Monster Mashup - Table 5

[Grobly]

ill pass on the escape artist just felt like posting something. Don't need to go get us into trouble with out hosts

[CaveToad]

Karkoran the Butcher wrote:

"Fourth question: Does the temple reside west of the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell?"

"Yes."

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Fifth question: Is the temple greater than 250 miles from the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell"

[CaveToad]

"No."

[Karkoran the Butcher]

We have it narrowed down to a quarter slice of a pie and 250 miles or less from our entry point.

If we try cut the slice of the pie in half lengthwise we will cut our search area from 49087 squares to 24543 square miles.

If we try to cut the distance in half by asking if its more or less than 125 miles we will either have a search area of 12271 square miles (if less than 125 miles) or 36816 square miles (if more than 125 miles - we subtract the less than area from the more than area). The average distance for a plane shift is 5d100 miles or 252.5 miles on average. It is not likely that it is less than 125 miles, so it makes more sense to cut the pie lengthwise for this question to an eighth of a circle. Questions 7, 8 and 9 would cut the circle into 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths, unless we use one questions to narrow down the distance.

"Sixth question: Drawing a line due northwest of the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell, is the temple location north and/or east of this line?"

[Karkoran the Butcher]

If we continue to slice the pie lengthwise we will still end up with a slice of pie with an arc of 24 miles wide at the end, and starting at 12 miles wide at the start (going on assumption that it is more than 125 miles). This still leaves us with 2300+ square miles to search on foot. How does everyone feel about kicking in another 500 gold and purchasing a second Commune? We would cut our distance down to 1/2 half of a mile along an arc of a maximum of 24 miles if we focused the questions on distance. Even in mountains I think we can cover in a few days. Otherwise we are looking at probably months of searching unless we have other clues. We could also continue to slice the pie narrower and with 9 questions we would narrow it down to basically a straight line, although it is harder to ask those questions since I am not sure how to word them, without referencing a prior question, which I am not sure if it is legitimate. A mix of questions might be better. question one is a distance question and narrows the arc to 24 or 12, and then we ask 2 questions if 12 and 3 if 24 to narrow it to a 3 mile arc. Then we cut the disntance with the other 5 or 6 questions narrow it to 64 miles by question 5. Questions 6, 7, 8 and 9 drop our distance to 32, 16, 8 and 4. Our final area is a 3x4 mile square area (12sq mi), which we can cover in a day, and if we are on a mountain top or Grobly scounts may we can see the temple immediately.

What do you all think?

[Tayanalla]

"There's a lot of math in that bull's head. Not what you'd expect. I see why Goodwin chose him." Taya thinks to herself.

"perhaps we should inquire if it is visible from the sky or if it is inhabited?" she offers.

[Lump]

"Good idea, Taya. It could be buried. You could ask if there is an identifying landmark." ignore that last bit if the spell only allows yes/no

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"That could help greatly, but it will reduce the area we can narrow ourselves down to. I think I will pay for a second Commune for sure. We can ask it during that one. We will need to obtain another batch of incense and holy water." rumbles Karkoran.

[Tayanalla]

"Some distance questions would probably be a good idea. We need to reference what we know against the map of enemy locations that Hawke showed us."

[CaveToad]

In response to question #6 "Yes"

I believe I follow what you mean Karkoran. I read the other post a few times to get what you are planning at if you all go through with carving the circle up.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Question #7: Drawing a line north by northwest of the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell, is the temple location north and/or east of this line?"

[CaveToad]

"No."

Had to draw a circle on my map and break it down. Although its been 30 years since I did this stuff, its pretty easy. With a computer I don't even need a protractor or compass.

[Tayanalla]

One of Taya's serpents hisses at the negative answer.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"That just means its in the slice between the Northwest line and the North-by-Northwest line. We narrowed the pie to 1/16th of its total. Questions 8 and 9 will narrow it to 1/32nd and 1/64th."

"Question #8: Slicing the pie from my previous question in half lengthwise, is it on the northeast half or the southwest half?"

I hope this line of questioning works. The wording is easier I believe.

[Lump]

good thing deities are omniscient, and therefore have a strong grasp of math and spacial concepts.

[CaveToad]

Karkoran your question format is invalid. It must be yes or no format. If you leave off the 'or the southwest half?' the gods will can answer. I can see how the wording gets complicated, sorry can't help you hah!

Lol Lump. The deities yes, the GM, hopefully.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

Ah yes of course, that is what I get for changing my format. Assume I made that the question.

[CaveToad]

"Yes"

The answer comes as the rest have, with the shaman asking the question and then responding in an otherworldly voice.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Ok, final question for this commune. Question 9: Slicing the pie from my previous question in half lengthwise, is the temple in the right half?"

[Lump]

Karkoran the Butcher wrote:

"Ok, final question for this commune. Question 9: Slicing the pie from my previous question in half lengthwise, is the temple in the right half?"

i would hope that we could reword this one. which half is right to a god? is that while facing north?

[CaveToad]

Yeah that will be too vague. They won't understand you are looking at a map or diagram.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Question 9: Slicing the pie from my previous question in half lengthwise, is the temple northeast of the line?"

[CaveToad]

"Yes"

With that the white light fades from the Shaman's eyes and he blinks, looking around and then smiles peacefully. "You have your answers, I hope this will help you in your quest."

[Karkoran the Butcher]

Karkoran rumbles "Excellent, Thank you. I believe we are going to beseech the gods a second time, allow us to gather the necessary supplies again. Would you be willing to cast it again, perhaps tomorrow?"

If the answer is yes, would be be able to acquire another 500gp worth of incense and holy water?

Karkoran ponders with some excitement the possibility of getting closer to finding their master. Suddenly a voice enters his head.

Voice of Baphomet: "So, getting closer are you? So foolish. I am the only master you need. Why do you turn away from me? Have I ever mistreated you? Why do you forsake me, I could answer your questions."

Karkoran didn't respond, he knew he shouldn't but he did. "You should probably just leave me alone. I have a new life now, those old ways are gone. I cannot live that life. It is difficult enough some days. How does your way benefit me? You do not know where our master is."

GM feel free to insert any Baphomety things if you feel like there is anything that might add to the flavor.

Karkoran rumbles mostly to himself. "I need fresh air. Too much incense."

[CaveToad]

"I will be willing to aid you further in your quest. I will need a day of rest to invoke them again."

It will take you a day or so to round up more incense and holy water anyhow. You are probably buying out much of what the town has available. Choose your questions again and we can fast forward to that part unless others have anything else they want to accomplish in that day. Probably report back and find Grobly so that he can logically participate in coming up with new questions.

Karkoran I will have to ponder your Baphomet stuff and see how/if it can fit in. Here is one thing though.

The voice pops back in your head briefly. "Of course I know where your master is. The gods know many things..."

[Karkoran the Butcher]

Trying to resist the voice, he knew it may be toying with him, but if there was a chance to find Goodwin he had to pursue every angle.

"Tell me what you know."

Do you want me to just subtract the cost and then proceed with the other questions? I must admit we don't have some of them all ironed out exactly. This Baphomet thing has also thrown me for a loop.

[Tayanalla]

"I think it will be important to ask if the temple is visible from the air during the daylight."

"You've narrowed down the location considerably with your questions. We hopefully just have to get Grobly close on his bat in order to locate it precisely."

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"We need to narrow it down more. We still have an area several thousand square miles to cover. I am going to take a gamble on the first question and if it pays off we will have many to spare for other information."

[CaveToad]

It takes another day to gather the amount of incense and holy water required for another Commune ritual. With Jopple's aid Lump is able to acquire the necessary amounts.

You return to the goatling Elder again who has stated his willingness to cast it a second time.

Go ahead with your questions, same as last time. Subtract the money etc.

--

Karkoran:

Baphomet fills your mind's voice again, I will not dilvulge such information to one who has turned away from me.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Question #1: Is the distance from the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell, to the temple of Kao Lor and/or his descendents or people between 200 and 250 miles?"

[CaveToad]

"Yes."

[Karkoran the Butcher]

Karkoran rumbles in contentment. "My gamble paid off, we cut the distance down greatly."

"Question #2: Is the distance from the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell, to the temple of Kao Lor and/or his descendents or people between 225 and 250 miles?"

[CaveToad]

The Elder replies again in his otherworldly voice after asking the question, "Yes."

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Question #3: Is the distance from the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell, to the temple of Kao Lor and/or his descendents or people between 238 and 250 miles?"

[CaveToad]

The voice answers "Yes."

[Lump]

nice

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Question #4: Is the distance from the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell, to the temple of Kao Lor and/or his descendents or people between 244 and 250 miles?"

[CaveToad]

"Yes." as the Elder goatling shaman responds.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Question #5: Is the distance from the location where we arrived on this plane as the result of Jovar's exodus spell, to the temple of Kao Lor and/or his descendents or people between 247 and 250 miles?"

Karkoran ignores the voice in his head for now.

[CaveToad]

"Yes." replies the voice.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Excellent!" Booms Karkoran suddenly. "We have narrowed down the searchable area to an arc about 24 miles long, with only a 5.6 degree curvature. Basically this is a straight line. It is also only 3 miles wide. This is something Grobly can probably see from the air in one pass, looking a mile and a half to each side from on high. The question now is, can he even see it from the sky."

"Question #6: Is the temple we refer to as the temple of Kao Lor visible from someone flying in the sky?"

[Tayanalla]

Taya raises her eyebrows in surprise at the minotaurs's announcement "I'll trust you on that."

[CaveToad]

"No." comes the answer.

[Karkoran the Butcher]

"Well that will make things a lot tougher."

[Tayanalla]

"That's disappointing, but not unexpected after 10,000 years."

[CaveToad]

It is somewhat clear when you look at the map (which I have failed to supply so far, my bad, I am reworking it after a disastrous first attempt). The area that the temple would be in is covered by black ice glacier, and thus you can perhaps infer it is in/under the glaciation/ice.

[Lump]

you could ask if it is inhabited by creatures (maybe asking if they are sentient, or would be hostile to us?), and you could ask how deep the temple is.

[CaveToad]

Let me know the final three questions.

[Asheranthi]

Ashe has been watching the questions one by one and getting more excited as they pinpoint the location of the temple. She keeps an eye on her raptors so they stay out of trouble.