Sunna Triplefang sits in the Harpers' Guild's meager library pouring frustratedly over another unhelpful ledger.

Why doesn't anyone know anything about a silly, magical, blank book?  We're the HARPERS for crying out loud.  What does it do?  What is it for?  Why is it so important?

"Oh Sunna..." says Samuel, the puppeteer, in a singsong voice from the door of the library.  "Guess who just walked through the gates of our fine city."

Slowly Sunna looks up from the book she was paging through and frowns slightly. Is it another attempt of Samuel to cheer her up? Some trick? Or is there really something important going on? "I guess... the book?" she asks with a wry smile, knowing that a book, not even this ominous magical book, isn't able to walk. "Really, I have no idea, Samuel."

"Actually yes.  A trio of Triplefang traipsed in a totting a tome of tunes.  Eburacon's songbook to be exact.  They're in Genessa's office now," he says.

Well that's not the *what* you're interested in, but it is the *who*.

OOC:  The party is no longer in Genessa's office, but you can catch them before the leave the guild if you want to.

Walking out of the guild with Glumr and Farden, Holly asks them, "So what do you think about the idea to buy a building here? Saves us lugging coins around and we have the money available when we get the full amount collected for the book. We could probably rent it out or something to suppliment our income..."

"Sounds like a plan. This quest doesn't look like finishing any time soon, might as well be comfortable while we're at it."

"I think that's a terrible idea!" Glumr says, speaking up kind of unexpectedly.  "I feel if we want to gain more coin so that we may finish our main quest, we should take the task of going to that tower.  We should spend the money on enchanted weapons and invest in ourselves so that we may accomplish our tasks, and perhaps even greater tasks without as much trouble.  We can invest that money on our equipment and it will allow us to accomplish so much more without risking our lives as much."  Glumr pauses.

"Last time we split the coin and everyone spent/gave their's all away.  I think we should invest into ourselves and then hide the remaining (or leave it in safe keeping) and continue to stockpile.  Only spending what we need on ourselves and our travels and leave it in a common pool until we part ways."

OCC - We need to get the tomb, and that means we need to make more money.  Bigger tasks and adventures.  We could use the edge like enchanted weapons to be able to pull of these things.  I think the tower should be our next quest as it will pay the most.

"Thank you, Samuel." With a swift motion Sunna closes the book berfore her and stands up, putting the book under her arm. Another nod and a smile to Samuel and she hurries out of the room, to Genessas office. Maybe the people she's looking for are still there.

Holly pauses when Glumr does, taking a quick glance at the surroundings as they discuss their options. "Well, perhaps Glumr is right, we could do with some more magic on our sides, and that would mean we need to follow Ganessa's advice and keep away from the street suppliers and go and see Limon's Viseer, Cordelia. It might even get us another commission, you never know. As to the left overs, well perhaps there might be enough to put into a house or shop, and let someone else use it. Lets find out what Cordelia has on offer, and then work out what we might want. Certainly some form of healing might be useful to suppliment my own skills, and weapons for you guys."

Luckily there is plenty of background noise in the Harpers Guild hall.  You doubt anyone overheard any of your short traveling discussion as you head for the exit.

Before you get to the front doors, one of the harpers spots you, waves you down, and hustles over to you from across the room.

OOC:  It's Sunna Triplefang.  This would be a fine time to describe and introduce yourself.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:45, Tue 27 Mar 2012.

Sunna is about 5'8'' tall, but her features are missing the muscular shape of a trained warrior. Instead she's rather slim, but carries herself with some grace. Her black hair is tied back in a complicated braid, hanging down below her shoulders. There's a look of hope in her eyes as she spots the group and waves at them.
Sunna wears a light blue dress with a leather belt and a knife in its scabbard and carries a book under her arm.

"Greetings. I'm Sunna Triplefang. I heard about your visit here and I thought it would be nice to speak to some fellow clanfolk again." She smiles and for a moment it seems as if she wants to add something, but then keeps it to herself.

The stocky armored man smiles and gives her a bow. "Always good to meet a fellow clan member. What brings you to the Harpers?"

Holly glances over Sunna, trying to remember if they had met before, and then says, "Greetings cousin, as Farden asked, what brings you and the Harpers together?" Then Holly looks around the noisy place and suggests, "How about joining us in a drink. Do you know somewhere quiet and nearby?"

"Quiet?  I doubt you can find that in a place that serves ale" Glumr chuckles, rolling some sweet leaf while they talk.  "Let us go find a nice tavern to sit and talk.'  Glumr pauses then takes Sunna's hand in introduction.  "It's a pleasure to meet a beautiful lady.  I am Glúmr, son of  Hólmfastr Triplefang.  My father died in clan raids when I was young.  My mother Astryd is still in Volge."  Glumr finished with a slight bow.

Glúmr is an averaged size man who is fit and a bit wiry.  His skin is tanned and his shaggy hair is sun bleached.  His eyes are hazle and seem to change color reflecting certain emotions. Glúmr wears a dark floppy large brimmed hat that can hang down, hiding his face or eyes. The hat blurs into the cloak Glúmr wears.  The cloak, colored dark earthy brown and wood and grass green colors,  has long flowing pieces to help break up his outline should he need to remain undetected.  It covers the leathers he wears for protection.  Glúmr's leathers and boots are brown with highlights of green, making his outfit ideal camouflage in the grasslands and spotted woodlots around the lands.

Glúmr typically has his pack on him, which is filled with all kinds of useful items for various situations.  He also has several pouches and pockets on his leathers and in his cloak which are also filled with handy things.  A bow and quiver fastened to the pack, a unique and large broad scimitar strapped to his hip, and a dagger on each boot complete his appearance.

Glúmr has started smoking a sweet leaf that is grown around the lands.  He's been known to have some of the rolled leaf hanging from his mouth, wisps of smoke flowing behind him, and blowing smoke rings while he ponders things.

OCC - This place is like a tavern, correct?  If not, then my post needs an edit.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Tue 27 Mar 2012.

You're not really sure what to compare it to.  The Harpers Guild hall is like a school and a lodge and a town hall.  You could certainly sit down at a table here, but you doubt anyone will come serve you ale or food.  You'd probably have to bring your own food and drink.

Sunna is familiar with the taverns in town, most notably the Emerald Cobra.

OCC - Updated post accordingly.   Looking forward to this next leg of the adventure.

"I am here to learn", Sunna says simply, "my father, Baldvin Triplefang, the storyteller, sent me here." Taking a closer look at the group she adds: "As for a quiet tavern I fear I have to admit that Glúmr is correct, you won't find a quiet place where you can get a drink here. The Emerald Cobra is a nice place to stay for a drink, though, with good music even. How about I invite you for a drink over there?" Not that she's overly wealthy at the moment, but she's got enough copper pieces for a couple of drinks.

The Emerald Cobra is on the other side of the main, large, central street as the performers' clearing and Idora's boarding house where the party stayed during its last visit to Rankor Heights.  It's snuggled into the edge of a residential district bordering the merchants quarter.  The structure itself is built more like a small longhouse than most of the buildings you've seen in Rankor, and it makes more use of wood than stone.  Inside there's a hearth and taproom with individual tables and chairs instead of the common long tables with benches to either side.  Besides the hearth this room is lit by lanterns high along the outer walls and thick candles on the tables. It's nearing the early dinner hour and some patrons are already gathering even though food is not yet being served.

The staff and guests alike seem to know Sunna.  She leads you over to a little square table and goes off to fetch drinks for everyone as if she owns the place.  Scott (the large disembodied float eye, for the newcomer) gets some strange looks, but you're so used to that by now it hardly registers any more.  Soon you're all settled in and ready to talk it up.

Holly accepted the seat, and sat down, looking over Sunna again. "My name is Hollykahn Shipsail of the Triplefang Clan. Welcome Sunna, how can we help you?"

Holly is dressed in dark colours, mainly greens and blues, and wears a symbol around her neck which is well hidden from prying eyes. She carries a sickle and a sling as weapons, and seems rather fidgety in the confines of the inn, as if she would rather be outside. Currently tangled into her own hair is a length of black horsehair, as if entwined for some purpose.

Sunna takes a sip of her drink, seemingly pondering the question. "It needs a bit of time to explain and I think in the end the question is rather how I can help you", she begins and leans a bit forward in her seat. "As you may have already noticed there is a lot of folk coming here for a drink, some to share some gossip, some in need of help. Usually I don't care much for gossip, unless it makes for a fine story. Usually people don't come to me for help. But this one day it was different, and I still don't know if it was real or a dream, or, perhaps, some kind of vision." Sunna makes a short pause and takes anther sip of her drink.
"I was told there would be war, a terrible war." For a moment Sunna looks at the others to judge their reactions. "I was told that something had to be done and that you were on the way to find the key to change things, maybe even prevent the war." There's another short pause.
"And when I believe what I was told, it's not the question how you can help me, but how I can help you."

"There have always been wars. We are lucky enough to live in one of the quieter times. So who told you there was a war coming, and what made you believe them?" Holly asked, intrigued. She could have made the statement herself over the last two days after their trip through the marshlands to get to the city. That and the goblins had been building up for something down there as well, not to mention the horrific sight of the dark troll breeding place they had done their best to destroy.

Glumr nods.  "I feel it too.  My guess would be the dark woods.  The tension and trouble from that direction is great.  I feel the empire pressing on our lands, ready to take ours for their more..."  Glumr frowns in distaste "...sophisticated...  way of life.  Either way, I do not feel the lands are growing calmer and safer by any means."  Glumr takes a sip of ale, lights his rolled leaf and take a hard drag.

"We are on a quest to receive an item from the proctor.  He is willing to sell it to us for a larger sum of money.  I believe once we obtain this item, it will help us, as in our group at this table, bring peace to our lands."  Glumr looks to his friends as he has not really shared his thoughts on this with them.

"Recently my place in this life has started to become a bit more clear to me.  I have seen signs and agree with your dreams and feel this object, and more so our group, will be called on to return balance to our lands.  I believe it will get a lot worse for our lands before it gets better.  We're practically being infringed on from every border."  Glumr takes another hard drag and blows a large smoke ring, then blows small rings through the first.

"We must raise money to get this item from the proctor.  We have not decided, but there is a task to investigate some disappearing tower.  I hear it is very dangerous and a fools journey.  It was said with enchanted weapons we can hold our own.  If we all agree, I hope to journey north to accuire these weapons and then on to the tower to complete the task."

OCC - I forgot the details of the tower and just want to get some narrative post out so we can find the details about the tower later.

"I believe your vision." Glumr says quietly and in all seriousness "I think it is your place to aid us in our task.  I feel we must do this so we are prepared when the tension breaks and this war is at hand.  And to be prepared we need the object from the proctor.  If none are opposed, I would offer you a place at our side.  You see..."  Glumr pauses and looks around to make sure they are not being eavesdropped on and continues at a whisper.  Sunna needs to lean in to hear him.  "this object will allow the possessors to 'become legends' and will record all of the heroic deeds they perform until they depart this world."

Glumr again pauses and drinks down the last third of his ale.  "You see, I believe that this object and it's powers and other events have been put into place by higher powers.  I believe that my role, no our role, in this is to posess the object and return balance to our lands in a time of need.  And I believe that Ehlonna is pushing me, no us, in that direction." Glumr glances at Holly as she might disagree that Ehlonna is pushing and maybe Obad-Hai instead.  Perhaps they are both right.

Glumr leans back and continues in a less secretive voice "I would like you to join us in our quest for this item as our equal.  When we have enough coin, 10,000 for the proctor, you can choose to 'become a legend' as I will, or a share of the gold as Farden wanted.  I cannot say what it means to 'become a legend', but from what I said, I hope you understand what I believe.  And do not make that choice now, there is time for that later, simply make the decision of will you join us or bid us luck?"  Glumr goes to take a drink of ale, but realizes the mug is empty when he lifts it.  He sets it back on the table with a frown and a shrug.

OCC - Sorry for long post, but he had a lot to say.

Sunna takes a deep breath. "The strange thing is, I don't know the woman who told me these things. But she knew about you and she knew my name. Somehow, I wasn't able to ask her questions, one moment she was there in her white dress, and then she was gone. It just, well, felt right, what she said." She shrugs, not looking all too happy about the meager explanation she has.

Listening to Glúmr Sunna empties her mug.
"Glúmr, you said something about becoming a legend, and that the book has something to do with it. The woman asked me if I'd choose to become a legend, too." Sunna takes a deep breath. "I'd like to join you, if you'd have me."

"Well, I suppose we could use the help. We've had a few of our members give up on the quest in recent times. Welcome tot he group, Sunna."

Holly looked over at Glumr with his comments about Ehlonna. She didn't bite, especially as it looked like the two gods might be working in the same direction. Her view went back to Glumr when Sunna mentioned the lady in white. Raising an eyebrow, she still remained quiet, letting the girl talk.

When Sunna had finished, and Farden had made his offer, Holly said, "Ummm, no disrespect to the boys, or yourself Sunna, but what skills do you bring to the group? I'll willingly accept any help in our quests, but it always nice to know what help you can provide."

"You are right to ask, Hollykahn." Sunna nods to her and then smiles at Farden, who seemed to already have added her to the group. "First of all, I know some people here. Maybe one or two of them can be helpful, at least in gathering some information we might need. Also, gossip seems to find me. Second, I do know a bit about magic, which might be helpful when searching for magic weapons - or books. And third, the most important one for me but perhaps not the most important one regarding help, I am a skilled musician."

OK, now that Sunna has been accepted into the group what's your next move?

Allow me to mention a few plot leads and money making schemes:

* The Tower of Sowell - Disappearing lighthouse rumored to be full of treasure and undead.
     Might be a good idea to get magical weapons first.
     Mord said he knew of an Enchantress near Pliffa.

* The Copper Plate - Can you sell it to someone?  Do you *want* to sell it?

* Golems - Can you find one?  If so can you sell it to someone.
     Selling directly to Flavius...  probably no longer an option.
     Maybe Sunna knows something about golems.

* Bugbears - Bugbears killed the Ferisedan Warchief.
     Proctor Limon offered to reduce the price of the book to 8,000gp if you killed two bugbears and very publicly brought him the heads to raise Ferisedan morale and strike a blow for justice.

* The Eye - Is it Scottfard Ferisedan?  Can you restore him to human form?
     Renard had this to say on the subject:
     "The wandering minstrel eye was a human journeyman harper.  He's been cursed by a warlock for seeing something he shouldn't have.  Curiosity killed the cat, but it's only cursed your friend.  If I were you I'd get that curse broken before he bites it.  The sands in his hourglass are draining away."

* Cordelia, the Proctor's Vizier - Holly is keen to consult with one knowledgeable in magic.

* Elhonna's guidance - Glumr's awareness of the divine is growing.  He needs to speak to a priest or priestess of Elhonna.

* Gremlins - Snow found some gremlins in Rankor Heights.
     Maybe Sunna knows something about this.
     Doesn't look very profitable.

* Renard's house - A house for a fox.  How's that coming along?

* Jacob still on the loose - Farden would dearly love to give Jacob some paybacks.


Am I missing anything?

Farden has no fondness for Jacob, but he's not going to waste time chasing after that scumbag, now that they've got the book. Bugbears are too dangerous to hunt without something like a small army.

Golems and Tower of Sowell are looking like the best ideas.

Glumr wants to check on  Renard's house on the way back north on the way to the next quest.  He suggests the tower and that requires enchanted weapons which they can invest in, and then those should make other quests more easy.

Glumr plans on speaking with a priest/priestess of Ehlonna at first opportunity.  Perhaps even in this city/area.

He would like to keep the copper plate, or make sure it goes to where it is needed.  The lizard people might still be an issue and if this is the only key to getting across the worlds, then it shouldnt end up in a collector's um... collection.

After the tower, when we have weapons, those bug bears are done.  Maybe they will randomly cross paths with some and worry about it when it's opportune.

Golems..  Why not.

Glumr feels a connection to the eye.  He would really like to solve the mystery of it and 'cure' the eye if appropriate.

Glumr votes for the tower to be the next destination and stop at Renard's on the way.  He thinks Sunna will get a kick out of the talking fox.

OK, looks like we have some agreement on the long term direction.  What do you want to do once you're done drinking in the Cobra with Sunna?

Check out this enchantress, see if we can score some magic weapons and holy water.

Perhaps there's a bit of confusion.  Coal, the enchantress, who is rumored to be able to create magical weapons lives near Pliffa, which is over a week's travel north of here on the far side of the Triplefang lands.  Cordelia, the Proctor's vizier, is somewhere here in Rankor Heights.  No word on what powers, if any, she possesses.

With Holly content that Sunna has skills the group could use, suggests to the group that they see if they can get an appointment with Cordelia. Turning to Sunna, Holly asks her if she knows where they might be able to find her at this time of day.

Glumr would like to seek a priest/priestess of Ehlonna if convenient.

Sunna seems a little surprised that someone wants to talk to Cordelia, but seeing that she might be the one most knowledgeable about magic here, and therefore magic weapons, makes her a logical choice.
She suggests either to speak to Proctor Limon to get to her, or to wait a few days, since she's known to visit the Harpers Guild now and then.

"I could introduce you to the local priest of Ehlonna here, Ewan is his name, if you want to, Glúmr", Sunna suggests.

Sunna mentions that she has heard about an old dwarven ruin which might contain some ancient, presumably broken golems up in the north. Maybe even a working one, too, but that is uncertain. "Several people went there in the past to look for treasures, but I doubt that the dwarves left anything worth more than a copper piece. Though it is said that there were working golems up there in past days, even after the dwarves left."

"I'd prefer not to bother the Proctor - he might ask questions about our recent doings that are best left unanswered. We can wait for Cordelia. Or we can check out the dwarf ruins, if they're not too far."

"That would be appreciated"  Glumr says to Sunna.

"Agreed" he says to Farden  "We can investigate the ruins while we wait.  How far are they?"

"That would be appreciated"  Glumr says to Sunna.

"Agreed" he says to Farden  "We can investigate the ruins while we wait.  How far are they?"

"They're not close. North of Gollag and east of Pliffa, would be several days from here."

"Ummm, guys, I don't want to be in this city longer than I have to, you know that, but if we are taxed on every entry I would suggest we wait and see Cordelia before we leave. Let us find someone else to carry this gold around, so we can carry magic weapons, potions and such items." Holly looks seriously at Glumr and Farden for a moment, stiffling the comment that was on her mind about boys needing to be controlled.

Instead, Holly turns to Sunna and asks, "How long ago did Cordelia last visit the Harper's? Perhaps we could go, and leave the men to a drink and a meal"

"I agree Holly.  My thoughts were if they were close, a few of us could venture from the city while the others stay here with gear.   We should make note of it next time we travel that direction."

"OK, so we're waiting for Cordelia. I don't mind. I could use a few days' rest. And I could really use a bath."

You decide to get a room at The Emerald Cobra adjoining Sunna's.  Holly, wanting to be apart from the boys (Snow's ways must've rubbed off on the druid), joins Sunna in her room.  This strikes Sunna as a bit odd.

"What's wrong with Glumr and Farden?" she asks Holly.

Sunna slides some of her stuff around to make room for a spare bed.

Glumr, Farden, and Scott settle into their room.  Farden hunts down a washtub in an unusual, unplanned courtyard made of of the backs of buildings meeting at strange angles behind the tavern.  He ends up having to fill the tub himself.  It's not as nice as being taken care of at Idora's, but the Cobra is certainly a welcome, restful improvement on campsites.

The next morning rolls around.  Breakfast is mead and your pick from a basket of sourdough biscuits baked a couple days ago.  Not many of the patrons or staff are about, either still sleeping or already hustled off to their daily activity.

Holly and Farden head over to the Harpers Guild hall to watch for Cordelia, armed with a reasonable description of the Vizier.

Sunna takes Glumr off to the Shrine of Ehlonna.  The shrine is less than an hour walk even at your leisurely pace.  It lies on the shore of a pool at the mouth of a spring.  The harsh, strong mid-day light sparkles and reflects of the softly rippling surface.  The shine itself is larger and more active than the one in Crim.  There are worshippers gathered in prayer groups in the shady areas.  Other than numerous benches and a small unlit fit pit there is a small lodge and a shack off to the side of the shrine.  Two white stone statues of unicorns stand rearing back by a mossy stone dais.

Sunna introduces Glumr to Ewan, the shrine's priest.  He is a bald, but not particularly old man dressed in sandals and white robes.  He sets down a bowl to greet Glumr.

"Grace be to you, Glumr Triplefang," he says.

"And to you, Your Reverence"  Glumr politely greets the priest.  "It is an honor for me to be here at your shrine.  I've come to seek the guidance of you and Ehlonna."  Glumr takes a deep breath and starts to explain himself.  "You see, I have been traveling with my companions for some time now.  The road has been long and filled with adventures and travel.  During these travels, I have started feeling something.... It's hard to put words to it.  Sort of a kindling between nature and myself.  Something pulling me."

"Since I was a lad, I've spent time in nature.  Gathering herbs, tending animals, to patrolling the area around my home village. I've always respected Ehlonna and offered her my prayers and asked for her guidance as she seemed most in tune with what I have in my heart.  More so, I have started to feel that something is guiding me in my path in life.  I feel it pulling me toward conflict, toward the cause of the darkwood, toward the implements of Krammishir.  I feel the encounters I have been having are more than just chance.  I feel the natural balance changing.  Darkness pushing out light.  It's hard to say exactly as these are kind of feelings I've been having more than thoughts.  I've come to you to see if you can offer me some guidance, or to teach me how to find it.  I believe that Ehlonna is calling me to play my part, but that part is yet a secret to me as of yet... but still I feel as if she is calling me.  Is this silly?  Religion has not been an active part in my life, but I've always followed my heart.    I've always felt a connection to nature and Ehlonna, but lately I feel it's become stronger... almost a calling.  Forgive my rambling father, but you're the first that I've really spoke about this with."

Sunna leaves Glúmr some space to talk with the priest and walks over to a bunch of flowers growing there. Her favorite place to sit down either to relax or to play some songs.

"I know what you mean, Glumr.  I felt a similar calling when I was to become the priest of this shrine.  I knew all the prayers and rituals, but imagine my surprise when the full wonders of Ehlonna's blessings were revealed to me.  Oh what a magical moment!" says Ewan, slowly throwing his arms open wide like a blossoming flower.

"I can not say for certain if you will receive the same guidance and blessings, young believer.  Allow me to teach you a few basic rituals.  Perform them each morning as you see fit.  Ehlonna is quite active in granting abilities to her followers.  At the very least the rituals will help you achieve a closer spirituality."

True to his word, Ewan spends a few hours teaching and coaching Glumr through some simple rituals and prayers.  The lessons are interupt from time to time by other pressing shrine business, but go pretty smoothly.  Glumr is left feeling excited and anxious to try one of the rituals out tomorrow morning.

OCC - "That was easy"s easy"

Glumr thanks the priest for his time and collects Sunna to walk back to where the rest of the group may be.  Me makes sure to leave 2 gold pieces in the donation box as a thank you for the priests time.

OCC - sub'ed 2 F.GPs from my loot.

"So Sunna.."  Glumr says to her on the way back.  He sparks one of his rolled leafs and the sweet smoke trails behind the two as they walk "now that you are going to be accompaning us on our travels, the world is a dangrous place.  Have you had experience out in the wilds?"

On the way back, Glumr takes a short detour to stop in and say hello to his Gnome/Dwarf jeweler F'drick.  Not needing to do any business, just to say hello since he was in his neck of the woods.

OCC - No business and nothing really to say, just strengthening character relationships.

Sunna thinks about her answer for a moment. "Let's say I won't be lost entirely, but better don't trust me with finding game for everyone, or to find my way out of a treacherous swamp. Finding some berries and avoiding the inedible ones, that's something I can help with."

Farden keeps largely to himself. Once he's done cleaning himself and his gear, the spends most of his time in the Harper's library, browsing through any book that catches his fancy. Mostly, plays and histories.

Sunna returns to Rankor and works at the Emerald Cobra for a while before checking up on the rest of the party at The Harpers Hall before dinner time.  Glumr joins the group after a quick stop off to chew the fat with F'drick.  No sign of Cordelia at the Harper's guild yet.

The same is true of the next day.  The day passes mostly uneventfully.  Overall, the Harper's guildhall is a good place to pass the time.  There is usually music and good conversation.  Our heroes are meeting quite a few harpers.

On the third day you are greeted in the hall by a pair Ferisedan raiders.

"Hello fellow travelers.  You are Triplefang adventurers in seek of coin, are you not?  I am Arwulf Ferisedan and this is my trusted friend Hackett Ferisedan.  We have been told that you have a magic device that can transport men to other worlds.  You would like to part with it for the right price, no?"

Arwulf is a large man dressed in exotic leather and furs that show off his impressive muscles.  Hackett is a smaller man, also armed and dressed in an impressive, but less showy fashion.  They are clearly wealthy clan members.  Raiding is quite lucrative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:46, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

Since the plate is not his, Farden does not participate in the negotiations. He will ensure that news of the raiders' arrival reaches Holly and Glumr.

All the player characters are present at the Harpers Hall when Arwulf and Hackett arrive.

OCC - When I posted in side converstation, I thought Sunna was with Glumr, like stopping in at passing on the way back. 

"My I ask why you want to acquire such a rare artifact?"  Glurm asks the man un sure of his intentions.  Glumr feels the plate is best served in the hands of the people who must deal with the Trogs.  It could be used to rescue those who are taken, or to perhaps thwart the ability of the Trogs to come to their lands.  More so what if these man want to raid those lands, inviting repercussions from the Trogs to the locals of that area.

OCC - Is the portal area in Triplefang lands?

"Why would you buy a ship?  To climb aboard and conquer far off lands, of course!  These dirty trogs are most deserving of pillage at the axe's blade, are they not?  Doubly so for destroying our great brothers and sisters in Gollag!" exclaims Arwulf.

"You are wanting for gold coins and we are wanting for revenge and glory.  It sounds like a solid match, does it not?"

"You understand we'd require some proof of this plate's powers," Hackett chimes in.




That's a sticky question.  The answer is yes and no.  Probable more no than yes.  Gollag is closer to Goldenpoint and Crim than it is to Ferisedan villages.  However, the area on either side of the eastern mountains has always been Ferisedan land, and Gollag is near completely populated by Ferisedan.  To complicate matters more Triplefang warriors (led by your friends Rolf and Vidar) are now stationed in Gollag to protect it.  This was done with an eye towards seizing Gollag for the Triplefang clan.  Heinrich is of the opinion that if the Ferisedan refuse to protect their village they deserve to loose it to the Triplefang.  The next step will be to send Triplefang settlers...  forced marriages...  run off any malcontents or Ferisedan troublemakers.  Messy business.

OCC - That being said, then Glumr would think the plate should stay in triplefang hands as Triplefang would have to be those to deal with it.

"20000 gold coin for the plate and proof it works." Glumr says in a flat tone.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Tue 10 Apr 2012.

Arwulf and Hackett look at each other, puzzled.

"Are you serious?" asks Hackett.  "If you are, we are wasting our time."

Farden raises an eyebrow at Glumr's offer - he knows a "bugger off" when he hears one. But he figures it's not his responsibility and stays quiet.

Holly had listened to the discussion, aware that it would lead to trouble in one form or another, and was prepared to see where it took them. If needed, she would happily get out of town in a hurry...

When Glumr made his request for 20,000 gold for the item, she relaxed a little, glad that Glumr was not contemplating selling the trog's out. Almost smiling, she wants to see the men walk away.

"Wasting your time?  No.  Unfortunately I speak in all seriousness.  Look at it like this.  You want me to turn over this plate which can take you to a place where the sea is sand and evil lizard people are rich, so that you may plunder it, keep the riches for your clan, and invite repercussions from the lizards to the surrounding area?  And you want it for a few coppers?"  Glumr laughs and lights some rolled leaf from a candle  "I'm sorry my friends, but that does not sound like a wise transaction for our clan.  I'm not sure if it's wise to even raid against them.  These things are best left for clan elders and war chiefs to ponder.  I am a simple herb gatherer and my burden is simply to keep such things."  Glumr is polite and matter of factually to the men, trying to convey that this is just they way it is.

"So be it," say Hackett waving in dismissive digust.  "Take your magic back to your Elders and Warchief."

"...herb gatherer..." mutters Arwulf, repeating Glumr's words.

The raiders aren't happy about the failed offer, but they have accepted it.  They exit the hall leaving our heroes to their waiting.

The next morning just after your group arrives at the Harpers Guild Hall a lovely young woman with bright red hair and a very intricate black and red dress enters the hall.  Sunna nudges Holly and points Cordelia out, but the gesture is unnecessary.  Everyone's attention was pulled to the woman when she entered the door.  Many of the harpers have heard that this group of Triplefang has been waiting to meet her.  Conversations pause and even the music quiets.

Cordelia smiles slyly at the reaction.  Her eyes play over the room, stopping knowingly where Glumr, Farden, and Holly are sitting.  She locks gazes with Farden and takes a couple of steps towards the party before her regard teasingly drifts off in another direction and she stops and shifts.

Holly stands up, a little intimidated, to go over and address the court vizier.

Farden straightens up and puts himself on parade rest, as the lady enters the room. He doesn't approach or speak, as he expects one of the others to lay out their request better than he could.

His armor and other gear have already been cleaned and polished, in preparation for this moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:28, Sat 14 Apr 2012.

Seeing Cordelia enter Sunna straightens herself. She tries not to stare at the court vizier as she gives Holly a nudge. Not really certain if her help is needed in negotiating with Cordelia Sunna gives Holly as questioning look as the druid stands up to go over.

At the nudging Holly looks over questioningly at Sunna and then slips out her torpor. "Oh right. I better go.", Holly says, wondering why she had been volunteered for this job. Straightening her clothing Holly moved over to the vizier.

Bowing, Holly says, "My lady, my name is Holly, and my friends and I would like to discuss a matter. If you could spare us a moment?".

Glumr notices the grace of vizier.  He also wonders how long her outfit would last outside of the walls of the city.  He smiles at the thought and watches Holly speak with her.

"Ah yes, Hollykahn Triplefang.  You stand out," she comments.

Funny coming from her.

Cordelia slips gracefully between Holly and the others with a fluid swish of her dress.  Standing next to Holly, her arm nearly around the druid, she addresses the others in a more projecting voice.

"Nice to meet you, Triplefang.  I am Cordelia Ferisedan, on the off chance you hadn't heard.  Please, don't feel you need to stand."

She turns to Holly, close enough that Holly takes a half step back out of politeness.

"What interests you, Holly?"

There's something vaguely familiar about Cordelia's look and voice, but you can't put your finger on it.

Examine Look and Voice
This message was last edited by the player at 19:37, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

Farden nods in greeting but remains standing, although he is now standing in a more relaxed fashion.

He studies the woman, wondering what it was that was nudging his memory...

10:00, Today: Farden rolled 20 using 1d20+2. int check.

"Thank you my lady. We have been speaking with Genessa, and she recommends we come and speak with you about the possibility of gaining worthwhile magical items like weapons and potions. Would you be willing to help us find such items?" Holly asks, wondering why she thinks that Cordellia is familiar to her for some reason. Putting it to the back of her mind, she waits to hear whether the vizier was able to help them.

Glumr wonders if there is any similarity between her and the women Jacob have had around. Black betty or perhaps someone he's seen on the farm?  He just cant seem to place her.

"My, you are trying to scoop up all the magic you can, aren't you?  Potions and scrolls are simple enough, but costly.  Did you have something in particular in mind?"

She glances over to regard the others then resumes talking to Holly.  She's speaking clearly enough for all the PCs to hear.

"Weapons, now that's a different story.  There's a holy artifact here and there and that's it.  You're not likely to pry a prize like that out of a crusader's hands," she says tapping Holly's hand with her fingertip, "no matter how much gold you use as grease."

You do remember Arkus saying that his warhammer was one such holy relic.


"Going after a bugbear's head?" Cordelia ventures a guess.

Holly feels strange with the physical contact, although it doesn't appear to be threatening. Looking over to the others before she replies, Holly says, "That was one suggestion we were discussing. As to potion, I am personally looking for something that would make one of us invisible, and perhaps for the best healing potions we could get. I'd not thought about scrolls."

Holly thought about what was being said, and still didn't understand the undercurrent of the conversation. It was if there was something more to learn, but she wasn't quite seeing it the right way...

COnsidering for a moment, Holly added, "For me, I would like to know who makes the best quality spears. One's that don't bend or break."

"Holy water." says Farden, then elaborates. "We've seen some strange things on our travels, the kind regular weapons might not help with. So holy water, and anything else that can deal with specters and such-like."

Sunna listens with interest to the conversation. It's not that she doesn't know about the party's goals by now, but she curious to know what they want to achieve first.

Cordelia smiles at Holly.

"A potion that will make you invisible...  Yes, that I can help you with.  I may even have one brewed up already.  Potions to make you stronger or faster, protection in combat, even love potions are all within my abilities, but holy water, healing potions, and blessed weapons?"

"I'm no priestess," she adds with just a hint of wickedness.

"A potion will cost you 500 gold, Holly Triplefang.  How many would you like?"



Holly and Glumr remember that the best prices (for Triplefang) on healing potions and holy water can be found at Goldenpoint.

http://triplefang.yoyo-pete.co...u.php?id=goldenpoint

Sunna thinks about the offer, not quite certain if it is a good price or not. 500 gold pieces is a lot of money, but then it's nothing simple Holly is asking for. I wonder if Holly has that gold to spend...

Farden speaks up. "There is no need to rush, it's a big purchase. Where and when can we get in touch with you, once we have made a decision?"

"No rush at all.  In fact if you want more than a couple potions I'll need a few days to create them.  You can let Genessa know if you decide to buy some potions, how many, and what kind.  She and I stay in touch.  She can hold the gold between purchase and delivery too."

"Good luck with your holy water and magic weapons," Cordelia says sweetly, but the words "magic weapons" have a teasing, condescending tone to them.

She gives you a pleasant wave and turns to head up the stairs.

Glumr frowns.  Apparently gearing up for the next leg of the adventure may not be as easy as it sounds.

"I think we should travel toward Pliffa and find Coal Triplefang.  She is the enchantress of weapons I hear about and no other comes to mind.  We should speak with her before we make any larger purchases.    On the way, we should pass through Crim and see if Nathan has constructed the cottage for our friend."

While Cordelia moves towards the stairs Sunna watches her, then turns back to the others and shakes her head slightly. "I think we should talk to the priest first" she says, then puts a finger to her lips nods towards the stairs and motions to Glumr and the others to go outside. Turning towards the door she adds: "He mentioned a sword of a hero to me yesterday, maybe it could be of use to us? If we can find it, that is." After a few steps she turns around just enough to get a glimpse at one of her companions, to see if they follow her and continues towards the door.

Holly had been in thought about the costs indicated for potions, and wished she had learnt more on that topic herself. Perhaps if she had time she could take that on as her next personal goal. For now, it looked like the potions on offer were likely to be more expensive than she was willing to pay.

When Sunna tried to lead the group outside, she started paying attention and said, "Sounds like a lead to at least check out. The prices here are not to my liking."

Glumr follows Sunna with the rest of his party.  "It cant hurt checking into it." Glumr says to her.  "Being local, and a harper, I hope that you might be able to turn up these sort of leads easier then us.  Either way, we need to gear up as we will need all the advantages we can get."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Tue 24 Apr 2012.

"Well, if I am good at turning up leads is debatable", Sunna says with a wry grin, "but usually I do have a good feeling about people. When they can be trusted - and when it's better not to say too much." Once out of earshot of the guild hall Sunna relaxes visibly. "Some people... well, let's say it felt better to leave. Sorry for having hurried you so."

OK, what's next?  Did Holly want to shop for a masterwork spear?  Are you ready to settle up at The Emerald Cobra and leave town?  Where's your next destination?  Crim?  Gollag?  Goldenpoint?  Pliffa?

[We will be taxed heavily on our next visit, so is there anything we want to get?]

Holly considers for a moment and says, "I need a spear. One of the best we can get, with a keen edge and sturdy shaft. I'd say get it here and now, if we can stay around to look for one. I hate having to get close to the people trying to kill me, and even I can handle a spear well enough."

"No worries.  I'll heed your advice in such situations as you would heed mine in the wilds I would hope."

In reply to Holly (msg #84):

"Holly... Do you want to look for a masterwork, or wait till we see the weapon enchantress?    I think our next trip should be to visit her.  On our way back here, we can plan better and not come into town with as much money and gear to prevent our taxation."

OCC - I dont remmeber the detail about the disapearing tower.  Like do we just head out, or do we need to talk to who ever brought it up?  I forget the details, but I think we should go there next.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Tue 24 Apr 2012.

"From what I have heard, the old weapons had to be of a special quality to accept the magic. I just want a spear that won't break on me, so the better quality it is the better." Holly says, aware that getting a good quality spear should be easy enough. The local city guard used spears a lot from her observations, and she assumed many of them might pay a little extra for a spear that wouldn't break on them.

Holly remembers a girl in a skimpy cat costume saying these words directly to her during your last visit to Rankor Heights:



Three master blacksmiths...

They might have special, high quality, magic ready, spears there that wont break.

Holly stops in her tracks and then begins walking again. "I remember from our last time here hearing about a likely place. An armoury with three masters. Creo- something I think it was. Sunna, do you know them? And can you lead me there?"

Glumr's ears perk up.   "I know that place.  The Creodont Armory  They had an interesting crier I recall." He chuckles to himself at the memories.

Glumr had been thinking that they would trade some gold for enchanted weapons down the road.  Holly's comment makes him think that perhaps he was wrong.  Perhaps they should be prepared with weapons to take an enchanting.  "Perhaps we should all consider if our weapons.  I'd like to ask one of the master smiths to look at my sword I brought back from the portal.  And maybe think about a new bow."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Wed 25 Apr 2012.

You make your way to the Creodant Armory.  A large sign depicting an orange wildcat with large teeth hangs over a set of double doors.  A pair of sturdy guards stand near the doors.  It's rare to see a shop this busy.  There are bunches of customers and you can hear armorers pounding away at the forge.  They have racks and racks of all sorts of different types and sizes of weapons as well as a few suits of metal armor on display.

A merchant approaches you as you walk in.

"Allo friends, looking for blades or protection?"

You tell him that you are looking for weapons of extraordinary quality, beginning with a spear for Holly.

"Igh quality you say? Well you've come to the right place. We ave a small, but distinguished selection of only the finest.  Before we worry with that, lets see what length of spear you're most comfortable with, shall we?"

Holly tries out various spears.  There is a standard small spear, which you can use one handed, but anything longer and heavier feels too unwieldy for one hand.  You have to grip them two handed.  The even larger spears feel more like pike.  That's not what you're looking for.

For simplicity's sake we'll assume that you can get a masterwork weapon of any normally available type (so no masterwork scimitars).  Their stock of pre-made masterworks is small, and not on display, but as luck would have it they happen to have what you want.  A masterwork weapon costs 300gp more than a normal weapon and grants you a +1 to hit.

Farden is more interested in the idea of potions and holy water than weapons, for the moment. He will also mention to the others:

"I'm getting the strangest feeling I've seen Cordelia before. Sunna, do you know if she's been out of town recently for any length of time?"

Even without much knowledge in weaponsmithing Sunna can see that there are some fine weapons there.

Turning to Farden Sunna frowns, thinking about the question. "There are a lot of rumors about Cordelia, but her leaving town... let me think..."

"... some relevant information about local notable people..."

This is a textbook case for a Bardic Knowledge roll.  Go for it.

Holly took her time to find a spear that would suit her needs. The very long ones were too much for her, and would likely not be of much use without a lot of training. The shortest spears seemed to her liking, but she had planned to be able to fend off charging animals and creatures with it, and she didn't think it was sturdy enough for that. So she picked out a well worked spear that needed two hands to handle properly, but would suit her purposes. She thought it wouldn't cause too much trouble when mounted either, but she wondered what Moonlight would make of it.

Paying the cost, she waited for the others to finish making a choice, and wandered over to the armourers to watch them working. She was intrigued, although aware that her skills lay best without metal armour. Which put her onto whether there was a good leather maker attached to the armory. Going up to one of the merchants, she asked about high quality leather armour to replace the one she was wearing.

Glumr noses around the armory.  He's been here before and vaguely remembers what is around.  "Excuse me"  Glumr gets the attention of the merchant.  "Have you any longbows of similar quality to that spear.  I'm looking for something of exceptional quality.   And likewise, I've picked up this weapon in my travels and wondered if you might be able to tell me the quality and worth from a smith's eye."

After several moments of thinking Sunna shakes her head. "I don't know of any recent absence." Though if all rumors are true Cordelia would well be able to leave without anyone noticing. "Why do you ask?"

"Just trying to figure out where it was I might have seen her."

Is Holly buying a standard quality spear?  I noticed that she has the weapon focus sickle feat.  It'd be a shame to buy a very expensive weapon of a different type.

"Oh yes sir, we ave not one but two extraordinarily supple longbows to choose from.  The excellent craftsmanship seems to go unappreciated by our larger, brasher costumers.  They tend 'wards shooting arrows arder instead of straighter.  What good is might if you don't it your target?"

He brings both bows out from the cellar from Glumr to look at.

Holly is pleased with her choice of such a high quality spear, and moves on to discuss whether they have any equivalent quality sickles. Not considered by many to be a weapon, and long assosciated with druids, she half expected there to be little or no chance of finding one to her liking. That she was shown a particularly good example, which seemed to fit nicely into her hands, was a pleasant surprise for Holly. Checking the price, she considered whether it would be right to spend her share of the funds on another weapon. Deciding it was, Holly asked for it as well as the spear.

[Masterwork Spear and Masterwork Sickle to be bought.]

Glumr looks at bows, seeing if on seems to be more advantagoous to his style and looking at the athetics.

OCC - So what's up?  Same deal as Holly?  $300 + normal cost- What kind of modifier do they give?

Same deal.  The bow is +1 to hit.

So, after you conclude your shopping:

Masterwork Spear      302Fgp  6lbs
Masterwork Sickle     306Fgp  2lbs
Masterwork Longbow    375Fgp  3lbs
Masterwork Longsword? 315Fgp  4lbs


You are left with either 1263Fgp or 948Fgp depending on whether Farden wants a masterwork longsword or not.

You can sell your old weapons back for 40% of their original value if you'd like: Sickle 24Fsp, Longbow 300Fsp, Longsword 60Fsp.

It's still early and Sunna is anxious to get out of town.  If you'd like to go settle up at the Cobra (Sunna's room is part of her compensation, but 4 nights for the other room is 8Fgp, which I'll take out of the party fund) you can hit the road and get to Utsk by nightfall.

Any other business in Rankor, or are you ready to head out?

Glumr was looking for the sake of looking, but he notices one of the two high quality bows has a small unicorn symbol worked into the detailings on it.  He feels it must be some type of sign from the goddess herself as he thinks her hand is heavy in guiding their group.

Glumr picks up the bow and does a test draw with it.  He can feel the quality in the craftmanship.  He does not doubt the merchant's claim.   "This one.  I will take this one."  He tells the merchant.  Glumr sells his old worn bow as part of the transaction.

...

"I dont have any other business in town, let us pay for our stays and get on the trail.  The first leg north is a dangerous one." Glumr says to his friends in all seriousness.

"The Harpers know that I'm leaving, so there's nothing left to do for me here", Sunna says.

"And from my point of view, I'd rather get out of here and into the countryside again. Moonlight will no doubt admonish me for being away for so long!", Holly says, having sold her old sickle back to the merchant to garner a few silver for her pocket. With her shopping done, Holly wants to get out of the confining walls and get back to the wilds.

You settle up at The Emerald Cobra.  They're sad to see Sunna go.  She was a popular draw there, but it's time for her to move on.  They'll need to look into getting another resident harper.

You pick your horses up at Jeremy's ranch and Holly reunites with Moonlight.  It's an easy ride to Utsk as always, but it's quite hot.  You're in the heart of the sweltering part of the summer.

The moon is full during your journey through the marshy, hills.  The going is slow and hot and miserable again.  At least you aren't burdened by unnatural dark mist this time, but the trip isn't any more pleasant.  You do manage to avoid fighting any monsters this time around.  All in all the trip from Ustk to Kammarra takes 6 days, two more than usual.  You arrive in Kammarra exhausted just as three other travelers from Rankor Heights arrive by ferry.  You can't help but notice that they are relaxed and full of energy to begin their trip northward towards Trellor, while you have to spend a full day resting in Kammarra to recover.

It storms all day and night while you're in the little fishing village.  You're thankful to be under a roof and not slogging through the wet another day.  The storms also break the heat a little, which is good. You ride off towards Crim.

On the second day you come to the wooded area where you asked Nathan to build the cottage.  You search around a bit without finding the cottage itself.  You do however find Reynard.

"I sniffed you whip through here in a hurry at the new moon.  I knew you'd be back soon enough," says the fox.

Even though Glumr had talked about this, Sunna wasn't quite prepared to be talking to a fox.

"'Lo my friend. It's good to see you again.  Of course we would come back.  Where else can we hear such aged wisdom and tales of old?  I was hoping to find you happy in a cottage at this point.  I have a good builder by the name of Nathan contracted to build it."  Glumr smiles, happy to see such a wondrous creature.

Shafts of sunlight filter through the lush greenery here.  It's a bit cooler in the woods than it is out on the shadeless grassland.  The quiet background sound of various songbird lilts on what little breeze there is.

"Oh, they have come and built the cottage already.  Might even had time to forget where they put it.  Humans tend to let things like that slip away.  Would you like to see it?" he turns back to ask, already trotting ahead a few steps.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:46, Wed 02 May 2012.

"That's..." Sunna says when she hears the fox speak for the first time. Hearing about a talking fox is one thing, hearing it talk is another matter altogether. "Nice to meet you", she finally manages to say and exchanges a glance with Glumr, her eyes gleaming with delight. "I'd love to see the cottage."

"I would very much." Glumr says and follows the fox.

Farden was quite curious as to what a cottage inhabited by a talking fox would look like, and tags along as well.

"I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself.  Holly named me Reynard."

The fox nods in Sunna's direction.

"Are you the one who speaks to goblins?" he asks.

Reynard leads you all a short distance through the woods.  Scott plays a pipes and strings tune that is quite woodsy and a bit whimsical, but doesn't finish it by the time you reach the cottage.  It looks new and well made.  In every other way it is normal and unremarkable.  Reynard slips through a wooden flap at the base of the front door, leaving everyone and their horses standing outside a closed door.  You hitch horses to nearby trees.  Farden tries the door and finds it unlocked.  You all go inside.

When you enter there are not one but two foxes inside.  One stands up with a startle and sniffs, its ears perked up.  Holly and Glumr are able to tell the foxes apart right away, one of them being a male (Reynard) and the other being a female.  The others are clued in when Reynard speaks.

"Welcome to the fine cottage you have provided for me for the winter.  I thank you, graciously.  What do you think?  I'd light a fire, but its hot enough already."

There a nest of sorts on one edge, and a pile of small bones and twigs, but otherwise it's quite dark and empty.  You were expecting furniture for some reason.

"It's a nice enough place. I'm glad you've found company to share it with. So, has there been anything interesting happening in our absence, or has it been all peaceful?"

Holly admired the building as they approached, and then smiled when she saw the female fox. "It is good to see you again Reynard, and in such lovely company. It is good to see you both well", Holly said as the others got acquainted with their friend.

"I'm Sunna." She nods to the foy Reynard and smiles. "And yes, I do speak to goblins, sometimes, if need be. But they're not very entertaining." Question is where Reynard heard that from, though one shouldn't underestimate a speaking fox. Either way, it's no secret.

"Really, a nice place to stay." Though Sunna is surprised by the lack of furniture she doesn't show. It's a stupid thought to think foxes would need furniture, after all.

"I assume you have questions, even if this was mainly a social visit.  Ask away.  Hopefully I can be of some help."

"I'd also love to hear where your travels take you next," he adds.

The room was quiet.

"Really?  No questions?  Here I thought humans were curious to a fault."

"I did ask if anything interesting has been happening around here. But no, we have nothing specific to ask about, at least none that I remember."

Holly shook herself, and looked at Reynaud, "Well, you have met the eye before, but we might have a little more news about him." Holly says, explaining the possible news that the eye was once a Harper, who had been lost for years.

"Of course, it is just as likely that you are the Harper in question. Either way it is intriguing."

"We are off to find more adventure. Have you ever come across a Golem?", Holly asks, and then waits for Glumr to ask about the disappearing tower.

Glumr, who seemed a bit lost in though speaks up.

"Curious I am.  But first why dont we tell you our tale since we last met."  Glumr tells the fox like creature about how they tracked down Jacob, from the old man's trickery and their defeat in the tombs, to the farm, to the smash and grab's daring getaway.

"So we returned the song book to the harpers and I feel good about that...  Plus we were rewarded.  We plan to take the gold and enchant our weapons so that we may go in search of 'The Tower of Sowell' and a priest of Pelor who is missing there.  The church will reward us for his return and the return of what he was searching for, which is unknown.  Likewise there is treasure there.  All and all seems dangerous but lucrative."

"You do know why we are on such a hunt for gold, dont you?"  Glumr asks and before the fox can answer he adds "Shall we share lunch while we chat?"

"It has been peaceful here.  That which is going wrong is small and disorganized.  Nothing to worry about."



Reynard smiles.   The expression is recognizable even on a fox.

"I assure you I am no harper."



"Long ago dwarves tinkered with making their own artificial life.  You might think such a thing is not possible, but they succeeded.  They built golems of all sorts.  Some you would not even recognize.  You would think them animal or monster," he explains.

"But those days have passed.  Golems fell out of dwarven interest.  The challenge had been met.  What more was there to do?  Now it is humans who try digging up the secrets of the golems.  It is a secret beyond the grasp of a single human.  Can thousands of thousands achieve what one cannot?"

"Personally I don't like golems.  They are hard to sense and they don't have their own dreams.  I'm just as happy to let history swallow them up."


You have lunch while Glumr and Holly tell about The Songbook, Coal the Enchantress, the Tower of Sowell, and your quest to get the Tome of Legends.  Farden chimes in from time to time, but prefers to let others do most of the talking.

"I am glad to hear you are visiting the enchantress before blundering into that tower of undead horrors, but enchanted weapons consume much when created.  They are essential to continuing your quest.  You might have to make some tough choices in order to afford the enchantments.  Rely on your own wisdom and the wisdom of your elders."

"If I can help, feel free to come back and ask for my assistance."

Reynard lies down, but the other fox barks and he sits back up.  He turns and hums and whines at her.

"Yes yes, our friend is not staying with me.  I have told her about your cause, that you fight Unnature.  This is her cause too, and she decided to join you."

The fox gets up and walks over to sniff Glumr.

"Who, me?" asks Glumr, taken aback.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:37, Tue 08 May 2012.

Sunna listens to the others, wondering how long it would take her to piece all their adventures together in the right order. Some of them would make for a nice song, she decides.

When Reynard mentions that his fox companion has decided to join the party she looks at him with surprise. "That's a surprise."

"I'll admit you're a rather unusual collection of travelers - 4 humans, a horse, a magical cursed floating eye, and a fox.  It would make a wonderful children's tale if you leave out some of the gruesome parts, such as the blood sacrifice."

"She didn't just come to this conclusion on a whim.  She's been waiting here for your return," Reynard explains to Sunna.  "Best that I brought you to her.  It allows a more formal introduction.  What's more, she didn't have your scent to tell you apart from other humans on her own."

"Now each of your pathfinders has a guide through the wilderness."

"I'm sure Krammishir is quaking with fear," he teases.

"If he ain't quaking with fear, let him quake with diarrhea. As long as he quakes." replies Farden with a grin. "Good to have another companion, although I agree it's getting to be quite a menagerie. What do we call her?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:44, Fri 11 May 2012.

Holly had begun to kneel when Reynard had mentioned that the vixen had been waiting to join them, and had assumed the vixen was there to meet her. She felt very awkward when it was Glumr the vixen went to, and tried to hide herself near a wall as the two of them got acquainted. It was indeed a strange group of people and animals that was about to wander off in search of the Tower of Sowell.

Anything else to say to Reynard, or are you ready to continue towards Pliffa?

Also, would you like to go to Volge and spend a day or two back home or go directly to Goldenpoint when you leave Crim?

Glumr reaches out to let the fox sniff him.  He's a bit unsure what to do with this wild and intelligent fox compared with the dogs that used to accompany the group.

"Um.. Hello Ms... "  Glumr pauses "Fox?"   He looks to Reynard for a bit of assistance. "If fighting the unnatural is what you want to do, then you are more than welcome to join me.  I feel that fate or the gods themselves have decided that my hands will be working towards that goal."   He awkwardly looks to Reynard.  "Can she understand me?"

"Maybe some of the basic concepts.  She doesn't know clan tongue if that's what you're asking.  As for her name, she had no use for one until now.  Doesn't have one."

She's considerably smaller than Snow's dogs.  They're domestic, bred and trained as guards.

"Then I will call you Talita" Glumr says to her, trying to see if she likes it.

You wrap up your conversation with Reynard and head on to Crim.  Glumr finds Nathan and pays him the other 40gp for the cottage.  Israth and Giselle are back home.  Giselle has mostly recovered from her illness and is ready to return to Tora's fighting force.  Israth is considering a trip to Rankor Heights for more harper training.  They had to leave Silvergate two days after you did.  Israth says there's some trouble there.  Word is out that your little band are thieves.  It's better if he, Glumr, Holly, and Farden avoid the city for a little while.  He suggests that you tell your side of the story to Elana and she can talk to speak to Eloy about the songbook incident.  After staying in Crim overnight you head directly to Volge.

Glumr, would you like to mark off 40gp of your own coins or pay him out of the Ferisedan gold?

Israth brought the cart and horse with him.  Would you like to take it with you from here on?

Farden, did you by a masterwork weapon in Rankor?

After a mostly uneventful 3 day ride north you arrive in Volge.  Talita prefers to sit up on Glumr's horse with him to trotting along side of the group.  Her legs are short and it's tiring to keep up.  There's a lot to do in Volge.  Once again you've been gone over a month.  You all have family to catch up with.  Holly, for one, would like to visit with Snow too.  She might have some insight on arcane matters and enchanting.  But the first order of business is talking to Elana.  You want to clear your names with the clan, if not with the Empire.

Elana is sitting outside her cottage speaking with Heinrich when you arrive.  There are stools enough for everyone to sit down if they wish.

"Look who we have here," says Elana.  "I'm sure you know there's a buzz about you.  Please sit down.  Tell me what you've been up to."

When you sit down she adds.

"Sunna, it's a pleasant surprise to see you again.  You father will be happy you've returned."

Heinrich is silent, leaning back in a sturdy chair that he must've carried over himself.  He also looks pleased to see Sunna.  You all have to admit that she's fun to travel with and to be around.

"Your group consists of a different cast each time you return," Elana says to the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Sun 19 Apr 2015.

Yes, I did buy a mwk longsword, and I have it listed on my sheet now. Subtracting from my share of the reward, how much does that leave me with?

Farden has no family that he is particularly keen to meet, but he does catch up with some old friends, takes int he gossip, get some R&R. He'll stick with the others for the trip to meet with Elana.

The longsword is indeed a fine weapon.  The weight and balance are so good that it makes you smile just to hold it at the ready.  This was clearly a wise investment.

The original reward was 2250Fgp.  That would make 1/3rd 750Fgp.  However, even before the purchase of the weapons that sum was whittled away a little.  I haven't been keeping track of individual shares, but I could go back and do an accounting of everything.  There is 940Fgp left in the pool.  Somewhere between 400 and 425 of that should be Farden's if you're keen to split it up and be done with it.

In reply to Elana (msg #131):

"Many paths seem to cross ours, and some stay for a while. Like the whales in the ocean, and good friends", Holly says as they sit with Elana. She is happy to be home for a while, even if it means they will have to answer for some of their actions.

"The buzz is one that tells only half of the story Elana. Our side should be heard in Silvergate as well", and with that, Holly tells the tale of the book, its value to the Harpers and the request for them to return it to its home. "So you see, although we might be seen as thieves, we were acting in the interest of the true custodians of the book. The culprit sold it. I am not pleased we had to resort to underhand ways, but the result was what mattered. We did no more damage than was needed, and no-one was hurt." With that, Holly looked to the others for a little support. She knew they had done the right thing, even if other did not.

Will pay in Triplefang coins if I have them.

Glumr agrees.  "You see, the book belonged to the harpers and someone tricked someone so they could have it in their possession, then sold it to the empire.  We were acting in the best interests of the harpers and keeping the book and it's contents in its rightful lands.  Unfortunately, the empire has a high pull in that town and I've heard they make us out to be thieves or bandits.  While the means may not have been legal, the end was just.  I would not hesitate to do it again. Though I apologize and fear for any trouble it may bring to the Triplefang."

Glumr is embarrassed.  He did not think that they would have stirred up such a wasp's nest for the elders to deal with.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Thu 17 May 2012.

"When last we met I said that the less I knew about this matter the better.  I suppose there's no way around getting involved now.  Eloy is managing a delicate balance in Silvergate.  This will be tricky."

Elana taps her finger rhythmically against the back of her opposite wrist, thinking.

"We Triplefang are a bold people with a long history steeped in raider traditions.  We do not apologize for what we take.  Shame on this merchant for buying a stolen book and then crying when it is given back to its owner.  We have nothing to back down about," proclaims Heinrich bodly.

"I will go to Silvergate myself and make Eloy understand this."

Elana seems a bit nervous about this, but says nothing to contradict Heinrich.

"If I may be so bold to speak again"  Glumr adds "I agree with you Heinrich.  They have no business here nor with the book.  But while our traditions are deep, so are those of the empire. Silvegate is on the border of the two cultures and I fear that empire gold may make more of an impression than tripplefang honor and history.  Perhaps not, but watch your back.   Gold will make a lessor man go against his pride and honor.  I feel it is all that motivates that city."

Heinrich laughs deeply.

"I am in no danger in Silvergate.  It is *my* city, not the Empire's, and there are none there that can best me."

He's right on both counts.  Heinrich is the most fearsome warrior you know.  However, you can't help but remember that it wasn't so long ago that the Ferisedan lost their warchief.  He was probably equally formidable.

"I agree with you my warchief.  I just feel there are those in the empire saying the same thing. Just heed caution."

"I'm glad to be back, too", Sunna replies Elena with a smile. She is eager to visit her family, but stays here for the moment to hear the whole story that caused problems to the elders. When Heinrich boasts about his expertise she smiles at him, but feels a little worried inside. There are ways to get rid of a great warrior without having to fight him.

"Have you learned anything new about Krammishir or what the goblins are preparing for?" Elana asks.

She also asks  "Are you planning to stay in Volge a while now?"

Holly tells them of their encounter in the marshlands, and the darkness. She also tells them what Cuma has said about it. "Do you know anything about Cuma? He seems a strange one, but one who has gotten us through the marshlands a few times now. From what he said, I suspect there will be more trouble from the goblins soon. Perhaps one of their magic users has found something to cause all this extra trouble."

"I am happy to stay a while, if the others want to, but I'm looking forward to getting out on the trail again."

Farden doesn't speak much at all. He had left Triplefang lands after arguing with the elders, and felt that any suggestions from him would be ill-received by an elder. However, his body language bears mute support to Heinrich's bold statements.

OOC: Playing to my backstory here

"I haven't heard of him.  This Cuma sounds like some sort of a shaman.  Does he mainly stick to Ferisedan lands?  As for the goblins, they certainly do have a lot of magical tricks up their sleeves.  Weather magic is something worth noting."

"Where does the trail lead you next?" Elana asks.

You wrap up your conversation with Elana, keeping your future plans vague.

You spend a full day in Volge.
If you'd like to talk with an NPC (Snow, Baldvin, Aunt Beth for example) please feel free to start up a conversation in the side conversations item.

The next day you ride to Goldenpoint.  Arkus is glad to hear you're making progress toward attaining the Tome of Legends.  You have a number of items you're interested in buying here - holy water, healing potions, etc.  You can buy now if you wish.  However, you will be heading back this way before going to the haunted tower, so you can make your purchases then if you'd like.

The next morning you head north toward Pliffa.  It's strange that none of you has actually been to this northern Triplefang village.  Rolf and Vidar told you a little bit about Pliffa, but never mentioned the enchantress.  You have been told that the northern road is useless in places and you discover this to be true on the first day.  A section of it has fallen into such disrepair that you're better off blazing your own trail.  That is easy enough.  After all, you just journeyed across the grasslands from Crim to Volge with no road.  Over the past few days the grasses have become dry and dormant.  It is amazing how quickly they go from seas of green to fields of brownish gold in just a few days.  The summer heat and lack of rain do this to the Triplefang lands every year.  It's is nothing new.

You do worry about wildfires, though.  You go without a cooking fire, and post watches at night just in case.

You pass few travelers on the way to Pliffa.  One of note is a leatherworker named Cinnie and her fiance.  They run into you when you're stopped for a rest and a small meal. The couple is heading to Goldenpoint to be wed.  Sunna and Scott strike up a festive wedding song to commemorate the occasion.  You share wine and well-wishes with the happy couple before you both continue on your separate ways.

Where you camp on the second night of your journey from Goldenpoint turns out to be very near Pliffa and your arrive well before noon.

You ask townspeople about the enchantress.  They point out her tower, visible from the village square, but outside of town to the west  You stable your horses in town and take a short hike out to the tower.  The tower is about 25 feet tall.  Towers are rare in Triplefang lands.  This one is even more remarkable in that it is not built on a hill, mountain, or a shore.  In fact you're a little puzzled as to its purpose other than as a odd residence.  Perhaps enchantresses are naturally a bit eccentric.  In the area there are also farm fields, a barn, a longhouse, a pond, and a wooded area.  Its quite pleasant, actually.

A farmhand leads you into the tower to a room that looks like a mix between an alchemist's lab and a kitchen.  It has two tall tables and a shorter one, a large brazier in the center, racks and cupboards of ingredients, and a stone oven.  There he introduces you to Coal - a young woman about your age with pale skin, dark eyes, and long jet black hair.  She is dressed in unusual short, light, airy, green robes and high boots.

"Welcome to my tower, clanmates.  I'm Coal Triplefang," she says dusting powder off her hands before extending them in greeting.  "What brings you to Pliffa?"

Holly had used her time to send Moonlight off on an errand, and to spend some time with Snow and her family. Holly passed on a few coins to thank Snow for her help in the past, and was pleased to pass the day in such good company.

On the way to Goldenpoint and then Pliffa, Holly kept her eyes open for Moonlights return, aware that he would be missing her as much as she missed him. On his return, she quickly rode off with him to spend a little time to get reacquainted, but made sure she didn't put herself in undue danger. On the last night, she also worked on Moonlight' attacks, trying to cpo-ordinate them with her own to make better use of the cover he provided and his senses.

On arriving at the tower, Holly made a bow, respecting the reputation of Coal, and said, "We seek your help in enchanting weapons, if that is possible."

Farden gives Pliffa a polite bow of greeting before taking up a guard position. He's going to let the others do the talking.

Snow scoffs at Holly's offer of coins.

"I'm doing quite well, Thank you.  Now if you'd like to pick up some livestock for my family instead..." she suggests.

Her family has a farm very near the river.


Talita tags along when Holly and Moonlight run off.  She keeps her distance, just near enough to watch, and doesn't involve herself in the combat training at all.  You can tell that Moonlight is become more capable.  He wants take a more active role in protecting you.




"Possible?  Oh yes,"  She nods several times, fly-away wisps of her hair bouncing as she does so.

"Possible, but not easy.  What sort of weapons?  What magical tricks do you want the weapons to do?  Why do you need them?  Would you like a muffin?" she rattles off the rapidfire questions.

"I hope you brought a lot of silver," Coal adds.

Holly is worried at first about Talita joining them, but as Moonlight seems to ignore her, Holly accepts the presence. Taking the time to rub Moonlight down using some of the dried grasses all around them, Holly almost falls into the habot of joining him in a roll in the dirt.

---

The quick fire questions set Holly back a bit, but she does manage to say "Yes please", to the offer of a muffin, wondering if they would compare to Snow's.

"We have silver, and the sickle is my preferred weapon.", Holly says, letting any inference to that choice fall where it lay.

Coal sweeps herself to one of the tables and scoops up two muffins.  She pops one into Holly's hand and holds the other ready to deploy to the next visitor who speaks up.  In the meantime, she uses the second muffin as punctuation for her gestures.

"You...", she says tapping the muffin in the air in the general direction of our heroes. "Don't *look* like raiders."

It's hard to say precisely what your group does look like.  At least it's less perplexing than if the animals and floating eye had come inside with you.

"That's typically who comes up here looking for enchanted weapons.  Raiders want an axe that swings faster, or holds a sharper edge, or one that sinks deeper wounds.  But you..."

She shrugs and tosses the muffin a few inches up before catching it.

"Might have other things in mind for your...  sickle.  Tell me.  What tricks would you like this magic sickle to perform?"

Holly tastes the muffin.  It's soft and warm and sweet - quite good- maybe even better than Snow's.  Granted, Coal does appear to have a grander workshop for creating her muffins.  While she has a much different personality, she does remind you of Snow in some ways.

Farden speaks up, since Holly seems to have been a bit non-plussed byt he barrage of questions. "We have heard rumors of a haunted tower. A priest from Rankor Heights went missing there. Rewards are on offer to anyone willing to investigate. That is why we need enchanted weapons - to defend against ghosts and other undead or incorporeal entities we might encounter."

She hands a muffin to Farden and picks up two more.

"A sickle to lay the undying to rest.  A sword to cut a ghost in two.  This is a serious undertaking - more serious than usual.  Yes, I have an enchantment that will help.  Spirits to fight spirits.  I will travel to the ethereal world and lure the essential remains of dead warriors back with me.  You don't fear holding haunted weapons, do you?"

Coal has a much more serious tone about her now.  She absentmindedly lets the muffins fall from her grasp, but instead of falling to the floor they float downward only a few inches and then hover there in mid air.  You blink, nearly disbelieving at this sight of it.  Light muffins are one thing, but this is incredible.

"Spirit Weapons are very costly to create, both in terms of raw silver and in personal cost to me in the ethereal realm.  Is this quest worth the cost?  Four such enchanted weapons would run from between 75 and 100 thousand silver!  This must be some impressive reward."

She reads your eyes and faces as she states the figures and sees that you do not have that princely sum.

"Oh...  a bit beyond your means?  I see.  Normally, I would politely turn you away with the promise that I will take up your request when you have the silver to fund it, but..."

She stops and plucks the floating muffins out of the air and hands one to Sunna and one to Glumr.


"I am not heartless, and you are my own Triplefang..."

"Convince me of the worthiness of your quest, and take care of a little problem of mine, and I will enchant your weapons at the deepest discount I can afford."

"The ultimate goal of our quest is an enchanted book which the Triplefang elders have decided is extremely important. Is that worthy enough?

And what sort of task did you have in mind for us?"

Sunna has spent the day in Volge with her family, catching up family news and talking about what she has learned.

"Your muffins look very tasty", Sunna says with a smile to Coal. While the prospect of having a haunted weapon in her hands makes her feel uneasy she feels that the woman doesn't want to harm them with this kind of enchantment.
"Add a shortsword to it, to lay the undying to rest."

"A quest to obtain magical weapons. It sounds like a story to be told later on. Depending on the task you have in mind, of course."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:19, Mon 28 May 2012.

"Perhaps there are other services we could do for you, to balance off the costs? My sickle can wait for an enchantment anyway, so perhaps Farden's and Glumr's should be first up." Holly says, aware that normally she didn't resort to combat unless pressed. Certainly now she had spent some time with Moonlight on the journey here, she felt safer.

The floating cakes intrigued Holly, wondering if they were a simple party trick, or one with other implications for herself...

"Seeing an enchantress to get haunted weapons to do battle in a haunted tower to be rewarded with an enchanted book.  There's a cyclical symmetry to this, wouldn't you say?  Perhaps I should enchant a book for you and skip all the haunting."

"Does Karden know about this?" she asks.

Karden Triplefang is Pliffa's elder.  You've all heard his name, but have never met him.  You honestly don't know if Elana has talked to him about this or not.




Coal pulls up a tall stool and sits down leaving you standing, not out of impoliteness, but from a lack of more chairs in this room.  She cups her hands together in her lap and takes a deep breath.

"A moment ago I mentioned there were costs to enchanting weapons.  The more serious and powerful the magic, the greater the cost.  It's not just gold and silver.  You have to...  how can I put this?  Sacrifice...  bleed a little in the ethereal world.  Wands, potions, magic goblets and scarves they are all pretty serious.  I'd be a drained husk if I tried to make those things day after day."

She doesn't look like a drained husk.  In fact she seems quite youthful and energetic.

"Luckily I found a kindred spirit, someone who loved baking like I do.  He was a very very old spirit, and barely existed at all when I coaxed him back to our world.  I sprinkle him into my cookies.  That's Right!  Magic cookies.  The people of Pliffa love them...  so do Dwarf visitors...  and I enjoy baking them.  For reasons that are not simple to explain this baker spirit never gets used up.  However, I found it can grow concentrated and go wild.  Somehow, all the magic snuck into one cookie and sprang to life."

Coal's eyes go wide with innocent, childlike awe as she describe her living cookie.  She takes one hand from her lap and waves it away from her body.

"He ran off.  We've chased him all over the countryside, through farms and forests and hills and the wilds, but no one can catch him.  As long as he's out there on the loose I can't make any more magic cookies," Coal sighs.

"Only normal ones."

"If you can trap this cookie man, or melt him, or even eat him, the magic will return to me and I can go back to enchanting cookies once more.  I know it sounds silly, but I'd really appreciate it."

Holly is about to speak but Coal politely preempts her.

"Hold on.  There's more I need to say.  There is preparation that needs to be done before I can enchant any weapons for you.  It's best that you know what's involved so that you can plan accordingly."

"First, I will need two very finely crafted weapons of the same type.  One will be enchanted and the other I will take with me to the spirit world as a gift...  A bribe perhaps.  Later, I will need two magical ingredients that I am currently short on - blue or white powdered moonstone, and quicksilver.  The moonstone you can get from the dwarves at Sloss Hinterplatz, or perhaps in a jeweler or merchant in Silvergate.  Any alchemist is bound to have plenty of quicksilver."

Coal describes the weights and values of the moonstone and quicksilver.  It sounds like the moonstones will cost about 250gp per weapon and the quicksilver 300gp per.  Ouch.  Maybe you can find some yourself just lying out in a quicksilver pool with a blue and white pile of moonstones on the shore.

"The other expensive ingredient is sulfur.  I have more than enough of it, but I will need to charge you 125gp per weapon to replace this material in my stock at a later date.  I'm not doing this to gouge you or profit from you.  Please believe me."

"All other ingredients are cheap or easy enough for me to obtain, so I will not bother you with those details."

"Of course, this is all assuming you plan to go the haunted weapons route.  It might be cheaper and easier for me to enchant a book for you instead.  What powers does this magic book contain?"

"If I may..."  Glumr speaks up  "...it's not that we want to simply enchant a book.    I do not know if you feel it Coal, but the world is changing.  Unbalance is coming, if not already here.  The mark of Krammishir has been seen upon wildcats in Triplefang lands.  Goblin-kind are creating trouble in the dark woods.  Not to mention the Empire starting to make a footprint in the sands of our shores to the west.  I feel the balance in our world is about to change.  Fate has guided me and my group to an artifact that I feel will be key in returning balance to our lands.  So it's more than a simple book, it is an object that I will risk my life for, so that when the time comes, we will be ready."

Glumr takes some leaf out and rolls it as he explains.  "Unfortunately this book is in the possession of someone who only sees that value in the coin in his pocket.  There for we have been pressing ourselves to find work to bring us coin.  And said work is usually filled with danger."   Glumr lights his rolled leaf, the sweet smoke whisping into the corners of the room.

"One of the quests we have found is to return a brother of Pelor who has gone missing in the Tower of Sowell.  We plan to return him and what he was searching to the church for a small reward and likewise to keep any treasures that we may find in the tower.  The tower is believed to contain ghosts and spirits and the undead due to the Sowell family's activities which I'm sure you've hear about.  We will need weapons to combat the fiends we will run into.  I have a bow of fine craftsmanship which I hoped you could empower along with the others."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Tue 29 May 2012.

"That's...  quite a speech.  Have you been practicing it?"

Coal smiles, then coughs and waves a hand in front of her face.

"I don't know anything about Krammishir or Sowell, but I've heard of goblins and the Empire.  I will drop the subject of trying to duplicate your holy book, and focus on weapons for you."

"Put an end to my cookieman's running around," the enchantress says holding up her index finger.  "Go get yourself an equal to your fine bow and swords,"  she marks the task with a second finger.  "Find me a sufficient quantity of moonstone and quicksilver with enough silver to spare for the required sulfur," she says displaying three fingers.  "When these tasks are complete I will enchant your weapons.  Then you can save your priest, collect the treasure and reward, and buy your book."

"Would you like some lemon water?"

Farden has been looking more and more dour as the obstacles in their path seemingly grow taller, but he accepts it with a soldier's stoicism. "Sure, lemon water sounds good. We've a long road ahead of us, seems like."

Sunna has been listening with interest to the necessary tasks to obtain magical weapons. It's a lot like in the stories she knows, where the hero has to overcome a lot of obstacles to become a legend. But now, possibly on her way of becoming a hero herself, the amount of tasks rather seems overwhelming and, well, not very legend-like.

"Lemon water sounds fine, thank you."
Sunna takes a deep breath, then breaks into a smile again. "Well, no one said it would be easy, right?" And later on it would sound a lot better to have acquired weapons as a reward for hunting down a ghost, then just having bought them. "I'm certain it will make for a nice story to tell."

Holly finished off the muffin she had as she considered what Coal had said. She had never doubted that getting the book and becoming a legend would take time and effort, but Holly had always thought it would be reasonably straight forward. Now she saw that it was never going to happen like that. So, Holly licked her fingers and said, "Lemon water would be lovely, thank you Coal."

"This enchanted run away, can you tell us more about him? What size, shape, abilities does he have? What threat is he to us? We need to consider that if we are to help you. Is this essence dangerous, and do you need it alive, so to speak?" Holly asked.

Coal pours mugs of lemon water for each of you, describing the run away cookie as she pours.

"He's shaped like a man, but flat like a cookie.  He's about so tall," she says bending down to hold her hand about a foot off the floor.  "Rather bigger than your typical cookie.  He's very fast, and cocky...   a bit of a taunter.  I don't think he's any sort of threat to you physically.  He's too small.  It's possible he might be able to weave some minor magics, but we've seen no evidence of this yet."

She sighs and takes a drink of lemon water herself.

"I don't need the cookie alive.  If you 'kill' it or dissolve or even eat it, that should do the trick.  The magic will come back to me.  I don't have any sure way to find this cookie man, but William, the farmhand who led you in knows where the cookie has been seen a few times.  He can show you there.  Maybe the run-away cookie will return to the scene of our last chase."

"Oh I do hope you can help.  I've been all out of sorts ever since he sprung to life."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:20, Tue 05 June 2012.

"Thank you Coal.  Unfortunately we dont have the means to simply purchase everything we need, but we now know the obsticals set in front of us and once we are ready, we will be back.   We will also speak with William about the... Um.. cookie man."  Glumr takes a slow drink of the lemon water in thought.  "Well my friends, nothing is ever as easy as we hope, eh? " he says to his companions.  "I wonder if F'drik could give me a deal on some moonstone or where to find it." He adds, mostly to himself.

Farden finishes his drink, thanks the hostess, and takes his leave with the others.

Once outside, he says: "This cookie man thing sounds not too difficult, although finding something that small will be a pain. And if it gets us on Coal's good side, it could be worth the effort."

"I agree." Holly says, and then adds, "Entangle might work, or dumping water on its head to soak it and get the dough all mushy. Lets find out where it was last seen, and go from there."

"Maybe I can just bulls-eye it with an arrow"  Glumr suggests with a smirk.

William takes you on a nice little hike.  Soon you arrive at a ranch and farm by a creek.  Hyrna Triplefang, a tall, willowy woman with straw-yellow hair is in charge of the farm.  She greets you and describes the scene of the great cookie chase.

"My my, it was a sight.  All manner of Pliffa-folk running around trying to catch that rascal.  He did weave around much faster 'n our quickest runner.  They tried to corner him over where that low wall and fence meet, but he did just skip over the wall, more 'n twice his height, like it was a lark."

"He ran 'em around in circles over yonder," she says pointing to part of the field.  "He did go through their legs and around their feet.  All the while giggling and taunting them.  That is one cookie full of mischief!"

"After a while they did try shooting arrows at it, but the slippery rascal would just  dodge the arrows.  They did try chasin' 'im with horses 'n throwing loops-o-rope at that cookie, but they were still too slow.  When the sun got low the townspeople were tuckered.  They did go back home, heads hung low."

"That evening, right at dusk," Hyrna says quietly, leaning in close for you to hear better. "I did see the live cookie man down by the creek.  He went and put one toe in the water, but it must have been too cold for his druthers.  He did not go for a swim.  I recon he is more the running type."

"He don't like water, eh? We'll have to try and pin him against the river."

"Holly... Any chances for rain?" Glumr asks half jokingly, never knowing what his druid kin might have up her sleeve.

"That sounds like a good plan Farden.  I bet that cookie crumbles when it gets wet.  William and Hyrna, do you know the most recent place the cookie was spotted?"

This is the dry part of the summer.  There's very little rain.  However, William notes that the cookie has been on the loose for over a week and it has rained in that time, so rain alone won't dissolve him.  Maybe he found a place to wait out the rainfall or maybe just getting damp isn't enough to do him in.



"Here's the place I last know about," answers Hyrna.  "He did come around yesterday."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Tue 05 June 2012.

"And we have to slow him down somehow", Sunna adds, "once he realizes what we're up to I think he might just outrun us, like he did the last time people wanted to catch him."

"I think Holly might have something up her sleeve to help with that" Glumr says. "I might be able to track the little critter if you show me where you last saw it" he says to Hyrna.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:31, Tue 05 June 2012.

"Well, we can't really make a plan until we see the thing first hand. First, though, I'm going to remove my armor. If this thing is as quick as you say, I don't need to be slower than necessary."

OOC: Taking off my armor and stowing it someplace safe.

Holly nodded at Glumr's comment, "I can indeed slow him down. I'll use the grass to entangle him. I doubt he'll be strong enough to pull himself out, and we can wander in, or simply use a water creation spell to wash him away. But lets see what we are dealing with first."

Farden removes his armor and stores it in Hyrna's house.  He'd prefer to leave it in the safety of Coal's tower, but that's a considerable amount of backtracking.

Glumr decides that the stream bed would be the best place to start looking for tracks.  The banks have receded from where they were just weeks ago.  The creek is easily fordable by men or horses (a fox could swim across).

"Come on Talita, let's find us a cookie"  Glumr says to his fox friend.

OCC - I'll take a 10 on tracking cookies. 10+12=22

It is much harder to notice the tiny, shallow indentations and marks left by a 1 foot tall cookie than to follow humans or goblins.  However, the cookie does leave a distinct smell that the fox is able to follow.  Also, Glumr is amused to find occasional crumbs along the trail.  It reminds him of a story from his childhood.

You travel upstream, but not directly along the creek.  Eventually you come to and area where animals unsuccessfully chased the cookie man around.  Talita looks eager to find and eat this prey.

It's not much further before you catch up with and actually lay eyes on the magical cookie man himself.  He's tannish with arms, legs, eyes, a mouth, boots, a scarf, and a hat that are all a darker brown.  You spot him lying on a rock up on a 8 or so foot cliffside at the same time that he spots you walking up into the field of dry grass.  He springs to his feet and nimbly dances around on top of the small cliff.  He's about 150 feet away.

"I think we need to get him onto the grass, for me to catch him. I think the water spell will take too long, and he will simply not be there." Holly says, as she considers her options. She had one chance for this day, and she hoped to learn a lot about the small creature if the chance arose.

Moving over to Moonlight, Holly gently strokes his neck for a while, whispering into his ear. Moonlight seems to nod his head and then sets off to find a way around behind the muffin man. Turning back to the others, Holly says, "Moonlight will try and chase it down, but I suspect even he won't catch it. If nothing else I hope to get the man chased into a field, where my spell might work better. Perhaps we should jog along for a while to see if we can spot him as he runs." with that Holly begins to jog along towards where they had spotted the little man, hoping to at least get sight of him again.

"Well, since he seems to have spotted us anyway..." mutters Farden. Then, he raises his hand and waves a greeting to the cookie man. "Ahoy there! Nice day, isn't it?"

Sunna has tried to spot the markings on the ground, too, but quickly realized that her eyes aren't trained to such a task. So she stays somewhere behind Glumr and Talitha, until they spot the cookie on the cliff.

She nods to Hollys words about catching the cookie man and waits on the raction of it to Fardens words.

"Talita, can you chase him onto the grass?" Glumr gestures and asks his new companion, not knowing if she understands or not.

"Whooo hooooo, it's someone new!"
"Let's see what they're going to do,"  says the animated cookie, dancing a little jig.

Then Farden calls out

"Ahoy there! Nice day, isn't it?"

"A nice day to run and play."
"You can't catch me.  I always get away."

Holly and Moonlight huddle up and concoct a plan.  They seem to have a better rapport than Glumr and Talita.  The ranger isn't able to convey his instructions clearly to the fox.  Talita misses the subtly and bounds off to nab the cookie.  Moonlight, realizing the chase has begun, runs off in a wide arc to circle around behind the cookie.

Talita scoots up the side of the hill at less than a full run and snaps at the cookie man.  At the last second the cookie hops up onto the fox's back and rides her like a horse.  Talita bucks and kicks, trying to shake her new rider.  The cookie man clings onto her fur with one hand while energetically waving his hat around with the other hand.  Talita twists around trying to nip towards her own back with little success.

"Yahoooo! Ridem 'round and round."
"Keep it up til the fox falls down."

As if on cue Talita decides that the best way to shake her rider is to intentionally tumble to the ground and roll.  When she does this the cookie man hops off and zips down the other side of the hill.

For a moment he's out of view from you, but Moonlight chases him back around into view.

"Foxes, horses, and humans OH MY!"
"No one's as fast as this cookie guy," he says pointing both thumbs at himself.

OOC: Who has two thumbs and runs really fast?

Soon the cookie is bouncing along, grasses up to his neck, sometimes even higher.  With a nice lead over the pursuing horse he jumps up out of grass regularly, giggling with glee.  Holly smiles and cast her entangling spell.  She carefully centers the effected area to surround the cookie as completely as possible without catching Moonlight in the spell.  The grasses spring into action, grabbing at the small cookie.  This cookie man is unbelievably nimble.  He dodges, dips and weaves his way though the grasping grasses.  Twice they catch a foot or leg, but the grass is dry and a bit brittle.  The cookie man is able to escape both times and make his way to the edge of the animated grasses.  The spell did slow him down to about the speed of a running human while he was madly dodging around, but it failed to capture him.

"I thought I'd been hunted by all the worst."
"Being chased by plants is truly a first!"

Farden sighs. He'd been hoping to talk the cookie man into coming back, but clearly the little bugger wasn't going to stand still long enough for that to work.

Instead, he closes as much as he can with the cookie man, trying to get close to the fellow as possible without getting entangled.

As he is moving, his hands are busy - he pulls his dagger and punches a long gash in his waterskin. Holding the skin closed with his hand to keep it from leaking too much, he gets close, swings and pitches. The ruptured waterskin leaves a trail of droplets through the air as it sails down next to the cookie man, and bursts, scattering water all around.

OOC: Improvising a splash weapon from my waterskin. Targeting the general vicinity of the cookie man (AC 5), so he will automatically take splash damage.
11:37, Today: Farden rolled 12 using 1d20+5. splash attack. (AC 5)

Glumr draws an arrow and tries to Bullseye the little cookie man.

Glumr rolled 14 using 1d20+10. Shoot arrow at cookie.

OCC - That's so not going to cut it.  This guy probably has a huge AC bonus.

Sunna begins to enjoy the little rhymes of the cookie man and grins, while running up to the hill to help with the chase.

Once she realizes that even the spell of Holly doesn't work, she stops running and recovers her breath.
"Maybe the cookie man likes to dance?
I could certainly show him a fine new stance" she rhymes and dances a little jig herself. Maybe the cookie man only wants to enjoy himself? And there was little else she could do in this chase, being much slower than Moonlight and without any helpful spells like Holly.

Farden's waterskin sails in a arc trailing a drizzle of water as it flies towards where he best guesses the speedy little cookie will be.  It hits the ground and water bursts from the long slash along the skin's side, spraying droplets all around.

"Yeeeeee!" the cookie yelps, covering his face with his stubby arms as a little water splashes on him.

Even distracted the cookie man has the reflexes to duck Glumr's arrow shot.

As Sunna attempts to engage the cookie man in dance and rhyme he appears to have other ideas.

"Time for me to run away."
"We'll play again another day."

He turns tail and puts 300 more feet of distance between you and him.  He's fast!

OOC:  Clever play, Farden.  :-)  I'll have to remember to award some experience for attacking the ground instead of the cookie.  Using the holy water rules, splash damage is only one point, but it shows he can be hurt.  You doubt a little thing like that can have too many hit points.

"You know... This little guy is fast.  I think we're going about this all wrong.  I think we need to trick this little guy."

"My thinking exactly", Sunna says. "Problems is, that he now knows that we are here to catch him." She glances in the direction of the cookie man as long as she's able to see him.
"I suppose setting up some kind of trap might work, as long as we are able to hide what we're doing until we're ready."

"Holly, I don't suppose you have any more of that entangling spell?" Farden pauses to take a breath as the cookie man buzzes off. "And next time we go looking for it, all of us are packing water bombs. Is there any spell that creates water?"

"If we found a low place along the river, maybe we can corner him and flood water at him so there's no way for him to escape.  Maybe distract him while we get water moving.  Holly does your prayer give you the ability to conjure up water like that?"

Glumr thinks about what the priest have taught him.  In the morning he decides he will pray and ask for help talking with Talita.

"Perhaps we should find the 'spot' and then rest and prepare to get him tomorrow.  I want to ask Ehlonna to help me speak with Talita so that we might coordinate a bit better."

With a pair of expert naturalists you have no problem predicting where on the terrain to look for a nice lowlands loop at which to try to trap the cookie.  You locate a spot where the creek is a little deeper and slower.  The stream flows to the southwest here and then curves sharply back around the the east for a short while.  The banks are dry, crusty mud.  Holly shakes her head when Glumr starts describing flooding this area by summoning water.  She couldn't possibly summon enough water to flood the area with her drinking water spell even if she cast it many times.  She could fill a bathing tub if you trapped the cookie man in one somehow.

About a quarter mile downstream from the trap spot Glumr finds more cookie tracks and crumbs.  It looks like he's been here a number of times, walking up to the stream but never crossing.

Time to head back to Pliffa for dinner, drinks, and sleep?

"Seems he keeps coming to this river for some reason.  I wonder if we can trick him somehow.  We need to get him to talk to us more." Glumr says to his friends at the cookie tracks.

OCC - It was mentioned that the trail of crumbs reminded Glumr about a childhood story.  That made me think Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trail, but would there be any gingerbread man story to be reminded of?

In that a fox tricks him by offering to help him cross the river.  As a player I'd want to try that.

OOC: Sure, at least some of you would've heard this story.  Holly referenced all these crafty fox stories when she named Reynard.

"Hmmm... we could just leave a couple of wooden planks here. If he tries to use them to cross, he won't be able to steer very well. He'll be slow and visible, we can split our group in ambush on either side."

I need the group to agree on a plan for tomorrow.

I also need Holly to PM me her spell list for tomorrow.  Please also update your character sheet to reflect your new 4th level stats and abilities (Glumr too).  Remember, there will be a future advantage to spending your stat point in your legendary statistic.  I already know what spell Glumr is going to pray for.  Sunna, don't forget that you have spells too.  No need to PM me about them, however, since they are spontaneous.

Over a week and no spell list from Holly.  I'll wait until Wednesday, but then we'll move forward with the spell list she sent me on Feb 2nd as her official list (that list was from 3rd level too).  Hopefully, that doesn't ruin anyone's plans, but we can't wait forever either.

Near dusk you return to Pliffa.  You are able to find 4 waterskins that your clanmates here in town are willing to donate to the cause.  One of these should replace Farden's ruined waterskin.  The other 3 you can return if you don't end up using them in stopping the cookie man.  You have a meal at the common house.  It's sour and poorly cooked, but you're too polite to complain.  Not every meal can be a winner.  Holly and Glumr pray for their spells in preparation for a day of cookie hunting.  The night is very quiet and restful.  You awake the next morning ready to go.

What is your first move?

First move would be to scout the stream - find ways to cross, ambush points, and do it all when the cookie man isn't around. Then set our trap.

Holly agrees with Farden, saying they need to understand why the cookie man hasn't already found a way across the stream if he is so determined to. "I am going to try and entangle him again, and perhaps charm him if I get close enough, but suspect that I might not get that close. I can also call forth a crocodile if needed in the extreme."

Yesterday you found two locations of interest while scouting the river.  There is a bend in the river that Glumr felt was an excellent place to trap the cookie man.  It is surrounded on 3 sides by stream.  He had visions of luring Mr Cookie there and flooding that area using magic, but that doesn't appear to be feasible.  The other location is about a quarter mile further downstream.  This is where a few sets of the cookie man's tracks lead up to the stream.  You feel he is bound to return there at some point.  Waiting for him there without being spotted will, of course, require hide skill checks (roll or take 10)

The stream is trivially easy for men and horses to cross.  You cross many such creeks and streams on your journeys with no trouble at all.  However, it appears to be a real obstacle for our doughy friend.  He also seems keen on crossing it for some reason.

Plans floated so far include getting a fox to coax the cookie to ride it across the stream, leaving a makeshift raft to lure Mr cookie into a perilous journey across the stream, and entangling him in vegetation.

Holly, you feel that Charm Animal is highly unlikely to work on the cookie man.    Maybe Charm Person would be better since he's a person of sorts.  Charm Monster would be even more likely to work in your opinion.  Also, there are no crocs or gators living in these parts.  The winters are just too cold for them.  Perhaps you can sick a beaver or a badger on him.  You doubt they'd have any more success than the fox did of just catching him in the open.

"Well Farden" Glumr says pondering on what to do.  "To give it the old Triplefang try, I think most of us should cross the stream somewhere else and hide at the ambush site.  Someone on this side of the river will then place something the little guy can cross with.   Perhaps something to float on or a stick to walk across?  Then who ever will do that will circle back around to where we crossed and then come back to hide with us.  That way there is no chance he can cross without us being ready.  Then we wait?"  He finishes asking Farden to make sure he has the plan correct.

"I will see if I can use Ehlonna's powers and talk to Talita and tell her the plan.  Perhaps if we set up a make shift bridge, we could attach rope to it and topple him into the water when he crosses?   Maybe we should try the make shift boat first?"

Holly nods, and adds, "I think the idea of the boat is best. If we don't time the bridge collapse right, he is over and we might not catch him! I'll have entangle ready to cover both banks as soon as he steps onto the boat. Other than that, I can create water, and call on an ally perhaps."

"I'll cross over, with my horse. Who else will cover the opposite bank with me?"

"I'm thinking Glumr is the best suited to setting the boat and finding his way over to us, so I suggest the three of us find a place to hide on the other side and watch for our little friend. I'll send Moonlight off to see if he can find him, and tell him not to chase him down. I reckon we would be best served if he is in no real hurry to get across the water." Holly said, preparing to find a place to lie low and still have sight of the place the cookie man had tried to cross before.

"Hmmm... Maybe I should hide on this side, that way we can keep him between us?"  Glumr thinks this is the best bet.  Once all are agreed, he will ask Ehlonna to help him speak with Talita and ready the trap.

"Works for me. Let's get ready." Farden is going to get hold of 3 more waterskins and fashion them into water bombs, before crossing the stream and finding a place to hide.

Most of the plan is in place.  Some things might change based on Glumr's conversation with Talita, but it can't hurt for everyone to make hide rolls (or tell me you're taking ten) Glumr can use his vast hiding expertise to give a +2 bonus to everyone hiding on the other side of the river, since he can scout the area ahead of time and pick out a good spot.

Farden can ride his horse across the river, but can not hide with it.  The horse will need to be hitched somewhere several hundred feet away.  Who else is bringing their horse, and who is leaving their horse in Pliffa?  The eye is not stealthy and is staying behind in Pliffa.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg # 210):

Glumr will leave the horse in Pliffa.   He plans on having Talita cross the river and help make sure the cookie doesnt get to cross.  Once the others are hid, he will hid on the side of the river with the boat.

Taking a ten - Hide 20 (10 + 10)

Farden is a lot more stealthy since he has left his armor and shield behind. He's going to carefully set up his hide spot, with Glumr's help.

Taking 10, aid from Glumr, final result 14.

The party eats a light breakfast in Pliffa and sets about the task of preparing the trap for the cookie man.  Farden supervises the construction of a small makeshift raft and fills his waterskins.  Glumr has a short discussion with his fox.  Soon you're ready to head off to place where the crumbs and cookie prints were found.

Moonlight goes off on his own to look for cookieman while Farden, Holly, Sunna, and Talita cross the stream.  They hide out in some tall grass, behind a small rise.

Since I haven't heard otherwise I'll assume Sunna and Holly would like to take 10 on their Hide checks.  With the +2 the lowest hide check is Holly's 13.

Glumr sets out the tiny raft on the shore and brushes away his tracks before disappearing someplace on his side of the stream.

Then comes the waiting.

Early in the afternoon the cookie man comes hopping and bounding down to the shore.  He notices the raft right away.  He trundles over to the connected planks and pokes at them.  He steps onto the raft dubiously, but doesn't launch it into the water.  Hesitantly, he lifts it up to see if anything is under it.  Next he climbs on and leans over to gaze into the water a bit, but then gets back on the shore and zips around in circles near the raft.

This guy does not sit still even for a second.  It's nearly tiring just watching him.

Glumr remains hidden, waiting to see what the cookie does.  If it looks like he is going to pass on the bridge, Glumr decides he will try and engage the little guy in conversation again.

Holly sits with her entangling spell ready for when the cooking monster gets on the raft, guessing she would have more chance if he has to start in the middle of it. She is somewhat intrigued by what the cookie man is doing, wondering if it was the sugar that made him so energetic... it usually worked for her, she knew.

Farden waits with the patience of a soldier. He's not going to make a move until the creature is well out on the water and as far from shore as possible.

The cookie man fidgets and dances around.  He pushes the raft part way into the water and sees that one end floats.  He bounces  on it, splashing the end into the water a few times, but then hops off and tugs it more safely onto shore.  Next he zips around a bit and goes over to gaze across the stream.  He only does this for a few seconds before he glances around looking like me might be about ready to leave.

Farden continues waiting patiently, keeping absolutely still.

Holly stays as still as possible, wishing that Moonlight was near to get him to give the cookie man a nudge to get onto the raft. <i>'Patience!'<i> she thought to herself as she watched.

Glumr decides that the cookieman isnt going to take the bait and is only moments from leaving.  He decides to step out of concealment, trying to appear as if he was just coming this way instead of hiding.

"Hello there little friend.  What's on your mind?"  Glumr says in his most friendly voice.  He hopes his friends remain hidden so that he might lure the cookie into the river.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Thu 12 July 2012.

The cookie man zips around dizzyingly.

"Whooo hooo, here we go."
"It's the archer with his bow," he says as he dodges around playfully.

Nevermind that Glumr does not have his weapon drawn.

"You can shoot, but you'll always miss."
"No other cookie's as fast as this."

He didn't answer your question at all.

If you'd like to try to trick the cookie man onto the raft, please tell me what sort of angle you want to use and make a bluff roll, DC15.

Farden keeps his thoughts on Glumr's actions to himself, and maintains his cover. But he is thinking bad things very loudly....

OCC - Glumr will try to act indifferent and see if he can get the cookie to tell him why he wants on the raft.  Glumr will say he just wants the cookie to go far away, and that's why they were after him.   If the cookie wants to cross the river and begone, then Glumr will put down all his gear and unarmed act like he will assist the cookie simply to have him go away.

Also, bluff is not a strong point of Glumr's.  No bonus.  He wishes Sunna was in his place instead. 

11:31, Today: Glumr rolled 5 using 1d20. Tricking a cookie.  (Dice hate players)

OOC:  Sunna's player has been away lately and I've offered to cover in situations like this, so here goes...

Glumr takes a good approach in trying to convince the cookie man to board the raft.  Sadly, he's painfully unconvincing.  He only succeeds in making the little guy suspicious.  Anxiety builds in the hiding place across the stream until Sunna looks at her clanmates with concern and springs out to take action.

"Wait Wait," she says.  "Don't run away."
"There's too much dancing to do today."

Sunna pulls out her pipe a plays a jaunty tune and as she walks closer and closer to the edge of the stream.  The cookie man regards her with some distrust, but neither she nor Glumr has drawn a weapon or made any hostile moves.  The tune Sunna is tooting out is quite good.  The cookie man taps his toes in rhythm with the music.  He looks no closer to getting on the raft, but at least he hasn't run off.

Sunna wades knee deep into the water as she plays.  She makes a strange adjustment to the song that sounds friendly, but out-of-place, and waves her left hand in the air in an usual fashion. 

"We only want to work as a team."
"We built this raft to cross the stream," Sunna rhymes.

"Hop on board and you will see."
"You float across and soon be free!" she adds.

The cookie regards the raft in a much better light now. He pushes it into the water and hops on.

"Thank you friend, this will do the trick," says the cookie man cheerfully.
He turns to Glumr.
"Give me a push and make it quick."

Holly thinks to herself about the best laid plans, and keeps quiet. At least for the moment the cookie man hasn't run away.

Farden also maintains cover, for the moment.

Glumr is amazed that Sunna's song seems to be convincing the little guy to fall into their trap.

"To cross this water a push is what you need"
"I will float you across without too much speed" Glumr rhymes.

Glumr carefully walks up to the cookie not making any hostile moves.

OCC - How big is the creek and how fast is it moving? 

Glumr wants to wade into the water, pushing the cookie's raft across and when he's far enough that he cant jump to shore, Glumr will submerge himself (so the cookie cant jump on or off of him) and dump the raft.

When he does it, Glumr will say

"You're almost across this little water"
"But now you will wish you were an otter"

and then dunk himself and the raft.  Glumr think's adding the rhyme in is very clever.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:26, Mon 16 July 2012.

I had to go digging around in the OOC thread to find this but...



The current is slow and gentle this time of year unless there has been a very recent storm, which there hasn't.


Glumr wades into the water with the raft.  With Sunna's rhyming couplets (you'll have to use your imagination this time) of encouragement the cookie man is OK with this makeshift, Glumr powered raft.  Sunna backs away, out of the water and onto the shore as this happens.

There's not much to dunking a dinky, jury-rigged raft so all I ask for is a DEX check DC5.  Just don't roll a 1.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:22, Mon 16 July 2012.

Glumr dunks the raft with finesse

Glumr rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Dunk the raft.

Right in the middle of the creek (the water is still not deep enough to be up to Glumr's chest) Glumr pops one end of the raft up in the air and yanks the other end down hard, diving to the bottom as best as he can in the relatively shallow water.  You can almost see the exclamation points over the cookie man's head when this happens.  He does a nimble and flawless one armed handstand on the upper edge of the raft, but this only buys him a second before the entire raft goes under.  He kicks off at the last instant, cartwheeling in the air above the water.

"Is this the end of my days being hyper?"
"Curse you archer, and curse you piper!" he says just before breaking the surface of the water.

There's no way to run, and the cookie man clearly cannot swim.  He flails and splashes, drowning as he slowly dissolves.

OOC: "I'm melting!  I'm melting!"

In about  10 seconds the stream grows calm again.  Glumr surfaces, followed shortly by the soaked raft.  You all look at the gooey glob of wet dough floating in the middle of the stream.  Is that it?

Farden shrugs out of cover as he sees the raft go over. Watching the cookie melt, his only comment is, "I can't believe that worked. What did you do Sunna, sing a song that renders the listener a drooling idiot?"

Holly broke cover, and hearing Farden's comment adds her own, "Certainly worked on Glumr!", she says, a broad smile indicating to all that she is having a little fun at her cousin's expense.

Moving to the edge of the stream, she quickly offers Glumr her hand to help him out of the water. Not having expected to have any of them getting wet, she had not blanket to cover him, but was glad at least the weather would dry him out soon.

"Well, it seems to have worked. Should we get back to Coal and find out if she has had her powers returned?" Holly looks down into the water, wondering whether it was as simple as that.

"Sounds good to me" Glumr adds, dripping but grinning happily.  "Maybe we should grab that blob of dough and take it back too, just in case.  Farden, throw me one of those water skins"  Glumr holds his hand out, waiting for Farden to toss it to him.  He'll see if he can suck the dough blob into it with some water.  Might be of use to Coal he thinks.

Sunna sits down to take off her boots and pour water out of them.

"The song was to convince the cookie that we were his good friends.  I wasn't sure it would work, but I had to try something," she answers Farden.

"Glumr, you did a fine job, but next time maybe I should do the smooth talking.  We harpers are training in persuasion."

Moonlight returns while Glumr gathers up the gooey dough blob and you all head back to Coal's tower.  When you arrive Coal is sitting at a small, low table carefully measuring out light gray power with a scale.  There's bits of powder in her dark hair, some smudged on her face, and some has gotten on her wispy robes too.  She coughs lightly and looks up.

"Welcome back, clanmates," she say standing up an wiping her hands on her robes. "How is the chase going?"

"Chase went well." Glumr says and holds up the waterskin with a smile.  "We have one cookie man, in dough form, along with some river water in this skin.  We though the water to be the end of him, but I dont know about magics, so I brought him hack to you to be the final judge."

Coal gives a surprised smile.

"You trapped him in a waterskin?  Thats remarkable!  You are a resourceful bunch."

She reaches a hand out to hold the waterskin along with Glumr at her eye level (which is a good deal below Glumr's).  She makes a gesture with her other hand and babbles out some multi-sylabic nonsense word, then peers at the vessel intensely.


"It's no use.  I can't tell anything from this.  Luckily, I have an even better method.  I'll get right to baking up a batch of delicious cookies.  If they come out of the oven enchanted we're all set.  You're welcome to come back and have some nice warm fresh cookies either way in about 90 minutes."

The enchantress proceeds to shoo you all out of the tower so she can get to work.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:27, Tue 17 July 2012.

"At least this went well. I'm going to go pick up my things."

Farden is going to go pick up his armor, shield and gear from where he had left them, then come back and wait for Coal to be done baking.

Glumr is going to take the time to dry out a bit in the sun and tend to his gear while he waits.  He rolls up some leaf and then noses around to see if anyone has an appropriate piece of stone to hone his blade while he waits for a cookie.  Wisps of sweet smoke trailing being the ranger as he walks around.

Well over an hour passes before Coal comes out and calls our heroes back into the tower.

She hands out a few warm cookies to everyone and holds one up herself.

"The moment of truth," she says, giving everyone the nod to dig in.

The cookies are amazingly, vibrantly delicious.  The sweetness of them sings and the normally mundane flavors pop and dance around on your tongue.  Your mood instantly improves and you see grins appear on the others' faces.  Is this the effect of magic cookies?  Somehow you imagined there would be other powers like seeing into the future or the ability to float around the room without a care, but this is good magic none-the-less.

"Hurray! I'm back," Coal exclaims.  "Thank you so much for stopping that scoundrel's rampage."

"Rampage" is overstating it a bit.  The cookie man never really did any harm outside of a few taunts and keeping the enchantress from making magical treats for a while.

The cookies are easily the best thing you've ever tasted.  You're inclined to munch down every one you were given right now, but you can save one or two each if you'd like to.

When you finish eating Coal gets back down to business.  She takes off a bonnet that kept her hair back while baking and shakes her hair out.

"Spirit weapons.  I'd get started on this tomorrow, but we're still short of a few ingredients.  You've got one of the two fine high-quality weapons we need.  I could use those to bargain with the spirits, but you might just have need of your weapons during your travels.  Lets wait until you have the second weapons.  OK?"

"I'll need the moonstone and the quicksilver before I can get too deeply into the enchanting.  There's no rush on my end.  You can take as long or as short a time as you need procuring them.  Also, I'll need about 125 gold per weapon to cover the cost of the sulfur, so try to budget to have that much left over."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:07, Thu 28 Feb 2013.

"Well then, let's go get the rest of the ingredients."  Glumr says "Where is Sloss Hinterplatz?"

Holly spent her time with Moonlight, teaching him some new tricks that might come in handy on their travels, and then slipped onto his back for a mad rush across the fields nearby before Moonlight let her know the cookies were about done. Slipping off his back, she hugged his neck, which got a snort out of him, and then she joined the others for the tasting.

As it now seemed they would be moving on, Holly checked over the Dun and made sure all the tack and horse-borne gear was safe, and then turned to listen to the answer to Glumr's question.

"Sloss Hinterplatz is to the north about 200 miles.  You'll be leaving our lands and things get a little different up there.  The last 50 miles or so are mountainous.  The travel is slow for us humans and it'll be harder on  horses.  There might be parts they can't navigate at all.  You can leave them here at my farm if you'd like.  There should be a lodge in the foothills too."

"The dwarves don't have much trouble with the ice, snow, and terrain.  Overall this is a fine time of year to make the trip.  It will be clear for the most part.  You might even find the cool air refreshing."

"There's no road there from here.  I used to puzzle on that from time to time.  The dwarves are builders.  They're all about making a trip shorter and more efficient too, so why no road?  I decided there are two reasons.  First off they don't want anyone marching up to the gates of Sloss Hinterplatz.  It's a stronghold, after all.  Secondly, they might think a road would benefit us humans more than the dwarves and left it to us.  If they saw the road to Goldenpoint they'd never trust us to build a road anywhere." she chuckles.

Coal gives you a few landmarks in an effort to keep you from getting lost or missing the stronghold all together.

"You could find someone in Pliffa to show you the way the first time if you'd like.  Even though there's no road, the way through the mountains is the most natural path.  I think you can find your way there if you just trust your natural hunches."

Farden mentally sighs to himself. Another 200 miles, this time on foot through mountains. But he thanks Coal for her help, and gathers his things, ready to take the trip.

"Perhaps we can take the horses some way, and then go on by foot from there." Holly says, wondering how Moonlight would cope with not having open plains to run around in. At least they could get some way on horseback, and perhaps have someone bring them back to Pfliffa for them to pick up on the way back.

"How are we to transport the items back again, if there is no way for horses?" Holly asks, wondering how much it might cost them for the dwarfs to deliver.

Moonstone was the commodity Coal told you would be available in Sloss Hinterplatz.  The amount you need will be small and trivial to carry.  The quicksilver (may or may not be available in the dwarven stronghold) is also light - similar to a potion or two.  Even if you buy weapons you should be able to transport them without needing horses or a cart.



Sign on with the Triplefang adventurers and see the world!  :-)

There are closer options too.  Volge is about 100 miles from here, and Silvergate is under 150 miles away.  (However, you're not real popular in Silvergate right now.)   Rankor Heights is an option for procuring some of these items too, but it's even further away than Sloss Hinterplatz
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:56, Fri 20 July 2012.

Glumr votes to travel to the stronghold.

Farden agrees to the trip to the stronghold. "Why not? It is part of the Great Quest package - travel to faraway places, meet exotic people, and kill them."

You return the extra waterskins.  Farden can keep his replacement skin.  Pliffa's villagers help you load up the cart with food for the trip there and back, knowing that you'll probably need to leave the horses and the cart somewhere along the line.  Townspeople estimate that the trip will take about two weeks each way assuming you have good weather, which seems a lock during the heart of summer.  You bring a total of 5 weeks of food, just to be safe.

The first night is the new moon closest to the summer solstice.  It's a quiet, warm, and dark night.  You're still well within Triplefang lands.  Everything here seems safe and peaceful.  You begin to worry less and less about hobgoblins, trolls, tainted wildcats, and evil gods.  In fact the entire first leg of the journey through the grasslands up into the foothills is relatively uneventful.  Even though the days are blisteringly hot you make slightly better time than expected.

On the 4th day a violent thunderstorm rolls through and you take shelter in the early afternoon for about an hour until the worst of the storm passes.  You are glad there are no signs of wildfires once you resume your travels.  The very dry grasses combined with the repeated lightning strikes is a dangerous combination.

That evening at sunset you come to the lodge Coal had mentioned.  From here the mountains loom close and large, much as they do as you approach Rankor Heights, but with no road to guide you and no walled city to be seen.  The lodge is owned by the Cabell clan.  They have taken a crack at farming, this year, but the crops do not look good.  They are small, dry, and withered.

You are greeted by a very solid warrior/hunter with long curly black hair in traditional light furs and boots.

"Who approaches?" he calls out, jogging towards you.

Farden, as usual, is going to bring up the rear, and let the others do the talking.

"Just a group of travelers on the road to Sloss Hinterplatz.  Friends in Pliffa said we would find hospitality from this lodge.  I am Glumr Triplefang and these are my friends." Glumr says in greeting with a smile and wave.

You introduce yourselves and the warrior introduces himself as Sjorri Cabell.

"I've never seen you before, but you've chosen a reasonable time to make the trip.  You are no fools.  You are welcome to set up camp here.  There's no advantage to sleeping within the lodge during this weather,"  says Sjorri.

Sjorri repeatedly eyes the floating eye with suspicion.  Scott returns the favor, eyeing the Cabell warrior.

"Is there any help we can offer? I am a healer of little skill, but we can hunt or gather to fill up any stocks for other travellers?" Holly says, trying not to point out the injury, but curious if her skills might be needed.

Since Holly is already enquiring about the injury, Farden contents himself with getting down from his horse, and starting preparations to make camp.

Glumr breaks the ice "This eye we call Scott.  I believe he may have been a harper who has been cursed.  We dont know, but he is our friend and friendly and has been accompanying us for some time.  The worst you have to fear from him is some enjoyable music while we share an ale."

"I wouldn't say no to healing if you're offering.  Goblin magic nearly killed me."



The eye produces a short burst of magical musical notes to underscore Glumr's point.  Sjorri seems convinced he's harmless now.


You talk to the warrior a bit more while you set up camp.  The Cabell aren't having much luck with the farming here.  It's hard to know if it's the dirt or the type of plants of something they aren't doing right.  None of you have much experience farming.

"We're fine for now, but we will have to abandon the lodge for the winter with this harvest.  No problem for us.  Anyone fool enough to come this way in winter can use the lodge for all the good it'll do them."

"Go back to the part about goblin magic. You say there are goblins around here, including spellcasters? And they're attacking?"

Holly moves in and takes a look at the wound, doing her best not to distract Sjorri from answering Farden's questions. She is intrigued to perhaps find out if it is something like the blight in the south that is affecting the land here in the north, and considers using her powers in the morning to try to commune with the local environment to gauge what is going on. For now, she checks the wound, and prepares to cast a small healing spell on it to see if it works.

[Holly will inspect the wound,
Holly rolled 19 using 1d20+9. Holly Heal check on Sjorri.
Will cast Cure Moderate Wounds L0 spell to see the effect.]

"I hate me some goblins" Glumr says with a smile, patting the hilt of his scimitar.  "We've noticed them being more active down south.  Seeing this mark about.  You think this is just normal golbin activity or related?" Glumr asks, drawing the mark of Krammishir in the dirt.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Fri 27 July 2012.

"Surely there are, hiding in caves and crevices.  They leak out of those dark places at night to stir up what evil they can.  It has always been this way.  Those little cowards wouldn't be even that brave without their warlocks.  They wont do nothing but run away without their godless magics," Sjorri says, clearly annoyed and disgusted.

Holly checks the warrior's most serious wound.  It's unusual.  There are burns, but they appear to go all the way through to the other side of his body.  That certainly could've been fatal.  You not familiar with anything that would cause that sort of burns.  Then again, your knowledge of goblin magic just about begins and ends with the few fights you've engaged in since Elana started you, Mord, Snow, and Glumr off on this long trail of adventure.  A few days time has already begun to heal the wound, and your Cure Minor Wounds spell helps some.  Sjorri could use considerably more healing before attaining full health.  A Cure Light Wounds is likely to do the trick.

"That's a little better.  Thank you, traveling healer."

"The goblins don't attack the lodge.  You'll be safe camping here.  They hide out in the wilds to ambush you, but they did kidnap Caoilfhionn, one of the older girls, recently.  Hobbes' done it.  I bet they plan to eat her if they haven't already."



"Good.  We could use more goblin hating."

Sjorri regards the mark Glumr drew.

"That means nothing to me."

"Well, I hope you continue to hold your own against the creatures. I hate ceding any land to the buggers."

Gently grabbing his arm, Holly says, "Hey, hang on, the spell was just to check it worked. Now stand still for a moment." With that Holly casts her more powerful healing spell and watches as the wound heals.

"Now whats this about a girl being taken? When did this happen, and where? Perhaps we could help", Holly says whilst looking at the others.

"Yes.  How long has Caoilfhionn been captive for?  I'm sure I can track the goblins that took her if you show me.  How large are their numbers?" Glumr is visibly upset that vile goblins have taken a girl and are ambushing these folk.

Sjorri lets out a long relieved breath as his wounds clear up.  He stretches and twists a bit to test his range of motion.

"Caoilfhionn was up in the damp caves to gather mushrooms. and lichen.  It was four days...  No, three days ago.  Her little sister, Bavit was with her and got away to tell the tail.  She could show you where this happened, but she's frightened.  If you can convince her it's safe she might agree.  Caoilfhionn is her sister after all."

Following three day old tracks shouldn't be a problem, but there was a powerful thunderstorm today, which typically ruins tracks much more dramatically than the passage of time does.  The sun has just set, so finding tracks now will be even harder.  Then again, waiting until morning to set out doesn't improve the kidnapped girl's chances of survival either.

"I don't know how many.  Goblins always attack in packs and at night.  This was bright daytime.  I figure they got brave when they saw it was just two girls."

"Well I hope from now on you wont let girls go out unaccompanied.  If we are going to go after her, we should do now.  If she's alive, she may not be by morning.  I'm willing to go out now.  Who will come with me?"

"I might remind you, we are on a pretty important job. Sure you want to spend the time and risk our lives on something else?" asks Farden mildly.

"But is the job worth the life of a girl?  There's no immediate rush with out tasks, we have the time to spend a day or two bringing this girl back.  Besides, what's more fun that cleaning out some goblins?" Glumr pauses "How many do you recon there are out there Sjorri?"

Holly looks sideways at Farden, and then back at Glumr. Looking finally at Sunna, the quiet one of the group for the moment, she adds, "As Glumr says, there is no immediate rush, and we need to do our bit in finding out what is going on. Moonlight can track any scent assuming it doesn't get washed away, and we'll have a better idea of what is ahead of us if we take time to help find this girl."

Looking over to Sjorri, Holly asks, "Where is her sister? And is there anyone else willing to come out with us? I can see if we can talk her into leading us to the place of the capture."

"Out there?  In the mountains and hills?  I never thought about it.  Hundreds.  Maybe more.  The goblins are good and spread out.  You aren't going to stumble into a goblin city up here.  The hobbes are a different story.  There's barely none of them.  No one even knows where they come from."



"I'll go with you.  Little Bavit will need someone around she knows."

Sjorri takes you to some nomad shelters around a box fire within sight of the lodge.  It reminds you of the traditional ways of the clans.  Farming and cities and trade have made the Triplefang and Ferisedan clans strong, but part of you still pines for the traditional nomadic days.  Those times might be gone for you, but not for everyone.

Sjorri introduces you to Bavit and her grandfather, Drem.  Bevit is about the same age as Dain, the kid you met in Gollag, but she's much smaller.  Bavit dressed in a dull and dirty, sleeveless child's robe.  She stares up at you without saying hi when you greet her.  Drem is an old man of medium build who looks lanky the way he is seated.  He is methodically rubbing a tool back and for across a sharpening stone.  He stops his sharpening long enough to stand up and greet you.  Before sitting down to return to sharpening.

"These Triplefang travelers want to search for Caoilfhionn with a tracker and a horse," Sjorri say to both the man and girl.

"Will you show us where the goblin grabbed her tomorrow morning?" he asks Bavit.

Bavit shakes her head no.  "We shouldn't go there," she squeaks.

Farden shrugs and agrees to come along on the rescue mission. It's doubtful he'd have gone on his own, but since the rest of the party wants to go, he sees no point in arguing.

As they talk to the girl, something about the girl's phrasing strikes him as odd. " 'Shouldn't' go there? Has someone forbidden you to go, or are you just afraid of the goblins?" He glances at the grandfather - the most likely source of the prohibition - then continues, "If you're afraid, don't be. They'll have to get through the rest of us to hurt you."

OOC: I may be totally off base, but the phrasing just struck me as odd.

Glumr wonders what he meant by 'hobbes'...

Glumr knows enough about goblinoids to know what hobbes are.

http://triplefang.yoyo-pete.com/doku.php?id=hobbes

For that matter the rest of you are likely to have this shallow level of knowledge on the subject, so feel free to consult the wiki entry.  I just added a picture, too.  Feel free to use the wiki as a reference.  That's what it's there for.  If something you're looking for is missing, let me know.  I'll probably add it.


"I told Coafie we shouldn't go there, but she went anyway."

"Now she's gone."

Due to the temporary absence of Sunna's player I'm willing to let someone put words in Sunna's mouth and make a roll to convince Bavit to go.  She gets a +8 to either bluff or diplomacy.  (I'm going to assume she wouldn't try intimidation)

Holly kneels down besides the little girl, and finds Sunna doing the same. Holly nods sagely as Sunna says, "Well, as Farden says young lady, you have nothing to fear. Farden and Glumr are great warriors, and Holly here has a horse who runs like the wind. If you like, you can ride on one of our horses there and Moonlight will protect you. You can ride like a princess. Would you like that?"

Holly smiles, "Moonlight is my special friend, and he is jet black. He has fought off wild cats and goblins before, and he will guard you with his life. But I don't think we will need to. I think they will see such great warriors as Farden, Glumr and Sjorri here and run away! Then we can simply find your sister and bring her home."

Sunna adds, "But we don't know the way, so we have come to ask for your help Bevit. Will you take us all there? I'll sing you a song on the way if you like".

[Holly trying to aid Sunna, Diplomacy Check:
19:44, Today: Holly rolled 7 using 1d20. Diplomacy Aid to Sunna. (Not a lot of help there!)
19:45, Today: Holly rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Sunna Diplomacy check.
Think the promise of being a princess or having someone sing to her did the job...]

OCC - Was that the first 20 the players have rolled?

Nice roll Holly.. I was going to do it, but the dice hate me.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Thu 02 Aug 2012.

"Oh boy!"

Bavit lights up, excited to go charging off on the rescue mission.  She can hardly wait for morning.  The change is so startlingly dramatic you half suspect Sunna of using charm magic again.  This sweet talking harper sure makes things a lot easier.  No wonder Jacob has such success in his endeavors.

You bid Bavit and her grandfather goodbye and find a suitable place nearby to set up camp.

Sure enough, Bavit comes charging over into your camp at the break of dawn, far earlier than your lazy bones are used to getting up.  Luckily, you got to sleep early and didn't have to take watches.  Everyone is well rested and ready to go.  You gobble down a quick breakfast.  Breakfast always makes Holly miss Snow a little.  The meals have not been the same since she left the group.

"What's that?" asks Bavit.

"That's Scottfard," answers Sunna.  "He plays music too."

Sunna and the eye strike up a song for the girl as everyone mounts up and rides north.  Bavit points you toward the mountains and Sjorri confirms that the damp caves are in that general area.  As you get closer to the mountains Holly notices that the copper plate in her pack is getting very hot.

OOC: I'll post more soon.

Holly takes the plate out of her pack and alerts everyone to this oddity.  It is another hot day, but not the hottest of the week.  The summer heat can't account for this strange occurrence.  You stop the horses by a drying-up pool at the base of a cliff.  There you try cooling the copper plate off in the water, but it still remains hot.  It's almost too hot to hold.  With gloves or cloth you can keep from burning yourself.  Finally you decide to soak a blanket in water to wrap around the plate.

As you're doing this, something approaches.

Everyone please make Spot or Listen rolls (your choice, but not both) and roll Initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:12, Fri 03 Aug 2012.

Glumr thinks it's a good idea the held onto the plate and says so.

Glumr rolled 18 using 1d20+5. Listen!
Glumr rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Initiative.

Farden has been looking on worriedly, wondering what's wrong with the plate, and doesn't see the problem coming, but he is on a hair-trigger.


OOC: What do I need to roll to figure out the plate?

17:15, Today: Farden rolled 6,22 using d20+4,d20+2. spot, initiative.

"Perhaps it means there is another gateway nearby?" Holly says as she wraps up the plate. A snort from Moonlight brings her attention to something approaching, but for the moment she is more interested in getting the plate safe.

[12:13, Today: Holly rolled 4 using 1d20+1. Holly Initiative.
12:13, Today: Holly rolled 22 using 1d20+10. Spot check (+2 Moonlight bonus). ]

"More sacks of water and flesh?  WHY?!? must I be kept from the constructs I seek?" comes a horrible discordant voice from up upon the cliff above the pool.  It hurts your ears some.     The voice sounds like two separate voices each speaking sideways to one another and the result being clear understandable Clantongue.  The words have a shockingly debilitating effect on the eye which spirals down into the grasses.

"They all look alike to me.  Xyzeryx cannot tell them apart!  At least this batch are travelers.  They may be of some use to me."

All of this noise comes from a short, twisted, spiky humanoid who looks like he was carved of red clay and only partially heated in a kiln.  Beside him is a horselike blue creature with two long horns protruding from its head.  They both stand on a cliff about 40 feet above the water level, which is not easily or quickly accessible from where you stand now.

Glumr hears something in the grasses around to the party's right.  Holly notices it too. 

Bavit screams, not very loudly.

init
----
22 Farden
21 Glumr
12 Xyzeryx
11 Sjorri
 9 Sunna
 4 Holly

I need first round actions from Farden and Glumr.  Farden, remind me to let you have a knowledge roll regarding the plate once this all winds down.

It's nice to be fighting in the daylight for a change.

http://zachery.path.med.umich....ng/Xyzeryx%20map.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:19, Sat 23 Feb 2013.

"Everyone, tighten up and watch out." calls Farden, as he moves to support Holly and Glumr.

Move to K10, ready sword and shield.

Glumr notches and arrow and draws on the sound from the grasses, trying to make what it is before letting the arrow fly.  "Be careful, I hear something off to the side" he says to his friends.

Reality shimmers as a long, tall, silvery metal, spiderlike creature loses its magical cloak of camouflage.  By the time it's fully visible it is nearly upon the party.  It sprays out a a jet of webby cables directly at Holly (DC14 reflex save).  At nearly the same moment the horselike creature on the cliff lowers its horns at the group and unleashes a bolt of lightning at Glumr.  (DC15 reflex save)

Xyzeryx's resulting exclamation depends on the result of our heroes' agile avoidance.

"This is no place for you, Bavit," say Sjorri tugging on the girl's hand to run.  "Let's go."
The two of them run away from the fracas.

Sunna takes a step back and belts out a tune on her single pipe flute.  The song does not have the richness of the eye's magical music, but it's equally skillful and inspiring. (Our heroes get +1 hit and damage from here on.)

I need saving throws from Holly and Glumr, and Holly's first round action (which I'm sure will depend on whether she's been bound up by the webs).  I also need Farden's and Glumr's round 2 actions.

http://zachery.path.med.umich....ng/Xyzeryx%20map.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:11, Wed 15 Aug 2012.

Farden immediately closes with the silver spider. He didn't know what it was, but he was willing to test its reaction to three feet of cold steel, and he takes a swing at it with his sword.

Move to N7
12:53, Today: Farden rolled 14,9 using d20+9,d8+4. attack, damage.
Current AC: 20, TAC: 13

OCC - Hey, wouldn't Glumr have let his arrow fly as he was doing a wait move watching the spider area?


Glumr rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Reflex - Lightning . CRAP!

I thought about this possibility.  We can have Glumr act at init 11 in round 1.  This has very little functional difference from acting  at init 21 in round 2.

*ZOTZ* The bolt of lighting blasts clear through Glumr's guts.  Farden stops short as the bolt whizzes past him, too close for comfort.  The sizzling blast of electricity nearly hits Talita too before striking the ground and fizzling out.  Glumr howls in pain, but refocuses and fire a(n) arrow(s) at the big metallic spider.

Glumr takes 16 points of damage.  He's OK for now, but another lightning bolt could kill him.



Glumr, go ahead and make your attack(s) on the spider.

Glumr lets his first arrow fly, hitting the target.  The second misses, perhaps distracted by the bolt of lightning that zaps into Glumrs body.


Glumr rolled 20 using 1d20+10. Arrow 1 @ spider.  HIT
Glumr rolled 7 using 1d8+2. Arrow 1 Damage.
Glumr rolled 13 using 1d20+10. Arrow 2 @ spider. MISS

Holly hesitated for a moment, and that was not like her. Looking back, she saw that someone was oing someting right by running away, and even considered that herself for a moment. Placing the waped stone onto the floor, Holly called Moonlight to her to help her with the harm she assumed was ow coming her way. Drawing her sickle, Holly stood waiting.

[Call Moonlight to her side and draw sickle, standing over the portal stone]

I guess I'll make Holly's Saving throw roll then.

12:39, Today: Fritzholm, on behalf of Holly, rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Webby REF save (DC14).

init
----
22 Farden
12 Xyzeryx
11 Glumr
11 Sjorri
 9 Sunna
 4 Holly

Bending down to place the hot copper plate at her feet, Holly is able to agilely duck the spray of silvery cables that fly all around her.

"That's it!  That's IT!" Xyxeryx exclaims.  "Now blast the traveler.  Is it too much to ask???"

With the straight on hit, Glumr punches one of his two arrow shots through the armored metal hide of the the giant spider.  The other arrow plinks harmlessly away off the curve of it's body.  Smoke wafts off burnt cloth and leather on both Glumr's front and back.  Talita cautiously moves a safe distance from the others,fearing another lightning strike.

Moonlight moves into position next to Holly, as the druid draws her sickle and stands ready.

Farden advances and hacks at the spider.  It's unnatural metallic body turns out to be much harder than he expected and his sword swing is deflected harmlessly.

The spider stops in its tracks and fires off another spray of web-like tangly cables at Holly.

This provokes an attack of opportunity from Farden.  Go ahead and roll this attack.


I need another REF saving throw from Holly (DC14), round 2 actions from Glumr and Holly, and a round 3 action from Farden.

Sunna is still playing morale boosting music, so remember to add +1 to hit and damage.


http://zachery.path.med.umich....ng/Xyzeryx%20map.jpg

Glumr takes a step back then draws and fires two arrows at the metallic spider, the second leaving his bow almost before the first is at the target.


Glumr moves to K10 (hoping to have moonlight between him and the lightning).
Glumr rolled 30 using 1d20+10. Arrow 1 @ spider.
Glumr rolled 25 using 1d20+10. Critical Chance on Arrow 1.
Glumr rolled 7 using 1d8+2. Damage for Arrow 1 Critical.
Glumr rolled 27 using 1d20+10. Arrow 2 @ spider.
Glumr rolled 9 using 1d8+2. Damage from Arrow 2.

Hit for 30 Damage!!

Correction.  All I need right now is Farden's AOO.  Then I'll post.

10:23, Today: Farden rolled 17,10 using d20+9,d8+4. AoO, damage.

Farden retaliates.

With her attention fully on the attackers now, Holly knows she needs to do something. Dodging the web sent in her direction again, she casts a cloud of fog to cover the two on the other side of the pond. She then directs Moonlight to charge the spidery thing to help out the boys of the group.

"Take out the spider!" Holly calls as she watches the fog to see what side they come out.

[Holly rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Web REF Save DC14.
Holly - Std Action - Casts Fog Cloud on square d3 (20ft radius 20ft high) to obscure the enemy.
Moonlight
Move Action - To k6-l6 (Can't charge through Glumr and Holly) and
Std Action - attacks the spider.
Holly rolled 17 using 1d20. Moonlight Base attack on Spider.
   Normally Hoof is at -2 to hit, but also +1 from music. AC16 hit.
Holly rolled 2 using 1d4+1. Moonlight possible Dmg. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Thu 16 Aug 2012.

Farden carefully watches the way that his foiled sword swing and Glumr's deflected arrow attack failed to penetrate the spider's metallic shell, and how Glumr's other arrow managed to punch through.  He switches up his tactics.  When the spider sprays its webs a second time at Holly it leaves a pause in its defense.  Farden takes advantage, thrusting his sword point straight on against the metal.  The sword punches in, wounding the spider.

Glumr follows up Farden's success with a devastating shot of his own, driving an arrow so deeply into the spider's head that only the very end of the feathers are visible.  The spider reels back, screeching horribly.  Glumr fires again hitting the spider's body, finishing it off.  The lifeless legs collapse and the body thumps down heavily into the grasses.


Wow, you guys piled a lot of damage on that thing!

The webs were shot at Holly before the spider died, so I still need a REF save DC 14.  I also need Holly's round 2 action, and Farden's round 3 action.

http://zachery.path.med.umich....ng/Xyzeryx%20map.jpg