power possessed by a powerful demilich known as The Dread.
However, that demilich was destroyed by a group of adventurers several decades ago. No mention of the Scepter can be found beyond the two much older references.
Having found out what they can, the team turn their attention to Largon’s Crown:
Fate Item: Largon’s Crown. Takes up Head Slot. Wearer can cast Break Enchantment as a standard action once per day. However, unlike spell, Crown does work at all spell levels and autorolls a caster level check of 35.
Bartomus goes to the WLA to report a muted version of their adventure. He then checks up on Pip. As soon as the taur enters, the halfling bounds over. Pip is practically vibrating with excitement. “I found the Heart of the Wood!” he cries, while attempting to pull the 800 lb minotaur toward his books. Failing utterly, the halfling releases his hold on Bart’s shin, bounds back to a tome, and points excitedly at a passage. “It’s UNDER the Crying Wood! Directly under the ruins near that elf village you visited!”
Bartomus(Rod) HP:153/153 AC 21; Glv +18 2d8+2 Slng +15 CMD 14 Melee 13/8/3;Perc+17;Heal+11 Sunday July 21st, 2024 9:03:11 PM "Well, now," Bartomus said as he followed Pip to the table. "Seems that everything brings us back to those woods. This is really important Pip. You want to come over to Shields HQ and share what you have learned, or is there more we should be looking for here?"
Bartomus pointed to the tome and then twirled his finger about the room.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 98/154 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday July 22nd, 2024 3:37:38 AM
Armalad Says, "If everything goes through at the catacombs I think I might have a new spell that could help us learn more about the Scepter, though I'd need to borrow some money to buy some incense and ivory pieces needed for the spell."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday July 22nd, 2024 8:43:48 AM
Stohp finishes up her shopping and returns home to news. "We should make sure we're fully prepared."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 133/133; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Monday July 22nd, 2024 4:50:12 PM
Delia has some money left over after her Catacomb's trip and will lend the materials costs of Armalad's spell to enter into the next stage of their fight against Karkasan prepared (has 5k left over).
LOG ON