With a huff of frustration—but, truthfully, not really surprise—Idi gives up on the blessing and turns his attention to getting out of this mess. Perhaps he'd have been wiser to get out earlier... Too late for 'what if', though. He carefully starts trying to make his way across the quicksand, taking whatever help might be available, but letting the more encumbered Gorrid take what he needs first.


I'll make a Defy Danger roll in case it's warranted, to keep things moving. Disregard if Defy Danger isn't needed here.
Idi rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,3.  Defy Danger (+DEX).

As Gorrid makes a grab for the rope, Idi manages to crawl closer to the edge... only to be blown into the air as the elemental surges back up from under him!

OOC: Where are you going to land, Idi? Back in the quicksand, where you'll start sinking again? Or on solid (and painful) ground?

Spriggy, give me a Volley to see how efficient your first holy water vial is.

For the others, Gorrid is pretty heavy with that armor. You'll need some Defy Danger (STR) to pull him free.

13:08, Today: Russel Albion rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,1.  Defy Danger (STR).

Russel grabs a loop of rope but can't get a firm grip with his feet. As he slips on the ground instead of pulling Sir Gorrid out, he looks for a place to fasten the end of the rope to the wagon.
He thinks that if he can just attach the rope to the wagon, it will help stabilize his end.

Here is a volley roll. I didn't think I would need one if I was just dumping it in the quicksand around me, but at least now I get an XP!

08:23, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 3 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,1.  Volley for 1st holy water vial.

Do I need a volley roll too?  I'm not aiming - I'm just poring in front of me and/or around my body.  Presumed Spriggy was doing the same...  Or is the issue that the elemental is no longer in the water around us.  If not, are we still sinking?

OOC: Russel, if you tie the rope, you can Aid Gorrid in his Defy Danger roll.

The Volley check is to see if you pour when the elemental is close enough to be affected, and if so by how much.

Buckthorn and Russel keep tension on the rope while Russel moves back to where he can secure it to the wagon wheel.
That way the wagon will not roll back from the pulling, thought Russel.
Try as he might, the wheel rolled a little as it aligned with the pull of the rope and Russel couldn't stop it.
11:45, Today: Russel Albion rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,2.  Strength to Help Pull.

quote:

10:37, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,6.  Volley on elemental.

Whoot!!

Wasn't sure what to roll for damage.  Is Arcane Art still in effect?  Exterminatus should be.  Also, not sure what the base damage is for holy water, or whether I can use all 3 vials at once.

The geyser seems to dies down, raining down on all of you. After a few moments of stress, you realize there's no more movement. Buckthorn confirms not long after that the spirit has gone dormant. Now you just have to dig Gorrid and Idi out of the mud trapping them.

And figure out how to clean up the pond, too.

The paladin stood in the mud up to his waist, awkwardly holding the empty vials.  He struggled and managed to get them into his pack.  At least he wasn't sinking anymore...

"Anyone want to toss the end of that rope here?"

"That 'stick in the mud' next to you, that's the rope," pointed out Russel.
With the struggle and rain of mud, it almost blended in.

The knight grabbed onto the rope and pulled.

quote:

12:07, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,4.  Defy danger (STR).

Idi suddenly finds himself tumbling end over end, with little sense of up or down. It comes to a sudden crashing halt as he finally finds the ground, landing in a heap, but at least clear of the quicksand. He slowly moves each limb and tries to sit up, checking himself for pain and injuries.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Mon 18 July 2022.

"Anyone seriously hurt?" Buck inquires of the group. He had ran to retrieve the nearby bolas once the rope had been secured, not anticipating the pond's spirit going dormant.

He tentatively tests the ground as he follows the rope out toward the firmly planted knight. Buck attempts to loosen the dense mud around Sir Gorrid, prodding it strongly with the butt-end of his spear. "Do we have any poles or planks in the elf-cart?" he asks aloud of everyone, "Anything that could help disperse their weight and allow them to work loose and crawl onto?"

Looking down upon Gorrid, Buck adds "I don't suppose you'd like to lighten your efforts by removing any of that heavy plating..."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Tue 19 July 2022.

After the spirit went dormant Spriggy did his best to help the others out of the mud, but he was still pretty muddy himself. Replying to Buckthorn, he said, "I think that rope was the last of my miscellaneous wagon supplies. I only have my personal stash now." He patted the supplies on his back. "No planks there. But I will look to see if I can find a suitable tree branch on the ground nearby."

The muddy bard went to look under the nearby trees, careful not to get too close to the lake while all by himself.

Sir Gorrid shook his head.  "It's hard enough to get out of this stuff at the best of times, let alone when I'm covered in mud.  Plus I don't want to lose any of the components."

After some searching, you find enough branches to make a sort of sled to pull Gorrid out. A task made slightly easier by the fact that the elemental is no longer messing with the ground. Idi's landing is... painful.  But, at last, you're all on solid ground, and safe.

"That was...unpleasant.  Thank you."  The paladin looked like he wasn't used to needing to needing to thank others for their assistance.

He glanced down at his armor.  He had a long evening of cleaning ahead of him.  However, first things first.  He went looking for the bucket he'd previously been holding when he approached the water.  This time, he approached a bit more cautiously.

Gorrid manages to get the bucket, and can fill it without issue.

The paladin held the bucket in his hands and prayed for the water to be blessed.

quote:

10:18, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,1.  Cast sanctify.

Time for some XP

Spriggy stood at the ready in case the lake decided to attack again. But he otherwise stood back and let the blessers do their thing. "Let me know if there is anything anyone needs me to do," the bard offered. He did also sing a healing song for Idi though, since the man seemed to have a couple injuries from their recent scuffle.

---

Using Arcane Art to heal Idi 5HP and boost the next Aid on him to +2 instead of +1. However, "on a 7-9, your spell still works, but you draw unwanted attention or your magic reverberates to other targets affecting them as well, GM’s choice."

15:02, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,1.  Arcane Art - Heal Idi, improve next Aid on him.

15:04, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Damage Healed.

Having heard the tune more than a few times, when Spriggy started playing, Russel hummed along wordlessly but in the proper harmony.
13:28, Today: Russel Albion rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,3.  Humming along.

Idi takes a few tries to get his feet under him, wheezing and wincing. The landing was not good, he was reasonably hopeful he hadn't broken anything but ouch he was hurting down to his bones from the jarring impact.

"Th-thanks, I just need a minute here," he smiles at Spriggy's song, finding it surprisingly helpful in shaking off the worst effects. He forces a few deep breaths, his ribs barely aching anymore. "Ok, maybe I should see about getting some water blessed too."


I'll take a shot at Sanctifying some water too, but I don't know if some GM moves from Gorrid's roll will change the circumstances before Idi gets to that. I'll roll, but if things change before he gets around to blessing a bucket then please ignore.
Idi rolled 8 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,1.  Cast a Spell (Sanctify).
Oh, what the heck, I'll choose "you draw unwelcome attention or put yourself in a spot. The GM will tell you how." If the roll actually applies, that is.

It takes most of the day, but by the time the sun is setting, you're pretty sure you've cleared out the pond as well as possible. Lady Oakley, having recovered sufficiently to travel, comes to confirm it, saying she will clear out whatever is left in the ground with the help of the local plants.

Tired, but satisfied, you head back to the village to report your success.


OOC: Mark yourselves 3 xp for a compleated quest, as well as divide the 300 coins amongst yourselves. You can post your talks with Gordon if you want, otherwise we'll continue back in the Phoenix's Nest monday.

"I don't suppose a celebratory feast is in order..." Buck adds, trying to downplay an uncharacteristically outgoing request for a superior, prepared meal from the small towns' benefactor. "...but it was unlike anything we've faced before. Rest assured the remnants have been dealt with and Freefield's forge and mill are safe once again." he concluded to master Gordon.

Regardless of what transpires regarding a fine meal and sendoff, Buck stops by the chapel on the way out of town and inquires as to the condition of the raven that had assailed them. He collects Spriggy's cage for return to the bard's piled-high cart of belongings and tries to befriend the bird, at least for the duration of the return journey. Perhaps the creature, now returned to good spirits, could enlighten him as to some missing details of the ordeal. Who poisoned that well so long ago? What manner of events brought forth the unnatural form of an owlbear?