Episode 2

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Jul 11, 2018 8:37 am
Only the silver-tongued Jeresian seems willing to accept Iasu's help. It's no surprise - Iasu himself isn't in the habit of trusting of strangers either. In fact were it not for Elam, he might not have treated these men at all. Still, a patient is a patient. Iasu checks the incense burner and nods, satisfied. The sluggishness should be subsiding soon. He gestures again to the drink that will clear their heads. That's about all he can do unless they let him treat those nasty stirge bites. He starts packing up his bandages and poultices and gets ready to leave.
Last edited July 11, 2018 8:38 am
Jul 11, 2018 2:34 pm
"I am more than happy to receive your care, wise Iasu." Sizhen speaks as he comes out of his meditative trance, his head still throbbing from the toxins.

"To be honest, hospitality is the last thing I expected when I entered the Red Bastion of Midrad.
Last edited July 11, 2018 2:35 pm
Jul 11, 2018 3:07 pm
"Nor I." Iasu replies cryptically, then busies himself with the Alijanian's wounds, clucking his tongue at some of the nastier ones. Finally, the physician hands his patient a cup of the concoction for clearing the senses.
OOC:
I believe that brings you up to 44/46hp. Doctor's orders: take a short rest. While under Iasu's care, one of your HD need not be rolled - assume maximum (Medic feat).
Last edited July 11, 2018 3:14 pm

Rolls

Healing - (1d6+11)

(1) + 11 = 12

Healing - (1d6+11)

(1) + 11 = 12

Medicine check - (1d20+10)

(6) + 10 = 16

Jul 11, 2018 3:46 pm
"Many thanks, Iasu. Truly your skills are remarkable."

Sizhen instinctively began to apply his training, analyzing this man's techniques and movements for weaknesses and secrets, but forced himself to stop - both out of respect for the man helping him, and a growing realization that the wise Iasu was at least match for his skills, if not beyond them.

Besides, a sometimes a friendship earned is better than a secret stolen.

"I have no gift to give you in return for your skills. I am in your debt."
OOC:
Thanks for the heals Jabes! Looking forward to learning more about Iasu.

I'll use one Rogue HD and go back up to max.
Last edited July 11, 2018 3:47 pm
Jul 11, 2018 4:11 pm
OOC:
In what language have we been conversing this whole time? I know Elam spoke in Heshbaan with Bryn translating, and Iasu would have continued that. As I understand it, Sizhen speaks Heshbaan. Has he been using that language to speak to Iasu directly?
Jul 11, 2018 7:05 pm
OOC:
If Iasu spoke to us in Heshbaan, Sizhen would have responded in kind. Sizhen is technically not proficient, but based on the keen mind feat and the duration of time he has been in this city, J has given Sizhen temporary and basic access to the language.
Jul 12, 2018 3:24 pm
Accustomed to time spent in strongholds and military style fortifications, Kray rests at ease, puffing away on a spliff as he finishes off the tonic Iasu gave him. Taking advantage of the moments between bloodshed so typical of such environments, Kray slides further into the chair, his legs comfortably sprawled out in front of him as he leans back, blowing a succession of smoke rings into the air above.

DMJ

Jul 14, 2018 12:52 pm
As Iasu works, the effects of the poisonous gas begin to subside. The men begin to recover from the pure exhaustion which had resulted from all of the exertion. The group finally has a moment to catch their breath, gain focus, and reset.

Mechanics for the moment...
OOC:
We are working on about a 10 minute timespan at this point. In our HR, that is a Short Rest. So...
Optional Action: All PCs can roll for HD as desired for Short Rest
Important Note: See above where Iasu's treatment, if accepted, gives a max value roll on 1 HD (Jabes, correct me if I'm wrong or incomplete on that)


Optional Action: can accept active healing treatment from Iasu (Jabes, you will have to deliver the results if people order this. I know we are well on our way already, with some of it already applied. Awesome!)

On Exhaustion Recovery...
OOC:
During time of 4 levels of Exhaustion (invoked by the gas, not actual fatigue), HPs were halved. Any damage taken after that had to be accounted for from there. You guys recovered 1 level of Exhaustion previously, so you recovered your original amount lost.

NOW...within the 10 minutes, and with Iasu's special counter-smoke burn filling the air, everyone can recover another 2 Levels of Exhaustion. That leaves only 1 Level of Exhaustion.

Last thing. IF you drink the water mixed with the powder that Iasu recommended, the final Level of Exhaustion will be relieved in another 10 minutes. I'm pretty sure knowing that will make everyone drink it, but the option is still there to NOT drink it out of skepticism or whatever. If you refrain then the remnant headaches from the gas will continue for an undisclosed time, which will mean that you would continue to operate with 1 Level of Exhaustion (Disadvantage on Ability Checks)
Optional Action: can elect to drink Iasu's headache powder brew to ensure recovery from Level 1 Exhaustion after 20 minutes.

Required Action: All players take time to reset characters and record updated stats incorporating all applicable effects above.
OOC:
Players' Club, you know I don't usually get involved in requiring stat block pop windows. I think that is best left up to you guys and your own traditions as a group, but I would ask for everyone to post some sort of simple Stat Block Spoiler at this particular point.
I just want everyone to take some time to record current numbers (current available/max) on basic stuff like HPs, HDs, limited class powers, etc. And also come on record to say if you are out of Exhaustion completely or not.
I think most people will get to a place of full recharge (except maybe HDs) after the Short Rest, but since there has been a lot going on and some time away, a series of pretty confusing mechanic effects over a long period or RL time - let's just get a new baseline as we move forward.
Also kind of considering this a bit of a roll call to see who is online and ready to move forward after our break.
Thanks. I'm glad to be back.

DMJ

Jul 14, 2018 1:11 pm
Xorthan says:
Thorn accepts the ministrations of Iasu with a nod of thanks to counteract the poison.
OOC:
Thorn is at full HP, so no need for bandages and whatnot. Thorn is interested in these characters as well, but hearing Iasu's advice to wait for a clearer head, he rests in silence, looking about the room. Exits? Areas of weakness? Rolling out two d20s, J, in case we're still poisoned.
Thorn surveys the room.

2 exits.
One open. The route through which everyone entered the room, through which Iasu arrived and the swordsman departed. But this does have a cage/portcullis type door that could be closed. Like many of the portals in this section, it seems to be a makeshift defensive cage door built from bands and rods of rough bronze and brass.
One closed. A strong hardwood door reinforced with old bronze braces. This one is clearly part of the original construction, which is very old, but also very sound and stable. It looks like it has a newer brace that has been placed over it, like an additional measure of reinforcement and locking to prevent entry from the other side without the removal of the brace from this side.

Lower ceilings than the upstairs rooms. These ceilings are only around 8 feet, consistent with an idea that these are subterranean basement rooms and hallways. Perhaps this room and the others seen were once a cellars or storage rooms?

Despite this, there is some comfort here. Stark comfort at least. Chairs, benches, work tables, some straw-stuffed paddings for cot mattresses.

DMJ

Jul 14, 2018 1:21 pm
lenpelletier says:
OOC:
If Iasu spoke to us in Heshbaan, Sizhen would have responded in kind. Sizhen is technically not proficient, but based on the keen mind feat and the duration of time he has been in this city, J has given Sizhen temporary and basic access to the language.
OOC:
I agree. That makes a lot of sense.
As we move forward, assume Heshbaan is spoken by NPCs. I'll notate otherwise if other languages are being used. (Jabes will direct language choices of Iasu of course)
Like Len said, that means Bryn can understand it more or less perfectly and Sizhen gets 80% plus.
Others are taking in some of it, but they have to focus on the conversation very closely and are still missing some of the vocabulary and more complexes nuances of the comms.
I'll probably manage it by a mix of writing it out clearly at times, and then sometimes I may send notes to only the more fluent speakers - depending on circumstances. If it is straight clear writing, interpret that as a mix of the PCs understanding it on their own to some degree and Bryn/Sizhen sort of filling in the gaps in a translation capacity for the more in-depth detail. We'll get through it directly here on the boards, but in the scene just picture that there is still some strain and mental focus that has to be tended to as everyone continues to deal with language barriers to differing degrees.
Jul 15, 2018 9:58 am
Kray's thoughts drift to Ivor and the bloated stirges who had gotten fat on his blood. Soon after thoughts of others lost drift to mind... Maeriks and Qiu, both of them he had met in the Borgh Riac. Maeriks they had left behind near Ivor, dead. Talius, who had fought with Kray and Thorn at the Battle of Giant's Ford, died trying to save Qiu at Old Island, in that shithole of a swamp.

His mind drifted still. The death of his own father, by Kray's own enraged hand. The old drunken bastard had it coming. Sometimes he wondered if things could have been different with the old man. He thought of Lysander, devoured by Ithaqua on a hunting trip in the Gaerimundi Isle of Mozamyah. His wife, who he met soon after, died during the birth of their child on the same island two years later, the village shaman unable to save her. His daughter, dead less than two days later.

Years of debauchery followed after his return home. Whoring, drinking, doping and gambling his life away from palaces to slums. Until Uncle Rison pulled him out of his downward spiral.

It was in these dark moments of reflection Kray thought of Sorcha, his adopted daughter, known as Lucretia Mercon to those unaware of her past. Fates willing, she was alright.

Rison better be minding her, keeping her safe.

J, safe to say those new to the land have picked up basic Heshaban by now?
[ +- ] Kray Mercon Character Sheet
Last edited July 15, 2018 10:07 am

DMJ

Oct 17, 2018 12:17 am
The first think he feels is the cold. His body is shivering beyond his control.

When he tries to move his arms, the pain fires through his brain, paralyzing his entire body. His mouth opens to cry out in response, but he can barely draw a breath.

He is panting for air now. When he begins to cough and choke, the pain rolls over him like a flash of light. He nearly loses consciousness again.

Finally, the room stops spinning. He gropes along the stone floor, his hands quaking, using all of the strength he can muster to push himself up. He fights to move. Feeling as if he is made of lead, he drags his hips in and props his shoulder up on the hard brick wall.

He pauses to regain strength, coughing harshly again after the exertion.

He can see nothing. He is in utter and complete darkness.

He can feel only pain. Exhaustion. Cold.

He is so weak that he can hardly move. His muscles barely respond.

But Maeriks Mac Mahan Mac Hannoc is alive.

Alive and alone.

DMJ

Oct 17, 2018 12:24 am
OOC:
Yes, y'all.
It's legit.

Check here, and here if you want the published record.

Maeriks made death saves and survived.

His vitals were hardly detectable, but he survived.

By the House Rules of Injury, Death, and Dying, he is in bad BAD shape.

Fighting the after effects of a deadly toxin.

Fatigued, weakened, chilled, and migraine headaches - suffering from severe blood loss after being blood drained.

1 HP.

Clinging to life in the Zero Hit Point State.

CB contacted me and asked if Maeriks could get back in the game. I asked him how he wanted to do it.

He said there was only one way: by the rules. Real. Paying his dues. Doing whatever he can to stay alive and make it back to the group some how.

You know there's no give aways, and CB does too. It could go either way, but Maeriks is putting in work in hardcore DT fashion.

Good luck, CB.
And welcome back.
Oct 17, 2018 12:41 am
Face smeared with snot and sweat, Maeriks rests his head against the brick wall, a moment of comfort.

Second Wind
[ +- ] Maeriks Mac Mahan Mac Hannoc
Last edited October 17, 2018 6:29 am

Rolls

Second Wind - (1d10+5)

(7) + 5 = 12

DMJ

Oct 17, 2018 1:01 am
OOC:
OK. Second Wind in ZHPS after House Rules on degraded healing and recovery - that's going to bring up a hard ruling.

The point of that rule is that when you are put down to a point of making Death Saves, you can't just bounce back up and drive on. It is something that pretty much means hospitalization and bed rest, or at least some sort of external intervention, i.e. miraculous healing or expert medical treatment, if you are going to defy the odds and get back into normal operation. By all normal natural means, including just "toughing it out", it's just not going to happen.

No Hit Dice on Short Rest.

No full recovery for Long Rest.

Second Wind?
To me that is in generally the same category: normal internal means of bouncing back. Means of recovery that are intentionally meant to be hindered.

Because I've never published that, and it's something that needs to be clarified precisely, I'll allow some middle ground.

This time, Second Wind works, to a degree:
You get 1/2 of the HP rolled. In this case, that's 6.

Zero Hit Point State remains in effect.
Oct 17, 2018 3:03 am
Bryn takes a few quick deep breaths to clear his head before approaching Kray and Thorn and says "I’ll take what every you’ve got going medicine man, I feel like shit." he gladly accepts anything that will soothe the sting of the stirge wounds. Not one to usually one to partake, Bryn motions to Kray to pass the spliff he takes a long draw and grabs a cup of tea dropping to the ground.
OOC:
If medicine man gives me some sugar, I will gladly take the max hit Dice.
Last edited October 17, 2018 3:10 am

Rolls

Second Wind - (1d10+1)

(10) + 1 = 11

Oct 17, 2018 6:12 am
So fucking cold. And tired. Maybe just sleep...

After a few heavy breaths help clear his head, Maeriks recovers just enough to remember - the poison, the bats, that giant bat. He fell then, didn't he? Where are the others? His chest feels heavy for a moment with anxiety and fear and adrenaline. He has to find the others.

With a shuddering breath, he gets up onto hands and knees and slowly starts to feel around the pitch black room, searching for anything that is familiar, anything that will clue him into where he is. His muscles cry out in pain, causing him to drool incessantly and constantly catch his breath as he tries to put the pain aside. He searches carefully, listening in fear of what he might alert that may have taken him for dead.

Investigation check to attempt to figure out what things are around me. Perception check to listen for critters in the room and nearby. Stealth to try and not cry out in pain and draw the world of critters to me.

Constablebrew sent a note to DMJ
[ +- ] Maeriks Mac Mahan Mac Hannoc
Last edited October 17, 2018 6:28 am

Rolls

Perception (Disadvantage) - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (16) + 4 = 20

1d20+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

Stealth (Disadvantage) - (1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (10) + 2 = 12

1d20+2 : (19) + 2 = 21

Investigation (Disadvantage) - (1d20-2, 1d20-2)

1d20-2 : (9) - 2 = 7

1d20-2 : (7) - 2 = 5

Oct 17, 2018 9:54 am
Iasu clucks his tongue at the spliff being passed around as he tends to Bryn's injuries.
OOC:
Healer Feat: As an action, you can spend one use of a healer’s kit to tend to a creature and restore 1d6 + 4 hit points to it, plus additional hit points equal to the creature’s maximum number of Hit Dice. The creature can’t regain hit points from this feat again until it finishes a short or long rest.

Poultices: If you spend 1 minute applying one of your poultices to a wounded humanoid creature, thereby expending its use, that creature regains 1d6 hit points for every two ranger levels you have (rounded up).

Optional Action: can elect to drink Iasu's headache powder brew to ensure recovery from Level 1 Exhaustion after 20 minutes.
Last edited October 17, 2018 10:38 am

Rolls

Healer's Kit for Brynn - (1d6+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Poultice for Brynn - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Oct 17, 2018 10:54 am
Jabes.plays.RPG sent a note to DMJ
Oct 17, 2018 12:21 pm
Trying to hide his wince as the politice is applied Bryn exhales awkwardly away from the healer to not anger the one tending his wounds. "Thanks for the *cough* healing. " Bryn hands the spliff back to Kray and notices him staring off lost in thought. "You ok there Mercs?"

Bryn is all healed up, thanks for the Bad Medicine Jabes.
Last edited October 17, 2018 12:28 pm
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