The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Monday January 5th, 2015 6:27:39 AM
One day soon thereafter, the Vanguard are all gathered at home. Perhaps you are finalizing the treasure split from the last adventure. Perhaps you have been training at the WLA, if you are a member. Perhaps you are cooking the best stew ever. Or making the best magic item ever.
However you are occupied, there is a knock at the door of Number 2 Raven Crescent. Evaris's loyal friend Roel answers the door, and lets you all know that a visitor is in the downstairs front parlor.
It is Captain Meline, the Plateau City bureaucrat who has served as a liason to the group representing the city government. And carrying two heavy carpet bags.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday January 5th, 2015 5:52:58 PM
Ariach goes to receive their guest. As he figures out that he is the first downstairs he talks to Captain Meline.
"Whatever do you want?" he asks brusquely.
As Captain Meline watches him at least irritated Ariach repeats his questions slower.
"Hrmph! This group needs a couple of real servants," Roel grumbles.
Entering the sitting room, Evaris bows to their visitor. "Captain Meline! It is a pleasure to see you again."
The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 6th, 2015 10:07:52 AM
Meline grimaces at Ariach, but maintains composure, saying formally: "I am here to extend the thanks of New Elenna to one of her heroic groups of adventurers. The Nation has long relied on the heroes who come to her aid, and she shows her gratitude."
Softer, more informally, "Even the ones who are oafs."
To Evaris, Meline offers a smile. "The pleasure is mine, and the Mayor's."
"But where are the other members of the Vanguard, for I am here to thank each and every one! I hope you have not split from them? My understanding is that you had gained new members, not lost any."
"Still, I was only given two of these to pass out, so it is now easy for me to know who gets each one." Meline gives Evaris and Ariach each a potion of Dimension Door and explains how each works: Drink it and it is exactly as if you had cast the spell. [OOC: This is a Fate Item that cannot be sold in the Catacombs and that does not count against your WBL.]
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26 Joint hp pool 106/106 Tuesday January 6th, 2015 12:01:06 PM
Yeshua and Truman return from hunting and bring fresh meat for the group to enjoy. They greet the visitor in a friendly manner and apologize for running late.
Evaris Tuesday January 6th, 2015 5:14:38 PM
"I'm sure they will be here shortly," Evaris replies. "After all, it's a large house, and they're all busy with their various projects. We've had to institute rules about brewing potions in the kitchen."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday January 6th, 2015 5:19:44 PM
Having absolutely no idea why Captain Meline seems to be annoyed, he thanks the city official for the potions and the words.
"Our friends are occupied with preparations for our upcoming tasks. At least i think so."
Later he will hand over the potion to Emry who is for sure better suited to use it at the right moment.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday January 7th, 2015 1:12:12 PM
check
The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 7th, 2015 3:48:39 PM
Yeshua joins Ariach and Evaris, hauling in a fresh kill.
Meline does a double take at that -- where is there good hunting in Plateau City? Aside from rats and pigeons ... But the captain of the agency in charge of handling adventurers deems it ... better ... not to ask.
"Well, I appreciate you three taking the time to chat with me."
"First, the Mayor is pleased with the report of your handling the recent assassination of Arena Master Jonas. We had excellent reports not only in your solving the crime, but in your quick dispatch of the criminal. The witnesses present also seemed impressed."
"As is the policy of the city, we do wish to express our thanks when hero groups step up to maintain order and protect the city from crime. I hope you will accept this small gift by way of a well-earned reward."
Meline indicates the two bags, and she leaves them for you here.
[OOC: The size of this reward will be revealed AFTER everyone has updated their PC sheets. Think of it as an incentive! In fact, CDM Jerry says we are not supposed to have new combats until all sheets are up to date.]
"Second, we have had a report of a confederate and ally of the monstrologer, Draco. She is a verminologist, and was responsible for the dire mosquito attack you foiled at the Temple of Flower. Whereas Draco seems to have some scruples about murdering innocents, this villain does not. Would you be interested in helping us root her out of her nest?"
[OOC: Note that your DM prefers not to railroad you into things, and that this is but an option for you, if you feel like going on a bughunt. If not, I have a couple other things in mind.]
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26 Joint hp pool 106/106 Wednesday January 7th, 2015 8:54:39 PM
(OOC - Guys and Gals, I'll get the treasure numbers updated in a day or two so we can decide how to split the loot... For now though, let's focus on getting PC sheets updated...)
Yeshua is intrigued at the thought of going after this verminologist, as he hates mosquitos and other biting vermin... Furthermore, since she's unscrupulous, she'd make a fine meal for Truman, as there's no place for those types of people in the civilized world... "Yes, I'd be interested in going after her..."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Wednesday January 7th, 2015 8:59:55 PM
Emrys desends the staircase, still in his house robes, having just risen from his beauty sleep. His appearance a little less formal than his noble dressings, but still more fancy than a wedding party. "Oh, we have company? Did someone say the Mayor? Welcome to our home! Has anyone offered you a hot beverage?" He glances at the others and wonders why the good captain hasn't been seated in the parlor and attended to properly. Then he instantly recalls what he had thought he heard from atop the stairs, "Verminologist, you say?!"
Evaris Wednesday January 7th, 2015 10:08:43 PM
[OOC: Sorry; I thought we were in the parlor.]
"This Draco is a threat to the city; therefore it stands to reason that this verminologist is also a threat. I am eager to help stop her," Evaris says.
Grell , 87/87, AC21/14/18 Wednesday January 7th, 2015 10:47:50 PM
With a slam of the back door, Grell emerges in the kitchen covered in sweat from an overdue extended run. Red in the face, he pulls off his shirt and wipes the sweat from his face. Still panting, he grins at Meline. "Oh man, I'd love to take out something evil instead of just talking all the very time! ".
The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 8th, 2015 5:38:03 PM
Meline greets the newcomers with a smile. That smiles broadens as the team clearly welcomes an unambiguous challenge.
"This Verminologist has grown a magical tree RIGHT on the border of the monster preserve, which allows its use as a gateway, and explains how monsters were able to escape the preserve," explains Meline. "Your mission's primary task is to destroy that tree. Your secondary task is to capture or kill the verminologer."
The bureaucrat grins and adds, "Honestly, you'll likely have to do both."
"Here is a map with the location of the hive marked."
Evaris Thursday January 8th, 2015 6:02:22 PM
Evaris accepts the map. "Hive....?" he asks.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday January 8th, 2015 6:46:27 PM
Ariach hopes that the Vanguards are able to fulfil the tasks this time to the satisfaction of everybody.
"I just can talk for myself. But i will support the city in any way possible."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26 Joint hp pool 106/106 Thursday January 8th, 2015 8:57:52 PM
Yeshua and Truman look forward to the chance to get outside and do some monster hunting and tree chopping... Yeshua looks carefully at the map too, trying to get a feel for the terrain, etc., and suggests they do some recon before fully heading into what may lie ahead...
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26 Joint hp pool 106/106 Thursday January 8th, 2015 9:23:10 PM
(OOC - OK, here's the rates for the goods we found. Re: the fate item, we can't really sell it and does anyone want it? Also, Yeshua and Truman offer to take the Amulet of NA +1 if no one else wants it.)
TOTAL VALUE OF ALL BELOW ITEMS (except the fate item) = 52.4K. If we have 6, then 8733 value per person. If we have 7, then we have 7486 value per person. Of course we only get a minuscule amount of value from trading them in (is it still 50% or was it lowered to 25%)?
So unless someone actually wants those items, we'll each cut our take by 1/2 to about 3-4K gp person (if it's 50% back from selling), which is a pretty minor benefit for a LOT of hard work...
And here's a quick question for the DM. Do we have anyone who can really use the most valuable item we were given, the quicken rod? If not, then we'll have to lose about 17K worth of value, or 1/3 of the total value of our catch... I'm curious about the choice of MI's that we found. Was it focused on what we were after or wanting for our PCs or was it purely random? Also, since I'm new to the game, do you see Legacy being a low MI value game? I just didn't know if that's the intent for the game or not... Thanks )
(Don't have my link in front of me to number of players in front of LOH... Do we have 6 or 7?)
Belt of Str +2 - 4K gp Lesser Rod of Quicken Spell - 35K gp Eberyon's Tear of Human Bane - 5K gp Ring Protection +1 - 2K Amulet Nat Armor +1 - 2K gp Cloak (Shawl) Resistance +2 - 4K gp Potion CL2 Mage Armor x2 - 100 gp masterwork dagger - 300 gp
Ring of CMD+5 (Fate Item) - Value?????
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Thursday January 8th, 2015 10:06:25 PM
(Occ: The rod can be considered party treasure and passed back and forth between our both dedicated casters.)
The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 8th, 2015 10:58:56 PM
OOC from your DM: The magic items were chosen by your DM as being the best ones an assassin would want, within a certain budget. I gave no thought to what the party might want.
That said, a quicken rod is maybe one of the most awesome items a caster might desire! If you keep it as a party item, I can divide its 35K value either among selected/all casters or among all PCs, as you prefer.
And per Wold policy, I expect to keep this game more or less close to core Pathfinder wealth guidelines.
Also, we have 8 players for the module just past: Grell, Lowell, Zero, Yeshua, Evaris, Emrys, Ariach, Royston. Going into the next module, we'll have seven until Tanner can rejoin us with Royston. An eight-way division is what I'd expect.
The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Friday January 9th, 2015 10:28:39 AM
OOC from your DM: Oh, and I personally would value the Ring of +5 CMD at about 1/4 the value of a +5 ring of protection, so call it ... 12,500 gp. Especially since it is pretty unique AND stacks with a ring of protection, so maybe more?!
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday January 9th, 2015 6:42:35 PM
check
The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Friday January 9th, 2015 7:53:06 PM
Meline explains that the mayor has had reports of bees and ants, both, for sure, likely magically bred. So "hive" is likely not a bad term for it. Also, if you want a guide to take you to the site, that can be arranged.
"So as soon as you are ready, go for it!" Meline says.
OOC: We'll start as soon as the loot issues and PC sheets are all up to date. When you have figured out who has gotten what loot and what has been sold and what the division of coin is, then I'll hand out the final reward from the mayor and we can move on. Also ponder spells to prep and items you might want to shop for. The module is ready as soon as you all are! :-)
Belt of Str +2 - 4K gp - ariach Lesser Rod of Quicken Spell - 35K gp Eberyon's Tear of Human Bane - 5K gp Ring Protection +1 - 2K Amulet Nat Armor +1 - 2K gp - Yeshua Cloak (Shawl) Resistance +2 - 4K gp Potion CL2 Mage Armor x2 - 100 gp masterwork dagger - 300 gp Ring of CMD+5 (Fate Item) - 12500
The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Monday January 12th, 2015 7:09:53 AM Okaly Dokely! We'll be on pause while PC sheets are finalized. Please post here or email me when your sheet is done, including loot distribution.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday January 12th, 2015 8:04:23 AM
PC sheet fixed
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26 Joint hp pool 106/106 Monday January 12th, 2015 9:13:32 PM
Per the DM's note a week or so ago, Truman and Yeshua's sheet was in good shape. The only addition we'll make is taking the amulet of Natural Armor for Truman. Other than that we're fine...
It appears that we'll sell the rest of the items, except for the Belt of Str +2 that Ariach requested...
Evaris Monday January 12th, 2015 10:11:20 PM
Evaris is interested in the Ring of Protection. Or are we just going to convert it all to cash? That's fine, too. :)
Evaris's character sheet should be done apart from loot stuff. I still need to level Roel, however.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Monday January 12th, 2015 11:21:34 PM
Emrys could certainly use the rod, but I don't wish to deprive 2,187 gold from each of you. (35,000/2=17,500/8=2,187g)
Take what u want from the haul and from what I gather from his email, Cayzle will look at our overall wealth levels afterward. He gave us a number to shoot for, which is easier than messing with splitting things up. So the ring and rod are good to take if u want them, but they will count against your wealth limit though.
Please correct me if I'm wrong on how I interpreted your emails Cayzle.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday January 13th, 2015 3:46:05 AM
check
The Vanguard Gets A Visitor (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 13th, 2015 7:07:11 AM
What Ken said, although you can share expensive items.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Tuesday January 13th, 2015 11:23:34 PM
Emrys takes the rod from the table and suddenly becomes momentarily disoriented. It's power seems to bolster his connection with the leylines. As if he were awash with woldsblood. Quite intoxicating!
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday January 14th, 2015 4:31:47 AM
Ariach practices at the WLA headquarter and prays afterwords in a cathedral.
Bookkeeping Hiatus (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 14th, 2015 7:05:57 AM
PC Sheets Status Check:
Some players have roleplay notes for their low stats but for the sanity of future DMs, please label as "Low Stat Roleplay Notes" on your sheet!
Ariach: A-OK
Emrys: Please add gold coins to bring your total wealth to 42,000 gp. Please add / provide documentation on that scepter and what the heck makes it worth 2,000 gp
Yeshua: Note that you have gained WLA skill points at every level, but you owe back dues of 5,000 gp due at level 6. Also note that you gain a WLA bonus feat of Toughness that you need to add after paying your back dues. Finally, after adding your level 6 dues to your "possessions" list, you need to add gold coins (the Mayor's most recent reward) to bring your total wealth to 42,000.
Evaris: Please add gold coins to bring your total wealth to 42,000 gp.
Grell: I'm either missing your low stat rp notes or they are not labelled. Please clarify. Your +1 flaming sword is underpriced. It is worth 8,310, not 6,000. Your journeyman WLA dues paid at level 6 should have been +5,000 gp, not +2,000 -- and what the heck is that WLA voucher? Are you fully paid up or no?
Zero: Please add gold coins to bring your total wealth to 42,000 gp. BTW, looks like you are 19 grand in the hole! Please do convert a chunk of that to gear you can use! Also, I see no roleplay note for your very low Cha. In fact, you have no notes at all on description, personality, or history!
Lowell: Please update your experience points. You have a blank table for tracking xp awards ... please do fill it in. Please add gold coins from the Mayor's reward to bring your total wealth to 42,000 gp, and then for heaven's sake go shopping!
Royston: Tanner is off the hook until he returns from hiatus.
NOTES FOR ALL!
(1) Lotto rewards, Yule Items, and other such possessions LOSE their magic after one year. You may keep them as souvenirs, but they do not retain their magical properties. You may have no more than five active magic rewards at a time. Some players have to de-magic their lotto and yule gifts.
(2) If you have excess coin that you wish to convert into useful magic gear, you may do so at the Catacombs per usual or through email with your kindly DM -- but conclude any such transactions ASAP!
(3) It makes DMs happy to see a "This sheet was last updated on DATE" note at the top of bottom of your sheet. It gives us confidence that your sheet has been recently updated.
Evaris Wednesday January 14th, 2015 1:32:26 PM
Evaris takes the Ring of Protection, and some gold. Shortly thereafter, he disappears into his chamber to begin crafting another wand.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Thursday January 15th, 2015 2:19:58 PM
(Ooc: sorry for missing post last night. I passed out early last night under my favorite cozy blanket. )
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday January 15th, 2015 5:43:09 PM
Back home Ariach gets a little impatient. The young warrior is looking foward to gather his companions and start with their next mission.
Evaris Thursday January 15th, 2015 10:12:13 PM
At length, Evaris emerges from his crafting. Seeing Ariach looking impatient, he gives the fighter a friendly clap on the shoulder. "We'll be ready soon, I'm sure," he says. "Ready to take on a hive?"
[OOC: I think Evaris is done.]
Bookkeeping Hiatus (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 15th, 2015 11:07:45 PM
Current Status:
Ariach, Yeshua, Evaris -- all A-OK
Emrys -- still need wealth revisions. Plus in addition to the documentation on the scepter, what is that cumberbund of DR 10/- ?!?
Grell, Lowell -- status unchanged, please email and post here.
Zero -- thanks for the email, but you need to post here and post a new PC sheet (looks like you deleted the old one?)
We're getting there. However, I'll be moving the game ahead on Monday, so these issues MUST be resolved soon!
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Thursday January 15th, 2015 11:48:55 PM
Emrys rummages through a chest in his bedroom and finds the Scepter of Shandresh wrapped up in a bundle of cloth. It glimmers with jewels, gold and inlaid with mithril. Such a beautiful scepter ... its a shame that it is an instrument of the purest evil. It belonged to a legend ... a dark legend, the last priestess of Ga'al ... her name being Shandresh. She is current imprisoned in a pocket realm consisting mostly of ooze. Ga'al installed her there with many of her followers.
There within the pocket realm, this scepter is a powerful and highly intelligent artifact with the ability to infect others minds and control ooze. The scepter goes by the name, Focus. It is also the key used to open a portal out of the Ooze realm. Emrys fought with it continuously as it attempted to dominate his mind. Emrys used it's power to help the party escape from the Shandresh's prison.
After leaving the Ooze Realm and returning to the Wold, the scepter's power seemly ended. Perhaps being separated from its master, the scepter ceases to function. It isn't known if the scepter can reopen the portal back to the ooze realm. Who would want to? Since then, this ancient and historically significant relic has been left in the care of Emrys. He doesn't feel it's safe to sell and put back in circulation. Knowing its history, its price in gold is highly undervalued.
"Oh, there is my cumberbund. I wondered where you where." This was a prize from winning the lottery in the Loot N Booty.
Ooc - dm, i was thinking about not taking the amulet, and instead saving my money to buy a rod of barkskin for me to use on Yeshua and truman. What are your thoughts on me doing that? Barkskin stacks with natural armor and can help both of us. The amulet only gives +1 and only helps Yeshua.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday January 16th, 2015 6:18:50 PM
"I am always ready to discharge my duty" is Ariachīs answer to Evaris. "But there are always some guys who donīt take it seriously" Ariach adds dryly.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Sunday January 18th, 2015 11:26:16 PM
Emrys' feels the presence of his owl, Gestalt, having arrived at his bedroom window with a message. A warm smile forms across his face and he says, " Pardon, I believe it's time I get dressed. I shall withdraw to me room and conclude my morning grooming."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday January 19th, 2015 4:56:03 PM
check
Jeff L Zero McHero. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) Monday January 19th, 2015 11:08:01 PM
OOC hi guys... Sorry about the absence. I had a prolonged vacation and when I got back I was swamped with work.
Working on the sheet now. Will try to have it updated tomorrow.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Monday January 19th, 2015 11:59:21 PM
Emrys gives Gestalt a gentle pet and then reads the note. He considers the words he read and the small piece of paper bursts into a puff of smoke. He then sits down in front of the mirror of his grooming table. He loses himself in thought has he gazes lovingly at the beauty staring back at him. He then summons an unseen servant to brush his hair as he applies lotion to his skin; a concoction of his own recipe. His reflection in the mirror says, "You're looking absolutely ravishing today." Emrys replies, "So do you, my dear."
To the Hive
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 20th, 2015 9:37:09 AM
The Vanguard head off from Plateau City to the Monster preserve. You have a map and a mission: To evict the verminologist nesting at the border of the Preserve!
The magical road is in perfect shape despite its age. As you step on it, a magical compulsion to make no attacks locks in and covers you like a blanket of peace. The reason the road is safe from all perils is clear: No one can attack or be attacked by anyone on the road.
It takes a couple days to arrive, and the party spends the night at a peaceful inn, built inches from the road, and sharing in its aura of enforced peace.
On the second day, the magical road brings the party to the Monster Preserve. Where the road meets the Preserve, there is an entrance -- one of the few that allow passage into or out of the Reserve. There is a ranger station here, and the Chief Ranger, an elf, emerges to greet you.
"Hail, worthy heroes! Are you the group known as 'Vanguard'? I was told to expect you. I am Chief Ranger Curileg. Please, come and have lunch with us."
Curileg brings you into the station, and explains the problem. "This monstrologer has grown a huge tree exactly on the border, and by passing through a tunnel through the tree trunk, it is now possible to enter and exit the Preserve. What's worse, she has captured two rangers we sent to negotiate, and is holding them hostage. That tree has to come down, and if possible, the rangers need to be rescued."
He invites your questions.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 5:47:29 PM
One more time Ariach doesnīt like what he hears. To destroy the tree is one thing, but fighting an enemy who has hostages is worse. "That sounds great" he says sarcastically. "If we fight the monstrologer while he has the hostages, he will kill them or blackmail us with doing it." With a look of entreaty to the magic users of his group he continues "I hope there are some magical ways and means which can bring us close to them unseen."
Evaris Tuesday January 20th, 2015 7:04:25 PM
Evaris listens, frowning, to the ranger's tale. "Has she issued any demands?" he asks. "And do you know where her entrance/exit is located? On the Preserve side, I mean?"
[OOC: Some of the Vanguard have been here before! It was part of their Final exam from Maplehurst. :) ]
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 7:14:36 PM
Yeshua asks about the terrain around the tree, the specific stengths, abilities and weaknesses of the monstrologer himself and his cronies, details of the path that leads to the tree, rules of engagement, etc.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 10:42:11 PM
Emrys shakes the hand of the Chief Ranger, "Yes, good to be back. A few of our present number, including myself, have been here before. You may remember the great ankheg infestation. I hope Ranger Quila has recovered well from her injuries. A most traumatizing encounter for someone so young."
After listening to everyone's comments about the Curileg's report, Emrys interjects, "Good point, Ariach. Hostages do complicate things. There should be a few things in our bag of tricks to discern the location of the hostages and get to the root of the problem, so to speak. If I recall, the ankheg's burrowed tunnels throughout this area of the Monster Preserve. Do any of these tunnels remain uncollapsed? They could provide valuable cover from prying eyes." Emrys awaits to hear the answer to Evaris' question. Maybe they could possibly scry the location and gain a lay of the land from their present location.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 10:52:54 PM
"We understand that this monstrologer has an infinity for vermin. Do you possess any members of the hive, alive or dead? Such a specimen could prove valuable."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 10:53:58 PM
(ooc: blah, that's affinity ... not infinity.)
Jeff L Zero McHero. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) Wednesday January 21st, 2015 12:25:20 AM
Zero McHero took a big bite of food and spoke with his mouth open.
"How do ya know they're hostages? Did you get a note or somethin? If so, could we see it?"
Grell , 87/87, AC21/14/18 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 6:13:40 AM
Grell grunts in between bites of food. "You think you can describe these hostages to us? Might be important once we find them."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 5:32:52 PM
check
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 9:07:42 PM
Yeshua continues asking questions about their foes, including capabilities, likely tactics and offensive and defensive options, etc...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 10:11:49 PM
"Oh myy!" he says after spotting an umber hulk's hand nailed to the wall.
Evaris Wednesday January 21st, 2015 10:24:32 PM
"I've prepared a couple of spells I hope will be effective against swarms," Evaris says.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 21st, 2015 11:59:02 PM
Ariach expresses reservations about fighting an enemy who holds hostages. Emrys asks about hidden ways to get into the lair. Zero asks how they know there are hostages. Grell asks for descriptions.
Chief Ranger Curileg listens to the talk about the hostages, and his face is grim.
"Maybe the hostages are already dead. Maybe they will be slain as you attack. Or they may die trying to escape. That is the risk of the job, and if they come to Gargul, it will be with honor, and the Lord of Death will take them home. Their first job is to deal the breach in the Preserve, and that is your job too. Rescue them if you can, but all rangers guarding the Preserve are ready to lay down their lives."
He explains that the hive is about 15 miles away from this station, across country, not near the road. If you push on right now, you can get there before midnight. Or you are welcome to stay the night and leave in the morning. The walk would be off the Safe Road, of course, so beware.
He mentions that Quila, the ranger that Grell, Ariach, and Emrys met before, will be back this evening. One of the two hostages is Crumorn, a half-orc you once met as well.
It seems that some enchantment had hidden the breeching tree until the monster invasion a couple months ago. "Crumorn and a druid named Symon were attacked by invisible bees, with a paralytic poison. Symon's animal companion flew away and returned to us with this news. Since then, we got a message, delivered by some large insect, we think, that explained that the two of them would only be safe so long as the hive was not attacked. The companion confirms that Symon at least is still alive."
There are no ankhegs in the area. The rangers have spied on the hive, and they have confirmed that there are giant ants and bees in the vicinity.
The breech itself is a huge tree grown astride the border. There is a tunnel bored through the trunk. The breech allows passage through the tunnel into and out of the Preserve freely.
Yeshua asks about the terrain around the tree, the specific stengths, abilities and weaknesses of the monstrologer himself and his cronies, details of the path that leads to the tree, rules of engagement, etc.
Within the Preserve is it heavily forested. Outside, it is plains and scrub with a few plants. A large hedge has been grown, likely with Plant Growth spells, around the breech like a wall with no door or gate. Curileg believes that bees carry agents over the hedge as needed. There are no rules, and the party is free to use force as needed. Of course, please inflict as little damage to the Preserve as possible.
He has no dead bugs to study.
He asks if you want to press on immediately or stay the night.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 3:34:05 PM
Yeshua is curious about the paralytic the bees and/or ants use, including its strength, effects and possible antidotes or ways of vaccinating against it.
His preference is to stay the night and start out fresh in the morn.
Evaris Thursday January 22nd, 2015 4:15:38 PM
"For myself," Evaris says, "I would welcome your hospitality tonight, and a fresh start tomorrow. It will also give us time to discuss strategy. If my companions are amenable, that is."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 6:32:41 PM
"Sounds good to me" says Ariach. "I hate fighting at night."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=19 ; d100=97 ; d100=86 ; d100=47 ; d100=56 ; Thursday January 22nd, 2015 11:24:27 PM
"I remember Crumorn. I find it deeply troubling that he was captured" After a short pause, Emrys continues, "If I may be so bold, would you be in possession of one of his belongings? I could try and scry his location. Anything of his will help with the connection. The more personal the better, such as a tooth or lock of hair."
IF Chief Ranger Curileg does happen to provide a possession that belongs to Crumorn, Emrys will use it in his scrying spell. First he will attempt to summon a small cauldron with his Witch's Tool spell (leyline check: 19). However it fails to fully materialize, then cracks and fizzles into nothingness. Emrys is clearly embarrassed and gives an excuse ... "The magiks are very wild here." He then tries again (leyline check: 97, free cast!) and the cauldron appears very quickly with a snap of his fingers. "That's more like it!" Even tiny runes appear to faintly glow around the rim this time. Emrys smiles and looks to the others. "This casting will take a little time, so I advise you all to get comfortable."
After the cauldron is filled with water and seasoned with various ingredients (salts, herbs, an eye of newt and hair of gingrich), Emrys begins his incantation. As he chants the waters begin to swirl.
(Leyline: 86, woot ... free cast! Casting the Scrying spell; cast time 1 hour. Knowledge: Firsthand. Connection: depends on what Curileg provides. Will save: 21)
IF Emrys makes a connection, he will attempt to assess Crumorn's condition, how he is being held and where he appears to be located. He will also attempt to look and listen to everything around him. Emrys will also attempt to Detect Magic and possibly send a Message through the sensor ... 35% chance for success: 47% and 56%. (Does Emrys get multiple attempts to cast through the sensor?)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 22nd, 2015 11:25:32 PM
According to the Ranger, the invisible bees emit a zone of silence so you do not hear them coming. And they attack with uncanny accuracy. And the poison is fierce. [OOC: Poison: Fort save DC18 for 1d8 Dex initial and secondary.]
The party decides to stay the night.
Emrys uses Crumorn's pillow to scry him. You see the grizzled ranger in an underground cell, in manacles, guarded by giant ants. In fact, as a student of nature, Emrys sees that the underground cell is part of an underground ant colony. The only light comes from fire beetles. Crumorn is in tolerable shape -- somewhat beaten, but hale.
Your old acquaintence, Ranger Quila, returns to the lodge after completing her rounds. She greets you warmly. Aside from a few scars, she is none the worse. Thanks to Grell, Ariach, Emrys, and former members of the group.
In the morning, Quila offers to escort you to the vicinity of the tree. In this terrain, with a trained ranger who knows the area, it should take about 6 hours to get there. You'll arrive early-afternoon if you leave an a usual hour. How far out do you wish to stop, and what will you do when you get there?
Evaris Friday January 23rd, 2015 3:48:25 PM
Evaris doesn't see any need to rush to the site; whatever happens will likely happen quickly.
"I have little in the way of scouting ability," he says to the others as they travel. "It would be good to get as much information as we can on site. Does anyone have any suggestions?"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Saturday January 24th, 2015 9:18:56 AM
Yeshua and truman are excellent scouts so that's no concern. However, they are concerned about the bees and ants, especially how many of the invisible poisonous variety are known to be near the tree. Their venom could wreak havoc in the team and they want to have some preventative measures in place...
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Sunday January 25th, 2015 5:21:02 PM
Ariach thanks Quila for her offer to escort the group to the tree. "At first we should free Crumorn. We will not leave him behind."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d20+18=29 ; d20+16=35 ; Sunday January 25th, 2015 11:34:27 PM
Emrys describes what he saw in his scrying, if the others were unable to see for themselves. Crumorn is alive and being held underground and guarded by giant ants and fire beetles.
The mystical and bewitching bard considers several possibilities for remaining unnoticed as they approach their target. "Quila, the Preserve is known for having a few shambling mounds, I assume. I have an idea to create the illusion of a shambler and those among us unable to disguise themselves could stand and walk within it. For those aware and within the canopy of the illusion, it will appear translucent. To those outside, will see only the shambler ... if they see it as a shambler at all; mistaking it for the natural flora of the forest.
(Survival: 29, Perception: 35)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Monday January 26th, 2015 6:18:45 AM
Evaris asks for ideas, and his clever friend has one ... Emrys mentions a plan to approach in disguise. Quila is thoughtful. "If you approach the Hive from inside the Monster Preserve, that might work, because the Preserve is heavily forested there," she says. "If you approach from the outside, which is only lightly forested, you would have less cover, and of course, shamblers would be surprising to see outside the Preserve."
Will you approach from the inside of the Preserve or the outside?
Yeshua is concerned about the poison. Ranger Curileg offers the group vial each of antitoxin from the ranger station's stores. "It's good for about an hour, so if you drink it just before you go in, it will offer considerable protection."
"It seems a small offering of help," he says, "especially since you are so set on rescuing my people." He bows to Ariach.
Evaris Monday January 26th, 2015 2:35:33 PM
Evaris accepts his vial of antitoxin.
"I like your idea, friend Emrys," he says. "We shall approach from the Preserve side, and endeavor to act like shambling mounds. Or at least, endeavor not to give the disguise away."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday January 26th, 2015 4:31:53 PM
"We donīt care if they are your people. It is our duty to free them" says Ariach in his tipical manner. He thanks Curileg for the vial and thinks Emryīs plan will work.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=43 ; Monday January 26th, 2015 11:58:18 PM
Emrys crafts an illusion of a shambling mound against the ground (10'x10'), large enough for everyone to step into and he will concentrate on it and animate its movements as they travel through the forest.
(Leyline: 43. Casting Silent Image.)
Jeff L Zero McHero. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) Tuesday January 27th, 2015 8:02:06 AM
OCC: Silent image has a range. It doesn't extend beyond that range, even when concentrating.
Zero will turn himself into a Shambling Mound as they approach.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Tuesday January 27th, 2015 12:38:38 PM (OOC - Sorry for missing yesterday. Had sewer line backup in basement... Big mess... have to run home again today to get fixed with plumber...)
Yeshua appreciates the antitoxin and takes 2 vials, especially as it'll help him and his sibling resist the attacks of the flying insects.... The two like the wisdom of going as a shambling mound and join the others, taking the point position and scouting around them for threats, etc...
(DM - Can you give us stats on antitoxin so we can account for its affects, or is it just like that listed in equipment on Pfinder website?)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday January 27th, 2015 4:16:37 PM
check
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday January 27th, 2015 6:02:51 PM
(ooc: isn't that range from the caster? Doesn't that range move with the caster?)
Evaris Tuesday January 27th, 2015 10:16:25 PM
[OOC: I had always assumed the area moved with the caster unless the spell said otherwise, but that's really DM Cayzle's call.]
"And what should we do when we get there?" Evaris continues. "Send scouts, or everybody go at once?"
Jeff L Zero McHero. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) Tuesday January 27th, 2015 10:17:44 PM
OOC: I wish it did. I have an illusionist in the Bonetown game. I did a lot of reading on the pathfinder boards on the topic. I was especially interested in setting up a whole bunch of programmed illusions in advance and have them all go off in combat. Sadly, it seems to be subject to the same range limitation. However, if a DM ruled otherwise I'd be very happy about it!
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=7 ; d100=9 ; d100=4 ; Tuesday January 27th, 2015 11:25:52 PM
"Well," exclaims Emrys, "we should consider other forms of stealth as we approach if my illusion doesn't hold up. Zero, you should have no trouble with this ... in fact, you would make a right proper scout in beast form if you desire the challenge. However we may just need to stay well guarded as we approach. I can keep an eye open for invisible vermin flying about. I can weave an illusionary canopy of flora if I see any of these buggers approach."
Emrys attempts to cast the divination that will allow him to see invisible creatures but each one he attempts fails. "Peas and Carrots!! What madness is this!"
(Attempting to cast See Invisibility. (Leyline check: 7 fail. 9 fail! Hero point reroll: 4 FAIL!!!!! The dice roller is cursed!)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday January 28th, 2015 8:38:38 AM
Ariach seems disappointed about Emryīs revealing that there is a chance his illusion will not hold up.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 28th, 2015 4:48:41 PM
[OOC: Sorry to miss a day. The blizzard kicked me off the Wold!]
[OOC: The antitoxin is just like the core item. +5 alchemical bonus on poison saves for an hour, IIRC.]
[OOC: I'm well aware of the ambiguity of the rules on illusions ... do they move with the caster? For my games, I say yes! at least for THIS module ... but see below for other problems.]
Emrys intends to use a Shambling Mound illusion to hide the group.
Ariach and Evaris are eager to use the disguise. Grell is silent about it.
Yeshua and Truman offer to just be plain sneaky. That might work ... roll one or two stealth checks, you two, if that's what you are doing.
Zero will "hide" AS a shambler.
However, only four can hide under/within the illusionary shambler's 10x10 bulk (one person in each 5x5 square). And the group numbers 7 ... Grell, Emrys, Evaris, Ariach, Yeshua, Zero, and Truman. Zero can BE a second Shambler. Truman can be another monster -- but how likely is it that two shamblers would have a tiger friend? But that still leaves one humanoid uncovered by the illusion. So how is that going to work? Stealth? ALSO, four people do not make the sounds of one shambler. That's another flaw in the disguise, right?
If the group manages to find a solution to these issues -- extra person (plus Truman) needs coverage, plus the sounds problem -- then the group manages to get to the site undetected. If not, there is a chance of detection as the group arrives.
Comments? Solutions?
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+16=31 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=20 ; Wednesday January 28th, 2015 5:36:16 PM
Yeahu and Truman are skilled hunters and trackers, and both volunteer to sneak in. Yeshua will use the low underbrush while Truman uses the trees and shrubbery to remain quiet and unobserved...
Yeshua perc rolls - 26, 24 Truman perc rolls - 18, 20
Evaris Wednesday January 28th, 2015 8:18:19 PM
If Evaris is to have any hope of advancing without being seen, he'll need to be inside the illusion. He is not especially sneaky, but he does his best to move quietly.
[If possible, Evaris would like to take 10 on his Stealth check for a net result of 10.]
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d100=12 ; d100=23 ; d20+16=33 ; Wednesday January 28th, 2015 11:29:53 PM
With Zero, Yeshua and Truman relying on their own talents, this leaves the other four to take a position under the illusion. However before casting the illusion (if allowed to backtrack), Emrys will attempt to cast his divination one more time.
(Leyline check: 12, FAILLLL!!!!! WHAT IS UP WITH THE DIE ROLLER???!!! FIVE ROLLS IN A ROW UNDER 20%!!!! Emrys will attempt again using a 3rd level spell slot, Leyline check: 23, pass ... barely!!!! HAD TO USE FOUR SPELL SLOTS AND A HERO POINT TO CAST A SINGLE 2ND LEVEL SPELL!! ABSOLUTELY INSANE!! Casting See Invisibility. Lasts 70 minutes.)
A very beguilingly furious Emrys takes his place under the conjured shambling. He takes no other action other than to concentrating on the illusion and move through the forest. He keeps an eye on the skies for any unseen vermin.
(Perception: 33)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday January 29th, 2015 2:29:36 AM
Ariach looks at Emrys and doesnīt understand why the bard is in a bad mood. But now it is not the right time to discuss other problems than freeing the rangers. The warrior steps next to his friend and does what he is told to do.
Evaris Thursday January 29th, 2015 11:03:02 PM
Evaris watches Emrys a little anxiously. He does have a Calm Emotions prepared, but he hopes he doesn't need to cast it on a companion.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Thursday January 29th, 2015 11:24:24 PM
If only he had his mirror ... he could then behold his exquisite grace and loveliness. That always made everything better.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) d20+10=19 ; d20+10=27 ; d8=2 ; Friday January 30th, 2015 10:40:20 PM
OOC: Sorry to have missed a post. Lost Internet and got snowed in!
Emrys sees two silently flying giant bees as the party approaches. They ignore the shamblers ... but do they see Yeshua and Truman? They have Perception +10, and they roll a 19 and a 27. They fail to detect Yeshua, but one sees Truman! What will it do, having spotted a tiger, of which some are known to dwell in the Monster Preserve? The DM rolls a random d8 to determine the result --- a 2! --- and the bee ignores the tiger. That's not what it is looking for!
The party approaches the hive-tree. It looks like this: Base Hive Map. (Note: A Ariach; M Emrys; V Evaris; T Truman; Y Yeshua, G Grell; Zs Zero --- and F = Forest)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+18=29 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+13=14 ; Saturday January 31st, 2015 9:37:08 AM
Truman lets out his held breath, as it seems their deception worked well and the bee didn't attack the friendly tiger...
(Good call DM, as that is what I hoped would happen with the bee, overlooking a tiger in its habitat...)
The two continue approaching, moving silently through the underbrush... They stop at the edge of the forest, remaining in cover and hidden from above... They wait to see what the group wants to do next, knowing the empty area between them and the hedge is exposed... Also, they suggest the group find a way into the vale without going through the gate...
Stealth Y 32 Stealth T 14 Perc Y 29 (ignore 2nd roll, hit twice) Perc T 29
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Saturday January 31st, 2015 4:21:46 PM
While the group approaches Ariach feels more than just a little bit uncomfortable. He doesnīt trust magic completely and fears they will be detected every second. But nothing happens and they really make it close to the gates. Ariach would like to enter through one gate but he knows that his friends prefer stealthiness.
Evaris Sunday February 1st, 2015 11:35:58 AM
"Let's head toward the gate," Evaris whispers. "Unless somebody has something to get us through the hedge?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Sunday February 1st, 2015 11:35:14 PM
Whispering back to Evaris, Emrys says, "Yes, but let's wait for the bees to pass." Once the invisible bees have passed by and traveled a good distance away, he will move the shambling in that direction.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Monday February 2nd, 2015 2:16:56 PM
just to clarify, Emrys is moving the shambling toward the gate in a lazily fashion, not a direct "bee line" sort of way. :)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday February 2nd, 2015 5:40:07 PM
check
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Monday February 2nd, 2015 6:15:49 PM
The Vanguard creeps closer. Just inside the gate, you see a giant slug standing guard. Well, lying guard. Puddling guard. Whatever it is doing there, it will make it harder to just walk through the archway in the hedge.
You are within the trees still, and so there is no danger of discovery. But if any creature gets close to the illusion, they might see a leg poke out at the wrong time, or hear a footstep or a clank of armor. So watch out!
Ariach is nervous about it, for sure!
Yeshua seems confident in his sneakery. He sees that there is a big hole in the tree, 100 ft up, and that bees go in and out of it. Many are big, like the size of your hand, and one or two are giant, five footers, the size of the invisible patrolling bees.
Evaris wonders if there is amny way through the hedge, rather that through the gate. The slug-blocked gate.
Emrys notes that the invisible guard bees are not close, but they do not seem to stray all that far from the tree either.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Monday February 2nd, 2015 8:43:17 PM
Yeshua is at a loss at how to get in without a fight.... The gate is guarded and the bees can fly while the group can't... Unless someone has magic or a way to get thru the hedge unobserved, they may have to sneak close to the slug and then sneak attack...
Evaris Monday February 2nd, 2015 10:35:50 PM
"That looks like a battle," Evaris whispers, eyeing the slug. "I can create water, but alas, I cannot create a huge bucket of salt. That would be really handy right now...."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d20+14=28 ; Monday February 2nd, 2015 11:29:30 PM
(Knowledge [Nature]: 28)
"Truly, I have eight pounds of salt in my haversack," ... "excellent idea, Evaris," he says in a hushed whisper. "I had a premonition that salt would be important on this trip!"
(ooc: lol, 8 pounds of salt was a LnB lottery prize!!)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 5:45:25 PM
Ariach has no idea why his friends are talking about salt right now. Is it possible to harm a giant slug with salt, Ariach wonders himself. "If you need a distraction to shower the slug with salt, i am ready to attack it" he whispers one more time scared the magic of the illusion will break every second.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 6:13:46 PM
Evaris has the great idea of using salt on the monster, and Emrys happens to have some! A lot, in fact. And it is a known poison to slugs ...
Those with nature skill can reassure Ariach about the substance's efficacy. But how will you deliver such a load onto the beast?
Meanwhile, Yeshua deduces that the hedge was magically grown, for example with a plant growth spell or such magic. You could hack through?
[OOC: No need for a new map!]
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 9:45:32 PM
Yeshua suggests that they could try hacking through, but on the other hand, the salt might be the best thing to use vs. the slug, especially if they could launch a sneak attack... If they could kill it before the bees arrive, they might be able to get past it with little damage...
Evaris Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 10:37:21 PM
"Well," Evaris whispers, "other than 'get as close as we can and then everybody dump salt on it,' I don't really have a plan. Anybody else?"
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday February 4th, 2015 8:38:28 AM
Ariach is thankful about the clear words of Evaris. The words encourage Ariach that they have to attack the slug. "I am ready!"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Wednesday February 4th, 2015 2:12:45 PM
(Ooc: sorry, I passed out early last night.)
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d20+16=26 ; Wednesday February 4th, 2015 7:57:22 PM
"I will do what I can, but I must concentrate on the illusion until that moment we strike," he says whispering. "If someone could dump our salt mixture from above, that would produce the most optimal results."
(Perception: 26)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 4th, 2015 10:33:24 PM
The party continues a whispered discussion of how to launch the attack. You figure you can throw a handful of salt as a ranged touch attack with a 10 ft range increment. A handful weighs half a pound --- and so you have 16 handfuls.
Can anyone come up with an idea on how to dump the whole thing on the beast? That's what Emrys wants to know!
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Thursday February 5th, 2015 9:13:53 AM
Yeshua and William ponder the idea and murmur that if one of the group could fly, he/she could drop it on top of the slug... Yeshua and Truman could try to distract it and while it's busy with them, the flier could drop salt on it
Evaris Thursday February 5th, 2015 2:05:17 PM
"Flight would be good," Evaris agrees. "I didn't prepare any of those spells today, but perhaps Zero could be persuaded to change into something with wings."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday February 5th, 2015 7:02:24 PM
Zero is also in Ariachīs mind. He has seen Zero before flying through the air. So there should be a good chance that Zero could dump the slug from above.
CDM Jerry Thursday February 5th, 2015 7:16:46 PM
Jeff, I have sent you an email sir. Please read and respond.
[You may delete this Jeff, now that you have seen it.]
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Friday February 6th, 2015 6:25:14 AM
OOC: For now, my friends, let us assume that Zero and Grell are off scouting and are not available for the fight. Kathy, Stephen, Joe, and Ken, if you prefer to wait and see if either are returning, that's okay, but it may mean further delay of game. Or go ahead and go for it, you four -- I've modified the encounter for a 1/3 reduction in raw power with those two out. If either/both appear, they can join in!
If you wish to start the melee, please give your positions and actions. You can take a surprise round --- but note that you must start in any the forest. Note that since a surprise round consists of only a single standard action, you may need to use it to move to the attack.
Note that a handful of salt will inflict 1d6 damage with a successful ranged touch attack on the slug. You cannot effectively throw more than that just using your hands.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday February 6th, 2015 2:41:50 PM
"Maybe it is possible to decoy the slug out close to a tree. There we can use my shield to throw more salt on the slug from above" proposes Ariach.
Evaris Friday February 6th, 2015 5:00:10 PM
"I don't like the odds of that, Friend Ariach," Evaris says. "Likely the slug has been given instructions to stay inside the perimeter. I think we should move up and make the best of it."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+10=15 ; d20+4=6 ; Friday February 6th, 2015 8:47:59 PM
The deadly duo agree with Evaris and consider what they know about slugs... Know Nature (Y 15, T 6)...
"Brother Evaris, from what we remember, they like to use acid against attackers... Could you cast Resist Energy on one or both of us? Since we'll be engaging it in melee, we need the protection..." While Evaris is doing that, Yeshua will cast Magic Fang on both of them, boosting their attacks...
If that's done, their plan is to move out quickly (surprise round) into flanking positions around the slug to attack the next round...
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Saturday February 7th, 2015 12:16:10 AM
Friends, please set your location on the map and then give your surpriase round action.
Not sure how you can flank the beast since it is blocking the gate. Like I said yesterday, I need [b]Positions and actions!!!
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d100=56 ; Sunday February 8th, 2015 11:35:49 PM
"Where is Grell?" He thinks, 'did he see a squirrel and wander off?' "I will move the illusion where we can best surprise." Emrys moves the party under the shambler to a location against the wall and next to the door (Q7, Q8 & R7, R8).
"He then whispers, "Then I will enlarge everyone to giant size. We'll have greater reach, strength and be too big and heavy for the bees to carry off. Do we agree with that tactic?"
(IF anyone agrees, he will cast Mass Enlarge Person on everyone. Leyline: 56. Casting Mass Enlarge Person on everyone.)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday February 9th, 2015 7:04:52 AM
Ariach knows that the Vanguards will miss the brutal offensive power of their best fighter Grell. And Ariach will miss his friend as well but no time for complaining,he agrees with Emrysīs proposed tactic. He asks for some salt and makes himself ready for the charge.
Slug Fight!
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Monday February 9th, 2015 6:03:52 PM
Emrys proposes a spell to make everyone bigger. Well, not Truman; he's not a "Person." But to cast the spell he will have to stop concentrating on the illusion. Will that lose the party its element of surprise?
Ariach wonders how the party will do with no Grell and Zero. Too bad they were forced to attend to other jobs that took them out of this fight!
OOC: Joe, Kathy, Stephen, and Ken, I NEED a map coordinate and a standard action to start the combat! Soon we'll add Michael and Jon to the game as they get their PC sheets mostly set.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+11=15 ; d20+11=26 ; d6=4 ; Monday February 9th, 2015 6:41:59 PM
Ariach stands with his back to the hedge and waits for Emryīs signal to attack the slug. Immediately after the signal he runs straight to the slug and attacks it with the salt before he draws his weapon.
(Ariach starts on Q7 where Emrys has positioned the group and ends on P9 attacking the slug) (hits AC 15-reroll using one hero point- hits AC 26 for 4 damage) (if the following rule applies, Ariach hits AC 22 / You take a --4 penalty on attack rolls made with an improvised weapon)
Evaris d20=9 ; Monday February 9th, 2015 7:58:43 PM
Evaris agrees to the Enlarge.
Questions: we can just pick a spot on the map where we start? If we choose to start closer to the gate, does that involve Stealth checks? Can we get Enlarged closer to the gate, or does it have to happen right where we are on the map? Can we do the "salt attack" as a charge?
Ideally, Evaris would like to get closer to the gate while he is still Medium-sized, with a Stealth check of....hoo boy. With a Stealth check of 9. Then there's an Enlarge, and then Evaris attacks the creature as his standard action. But, see, I don't know how much of that is actually going to happen. If you want me to pick a spot on the grid, I'll say O-6, but honestly, that's more aspirational than realistic.
Once evaris casts the spells on the enlarged duo, they will Move to p9/q9 with yeshua in front and Truman to his northeast...
Evaris Monday February 9th, 2015 10:59:30 PM
[Whoops--sorry!]
"I only have one Resist Energy" prepared," he says. "Although I do have a Shield of Faith, if either of you wants one. Which of you should get the Resist Energy?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Monday February 9th, 2015 11:12:01 PM
Emrys will continue to concentrate on the illusion until the moment they begin their charge. He will then enlarge everyone with Mass Enlarge Person.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Monday February 9th, 2015 11:14:55 PM
(Ooc: I gave map coordinates in my Sunday post.)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday February 10th, 2015 2:58:49 PM
check
Since Ariach has moved in front of them and blocked the way, Truman will run forward and jump forward, trying to land on top of the slug at P11... Yeshua will go to P8, urging Ariach to make some room for him to get in and fight...
Truman jump = Acro 12
(Assuming the following spells are in effect prior to attack:
1. Both have Magic Fang - +1 att/dmg claw 2. Yeshua has Resist Energy 10 - Acid 3. Truman has Shield of Faith (+2 AC)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 11th, 2015 12:17:49 AM
OOC: Combat map and turn to come first thing in the AM.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 11th, 2015 7:06:41 AM
Before the combat, Evaris casts Shield of Faith and Resist Energy on Truman and Yeshua.
Then combat starts.
Ariach waits for Emrys. So does Evaris. So does Yeshua.
Emrys casts the mass enlarge person. Everyone is now large in size.
Ariach moves to P9 and attacks. He has to squeeze to fit into the five foot wide gate.
The squeezing rules say: "In some cases, you may have to squeeze into or through an area that isn't as wide as the space you take up. You can squeeze through or into a space that is at least half as wide as your normal space. Each move into or through a narrow space counts as if it were 2 squares, and while squeezed in a narrow space, you take a -4 penalty on attack rolls and a -4 penalty to AC."
The slug has a Touch AC of 4, so Ariach's first attack hits, even at -4 for squeezing, and you DO NOT USE YOUR HERO POINT. Ariach inflicts 4 hp damage.
Now, the monster has a reach of 15 feet, and throwing salt is a ranged touch attack. Ranged attacks provoke attacks of opportunity. For that matter, moving up to the monster passes through its threatened space, which might also provoke AoOs. However, this is a surprise attack, and the monster is flat-footed, so it does not get to make any AoOs! Whew!
Truman leaps up, scrambles over the hedge, and lands next to the slug. Yeshua stands next to Ariach, not able to reach the monster.
Evaris stands right behind Ariach, also unable to reach the monster.
Note: Truman used his surprise round to get over the hedge. Emrys cast his spell. Ariach hurled salt. However, Evaris and Yeshua have essentially not acted in this surprise round. Would you care to hurl some salt? You can hurl it over Ariach's head. If you do, make your ranged touch attack vs AC4, at a -2 for range, and at a a -4 for throwing into combat (unless you have Precise shot).
Or take some other action, you two?
After that, we start the first round of combat. Please take your normal actions for round one and then the monsters will attack with devastating force!
For Yeshua's surprise round, he'll also run and jump over hedge or his fellow pC's to land on the slug too... Acrobatics 22
Round 1 to follow later
Evaris d20+1=19 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday February 11th, 2015 3:02:06 PM
Evaris is not used to being this size, and isn't sure what to do. But he has salt in his hand, so he throws it, trying to arc it over Ariach to hit the slug.
[Hit AC 19, with the penalties, for 4 damage.]
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 11th, 2015 3:22:34 PM Ooc - Truman actually wanted to land ON the slug per my post and is that Ok?
Cayzle Comments: Actually, no, sorry. In Pathfinder, NO character can be on top of another. The closest allowed is that creatures of tiny size and smaller can occupy the same space, and that any creature can move through a square occupied by a creature three size categories larger than itself -- but not end move in the same space.
Even grapplers, under Pathfinder, end up NEXT to each other, not on top of each other.
So, sorry, no, Yeshua and Truman cannot jump on top of the slug. Sorry.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 11th, 2015 3:24:27 PM
For Evaris's surprise round, he's throwing salt. For Yeshua's surprise round, he's clambering over the hedge.
That gets everyone through the surprise round. Now everybody please post for round one!
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+16=35 ; d8+7=10 ; Wednesday February 11th, 2015 3:41:18 PM
But now Ariach recognizes that he blocks the gate entry in his enlarged form. He moves immediately to the left side and makes room for his allies. (Ariach goes to R10 knowing he provokes an AoO) Then he takes a big swing with his mace. (hits AC 35 for 10 damage)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 2d6+8=15 ; Wednesday February 11th, 2015 3:46:56 PM
(Ooc- the damage is different because of the enlarged weapon) Ariach hits AC 34 for 15 damage
Yeshua (Ken) AC 19 with charge Truman AC 22/Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+14=27 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=19 ; d8+5=12 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=10 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+9=27 ; 2d6+6=16 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6+6=13 ; 2d6+5=10 ; Wednesday February 11th, 2015 9:02:46 PM
As Trumans turn, he will rip and tear at slug (bypassing dr since pierce/slash) with a full attack...
Claw1 - Ht ac 27 for 12 Claw2 - hit ac 27 for 11 Bite - Hit ac 19 for 10
Yeshua will charge as his action, slashing huge chunks of it out (bypass dr since slash) with a charge and pounce - (+ 2 att, -2 ac, +2d6 on charge) - Claw1 - Hit ac 25 For 28 (include rhino armor) Claw2 - Hit ac 16 For 13 Bite - hit Ac 27 for 10 ------------------- Stats for larger Yeshua = +1 att/dmg Mag fang; (enlarge causes) +1 dmg (Str up 2), -2 ac (-1 from lower dex and -1 from size), -1 att (-2 dex), -1 att (size); claws and bite now 2d6; (totals - -1 att/+2 dmg before charge). Total ac 21
Stats for Truman - +1 art/dmg Mag fang; (enlarge causes) +1 dmg (Str up 2), -2 ac (-1 from lower dex and -1 from size), -1 att size ; claws and bite now 1d8; +2 ac from sof. Total ac 22
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 11th, 2015 10:24:25 PM
Waiting for Evaris and Emrys round one actions ...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d20+16=34 ; Wednesday February 11th, 2015 10:35:06 PM
(Perception: 34, and See Invisibility)
Giant-sized Emrys uses his giant-sized gaze to scan the now puny-sized sky. If he doesn't spot any bees coming there way, he provide inspirational words for his fellow giant-sized combatants.
(Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage: everyone gets +1 to hit and damage, +1 saves vs charm & fear)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) d20+15=30 ; 2d10+12=23 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; Thursday February 12th, 2015 11:56:33 AM
Surprise Round Redux:
Emrys enlarges everybody.
Yeshua and Truman jump and clamber over the hedge.
Ariach and Evaris throw salt, inflicting 8 damage top the vermin.
Round One:
Ariach bravely steps forward, knowing he is provoking an AoO, but not caring since he has to make room.
Recall that being enlarged gives you -1 to hit and AC, +2 str, -2 dex, and increased damage by a size. Ariach, I'm assuming your AC drops to 27, not 29.
The monster lashes at the protector with his tongue -- he hits AC 30, a hit, for 2d10+12 plus 2d8 acid, that is, 23 plus 6 acid, or 29 hp damage from the AoO.
Then Ariach gives back to the monster: he hits with his mace for 15, but the monster is resistant to bludgeoning weapons, and only 5 hp penetrate through to the monster's core. A slashing or piercing weapon would bypass that DR!
Truman attacks and Yeshua charges and attacks. (Yeshua, you have the pounce ability, right?) Truman hits twice for 23 and Yeshua also twice for 38.
Emrys looks around, scanning for invisible bees! In fact he sees two who are looking like they will move up and attack, from opposite directions.
So before the top of this round is done, I need a full round of actions from Emrys (with the knowledge that there are incoming invisible bees) and from Evaris (note that Ariach has stepped forward and you have a clear line to the slug).
As soon as we resolve these issues, I'll report the enemy actions and update the map.
Co-DM David Feest Thursday February 12th, 2015 12:32:34 PM
OOC Of course Yeshua has Pounce. This isn't Ken's first rodeo. 8)
Evaris d20+10=13 ; d8+3=6 ; Thursday February 12th, 2015 5:47:41 PM
With a clear shot at his target, Evaris draws his bow and takes a shot, but it isn't a very good shot.
[Hit AC 13. Damage is 6, just in case it's AC really is that bad.]
Ariach AC 27(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday February 12th, 2015 5:52:51 PM
Ooc: Thanks DM Cayzle for your support. AC is fixed.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Thursday February 12th, 2015 6:57:05 PM
Seeing the bees coming to join the fight, Emrys will then croons a mischievous melody and points in the direction of the closest bee. A sudden burst of glittering dust envelops the flying vermin.
(Casting Glitterdust. Range: 150ft. Area: 10ft radius spread, centered on closest bee. Will Save: 20 vs. Blindness. Otherwise Bee is no longer invisible.)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 19 with charge Truman AC 22/Joint hp pool 114/114 Thursday February 12th, 2015 8:40:49 PM
If it appears that the bees will arrive this round to attack them, Yeshua will burn up a hero point for an extra action, drinking one of the antitoxin potions to protect vs. their venom...
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) d20+4=15 ; d6=5 ; d20+15=27 ; 2d10+12=29 ; d8=7 ; d8=4 ; Friday February 13th, 2015 12:32:06 AM
Round One Completions
Recap: After taking 8 hp salt damage in the surprise round, the monster suffers another 5 damage from Ariach and 61 from Yeshua and Truman. Ariach suffers 29 damage.
Evaris shoots and misses.
Emrys glitterdusts an invisibee. The bee makes a Will save of 15, so it is blinded.
THE ENEMY
The blind bee bumbles back to its tree and clings to it. The other bee hovers nearby and does not attack.
The slug attacks (rolling randomly ... ) Ariach, lashing out with its tongue again. It hits AC27, which inflicts an additional 29 plus 11 acid, for 40 more damage. That's 69 damage to Ariach this round! He can't take another round like that!
Slug Info: AC20 Touch AC4 Has taken 73 damage
Special Spoiler for Emrys Only: Highlight to display spoiler: {Unglittered Invisibee is in space 10-11-I-J, 40 ft up. It is a large creature.}
Evaris d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; Friday February 13th, 2015 1:14:46 PM
Evaris casts a spell from where he is standing, then squeezes through the gap in the hedge to touch Ariach and deliver the healing energy.
[Cast Cure Serious Wounds, losing Remove Curse. Move to P/Q-9/10.]
Ariach is healed 18 points.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d100=59 ; Friday February 13th, 2015 2:33:40 PM
(Brief post from phone because im not getting until really late.)
Emrys moves to I J/8, 9 and casts Baleful Polymorph on the invisible bee.
(Leyline: 59. Range: 40ft. Two Will Saves: 21 vs. changing into a tiny fruit bat. 2nd save to retain memories and certain abilities. )
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Friday February 13th, 2015 11:08:32 PM
Holding for Ariach and Yeshua ...
Yeshua (Ken) AC 21 Truman AC 22/Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+14=24 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+9=10 ; 2d6+6=12 ; 2d6+6=15 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+15=32 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=9 ; Saturday February 14th, 2015 9:22:52 AM
Yeshua will move 5' south (MN 12/13) if he can do so w/o an AoO in order to flank with Ariach.... "Hey, why don't you look over here you fool!" he taunts the slug, hoping it will leave his grievously injured friend alone...
He'll then continue his full attack, aiming for the slugs vulnerable flanks and ripping out disgusting chunks of slimy gunk...
Claw 1 - Hit AC 24 - 12 dmg Claw 2 - Hit AC 27 - 15 dmg Bite 1 - Miss AC 10
Meanwhile, Truman does the same, aiming for an already damaged section of the slug...
Claw 1 - Hit AC 33 for 10 Claw 2 - Hit AC 23 for 6 Bite 1 - Hit AC 32 for 9
_______________________ Stats for larger Yeshua = +1 att/dmg Mag fang; (enlarge causes) +1 dmg (Str up 2), -2 ac (-1 from lower dex and -1 from size), -1 att (-2 dex), -1 att (size); claws and bite now 2d6; (totals - -1 att/+2 dmg before charge). Total ac 21. Note that flanking adds +2 att, now +1 att/+2 dmg
Stats for Truman - +1 art/dmg Mag fang; (enlarge causes) +1 dmg (Str up 2), -2 ac (-1 from lower dex and -1 from size), -1 att size ; claws and bite now 1d8; +2 ac from sof. Total ac 22. Note that flanking adds +2 attack. Total - +2 att/+2 dmg
Effects - Magic Claw on both, Resist Acid 10 on Yeshua, SOF on Truman
Ariach AC 31(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 38/89 d20+7=27 ; d20+7=9 ; d6+5=10 ; d20+2=18 ; d6+5=6 ; Saturday February 14th, 2015 10:25:54 AM
Ariach accepts the two blows silently but he is mad at himself for forgetting that the slug canīt be harmed with his mace. He is thankful for Evarisīs healing and decides to attack one more time. But this time he takes his short sword.
(hits AC 27 for 10 damage, hits AC18 for 6 damage) (using fight defensively -4hit/+2AC, combat expertise -2hit/+2AC)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) d20+8=15 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+15=26 ; 2d10+12=18 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; Saturday February 14th, 2015 1:34:55 PM
Round Two
Evaris cures Ariach. To do so, he has to walk to Ariach through several threatened squares ... so the slug takes an AoO on the cleric. It hits AC26, hitting Evaris for 18 plus 14 acid damage, 32 points total! Then Evaris cures Ariach.
Emrys targets the other invisibee with a Baleful Polymorph. It fails its Fort save ... AND its Will save! It becomes a harmless fruit bat in every way ... except having mucho hit points, for a bat!
Emrys has now taken out both invisibees!
Yeshua and Truman attack again, inflicting 52 damage and bringing the monster DOWN! Ariach draws his short sword just in time to see the slug die!
The battle (for the moment) is over. You see the tree, the hedge, and two ant hills. There is a tree on the far side, near the other gate. There are bees in a hive in the upper branches many dozens of feet overhead. The battle is over so fast, it seems this place has not had the time to react yet!
Your action?
Evaris [AC 20; HP 52/74] d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; Saturday February 14th, 2015 3:53:36 PM
Evaris can't suppress a grunt of pain when the slug hits him.
"My word, that thing hits hard," he says. "Friends, if we can make sure it is dead, I will undertake to heal us all."
After he is sure the slug is dead, Evaris uses Channel Energy. Everyone is healed 10.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Saturday February 14th, 2015 10:53:00 PM
"We should try and set the tree on fire. The rising smoke would cause the bees to evacuate ... two birds with one stone! I have two vials of oil, what does everyone else have?"
Emrys removes two vials on oil from his haversack.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 21 Truman AC 22/Joint hp pool 114/114 Saturday February 14th, 2015 11:25:50 PM
Yeshua and Truman agree with the plan to make smoke but urge everyone to move fast as they only have a moment before all heck breaks loose. "Should we head for cover or somewhere more defensable, at least stay close together so we don't get flanked? Whatever we decide, it needs to be fast!!!"
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 48/89 Monday February 16th, 2015 3:17:04 AM
At first Ariachs thanks Evaris for the healing and is glad to feel some strength coming back in his maltreated body. Ariach looks in his backpack and two alchemistīs fire come into the open.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Monday February 16th, 2015 5:15:13 PM
Evaris cures everybody, but not the slug, which is certainly dead.
The one bee is now permanently a bat, so no worries on that, but the glitterdusted bee will be free of the magic dust after a while ... Both are out of range of the channel anyway, so no worries.
Emrys tries to get ready to burn down the tree. Of course, just two vials will hardly be enough. Especially since the oil will burn for only two rounds and then burn out. What kind of fire would it take to set a ginormous living tree alight?
Ariach can contribute another two vials ... enough to do the job?
Yeshua urges the need for speed. But what to do next?
Where are the captives, by the way?
Where can the party go, anyway? The beehive above in the tree might beckon. So might the two ant-hills you see, one on this side of the magical border, one on the other. You could walk down into the ant-hills -- they are clearly intended for giant ants! Well, medium versions of your could squeeze in, but not the enlarged versions you currently are!
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 48/89 Monday February 16th, 2015 5:41:42 PM
"Where are the captives?" Ariach wants to know. "Are they in one of the ant hills? It seems to be a good hideout. I think we should go and check them."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 21 Truman AC 22/Joint hp pool 114/114 Monday February 16th, 2015 8:35:16 PM
Yeshua agrees with going to the anthill and regretfully adds that they may need to go back to medium size to fit through the opening
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; Monday February 16th, 2015 10:35:16 PM
"I would actually be glad to return to my normal size," Evaris says. "I do think it's a good idea to find the hostages before we start setting things on fire."
He continues channeling energy to heal himself and Ariach.
Everyone heals 12, then 8 more, for a total of 20 on two Channel Energies.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Monday February 16th, 2015 11:17:16 PM
Emrys reminds them all that the captives he saw in his divination are underground, guarded by ants. "So logic dictates they're underground with the ants!" Emrys ends the enlargement spell (standard action) and everyone reduces to their normal sizes. "Two birds with one stone ... maybe we can get to the root of the problem ... save the captives and kill the tree from below! Shall we?"
If they agree, he will make his way to the ant hill entrance ... do his best to avoid the goo from the slug. The buckles on his boots are the devil to clean.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 21 Truman AC 22/Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+18=19 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+13=33 ; Tuesday February 17th, 2015 1:24:32 PM
Yeshua and Truman , once back to normal size, take point in going into the ant hill, senses searching for ants who may be nearby, traps, etc... Perc 19, 14
Also, they strive to be stealthy too... Stealth 33, 33
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Tuesday February 17th, 2015 5:14:54 PM
Ariach thanks Evaris one more time for the healing.
As his body shrinks to regular size he takes his backpack and searches for the everyburning torch.
"I can go ahead if you want" he proposes and wonders himself how Emrys remembers all the details in his vision.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 17th, 2015 5:46:18 PM
Evaris again heals the group.
The consensus is that it would be best to enter the ant-hill. AFTER Emrys returns the party to normal size!
The four heroes, plus the tiger, enter the nearer ant-hill. The slope is steep, but quickly opens into a small chamber, lit by sunlight from the outside. Deeper in it looks dark.
THis chamber contains a cage, and in the cage is a person! An elf? A Half-elf? About ten feet from the cage is a chest. There are no signs of insect life.
[OOC: Please welcome our newest player, Michael!]
Perception or Survival check 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a well-worn path leading from the entrance deeper into the colony.}
Perception or Survival check 30: Highlight to display spoiler: {Freshly disturbed dirt suggests that an ant left this chamber heading deeper in just moments ago!}
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+18=23 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+18=38 ; Tuesday February 17th, 2015 8:32:43 PM
Truman and Yeshua kneel, and peer around, suspicious of this chamber... He sees what may be a fellow 1/2 elf and looks closely for tracks in the area...
Perc - Y/T - 23/16 Surv - Y/T - 38 (natural 20)
Yeshua frowns as he sees something odd... Then SOFTLY tells his friends, "These tracks are fresh... Something, probably an ant, just left a few minutes ago and seems to have moved deeper... We're on the right trail going downward..."
Now seems as good of a time as any to take the antitoxin, as he doesn't know what they'll encounter later... Yeshua will take a dose and then pour the other bottle down Truman's throat... __________ Note the two still have Magic Fang and Truman has SOF and Yeshua has Acid Resistance...
Both have Antitoxin now...
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+5=11 ; Tuesday February 17th, 2015 10:15:52 PM
"Greetings," Evaris says to the person in the cage. "I am Evaris Leafgreen, of the Vanguard. My companions and I are tasked with defeating the Verminologist and rescuing the hostages. I take it you are one of the latter?"
Evaris is a half-elf man with brown hair and hazel eyes. He wears a holy symbol of Pantheon and carries a bow. You would think him handsome, but alas, he is standing next to Emrys.
Lanliss Wednesday February 18th, 2015 3:58:23 AM
Hello says Lanliss and bows royally and he continues to speak, my name is Lanliss Drakeguard. I am a journeyman of the WLA. I have been caught unaware by the giant ants. I came here to investigate some mportant stuff, but I now know that the female surface drow that is named Lady Bug is responsible for the trouble here, she tried to tempt me about my reason to be here, she put me here with the nearby chest so I will believe her that she will free me, but I didn't believe her. There are other hostages here that need to be rescued. I take it that you caused the havoc outside, the ant that guarded me probably went on to alarm the others. So if you will just free me I will gladly help. You can also give me my thieves tool from the chest if you have problems with cage. Lanliss looks at Evaris and says, you are humble as you are beautiful and bows. Lanliss says: could you all please introduce yourselves to me , I do remember the Vanguard name from somewhere....
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Wednesday February 18th, 2015 4:47:19 AM
Beside the good looking Emrys and Evaris, the full armored warrior seems out of place. His nose is crooked and itīs obviously it was badly damaged once. In general, his entire left side of the face is deformed. His left eye almost disappears under to low hanging eyebrows. The left corner of his mouth, deprived of any sense, runs down unnaturally.
"Greetings to you brother in arms. I am Ariach Gatelatch. I am also a member of the WLA and I would really like to free you, but..."
The young warrior turns ot Evaris and asks "Do you really think it is a good idea to free a thief? Who can assure us that he is not lying?"
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 18th, 2015 5:34:40 PM
Hoping for a post from Emrys ...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Wednesday February 18th, 2015 8:56:57 PM
(ooh: sorry for missing my post. had dinner with Jerry and was so stuffed with comfort food, I passed out as soon as I got home. my emrys post coming shortly after this one.)
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Wednesday February 18th, 2015 9:12:06 PM
"Glad to meet you, Lanliss. Lucky for you we were on a nature hike," Emrys says with a smile. Turning to Ariach, he says, "I think it is a splendid idea to retrieve his tools. How else can he remove himself from the cage. I always say help those help themselves. This is a very precarious situation to find oneself in, let's give a little latitude."
Emrys holds his hand out to the chest and casts a little cantrip that should open the chest, if it's not locked. (Casting Open/Close on the chest lid.) Emrys is trying to avoid any possible traps on the chest.
If it doesn't open, he will go ahead and open the chest manually. Once open, he will retrieve Lanliss' tools and hand them to him through the bars.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d20+16=31 ; Wednesday February 18th, 2015 9:27:43 PM
(sorry, forgot to roll perception. Perception: 31)
"Yes, Yeshua! I see what you mean. If the good Lanliss here heard our hardy hello up above, then the guard has obviously sped fast away to warn the others of our little visit. We should prepare a proper greeting."
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Wednesday February 18th, 2015 11:10:25 PM
"I concur," Evaris says. "If we were to wait for me to get that cage open, even with tools, we would be waiting a long time."
Lanliss d20+22=27 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+15=16 ; Thursday February 19th, 2015 2:04:41 AM
Lanliss takes the thieves tools from Emrys and tries to unlock the cage as fast as he can.
Ooc: (if it's the masterwork one I get a +2) Rolled 5+22=27 I also roll a perception. Rolled out by mistake twice for the perception out of delay.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) d20+15=28 ; Thursday February 19th, 2015 3:07:39 PM
There are introductions all around.
Evaris explains the group's mission.
Ariach is a little nervous about setting Lanliss free, but the fellow's WLA credentials are telling. The League accepts no common ruffians or evil-doers.
Yeshua warns that an alarm may have been raised, and uses the lull to down some antitoxin.
Carefully opening the chest with magic, Emrys discovers that it is filled with gear that seems tailor made for a half-elf of Lanliss's proportions. All of it is handed through the bars, and in a twinkle, Lanliss is fully equipped -- including a nice set of lockpicks.
It is a short time later that the half-elf completes the job. The cage door swings open. One man entered, and now one man leaves.
What is next? Any minute, you may be swarmed with ants! What is your goal? Where will you go? Lanliss, of course, is aware that other prisoners wait in the dark depths of the ant-hill ... do they have hope for release?
Perception check DC28: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear the patter of insectile foot-pads from about 50 ft away from down aways in the deep dark!}
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 d20+9=16 ; Thursday February 19th, 2015 5:29:10 PM
"We have to go deeper into the ant-hill to get our answers. Donīt let us waste more time. We have to free the missing people before we destroy the tree" says Ariach and takes a step forward.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Thursday February 19th, 2015 5:29:23 PM
"What are we expecting?" Evaris asks. A bunch of little ants, or a few big ants?"
Lanliss d20+16=27 ; Thursday February 19th, 2015 5:53:23 PM
Lanliss tries to be stealthy,meanwhile he says: I am with Ariach about rescuing the hostages, but we need a plan because they know we are here.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+18=35 ; d20+13=15 ; Thursday February 19th, 2015 7:40:03 PM
Whatever they are expecting, Yeshua and Truman want to be ready... (Y 35, T 15) Truman growls softly as Yeshua murmurs to the rest "We're about to get some company quick... I reckon they're about 50' away and coming this way fast... We need to block the path that they're coming down or make it so that no more than one or two ants can get in at a time... That way we can outnumber them if only 1 or 2 can get through..."
He'll ask Ariach if he wants to join them at the entrance, so that they can engage the baddies in melee while the others hit with ranged or sneak attacks...
"Emrys, can you cast something to help limit the number who can get in? (To Lanliss, he says) I'm Yeshua, this is my sibling Truman... I hope you can fight because we're going to need all the help we can get..."
He'll look around the room, seeing if there's something they can find, some big rocks, large objects (even the cage?) they can move to close off part of it...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Thursday February 19th, 2015 10:38:52 PM
"Yeshua, you muse! I can certainly help with that. If we're making our stand here, then they can flounder and stumble down there ... prepare your slings and arrows."
Emrys then performs several castings. The corridor leading down to their pismire hosts becomes slippery with grease.
(Casting Grease x2. Two 10-ft squares of grease, covering the last 20-ft of the tunnel to the entrance of the room. Reflex: 18. I recall there being a steep slope going down the tunnel, which should make things more difficult to climb.)
Lanliss Friday February 20th, 2015 11:11:09 AM
Lanliss still searches for a place to hide to make a sneak attack.(roll is in the previous post) Don't worry yeshua Lanliss says, I can fight both in the shadow and the light with no troubles, although I prefer to surprise my enemies. He then whispers to his short sword, I will have to fight with you today so don't make any troubles. Lanliss readies his weapon, prepared to strike at any moment.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Friday February 20th, 2015 3:43:06 PM
Ariach agrees with Yeshuaīs proposal and joins him at the entrance. "I will do my best to keep them in front of us. But maybe there is a chance to negotiate with them. If Emry can cast a spell he can tell them that we just want the hostages. And that we burn down the entire ant-hill if they donīt cooperate."
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Friday February 20th, 2015 5:27:52 PM
Evaris has a spell in mind, but he decides to hold off until he sees the opponents. He moves into position behind the front-line fighters, alert for the start of trouble.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Friday February 20th, 2015 11:54:11 PM
"Gentlemen, these vermin have no intelligence, they are purely instinctual. They have no capacity for thought or complex reasoning. No verbal language of any kind. It's either fight or flight with them... unless they've been made magically clever and transmuted with the proper anatomy to produce sound. Otherwise they have not the ability to do either!"
Ant Swarm!
Ant Swarm! Round One (DM Cayzle) d12=2 ; d12=4 ; d12=6 ; d12=8 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=7 ; Saturday February 21st, 2015 1:58:18 PM
OOC: To clarify: You came down a steep tunnel to get into the hive. The steep tunnel opened into a chamber with a cage and chest and prisoner. There is another tunnel leading out, further into the ant-hill ... that one is level or very slightly angled.
Yeshua pushes the cage so that there is only room for one enemy to come at the party at a time.
Ariach and Yeshua then stand steady to block the entrance of any giant ants.
There is not room for Truman to be next to Yehsua, so the tiger stands right behind him.
Emrys casts Grease ONCE (only time for one casting) right in the exit.
Lanliss hides behind the cage, ready to backstab anyone who steps in.
Emrys and Evaris take a step back, prepared to cast.
==========
From the darkness in the tunnel ahead crawls a swarm of ants, each as big and thick as an orc's thumb!
The swarm encounters the grease, and climbs around it. The swarm climbs into the room and swarms over ...
rolling a d12 ... 1-2, roll twice, over two people ... 3-6, Ariach ... 7-10, Yeshua ... 11-12, the swarm came down on the side with the cage and swarmed over Lanliss. The roll is a ... 2! Rolling twice more, ignoring 1-2 ... 4, 6 = Ariach, 8 = Yeshua.
Ariach and Yeshua are swarmed by the 10x10 swarm. Ariach takes 12 damage and Yeshua takes 7 damage.
There is a chance that if you stay where you are, the swarm may advance to cover Truman as well next round. it is 10x10, so it can cover up to 4 squares.
If you can make a Know Nature DC15 or better, please feel free to read up About Swarms.
No map for this combat.
Co-DM David Feest Saturday February 21st, 2015 3:28:57 PM
OOC For targeting purposes, how big in Pathfinder size terms is an orc's thumb? Fine, diminutive or tiny?
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Saturday February 21st, 2015 5:21:30 PM
Seeing that the insects are indeed small, Evaris moves as close as he can to the center of the group and casts Repel Vermin. (Will save DC 19)
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+11=15 ; d20+6=25 ; Saturday February 21st, 2015 5:59:11 PM
Lanliss, flabbergasted, tries to swiftly attack the swarm in the hope of making them retreat. Ooc: Do I attack with the sneak attack feature ?
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d6+1=4 ; d6+1=2 ; Saturday February 21st, 2015 6:05:11 PM
Ooc: forgot to roll damage,sorry
coDM David, When you make an attack please list your attacks and damage in your post, like this First Attack hits AC 15 for 4 damage Second attack hits AC 25 for 2 damage If you aren't sure that sneak attack damage applies, like you stated above, roll it separately and note it after the base damage. Doing these things means the DM can follow your dice rolls and does not ignore your attack completely. 8)
Ant Swarm! Round One (DM Cayzle) Saturday February 21st, 2015 6:07:32 PM
OOC: Lanliss, you can try anything. But it looks like there would be little-to-no effect if you attacked with weapons. Even if you killed 20 bugs with one swing, there are hundreds and hundreds more. And there are no weak spots -- eyes, kidneys, joints -- to even target with a sneak attack.
Extra OOC: Sorry that your first encounter is one that is not subject to sneak attacks. But fear not -- there will be lots of chances to backstab things in this game in the future! :-)
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Sunday February 22nd, 2015 3:10:39 AM
Lanliss watches helplessly at the swarm not knowing what to do.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 d20+10=27 ; Sunday February 22nd, 2015 3:20:45 PM
The two look at the swarm, trying to swat and smash at the annoying bugs... Frustrated, Yeshua tries to remember what he learned about dealing with the vermin... Know (Nature) = 27...
Seeing that these critters can't be harmed by fangs or claws, he calls out, "Can someone light up the grease and fry them?"
He has no idea how to kill these otherwise, as they only have their natural weapons... (unless they are tiny...) All they can do is move away from the swarm, trying to look for bigger targets...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d20+16=24 ; Sunday February 22nd, 2015 10:29:59 PM
(Knowledge [Nature]: 24)
"Well ... the nerve!" says Emrys. Like the oozes, he knows these mindless ants will not respond to his charms and mind-effecting magics. He takes his same strategy for the hallway and decides to apply it to both Ariach and Yeshua. He first removes a mystical rod from a pouch hanging off his belt. He begins to chant that familiar tune, except this time it sounds a bit sped up.
(Using Metamagic Quicken rod. Casting Grease x2 on Ariach and Yeshua's armor. Ant swarm needs to make Reflex save: 18 to stay swarmed on them both.)
Ant Swarm! Round One (DM Cayzle) Monday February 23rd, 2015 11:35:29 AM
Waiting for Ariach ...
The ants are Diminutive. (Real world ants would be Fine. These are bigger than that.)
Ant Swarm! Round Two (DM Cayzle) Monday February 23rd, 2015 5:12:32 PM
OOC: Friends, I have been reading and thinking on how Repel Vermin works. I have also studied AntiLife Shell, Magic Circle vs Evil, and Protection from Evil for similarities. I have also searched the Pathfinder message boards and the PF FAQ, as well as the D&D3.5 rules and FAQ.
In light of this, I rule that Repel Vermin acts EXACTLY as the spell says; "An invisible barrier holds back vermin. A vermin with HD of less than one-third your level cannot penetrate the barrier." Note the words I have bolded: Vermin cannot enter, but they are not forced out. Like AntiLife Shell, forcing Repel Vermin against enemies will collapse the spell. AntiLife Shell specifically says, "Forcing an abjuration barrier against creatures that the spell keeps at bay collapses the barrier." -- that seems to be a general rule that I will apply here.
Evaris casts his Repel Vermin. The edge of the barrier is right next to Ariach and Yeshua. If they take a five foot step back, they will enter the ward and be safe, except for any bugs clinging to them.
Truman, Evaris, and Emrys are in the ward. Lanliss can enter as well with a move back.
Emrys casts Grease spells on Ariach and Yeshua. The bugs clinging to them slip off. They may step back into the warded area easily now.
Lanliss attacks and realizes that physical weapons are useless. He figures that something like magic or acid or fire might be effective. Lanliss, do you back up into the warded area?
Yeshua realizes from his lore that attacking the bugs with teeth and claw will be useless. He wants to burn them, but note that Grease spells are NOT flammable. Still, fire could be a solution. Yeshua, you are IN the swarm! Do you back out to enter the warded area?
Ariach has yet to act as well. Ariach, you too are IN the swarm. Do you back up to enter the ward?
The swarm mills around the edge of the ward, but does not enter. If Ariach or Yeshua remain in the swarm, they will take damage -- your kindly DM pretty much assumes you will step back.
Is this a standoff?
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Monday February 23rd, 2015 6:16:24 PM
When Ariach finds out how Evaris "repel vermin" works, he backs up to enter the ward.
One more time he asks himself how often he would have been killed without the magic of Evaris or Emrys.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Monday February 23rd, 2015 8:34:37 PM
Yeshua, glad that the repel spell will give them a break for a while, definitely steps back and rejoins Truman in a safe area... Now they need to find a way to kill the vermin before the spell wears off...
He remembers that guano is often flammable and looks around for some ant droppings that he can grab (yuck) and throw at the swarm, hopefully followed by someone lighting it with a torch or some oil...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Monday February 23rd, 2015 11:29:25 PM
"Well done, Evaris! I certainly need to add that spell to my repertoire." Looking over the swarm as it squirms around the barriers edge, he wonders what now can be done. "Ariach, some of your alchemist fire might be in order. I have some oil. Here, someone take these vials and sprinkle it liberally amongst the multitude. I'm afraid my aim is quite inadequate. Any recourse other than changing into an anteater and having an early lunch would be much preferred!"
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Tuesday February 24th, 2015 1:24:11 AM
Lanliss backs up to the ward.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d8=4 ; Tuesday February 24th, 2015 10:36:40 AM
"Well," Evaris replies to Emrys, "it's a very specialized spell. I wouldn't normally prepare it, but I knew we were going against a verminologist, so..."
His friends protected, Evaris turns his attention to his foes. He offers another prayer to Pantheon, and a loud noise erupts amid the swarming ants.
[Cast Sound Burst. All creatures within its 10-foot radius take 4 points of sonic damage, and must succeed at a DC 17 Fortitude save or be stunned for a round.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Tuesday February 24th, 2015 5:06:23 PM
Ariach prepares his alchemistīs fire.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d20+4=6 ; Tuesday February 24th, 2015 11:20:58 PM
"ACK!! Cheese and Crackers, that was loud!!! I can't hear my beautiful voice!"
(Fort save: 6)
Ant Swarm! Round Three (DM Cayzle) d20+7=8 ; Wednesday February 25th, 2015 2:31:46 AM
Ariach has stepped back and takes out his alchemical fire. [OOC: Joe, you can take out one and throw it, or you can take out two this round. If the former, roll a ranged touch attack please.]
Also warded, Yeshua looks around for something that will burn. But the only thing around is maybe the wooden chest that had been holding Lanliss's gear. The cage is iron. Sorry, no ant dung ... Lady Bug runs a tidy Hive!
Emrys hands out oils. Maybe Yeshua would like to do the honors?
Lanliss also stays safe in the warded area. Maybe he would like to splash some of Emrys's oil around? OOC: To splash oil on the ant swarm, roll a ranged touch attack (basically your base attack bonus plus your dex bonus). Each vial that hits inflicts 2d6 the first round and another 1d6 the next.
Evaris casts Sound Burst. That inflicts 4 damage to the swarm (the first damage it has taken) and it is stunned. Emrys is not in the burst!
The ants, being stunned, do nothing. For the next round, you could even walk right through them safely. Is it time to make a mad dash? Doing so would destroy the Repel Vermin ward, however! Or maybe you have enough oil to burn the ants up? There are a lot of them, and they are tough buggers!
Swarm has taken: 4 damage.
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+11=27 ; 2d6=4 ; d6=3 ; Wednesday February 25th, 2015 3:45:27 PM
Lanliss takes the oils from Emrys, thanks emrys he says, a moment before he throws the oil at the ant swarm.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] 8d6=29 ; Wednesday February 25th, 2015 5:42:57 PM
"Well," Evaris says. "I have one more spell for swarms, and then I'm done. I hope we don't face any more."
With that, he casts Flame Strike. Creatures caught in the blast take 29 points of combined fire and holy damage; DC 20 Reflex save for half. With any luck, it will also ignite the oil.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 d20+11=28 ; Wednesday February 25th, 2015 6:39:37 PM
Ariach throws the alchemical fire and hopes in combination with Evaris magic it will be enough to disperse the swarm.
(hit AC 28)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Wednesday February 25th, 2015 8:31:49 PM
Yeshua, seeing the others use fire, goes over with Truman, and the two grab the chest, lift it up and carry it over towards the swarm while staying behind the repel shield...
Next round they'll try to toss it at the swarm so it will be set alight by the burning oil...
Ant Swarm! Round Four (DM Cayzle) d20+5=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday February 25th, 2015 10:39:19 PM
Lanliss tosses an oil at the swarm. It has a touch AC of 20. His roll of 27 is fine! He inflicts 4 damage this round, and will inflict another 3 next round.
Ariach does the same, and also hits. He inflicts (DM ROLLING) 9 damage this round and another 4 next round.
Yeshua grabs the chest and prepares to heave it into the flames next round.
Evaris casts a Flame Strike, and the swarm fails with a natural one! It takes the full 29 damage.
Emrys fails to act so far this round.
The swarm mills about aimlessly.
Swarm Damage Taken: 46 (7)
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Wednesday February 25th, 2015 10:59:26 PM
Emrys fails to figure out what else he could possibly do against mindless ants that are completely immune to his power of influence, both natural and magical. Since none of his spells actually inflict any damage, nor does he have the slightest faith in his stabbing or crossbow abilities, Emrys is resigned to stand back and avoid getting in the way of the others.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Thursday February 26th, 2015 2:23:25 PM
Yeshua and Truman take the chest and after asking Emrys to help them use some oil to douse it, toss it in the midst of the mass of bugs and near a fire to ignite it...
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 d20+11=23 ; Thursday February 26th, 2015 6:51:23 PM
Ariach takes the remaining alchemistīs fire from his backpack and throws it again into the swarm.
(hits AC23)
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+7=12 ; d6=5 ; Thursday February 26th, 2015 8:15:01 PM
If there is a flask of oil left, Evaris grabs it and tosses it at the swarm. "We really want a wizard for this sort of thing," he says.
[Hit Touch AC 12. If that hits, it does 5 damage.]
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d100=98 ; Thursday February 26th, 2015 11:16:34 PM
Emrys casts a divination to see how close to death the swarm appears to be.
(Leyline 98. Woot, free cast on a cantrip :/. Casting Deathwatch.)
He then helps the others to stoke the fires as best he can. "Roasted ants, they do have a nutty aroma. I wonder if they taste as good as they smell?"
Ant Swarm! Round Five (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 26th, 2015 11:18:16 PM
With the burning chest and more oil, the ants are toast.
The swarm disperses, and the threat is over.
The dark dark tunnel awaits.
Marching order? There's only room for one at a time. Lighting?
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 d20+18=28 ; d20+18=27 ; Thursday February 26th, 2015 11:40:11 PM
Yeshua and Truman will take point, lighting a sunrod and tossing it about 20-30 feet down the hole... Once everyone is ready, Yeshua goes first, using his perception to sense danger or other foes coming their way...
If he reaches the sunrod without issue, he'll throw it down the hole 20-30 ft further...
Perc - 28 survival - 27 for tracks and ideas of how many and what kinds of ants come thru here.
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+14=31 ; d20+16=24 ; Friday February 27th, 2015 4:57:33 AM
Lanliss waits for Ariach to move secondly after Yeshua and then begins to follow them. He also checks for anything suspicious and he tries to be stealthy. rolling perception 1d20+14 (Wis) result:31 rolling stealth 1d20+16 (Dex) result:24 ooc: sorry for not posting yesterday.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Friday February 27th, 2015 2:45:13 PM
"I can bring up the rear," Evaris says. He waits for the others to start down the tunnel.
Ant Swarm! Round Five (DM Cayzle) Friday February 27th, 2015 10:16:00 PM
Ariach? Emrys?
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Friday February 27th, 2015 11:43:16 PM
If more light is necessary, he can cast a Light spell. If Evaris is bringing up the rear, then Emrys will take a position in front of him.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Saturday February 28th, 2015 12:31:00 PM
Evaris carries his bow in his hand as the group moves down the tunnel.
To the Garden of the Aphids (DM Cayzle) Sunday March 1st, 2015 12:21:45 PM
The party enters the corridor ... Yeshua, then Truman, then Ariach, then Lanliss, then Emrys, then Evaris.
After just 20 feet in, Yeshua picks up the sunrod. Everyone can make Perception checks:
Perception Check DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a number of holes in the wall of the hall on the right.} Perception or Survival Check DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You see army ant tracks emerging from holes in the wall on the right.} Perception Check DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: {You smell a strange smell a couple feet past the holes, on walls, floor and ceiling.} Perception Check DC25 AND Know Nature DC30: Highlight to display spoiler: {This smell would repel army ants.}
Continuing past, Yeshua tosses the sunrod ahead. The five-foot wide tunnel travels dozens of feet to a widening chamber. Lanliss knows that this is the "garden," where special leaves are brought, for the giant aphids to eat. The aphids are harmless, and so are the worker ants tending them. Usually.
The sunrod is just in the chamber. You all are 10 ft from the entrance. You hear a voice call out in common:
"TRUCE! TRUCE! WILL YOU AGREE TO A PARLEY?"
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 d20+9=28 ; Sunday March 1st, 2015 1:29:56 PM
Ariach screws up his nose as he notices the strange smell but pushes it to the back of his mind.
Unable to use his weapon from behind Yeshua and Truman he thinks of buying a weapon which could be useful in such situations.
When the unknown voice asks for parley, he declares his agreement.
(perception= 28)
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Sunday March 1st, 2015 4:47:41 PM
now I remember....this is....this is the garden whispers Lanliss in a enthusiastic tone , there are ants here and they feed these creatures, increasing his voice while saying so he continues to speak, they are harmless but you can never know what is waiting for us. As soon as Lanliss hears the request to parlay and after Ariach declares his agreement he readies his dagger just in case there is a ambush waiting.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+5=7 ; Sunday March 1st, 2015 6:28:41 PM
Evaris sees and hears little from his position at the back of the group, but he does hear the call for truce.
"I think you'll find I'm always willing to talk," he calls back in response.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 d20+18=36 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+4=6 ; Sunday March 1st, 2015 8:31:31 PM
As they go down the tunnel, Yeshua and Truman watch the corridor closely... (PY - 36, Survival Y - 33, Know N - 13, 6)...
Before they respond to the calls for a truce, the two stop and whispers to their friends and point, "Hey wait... Did you guys see those holes there? It looks like some army ant tracks are near those holes on the right wall... .. on the wall to the right, past those holes, there are some really odd smells too... But I'm not sure what it is... "
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like d20+16=17 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+16=29 ; d100=89 ; d20+33=36 ; d20+35=54 ; Sunday March 1st, 2015 10:37:59 PM
(Perception: 17, Survival: 11, Knowledge [nature]: 29 ... horrible rolls.)
Emrys at least notices the holes in the walls when the voice calls out. The distraction had left his other senses and faculties temporarily wanting. Emrys quietly mutters an incantation.
(Leyline check: 89 ... woot, free cast. Using 3rd level slot to cast Like Call to Like. +14 insight bonus to Diplomacy, Sense Motive, Intimidation and Bluff checks in dealings with hermits, witches, outcasts, recluses, and monstrologers. Duration: 70 minutes.)
(Diplomacy: 36. Sense Motive: 54)
Emrys answers the voice from the dark, "A parley would be most appreciated and much preferred. Civility out in the Wilds is a very welcome and precious thing." He listens to ensure the truthfulness in the person's spoken voice.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Monday March 2nd, 2015 3:19:46 PM
check
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Monday March 2nd, 2015 10:52:05 PM
"I did not notice the holes" Evaris whispers back. "Perhaps this is how the ants moved to our location. Maybe we can ask about them."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like d20+33=51 ; d20+35=48 ; Monday March 2nd, 2015 11:29:37 PM
Emrys glances at the holes and then turns his attention back to the voice in the darkness. "We await your answer. Here or there, it doesn't matter to us. Your willingness to speak with us shows us the quality of your character."
(Diplomacy: 51, Sense Motive: 48.)
To the Garden of the Aphids (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 12:35:11 AM
Emrys and Evaris deduce that the army ant swarm entered via those holes.
Yeshua notes the smell, and thinks maybe it is a pheromone of some sort.
The sunrod and light cantrip illuminate the room sufficiently. You see a "garden" whose floor is covered in leafy debris. In a few places the piles are quite high. There is room to move between the bigger piles of compost. There is an earthy yeasty smell here. You see some smallish ants working among the leaves.
Lanliss points out the worker ants and the aphids. He has tasted aphid nectar, and honestly, it is pretty good. Like a sweet honey syrup.
At the other end of the room is an orc and three large soldier ants. The soldier ants are arrayed between you and the orc. The orc is wearing an unusual helmet that covers his nose and eyes -- but the helm has large compound eyes, like a bug -- maybe he can see out through those.
"You have entered our home with violence. Unjustified violence. Why have you come here? Who are you? What do you want? Gold? Can we reach a peaceful rezolution?"
Ariach and Lanliss suspect weapons will be needed.
Emrys senses no guile in this, but then, the orc hasn't really made any statements of fact, except that you have entered with violence, which does seem true, after all.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 1:27:05 PM
Emrys carefully considers his words, for he wants to ensure a peaceful solution, unlike their less than stellar performance with Draco. Winning hearts and minds is his ultimate goal.
(Is the voice male or female? My full post will have to wait until this evening. More to come.)
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+14=15 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 2:19:43 PM
Lanliss obviously is angry but restrains himself from doing something stupid. He let's Emrys speak with them while he looks around for a sign of an ambush. Rolling perception.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+20=22 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 2:27:24 PM
"We need to speak with the Verminologist," Evaris says. "She has taken actions harmful to the citizens of Plateau City, and to the keepers of the Monster Preserve."
[Evaris is aiding Emrys's Diplomacy check. Evaris automatically succeeds at this, but I'm rolling just for fun. Yeah, that's a 22. Emrys gets +2 to his Diplomacy check. Which he totally doesn't need, but, you know.]
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 5:09:32 PM
"Give us the hostages!" Ariach simply adds to Evarisīs words.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 9:10:13 PM
Truman growls lowly, but loud enough for the foes to hear him... The two move to the side, looking for a way to get into position to hit the enemies flank if the fight breaks out.... Diplomacy is not their forte and they'd rather have a fight then sit and talk... But for now he'll let his skilled friends do the talking before the deadly duo jump into battle...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like d20+35=43 ; d3=2 ; d20+35=39 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 9:41:58 PM
(Diplomacy: 43. Sense Motive: 39. The d3 was a slip of the mouse.)
Emrys glances at Ariach with a calming and understanding look before returning back to the voice in the darkness.
"Rest assured Sir/Madam (depending on the voice's gender), we have no interest in taking your money. The High Lord Mayor of Plateau City pays us quite handsomely. If peace is what you desire, then you have nothing to fear. Peace and harmony is our ultimate goal. Everyone present are fine, honorable gentlemen. We left our most spirited and burly companions out in the forest. As far as I'm concerned, that is where they can stay. As my dear Evaris and Ariach have stated, we have issues that simply need to be discussed. Let us come together and parley and salvage a mutual peace. We are a band, more of a fellowship really, known as the Vanguard. Let us meet face to face and formally introduce one another."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 9:58:31 PM
(ooc: Emrys is referring to our "spirited and "burly" companions that are no longer present. Mainly Grell and our red-handed, dragonkin paladin. However he is allowing the assumption that there are possibly more than that. If that counts as a tiny, itty-bitty, white lie, then here is a Bluff check: 33.)
To the Garden of the Aphids (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 4th, 2015 8:36:35 AM
Note that the half-orc's voice is male, but he speaks in the first person plural ... and his voice has a strange hint of a buzz in it.
Emrys speaks smoothly and softly. He expresses a desire for peace, but his words include a veiled threat ...
Evaris backs Emrys up, and asks to speak directly to the leader.
Ariach is brusque, and prioritizes the hostages.
Lanliss is content to let the mithril-tongued Emrys speak, but he does notice that the worker ants seem to be carrying aphids away from the party, toward the sides of the room and out corridors.
Yeshua and Truman jockey for position with a few careful steps. Yeshua tries to stay under the radar and does not speak.
The half-orc smiles. "Excellent. We can reach an agreement. Good fenzes make good neighbors, yesz? You agree to leave, and none of you and none of the protectors of the Monster Prezerve enter my hedge without permission, and I will release the hostages."
"As a sign of good faith, I reztore one to you now!"
Another orc, similar in appearance, leads a person out to you. The person is clad in rags but is carrying a full sack. This prisoner is pushed forward to join you.
[OOC: Friends, this is our newest comrade in arms, played by Jon. Please describe yourselves for Jon as he steps into the game. Jon, please post now to give your description -- and to greet your new friends! Note that none of your gear is equipped, but it is all in the sack.]
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wednesday March 4th, 2015 10:09:22 AM
Stumbling forward standing before you is a tall scruffy looking teenage human, covered dirt and grime but none worse for wear. He is about 6 feet tall and thin, there is the start of a scraggly beard on his face but looks healthy and not miss treated. He does not seam to be scared of even worried about where he is rather he seams to be looking around and taking in the garden around him.
Looking at his face you can see that there is no malice in his big brown eyes and he smiles. Thank you gentle men for helping me out of this mess. Have you seen my friend around she maybe a bit grumpy unless I can find her, ( pausing for a moment) Oh sorry I am getting ahead of myself I am Seth Longstrider of Plateau City and you are ?
Given the time He will reach into the bag and pull out a dark forest green cloak with a gold trim, Large eagle feathers decorate the back and arms of this magnificent cape and covers himself in it. He also retrieves a solid looking staff carved with spiders motif on one side and tigers on the other.
Spell DC 14 + spell lvl
Spells Per day 0th = 5 Purify Food and Drink, Detect Poison,Light, Stabilize,Know Direction
Spells Per day 1st = 6 Entangle,Faerie Fire,Cure Light Wounds x2 ,Calm Animals,Magic Fang
Spells Per day 2nd = 4 Barkskin, Bull's Strength,Hold Animal, Fog Cloud
Spells Per day 3rd = 4, Neutralize Poison Wind Wall, Remove Disease,Cure Moderate Wounds Spells Per day 4th = 3 Spike Stones,Repel Vermin Freedom of Movement
Brahmah's Tattoo cure light wounds x3 per day
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Wednesday March 4th, 2015 12:51:54 PM
Ooc: I am assuming I know him a little bit(He sent me a message from my mom), DMS remember that I had to have a reason to investigate the monster preserve ? Hope there are no inconsistencies.
Seth ? Asks Lanliss, is that you ? Where is your tiger ? I remember you giving me a message from my mom.... to investigate this place ? To the look of his friend and to the absence of his friend, Lanliss looks at the orc and shouts, What about the tiger and the other hostages ?
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Wednesday March 4th, 2015 12:55:48 PM
* absence of his friend = tiger. * absence of Seth's friend. Ooc sorry for the double post
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Wednesday March 4th, 2015 5:11:03 PM
Ariach tries to give the freed hostage a warm smile. But it doesnīt look like it because his nose is crooked and itīs obviously it was badly damaged once. In general, his entire left side of the face is deformed. His left eye almost disappears under to low hanging eyebrows. The left corner of his mouth, deprived of any sense, runs down unnaturally.
As he hears the words "friend" and "tiger" he rolls his eyes but says nothing.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+20=28 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2015 5:34:45 PM
Evaris gives the newcomer a slight bow. "Evaris Leafgreen, at your service," he says.
Evaris is a half-elf man with brown hair and hazel eyes. You might call him handsome, except he is standing next to Emrys.
To the half-orc, Evaris says, "I'm afraid that won't do. We have matters to discuss with the Verminologist."
[Again, Evaris is seeking to aid Emrys's check. Hey, whaddaya know--a success. Emrys gets another totally unneded +2 to his Diplomacy check ]
Truman does smell something familiar on the newcomer, maybe that of a fellow feline like himself, but one with estrogen, not testosterone... This ex-prisoner smells friendly so he's not going to be dinner...
They remain quiet and poised to spring and attack if needed... They fully agree with Evaris and are here to rescue other hostages... And they're not here to make deals or promise never to come through the hedge, as that's not the mission...
To the Garden of the Aphids (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 5th, 2015 7:53:46 AM
Seth introduces himself, dons a cape, and takes out a staff.
Lanliss recognizes Seth as a druid in service to the Monster Preserve. He calls on the orc to release the other hostages, including Seth's tiger.
Ariach tries to be as friendly as he can to Seth. But he cannot help his reaction to the idea of ANOTHER tiger in the group! :-)
Yeshua has a good laugh at that!
Emrys, maybe aware that he intimidates Evaris with his good looks and way with words, lets the cleric handle the negotiations.
Evaris has little to say, though, other than to demand to see the verminologer herself.
The orc sighs.
"We hold no tiger captive. We have already just releazed one prizoner, showing good faith. Now you show good faith. We will release the others when you have promized to leave peacefully and not enter our hedge again. The Lady Bug speaks wordz for all of us through this orc. You will not meet her. The Queen of the Hive iz not to be contaminated."
"Do you agree to the deal? If not, what do you propoze?"
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday March 5th, 2015 8:06:23 AM
Lanliss whispers to Yeshua and Seth Is there anyway we can locate a tiger quickly ? Or at least know if he is safe or alive ?
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Thursday March 5th, 2015 8:46:00 AM
(ooc: partial post)
Emrys looks to the air, as if receiving instructions from an invisible source and then turns back to the orc and replies, "Thank you so much for your showing of good faith. It is greatly respected by all, but there is a little more that needs to be discussed."
(ooc: sorry for not posting last night. I simply passed out early, which has been happening more often lately. I will post more when I can. Sorry for the delay.)
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+20=31 ; Thursday March 5th, 2015 2:14:47 PM
Evaris listens to the reply.
"While we would, of course, appreciate the release of the remaining hostages, there are still matters to discuss," he replies. "First, there are the actions taken by the Lady Bug against the citizens of Plateau City. Her actions were criminal, and must be answered for. Second, there is the matter of Lady Bug's association with the man who calls himself Draco. He is an enemy of Plateau City, and if Lady Bug is to be free to go her own way, it must be on the condition that she end this association. Finally, there is the matter of the tree that forms a gateway into the Monster Preserve. This tree must be moved, or the gateway closed. Its presence is unacceptable to the keepers of the Monster Preserve.
"When we have reached a satisfactory conclusion with these matters, we can then discuss our withdrawal and the release of the remaining hostages."
[Diplomacy 31]
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Thursday March 5th, 2015 6:35:09 PM
Ariach is impressed by the clear words of Evaris. Evaris has presented all issues. Ariach is now curious about the reaction of lady bug.
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Thursday March 5th, 2015 7:17:32 PM
With the time allowed Seth will continue to dress into his gear. I believe her to be outside somewhere I was separated from her before my capture. I was hoping one of you saw her before you came in here Says Seth
Other then this he says nothing but waits for the orc replies to the others
Spell DC 14 + spell lvl
Spells Per day 0th = 5 Purify Food and Drink, Detect Poison,Light, Stabilize,Know Direction
Spells Per day 1st = 6 Entangle,Faerie Fire,Cure Light Wounds x2 ,Calm Animals,Magic Fang
Spells Per day 2nd = 4 Barkskin, Bull's Strength,Hold Animal, Fog Cloud
Spells Per day 3rd = 4, Neutralize Poison Wind Wall, Remove Disease,Cure Moderate Wounds Spells Per day 4th = 3 Spike Stones,Repel Vermin Freedom of Movement
Brahmah's Tattoo cure light wounds x3 per day
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like d20+28=42 ; d20+33=50 ; Thursday March 5th, 2015 8:01:00 PM
Emrys again looks up to a blank spot in the air, as if listening to a whisper on the wind. He then nods and returns his attention to everyone in the room. He looks back at Evaris with a warm smile, nods and then turns his aim back to the orc.
(Bluff: 42. Diplomacy: 50)
With the same warm and inviting smile, Emrys says, "Yes, what Evaris has said, that pretty much covers the bulk of it. And I understand completely how disconcerting to hear such a list must feel for everyone here, including Lady Bug. Like you, I am somewhat hive minded, at the moment. Of course, not to the same degree as you. I would never presume to have such an intimate connection, as you do with your fair Lady Bug. The Lord High Mayor's council have witnessed this exchange and are pleased with what they've seen so far."
Emrys leans in and looks about the air, his eyes darting back and forth before he continues speaking to the orc again, now in a hushed tone, "there are those on the council that would have wanted you magically eradicated, wholly and completely, from many miles away from atop their towers, but how cowardly is that! If you wish to destroy someone's home, one should be man enough to look the other in the eye first! Such cowardliness is unacceptable, wouldn't you say?" Emrys lifts his voice back to its normal volume and continues, "However, the wisdom of the High Lord Mayor squelched the flames of such talk and that's why we are here. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here. And the honest fact is that everyone within the Kingdom of New Elenna are subject to the laws of the land, even the fair Lady Bug."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Thursday March 5th, 2015 8:55:44 PM
The two remain quiet, muscles primed for action, as they measure the distance from them to the orc, knowing that if they take him down early, the battle would be much easier...
Yeshua does move over after a moment to whisper to one of his friends, "Is this "Seth" the missing ranger we were supposed to rescue? Weren't there 2 hostages/rangers or did I misremember it?"
It seems that Emyrs and Evaris have the diplomacy well in hand... so all that can be done is to wait...
To the Garden of the Aphids (DM Cayzle) Friday March 6th, 2015 7:35:05 AM
Lanliss is worried about Seth's tiger. But Seth remembers clearly that the tiger ran off when Seth was captured. It is most likely out in the monster preserve, probably not all that far away.
Seth says as much to Lanliss, reassuring him.
Yeshua is doing some mental math. How many prosoners are there? So far they have released two, and there were only two of which the group was aware? Well, no, there is at least one more. Crumorn the Half-Orc is still unaccounted for. So for sure that is one prisoner the Lady Bug still holds.
Evaris lists several points to be negotiated.
Ariach approves of his friend's points. It is now clear what is required.
The orc makes an odd buzzing sound you find hard to interpret.
Sense Motive 25: Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Angry laughing?}
He speaks. "You propoze that all tresspassers be released. You propoze that the Queen should anzwer for her crimez. You propoze to tell the Queen who she can be friendz with. You propoze that the Queen cloze her Front Door. Those are your propozals."
"And in return for theze concessions, what will you give to the Queen? Because honestly, if someone made propozals like these to you, how would you react? What would you call a fair trade?"
Clear-eyed Emrys is not surprised to hear this response. "I understand completely how disconcerting to hear such a list must feel," he says. Then he makes a sublte threat ... "There are those on the council that would have wanted you magically eradicated, wholly and completely."
The orc stops his buzzing and is silent for a moment.
"So, you propoze that what we get in return iz to not be wiped out, that by giving in, our innocent bugs will not perish, as you have slain our slug already. That iz, we must do as you ask becauze you are stronger and harsher than we are, and because might makez right."
"And this makez you so-called heroez different from thugz and ruffianz in what way?"
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 d20+2=22 ; Friday March 6th, 2015 11:19:47 AM
Seth looks up from what he is doing to add a point to the conversation Here is the things as i see it friend you call it what you like but you are being given the options here to remove yourselves with out violence in one for or another, humanism do this all the time when a situations is not beneficial to survival we move and as i see it here you have little is the way of other options that will lead to your survival and that if your hive and its queen I don't think that these gentlemen here will likely put up with this but longer. They have at there disposal I am sure more then enough fire power to level this colony and ALL that reside here. I am sure though that if you pack this up and move to a location a bit more suitable that they will let you leave once the hostage is released and restitution payed to your crimes committed and that can again be worked out, Now I am just a young man in my races terms but I would say that some chance a surviving in peace is better then non at all, witch is what happens if you stay here then goes back to putting his things on again
Diplonacy check 22 (natual 20)
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+20=22 ; d20+20=38 ; Friday March 6th, 2015 1:25:27 PM
Evaris inclines his head. "If I had committed a crime, I would expect to have to answer for it," he replies. "If I had moved into someone else's home, uninvited, I would expect them to object. If I were associating with a known criminal, I would expect to have that association challenged, especially if I had committed crimes myself.
"You ask me how I would react, and that is my answer. This is how people behave when they honor Pantheon's law and Pantheon's justice. We do not ask for anything in payment for following the Law. The Law is its own reward, for it keeps our society from degenerating into chaos.
"If Lady Bug has reasons or explanations for her actions, I stand ready to hear them. Pantheon's justice is even-handed and reasoned; it must be fair to everyone, or it is fair to no one. But I will not haggle over justice like a fish-monger."
[Diplomacy 38; used a Hero Point to re-roll.]
Emrys (sent via email and posted by Cayzle) Friday March 6th, 2015 3:52:35 PM
"As you can surely see, my friend, we all here are conveying the same message, but in our own way. Like the many citizens of Plateau City, there is no one consensus of thought. When you have so many different hearts and minds, maintaining order to the chaos is a burden of leadership. Only wisdom, strength and the rule of law can maintain a lasting peace. We don't have the benefit of a singular hive mind, like what you enjoy with your family. I admit, it's difficult to find a commonality between our two parties. The one thing I'm certain is that we value respect in equal measure. Respect, as I am sure you know, is a two way path. All this could have been avoided if only you had given the same courtesy to the stewards of this forest and the leadership of Plateau City that YOU have repeatedly asked from us. You compare us to thugs! If we were thugs, would we be here talking with you? Claiming an eye for an eye only causes everyone to be blind."
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+16=26 ; Friday March 6th, 2015 5:00:45 PM
Lanliss fades into the background (stealth) meanwhile letting the more charismatic and sharp tongued group members to take care of this matter.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Friday March 6th, 2015 5:46:06 PM
Yeshua and Truman prime themselves for trouble to start and at the first hint of hostilities, plan on pouncing in the orc...
They make sure that they have 10' of room to charge and pounce if need be...
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Friday March 6th, 2015 6:04:14 PM
Ariach is indignant about compared with thugs. Right at the time he wants to make the orc accountable, Evaris and Emrys are talking again. When they have ended he adds "Itīs your turn now. We have showed our good will not firing up the entire ant hill. But we are sent to satisfy the law."
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Saturday March 7th, 2015 10:32:53 AM
Yeshua is ready to charge.
Lanliss tries to keep a low profile.
Seth makes the strong suggestion that the Hive move somewhere else. And he is particularly eloquent in making the point.
Evaris asks for explanations. The orc answers, "This so-called 'Prezerve' is like a prizon, but it is also our home. We live here in this prizon to keep you evil humanz from invading and killing all the monsters. That's why it is called a Monster Prezerve. We are monsters -- this place prezerves us. We live here where you let us. Now you want us to leave?"
"Yes, we dealt with Draco. Iz that a crime? If a merchant sellz a sword, and someone else usez the sword to murder, iz the merchant a criminal?"
"You, on the other hand, killed our loyal slug and invaded without warning or even asking leave to enter. Do you not owe uz for that? Are you not even zorry?! Poor slug."
Emrys speaks well about the rule of law, and not eye for an eye.
The orc answers, "What law allowz you to kill our slug, who was only watching the gate? Eye for an eye would mean that we want one of you to die in revenge, but instead we released a prizoner."
Ariach says the party came to satisfy the law.
"What law let you kill our slug?"
But talk is getting uz nowhere. We propoze this: One - We release our prizoners. Two - We cloze the gate. It will take three days to grow clozed. Three - You let uz stay in our home. Four - You apologize that you killed our slug. Five - A cease fire. You promize that the you and the rangers will not kill any of us or enter our home uninvited. We will too. Thiz seemz fair to us."
The orc looks at you, seeing what you will say. He is especially watching Ariach and Yeshua and Truman.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like d20+33=48 ; Saturday March 7th, 2015 2:30:54 PM
Emrys turns to each of his friends with an earnest glance that says, 'i'm accepting this deal. you can complain to me afterwards if you wish' kind of look.
(Diplomacy: 48)
"We would be most delighted to accept these terms. Madam Lady Bug makes very good points. We will inform the stewards of the forest of this agreement and they will honor the sovereignty of your home. Of course, over the next few days as the hole in the tree is healed, may you allow the rangers permission to observe its progress in order to satisfy their curiosity."
Emrys removes two potions from his haversack and presents them to the orc. "I know these are mere tokens, but I give you these gifts of life to prove my sincerity that we are deeply sorry for the death of your slug. It was most unfortunate. For that, we humbly apologize. This potion will heal your wounds and the other will cure the effects of poison. Use them whenever you're in need."
(Giving the Orc a Potion of CLW and a Potion of Neutralize Poison.)
Lanliss HP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Saturday March 7th, 2015 4:18:50 PM
Lanliss angry about the agreement starts to walk towards the exit
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+20=22 ; d20+20=31 ; Saturday March 7th, 2015 5:05:34 PM
Evaris hesitates, then speaks. "I believe we are very close to an accord. I, too, am very sorry for the death of your guardian slug. We did not know how to ask leave to enter, but we should have tried. For that, I humbly apologize.
"However, there remains one matter outstanding. Lady Bug unleashed swarms of insects within Plateau City, and there must be a reckoning for this. Fortunately, no one was killed, or seriously injured, so I believe justice would be satisfied if Lady Bug were express her regrets and pay a fine."
Evaris smiles. "Also, I would take it as a personal favor if Lady Bug would undertake to sell no more swords Draco. Though I will not insist."
[Diplomacy 31; used another Hero Point to re-roll. Sheesh.]
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Sunday March 8th, 2015 10:23:39 PM
Seth nods as if satisfied as he walks towards the surface in search of Raksha
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Monday March 9th, 2015 8:58:55 AM
Ariach is bewildered and cannot believe what he hears. Has the orc really said that they have slaughtered an innocent slug? And most of his companions agree with that nonsense! What will be next? Maybe the warrior will be offended because he steps on a rock without permission. And of course there is magic which makes the stone speak and let it complain about the rough soles of his boots. Again he shakes his head bewildered.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Monday March 9th, 2015 2:00:10 PM
Emrys can sense the frustrations of several among him ... like a wave of heat. He hopes they can remain calm long enough for a very good explanation once they and the hostages are free from the hedge.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Monday March 9th, 2015 2:58:08 PM
Lanliss plays with his dagger, wandering what are the consequences of the deal Emrys made.
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Monday March 9th, 2015 5:54:38 PM
Now that the trouble seen over Seth worry's about his friend and picks up his pace a bit toward the surface to find her.
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Monday March 9th, 2015 8:53:46 PM
Emrys agrees to the deal! He offers two potions as gifts, with his apology.
Evaris apologizes for killing the slug too -- but says there is the matter of insects that attacked Plateau City.
"Thank you, this iz very fair," the orc buzzes.
Yeshua quietly concurs.
Lanliss thinks this is a mistake, and he moves toward the exit.
Seth heads for the exit too, thinking about his tiger ... but he is not dissatisfied with the deal.
Ariach is bewildered, but his friends have confused him in the past, and likely they will in the future too!
The orc answers Evaris's points in the buzzy voice: "We zold the insectz to Draco, so he iz responsible for the use of them, not uz. We will agree to refuze to deal with him again, however, if it will zatisfy you. If you agree, we will zend for the prisonerz."
"However, we need a new guardian for our inner gate. We were lucky to have the slug, and we will miss it. Would you conzider a quest to repair our loss? We would be grateful, and reward generously, the heroez who travelled into the Prezerve Swamp and fetched uz a new slug, or other guardian."
He'd be interested in taking out this Draco in the future too, as he sounds like a troublemaker... But at least the hostages are rescued, which was their mission...
At the idea of a quest into the swamp, his ears perk up and he's immediately interested. He's not a fan of all this talking and chatting, and would like nothing more than to go hunting in the swamp with Truman by his side. Also, having the orc and his companions owe them a favor might be good...
"Tell us more about this quest. What are you looking for specifically, and where do you thing we can find it? What about the environs and do you have a map to get there?" he asks.
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] d20+20=32 ; Monday March 9th, 2015 9:23:41 PM
"We agree to your terms," Evaris says, "and we will endeavor to smooth matters over with the authorities in Plateau city."
About the quest, Evaris says, "We can certainly speak with the keepers of the Preserve to see what guardians might be available. I believe they strive to maintain a natural balance within the Preserve, and we don't want to remove a creature that is filling a vital role. If they have a creature available, we will help them fetch it for you. If they do not, we will return here and discuss other possibilities. Is that acceptable?"
[Diplomacy 32.]
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Tuesday March 10th, 2015 2:01:54 PM
Stopping his walk to the surface Seth ponders about the situation at hand for a moment and the adresses to the group almost as if talking to himself mmm You intrigue me, Yes much so Not many Adventures would find a peaceful ending to this situation but you seam to have that and now consider a quest to help a former foe. I wish to follow you for sometime. I am not sure why but I believe it best, you wouldn't mind would you ? I shale meet you outside, I must find Raksha He the turn again heads outside
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like d20+35=39 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2015 2:21:40 PM
(Sense Motive: 39, to determine the orc's truthfulness. )
The swamp, at times, can display its own brand of beauty, but he cringes secretly with the idea of subjecting his favorite pair of travel boots to such a place; not to mention the rest of his attire. He looks to Evaris and then the orc and says with a smile, "That sounds like a plan."
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 2d20=14 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2015 4:05:01 PM
Ooc: had some troubles with google docs. Can someone calculate sense motive for me and perception. Can't access my sheet. Lanliss ponders for himself what could the orc get from that deal and thinks for himself where could the tiger be. (edited by coDM David) Roll 1 12 sense motive Roll 2 21 perception
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Tuesday March 10th, 2015 4:31:55 PM
He thinks to himself, 'with so many tigers making themselves known as of late, why have I not seen one in a single vision.' He begins to wonder if he is blind to cats!
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Tuesday March 10th, 2015 6:12:12 PM
A quest to repair their loss? And again Emrys and Evaris agree with it? Ariach cannot look through all the dipliomatic talking anymore. "The swamp? Why should we go there?"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Tuesday March 10th, 2015 8:03:15 PM
Yeshua nods at Truman, "My brother, would you mind helping Seth find his companion? I know you can smell other tigers, especially a female. While we stay here and talk about a possible quest, you could help the captive we rescued..."
Truman of course agrees and pads over to Seth, ready to go help him out...
Meanwhile, Yeshua waits to hear what the orc has to say, though he understands Ariach and the others may not be a fan of a quest. But he's willing to hear the orc out and then decide...
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Tuesday March 10th, 2015 10:11:32 PM
Evaris smiles gently at Ariach. "We should go there in order to resolve this without bloodshed, and to deprive Draco of one of his former allies--also without bloodshed. Though I confess I'm not keen to go slogging into a swamp."
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 11th, 2015 7:32:58 AM
Yeshua asks about the Monster Preserve and for more details.
"The Prezerve is like a shallow valley, and at the center there iz a small lake. Around the lake, especially on the south, it iz marshy. North of the lake it iz slightly hilly. In thiz way, there are many habitats zo that many monsters can find homes that suit them. To find the marsh, just head downhill."
"The swamps are home to slugs and other such amphibians and verminz, as your people insultingly call them. Naturally, we seek a "vermin" guardian, for in such are we especially interezted."
Evaris seems to think that the rangers of the Preserve will help gain the Hive gain a guardian. But Lanliss and Seth know that is not the case. The guiding philosophy of the Preserve is to allow the creatures within to live freely and without interference. The rangers keep intruders out, make sure no monsters leave, and step in to influence events within the Preserve only if the balance is being disturbed by a monster growing too powerful.
Still, Evaris and Emrys agree that the rangers should be told of the agreement before the party goes off into the marches.
However, Seth has another priority -- he leaves to search for his tiger companion.
Lanliss joins him, and Yeshua sends Truman to help.
Ariach continues to be confused at why the group should help the Hive or go to the swamp. Evaris tries to explain it to him.
Meanwhile, the orc with the insectlike helmet waits to hear if you have anything else to say.
Outside, Lanliss, Seth, and Truman soon find tiger tracks, now that they know to look for them.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Wednesday March 11th, 2015 10:38:46 AM
"At least we have to inform the rangers about our deal before we go and find another slug which is willing to guard the entry. I hope your magic will help you negotiating with a slug."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Wednesday March 11th, 2015 3:52:32 PM
Yeshua agrees that they should affirm any agreement with the rangers before proceeding. However, he is a fan of their plans so far.
Truman continues tracking the missing tiger, smelling for her pheromones...
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Wednesday March 11th, 2015 5:10:44 PM
Evaris takes polite leave of the orc, and moves to join his companions outside the hive. "Let's find the Rangers and let them know," he says.
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wednesday March 11th, 2015 7:11:20 PM
Seth will continue to track his friend Thank you he says to the ones helping and presses on
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Thursday March 12th, 2015 12:00:23 AM
(Question: when the orc says he will send for the prisoners, is he bringing them out now or have them returned after the new slug is installed?)
"Thank you for the directions. It should prove most useful. As soon as we return to the rangers' lodge, with your house guests, we will inform them of our agreement we have reached. At first light, we shall begin our hunt."
After giving a warm farewell, Emrys pauses before exiting the room. "Pardon, would you have any advice on how best to persuade a slug to return with us? I am a gifted polyglot and have the ability to give such a gift to others ... what would a slug like to know?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Thursday March 12th, 2015 12:09:37 AM
After returning to the surface, Emrys spots the two recently freed house guests of Lady Bug and says, "Lanliss ... Seth, is it? Good to make your acquaintance. Sorry we haven't been formally introduced. My name is Emrys Myrridanmyl, originally from Culverheart. You are more than welcome to join us back at the rangers' lodge. They may know the whereabouts of your tiger friend. I'm sure it would prove fruitful to ask."
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday March 12th, 2015 7:03:20 AM
Yes Lanliss it is, Lanliss Drakgard I have been born in Angel Spring in the Crescent valley and a graduate of the academy, and an adventurer part-time. It's nice to meet you all.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday March 12th, 2015 7:07:32 AM
I don't know what could happen if stayed there any longer, not to mention that this whole thing doesn't feel right for me as if we are being fooled. Right know it's a good idea to go to the ranger's lodge. Lanliss winks at Seth saying, ,everything will be allright we will find her or maybe she will find us
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 12th, 2015 7:50:32 AM
Running late folks sorry. Post to come before noon eastern.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday March 12th, 2015 2:44:07 PM
*for the purpose of clarity Drakeguard sorry for the error Ooc: is the Yoke of Cluver relates to Culverheart
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 12th, 2015 4:15:39 PM
Truman, Seth, and Lanliss hunt for the second tiger, and soon enough, success! Seth is grateful. And then back to the big tree surrounded by the hedge at the edge of the Preserve.
========
Ariach agrees that the rangers have to be told of the deal, before any slug-hunt. And how to you catch a slug, anyway?
Yeshua is on board, one for sure.
Evaris too. He leads the party out of the Hive.
But wait! Emrys wants the other prisoners. And sure enough, they are brought out pretty fast. Crumorn and another ranger you do not know.
Emrys, like Ariach, wonders how to hunt a slug. The orc answers, "Well, either charm it or lure it or knock it out and drag it back. Maybe with a Floating Dizk or four. Or a Levitate zpell?"
Outside, the entire group assembles: eight people and two tigers! There are more introductions, and then it is time to head back to the ranger lodge. With so many actual Preserve staff in the group, the trip is uneventful. You return to the lodge and report back.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Thursday March 12th, 2015 5:25:05 PM
On the way back Ariach thinks about the strange situation. Then he asks his friends for advice. "Do i understand it right that we have made a mistake by killing a poor slug? But now we are instructed to knock out another one and bring it to gate against itīs will? There is something amiss!"
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Thursday March 12th, 2015 7:48:31 PM
"We'll have to batter the creature into submission," Evaris says. "Unless Emrys can charm it somehow, but I doubt that's possible. I'm sure my healing spells can keep it alive if we're careful. And then...would it work to rig a travois, I wonder? And would the tigers consent to help pull it?"
To Ariach, Evaris replies, "Well, that depends on your point of view, I suppose. Lady Bug thought it was rude of us to kill her guardian slug. We could have said, 'no, it was not rude; we will not replace it,' and that may have led to a fight, and bloodshed, and possibly the death of the hostages. So instead, we agreed to replace the slug for her."
He continues, "Pantheon's justice is absolute, but it cannot be rigid or inflexible. We cannot go in to people who have transgressed, and say, 'you have broken the law and this is the punishment and that is how it must be.' Many people believe that, but they are wrong. True justice requires understanding and compassion...."
[Evaris can go on at some length about his ideas of Pantheon's justice, but I'll cut it there. :) ]
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Thursday March 12th, 2015 9:49:58 PM
Seth listens to what is going on but does not add anything
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Thursday March 12th, 2015 11:45:30 PM
"The reclusive sort, like Lady Bug, being withdrawn and secluded, tend to develop a viewpoint that many find strange and hard to understand. I tapped into that consciousness and became suddenly aware of what she, or they, were capable of doing. We were tasked to capture or kill her ... though if she were forced from her home, we would have had to kill her. She is also hive minded with all her brood. Together, they are one entity that exists in countless pieces. If made desperate and her hand was forced, she most certainly would have slain all the hostages. Besides all that, I believe her! She didn't attack Plateau City, merely a merchant to the one that did. However if future evidence shows that she has deceived us, then at least now she has been deprived of her leverage and an exit from which to escape. Today is a great victory, my friends."
Emrys ponders on the slug in question. "I encourage, or better yet, inspire each of you to come up with an idea about our slug problem. I do have a spell (Share Language) that may help us convince the slug to simply follow us back. Like most vermin, slugs are essentially mindless and well nigh impossible to charm. However my spell can grant any living creature, even an unthinking slug, the ability to understand a spoken language. If we could simply offer the slug a deal it couldn't refuse ... like access to unlimited food and protection within the Lady Bug's Garden of Woldly Delights. Being simple minded and naive, not knowing lies or deceit, why would it not trust us completely!"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Thursday March 12th, 2015 11:54:21 PM
(ooc: Please excuse my poor grammar, sentence structure, etc. Unfortunately, Emrys' talents and intelligence, not to mention style, eloquence and grace, far exceeds my own. :)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Friday March 13th, 2015 8:38:54 AM
I think it's a good idea to give them back a slug, maybe after that everything will come back to balance but if I see one more hint that Lady bug is evil as I personally believe I will not hesitate to to take action....... So let's get that slug already.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Friday March 13th, 2015 7:31:50 PM
Sometimes Ariach thinks that some of his companions like Evaris or Emrys for example are like lawyers. Like lawyers who are able to twist somebodyīs words. Donīt they see that the Vanguards are the good guys? Ariach doesnīt want to search for a slug in the swamp. But he has no choice. Who else will protect the "lawyers" during such a dangerous mission.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 107/114 Friday March 13th, 2015 8:33:28 PM
Yeshua and Truman agrees that maybe Emrys' spell sounds like the best, least lethal way to move the slug... That assumes they can convince it to do what they're suggesting and it's smart enough to make a logical decision... The duo are more skilled in killing than talking, but will help try to convince the slug to come with them... If they could figure out what slugs eat, that might help... They remember that beer does attract slugs and maybe that could be used... (Yes, in real life, slugs do actually like the smell of beer... That's how we keep them out of my wife's flower garden... Put some in a cup and leave it out in the garden... It'll draw them, and when they drop into the cup, they drown...)
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Saturday March 14th, 2015 9:22:57 AM
OOC: Great RP, my friends! Loving it!
On the way back to the ranger station, the heroes discuss their plan. Why are they thinking of going slug-hunting? Would they be doing it for a misunderstood "mad scientist" or an "evil genius"? What would be just? Have they any reason to think that this "Lady Bug" is a villain?
Seth and Lanliss have had more direct contact with her -- they were captured by her! Were they trespassing? Or just coming too close for the Lady's comfort?
After six hours travel, you arrive back at the Preserve station, meeting once again the rangers you know: Chief Ranger Curileg and Quila. They are especially happy to see Crumorn and Symon, and they are surprised to hear that Seth and Lanliss were prisoners too!
You report to Curileg on the deal you have struck. He is thoughtful. "Is it possible we were wrong? I thought for sure this verminologer was evil, and needed a good killing. Well, if she will unbreak the border and agree to keep the Preserve sealed as it was designed to be, well, okay. I guess. Just watch out in case she turns out to be worse than she seems."
He asks about your plans. "Do you really intend to go catch a giant slug for her?" He seems a bit incredulous, like Ariach.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 114/114 Saturday March 14th, 2015 9:40:11 AM
Truman and Yeshua are intrigued at the idea of trying to catch a slug, and ask, "Could you give us any advice on capturing one? You know this preserve better than we do and what would be best method to safely entrap one without harming it, and then transporting it to the verminologer?"
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Saturday March 14th, 2015 3:50:18 PM
It's the only peaceful way we can stop a havoc going in the preserve. We could fight our way through...but some of us chose the peaceful way
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Saturday March 14th, 2015 6:50:22 PM
"It doesn't have to be a slug," Evaris replies. "I got the feeling that any large guardian creature would do, so long as it counted as vermin. Although she would prefer a slug."
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 d20+15=22 ; Monday March 16th, 2015 12:31:31 PM
During the walk back Seth adds little to the conversation, lost in thought about the current problem. He does seem more at ease now that he is reunited with his friend. (knowledge nature dc 22)
Raksha spend the walk with Seth at his side like a over protective mother.
When the group gets back to Ranger station Seth finds a quiet place to think, While Raksha inroduses herself to the group, wondering among them sniffing.
She seems to take a liking to the large warrior, circling him and rubbing up to him, purring up a storm. The large cat even going as far as to knock his hand with her head in a attempt to have the large man pet her.
Amused at the exchange Seth says to Ariach She likes you Seth then goes back to staring off into space lost in his own world again.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Monday March 16th, 2015 6:03:03 PM
"We have to catch one of the slugs" says Ariach to Curileg. "Some of us gave their word and a Vanguard never breaks his vow."
It is obviously that Ariach feels uncomfortable when the tiger comes that close and rubs up to him. Forced to pet the large animal, he does it and is suprised by the warm and soft fur of the tiger.
(I'll be out of town the next several days, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to post anymore this week so if someone would cover for me, that'd be great. I'll try to post if possible, but am not sure...)
Evaris [AC 20; HP 72/74] Monday March 16th, 2015 10:42:31 PM
"I wonder," Evaris says, looking around, "if we could put together some makeshift saps. That way we could subdue the creature and make sure we didn't accidentally slay it instead."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like Monday March 16th, 2015 11:27:28 PM
"That is a good idea, Evaris. We should plan for every contingency. Not to mention predators who wish to make a meal of our dear slug on the way back to the hedge. We should plan for ways that can cover our trail. I've heard of a spell that could do that. I think I could even cast it once upon a time, but for some strange reason I can not recall the incantation." He ponders that thought and continues, "Well that was a different time and place."
"Let's keep the ideas flowing ... cleverness can best any spell." He thinks he needs to do a little potion making this evening before the hunt in the morning. On that thought, he pulls out a potion from his haversack. "My friends, see this potion? This potion is from the same batch that I gave to Lady Bug's orc servant. If the Lady Bug proves to turn on us, I could use this connection to divine her dark designs and better plan an offense."
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 17th, 2015 12:54:34 AM
Yeshua asks Curileg for advice, and the ranger is a bit incredulous.
"First off, are you nuts? Those things are dangerous. Theylive in the swamp near the center of the Preserve, but I'd sooner wrestle a grizzly than try to drag one of those slimy things around!"
Lanliss explains that the odd -- maybe distasteful -- job is a better alternative than just attacking and destroying.
Evaris thinks the Lady Bug would be as pleased with, say, a massive spider, or a huge crab, just as well as with a slug.
Seth and his tiger friend get re-acquainted. Seth sees that his friend has suffered a giant bee sting, and is still recovering. The tiger, Raksha, seems to take a shine to Ariach, and the warrior reciprocates.
So after spending the night at the ranger station, the group of Ariach, Evaris, Yeshua (and Truman), Emrys, Seth (and Raksha), and Lanliss are ready to set out. The directions to the central swamp are clear, and those who know the Preserve -- Seth and Lanliss especially -- know the way.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+14=33 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2015 6:41:24 AM
Well....you gave her a potion that can help us counterattack her Emrys ? Lanliss asks himself,...pondering for some time....... in that case I have nothing to worry about...well then shall we go and find some giant guardians for the Lady. Seth shall we go ? he asks rethoriclly, we can lead them to the swamp. Ooc: rolled perception to notice if there are any noticeable candidates.
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 d20+15=28 ; d20+15=33 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2015 4:36:55 PM
Seth spends sometime looking Raksha over to make sure he finds all the stings, removes any stingers and patching up Raksha (heal dc 28). While he is doing thing he is quiet and concentration on the task at hand.
When he finishes, cleans up his mess and then adds I do have a staff that maybe able to help in this situation as it will not deal lethal damage. However there is still the issues of getting close to it to capture it as giant slugs I believe have the ability to spit acid and are a very hardy breed.
Now a different option that I can think of would be a none offensive creature that might work as a sentry ... a shrieker comes to mind but there maybe others let me think Seth goes back to his thoughts (Knowledge nature dc 33)
Evaris Tuesday March 17th, 2015 5:22:10 PM
During the evening at the ranger station, Evaris experiments with making saps by putting rocks into twists of cloth and seeing how they work.
Before the group retires for the night, Evaris makes sure everyone is healed up to full.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Tuesday March 17th, 2015 6:25:32 PM
In the morning of the departure Ariach thinks about possible ways to catch a slug. And again he acknowledges to himself that he has absolutely no idea how to do it. Therefore he is in a bad mood when they leave to the swamp.
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 18th, 2015 1:56:27 AM
The next day, the group sets out, and Lanliss is happy to lead the way. He knows the Preserve as well as any in the group, and better than all but Seth, most like, so he's a natural.
Seth is more concerned with his tiger friend, who he soon sets all to rights. The next morning, he is pondering possible targets rather than finding the way. He thinks about such creatures as, well, you got your bugs, of course. Plus giant crabs, monster beetles, giant leeches and scorpions, spiders too, sure. Likely Lady Bug would be glad to have any of them.
Evaris makes some improvised saps. Well, sure, why not. Looks like Seth's staff would do a better job? A mix of lethal and nonlethal damage will suffice to defeat most creatures, so long as you do not go overboard with the lethal damage.
Ariach thinks about other ways to catch a slug and comes up blank. Knocking it out and dragging it along may work, but those things are heavy ...
It is a beautiful day in the New Elenna Monster Preserve. And as you travel, you are keenly aware that you are surrounded by all manner of ... well ... monsters. The trip from the Ranger Station to the Hive and back was on the very border of the Preserve, and it was only a six hour trip. Now you are headed deep into the heart of the Preserve. You hear odd calls, trumpeted roars, and sounds from far off of very large things moving.
Seth and Lanliss know that out in nature, the population density of monsters would be lower, and therefore monsters are likely to attack on sight. But here, the residents of the Preserve are pretty packed in, and they understand on an instinctive level, that if two of them were to fight, the wounded one would likely soon fall prey to other nearby predators. Therefore, encounters tend to be mostly for threat and show and dominence display. The actual combats are rarer, unless one combatant is clearly much more powerful than another.
As you travel this morning, you may note something as you travel through a dense patch of forest:
Perception DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear a sound like blocks of wood clunking together, about 100 feet off, and getting louder. Headed your way?}
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Wednesday March 18th, 2015 1:33:27 PM
While showing them the way, Lanliss ensures for the group that an encounter is unlikely and is rare by itself. Do you hear this suddenly telling the others. I hear some sort of blocks of wood clunking together, I warn you that that something might be coming our way but it's might be just a false alarm.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 d20+9=12 ; Wednesday March 18th, 2015 5:33:24 PM
Ariach listens to the strange sounds of the forest but cannot figure out the sound Lanliss has pointed out. Still he takes Lanlissīs warning serious and is even more alerted.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like d20+16=26 ; d20+18=24 ; Wednesday March 18th, 2015 9:56:43 PM
Emrys is very much enjoying the morning. To others, he knows that his beauty is unmatched. He knows that others may find his style of dress to be overly extravagant and fancy, like other privileged city nobles born with a platinum pacifier to suckle. He knows he appears weak, being slight in frame and dependent on his prized, darkwood, walking stick. Most of the time he would be leaning heavy on his cane, but here in the forest is where he is most at home ... walking amongst the tall trees. Here in these woods, he walks with a spring in his step, full of vigor and vitality ... his cane needn't touch the ground.
(Perception: 26.)
From the start of their trip, the smells and sounds reminded him of his home in Culverheart (lands within Culverwood belonging to his father, Archdruid Myrridan the Wild - knight of the realm and retired member of the Gold Dragons). However he pauses to listen upon hearing the sounds of which Lanliss speaks. "Yes, I hear it too. Tis strange ... like wooden blocks knocking together, like massive claves pounding out percussive notes." He listens to hear a possible rhythm, as if someone was playing an instrument. "And it's possibly coming our way!"
(Knowledge [Nature]: 24, to identify such a sound in nature: creature, plant or natural process.)
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 d20+11=31 ; d20+15=29 ; d20=16 ; Wednesday March 18th, 2015 11:35:22 PM
Seth says I hear it to, whatever it is, knowledge nature 31 to identity the creature
Raksha darts to the forest for cover
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wednesday March 18th, 2015 11:37:02 PM
OCc Raksha sneak DC 23
An Interesting Proposal? (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 19th, 2015 1:28:29 AM
Post coming early in the AM!
Twigs and Bears
Wood Fight (Round 0) (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 19th, 2015 8:06:20 AM
OOC: Before we get started, my friends, please allow me to remind you of the rules for forests:
Trees: The most important terrain element in a forest is the trees, obviously. A creature standing in the same square as a tree gains partial cover, which grants a +2 bonus to Armor Class and a +1 bonus on Reflex saves. The presence of a tree doesn't otherwise affect a creature's fighting space, because it's assumed that the creature is using the tree to its advantage when it can. The trunk of a typical tree has AC 4, hardness 5, and 150 hp. A DC 15 Climb check is sufficient to climb a tree.
Undergrowth: Vines, roots, and short bushes cover much of the ground in a forest. A space covered with undergrowth costs 2 squares of movement to move into, and provides concealment. Undergrowth increases the DC of Acrobatics and Stealth checks by 2 because the leaves and branches get in the way.
Coming toward you through the underbrush and trees are four strange humanoid creatures. They look roughly like men in size and shape, if you were trying to make a man roughly out of logs and vines. Riding on each one, on a shoulder or head, is another tiny man, made out of branches and twigs!
Seth recognizes the little guys: Highlight to display spoiler: {Seth, you see that they are a kind of mischevious / mean fey, called "twigjacks," usually up to no good.}
Emrys wonders if they are natural: Highlight to display spoiler: {Well, depends on your definition of natural! :-) They are clearly animated by magic. But is it natural magic or some other kind?}
NOTE carefully if you are in a square with underbrush or a tree.
Note that on the map, m=eMrys and v=eVaris. Otherwise it's your first initial.
Also note that the tiny stick guys riding on the shoulders of the log guys are not shown on the map. I'll put on a marker for them in the event that they "dismount."
Also note that Raksha is hiding behind a tree.
Scale is 5 feet.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday March 19th, 2015 1:04:18 PM
Are they friendly ? Lanliss asks Seth and Yeshua, and showing them to give him a signal or shout/yell if the "woodmen" or whatever they are are dangerous, and starts walking to Y11.
Evaris d20+19=39 ; Thursday March 19th, 2015 1:21:42 PM
"Good afternoon!" Evaris calls out. "It's a lovely day for a walk, is it not?"
[He's speaking Common, and got a Diplomacy check of 39 on a nat 20.]
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Thursday March 19th, 2015 3:15:57 PM
Ariach keeps his position next to Evaris. He has never seen such creatures, nor have he heard from them. The warrior takes care that Evaris will be close to him to protect his friend just in case the meeting gets bloody.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+8=28 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+18=35 ; Thursday March 19th, 2015 5:54:57 PM
Yeshua and Truman both move to cover... Truman climbs the tree he's directly under (per the map) and Yeshua moves to V16 and climbs that tree too...
They try to do this quickly but quietly...
Climb T - 9 Climb Y - 28 Stealth T - 17 Stealth Y- 24
They also try to observe more about these odd creatures, seeing if they recognize them and potential vulnerabilities, etc... Perc 32, 35
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility, deathwatch, like calls to like d20+18=38 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+40=42 ; Thursday March 19th, 2015 11:32:39 PM
(Knowledge [nature]: 38, to recognize what the creatures are. Perception: 28, to notice any other things that should concern him.)
In a soft tone, Emrys also asks, "Yes, Seth. You appear to know of them ... please dare tell." He sees they appear like a plant and a man. 'Maybe they are both,' he thinks. He looks down at his walking stick, made from the heart of his mother's tree. 'Maybe ... just maybe, they are like me.'
Emrys then fades into mist that swiftly fades on the breeze. He vanishes from view, leaving no trace at all.
(Casting Invisibility. Then takes a 5-ft step to S-11. Stealth: 42.)
Seth HP 53 AC 18 /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 d20+7=15 ; Friday March 20th, 2015 5:13:32 PM
Seth says the creature before us is a twigjack, a evil fey that hates people expanding into the forests. They are intelligent but I Dont think they deal with heroes well. Fire will work best I am sure of it
Seth will hold ground while but will ready his staff
Raksha moves slowly in the bush to get behind the creatures
Sneak DC 15 moving toward (Square AA 6)
Wood Fight (Round 1) (DM Cayzle) d20+12=20 d20+3=4 Friday March 20th, 2015 6:16:05 PM
TURN STILL IN PROGRESS!
The Heroes!
Lanliss steps forward to Y11.
Evaris offers a friendly greeting.
Ariach stays by Evaris in case of trouble.
Truman tries to climb a tree and fails. Yeshua tries to climb a tree and does so! He manages to get 10 feet up!
[OOC: A note on stealth -- You cannot use stealth after you have been sighted. Raksha can stay hidden ... she used stealth before the enemy got in sight. Truman and Yeshua were in their line of sight at the start of the round and cannot now use stealth ... unless they get total cover, or use Bluff to make a distraction to hide, or have the Hide In Plain Sight ability, or other such thing that lets them stealth after being sighted.]
Yeshua agrees with Seth that the Twigjacks are evil fey, and he thinks maybe the log-men are some kind of golem.
Emrys is sure of it. Wood-Golems, that is, contructs that are immune to most magic (though they can be burned). He casts invisibility and steps back. [OOC: Emrys, my friend, please update your header for active spells!]
Seth holds his ground as Raksha sneaks around.
========
The Enemy!
With the twig-jacks on their shoulders, the log-men lumber forward another 30 ft. [Get it! They lumber forward! Hee hee! I kill me!]
The twigjacks laugh and jeer at you. Even Evaris's diplomacy could not turn these rascals from their determined path of violence! [OOC: In general, you need a solid minute of effort to change an attitude. No time for chat, Dr. Jones!]
Golem 1 ends his move next to Lanliss. It lashes out with a wooden fist, hitting AC20, a miss.
Twigjack 1 pokes Lanliss with a spear. It rolls a natural 1.
The others seem content to stand by, fists and spears raised!
Status not noted on the map: Raksha continues to hide Yeshua is 10 ft up a tree Emrys is invisible
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Friday March 20th, 2015 11:32:28 PM
[OOC: Evaris will always try Diplomacy, even when it's futile. :) ]
Since it looks as if it's going to come to a fight, Evaris reaches out and casts Shield of Faith on Ariach.
Ariach gets a +3 Deflection bonus to AC.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 invisibility Saturday March 21st, 2015 1:46:36 AM
(ooc: sorry, I had updated my active spells, but when I hit submit, it didn't take for some reason. lets see if it works this time.)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20=2 ; d20=18 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; Saturday March 21st, 2015 5:37:28 PM
Lanliss out of pure discontent with the foul/vile creature before him quickly draws his short sword and tries to pierce him in the hope of wounding that creature enough to make it flee.
rolling 2 attacks. OOC:If I have any mistakes please correct me. OOC: end result is in the end
Attack 1: 2+11(BAB) Damage 1: 3+5(dex mod) used +5 instead of +1(str) because weapon finesse f Attack 2:18+6(BAB) Damage 2: 1+5(dex mod)
attack 1 = 13 Damage 1: 4 attack 2 = 24 Damage 2: 2 co-DM David edit: First, please include your modifiers in your rolls using the multiroll function. This should be done for all of your rolls (other than healing since the Wold allows you to reroll 1's on healing)This prevents a player or DM for that matter, from just rolling a bunch of D20s and then applying them in the most advantageous way to in the body of their post. When I post I also try to make sure my rolls are in the order they are used in the post itself.
Second, your strength is the stat you use for damage, always, unless something tells you otherwise. Weapon Finnesse says "Use Dex instead of Str on attack rolls with light weapons" So while you are correct using it to modify your attacks, it has nothing to do with your damage. It is correct on your character sheet, just follow the sheet 8). I changed your damage values to reflect this.
Seth HP 53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wild shape Saturday March 21st, 2015 9:46:18 PM
One moment Seth is standing there, the next he seems to have burst into fire.
Now where Seth was is a 8 foot long firey serpent, with flame flickering every which way hungrily.
Seth will use his wild shape ability to take the form of a medium fire elemental
Occ I am on my phone sorry I will add my spell list and fix my header tomorrow
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+7=16 ; d8+5=12 ; Sunday March 22nd, 2015 4:01:21 PM
Ariach steps in front of Evaris.(moves to V13) He expects one enemy(2) coming this way and will attack him while strengthen his defense.
(using fight defensively -4 attack +2 AC/ using combat expertise -3 attack/+3AC/ Shield of faith +3AC) (hit AC16 for 12 damage) (fixed HP to full in header)
Yeshua takes a moment and casts Magic Fang upon himself, content with waiting for the creatures to come closer, where he plans on pouncing on them... Who cares if they can see him, as he's high up in the tree..
Meanwhile, Truman waits to see what enemies 2 and 3 will do... He'll ready his attack against whomever moves next to the tree or tries to attack him...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 invisibility d20+14=32 ; d100=60 ; Sunday March 22nd, 2015 10:59:50 PM
Emrys beings a to tell a tale, in Sylvan, about what happens to nasty lil wood sprites that anger the Fey Prince! Those of his party who don't speak Sylvan, it doesn't matter, they find the magic of these beautiful words inspiring anyway!
(Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage. EVERY ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.)
(Intimidate: 32, as he performs his story, he wants to sound as intimidating and angry as possible!)
Unseen by all, Emrys then moves up behind Lanliss, and with the help of his Quicken Rod, casts a wondrous spell. Lanliss suddenly feels lighter on his feet and far more agile.
(Leyline: 60. Casting Cat's Grace on Lanliss. You get a +4 to Dex.)
Lanliss attacks! The log-man's AC is 19, and Lanliss misses and then hits. The logman has damage reduction 5, so the first five points of damage are ignored ... and Lanliss hit for less than 5, so the logman takes no damage.
[OOC: Thanks Dave and Lanliss for working on proper Woldian rolling.]
Ariach readies an attack, expecting one to come closer.
Yeshua casts a Magic Fang, while Truman gets ready to attack.
Emrys moves up behind Lanliss and offers a Cats Grace buff.
Enemies
[OOC: I'm going to refer to a twigjack riding a lumber-golem as a "lumber-jack."]
Lumber-Jack 1 takes a five ft step and attacks! The twigjack tries to use Aid Another, rolls an 8, fails. The lumber golem swings two wooden fists against Lanliss -- Hitting AC27 and AC16 ... with the buff spell on Lanliss, the golem misses twice.
Lumber-Jack 2 moves right up to Ariach. That triggers his readied attack, but Ariach's blow vs AC16 is not enough, since it is AC19. Then a burst of splinters explodes from the lumber golem in a 20 ft radius. Everyone including Yeshua but NOT Seth and Raksha, please make a reflex DC14 save or take 16 damage (8 on a save).
Then the twigjack on that golem opens his mouth super wide and spits out a 15 ft cone of more splinters! Evaris, Ariach, and Truman, please make DC14 reflex saves for 12 damage or 6.
Evaris and Truman, you get a +1 on reflex saves because of tree cover in your squares.
Lumber-Jack 3 moves up close to Truman.
Truman, you may make your readied attack.
Then golem 3 explodes. Reflex 14 save vs everyone including Seth but excluding Yeshua and Raksha, save for 25 or 12 damage.
Then twigjack 3 also opens wide and spits. Again, Evaris, Truman, and Ariach, reflex DC15 save for 13 damage or 6.
Status not noted on the map: Raksha continues to hide Yeshua is 10 ft up a tree Emrys is invisible Seth is a fire elemental
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 56/89 d20+5=21 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+8=15 ; Monday March 23rd, 2015 12:22:21 PM
Ariach is aware of the first explosion of splinters and avoids getting hurt to bad. (reflex save=21 for 8 damage)
But he misses the chance to hide behind a tree when the twigjacks spit splinters. (reflex save=10 for 12 damage / reflex save=14 for 13 damage)
Stubborn as he is, he sees no need in changing his tactic. But not knowing how, he misses one more time. (using fight defensively -4 attack +2 AC/ using combat expertise -3 attack/+3AC/ Shield of faith +3AC/ inspire courage +1 attack/+1 damage) (hit AC15)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 3d20+14=49 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+11=31 ; d6+2=6 ; d6+2=5 ; d20+11=29 d6+2=3 Monday March 23rd, 2015 6:37:06 PM
Ooc: had a mistake with the roll but I pass all of them,clicked on explain previous Roll Ooc: reflex 15 had a simple math mistake Thanks, Emrys , I feel much more alert now. Having avoided (I guess) the splinters unharmed (Evasion feature at lv 2). Lanliss inspired by The magical music suddenly starts to attack the "lumber-jack" (twigjack) near him warning Emrys to defend himself while he hopefully distracts the lumber-jack and his rider Ariach, Do you need help Lanliss shouts.
rolling Atk and Dmg atk 1 31 dmg 6 atk 2 31 confirm crit AC 29 dmg 5 if not able to be crit, 8 damage if critable. co-DM David edit to confirm the second attack as a crit and roll the extra damage.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 28/74] d20+7=10 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=18 ; 9d6=24 ; Monday March 23rd, 2015 6:37:42 PM
Suddenly, the air is full of splinters! Evaris dodges them as best he can, but he's not the most nimble man, and absorbs a lot of damage.
He takes a breath. Before he can heal himself and his friends, these opponents need to be dealt with. And he has just the spell.
Murmuring an apology to the trees of the forest, he drops a Flame Strike where it will do the most good! [OOC: I think I can get all three enemy squares without hitting any friendlies; please let me know if I can't.]
All creatures in the Flame Strike take 24 points of fire and divine-power damage, DC 20 Reflex save for half.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 21 Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 94/114 d20+11=25 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+14=25 ; d6+4=8 ; d3=3 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=16 ; d3=2 ; d20+14=18 ; d6+3=8 ; d6+3=9 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+12=18 ; d8+4=11 ; 2d6=6 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+5=8 ; Monday March 23rd, 2015 9:51:15 PM
Yeshua tries to avoid the splinters from Lj1 (r save - 25) and only takes 8 dmg... Meanwhile, Truman tries to avoid both sets of splinters... (R save 11 no, 28 yes + evasion, 15 yes + evasion) and takes 12 pts total.
Readied action - Truman is angered and jumps down onto twig 3, clawing at it... Hit ac 25 for 8 dmg...
------------- New round Truman Still attacks twig 3, clawing and biting... C1 miss ac 15 C2 hit ac 16 for 8 Bite - hit ac 18 for 9
Yeshua yells in anger and pounces on twig 2 from out of the tree, ripping at it too... (Pounce - +2 att, -2 ac, +2d6 on charge. +1 att and dmg bard, +1 from magic fang -
C1 - Hit ac 34 (should be +17 not 15) for 13 + 6 = 19 (forgot xt 2 dmg on d8 roll) C2 - hit ac 32 for 11 (forgot xt 2 dmg) Bite - hit ac 18 for 8
Emrys ac10, hp22/42 inspire courage, invisibility d20+7=26 ; d20+7=15 ; d100=17 ; Monday March 23rd, 2015 11:39:20 PM
(Reflex saves: 26 and 15. Half damage from both attacks.)
"GODS' SWEET SERPENTS!" Having low tolerance for pain, Emrys limps back to a safer distance (Move to R12). Thankfully invisibility hides his retreat, but not his encouraging words.
The wounded but bewitching bard decides to help Ariach this time. Emrys weaves his spell upon the guardian knight. He begins to grow slightly, but then immediately returns to his normal size ... nothing happens!! Emrys' spell has failed ... must be from the pain!
(Leyline check: 17, spell fails. Emrys tried to cast Enlarge Person on Ariach, but it failed.)
Seth HP 53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wild shape d20=6 ; d20+7=14 ; d6=1 ; d4=1 ; Tuesday March 24th, 2015 1:17:29 AM
Caught in his own cleverness Seth take the full damage from the golems splinters.
The pain brings him back to reality quickly as he moves in to strike the golem in return for the previous attack He will if able slam the golm Hit AC 14 if hit causes the creature to catch fire
Raksha will continue around the trees remaining out of site .
Seth HP 53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wild shape Tuesday March 24th, 2015 6:23:13 PM
Checking in will post if able later on tonight
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 56/89 Tuesday March 24th, 2015 6:41:33 PM
check
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Tuesday March 24th, 2015 6:47:58 PM
check ? ooc: what does that mean ?
Cayzle Comment: If the DM post seems delayed, and you want to make sure you get your post for the day in, some people make a "check in" post just to say they were there. A better approach would be to do a smidge of roleplay, or make a perception check, for example, but "check" will suffice in a pinch. :-)
Last Round, Truman had an AoO coming to him ... he hits Twigjack 3 for 8 damage.
Ariach takes some damage, shrugs, swings, misses.
Lanliss dodges every splinter! He attacks and thunks into the lumber-golem. He inflicts 6, but only 1 penetrates the monster's DR, and he inflicts 8, so 3 hp damage gets through! Damage Reduction makes these tough foes for the rogue! Maybe he should try to flank for that sweet sneak attack damage?
Evaris carefully ... carefully places a flame strike on the flammable foes! The three Twigjacks roll a 25, a 19, and an 11. Twigjack 1 takes 12, the other, 24. Two are struck dead and one is deeply wounded! The three log golems roll 16, 9, and 9, so all take full damage!
Yeshua leaps down from his perch to attack Lumber Golem 2. He hits once for 19-5=14 and again for 11-5=6. Truman makes a full attack against Lumber Golem 3, but misses.
Wise Emrys moves back, not wanting to get splintered again! He tries to cast a spell but fails. [OOC: Emrys please note that Enlarge Person has a casting time of one round. You cannot move and cast it in the same round. Moot anyway since you failed the check.]
Seth moves forward to attack but misses this time. [OOC: Please note current hp in your header]
Enemies
Lumber-Jack 1 withdraws. The twigjack (the last one left) backs into some bramble and disappears. If you make a Perception DC50 check, you see that Highlight to display spoiler: {he has somehow dimension doored into the bramble at AK14 and is hiding.} Lumber golem 1 simply backs away 60 feet the way it came, making to attempt at stealth.
Lumber-Golem 2 attacks Yeshau, hitting AC30 for 12 and then critting against AC32 for 16 more. Yeshua takes total 28 damage.
Lumber-Golem 3 attacks Truman, hitting AC31 for 9 and AC27 for 9, inflicting 18 more on the duo.
Status not noted on the map: Raksha continues to hide Emrys is invisible Seth is a fire elemental Last twigjack may be somewhere hiding.
Seth HP 28/53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wild shape d20+7=14 ; d20+11=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d8=5 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+11=30 ; Tuesday March 24th, 2015 8:47:09 PM
Even up close and personal Seth can't seam to hit the wall of wood in front of him. (Hits Ac 14 )
Raksha will charge the fleeing golem 1 and pounce on it. Hit Ac 20 29 30 Damage of bite 11 claw 11 and 10 ( ooc please correct if not right I could not read pounce rule online the format on my phone was messed up )
coDM David- It looks like you did it right to me. Pounce is essentially a full attack with Rake included at the end of a charge. You can add the 2 rake attacks as well. The monster ability says you can. While you are at it I would try to grapple the thing and just shred it. But that's me.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 48/114 d20+15=23 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=27 ; d8+6=12 ; d8+6=9 ; d8+5=10 ; Tuesday March 24th, 2015 9:24:49 PM
Yeshua and Truman are both hit with some solid blows, taking 46 points of total dmg...
"We could use some healing friends!" Yeshua calls out, as they can't take many more of these double hits... However, they know their job is to fight in melee and rely on their team to heal them...
For now, there's not much more they can do except continue fighting and hoping they might do some more damage...
Yeshua shifts to W15 (5' step) and continues hitting the Golem 3... (+1 att and dmg bard, +1 from magic fang )
C1 - Hit AC 23 for 12 C2 - Hit AC 24 for 9 Bite - Hit AC 27 for 10
Truman will take a full round action and Withdraw around in a circle to X16 intending to combine attacks with Yeshua next turn...
Emrys cringes when he sees Yeshua take so much damage. He quickly reacts, and with the help of his quicken rod, he casts two quick spells. A ghostly hand appears next to Yeshua and it gently touches him. Yeti then notices that his skin hardens to like rough stone, but remains just as flexible as as it was before.
(Leyline checks: 74 and 60. First casting Spectral Hand, -4hp. 2nd spell: Stoneskin, cast upon Yeshua. Yeshua now has DR 10/Adamantine. First 10 points of each attack is absorbed until 70 points are used up.)
Emrys ac10, hp18/42 inspire courage, spectral hand, invisibility Tuesday March 24th, 2015 11:44:07 PM
(ooc: Sigh ... spell correction changed Yeshua's name to Yeti in my post. 2nd, Ive NEVER noticed that before about Enlarge Person!!! Yep, that's what it says ... 1 full round!!)
Evaris[AC 20; HP 40/74] d6=6 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2015 12:27:45 PM
Evaris freezes momentarily, uncertain what to do next.
But Yeshua has a point. The group could use some healing. The trick is going to be healing friends without healing foes.
Evaris steps back [to P-12] and channels positive energy. This should affect Evaris, Emrys, Seth, Truman, and Ariach, but not Yeshua or Lanliss, who are too far away. Those affected heal 12 damage.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 d20+18=37 ; d6+1=6 ; d6=6 ; d100=96 ; 4d6=13 ; d4=4 ; d20+13=17 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2015 3:53:36 PM
Ooc had some trouble with the dice rolls on a smartphone Lanliss goes furiously and swiftly to (x11,5foot step) flank and attack the Lumber-golem that troubles ariach. First attack roll 37 DMG 7 (6+1)(being +1 for the DMG roll bonus from Emrys) Extra Sneak attack 2,3,3,5 Second attack roll 17 DMG 8(6+2,third roll) Extra sneak attack 5,2,1,1
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 56/89 d20+8=20 ; d8+6=13 ; Wednesday March 25th, 2015 5:23:57 PM
Ariach gets angry because he is unable to hit the foe. He is a well trained fighter and cannot score a hit? Hoping to attract attention to himself and release the pressure from Yeshua and Truman he swings his flail again. And this time his weapon finds itīs target! (lumber golem 2) (hits AC 20 for 13 damage)
(using fight defensively -4 attack +2 AC/ using combat expertise -3 attack/+3AC/ Shield of faith +3AC) (Inspire Courage +1attack/+1damage)
Emrys ac10, hp30/42 inspire courage, spectral hand, invisibility Wednesday March 25th, 2015 9:29:49 PM
(√-ing in. I would hope it would work. It's a touch spell, and I delivered it with a Spectral Hand.)
Seth misses, but his tiger puts some pain onto the withdrawing lumber-golem. 17 hp of pouncing pain(after DR), in fact.
[OOC: A pounce is a subset of a charge. You can only charge in a straight line, and not through difficult terrain. Usually Raksha would not be allowed to pounce, unless maybe with some sweet acrobatics to leap over the underbrush. But your DM is supersweet and is letting you get the pounce in this time. In general, though, not through difficult terrain.]
Yeshua takes a step and attacks, hitting for 16 after DR to Lumber Golem 2. Truman moves around.
Emrys casts a buff on Yeshua from afar.
Evaris wants to cure his friends, but he is afraid to cure the golems. Would their immunity to magic make them immune to chanelling? It is an interesting question, but one to which he would rather not take chances. Unfortunatly, the ones most in need of curing, Yeshua and Truman, have moved out of range of the offered cure. Evaris's curing only affects himself, Emrys, Seth, and Ariach.
At last Lanliss has a chance to show off! With a quick step and careful attacks to joints and vines that hold Lumber Golem 3 together, the rogue inflicts 15 after DR. His second attack just misses.
Ariach gets mad and swings and hits for 8 after DR. That knocks this one down, for good!
Enemies
The last twigjack pops up from hiding and spits splinters at Raksha! It had been at AI-11. Raksha must save vs DC14 reflex save or take 10 hp damage (save for half or none with evasion). Then the twigjack orders the golem to attack Raksha as it moves away to escape.
Lumber golem 1 tries to club Raksha. It hits AC18 twice -- two misses!
Lumber-Golem 2 DEAD
Lumber-Golem 3 tries to hit Yeshua. It hits AC22 and 17 ... both miss.
Enemy Status:
Lumber-golem AC19
Lumber-golem 1 - damage: 45 Lumber-golem 2 - damage: 68 and DEAD Lumber-golem 3 - damage: 39 Twigjack 1 - damage 18 Twigjack 2 - DEAD Twigjack 3 - DEAD
Status not noted on the map: Emrys is invisible Seth is a fire elemental
Emrys ac10, hp30/42 inspire courage, spectral hand, invisibility Wednesday March 25th, 2015 10:16:39 PM
Feeling much better after as the healing energies wash over him. Emrys decides to move to a spot (S9) with a better view and he casts a very slippery spell. The golem with a sylvan rune meaning "3", crudely engraved on its head, finds the ground beneath it incredibly hard to stand upon.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 d20+18=19 ; d6+2=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6+2=7 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+13=21 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 1:18:41 PM
guessing that the third golem might be near his death,Lanliss presses on and keep attacking ooc: forgot to add the flank bonus +2 to the first roll ooc 2: rolls of attack roll is last,
attack roll 21 Damage rolls 5 extra sneak attack 5,1,3,5
attack roll 21 Damage rolls 7 extra sneak attack 7,5,2,2
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 d20+8=17 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 5:45:30 PM
Ariach grins from ear to ear as he finally hits the golem. And he isnīt just hitting it, he brings it down. Inspired from his success he swings his flail with new won confidence. But back to old habits he misses his target again and curses under his breath.
(using fight defensively -4 attack +2 AC/ using combat expertise -3 attack/+3AC/ Shield of faith +3AC) (Inspire Courage +1attack/+1damage)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 48/114 d20+11=27 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+18=20 ; 2d8+18=30 ; 2d6=8 ; Thursday March 26th, 2015 8:57:11 PM
If golem 3 is still alive, The duo pounce at the golem, landing on grease (r saves 27, 22) but unaffected by it. They combine their brutal attacks to knock pieces of wood off it... Hit ac 20 (include flanking and mag fang for y and bard song. ) for 30 + 8 = 38
If 3 is dead, they'll double move to get closer to golem 1 - they get to af 14/15
Evaris[AC 20; HP 40/74] Thursday March 26th, 2015 10:15:46 PM
Since Yeshua and Truman weren't healed, and are looking pretty hurt, Evaris takes a full round to get into position to heal them.
[Taking difficult terrain into account, I believe Evaris could get to V-17 with a double move.]
Wood Fight (Round 4) (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 26th, 2015 10:25:08 PM
I'll give Lanliss until morning to post.
Emrys ac10, hp30/42 inspire courage, spectral hand, invisibility Thursday March 26th, 2015 10:57:24 PM
(ooc: Lanliss did post. Right after Emrys.)
Wood Fight (Round 4) (DM Cayzle) Friday March 27th, 2015 6:36:07 AM
OOC: Ugh! Sorry! I counted 5 PCs posting, so who is missing? Seth! That's who I meant. Sorry. DM Post in progress, but it'll be midmorning, most like. Assuming I can get Internet ... I'm travelling off site today.
Seth HP 28/53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wild shape d20+7=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d4=4 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=30 ; d8=7 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d20+9=14 ; Friday March 27th, 2015 8:15:40 AM
Seth also continues his assault smashing at the creature (hits Ac 22) with his firey tail 2 ho fire damage and 5 for the next 4 rounds With a Roar as the golem fire it sprinters at her and moves ever so agile (Rex save 14 with evasion) Raksha will continue to use the golem as a scratching post Hiring Ac 30 11 and 30 for 13, 11, 12 HP
Seth HP 28/53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wild shape Friday March 27th, 2015 8:17:18 AM
Occ Sorry boss man I thought I hit submit and it posted lol here my yesterdays post. :(
Wood Fight (Round 5 and DONE!) (DM Cayzle) d20+5=6 ; Friday March 27th, 2015 10:25:01 AM
OOC: Ugh! Lost my post! Rewriting ...
Emrys knocks down the near golem with a grease spell. Lanliss sneak attacks that one twice, and it is dead. Ariach and Seth would have attacked that same one, but oh well.
Yeshua and Truman race after the remaining golem, getting closer just in time to see Raksha rip it to shreds with a full attack.
Evaris follows Yeshua, wanting to cure their wounds.
The field of battle holds two dead twigjacks, three dead golems, and a rapidly fleeing twigjack, who broadens his lead and is now 90 ft from Yeshua, 120ish ft from the main party, and soon to disappear into the concealment of the shrubberies.
You have emerged victorious!
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Friday March 27th, 2015 12:15:03 PM
Finally Lanliss says and smiles knowing that for the moment they are safe.
CoDM David Friday March 27th, 2015 2:33:53 PM
OOC Doesn't healing on of the Yeshua/Truman pair heal them both? If so then Ken just forgot to add the healing to his header since Truman was healed by the Channel.
Evaris steps back [to P-12] and channels positive energy. This should affect Evaris, Emrys, Seth, Truman, and Ariach, but not Yeshua or Lanliss, who are too far away. Those affected heal 12 damage.
Wood Fight (Round 5 and DONE!) (DM Cayzle) Friday March 27th, 2015 6:21:31 PM
By my reckoning, Y and T were just outside the range when the channel was used.
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 68/89 Friday March 27th, 2015 6:49:42 PM
Ariach seems very satisfied while he walks from companion to companion and claps them on the back.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 56/74] d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; Friday March 27th, 2015 10:09:15 PM
[OOC: Yes, I looked on the map, but didn't notice that Truman had moved. My bad.]
Evaris gathers his friends together for more healing magic. Once friends are close enough--and foes are not--Evaris begins channeling positive energy.
Everyone heals 16. Please update your headers so I can see where we are. :)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 92/114 Saturday March 28th, 2015 9:12:07 AM
The duo appreciate the healing, as their many wounds start to heal... but they make sure to thank Evaris for the gracious spell...
They decide to let the last foe escape, as the little buggers are going to be hard to root out of the woods and underbrush...
Wood Fight (Round 5 and DONE!) (DM Cayzle) Saturday March 28th, 2015 11:58:12 AM
Evaris sets to healing his friends, and the group seems content to let the last twigjack flee.
If the twigjacks were alive, the channelling would have brought them back? But in fact the healing does not affect the dead. And the downed constructs are just so many logs.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Saturday March 28th, 2015 5:23:25 PM
we are going to the preserve Lanliss says firmly, I am not going back no matter what we find and no matter how difficult it will be especially after those wood golems.
Emrys ac10, hp30/42 inspire courage, spectral hand, invisibility Sunday March 29th, 2015 10:50:02 PM
Emrys reappears out of thin air as he greets everyone with a warm smile. He steps over to the closest twigjack.
"Yes ... I've heard stories of these. Other fey speak of these troublesome twigs. They do their best to rid themselves of their company. Not all of us are beautiful, you see." He kneels down next to one and examines its feet. "Stories told that if you plant their feet within the earth after they die, they will take root and grow into a tree! I don't know if that's true, but it's a lovely possibility. In life, murderous trickster ... in death, they grow into a home for birds and woodland creatures. It would only take a moment, what would it hurt? I'll come back someday and see if the stories are true!"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Sunday March 29th, 2015 10:51:15 PM
(whoops, forgot to update my info. There we go.)
Wood Fight (Aftermath) (DM Cayzle) Monday March 30th, 2015 11:33:21 AM
All business, Yeshua wants to press on.
Lanliss is firm that he is not going back. [Not going back to what? The Lady Bug? The ranger service?]
Emrys seeks to bury the twigjacks. Or at least their feet? As he does so, he notes that each one was wearing a wooden amulet.
Evaris, Seth, and Ariach watch and wait.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Monday March 30th, 2015 5:45:46 PM
Ooc clarification:Lanliss is not going out of the forest until they drag something back for Lady bug.
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 84/89 Monday March 30th, 2015 6:31:27 PM
One more time Ariach wonders how Emrys knows all these things. And how does he keep calm to plant the twigjacks after such a fight. Maybe it has something to do that he has gone invisible instead of helping his friends. No - Ariach advises himself to be prudent. Emrys always gives his best to support the group. "Do you need any help with your gardening?"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 92/114 Monday March 30th, 2015 9:28:33 PM
Yeshua waits to see what the group decides and he helps investigate the twig corpses... He takes one of the medallions and examines it...
Seth HP 28/53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Wild shape Monday March 30th, 2015 9:28:57 PM
Seth and Rasksa watch with a wonder in there eye Could he be right ?
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=98 ; d20+25=31 ; Monday March 30th, 2015 11:03:55 PM
"No Ariach. It's not a complicated procedure." And it wasn't. Simply scooping aside a little soil, placing the twigjacks feet into the freshly-made depression and then placing the loose soil back on top ... done.
"Oh my, what do we have here!" he says after noticing the wooden medallions. Emrys carefully removes one from around the twigjack's neck. "Ahh, very interesting! Look what I found!" He mutters a few words of divination to determine if it's magical and to determine what it is.
(Leyline: 98, woot free cast. Casting Identify. Spellcraft: 31, to identify what it is, if magical.)
Emrys isn't unaware of Ariach's tone, but he chooses to ignore it. Though the thought does cross his mind as to why the spell he cast on him during combat failed to function.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 64/74] d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; Tuesday March 31st, 2015 8:28:23 AM
Evaris channels positive energy again.
Everybody heals 8.
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday March 31st, 2015 4:37:56 PM
Ariach thanks Evaris for the healing.
Wood Fight (Aftermath) (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 31st, 2015 6:15:45 PM
Yeshua and Emrys check out the magical loot. The two amulets are very unusual items. They are Bramble Jump Amulets! (see below)
Ariach and Seth watch carefully.
Lanliss makes it clear that he intends to find SOMETHING for the Lady Bug!
Evaris uses the opportunity to heal his friends.
The twigjack bodies are tended, the treasure is identified, and the party moves onwards.
As you move through the preserve, there are many signs of life, especially as you head deeper in. There are cries and calls, sounds of movement, and so on. All of these seem natural, but who knows what weird creatures are nearby.
Up ahead, the ground sinks, streams flow ahead of you, and the marches lie in the dimness. Do you make a camp or press on past sunset?
==========
Bramble Jump Amulet: Activated as part of a move action, you can travel short distances between brambles, shrubs, or thickets as if via dimension door. You must begin and end this movement while in an area of at least light undergrowth. You can travel in this manner up to 60 feet per day. This movement must be used in 10-foot increments and does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The amulet works only on yourself.
These are fate items that cannot be sold in the Catacombs.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Tuesday March 31st, 2015 6:25:46 PM
Occ: is the place more dangerous in night (do I have knowledge of this) Lanliss asks Seth if he knows of anything Particular dangerous in night and if they can continue the journey. Lanliss looks at the group and sees if anyone needs rest
OOC: The night in the Preserve is as dangerous as the day ... in different ways ... but not particularly MORE so.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday March 31st, 2015 10:11:29 PM
"I know little of the natural world," Evaris says, "so I'll defer to those who do. In the meantime, a little more healing for Yeshua, Truman, and me."
Everyone heals 10.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday March 31st, 2015 11:30:21 PM
Emrys offers the amulet to Lanliss and says, "Even though this trinket would allow me to experience the gifts of my heritage, maybe you should take advantage of the gifts it offers. Such stealth should prove quite useful to you."
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Wednesday April 1st, 2015 10:46:50 AM
Ooc: are you really sure that you don't need it ? Lanliss looks at the amulet, inspecting it for a moment asking Evaris if it is not better for him to use it, reminding him that he his fast.
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday April 1st, 2015 4:57:12 PM
Ariach assents to Evarisīs view of following the guys who are familiar with natureīs matters.
Lanliss, already thinking about the group, ponders the relative danger of a night mission. He believes that it is no more dangerous at night than during the day. Besides, if you are dragging a giant unconscious slug all the way back to the Hive, maybe you should sleep tonite and press on with that job without stop from the time you make the capture to the time you arrive at the Hive.
Yeshua and Truman help to find a decent campsite that is not in the middle of any tracks or places monsters come through. He sets up some simple tripwire alarms around the camp.
[OOC: Yeshua, you really need ranks in Craft Traps to do that, and a Craft Traps roll. I'll let it slide this time, and it is a good thought, but your kindly DM's indulgence only stretches so far ... also note that there are magic things you could use to do a similar job. Stone of Alarm comes to mind, maybe.]
Yeshua admires his new amulet.
Evaris makes sure everyone is in good health.
Emrys pushes the other amulet on Lanliss. "Such stealth should prove quite useful to you."
A gentleman, Lanliss tries to be sure that it would not better serve one of the party casters.
Ariach, maybe a bit out of his element here in the wilderness, lets the nature-oriented folks take the lead.
Your kindly DM assumes you set watches, but Yeshua's forethought in setting up some simple tripwires pays off. In the night, a mama grizzly and two cubs roar with the clatter of the alarm.
Now you have not some curious and hungry bears, but alarmed and hungry bears! About 20 feet from your campfire, right on the edge of your light.
Combat rounds?
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Wednesday April 1st, 2015 7:18:38 PM
ooc: first of april joke (: Lanliss looks at Seth and Yesua, taking a food ration out of his backpack to give food to the hungry bear and her cubs, assuming they can eat rations. ooc 2:if I am close to my backpack maybe I can give them a food ration and fend them off without fighting
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+8=10 ; Wednesday April 1st, 2015 9:16:27 PM (OOC - DM, I meant it to be more like a survival skill check rather than a "Trap." I figured survival would be the type of thing where you set snares to catch food, hang vines with noise makers across entry zones, etc. It wasn't meant to be a "trap" in the classic sense, and sorry, as I should have been clearer. Going forward, how would you qualify the 'survival' skill check in re: to setting up camps, etc vs. craft (trap)? That'll help me know in the future what he can and cannot do.)
Yeshua and Truman, back to full strength and having thanked their earstwhile healer Evaris, rise as the hungry bears come their way... They don't make any sudden moves, as he figures the mom is trying to care for her cubs... He'll help throw food to the animals too, and speak kind, soft words to them, trying to keep the peace... WILD EMPATHY SKILL - 10
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Wednesday April 1st, 2015 10:13:49 PM
"Yes, good work, let's see if they'll be more interested in food than in us," Evaris does keep his voice low, but he is constitutionally incapable of shutting up completely.
He does suit actions to words, however, and begins rummaging in his own pack for rations that bears might like.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Thursday April 2nd, 2015 1:44:46 PM
(ooc: sorry for not posting last night. I was so tired, I 'bearly' didn't make it to bed. :)
Seth HP53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 d20=1 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+12=18 ; Thursday April 2nd, 2015 1:45:10 PM
Seth wishes to add his help to this new friend also trying to calm the situation down adding his skills to the mix. Throwing some meat to the bear (wild empathy 16)( Handle animal 18) Raksha hold back behind Seth not wanting to cause a problem
Ariach AC 37(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday April 2nd, 2015 5:14:50 PM
Ariach immediately knows what to do. He stays calm and doesnīt move. Mentally he prepares himself to reach his mace any time the bear decides to attack. He doesnīt know why but he has no empathy with animals. Most of them are interesting but the are strange, often dangerous and always unpredictable.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Thursday April 2nd, 2015 10:10:56 PM
Finding a packet of rather squashed nut bread, Evaris tosses it in the direction of the bears. Perhaps they like sweets.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Thursday April 2nd, 2015 11:20:06 PM
As he sits there confident in his friends ability to befriend the mother bear and cub. He takes this time to reminisce about his offer to Lanliss. he thinks how remarkable it is that a rogue would turn down such a gift and consider the needs of others instead. Quite a rare attribute these days, he thought. The notion makes him smile as he looks down at the amulet resting against his chest.
Yeshua tries to use his wild empathy. (I'll treat as Aid Another)
Emrys agrees with this and also offers food.
As does Evaris.
Seth also helps Yeshua with the calming. (Base 16 on the check)
Ariach stays calm and lets the pro beastie wranglers do their job.
The mama bear pauses to sniff the food and watch Seth and Yeshua. She eyes the big cats warily, although their owners have wisely sent them back. The cubs stay behind mama.
I'll count each food offering as a +1 circumstance bonus.
So base 16 +2 from Yeshua, +3 in food offerings gives a net 21 on the empathy check.
The mama is hostile, so to change her attitude requires a DC25 + creature's Cha modifier, or in this case, a DC23.
You have not calmed the bear down! that 21 is not good enough!
She eats the food that you've offered her, but she is not pacified!
She is about to attack!
Back into Combat!
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 d20+11=26 ; d6+1=6 ; d20+6=16 ; d6+1=6 ; Friday April 3rd, 2015 4:50:35 PM
Lanliss is angered by the fact that the bear that just ate their food and is still hostile and also ready to attack them. Lanliss attack the bear with his short sword. Attack 1: 26 damage 6 Attack 2 16 damage 6 Ooc: he his furious because of the hostility of the bear Ooc2: if anyone wants to stop than I am sure you can stop me somehow
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+3=11 ; Friday April 3rd, 2015 5:02:07 PM
Ariachīs first intention is to kill the bear. But then he thinks better of it. Some of his companions for sure have doubts of killing a mother bear. Therefore he tries to knock the bear out but misses miserably.
(hits AC 11) (using fight defensively -4 attack +2 AC/ using combat expertise -3 attack/+3AC/ nonlethal damage -4 attack)
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Friday April 3rd, 2015 5:55:53 PM
"Hmm, clearly a food critic," Evaris murmurs.
Thinking quickly, he casts a spell, and places a Calm Emotions where it will be able to affect the mama bear.
Despite the comedic possibilities, he does not include any of his allies in the spell.
Mama bear must succeed on a DC 17 Will save or calm right down.
If she seems to be calming, Evaris cautions his companions not to attack just yet.
Seth HP53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Friday April 3rd, 2015 7:25:52 PM
Seth remains where he is but quickly chants a spell calm animal DC will 15
Raksha waits
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d20+15=22 ; d20+15=21 ; d100=15 ; Friday April 3rd, 2015 11:38:48 PM
An eyebrow raises as soon as he realizes that the minor disturbance quickly escalates into an uproar. He estimates that his confidence was misplaced. Emrys rises to his feet, dusts himself off and looks on while multiple spells are being cast. He holds off to see how things play out for it.
(Spellcraft: 22 & 21, to recognize what spells Evaris and Seth are casting. Which I believe my rolls are quite sufficient.)
He looks at Evaris weave his spell. 'Ahh,' he thinks, 'that's what I would've considered. I hope the cleric includes the rogue in his spell. It would be unfortunate if he broke the spell with another attack.'
Emrys then turns his gaze to Seth. 'Another excellent spell,' he thinks, 'both should prove adequate.' However if chaos continues to dominate the situation, he will be forced to cast his own spell.
(IF <-- combat persists [blades slicing into flesh, fangs and claws bloodied with gore], Emrys will cast Hold Animal on Mother Bear. Leyline: 15 ...Fail ... NOPE, doesn't happen. Lets hope it doesn't come to that!)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 114/114 Saturday April 4th, 2015 9:07:32 AM
Yeshua and Truman, tempted to fight mama bear, decide to keep calm for now and so Yeshua casts Magic Fang on himself while Truman uses total defense... They move back from the bear, making room to charge too next round if it attacks...
"If we have to fight it, kill mama bear only and maybe we can at least save the cubs... They might make good pets or guardians, rather than a giant slug!" he calls out to his friends...
(Yeshua AC 23, Truman AC 26)
Seth HP53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Saturday April 4th, 2015 9:53:12 AM
Seth does not seem happy about attacking natures creatures He will toss his staff to Ariach use this if it cones to this it will not kill her
Inside he hopes that the bear calms down and combat can be avoided
Bear Fight (R1) (DM Cayzle) Sunday April 5th, 2015 12:13:24 PM
Friends, really sorry family obligations derailed me. I'll put up a DM post bright and early Monday. Only four DM posts this week, Sherriff Ken! :-(
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday April 6th, 2015 1:31:56 PM
Ariach looks at Sethīs staff and takes it. It seems logical that the wooden staff will be a better club than his iron flail. "Thanks" he says before he concentrates his attention on the wild animal again.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Monday April 6th, 2015 6:48:55 PM
Evaris is silent for once as he bites his lip and waits to see what effect (if any) his spell had.
Seeing the mama bear is about to atack, Lanliss pre-emptively steps up and swings! He hits once for 6 damage. The mama roars in pain!
Ariach uses more restraint to pull his punch, but pays the price for mercy as he misses.
Evaris actually cracks wise, making a joke under his breath! Then he casts a calming spell. It works! The mama bear sits down, as does one of the cubs.
Seth calms up to 16 hit dice worth of bear ... enough to calm both cubs.
Emrys analyzes the situation and is ready to Hold the mama ... if it comes to that ...
Yeshau gets ready to fight, but holds for now, casting a buff ...
=====
But all three bears are calm now. It seems likely you can just walk away and avoid any problems. Will you?
Mama Bear: 6 damage, calm. Cubs, no damage, calm.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday April 7th, 2015 5:06:02 PM
Ariach is very relieved that he doesnīt have to kill the bears. He doesnīt like bears at all but to kill a mother bear with her cubs isnīt a heroic act. He gives Seth his staff back and walks away.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Tuesday April 7th, 2015 5:40:13 PM
"Well," Evaris says, "let's break camp and find somewhere else to spend the rest of the night."
He helps his companions pack up, and leaves as quietly as he can.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday April 7th, 2015 11:23:33 PM
Emrys wholeheartedly agrees and smiles with the success of Evaris' spell. His own wild magic has been temperamental as of late... 'best if it rests a little longer.' The blood of this region requires a more forceful hand to grasp and control. These magics will need to submit to his will. All these little failures are becoming far too frequent and annoying.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Wednesday April 8th, 2015 9:52:30 AM
Lanliss looks at the bear saying I am sorry he bows to the bear and going after Seth and Evaris Trying to ask how they succeeded calming the animal and asking if it was magic,also he points to the group that as much as he didn't like attacking the bear it was a self defense mechanism that was triggered by the fact that the bear didn't calm down after giving him food, it made him mad in rage.
Lanliss confirms that it was indeed magic, and he explains himself.
Evaris, knowing that the Calming Magic will not last long, leads the party away into the night.
A short hike and a new camp later, you settle in again for the night. There are chirping night-bugs, the odd howl, and some creatures that scamper by within hearing range, but nothing dangerous before morning.
Yeshua is troubled by dreams, and Truman whines in his sleep. But the hero chooses to mull over his sleping visions without sharing them for now.
Those who know the Preserve well, especially Seth, know that the marshy center of the Preserve is near. And in fact, by mid-morning you find yourselves picking your way carefully, around patches of mud and open water, and the trees thin out. The ground is wet everywhere. Sometimes you have no choice but to step into shallow water to go forward.
Please make a DC8 Survival check: Highlight to display spoiler: {You come across a pool of quicksand, about 30 ft across.}
Seth HP53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 d20=6 ; Wednesday April 8th, 2015 2:20:57 PM
Seth mulls over the at the situation so far and is pleased.
As the get closer to there goal and it become muddy Seth starts watching his steps (survival DC 23)
As the walk in the murky water Seth stops and points out the quick sand that the group is about to step in hold gent's there is a bit on soggy ground in front of us let's give this a wide berth
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 d20+1=19 ; Wednesday April 8th, 2015 3:15:10 PM
Lanliss sees the quicksand and move slowly towards the quicksand
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20-1=16 ; Wednesday April 8th, 2015 3:38:01 PM
Ariach notices the change of the ground but has no idea what it means until Seth explains the relevance. The warrior takes great care not to enter the area because he doesnīt want to sink like a stone in the quicksand. And of course he would sink like a stone with his heavy armor, his shield and all his weapons.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] d20+5=9 ; Wednesday April 8th, 2015 4:30:35 PM
Evaris is not exactly Wilderness Man, but he does manage to spot the quicksand before he steps in it.
"Should we post a sign, do you think?" he asks. "How many people come through here, anyway?"
Seth HP53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 d20+17=34 ; d20+11=30 ; Thursday April 9th, 2015 4:03:24 PM
Seth will continue to guide the group but slower now (survival dv 34)
Seth will also keep a watchful eye for both problems and any rare herbs and plants around (preseption DC 30)
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday April 9th, 2015 4:28:48 PM
Ariach walks a little bit slower and let the others lead the group.
Approaching Slug Central (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 9th, 2015 10:10:06 PM
You find a patch of quicksand, but it is easily seen and avoided. Now, if you were running or charging, as in combat, you could easily just stumble in and get stuck! Fortunately we are not in combat!
You consider a warning sign, but those familiar with this part of the Monster Preserve know well that from here on in, towards the central marshland, patches of quicksand like this will become more and more the rule than the exception.
But for now the best course of action is to move around and forward ...
You are coming to the area of the Preserve most frequented by Giant Slugs. You see wide sticky slime trails. You see trees half devoured by slugs, as well as the bones of deer and other prey that the omnivorous creatures have consumed.
As you approach, in the early afternoon sunlight, have you pondered your strategy for capturing one? For moving it where you want it to go? Because you have the sure intuition that you will soon stumble on one ... or more than one.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d20+10=28 ; d20+16=35 ; Thursday April 9th, 2015 11:30:26 PM
(ooc: sorry for not posting. I succumbed to sleep way too early.)
(Survival: 28, keep track of pesky quicksand traps and other hazards. Perception: 35, for everything else.)
Emrys absolutely hates what this swamp is doing to his boots and pantaloons. He will definitely need to buy new pairs of both, and much more, when he gets home. All he can do for now is to gird his loins and make the best of it. Emrys suddenly lets out a hushed gasp as he feels muddy water seeping down his ankles. This is unbearably disgusting, he thinks.
"Maybe we should follow the freshest slime trail." Yes, let's call it fresh and not ripe, always trying to stay on the positive side.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Friday April 10th, 2015 12:56:52 AM
Evaris treads carefully, and isn't any happier about mud in his boots than Emrys is.
"I believe we can just beat on the thing until it goes unconscious," he says. "Inelegant, perhaps, but I can keep it alive with healing magic. Then I believe we can drag it back using some kind of travois."
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 d20+1=9 ; d20+14=22 ; Friday April 10th, 2015 7:55:56 AM
Lanliss agrees with Emrys for looking a fresh slime trail He then proceeds to look for one and follow it
survival 9 Perception 22
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday April 10th, 2015 4:27:52 PM
Pictures of the last fight against a slug flash through Ariachīs mind and let him assume the worst, "I donīt like fighting a slug again.... but i think we have no choice."
Seth HP53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Friday April 10th, 2015 7:41:48 PM
Seth seems not too happy about this idea but as he does not have a better idea to offer up he will allow the others to plan and he will follow there lead
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23Truman AC 24/Joint hp pool 114/114 Friday April 10th, 2015 9:57:43 PM
As they near their destination, a rider approaches and gives a message to Yeshua. After reading it, he tells his friends that he and Truman must leave, as his distant relative Sir Joshua has summoned him home for a family matter. Sadly, he tells his fist mates goodbye, shakes their hands while Truman nuzzles each one. He uses a scroll provided by the rider to teleport home and the duo disappears from sight.
OOC. Friends, as you heard, I have to take my leave from the Wold. Real life family and job situations have gotten so busy that I have to start cutting back, and sadly the Wold is one of many areas I have to give up. I've enjoyed playing with you all these years and getting to know each of you. It's been a real blast and a special thanks to my friend Cayzle for the years of enjoyment and fellowship. Look me up sometime if you are in Kansas City and I'll buy you a cup of coffee, as it will be great to meet you f2f. To everyone, May God the Father bless each of you and may Jesus his son and our savior fill you with his peace and grace as you walk through the hills and valleys of life.
Approaching Slug Central (DM Cayzle) Saturday April 11th, 2015 9:45:38 AM
Emrys copes with the marsh march in his most inimitable way.
Ever attending to the business at hand, Evaris suggests beating a slug into unconsciousness and dragging it back. Brutal, and effective?
Ariach and Seth agree with that plan -- maybe not the best plan, but the only plan.
[OOC: Is Evaris using his planning ability to gain the group an edge? Any contingencies or other details to the plan?]
Lanliss does a fine job of leading the party along the driest, least-quicksandy path possible ... but there are still times when you find yourselves ankle-deep ... knee-deep ... waist-deep ... in the bog.
Before you can reach the lair of the slugs, it is time for a goodbye. Yeshua and Truman are called away, and after you say your farewells, he uses powrful magic to disappear.
[OOC: Friends, please use the weekend to (1) say farewell to Yeshau, and (2) cast your spells and make your preparations for slug-encounter. Also note that DM David will be taking over Monday to run the Slug Central scene. Farewell, Ken, and welcome, David!]
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Saturday April 11th, 2015 12:03:57 PM
[OOC: Did we get a chance to make saps? How many did we make?]
Evaris's plan is as follows:
1. Get as close to the slug as possible. 2. Everyone who can do so, choose a nonlethal form of attack. 3. Attack! 4. During the battle, Evaris will work to keep the slug alive. And his companions of course. 5. Once the slug is unconscious, they can drag it back. Evaris will use his training to ensure the slug doesn't die en route.
If the DM decrees that this is planny enough to be A Plan, then everybody gets +1 to all die rolls as long as The Plan remains in effect.
Approaching Slug Central (DM Cayzle) Saturday April 11th, 2015 1:12:43 PM [OOC: Did we get a chance to make saps? How many did we make?]
You all had time at the ranger station. In fact, you have one true sap that the rangers had. Plus you made three that have the fragile characteristic -- A fragile weapon gains the broken condition if the wielder rolls a natural 1 on an attack roll with the weapon. If a fragile weapon is already broken, the roll of a natural 1 destroys it instead.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 d20+16=26 ; Sunday April 12th, 2015 2:21:49 AM
Lanliss agrees with Evaris plan. I can try to sneak and make a surprise attack and maybe succeeding to make the slug confused or at least center all the attention on my, acting as a decoy. Ooc sent a farewell email to Ken, Yeshua and Truman will be missed.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Sunday April 12th, 2015 11:29:59 PM
Emrys is surprised by the arrival of the rider. He finds it distressing that another member must leave. However he puts on a good face and a warm smile and says, "Farewell Yeshua, my friend. Take all the time you need. Your place at our table will always be reserved for your return."
Emrys thinks that Evaris plan is a good one, but he offers up an idea that he had discussed with them earlier back at the ranger station.
"If you remember, I offered a possible plan where we simply tell the dear slug of the hedge, a slug paradise ... one could say, where his every need and desire will be taken care of. I can grant him the ability to understand our language (Share Language spell) and we simply make him the offer. We then lead him there willingly. Of course, if that doesn't work, we can easily take your more physical approach. It wouldn't hurt to try it."
(The diplomatic plan: 1. Cast Spectral Hand. 2. Cast Share Language and deliver the spell with the spectral hand. 3. Verbally make an offer a slug couldn't refuse ... with smiles and a heaping pile of diplomacy. 4. If slug fails to respond properly ... Begin Evaris' Plan.)
Slug Central
Slug Central (CoDM David) Monday April 13th, 2015 4:17:19 AM
Late morning arrives at the place known as Slug Central and so does the party. Evaris stops the group before they arrive and they all come up with a working plan. Less than 10 minutes after this the swamp lays before you. Before you lays a swamp full of lush vegetation and rotting debris. In places you see the remains of animals that clearly wandered to what they thought was water, only to find out that it was quicksand where they became mired, died and were consumed by the other main feature of this area. Slugs. At least 20 of the giant slugs mindlessly roam the area, sliding along on slime trails, eating or just sitting still. Any of these 20 slugs would make a fine guardian for the Hive. The question is, how will you manage to lure one away without alerting the others?
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Monday April 13th, 2015 4:48:36 AM
Ooc I guess magic is the key here? Can't we use Emrys idea to talk to the slugs. Ooc had another idea. Ooc can't open the file on android, any ideas? Lanliss looks at the Slugs whispering to the group, unless we have a magical way to lure one of those,I guess we can use a bait to lure all of them and then ambush the last(slowest) slug and lure him to the opposite direction.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday April 13th, 2015 10:10:16 AM
Ariach is sad about the disappearing of Yeshua and Truman. He wants both to stay with the Vanguards and smash the evil of the wold. But he says nothing because he knows no words will change Yeshuaīs decision. "Good bye my friends. Never forget that you are part of the Vanguards no matter where you are - act in a proper way."
Later Ariach agrees with the plans of Emrys and Lanliss. If not necessary a fight should be avoided.
Slug Central (CoDM David) Monday April 13th, 2015 7:30:02 PM
OOC The map Cayzle linked is essentially the same, except that Yeshua and Truman are on it. They are not there 8(. My next post will be similarly early, before I go to work on Tuesday Morning.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Monday April 13th, 2015 10:09:07 PM
Evaris looks around. "Let's try for that big fellow over there," he whispers, pointing to Slug 17. "Emrys, can your magic work from this distance, or do we need to get closer?"
Emrys ac10, hp40/42, Spectral Hand d4=2 ; Monday April 13th, 2015 10:53:59 PM
(ooc: I don't see a link to any map. The only link I see is one for the "fragile condition". I scrolled all the way back to before the fight with momma bear. No link to be seen.)
Emrys calls forth his spectral hand and it floats silently next to him. He shivers briefly and turns slightly pale. It's obvious a little of his own life-force went into its conjuring. "Evaris, how far away would you say that slug would be ... I have an excellent reach," he says with a smile. He then turns to the others and says, "from this moment on, my friends, we should mind what we speak ... that mindless slug over there will be gifted with our Common tongue and the ability to understand ... to a point, of course. The poor slug does have its limits, bless its many tubular hearts!"
When everyone is ready... and if they are within range (i don't have the benefit of a map), Emrys will cast his second spell on the slug.
(If there are any buff requests, lets have them before we start this.)
Slug Central (CoDM David) Tuesday April 14th, 2015 3:22:51 AM
OOC 170' is well within range. The links are in your email. The slug in question is a mere 60' from your current location. IC A plan is established and the Vanguard moves to complete it. Emrys creates a spectral hand from his own essence and prepares to deliver the communication spell to the nearby slug. As a group they decide that the less combat required to bring one of these slimy guardians to the Hive the better. Now all that remains to be seen is if they can convince a mindless creature of the advantages of being a kept slug.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Tuesday April 14th, 2015 7:12:19 AM
It was sent in the mail
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday April 14th, 2015 5:18:44 PM
Ariach is very sceptical about Emrysīs attention to use magic to negotiate with the slugs. But it will not hurt to try it before they club down the slug.
Emrys ac10, hp40/42, Spectral Hand, Message d20+7=18 ; d100=88 ; d20+19=39 ; Tuesday April 14th, 2015 10:06:51 PM
(I will have to take your word for it. I don't see any emails either. Last email about this game was three days ago. If I was left out, here is my email: getevenstephen@gmail.com)
Everyones silence seems to speak loud and clear. Everyone is ready. "Alright then ... here goes something!" He begins to quietly sing a deep tone. It starts out low and then begins to grow.
(Casting Share Language. With the help of Spectral Hand, the spell is now a ranged touch spell. If a ranged touch attack is required, Emrys hits Touch AC: 18. Slug needs to make a Will Save: 19. If he fails, it gains the ability to understand (and read) the Common language for 24 hours.)
Not wanting to shout out across the bog and draw the attention of the other slugs, Emrys casts a follow up spell.
(Leyline: 88. Casting Message. Directed at the same giant slug. Duration: 70 minutes)
In a soft, comforting voice, Emrys then begins to speak to the slug. "Dearest Slug, we come to you as friends, we mean you no harm. We bring great and wonderful news. You have been chosen to receive a wonderful gift. A life without want, free from other slugs who want to eat your food ... free from those who wish you harm. All you need to do is follow us and we will take you there. Do you understand? Shake your head up and down if you understand."
Emrys then casts a third spell (Silent Image). Suddenly a small, gentle, bobbing orb of light appears next to the giant slug. He then tells the slug, "Simply follow the light and it will lead you to a group of friends that will show you the way." Then the orb begins to move back in the direction of the waiting Vangardians.
(Diplomacy: 39, natural 20)
Slug Central (CoDM David) d20+4=8 ; d20=19 ; d20=13 ; d20=4 ; d20=5 ; d20=18 ; d20=10 ; d20=19 ; d20=6 ; d20=16 ; d20=8 ; d20=20 ; d20=9 ; d20=13 ; d20=19 ; d20=20 ; d20=12 ; d20=11 ; d20=10 ; d20=17 ; Wednesday April 15th, 2015 10:55:03 AM
OOC Do I have kooties or something? Where is everyone? I swear whatever it is I have is either a cold or allergies, I'm not even sure which it is. It is safe to post.
IC Ariach ponders debating using magic on the slug to get it to come along quietly, but in the end decides that no fight is far better than being maunched on again by a giant slug. Even after being healed he is still sore and can remember the strange rasping motion of it's mouth parts on his skin. Thus he remains silent.
Taking silence for affirmation Emrys plunges on. With no buff requests forthcoming, he sends the first bit of bardic magic on it's way to the slug. dumber than a bag of hammers the slug does not even flinch when contacted by the spell. Emrys smells success. pressing on and trying to remain silent, he casts another spell this time from his witch repertoire, allowing the slug, some 60 feet away to hear his whispered words. Again the slug shows no reaction, calmly maunching on some kind of food. When Emrys whispers the request to the slug, it raises it's head and starts looking around.
( I assume you continue the soft reassuring message until the slug either ignores you, nods it's assent or finds you and starts attacking you, allowing enough time to influence the slug)
Tense moments pass as the slug swivels it's eyestalks around, looking for the source of the sound. Finally a small glimmer of understanding enters it's eyes. Another moment passes and the giant head bobs up and down, accepting the offer from Emrys. Then Emrys casts the glowing ball, and the slug gravitates toward it, you assume at top slug speed. If that is the best speed they can make, this could be a long walk back to the Hive.
None of the other slug seem to even notice the glowing ball. Either they are too far away to see it or they are too interested in whatever disgusting fare they are eating to care about it.
Congratulations, you have a giant slug coming to you in the brush you are hiding in apparently willing to take the job guarding the Hive. Please keep in mind that it has no proper mouth with which to speak, and no mind, so think of it as the biggest dumb puppy you have ever had follow you home. Please plan accordingly.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 Wednesday April 15th, 2015 11:48:49 AM
Lanliss is in awe that a giant slug is following them obediently and he says,we need to keep eye on him it will be a shame if we lost this one. He thinks for a moment and then asks Can we get another slug to follow us ?
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Wednesday April 15th, 2015 12:36:08 PM
"I think one is enough to deal with," Evaris says. "Perhaps somebody could scout ahead? Look for trouble? And maybe somebody could bring up the rear, and make sure nothing is following us? I don't think we're going to be moving any too fast, so we need to be aware of anything showing an interest in us."
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 temp AC 29 Touch 22 cmd 28 d20+14=18 ; d20+16=22 ; Wednesday April 15th, 2015 2:49:40 PM
Lanliss volunteer himself to the front to scout ahead trying to be quite and nimble while paying attention to any unwelcome surprises Rolled perception 18 Stealth 22
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday April 15th, 2015 6:29:00 PM
Ariach brings up the rear where no stealth is needed. Surprised that everything of Emrysīs plan has worked out, he follows the group very satisfied.
Emrys ac10, hp40/42, Spectral Hand, Message, silent image Wednesday April 15th, 2015 11:26:37 PM
Very pleased with himself, Emrys walks alongside the giant slug offering up very, very simple, yet encouraging words. He hopes the trip back goes smoothly ... as smooth and slippery as the slug's own slime trail. He wishes that he could remember that spell, the one that concealed their tracks. A spell he hasn't used since the most recent shift in the Woldian paradigm. 'Wait a second,' he thinks, 'i should have no memory of that ... oh well!'
As they make their way, he considers other ways to help protect their most highly esteemed travel companion.
Slug Central (CoDM David) Thursday April 16th, 2015 11:49:12 AM
The trip proceeds, slowly. The tree cover is thick and many of the other monsters in the preserve give the huge slug a wide berth since it is bigger and more resilient than they are. The slug does not rush, pulling up vegetation and maunching on it as it slides toward it's new home.
You trek all day and it is about one hour before dusk when you realize you will not reach the Hive by nightfall. Do you choose to continue on into the night, for maybe another 6 hours to reach the hive tonight or will you make camp and risk the wrath of some of the other denizens of the preserve?
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday April 16th, 2015 6:39:28 PM
"I donīt like the imagine to be at night in the preserve" says Ariach. "Letīs continue our march until we are out of this wilderness."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, Silent image d20+16=20 ; Thursday April 16th, 2015 11:21:39 PM
"Agreed Ariach. We should continue on our way and get our dear friend, the slug here, to his new home. There will be plenty of time for rest afterwards and it will be much deserved, gentlemen."
(Perception: 20)
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Thursday April 16th, 2015 11:29:21 PM
"I do not want to try to explain to this creature what 'making camp' is," Evaris agrees. "Although if it tires, we should allow it to rest."
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+14=32 ; d20+16=27 ; Friday April 17th, 2015 4:06:38 AM
Lanliss scouts ahead trying to find any surprises while trying not being discovered. Wanting the party to succeed delivering the slug without a fight as they already fought too much.
Rolled once again, hope it's ok to roll again Rolled perception 32 Stealth 27
Slug Central (CoDM David) d20+4=6 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+4=8 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; Friday April 17th, 2015 1:06:45 PM
Having marched well beyond the normal 8 hours of the day, even at sch a slow pace, the Vanguard starts to feel the effects of fatigue. The slug feels it as well. It does not slow down when the Vanguard decides to continue through the night, but it stops eating and seems like it may be in pain.
Continuing on means a forced march. You walked all day, well beyond the normal 8 hours but it was slow so I extended the time limit. If you continue through the night you will each need to make Constitution check for each hour. The first check is at DC 12, next is DC 14, the next is at DC 16, Then DC 18, then DC 20. Each missed check causes 1d6 nonlethal damage and any nonlethal damage received causes you to become fatigued. Healing the damage removes the fatigue.
Six hours of travel through the night brings you to the Hive.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+2=8 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+2=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; Friday April 17th, 2015 6:42:36 PM
If we don't allow a forced march in the woods, then Lanliss asks if it is okay to rest there without worrying about the slug sleep snailing (sleep walking)
If we allow a forced march in the woods: Lanliss walks feeling fatigue creeping to him and feeling his legs getting pumped by blood following a feeling of needles in his legs,the long march does take a toll on Lanliss
Damage 2+2+3=10 rolls first fail dc 12 roll 8 second success dc 14 roll 16 third fail dc 16 roll 10 fourth fail dc 19 roll 5 fifth success dc 20 roll 20
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, Silent image Friday April 17th, 2015 11:35:27 PM
Emrys notices that the trip is beginning to its toll on the slug and everyone else. He encourages moments of rest. He asks the slug if he is thirsty. If that is the case, he will sacrifice 10 pieces of gold and summon a medium-sized cauldron. He thens asks Evaris for help to fill it with clean water (via his Create Water spell). He will also use this water to moisten its skin if the slug is becoming too dry.
(leyline: 80, free cast. Casting Witches Tool, summons medium cauldron.)
He will also help out, if needed, and cast cure spells to rejuvenate his friends and slug. He wants to ensure the slug is healthy and happy when they arrive.
(ooc: I had made all my rolls before I started typing my post. At some point during my post, all my rolls disappeared from the Die Rolls line. I don't remember what they were exactly. I know Emrys succeeded at the first three Fort Saves. He failed saves 4 and 5. I don't remember the outcome for Fort Save #6. If the DMs have the ability to check my rolls, please let me know.)
Slug Central (CoDM David) Saturday April 18th, 2015 12:16:14 AM
OOC I don't have the ability to do that, that I know of, but I believe you. These are con checks not fort saves though. Big difference at your guys level. 8)
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP (nonlethal 74)89/89 d20+3=22 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+3=9 ; 4d6=15 ; Saturday April 18th, 2015 4:58:13 AM
Although Ariach is a well trained warrior he begins to feel tired. The longer the march lasts, the more he feels fatigued. After a couple hours marching he drags his shield behind himself huffing and puffing. His boots nearly bogs down completely. It is obviously for everyone that the warrior has a hard time even if he says nothing.
(made just the first save, altogether 15 points nonlethal damage)
(Con checks: 7, 6, 5, 5, 16, 1. Failed them all. Nonlethal damage: 22.)
Emrys is leaning heavily upon his walking stick. He makes sure everyone stays well hydrated, including the slug. Along the way, if he is able to spot berries or plums, Emrys will gather a handful and bewitch them into what he calls goodberries.
(Leyline: 43 and 94, 2nd one is a free cast. Casting Goodberry x2. Created 10 Goodberries. Each transmuted berry provides nourishment as if it were a normal meal for a Medium creature. The berry also cures 1 point of damage when eaten.)
Emrys will give two or three berries to the slug and offers the rest to his friends. "This should take care of any hunger pangs. I guarantee the feast upon arriving home will be vastly more abundant."
Evaris[AC 20; HP 65/74] d20+2=20 ; d20+2=17 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+2=15 ; 4d6=15 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; Saturday April 18th, 2015 4:04:47 PM
"I truly think that a forced march will do us less harm than creatures who may attack us if we stop," Evaris says. He is in favor of pressing on.
[Made the first two checks, failed the next 4. 15 nonlethal damage.]
After Hour 4, Evaris uses a Channel Energy to restore the group, including the slug. Everyone heals 10 damage after their 4th Con check. Depending on how the group looks, he may do that again.
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Monday April 20th, 2015 7:01:28 AM
The Vanguard slogs on through te Monster Preserve for most of the night. Evaris and Emrys see to the well being of their companions with some good berries and some channeled healing. Everyone is still tired but not fatigued when they reach the gate to the Hive, where they fought the original Giant Slug. Standing vigil in the opening is the orc you spoke to earlier and two more orcs. All wear the odd buglike headgear and robes. At the very edge of your vision the orc you spoke with earlier raises a hand in greeting, and beckons you forward to the hive.
Once you reach the opening, he runs his hands over the new slug, admiring it's condition and size. He waves at the other two orcs and they retire back into the hive. For a few moments he leans his head in near the slug's head and apparently SPEAKS to it in a series of burbling clicks and buzzes. He then looks back at the Vanguard.
" Amazing. He zayz you walked into zee heart of zeee swamp, hiz home, and zpoke to him. We are aztounded by ziz. He zayz zat he waz promized food and a zafe place to live all for following you here. Zis iz of courze what we dizcuzzed and you are to be commended for zuch a fine zpecimin in zuch good condition. It iz late and you muzt all be tired. We invite you to come back into zee hive where we can thank you and where you can rest zee remainder of zee night in comfort and zafety. Pleeze follow uz."
He turns away and leads you back into the hive, where you spoke before
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP (nonlethal 74)89/89 Monday April 20th, 2015 9:10:09 AM
Unsure what to do Ariach finally follows the orc. He doesnīt want to offend common decency again when dealing with an agent of the hive.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+14=21 ; Monday April 20th, 2015 12:40:07 PM
Lanliss follows the orc too, thanking him for his hospitality. Lanliss however tired is still alert when he return into the HIve, Trying to find something a miss in the Hive thinking for himself and murmuring in halfling: not good,not good. He then immediately makes a fast gesture at the group (Ariach,Emrys and Evaris) pointing at his eyes and then the surroundings, trying to convey the group to not let guard just yet. rolled perception 21
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Monday April 20th, 2015 12:43:28 PM
OOC: We are 4 now ? how come ? What happened to Seth (Jon) ? Did he leave too ?
Evaris[AC 20; HP 65/74] Monday April 20th, 2015 5:25:35 PM
"We accept your kind offer," Evaris says, "and thank you for it. It has been a long and trying day."
He goes inside with his companions and tries to rest.
Seth HP53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Monday April 20th, 2015 9:17:46 PM
Occ Sorry all about non posting I was unable to as our internet was offline and at this time I am jobless so I did not have any way to post
Seth HP53 AC 18(23) /10 CMD 6 Raksha HP 50 AC 22 CMD 15 Monday April 20th, 2015 9:26:25 PM
Seth wonders out of the preserve in a daze seemingly lost in through with Raksha in tow happily.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Monday April 20th, 2015 10:47:56 PM
Although being very tired and travel weary, Emrys greets the orcs with his trademark smile. "Thank you, thank you, we do our best. Our slug friend here was an excellent travel companion. Truly, the finest slug for sure."
Emrys hears a rustling back in the brush and bramble and he turns to see Seth and his tiger friend emerge from the darkness. "Ahh, just in time! We were wondering when you'd turn up.
Turning back to the orc, he replies, "We are most grateful for your hospitality, thank you." He too will follow the orc back into the hedge.
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Tuesday April 21st, 2015 8:01:03 AM
Seth emerges from the trees and the Vanguard are reunited. Ariach is wary of the orc, but follows along out of common decency, still keeping aware. Lanliss is also respectful, but having been a prisoner before he keeps his eyes peeled and silently urges the others to do so as well. Evaris follows along, comfortable in the fact that they have fulfilled their word and are guests. Emrys thanks the orc for it's hospitality and makes the most of their snail companion. For it's part, the snail is now home. There is a pile of lovely rotting vegetation next to the opening in the hedge and the snail slides on over to it and begins enjoying the food at it's new digs.
Down you go, into the Hive once again. The room you negotiated in before is changed from how it was just a few short days ago. A rough wooden table has been set up in the room and a large pile of freshly cut leaves sits to one side, clearly meant as a bed for you to take advantage of as you rest the night. On the table are a few decanters, filled with water, fruit juice and a weak, but flavorful wine. There are wooden cups for you all to use to drink whatever you desire. There are also platters of some kind of roasted meat, from the look and smell it is a roasted pig. A whole chicken dominates another platter as well as some cooked root vegetables and some stewed greens. There are bowls of fruit as well. Berries, apples and a few pears fill these. There is a basket of bread and a rather curious bowl. At first glance it is empty, but then you notice a tool commonly used to spread honey standing straight up in the bowl. The orc sees your curious looks and explains.
" Zee beez. Zee honey zey make , it too iz invizible. It iz quite tazty though, you should definitely have zome. All zis we have prepared for your return. Wee knew from zpeaking to you we were dealing with honorable peoplez. We offer zis room to you until you wake. Pleeze have zome food and take your rezt. You have remedied the hurt you cauzed when you did not have to. We conzider you friendz. If you need anyzing pleeze just call uz. Zee bell on the table will zummon uz when you ring it. Eat, rezt and enjoy zee bountiez of zee Hive."
The orc lingers a moment to see if you have any questions. If there are none he backs out of the room and moves deeper into the Hive, leaving you to eat, drink and sleep. Or not. This all seems so strange when just a few days ago, you negotiated as enemies in this very room.
Any magical or mundane examination of the foods shows they are all fresh and in no way poisoned. The honey is, as claimed sweet and luxurious. The bed of leaves seems to be the most comfortable bed you have ever slept in, especially after the grueling walk of the past night. If you choose to eat, drink and sleep you feel certain that any ill effects of the forced march will be removed.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+22=31 ; Tuesday April 21st, 2015 4:09:24 PM
Lanliss sits on the bed of leaves eating a little bit of everything (some fruit with berries,cooked vegetables with meat dipped with nvisible honey . He then procceds to drink some wine before laying on the bed. Lanliss looks at himself,thinking when he will have a decent shower. He begin to drift away feeling a strong need to sleep. I think I am going to sleep, he says, and suddenly rises from the bed knowing that he lost his chance to follow the orc. If anyone has an idea how to make an alarming trap, this is the time. He then goes to make what is in the parentheses (if possible ) and then goes to sleep. Rolled 31 (If there is a door then I try to use disable device to make sure that the door will cause a sound upon opening , and make it a little bit jammed so it will take a few moments to open the door)
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP (nonlethal 74)89/89 Tuesday April 21st, 2015 5:35:06 PM
"I propose to keep watch. I donīt think they will betray us but just in case we should be prepared." Ariach tries to suppress a yawn but it doesnīt succeed. "I keep the first watch." After the warrior has eaten from the outstanding food he feels even more tired. Again and again yawning, he stands up and starts to walk around to prevent falling asleep. But every time he passes one of the comfortable beds he wishes nothing more than to get between the blankets.
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Tuesday April 21st, 2015 6:06:18 PM
Supplemental post There is no door to try to make an alarm, just a tunnel leading out of the chamber and deeper into the hive. The tunnel turns several times, within a few feet to make the exit a natural choke point.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 65/74] Tuesday April 21st, 2015 9:37:45 PM
Bone-tired, Evaris manages only to drink a little water before crawling onto the leaves and falling asleep.
In the morning, he can heal his companions of any lingering hurts.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Tuesday April 21st, 2015 11:41:29 PM
Emrys again gives thanks to their host for the accommodations. He partakes of the food, wine and honey. He thoroughly enjoys the sweet and savory flavors. Succumbing to the warm, soothing affects of the wine, Emrys reclines on one of the beds of leaves. He takes his lute and plucks out a beautifully gentle and relaxing melody. Between the cords, he casts an illusion of a tiny, translucent ballerina dancing on the table, no more than twelve inches tall. The miniature dancer looks appears to be formed of a faint, blue light. She silently dances in step with Emrys' music. She fades as soon as the music dies, for Emrys has fallen asleep.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Wednesday April 22nd, 2015 1:48:05 AM
Ooc it looks like Lanliss won't sleep fully
Lanliss looks at Ariach, trying to guard the party. You can go to sleep, I will guard second watch he says
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Wednesday April 22nd, 2015 12:34:12 PM
The Night passes into morning, then mid morning. The Vanguard partakes of some of the food and then sleeps, in shifts, so that they can keep watch.
At mid morning the Orcs return. The speaker clears a space on the table and the other two place a large tray, almost a stretcher. in the cleared space. The speaker urges you to wake up and prepare for the day. Basins of water and towels are provided so that you may wash away the road dirt. Not top star hotel service, but a welcome change to being dirty and tired from the road. The good night's sleep has worked out the fatigue from last night. Your muscles are still a bit sore, but all of the temporary damage has been healed.
Once you have had a chance to refresh yourselves, and perhaps eat something the orc speaker returns.He gestures for all of you to make yourselves comfortable and then he moves to the table, and the covered tray. Once you have all settled down and relaxed he will proceed.
Any other actions for the morning preparations? Do you all go along with the orc?
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Wednesday April 22nd, 2015 3:35:23 PM
OOC Taking a step back here to the night before. Things have developed and Jon Eber has decided that he will go walkabout. He cited an inability to both look for a jb and post regularly here as reasons he was leaving and wished you all the best. You are now at 4 players. It would be a good idea for you all to shake the bushes and begin recruiting friends, neighbors and random geeks like us, to try and raise the number of players in the game. IC Seth emerges from the woods with the Vanguard and stands to as they deliver the slug to it's new home. When the orc mentions that they are welcome to stay the night in safety and comfort the druid shudders and steps back. " I have experienced your hospitality already thank you and I think I will decline." " Friends, you got me out of a terrible spot in there and accepted me as a new member to your team. I regret that I can not continue with that path at this time. Mine and my companion's path lies elsewhere in the Wold. Maybe someday I will be able to return, but not now." "Good bye" With that Seth and Rakshasa turn and melt into the night.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP (nonlethal 74)89/89 Wednesday April 22nd, 2015 5:10:32 PM
Ariach feels a deep sadness when he sees Seth and Rakshasa leaving. Once again the Vanguards lose a just won member. "Good bye" he says in a low voice and waves them goodbye.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Wednesday April 22nd, 2015 11:16:08 PM
"Good morning, everyone," he says to everyone as soon as he wakes. He greets the orc with a smile and a thank you for the water. He cleans up a little more than he did the night before. His normal morning regiment of grooming rituals will have to wait, they don't have the time for that.
Emrys is very curious as to what the orc is about to reveal to them on the covered tray. He moves to the table and makes himself comfortable.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Wednesday April 22nd, 2015 11:21:56 PM
The first thing Evaris does on awakening is heal his companions.
Then he eats a nice big breakfast, to make up for the supper he skipped the night before.
He then moves to the table and sits down, looking curiously at the covered tray.
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Thursday April 23rd, 2015 9:30:35 AM
OOC Sorry guys, the DM post will be delayed until I get home from work tonight.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday April 23rd, 2015 9:31:22 AM
Lanliss is curious too. Ooc Good bye Jon/Seth. Good luck at finding a job hope you will find one pretty soon
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday April 23rd, 2015 6:41:31 PM
Ariach thanks Evaris for his healing
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Thursday April 23rd, 2015 8:00:59 PM
The Orc favors you each with a smile. " You came in force yet were willing to hear our zide before deztroying the hive we call home. You went at peril to yourzelvez and not only got uz a new guardian for our gate, but got uz a willing guardian for our gate, without bloodshed. You have taken uz at our word that we will zeal off the hive from the outzide world and not allow other monzterz to ezcape the prezerve and threaten the zity. All zeese thingz you hav done for uz, now we reward you with zeese things for your truzt."
He removes the covering from the tray and you see on it a staff made of twisted darkwood covered with knots and nodules resembling crawling insects, which occasionally seem to move. A wand made from what looks to be locust wood with a large bud at the end of it. It appears that the bud pulses and grows, before shrinking back to it's original size. there are also two helmets that are identical to the one that the Orc wears. Finally there is a pile of gems in the middle of the platter.
" The wand, it makez verminz grow in size and iz fully charged. The staff can summon forth either a zimple zwarm of inzectz or an entire plague of inzectz. The gems are sufficient to be uzed az currency in the zity. the lazt two itemz, they are a mazterpize for the Lady Bug. Zey are a living helmet of our own dezign. The eyez of the helmet rezt over zee eyez of the wearer. Zis means the weaer cannot zee. But Zee helmet grantz the wearer blindzenze and Tremorzenze to compenzate. It iz a ztreange feeling, but onze you become attuned to it, the zenzation is marveouz. The helmz eat good berriez. You know how to make good berriez, correct?" "Pleeze take theze rewardz with our blezzing and thankz."
OOC Translation, the helms deprive the wearer of normal sight but grant tremor sense and blind sight ( it is not clear how far, I will need to beat the author mercilessly for his lacking description of the helms) They eat only goodberries ( again no mention is made of how many or how often, so I will double the beating and get these facts for you). The staff is a staff of swarming insects and the wand is a wand of giant vermin, both fully charged. The gems total 10000 gp. For the plucking of the slug from the swamp without bloodshed I think you deserve more than the module lists since it automatically assumes you will fight, so I will get back to you with that xp as well.
OOC: The beatings continued until morale improved! Then the author declared: 60 ft range on blindsight and tremorsense. One goodberry per day keeps a helm happy.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Thursday April 23rd, 2015 11:34:30 PM
It is difficult to bow while seated, but Evaris makes a valliant effort. "Thank you, good sir, and thank Lady Bug as well. With luck, the gems should be sufficient to pay any outstanding fines owed to Plateau City for Lady Bug's earlier actions."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Thursday April 23rd, 2015 11:39:00 PM
Emrys' eyes go wide with what they are presented. An expression of shock upon his face. After a moment of bewilderment, all he could say, "Oh my ... Lady Bug ... you are most gracious!" After another brief pause, he continues, "you have done what most others could not ... you've rendered me speechless! There are not enough words to express our gratitude." He looks over each of these incredibly unusual items. Emrys then adds, "Yes, I can make goodberries and well fed they shall be."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image d20+19=21 ; Thursday April 23rd, 2015 11:42:51 PM
(ooc: I forgot to roll a Diplomacy check: 21)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+11=25 ; Friday April 24th, 2015 10:51:21 AM
Well that is a nice set of gifts to give us, thank you dear friend. I am sorry for not trusting the hive.
Lanliss then bows a royal bow to the orc and continues. Please do tell Lady Bug that we appreciate the gifts and that all will come to peace now that the hive have a new guardian. Lanliss then thinks about what he did to the bear and begins to appreciate the power of diplomacy.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday April 24th, 2015 6:37:53 PM
Ariach acknowlegdes to himself that Lady Bug and her minions maybe arenīt that bad. He also honors Lady Bugīs generostiy although he has no need of any of these strange magical items. He wonders who wants to wear voluntary a helmet you have to feed?
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Saturday April 25th, 2015 7:32:10 AM
The orc smiles and spreads his hands. " Pleeze let the mayor and any otherz know that we wish only to live in harmony with zee prezerve and will let no more monzterz out through zee hive. Zis waz all a mizunderztanding." If there is nothing else, the Orc will lead the Vanguard to the surface and wish them a safe trip out of the preserve.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Saturday April 25th, 2015 7:56:53 AM
Lanliss says, so we can go to the mayor and tell him everything is all right now as there will be no troubles from now on. Lanliss thinks for himself, I can finally rest now.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Sunday April 26th, 2015 9:13:35 PM
"Thank you again for your hospitality," Evaris says. He helps his companions gather their loot, and departs the hive with them.
"We need to let the rangers know what happened," he says, "and then we can return to Platueau City and speak with the Lord Mayor. I hope everyone will continue to be reasonable."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Sunday April 26th, 2015 11:51:11 PM
Emrys thanks the orc (Lady Bug) one last time and they gather their things and leave.
"Yes, I agree, Evaris. However, I sensed something as we were leaving ... a vision or sorts. We've veered off the normal course. Our actions here changed our path away from the most probable future. Oh, if only we shared the same sight our Fates enjoy. We've changed the Wold and change will soon happen to us as well!"
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Monday April 27th, 2015 5:18:04 AM
The Vanguard departs the Hive and travels to the Ranger station in the Preserve. The Rangers receive them warmly and offer them a meal and a cot so that they may journey to the city in the morning. (remember, it was noon when you left the Hive). They listen to the report of how the slug was gained for the Hive and are willing to stay out of the Hive's territory so long as no more monsters are allowed to leave the preserve.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Monday April 27th, 2015 4:33:54 PM
Lanliss thanks them for their hospitality and adds Please do send my regards to miss Drakeguard from the Yoke of Cluver if you ever send someone or a message there, she is a ranger, tell her that Lanliss is all right. Lanliss goes to sleepi, finally being able to completely relax. He shuts his and after some moment sleeps.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday April 27th, 2015 6:30:32 PM
Ariach takes the meal from the rangers and feels a lot more comfortable now when he finally has left the preserve. He agrees with the rangers when they tell the Vanguards that they stay out of the Hiveīs territory so long as no monster leaves the preserve. "I donīt know if we can trust them. But at least we should give them a chance to proof it."
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Monday April 27th, 2015 9:47:03 PM
Evaris is happy to accept the rangers' hospitality for the night, and relieved that everyone is being so reasonable. So far.
"One more hurdle," he murmurs, "and then we are finished with this. I hope the Lord Mayor will be as reasonable as everyone else."
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday April 28th, 2015 3:49:52 PM
check
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Tuesday April 28th, 2015 7:00:57 PM
OOC Whoops, sorry guys. I didn't get a chance to post before work and then forgot all about it. DM Cayzle will be taking over tomorrow to handle meeting the mayor and reporting.
IC The Vanguard settles in and gets a good night's sleep at the ranger station. Lanliss finally feels safe and is able to fall asleep, which he does directly. The others talk over what they will tell th mayor and his staff and whether or not they expect a response that is as 'live and let live' as the Rangers.
Dawn breaks and the Vanguard awakens and and prepares to go meet the mayor. They are faced with their final preparations about what to say and how to present their findings to the mayor.
Please make any last minute preparations you need to to present your findings to the mayor. DM Cayzle will take over tomorrow for the mayoral meeting.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Tuesday April 28th, 2015 10:06:42 PM
"We should clean up before we meet with the Lord Mayor," Evaris says. "And, should we try to arrange an appointment? Or just show up over there?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Tuesday April 28th, 2015 11:53:24 PM
Emrys most certainly cleans up and goes through his full regiment of grooming rituals involving lotions, creams, moisturizers, powders and perfumes, not to mention a careful hair brushing and styling (using his #10, #7 and #4 brushes ... maybe the #2 comb in certain places).
Before they leave the forest, he will look for wild berries along their path. Enough for a good batch of tasty goodberries.
Home Sweet Home (DM Cayzle) Wednesday April 29th, 2015 6:55:08 AM
OOC: Friends, with my new job, I anticipate only posting once per day, likely in the morning. This is my Wed DM post.]
As the party returns to Plateau City, it may occur to you that it has been an odd adventure. You met new people, one of whom joined the group. Others have left, as adventurers tend to do. And you gained some odd rewards, that's for sure ... two of these ...
Bramble Jump Amulet: Activated as part of a move action, you can travel short distances between brambles, shrubs, or thickets as if via dimension door. You must begin and end this movement while in an area of at least light undergrowth. You can travel in this manner up to 60 feet per day. This movement must be used in 10-foot increments and does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The amulet works only on yourself. This is a fate item that cannot be sold in the Catacombs.
two of these ...
Helm of Bugsense: This helm covers the wearer's eyes, so that normal vision is not possible. However, the helmet grants tremorsense 60 ft and blindsight 60 ft. (click on those links for more info). The helmets are living things that require one goodberry per day to remain alive. Without goodberries, they cease to function for one week, after which they die. This is a fate item that cannot be sold in the Catacombs.
The party has also gained a staff of swarming insects and a wand is a wand of giant vermin, both fully charged. And gems worth 10000 gp.
Passing through Clangden's Gate, the Memorial Quarter, and then through the Water Gate, you arrive home in Plateau City. The gate guards are very polite and greet you my name. Likely they will alert the authorities that you have returned.
Where to first? Home to relax? The Catacombs or magical markets to sell loot? Straight to the Mayor's office?
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday April 29th, 2015 1:55:35 PM
"Let us report to the Mayorīs office first. Afterwards we go home where we discuss our next moves" proposes Ariach.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Wednesday April 29th, 2015 2:24:39 PM
Lanliss looks at the familiar place, finally he says. He looks at the gates feeling home. Yes I agree Ariach, Lanliss responds, we better report to the mayor. Actually I never met him he says to himself as he follows Ariach.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Wednesday April 29th, 2015 10:17:19 PM
"Home to clean up first," Evaris reminds them with a smile, "and then to the mayor. Our errand is not so urgent that we have to arrive fresh from the field."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Wednesday April 29th, 2015 10:40:51 PM
(ooc: I thought we had already made it home to clean up. Emrys doesn't carry all his vast amount of grooming supplies everywhere he goes. His brush and comb collection alone would fill a handy haversack.)
"Oh yes, lets look our best before seeing the High Lord Mayor. I didn't want to say it out loud in front of the others, but you all are quite, how do you say ... odoriferous! Ariach, I do have a fine polish that will clean that grime off your armor. We don't want it to rust, do we?"
Home Sweet Home (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 30th, 2015 7:05:16 AM
Captain Meline is pleased to receive the returning party, now shiny and nice-smelling. The Plateau City bureaucrat ushers them into a meeting room, makes a polite excuse, leaves, and returns shortly with a thick parchments-box of documents.
Meline joins you at the meeting table and motions to the tea, wine, and other refreshments to one side.
"Please have something to drink. We are proud of our adventurers here in Plateau City, and we want you to feel comfy."
The captain takes a sip of tea. "Ah, well, good to see you all again. I'm sure that means you have met with success. Please, tell me all about it."
Meline continues. "Yes, of course, the insect and vermin wizard. Your mission was to ... " there is some shuffling of papers ... reading from notes ... "Your mission's primary task was to destroy the gateway tree on the border. Yes. Your secondary task was to capture or kill the verminologer."
"No reports of a prisoner, so the enemy of Plateau City is dead, then?"
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday April 30th, 2015 2:06:24 PM
Lanliss looks down at the floor letting the group speak as he does not know what was the agreement between the group and the mayor, and he doesn't wish to make things worse. Ooc: I don't what was before I joined so I am letting the rest speak.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] d20+20=33 ; Thursday April 30th, 2015 6:36:40 PM
Evaris smiles. "The enemy of Plateau City turns out not to be an enemy after all," he explains. "We were able to resolve the situation peacefully, without bloodshed."
And, skilled speaker though he is, he knows that Emrys is better still. So he contents himself with that introduction and allows Emrys to pick up the tale from there.
"Yes, good sir. The primary objective to the mission was successful. The gateway is sealed. The information you gave us was invaluable. However, not all the details turned out to be accurate ... I'm certain it was to no fault of your own. After we made a rather bold entrance of the hedge, we entered the underground tunnels that led to the verminologist named Lady Bug. There we met Lady Bug's emissary, with whom she spoke through. We chose a diplomatic approach, instead of bloodshed, and entered into a parley. We questioned her about her relationship with Draco and the attacks on Plateau City. She explained how she had no part in the attacks, that she was merely merchant and Draco her customer. She claimed that she was completely ignorant to Draco's motives and plans with her creations. I believe her."
He then clears his throat and a sly but warm and reassuring smile forms across his face. "I employed a very special divination (like calls to like) before entering parley. Knowing her to be a recluse, this divination allowed me greater understanding of her mind and motives. I knew that very instant that she had an irrational fear of the 'contamination' from the outside world. She would've fought to the death before leaving her hedge. I was so mindful of her thoughts and motives that there was no possibility of her passing a lie to me . And she was forthright and honest ... that I am most certain of. By the end of the parley, she agreed to never have dealings with Draco again. The gateway was permanently sealed. The hostages were set free and placed into our care. After we returned them to the ranger's station, we set off and replaced her pet giant slug that we had killed upon first entering her hedge and we parted as friends."
Emrys then presents the gems that Lady Bug had given. He looks to Evaris and gives a slight nod. "Even though she didn't set her creatures upon Plateau City, she admits to having poor judgement doing business with Draco. If there are any damages that need to be paid, I'm sure these fine gems can make things right."
Emrys pauses to let Meline look over the gems. He then continues, "Another thing that we learned is that she is capable of creating strange and wondrous items. Things so extraordinary that there's nothing else like them, even in the Catacombs. She would make an excellent ally of Plateau City." Emrys removes one of the helmets from a bag and sets it on the table. "Have you ever seen anything like it before. It's a living helmet." He takes a goodberry (that he made before leaving the Preserve) and feeds it to the helmet. Emrys then explains what it does and how it works. "Who knows what else she can make ... for fair and reasonable price, of course."
Home Sweet Home (DM Cayzle) Friday May 1st, 2015 7:34:05 AM
Captain Meline starts scribbling furiously with what turns out to be a magical quill that does not need an inkpot. There are a lot of notes to take as the party explains things.
"Well, sometimes our initial intelligence does prove faulty," the captain says. "So you reached an acceptible resolution? And this Lady Bug would be willing to receive visitors, and perhaps trade? Excellent."
"There will be no need of these gems. The City paws its adventurers, not the other way around. In fact, based on what you have said, I expect a courier will be paying you a visit tomorrow as well."
"In the meantime, congratulations on a job quite well done."
The Plateau City adventurer liaison looks over the helm and tries it on. "Wow!"
"Are you offering one of these to the City? How much would you want for it? Or do you intend to keep them for yourselves?"
[OOC: Friends, please add 21,000 xp to your character sheets. Also, please respond to Jerry's email about whether you prefer to continue this game or move on to other games with your characters. I wish I had more time to recruit for more players, but I'm starting a new job, so I am very *very* short of time. If you want to continue, we'll need to do some major recruiting.]
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Friday May 1st, 2015 1:52:52 PM
Lanliss yet again looks at the group as he was rescued by the group, so they have the final word.
ooc: will add xp later on.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Sunday May 3rd, 2015 9:27:58 PM
"For myself," Evaris says, "I do not want one of the helmets. I'm afraid that the....disconcerting appearance will do me more harm than the extra senses will do me good. Although my companions may want to keep them."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Sunday May 3rd, 2015 11:09:38 PM
"That is fine if you wish not to wear them in public, but in a dungeon setting, I doubt the creatures lurking about would mind. We still need to feed them everyday, which I'm willing to do. I couldn't just let them starve in good conscious."
Home Sweet Home (DM Cayzle) Monday May 4th, 2015 1:19:22 PM
Captain Meline looks from Evaris to Emrys. The two seem to be deciding whether to keep the two helms or not. She steps out and returns with a wizard, who looks the helms over, then consults quietly.
Meline says, "If it will help you decide, the City will give you 30,000 gold for a single helm."
The wizard's eyes widen, and his fingers twitch.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Monday May 4th, 2015 9:29:27 PM
"Well," Evaris says, "Ariach or Lanliss may want one. If they don't, then we would be happy to sell you one."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Monday May 4th, 2015 10:54:07 PM
"Yes, that price does seem fair. I believe Ariach has already expressed a dislike for the helmet, due to its 'verminous peculiarity'. However, I think it's quite beautiful .... umm, in its own way."
Home Sweet Home (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 5th, 2015 8:21:22 AM
Meline looks at Lanliss and Ariach.
"Do either of you want a helm? Or would you rather sell one to the city?"
"Emrys, do you seek to place a claim on one?"
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday May 5th, 2015 4:41:22 PM
"I decline with thanks but i donīt want a living thing on my head. Either you sell it or one of you guys take it."
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Tuesday May 5th, 2015 5:59:57 PM
Lanliss looks at Emrys, waiting for an answer to be given to Meline.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Tuesday May 5th, 2015 10:04:45 PM
"I would like one of the amulets," Evaris says. "If that's all right. Anything that will help me get to a wounded comrade would be most welcome."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Tuesday May 5th, 2015 11:40:44 PM
"Cover up my glorious locks ... hide my stunning eyes ... I think not! They're my bread and butter. I would only use the helmet when I needed it ... whenever my eyes fail me or I require its special brand of sight, whatever the situation would be. I'm more than willing to feed it each day. It's a marvel to behold. (could we get a visual description of this unique piece of headwear?)
He then smiles at Evaris for his comment. "I just knew it." He reaches into his haversack and gives the cleric the second wooden medallion.
Home Sweet Home (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 6th, 2015 5:16:37 AM
Captain Meline nods to the wizard assistant, who grins and leaves the chamber.
Evaris, Ariach, and Emrys decline to use a Bug Helm Of Tremorsense and Blindsight. Though chitinous and shiny, looking for all the world like a greathelm with a visor that looks just like the two compound eyes of an insect, none of the three party vets seem eager to wear one.
Maybe Lanliss would like a Bug Helm? But he seems to feel a bit shy, not having been present when the party last met Captain Meline.
The Plateau City bureaucrat is perceptive enough to recognize Lanliss's hesitancy. "Let me explain to you, good Lanliss, the relationship between the government of New Elenna and Plateau City, its capitol, and the adventuring groups on which it relies."
"You see, some nations have small, professional standing armies for defense. Others depend on levies of citizens who form large amateur armies in times of war. But New Elenna uses neither of these. instead, we support our adventuring groups, and we call on them to defend the nation from threats both large and small. Your group --" Meline shuffles some papers, looks at them, and then smiles -- "-- The Vanguard, yes, of course ... is one such registered adventurer group. The Mayor of Plateau City, who is also the chief executive of New Elenna, calls on groups such as yours in times of need."
"Most recently, a monstrologer known as Draco has threatened the city. He caused a plague of monsters to be released from the Monster Preserve and then to threaten the citizenry. Your new group helped capture the monsters and return them to the Preserve. Then Draco threatened New Elenna with a dragon-like monster, and again your group helped to turn this threat away. Most recently, your group was sent to fix the hole in the Preserve, opened by this "Lady Bug" person, and you have just returned with the good news that the problem is solved."
"So you see, my noble Lanliss, you have joined a respected group that the Mayor depends on to protect the nation."
At this point, the wizard assistant returns with a small box and hands it to Meline.
"And so, in addition to buying from you one or both of these lovely Bug Helms, we also enjoy the privilege of rewarding our heroes when they succeed at great tasks, and in supporting them in times of need. With that in mind, I'd like to give each of you this medal."
The Plateau City official stands and opens the box. With a bow, Captain Meline puts around each of your necks an electrum medallion on a silk ribbon. One side of the medallion is embossed with the Seal of Plateau City, which is a representation of the three plateaus of New Elenna (looking a little bit like an off-center wedding cake with three tiers). On the other side it is engraved: "To Name Here of The Vanguard, in recognition and thanks for brave service defending Plateau City from monsters and their masters."
Of course, each medal is personalized -- the "Name Here" part is engraved with your names.
[OOC: So, sell both helms to Plateau City for 30,000 gp each?]
The Return to the Hive (CoDM David) Wednesday May 6th, 2015 6:31:24 AM
OOC SO THAT's what electrum is for. I knew it had some use.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Wednesday May 6th, 2015 4:39:52 PM
Ooc I really don't know....I think having at least one of this can help the group as a whole. What do you think ? (Group ?)
Lanliss is flattered for the medal he got, and he his proud to belong to the vanguard.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday May 6th, 2015 5:20:03 PM
If Lanliss wants one of the helmets he can have one. Beside that Ariach listens carefully to Captain Meline and is also proud receiving the medallion.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Wednesday May 6th, 2015 10:34:21 PM
[OOC: if you want it, take it; it's yours. If you don't particularly want it, then the group is probably just fine with the cash. :) ]
Evaris accepts his medalion with a smile and a little bow. "Thank you, Captain," he says. "I shall treasure it."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Thursday May 7th, 2015 12:23:16 AM
(ooc: sorry for the late post. Severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings prevented me.)
"I was thinking that our new friend here would make excellent use of the helmet. Just imagine being able to sense presence and number of people inside a room or hallway through a closed door or a solid wall (tremorsense)! Not to mention being able to see in total and magical darkness, invisibility and creatures attempting to hide from view (blindsight). What do you say, Lanliss? Would this form of sight compliment your various skills and talents?"
Home Sweet Home (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 7th, 2015 8:24:14 AM
The group offers one helm to the city and one to Lanliss. Evaris gets a bramble-jumping amulet -- what will you do with the other?
A messenger comes in and offers a slip of paper to Captain Meline, who reads it and then turns to the group. "It seems there's an undead disturbance in your neighborhood. Likely an overenthusiastic necromancer. Will you once again step up to defend your city?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Thursday May 7th, 2015 1:38:25 PM
(ooc: Emrys is wearing the other bramble amulet for similar reasons.)
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday May 7th, 2015 3:53:46 PM
"Of course we will" Ariach responds without waiting of any reaction of his comrades. It is obviously that he is eager to proof the Vanguardsī worth to the city one more time.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Thursday May 7th, 2015 10:45:41 PM
"Friend Ariach speaks for us all, I think," Evaris says with a smile. "That is, if we're finished here...?"
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Friday May 8th, 2015 9:57:32 AM
yep we are finished here let's go, Lanliss say
ooc: thanks for the helm, if anyone needs it you can use it too.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday May 8th, 2015 5:28:35 PM
Ariach waits for the Captain to continue.
Home Sweet Home (DM Cayzle) Friday May 8th, 2015 6:36:38 PM
Meline gives you the location of a well-known "necromancer" in Nightmare Quarter, your home neighborhood. You know the place ... a tower that looks gloomy and scary. People can enter a small shop to buy "charms" and "hexes." For a larger fee you can go inside and actually meet some undead!
Evidently the propieter has gone missing, and maybe worse. There are reports of undead with bat wings flying around. One person was attacked but ran off.
When do you go? Any special preparations?
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Saturday May 9th, 2015 7:39:49 PM
Lanliss think about the bats....I do not have a crossbow on me Lanliss says and looks at his dagger, but I assure you that bats won't be a problem, he plays with the dagger he has, throwing it in the air.. I don't know a bat that can survive this , Lanliss catchs the dagger and proceeds to move towards the exit. Thank you captain Meline .
And folks I am proud to be a Vanguard he says to Ariach,Emrys and Evaris
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Sunday May 10th, 2015 10:06:54 PM
"And we are proud to have you," Evaris replies. He adds, "Friends, if we are going to face off with undead, it might be a good idea to acquire some holy water. Perhaps Roel could be persuaded to make some for us."
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday May 11th, 2015 8:30:45 AM
Ariach agrees with Evaris. "Take as many holy water vials as you can get. And maybe we should ask for further advise and talk to a priest about this topic."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, nonlethal22, Silent image Monday May 11th, 2015 1:58:50 PM
(ooc: sorry for not posting past couple of nights. The storms had knocked out my internets Thursday night. I was also away for most of the weekend. )
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Monday May 11th, 2015 2:32:06 PM
Lanliss agrees with the group idea of buying holy water vials and even getting some important advice from the priest/cleric.
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Monday May 11th, 2015 8:24:35 PM
You acquire the holy water you need, by purchase or creation, at standard prices.
You investigate a little. Common knowledge reveals that the shop is called "The Tower Of The Necromancer," and a discreet sign affixed to the outside the structure announces, "Hex lifting, dead consulting, and wonders of the macabre." This is par for the course, as you know very well, for in the Nightmare Quarter these dark things are a part of the tourist trade.
However, the tower is on the side of Ripper Street that abutts the Scar, a ruined waste that is not exactly a joke.
The proprieter of the shop, Master Mortic (likely a stage name), has gone missing.
The Temple of Gargul is in the area. Maybe the priests there have some info.
[OOC: To learn more, how about some knowledge local checks or gather info or spells or other clever plans?]
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Monday May 11th, 2015 10:19:02 PM
Evaris smiles a little at Ariach's suggestion. "I assume you mean, talk to a priest other than me," he says. "A sound suggestion. I think I'll go to the Royal Library and see what I can find on the history of this tower."
If possible, Evaris would like to do a little research. Or preferably, charm somebody into doing it for him. :) Let me know what I need to roll.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch d100=44 ; d20+16=21 ; Monday May 11th, 2015 10:32:23 PM
"Who knows what the true culprits are up to," Emrys states frankly. "This reeks less of the undead and more of tourist pandering. Tis is the season, you know ... and if I sensed any extra necromantic energies wafting about our own neighborhood, I think I would know about it." The look of haughty derision is etched into his face as they make their way to the tower. He casts his own necromantic spell to prove his point.
(Leyline: 44. Casting Deathwatch to instantly notice any undead mixed into the crowd or flying about, within 30'.)
(Perception: 21)
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 12th, 2015 8:14:10 AM
Evaris, roll Know Religion and Know Local, please. That goes for the lot of youse!
Emrys, you sense no undead within 30 ft. :-)
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+5=13 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2015 10:08:49 AM
Ariach smiles embarrassed when he figures out he has forgotten Evaris. "I am very sorry, Evaris. I am sure your advice will help us as well. I just have thought priests of Gargul are more familar with such a topic."
If Evaris agrees Ariach visits the temple of Gargul and asks for more informations about undeads of all sorts. (local knowledge=13)
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] d20+7=13 ; d20+7=23 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2015 4:33:41 PM
Evaris does some research, and also reviews what he knows about local history and the undead.
[Knowledge Religion 13; Knowledge Local 23]
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+6=15 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2015 5:46:46 PM
Lanliss tries find some information in the temple of Gargul although he is not a man of faith himself.
ooc: sorry for not posting, changed my skill rank (forgot to add +3 to the rank because of class skill) ooc: Do I change my gp value and inventory if I decided to buy water vials ?
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 12th, 2015 9:43:36 PM
At the Temple of Gargul (a building shaped like a skull, harkening back to the more deathlike aspect of Gargul), you are given an interview with the high priest who is designated as the contact with adventurers. At least, adventurers worth their salt.
You are led through a few doors, hallways and stairs, until you arrive at an upper floor room. Stepping through a wall of black (a permanent illusion?), you find yourselves in a large room which appears to be a combination study and meeting room. It has a large window looking out through one of the eye sockets of the temple's skull facade.
An older bald priest is waiting their for you. "Greetings! I am Morttish," he says.
You explain your reason for coming and ask his advice. He calmly suggests that the situation is well within your capability. "Were a major infestation of undead manifesting in our City, the Great One would have given a sign. Odds are this is merely a vampire, possibly a spectre, nothing a stout party of heroes such as yourselves cannot handle."
"This information about bats lends credence to the vampire theory," he adds. "Although there are some rare undead that scholars have linked to bats. The berbalang, an undead shapeshifter, has bat wings in its native form; you will know it by its long tongue. The vargouille is an undead head with bat wings."
"In any case, you are doing Lord Gargul's work, so go with His blessing."
He says a prayer over you all, and for the next 24 hours you gain a +1 sacred bonus to hit and damage undead with weapons.
Evaris also sounds out the locals. One fellow remarks that he is a friend of the Necromancer, who he says is really a fellow named Sheorge Fellies. He says Sheorge always had ambitions that outstripped his capabilities. Likely he tried to make a deal with someone he oughtn't had, got in over his head, and there you go.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch d20+16=32 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+14=31 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2015 11:08:35 PM
Trying a different tactic than the others, Emrys strolls through the streets of the Nightmare Quarter watching and listening to what he can. He draws upon his bardic knowledge to focus in on the tales and gossip he hears on the street. He watches the crowds around the Necromancer's tower. He listens to the stories being told by drunken bar patrons and street peddlers with their trinkets and snake oil cures. (Perception: 32)
He uses his cunning and the street smarts, not to mention all the lore and legends from the vast library of his expansive mind. (Knowledge [Local]: 23, Knowledge [Religion]: 24, Knowledge [History]: 25)
He employs the full force of presence, charm and beguiling ways that can both be savior faire and intimidating. (Diplomacy: 31, Intimidate: 31)
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday May 13th, 2015 4:42:43 AM
Ariach isnīt frightened by the news the priest of Gargul has revealed but he is alarmed. Right after the meeting he goes to the market and asks for tools or weapons which will help destroying a vampire, a spectre or a vargouille.
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 13th, 2015 6:36:07 AM
OOC to Ariach: Sure, you can go shopping locally in Plateau City, and buy garlic, holy water, wooden stakes, or magic items, perhaps at a mark-up. But you might be better served by a quick trip to the Catacombs (click here for link), where you can ask the clerk for help and advice. You can also ask for advice OOC on the Rules Board.
CDM Jerry Announcement Wednesday May 13th, 2015 12:01:16 PM
There is an important email waiting in your box for DMs and players of Rum and Legacy. Please head over there to read it. Please do so today.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Wednesday May 13th, 2015 4:15:15 PM
I have read it, will send an email tomorrow with some questions I have in mind.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Wednesday May 13th, 2015 10:23:26 PM
"Well, whatever we do, let's do it quickly," Evaris tells his companions. "Apparently this fellow has a history of getting in over his head; he's probably in real trouble."
Evaris acquires a few vials of holy water and is ready to go.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch Wednesday May 13th, 2015 11:37:28 PM
Emrys seemingly isn't able to hear anything useful from the chatter on the streets. He finds this extremely troubling. "This isn't right at all ... this is quite perplexing? There is something rotten in Platea....," but he is unable to say the name of his city. "Platea... no!" It's not until that moment when he realizes the chatter of the street sounds like a distant echo. The clear day suddenly cloaked in fog. Yet above in the sky, he can see the stars in the light of day. At first they seem strangely familiar but different. The sensations are quite disorienting and disturbing to his senses. He clasps his hands over his face, covering his eyes, in an attempt to clear his mind of the chaos.
As moments pass and the calm returns, He removes his hands from his face. Emrys finds himself on the shore of a great lake. The lights of a great city can be seen in the hazy distance. There with him are his most trusted friends, but something still doesn't feel right. "Edson ... Barratore! There is something rotten in the ... Crying Woods!" Emrys turns to see Brom's reaction ... but instead finds himself at the entrance of The Crypt Tavern on Roulette Street. The sounds of the Nightmare Quarter return to their normal volume and Emrys just stands there more baffled and bewildered than he has ever been.
"Peas and carrots!" The vision he just experienced quickly fades from his mind, leaving only traces ... like waking from dream too swiftly. "What, pray tell, is a Brom?!" he asks himself. "I knew it ... a new verse! The rhythm has been off ever since we let the Lady Bug live. The Wold is changing ... I just knew it!" He heads off to the Temple of Gargul to see what Evaris, Ariach and Lanliss have learned.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday May 14th, 2015 1:36:43 PM
Ariach buys everything the merchants on the market recommand him. He knows that many things wonīt help him but at least he will be a little bit prepared when the Vanguards meet their foes.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday May 14th, 2015 4:33:38 PM
Lanliss imagines dozens of undead skeletons and zombies waiting in an underground dungeon for them.
I am going to buy something he says and he goes to the nearest shop he can find. as he buys the holy water flasks (4) he needed, he notice a nice looking flask. What's in there he asks the shopkeeper, upon a brief discussion and some creative thinking Lanliss also buys 2 Alchemist's fire flask and 2 acids in a flask. Lanliss thinks for himself that if the Holy water won't stop dead then a nice mix of some fire and acid will do the trick.
[I]ooc:I am confused about what happend to Emrys[I]
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch Thursday May 14th, 2015 5:43:40 PM
(ooc: Emrys had a vision ... which he barely remembers. An omen of things to come. :)
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 14th, 2015 10:09:00 PM
[OOC: Friends, per the ongoing email conversation, we will be merging with the Rum game in June. Until then, I was hoping we could hav a fun undead-theme mini-module. If you agree ... we go on!]
Emrys gets a few more details in his investigation: The proprieter was commonly known as "Master Necromancer," and evidently he was the real deal, at least to some degree, since he was known to keep skeletons in the back room and to charge tourists a gp to see them (more to touch them, etc). Sometimes he would dress his skellies in fancy clothes and make them act out tableau for the tourists.
"Master Necromancer" to the marks, or "Sheorge Fellies" to the local showmen, or "Fell" to his friends ... either way, the middle-aged human was a local businessman of sorts, but his place has been shut down for a week. A couple folks broke in and looked around, but they could not get past the first room. Then the bat-things came after them and they ran. That's it for the word on the street, according to Emrys.
A merchant offers Ariach an amulet to keep undead away for 5,000 gp and an undead bane warhammer for 10,000 gp.
Lanliss focuses on more practical supplies, holy water and flaming oil!
Evaris urges the group to speed, if there is any chance of saving this fellow.
You are standing in front of "The Tower Of The Necromancer," on Ripper Street in the Nightmare Quarter. The door is ajar. A few curious onlookers are watching you from the far side of the street.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility d100=52 ; d100=88 ; Thursday May 14th, 2015 11:34:44 PM
As soon as the Vanguard converge on the scene, Emrys tells all he had learned. The vision he had quickly becomes a fleeting thought. However a stray memory of those now nameless friends at the edge of a sorrowful wood seems to linger. The current threat of necromancy gone wild now dominates his mind. He recasts his Deathwatch spell and an added See Invisibility spell to notice those undead that go unseen in the night. "Very curious," he says, "The leylines are strong here!"
(Leyline: 52 and 88. Casting Deathwatch and See Invisibility (free cast).)
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Friday May 15th, 2015 12:33:08 AM
"I look forward to discussing your vision in greater detail later, Friend Emrys," Evaris says. "But for now, let's see what can be done here."
Evaris steps up to the door. "Hello?" he calls. "Master Fellies? Are you all right?"
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Friday May 15th, 2015 12:10:52 PM
Lanliss put a hand on Evaris,signaling him to take a step back and reminds him to be alert Me and Ariach will go first Lanliss says signaling Ariach to come with him first as who knows what might be hiding there.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility Saturday May 16th, 2015 12:00:39 AM
"The shop has been closed for a week. I did hear word of a break in by a small rabble of miscreants. However they were immediately chased off by said bat creatures. Be mindful and expect a similar rebuke."
Emrys agrees with Lanliss' tactics and allows the pair to stick their heads in for a peek.
CDM Jerry Sunday May 17th, 2015 9:53:26 AM
I have sent Joe and Michael an email. Please reply to me. After you have done so you can let your DMs David and Cayzle know they may delete this post.
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Sunday May 17th, 2015 11:57:17 AM
The group enters the shop. Inside, all is as it was when the shop was operating. There are tapestries on the walls showing different kinds of undead, some real, some fanciful. Or at least they seem fanciful to you ... is there really such an undead thing as a zombie bear with a jack o'lantern head?
There is no merchandise for sale here, but that's usual for this day and age. Mostly merchants keep their stock on shelves behind a counter, or in a back room, and they fetch what shoppers want. There is a sign offering "Necromantic Lectures - 2 sp." There is a counter here, with a high chair behind it. There are several books on a shelf under the counter. There are stools and benches where customers can sit and hear lectures from the necromancer.
There is a tapestry behind the counter, and a door behind the tapestry, but there are no hinges, lock, or doorknob. No obvious way to open it. no one in the shop could see you pass through the door because the tapestry would block line of sight. There is a carving in the wall next to the door, of a skull-face.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Sunday May 17th, 2015 2:52:26 PM
Ariach is startled about the strange door. If you can be startled about anything which has to do with a person who has chosen to become a necromancer. When he notices the carving he investigates the skull thoroughly.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+14=26 ; Sunday May 17th, 2015 6:05:22 PM
Lanliss enters the room with a little itch in his heart that he is going to see some undead. Lanliss looks at the door and then punchs it lightly to see if it badges, and then if nothing happens proceeds to look at the carving at the wall
perception 26
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] d20+7=8 ; d20+5=11 ; Sunday May 17th, 2015 9:28:20 PM
Evaris studies the decor with raised eyebrows. Is there such a thing as a zombie bear with a jack-o-lantern head? [Knowledge: Religion 8]
He looks at the door, peering over Ariach and Lanliss at the skull. "Do you think the mechanism is in the skull somwhere?" he asks. [Perception 11]
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility d100=31 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+15=30 ; Monday May 18th, 2015 2:40:46 AM
"Hmmm, I guess one could animate a deceased bear into a zombie bear using the appropriate dark magic. Now placing a carved pumpkin over its head ... well, that would be a simple matter of taste ... or distaste, depending on your predilection."
As for the strange door and the skull carving, Emrys casts a divination to see if it's magical.
(Leyline: 31. Casting Detect Magic. If there is an aura, he will try and determine the school of magic, Knowledge [Arcana]: 30. If magical, he will also attempt to identify the spell or magical properties, Spellcraft: 30.)
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday May 18th, 2015 5:12:20 PM
"The skull and the carving are placed to prominent. Either it is the trigger of the door, or it is the trigger of a trap" Ariach says with a crooked smile.
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Monday May 18th, 2015 6:18:25 PM
The skull is too obvious, and experienced Ariach just knows that it is key.
Lanliss sees that the eyes of the skull are covered in clear thick glass. Behind the glass, there are pebbles in the eye sockets (one pebble in each).
Emrys detects that the pebbles have been enchanted with Magic Mouth spells. His keen acumen suggests that one is activated when a person nearby rubs his nose and then sticks out his tongue, while the other is activated by patting one's own butt and then tapping the wall three times. However, if the mouths are activated, it may be hard to hear them behind the thick glass.
Meanshile, the image of the zombie o'bear still dances in Evaris's head!
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Monday May 18th, 2015 9:33:38 PM
"How very odd," Evaris says, looking at the skull. "Should we remove the glass from the eyes, do you think?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility Monday May 18th, 2015 11:14:40 PM
"Yes ... if you wish to hear what it has to say. I detect two different Magic Mouth spells on the pebbles within the eye sockets." After a brief examination, he says, "Theon's curly beard! ... that is just plain silly. A trait most Necromancers do not have!" He then tells everyone what one must do to activate the spells. Once the glass is lifted, Emrys will suffer the indignity of triggering the spells if the others agree to.
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 19th, 2015 6:36:58 AM
post incoming ...
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 19th, 2015 6:39:12 AM
Who will break the glass over the skull's eyes? And in which order will you trigger the magic mouths?
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday May 19th, 2015 6:16:11 PM
"If you guys wish i will trigger the magic mouths. I will follow Emrysīs proper instructions step by step." If nobody obtrudes himself, Ariach looks at Emrys and does exactly what the bard wants him to do.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Tuesday May 19th, 2015 11:02:50 PM
"Well, I do have a hammer," Evaris says.
Taking his light hammer, he offers a little prayer to Pantheon, then attempts to break the glass in the skull's eyes.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility d20+16=34 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2015 12:01:13 AM
"Alright Ariach. This is what you do." Emrys explains both triggers in detail. "I have no clue which 'eye' to choose. They both appear the same to me. However, the trigger where you pat your posterior and knock on the wall three times suggests that your requesting entrance to something. While the other seems rather offensive ... suggesting mockery. I propose the knocking trigger."
(Perception: 34)
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 20th, 2015 8:42:25 AM
Evaris breaks the glass in the skull's eyes.
Ariach rubs his butt and taps three times.
The magic mouth on the pebble in the right eye socket says "TOGGLE."
The door opens smoothly, sliding to the left as if on wheels. There is a short hallway leading into a larger room.
Perception check DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are arrow slits on both sides of the hallway.}
Perception check DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice skeletal fingerbones reaching down from behind the skull (on the other side of the wall) to pluck out the right pebble and replace it with an another one.}
he continues but now whispers, I need you all to keep watch on what you see and if someone sees what might look like a trigger or a device then tell me I want to know if we have a deal with the living dead (ambush) or a trap of some sort.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+9=14 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2015 6:17:34 PM
Ariach hasnīt seen any arrow slits but takes Lanliss warning seriously. Then he enters the room.
(perception= 14)
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] d20+5=8 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2015 10:37:00 PM
"I imagine the other eye says something else," Evaris muses, completely oblivious to anything else. "I wonder if the door would work if somebody else said the word. Hmm? Arrow slits?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility d20+16=24 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2015 11:42:06 PM
(perception: 24 ... Darn!)
"Good eye, Lanliss ! I see them too. Curious that this local necro yokel would have such an elaborate labyrinth." If the arrow slits aren't aimed close to ground, Emrys will propose to shrink everyone down to the size of gnomes for the passage through the hall.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+9=14 ; Thursday May 21st, 2015 3:13:51 PM
As Emrys talks about the arrow slits too, Ariach investigates the walls one more time and finally sees them. When he moves on he tries to avoid being directly in front of the slits.
(perception=14)
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 21st, 2015 8:25:27 PM
After a ten ft stroll carefully past arrow slits, the room beyond fills most of the rest of the ground floor. It is set up with benches and chairs, and there is a small stage. Standing on either side of the archway from which the hall empties into the room are two skeletons dressed in armor and carrying swords. On the stage are another three skeletons, dressed up in costumes. These skeletons are animated mindless undead, and since they currently have no order to fulfil, they stand still. You could destroy them easily, unless they have orders to defend if attacked.
There are a couple doors on the same wall as the archway entrance, on either side.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility d100=67 ; d4=1 ; Thursday May 21st, 2015 11:29:56 PM
Emrys casts a spell and a ghostly hand appears floating beside him. "Do you all wish to dispatch these poor unfortunate piles of bones?"
(Leyline: 67. Casting Spectral Hand. Temp hit point damage: 1 point.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Friday May 22nd, 2015 12:13:18 AM
"They may be servants or...or pets of some kind," Evaris says, looking at the skeletons. "Let's not destroy them unless we have to."
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+18=19 ; Friday May 22nd, 2015 3:58:48 PM
Lanliss searches for traps on the doors disbelieving there is no catch(trap) in this room too.
ooc: I got 1 so I automatically fail right ? perception is 14 but I get to add 4 to the end result because of the trapfinding feature of the rogue
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Sunday May 24th, 2015 3:45:05 PM
"Letīs not destroy them?" Ariach asks bewildered. "These are undead creatures. And even if it is no crime to animate dead corpses it is morally reprehensible. No one has earned to be a servant of a necromancer after life."
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Monday May 25th, 2015 10:13:49 AM
Emrys poses the question of what to do with these skeletons. Evaris is not in favor of destroying "peaceful" undead that are not attacking. Ariach sees them as an abomination regardless.
Lanliss looks around for traps but finds none. [OOC: for skill checks, there is no auto fail on a 1 nor auto success on a 20.] He does find a frame on a wall next to a door behind a tapestry. In the frame is an official Plateau City license to maintain up to 12 orc and hobgoblin skeletons confined to this place of business, signed by Yrlo Maglare, Adminisrator of the Nightmare Quarter.
Knowledge Local DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: {You have heard of Yrlo before, and he is the head Plateau City official here in the Nightmare Quarter. Each quarter has one such administrator.}
Since the doors are not trapped, you open them.
Inside one, there is a storeroom and spiral stairs up. This is where the shop's stock of merchandise is kept.
In the other there is a skeleton standing next to a winch and another standing next to a small table On the table is a bowl of pebbles. On the wall nearby is the other side of the skull with the (broken) glass eyes.
These skeletons are not attacking you either.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] d20+7=23 ; Monday May 25th, 2015 2:10:09 PM
Evaris glances at the license. "That does seem to be legitimate," he says. "The things they'll give licenses for!"
He looks around the room. "Hmmm. Up the stairs, do you think? Or do we want to mess about with the skull some more?"
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+6=13 ; Monday May 25th, 2015 5:24:24 PM
I think we better the take stairs now, I don't like skeletons especially when they are undead Lanliss says. Even if they are "legitimate" he adds after a moment.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday May 25th, 2015 7:24:01 PM
Ariach takes the way his friends propose. He goes up the stairs.
The Nercomancy Shop (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 26th, 2015 7:53:36 AM
Upstairs, Ariach finds a necromantic laboratory of some sort. There is a central table, with a corpse on it. On the sides are console tables covered in musty tomes, canopic jars, unspeakable instruments of unknown anatomical purpose -- although by the stains, they have been well used. Continual flames dance in lanterns suspended from the ceiling.
Ariach is at the top of the stairs, and his friends are on the stairs below. No one has entered the room.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Tuesday May 26th, 2015 2:29:05 PM
ooc: didn't know what console table means until today (:
Do you see anything suspicious Ariach ! ? , Lanliss asks firmly, his legs ready to move forward.
Ariach AC 34(29)/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday May 26th, 2015 5:26:08 PM
"If i see anything suspicious?" repeats Ariach while he turns around to Lanliss. "Yes, i do. There is a table with a corpse on it. And there are tools - for which purpose i donīt know and i donīt want to imagine."
Then Ariach moves forward and scrutinizes the room.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] Tuesday May 26th, 2015 6:58:51 PM
"Well," Evaris says, "If something untoward has happened to the necromancer, perhaps we can arrange a decent burial for the corpse. In the meantime, let's keep looking around."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility d20+10=11 ; d20+16=27 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2015 11:33:10 PM
(Knowledge [local]: 11, wow! just enough)
"Yes, Yrlo Maglare is very indulgent for such things like this. Not the least bit respectful in my opinion." Emrys has to admit, "This is quite perplexing. It's very difficult to spot evidence of foul play amongst all this foulness. One must find separation between the pertinent gore from the irrelevant."
Looking at the corpse, Emrys tries to determine the 'freshness' of the corpse. Is it intact? Has it been embalmed, etc? (Perception: 27)
"Maybe we should ask the corpse if he knew the Necromancer. Maybe find out who he was in life ... that might provide a lead." If the rest agree, he will prepare to cast Speak with the Dead.
The Nercomancer - Round 0 (DM Cayzle) 5d4+5=18 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2015 8:25:06 AM
Lanliss calls up, "Do you see anything suspicious?"
Evaris looks around, and maybe something suspicious does come to the cleric's mind: Know Religion check DC25 Highlight to display spoiler: {You suspect that the equipment in the room is designed for the creation of a mummy.}
Emrys thinks about speaking with the corpse, but before he can cast Speak with Dead, the dead speak!
As Ariach walks into the room, the corpse rises from the table. The partially disembowled figure moans in pain and hatred. Its crazed eyes blaze with power.
Move action: get up from prone.
Swift action: Spellcraft DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Quickened Magic Missile}: Ariach takes 18 damage from some bright fast ranged attack.
Standard action: Spellcraft DC 21 Highlight to display spoiler: {Globe of Invulnerability}: A shimmering barrier rises around the area of the corpse.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 74/74] d20+7=8 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=22 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2015 1:33:30 PM
Evaris looks around, and it is safe to say that he sees nothing suspicious. Or at all. [Nat 1 on the Knowledge roll!]
But then the dead thing starts moving around, and Evaris at least is aware that that ain't natural. He's not sure what kind of barrier that is [Spellcraft 15], but he's pretty sure they don't want it there. So he tries to get rid of it.
[Cast Dispel Magic. The spell description says I can target a spell, but I "must name the specific spell effect to be targeted in this way." I'm not sure whether that means I have to specifically know what the spell is, or if I can just say "that barrier thingie, whatever it is." Anyway, my caster level check was 22, because I used a Hero Point to re-roll the 16.]
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Wednesday May 27th, 2015 4:40:48 PM
Surround him Lanliss Shouts, Lanliss then moves towards the undead to try and flank him,while his hand in his backpack searching for the holy water he bought earlier.
ooc1: I take move action to stand if I need to ( from the prone position), ooc2: I guess I can't sneak attack the undead right ? ooc3: sorry to ask but what do I need to roll to throw some good flask of holy water on that unholy undead ?
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 71/89 d20+5=15 ; d20+14=30 ; d6+5=10 ; d20+9=13 ; d6+5=7 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2015 6:19:33 PM
Ariach groans with pain as he is struck by the attack. But now he has the proof that the undeads must be destroyed. With his mace he tries to hit the corpse which wants to get up or destroy the magical barrier.
(hits AC 30 for 10 damage , hits AC13 for 7 damage)
The Nercomancer - Round 0 (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 27th, 2015 9:29:25 PM
OOC: Evaris, I asked your question on the Rules Board.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility d20+15=32 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+15=27 ; d100=85 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2015 9:51:52 PM
(Spellcraft: 32 and 28)
"That which lies is a liar," says Emrys with a look of haughty derision! With a quick glance, he looks to see if the Necromancer is truly undead (Deathwatch). "It has cast a globe of invulnerability ... he must be removed from its protection!" He notices Evaris cast his spell (Spellcraft: 27) and he hopes his Dispel will work.
Emrys begins to cast his own spell. He has a good idea what this is and it must be dealt with quickly.
(Leyline: 85, free cast. Casting Baleful Polymorph. Fort Save: 21. Will Save: 21. If the Necromancer fails the Fort save, it turns into a tiny tree sloth ... if he is truly undead from the Deathwatch ... then it's a undead tree sloth.)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+12=17 ; 2d4=7 ; Thursday May 28th, 2015 1:43:17 PM
Lanliss feels inspiration from Ariach, finds the holy water flask and throws it at the direction of the undead hoping that the blessing from earlier (temple) will do some good.
Attack roll is 17 Damage is 7
OOC ! : didn't get an answer to my question so I do my best at under standing the rules
DONT FORGET to add the +1 to hit and +1 to Damage against undead we got from the cleric/priest in the temple
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 71/89 Thursday May 28th, 2015 5:16:21 PM
OOC: Thanks for reminding us of the priestīs blessing.
adjusted attack (Ariach hits AC 31 for 11 damage , hits AC14 for 8 damage)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Thursday May 28th, 2015 6:37:40 PM
forgot to add +1 to damage so damage is 8
Evaris tries to dispel the magical barrier. The undead is a 12th level caster, so the DC to dispel is 11+12=23. Evaris's hero-point-enhanced 22 is, alas, just one shy of sufficient.
Ariach moves forward to attack. The undead is AC20, so Ariach hits for a punishing 8 damage. The second blow goes wide.
Lanliss moves around to flank. The trouble is that there is a table on the other side of the undead. You can attack normally next to Ariach, or you can spend a round maneuvering around out of reach to get on the table and attack next round. You CAN sneak attack, by the way, if you are flanking or any of the other usual things. I'll either apply your 8 hp holy water damage this round, or you can do no damage and just maneuver. Your call.
The undead casts again on the defensive. His check to do so is base 15 +10 = 25. His concentration check is 1d20 +12 +6 +4 = 1d20+22. he gets a 25. No need for a spellcraft check -- he casts Cone of Cold, affecting Ariach, Evaris, and Emrys. The spell inflicts 55 damage (reflex save for half is vs DC21).
Then the monster casts a quickened Scorching Ray, focussing all three rays at whoever failed theor cone save, or else vs Ariach if all three save. The touch attacks hit touch AC at +12 hit touch ACs 32 for 10 damage and AC21 for 12 damage (the third ray misses with a nat 1). There is no save.
(no map needed for this combat.)
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility Thursday May 28th, 2015 10:23:40 PM
(ooc: the effect of polymorph is harmless, and the spell specifies what is and isn't immune.)
Emrys ac10, hp42/42, deathwatch, see invisibility Thursday May 28th, 2015 10:26:23 PM
(ooc: I hit my button too soon. I also wanted to say that the spell causes no hotpoint loss, ability damage or penalties of any kind. It's is a harmless effect ... they merely change form.)
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand d20+7=23 ; d100=16 ; d100=64 ; d20+7=14 ; Thursday May 28th, 2015 11:09:58 PM
(Reflex save: 23, against Cone of Cold, half damage: 27 points.)
Emrys is thrown back against the wall by the blast of ice. He shrieks in pain as he pulls himself free, being partially frozen to the wall.
He then attempts to dispel the magical globe, but the spell fizzles as it turns in on itself (leyline: 16, I'd reroll if I had a hero point, but its been close to a year since hero points were awarded.)
Using the quickening rod, Emrys tries to cast it again (leyline: 64. Casting Dispel Magic. Caster Level check: 14.) But much like his first attempt, the effect was lack luster.
Evaris[AC 20; HP -3/74] d20+6=15 ; Friday May 29th, 2015 12:02:17 AM
Evaris isn't nearly nimble enough to avoid the full blast of the Cone of Cold, and the follow-up Scorching Rays drop him unconscious.
The Nercomancer - Round 1 (DM Cayzle) Friday May 29th, 2015 6:23:06 AM
OOC: Emrys, if you can find one other person on the Rules Board to agree that Baleful Polymorph counts as "harmless," I'll allow it. Just one other person!
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand Friday May 29th, 2015 8:02:12 AM
(ooc: I doubt I could convince anyone that Detect Magic is a harmless spell.)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 Friday May 29th, 2015 12:14:12 PM
I am going for the maneuver
The Nercomancer - Round 1 (DM Cayzle) Saturday May 30th, 2015 8:05:17 PM
STILL ROUND ONE!
Lanliss, you maneuvered in Round One instead of splashing holy water. You can totally make your flanking attacks now, for Round Two. Go For It!
Ariach, I need a save vs Cone of Cold. If you fail, you will be the target of the scorching rays.
Evaris, please post your actions in case you are not knocked unconscious.
Emrys, you gain a consolation hero point for your poor poor ley checks and for kvetching.
Thanks!
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 44/89 d20+5=21 ; d20+15=24 ; d6+6=8 ; d20+10=20 ; d6+6=12 ; Sunday May 31st, 2015 5:33:10 PM
Ariach manages to avoid to be fully affected by the cone of cold. (reflex save=21)
OOC: I wanted to use my interpose feature to help Evaris, but i have found out that i have to declare before who i am protecting ;(
"No!" screams a shocked Ariach when he sees Evaris dropping to the floor. In anger he fights his heart out and attacks the necromancer again. (hits AC 24 for 8 damage and hits AC 20 for 12 damage)
Evaris[AC 20; HP -3/74] d6=3 ; d6=4 ; Sunday May 31st, 2015 11:03:46 PM
If by some chance Evaris is not knocked unconscious, he channels positive energy for 7 points of healing to all living creatures within 30 feet.
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand d100=27 ; d20+7=13 ; Sunday May 31st, 2015 11:23:22 PM
(I'm complaining about you using of the word, kvetching!)
Now that his first two attempts at dispelling the foul globe have failed miserably, he is filled with even greater dread now that Evaris has fallen. He prepares to cast a curative spell as soon as he gets the chance (next round). His spectral hand eagerly descends upon the fallen cleric.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 44/89 Monday June 1st, 2015 3:18:19 PM
check
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+12=21 ; d20+7=17 ; d6+2=8 ; d6+2=8 ; Monday June 1st, 2015 3:34:39 PM
Lanliss draws his short sword and begins to attack the Undead
Hit #1: 21 DMG#1: 8 Hit #2: 17 DMG#2: 8
Evaris[AC 20; HP -3/74] Monday June 1st, 2015 10:10:04 PM
[Okay, I don't know if I owe a post or not, but here is one. :) ]
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand Monday June 1st, 2015 11:37:08 PM
Emrys' spectral hand hovers precariously over Evaris. The bony fingers coming ever so close!
The Nercomancer - Round 2 (DM Cayzle) 4d6=20 ; 4d6=10 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+12=18 ; 12d6=36 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 8:32:51 AM
[OOC: Friends, I apologize for missing a DM Post yesterday. Real life got the better of me. Thanks for your patience with me.]
Setting the scene ...
The heroes have walked up spiral stairs to the upper floor of a necromancer's tower. It is a "workroom" of sorts, although the work involved is less than savory. You have found a corpse on a table, partially disemboweled. It stood up from the table to attack when you entered, and it seems to be a caster of some power!
Ariach advanced and attacked. Lanliss maneuvered around to get behind it. Evaris and Emrys cast spells, to no effect. Then the undead caster hit the group with a cone of cold and scorching rays that brought Evaris to the negatives (and somewhat froze Ariach and Emrys). That brings us to ...
ROUND TWO
(The undead is AC20, touch AC10.)
Ariach attacks again and hits, again. Total damage so far to the undead is 28, all from Ariach's attacks.
But Lanliss has something to say about that! he has mounted the table behind the undead and is attacking from above, and flanking. That gives a net +3 to his attacks -- and he hits AC24 and AC20. His base damage is 8 and 8 from those attacks, but since he is flanking, he can make sneak attacks, aiming for the thing's joints and neck. The kindly DM rolls your 4d6 sneak attack damage x2 ... 20 and 10. Lanliss inflicts 46 damage to the thing, 74 total.
Emrys does his best to take down the undead's protective barrier, but to no avail. Such is the life of a witch, sometimes.
Evaris, alas, remains unconscious. Is he stable? Did he lose a hp last round?
=====
The undead looks upset, given that its ribs are staved in and one elbow almost severed. He casts defensively.
To ID his spell, make a Spellcraft check vs DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {Hold Monster}.
Lanliss, please make a will save vs DC21. If you fail it, then please read and obey this: Highlight to display spoiler: {You stand very very still and quiet, doing nothing, taking only mental actions (if you have any, like casting still silent spells)}.
Then the undead casts another quickened scorching ray, on Ariach. His touch attacks hit touch AC20, 17, and 18. [OOC: Ariach's touch AC is 16, so far as I can tell from your sheet.] All three rays hit, inflicting 4d6 each, or 36 fire damage total to Ariach.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+3=12 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 2:10:58 PM
Lanliss stands still and does nothing at all, trying to remember how to cast a dancing lights spells.
ooc:thank you for including the sneak attack damage I forgot it, sorry. ooc2 for DM : can I cast a dancing lights as a spell like ability ?
Cayzle Comments: Why, yes, you can use any spell-like ability. A spell-like ability requires no somatic nor verbal components, so you are good to use it!
Evaris[AC 20; HP -3/74] d20-1=11 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 6:09:18 PM
Evaris stabilizes.
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand d100=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 8:01:25 PM
Emrys takes his cure wand and sends a healing charge though his spectral hand that then touches Evaris.
(Casting Cure Serious Wounds on Evaris. 3d8+5=20 points of healing to Evaris.)
He then takes his Quicken Rod and attempts to send a second Cure Moderate Wounds to Ariach, but the Leylines appear to completely retreat from him. Never before has the Wold's Blood forsaken him so completely! (Leyline Roll: 1, a natural 1.)
"Wake up, Evaris! I know you're alive ... I can see your lifeforce!!"
Evaris[AC 20; HP 17/74] d20+7=23 ; 9d6=34 ; d8=8 d8=3 d8=8 d8=8 Tuesday June 2nd, 2015 10:14:09 PM
Healed somewhat, Evaris scrambles to his feat and unleashes a Searing Light on the undead, because it seems the time for that kind of thing.
[Hit Touch AC 23 for 34 damage, unless this is an "undead creature particularly vulnerable to light."]
Edited to add: Then Evaris would like to spend an action point to cast Cure Critical Wounds on Ariach. Ariach heals 36 damage.
The Nercomancer - Round 2 (DM Cayzle) Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 6:05:58 AM
Holding off for Ariach to post ...
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 8/89 d20+5=25 ; d20+15=32 ; d6+6=11 ; d20+10=19 ; d6+6=12 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 8:52:42 AM
Ariach screams in pain when he gets hit from the rays one more time. He knows that this lifeforce fades but he has no choice. He has to play for time to give his companions a chance to rescue Evaris, if heīs still alive.
Knowing that his shield cannot protect him from the nefarious necromantic spells he attacks again.
(spellcraft check=25, hits AC 32 for 11, hits AC 19 for 12)
The Nercomancer - Round 3 (DM Cayzle) 9d8=38 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 4:09:24 PM
Lanliss stands perfectly still.
Lanliss, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Note that you think you created the dancing lights, but they failed to appear. Perhaps it is because you are within the undead's magical barrier. (see below). However, and more importantly! Note that if you take a full round action vs Hold you can make a new will save vs DC21. You probably want to do that as your post this round.}
Ariach is blasted by ice last round and fire this round. But he stands and delivers one blow to the enemy for 11 damage. [OOC: Are you including the +1 to hit and damage bonus the cleric gave you? That would be enough to hit the second time. Alas, Lanliss is no longer giving you a flanking bonus.]
Emrys cures Evaris, thank goodness!
Evaris stands up, casts Searing Light at the undead.
The creature is indeed sensitive to light! If only it were covered head to toe in some kind of cloth wrappings to keep the horrible light at bay! Oh look, there are some wrappings that would have worked great over there on a side table.
Evaris rolled 34 damage on 9d6. Your kindly DM will roll 9d8 for the improved damage, and will use the higher result because he is kind. He rolls a 38, so the damage is a bit higher.
But wait! Oh lack a day and woe and tribulation! The searing light hits the magical barrier around the undead and stops! The holy purifying light does not reach the undead thing. And you see that the magical barrier is a sphere that extends 10 ft out from the undead. Funny, Lanliss and Ariach were able to walk right into it and attack with no problem. But the Searing Light was stopped completely.
A Knowledge Arcana check vs DC25 will reveal the truth: Highlight to display spoiler: {The undead is protected by a Globe of Invulnerability.}
Evaris had thought to step forward and, with a heroic effort, cure Ariach. But if he does so, he will be reaching into the barrier sphere. Will he still do that? Or will he urge Ariach to take a five ft step back out of the sphere, so that then he can be cured? Or will Evaris stay his hand and wait to act when he knows more?
The DM here pauses the game to find out from Ariach and Evaris just what they intend to do.
Evaris[AC 20; HP 17/74] Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 4:12:35 PM
Alas, Evaris's player was not paying attention. Emrys has already said what the magical barrier is, so Evaris really should have known better than to try that Searing Light. But, onward and upward.
Evaris knows better than to run headlong into the barrier, so he casts the spell and hopes Ariach steps back. Or, if Ariach falls unconsious, that he falls this way!
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand d100=63 ; d100=9 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 11:12:45 PM
Emrys reaches down deep and sends a powerful protective spell to Ariach. "Oh Theon*, please! Guard our guardian ... one defender to another!" Fearful that his spectral hand wouldn't be able to pass through the barrier, a terrified and shaking Emrys approaches Ariach, hopefully out of reach of the Necromancer, and delivers a touch in person. Emrys fears this is his last moment in the Living Wold. He wonders if there is an afterlife for a creature such as he ... the boy that shouldn't been born.
(Leyline check: 63. Casting Protection from Energy on Ariach. A [b]4th level Spell! 84 points of FIRE IMMUNITY to Ariach.)
If he is still alive, he will take his Quicken Rod and attempt one last time to Dispel the globe around the Necromancer, but it fizzles into nonexistence.
(Leyline: 9, I CAN NOT CATCH A FREAKIN BREAK!!!! I think the dice are rigged. I mean, how hard is it to roll a d100>20?)
(* Emrys' Patrons are the Old Gods of Yore that make up Pantheon: Theon, Pan, Eon, Anthe and Heo [pronounced Hue].)
CDM Jerry Thursday June 4th, 2015 10:03:17 AM
There has been a vote on the merging game email thread about the name of the new game. I will call the vote and the name will be "Tales From The Float" tomorrow evening unless the majority decides otherwise. Feel free to go vote.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+3=18 ; Thursday June 4th, 2015 4:26:43 PM
Lanliss tries to move but he can't, he seems to see blurry lights. It's probably the dancing lights, he thinks for himself.
(Lanliss think he cast the dancing light but he didn't)
OOC: Stephen...You really had a bud luck with the Leyline, lol I think there is a conspiracy going on.
The Nercomancer - Round 3 (DM Cayzle) d20+22=34 ; d20+12=27 ; 5d4+5=16 ; Thursday June 4th, 2015 9:29:13 PM
[OOC: Ima assue that Ariach takes that five ft step back. If he does not like it, he can take a free five ft of move next round.]
Round Three recap:
Ariach hits for 11 damage and backs up a step out of the magic barrier.
Emrys cures Evaris.
Evaris stands up, casts Searing Light at the undead, with no effect. Then he cures Ariach36 hp, bringing the warrior up to 44.
Lanliss struggles to produce a dancing lights, but fails since he is in the magical barrier.
==========
Bottom of Round Three: The undead thing acts!
It casts defensively again ... getting a 34 on the check, no problem. It casts a Hold Monster on Emrys -- will save vs DC21. If you fail it, then you are held as still as Lanliss, and can make only still silent mental actions.
Did it recognize the spell Emrys cast? Sure, with a Spellcraft check of 27. So it does not waste rays on Ariach.
Instead, it casts a quickened magic missile on Ariach. That's 16 damage!
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand d20+13=15 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 12:06:01 AM
Even though Emrys is a mental giant, one with muscles of immeasurable girth. Even with his indomitable will, he knew from the pure fact that the Fates hate him and regard him with incalculable hostility. He knew he was doomed to failure. This simple, dainty mental slap would normally be laughed at. This nonsensical attack on his mind would wash off hm like water on a duck's back. However, like I said, the Fates have it in for him. He knew he would fail upon rolling the dice, and fail he did. His magic fails him, why wouldn't everything else.
(I did know I was going to fail this roll. I knew before I ever clicked the button.)
Emrys goes still.
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand, remote viewing d20+16=36 ; d20+12=28 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 12:31:05 AM
Emrys' only spell-like ability that he can employ without verbal, somatic or material components is a domain ability called Remote Viewing (clairvoyance/clairaudience). He creates an invisible sensor above the combatants and uses this improved vantage point to spot and look upon everything in the room, or on the Necromancer's person, that could be used against their foe.
(Perception: 36, natural 20. Knowledge [Religion]: 28, to notice any special items undead use, such as a phylactery or other items of power.)
Evaris[AC 20; HP 17/74] 9d6=37 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 12:46:59 AM Flamestrike.
[Yes, I know the official name of the spell is two words. And I don't even care. "Flamestrike" is way cooler than "Flame Strike."]
Necromancer dude takes 37 points of damage, divided evenly between fire and holy damage. Reflex save DC 20 for half.
Hero Point. Remove Paralysis on Emrys and Lanliss. If the DM judges that Hold Monster is an "effect of temporary paralysis or related magic," then each gets a new save with a +4 bonus. If not, the spell is wasted, but hey, I tried.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 28/89 d20+15=25 ; d6+6=8 ; d20+10=24 ; d6+6=10 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 1:36:22 AM
Ariach feels the healing energy of Evaris and is relieved to see the priest on his feet again. The young warrior dearly misses his friend Grell on his side. Grell could destroy the bony body of the necromancer with a single blow. But now Ariach is facing the necromancer and Ariach knows that his offensive abilities arenīt from the best sort. Still the has to attract the necromancerīs attention. Again he steps forward and swings his flail. (hits AC 25 for 8 damage, hits AC 24 for 10 damage)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+7=26 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 5:34:26 AM
Lanliss tries to move once more telling himself that he can do it. and success ?
OOC: Thanks Kathy
The Nercomancer - Round 3 (DM Cayzle) Friday June 5th, 2015 6:24:07 AM
Lanliss's new save works and he can act this round.
Emrys can make a new save too.
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand, remote viewing d20+13=16 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 8:42:10 AM
(Will Save: d20+13=16)
Doomed to fail.
Emrys ac10, hp15/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand, remote viewing Friday June 5th, 2015 8:44:43 AM
(Oh, I forgot to add +4 to my roll. Will Save: d20+13+4=20.)
Even with a +17 modifier .... Doomed to fail.
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+12=18 ; d20+7=24 ; d6+2=3 ; d6+2=8 ; 4d6=14 ; 4d6=16 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 5:01:20 PM
Lanliss resumes his attack on the undead with his shortsword
Hit AC 18 (+3=21 if still flanking) Dmg 3
HIt AC 24 (+3=27 if still flanking) Dmg 8
Sneak attack (if still flanking)
sneak attack # 1 14 sneak attack # 1 16
ooc: question: do I add the sacred damage bonus to sneak attack damage ?
Emrys ac10, hp31/42, deathwatch, see invisibility, spectral hand d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 7:43:54 PM
(ooc: Ok...I think I have actually beat this really, really, simple easy Will save. Emrys has Elven Immunities: immune to magic sleep effects and gain a +2 racial saving throw bonus against enchantment spells and effects. Hold Monster is an Enchantment. Therefore he gets an additional +2 bonus to his save. He beats it by 1 on a d20 roll of 3. I knew my pointy ears were good for something!)
Feeling not as doomed as he was before, Emrys takes his cure wand and taps himself as he backs away from Ariach. (Casting Cure Critical Wounds. 3d8+5=16.) Self preservation wins out this round, instead of heroism.
(Did he spot anything important during that round he Remote Viewed the room and rolled a natural 20 on his Perception roll?)
The Nercomancer - Round 4 (DM Cayzle) d20+6=20 ; d20=16 ; Friday June 5th, 2015 9:36:34 PM
Flanked by Ariach and Lanliss, it is hard for the DM to imagine how the flamestrike, a 40-foot diameter of flame and divine power, can possibly affect only the undead. Considering Ariach's weakened state, the kindly DM assumes that Evaris positions it to come down square on Lanliss and the undead thing.
If Lanliss can make that DC20 saving throw, he takes no damage with Evasion. But even if he does take damage, it will bring him from 63 down to 26, so Evaris eviently thinks it is worth it!
Lanliss, please make that DC20 save and we'll see.
The undead makes his save exactly! It takes half damage ... 18 hp. 85+18 = 103.
Emrys resists the Hold at the last moment and cures Ariach.
Ariach steps forward and hits for 18 more, 121 total.
Then Lanliss sneak attacks twice, for 41 more, 162 total!
It had 128 hit points total! But now it is no more!
The partially, incompletely made mummy, for that is what it was -- as Emrys deduced with his divination and perception -- has a strange connection to Koshe Marr, the nightmare realm, where Gargul has no sway, and undead kings rule. The misshappen thing, tied to that evil demiplane, is unstable, and a wash of negative energy splashes over the entire chamber as it meets its end.
With this new information, the divined scene he took in becomes clear to Emrys. The necromancer was seeking to become a mummy. But he botched the job -- he was a nercomancer indeed, not a necromancer after all. And then he had become the thing you all put down. It has all failed for him.
Indeed, the chamber, and all its contents, living and dead, are imploded and carried off through inter-dimensional space. The trip is short but memorable. The canopic jars fall over, and they thunk like solid gold when they are tossed about. The floor shakes, gravity fails and restarts in another orientation, then fails again. You are all tossed about, taking 16 damage (reflex save 16 for half).
When the world halts, you are SOMEWHERE ELSE.
==========
My friends, this is the end of your adventures in Plateau City. Where exactly you have landed, and what has happened to you, you will find out on Monday with your new DMs.
You are all now 10th level, and you all have +1 hero points or Three, whichever is the higher number.
The canopic jars are solid gold, and when melted down, will bring you to your gold total as your DMs will advise you shortly. I imagine you will have have xp and gold just enough for 10th level.
It has been a true pleasure, and I look forward to reading about your continuing adventures, my friends! Have fun and good luck! (especially Emrys!)
LanlissHP 63/63 AC:26 touch:19 flat:18 cmd:25 d20+11=30 ; d20+11=29 ; Sunday June 7th, 2015 5:03:30 PM
wwwooooowwwwwww Lanliss says as they are transported to another place.
reflex save #1 30 reflex save #2 29
CDM Jerry Saturday June 13th, 2015 2:40:50 PM
The word is given to begin posting on the Tales From the Float board and I've sent an email to you as well. Feel free to begin posting out of character while some finish their character sheets. Here is the email I sent:
-----
Hey folks!
You may begin posting out of character [OOC] on the Tales from The Float board at will. YOur DMs will let you know when in character posting begins.
Remember that ALL players are starting at the start of 10th level.
Rum players will be losing a bit of xp, going back to the start of 10th level.
Legacy of Heroes players will be leveling up to 10th level.
Also remember that since the game is 10th level, it is now considered a Veteran Game and may not recruit new players. Luckily you are full at the moment. :)
The icon is not up, but the game is and you may hit the link. Headed there now to invite you in.
---
I will be instructing our IT guys to take down your former games here in a bit. A link to the archives will be on Woldipedia on the games page and those games pages will be reclassified as a non-current game.
LOG ON