Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 Friday September 10th, 2021 4:37:39 AM
(OOC: Oopsi yes you're correct in the +1 - so spell waisted but it's ranged so Haemir did not move! Sorry guys I'm unwell this week and it's not up to much. Doing my best).
Cayzle Comments: That's right, you used the spectral hand, thanks for keeping me honest.
Rubalad (SteveK) AC/T/FF 23/13/20 CMD 23 HP 34/52 Ruby d20+8=13 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+7=15 ; d4+9=11 ; d2+9=11 ; Friday September 10th, 2021 3:19:23 PM
Rubalad is bitten twice with sharp teeth that quickly disappear! He feels cursed, but still tries to fight the Chaos Beast. He thanks Haemir for the magic weapon on his shield spikes, that will help!
Scimitar is a blur with two flicking strokes, and Rubalad punches out again with his shield. “Keep it together”, he growls at himself.
…
Fort. 2 fails, not gonna try to use a hero point on a lost cause
Power Attack -2 to hit +4 damage. Scimitar. 26 Crit fail. Dam 11 Scimitar. 16 miss Shield Punch. (With Magic weapon on spike). 20. Dam 11
Total. 22 damage pending amorphous penalties
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 d20+6=12 ; Friday September 10th, 2021 7:28:31 PM
(OOC: good catch Steve thx).
If Haemir can figure what he needs to - the misty hand flies to Ruby and channels Spell Immunity to curses - on the beastfolk. If clueless the hand channels Remove Curse which he casts from safety (his caster level check to bust it is 12).
It should be obvious the spell has dropped but to avoid any confusion he shouts "Hit it hard lads"!
Rurik Ironjaw (Robert) | AC 19 | CMD 19 | 48/48 HP | d20+17=25 ; d20+12=18 ; 2d4+9=16 ; 2d4+9=17 ; Friday September 10th, 2021 9:37:36 PM
Rurik nods and charges forward, continuing his onslaught as if he were uninterrupted. As he slashes at the creature, dodging around a flailing limb, he shouts
"Whatever this thing is, it isn't evil! Must just be some strange beast. And does anyone have an idea where that scatter brained scholar went?"
(First attack, 25 to hit, 16 damage if it hits, second attack 18 to hit, 17 damage if it hits).
Herbert Bramblerose (Bill Soucy) | AC 20 | CMD 18 | 68/68 HP 3d6=8 ; Friday September 10th, 2021 11:35:57 PM Herbert lays hands on Ruby (with the Mercy: Diseased attached for free
Heals 8 points to Ruby
DM Cayzle - The Sage In Danger d20+13=20 ; d20+13=14 ; d6=6 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=24 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; Saturday September 11th, 2021 10:45:19 PM Ruby is cursed! The effect is this: Your body is shapeless and shifting; your shape constantly melts, flows, writhes, and boils. You are immune to precision damage (like sneak attacks) and critical hits. You cannot hold or use any item -- you drop your weapon. Clothing, armor, helmets, and rings become useless. Large items worn or carried—armor, backpacks, even shirts—hamper more than help, reducing the victim's Dexterity score by 4. Speed is reduced to 10 feet or one-quarter normal, whichever is less. You cannot cast spells or use magic items, and you gain a -4 penalty on attack rolls and a 50% miss chance.
Ruby cannot attack with blade and spikes. He can make unarmed attacks. Ruby, please feel free to take your attacks and use them for unarmed attacks. Recall that if you do not have Imporved Unarmed Attacks, you provoke an AoO when you lash out (at -4 and with a 50% miss chance), if you choose to do so.
Ruby, ALSO make a DC 17 fort save every round or take a point of Wisdom. Three consecutive saves removes the curse.
ALSO, you have the option to make a DC15 Will save to regain your form for a minute.
I need the DC17 Fort save from Ruby, and the decision on attacks for this round. You might, for example, choose to forgo those attacks and use total defense.
Haemir moves his spectral hand to Ruby and casts Remove Curse. That does the trick, and Ruby is fine.
Rurik attacks and hits for 16 damage. (The hit vs AC18 misses. It is AC20.)
Herbert lays hands on Ruby and heals 8 points.
The monster flails at Rurik and Rubalad.
Against Rurik it hits AC20 and AC14. That's one hit for 9 damage and a fort save vs DC17 or be cursed!
Against Ruby it hits AC25 and AC24. Assuming Ruby is AC23, that's two hits for 15 damage and two DC17 saves!
Beast of Chaos AC20 SR18 Damage taken: 26
Rubalad (SteveK) AC/T/FF 16/16/16 CMD19 HP27/52 Ruby d100=29 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+2=5 ; Sunday September 12th, 2021 2:54:15 AM
Ruby attempts to groan as his scimitar slips from fingerless hand. He looks with his three eyes as his shield falls from his tentacle! “Wot appn Ing ooo me?”, he manages to get out.
He lashes out from reflex at the monster, opening an opportunity for attack, but at least hitting the monster. Could HE become just like that? Right now, it seems all too likely!
Without armor and shield and lack of dexterity, Ruby is very very vulnerable, but decides to stay to fight. Maybe if it keeps attacking him, the others will be safe! He goes fully defense (Ooc: how much good that will do!)
…. Only the previous ‘26’ would have hit with the -4. Miss chance 29: miss
Fully defensive. +6 AC
Fort DC 17 vs Wisdom drain. 18 success #1 2 Fort DC 17 for new attacks. 13, 17. Yep, still cursed! Will DC 15. 5. Did not regain form.
Cursed! constantly shifting body. immune: precision damage, critical hits. Can’t hold/use items, large items are -4 Dex. Speed -10. -4 attack rolls w 50% miss. DC 17 fort per rd or -1Wis DC15 Will; keep form 1min
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 d20+6=13 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=14 ; d3+4=5 ; Sunday September 12th, 2021 9:18:30 AM
Fand attacks (missing with two but hitting with: 27 for 5 dmg)
Haemir casts remove curse (via the hand), as Ruby is cursed and has acted he casts this on on Rurik if he fails his save - if he's ok then it gets cast again on Ruby (Coalesce Spells 2 1st level slots to cast the remove curse - his caster level check to bust it is 13).
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP:36/36 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 - CMD:15 Active Spells: Mage Armour (6 hours) d20+4=9 ; d20+4=22 ; 4d6=21 ; Monday September 13th, 2021 7:05:56 PM
Sol, shaking himself out of confusion, immediately follows up by firing Scorching Rays at the Chaos beast, then moving away from it.
9 - Miss 22 - Hit!
21 Fire Damage!
Rurik Ironjaw (Robert) | AC 19 | CMD 19 | 48/48 HP | d20+9=23 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+12=22 ; 2d4+9=14 ; 2d4+9=17 ; Monday September 13th, 2021 9:30:36 PM
As one of the tendrils slams into his armor, another worms its way into a gap between the plates and brushes against Rurik's body, trying to wrap around a limb. Gritting in pain, he grabs the thing with his gauntleted hand and rips it off of him, throwing the dismembered chunk to the ground.
"This has gone on for far too long. Whether it be the abyss, or some other dark and oozing pit, I am sending you back to where you belong!"
Rurik plants his boot on the thing, and with a mighty roar slams his falchion down on it, leaving a gigantic gash. He pulls his sword back, and with another brutal downward chop, hits the same place, and cuts it nearly in half. He kicks whatever is left of it away and stumbles back, panting, glancing around for any other threats.
"Is anyone still hurt?"
(23 on the fort save. For future reference would this count as a "spell like ability"? I get a bonus to those but wasnt sure whether or not it would apply. Full round attack, first strike 34 to hit, second strike 22, so both hit. First strike 14 damage and second 17, which unless I'm mistaken is lethal. If it isn't then I'll make another post.)
Herbert Bramblerose (Bill Soucy) | AC 20 | CMD 18 | 68/68 HP d8+6=13 ; Monday September 13th, 2021 11:14:36 PM "No! I'll heal you, Ruby! Herbert yells and casts Cure light Wounds healing Ruby for 13 points.
DM Cayzle - The Sage In Danger Tuesday September 14th, 2021 1:00:29 AM
Rubalad was briefly returned to his normal form by a well-placed Remove Curse, but as soon as you can say Jack Dandy, the monster hits him again and curses him a second time! Ruby struggles to regain his form or to attack, without success.
Haemir casts Remove Curse and again restores Ruby! Boy, this back and forth is a befuddlement! Fand attacks and hits for 5 damage!
Sol flings his Scorching Rays at the Chaos Beast, hitting once for 21 Fire Damage!
Rurik throws off the threat of the curse! Dwarves do not get cursed easily, although they have been known to employ curses and colorful language from time to time! [OOC: Not a SLA!] He gashes the beast twice and inflicts 14 and 17 damage!
Herbert reaches out and casts cure light Wounds, healing Ruby for 13 points.
The almost mortally wounded monster cries out in piercing pain through the mouths that it forms and dissolves. It uses the withdraw action to try to escape, headed away from New Rattledam. It travels 40 ft by the end of the round. It has some light cover in the grasses.
Rubalad (SteveK) AC/T/FF 16/16/16 CMD19 HP27/52 Ruby d20+10=12 ; d20+10=17 ; Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:32:42 AM
Rubalad sighs in relief as Haemir’s strange magic is able to overcome the Chaos Curse. But the monster is getting away! ”We can’t let it escape to wreak havoc across the land!” Sword and shield are already on the ground, so the Tracker sprints forward releasing from his side a stiff piece of rope already rolled into a lasso. The hunter of men hopes to entangle the beast enough to allow the others to slay it.
…… Move 30’ Throw Lasso. Touch Attack. 12. Hero Point 17. Entangled! -2 att, -4dex, ˝ speed for Chaos Beast
DM Cayzle - The Sage In Danger Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:57:10 AM
Ugh. forgot SR 18 vs that scorching ray!
Sol, please roll a caster level check to beat that. If you fail, the monster just chose to flee but was less injured when it did so.
Rurik Ironjaw (Robert) | AC 19 | CMD 19 | 48/48 HP | d20+19=37 ; d20+19=25 ; 4d4+9=16 ; Tuesday September 14th, 2021 4:50:06 PM
Rurik mutters something most ungentlemanly under his breath, if anyone within earshot can understand dwarvish, and chases down the beast. Heavy armor clanking as his heavy footfalls trample the grass, like a living bowling ball of destruction he bears down on his target. With a mighty slash crackling with divine energy, he effortlessly slashes through dozens of pseudopods, before finally managing to bring the full force of his blade to bear against the main mass.
(Full round charge action, move 40 feet to it, and attack once. 18, that's a threat with a falchion! And a 25 to confirm, its a crit! So thats double dice, normal modifiers, so 4d4 +9 for 16 damage)
(whoops misread "SR" as "HP" for my last post.....facepalm. Can't believe I just made such a basic mistake)
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 d20+8=9 ; d20+6=18 ; Tuesday September 14th, 2021 5:39:06 PM
Fand swipes and misses (Attack:9) the fleeing creature and pursues (base 50' round). Haemir raises his xbow and fires just skimming past it's head (Attack:18), he also chases after it with Ruby (unless anyone else is cursed).
Elijah "Sol" Solomon (Daniel) HP:36/36 AC/T/FF:15/11/10 - CMD:15 Active Spells: Mage Armour (6 hours) d20+6=25 ; d20+6=25 ; 6d20=56 ; 6d6=24 ; Tuesday September 14th, 2021 6:04:21 PM
Caster Check versus SR - Pass!
Sol moves to line up a lightning bolt against the creature, and lets it fire off with a huge thunderclap sound as the bolt sparks from his hand and streaks across the air to strike the Beast.
Caster Check versus SR - Pass!
24 Damage to the Beast, Reflex Save DC - 19 for Half
DM Cayzle - The Sage In Danger Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:46:37 PM
The Chaos Beast dies in a smash of blade and bolt! Everyone is valiant, but Sol and Rurik are the ones to deal the deathblows.
[OOC: Ruby and Rurik, please accept a hero point for engaging the monster in melee range despite the risk.]
The monster's steaming remains are sizzling as the sage walks up and takes a good look.
"Alas," says Stumwhistle. "Did you have to wreak the specimen quite so ... efficiently?"
You hear other townsfolk approaching now that the danger has passed.
Herbert Bramblerose (Bill Soucy) | AC 20 | CMD 18 | 68/68 HP Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:47:55 PM "HUZZAH"!Herbert yells, "Are you well, Ruby? Do you need anything? Well done, my brothers!'
Rubalad (SteveK) AC/T/FF 16/16/16 CMD19 HP 40/52 Ruby Wednesday September 15th, 2021 1:27:37 AM
Rubalad catches his breath and retrieved his lasso, carefully cleaning it and looping it together for the next time it will be needded. Herbert’s question brings him short and he does an assessment. ”Thanks to you and Haemir, I think I’m well except for a few scrapes and bruises. I did not look forward to looking like a blob of jellied meat: how would my parents recognize me if I ever got home?”. The joke is feeble, but Ruby is still pretty shaken up at his close call.
Ruby ignores Stumwhistle, his plaintive exclamation grinding against the badger-Kin’s sense of what is important and what is irrelevant. He also leaves the explanations to town leaders to Others who already have established relations.
”very impressed, Rurik and Sol, you both were wonderful in killing the beast. Haemir, could there be other jellied creatures around that also need in-cursing?”
(Ooc: yay! Hero point!)
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 2d8+6=9 ; Wednesday September 15th, 2021 6:33:31 AM
"Wow that was amazing what you guys did"! Haemir heals Ruby (9 points) and will happily do more with an additional CLW. "What an eerie creature. I sure hope no more are around. Let's keep our eyes open just in case. Anyone else injured"?
He shudders as he looks at the weird body and remembers what happened to Ruby and is eager to put it behind them.
Rurik Ironjaw (Robert) | AC 19 | CMD 19 | 48/48 HP | 3d6=8 ; d3=1 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=4 ; Wednesday September 15th, 2021 2:13:47 PM
Rurik begins cleaning his sword, as he talks to Sturmwhistle, making sure to get off all the blood and goo that could damage his blade, letting all his magical enhancements fade as well.
"No, we didn't have to. We could have taken our time with it and been very careful about killing it to preserve the body, as it continued to attack us and perhaps kill us. If you want things killed pristinely, then get hunters with bows, not a dwarf with a falchion."
He looks up, glancing at the scholar.
"Glad to see you're alright though. Was worried you had run off and found some other trouble.
After taking a moment to catch his breath (Lay on hands on self, 8 points), he walks over to Ruby, clapping him on the back (Lay on hands, 10 points), and healing him as he does so.
"You did well yourself, I doubt we could have done as well as we did if you had not been there as well. It is fortunate that we came across you in the planes before this."
Rurik glances around at the group, and sees the rest are uninjured, so lets out a sigh of relief and collects himself. (Lay on hands, 4 points)
(The d3 is a misclick, sorry. Also yay, more hero points!)
Herbert Bramblerose (Bill Soucy) | AC 20 | CMD 18 | 68/68 HP Wednesday September 15th, 2021 10:50:36 PM "What a strange creature! Surely it can't be from the Sargrass....have any of you seen one of these...things before?" asks Herbert as he pokes the gooey corpse with his sword....
DM Cayzle - The Sage is Grateful Thursday September 16th, 2021 12:56:31 AM
Stumwhistle listens to Rurik and blushes. "Ah, yes, indeed. I did get a bit caught up in the ... natural philosophy of the chance for study. You are right of course, and you protected me beyond my desserts."
"Please, all of you, let me thank you properly. I'd love to host you at the finest eatery in town, to show my appreciation!"
At this point other townsfolk have arrived and are gawping at the dead chaos beast. The tone of the comments is amazement -- both amazed at the odd strange creature and at the bravery of the heroes.
Stumwhistle calls everybody around and declaims in his oration voice the story of the encounter. He speaks self-deprecatingly of his own lack of foresight and tendency to run away, while lauding to all the way you heroes took charge of the situation. People gasp when they hear that Ruby was cursed -- TWICE -- by the monster.
If you do not object, the sage leaves off his field trip to lead you back into New Rattledam to celebrate. A couple brawny townsfolk carry the corpse with.
The celebration grows in numbers and enthusiasm as the afternoon progresses, and you find yourselves sitting down to a fine meal, if that's ok. Needles shows up and seems impressed with you too.
Rubalad (SteveK) AC/T/FF 16/16/16 CMD19 HP 40/52 Ruby Thursday September 16th, 2021 6:36:32 AM
Rubalad smiles, no teeth, and is very happy. This is what he was wanting: acknowledgement that beast-folk are as noble and intelligent and part of the community as any other good and intelligent race! He will freely retell his part in the battle as well as giving lots of praise to Rurik, Haemir, Sol, and Herbert. ”we needed everyone! We made a great team!”, he exclaims.
And he is looking forward to a feast and talking with more of the community leaders.
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 Thursday September 16th, 2021 10:11:38 AM
Haemir also adds to the story telling how in fact he did virtually nothing but expanding on the bravery of his colleagues and reaffirms that the beastfolk was a valuable asset as well.
Herbert Bramblerose (Bill Soucy) | AC 20 | CMD 18 | 68/68 HP Thursday September 16th, 2021 3:27:09 PM Herbert takes out his concertina and sings a sea (grass?) shanty about Ruby the Brave and dances a jig. He does without proficiency, but with charm and enthusiasm.
Rurik Ironjaw (Robert) | AC 19 | CMD 19 | 48/48 HP | Thursday September 16th, 2021 6:36:56 PM
Rurik is surprised by the amount of awe and ceremony that surround them as they head back to town, not used to his exploits being celebrated so fiercely. Modestly downplaying the role he played in the creature's death, he and Ruby go back and forth for a short while arguing over who dealt the fiercer blows, Rurik arguing for the strength of Ruby's sword arm. As the scholar loosens up Rurik warms to him, taking him aside privately and giving a few words of warning
"I understand that for those not used to such things, being ambushed by monsters can be...unsettling to say the least. Truth be told, sometimes it still shakes me to my bones. But you have to keep in mind that what's out there may not be alone, and what may be dangerous as a group willbe lethal on your own. Your fellows are your greatest asset, even when they aren't adventurers like us. You need to be sure that you can do these sorts of things safely, or else one day you simply wont come back, and I doubt anyone here wants that. We got lucky today, but luck runs out. Best to have good fellows and a strong arm instead."
DM Cayzle - The Sage is Grateful d20+7=10 d20+7=9 Thursday September 16th, 2021 11:57:31 PM
Rubalad talks up the value of teamwork and the mickle prowess of his friends.
Needles nods along and echoes Ruby's praise. "I have an idea about this," he says, half musing aloud. "I think we need to do something about this. Ruby, will you and your friends visit the Council on the day after tomorrow?"
Haemir reaffirms Ruby's words and speaks up the beastfolk as well. One of the servers in the establishment, a very pretty girl, seems quite taken with what Haemir is saying, and in a private moment thanks him and plants a kiss on him. Her hands are a little "busy" during that kiss!
Haemir, please make a Perception check vs DC10 If you make it then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {She reaches into a pocket, maybe to take something? If so, she failed.}
Haemir, please make another Perception check vs DC9 If you make it then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {She tried to put a small note into another pocket. If you read the note, you see it has her name (Saraboo) and an invite to a rendez-vous!}
Herbert starts up an enthusiastic tune! Soon the crowd is joining in. It may not be a professional performance, but professional musicians seldom visit the town, and the effort is greatly appreciated!
Rurik engages Sage Stumwhistle in a deep practical and philosophical discussion. The sage very much enjoys this, and engages with Rurik.
At the end of the night, he offers Rurik "a very small token of my thanks," a small container of tea. It takes hot water and a minute to steep, but upon drinking it acts as a spell of Lesser Restoration. There's enough tea for six cups. [Please note on your sheet as a fate item granted by DM Cayzle on this date. No resale value, no ding vs WBL.]
Assuming Ruby accepts the invitation from Needles, the heroes have all day tomorrow for R&R, training, and activities. In Haemir's case, maybe "activities?"
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 d20+1=4 ; d20+1=3 ; Friday September 17th, 2021 6:09:07 AM
(Perception: 4 and 3). Boy oh boy did the pretty lady sure pick the wrong way to get Haemir's attention. He's not known for his perception. Two days later he finds an odd piece of paper in his pocket and scratching his wonders how it got there.
Rubalad (SteveK) AC/T/FF 16/16/16 CMD19 HP 40/52 Ruby Friday September 17th, 2021 6:12:39 AM
Ruby readily accepts a meeting with the Council, even though he’s not sure what they would want with him and the Maiden Voyagers. For Ruby, it is another step towards acknowledgement and legitimacy for beast-folk!
He uses his spare time to ensure he is presentable; cleaning and minor repairs of equipment and clothes. He will even seek out the tradesmen for more serious repair.
On the day to meet the Council, he leaves his backpack, but comes in armor and sheathed weapons. His cloak, tunic, and trews the mottled greens and tans of a hunter.
Rurik Ironjaw (Robert) | AC 19 | CMD 19 | 48/48 HP | Friday September 17th, 2021 9:25:18 PM
Rurik spends the rest of the day working on his gear, polishing his armor and honing the edge of his blade. A mere fighter can present themselves any which way, but a paladin must be a shining beacon, as if they had stepped from a storybook. Shining armor and glittering blade, beaming smile and a reassuring voice. He of course looks forward to the council meeting, and hopes that any words of wisdom he can provide are useful. Between Needle before, and Sturmwhistle now, Rurik is learning about another aspect of being a hero, of helping with the small fights and monsters we all face.
DM Cayzle - The Town is Grateful Saturday September 18th, 2021 9:32:00 AM
Oblivious Haemir misses his chance at an assignation! Perhaps another day.
Rubalad, sensitive to acting as a representative of his people and his comrades, makes a special effort to buff up his appearance.
Rurik too shines up real nice.
Sol and Herbert seem unconcerned about what turns out to be a formal occasion.
The event begins with just the party and the Council of Rattledam; Stumwhistle is there as well. The Council asks for an account of the encounter with this Chaos Beast. After hearing out the heroes, Stumwhistle adds that in his opinion, this is the creature that was seen earlier, and that it is an individual drawn from another dimension.
"It is well known to scholars and natural philosophers that the Sargrass is located on a 'thinny,' which is to say, that the boundaries between the Wold and other places are thin here," the sage lectures. "In time past, this led to a lake of Woldsblood pooling under the Sargrass, with disastrous effects. While the gods, in their mercy, restored the Sargrass, the boundaries are still thin, and so an individual outsider, such as this Beast, may from time to time pop in. My guess is that this one brought with it a pool of water, which gave rise to the burst of flora I have observed."
"In my opinion, though, this is not an indication of an infestation or migration. These worthy heroes have saved us."
Needles bows and gathers a consensus of the Councilors. "Then we can proceed to the public portion of the day," he concludes.
He leads everybody to the wide porch outside the chamber. You see that a crowd has gathered.
A trumpet is blown and Needles reads from a scroll:
In recognition of many deeds achieved to the benefit of the people of New Rattledam, The Council recognizes the heroes known as the Sargrass Sentinels.
They helped protect and found this community.
They helped establish elections and the political basis of our community.
With their remarkable vessel, The Maiden of the Plains, they have established contact with the city of Zaran, a future trading partner.
They traveled to a Climber community and brought back a master weaver to improve our defenses.
And most recently, they protected the town against an invader from another dimension.
For these and other services, in recognition of the vital role they have played, the Council is pleased to declare the Sentinals as "Heroes of Rattledam."
Needles rolls up the scroll and presents it to Haemir.
"We are also pleased," Needles continues, "to bestow upon you these small tokens of appreciation."
Needles shakes the hand of each hero and gives each of you a ring woven of steelgrass.
[OOC: These rings are nonmagical, but if you choose to have them enchanted at the Catacombs in the future, you may do so at a 10% discount. Please list your ring on your sheet and note that this Fate Item was bestowed by ACDM Cayzle on this date.]
"And now, if their hearts moves them to speak, we would hear from each of you heroes! Please step up and offer us a few words!"
Rubalad (SteveK) AC/T/FF 16/16/16 CMD19 HP 40/52 Ruby Saturday September 18th, 2021 12:26:33 PM
Rubalad smiles, very pleased, as he accepts his SteelGrass Ring. Privately, he quips, ”Sargrass Sentinels? I like the name. Didn’t know we were called that!”
He steps up to the porch rail and hops up so more people can see his white striped head. “I thank you, and am proud to be a part of the Sargrass Sentinels!”. He steps down. He really doesn’t have anything he can say about the community, only having been in town for a couple of days, and Momma always warned to never promise the whole bandit camp when you don’t have them in hand.
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 Sunday September 19th, 2021 4:42:06 PM
Fand virtually pushes Haemir to the podium (he's that shocked by the turn of events). "There are many people that should be here receiving this n' they can't be here. I dunno about being a hero, I do know this though. It doesn't take one hero to do all this, it takes many. It takes us, it takes all of you and it takes patience n' persistence. Having a good team around" He gestures to the party, "I try n' keep the stitches together. They do the hero-ing". He scratches his head and steps back after thanking everyone. He's not even sure if what he said made sense - he was that flumoxed.
Herbert Bramblerose (Bill Soucy) | AC 20 | CMD 18 | 68/68 HP Sunday September 19th, 2021 10:45:42 PM "Hero? That's an awfully big word, but thank you. You've all been very kind to us, and shown us great hospitality in your home. I am happy to help in any small way that I can. You all are very good folk, and I am proud to be part of the Sentinels...It is a role...no, a duty...that I take very seriously, even if I am not the most serious of beings at all times. Good peoples of New Rattledam, I am honored to serve, and thank you for the gift." and with that, Herbert bows and steps down with a shy smile.
Haemir (Rich) AC:17/17/14 - HP:41/41 - CMD:15 | Fand: AC:20- HP:49/49 Monday September 20th, 2021 11:04:41 AM
As the others speak Haemir looks out across the grass... Had it whispered again? He could almost understand it! There was something final almost about the award, he could feel the wind of change on the horizon.
Haemir scans all the faces in the crowd, so many new ones, but still he spotted a few from his ship that left three years ago. They had done everything they had set out to do. Could he relax finally?
There was still some exploring left to do - but it felt like he wasn't needed here anymore. The people were safe and even as they spoke he could see the advances that the weavers were making. Soon New Rattledam would be safe and possibly even some of the major guilds would be joining them soon. He could see living proof of the immense power of a group of people coming together with similar interests who - the power of working together toward the same goals.
He sighs and looks up to the sky, the sun warming his face and closes his eyes, remembering everyone he had adventured with.
Bigby, the tenacious Beastfolk and his wolf. In the end he had found his family. Ungy - the awkward bard - who always made Haemir laugh. Barnaby - another Beastfolk Avian who Fand (when she'd been in bird form) had a thing for. Caelwyn - the Paladin who often steered the party on the right path, the voice of reason. 'Lil - the priest who literally kept them alive, her words of wisdom would stuck with him forever. Akuno - the princess of cats who's innocence refreshed him. Thorondir - the scary druid who literally bought the Sargrass alive. Grindar, Son of Grindor and his lion. Wait hadn't Haemir seen him in a dream recently? Xel'Aw - the learned, gentle and articulate poet. Sol - he looks towards his friend and sees that Fand has flopped down next to the wizard, the boy she had given her life for many years ago. She didn't regret her decision then - nor now.
The Sargrass was in good hands - Rurik, Ruby and Herbert were better defenders of the weak than he would ever be. He would miss them too.
Those that he could not see - he hopped were all safe, happy and with their loved ones.
Haemir himself had never found his loved one, but he was still young for an elf. Maybe she was out there? Or maybe he'd found it here in the form of the Sargrass. It was crazy, weird, scary and yet always beautiful.
In his life he had always understood one thing. You always leave a piece of yourself in the places you love. Part of him would always be here - sailing the plains, the wind in his hair. The shouts of his friends.
He isn't quite sure why he says it but he words spill out: "Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting".
Rurik Ironjaw (Robert) | AC 19 | CMD 19 | 48/48 HP | Monday September 20th, 2021 1:13:39 PM
Rurik steps up to the podium, looking out at the sea of faces. Faces looking to him with expectation, excitement, interest. These people see him as a hero, and he finally is beginning to feel like one, instead of simply playing the part, doing his duty. He is no longer a young soldier, dreaming of the day when he can remake the name his forefathers sullied. These people only know his name through his actions, and they have judged him worthy. He prays his ancestors may do so as well. Taking a deep breath, he begins.
"People of New Rattledam. I have seen much in my travels across the world, but nothing as unusual as these grassy plains, and have seen few as bold and fearless as those who choose to live here. Your courage, resourcefulness, and skill are boundless, and the world would be a better place if there were more who shared it. I have done my part to keep this place alive, to shield it and protect it from the dangers that would topple it, but this work is beyond any one warrior. We must all be shields, beacons of light to guard against the night. We must come together, strong as steelgrass, to reach into the heavens and bring them here to dwell among us. You must not forget your duty, your obligation, to defend your countrymen. I have seen places where brother turns on brother, and the rich steal from the poor, but those places are far from here. We must all ensure that such evils do not take root here! Much as the grass advances through the fields, strangling the crops til nothing remains but rot, so too does evil bring cataclysm on the places it dwells. Adventurers can only do so much to prevent the spread of such vileness, and there is much work to be done in the world by us. It is up to you all to take up arms, be vigilant, and wise, and hold the line against the coming dark, like a beacon against the spread of the shadow! It seems daunting, impossible, to do so. But it is not! I am just one man, born in the shadows with little but scraps, and yet i have become the paladin of the light you see before you. You are all made of stern stuff, strong, and with inner fire like a blazing forge. I believe in this. I believe in you. And I believe in New Rattledam!"
Jerry [OOC post] Monday September 20th, 2021 6:37:44 PM
Just a reminder to read your email concerning this game if you have not players. :)
DM Cayzle - The Town is Grateful Monday September 20th, 2021 10:05:28 PM
Rubalad offers a short speech to express his pride in his friends. Everybody applauds.
Haemir offers a longer speech that calls back to the friends he has made here in the Plains. He seems a bit flummoxed, but the folks listening cheer him on.
Herbert focuses on the duty of being a hero, protecting others and offering thanks for the gift.
Amid the speechifying, Haemir waxes philosophical and a bit melancholy.
Rurik charges the people to stick together, to keep the community strong. He appeals to their pride, and the result is a thunder of approval.
Sol, maybe too shy, keeps to the background.
The party lasts into the night, and everyone enjoys the company of their heroes. Tomorrow is another day, a day that may hold more adventures, or perhaps peace at home, but tonight, the Wold delights in you.
[OOC: Thank you, my friends, for the privilege of being one of your DMs. This marks the last DM Post for the Sargrass Plains game. Please feel free to post here for your final goodbyes over the next day or two.]
Rubalad (SteveK) AC/T/FF 16/16/16 CMD19 HP 40/52 Ruby Tuesday September 21st, 2021 12:48:06 PM
Food and talk, and listening and being heard. Ruby is proud that he is being treated as an equal, and enjoys his time. The community seems strong, and thanks in good part to what Haemir and Sol and their friends have wrought. And Rurik’s speech has seemed to bring the town of New Rattledam even more together.
”I don’t think I’m needed here anymore. I think I’m going to take ship and try to find my way back to New Elennia.”
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