DM Kathy Sunday June 29th, 2014 10:02:42 PM
[Everyone please take 2500 XP for the previous scene.]
Questioned, the kobolds maintain that they set up to catch travelers, any travelers. They were not looking for anyone in particular. Pressed, they point out that there has been a lot more travel through here of late, and they decided to take advantage of it.
Diaosha can confirm that, with trade opening up in the area, more and more people are traveling through to take advantage of it.
Ragnarök's poison has worn off, and the damage to his Dexterity will repair itself over the next few days.
The kobolds defeated, and their loot safely stored in your bags, you press onward. You spend the night at one of the waystations. You haven't been to this one; the ones you visited were east of the Trading Post, and this one is on the trail to the southwest, toward the coast. It is a very nice, well-maintained waystation, with an underground bunkroom that can be secured against the dinosaurs or anything else that might come hunting. In the bunkroom, you find some standard supplies and trail rations, available for anyone who may need them.
Jeff L Zero_Earth Elemental HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27, Tremorsense Sunday June 29th, 2014 11:44:19 PM
Once they are safely in the bunkroom Zero changed back to his dwarven form, did some stretches, took a swig from his wineskin and burped.
He then walked over to Ragnarok. "So ye got a wee bit of poison in ye, do you laddie? Well, tomorrow I might be able to help ye with that. Get ye back to yer normal jumpity jumpy form, eh?"
Once everyone settled down, Zero took the form of an earth elemental and used the tremorsense ability to scan for trouble.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Monday June 30th, 2014 5:46:17 PM "Well this place sure is better than the ones we've seen before!" Rag says with a smile as they prepare for the night in this way station.
As Zero comes to talk with him Rag thankfully smiles at the weird druid, "Those magical shapes you turn into sure are pretty amazing! I'm glad you are on our team... but seeing how you can change into such fearsome creatures makes me worried that we haven't even seen the worst of these D.A.R.E. druids... if they too have acces to such powerful shapes... than I don't know how we will ever be able to stop them..."
Rag looks down at his bare hands and sighs... "[/b]Alemi has given me these and has thaught me not to kill... but sometimes I fear it is an endless fight... one I can not win..."[/b]
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Monday June 30th, 2014 8:11:11 PM "I'm sure we'll manage somehow, Scarecrow, we can do some amazing things ourselves, what with Dondarin having a dinosaur for a pet on top of being an accomplished marksman and you being able to, literally, punch things into submission and having that mark of yours just as icing on the justice cake.", playfully states Faust.
"I can give it a spin with the wand, like I used to, but don't depend on me for healing in a pinch, converting arcane energy to divine is much more complicated than I could ever have though to be and not a reliable 'science' of itself to begin with. Their weapons ought to fetch a nice price once we can enter the Catacombs, halflings and the odd physical gnome will be all over them."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Monday June 30th, 2014 9:04:53 PM
As the others chat, Yeshua and Truman take watch outside, preferring to prowl the nearby forest and trying to catch a deer or pig for dinner...
DM Kathy Monday June 30th, 2014 9:50:08 PM
You marvel at the extra-fancy waystation. Diaosha seems pleased with it as well. "It's nice to have a door you can shut against--everything," she remarks.
Zero makes some effort to heal Ragnarök's damage. [OOC: Lesser Restoration will do the trick, if you can cast it.]
The night passes uneventfully, and you climb up from the bunkroom into a bright morning that's already on the warm side. Luckily, you don't have too much further before you get to Crystal Beach (or whatever it's called), because it's shaping up to be a scorcher.
You arrive in the town by noon. The main thing you notice is that, whatever size the town is now, it is getting bigger. You see new construction everywhere, and you are never far from the sound of vigorous hammering. Trade has come to Cthonia, and it would seem that the outside world is beginning to catch on.
The construction is especially busy near the docks, where the smell is an interesting combination of sawdust, tar, stale grog, and low tide. You survey the few ships tied up at the dock and wonder how to go about finding passage across Dragon Bay. Is there some sort of harbormastor, or what's the procedure here?
You don't have long to wonder, though. A skinny half-orc man, dressed as a sailor, comes hurrying up to you. "You--you're adventurers, right? Looking for passage by any chance? Where to?"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) Monday June 30th, 2014 9:51:09 PM "I can use the wand. The one I've been using is running low but I've got a weaker one in my bag that's still fully charged."
Toregan scans the bunkhouse and then goes outside to check the surrounding area. After his quick look around is done, he returns to the party. "I'll take first watch. I'm not sure why But I get the feeling that something may happen tonight. I might just be a bit cautious after the ambush though."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) Monday June 30th, 2014 9:52:14 PM (1 freaking second off! I was SO CLOSE!)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Tuesday July 1st, 2014 4:17:59 PM
As the group enters this new town Rag's pretty amased to see a settlement like this rapidly growing in Cthonia!
"Do you think they sell potions here? I'm in dire need of some mage armor! Or perhaps they have en entrance to the Woldian Catacombs here??"
The Monk takes in all the construction work and if tuey didn't have a task escorting Diaosha to the Plateau City he would have loved staying here helping.
An unknown sailor offering a crossing to unknown group of scruffy looking adventurers is just a bit too much of a coincidence... of course it could be that Rag's just hetting too paranoid lately.
"Who's askin'" Rag says rather sharp. The prospect of having to go out on a boat trip doesn't appeal to Rag but going out on a boat trip with a stranger, and above all a Half-Orc stranger, is perhaps too much...
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Tuesday July 1st, 2014 8:48:43 PM
Yeshua and Truman are both clearly uncomfortable around all these people, and would much rather be in the wilderness... Cities are places with too many people in too close of quarters...
When the human shows up, he lets the others do the talking, but he does echo Ragnarok's request for a Catacombs visit before they travel on...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Tuesday July 1st, 2014 9:53:09 PM "we look the part that badly?", asks Faust, moments before he realizes that they're a highly heterogeneous group with two dangerous predators as pets and shrugging his own question off.
He then turns to Diaosha, "Do we need to cross the river or is this our final destination?", he asks her, not without semi-politely gesturing to the half-orc that the group needs a moment to answer.
DM Kathy Tuesday July 1st, 2014 10:20:01 PM Toregan reminds the group that he can heal with healing wands, although ability damage is another matter. [OOC: the wand you found on the kobold shaman just now is also a CMW, so when you run out, you'll have another one! Slightly used, but still.]
Ragnarök wonders aloud whether there might be potions for sale, or possibly a Catacombs entrance, but it seems unlikely. There will for sure be a Catacombs entrance in famed Plateau City, which is something Rag and Yeshua seem to be looking forward to.
Rag asks the sailor who he is.
"Oh! Right. I'm Cherro, Abel Cherro that is, sailor on the Glimstone Dancer. We just come in across the bay, and we're headin' back out again, and--well--well, it's kind of complicated. But if you're adventurers, and you're lookin' for passage across to the Plateaus, well, I think Cap'n'll probably cut you a deal. Adventurers aboard would be welcome, what with the beast and all."
Knowledge Local 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The Caverns of Glimstone is the name of dwarven delvings in the Scab. It's an unusual choice for a ship name.}
Faust asks whether this is your final destination. It is not. Your destination, if you recall, is Plateau City, which is at least ten times the size of this place. Diaosha says as much, looking amused, and adds, "it isn't the river we must cross, but Dragon Bay. We will need passage on a ship."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 4:21:37 PM (So, there's a problem with the cable line to our house that provides us with our internet so for the past 2 days I've been struggling to get back online. Its supposed to get fixed on Thursday, but if they can't fix the problem then, it'll be a lot longer that that. I'll keep you guys updated on the situation.)
Toregan perks up at the mention of a 'beast'.
"What sort of beast are you talking about? Some kind of creature living in the bay giving you trouble?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 4:39:26 PM "So I take it you would favor having battle hardened adventurers aboard to get accross safely!? Rag says with a smile and adds, "Now what makes you think we can be of any service!? We've been trampeled, stampeeded, smashed by plants and bitten by Dino's... true but we barely survived all of those perils... I'll probably get sea sick anyhow...
"I'd say we have a chat with your Cap'n and see if we can get along... let's listen to what sea-demons it is that haunts the Dragon Bay...
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 9:05:27 PM
Yeshua and Truman are clearly nervous about crossing water in a small boat, but know it's going to have to happen if they're going to get to their destination... Let's try to get a reputable captain to take us across, he murmurs, obviously not happy with being away from their comfortable jungle environs...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 d20+12=17 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 10:59:59 PM "Well met, mr. Cherro. That is an interesting name for a ship, if memory doesn't fail me, Glimstone is the name of a dwarven delving, ain't it?"
"Anyway, from the looks of it we might end up accepting your offer after all. Abd yes, please do tell us all you can about this beast, proper preparation is key for a good victory.", says Faust, curious about the ship name.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 11:00:53 PM Forgot to mention, Knowledge (local) +12: 17
DM Kathy Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 11:01:31 PM
Some of you are suspicious of the half-orc sailor, but your suspicions are considerably eased when you learn he is only worried about some kind of horrible monster, because adventuers are funny that way.
Toregan asks what kind of beast.
"Flyin' creature of some kind," Cherro replies. "Dunno what it was, but it carried off a great shark like it was nothin'."
Ragnarök expresses a wish to meet with the captain, and Cherro looks considerably relieved. "Sure! Yeah! I can take you to 'im now. If you're ready. Ma'am," he nods to Diaosha in a bit of belated courtesy.
"Yes, by all means, let's meet him," Diaosha says.
Cherro leads you through the chaos of the docks to a two-masted ship. It's not especially large, or especially small. It doesn't have the sleek lines of craft built for speed, but it isn't exactly a wallower, either. It seems well-kept. The name Glimstone Dancer is painted near the prow.
Cargo is being loaded, and Cherro leads you around the swinging nets and cursing sailors, to a short figure standing on the dock. As you get closer, you realize that the figure is a dwarf, a strong-looking man with a weathered face and a good deal of gray in his beard. He looks over as you approach.
"Cap'n!" Cherro calls excitedly. "Cap'n, I come across these adventurers. They're for the crossing, if we've the room for 'em. And, you know, they might come in handy, if--uh--if we see....anything."
"Working as a port proctor now, Cherro?" the dwarf captain replies. He looks you over and gives a little "harrumph!" But he also thrusts out a weathered hand to shake. "Thokul Seaworthy," he says. "Captin of the Glimstone Dancer. And you are...?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Thursday July 3rd, 2014 6:00:30 PM "... wondering what it is you are soo scared of, that you would invite a group ragged adventurers on your ship... " Rag says to finish the sailor's sentence.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) Thursday July 3rd, 2014 10:07:55 PM
Toregan quickly moves to shake Thokul's hand. "What my friend means to say is that we're looking to a way across the Bay and heard that you'd be willing to let us on board on account of the beast."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) Thursday July 3rd, 2014 10:11:03 PM (Damn it i meant to reset not post. Please consider this post as an addition to the previous.)
"I am Toregan Dondarin and this is Ragnarok. We, along with the other members of our group are the adventures that are in charge of dealing with threats to Protectors Point."
DM Kathy Thursday July 3rd, 2014 11:09:31 PM
Captain Seaworthy shakes Toregan's hand. "Good to meet you, Toregan Dondarin, and your friend Ragnarök, too."
He looks at Ragnarök. "And nobody said I was scared of anything, human. My men say they saw some manner of beast and they're all fluttered over it. Sailors are a superstitious lot, you know."
"But, Cap'n," Cherro protests. "We saw--"
"You don't know what you saw," the captain scoffs. "If I was to believe every tall tale from every man on my crew, I'd never leave port! But, if having you aboard'll settle the men some, I can't see it'll do harm. Providing you can pay your passage."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX d20+8=19 ; Friday July 4th, 2014 6:04:25 PM "It seems to me you are in need to 'hire' a few mercenaries to either protect you during the crossing or at least to calm y'r men... so... here I was, wondering what you will pay for having us during the crossing!... "
Rag eyeballs the dwarf and tries to get an altitude of his motives... (sense motive 19)
"Anyhow... well met Captain. Please let's share a drink and tell the tales that haunt your men. We'll talk coin afterwards... "
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Friday July 4th, 2014 6:07:52 PM
Yeshua introduces himself and his sibling Truman, and thanks the man for being willing to take them across the sea. Regarding payment, he looks to his friends to engage in that conversation.
He does ask about what defenses the ship has and where the party would fit in with them in case of attack.
Jeff L Zero_Earth Elemental HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27, Tremorsense Saturday July 5th, 2014 1:02:39 AM
"The open sea for me" Zero sang in a broken melody. " Horizons upon horizons with great beasts for us to witness. When do we leave? Oh, and is there run aboard?"
Zero had served on ocean guarding missions before. He was eager to do it again. To take wing or gills in the air or sea. What more could a McHero ask f or?"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) Sunday July 6th, 2014 9:54:13 PM "We can pay for our passage, have no fear of that. If your price is fair we'll be more than happy to pay."
DM Kathy Sunday July 6th, 2014 10:18:12 PM Ragnarök suspects that the captain, too, saw whatever his sailors claim to have seen, and that he is putting up this brave front to help settle their nerves. You ask the captain to join you for a drink, but he waves the suggestion aside. "Too much to do here, lad," he says, waving toward the loading cargo. "No time for drinkin'."
Yeshua asks about defenses. "We've a harpoon, and a ballista," Captain Seaworthy replies. "Don't need 'em too often, and that's how we like it."
Zero is looking foward to a sea voyage, or at least a sea flying-over-a-ship. Toregan expresses a willingness to pay.
"Tell you what," the captain says with a nod in Ragnarök's direction. "You cross with us, and if you end up fighting off some horrible beast-monster, I'll give you ten gold each. Otherwise, you owe me five gold each. Deal?"
Jeff L Zero HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27, Tremorsense Monday July 7th, 2014 5:12:25 AM
"And any treasure from beasties we slay, belongs to us, eh?" Zero added.
Otherwise Zero was happy with the arrangement and eager to go. But in what form would he travel? Flight was a must and the form needed to have acute senses. Also, at sea engaging in melee would be risky. He would need a ranged attack... Several ranged attacks.
"Androsphinx" zero muttered.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Monday July 7th, 2014 6:22:25 PM "Sounds like a deal Captain Seaworthy. " Ragnarök says knowing that a trip by boat should cost that much indeed... but he wonders if 10g will be sufficient for whatever beast it might be out there...
"Let's go friends... can everyone swim?"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) Monday July 7th, 2014 9:10:00 PM "Hopefully the trip will be a safe one. Always pays to be prepared though."
Toregan chuckles hesitantly at Rags comment. "Not as well as I'd like. I think I'll be stays away from the edge of the ship."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Monday July 7th, 2014 9:19:31 PM
Yeshua nods in agreement and hopes for some good combat as a way to keep busy... On the other hand, he knows that neither he nor Truman are very good swimmers. "My sibling and I could use two 50' ropes as safety lines if we run into combat with a sea creature but should be fine otherwise ."
DM Kathy Monday July 7th, 2014 10:16:55 PM
You agree to Captain Seaworthy's proposal. Diaosha, with a smile, says, "here is my fare, Captain. I'm not an adventurer, and won't be fighting any monsters, so you can have it and welcome."
The captain overhears Yeshua's comment about ropes and chuckles. "If it's rope you want, lad, we've plenty of that," he says.
"We sail tomorrow with the tide," he tells you all. "Ye can spend the night aboard, if ye like, or find an inn room if ye'd rather. But, mind, we won't hold the ship; we sail with or without ye."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Monday July 7th, 2014 11:49:36 PM
Yeshua and Truman are willing to spend the night on the boat, as it has a nice open deck where they could sleep... Being confined in a room isn't optimum for them... However, they'll go with the party's wishes either way...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Tuesday July 8th, 2014 9:04:28 AM "I'm not much of a swimmer myself, so a rope for me as well.", says Faust.
"I suppose we should go for the inn, unless there are enough beds on the ship."
Sorry for my absence, something happened to the internet cables in my region (according to my provider, it was "maintenance", so I'm disconnected for what seems like forever.
As a result, doing my posts from work.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Tuesday July 8th, 2014 4:34:55 PM "Let's stay on the ship... we will need to get used to spending some time on the ship."
At nightfall Rag spends time on the deck enjoying the evening sky and the far horizons. The sea breeze smells intoxicating. Being used to the hot & damp jungle where open plains are few (and usually dangerou) Rag just loves the sight. Who knows... perhaps he will one day chose to live by the sea! After all, there are no Dino's at sea right... right?!?
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 8:34:38 PM "Might as well stay on the ship so long as we're not taking up much room. We wouldn't want to be late."
DM Kathy Tuesday July 8th, 2014 10:26:10 PM
You toy with the idea of staying at an inn, but in the end you decide to stay on the Glimstone Dancer.
Faust wonders whether there are enough beds on the ship. Strictly speaking, no. There are no beds at all. Well, the Captain may have one; you're not sure. The crew, however, makes do with hammocks and various out-of-the-way nests. They are happy to show you places where you could sleep--some on deck, some below. Diaosha is offered a more secluded space in the galley, which she gratefully accepts.
You pass a peaceful night. And, since most of you are early risers, you aren't too terribly put out when preparations for departure get underway at a very early hour. There are shouts and curses and bangs and creaks, and then at last the anchor is lifted, the lines are cast off, and the sails begin to fill. Your journey is underway.
Your main task is to stay out of the way of the sailors, which at times is difficult. They know what they are doing, but most of you are not familiar with the workings of a ship, and have a hard time anticipating when to step out of the way.
You get the hang of it eventually, and by noon you are feeling more like you know what you're doing. That's when you hear a shout from the lookout and see--something--in the distance. It seems to be a flying creature of some kind, and it seems to be circling or attacking a small object in the water. Peering ahead, you realize it is a small boat, in which several figures scramble frantically about.
The smaller boat and creature are about 800 feet ahead.
Jeff L Zero the ANDROSPHINX HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Tuesday July 8th, 2014 11:33:11 PM
Zero the Androsphinx had been scouting when he noticed the smaller ship being attacked in the distance. He moved in closer in effort to get a better look, though he was careful the stay outside of striking distance for the time being.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX d20+14=33 ; Wednesday July 9th, 2014 4:27:38 PM "That thing most most likely is just hungry!", Rag says as he sees the creature hovering the small boat (survival 33)
Rag's concerned that if this thing should attack from the sky he has no ranged abilities... his friends will probably just try to kill it...
DM Kathy Wednesday July 9th, 2014 11:29:54 PM
You see the attack on the small boat, but at this range there's little you can do.
"Look sharp, now!" Captain Seaworthy bellows. "More sail! Three degrees to starboard! And man the ballista!"
The sailors jump to their tasks, and you begin closing the distance more quickly. But will it be quick enough?
You are now about 500 feet from the boat and the creature. The men in the boat seem to be trying to fight the creature or scare it away, with mixed success.
Jeff L Zero the ANDROSPHINX HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 d20+11=17 ; Thursday July 10th, 2014 7:23:06 AM
Zero flew as fast as he could towards the conflict. His plan was to get into a position above and behind the creature, so it couldn't easily maneuver within close distance. He would need to close to 30' to make use of his attack of choice.
Actions: -Not sure if you can run while flying, but if you can I will. -make a knowledge nature check - 17 -will study the creatures flying skill. Want to get a sense of its maneuverability -want to close to 30', but with all other targets out of that range -want to try to get above a behind it, so i don't become breakfast
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Thursday July 10th, 2014 8:40:11 AM
Not being able to fly like Zero, Yeshua and Truman each take a rope (say 50-100') and tie one end of their individual ropes to a mast or safety connection. The other end Yeshua knots loosely to his belt so he can drop it quickly if needed, and ties the other rope loosely around Truman so it can be dropped off quickly of needed too... It'll keep them safe if knocked off the boat but won't hinder them too bad in a fight...
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Thursday July 10th, 2014 3:51:28 PM
Rag can't fly nor can he cast spells that would scare away the creature.
"What's your cargo? Do you have food on board?!"
He watches Zero fly ahead of the group... be careful lad!! 500ft is a long way if you're anxious to get there... Rag does what he can to help the crew if needed.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Thursday July 10th, 2014 4:25:58 PM "Ain't this a bloody merry and fine morning?"
"What is that flying piece of dung anyway? I can blast it from here, but I'd like to know what it is before doing that.", states an annoyed Faust, grumpy for having to get into action so fast.
If Zero is still whithin reach, he'll cast Mage Armor on him (via wand), otherwise, Mage Armor on self.
DM Kathy Thursday July 10th, 2014 11:38:59 PM
Those of you on the ship look around for ways you might be able to help.
Yeshua finds rope to link himself to his animal sibling, and both of them to the mast.
Ragnarök asks about the cargo. Is there anything there that might help?
"We've foodstuffs, aye," Captain Seaworthy replies. "But I don't know what that beast eats, and anything lost or spoiled comes out of my hide. Let's wait on that."
Faust casts Mage Armor on himself, since Zero is already airborne.
Zero, in his sphinx form, races ahead toward the monster and the men in the boat. Perhaps it is Zero's aggressive approach, or perhaps the occupants of the boat are proving tougher than the creature anticipated. For whatever reason, it abandons its attack and begins flying away.
And now you are faced with an entirely different problem. The little boat has been badly damaged, and is sinking fast. The passengers--you can see now that it is three men--are calling out for help.
You are now about 100 feet away from the boat.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Friday July 11th, 2014 8:51:30 AM
Once the monster starts flying away, Yeshua unties the ropes holding his friend and him down and so he looks around for a longer rope, maybe 100' plus...
If he finds one, he'll throw one end to the men for one to grab onto and maybe start pulling him or the boat itself in...
If not, he'll look for floatable items to throw them so they can float until rescued...
Jeff L Zero the ANDROSPHINX HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Friday July 11th, 2014 10:38:11 AM
Zero felt a rush of excitement when the creature turned away. His heart told him to chase, but his head knew better. He had been lucky that this headlong solo rush didn't end badly. He wasn't going to push his luck.
Instead he turned for the sinking boat. He had to buy them some time.
Zero dove at full speed for the water. Instantly upon splash down his body started to contort, transform and expand significantly.
Actions: 1) get to the water quickly. 2) shape change into giant squid (huge size) 3) future rounds- use jet ability to get to the boat as quickly as possible 4) try to slow the rate of sinking by covering a hole or pushing up on the boat
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX d20+2=10 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+14=31 ; Friday July 11th, 2014 5:55:59 PM
Rag helps Yeshua as he looks for ropes and intend to use these as saving lines. If Yeshua finds enough rope and is able to throw it to the sailors that are in the water now, the Monk will help reeling them in (STR check 10)
If not and one of the sailors appears to be drowning, Rag will jump into the water and swim to help them. (Swim 17 - survival 31)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 20/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 (Haste) d20+13=22 ; Saturday July 12th, 2014 6:02:04 PM
Toregan goes looking for a length of rope at least 110 feet in length and ties one end to an arrow. He then fires the arrow near the group of sailors.
"Grab onto the rope and we'll pull you out!" he shouts.
Attack roll just in case (+13): 22
DM Kathy Sunday July 13th, 2014 8:45:24 PM Yeshua casts about for a longer rope and manages to find one. He's getting ready to throw it toward the boat--which would be a long way to try to toss a length of rope--when Toregan grabs one end, ties it to an arrow, and shoots it toward the boat.
Meanwhile, Zero plunges into the water and transforms himself into a giant squid. This would be an excellent form for protecting the sinking men. Unfortunately, nobody informed the men what was going on, and all they know is that they barely escaped from a flying creature, and now they're being attacked by a giant squid!
So, Zero is whacked with an oar, pelted with fishing weights, and scraped with some kind of hook. None of them do significant damage, but it's all kind of distracting.
One of the men does manage to lunge out and grab the arrow and rope, and with the help of Ragnarök and some of the crew, Yeshua, Truman, and Toregan are able to pull the men to safety.
As they scramble aboard the Glimstone Dancer, you can look past them and see the remains of their boat. Something took a huge piece out of the prow. Something with very, very big claws.
"Alemi be praised!" one of the men says as he reaches the deck. "Any, and Domi, too, and all of 'em. We thought we were goners! Especially after that squid showed up!"
Jeff L Zero the ANDROSPHINX HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Sunday July 13th, 2014 9:38:28 PM
Zero tried his best to appear more cuddly than cruel, but it wasn't an easy look to achieve as a Giant squid. He soon gave up the effort, swam over to the boat and changed back to his natural dwarven form.
Soon after he appeared back on deck rubbing his head.
"Ya daft man" he complained. "A perfectly helpful Squid and you had to go and beat it. Don't judge a book by its cover, eh. Some Squids have great personalities."
Zero turned his attention to the damage to the boat. "Tell me about the creature that did this"
Actions: Knowledge nature 17 (using roll from before)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Sunday July 13th, 2014 9:40:43 PM
Yeshua and Truman help the men reach the boat, and he says, "Hello, I'm Yeshua and this is my sibling Truman, and I'm glad we could help you. Who are you and what happened?"
He's also keeping his eyes peeled during all this to ensure that the creature doesn't come and surprise them...
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX d20+14=28 ; Monday July 14th, 2014 5:02:36 PM "Hmpffff... " Rag has a hard time trying to conceal his smile when Zero comes back aboard with a bump on his head... (OoC Great post Jeff L!! Loved it!!)
Once Rag's able to hide his grin more or less from Zero McHero he returns to the shipwrecked.
"What was that thing? Can you describe it? Did it just happen to attack or did you by any chance provoked it? What were you doing out here... fishing? "
With all the info they can give Rag ponders what creature this might have been? Something that just dislikes fishemen? The Monk looks around to the horizon. Is there still any land in sight?? What creature would fly this far from the shores to hunt!? Something that flies AND lives under water?? Or would it be a druid like Zero... after all... he has displayed some awesome shape changes...
(Survival 28)
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Monday July 14th, 2014 8:40:14 PM
Faust chuckles at Zero's response. Trying to appease the sailors some, he briefly explains "Be at ease, my friend there has magical talents, so other than the flying creature that attacked your boat you were not in danger.", he says, performing couple prestidigitation tricks such as changing things' colors, drying the men up and making a string dance on his hand in order to entertain and appease the men if needed be.
"But yes, to tell us more about the creature that attacked you, any tiny detail counts, as it turns out we actually plan on taking it down."
DM Kathy Monday July 14th, 2014 10:45:05 PM Ragnarök's guess proves to be accurate--the three are fisherman. And, once they hear that they accidentally attacked one of their rescuers, they are instantly apologetic.
"Begging your pardon, I'm sure," the eldest of the three says to Zero. "We'd just been attacked, and we didn't realize you were just trying to help. Hope there's no hard feelings."
They do their best to answer questions about the creature. They describe something big, flying, and predatory, something they've never seen before. They don't believe they did anything to provoke it; they were just fishing. They did try to fight the creature when it attacked, but it was far too tough and powerful. "And look what it done to me best scalin' knife!" one of the men says.
He shows you a knife, which does indeed seem to be the kind you would use to scale a fish. Or, it was at one time. Now, the end is twisted and pockmarked, as if it had been melted. Or as if it had come into contact with acid.
You listen to their stories, examine the knife, and look again at the claw marks in the prow of the boat. And you have no idea what kind of creature the men are describing.
[OOC: You don't know because I don't know. The flying creature is part of the crossover, and belongs to DM Cayzle. And he won't tell me about it because I have a character in Legacy. So we'll all be surprised when we see it. :) ]
The men are from the area near Crystal Beach, but Captain Seaworthy refuses to turn around and take them back. "I got merchants waitin' for cargo," he explains. "I'll take ye across to Windhorn and welcome, but ye'll need to find yer own way back."
The fishermen weren't planning on such an extended expedition, but they agree that the captain is being more than fair--and anyway, they are happy to be alive. So, on you go.
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Monday July 14th, 2014 11:49:46 PM
"Oh don't lose your bait over it" Zero said with a chuckle. "Truth be told I probably deserved a good bump on me noggin for chasing after that acid flinging whatchamacallit. I mean sheesh, a massive bird with acid. What sicko would have thought of that?"
"Anywho, back to guarding for me. We can't be caught with our kilts down again, eh?"
For the third time in the day Zero changed form, this time he took the form of a muscular horse with a strange blue energy that formed around its hooves. The creature took to the skies in a manner far more elegant than any of the previous forms Zero had taken. This form was built for speed and scouting.
Actions: Change into Dragon horse. Flight 120'
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Tuesday July 15th, 2014 3:15:35 PM
Faust still hasn't quite gotten used to Zero's transformations, especially if it's into a creature he only saw in books, "Always a ball with that one..."
"But before you gentlemen go, may I inquire whether the creature was scaly, furry or something else entorely?", asks Caust, fully aware that no coherent answer might come.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Tuesday July 15th, 2014 3:32:42 PM "I'd say we raise the sails and hurry out of these dangerous waters... one wreckage is plenty for one day... C'ptain, how can we help to speed up? I'll be happy to pay that 5 gold if you get us accros safely! Tell me where I can help..."
Rag awaits his orders. Occasionally he smiles at the flying dragon horse... "where can you ever see such creatures!? We have yet to find out the true power of Druids it seems..."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Tuesday July 15th, 2014 8:16:34 PM
Yeshua listens intently to the discussion on the creature that initially attacked them, and asks the appropriate questions about its attacks, defenses, etc. However, it seems they know little about it and he hopes the ship won't run into it during the rest of their journey...
"I'm glad we were happy to help you, and hopefully the rest of the journey will be quiet..."
DM Kathy Tuesday July 15th, 2014 10:03:38 PM
Over the course of the journey, you have ample opportunity to speak with the three fishermen about the creature they encountered, but you don't get a much clearer picture than the one you had already. [OOC: I think the creature may have scales and not fur, but I'm not sure so don't rely on it. :) ]
The crew are as anxious as you are to make a speedy crossing of Dragon Bay. By the following morning, you are approaching Windhorn Hamlet, one of the seaports that serves the landlocked Plateau City. As you approach the shore, you see a tall, thin rock formation next to the harbor, almost as if the rocks are guarding it....
No. That's no rock formation; that's a construct of some kind. And it's huge. You don't get a really good look at them, but it seems to be humanoid in shape, although...is there something wrong with it's head.
"The North Dragon Sentinel," Captain Seaworthy says, noticing your interest. "Made by the Teucri, it's said, to keep the dragonkind away from the towns and cities of the plateaus. Though there ain't many dragons nowadays."
The Glimstone Dancer glides past the Sentinel and is soon docked at Windhorn Hamlet. "That's five gold each," Captain Seaworthy says with a satisfied grin.
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Wednesday July 16th, 2014 12:29:22 AM
Travelling as a Dragon Horse made the final leg of the journey very enjoyable for Zero. The creature was built for speed and night time flying. It was an amazing experience. One the druid wished he could share with his new companions.
As they drew closer to Windhorn Hamlet, Zero returned to the ship and transformed back into a druid.
"I could get used to life at sea" Zero said to Captain Seaworthy with a warm toothy smile, but then the captain asked for his fare and the smile quickly disappeared.
Zero would be the last person to pay, but if the others did, he would follow suit,
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Wednesday July 16th, 2014 1:21:31 PM
Yeshua is glad to be back on dry ground and off the rocking boat. He pays the man their fare and admires the dock and all that's going on. His first goal is to get the lay of their surroundings...
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Wednesday July 16th, 2014 7:02:42 PM "Thanks for getting us acros Captain! I'll gladly pay for the journey. Do be careful when you head back... "
And then Rag says goodbye to the captain and asks Diaosha: "Now where do we go Miss? "
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Wednesday July 16th, 2014 8:21:20 PM "Indeed, the cross has been concerningly fine so far. Call me paranoyd, but it's been a while since we managed to do anything more complex than having breakfast without incidents...", sneers Faust as he pays his toll.
DM Kathy Wednesday July 16th, 2014 9:54:34 PM
You pay your passage, and disembark. For such a small place, Windhorn Hamlet has very busy docks. Then again, many of the goods shipped here are destined for Plateau City, so it makes a kind of sense.
Ragnarök asks Diaosha where you should go next. The brewer's wife opens her mouth to answer, but a voice forestalls her.
"Next? Why next you come with me, of course."
You look over. Then you look down. Standing next to you on the dock is a gnome woman with a huge shock of frizzy hair. She wears a printed dress, and carries a carpetbag made of the same material. A shawl is draped haphazardly around her shoulders, its ends trailing in the dust.
"Well, what are you standing around for? Come along! No time to waste!"
And, without waiting for a reply, or answering any questions, she turns and marches down the dock toward the town. Diaosha, after a bewildered look in your direction, follows her.
The gnome sets a brisk pace, which is impressive for one of her height. "Doctor Shrubgrass," she says at one point. It must be her name, but she doesn't follow it up with "pleased to meet you" or any similar nicety. "No time for chit-chat," she says to anyone trying to speak to her.
She stops in front of a medium-sized building near the center of town. A sign on the front of the building proclaims it to be the "House of the Crystal Sphere."
"All right, in you go," she says. "Don't dawdle."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Thursday July 17th, 2014 5:25:18 PM
Ragnarök eyeballs the 'Doctor'... does she so simply expects everyone to enter a building they don't know ?! He raizes an eyebrow and looks at her...
"Might you enlighthen us with the purpose why we are here first? And what is this 'House of the Crystal Sphere'?!? "
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Thursday July 17th, 2014 10:13:01 PM
Yeshua is puzzled at the brief greeting, but has no intention of going into a strange room either. He echoes Ragnarok's concerns, "Yes, we're not about to go into a room that we don't know. Who are you doctor and why do you want us to go in this building? In fact, who do you think we are supposed to be?"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Thursday July 17th, 2014 10:18:36 PM
Faust shrugs and follows along, he'd fancy a calmer approach, but had his share of gnome and knows it is futile to demand such things from the lot.
Upon arrival, he guesses "Divination, perhaps? I'm terrible at it, but do know crystal spheres are popular catalysts."
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Thursday July 17th, 2014 11:30:36 PM
The open sea was heaven for Zero McHero. This busy port... not so much. And is discomfort was obvious.
"Mayhaps we could get something to drink first? My whistle needs wettin'"
DM Kathy Friday July 18th, 2014 1:11:08 AM
Doctor Shrubgrass, whoever she is, clearly doesn't like being questioned. She folds her arms and makes a little "Hmpf!" noise, but it's clear you aren't budging until you get some explanations.
"You are heroes of the Wold, are you not?" she says impatiently. "Heroes from Cthonia? You have a part to play in what is to come. What part I do not know, which is why you need to have your fortunes told. And this--" she gestures to the building behind her "--this is the place to tell them. The House of the Crystal Sphere is, as your companion suggests, a place of divination and foretelling. And we have precioius little time for explanations, so I trust that will suffice." She gestures again at the building. "And there'll be plenty of time for drinking later," she adds.
When you enter the House of the Crystal Sphere, you find yourselves in a rather elegantly-furnished front parlor. Velvet drapes block out the glare and bustle from outside, rendering the interior pleasantly cool and dim. Looking around, you see velvet-covered chairs, a horsehair sofa, dark lacquered tables, and patterned rugs. Crystal prisms augment the decor, and a large crystal ball sits squrely in the middle of one of the tables. The place smells faintly of incense.
Diaosha enters behind you, and Doctor Shrubgrass enters behind her. Across the room, another woman enters through another door; you can see a short hallway before the door closes. "Welcome, travelers, to the House of the Crystal Sphere," she says in a deep, rich voice. "I am mistress of this place; you may refer to me as the Hag."
She doesn't look much like a Hag. There is gray in her auburn hair, and a few lines on her face, but you wouldn't really call her "old." She is tall, and very upright, and good-looking in her way. Her hair is pulled neatly back into a bun; her dark-green dress is well-made and fashionably cut. She looks like somebody's aunt. Maybe yours.
"Enough with the 'Hag' business, Millicent; we're in a hurry," Doctor Shrubgrass says, bustling into the room.
The Hag (Millicent?) draws herself up even more. "I am allowing you to use my resources as a professional courtesy, Doctor Shrubgrass," she says. "Kindly observe my rules when you are in my house."
The gnome waves this away. "Sit down, everyone," she says. "We haven't got much time."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Friday July 18th, 2014 1:18:49 PM
Yeshua's no fan of divination and Truman growls softly, also uncomfortable in these surroundings. (Trying to play up the quirks of the lost child class around lots of people or urban areas) He'll stay in the background and won't sit down, content to watch the others involvement in the ritual.
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Friday July 18th, 2014 1:52:50 PM there will be plenty of time for drinking later. there will be plenty of time for drinking later. there will be plenty of time for drinking later. there will be plenty of time for drinking later.
Those were the only words Zero heard, and they echoed in his mind over and over. He really wanted a drink. Settlements always made him feel that way, for they were boring and lonely places. He longed for the wild and for a form other than his own. If he couldn't have that, a drink would suffice for the time being.
The suggestion to sit down hadn't even registered with Zero, but he placed his keester on a chair nonetheless. It was a hard chair. Almost as hard as a bar stool. Oh, how he wanted a drink.
Zero slapped himself across the face in effort to clear his head. "Aye, let's get down to business and get her done quickly."
Then he would have his drink.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX d20+14=25 ; Friday July 18th, 2014 5:56:38 PM
Rag doesn't like being dragged around like this but it seems Diasha nor this good doctor will accept any complaints. Sighing he enters the building... on guard... but he enters none the less. As he enter the room he scans thouroughly for all the various exits and entrances... he wants to know how to get out of here fast if needed and where someone could sneak up on the group while they sit down to listen to some foretune telling... (perception 25)
Sitting down on the ground he observes and listens to what is about to be unfolded...
DM Kathy Sunday July 20th, 2014 10:29:54 PM Yeshua and Truman enter, and the Hag looks a little alarmed.
"The cat," she says. "Is it housebroken?"
Doctor Shrubgrass snorts. "Millicent, if you can't magick away a trifling bit of cat poop, you aren't the mage I thought you were. Yes, yes, come in and have a seat."
Ragnarök ignores the chairs and sofa in favor of sitting on the floor. Looking around, he sees several potential exits and entrances, if you count the windows.
Zero ignores the sofa and the comfortable chairs, and plunks himself down on the hardest chair in the place. In fact, it may be a piano stool.
Doctor Shrubgrass looks around, at Rag on the floor, Zero on the most uncomfortable seat in the place, and Yeshua holding up the wall. "You boys really are better suited for the wilderness, aren't you? Very well, we'll keep this short. Gaze into the crystal and tell me what you see." She pulls the large crystal ball off the table and sets it on the ground between Rag and Zero.
[OOC: You can decide what, if anything, your character sees when you gaze into the crystal.]
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Sunday July 20th, 2014 11:53:10 PM
"I see a ball of glass" Zero said in frustration after he had been staring at the crystal ball for a few minutes. "A silly ball of glass."
Zero stood, paced across the room, turned back towards the doctor and said- "Nuff of this nonsense. I'm getting a drink. Who's coming with..."
His words trailed off and his facial expression changed as he suddenly started starring at the crystal ball once more. This time he had seen something and it was horrible. It was a vision of dark wings, flames, screaming and melting flesh. A vision of terrible power.
And one voice could be heard over it all. Dragons are special laddie. Dragons are special/
It was the voice of his mother.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Monday July 21st, 2014 5:36:15 PM
Rag really isn't into all this mumbo jumbo... he has been thaught me meditate and through meditation he was striving to find enlightment. No glass ball, even if a crystal bal, would help him in finding it.
Yet he stares into the ball... nothing... he stares a bit longer... nada... seeing how Zero's facial expression changes as if he seems to see something after all the Monk narrows his eyes a little... rien du tout!
So he waches his friends... Diaosha and this Millicent... like many illusions he has seen before, it probably takes belief in this 'magic' to actually 'see' something.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Monday July 21st, 2014 8:42:31 PM
Yeshua and Truman stay back against the wall, and choose not to look into the crystal... For now he's content being an observer...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Monday July 21st, 2014 9:50:04 PM "What I see...? What do I see?", muses the drow as he stares at the crystal sphere.
After a few moments, he concludes he sees nothing, but he feels. He feels greatness, unfathomable knowledge and the weariness of a long journey. He's not quite sure, but he takes it as being his fortune for his involvement in Cthonia.
"I don't see a thing at all. But I do feel it, I feel what I take to be the future, sounds promising enough for me, but alas, as I mentioned earlier, I'm horrible at divination and this might be my projections for myself all along...", he speaks.
DM Kathy Monday July 21st, 2014 10:21:00 PM Zero looks into the crystal ball and sees nothing, at first. Then he sees a vision of power and wings and flames, and hears the voice of his own mother speaking of dragons.
"Ah," Doctor Shrubgrass nods sagely, as if she saw the vision right along with you. Her voice suddenly deepens "The father of the Scourge is enamored of dragons, of whom he believes himself kin." She reaches into her carpetbag. In her normal voice, she says, "I believe this is for you." She hands Zero what appears to be a bundle of clothing.
Ragnarök gazes into the crystal, but sees only the reflected faces of those around him. "Your friends and companions," Doctor Shrubgrass murmurs. Her voice deepens again. "You must seek three who are descended of Dragons, aided by one clad in dragon skin, in whom the blood of dragons flows. They will help you." She reaches into her carpetbag, and in her normal voice adds, "This will help you, too." She hands you....a quarterstaff. How had it even fit into the carpetbag?
Faust sees nothing, but only feels. He feels a sense of destiny, and distance, and a hint of weariness. Doctor Shrubgrass nods. In a deep voice, she intones, "The Scourge approaches the place where mules laugh, but the people there will cry with great lamentation!" Again, she reaches into her carpetbag. "I suppose this is yours," she says in her normal voice, and drops a ring into your hand.
Yeshua declines to look into the crystal ball, and Doctor Shrubgrass does not insist. She does, however, reach into her carpetbag one last time. "For you and your friend," she says, and hands over a pair of matching collars.
She snaps her carpetbag shut and stands up. "Now if you'll excuse me, it is quite wearing to be in two places at once. Millicent, thank you for your hospitality. If you'd be good enough to show these folks--oh! I almost forgot to tell you!"
She looks around at all of you, "I'm a friend, you see, of the Lord High Mayor of Sturtevant. Should you aid New Elenna against the Scourge, he will be in your debt. Yes. Yes, I think that's all."
And then her eyes roll back in her head and her voice deepens one last time: "He who is nothing may become the lynchpin of everything, if the father of the Scourge is pleased to meet him."
She seems to recover then, and stagger a bit. "I'm getting too old for this nonsense," she mutters. "Millicent." And she vanishes. You don't quite see how, but one minute she's there, and the next minute she's gone.
[OOC: The items you received are special gifts from DM Cayzle! Check them out! And be sure to make Knowledge checks about the prophecies you received.]
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX d20=4 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 5:36:15 PM
Rag curiously looks at the Quarterstaff... he did learn how to use this back at the Dojo but he has never actually used one in combat. Having chosen a life of non-violence he has learned how to use his hands for non-lethal attacks. The Monk even thinks he can do more damage with his hands than he can with this overgrown toothpick... but... never ever question a gift!! Who know what it might hide.
So the Monk inspects the staff a bit closer. He asks some of his more magic attuned friends to see if by any chance the staff has a magical aura... what if it would be a merciful quarterstaff?!? Rag heard of such powerful magic...
Perception 18
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 d20+16=34 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=27 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 9:10:58 PM
Faust looks surprised at the prophecy and then silent, thinking deeply at what Shrubgrass told him. He is so lost in his thoughts that he doesn't even look in the gnome's direction as she disappears.
He does snap out of it when Ragnarök asks about his staff, so he casts detect magic on himself and takes a look at everyone's gifts.
Taking 10 on the items identification, identifying up to DC 26
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 9:36:40 PM
Yeshua thanks the doctor for her gracious gift and says in an earnest attempt to be polite (though he's not very good at it), "Thank you ma'am and that was very nice of you."
He'll look at one of the items and Truman will sniff the other collar, trying to discern what they might be. He also asks his magic using friends to help them identify it...
_________ DM OOC - I'll be going out of town starting Friday and through the next week. I should have internet access for most of the time, but there may be a few days I won't have it. So don't wait for me to post DM and I'll do my best to get access at our cabin
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 d20+12=18 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=18 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 9:41:41 PM
Zero sniffed the clothing, looked up and then sniffed again. Something seemed familiar but he couldn't put his finger on it. He searched his memory. What could it be?
DM Kathy Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 10:22:54 PM Ragnarök and Zero examine their gifts, but can't quite figure out what they are. Well, Zero's bundle turns out to be a green tunic, embroidered with plant and animal designs. It's very nice, but you can't help but feel there's more to it than that.
You also put some thought into Doctor Shrubgrass's strange prophecies. Her last one had said something about "he who is nothing." And you can't help but notice that one of you is named Zero.
Yeshua thanks the gnome for her gifts, and holds up a collar for Truman to sniff. He sniifs it, then licks it once and looks at you with fathomless eyes.
Faust has the training to identify the items, and sets to work immediately. Ragnarök's gift proves to be enchanted. Or at least, one end of it is. One end is a +1 merciful Dragonsbane staff; the other end is merely Masterwork. Zero's tunic turns out to be druid's vestments. Yeshua and Truman have Collars of Protection +2. They function like Rings of Protection, except they take the collar/neck slot. These are Fate items.
Faust's own item is also a fate item: A Ring of Heat Resistance. This ring continually keeps the wearer comfrotable at a range of temperatures, as the spell Endure Elements. In addition, the ring absorbs all fire-based hit point damage, up to 50 hp per round. However, if the wearer would have taken more than 50 hp of fire damage in a single round (from one or multiple attacks), the ring absorbs the first 50 hp and then shuts down. All damage over 50 hp is inflicted on the wearer, and the ring resumes its function after one hour. As soon as the ring absorbs 100 points of fire damage in a 10-round period, it similarly shuts down for one hour. Value: 18,000 gp.
Faust turns his attention to the prophecies. There are two clues that really catch his attention. One is the phrase "descended from Dragons." This could mean, of course, some kind of Dragonkin, but Faust also knows that high-level adventurers are often given the courtesy title of Dragons. Could you be looking for the descendents of famous adventurers?
The other clue is about the "place where mules laugh." Faust recalls that there is a town not too far from here, called Bray.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 6:32:23 PM "Hmmm... this staff mind come in pretty handy after all! " Rag says out loud as he makes some practive swings with this new quarterstaff. Dragonsbane has a nasty ring to it... the Quarterstaff was created to fight dragons.. dragons are special... dragons are special...
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 9:04:18 PM
Yeshua and Truman are very thankful for the new items and after putting them on, admire how they give them some more protection. They're both eager to try their defensiveness against foes they may encounter in the future...
For now, he tries to remember what he knows about Bray and its inhabitants, history, etc...
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 9:21:17 PM
Zero is thankful for the vestment and puts it on immediately. It makes his other clothes look even more dirty and ragged, but he doesn't seem to notice or care.
"Fine forest walking clothing. Thanks, eh."
Zero puzzled over the riddles. He didn't imagine himself to be the lynchpin of anything, but he knew he had a part to play. Maybe he would hold off on drink for the evening.
"I'm not much for riddles, but it seems a good start would be to find these three descendants of dragon. Where ya wanna start?"
DM Kathy Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 10:16:35 PM
You examine your gifts, and are pretty pleased with them. Then you begin trying to unravel the prophecies.
"You have much to discuss," says the Hag. "May I ask that you discuss it elsewhere, so that I may resume my work here?"
Diaosha says, "There was talk of a drink earlier. Allow me to buy you all a round, as thanks for your escort."
Accordingly, you leave the House of the Crystal Sphere, and head to a nearby inn. Soon each of you is sipping the beverage of his choice. "It sounds as if adventure awaits you," Diaosha says. "And I wouldn't dream of keeping you from it. I shall continue on to Plateau City; it should be safe enough from here. I plan to stay at the Flying Pigs Inn in the Outcast Quarter. If you can, come and find me after your adventures. Otherwise, I'll find a caravan to accompany back to Cthonia."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 10:59:49 PM
Faust chuckles once he sees what his ring does, "I just thought of a crazy and very unexpected use for this ring and the other one I have."
"Dragons might be just referring to old seasonal heroes...or literal dragons, also a possibility. Regardless, looks like our first stop shall be Bray."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Thursday July 24th, 2014 7:14:02 PM A drink sounds fine Mrs; Diaosha, " Rag says knowing that Zero will probably be most thankful for her proposal...
"We need a place to stay for the night enz enz... If we can find a nice place we can talk about the prophecy later."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 Truman AC 20 Joint hp pool 96/96 Thursday July 24th, 2014 10:15:01 PM
Yeshua's good with either pursuing the clues to this Bray or going to Plateau City. But either way, he still prefers the jungle over cities and would rather be out with Truman hunting deer and other delicacies... "Yes, let's find a good place to stay the night and plan out our next move..."
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Thursday July 24th, 2014 10:25:08 PM
Zero's resolve not to drink dissolved as soon Diaosha made the offer to buy the first round.
"Aye, why not eh. And I'll get the second round."
It would be a long and potentially forgotten night if Zero remained on his current trajectory.
DM Kathy Thursday July 24th, 2014 10:34:38 PM
The Hearthfire Inn, where you are currently drinking, proves to have rooms available for the night, so you don't even have far to walk. You have time to settle in, and make some plans, and have supper, before spending the night.
Ragnarök's Dex damage has now healed naturally; you are back to normal. Everyone else should be at full strength and full hit points.
The next day, you are able to depart for Bray, although Zero may still be feeling the effects from yesterday. But, regardless of the circumstances, you are heading to meet your destiny.
[OOC: We will soon get an invitation to join the Legacy game on their board. After that, of course, the Cthonia game is dissolving. This is likely my last DM post on this board. It has been a pleasure being your DM, and I hope you continue to have fun in whatever new game you choose.]
Jeff L Zero the Dragon Horse HP 75/75, AC 18 (T12/FF16), CMD 27 Thursday July 24th, 2014 10:59:56 PM
OOC: thanks for everything Kathy. I know how time consuming DMing can be... Really appreciate the effort and skill. It's been a blast!
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple - EFFECT : -2 DEX Friday July 25th, 2014 3:41:40 PM
Fully recovered Rag's ready for this upcoming yourney... knowing he will most certainly never return to the Cthonian jungle he sighs as he thinks about the untaimed wildlife that lives there. It was a dangerous place... but he had grown to like it...
Kathy, many thanks for everything!! It'll be a pleasure having you around as a character in the next adventure!
Arriving in Bray (Legacy DM Cayzle) Friday July 25th, 2014 3:51:24 PM
It's not far, really, from Windhorn Hamlet to Bray. A brisk morning's walk will get you there. The road is clear and well maintained along the coast. Looking to the west inland toward the plateaus, you see healthy orchards, vineyards, and meadows with sheep and goats grazing. Looking to the east across Dragon Bay, you see sailing vessels and fishermen. Once upon a time, humans and other noble races would stick to the shallows, never sailing more than a couple hundred feet out into Dragon Bay, if that far. Now that the dragons are all dead or fled from the plague that killed them, the vacuum has been filled by others. Windhorn Hamlet and Bray are more prosperous than ever.
You reach Bray in the early afternoon. It is a medium size and prosperous town, an agricultural hub, and a fishing and sailing center. There is a thriving waterfront with a number of wharves, warehouses, drydocks, and jetties. The town itself looks to house at least a dozen thousands of folk. You see at least a dozen fisherboats out there on the bay. There are a lot of taverns near the shore, you notice as you walk in on the Coast Road. Giving the fisher culture around here, that's not surprising.
What is surprising, maybe are the five magical flying bird-horses you see winging down from the inlands. They are each carrying a well-armed individual, likely adventurers such as yourselves. They land near you, on the Coast Road in Bray, a stone's throw from the shore.
[OOC: Friends, please now migrate over to the Legacy Of Heroes game board. And email me at cayzle@cayzle.com any time.]
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