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11:26, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

D&D: Generations.

Posted by NarratorFor group 0
Narrator
player, 1329 posts
For narrating
and convenience
Fri 8 Mar 2019
at 02:59
  • msg #73

Re: D&D: Generations

Timothius gives the "i told you so" smirk a glance and looks like he is trying to figure out if it really made a difference or was just coincidence. Then looks fanboyish over Mittens spewing monster info like a pro.

Tam nods in agreement with Buzz, but answers Joe quietly, "Every creature is an individual, unique and set apart from their entire race. Most of what you need to know about someone from their race is what capabilities they likely possess."

In other words, whether a creature is a jerk or not, one should just prepare for what kinds of offensive and defensive capabilities the creature has.

Liberty says, "So.. assume anyone you don't know is a jerk?"

Tam says, "....I guess?"

After a while, the group comes upon a small, rocky hill and standing atop it is a canine. For those who recognize such, it is a blink dog.

DC up-to-player: The dog stood in a fashion so as to have his scent blown towards the team, as if wanting them to find him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:12, Fri 08 Mar 2019.
Rocky
player, 19 posts
Envoy Warforged
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 10 Mar 2019
at 14:48
  • msg #74

Re: D&D: Generations

Rocky, still in his bear form looks at the blink dog and wonders if this is a trap since the dog was using ambush tactics earlier with hiding spots and is now intentionally giving away his position...

Buzz nods to Tam and Joe but remains silent.

Adrian shuffles around a bit and responds to Liberty, "That is a rather pessimistic view, but probably a safer one... I have heard people ask if it is paranoia when someone really is out to get you."

Doc tilts his head and looks a bit confused at the current actions of the blink dog, "This seems strange given what we've already observed of this creature's previous intentions to be stealthy. I do not want to believe it is making a mistake with what it is doing to let us spot it so easily... so it, or it's master, must be planning something."
Joe
player, 859 posts
Thu 14 Mar 2019
at 03:09
  • msg #75

Re: D&D: Generations

  Joe still considers himself kind of a jerk, so can't argue with the logic of poor but not hostile initial assumptions.

  He is alas, drawing a blank for oddly specific guesses right now.  But he is hoping it's not an overly roundabout 'dog have problem.  Dog can't talk. Dog bite people so they call adventurers. Dog smart' situation.
Mittens
GM, 2513 posts
Thu 14 Mar 2019
at 04:21
  • msg #76

Re: D&D: Generations

"Probably best not to make assumptions one way or another," is Mits' opinion on judging by biology, "After all, cat people and artificial war machine people are pretty much all overpowered monsters in both legend and games.  And so far I've never met the cat person that can shrug off being dismembered nor do I see Rocky turning into a colossal siege weapon.  So yeah.  Can't really make assumptions."

And then Mits makes the assumption that the blink dog can understand Common.

"Hello!  My name is Mittens, and these are my friends.  We've been following the tracks of a hostile blink dog that led from the town over that way."

She thumbs over her shoulder.

"And then we discover you standing all dramatically at the top of this hill.  So what's your story?  Why attack the townsfolk?"
Narrator
player, 1330 posts
For narrating
and convenience
Mon 25 Mar 2019
at 23:19
  • msg #77

Re: D&D: Generations

The dog stares at Mittens. Then trots around in a circle, then stares at Mittens. Then runs off.

Liberty starts immediately climbing the hill (it is steep, but you can ascend it on foot without using hands.)

Timothius says, "Liberty! Wait up!" and starts heading after her.

Tam waits for Rocky's lead.
Rocky
player, 20 posts
Envoy Warforged
Circle of the Moon Druid
Wed 27 Mar 2019
at 18:31
  • msg #78

Re: D&D: Generations

Rocky knows that this could be an attempt to lead the group into a trap so he keeps alert as he heads up the hill with Liberty while sniffing around to see if anyone, or anything, else is in the area.

Buzz nods in response to Tam's statement before heading up the hill after Rocky.

Adrian and Doc simply follow along quietly as little can be said at the moment with the Blink Dog 'running off.'
Joe
player, 860 posts
Thu 28 Mar 2019
at 18:11
  • msg #79

Re: D&D: Generations

  Supposedly blink dogs can only teleport themselves, thus it kidnapping Liberty is unlikely without help (So the blink dog probably has help).

  Joe follows along, hoping that several sets of eyes already trying to follow the dog and Liberty means he's not being irresponsible being more concerned with any other creatures or traps that might be lurking around and ahead.
Mittens
GM, 2514 posts
Thu 28 Mar 2019
at 23:54
  • msg #80

Re: D&D: Generations

"This one didn't take Common in blink dog language school," Mittens concludes.

She trots up the hill to keep up.  Not as strongly as the robot bear or the fighter man, but quick enough to stay with the group.

"Marching order, Liberty.  Don't put the cart in front of the horse.  Joe is your tank, not the other way around.  Just imagine how silly you'll feel when your Mittens-like enthusiasm has you step into a bear trap then Tam gets picked off in the rear by wolves because she couldn't keep up with the group that's hurrying to keep you from getting yourself killed."
Liberty
player, 112 posts
Anger Management Failure
Almost Neutral, but Good
Wed 3 Apr 2019
at 22:07
  • msg #81

Re: D&D: Generations

Liberty calls back in a half-tease half-serious tone, "Joe would feel sillier if it was him who stepped in a bear trap, so I'll risk it! Better me than him anyway! And if a druid's apprentice can get picked off by wolves while in a group, then we all may as well give up our day jobs!"

Timothius calls out to Liberty, "That's like saying if a soldier dies in a war, he may as well never have been a soldier! People die by what they're good at all the time; getting good at it just reduces the risk. And Mitts is saying that if we do the right marching order, that will reduce the risk so it becomes only a 20% chance we all die instead of an 80% chance."

Liberty says, "Not the same! A soldier dying is like a cook getting ingredients on the table; it's *part* of the job! Tam getting taken out by wolves is like that same cook putting his shoe into the mix!"

On the bright side, concentrating on arguing has caused Liberty to slow down.

Tam says, "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Liberty, but Mitts and Timothius just want to do this the safest way; without unneeded risks. And did you notice Mitts compared you to herself?"

Liberty blushes. "Well yeah, but..." she glances at Joe, as if searching for his opinion on the matter, then looks in Mitts' direction.

On the other side of the hill is that same blink dog, watching the group from a distance. Once the group continues following, the blink dog continues leading.

Assuming the group continues following, the blink dog eventually leads them to a cave and stares at the cave entrance, which is about 50 feet away from where the dog stopped. It barks in the direction of the cave entrance.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Wed 03 Apr 2019.
Rocky
player, 21 posts
Envoy Warforged
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 8 Apr 2019
at 19:51
  • msg #82

Re: D&D: Generations

Rocky doesn't comment on the current conversation since Bears don't talk as he follows the Blink Dog. Once the dog stops and Rocky and presumably the others notice the cave. Rocky glances back and forth between the others, the Blink Dog, and the cave.

Adrian speaks up, "I believe Rocky is waiting to know what the group wants to do next."

Buzz says, "It seems like the blink dog wants us to enter the cave... But the question is, why does it want us to enter the cave?"

Doc glances at the Blink dog and replies to Buzz, "I guess it is either a trap or there is something in there the blink dog is trying to get someone to find. That might explain the previous 'attacks'. That is if they were attempts to get someone to follow and come to this cave."
Joe
player, 861 posts
Thu 11 Apr 2019
at 01:52
  • msg #83

Re: D&D: Generations

  Joe keeps forgetting that 'Arrows=tank' when he is the one holding a bow.  But then most things are a tank compared to escort mission NPCs, so it holds up.

  "Bragging about your own deaths is the coping mechanism, not a goal. I think." Whoooole lot of 'yes please kill me heroes it would rule more than bane' makes that a silly subject.  "Our job is often stupid and dangerous, so even if you could suplex a bear only push ahead if you know now or never is the problem"

  'Or we'll never even enter the same room as the encounter' counts there. But it's not a point he's going to admit that out loud right now.

  "It's a teleporting above normal dog intelligence dog, and it's option chosen was 'dumber than dumbest dog' if true.... which sounds like how these things tend to go."
Mittens
GM, 2516 posts
Thu 11 Apr 2019
at 06:43
  • msg #84

Re: D&D: Generations

Mits gives Lib a cheery smile.  "Joe would spot that bear trap from a mile away, so you don't need to put your foot in it to spare him, noble as that notion is.  Don't stop being heroic.  Just season it with being sensible like Joe does."

She sweatdrops at the behavior of the blink dog.  "Um... do you understand Common?  Because the way you're acting is very suspicious.  Granted, it's not 'kill on sight' like I was expecting, but still...  Maybe if you went into that suspicious trap cave first we might be more willing to trust your directions."

Mits then looks to Rocky and company.  "In the event this blink dog is as smart as a normal dog, you guys can still communicate with it, right?"
Narrator
player, 1331 posts
For narrating
and convenience
Fri 12 Apr 2019
at 21:55
  • msg #85

Re: D&D: Generations

The dog just does the doggy head-tilt at Mittens.

Liberty says, "It's kinda cute..."

Timothius says, "If you do have a way to speak to the doggy, sounds like that's what we need now..."

Tam says, "I don't have the ability to cast spells yet." then looks at Rocky.
Rocky
player, 22 posts
Envoy Warforged
Circle of the Moon Druid
Tue 16 Apr 2019
at 19:47
  • msg #86

Re: D&D: Generations

Rocky shakes his head no while still in his bear form.

Doc speaks up, "While Druids do have Speak with Animals as a spell they could prepare, I know Rocky hasn't prepared that spell. But even if he had, it wouldn't help. Blinks dogs aren't beasts... They are fey."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Tue 16 Apr 2019.
Joe
player, 862 posts
Wed 17 Apr 2019
at 21:03
  • msg #87

Re: D&D: Generations

  Yet another reason Joe didn't bother to be a ranger.  Too many cases of 'Oh that dog doesn't count as a dog' and 'that beast doesn't count as a beast' to thwart SPELLS, in turn making mundane nature boy training a moot point.

  Even if this particular timeline ends up deciding that's silly, old (and often justified) habits die hard.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:04, Wed 17 Apr 2019.
Mittens
GM, 2517 posts
Wed 17 Apr 2019
at 21:57
  • msg #88

Re: D&D: Generations

"Mittens cannot deny the cuteness."

Does this mean cuteness can not only overcome racism but will also cover sins like ambushing villagers and wounding them?  Perhaps.  Either way, Mits is disappointed at that even the druid and minions aren't even trying the animal empathy.

"Fey dog is still a dog."

Mits takes out a bit of jerky and takes a bite.  "Mmm.  Food.  Here, have a bite."

She tosses a bite to the blink dog.  If it likes what it tastes, she then tosses another bite inside the cave entrance to see if it goes for it.

"If it refuses to go in, I think we can conclude this is a trap."
Narrator
player, 1332 posts
For narrating
and convenience
Mon 6 May 2019
at 19:40
  • msg #89

Re: D&D: Generations

The blink dog looks at the food, noms it and enjoys it. Then when Mitts tosses the food closer to the cave, it whimpers and begins backing away from the cave.

DC up-to-players, the dog is probably afraid of whatever is in the cave coming out for the snack.

The children look to the adults. They have run out of ideas. Well, OK, technically, Timothius is thinking "Isn't walking right into traps what adventurers do?" but he is SO not going to say that out loud lest Mittens say "YES IT IS!" and march in and get killed.*

*Disclaimer: Timothius imagining people dying left and right is just who he is. This GM is not saying you guys will die here.
Rocky
player, 23 posts
Envoy Warforged
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 13 May 2019
at 23:41
  • msg #90

Re: D&D: Generations

Rocky tries to take advantage of his bear senses while wild shaped to see if he can figure out what lives inside the cave, without actually entering the cave itself. With the blink dog afraid of the cave, the dog obviously isn't the inhabitant. But scents and tracks in and out of the cave may reveal what lives in the cave.

Doc, Buzz, and Adrian stay back since they know if whatever is in that cave scares the blink dog that can typically escape hostile threats by teleporting itself, then it is something they shouldn't risk being near.
Joe
player, 864 posts
Tue 21 May 2019
at 21:08
  • msg #91

Re: D&D: Generations

  Joe comments  "Well, hopefully we're not dealing with something also invisible." as he points a bullseye lantern (DnD equivalent of a pocket spotlight) into the cave.
Mittens
GM, 2520 posts
Mon 27 May 2019
at 03:56
  • msg #92

Re: D&D: Generations

Mits conjures a hand to pat herself on the back with.  "Very clever, Mittens.  Why thank you, Mittens.  That's nice of you to say."

Mits starts checking the structural integrity of the cave entrance and cave ceiling.  Also checking the cave floor for that tell-tale mat of leaves and such that cover pit traps.  Also the walls for those little holes for arrows tho shoot out of.

"If Blinky is intelligent, then we can't rule out that he's afraid of traps inside.  The specific trap I'm most expecting is the collapsing entrance kind.  But if Blinky's just a regular old pup, then it's probably some bear or other dangerous creature inside.  But why would he indicate we should go inside?  I'm not getting any malicious vibes from him.  Is his companion inside and trapped by some assassin vine being slowly digested?  I doubt we'll have the element of surprise regardless, so may as well ask."


Mits cups her hands to her mouth to call out, but leaves plenty of time for someone in the team to object.  If no one objects, she shouts into the cave, "HELLO!  HEROES HAVE ARRIVED!  WHAT SORT OF DANGER IS INSIDE THIS CAVE?"
Narrator
player, 1333 posts
For narrating
and convenience
Tue 28 May 2019
at 19:30
  • msg #93

Re: D&D: Generations

Ineterstingly, what Rocky's observations tell him from both scent and tracks is that a blink dog lives there. Though the scent is not the SPECIFIC blink dog the group has been interacting with. It is a different blink dog. Male, for whatever that is worth.

Joe's lantern reveals the inside of the cave. There is a blink dog, its eyes reflecting the light back and thus appearing to glow. The dog inside the cave responds to all the attention and yelling with a guttural growl.

Timothius hugs Mittens and hides behind her slightly.

Liberty growls back.

Tam glances at Liberty and gets a blushy smile. Then looks at Rocky. "Another blink dog. But he isn't leaving the cave to attack us. Is he scared? Wounded? Defending something? Or maybe even under a curse?"
Rocky
player, 24 posts
Envoy Warforged
Circle of the Moon Druid
Tue 28 May 2019
at 20:10
  • msg #94

Re: D&D: Generations

Rocky suspects that this male blink dog is possibly the female's mate or relative... but wonders if this dog is sick...an illness like rabies would be a possible explanation as to why the attacks took place.

Rocky growls softly and ponders if he should remain wild-shaped into a bear or if he should return to his Warforged form and pass on what he suspects about this second blink dog's condition.

While Buzz and Adrian remain silent Doc speaks up, "This second blink dog is acting strangely. I wonder if something is wrong with it for the first blink dog to be unwilling to approach... almost as if afraid of catching an illness..." Doc glances to Rocky who nods at the awakened Deer as Doc continues, "You think the blink dog in the cave is sick, don't you." Rocky nods as he is limited to simple gestures while wild-shaped.

Buzz then speaks up, "If that is the case, then the trick becomes, how do we cure the blink dog... assuming there is a cure. Since I doubt the dog will let anyone approach."
Joe
player, 865 posts
Wed 29 May 2019
at 00:00
  • msg #95

Re: D&D: Generations

  "I will be annoyed if it turns out there is some invisible magic barrier that traps living things inside the cave." But that would probably be too convoluted even for their life.
Mittens
GM, 2521 posts
Wed 29 May 2019
at 16:37
  • msg #96

Re: D&D: Generations

"Somewhat embarrassed that her yelling upset the doggie inside the cave, Mittens assures herself that it was an entirely sensible approach on the chance that there was a person inside in dire need of assistance.  Also, nobody got hurt."

Mits nods.  "Not ruling anything out yet.  It's possible that the Grumbles is unable to exit the cave due to magic and anyone who enters will be stuck.  Could be that there's magic that makes an otherwise conversationally intelligent pair of pups act like normal doggies.  Regardless of the cause, it's prudent to be cautious.  Just in case he understands Common, I'll ask Grumbles."

Mits squats down to have a less intimidating profile and addresses the growling dog.  "We intend to help you, but need to know more.  Please nod if you understand me.  Here, have some yum-yums."

Regardless of a nod reply or lack thereof, Mits wiggles her fingers to magically scoot the morsel that was tossed into the cave closer to Grumbles a little at a time.  This to judge just how far Grumbles is willing/able to budge from where he is.
Narrator
player, 1334 posts
For narrating
and convenience
Fri 31 May 2019
at 20:34
  • msg #97

Re: D&D: Generations

The dog nodded in response to Mittens asking it to nod for understanding. It does not approach the food until the food is JUST inside the cave entrance. Then it cautiously approaches and sniffs before eating.

Timothius looks hopeful.

Liberty sits and folds her arms.

Tam idly puts a hand on Rocky's back while looking ponderous. But also looks hopeful upon seeing the blinkdog go for the food.
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