Shohreh Kassar |
Shohreh staggers under the weight of her former life, along with all the deceptions that come with it. She has just the presence of mind to maintain her conjured starknives as she stumbles toward the melee at the pond's edge.
Spiritual Weapon vs Urzok: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 18 + 1 = 27
Force: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 7) + 5 = 15
◆ Sustain spiritual weapon
◆ Stride
Jevar Shadowmantle |
Jevar seems stunned for a brief moment as some of his memories flood back. He "comes to," shaking his head and remarking Hmph, student debt. I wonder if I'm still enrolled...
He looks over at the Urzok psyche and sighs.
It was good to see you again Urzok. Until next time...
◆◆ Cast (somatic, verbal) acid arrow vs RED
Spell attack RED, acid damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 283d8 ⇒ (3, 3, 8) = 14
On a hit, 1d6 persistent acid damage. On a critical hit, double the initial damage, but not the persistent damage.
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
Note to self: blazing dive is a surprisingly decent spell.
Kolgradd rushes at Urzok’s Psyche in a blaze!
Urzok’s Psyche basic Reflex; inspire defense: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 15 + 1 = 28 Resistance negates the bludgeoning damage.
Kolgradd then slams his maul into the half-orc, knocking him off his feet, then follows up with an Advantageous Assault. Failure on the Advantageous Assault. Unfortunately, Urzok’s Psyche’s resistance negates the flat 4 damage.
Kolgradd’s Psyche pulls out his maul and just stands over Boodiddly.
Boodiddly sings and dispels the heroism on Urzok’s Psyche.
Shohreh sends her spiritual weapon at Urzok’s Psyche. Hits because of prone.
Jevar sends an acid arrow at Urzok’s Psyche.
Urzok’s Psyche growls. He ◆ Raises his Shield, then ◆ Stands. Triggers from Kolgradd; I’ll roll that now.
↻ Kolgradd AoO vs Urzok’s Psyche w/shield: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 33
Damage: 2d12 + 8 ⇒ (10, 5) + 8 = 23
Urzok’s Psyche ↻ Shield Blocks reduces damage by 8 in addition to the physical resistance. His shield is not broken yet. He then attacks Kolgradd!
◆ Urzok’s Psyche vs Kolgradd w/inspire defense: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
Damage: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (3, 5) + 7 = 15 plus 1d6 persistent bleed
EDIT: I always forget about persistent damage!
Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
DC 15 Flat: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Your Own Worst Enemy
Round 10
==============
Urzok’s Psyche (-70) {Resistance 5 to Physical: Round 9 of 10; Bon Motted; prone; 1d6 persistent acid}
Kolgradd (-29) {Lunge: Round 4 of 10; 1 image}
Kolgradd’s Psyche {Bon Motted; Critically Calmed: Round 4 of 10; 3 images} [10’ above ground]
Boodiddly (-44) {prone} [10’ above ground]
Shohreh (-32)
Jevar (-12) {Bon Motted}
==============
Boodiddly |
Boodiddly shrugs when the reflection refuses to sit with him and continues whistling. “Urzok!” he calls cheerfully. “You’re not actually Urzok, you know.”
Will, ID vs DC 28: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 18 + 1 = 30
Mental damage: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 5, 6, 1, 1) = 20
Sustain [A], cast inspire defense [A], and Create Impossibility to “cast” lvl 4 agonizing despair on not-Urzok [A].
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
I think Urzok's miss there probably popped my last image?
Kolgradd brings up his own shield with a barked magic word, then follows up with a hammer swing.
◆ Cast Shield
◆ Strike
Maul: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31
Bludgeoning: 2d12 + 8 ⇒ (4, 4) + 8 = 16
Rather than swing again, he steps in the way of Jevar and Urzok and plants his feet.
◆ Step
Jevar Shadowmantle |
Kolgradd feels a light touch on his shoulder, as Jevar completes an incantation on him.
◆ Stride 10 ft
◆◆ Cast (somatic, verbal) haste on Kolgradd
Better later than never...
Shohreh Kassar |
Sensing imminent victory, Shohreh moves to keep pace with Kolgradd, so her spell can continue to bless his attacks on the mirror of their former comrade.
Spiritual Weapon vs Urzok's Psyche: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 1 = 34
Force: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 8) + 5 = 21
◆ Sustain spiritual weapon
◆ Stride
◆ Increase bless to 25 feet
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
In addition to forgetting about Kolgradd’s last image, I also forgot to remove prone from Urzok’s Psyche.
Kolgradd rushes at Urzok’s Psyche and attacks him! In a desperate attempt to stay conscious, Urzok’s Psyche [/ooc] Shield Blocks again! [ooc]Yes, he has two reactions. This will break his shield.
Kolgradd’s Psyche continues to stand there awkwardly.
Boodiddly sends a wave of despair at Urzok’s Psyche.
Urzok’s Psyche Will; Bon Mot: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17 Is frightened 2 instead of 3 thanks to Bravery
Shohreh sends her spiritual weapon flying at Urzok’s Psyche, which stabs the half-orc straight in the heart and causes him to explode! Urzok’s Psyche dissipates into mist that rises into the sky.
And with that, I’ll handwave killing Kolgradd’s Psyche.
Kolgradd’s Psyche explodes into mist that rushes toward Kolgradd’s orifices. And just like his companions, he receives an overwhelming rush of memories! I’ll reach out to Kolgradd in a bit about that.
I’m going to leave some time now for roleplay, because, well, y’all just learned A LOT. Similarly, with your memories, each of you get a bonus feat, so I’m leaving time here for y’all to apply that to your respective character sheet.
Jevar Shadowmantle |
Do the recovered memories imply complete recovery of our characters' pasts, or just the specific memories?
After the last psyche evaporates, Jevar wonders if this is really the last time they encounter versions of themselves.
Can he... just make that happen again?
He sighs and looks down at his feet.
It appears I acquired funding for my studies by joining Lowls' staff. It cost me time for my proper classes, but I was able to focus on my dissertation.
He stops there for now and looks up at the rest of the party.
I sense each of you recovered something too at the moment your mirror-double perished... He doesn't really demand any information.
Feat: The only eligible option is Basic Concoction, for which he'll choose Far Lobber. I might've chosen Quick Bomber for the action economy, except he now tends to stick with quick alchemy, meaning there isn't a draw action to save.
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
When it comes time to dispatch his double, Kolgradd wants to be the one to do it. He throttles him, desperately staring into his passive face with hatred.
"I need to know! Who's out there waiting for me?"
He eagerly drinks in the mist of his memories, but his expression quickly turns to horror, and then abject misery. He sinks to his knees, crying uncontrollably, holding his clan dagger to his chest.
Kolgradd's story is so sad :(
It's a while before he stops, and when he does the tears have soaked his neat beard. His expression changes to numb resolve.
"I'll kill him for this"
He looks around, seeing his allies almost for the first time.
Boodiddly |
Boodiddly tries to think of something to say to help Kolgradd, but in the end the only thing he can do is hug the dwarf silently. Just like with Nemira...
"I was in his staff as well," he offers slowly when Jevar asks. "He had me taking care of his mother, Nemira. But I learned a lot from listening to her, and... oh, I made the Dreamlands ritual! No wonder it seemed so familiar!"
Shohreh Kassar |
I have a sister.
Shohreh sways unsteadily for a moment before crumpling to her knees in the sand, clutching at her forehead. "He left us! After everything...how could he do that to us? How could he leave me in that place?" Her hands fall from her face, revealing her eyes now blazing with anger. "I gave him everything. My silence, my life, my identity. And he just threw us away. Was I ever more than just a useful tool?"
Jevar Shadowmantle |
Yes... it's all coming back to me. I do remember you being around Boodiddly, but...
A slightly look of guilt enters his expression.
I was always so heads-down on my dissertation. If none of this had happened I might be buried in books for life.
He looks pitiably at Kolgradd, but he's likely the worst at providing comfort.
Oreb does hop off of his shoulder, fly over to Kolgradd's, and nuzzle the dwarf's bearded face.
Quickly taking his attention off of that scene, Jevar notes Shohreh's remarks.
Clearly we were all useful instruments of one sort or another. From this point forward, we are pawns no more! These memories feel more powerful than any spell I could scribe into my book. Any formula!
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
Kolgradd pats Boodiddly on the back in thanks, and laughs at Oreb's nuzzling.
"He used us all, but maybe it's this thing in his mind. I've done things I'm ashamed of, and if I hadn't had this period of amnesia I might never have realised how far I'd fallen. Thorgrim would be ashamed of me"
He tries to meet the gaze of the others and assess them.
We are our memories, but I'm not Lowls' heartless enforcer, not anymore. Are these people the friends you've been travelling with, or the people you just killed?
What do we know of Shohreh? Were they always Shakur when they worked for Lowls, or do we know something of their true identity? I admit to being confused as the player!
Shohreh Kassar |
Shohreh closes her eyes, steadying her nerves with a series of calming breaths. She then climbs to her feet and turns toward the others, eyes downcast.
"I'm sorry for lying to you all," she all but whispers. "I was afraid. Shakur was real, but I wasn't him, if that makes any sense. My name, my real name, is Shohreh Kassar. I'd been Shakur for so long, I think, that I had forgotten it." She sighs and makes a helpless gesture. "What would you like to know? I will answer all that I can."
Boodiddly |
“Only what you feel comfortable telling us.” Boodiddly smiles softly. “Having to hide yourself like that can’t have been something done lightly, or easily.”
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
"Aye," Kolgradd nods in agreement.
"You've fought with us, and I'd be dead ten times over without your help. You tell us what you want, when you want. You're my friend, that's enough for me"
Shohreh Kassar |
Shohreh returns Boodiddly's smile, and nods. "It is a long story. For now, I will not burden you with all the details. But I am from Katheer, the city to which we must go next. It was there that I first became Shakur, and from there that I was taken as a slave." She stops, taking a deep breath. "Along with my sister. I came into Lowls's service when he purchased and then freed me. He did not know my identity for many years, but eventually he found out."
"He was...pleased," she says, recalling the memory with an odd expression, before shaking her head. "He trusted me, or at least I thought he did. He was kinder to me than my own father. I hate what he did to us, and yet...I mourn him. I wish I had stopped him."
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
But I am from Katheer, the city to which we must go next.
Actually, your next destination is Cassomir, Taldor. But Katheer is your destination after that.
Well, now what? You’ve learned some massive bombshells.
You know that Lowls’s final destination is a lost city known as Neruzavin on the continent of Casmiron. At first his goal was scholarly—to study these structures on another continent that are identical to the ones he’s seen growing up. However, his goals have since descended into the realm of the actions of a madman. He seeks to use the Star Stelae in Neruzavin to essentially awaken a Great Old One.
Also don’t forget that the Yellow King—a split personality of Lowls’s—is just over that dune over there.
Jevar Shadowmantle |
I wonder if we can be fast enough to intercept Miacknian Mun, and keep him from Lowls. I suppose we're pretty far behind. On the other hand...
He looks towards the dune.
...perhaps we can get get some information out of the Yellow King and see just how far Lowls has gotten to.
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
"I knew Miacknian Mun, Lowls and I studied with him. He was gifted with alchemy, but he got mixed up in some controversy and had to leave the school..."
Kolgradd looks thoughtful, but when Jevar mentions the Yellow King, his head whips around to look at him.
"That thing is part of Lowls. You're right we might learn a lot from it" His expression is dark as he approaches.
"You told us when we met him that your memories weren't split evenly, I wonder do you remember your contacts in Cassomir? Your favourite tavern? Do you remember choosing to give up your friends' memories and leave them to die?"
Kolgradd's anger is obvious, he raises his voice and begins to pace back and forth slightly, clenching his fists.
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
The former amnesiacs make their way back over the dune towards the Yellow King. As they move over the dune, they find the Yellow King pacing back and forth. When he sees the PCs, the Yellow King smiles. ”Splendid! Did you—?“
"You told us when we met him that your memories weren't split evenly, I wonder do you remember your contacts in Cassomir? Your favourite tavern? Do you remember choosing to give up your friends' memories and leave them to die?"
Kolgradd's anger is obvious, he raises his voice and begins to pace back and forth slightly, clenching his fists.
”H-huh??” The Yellow King is taken aback by the rapid-fire questioning. ”I-I have a tangential recollection of an old acquaintance in Cassomir. A-and Haserton Lowls did not frequent taverns, so he likely would not classify a ‘favorite’ one. Gentlemen, t-this is quite sudden…” The Yellow King’s eyes fall on Shohreh. ”And you are…?”
Shohreh Kassar |
Shohreh's expression is a mix of pity, anger, and sorrow. "I am Shohreh. Haserton was as my father. It hurts to see what you have done to yourself, even after learning what you did to us. I can understand how that would break a person."
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
Shohreh's expression is a mix of pity, anger, and sorrow. "I am Shohreh. Haserton was as my father. It hurts to see what you have done to yourself, even after learning what you did to us. I can understand how that would break a person."
"Cease there! Not another utterance! I told you, my being cannot withstand the information that Haserton Lowls learned which created me. Tell me that you learned what you needed to and nothing more."
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
Kolgradd searches the yellow king's eyes with cold fury. He tries to make himself believe that this is the Lowls that used him, and caused him to live the worst moment of his life over again.
After he replies to Shohreh though, the illusion breaks.
This is the parts of Lowls that couldn't handle what he learned. Even if he remembers doing it to us, it's not him. The ruthlessness and selfish resolve that must have taken, those are with the other
"You are not him. You might even be the parts of him that drew me to him in the first place. For the sake of our friendship, help us stop him. Where would he have met Miacknian in Cassomir? Or are your memories disjoint, so anything you know he does not?"
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
”I…I comprehend not the truths you learned from the Mad Poet that spawned this apprehension. But…I think I understand. My condolences, gentlemen,” The Yellow King catches himself as he looks at Shohreh. ”Lady. Haserton’s and my mental faculties are not evenly distributed. I have recollections of the one you refer to as ‘Miacknian,’ but I know not exactly where he is in Cassomir. If I were to hazard a hypothesis, I would assume that Haserton Lowls would meet Miacknian at his residence in Cassomir. However, I know not the location therein.”
Jevar Shadowmantle |
It's possible... he's still at the last location that we exchanged letters. I suppose it's been some time since he received one from me, but I can't think of a better place to start. I now remember the address quite well.
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
The Yellow King stands awkwardly in the silence before finally saying "So...what now? You obtained an audience with the Mad Poet. You...seem to have regained your stolen memories. Are you going to continue after Haserton Lowls?"
Boodiddly |
“That’s the plan,” Boodiddly answers cheerfully. “Hopefully we find what we’re looking for in this forbidden book in a secret library in a faraway city. But what about you? Are you going to be safe from those folks who took you to the moon? Why did they abduct you, anyway?”
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
“That’s the plan,” Boodiddly answers cheerfully. “Hopefully we find what we’re looking for in this forbidden book—
The Yellow King screams as his form starts to waver once more, as he’s even momentarily reminded of the traumatizing knowledge that caused his creation in the first place.
They are not sure why—perhaps it was the Yellow King’s emotional outburst, but this causes a deluge of noise to assault the former-amnesiacs. A bizarre series of clicks and high-pitched hoots intermixed with crackling mechanical static as images of a faraway desert city flash in their heads. The cacophony settles, and the former-amnesiacs recognize this as a language that they suddenly and inexplicably understand.
The former-amnesiacs again see images of Lowls drowning them in the Mad Poet’s oasis, though this time from their intended point of view. Kolgradd sees images of being led onto Lowls’s boat and suddenly waking up on the streets of Thrushmoor. Boodiddly, Jevar, and Shohreh see images of being led through the receiving doors of Briarstone Asylum and then suddenly waking up in the asylum’s basement.
The images and sounds coalesce into two sudden shouts overlayed on top of each other, one being the Yellow King’s shout of ”STOP TALKING!!!” The other being a shout of ”Wake Up!”
As the mental sensation begins to fade from their startled minds, the former-amnesiacs once more hear the strange overlaying of clicks and mental static—the language that they somehow know.
”Y̷̯ǫ̥̹̞͔̦̭ư̮ ͍͔̣̘͉̳a̛r̼̠̤̜͚̖̝͠e ̧̻n̨ow̮͍̻̰̰̣ ̛̜̬f̧̺̤̱̠̱͔r͎̪͔̤̞͇̲e̠̬̹͕̘e̢̪̭ͅ,̣ ̡͕̤̗͙̭͉̥b͎̥͖̝ut̳̲̬̫͍̯͇ ͏̖͖̠̮͈͇̲t̴o̟̣̙̕ ̵̞r̯̞͝e̶̳̩̘̹̞m̴̻ͅa̲̜̖͓̭̘͝i̥̤͉̜n̶̩̙͚̘̗ ̻̞̪̖̞̩̬s͔͎̲̭̪o͈̞̩͕ ͖͡y̳̲̻͖̜òu͇ ̫͈͇m͍̤͎̜͘u̡̹͇͖̱s͏̤̲̠t̤̖͔̙̪͎̠ ̛̣fi͔̰̟̥͇n̶̲̜͖̥̩d̶̙̖̬̖̝͉̱ ̠͇̤̯̘m̘̺͎e̖̰̠̙.̖̬͜”
The Yellow King clutches his head as his form coalesces once more.
”I…I apologize for the sudden outburst. I thought I had made my intention perfectly understandable: I am NOT to know of the information that Haserton Lowls procured from the Mad Poet under any circumstances.”
But what about you? Are you going to be safe from those folks who took you to the moon? Why did they abduct you, anyway?”
”I am unsure. I believe that, as far as they are aware, I am still imprisoned on the moon. I don’t believe that they will try to capture me again if they already believe that I am imprisoned. They were led by a denizen of the plateau of Leng by the name of Weiralai. Would you four happen to know anything about that?”
Shohreh Kassar |
Shohreh raises an eyebrow. "If we did, would telling you result in another display of...that?"
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
Shohreh raises an eyebrow. "If we did, would telling you result in another display of...that?"
The Yellow King rubs his forehead. ”Most assuredly much worse. I was spawned by Haserton Lowls’s mind quite literally shattering from the information, so I…” The Yellow King looks at the former-amnesiacs more closely, only just now realizing that they seemed to have experienced something as well. ”To…to what were you referring when you say ‘that’? Because…that to which I was referring was my unstable form regarding the truths Haserton Lowls learned from the Mad Poet. The ramifications therein should…be exclusive to my being. It…should not have manifested an effect upon you four. What…happened to you?”
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
"I heard something..."
Kolgradd looks uneasy. "Who has that mirror?"
I'm not sure if anyone said they invested in the mirror or not, but if someone has it could be handy to check on our real bodies, that "wake up" has me worried!
Jevar Shadowmantle |
According to our inventory, linked at the top of the campaign, nobody had it. Soooo....
Jevar immediately realizes what Kolgradd is referring to and starts to rifle through his bag of holding.
This. I think we will each need a moment to attune with it, and employ its abilities for each of our individual, real-world selves. We were nearby when we conducted the ritual to come here, but I think we want th widest view possible on our surroundings...
He himself interacts with the mirror until he can see his sleeping body...
After he confirms his body and safe surroundings he hands it to Kolgradd.
Or, you know, screams real loud about any danger.
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
The long and short of it is that no, there isn't anyone near y'all's Material Plane bodies.
Jevar Shadowmantle |
After a short time of inspecting his surroundings in reality, Jevar replaces the mirror in his bag of holding.
Hmm, it seems our selves are well and secure at the moment. But, I see nothing else to do here before we get moving on our critical travel.
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
Sorry about that diversion!
"Yes, we have what we need, we just need to catch up to Lowls. That will be no easy feat given the headstart he has"
We still have quite a while until Cassomir right?
Boodiddly |
"It…should not have manifested an effect upon you four. What…happened to you?"
"I can't speak for everyone else, but I saw a vision of a desert city and then Lowls drowning me." Boodiddly's voice is crisp and matter-of-fact, seemingly unbothered by having witnessed so much death happening to him in such rapid succession. "Then there were two voices speaking over each other - one saying 'Stop talking' and the other 'Wake up'. Then there was a third voice saying 'You are now free, but to remain so you must find me'. Fascinating stuff."
"As for Weiralai, we've met them before in the waking world at Lowl's mansion. It was not a peaceful encounter. And the fact that they took an interest in you after we met you leaves me with little confidence they will not continue to harass and harm you."
Shohreh Kassar |
"I saw my life, all of it," Shohreh says, nodding. "Even the parts I wished to forget."
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
”Well, I will make do as much as I can. This is unfortunately where we must part ways. I will try as much as I can, but you four have business in the waking world to attend to. Please, be sure to visit again!”
With that, the Yellow King bows to them, and the former-amnesiacs all Wake Up.
*
Toilday 15 Neth, 4716 (Day 35, Mile 345)
The former-amnesiacs wake up aboard the Sellen Starling, the boat taking them to Cassomir. Shohreh wakes up to find that she is still in the Shakur disguise. Just as they expected, all of the items originally found in the Dreamlands remained there. Inventory Update to remove any Dreamlands item, but they find that the Mad Poet spoke the truth. As the former-amnesiacs awaken, they find themselves already wearing the gifted apex items that the Mad Poet gave them—the items came with them back to the waking world.
The former-amnesiacs find Skywin Freeling, the halfling captain of the ship, working and yelling orders to her crew. As she sees the former-amnesiacs coming up, Skywin approaches them.
”Good timing. Just wanted to let y’all know that we’re going to be weighing anchor in the next couple of days—in Xer, Razmiran. I’m not saying I expect anything to happen, but be prepared nonetheless—those Razmirans are wily ones. Do NOT leave the ship! If something happens, I expect y’all to help me out with it, like we agreed when y’all boarded my ship.”
Y’all have 5 days of downtime to resolve before the next event. I will put a quote about stuff y’all can do aboard the Sellen Starling below.
You can choose to Earn Income on the ship, but Earning Income on a moving vessel provides limited options. You can choose to assist Skywin in odd jobs around the Sellen Starling, in which case you can use Sailing Lore, Athletics, or Survival to attempt job tasks of up to 7th level. You can also go for something else to Earn Income, but if it isn’t Sailing Lore, Athletics, or Survival, then the maximum task level is only 4, AND you’ll have to convince me how you could feasibly earn money using that skill while on a moving ship.
Merrily Down the Stream
Day 35 - Day 39
==============
Boodiddly (Earned Income: 3.8 gp)
Jevar (Reverse-engineered moderate frost vial; Craft 4 moderate frost vials: 1/7 for full discount)
Kolgradd (Retrain feat: 5/7)
Shohreh (Earned Income: 11.4 gp)
==============
Shohreh Kassar |
"Please excuse me," Shohreh says, before retreating to her cabin (or some other room in which she could have a moment of privacy). She reemerges only a short time later, this time wearing her true face and an apologetic expression.
Sadly, I'm not trained in any of those things! Could I use Medicine to act as/support the ship's physician (if it has one)? I'm sure the sailors are all in the best of health, after all.
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
Sadly, I'm not trained in any of those things! Could I use Medicine to act as/support the ship's physician (if it has one)? I'm sure the sailors are all in the best of health, after all.
I mean, I'll allow it.
Jevar Shadowmantle |
I'll have to remember the Quick Setup feat for a future level.
Once they return, Jevar sighs, realizing they still have a handful of travel days left.
I guess... we have some time to kill.
He returns to his bunker and works on reducing the cost of his moderate frost vials.
IIRC from last time, you said to re-use the original check and not re-roll?
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
"Ugh, Razmiran"
He'll start taking Knockdown instead of Positioning Assault as his Combat Flexibility feat. He'll take that scimitar too to replace his axe as a backup slashing weapon if there are no objections?
Kolgradd gets back to training, his heavy footfalls can be heard constantly throughout the ship, as well as snatches of confusing shouts.
"...on each tentacle, vulnerable to ... frost!"
"Hammer's no good, switch to the scimitar ..."
After a few days of intense activity, he starts to feel a little guilty seeing the sailors struggling with their tasks, and takes on a few jobs himself.
Earn income for the remaining 3 days
Athletic to Earn Income, Task Level 7: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21
Unfortunately his new boots keep smashing ladder rungs and putting scratches all over the ship, and Skywin is furious.
I think that leaves him with two days to kill. If Jevar is ok with it (and the appropriate materials are at hand) he can spend them copying spells into his spellbook.
Produce Flame DC 15: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
1GP
Feather Fall DC 15: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
2GP
Invisibility DC 18: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
6GP
Resist Energy DC 18: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
6GP
Dispel Magic DC 18: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
6GP
Magic Missile DC 15: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29
1GP
Haste DC 20: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Fail = 0GP
Lightning Bolt DC 20: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
8GP
for a total of 30GP and 15 hours spent
Boodiddly |
Boodiddly continues scrying the ivory staircase's history. When the ship draws unwanted attention, he tries to shape the silver mask on his face into something similar to that of the priests serving the Living God and scowls ferociously. But in the quiet moments, he practices and lets anyone on board listen. His violin's song is more subdued now, more melancholic - as if longing for the return of some imagined innocence or naiveite that will never exist again, in this world or any other - even as it bounces and laughs cheerfully.
Performance, Expert, Lvl 4 Task, 5 days vs DC 19: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36
Shohreh Kassar |
Shohreh spends the first couple days in relative isolation, emerging primarily to eat or to treat various incidental injuries the crew suffers during their work. After that, she begins to spend more time on the deck, watching the oncoming horizon as they draw ever closer to their destination.
Medicine, Level 4 Earn Income DC 19: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31 Crit Success, so 1gp per day for 5 days
GM Xavier Kahlvet |
IIRC from last time, you said to re-use the original check and not re-roll?
Yes, that is correct.
*
Starday 19 Neth, 4716 (Day 39, Mile 390)
The Sellen Starling makes port in the Razmiri port city of Xer. Skywin makes it very clear that she does not want anyone except those necessary to leave the ship. She and several of her crew go to port. The crew begins bringing in items to resupply while Skywin begins speaking with a masked-and-robed person who is apparently the port master.
The Sellen Starling lifts anchor and leaves port within an hour of arriving, which the only problem being Skywin’s grumbling of ”…damn ‘tithes’…”
However, the issue comes not from the port-city, but a few miles after leaving port.
”Hanspur’s whiskers! Why now?!”
Skywin looks off the aft of the ship and finds that there is another ship incoming: a large, rowed barge bearing the name Tribute Taker across its hull. The Tribute Taker is being manned by an entire crew of people wearing robes and identical iron masks. While most of the crew wear white robes, a single person—apparently the captain—wears a black robe.
If you critically succeed, open the spoiler below
”A damn faith barge!” Skywin curses as she turns to the former-amnesiacs. ”They take tributes for Razmir from passing vessels. Gah! They’re faster than us, so we can’t outrun them.
”Lower the sails! We’re gonna have company!”
Skywin turns back to the former-amnesiacs. ”I paid my tribute in Xer, so hopefully this guy will respect that, but you never know with Razmiris. Be prepared for the worst.”
As the Sellen Starling slows its advance, the Tribute Taker catches up quickly. Map Updated
Both ships weigh anchor next to each other. The black-robed person pulls out a spyglass and, strangely enough, looks through it at the ship that is not too far away. The person fiddles with several dials on the spyglass before suddenly teleporting right in front of Skywin on the Sellen Starling!
The black-robed person collapses the spyglass and puts it away, then holds up both hand, palms outward. ”Peace and prosperity be with you.”
Skywin does not look too pleased at the person—apparently a man—being on her ship. ”Captain Skywin Freeling. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
The black-robed man lowers his hands and puts them behind his back. ”Captain Hinks Argrup. I am a representative of Razmiran, here to collect tithes in the name of Lord Razmir.”
At this, Captain Argrup and his crewmates on the Tribute Taker all exclaim, simultaneously ”All hail the Living God!”
Captain Argrup then returns to Skywin. ”Regulations. I’m sure you understand.”
Skywin folds her arms.”I am aware of the regulations, that’s why I paid my tithe in Xer. I spoke with the port master and my ship is clear to pass through to the border. I have it right here.” Skywin pulls out a scroll of parchment and holds it up to the other captain for him to take.
Captain Argrup does not take the parchment, instead laughing directly in Skywin’s face. ”If that is how it will be, then we will just have to take Razmir’s tithe by force.” The captain then snaps his fingers and the various white-robed people draw rapiers and crossbows!
Jevar: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Kolgradd: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 18 + 2 = 21
Shohreh: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Skywin Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Captain Argrup Deception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20
Razmiri Acolytes: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Okay, I’m gonna have Boodiddly, Jevar, and Shohreh Delay until after Skywin for the sole reason of “it makes more sense narratively.”
Skywin hears the blatant threat to herself and her crew and screams at Argrup ”The hell you will!” ◆ Demoralize
Skywin Intimidation vs Argrup Will DC: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Argrup once again laughs in her face, but this is enough of a distraction for the halfling to try and ◆ Trip the Razmiri priest!
Skywin Athletics vs Argrup Reflex DC: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Crit fail, so ◇ Halfling Luck.
Reroll: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23 Well, that’s not a crit fail.
Captain Argrup proves to be surprisingly dexterous, despite being in a flowing robe. With little left to do, she ◆ Raises the buckler on her arm.
All Hail the Living God
Round 1
==============
Skywin
Boodiddly
Jevar/Shohreh
Kolgradd
Captain Argrup
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Purple
Cyan
Pink
==============
Jevar Shadowmantle |
I think that leaves him with two days to kill. If Jevar is ok with it (and the appropriate materials are at hand) he can spend them copying spells into his spellbook.
Definitely okay with it.
Jevar crosses his arms and sighs.
Well, to be honest, at this point we've dealt with much worse.
He manifests a cloud of black tentacles on the opposing boat.
◆◆◆ Cast (material, somatic, verbal) Black tentacles, 20 ft burst marked on the map (catching all but PURPLE and PINK)
Spell attack vs RED Fort DC, B damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 253d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 1) = 7
Spell attack vs ORANGE Fort DC, B damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 373d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3) = 7
Spell attack vs GREEN Fort DC, B damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 373d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2) = 8
Spell attack vs YELLOW Fort DC, B damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 303d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3) = 12
Spell attack vs BLUE Fort DC, B damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 233d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 6) = 14
Spell attack vs TEAL Fort DC, B damage: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 223d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 4) = 12
and grabbed for any that hit. Escape DC is 28
Boodiddly |
Performance vs DC 26: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32
Boodiddly hums to reassure himself, then takes a deep breath and walks around the corner of the ship. Only through great force of will does he prevent himself from trying to forcibly will the world around him into his desired state - instead, he clears his throat. The silver mask on his face shimmers and twists, taking on a slightly golden sheen and obscuring the gnome's features entirely as his voice booms across the water.
"Enough of this nonsense! Have you no respect for a high priest of the Living God!? Bow down, and beg that I am feeling merciful rather than wrathful at this disrespect."
Deception, Mask: 1d20 + 18 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 4 = 41
Lingering composition [F] and inspire defense [A], Stride [A], and lie through his teeth [A?]. I'm sorry, it was just too good of an opportunity to pass up with having a mask. XD
Kolgradd Thunderiron |
Occultism: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26
If Boodiddly's gambit were to stop everyone in their tracks Kolgradd would certainly hold off, but in case it doesn't:
Kolgradd steps up to Argrup, and simply barges him off the edge
◆ Step
◆◆ Boulder Roll
Kolgradd quickly unsnaps his maul from his back, strides up to Argrup, and gives him a testing strike.
◆ Draw Maul
◆ Step
◆ Combat Assessment
Maul: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26
Bludgeoning: 2d12 + 8 ⇒ (9, 1) + 8 = 18
In this case he'd move two squares to the right to give Skywin a chance to flank