Just to clarify, Ilya Gyula is female, but Frack missed that detail.

Baz's crew is aware of a half-orc in the engine room (different name ostensibly). How close are we to Frack? Enough that we could overhear this? I presumed Procz was yelling to get Baern's attention.

Vera heard it, for the sake of comparing our plot notes ;D

Re: Baern's latest question, there are two separate control booths for the cranes, so it wouldn't be possible for Procz to control both at once. Someone else would have to take the controls of the other one, if you were to restart it.

Guv - I love it!

Plus, I also love how Vera describes her voice as super-legit for a factory technician. At first, I wondered how good her disguise actually was, but after I read that it was super-legit and totally legitimate in two seperate, non-biased posts, I am now at ease!

In reply to Frack (msg # 177):

Haha, thanks!  Everyone in the scene just sees an entirely unsuspicious worker, but gotta make sure the reader is aware how amazingly convincing Vera's acting is.  I am having fun writing all this cheekiness, though :)

I get the sense everyone's looking to rush downstairs now, but I didn't want to cut things short unless folks have more questions for Donna. When you're ready, please post an initiative roll and, if you wish to approach stealthily, a Stealth roll as well (keep in mind this will reduce your speed. and you've got a lot of basement to cross - roughly 200' - to get from the stairs to the maintenance bay door). It is an option for some of you to rush in and others to remain hidden - in fact, as long as at least one person is not going Stealth, then anyone who is can roll with advantage, as those charging in will provide a distraction.

Happy to wait on further questions, but Baern is set on going down the stairs and isn't making any effort to hide himself.

Two setting questions:

1. How outlandish is a dragon sighting in Coglinton in the present day and age?  It's extraordinary of course, but should it be impossible because they're meant to be extinct?
   
2. How long has it been since liberation from the dragon empire?

Good questions! Both things I should have clarified before now.



1. Extraordinary but not impossible. Skakatoa's crew chased off or killed their competition, so even when she was alive, other dragons were not really about. Presumably they're still somewhere in the world, but between fear of her and then fear of those who were strong enough to kill her (and whose hatred for dragons is well known), they're never seen anywhere near Coglinton. There are rumors of a secret society called The Descendants who have some interest in bringing dragons back, but there have not been any confirmed sightings in decades.

2. Nearly two hundred years. Some among the longest-lived races would have been alive for it, but for most, dragons are more of an inherited memory/fear.

To be clear, Vecaal is moving ahead at pace with Baern.  This is a lifetime opportunity for him, and he's not going to miss it!   Even if it does end up being the last thing he does...

Baern raises a good point here. The cluttered engine room should be an asset for those of you trying to advance on the firbolg without exposing yourselves to his partner. While in the engine room, anyone can use a bonus action to do one of the following:

1. Dexterity (Stealth) check. This will be contested by yuan-ti's Perception. If you succeed, he'll know your general vicinity but not your exact location. So you'll still be susceptible to Area of Effect spells/weapons but he won't be able to target you without anything that requires seeing you.

2. Wisdom (Survival) check. With a 10 or better, you gain the benefit of partial cover. With a 20 or better, you can gain the benefit of full cover.

Vera,

Since you descended (partway) down the stairs unseen, you have the option to remain hidden and move at half speed if you like. That would obviate the need for a fresh stealth check, and, I'll say, for Athletics checks as well, since you're already moving cautiously.

This applies to the others who are hidden as well. You can move at half speed, no checks required, and maintain your stealth if you like.

Vera chose to break stealth to close the distance faster, because these guys don't get to kidnap our half-orc MacGuffin!  Plus, all of Vera's shenanigans are relatively close range ;P  I'm thankful for the option to duck back out of sight as a bonus action, although I don't expect I hid from anybody this round, heheh.

Sorry, I was vague on this. You don't have to halve your movement twice. If you halve your movement to remain stealthily, that counts as moving cautiously, so you can forego the checks and still move 35'.

understood thank you

Sorry I seem to have little to help with at moment unless some healing might help?

You can pick up Frack under your arm and carry him. Turns out he's very slow in chainmail... especially when he fumbles his acrobatics roll :)

I love how we're in this super perilous scenario with machinery exploding, boiling steam spraying and magical webs entangling us and Vecaal is most upset that the dragon is fake ;D  Inspiration to Vec for the laugh!

In reply to Frack (msg # 190):

Frack is likely stronger than Kreo!

Thank you Vera!  I had to express this player's frustration with the dice roller somehow!  :D

So close to being able to make a melee attack. Five more feet.

I'm not so sure Frack's stronger than anyone, but even if he was, don't expect him to carry  Kreo under his arm ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Fri 16 June 2023.

Hi gang. I should have some time to update tomorrow, if I can get actions from Kreo, Vecaal, and Baern in the next 24 hours or so? Thanks and have a great weekend!

Baern was first to act this round. He’s 5’ from the firbolg and failed to hit with a throwing axe (I presume).