Chapter 2: Do-si-do with Dame Fortune

Jul 1, 2018 4:49 am

"We're not in Kansaa Waterdeep anymore, Chhuck-chuck." Catriona breathes as she stares up at the looming spires.

Last edited July 2, 2018 8:51 pm

Rolls

Spell selection - (4d19, 2d16)

4d19 : (8694) = 27

2d16 : (149) = 23

Survival - (1d20+3)

(10) + 3 = 13

Jul 2, 2018 2:20 pm

OOC:

Grade 'A' welcome back die.

Last edited July 2, 2018 2:21 pm

Rolls

survival - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Jul 2, 2018 4:11 pm

Baraq looks up at the mountains and chirps wistfully.

She returns her attention to the others, and noting their lack of wings her chirps grows sullen. "You climb, or walk," she says in Common, pointing in the respective directions towards the spires and the foothills. "Climb up, maybe fall hard. Walk, maybe faster, maybe bear eat you."

Last edited July 2, 2018 4:15 pm

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Jul 2, 2018 8:42 pm

OOC:

Survival

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Jul 3, 2018 12:35 pm

Caveman keeps an eye out for the usual dangers as she makes her way to the spires.

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

Jul 3, 2018 4:08 pm

OOC:

For a bit of clarity, you are still about 9 days walk away from the spires if you take the foothill path, you can't really spot them yet. What is the group's decision: foothills for a few more days or mountain trek for the trip? If you chance the mountains themselves, it will be about 14 days of travel.

Jul 3, 2018 4:16 pm

OOC:

Baraq abstains from the voting, because she would choose option #3: fly there.

Jul 3, 2018 4:16 pm

"Make your choice, it doesn't matter to me," Aera says, hoping to prompt his land-walking companions to make a decision.

Jul 7, 2018 4:12 am

"Take to the mountains?"

Jul 16, 2018 12:38 am

Your decision seemingly made, you set sights on the mountains and begin to make your way into the sharp peaks beyond. The first thing you notice is the weather. In the mountains it is absolutely horrid. As a group, you cannot move more than about half your normal speed, between limited visibility, treacherous terrain, and unfamiliarity with the location.

Whoever is taking a lead, please make me a survival roll as well as a general D20 roll.

Jul 16, 2018 4:33 pm

Even the winged Baraq finds herself struggling to stay aloft in the horrible weather, and opts to stay grounded lest she is blown into the cliffs. Using her javelin to prod for strong footholds, she tries her best to guide the way.

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+5)

(16) + 5 = 21

General d20 - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Jul 16, 2018 5:10 pm

You spend the first two or three days in the mountains moving along at a reasonably straightforward pace, with Baraq providing excellent guidance. Along the way, not much presents itself to you. There are a few skittering lizards and the occasional mouse. You manage to find secure little hovels to tuck away into when the sun falls. The weather doesn't seem to abate, however. There ends up being a fifteen minute clear window every few hours where the avians are able to get into the air to stretch their wings, but it doesn't ever last long.

OOC:

Baraq, if you'll continue leading the group, go ahead and make the same Survival/D20 rolls. I'm not calling for all of them right now as what you may need to roll could change based on the outcome of each. However, I am fast-tracking the travel a bit where no immediate danger presents itself because day after day of "you walk, nothing happens" would just straight up suck.

Jul 16, 2018 7:37 pm

OOC:

Unless someone objects and wants to take the lead, Baraq will continue to be the pathfinder. I'll add two rolls each for now, and ignore the 2nd set if something happens from the 1st.

Forced to the ground for most of the day, Baraq chirps a bit of newfound respect at the ability of landsloggers to traverse the mountainous terrain.

Rolls

Survival x2 - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

1d20+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

General d20 x2 - (1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (16) = 16

1d20 : (3) = 3

Jul 25, 2018 5:12 pm

Baraq leads you all for another few days, though after the third day it's become pretty clear that you're treading through the same twisted mountain paths, without the ability to get up in the air it's not nearly so easy to keep your course true. However, a break in the weather finally gives your avian crew a chance to get up for some observation and correction and once more your order is set.

Baraq, go ahead and give me two more survival checks, this time at advantage, and a single d20 roll.

Jul 25, 2018 5:40 pm

Baraq sets off again with determination, her blood threatening to boil at the slow progress.

Rolls

Survival 1, Advantage - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

1d20+5 : (16) + 5 = 21

Survival 2, Advantage - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (10) + 5 = 15

1d20+5 : (14) + 5 = 19

Aug 3, 2018 12:51 am

It takes another few days of miserable trekking without sky cover, but you manage to make it to the pair of spires that were marked on the map. A brief search of the place reveals a small crack in the wall, about two feet wide and four feet tall. About four feet above that is a small circular hole in the rock. A cold whistling wind blows from the opening, though inside it appears to be pitch black as the sun has started to fall behind the mountain peaks.

Aug 3, 2018 8:04 pm

Baraq crouches to peer into the small crack in the wall, then using the shelter of the opening she lights a torch to throw further into the opening and illuminate the depth.

Aug 4, 2018 8:05 pm

The torch sails into the dark room, revealing a simple rectangular chamber about 20 feet wide and 40 feet deep. A single sarcophagus stands in the exact center of the room, with a relief carving of a regal figure on top.

Aug 9, 2018 6:56 am

"I never understand why the dead must be in boxes," hisses Baraq. She looks to see if the chamber is occupied by anything living, and ushers the others inside to take shelter from the night.

Aug 11, 2018 8:44 pm

Inside the chamber, the air is cool, but comfortable. It reminds Baraq of being in the wind soaring over the land.

Aug 13, 2018 2:08 am

Baraq offers to take first watch, and sits near the entrance to the cave.

Aug 13, 2018 7:36 pm

Aera follows Baraq into the chamber and begins looking over the sarcophagus, beak clicking loudly as he loses himself in thought

Last edited August 13, 2018 7:49 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(10) + 4 = 14

Investigation - (1d20+4)

(13) + 4 = 17

History - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Aug 13, 2018 7:43 pm

Cat would like nothing more than to flop down onto her bedroll after that long hike, but she doesn't want to look weak to the others,particularly the birdfolk. She joins them studying the sarcophagus.

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

History - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Aug 17, 2018 5:24 am

Xavena nods her assent. "Unnatural, these death boxes." She leans over and attempts to remove the lid.

Rolls

Strength Check? - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Aug 18, 2018 5:35 pm

Aera, you don't remember anything about this figure, but it is old. You notice some scuffing along the shield on his chest, almost as if it had slid up and down, like a giant button on the sarcophagus.

Cat, similarly you don't really remember anything useful about this figure, other than the fact that kings are sometimes interred with riches that they possessed during life.

Xavena, you try desperately to remove the lid, but it's as if someone glued it in place!

Aug 20, 2018 7:11 pm

Aera takes both hands (claws?) and grabs the shield, trying to move it up or down to see if it does anything.

Aug 20, 2018 7:38 pm

Please give me a flat strength check, at advantage if anyone assists you.

Aug 20, 2018 7:40 pm

OOC:

Strength Check w/ advantage?

Rolls

Str Check w/ possible advantage - (1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (18) + 2 = 20

1d20+2 : (20) + 2 = 22

Aug 20, 2018 7:42 pm

Baraq, wondering what all the fuss is about, helps Aera fiddle with the stone box.

Aug 21, 2018 1:04 pm

The two avians, working in concert with one another manage to find a pair of tiny depressions on either side of the shield. Pushing them down, there is a small click, and then a single shove down on the shield causes the sound of gears to roll and creak all around you.

The top of the sarcophagus silently glides into the air on shafts of glittering metal, slowly rising from the base as the head of the stone box, furthest from the entryway, slides into the floor, revealing a five foot wide stone staircase that descends deep into the mountain. A subtle light blue glow emanates from the passage, beckoning you inward.

Aug 21, 2018 2:22 pm

"I wasn't expecting that!"

Aug 21, 2018 4:07 pm

"Balan-Dur said Long Reach King buried like a dwarf," says Baraq, lighting another torch. "Dwarf die under mountain, maybe we go under mountain?"

Sensing that no rest will be taken, Baraq prepares to test the staircase, leading with a torch in one hand, warhammer in the other.

Aug 27, 2018 2:37 pm

You start to head down the stairs, the pale blue light making the torch largely unnecessary. The staircase heads deeper and deeper, getting to the point that you can't see anything behind or in front of you aside from more stairs. They are smooth, and perfectly cut. There is no way to spot any level of wear on them. No dips, no bevels, nothing. No dust covers any surface and a steady cool breeze moves through the passage. The passage winds and turns at various points until none of you is certain of your orientation.

After a ten minute trek, the stairs finally flatten out and reveal a circular room with three doors and a doorway. You enter from the southern doorway and see the three exquisitely crafted doors on the north, east, and west points of the room, as indicated by a massive mithral compass rose inlaid into the black stone floor, stretching easily across the twenty foot diameter of the chamber. At the very center of the room is a basin filled with blue fire. Each door has a sigil worked into the design. To the west, a sword with the point to the ceiling. To the east, a tower shield. Finally, to the north a crown, with flames on the tips of the points.

Aug 27, 2018 4:17 pm

Baraq chirps, then looks to the others. "Which way?" she asks.

Aug 27, 2018 5:41 pm

"East?"

Aug 28, 2018 6:44 am

Catriona shrugs. This is all one big adventure for her. It's exciting no matter what the group does.

Aug 28, 2018 1:08 pm

Aera nods and immediately sets off to the east.

Aug 28, 2018 4:57 pm

Baraq shrugs, and approaches the eastern door. She looks at the tower shield briefly before pressing her warhammer against the door in an attempt to open it.

Sep 6, 2018 2:32 pm

As you press against the door, the shield starts to glow bright red around the edge. Then, without so much as a sound, the door shifts and slides deep into the floor, revealing a small room with three alcoves on the walls without the door. A dwarf, an elf, and a human stand impassively, carved of cold stone. Each holds a shield in front of them. A symbol is inlaid on the floor of a golden scepter within a twisted wooden crown.

Sep 6, 2018 4:09 pm

"Is that the stick we're looking for?" Baraq asks, pointing to the symbol on the ground.

Sep 6, 2018 4:36 pm

OOC:

Is the scepter pointing at any specific statue?

Sep 6, 2018 7:25 pm

It's pointing to the dwarf currently. As you stand in the doorway, the elf is on your left, dwarf straight ahead, and human to the right.

Sep 6, 2018 7:39 pm

Aera walks over to the dwarf and looks it over for anything strange.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

Investigation - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Sep 7, 2018 1:22 pm

Aera's talons click across the floor, echoing in the otherwise silent room. You notice nothing strange on the dwarf, the quality of the craft is excellent though. Highly detailed, complete with a scar from the outside edge of the right eye down to his chin. The shield bears a royal marking, but not one that any of you has ever heard of.

You also notice a warhammer hanging from his waist, again part of the stonework.

Sep 8, 2018 6:27 am

To Baraq, all non-winged humanoids look the same, and she pays the statues no mind.

Sep 11, 2018 4:12 am

"Don't know. Should we take it and leave?"

Sep 11, 2018 8:29 pm

Not finding anything on the dwarf, Aera moves to the elf and human to look them over.

Rolls

Elf Perception/Investigation (In that order) - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (13) + 4 = 17

1d20+4 : (11) + 4 = 15

Human Perception/Investigation (In that order) - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (14) + 4 = 18

1d20+4 : (10) + 4 = 14

Sep 13, 2018 2:11 pm

As you inspect the statues, you likewise notice nothing strange. The quality of crafting is still impeccable, almost lifelike these statues.

Sep 13, 2018 4:15 pm

Baraq tries to stretch her wings in this tight underground space. "We are here for Long Reach King and his stick," she chirps, goading the others to hurry up.

Sep 13, 2018 4:29 pm

OOC:

The scepter is just a carving, not an actual thing that I can take, right? If so, Aera is ready to move on :)

Sep 13, 2018 4:40 pm

OOC:

Sort of, it's a decorative inlay. Either way, you couldn't actually take it out without an excavation crew. :)

Sep 19, 2018 3:45 pm

Aera leads the way back and pushes on the door with the sword.

Sep 19, 2018 3:59 pm

Baraq follows, ready to assist in whatever skull-bashing might be warranted.

Sep 19, 2018 4:52 pm

Catriona follows the others. She finds this all incredibly exciting but also quite scary, though she hopes it doesn't show.

Sep 20, 2018 12:54 am

Aera, give me a reflex save as you push against the door.

Sep 24, 2018 7:49 pm

OOC:

Dex save!

Rolls

Dexterity Save - (1d20+7)

(4) + 7 = 11

Sep 25, 2018 2:46 am

As Aera pushes on the door, the sword cracks open and a silver blade flashes out, slicing vertically, barely missing the avian's chest as it stops before hitting the door. Slowly, it swings back up, nestling in the door before the stone sword closes just enough to re-hide the deadly trap. Silently, the door swings open, revealing a similar hallway to the first room, terminating in a room with a pair of crossed scimitars on a polished stone frame.

Sep 25, 2018 3:02 am

"Funny door," chirps Baraq. She proceeds down the hallway, shield up to ward away any more blades from the walls.

Sep 25, 2018 12:13 pm

Aera follows right behind Baraq, feathers a bit ruffled from his close call with the blade.

Sep 26, 2018 10:25 am

Catriona barely suppresses a scream when the trap is triggered. Nervously, she follows the birdfolk through the door.

Sep 27, 2018 1:49 am

Walking down the hall, you see that you are free from any further traps at this point. Upon arrival in the small room, you note that the crossed blades are exquisitely made. A sapphire sits in the pommel of each, the metalwork all polished silver.

Sep 28, 2018 2:11 am

"Looks expensive."

Sep 29, 2018 12:07 am

Baraq tries to inspect the rest of the room, wary now of anything that might be triggered should the scimitars be moved.

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

Sep 29, 2018 2:40 am

Aera moves forward and begins looking over the crossed swords and the sapphires embedded within.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(10) + 4 = 14

Oct 1, 2018 12:46 pm

You don't notice anything that looks like a trap related to the swords.

Aera, to your glance, they really just like well-made, expensive, scimitars. Each gem would likely be worth an easy two hundred gold to a reasonable vendor, if they were by themselves.

Oct 1, 2018 5:14 pm

Baraq reaches out to take one of the scimitars, hoping to test its quality.

Oct 1, 2018 5:30 pm

Baraq picks the blade up and it moves easily. The balance is perfect and you can see the edge is still very finely honed. Upon closer inspection as you grasp it, you can see a small symbol carved into the pommel. The sapphire appears to be set in a polished ring, so this would be just on the very butt of the handle. A tiny compass figure is carved there. In the back of your mind you have this little sensation that seems to cry out "Ask me. Just ask me."

Oct 1, 2018 5:35 pm

"Ask you, who?" Baraq says, turning to see who else has entered the chamber.

Oct 1, 2018 5:46 pm

As you turn and ask, you see no other person entering the room. Again the thought pings the back of your head. "No, not who. That is the wrong question."

Oct 1, 2018 6:07 pm

Baraq takes the other scimitar and holds both out in front of her. "Someone is talking," she says. "Someone I can't see."

Oct 1, 2018 7:13 pm

Cocking his head to the side in confusion, Aera walks over to Baraq and looks around for any small people.

Oct 1, 2018 7:15 pm

The bottom of the other blade bears the mark of a small hourglass on the pommel. As you grasp it, another voice joins it in the back of your head. "Hmmm. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Merely think and you will always be a winner."

Oct 1, 2018 7:37 pm

"What is it telling you?" Cat asks Baraq, wide-eyed.

Oct 1, 2018 7:44 pm

"Two people talk now," says Baraq, looking around. "Do you not hear?"

Seeing that indeed, none of the others can hear these voices, Baraq intuits the source. "These swords. They speak. Here, you try." She holds out the compass-scimitar out to Aera and the hourglass-scimitar to Cat.

Oct 1, 2018 7:46 pm

Aera, you hear in your head "Ask me. Just ask me." if you take the blade.

Cat, you hear in your head "Hmmm. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Merely think and you will always be a winner." if you take the blade.

Oct 1, 2018 8:06 pm

Aera recoils in shock as the voice appears in his head, "Ask you? What should I ask you?" he says aloud.

Oct 1, 2018 8:15 pm

Baraq points at Aera. "Yes! That's what it said, you hear it!" She seems satisfied that at least one other person has experienced the same thing.

Oct 1, 2018 8:30 pm

Aera, in the back of your mind, you hear a voice. "Perceive and receive, information is yours if you want to know where not when."

Oct 1, 2018 8:46 pm

"Perceive? Receive? Where am I supposed to perceive? What information?" Aera asks aloud, more to keep his thoughts in order than directly in response to the sword-voice.

Last edited October 1, 2018 8:46 pm

Oct 1, 2018 8:49 pm

Go ahead and give me a general intelligence check, Aera.

Oct 1, 2018 8:53 pm

OOC:

Intelligence!

Rolls

Int Check - (1d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

Oct 1, 2018 9:17 pm

You manage to catch sight of the engraving once more. It's very clearly a compass, though upon further inspection, you can see a tiny little dot near one end with a drip of blue lacquer paint inside of it. You wonder if the asking has something to do with directionality.

Oct 2, 2018 5:56 am

Jabes.plays.RPG says:

"What is it telling you?" Cat asks Baraq, wide-eyed.

dramasailor says:

Cat, you hear in your head "Hmmm. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Merely think and you will always be a winner." if you take the blade.

Cat doesn't touch either of the the blades. She just pesters the birdfolk with questions: "What's it saying? Is it the sword or the statue? Is it speaking in common speech? Does it sound human? Man or woman? Does it sound magical? What's it saying???"

Last edited October 2, 2018 5:59 am

Oct 2, 2018 6:33 am

Baraq keeps the hourglass-scimitar. "This one wants food," she says, tilting her head inquisitively at the blade. "It must have a mouth, if it is speaking."

Oct 2, 2018 12:07 pm

Aera straps the scimitar to his belt loops and points to the compass, "Directions."

Oct 6, 2018 5:00 am

"A sword is thinking about food?" Watching the others attempt to make conversation with the blades, Xavena stands and watches them for a few more minutes before taking some more dried provisions from her pack and having herself a snack.

Oct 8, 2018 11:27 pm

As you sit and eat, the blades you hold repeat their statements, but more quietly than before. Other than that, everything is still and quiet.

Oct 8, 2018 11:34 pm

Baraq shrugs, and holds onto the meal-thinking sword. She looks around the room to see if there is anything else of interest.

Oct 11, 2018 1:36 am

If nothing else is found here, then Aera will lead the party through the next door.

Oct 12, 2018 4:14 am

"Is this what all dwarves do with their dead? Seems a waste to leave a hungry, talking sword here. Or perhaps it was left here because it wouldn't stop talking?"

Oct 12, 2018 5:48 am

"It is getting annoying," says Baraq. As a test, she tries putting the sword into her bag to see if that shuts it up.

Oct 14, 2018 7:31 pm

Putting the blade into your bag doesn't seem to quiet the little quips in the back of your head.

You approach the door with the crown, pushing lightly. It slides backwards effortlessly and slides into the floor soundlessly. In the room beyond is a statuesque dwarf, one that stands taller than any human you've met, clearly one meant to be a hero. A suit of plate armor covers the figure, a crown atop his head, a warhammer held aloft in one hand with a scepter in the other.

There is an etched platinum plate on the base of the statue, it reads "Lorgear Plateforge, Lord of the Long Reaches".

Oct 14, 2018 10:02 pm

"I expected longer arms," says Baraq. She looks to see if the scepter in the statue can be removed.

Oct 14, 2018 10:34 pm

Aera will fly up and try to remove the crown

Oct 15, 2018 8:21 am

"Do you think that's it, then? The crown the Baron hired us to find?"

Last edited October 15, 2018 4:00 pm

Oct 15, 2018 3:56 pm

Baraq chirps, "I thought we wanted stick."

Oct 18, 2018 4:08 am

"Take everything."

Oct 22, 2018 6:05 pm

As you try to remove the crown, you note that it really isn't possible to be removed. The scepter, however, looks to be removable.

[ +- ] Intelligence 15+ (Can use smithing tool proficiency if need be)

Oct 22, 2018 6:39 pm

"Hat is not even shiny," says Baraq, dismissively.

Oct 23, 2018 4:27 pm

With a last, disappointed, glance at the crown, Aera descends and takes the scepter.

Oct 26, 2018 4:47 am

"What does the stick do again? We sure this is it? I don't want to come back if it's not."

Oct 26, 2018 12:54 pm

"It's called a scepter. It's a symbol of authority of rulership."

Oct 26, 2018 3:57 pm

As Aera removes the scepter from the statue's hand, the cave begins to rumble and from outside the room a stiff breeze gushes through the room, extinguishing all torchlight, leaving you in a pitch black, wind-filled chamber.

Just over the sound of the wind, you hear the shriek of stone and metal moving against one another.

DESECRATION! VIOLATION! USURPATION! booms through the room in Common, then in Dwarven. It repeats over and over from no identifiable direction.

COMBAT! PCs are up.

Dramasailor sent a note to Dramasailor

Rolls

Secret Roll

Oct 26, 2018 4:11 pm

OOC:

Aera is RIGHT in front of the statue. Does it sound like that's the metal/stone sound?

Oct 26, 2018 4:51 pm

Believing that the wind will prevent anyone from re-lighting a torch, Baraq squawks, "Everyone out!" She blindly tries to make her way to the exit, using the direction of the breeze as a guide.

Rolls

Perception, adding disadvantage if DM requires - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (11) + 5 = 16

1d20+5 : (20) + 5 = 25

Oct 26, 2018 6:58 pm

OOC:

Cat has darkvision. Can she see, or is this magical darkness of some sort?

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Oct 26, 2018 9:00 pm

Aera, the sound is definitely coming from right where the statue is.
Cat, you cannot see through this darkness at all. Inky pitch black.
Baraq, you can easily navigate to the other room, but it is also super inky dark.

Oct 26, 2018 10:41 pm

OOC:

Is the wind consistent, or can we light a torch in the other room?

"Come! This way, follow my voice!" Baraq says.

Oct 26, 2018 10:58 pm

Aera tries to head toward the exit with the scepter, "Flee!

Nov 1, 2018 2:38 pm

The wind continues to howl in the other room, still with an evershifting direction of origin. Baraq and Aera especially notice the way the eddies move through the room as being unnatural.

Aera, are you Disengaging or just moving away?

Nov 1, 2018 7:01 pm

OOC:

Disengage!

Nov 2, 2018 1:02 pm

Catriona tries to follow the birdmen out.

OOC:

Disengage.

Nov 2, 2018 2:21 pm

As you rush through the magical darkness, you cannot find the entrance. In fact, when you get into the room, you aren't even sure where the exit may be.

The grating sound of stone and metal follows you into the room and Aera, you feel a punishingly strong blow land where your right wing meets your body. (7 points bludgeoning damage)

Just realized Xavena hadn't posted, I just assumed they'd be running with the rest.
Combat. Bold below may act
Aera
Baraq
Catriona
Xavena

Dramasailor sent a note to Dramasailor

Rolls

Secret Roll

Nov 2, 2018 4:01 pm

Not seeing a way out, Aera draws his shortsword and lashes out a the thing that just struck him

Rolls

Attack w/ disadvantage - (1d20+7, 1d20+7, 1d6+5)

1d20+7 : (9) + 7 = 16

1d20+7 : (12) + 7 = 19

1d6+5 : (2) + 5 = 7

Nov 2, 2018 4:02 pm

"Find the way out of this foul hole!" hisses Baraq. Instead of blindly fumbling for the exit, the aarakocra decides to blindly fumble her attacks against the sound of stone and metal. She swings her warhammer recklessly for where she thinks the sound comes from.

OOC:

Bonus Action, Rage. Reckless Attack to cancel out disadvantage for Blind condition.

Spirit of the Wolf grants advantage to allies on melee attacks against any creature within 5 feet of Baraq.

[ +- ] [url=https://gamersplane.com/characters/dnd5/3597/

Rolls

Warhammer, Bludgeoning Damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+5)

1d20+5 : (19) + 5 = 24

1d8+5 : (6) + 5 = 11

Nov 3, 2018 2:43 am

Xavena runs with the others, shifting into the form of a wolf and attempting to move away from the sound of impact while looking for a way out. If none is found, she turns towards where she last remembers the statue being and keeps her guard up.

Nov 18, 2018 9:44 pm

OOC:

Taking a Defend action if applicable?

Last edited November 18, 2018 9:44 pm

Nov 19, 2018 1:02 am

OOC:

Wow, totally missed this one.... damn. Umm, I'll give Jabes through tomorrow for Catriona to take an action and then move us along.

Nov 19, 2018 10:54 am

OOC:

Dodge action as we try to make our escape.

Nov 25, 2018 2:51 pm

Aera's swing goes wide, hitting nothing substantive as the sound of Baraq's warhammer slamming into the statue sounds its hollow thud. Vatriona and Xavena both find themselves taking a guarded stance against the unseen assailant.

The wind suddenly stops, though the darkness persists. Baraq feels two whooshes of air as the creature's attacks cannot find purchase on the avian.

Combat. Bold below may act
Aera
Baraq
Catriona
Xavena

Dramasailor sent a note to Dramasailor

Rolls

Secret Roll

Nov 26, 2018 4:58 pm

Catriona gropes her way towards Baraq, then uses her deep connection to nature to call for aid. A spectral hawk appears, hovering in the air. Though its glow does not illuminate the area, it does give Catriona some sense of where their attacker might be.

OOC:

Bonus action: Summon Hawk Spirit
Action: Dodge

[ +- ] Spirit Totem (Hawk)

Last edited November 26, 2018 4:58 pm

Nov 26, 2018 7:27 pm

Aera continues attacking the statue, not seeing any other way out

Rolls

Attack w/ disadvantage - (1d20+7, 1d20+7, 1d6+5)

1d20+7 : (7) + 7 = 14

1d20+7 : (4) + 7 = 11

1d6+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

Sneak attack if my disadvantage is nullified - (2d6)

(44) = 8

Nov 26, 2018 8:13 pm

OOC:

I thought Baraq was negating the Disadvantage? I'm using my Reaction to grant Advantage to Baraq's next attack.

Nov 26, 2018 8:15 pm

Jabes.plays.RPG says:

OOC:

I thought Baraq was negating the Disadvantage? I'm using my Reaction to grant Advantage to Baraq's next attack.

OOC:

Oh yeah, I had forgotten!

Nov 29, 2018 6:56 am

Baraq blindly hammers away at the stone. She measures her attack this time, feeling the guiding spirit above her.

Rolls

Warhammer, Bludgeoning Damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+5)

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

1d8+5 : (7) + 5 = 12

Nov 29, 2018 1:59 pm

Catriona's hawk spirit guides Baraq's strike.

OOC:

Baraq has advantage on that attack.

Nov 29, 2018 5:04 pm

OOC:

Still in darkness, so the advantage just cancels out the disadvantage. Can't stack advantages.

Nov 29, 2018 7:03 pm

OOC:

Well poop. You're right of course, and I forgot about that. Useless hawk totem is useless. Should've summoned Bear or Unicorn.

https://66.media.tumblr.com/493105cdf941297795aa831328ea329d/tumblr_ogr3oqGT6Q1squc7do1_500.gif

Last edited November 29, 2018 7:03 pm

Nov 30, 2018 4:20 am

Frustrated and hearing the sound of combat, Xavena rushes towards the sound of the fray and attempts to bite off chunks of rock (?).

Rolls

Wolf Bite - (1d20+4, 2d4+2)

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

2d4+2 : (24) + 2 = 8

Nov 30, 2018 2:02 pm

All of your attacks manage to miss in the chilled darkness. It would seem that the cacophony of your group has confused the creature as well and it cannot manage to land attacks on Baraq, sending more whiffs of air over the avian's feathers.

Combat. Bold below may act
Aera
Baraq
Catriona
Xavena

Dramasailor sent a note to Dramasailor

Rolls

Secret Roll

Nov 30, 2018 2:32 pm

Becoming more desperate and feeling trapped, Aera continues attacking the enemy, drawing his dagger and stabbing with that alongside his shortsword.

Rolls

Shortsword attack - (1d20+7, 1d6+5)

1d20+7 : (12) + 7 = 19

1d6+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

Dagger attack - (1d20+7, 1d4)

1d20+7 : (4) + 7 = 11

1d4 : (1) = 1

Sneak attack! - (2d6)

(63) = 9

Nov 30, 2018 5:34 pm

"Someone make sun!" Baraq screeches, momentarily forgetting Common grammar in her rage. She recklessly swings her warhammer for where she thinks their opponent is.

[ +- ] [url=https://gamersplane.com/characters/dnd5/3597/

Rolls

Reckless Warhammer, Bludgeoning Damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+5)

1d20+5 : (18) + 5 = 23

1d8+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

Nov 30, 2018 5:47 pm

Barack connects with the creature's body as Aera does as well. As suddenly as it started, the blackness fades to light and the shattered statue lies on the ground in a motionless heap.

Combat over.

Nov 30, 2018 6:01 pm

Baraq blinks, and looks to see who dispelled the darkness. With a nod, she says to no one in particular, "Good."

Dec 4, 2018 12:33 am

Looking over at Aera, Baraq asks, "You have the stick? The one the mad old human told us about?"

Dec 4, 2018 2:11 am

Aera nods his head, "Yes"

Dec 4, 2018 3:54 pm

"What do we do with it? Take it back?" says Baraq. Already she looks to the exit, eager to touch the sky once again.

Dec 6, 2018 12:28 am

Aera nods, "Let's go," he says, moving back toward the entrance.

Dec 6, 2018 3:43 am

"Was that all we needed? Now what?" Back in her Draconic form, Xavena follows the flyers out.

Dec 6, 2018 3:25 pm

Baraq chirps, "I don't remember. Take it back to mad old human?"

Dec 9, 2018 6:42 pm

You notice that the door to the stairway up is open once more and you can easily ascend to the chamber above. Once there, you notice that the air is far colder than when you first descended into the hidden crypt.

Dec 10, 2018 8:09 pm

Baraq approaches the exit to the outside, inspecting the weather and surrounding area to see if both are clear.

Dec 12, 2018 3:03 pm

"Let's go, quickly," Aera says, eyes darting back and forth, "This place is strange magic."

Dec 12, 2018 4:03 pm

Baraq looks over the rest of the party. "Quickest way is through the air," she chirps, staring at Xavena and Catriona. "You two have changed into other creatures before; can you do it again, this time with wings?"

Dec 12, 2018 4:33 pm

As you get to the outside, it has changed dramatically from when you entered the cave. Where before it was cool, the mountain pass appears to be blanketed with a mid-winter snow. Easily knee deep on a human, it is wet and heavy. The wind is piercingly cold and blowing at a steady gust. The sky is steel gray and full of clouds. Your breath forms dense clouds of mist with every exhalation.

Dec 12, 2018 4:37 pm

Xavena shakes her head. "No wings."

Dec 12, 2018 5:00 pm

"Pity," says Baraq, and there is sincerity in her voice. She suggests, "Weather too bad for travel. Camp here until it is safe."

Dec 12, 2018 5:45 pm

OOC:

For my own nefarious benign purposes, who is actually carrying the scepter?

Dec 12, 2018 6:14 pm

Xavena sighs. "Maybe one day. Camp? Yes."

Dec 12, 2018 7:00 pm

Baraq leaves the scepter in Aera's possession.

Dec 12, 2018 7:52 pm

Aera slips the scepter through a loop on his belt

Dec 15, 2018 2:22 am

"Is anyone tired yet? Need to find something to do."

Dec 15, 2018 3:28 pm

You settle yourselves into the room, deciding to wait out the storm. Feel free to take a long rest and let me know if there's anything in particular you are wanting to accomplish.

Dec 17, 2018 5:55 pm

"What is so special about the stick?" asks Baraq.

OOC:

If no one else volunteers, Baraq will spend the time figuring out the scepter.

Otherwise, I'm good for a long rest.

Dec 19, 2018 1:29 am

Go ahead and give me an investigation check, with advantage if anyone is helping to study the scepter.

Dec 19, 2018 6:13 am

OOC:

Investigation!

Rolls

Investigation, possible advantage - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (3) + 3 = 6

1d20+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

Dec 19, 2018 2:28 pm

Aera assists with the inspection.

OOC:

If I'd gotten to this sooner, I'd have done it, since I have expertise (+6) in investigation

Dec 19, 2018 3:31 pm

Baraq tests the balance and weight of the stick, and reasons that it's not a very good weapon. She hands it back to Aera.

Dec 21, 2018 12:06 am

You do notice that it has light carvings of different weather patterns swirling between the handle and the head of the scepter. Along the head of the scepter, Aera, you can see that it has a small jewel in which a snowstorm is howling.

Dec 24, 2018 2:40 pm

Aera points out his findings to the others, "It's a weather stick," he says simply.

Dec 24, 2018 3:58 pm

Baraq tilts her head, studying the stick. "All that for a stick that tells the weather?" she scoffs. "Why bother with this stick, then? We could have grabbed anything, even a rock, to figure out the weather."

As evidence of her complaint, Baraq walks out of the cave entrance and slams one of her javelins into the ground. She re-enters the cave and says, "Look, weather stick.

"Stick is wet and cold. It is snowing.

"Stick is leaning to one side. It is windy.

"Stick is dark. No sun."

Squawking in frustration, Baraq tears into her evening meal.

Dec 28, 2018 5:43 am

"Waste of time. Just look outside. Save sticks for throwing."

Dec 31, 2018 4:50 pm

Aera shrugs, "Don't matter. Not my stick. We take it back and we'll be done."

Jan 4, 2019 4:37 pm

Baraq nods. She retrieves her javelin and settles back into the cave to wait out the storm. She tries to keep the entrance clear of snow as best she can so they are not completely blocked in.

Jan 4, 2019 6:05 pm

Mystery Rolls!

Rolls

Hmm? - (2d12)

(910) = 19

Hmm?^2

2 Positive, 1 Blank, 1 Negative - Total: +1

Jan 4, 2019 6:16 pm

Almost a full day goes by as you camp in the cave. Nothing bothers your slumber, and the location is well-enough secured that you don't need to worry about the weather at all. Just as the dawn light starts to rise, you can see that the snowstorm has abated, leaving a crystal blue sky and frigid winds swirling the powder on the ground.

Jan 7, 2019 1:55 am

"Let us get this stick back to the crazy man," says Baraq, stepping out of the cave to stretch her wings.

Jan 9, 2019 9:30 am

Catriona yawns and shudders. She has been practicing taking animal forms but still hasn't managed a shape with wings. Last night she slept as a bear to ward off the chill but now she finds herself back in her own body.

Rolls

Level 1 spells for the day - (4d19)

(1816114) = 49

Level 2 spells for the day - (2d16)

(716) = 23

Jan 10, 2019 9:04 pm

You make your way out of the cave, heading back from whence you came.

Baraq and Aera, if you two are working together to fly over the mountains to pick out pathways and such, go ahead and one of you give me an advantaged survival roll, plus a d20 roll.

Jan 10, 2019 9:07 pm

Baraq takes to the air, stretching her limbs before gazing upon the mountain.

OOC:

I have a +5 to Survival, so if Aera doesn't mind I'll roll with advantage

Rolls

Survival, Advantage - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (20) + 5 = 25

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

d20 - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Jan 10, 2019 9:12 pm

Aera is glad to stretch his wings once more, taking off with Baraq and assisting with navigation.

Jan 15, 2019 5:10 pm

Baraq is able to pick out a fabulous path through the snow, with Aera's color commentary providing some minor tweaks here and there. This weather holds solid through the next several days, allowing you all to travel pretty solidly. You can tell it's taking far more time to go back this way than it did to traverse in. Thanks to the expert path you plot out, you are able to easily find good shelter along the way and don't suffer any ill effects from the cold.

However, about a ten-day into the trip, you spot ten humanoids in seemingly threadbare clothing trudging through the snow towards a stand of white-dusted pine trees. Far off in the distance you can see a dark clump that seems to be more humanoids moving that direction. They are about a ten minute flight, or a two hour walk away. It's roughly midday when you spot them.

Jan 15, 2019 5:15 pm

Baraq eyes the ten humanoids first, assessing their fitness and physique.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Jan 15, 2019 5:25 pm

They look weak, and possibly malnourished. You see nothing other than the occasional dagger for dining.

Jan 15, 2019 6:23 pm

Baraq swoops to the others. "Maybe good hunting there," she says, pointing out the small group. "Weak and tired. But there is another group coming, larger in number. Perhaps we wait and see what is left."

Jan 16, 2019 4:51 am

"I don't trust it. They might be desperate. They could put up a fight. Or it could be a trick."

Jan 16, 2019 4:41 pm

"What if they need help?"

I miss Rolen. I miss talking to him. Sometimes these three savages make me wanna scream!

Jan 16, 2019 4:48 pm

Aera stops as if the thought had never occurred to him, "Maybe we should ask?"

Jan 16, 2019 4:59 pm

Baraq hisses, displeased with the thought of risking themselves for such weaklings. Aside from that, she does not provide any further objections.

Jan 18, 2019 2:06 pm

Do you all approach the group of ten? If so, who and how?

Jan 21, 2019 9:24 pm

Aera will go with the group that decides to approach.

Jan 21, 2019 11:42 pm

Baraq takes to the sky. Whether the group decides to stay out of it or intervene, she will find the best position in the sun to observe and act.

Jan 24, 2019 4:17 pm

Xavena turn to Cat. "You want to help them?" She motions her toward the group.

Jan 25, 2019 3:07 am

"Find our what they're about, at least." Cat starts walking purposely towards the group.

Jan 25, 2019 3:39 am

Xavena half shrugs, following behind Cat while keeping her staff at the ready.

Jan 25, 2019 7:10 pm

Your group makes their way towards the band, walking and following the lead of the avians. It takes about two hours, but you do manage to reach the group. Up close, it looks to be three generations of closely related humans, all with threadbare clothing and a decided lack of food. The oldest of the men sports a scraggly white and gray beard, and eyes that are like his compatriots: hollow.

Who, who are you? You aren't with those tuskers, are you? he stammers out as you approach, eyes squinting at Catriona.

Jan 25, 2019 7:21 pm

"Tuskers? Do we look like tuskers?!" Cat has no idea what tuskers are, but she doesn't like the sound of that. "You, there! Take this food, share it amongst yourselves. Where are you headed?"

Jan 25, 2019 7:26 pm

Unable to hear the conversation below, Baraq remains in the sky. She tries to keep herself in the position of the sun while she watches the groups.

Jan 30, 2019 1:58 am

The older man looks slightly taken aback as he stares back at Catriona. Tuskers are orcs, girlie. Nasty vile beasts. We're running from a pack of them. Have been for nearly five days so far. Ran out of food yesterday. Had to melt snow for water this mornin'. Please tell me you'll help us? They can't be but an hour behind us by now, we've been slowed up by all this snow. he says, words starting to chatter slightly as the frigid wind whips up again.

Baraq, the winds have started picking up, though the skies remain clear. You can see the orcish band is still approaching from afar, likely about 20 minutes away from the position now.

Jan 30, 2019 2:11 am

Baraq tries to count the number of individuals in the larger group from this distance.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Jan 30, 2019 2:19 am

There are ten humans in the larger group, and you can now see that the other group is five armored orcs.

Jan 31, 2019 5:56 pm

Good sport, Baraq thinks, though risky. She maintains her position, hovering on the wind, and prepares to launch herself towards any trouble encountered by the others.

Feb 1, 2019 8:34 pm

Aera nods, "We can help," he says before launching himself up to meet Baraq, "Orcs to kill. You'll fight?"

Feb 1, 2019 10:24 pm

"Fight anybody," Baraq answers. She takes out her shortbow and nocks an arrow, ready to commence the attack. She gauges the distance to the orcs as they are an hour away. "Fight now?"

Feb 7, 2019 1:53 pm

The orcs appear to be about 20 minutes from the humans currently Baraq. They are moving quickly, well adapted to the snow.

Feb 7, 2019 2:42 pm

Quote:

Please tell me you'll help us?

"Yes, we'll help, try to get to safety, all of you. Go!"

OOC:

I guess we've been spotted by the orcs, so no chance of an ambush. What's the plan?

Last edited February 7, 2019 3:27 pm

Feb 7, 2019 2:54 pm

As the humans scatter, Aera nocks an arrow, says "Fight now!" and fires at the orcs.

Rolls

Attack w/ possible sneak? - (1d20+7, 1d6+5, 2d6)

1d20+7 : (1) + 7 = 8

1d6+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

2d6 : (46) = 10

Advantage in case I'm considered hidden? - (1d20+7)

(1) + 7 = 8

Feb 7, 2019 10:32 pm

"Yes, fight. Protect the easy prey."

Feb 8, 2019 12:43 am

Baraq folds her wings in and falls into a dive, seeking to close the distance. Knowing that she can't reach the orcs, she fires an arrow to soften her targets.

Rolls

Shortbow, Piercing Damage - (1d20+6, 1d6+4)

1d20+6 : (12) + 6 = 18

1d6+4 : (4) + 4 = 8

Feb 13, 2019 5:33 am

Xavena waits for the orcs to move closer to the group before she takes any action against them. She turns to Cat. "Should we focus on the strongest of them?"

Feb 13, 2019 3:43 pm

"Yes. That is how you break their spirit!" Cat declares. At least, she thinks to herself, that's how the heroes do it in the storybooks.

Feb 13, 2019 5:17 pm

"Then we hunt." Xavena nods, then shifts into her wolf form.

Feb 14, 2019 3:01 am

As you all prepare yourselves, the ragamuffin group shifts to hide behind your collected team. After several tense minutes, you see the orcs come into proper visibility, moving decisively through the snow. At a glance, it looks like there are five of them, all armored, however, the one in the middle of the pack has wickedly long claws on its hands. Both Aera and Baraq send arrows hurtling after the beefier looking orc, though only Baraq's lands!

Catriona can still take whatever action she'd like as Xavena shifts into a wolf. The orcs run forward, undeterred by the arrows raining from above, now about 80 feet from your location.

Combat! PCs are up!
Claw-Handed Orc AC 14 / 8 Damage
Orc 1 AC 13 / 0 Damage
Orc 2 AC 13 / 0 Damage
Orc 3 AC 13 / 0 Damage
Orc 4 AC 13 / 0 Damage

Feb 14, 2019 8:44 am

As Catriona howls like a wolf and surges forward, a ball of flame comes into being in between her and charging orcs. In the center of the flaming sphere is the spectral form of a hawk.

OOC:

Action: Flaming Sphere 40ft ahead.
Bonus: Spirit Totem (Hawk) also 40ft ahead.
Move 30ft

Feb 14, 2019 1:57 pm

Aera waits until the orcs are engaged and then fires an arrow into the distracted enemies.

OOC:

Going to shoot one that's engaged so I can get the sneak attack damage.

Rolls

Attack w/ sneak damage - (1d20+7, 1d6+5, 2d6)

1d20+7 : (6) + 7 = 13

1d6+5 : (1) + 5 = 6

2d6 : (54) = 9

Feb 14, 2019 4:07 pm

Baraq dives low, stashing her shortbow in favor of a javelin. She pushes once with her wings before extending them in a glide, savoring the taste of battle and the chance to prove her dominance of the world. In a reckless rage, she flings her javelin for the claw-handed orc.

[ +- ] [url=https://gamersplane.com/characters/dnd5/3597/

Rolls

Javelin, Reckless, Piercing Damage - (1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (14) + 5 = 19

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

1d6+3 : (3) + 3 = 6

Feb 26, 2019 2:31 am

OOC:

Moofs, what is Xavena up to in all her wolfiness?

Feb 26, 2019 2:57 am

Xavena charges at her prey, the largest of the orcs. She dodges the ball of fire as best she can.

OOC:

DC 11 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone

Rolls

Wolf Bite - (1d20+4, 2d4+2)

1d20+4 : (19) + 4 = 23

2d4+2 : (43) + 2 = 9

Mar 9, 2019 1:38 pm

Aera's arrow takes one of the orcs through the throat, sending it to the snow in a crimson blossom of blood.

Acting in unison, Xavenawolf and Baraq launch attacks at the claw-handed orc, each landing solid strikes. Her muscled frame doesn't bend as the wolf slams into her, however.

Catriona's flaming sphere swirls into existence, about ten feet from the charging orcs.

Infuriated by the nasty wolf bite, the claw-handed orc swipes at the wolf with four vicious swings of her clawed hands. Two of the swipes manage to connect with the wolf (16 and 18 vs AC. 4 and 8 (12 total) damage.)

The other orcs look to the skies, pulling a javelin each off their back and lobbing them towards the avians. One towards Aera and two towards Baraq. The javelin sailing towards Aera manages to clip the avian (20 vs AC. 6 damage.). Only one of the javelins manages to hit Baraq, but it definitely finds its home, slicing along where wing and body meet! (CRIT! 11 damage before rage reduction.).

COMBAT! PCs may act.
Claw-Handed Orc AC 14 / 30 Damage
Orc 1 AC 13 / 15 Damage *DEAD*
Orc 2 AC 13 / 0 Damage
Orc 3 AC 13 / 0 Damage
Orc 4 AC 13 / 0 Damage

Rolls

Claw-Handed Orc STR Save (DC11) - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Claw 1 - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

1d20+4 : (1) + 4 = 5

1d8+2 : (8) + 2 = 10

Claw 2 - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

1d20+4 : (12) + 4 = 16

1d8+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Claw 3 - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

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

1d8+2 : (5) + 2 = 7

Claw 4 - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

1d20+4 : (14) + 4 = 18

1d8+2 : (6) + 2 = 8

Aera Javelin (D/A for distance) - (1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (16) + 5 = 21

1d20+5 : (15) + 5 = 20

1d6+3 : (3) + 3 = 6

Baraq Javelin 1 - (1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

1d6+3 : (1) + 3 = 4

Baraq Javelin 2 - (1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (20) + 5 = 25

1d6+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

Baraq Javelin 2 Critical! - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Baraq Javelin 1 Reckless Advantage - (1d20+5)

(4) + 5 = 9

Mar 9, 2019 2:03 pm

Catriona touches her shield, making it sprout thorns and spikes. With a pushing motion, she rams the claw-handed orc with the flaming sphere.

OOC:

Action: Shillelagh Dodge.
Bonus action: Move Flaming Sphere.

EDIT: Oops, forgot that Shillelagh is also a bonus action, so ended up doing the exact thing I was avoiding! Edited.

Last edited March 9, 2019 2:46 pm

Rolls

Fire damage - (2d6)

(21) = 3

Mar 9, 2019 5:27 pm

Baraq smashes into the claw-handed orc with her warhammer, trying to blast through her defenses.

OOC:

Spirit of the Wolf grants my allies advantage if they attack a hostile creature within 5 feet of Baraq, such as Claw Hands or any other orc that's nearby.

[ +- ] [url=https://gamersplane.com/characters/dnd5/3597/

Rolls

Warhammer, Reckless, Bludgeoning Damage - (1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d8+3)

1d20+5 : (13) + 5 = 18

1d20+5 : (10) + 5 = 15

1d8+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

Mar 11, 2019 5:09 pm

Aera turns his bow on the orc that hit him with a javelin and takes a shot at it while flying further up into the air.

Rolls

Attack! - (1d20+7, 1d6+5)

1d20+7 : (13) + 7 = 20

1d6+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

Sneak attack? - (2d6)

(51) = 6

Mar 18, 2019 4:41 am

Xavena suddenly shifts back into her dragonborn form. She clasps her hands together, calling forth vines that entangle at the feet of the remaining orcs.

[ +- ] Casting Entangle

OOC:

I think wolves have 11 HP but I'm not 100% sure.

Mar 18, 2019 5:08 pm

Through the combined might of your party, the claw handed orc shrieks in a violent pain as first fire then Baraq's warhammer land decisive blows. As the avian's hammer strikes the orc, her eyes roll back into her head and she slumps to the ground, chest heaving no longer.

Aera sends another arrow into the chest of a javelin-wielding orc, sending it to its knees in a spray of blood on the powdery snow, lifeless as the other two.

Suddenly, from under the crystalline white covering, writhing vines and flowers surge up, wrapping around the creatures. In their sorrow over the loss of the claw-handed one, they seem unwilling to fight against the attack, submitting to the wrapping plants.

Combat Over. The orcs are not fighting back, the remaining two are bound. You may still attack them and such, but it would be out of init order.

Mar 18, 2019 5:21 pm

Baraq stands above the claw-handed orc's body and screeches triumphantly. She tears the eyes of the orc from their sockets and guzzles one down, blood soaking her beak.

Mar 19, 2019 3:51 am

Xavena watches Baraq tear the eye out, wondering not for the first time whether there is something elegant in eating freshly killed eyeballs. Shaking her head, she checks the bodies for anything useful.

Rolls

Investigation? - (1d20+1)

(18) + 1 = 19

Mar 19, 2019 6:29 am

OOC:

Where have the people gone? Are they still nearby?

Mar 19, 2019 5:36 pm

Aera puts the bow away, grabs himself an eyeball trophy to snack on, and head over to where the people went to, "Orcs are dead," he says simply, "No need to hide anymore."

Mar 19, 2019 7:22 pm

The people are still cowering some twenty feet away. Slowly, and with clear trepidation, they begin walking out from their hiding place to see the bound orcs on the ground.

Mar 21, 2019 4:32 am

"What do we do with those two?" Baraq screeches, leveling her warhammer in the bound orcs' direction. She grabs the claw-handed corpse by the neck and straightens the body out to better inspect its equipment.

Mar 21, 2019 5:11 pm

Catriona hurries over to the humans to see if anyone is hurt, hungry or freezing.

Mar 21, 2019 5:30 pm

The now-eyeless corpse doesn't have much on it. A set of well-maintained hide armor with bits of bone reinforcing critical points, a pair of flasks with and thick red syrup in a belt pouch, and a few pouches of herbs.

The pair of orcs on the ground have tears streaking their faces, leaving little trails of crystals over their cheeks. One of them starts speaking and grunting.

[ +- ] Orcish

Mar 21, 2019 5:30 pm

As for the humans, they all show signs of extreme hunger and are close to being frostbitten. No specific injuries that you can see.

Mar 21, 2019 5:43 pm

Hearing the lamentation of the orcs, Catriona snarls back,

[ +- ] Orcish

Catriona hands out food, and lends what comfort she can to the humans.

Last edited March 21, 2019 5:45 pm

Mar 21, 2019 6:47 pm

Baraq takes the pair of flasks and the pouches of herbs, then unceremoniously steps across the corpse towards the bound orcs. "What did they say? Are they good to eat?" she asks, head dipping low and level with the orcs' faces in a predatory crouch.

Mar 26, 2019 3:48 pm

"Not a lot of meat on their bones. Too weak for food."

Apr 2, 2019 12:33 pm

OOC:

Cat, are you telling anything to your teammates? :)

Apr 2, 2019 1:21 pm

Cat merely dismisses Baraq's question with a wave of her hand. Her attention is on the humans now. She couldn't care less if the bird people ate all the orcs

Apr 2, 2019 1:27 pm

The old man takes the food from Cat. Thank you so much. he says as he hands it out to the other humans with him. We have been on the run when these bastards attacked our village. Could you help us get back there? With that clawed bitch dead, we should be safe now. he says between bites of rations.

Apr 2, 2019 1:43 pm

"There might be more of them about. A warband like this... there might be an entire horde of them nearby."

That's what Cat read in books, anyway.

Apr 2, 2019 3:56 pm

Baraq slips her warhammer back into its loop, and draws one of her javelins. She prods the orcs with the blunt end to assess the amount of meat on their bones. "Speak," she caws to the orcs in Common. "Tell me why you run here. Tell me where you come from."

Apr 2, 2019 5:01 pm

The orc looks up at the avian with unhidden hate in his eyes. He utters something guttural before slamming his mouth shut. It did not sound friendly.

[ +- ] Orcish

Apr 2, 2019 5:11 pm

"Such strange creature," Baraq hisses. "First they cry, then they hate. Pick one and be done with it."

Apr 2, 2019 5:13 pm

"He said, 'Kill me or leave me to die.' Looks like they want you to pick, Baraq."

Apr 2, 2019 5:20 pm

Baraq nods. "Of course," she squawks. "You are prey. It is up to the predator to decide whether you live or die." With that, she flips the javelin around and thrusts the pointed end for the heart of the defiant orc.

Apr 4, 2019 5:55 pm

Baraq's javelin slides through the skin and misses bone, skewering the orc's heart. With a gurgle, he dies on the snow.

Apr 4, 2019 5:59 pm

Baraq pulls the javelin free, then draws her beak across the point to taste the blood. "Now you," she asks of the surviving orc. "Tell me why you run here. Tell me where you come from."

Apr 4, 2019 6:27 pm

The orc spits on the ground, growling at you.

[ +- ] Orcish

Apr 4, 2019 6:41 pm

Catriona walks over to the orc and slaps him hard. She screams in its face in orcish,

[ +- ] Orcish

Apr 4, 2019 7:00 pm

The growling continues.

[ +- ] Orcish

Apr 4, 2019 7:14 pm

Catriona ignores the insult.

[ +- ] Orcish

Apr 4, 2019 7:40 pm

[ +- ] Orcish

Apr 9, 2019 4:25 am

Xavena bends down and goes through the pockets of the freshly dead orc.

Apr 9, 2019 5:10 am

Catriona sighs. "Kill him," she says to Baraq, "but not on his knees like this. Stand him up, and give him a warrior's death." Conflicted now about the orcs and the humans, Cat turns to the survivors. "If you return to your homes, they'll just keep coming back to drive you out or kill you off. That's what they say you did to them."

Apr 9, 2019 3:46 pm

"Warrior?" says Baraq tilting her head back and at an angle as she looks upon the orc. She thrusts her javelin for the orc's heart and leans in. "I think not," she hisses, blood still flecked on her beak. "Those eyes taste of prey."

Apr 9, 2019 3:58 pm

As with the other, this one expires with a gurgle in his throat as his eyes go hazy.

The old man looks at you quizzically Cat. We did no such thing! My great grandfather settled our farm! he says with some anguish in his voice. Those bastards chased us out!

Apr 12, 2019 5:30 pm

Baraq licks the blood off her javelin and proceeds to harvest the two orcs of their eyes. Perhaps knowing how everyone participated in the successful attack, she steps up to each person and offers an eye.

Apr 14, 2019 3:20 am

"Your word against his. It doesn't matter. No doubt, your ancestors and their ancestors all inflicted atrocities back and forth for generations and generations. It don't care if you want to go back and uphold those traditions."

Cat declines Baraq's offered eyeball. "We're done here. Let's be off."

Apr 14, 2019 5:17 am

Baraq doesn't flinch at the declination, instead continuing on to share with Xavena and Aera. "Back to crazy man," she says, taking an eye for herself.

Apr 15, 2019 2:24 pm

Aera happily takes the eye and pops it into his mouth, "All done? Let's go," Aera says, getting ready to fly up into the air once he gets confirmation.

Apr 15, 2019 2:31 pm

Cat is already striding away without another glance at the humans.

Apr 17, 2019 12:50 pm

Leaving the humans alone amidst the bloodstained snows, you continue your travels back towards the city. You trudge along, mixing walking and flying between you for several more days. You see no further signs of orcs or weary humans or any life, save for the occasional small bird in the sky.

As the sun reaches its peak in the sky nearly a tenday later, you see the walls of the city beyond rising up into the sky. It takes several more hours, but you do eventually find yourselves back in the city you departed from nearly a month ago.

You noticed, as you made your way back, that the weather shifted radically as you trudged. One day it would be cold and crisp, with fresh snow. Other days it would be nearly summer temperatures, without causing the snow to melt. Yet other days, it would feel like the start of autumn, brisk and slightly cool. Always, the gem in the scepter reflected the conditions around you.

Apr 17, 2019 12:51 pm

OOC:

Additionally, everyone can level up to level 4 now!

Apr 17, 2019 3:36 pm

Catriona hasn't gotten any better at reading the weather, but she's gotten a little tougher, and thinks she understands the world at large a little bit more than she used to.

OOC:

Randomly determined spells for the day: Entangle, Fog Cloud, Goodberry, Purify Food & Drink, Barkskin, Earthbind, Hold Person

Last edited April 17, 2019 3:39 pm

Rolls

Daily random spell selection - (4d19, 3d16)

4d19 : (13121018) = 53

3d16 : (255) = 12

1d16 - (1d16)

(11) = 11

Apr 17, 2019 5:01 pm

OOC:

I forget who has the scepter.

"What a useless thing," Baraq says of the scepter. "As though we need to look at it to know what the weather is like."

Apr 18, 2019 5:47 am

"Now it if controlled the weather, that would be useful." Xavena nods along as they keep walking.

Apr 18, 2019 12:57 pm

Aera takes the stick several times throughout their journey and shakes it, trying to figure out how to work it.

Rolls

Investigation? - (1d20+6)

(18) + 6 = 24

Apr 18, 2019 1:10 pm

Area, throughout the journey you discover that the scepter can be attuned to, however, you cant seem to figure out quite how to attune to it. You do notice one night that the gem changes before the weather does. You get the feeling the weather has to do with the scepter, not the other way around.

Apr 20, 2019 6:35 pm

"Now," says Baraq, ignoring whatever research was done upon the scepter, "where is crazy man?"

Apr 29, 2019 12:39 pm

When you get back to the city, you know it's a several day trip from there to where you had met the crazy man before. While there, you notice that news broadsheets have a date about six months later than you'd expect it to be, given the time you have traveled.

Apr 29, 2019 3:09 pm

Aera looks confused, "We weren't gone that long, were we? What is this about?"

Apr 29, 2019 4:26 pm

Baraq reaches out to snatch the nearest passerby. "What day is it?!" she hisses.

Apr 29, 2019 5:45 pm

OOC:

I think it was summer when we started. Let's call it 6 Flamerule. That makes it about 19 Flamerule by the time you made it to the city before heading out to the mountains. We will use that as our basis. You would expect it to be 15 Eleasis.

The woman is frightened of the sudden assault. It is 13 Alturiak, foul beast!

[ +- ] Calendar Details

Apr 29, 2019 5:56 pm

Baraq's neck feathers flare and her arm tenses, but she releases the woman and gives them no further thought. "Forget the day!" she squawks. "We go to crazy man."

Apr 29, 2019 7:02 pm

"Agreed. Lett's go."

May 6, 2019 2:03 pm

As you all make your way through the city, towards the gates out, you can tell that people here are seemingly unhappy, moreso than they were when you were last here.

You do see a familiar face as you approach the main gate. Looking somewhat more disheveled than you are used to is Rolen, watching people come and go.

Dramasailor sent a note to HypCo

May 6, 2019 3:53 pm

"Didn't we eat him?" Baraq chirps.

May 6, 2019 5:44 pm

Rolen rushes over to the group as they approach. His hair is unbrushed, his clothes wrinkled and stained. As he draws closer, his eyes have heavy bags, red from sleeplessness; he is thinner than before.

He drops to his knees in front of Cat and hugs her. "I thought I lost you again." He pushes himself off as he clears his throat. "I mean, I lost you and didn't think I'd see you again."

May 6, 2019 7:07 pm

Aera cocks his head at the curious wording of Rolen's first sentence and then shrugs. There was definitely something odd about it, but he's not so familiar with people, so he won't worry much about it.

May 11, 2019 5:07 pm

Cat returns Rolen's hug. She has genuinely missed the elf and his abiding presence, his words of wisdom and protection without a hint of condescension. "Oh, Rolen! I'm so happy to see you again!"

May 12, 2019 5:48 pm

Rolen clears his throat again and nods, standing and brushing the front of his jacket down "I am too. Come, all of you, you must be exhausted."

May 12, 2019 6:00 pm

With a shrug towards Aera, Baraq follows.

May 14, 2019 4:20 am

Xavena nods in greeting. "You look terrible and malnourished."

May 15, 2019 2:48 am

Rolen leads you all back to a nondescript looking tavern. While the other inn you stayed at during your time in town was reasonably populated, this one seems almost deserted. A single drunken sot sits on a stool near a bar while a disinterested human absently rubs a rag over the scarred wooden bartop, rheumy eyes not seeing much. The sign over the door once read "The Frosted Spire" in gilded letters, but that has long since faded. A reasonably active fire crackles in the heavy stone fireplace.

May 15, 2019 2:54 am

Cat orders food for everyone. She fishes a bottle of wine from her pack and sets it on the table. Taking Rolen's hands, she looks into his eyes. "What happened?"

May 15, 2019 12:41 pm

Rolen blinks lazily. He doesn't pull his hands away, as Cat takes them, but she feels the disconnect. There is an ever-present sadness on his expression "I was foolish, Lady Catriona."

Rolen removes his hands from Cat's "I ran, abandoned you... I'm not well, Lady Catriona; something broke in my brain that inhibits me from being the best that I can." he brushes Cat's hair behind her ear and gives a soft smile "I...I couldn't look at you without seeing her; an ongoing struggle I'm afraid..."

Rolen sinks his head into his hands and shakes it "I put my own selfish needs before your safety; that is what happened, Lady Catriona."

May 15, 2019 2:43 pm

"Our people push their young out of the nest to allow them to fly on their own. You have done well, Rolen," Aera says, trying to be consoling. Once he's done, he leans in to Baraq, "I think he feels better now."

May 15, 2019 5:14 pm

Baraq snorts, "He looks like... eh, never mind."

May 28, 2019 8:28 am

Catriona is shaken by Rolen's outpouring of emotion. "Please, we're friends! Call me Cat. Or Catriona. I'm sorry that I've caused you trouble! Please, how can I help?"

Jun 10, 2019 2:37 pm

Xavena takes the bottle of wine and uncorks it. Sniffing it for a moment, she pours some into her mouth before passing it to one of the others.

Jun 12, 2019 8:20 pm

Rolen wipes his eyes before emerging from his palms and looks at Cat "You will never cause me trouble, Lady Catriona. It is me who is the fault. You've already done more than you'll ever know; just please, don't let your mind go to waste." He eyes the wine bottle Cat pulled out before he pulls out a book and spends a few seconds flipping to a page "Friends play games, yes?" he begins before he looks up, addressing the group as a whole for the first time "Might any of you join? Winner gets their stay payed for by the losers and the pot; majority choice of copper, silver, or gold."

Jun 12, 2019 9:48 pm

"What?" Baraq asks, dully. "This man is different. Weird. Maybe he's crazy."

The aarakocra prepares to leave. "Let us find other crazy man; maybe these two will get along and we find out what is it with snowball stick."

Jun 13, 2019 3:08 am

Xavena nods to the bird. "It's a trick. What to do with the stick?"

Jun 14, 2019 11:26 am

Rolen's eyes narrow at the aarakocra and dragonborn but his voice is calm "I am not crazy and I do not play tricks. I've had a considerable amount of time to think and with that time, found clarity. If you do not wish to rest after your journey, that is fine but do not belittle me for wanting a simple game between companions. I, for one, can use a nice rest and a warm bath."

Last edited June 14, 2019 2:09 pm

Jun 14, 2019 11:48 am

"Same here. I feel positively BEASTLY having been in the wilderness for so long!" Catriona follows where Rolen leads.

Last edited June 14, 2019 5:28 pm

Jun 14, 2019 4:41 pm

Aera shrugs and leaves with Baraq.

Jun 16, 2019 9:50 am

"It'd seem it's just you and I, Lady Catriona." Rolen does a cursory glance at the surroundings "Perhaps we should find someplace a bit nicer. This place does no justice to your return to civilization."

OOC:

Will follow after the rest but will be actively looking for a nicer inn or tavern with rooms.

Jun 22, 2019 5:58 pm

"I'm dying for a bath! And a hot meal! That should help us catch each other up and figure out what to do next."

Jul 5, 2019 2:37 pm

As a group, but with the birds leading the way, you leave the disheveled little inn you were at. After a good twenty minute walk, you do come upon what Rolen knows to be one of the nicest inns in the city, situated on the main road as you first enter the city. It's doing a slow business, as the winter weather has definitely curtailed travel. The temperature has risen steeply, sitting at a balmy 40 degrees (4 degrees for those outside the US). Compared to the past week or two, this is a massive spike. It has been hovering between 15 and 20 degrees (-9 to -6) for the past three weeks. The wind has every flag blowing stiffly to the east as it howls in from the west, scattering snow everywhere. Steel gray clouds blanket the sky and light flakes of snow swirl in eddies both aloft and in the streets.

Across the street from the inn is one of the few places in the city you can hire wagons and carriages for service throughout the Sword Coast: Thestlin's Coach Services. They have offices in every major city and routinely travel the major roads for a modest fee.

Jul 5, 2019 4:29 pm

"Rest," directs Baraq. "Tomorrow we find old crazy man." She will find a suitable perch for the evening, after their meal.

Last edited July 5, 2019 4:29 pm

Jul 5, 2019 5:31 pm

"Well this is nice! It's almost tempting to hop into a coach and be whisked away on some grand adventure! Wait, we already are on an adventure, aren't we?!" Catriona giggles, taking Rolen's arm.

Last edited July 5, 2019 5:31 pm

Jul 7, 2019 11:42 am

Rolen doesn't attempt to pull away from Cat but there is a noticeable wall of discomfort around him. He smiles "One task at a time, Lady Catriona. Perhaps we can find a compromise and hire a wagon to take us to the old man, as our companion so elegantly put it. It would give rest to your legs after your journey."

Jul 12, 2019 6:26 pm

You all square away sleeping spaces and food for the night. It's a fee of 1 gold per room, for the avians you are able to sleep outside free of charge. If you inquire at the Thestlin's, it's a 300 mile coach ride from here to Willowfall, where Fecksmith (the crazy old man). The cost is 12 gold per passenger to make it in 10 days, or 16 gold per to make it in 5 days. The faster trip involves bringing a second driver along so you can travel pretty much continuously, only taking time to rest the horses for a few hours.

If you want to make the trip on foot, it would be about 12 days of travel, 9 if you push yourselves REALLY hard. The snow is thick, but the roads may be cleared.

How do you all wish to proceed when you wake up in the morning?

Jul 12, 2019 6:31 pm

Unfamiliar with the wagon-mode of travel, Baraq says, "If this thing makes you walk faster, so be it."

OOC:

If the aarakocra don't ride in the coach, do they still have to pay the fee?

Jul 12, 2019 6:32 pm

OOC:

Nope, they wouldn't pay the full fee. If you wanted to stop and make use of their camp, it would be a smaller fee (call it 2.5 gold each) for the pleasure of their security staff and their provided foods.

Jul 12, 2019 6:40 pm

Baraq looks at Aera. "Do we need their security and food?" She herself seems to find the idea preposterous.

Jul 13, 2019 1:30 am

Aera shakes his head, "No," he says, "we can shelter away from the camp and feed ourselves."

Jul 27, 2019 6:55 pm

Baraq nods. "We wait for them, then."

She turns to the others and says, "Hurry up with this co-arch."

Jul 29, 2019 6:37 am

"Wouldn't it be fun if we could wildshape into eagles, Xavena? Then we could keep up with Baraq and Aera! If I was a big enough eagle I could carry you, Rolen!"

Jul 29, 2019 12:19 pm

Xavena shrugs but says nothing.

Jul 29, 2019 2:00 pm

Your ground group arrives at the coach company and after a few quick minutes of conversation, you manage to secure a private coach to take you the distance back to Willowfall. Money is exchanged and a few minutes later a sleek green and gold carriage pulls up outside the building, with a foursome of black horses strapped to the harnesses in front. Introductions made, those of you climbing into the carriage get settled and you make your way out of the city gates, headed south.

OOC:

Were you all looking to take the faster trip over 5 days, or the slower trip over 10?

Jul 29, 2019 3:15 pm

OOC:

Cat would like the quicker trip and she is willing to pay for herself, Xavena, and Rolen, but it will require all of the money she has left, so no go. If the others are willing to each spend 16gp then she'll do so as well.

Jul 30, 2019 12:01 pm

Xavena hands over 16 gold. "Shorter trip is better."

Aug 9, 2019 1:44 am

Money is collected and the group sets out. You roll over the terrain, a much more comfortable trip than the long march up last time. The weather warms slightly as you move further south, the air currents reasonably pleasant for the avian pair. There is plenty of opportunity for idle talk with the driving crew when they are off shift. For the first two days, the weather holds pretty steadily clear. However, the third day welcomes steely gray clouds that blot out the sun and bring a steady driving snowfall. Eventually the road gets to the point of being impassable, and your crew manages to make it to a nearby village before Hector, the lead coachman, declares the day a bust.

Would you all like to do anything in the town, or just sleep and move on in the morning?

Aug 9, 2019 4:03 am

Baraq will see if the village bears anything resembling a tavern with alcohol, with a secret lament that the clientele are not likely to be the rowdy sort. It's been too long since she was in a proper ale-infused brawl.

Last edited August 9, 2019 4:03 am

Aug 9, 2019 1:00 pm

There is definitely a tavern, and it's a little rowdier than you'd expect, given that you identify it as the tavern when a human man is thrown out of a window with a crash.

Aug 9, 2019 4:02 pm

Baraq's eyes twinkle, and she picks up the man to throw him back in. "Don't wait up," she coos to the party, entering the tavern shortly thereafter.

Aug 9, 2019 4:13 pm

"Isn't there someplace else we can go?" Catriona asks the others nervously.

Aug 11, 2019 9:56 pm

Curious to find out more about the only other of his kind among the group, Aera follows Baraq into the tavern.

Aug 12, 2019 4:05 am

"What do you think we should do, Rolen? Rolen?" Cat looks about, but the elf has disappeared. Again. "He's been acting so strangely. I hope he's alright."

Aug 12, 2019 1:21 pm

OOC:

Thanks for the link Jabes!

Baraq is able to easily chuck the scrawny man back through the window into the raucous tavern beyond. Judging by the size of the village and the press of bodies inside, it would seem that nearly the entire adult population of the town is currently enjoying what you can now see is the Leaky Cask tavern. The sign features a large wooden cask with a leak, pouring drink into the face of a drunkard below.

Inside the tavern smoke hangs thick in the air, conversations and fights and boasts are cacophonous, and everything is slightly sticky from the vast quantities of spilled ale.

Catriona, you do see a tallish looking inn down the way. Where most of the other buildings here seem to be only a single story tall, this one stands a full three high. A striped awning stretches out from the front of the building.

Aug 12, 2019 5:34 pm

Baraq swaggers further in, looking over at the sprawled man on the floor. "No littering!" she caws at the people nearby.

She pushes through the crowd on her way to the bar counter. She is easily a stranger in this town, and her eyes fixate on the tender like a predator as she asks for the local drink. "And one more for my friend there," she says, sticking her wing out at Aeris and conveniently using the maneuver to clear some space.

As Baraq waits for the ale, she scans the crowd to get a lay of the land.

Rolls

Perception to see, Insight to gauge - (1d20+6, 1d20+4)

1d20+6 : (20) + 6 = 26

1d20+4 : (20) + 4 = 24

Aug 12, 2019 5:58 pm

The bartender certainly quirks an eye at your appearance, but doesn't seem overly fazed by it. Your glance around the room answers why. You haven't seen a melange of races like this in some time. Skin of every color, horns of every configuration, and languages spanning from the heavens to the hells dribble from well-wetted lips.

The local brew turns out to be an especially strange mixture, a spicy mix of fortified wine with tomato juice and a sprig of herbs. It tastes spicy with an underlying earthiness that reminds you of a field after a heavy rain. It certainly burns going down, but lingers on the back of your tongue like a cold breeze over wet feathers.

The people scrapping seem to be mixed, some good-natured while others seem to be in anger. There are a few card games, and more than one pair of dice on the scarred wooden tables.

Aug 12, 2019 6:19 pm

Despite her misgivings, Cat follows the birdfolk into the rowdy bar. She makes sure Chuck-chuck stays safely tucked away in her pouch.

Aug 14, 2019 1:50 pm

You have no issue with Chuck-chuck, as he tucks himself away nicely and promptly falls asleep. You do spot a handful of half-orcs, most dressed in black leathers, sitting at a table along the back wall.

Aug 14, 2019 8:17 pm

"Can you see it, Aera?" asks Baraq, taking another swig of the strong drink. "The food chain is here in all its glory."

The open conflict witnessed throughout the tavern seems to calm the aarakocra, and she settles back against the counter to take it all in.

OOC:

Baraq will just drink and watch. Since others appear to be brawling, she sees no need to get involved. Unless someone decides to take her or her companions on, that is.

Aug 15, 2019 1:33 am

Aera nods, "Things are so interesting here..."

Aug 22, 2019 4:53 am

"Watch your things" Xavena warns to Cat as she enters the tavern behind her.

Aug 24, 2019 12:14 am

The night progresses about as you'd expect, drink and food going everywhere. The coachmen seem to be fine with the environment, going so far as to greet the barkeep warmly when they enter.

If you'd like, you can brawl, bet, or just eat and drink. If everyone is good, you can pick up and try leaving tomorrow.

Aug 24, 2019 12:25 am

Baraq gladly joins the brawl as fists fly. She even restrains herself from using her talons, and buys a round for the participants.

OOC:

I'm good to go, minus whatever the drinks cost.

Aug 27, 2019 5:02 pm

OOC:

All told, the drinks only cost you about three silver for the whole group for the night. It isn't classy, but it is strong.

The night's ordeals wrap up in the very early hours of the morning and you get whatever sleep you can scavenge up. You set off as the snows from the day before seem to have calmed. It is slower than the previous burst of travel, but still a good clip. Day after day passes until early in the morning, three days later, you see the town of Willowfall rise up on the horizon. It takes the better part of an hour, but you roll into town just as the sky starts to darken and fresh snow starts to fall from the steel-gray clouds above.

Aug 27, 2019 5:07 pm

"Let us see Crazy Old Man and what this stick is," says Baraq.

Aug 28, 2019 9:40 am

Aera steps out into the snow and ruffles his feathers in excitement, looking forward to another day with the interesting land creatures.

Sep 8, 2019 3:21 pm

Catriona smooths her skirts and nods at Baraq's words. "Yes, let us go see him before we rest."

OOC:

I'm sorry, but I've lost the plot a bit. Who are we here to see again? Fecksmith? Mad Mage Merinson?

Sep 8, 2019 4:57 pm

OOC:

I believe it is the mad mage, the one that directed us to the scepter.

Sep 9, 2019 12:47 pm

OOC:

Fecksmith is the crazy old man in Willowfall. He told you a bit about this scepter, rumored to be a relic that the Mad Mage Merinson was looking for. He apparently puts on a performance as a crazy old man, but seems very shrewd and calculating when you spoke with him in public.

Your group parts ways with the carriage group shortly after entering the town. With a small salute, they depart, headed further south. You make your way through the town to the hut that old man Fecksmith had occupied the last time you were here. As you approach, you note that the house appears dark and far quieter than last time. Assuming you knock on the door, it creaks open slightly and you see Fecksmith's haggard face appear in the sliver of space.

Beasts and trees grow rampant as you please .What do and how do, come in come in for tea and biscuits, ballyhoo and tally ho! he mutters, waving you in.

Sep 9, 2019 1:01 pm

"I adore tea and biscuits!" Catriona says, skipping into the house.

Sep 9, 2019 4:26 pm

Baraq pushes into the house, finally able to see for herself who the feck this Fecksmith is.

Sep 17, 2019 4:05 am

Xavena keeps by the door, standing just inside the abode.

Sep 26, 2019 3:22 pm

OOC:

Blows the dust off the forum....

The doddering old man that some of you recognize backs away from the door as you follow him into the small house. When the door closes behind the last of you, he wheels and a bright smile crosses his face.

You're back! Though you seem to be lighter in crew than you once were. he says, the voice an entirely different one from the lilting gibberish voice he had been using just a moment ago. Did you find anything useful in the mountains?

Sep 26, 2019 4:13 pm

"Found some orcs," says Baraq, "and weak humans. Could be useful as food."

Oct 1, 2019 11:45 am

"Show him the scepter."

Oct 6, 2019 5:31 pm

Baraq holds her hand out to Aera for the "hungry weather stick" and holds it out for the old man to see.

Oct 8, 2019 3:05 pm

"The stick."

Oct 10, 2019 2:06 am

Fecksmith reaches out reverently and takes the stick from Baraq, if the avian adventurer will give it up.

Ah, so it is the Seasonal Scepter. Rumors had swirled maddeningly around its existence for years. Those that have the willpower to bend the scepter to their control were said to have the ability to control weather and time itself, though it cost their lives in the end.

Oct 12, 2019 5:50 pm

"What does that mean?" asks Baraq. "Is this what we were supposed to get?"

Oct 17, 2019 11:19 pm

"We did good?" Aera asks, seeking confirmation that they retrieved what they were out to find.

Oct 18, 2019 9:21 pm

Oh yes, this is definitely the treasure you were meant to find. You did good birdman, for sure. What do you mean, what does it mean? Which part was confusing?

Oct 23, 2019 12:41 am