The party managed to climb into the basket provided for them just in time before the tarrasque-city took its next step. With a lurch that nearly made peoples' knees buckle, the party was lifted into the air. Wind and sand whipped past and battered the basket around, but the basket proved to be sturdily constructed. By the time the foot landed again, the party had been hoisted several dozen feet above the ground. And by the second step, they had been hoisted all the way to the small building attached to the tarrasque's ankle where several friendly orcs awaited the new arrivals. "Welcome to Trevisi."

The orcs were breathing heavily, as they had just been cranking a hoist to lift the group up off the sand. But the glisten of sweat on their bodies only added to their inherent beauty. As strange notion, since orcs were rarely described as beautiful. But these orcs all had well toned muscles, long silky hair, and flawless green skin. Even their smell was delightful. Additionally, they acted much more friendly than orcs were typically known to be. Where most orcs were crude and blunt, these were cheerful and welcoming.

Once the adventurers had a chance to get used to the lurching nature of being on the tarrasque's leg, two of the orcs were assigned to be guides and bring everyone to the upper city. A male and female orc named Suuto and Klona respectively. They insisted that the mayor would want to meet them and host everyone in her home.

They were led along a narrow path to the back of the tarrasque's leg where the wind would be less of a problem. The path itself appeared to be build directly into the tarrasque's skin tissue, like wooden planks jutting out from the flesh. They were not wood though. More like bone. Or rather, horn. As the party began the ascent up the various leather ropes and leather ladders draped all over the beast's hide, it became increasingly obvious that cloth, wood, and metal were exceedingly rare in this city. All the structures in sight seemed to be made out of leather, bone, and horn. Probably extracted from the tarrasque itself.

The guides confirmed as much. They gave a brief summary of the city's history as they helped everyone climb upward. They had plenty of time to chat and answer questions as they adjusted safety lines, or during the frequent rests between climbs.


By the time the guides finished their recounting of Trevisi's origin story, the adventurers had reached flatter grounds. Suuto and Klona smiled brightly at the exhausted adventurers, with their polished white tusks and their long luxurious hair blowing in the constant breeze. The two orcs seemed to have hardly been winded by the long climb, and their taught green skin only showed the barest glisten of sweat. "Come," Klona said, offering a well manicured hand to anyone who might want to take it. "The difficult part is over. I will take you to the Trevo's Effigy. Our Mayor will meet you there. Suuto, go fetch her." The shirtless Suuto ran off to fetch the mayor. His muscles rippling as her hustled away.

The ground beneath the party still heaved with every step the tarrasque took, but it was much more manageable up here. The sun still shone brightly overhead, but the desert heat had long since dissipated as they got further from the sands below. By now it was quite cool and breezy, but nowhere near cold.

As the party made their way up along the tarrasque's spine, they walked past rows and rows of buildings much like any other city. The main difference was that they were all constructed of tarrasque materials instead of wood or stone. And oddly, there were no food stalls. People milled about doing daily tasks, but always looked at the adventurers with curiosity when they walked by. Some of the less courteous individuals even reached out to run a hand over the cloth of the adventurer's clothing, or the metal of their gear. They seemed much more enthralled by the materials the adventurers carried than the adventurers themselves. Although they certainly seemed excited to have new people here as well. Most of the townspeople appeared to be at least part orc, but there were a few humans and other species strewn in as well.

After about twenty minutes of walking, Klona brought everyone to an open square near the tarrasque's massive neck. A few benches surrounded a crude statue of a humanoid figure. It was difficult to make out who or what it was supposed to be, but the glowing golden triangle pointing downward on its chest indicated it was indeed the hero Trevo. Magical energies pulsed through the cracks on the statue's surface before dissipating into the tarrasque hide below.

"Our mayor will be here shortly," Klona said. "In the meantime, rest here. I will have some drinks brought over so that you might refresh yourselves." The scantily clad orcish woman then went off to get drinks. She shoed the crowd back first though and warned them to give the visitors a respectful amount of space.

After a few minutes Klona returned with mugs of a thick clear liquid, almost like water, and offered a cup to everyone.

What do you do?

---

If you have enough XP to level up and have not yet done so, you may level up at this time.

Feel free to pick one of these for your character to describe:
-Someone from the gathered crowd decided to approach the adventurers to ask a question. What do they ask?
-There was a curious shop they walked past that they might want to visit later. What was it?
-The mayor approaches the party from the direction of the Tarrasqu'e head. What does she look like?
-Someone is with the mayor (other than Suuto). Who?
-The city of Trevisi is mostly devoid of animals, but you did notice one type. What animal did you see?
-The city of Trevisi is mostly devoid of plants in the main city area, but you did notice one type. What plant did you see?
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:10, Tue 28 May 2019.

It was a weapon and armor shop... It said they were having a sale this week...

The curious part was that the shopkeeper was some species Istvan had never seen before... some sort of feathered, beaked bird-person...

Another of the bird-folk, like the one who was running the weapon shop. Their name is Pinion and they're an advisor to the mayor. They have a distinctly vulture-like appearance.

---

Sierpinski accepted his cup of liquid and swirled it around, getting up the nerve to imbibe what is probably tarrasque sweat, or worse. Catching sight of the approaching mayor, he played for a bit more time:

"Interesting. If these bird-folk have retained an ability to fly, they'd be the only ones who might be able to come and go safely from the town. That seems like it would give them an advantage over the orcs. Oh, well, to everyone's health!"

He lifted the mug in a salute and took a drink.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Thu 23 May 2019.

Harlin accepted the mug and drank deeply. And wondered, How did the badgers get here?

Gania listened to the story, entranced by the tale as much as by the speakers. She welcomed a moment without any of the citizens nearby to collect her thoughts. "Could any of this magic help you heal faster?" she asked Mozerat after putting the dervish down. The barbarian stretched her form, muscles and tendrons welcoming a moment of respite. As she arched her back she saw a figure approaching. The major's long hair was white as bone bleached in the desert but her skin was as taunt and muscles at least as strong as those of their guides. Was strength how they chose their leader? Gania wondered as the amazonian orc approached. Only then did she manage to make out the lines at the corners of her eyes. She was old! Maybe age had a role to play after all.

Istvan does not drink the beverage. If anyone asks, he'll apologize, but explain that it's the custom of the men in his tribe not to drink anything offered to them until he has dwelt with them for at least a week (which isn't true, so he'll give Gania a Significant Look when he says it, if she's in earshot)...

Once she'd adjusted to the sway of the ground beneath her, Twessa marvelled at the city that had been built so high on the back of the Tarrasque. Her homeland was quite different, carved into stone and ice, but some of the techniques used here were similar despite the different materials. The bone the locals used looked particularly dense, denser than whalebone! Good for a spear, maybe? She resolved to investigate later.

She trailed a hand against a large chunk of bone framing a house, inadvertently coming close enough for a child orc with impressively well groomed hair to ask a question.

"Is that yours?", the curious young orc asked, indicating the gleaming, undamageable prize Twessa had won. "Whats it made of?"

"Uh, metal?", Twessa replied, not game to lose track of her friends by stopping for too long. "I only just got it and haven't had a chance to study it yet...sorry..."

She parted with a friendly wave, and followed the others to the mystical fountain of Trevo, only too happy to sit down and relax.

Without hesitation, Twessa cheerfully accepted the strange beverage from the beautiful orc Klona, and drank it all, grateful to clear the taste of moldy disgusting yuk from her mouth. After what she'd consumed earlier in her Trial, the sourest beverage would now taste like sweet honeywater.

She wiped her mouth of the transluscent smile the milky beverage left, and asked what felt like an important question.

"How do you stop it from rolling over?"

---

22:30, Today: Twessa Dumdellin rolled 7 using 2d6+2.  Con check in case its needed for the drink.

The drink flowed down the adventurer's throats like a thin slimy pudding. Aside from the odd texture, it was more or less like water and quenched peoples' throats quite nicely. When Istvan explained his reasoning for not drinking, Klona shrugged and said, "Suit yourself. I'm not gonna force you to swallow your drool-drink. Just don't blame me if you die of dehydration."

When Gania asked Mozerat about the possibility of healing faster, the dervish shrugged. "Don't know. I've never been here before. And my expertise are in fighting, not healing. You would have to ask them." The dervish gestured toward the buzzard-man and white-haired orc approaching. A hefty badger followed at the mayor's heels.

The older orc woman spread her arms wide in greeting to the group. "Welcome to Trevisi, travelers! I am Mayor Ploth Krag, the Reaper-Reaper." The aged orc bent down and agilely picked up the badger by her feet and held it in her arms. She pet it like a human might pet a cat. As she did, she introduced the bird-man. "This here is Pinion, my trusted advisor. If I am unavailable, you may address your questions and concerns to him. As new guests to our city, I would like to open up my home to you for a few nights. In exchange I merely ask for your stories. And if you wish to trade your metal, cloth, and wooden items to our people, well that would be great too. I think you will find that those materials are difficult to come by in this city, so they will reward you generously for whatever you wish to part with."

"If you would like to accept the room and board offered to you, I would like to throw a banquet in your honor this evening, just before nightfall. Those of us present will attend, as well as a handful of other prominent members of the community. Of course before that, you may feel free to freshen up at the Mayor Manor, where I live. And you may roam the city at your leisure. Pinion, Suuto, and Klona can guide you to wherever you may want to go. Does that plan sound agreeable to everyone?" Mayor Ploth looked around at the group with hopeful eyes.

Even as she did, however, she leaned toward Twessa ever so slightly with a smirk and half-whispered, "Rolling has never been an issue. It's the sneezes that really rattle the place..."

What do you do?

---

You have been invited to stay at the Mayor's Manor and have been asked to attend a banquet in your honor at nightfall. (Free room and board for at least one night to those who accept.) There is time for you to do some shopping if you wish. Or you can take some time to recuperate from your travels and "Make Camp." Or you can seek out other objectives. Just let me know what you would like to do.

Sierpinski finishes off his drink, while clearly making an effort not to think about what it is. Then he turns to the Mayor and her entourage.

"Well, I just fell out of the sky, or, well, the ceiling of this place, so I would benefit from some recuperation. But I'm also very curious. You've explained about the nature of this place, but I still wonder about it. The power that must be flowing through and out of 'Trevo' must be immense. If I might be allowed to gain access to it, I could... well, there's no telling what might be possible. Some experimentation would definitely be in order."

Gania shook her head and chided Mozerat "You should know your own body if nothing else." she waving him off before he could reply "We'll hear if they have anything to offer."

The barbarian took a step forward and nodded to the Pinion and Ploth "I will gladly share my tales with you! Especially if you respond in kind, for we all came here looking for something." Gania glanced back at her dervish and asked the major "Who may I talk to in detail regard to the creature's regeneration abilities?"

Mayor Ploth looked at Sierpinski quizzically when he mentioned falling out of the ceiling, but did not comment. When he asked about gaining access to the statue of Trevo, she stepped to the side and gestured toward the effigy with an open palm. "You may examine Trevo to your heart's content. This is a public space open to all. I would refrain from any vandalism or desecration of our monument though. Trevo was the savior to most of our citizens' ancestors. Including myself." When Sierpinski approached the statue, he could feel the immense energies pouring from it. There was no doubt this was a Place of Power.

Then, turning toward Gania, the mayor responded, "Of course, we will gladly share our stories as well. Tonight. I look forward to learning how your friend survived his fall. And the story of whatever it is you seek." The mayor then paused in thought for a moment as she contemplated Gania's request. "I suppose the one with the best head for understanding the nuances of regenerative magic would be our high priest, Dogran Skullcracker. You would likely find him at the temple of Gantinara. Up there." The mayor pointed off into to the distance, toward the tarrasque's front right spine that protruded from its back. There was an ornate building that wrapped around it and rose almost to the spine's very tip.

"I want to go there with you, but--mind if we stop by the weapons shop first?" Istvan asks Gania.

Sierpinski's eyes grow wide and glittery at the prospect of being able to study - not to say "muck about with" - the magic of this strange place. His hands twitch as if they'd like to rub themselves together avariciously. Then it passes and he's back under control again.



"Weapons... say!" Sierpinski takes off his pack and begins rummaging in it. He brings out the odd sword he found, it's blade currently formed of burlap.

"Maybe one of you can make use of this. Watch." He touches the blade to various substances - wood, metal, fabric, hair, a droplet of the saliva beverage, the horn drinking vessels - and presses the handle button to demonstrate its mutability. The blade dutifully transforms, its hardness, color and even state of matter changing accordingly. "No doubt I could find useful experiments to perform with this, but I don't need it as a weapon. Would one of you like it?

"If not, perhaps we can sell it."

---

The blade appears to be transformable into any material, including liquids and gasses. Potentially useful. Tarrasque bone is probably very hard and might make a good blade material, since this item seems to obviate the need to shape or sharpen it.

Uri walks with the group in uncharacteristic silence, taking in the sights of the marvelous living city.  Just when he thinks he is starting to come to grips with it he sees the "statue" of Trevo himself, and is once again overcome.  In a moment of inspiration (perhaps related to the arcane power of the place) he grabs his lute and begins playing.  The tune is something outside of his usual style, more syncopated and with odd intervals for some of the notes, falling in between the "proper" notes of traditional Tozenyori music.

At the mention of a weapon shop, Uri stops playing and hops up to join the others.  As much as prefers not to fight, his experiences in the tapestry so far have shown him that it will continue to be necessary at times.  And he lost his sword the last time.

Harlin would find someplace to "freshen up," but accepted the invitation to the banquet. He was happy to travel with the others to any armory. He hoped to replace his armor, if wood was as valuable as the mayor implied.


Plan to do the Make Camp move with whoever wants to do it with me.

The crowd at the edge of the square seemed pleased by Uri's music and even showed a hint of disappointment when he stopped. But they knew it would be rude to request more, especially while the adventurers were in the presence of the mayor.

When it seemed the party was narrowing what it was that they wanted to do, the mayor interjected one last time. "Please enjoy yourself in the town, doing whatever it is that you decide to do. Anyone looking to relax, feel free to lounge in my manor. I must go now to make preparations for your banquet. There are roughly only three hours left before sundown." It was difficult to tell how she knew that, as the sky looked exactly as bright as it had all day long, and there was no visible sun to measure time with.

As mayor Ploth turned to return the way she had come, she gestured toward the two orc guides and her assistant. "Please assist them through the city. And keep the gawkers to a reasonable level." The old orc smirked, then took her leave.

---

After leaving behind Sierpinski, Mozzerat (upon his insistance), and anyone who just wanted to relax, it didn't take long for the rest of the party members to find the weapon's shop Istvan had spotted earlier. It was called The Burdzova Feather, and was run by a middle-aged, vulture-like aven who called himself Burdzova. He stood with a stiff back, immaculately groomed feathers, and wore nothing but a monocle. "Welllcome to my storrre," he said in greeting. His L's and R's had a distinct roll to them. "Come see the best weapons and arrrmor in alll of Trrrivisi! Crrrafted by the best, and colllected by me, the wonderrrful Burrrdzova! On sallle today!"

There was certainly a wide variety of items fore sale in his store. Weapons and armors of all shapes and sizes, but made of bone and leather and the like. Unfortunately the only real sales were already-expensive lavishly decorated ones. Still, standard coin stretched a lot further in this city than it would elsewhere. Harlin even managed to trade his broken stick for a nice sturdy set of simple leathers. Pinion, the mayor's aven assistant, monitored the deals taking place to ensure nobody was being swindled.

---

Back at the statue, Sierpinski studied the magically pulsing statue with all the enthusiasm of a pig in the mud. He soon discovered that he could indeed perform a ritual here, if he so desired. And that the magics present no doubt possessed great healing properties, as well as unmistakable tones of raw power.

What do you do?

---

If anyone accepted Sierpinski's weapon, please let us know and mark it on your sheet. (Magical Machete, 0-2 weight depending on current form. Its blade takes on aspects of whatever it touches when the button on the handle is pushed.)

Anyone can do a few light activities and still have time to rest (Make Camp) before the banquet at sundown. Anyone who does anything more in-depth probably won't have time to Make Camp too. Anyone who doesn't state what they plan to do, I will assume is going back to the manor to Make Camp. To anyone who does Make Camp, you do not need to remove a ration unless you specifically don't want to eat any of the food provided to you by the mayor.

Here is where I understand everyone being:

Gania - At weapon shop, planning to go to the temple.

Harlin - At weapon shop, planning to go Make Camp.

Istvan - At weapon shop, planning to go to the temple.

Mozzerat - Making Camp at manor.

Sierpinski - Studying statue, next action unknown.

Tessa - Unknown, Assuming Making Camp unless stated otherwise.

Uri - At weapon shop, next stop is unknown.

Gania asked Mozzerat for a handful of sand forming his body to show to the priests. Walking through the town she showed at least as much interest for its inhabitants as they did for her. Despite the realization of how most of the products were being made, she still took note of parlors and spas.

At the shop, she gladly exchanged her dagger for a hefty sum and a replacement. She scoffed at the sight of the ceremonial pieces, but it did remind her to glance at her arm and the only sentimental possession she had. Only to find her bracer gone. "Thieves!" she yelled, looking around for someone holding the runic symbol. None were. She scowled at Pinion waiting for an explanation without giving any herself.

21:34, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Discern Realities - wellness.
What should I be on the lookout for? regarding the various establishments.

Exchange metal dagger for bone one and 39 coins to be used later, likely temple.

Uri doesn't have much money, but he looks around the shop for something he can afford that feels right to him.  Once he finds it he will join whoever else is going to the manor to rest.

As much as Sierpinski is clearly itching to tap into this place of power, he is concerned about the party becoming scattered and aimless, so he follows the others to the weapon shop, and then to the manor, deep in thought.

Istvan was just about to try to sell his ironwood thieves' bar for the money to buy a spare set of bone daggers (NOT that he's getting rid of his own daggers) when Gania had something stolen from her. He waited to see how the bird-person would respond...

Twessa couldn't help but eye Sierpinski's sword with envy. To fight with a sword of pure white opal would be a wonderful display for a champion of Sagrae, but that wasn't what opal was for. And Sagrae was more than just killing - she wasn't an animal. "Thank you, but no", she said to the human in gratitude for his kind offer.

Before the others went on their way, Twessa stopped Harlin and passed him the seven gold coins she'd received earlier in payment for her destroyed armor. "Use these as you wish", she said to her friend. "I need to pray."

With a sad smile, Twessa retired to the manor to contemplate her folly.

---

After arriving at the manor, once Twessa had found a suitable place for worship (a room full of artworks, plush furniture, and other trappings of civilisation), she knelt upon the elegantly embroidered leather flooring and prepared for her vigil.

She removed her shoes, and for the first time saw her maimed feet, and from her boots shook out the dead, blackened toes she'd lost to her reckless greed. Lost for a prize that, while impressive, served Sagrae on this holy mission only a little better than any old piece of wood with a strap on it. But to look at, to admire, to own, perhaps that was the Shield's true worth.

Twessa hoped Sagrae would see it that way.

Dropping to her knees in reverence, Twessa placed in front of her the Impeccable Shield, and on either side the two white opals she'd collected from that arrogant dwarf farmer. Before them both, separating the gnome from her gifts, she lay her own symbol of Sagrae to act as channel.

"O mighty Sagrae, sweet Queen of all that is glorious, I beg that you might accept these offerings of your humble servant.", Twessa pleaded. "I have suffered a harsh personal cost to win this prize, but in doing so I have learned well that all things have a price, and that I must be more certain that the price is worth paying."

"But having won the Impeccable Shield, I observe it as a thing of beauty, and I sacrifice this to you, o Sagrae, that it may shine in your eternal vault as a symbol of both your grace and your divine resilience."

"From an inhospitable dwarf I have reclaimed these white opals in your name, and return them to you now."

The quiet gnome, shorn of all defence, bowed her head in reverence, and waited patiently for whatever Sagrae wished of her.

---

Hi, during downtime, I'm using the Cleric move Divine Guidance, involving the following:

- Petition: Offering - the Impeccable Shield. Its not a gemstone, or especially draconic, but it isa metal artifact(?) that lasts forever, can't be scratched, and gleams nicely the whole time. I think Sagrae might see it as worth adding to her eternal vault, particularly as one of her champions fought for it. Render unto Sagrae the things that are Sagrae's, and all that.

- Petition: Offering - also the two white opals Twessa took off that arrogant dwarf, that Sagrae pointed her towards.

"When you petition your deity according to the precept of your religion, you are granted some useful knowledge or boon related to your deity’s domain. The GM will tell you what."

In-game the boon I'm looking for is partially justification of the Divine Protection move Twessa has earned, but she earned that. I'm planning on having that exhibit as a barely sub-dermal layer of something like white opal (living white opal?), so Twessa might actually sparkle in bright light :D

The real boon I had hoped Twessa might get from this move, could be to have her fingers and toes restored? And the nasty scar across her face healed, and the disgusting bellyache from the challenge, and so on. I am totally on board with the missing toes and fingers granted being a bit dragony or otherwise weird. And because its a sort of restorative/protective thing, I thought it best for Twessa to act as if its all part of the same blessing.

Anyway, its your choice! (And I'll take anything else you might care to throw my way!)

Twessa

As Twessa sat alone, making her sacrifice to her goddess, the air before her began to shimmer with the beautiful colors of an aurora. The shimmering lights slowly moved about the room, admiring the artworks before finally resting above the offerings Twessa had chosen to gift to her deity. One of the opals glowed with a colorful aura, then disappeared. Twessa felt her digits regrow from her hands and feet. But instead of fingers and toes, she had dragon'like claws with nails like opals.

The aurora engulfed the second opal, causing that one to glow and disappear as well. Twessa felt two small leathery wings sprout from her shoulders. Unfortunately they were not large enough to fly with. At least not yet. But they were a very clear sign of Sagrae's approval. The gnome's teeth felt a little pointier too.

Lastly, the shield glowed and disappeared from sight. The aurora slowly faded from the room.

Just when it seemed nothing was going to become of Twessa's last gift, She felt a surge of divine energies well up inside her. The gnome's body felt warm. Then hot. And just when the heat became almost unbearable, Twessa's entire body erupted in opaline flame!

There was no smoke and nothing caught fire, but the top layer of Twessa's skin was seared away painlessly, revealing a slightly scaly layer of skin underneath. When the light caught her just right, Twessa's skin shimmered with a slight iridescence. Twessa was now scar-free and whole again. More than whole, actually. And she felt revitalized like never before.

What do you do?

---

Everyone Else

Mr. Burdzova kindly and patiently helped each of his new customers find what they were looking for. He found Gania find some new daggers and coin in exchange for her metal one. Burdzova also found Uri some daggers as well, although Uri's were of the throwing variety. He was also trying to persuade Uri to buy a beautifully crafted rapier made of a shard of tarrasque claw when Gania shouted.

Immediately Pinion rushed over to Gania's side and Burdzova looked around worriedly for any signs of a criminal in his store.

"Thieves?" Pinion asked Gania in earnest. "Where? What has been stolen?" He made a motion for Klona to go take a look outside. She ran out immediately to look for anyone suspicious.

"Oh my," Burdzova exclaimed. "I can assurrre you, this is not a usualll occurrrence in my shop." The aven seemed worried that he may lose a customer or two.

What do you do?

---

Twessa
Your three gifts pleased your goddess. You were gifted with boons of transformation. You have clawed hands and toes now, slightly pointed teeth, tiny dragon wings, and subtly scaly skin. I tied your Petition into your new move from leveling up and your healing from resting as well. You would have healed your HP and at least one debility from resting anyway, so I just healed them up now instead. You have full HP and no debilities.

Gania
You have one bone dagger and 39 Trevisi coins.

What should I be on the lookout for?
Gania notices that most of the shops are set up more as places to create things rather than to sell things. Like, people would be more likely to pay to use the space to create their own products rather than buy products from someone else. There are counters of various creams and powders here and there that are for sale, but they are usually marketed as secret recopies and the like. It seems people in this city have a habit of making what they need from scratch on their own.

Uri, Istvan, and Harlin
You have all expressed interest in making purchases/sales, but there is no need to roleplay every transaction. I will send you each a PM later today to iron out the details.

Gania held up her right arm and pointed at the empty forearm "My runic bracelet!" she growled and then explained further "It's an heirloom and is made of bronze." her eyes widened, accenting the point of how valuable the citizens found metal. She looked around and realized the impossibility of the task. Finding the thief in the vast city, especially without knowing when it was taken, would require a miracle. Her shoulders slumped slightly and she sighed.

In reply to Gania Flamekeeper (msg # 23):

"A ritual of finding might be a good test use of the magic of this place. If and when you'd like to try that we should all go to the central place of power where I'll see what I can do."

Dumbstruck by her patron's blessings, Twessa carefully stood, the leather flooring under her feet feeling different now. Her feet that now ended with thin, strong, clawed toes. Uh. Uh. Help? Was that what to say?

Twessa nervously flexed her knees, bobbing up and down like an excited toddler, full of new energy and no idea what to do with it. She felt amazing, and strange, and powerful!, and weird, and SO GOOD, and agitated, and...and...GNAAAAH!!!

Oh, she screamed that last bit. It felt strange on her lips. She raised a finger to check her...oh, a clawed finger. And sharper teeth. Of course. Of course. Uh.

Panic surging, Twessa started running aimlessly around the room, and felt the back of her tunic ride up with an unfamiliar presence straining between her shoulders that she now needed to account for. She couldn't see them, but she could feel them...but she wanted to see them!

"Mirror! Where's a mirror, I need a mirror!", the newly minted (dra)gnome called out. Overcome with this need, she ran out of the room and abandoned her belongings (for now), looking for anything with a reflective surface. No metal. Stupid tarrasque city, aaargh! Water! Maybe there was a well, or...something.

"Help! I need a mirror!", Twessa shouted again, prepared to run straight out of the manor if no options presented themselves.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Sun 09 June 2019.

Uri had spent a little time browsing the wares when he found exactly what he needed - a rapier and matching set of throwing daggers, all carved from the bones of this very beast on which they stood (or all from a single bone, if Mr. Burdzova was being truthful).  This was what he wanted - not just a replacement for the old sword he had lost in the dungeon, but a weapon with some real character to it.

And then Gania shouted about having been robbed, and Sierpinski started working out how they might catch the culprit.  Uri quickly put some coins down to pay for his new weapons and went to join the two of them.  As much as he could use the rest, he knew his new friends might need his help.

"Twessa," Harlin said, astonished by his friend's generosity, "I have no words. But to say your debt to me is more than repaid."

Harlin set about with his newfound (and local) wealth hunting for amor that would suit his needs.

When Gania shouted, Harlin shook his head, but turned to her and started asking questions about when she noticed it missing, who had been around, and so on. If she had enough clues, he could perhaps be able to track the thief.

Is that a Discern Realities if I ask Gania questions? Maybe prompting her to remember something she hadn't? I'll roll in case it is.

13. What happened here recently? What should I be on the lookout for? What here is not what it appears to be?

14:41, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 13 using 2d6+4.  Discern Realities.

Twessa

Twessa ran frantically from room to room looking for a reflective surface. There were none in the hall, none in the sleeping quarters, and certainly none in the side closet! Just as she was about to run out the front entrance, she caught a glimpse of herself in the front door that was made of a dark piece of polished claw. She couldn't see different colors in the dark reflection very well, but her form was clearly visible. The young gnome was certainly more dragon-like now. But in an elegant way rather than a monstrous way.

As Twessa admired her new form, the door she was looking at her reflection in opened. One of the manor's handmaidens walked in carrying a barrel of something on one shoulder. She stopped short when she spotted Twessa and starred wide-eyed. "Are- are you alright? Have you come down with something? Are you contagious?" She had genuine concern in her eyes as she stood with the large barrel effortlessly resting on her muscular orc shoulders.

What do you do?

---

Everyone Else

Pinion, Burdzova, and the remaining guide all exchanged worried glances when Gania mentioned the bracelet of bronze. Then, when Sierpinski proposed using a ritual to find it, Pinion let out a sigh of relief. "Yes. If you are able to do that, it would probably be the most expedient method of retrieving your lost jewelry," the aven admitted. "I will ensure your thief is brought to justice. But I must say, I honestly do not recall seeing such an item on your wrist. And I normally have an eye for such things."

"Nor I," Burdzova added as he helped Uri with his purchases. "I do not recall seeing any metal enter - or leave - my shop in bracelet form. I do not doubt you had it at one point, but you may have lost it some time ago. Perhaps on the climb up?" Both Pinion and Burdzova looked toward Suuto the guide, who merely shrugged. It seemed he didn't know anything of the bracelet either.

Harlin could tell that the locals were most likely telling the truth about the bracelet, and after speaking with Gania he could also tell that the barbarian did not actually know for a fact that it had been stolen. It was merely an educated guess on her part. At the very least, it was nigh impossible to tell when exactly the piece of jewelry had left Gania's possession. But to Harlin's trained elven ranger eyes, the markings on Gania's wrist from wearing a bracelet there for days on end were already starting to show signs of fading, indicating the bracelet had been removed more than half an hour ago. Probably longer than that too.

What do you do?

---

Twessa
One of the resident handmaidens has expressed concern over your sudden change in appearance. Feel free to elaborate on your new appearance as much or as little as you would like.

Sierpinski
Pinion seems to think your ritual idea is a good one.

Harlin
OOC we already know that Gania's bracelet was only lost in the sands, not stolen. Feel free to come to a similar conclusion IC, if you so desire. Here are the answers to your Discern Realities.

What happened here recently?
You can tell that what happened with the bracelet was not recent.

What should I be on the lookout for?
You should be on the lookout for possibilities other than theft.

What here is not what it appears to be?
It is not nearly as certain that Gania's bracelet was stolen by someone as Gania makes it sound, whether she believes so or not.

Gania
None of the locals seem to recall seeing your bracelet. Harlin is helping you figure out exactly what might have happened to it. Maybe he helps you realize you dropped it? Your call.

Uri
Your item's have been successfully purchased. Don't forget to mark them on your sheet if you haven't yet.

"Gania, perhaps it wasn't stolen. I'm sure you weren't wearing it on the way into the shop.

"Didn't you take a fall in the sand dunes? It could have come off then. Can't always blame people for what nature can do."

Twessa stood still and stared in wonder at the reflection. Her reflection.

An hour ago the pressure of cloth pushing against her throat might've been a problem, but now it was an annoyance rather than an impediment to breathing. Carefully, watching the shadowy reflection  move as she did, Twessa loosened the laces around the neck of her tunic, and carefully extracted...her wings. Wings!

She slowly turned, craning her neck to take in her revised form from all directions, and though what she could see clearly was limited by the quality of the reflective surface, standing in front of Twessa was a fairly attractive gnome with features of a dragon.

Humbled by Sagrae's generosity, Twessa's eyes welled up as she took in the depth of it. None of the priests back home had ever had anything like this happen. Ever! There weren't even stories of something like it!

Being little more than a favored supplicant to Sagrae was a role Twessa had grown comfortable with - to give and to work and to do your best for the glory of a being so powerful and distant that it was all right that she didn't say much in return. But this was more than words. This was new, and an endorsement. How could a simple gnome live up to this kind of blessing?

Twessa instinctively shrugged at her internal monologue, which caused her new wings to spread out dramatically. Small draconic wings trembled as Twessa slowly recognised that maybe she wasn't a simple gnome any more.

And then yet another beautifully groomed orc entered the room.

Twessa had rarely worried too much about how she looked to others, confident that her inner self would shine through regardless, and besides, adventuring was a messy business. Maybe that wasn't good enough any more. Even humble orcs seemed to care more than she had done in recent times - it had been years since she'd last worn a dress.

"I'm...better now", Twessa tried to explain, feeling a little awkward about the new more upright posture that wings demanded of her. Wings! "Not contagious? But, I...its a blessing from Sagrae. I gave her the shield. Uh. She gave me this?"

Well, that was probably nonsense, but Twessa lifted her chin and tried to carry on through it, because Sagrae deserved better than that. And better than a...was she a cleric still? A disciple? Somthing else? Whatever, Twessa was quite certain she needed to look better now.

"I...don't think I have anything much to trade, but I need to look better than I do", Twessa admitted, her wings unconsciously lowering in sympathy for the indignity of asking for help. "Do you know if there's anyone here I could ask for help? I can do things for it, like cleaning, or watching children, or anything really."

"Well, it could have happened anywhere in the city." Gania retorted to everyone's constatations. Then Harlin mentioned the dunes and she frowned. "I spent my whole life on the sand..." but her tone wasn't as forceful. "It is possible I lost it before coming to Trevisi." she turned to Sierpinski "Do your magic and settle this. Do you need anything from me? If not, I'll go to the temple."

"Every ritual is different, but yes, you should probably be in attendance, as you have some affinity for the item and it for you. I will explore the possibilities of locating it and of summoning it to us, which might be harder. There will certainly be one or more conditions for successful completion of any ritual I enact."

Sierpinski heads to the place of power as soon as he's able.

Pinion looked visibly more relaxed when Gania admitted she may have lost her bracelet before reaching Trevisi. It seemed the aven did not want to be the one held responsible for one of the city's guest's misfortune. "Shall we head back to the town square then so you can perform your magic?" he asked eagerly. "I really hope your mystery can be solved expediently. So if there is nothing left that anyone would like to purchase here..." He held the door open so that the party members could exit.

"Thank you everrryone forrr yourrr wonderrrfulll business!" Burdzova said as everyone filed out of his shop. "Come back any time!"

It didn't take long to retrace the path back to the effigy of Trevo and Sierpinski got to work formulating his Ritual. The wizard could tell that the magic to find Gania's item was not all that complex, but if they desired to actually bring the item to them, a small sacrifice would need to be made by either himself or Gania as the ritual was activated.

When it became clear that the ritual would not pose any large treat to their companions, Uri and Harlin returned to the mayor's manor to rest up and get refreshed before the banquet. Istvan remained behind to watch the ritual and to go to the temple with Gania afterward.

Back at the manor:

Uri and Harlin reached the front door of the mayor's manor just in time to catch the tail end of a conversation between Twessa and a handmaiden. Twessa looked significantly different than she had the last time Uri or Harlin had seen her. More dragon-like by far.

"If you are sure you are not contagious..." the handmaiden said hesitantly, setting down her barrel. "Then I can help you find a nice dress made of the softest leathers. I think my daughter has one that she has outgrown that might fit you. It has fire patterns! As a guest of the mayor, I couldn't ask you to work for it. But if you don't need your old garments anymore... I could probably find a second dress to gift you as well." The handmaiden was hinting that she wouldn't mind trading Twessa a leather dress or two for the gnome's rare fabric one, despite it being fairly worn and dirty.

It was then that the the handmaiden noticed Uri and Harlin. She turned to face them, her long perfect curls tossed over her shoulder. Her white tusks glistened as she gave them a surprised smile. "I can try to find some other clothes for the two of you as well, if you would like. Or at the very least, draw you up a gel-bath so you can relax."

For those who decided to indulge themselves and relax for a while, they were shone to some seclude quarters where they could rest and set down their gear in peace. There were "baths" available, which were more like vats of differently colored gels and creams you were supposed to submerge yourself into. Mozzerat the dervish could be found soaking himself in a dark blue vat that smelled vaguely of cinnamon. They each had their own unique pleasant fragrance. Additionally, every so often a servant would come by and offer selections of meats and drinks for the adventurers to sample at their leisure.

What do you do?

---

Here is where it seemed everyone would go, based on what was said in the past.

Twessa, Uri, Harlin, Mozzearat:
All are making camp, enjoying some spa time at the mayor's manor. Heal half your HP (rounded up) and regain spells. If you have a debility, erase it. No need to mark off a ration if you eat the mayor's food. You can also take this opportunity to do a wardrobe change if you would like. It is purely a cosmetic change. The leather clothing they offer won't provide any protections in battle, but feel free to go wild with their descriptions.

Sierpinski, Gania, Istvan:
Preparing a finding ritual before heading to the temple.

Sierpinski
For a ritual to locate Gania's bracelet, "You’ll need help from Gania." Her connection to the item will provide the necessary threads to locate the item wherever it may be.

If you also wish to bring the bracelet to you, then in addition to the first requirement, "First you must infuse someone's essence with the magic of the ritual." It isn't very risky, but either you or Gania will have to take one damage, ignoring armor.

You can flavor that information however you would like when you make your post.

Gania
See above. Either you or Sierpinski will need to take 1 damage if you wish to retrieve your bracelet. Merely finding out where it is is free.

Back at the town square, Sierpinski sets to work making various rough measurements: pacing out distances, estimating directions toward various visible and invisible heavenly bodies (the nature of which he can only really guess at in this place), and pressing against forces and fields that the uninitiated cannot sense.

"Alright," he says to Gania, "this should be relatively simple, and there's no reason we can't take it in steps. Let's first determine the location of the item. Stand - let's see... here. Good. Now, while I work, focus on the item and describe it to me. Make it as real as possible in your mind, and mine."

Uri was curious about the gel bath and decided to give it a try.  He declined to swap out his clothes but did ask if the servants could do anything to get the dust and sand out of it, and maybe mend any rips that might be there.

Once he was cleaned, dressed, fed, and overall relaxed, he found a quiet spot with good acoustics to start playing his lute.  It was a mellow tune, and he sang along:
"Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men..."

Uri rolled 6 using 2d6+2.  Arcane Art.
Nope, no extra healing for me.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Sun 16 June 2019.

Now I need to figure out what happens. I will still wait a bit though in case Twessa or Harlin wants to try and Aid your move somehow. Not sure what they would do, but if they come up with something convincing, I'll allow it.

Edit: Oops, I meant to post this in the OOC thread. Oh well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:10, Sun 16 June 2019.

Sierpinski connected with Gania's mind as the ritual began. As the smallest amount of magic was siphoned through the two adventurers to power the ritual, Sierpinski began to see Gania's surface thoughts. A memory of the lost bracelet came into view.

However, Sierpinski being as skilled with telepathy as he was, was able to see more of Gania's memory than most. As he examined the image of the bracelet, Sierpinski could also see glimpses of the mental "background" surrounding the bracelet. He caught sight of several of Gania's friends, relatives, and mentors. Which wasn't anything too exciting for Sierpinski. But then he caught a glimpse of a familiar face. Someone he definitely did not expect to see inside Gania's mind.

As the ritual finished and Sierpinski determined the bracelet was currently half-buried in the dunes, he could not shake the feeling of surprise from who he had glimpsed...

What do you do?

---

Back at the manor, several of the other adventurers took some time to take advantage of the local comforts.

By the time Uri was finished with his gel bath, his clothes had been patched up and cleaned as good as possible. It looked like one of the servants had used their own flawless hair as thread, and the clothes were still a bit damp from cleaning, but they would dry out completely soon enough.

When the bard began his lovely melody, some of the servants smiled and hummed along as they worked on getting ready for the banquet. They were obviously thankful for the music. One of them even commented, "That sounds so lovely. Maybe we could even hire you to play in Baxtruss's stead. I like your lute a lot better than his drums. No offense Baxtruss."

A young male orc nearby, probably in his late teens, looked as if he had in fact taken offense. He was enjoying Uri's music as much as the others, but stopped setting the nearby table and glared toward Uri after the comments were made. The young orc did not say anything immediately, but he scowled at Uri and slowly shook his head. When his coworkers left the room for a moment, Baxtruss hissed threateningly to Uri, "Don't you dare try to take over my gig. I'm the music man around here. Not you." He snarled again, then went to resume his chores.

Apparently Uri's skills in music had inadvertently earned him an enemy.

What do you do?

---

Sierpinski and Gania
Sierpinski found out the bracelet is out among the sand dunes. While connected to Gania's mind, he also saw a familiar face within her memories that he did not expect to see.

Sierpinski, who is this person? Are they friend or foe? And what are they known for, to you?

Gania, who is this person to you? How do you know them? And what are they known for, to you?

Uri
Your music earned you an enemy, through no fault of your own. Baxtruss the teenage orc drummer. He feels that you threaten his music "gig" whether or not you actually do. It may or may not come up in the future. Add your XP if you haven't already.

"Thank you! And yes! Yes, please, take it!", insisted Twessa. Her current clothes were well used but very much cared for....still, she was eager to make a trade.

Noticing Harlin and Uri's arrival, Twessa lit up but didn't catch up with the human before he went off elsewhere.

"Harlin! Look what Sagrae gave me!", the dragonish gnomes announced, her small wings twitching in excitement. "Don't I look magnificent?", she added, and daintily twirled around on one foot before breaking into a laugh measuring somewhere between shock and complete joy.

Once Twessa's exuberance could be dimmed enough to take note of others, Twessa remembered that Harlin had probably been doing things too. "Was there anything good at the market?

The ritual concluded and, after a surge of synesthesia that faded away like the smell of blue after a trumpet blast, the local power fields reverted to the state they had been in before Sierpinski had squashed them around into a more useful configuration. The wizard's first reaction to all this is not a good one:

"Damn. My apologies for the inadventant intrusion. This site is more powerful than I accounted for. But we will need to talk about what we saw. I have to know that the scourge has not escaped his banishment."

The wizard composes himself. "But later. With the bracelet apparently just lying there, there's no effort required to excavate it, or recreate it or take it from someone else, so the retrieval ritual, while stressful, is not as bad as it could be. Would you be willing to contribute the energy to its instant return? If not, I am willing, if for no other reason than to test the potential of this place of power. Let me know when you're ready."

---

The face Sierpinski and Gania saw is that of a demon named Gukwpedhtsna. It's definitely a foe and it's notoriously difficult to deal with because its name is almost impossible to pronounce owing to the fact that the letters used are all silent. G as in "sign," U as in "tongue," K as in "knuckle," etc.

Sierpinski thought the demon had finally been banished, but the fact that it appears in Gania's memories calls that into question.

Gukwpedhtsna, like many demons, delights in destruction, and isn't very subtle about it.

Gania traced the form of the bracelet when the wizard asked her to describe it to him. She felt like she would be able to do it even without the faint lines that marked the pattern where the skin didn't get as much sun. "It was bronze, crafted in the fire of the first Flamewatcher."

---

With the spirit inside of her, the barbarian was used to stray thoughts and impulses and she hadn't taken offense to what Sierpinski called an intrusion. But the rest of his statement caused her to frown "Scourge? Banishment?" those weren't words she associated with the face.

But the thought of retrieving her possession banished such concerns. "It is my fault, and I will pay for it." she stated, motioning for him to continue with his spellcasting.

---

Know to Gania only as Pena, she sought him out as she heard he was under a potent cursed - which gave him the demonic look. He was the one that hinted to Gania that she might look seek a cure for her condition in the Tapestry.

If it was indeed the same creature that Sierpinski knew, it seemed he had learned subtlety at least. Likely without changing his desires.

Thank you for moving things forward
Noted 1hp loss for the retrieval ritual

The ritual resolved. As the bracelet appeared, to the sour sensation of prickly chimes, Gania herself appears to... recede. It's barely noticeable and the effect almost entirely departs after a moment or two, but something was clearly... transacted.


"Yes. If that was who... what... I believe it to be, then I was present at its ultimate banishment from this plane. I was also one of the few survivors of that effort. If the banishment did not hold then the world we left may be in serious danger." Sierpinski began stating dates and times in various formats, as well as referring to events of historical significance, in an effort to pin down the time and place of Gania's interaction with the demon.

Uri looked genuinely surprised at the young orc's attitude.  He responded Hey man, it's cool.  We play different instruments, right?  We should be complementing each other, not competing.  Hey, I got an idea for you - how about I guestat your next gig, we can jam but you take the good solos, you totally get to be the star!  Groovy?

Harlin's jaw dropped for a moment, then, "Twessa, you--it's beautiful! You definitely are favored by your goddess.

"Me? Not much. I was able to replace my armor, at least, thanks to your generosity. Turns out tarrasque hide is much tougher than deer. Who would have thought?" He chuckled. Then, more seriously, "But Gania lost her bracer. That wizard--Sierpinski?--is helping her find it. I don't bave much I can add to magical rituals and I did what I could. Now I'm on my way to the mayor's compound to clean up and rest before dinner. Come with me?"

Harlin planned to wear cleaner, less torn and shredded, versions of traveling clothes to dinner. After a bath. Definitely a bath.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:52, Sat 22 June 2019.

Gania was too focused on putting on her retrieved heirloom to notice the toll of magic. Bracelet in place, she clasped Uri on the shoulder and smiled as wide as she could "Thank you!" she boomed "I am in your debt. If it means finding your foe, I'll gladly help."

Ritual Group

As Sierpinski did his best to determine when his and Gania's interactions with the demon were ordered within their respective timelines, it also became apparent that there was a shift in the city's ambiance. The crowds that had been eagerly watching the newcomers perform their magic were now dispersing. And not just because the ritual was over. Adults would point out to their children a space in the distant sky, then usher them off to go elsewhere. Shops and homes nearby were closing their doors and windows, making sure everything was locked tight. It actually seemed as if people were barricading themselves inside, but in a way that made it obvious this was something done often. There were even town guards here and there who were helping people prepare their dwellings.

When the adventurers looked in the direction the adults would point out to the children, all they could see was more of the bright daytime sky. At least at first. But then they took note that in the distance the daytime sky seemed to stop abruptly and transition immediately to nighttime.

With night apparently fast approaching, soon the only people still in the streets were people heading toward the mayor's manor. Mostly orcs, but a couple were avens, and one was a  halfling. All of them were dressed in fine leathers with ornate patterning that complimented their flawless figures and long flowing hair. Everyone was dressed their best for dining with the mayor. As they passed the adventurers, they would nod kindly, and sometimes even express their eagerness to hear the adventurers' stories at dinner. One thing they also all had in common was that none of them were unarmed. Everyone carried a weapon of some sort, sometimes a shield too, and they all looked as if they knew how to use them.

But why they would need them at a dinner with the mayor was anyone's guess.

What do you do?

---

The Manor Group

Baxtruss, the teen orc, lit up at Uri's suggestion. At least at first. "That could be great! I've never played with someone who had a-" then his eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute. Nice try. That's exactly what someone trying to steal my show would suggest. Except once we start playing, you take over the show and I'm left playing backup. No way, not happening." The young man frowned and shook his head, but looked pleased with himself that he had seen through Uri's alleged trickery. "Yeah, nice try."

After relaxing, changing clothes, and having their baths, the adventurers at the manor also noticed the guests beginning to arrive. Their elegant leathers, their styled hair, and their menacing weapons all stood out in equal measure. At first they mingled outside, chatting. But they began filing inside as the servants started closing up all the doors and windows to the manor. It seemed the place would be going into lockdown for the banquet.

What do you do?

---

Sierpinski, Gania
I will let you two determine if Gania met the demon before or after Sierpinski helped banish it.

You retrieved the bracelet. It looks like nighttime is approaching on the horizon. There is a clear night and day line.

Townsfolk are boarding up their houses for the night in an ominous fashion. And all the guests heading toward the mayor's for dinner are also bringing weapons. It is unclear why.

Uri, Gania, Twessa
Uri, Baxtruss considered your offer, but ultimately rejected it. He seemed proud of himself for doing so too.

You also notice that the guests all have weapons, and that the manor is going into a sort of lockdown.

"Um, Gania, let's hurry and get inside..." Istvan says nervously...

It's cool, I get it, Uri replies.  It's your gig, you're in charge.  But if you change your mind I'm here.  For now, anyway.

Once the commotion starts, Uri asks the nearest servant what is going on, and if there is anything he can do to help.

Of his own accord, Sierpinski also (though he doesn't know the action Uri is taking) asks a passerby what is going on with the boarding up and the weapons.

Uri

The servant Uri addressed turned her head sideways quizzically. "You are a guest. It would be wrong of me to ask for your assistance with the nighttime preparations. That is what I am paid to do! I would not object to some more of your sweet melodies though. Maybe it will help ward off the reapers..." The orcish woman seemed oblivious to the fact that anything she was doing would seem out of the ordinary to Uri. She slid a thick beam of bone across the backside of the window shutters, barring them from the inside, then idly walked to the next window to do the same.

---

Sierpinski

The orc gentleman passing by Sierpinski paused and looked him up and down with scrutiny. He wore a tight-fitting leather jacket, but no shirt underneath. A huge broadsword was strapped over his shoulder. "What? They don't have night-dangers where you're from? Everyone just lets the reapers fly in and out of their houses every night as they please? No wonder outsiders are so rare. They probably all get slaughtered in their sleep!"

Harlin was made nervous by these preparations. He decided to go armed and armored in the manor until the learned more.

Uri hasn't heard of "reapers" before, so he asks the servant to tell him a little more about them.  He then plays a song to keep her spirits up (and any others nearby as well).  Something about overcoming this particular fear.

Arcane Art doesn't list any options that seem relevant here, so I'm not rolling for it at this time.  But we'll see what the future holds...

Gania grunted in agreement with Istvan's conclusion and joined the trickle of people moving to the manor. She tilted her head at the orc's explanation and her face lit up. "Repelling a horde is quite an improvement from some entertainments that we had."

Uri

"You want to know about what? The reapers?" The servant looked mildly surprised. "You don't have them where you're from? No, I suppose you wouldn't." The woman thought for a moment as she continued her work. Despite sealing up the manor like she was preparing for a siege, she did not seem overly concerned.

"My grandmother Stone-eye told me when I was little that the reapers are the bodies of the desert-dwellers reanimated. Inhabitants of the cities destroyed by our tarrasque long ago, before Travisi was a proper city itself. They fly in some nights, seeking to destroy Tevisi, which is impossible. But they often settle for picking off anyone who dares venture out into the night. Some of the oldest reapers are smart, and still know the magic of their ancestors. Including how to make more reapers..."

She frowned at the thought and paused in her work. "That's how my gran died, actually. She was escorting a pregnant woman to the infirmary who had gone into labor in the middle of the night. Granny got impaled, and was brought back as a pawn in the reapers' ranks. Makes my blood boil just thinking of it." For the barest moment, Uri could see some of the primal orcish fury her kind was known for welling up within the well-groomed servant. Then it was gone again. The servant continued on with her tasks.

---

Gania

The well-dressed orc smirked at Gania's comment. "I look forward to hearing all about it. But at the banquet. Come now, we must not be late! I hear mayor Ploth is planning on breaking out her meat seasonings for tonight. A rare treat indeed!" It seamed seasonings were a rare commodity in Tevisi.

Uri sat in contemplation for some time.  Eventually he reached some sort of conclusion, and he asked the servant Do you know where any of these ruined villages are?  Or is there someone who does?

Sierpinski pressed the stranger for all the information he was willing to provide in a few sentences, then he recommended to Gania that they rejoin the others in some defensible location.

Uri

"They say the feet of Tevisi have been crushed them beneath the sands long ago. I've heard rumors that there may still be treasure chambers and secret rooms still intact beneath the sands, guarded by powerful magics, sphinxes, and huge undead monsters. But that sounds rather silly to me. I think the reapers are the only thing truly left of those ancient cities." The servant gave Uri a kind smile, then continued with her tasks.

---

Sierpinski

The orc gentleman snorked, but did indulge Sierpinski's curiosity for a moment. He told the wizard that the reapers were monsters created from the bodies of the fallen. They sat somewhere between being reanimated corporeal dead, and awakened incorporeal spirits. Some of them possessed intelligence and magical aptitude, but all of them expressed hostility toward the living. Especially toward the citizens of Trevisi.

---

Everyone

It wasn't long before all of the adventurers met back up at the mayor's manor and had a chance to catch up with eachother. They had just enough time to relay what they had purchased, what rituals they had performed, what amenities were available, what dangers might come with the night, and what boy-bands they tried to join. Mozerat the dervish even pulled himself into the room to join the adventurers, walking on his three hands. His severed limbs seemed to have recovered quite significantly, but not enough to be usable yet.

As they waited in the main foyer and mingled with the other guests, they had a good view of the courtyard beyond the main doors. It was still bright as ever outside, but the abrupt line that marked the border between night and day was quickly approaching as the tarrasque city marched ever forward. The night-boarder moved quickly across the courtyard as the city took one last step forward, and it was as if someone had snuffed out the sun the way they might a candle. A stiff breeze blew in through the doorway and the main entrance was soon closed and barred.

Those with keener eyes noticed most of the guests subconsciously hoovering their hands over their weapons until the doors were firmly closed and locked. They visibly relaxed as candles were lit around the room. (Gods knew what sort of orifice they had to climb in to collect the wax.)

Only a minute or so later, the doors to the banquet hall were thrown open and the smell of seasoned meats wafted out to greet everyone. The long bone dining table was draped in colorful leathers and piled high with dishes of various meats. Thick-cut steaks, thin bacon-like strips, fatty gelatin gravies, and even a full roasted badger or two. There were no signs of salads or fruit bowls to be seen. Only meats. But the other guests did not seem to mind.

As the guests began to file in, Mayor Ploth stood at the head of the table, arms raised. Her long hair waved elegantly over her intricately engraved leather robes. "Greetings, guests! Come, eat, sit where you please. Tonight we feast in honor of our new guests! Tonight is to be a night of merriment and relaxation. A night of stories shared and experiences gained. Welcome!"

What do you do?

---

It is night time and everyone at the party is filing in to the banquet room. Feel free to tell a bit about who you are sitting next to. The people we know who are attending are as follows:

Mayor Ploth Krag, the Reaper-Reaper
Pinion, advisor to the mayor
High priest of Gantinara, Dogran Skullcracker
Bunch of other orcs
Couple of avens
One halfling
Mozerat Salazzan, the dervish hireling
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:58, Thu 04 July 2019.

Sierpinski is sitting on the opposite side of someone from Harlin and the three of them are talking.

Gania seated herself next to the High priest and gestured for Mozerat to choose a seat nearby. She didn't ask any questions, yet, for it was a poor manner for a guest to request things first. Her eyes followed the smell and locked onto the platters as they were brought in, her hands tensing on the seat as she forced herself to wait. It was even harder to stand up after the major finished her welcome "Thank you for the wonderful welcome to your magnificent city! We have traded for tools and weapons already, and may we do as well with stories!" She did not mention her false accusation of the citizens, but her left hand did check the bracer once again. Just in case.

Uri suddenly found that he was feeling famished, and his focus was mainly on the plates coming out from the kitchen.  While he hate he spoke with his aven neighbor, inquiring about his culture and how his people had come to live here with the orcs.

Harlin's and Sierpinski's dining companion was a garrulous elderly orc, and clearly quite wealthy from the steel rings braided into his long forked beard. It took only the slightest prompting for the fellow to carry the conversation, talking abut how things on the tarrasque were much worse now than in his youth.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Sun 07 July 2019.

Istvan was seated on the other side of the High Priest from Gania. The High Priest started talking to Istvan...

"So you're an arcane duelist? That must be a fascinating career. Have you ever studied the stars? I mean in relation to the time of your birth? What time of day or night were you born? You strike me as having been born under the sign of the sword, but at first glance I took you as maybe the sign of the eagle..."

The priest was right, but left Istvan no gap in the rather one-way conversation to confirm it (nor, so far, to change the subject)...

"I personally was born under the sign of the wolf, but people who first meet me often assume I'm the sign of the dragon..." the priest went on...

Istvan didn't rely mind being talked at, but it was a little overwhelming...

As the conversation flowed, the young orc Uri had met earlier played his drums in the corner, setting the atmosphere for the banquet. He shot a glare in Uri's direction every so often, but the chatter was pleasant regardless. The aven Uri was talking with, Mr. Talon, turned out to be the head of the scout brigade. An elite unit of sharp-eyed orcs and strong-flying avens who would keep an eye on the path their city took. It was actually some of his men who had spotted the adventurers in the sands.

When Uri asked about how avens came to live in Trevisi with the orcs, Mr. Talon was more than happy to share what he knew. "Most of us avens, dare I say all of us, can trace our ancestry to the ancient Cities of Arcana that once dotted this desert landscape. When they were destroyed by the tarrasque long ago, the avens escaped to the air to avoid death. Many families tried to live as nomads, always evading the tarrasque as it tromped around, but Trevisi is tireless and avens are not. Over the ensuing decades, many lost their lives or were driven from this land entirely. Others, well, they got over their hatred for the tarrasque that destroyed their ancestral home and made a new start atop their enemy's back. Thankfully they were welcomed with open arms by the followers of Gantinara. And I think feasting on the beast that brought my people into ruination is exemplary payback, don't you?" He lifted a chunk of meat and swallowed it down his gullet.

Next to Istvan, Gania, and Mozerat, the high priest Dogran Skullcracker continued with his unstoppable chatter. He seemed to insist on sharing his own stories before hearing any that the adventurers might want to share themselves. His stories ranged from star signs, to local gossip, to his personal interpretations of scripture. "...You'll never guess what sign my niece's son was born under. The harp! I mean, can you even believe it?..." "...she wasn't supposed to be at the service, but I wasn't about to turn her away. Not when she went through all the trouble of collecting the necessary extracts. Her husband was not pleased though, I can tell you that..." "...but I think that if you do all of your prayers and make the necessary sacrifices, even an absolute curmudgeon could expect a simple blessing of health or prosperity..." Dogran Skullcracker showed no signs of stopping without someone blatantly cutting him off mid-sentence.

The older fellow Harlin and Sierpinski were chatting with, Daggerthroat Iron-beard, was similarly talkative, but not quite as obsessively so. The two adventurers could at least get a word in edgewise. "Back when I was just a pup, long before I became head of bonemasonry, you could leave your tools out overnight without fear of things going missing. But of course the youths of today aren't nearly as great as the people of my generation. Now you cant trust people not to sneak around and take your equipment. We need to lock it up inside now! Even the reapers have changed lately, taking out bone-cutting supplies when they're left unguarded. What could they possibly need them for?" He continued on like this until the mayor eventually spoke up again.

"Ahem," the mayor said, clearing her throat and standing up. The background drumming ceased. Almost everyone fell silent, except Dogran Skullcracker, who continued talking. "Dogran! Quiet!" The old priest finally shut his mouth. "As you all know, this is a night of storytelling. I am glad to hear some tales being spread among yourselves already, but I was wondering if one of these lovely adventurers might volunteer a tale to tell the entire crowd. Please, would one of you offer to step forward?" The mayor gestured to a spot next to her at the front of the table.

Just then, a loud blood curdling shriek rang out through the night. It sounded as if it came from outside, like someone was in serious trouble. All of the mayor's guests turned their heads toward the sound of the scream, but then most turned back toward the mayor almost as if nothing had happened. Although a few hands did grip weapons subconsciously. "Sorry about that," mayor Ploth apologized. "Now, do I have any volunteers to tell the first story?"

What do you do?

---

The mayor asked for a volunteer to share a story with the group. A shriek echoed through the air outside, as if someone were in trouble. However, the party-goers seemed more focused on the banquet than looking into who might be in trouble.

Istvan, when the call for volunteers to tell a story comes, looks at Uri. What's a bard for, if not for times like this...? he thinks...

Uri catches Istvan's glance, and responds with a quick glance of his own in the direction of the scream.  He then stands and raises his glass to the mayor, saying You might as well ask if I would like to continue breathing.

Now, I don't have my own story for you today, but a story of Prince Raz'ul of the Dwarves, himself a bard of considerable talent.  I never knew Raz'ul myself, but my grandfather once met him while on a mining expedition, and they traded tales for much of the time...

And with that, Uri launches into the story of Raz'ul's escape from the City of Illusion, complete with magic, intrigue, and a nerve-wracking chase scene.

Not wanting to risk losing priest's good grace, Gania let him prattle on, nodding at his story. Her hands clenched under the table, nails threatening to draw blood by the time mayor saved her from further flagellation.

Gania might have risen to tell a tale herself, but her attention remained locked at the shriek. Half rising and ignoring any etiquette, she peered at the boarded windows.

20:32, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 5 using 2d6+1.  Discern Realities - commotion outside.
If asking - what is about to happen?

As Uri continued to tell his tale, Gania caught sight of movement outside the window through one of the cracks in the shutter. It was only the briefest glimpse, but was enough to convince the barbarian to take a closer look. Nobody stopped her as Gania got up and approached the window. Either it wasn't seen as rude here, or nobody wanted to make the adventurer feel uncomfortable by reprimanding her for breaking decorum. However, when Gania looked through the crack in the shutters, whatever had been there earlier was now gone.

Uri's story was interrupted by a couple more screams from outside, but they sounded like they were further away than the first. About halfway through the tale, a soldier quietly entered from the back of the room and marched as quietly as she could toward Mr. Talon, the head of the scout brigade. The soldier whispered something in his ear, then Mr. Talon looked around the table apologetically before quietly excusing himself from the room mid-story.

Just as Uri was wrapping up his tale, Gania caught sight of something outside again. A silhouette against the dark sky. It was difficult to judge how far away it was through the closed shutters. Even so, Gania could clearly make out the glimmering spear that sailed through the air toward it, piercing the flying shadow. The flying figure began to fall. It looked like it would land near the window and Gania would finally be able to catch a good glimpse of whatever it was.

It was only at the last second that she realized it wasn't going to land near the window after all. But instead, it was going to land on the window.

With a loud crash, the window Gania stood next to shattered inward. The figure landed in a heap with the warrior woman and let out a feral shriek. The creature was like an animated skeleton of a person that still housed chunks of flesh, but it was all held together by a blanket of spectral shadow. Something half physical, half incorporeal. But entirely undead monstrosity. It writhed on the ground like a blanket flapping in the wind, clawing at anyone nearby even with the spear of bone still skewered through its torso.

"A reaper? In my own home?" mayor Ploth said with tones of incredulous rage. Several of the mayor's guests gasped. Yet others immediately stood, weapons in hand.

What do you do?

---

A reaper crashed through one of the windows, knocking Gania over in the process.

Gania
You take 1d4 damage. Armor counts. Add your XP if you haven't yet.

What is about to happen?
Crash!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:11, Tue 16 July 2019.

Harlin leapt to his feet, limbering his bow. "Quickly!" he snapped. "What hurts these?" Without waiting for a reply, he jumped the table toward Gania and loosed an arrow, as Quickclaw also raked at the spectral thing.

Volley. 6 tangible damage.

You have to move to get the shot placing you in danger as described by the GM.

13:52, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  Damage (w/cat).
13:50, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Volley.

Gania, still not completely recovered from her fight with Mozerat, wasn't fast enough to avoid the flailing claws. Finding her footing, she opted to fight back instead of retreat, struggling to find a good angle to attack with her sword without striking the spear that had brought the creature to the ground. "What would Raz'ul do now?" she asked Uri, looking for a distraction against the pain.

21:03, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 2 using 1d4-1.  Crash damage.
21:03, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 9 using 2d6+2.  Slash reaper.
21:04, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 3 using 1d10+1.  Damage.

Sierpinski stands, makes a sign in the air, and points a demanding finger at the horrid thing. "I compel you to answer! What are you, and what do you seek?"

---

12:26, Today: Sierpinski rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Cast a spell: Speak with dead. I may ask one other question, assuming this works on animated corpses. Nothing keeps the corpse in question from moving or being moved/destroyed before then, of course.

Uri hadn't brought his lute up here with him, but he can work without it.  He points to the young orc with the drums and counts out a beat, then starts singing:

"Give 'em an axe with lots of flash in it,
They might dodge but you can bash and kick,
Give 'em the old hack and slash, 'til they can't see through the blood in their eyes,
That's how   Raz'ul mangles 'em, and you should be so wise."

Uri rolled 12 using 2d6+2.  Arcane Art.

Gania is inspired!  Heal 1d8 damage and take +1d4 forward to damage

(Spout Lore: 13:30, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 13 using 2d6+2 ((5,6)).)

Wow! So that's what a reaper was! Istvan knew something useful about things like that...!

The reaper charged at Gania even as Harlin's arrows pierced its back. They barely seemed to phase it. The reaper dug a necrotic claw into the barbarian's side even as Gania struck it with her sword. The blade sliced its torso in twain, sending the creature flying backward through the air. Right toward Harlin.

Despite its physical form being sliced in half, however, the spiritual shadow that enveloped it kept the two pieces from separating too far. It was still in a single piece as it was flung toward Harlin.

Seeing how the dark spiritual blanket kept the physical aspects from separating sparked a memory in Istvan's memory. He had heard of such creatures before, but they were called "skeletal specters" in those tales. He knew physical weapons were not nearly as effective against them as magically imbued weapons were.

Even as all of this was happening, Uri's music was flooding the battlefield with his magical tune. Gania could feel the effects of her recent wound already beginning to heal. Likewise, Sierpinski's spell was compelling the creature to answer his questions even as it was locked in deadly combat. Its dark aura turned to speak to Sierpinski even as its physical form absorbed the blow of arrows and blades.

In a slow raspy voice, it hissed its unwilling replies. "I am a pawn of the great eldermagesssss! We seek to finally avenge the ancestors and bring this city to its kneesssss!"

What do you do?

---

Istvan
You essentially know that normal weapons will only do half damage. A weapon imbued with a magical aura (not merely a magical weapon) would do full damage. How do you know this?

Sierpinski
What are you
A reaper pawn of the three eldermages.

what do you seek?
To avenge the ancestors by somehow bringing Travisi to is knees.

Uri
Your arcane arts worked perfectly.

Harlin
Your arrows hit, but now you have a reaper about to crash into you. You'll need to Defy Danger if you wish to avoid taking damage.

Gania
You sliced the creature in half and knocked it back, but it did not actually split in half as one might expect. And it dug its unholy claws into you in the process. But Uri is using his magic to aid you!

Take d6 damage, armor counts. Then heal 1d8 damage and take +1d4 forward to damage.

Harlin grimaced at the news. Non-magical weapons were what he had.

But for now, he back-pedaled. He was pretty sure being engulfed by the thing would lead to no happy endings.

Defy Danger 8. stumble, hesitate, or flinch: the GM will offer you a worse outcome, hard bargain, or ugly choice.

13:11, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Defy Danger (Dex).

Sierpinski blinked, apparently surprised that the spell actually worked on the creature. Then he looks puzzled as he speaks commandingly to the creature again before the spell wanes. "Wait! This city actually has knees. How do you intend to bring it to its knees?"

Istvan and Gania did a job for Cardinal Glasha of the church of Olalla (a.k.a. the thieves' guildmaster of Vierna) one time and he paid them in books and scrolls he couldn't figure out how to fence. Istvan read 'em all... The bit about "skeletal specters" was in Collected Tales and Folklore of the Hinterlands, in "Tale 58: How Clever Rania Tricked the Necromancer"

Uri continues his song, but focuses its magical effects on Harlin this time.

Uri rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  Arcane Art.

Harlin takes +1d4 forward to damage, and the next time someone aids him it will give him +2 instead of +1

Harlin stepped nimbly to the side and avoided the oncoming threat. Unfortunately, to get out of the way, he had to step in the way of Mayor Ploth Krag and Daggerthroat Iron-beard. Both of whom were intending to strike at the foul reaper themselves. Instead, the reaper sailed past and struck a serving cart, sending cooked meats sprawling across the floor.

The reaper rose up from where it had crashed, hovering, and grabbed at the spear that had been lodged into its chest cavity outside. To Sierpinski it answered, "The eldremagesssss. They created a trap. They-" The reaper pulled the spear out of itself without so much as a flinch. "tapped into the power of the world-thread and will use it to slice Travisi in twainnnnn!"

With renewed vigor, the reaper thrall rose several feet higher into the air and launched its spear toward Sierpinski. The mage who's magic had forced it to divulge secrets that should not have been shared. And in the same fluid motion as its throw, it propelled its body toward Istvan in a reckless charge.

What do you do?

---

Harlin
You avoided damage, but also prevented the nearest NPCs from immediately joining the fight. Still, Uri's magic is now flowing into you. Take +1d4 forward to damage and get +2 if someone Aids you.

Sierpinski
How do you intend to bring it to its knees?
The eldermages plan to slice Travisi in half with the power of the world-thread.

Also, there is a spear flying toward you.

Istvan
The reaper is barreling toward you through the air with the intent of ending your life.

Uri
Another solid performance. The reaper seems to have barely noticed your presence.

Gania
Same as before. If you haven't already, take d6 damage, armor counts. Then heal 1d8 damage and take +1d4 forward to damage.

Harlin tries to get out of the way of his allies, leaving him with a narrow opening for a volley.

Volley. 8. Take the damage penalty for a net of 5, halved for 2. If someone aids me, it's 11 damage, halved to 5.

16:11, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 6 using 1d6.  Damage penalty.
16:10, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 11 using d8+2+d4.  Damage+cat+Uri.
16:09, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Volley (before any Aid).

As the reaper sped toward Istvan, his personal sense of time slowed down. Wait, he realized, weapons with a magical aura? That's me. That's my thing. Of course it's attacking me. I'm MISTER Weapons With A Magical Aura. That's my middle name, full name "Istvan Weapons With A Magical Aura Vanoson." Soooo I should probably do that now. I'd do a full-blown duel if I was only at full health. As it is... fine, I'll steal some more health...

Istvan tried attacking...

((16:07, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,4.  soul-siphon this damned thing.

16:08, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  rolling for damage to the damned thing.

Istvan gets a 7 on his attack, and/but does ONE point of damage...

I don't suppose I killed it? Because I get more health from my soul-siphoning attack if I kill it...)

Sierpinski ducked desperately out of the way and then tried to cast a spell to increase his cover. Flecks of shifting color began to detatch from nearby surfaces, and past themselves over the mage's body, making his outward color match whatever (other than him) anyone looking his way expected to see.

---

14:24, Today: Sierpinski rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Cast a spell: invisibility. Sierpinski is invisible. He can't cast spells while this spell is ongoing. This comes after the spear attack, which I don't think I get to just say he dodged.

With the Reaper turning its attention to Istvan, Uri decided to do the same.  Unfortunately he had just gotten to the verse that he always had trouble remembering, and he stumbled rather badly in his performance.

Uri rolled 5 using 2d6+2.  Arcane Art.

Gania staggered away from the grip that seemed to drain life from her. If not for Uri's magical enoucragment she might not be able to continue. She took a moment to recover and she switched her sword for the serpentine glaive. The barbarian wasn't as well versed in the nature of magic and had hoped it would affect the undead creature.

Ready to rejoin the fight and fire blazing within her, Gania moved to intercept the specter spear before it reached Sierpinski. "Mozerat!" she yelled and angled her strike to push the monster towards the dervish, trusting him to be ready with his blades.

09:41, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 4,3 using 1d6-1,1d8.  Damage, Inspiration heal.
09:43, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 1,8 using 1d6,1d8.  Conquest hack. for a total of 11

09:46, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 4,1 using 1d10+1,1d4.  Glaive damage to specter.
+2 if Mozerat helps out after the forceful attack

09:51, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Aid Sierpinski to defy danger?
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:56, Sat 27 July 2019.

The spear that was headed toward Sierpinski struck with a thud, but it was unclear if it had hit its mark. For Sierpinski disappeared from view entirely, thanks to his magic spell. The mage was safe from being further targeted for the moment though, so he only had to worry about getting caught in the crossfire of battle.

As the reaper thrall lunged toward Istvan, Harlin's arrow struck its shoulder and threw the undead slightly off balance. A clawed hand that was about to clutch Istvan's throat merely grasped his shoulder instead. Its lipless mouth seemed to almost smile with sadistic glee. The duelist could smell the rot in its breath. But the reaper's vile expression quickly faded as it realized Istvan had made a well placed soul-siphoning strike of his own.

Gania stepped in a moment later with her serpentine glaive and caused the reaper to fly forcefully backward, away from Istvan and toward the dervish. Mozerat was waiting with three of his swords drawn and pointed toward the reaper. The undead creature landed on his three blades like a duck on a roasting skewer. Its shadow-clad skin flickered and began to whisp away like smoke. Its flesh crumbled into rotten chunks on the floor. Just as the magic was leaving it entirely, the reaper threw back its head and let out a horrific death wail.

"ReeeeAAAAAHHHHHHHhhhhhhhh!"

Unfortunately, this was at the exact moment that Uri's music faltered. His sound-based magic mingled into the death wail and seemed to amplify it. Everyone in the room couldn't help but clutch their ears as the sound resonated out into the night. The adventurers knew in the pits of their stomach that the death wail was a call for aid.

More would be coming soon...

What do you do?

---

The reaper thrall was defeated! But it called out for help with its dying breath. More reapers will likely show up at your current location soon.

Sierpinski
You are correct that you don't "get to just say he dodged." Sounds like you tried to Defy Danger with Dex though. Feel free to roll for it if you don't want to automatically take 1d6 damage. 10+ and you take no damage, 7-9 and you roll 1d6 twice and take the lower result, 6- and you take 1d6 damage. Armor counts. No Aid from Gania though since she never said how she was aiding you. Sorry. You get +1 to the roll from Gania's Aid.

You are currently invisible.

Harlin
Nobody aided, so just the 2 damage was dealt.

Istvan
Take 1d6 damage. Armor counts. Then heal 1d4 damage. It was sooo close to dying from your strike, but not quite.

Gania
Your attack with Mozerat finally killed it off. The glaive didn't seem to be any more effective against it though, aside from having reach. It is a magic weapon, but its attacks aren't magical in nature. Also, I didn't count your Aid roll since it was never mentioned how you were aiding Sierpinski in avoiding the spear thrown at him. I'll tell you the "danger, retribution, or cost" from your Aid roll in my next post.

Uri
Add XP if you haven't already! Your botched Arcane Art seems to have accidentally amplified the reaper's call for help.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:00, Sat 27 July 2019.

(21:08, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  taking damage.
21:08, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 1 using 1d4 with rolls of 1.  healing damage.

Istvan takes 5 damage (after armor).
Istvan gets 1 point healed back (woo).

Dice hate Istvan and he doesn't even get any new xp.

Istvan starts with 9, ends up losing 5, getting 1. Istvan has 5 hp.

Istvan is sad.)

"I'm... I'm wounded," said Istvan. "...Some more."

As Sierpinski vanishes, the spear whips past the point where he had recently been visible. There's a ripping sound and the wizard flashes into full visibility again, only this time on the floor and looking the worse for wear.

---

12:36, Today: Sierpinski rolled 4 using 2d6.  Defy Danger (Dex) against thrown spear. Fail. Mark experience.
12:40, Today: Sierpinski rolled 6 using 1d6.  Damage from spear.
Spell Defense: end an ongoing spell and subtract its level (1) from the damage. 5 damage. 8/17 remaining.

"Good work." Gania praised the dervish before taking stock of the rest of the group, and the gathered citizens. "I hope this was sufficient entertainment for now." She gestured at Sierpinski and Istvan, grimacing as the movement pulled on her own wound. "There will be more coming and we'll need healing before fighting again." She looked from the priest to the major and back.

10:28, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 11 using 2d6.  Parley - healing to fight on.

Normally Uri would be happy to play some soothing music to help his companions heal their wounds, but after that last mistake he is hesitant, and waits to see if the priest will take care of that instead.  In the meantime, he racks his brain, trying to recall any legends that involve heroes fighting death spirits, which might help him to identify another vulnerability of theirs.  Or something that will repel them before they even need to keep fighting.

Uri rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Spout Lore.

When Gania insinuated to the mayor that the party could use some healing, Ploth looked to the high priest at the table and gestured with her head for him to help the adventurers. The priest of Gantinara, Dogran Skullcracker, rushed over to help those who seemed most in need. Twessa also rushed over to help those with less serious wounds.

"Thank you for your assistance," Mayor Ploth said. Her voice sounded a bit rushed. "I do not think we should dwell here long. That sound the reaper made... It means more are on their way. We should take shelter. Or at least find a more defensible location."

Just then Mr. Talon the scoutmaster returned to the room with a worried look on his aven face. "Madam mayor. I am afraid we have a situation. The reapers. They are in a frenzy outside. I have never seen them act this way before. Or this many of them. I fear for the safety of the city. There are even reports of The Three being spotted..."

Mayor ploth's face sunk. Whoever The Three were, their presence obviously worried the mayor quite a bit.

While all of this was going on, Uri searched his memories of relevant tales. The only one that was semi-relevant that came to mind, however, was the tale of Enchantress Milliaka. She was in a town being besieged by all manner of undead that were being controlled by an evil necromancer. The sheer numbers were overwhelming, but her allies managed to pull through when she found a way to sever the connection between the undead and their leader. The enemy's group cohesion went into chaos when the undead became freed.

What do you do?

---

Everyone currently below half HP heal 2d8 from the high priest's magic. Everyone currently above half HP heal 1d8 from Twessa's healing.

Uri
I told you something interesting, but it’s on you to make it useful. How do you know this story about Enchantress Milliaka?

The spear must not have struck Sierpinski, because he's able to recover quickly once he's helped up and allowed to catch his breath.

One he's feeling hale again, he re-weaves his spells. He creates a telepathic bond between himself and one of his allies and then retreats into invisibility, though not without a noticeable aftereffect.

"I'm ready to move from here," says an empty spot in the air. "I don't know how the 'world-thread' can pose a danger to the city, but if we hope to prevent it we'll probably have to get into the thick of things."

---

11:06, Today: Sierpinski rolled 13 using 2d6+2.  Cast a spell: Telepathy. Target: Whichever other PC wants the link.
11:06, Today: Sierpinski rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Cast a spell: Invisibility. This casting draws unwelcome attention to Sierpinski or puts him in a spot. The GM will tell me how.

(14:21, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 8 using 2d8 ((4,4)). Istvan gets 8 HP back and is now at 13.)

"'The Three?' Whom are The Three?" Istvan asked.

"I enjoyed it." Gania replied "But more will be tricky. If you have a place in mind lead us there." Still holding the glaive, she asked no one in particular "Would catching one help?"

She straightened as the priest's magic closed most of her wounds and removed fatigue. "Thank you." she bowed her head to him and the major.

16:00, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 13 using 2d8.  Healing.

"If we can kill one of the Three, will that settle the swarm?"

One probably won't be enough, Uri says to Harlin.  If the Three are the commanders, or whatever, then probably any one of them would be enough to keep the things coming.  If we can take out all of them, cool, but it sounds like that's probably easier said than done.  But maybe there's a way to, I dunno, disconnect them?  Sierpinski, do you think you could pull off a spell like that?

If pressed, Uri will tell the others about Milliaka's relevant exploits.  It was a tale he had only learned fairly recently, swapping tales with the merchants in a caravan that had taken him on when they happened to be traveling in the same direction.  He hadn't had a chance to learn more about Milliaka since then, but it was certainly on his to do list.

"I don't know what would happen if you caught or destroyed one of The Three," Mayor Ploth said as she helped usher guests and servants out of the room. "Nobody has ever manged to do that before. At least not that I am aware of. We do have a trap of sorts in place, bit it is untested..." She paused in her explanation to ask a few of the guests to help protect the servants in the servant quarters, then began to lead those who remained to her office. When she returned her attention back to giving the adventurers more information about The Three, her expression was one of stoney seriousness.

"The Three are said to be citizens of the arcane cities that once stood in this desert. They are three powerful sorcerers who chose the path of undeath when their homeland was reduced to ruins. They are the creators and leaders of the reaper horde. They each ride an undead mount when they make an appearance. One atop a manticore, one atop a chimera, and one atop a Sphinx. They are smart. They are powerful. And they should be feared as one might fear a full grown dragon. Do not underestimate them or you will die by their hand.

Mayor Ploth opened the door to her office just as a clamor could be heard in the banquet room down the hall that you had come from. The sounds of several reapers screeching and flitting around the room incited extra haste within several who were present. "Quickly. Through my office to the armory. We can hole up in there, or use the back exit if need be," Ploth said.

What do you do?

---

Mayor Ploth is leading the adventurers and a couple others through her office to the armory. You can hear reapers in the room you just came from. What will your plan be from here?

Sierpinski
I didn't think of any good ideas for your spell drawback that felt satisfactory, so I skipped the drawback.

If no one else asks about the untested "trap of sorts," then Uri does.

Sierpinski finds and touches Harlin as his telepathy spell takes effect. Harlin therefore hears a slight echo as the wizard finishes his invisibility spell and says aloud: "Uh, I may have miscalculated my invisibility formulae just now," a pause, "Yes, I appear to be stuck like this at the moment. Useful, one might think, but it blocks my spellcasting. I'll see if I can fix it, but in the meantime I'll try to put it to good use. I'm in contact with Harlin and I'll try to scout the situation."

Sierpinski heads back towards the banquet room, apparently depending on his invisibility to keep him safe.

---

Remember if you come to Sierpinski for advice (which I'm hoping his scouting will enable him to offer authentically) you get +1 forward when following it and can mark experience.

Gania grimaced at the description of their foes. Facing a dragon-power creature wasn't something she wished to do just yet. But they might not have a say in that. She followed the major and asked "Tell us of the trap. We might be able to check it and put it to use." Not her, but one of the others might. She paused at the doorway and observed the office, looking for anything to use to slow down the creatures.

21:21, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 12 using 2d6+1.  Discern realities - escape route.

What here is useful or valuable to me?
What here is not what it appears to be?
What should I be on the lookout for?

Sierpinski

As Sierpinski made his way back to the banquet hall and peeked into the doorway, He saw several reapers floating around the room. Two were examining the remains of their brethren, two were searching under tables and behind furniture for anyone who might be hiding, and a fifth one flew in through the window to join the others. One slammed through the door to the kitchen and banged around inside before returning to the banquet hall empty-handed. The group of five reapers seemed about ready to expand their search to the hall where Sierpinski was. And they seemed ready to scan the entire house for any living bodies that may have destroyed their kin.

What do you do?

---

Everyone Else

"The trap?" the mayor asked, apparently surprised that you were considering using it. "Oh, it is a section of the under-city designed to break away. We would essentially drop a building on one of them. I have the blueprints in my desk here..." Mayor Ploth rushed over to her desk and began searching in a drawer. With a hand wave without looking up, she said to her guests, "Go through that door, to the armory. Grab whatever would be useful to you. I'll catch up in a moment."

The high priest opened a door at the back of Ploth's office, revealing a dark room beyond. He entered and lit a candle hanging against the wall, then did the same for several other candles. The adventurers could see a room lined with weapon and armor stands. Most of the armor was leather, but there were a couple more sturdy suits of bone. And most of the weapons were polearms, but there were also swords and axes and even a few hammers. An entire weapon rack was dedicated to bows and slings. There was anything one might need to fight off a horde of reapers. It was obvious that the reaper threat had been a staple of Trevisi for quite some time.

Among the gear, Gania saw that there was another door at the back of the room between two armor racks. Escape was certainly an option. Donning some of this gear and facing their opponents was also an option, especially if they threw together a defensible position somehow. The gear itself wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but a wall of spears was always a good thing to have between yourself and the enemy.

And speaking of spears, Gania spotted a pair of discarded leather boots tucked unceremoniously behind one of the spear racks. They weren't much to look at, but Gania caught sight of an insignia pressed into the sole of the boots that suggested they might hold some power within them. And by her estimate, the boots seemed to be exactly her friend Istvan's size.

What do you do?

---

Sierpinski
There are five reapers that have entered the building. They are about to head in your direction and search down the hall. There is a chance they could run into you if you stay put without doing anything.

Gania
What here is useful or valuable to me?
Weapons and armor galore!

What here is not what it appears to be?
A pair of boots. They look like they have magical properties. And like they would be exactly Istvan's size.

What should I be on the lookout for?
The reapers will surely catch up soon, so Gania should look out for ways to face them or evade them. There is another exit, as well as plenty of material to set up a barricade somewhere.

The invisible wizard sticks to the wall lest one of the reapers brush against him. He sends his thoughts to Harlin "There are five of the things in the building. They seem intent on finding anyone still alive. If they look like they're going to head your way, I'll try to distract them. Is there anything I should know?"

"Uri, help the Major look for the plans." Gania instructed as she took in the scene. She hurried over to the equipment and threw the boots to Istvan "Try them on or carry them for later. Could be magical." The barbarian clearly took the invitation to help herself to things to heat. She chose a longbow and a quiver for herself.

Finally, she started to test the racks and other furniture, looking for the best option to build a barricade that could also hold weapons and ammo in place.

Taking a bow (hunters?)
Is setting up a barricade Defy danger to make it in time?
Did Mozerat manage to crawl over with us?

Istvan looked at the boots that had fallen right in front of his feet. "Before anything else, I have to try to answer one question," he muttered to himself, eyeing the boots. "What are thoooooooose...?!"

(Istvan attempts to Spout Lore about these boots.

10:41, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 8 using 2d6+2 ((5,1)).)

On the way through the armory, Harlin looks for a rapier--an elegant weapon, not as clumsy or random as a broadsword. He also hopes to replenish his supply of arrows after having left half of his with the troll.

"Sierpinski says there are five more, probably coming this way soo."

Sierpinski, we're in an armory. Try to find us fast--five is too many, and we're setting up a barricade..

Dueling rapier, if they have one!. Also second set of arrows.

Sierpinski abandons his scouting effort and makes his way back to the others. There, he helps as much as he can with the barricade and then stays out of the way, not wanting to wind up on the receiving end of someone's practice swing.

"How are we going to know when it's safe to leave?" he asks during one of the moments when several of his comrades know he's present.

Sierpinski wasn't more than halfway down the hall before three of the reapers emerged into the hall behind him. They spiraled around the wall and ceiling, searching for any signs of inhabitants while toppling items in their path. Bone statuary crashed to the floor and beautiful leather etchings were ripped from the walls. One of the reapers stopped at a doorway and attempted to bash it down as the other two continues searching the hall.

When the wizard emerged in the office, Mayor Ploth and Uri finally found what they were looking for. A large roll of leather with schematics etched onto its surface.

The others were busy setting up barricades and arming themselves for the inevitable onslaught of undead. Gania had found a sleek bow made of dark, curved, and polished tarrasque horn. Harlin had a new rapier made of flexible claw material. They both had found a handful of bone arrows that seemed to be fletched with aven feathers. Istvan seemed to be studying an interesting pair of boots. Even Mozerat, the high priest, and the scoutmaster were grabbing an extra dagger or shield to arm themselves in preparation.

Nearly immediately after Sierpinski asked, "How are we going to know when it's safe to leave?" there was a screech in the hall. The sound of a rushing enemy clattering against the wall as it moved was unmistakable. A moment later a reaper poked its head around the door frame and attempted to enter the barricaded office. It seemed to hardly take note that there were defenses in place as it barreled forward through the air toward the adventurers.

What do you do?

---

Gania
Taking a bow (hunters?)
That is fine. Add it to your inventory. A standard bundle of arrows too. Make sure they don't put you over your weight limit.

Is setting up a barricade Defy danger to make it in time?
Yes, give me a Defy Danger (Str, Dex, or Int) to get something up in time that is effective. The Danger being that the reapers arrive before you are ready. 10+ your defenses are well-placed when the reaper enters. It takes 1d10 damage and the party gets to make a free attack on it. 7-9 The party only gets to make a free attack on it as the barricades slow it down. 6- no free attacks and something bad happens.

Did Mozerat manage to crawl over with us?
Yes Mozerat is present. His hovering seems to be on the verge of returning, although he does still scrape against the floor as he moves about. You no longer need to carry him though.

Istvan
The soles of the boots bear the insignia of the Fire-Flea Marauders. A group of nomadic criminals who use magical hit and run tactics to steal from people and settlements they come across. Last you had heard, they had entered the tapestry looking for riches, but never emerged again. You can tell that the boots will only work for someone who has magic in their veins, such as yourself. Which is probably why they were not currently in use. Most of the inhabitants of Trevisi do not seem to be magical themselves. Even the high priest merely channels the magic of his deity.

Where have you heard of the Fire-Flea Marauders?  Their boots definitely have magical properties and should be safe to wear, but you are uncertain what exactly they can do. But there is just enough time to lace them up if you would like to. They add 1 weight if you keep your other boots too. If you discard your old boots, their weight is 0.

Harlin
Dueling rapier, if they have one!. Also second set of arrows.
You find both among the weaponry. Add them to your inventory. Make sure they don't put you over weight.

Uri
You can add "Trap Blueprints" to your inventory. 0 weight.

Gania waited for everyone to enter the armory before pushing a rack in front of the door. With the limited time, she didn't have time to prepare blades to meet the charge, but it was better than nothing. When the first creature slammed into the shelf, Gania pushed her glaive through the slots, motioning for others to join her. "It won't hold for long!"

20:20, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Strongarm a barricade.
20:23, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 12 using 2d6+2.  Hack the reaper.
20:23, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 4 using 1d10+1.  Glaive damage.
(+2 from Mozerat if he has anything with reach)

Harlin starts directing arrows at the thing that slipped through, relying on Quickclaw to help divert it from dodging effectively.

Volley 8. Mark off 1 use ammunition. Damage 9 non-magical.

14:43, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  Damage (non-magical).
14:43, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Volley.

Istvan and Gania's desert tribe fought the Fire-Flea Marauders to a draw about five years ago, driving the survivors (which was most of them) off, forcing them to retreat. Istvan heard more details about the Fire-Flea Marauders from the head of a merchant caravan that he and Gania traveled with last year.




Istvan decides it's time to get his boots on. He puts the new boots on, quickly.

For now, he keeps the old boots, just in case...

Uri doesn't have time to ready his lute or a good song, so instead he draws his rapier and joins in the counterattack at the barrier.  Although it turns out he wasn't as ready for this as he thought, either, and he ends up just getting in everyone's way more than doing anything useful to defend the room.

Uri rolled 3 using 2d6.  Hack and Slash.  Ouch.

By the way, with the trap blueprints, did I also learn anything about where this trap is located?  I assume I would have asked the mayor while we were searching.

The reaper howled in pain as blades bit into it and arrows lodged themselves into its undead hide. "Oh yeah. Take that!" Mozerat exclaimed with flashing blades. Even the mayor and some of her people got in on the action. However, by the time Uri decided to get in on the action, the reaper had had just about enough. When Uri lunged with his blade, the reaper caught the bard's arm by the wrist. Its rotten jerky-like hand caused Uri's skin to blacken and wither at its touch. With surprising strength, the reaper pulled on Uri's arm through the barricade, causing the bard and the barrier to go flying into the wall behind it. As Uri crashed and fell to the floor in a pile of broken shelving, the reaper let out a horrendous howl of pain and victory. A call of blood-lust and warning to its fellow reapers in the hall.

As the reaper's voice rang out, Istvan finished lacing up his new boots. He felt a sudden surge of fiery magical energy fill his legs. Like harnessed energy just waiting to be unleashed. His legs were like catapults ready to spring.

What do you do?

---

The reaper is severely injured, but still floating threateningly in the room. It is reveling in its minor victory after throwing Uri and destroying the barricade. The other four reapers are going to show up in mere moments now that they hear the sounds of battle.

Uri
The reaper grabbed you in its withering grasp and threw you (and the barricade shelving) across the room. Take 1d8 damage. Armor counts.

As for the map, yes, you know where the trap is. It is on the tarrasques stomach, in the inverted colosseum with the net flooring. Or rather, the trap IS the inverted colosseum with the net flooring.

Istvan
Your new boots make your legs want to launch yourself with great power! Like a flea might.

Sierpinski
Are you taking advantage of your invisibility in any way?

Seeing the barricade go down, Harlin rushes to help occupy the reaper in melee so Uri can get to safety.

Hack and Slash with dueling rapier and companion: 10 for 8 non-magical damage (1 piercing)

12:22, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 8 using 1d8+2.  Nomagical damage (1 piercing).
12:21, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  Attack injured reaper.

Harlin, your attack was enough to finish off the reaper. What does it look like when you deliver the killing strike?

Harlin's new weapon takes the reaper in its spectral throat. Its mouth opens in a silent scream, and the reaper slowly fades from side, beginning at the extremities, with the fading accelerating until it reaches the wound.

"Well done." Gania said to Harlin and Mozerat, raising her fist in victory. "Are you well?" she asked Uri, looking into the hallway. Finally, she turned to the major and asked "Do we wait for the rest or do we leave while we can?" not wanting to decide on a course of action that the Travisians would hold against her.

Uri groans and pulls himself up.  He's surprised to notice that he doesn't hurt as much as he thought he would.  A couple of coughs and then he's more or less back to normal.  "The trap is on the Terrasque's belly," he tells the others.  Turning to the other locals in the room, he asks "What's the quickest way to get there?"

Uri rolled 1 using 1d8.  damage.
-Armor nullifies that, so that's something nice at least

"You adventurers can do as you please," Mayor Ploth said, even as she and the Scout Master and the High Priest all made their way toward the back of the armory. "Whether you decide to stay and fight, or leave with us, we need to go. Something is amiss. This is no normal reaper attack. We need to get outside and figure out how to handle this situation."

The high priest opened the doors at the back of the armory revealing a small room with a ladder. The scoutmaster began climbing up, followed by the high priest. As the mayor waited for her turn, she turned back for the briefest moment to answer Uri's question. "The quickest way down, sans flying or falling, is the rappel ropes near the tarrasque's left head horn. They are set up for emergencies, but are quite risky for those untrained." She began climbing. "Or take Leeward Way, if you prefer a street with a lot of switchbacks!" And with that, the mayor, high priest, and scoutmaster had climbed up out of the armory, leaving the adventurers to their own devices.

The sound of the reapers were coming from just around the corner now and would burst into view in mere seconds. "Boss?" Mozzerat asked Gania, looking for guidance. Was the plan to stay, or to go?

What do you do?

---

The mayor, scout master, and high priest went out the back exit to go find out what exactly was going on with this reaper invasion. You can go too if you wish, but roll a Defy Danger to see if you can escape the reapers perusing you. Of course you can stay and fight too. However, you only have mere seconds to decide.

Also note, Sierpinski's player has decided to leave the game. This is probably a good spot for him to get separated from the group. So whether you stay or go, Sierpinski will do the opposite.

"I think those... folks... are right," said Istvan-- "--Best to find out the nature of this attack. The rest of you coming--?" But he didn't leave yet-- he waited to see how many of the others would follow him...

(If everyone else (but Sierpinski) wants to stay and fight, Istvan will literally leap into battle alongside them. But...)

"Yes, let's go," Harlin agreed. "Fighting them two or three at a time may win a couple of battles but will lose the war." He nimbly crosses the remnants of the barricade.

Defy Danger (Dex) 13.


14:48, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 13 using 2d6+2.  Defy Danger (Dex)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Fri 30 Aug 2019.

"We'll go out with you. We'll decide on the way to the belly later." Gania agreed with others. She looked for the largest piece of furniture that was still movable. "Go!" She instructed the others, including Mozzerat, as she struggled to get the new barricade in place, her muscles straining at the load. She hoped it meant it would stop the pursuing reapers.

19:41, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 7 using 2d6+2.  Defy danger - another barricade.

(Attempt to get out of here by wisely heading for the exit before anyone else: 13:33, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 3 using 2d6+1 ((1,1)).)

One might expect that Istvan, by being first to move toward the exit after the town leaders, would be likely to escape all danger in the process of doing so.

One would, in holding such an expectation, be wrong.

(Istvan gets 1 new XP.)

Uri follows the others up the ladder and out the back.

Uri rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Defy Danger.

Harlin and his cat nimbly crossed the clutter of the room, showing off both their elven and feline grace in the process. He was quickly in a position where he could escape without problem, or provide a bit of cover fire for the others.

Gania's barrier certainly slowed the reapers down, but the strength of four of the undead beasts crashing into the barrier at the same time was more than enough to cause an explosive entrance. The barrier burst and shrapnel flew into the room, peppering Gania, Mozzerat, and Uri as they fled. Istvan was hit by a bigger piece than the other two, causing him to stumble and smack his head against the corner of a shelf.

The reapers let out a howl of terror and swarmed toward the arcane duelist.

What do you do.

---

Harlin
You and Quickclaw made it safely to the exit. You can make it up the ladder and outside without problem. Alternatively, you could use your Called Shot move against the group of reapers. You can treat the four reapers as a single target as they fly into the armory through the doorway.

Uri and Gania
You two can also escape relatively safely (with Mozzerat), but take 1d4 damage in the process from the bursting barricade shrapnel. Armor counts. You can escape up the ladder or try and help Istvan, but you don't get any special advantages like Harlin does.

Istvan
You got knocked around quite a bit from that bursting barricade. You can either take 1d8 damage, armor counts, but you'll take at least 1 damage no matter what. Or, you can take either the Stunned or Confused debility, which will last until you rest or receive healing. The reapers are basically on top of you now and you will need to make another Defy Danger if you want to avoid their deadly attack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:26, Tue 03 Sept 2019.

Istvan scorns the danger of the reapers. "You fools! You've walked right into our trap!" He points over to his left. "Destroy them all, Fang!"

The idea is that while the reapers are looking over to the side, Istvan will use his boots to leap for the exit and escape!

(14:41, Defy Danger with Charisma (Acting like he has a deadly bodyguard named Fang!) Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((2,5)).)

Somewhat amazingly, this tactic is actually somewhat successful...

Uri hesitates, trying to find a way to help Istvan.  When he sees that the swordsman doesn't seem to need his help after all, he turns and heads up the ladder.

Uri rolled 3 using 1d4.  Damage

Harlin, seeing that the others are also free of immediate mortal danger, slipped up the ladder.

Istvan's tactic seemed to at least partially work on the reapers and their limited intelligence. Two of them turned toward the false threat as the others grasped toward Istvan. But the the enemy's lack of cohesion caused them to get into eachother's way. What would have been the raking of deadly claws across Istvan's hide turned into the mere ripping of Istvan's clothes as the duelist leaped away. Still, Istvan heard the clanking of bone-coins as his newly-ripped coin pouch spilled its contents all over the floor.

The reapers quickly recovered from their bumbling mess, but the adventurers had already retreated and closed the door behind them. The locked door would not hold the reapers for long, but it would last at least long enough for the adventurers to all escape up the ladder.

The ladder emerged onto the flat roof of a building designed for a climate that never saw rain. Uri, Gania, Mozerat, Istvan, Harlin, and Quickclaw all stood under a star-filled sky. There was no moon, but the area still seemed to be flooded with moonlight. From their vantage point atop the mayor's manse at the tarrasque-city's head, the adventurers could see the rest of Trevisi sprawled across the slope of the tarrasque's back. There were small reaper swarms floating above the buildings, occasionally swooping down to bash against a shuttered window or a rickety door. Screams could be heard echoing through the night, punctuated by the occasional reaper wail. More than one house fire had started too.

There were bands of soldiers that could be spotted in the streets as well, fighting against the reaper threat. Big bands of bulking beautiful orcs walked in formation with spears and javalins protecting them like a sea urchin's spines. But the soldier formations were few, and the reapers were many. It seemed unlikely that the war would be won by facing the reapers head-on. "This... is not great," Mozerat commented, stating the obvious.

What do you do?

---

You are all atop the mayor's mansion and are safe for at least a few moments. Feel free to roll a Discern Realities or Spout Lore for more information. Or do whatever else seems to need doing. The mayor's group is not immediately visible, nor are the leaders of the reapers.

Istvan looked around...

(Spout Lore:
When you consult your accumulated knowledge about something, roll+Int. ✴On a 10+, the GM will tell you something interesting and useful about the subject relevant to your situation. The GM might ask you “How do you know this?” Tell them the truth, now.

11:18, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 12 using 2d6+2 ((5,5)).

NAILED IT

(Pause) In fact:

Human: You descend from an ancient martial tradition. Gain +1 to spout lore on anything related to warfare.

So it's really 13)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Tue 10 Sept 2019.

What is it specifically that you are Spouting Lore about?

(Mm. Since Istvan is a military knowledge buff, I guess Istvan is looking at this battleground to figure out where one or more of the enemy leaders are, and the best way to reach them/deal with them without dying...?)

Istvan's knowledge of battlefields made two things apparent in regards to the enemy forces before them. The first was that the chaos was not quite as chaotic as it first seemed. Sure, there was no general leading the reapers in battle, but they would react to the changing positions of the orc battalions. Even when the opposing forces couldn't see eachother. This indicated someone was leading the reapers from a vantage point that had a great view of the city. This suggested one of the three reaper mages was somewhere in the dark sky above the city.

The second thing Istvan noticed was that there was one section of city notably quiet. The area around statue the adventurers rested at when they had first arrived. The reapers seemed to be actively drawing attention away from the square housing the statue of the hero Trevo. This suggested something may be going on there that the enemy did not want to be observed or interrupted. Perhaps one of the leaders could be there.

The whereabouts of the third reaper-leader were not apparent from observing the current battlefield. Maybe they were observing the under-city, or maybe they were somewhere else entirely.

Once Istvan had shared his insight with the party, Uri said Well splitting up probably won't work, these things are too powerful to risk it.  So what do you think, should we all go to the statue, or down to the trap?

"Statue, I say. They want to destroy this tarrasque, Trevo is tied to this tarrasque, or linked or however you want to say it, so I bet they have to mess with Trevo over there in order to mess with the tarrasque. So let's go stop 'em."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Mon 16 Sept 2019.

Gania glanced at the curve of the giant beast and then back at the emptied part of the city. She nodded at her clansmate "Very well." she nodded and led the way, glaive in arm. "And we'll show you how great Emberstorm can be!" she grinned at the dervish, her teeth and eyes reflecting a nearby fire.

"I'm ready," Harlin concurred. "Time to give these new weapons a hard test!"

The half-elf grinned in the darkness.

The party of adventurers made their way off of the mayor's roof easily enough and were soon on the streets below. The howls of frustrated reapers echoed behind them as the reapers from inside the building finally emerged, only to find that their quarry had already fled.

It was not very far to the town square where the statue was, but the adventurers knew it would not be so easy to walk there directly. Not with one of the reaper-mages actively directing people away from the area from the sky above. A couple flocks of reapers could be seen just over the rooftops. Each of which could quickly be sent their way.

What do you do to get in close without drawing attention to yourselves?

"Sierpinski, can you make us all invisible?" Gania asked as she watched  the swooping undead roam the city and the skies "If now, we might need to cut our way through the buildings in order to avoid the streets." she looked at the others "Unless anyone has some other ideas?"

How are the building constructed, are all walls bone, or is hide still used? especially in this part, closest to the statue and probably the oldest.
14:59, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  Discern realities - construction of the city.

What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
What here is not what it appears to be?

Sounds reasonable to me, Uri says as he scans the sky around them for incoming attacks.

Invisibility only affects one target, and says you can't cast another spell while that one is ongoing, so that'll be a definite no on mass invisibility.  Unless Sierpinski (or anyone else) has a trick up their sleeve that I don't know about...

Harlin tries to take in the tactical situation, focusing on finding patterns in the movements of the reapers.

Discern Realities 13.

Who's really in control here?
What should I be on the lookout for?
What is about to happen?

17:59, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 13 using 2d6+4 ((6,3)).

Sierpinski failed to respond to Gania's question. And after a moment or two, it became apparent Sierpinski was no longer with the group at all. Invisible or otherwise. Whether it was because he never exited the building or whether he wandered off to do his own thing after exiting was not clear. But he was not with the group right now, and so could not lend the group his power of invisibility.

Which meant Gania's idea to cut through buildings might need to happen after all. The barbarian could see that the structures here were mostly made of leathers stretched over frames of bone. Only a select few rooms in each building were made entirely of hard material. Still, the leathers they were made of were thick and tough, so cutting through them would still take a bit of effort.

Harlin, as he scanned over the battlefield with his elvish eyes, could see more than his fully-human counterparts could. In the sky above, he could see the huge form of a winged beast circling over the tarrasque. It didn't take a genius to figure out that one of the reaper-mages was likely riding atop the great beast, commanding the battlefield below. The figure seemed to rise and dip across the edge of the buildings, bringing it in and out of Harlin's view. It took Harlin a moment for it to register that the rising and dipping was from the tarrasque's footsteps. He had grown so used to them that he never even noticed the city walking anymore. But perhaps they could use that motion to their advantage.

Over the rooftops in the opposite direction, a lone reaper was approaching. Gania and Harlin both spotted it as they peeked out from their safe space. It would fly over their alley in a matter of moments and spot them if the party didn't take action. They could try to cut into a building and take refuge (immediately risky, but safer long-term), or try to sneak around outside and keep out of line of sight (immediately safer, but riskier long-term). Or come up with an alternative tactic.

What do you do?

---

Gania
What should I be on the lookout for?
A lone reaper is about to fly directly over your group's hiding spot.

What here is useful or valuable to me?
She building walls are mostly made of leather hides, but they are extremely thick. Still, it should be possible to cut through them.

What here is not what it appears to be?
You thought Sierpinski was with the group invisibly, but now you are certain he is nowhere nearby. Either he is still inside the mayor's manse, or he wandered off to do his own thing after exiting the building.

Take +1 forward when acting on the results.

Harlin
Who's really in control here?
Right now, the dark figure flying in the sky above seems to be pretty thoroughly in control of this area.

What should I be on the lookout for?
You should look for a way to take advantage of the city's rising and falling every time the tarrasque takes a step. Lines-of-sight from the ground to sky shift with the steps.

What is about to happen?
A stray reaper is about to fly over the rooftops and spot you in the alley.

Take +1 forward when acting on the results.

"Come, let us slice a way!" Gania roused the dervish and set her glaive to work, slashing a gap taller than herself and then followed with another parallel to the floor and few inches above it, making two flaps that she forced open, hurrying others to get out of sight. "We'll take care of the path. Harlin, Istvan, check that we don't rush into a patrol. Uri, how can we stop any magic they will try to employ?"

20:10, Today: Gania Flamekeeper rolled 12 using 2d6+3.  Defy Danger - hack the hut.

Uri replies I can help remove an enchantment that's already on you.  As for protecting us from additional magical attacks... The bard racks his brain for anything he may have heard about magic resistant properties of the terrasque.  Legendary monsters were not his strong point, but surely he had come across something over the years.

Uri rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Spout Lore.

"Cover, now!" Harlin urged. "One is coming overhead.

"Try to always go uphill, when the tarrasque takes a step forward. We need the buildings to conceal us from the sky!"

Defy Danger-WIS to monitor patrols. 8. the GM will offer you a worse outcome, hard bargain, or ugly choice.

15:38, Today: Harlin Greenarrow rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Defy Danger-WIS.

With Gania's strong cuts and Harlin's guidance, the group managed to sneak through the nearby buildings safely, and run between them without being spotted by the reaper patrols. The insides of the buildings were mostly dark. They had to navigate through empty living rooms and dark store rooms. There was one building full of decorative leather carvings that probably ended up with a couple of unintentionally destroyed artworks as Mozerat floated past with his blades.

While the group ran through houses, Uri could recall that tarrasques were resistant to many types of magic and outright immune to others. He could not recall which types though.

As the group rushed between two of the final buildings, Harlin's eye caught sight of a young soldier exiting a house. He looked like he had just worked up the courage to run and join the fully-trained veterans that were already out battling the reapers. Which was all well and good, except Harlin knew the young soldier was about to be spotted by a reaper patrolling overhead. The soldier would definitely be spotted, and surely outmatched. So it was up to Harlin if he wanted to provide aid to the unwary cadet, or if he wanted their group to remain unseen and leave the cadet to his fate.

What do you do?

---

The group is only one building away from the Trevo statue now. When they emerge from the next one, they will be there. So if you were going to make any plans or preparations, now would be the time.

Harlin
You see a lone inexperienced soldier that is going to be spotted. It is up to you if you want to blow your own cover to try and help him.

Uri
Tarrasques are most definitely resistant to some (but not all) magics and immune to others. You cant recall which specific types though. How do you know this?

As they ran, Uri thought back to a story he had heard as a child.  It was one of those fairy tales where all the adults try to do a thing the traditional way, it fails, and then the child everyone ignores comes up with a ridiculous idea that turns out to be correct.  There were lots of stories which followed this formula, but the one Uri was trying to recall right now was about a monster the size of a city (not named in the story, but close enough), and how all of the wizards had failed to get rid of it until the child did... something.  He couldn't remember what, but that probably wasn't the important part right now.  The bit about the wizards failing seemed more relevant.

Now, in the last leather-walled building before reaching the square, Uri told the group We don't know what we're doing out there, but we know they're up to something, right?  Something involving magic?  Well maybe a thick enough layer of the terrasque's own body will block that magic.  So I think we should take as much of this leather as we can, maybe even whole walls if we can manage it, and the first thing we do when we run out there should be that we wrap up the statue and cut it off from feeding whatever they're doing.  What do you guys say?