Yep, I wasn't going to push on anything since you said you'd been busy, plus we have Stormheart to bring up to speed with everything in the meantime.

Mallory made me aware of an oversight I had made in my post from yesterday, which included Hunger of Hadar as a 3rd level Spell present in the Tome. This should of course not be possible. The Spell has been stricken.

Manic scribblings relating to Hadar have been added instead, as well as the presence of ash in the chest.

Speaking of manic ramblings, it should be noted for anyone who's not a Forgotten Realms lore hound: all the stuff Mallory is going on about has absolutely nothing to do with the Spire or anything the Party was actually looking for.  She's just geeking out over unrelated academia.  It's basically akin to archaeologists uncovering some lost pharaoh's tomb and one of them being way more excited about the weaving techniques used in his burial clothes than the tomb itself.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

Always appreciate the added flavor if nothing else, even if I'm also just learning about all of this in real-time :^)

Forgotten Realms lore is vast and varied and often contradictory, so a lot of things are kind of on-the-fly when it comes to discoveries.  ^^  But that sort of organic storytelling makes these games extra fun.

I do see Khulekani hasn't checked in on the game in a while. I'll shoot the player a PM.

As for progression, if nobody has anything further to add to the findings in the chest, I suggest we move on the chatting with the skull(s). If we follow the current plan that'll take (some) of you to the Host Tower, which is interesting enough to deserve some time and attention.

Oh, could I try to Identify the glowing flask as a last thing?

A WEIRD WATER I CAN USE TO PREVENT RUST FOREVER, YOU SAY?

I think it's more of a concrete way to get rid of the Black Ooze, while also confirming that said acidic monstrosities are an expected by-product rather than a sign of something wrong with the device.  ^^;

But the real question is: can we aerosolize it and use it to fend off Rust Monsters like spritzing a naughty cat with a spray bottle?



Side-quests!  Assuming it's Mallory and Idri going to the Host Tower, that would give Rhydd and Stormheart a chance to go adventuring on their own a bit in the meantime and get some quality male bonding in.  I'm torn as to whether Astre should go with them or stick with Mallory.

That said, hopefully Khulekani does return soon.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:26, Sat 02 Sept 2023.

I was wondering whether or not I should come up with a reason for you all to attend the Host Tower. In my mind, an invitation to everyone has other connotations and implies a closer partnership, which I was trying to avoid.

But Stormheart has some errands to attend, which I believe Rhydd would be interested in joining. It matches closely in scope. A wonderful solution!

Awwwe yeah, team "Too Smart for Their Own Good" and team "Oh gods the smart women are doing things again," roll out.

Mallory,

It occurred to me after I had posted Rhydd's latest IC post that it might read as being a bit snarky.

That certainly was not my intent (nor his, IC). I was writing from an IC perspective on behalf of a character who is totally in over his head (and out of his depth) when it comes to having any understanding of things Netherese (or their magicks).

No offense, taken, I hope! IC, I will say that you are doing a great job breathing life into Mallory and relating the sense of excitement that she is experiencing as various in-game secrets and wonders (from a wizardess' perspective) are revealed. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Sun 03 Sept 2023.

Oh, certainly no worries there.  I didn't take it as any sort of offense in the first place; I'm well aware Rhydd's not the sort of character to have the least bit of interest in such things since he's never shown any particular wonder about magic or academia beyond its immediate functionality.  To be perfectly fair, part of the fun of playing a Big Damn Nerd character like Mallory is the dichotomy of reactions to such things between her and non-nerds.  ^^

Besides, Bears can vouch that I frequently nudge about making sure Rhydd and others in the Party have something to do while Mallory and Idri are busy going on with their nonsense.  That often seems to end up being combat, but I suppose that's sort of the nature of D&D in a lot of cases anyway.

In reply to Mallory Bonheur (msg # 924):

I may wander from time to time, but I'd let people know if I was leaving.

In reply to Khulekani Kumalo (msg # 929):

It's a bit late to back down from the two branching missions, so that leaves us with the question of what Khulekani is going to do. Make sure you're up to speed the situation and let me know when you're ready to discuss it.

Awaiting response from Khulekani. I don't have anything more on the agenda, so I suggest we go on ahead and do a short time skip to where the groups are split. I'll set up separate threads.

The threads will be set up tomorrow. If Khulekani doesn't respond by then I'll send her along with Rhydd and Stormheart.

All are welcome. =)

Sorry for the late (and short) response yesterday. Weekend's been fairly busy.

But with that caveat addressed, the threads can be made. I'll see if I can't do so later today.

The 4-C post (Mallory, Idrianthe) will stay up for two days before I update it. Get in your opening replies if you have them!

The 4-B post (Rhydd, Stormheart, Khulekani, Farwalker) will be updated once the requested rolls have been made.

I was leaving time for Idri to chime in, but off we go either way!

That’ll be another sightseeing post in the Host Tower thread . . .

Next one, which I will be making tomorrow, will get you to some interaction. Promise! :)

Still leaving room for Idri to pop in before I reply, but for the sake of forethought:

Arcana DC 20
Mallory Bonheur rolled 25 using 1d20+7

Woo. :)

Then I'll wait a day or two until I update the thread with the results of the roll. Idri is free to make the same check if she wants.

I get the 5,000th post!