[Outpost III] GM Eclipse's The Overflow Archives (Inactive)

Game Master Agent Eclipse

"Well, well. What do we have here?" Ruslo says as he picks up the scroll case. Seeing the grate clogged, he tries to move the papers and leather and unclogs the grate.

Then he opens the scroll case to see what's inside.

The Owl and the Albatross snub the questions of Old Wilmar but almost soften to the apology Eranahu.

"You are sorry but the rest just want to start asking questions!" accuses the Owl.

"What are we books?" says the Albatross.

So close! A few aids or more diplomatic character can probably make them a little more talkative.

---

Ruslo works to move the debris out of the way and finally yanks one last book cover free with a *Shlorp!* that allows the water to start flowing a bit faster.

It appears fast enough to keep the water level from rising but won't fully drain it out.

Then he finds two preserved scrolls within the case. The arcane markings means they are likely a spell scrolls.

---

Lady Naysha points upwards to the mezzanine and then to the spiral staircase spotted when they entered the room.

This staircase goes up to the mezzanine where the fish creature was spotted and down to a lower level. The mezzanine is a balcony overlooking the area.

Fuzzzy slogs his way through the water towards the staircase.

"Gonna get eaten." one murmurs as he passes.

"Shhh or your gonna get us both eaten, Albatross." exclaims the other.

As he nears the top he spots a large fish-like creature with four eyes and tentacles that are dripping water. It appears rather oblivious to the wizard instead taking deep breaths before expelling more water over the railing. He can peer over the railing to see the group below.

Nature: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Lady Naysha has no idea what that big fish up there is, but she thinks she might want to try to talk to it!

How high is the balcony from the top of the book cases? If she was beside the balcony railing and on top of a book case, could she reach the balcony and climb up? Or does she need to climb down and walk over to the stairs and take the stairs?

kn. Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"Umm. That's not actually a fish. It's a grodair, a kind of fry creature. Be careful over there Fuzzy. So, hey Naysha! Isn't this water great? Owl and Albatross here would probably like to get back to fishing and we would like to find the source. Wouldn't it be great if we could help each other out?". Eranahu asks with a sly wink, accompanied by a nod in the bird's direction, along with two raises of his right elbow.

aid diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Nature: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25

"Oh, dear! You don't look too good! You don't belong on a balcony! You belong in an ocean! Or, a lake perhaps. Are you a fresh water fish or a salt-water fish?"

"Hooo!" Bobby says.

"An extra-planar fish?! Ah, yes. Good catch, Bobby! Why are you here, grodair, when you belong in the First World with the other fey? My owl tells me you have an extradimensional sac in your body that allows you to absorb massive amounts of water and expel it later. Rather interesting! But, not too practical right now, I think. You're spewing an ocean all over this library! Maybe you should drink less next time! Could you stop that?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 13

"Stop that!"

Ruslo puts the magical scrolls back into the case, making a mental note to ask Bobby about them later. Then he hurries over to help Fuzzzy before he got eaten by a fairy-fish.

The bookshelves are 10ft tall and the balcony is 20ft tall so I don't think that would be the best route. It could turn into one of those scenes from America Funniest Home Videos where the cats try to jump onto something.

On the Mezzanine.

The Grodair turns to Fuzzzy and begins speaking in another tongue.

A tentacle rises up and scratches her head much like a human would do when thinking really hard. She then releases another wave of water below.

Down in the library below.

The Owl and the Albatross turn their head towards Eranahu and bob them excitedly before turning to Lady Naysha.

"You are going to help us?" they speak in unison before pushing each other around.

"I was gonna say that first, Owl!"

"A birdbrain like you only copied me, Albatross!"

Kiyoko looks between the birds and the fish, back and forth. By the kami. The Minkaian slowly wades her way toward the stairs, figuring that the fish was the greater threat.

With a little bit of effort the old team climbs the stairs. Each of them struggle for a different reason.

Fuzzzy has no idea what the fish is saying, so he thinks really hard about it....

Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

But, he's forgotten.

And soon he's forgotten that he's forgotten!

Fuzzzy grabs the fish by the tentacle. "Can I pull you down from here?".

He gives the fish a tug.

"Here!"

"Hoooo!" Bobby nods.

Ruslo's eyebrows raise at the sight of the strange fish belching water at Fuzzzy. "Well, hello there... Are you okay? Are you feelin' alright there?"

Lady Naysha gets off the book shelf and runs to the birds. "Yes, I am going to help you! Do you know how you got here? Or anything about a fox? What would you like help with?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

On The Mezzanine

The grodair yanks the tentacle back and begins to rant at Fuzzy clearly upset about being touched before becoming appearing bit confused. It uses another language as well this time trying to get through to the growing group.

---

Down below.

"Oh, well why didn't you say that from the beginning! You seem so nice. Tell her, Owl, tell her!" the Albatross says inviting her to join them on the toppled bookcase.

"Okay, but we must be quiet as the sleeper could hear us! It was terrible as we were washed about inside her belly where fishing wasn't great at all! I just wanted more fish since Albatross caught them all but I may have hooked the big fish upstairs." Owl begins the story.

"Not at all! It was better here before some smarty-pants dog cat came splashing about and scared the fish off. Left behind a neat piece of pap-" the Albatross starts to rummage in his belt.

"Left behind a mess! Not a scroll." Owl cuts off the Albatross with a smack of his wing.

The pair are more friendly and go on about how awful it was being stuck inside "The Sleeper" who they still fear more than anything.

Looking to Albatross, "A scroll you say? Mind if I take a look? And then to both of them, "Oh. The Sleeper. Sounds very bad indeed. Stuck inside you say! It's amazing you are both here just fine and dandy! What is this Sleeper? Where is it?"

Now we're getting somewhere.

Sorry, but I don't know what you're saying." Fuzzzy admits.

Saying?"

Bobby shakes his head. "Hooo..."

"A piece of paper? Can I have it? I have some other pieces of paper, and I'd love some more of them!"

"Can you tell us more about that 'smarty-pants' dog cat?"

"I don't think it liked getting yanked on, Fuzzzy."

Ruslo looks at Bobby. "Bobby, take care of Fuzzzy." He looks around the mezzanine for anything of interest.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 +1 higher vs. traps).

Down Below.

"The Sleeper isn't sleeping she is up above spouting water just like she spouted us out! I think your friends went up to see her? Maybe they are inside her belly now." the Owl says with a smile turning his head nearly 180 degrees to look towards the spiral staricase.

"They want to see the paper, Owl, what do we do?" Albatros asks grabbing the Owl's head to turn it to face him.

"Let go! Let go of me first...hmmm..." the Owl thinks while grabbing the scroll from the belt of Albatross and holding it up, "there it is everyone can see it now!" he says with a smile keeping it out of reach of Lady Naysha and Eranahu.

Albatross starts to laugh till he realizes his scroll was taken...he proceeds to cry.

"Owl! That is mine you can't just take it like that...maybe they will make a trade. She said she had more papers! Maybe better papers!"

The two begin to squabble between each other over what to do completely missing the question about the dog cat.

---

Up On The Mezzanine.

Maybe the druid can speak Sylvan. Not sure since it languages aren't listed in Old Wilmars profile.

The Grodair lets Ruslo explore the mezzanine without any trouble. He finds nothing of interest and is able to look down and see the remaining two members of the group conversing with the two creatures below.

He is able to overhear the conversation about scrolls and trading papers.

She lets out another stream of water after speaking.

---

Sorry all if this can be a bit frustrating. It is a very unique scenario that involves lots of roleplay hurdles with creatures that love to make it difficult. You all are getting there though!

I like the intetractions.

I really need to learn to speak with these fey things in their language.

"I'm sure that Lady Naysha would be willing to trade one of her very important papers for your paper. Even trade.

"I have an even better deal for you!" Lady Naysha replies. "Are you ready?" Lady Naysha pulls a vial out of her belt pouch. "Watch closely. For if you blink! If you look away for even one second... you'll miss it!"

With a flourish, Lady Naysha makes the vial vanish! "Why, what's that behind your shoulder, Albatross?!"

Lasy Naysha magically makes the vial reappear from Albatross' shoulder!

"Ta-da! Now, listen close! Here's my offer for you. You give me your paper. I'll perform a magic show for you, then I'll give you each a very special paper I'll make just for you. Deal?"

If they accept her offer:

Profession Magician: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Perform Comedy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Finally, Lady Naysha pulls out her journal and pulls out two papers. On each, she composes a silly poem, written in charcoal. One is about Albatross and one is about Owl. She signs each paper, 'I wish you good fishing and good friendship, now and always. Thanks for your help. Love Lady Naysha!'

Albatross Poem: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Owl Poem: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

hilarious! Well done.

Fuzzzy gets totally distracted by Lady Naysha's magic show and jokes! He heads down the stairs and watches, totally fascinated.

"Wow, I wish I could so magic!" Fuzzzy exclaims after she's done.

Ruslo looks at the creature and says, "Well, what do you think of that? She's pretty good, hey?" He continues trying to talk to the grodair. "So, you're some kind of fey, hey? You from the First World? Or a scroll... world? What's it like there?" While he chats with the fish and waits for Lady Naysha to lend him her fey-speak, Ruslo fiddles with a coin, rolling it across his fingers and back.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Down Below: Fantastic Roleplay!

Owl and Albatross stop fighting as soon as Lady Naysha offers a deal.

"A deeeeeaaaaaaaal!" Albatross exclaims.

"With a show!" Owl adds.

As the vial appears Albatross whips his neck and squawks making Owl mock him.

"She got you, birdbrain. I like her! A show and a scroll for each of us? That is a deal of deals!"

The both of them watch the rest of the show and nudge each other over the poems.

"This one is all about me! The albatross and this one doesn't die!" the Albatross says holding it in the air.

"Boooring. This one is about the wise Owl! Better than some generic bird after a worm."

"The poems also say we have to be friends!" Albatross says with crossed arms.

They go back and forth for a moment before realizing they owe Lady Naysha something in return.

They both put a hand on the scroll and hand it to her with excitement.

"This one sounds like a poem but we don't quite get it...so here you go. Your scrolls are much better. The sleeper might even like you...oh and I don't know what that smarty-pants creature is up to but he splashed away awhile ago."

The scroll appears to be part of the riddle piece given by Virml earlier.

In Slides, Handout #2.

They go back to fishing in a much better mood than before even being a bit louder forgetting their fear of the sleeper.

---

Up on the Mezzanine.

As Ruslo watches the show from above and speaks to the creature it slides forward to watch.

She seems to ramble on in the foreign tongue before returning to her spot and watching Ruslo with the coin.

Her talks are quite animated as she continues a conversation that she seems oblivious to the fact that you cannot understand her even though Fuzzy told her moments ago before leaving.

"Thanks! Bye, Owl and Albatross! See you again soon."

Lady Naysha heads up the stairs.

The grodair smiles as Lady Naysha appears and starts speaking her tongue.

As she speaks with relief the tentacles motion for Lady Naysha to come closer. For the moment she is too distracted to spew more water to the archives below.

Watching Naysha work, Eranahu can't help but smile, "By Erastil's many pronged antler..."

I have a lot to learn. Perhaps she can teach me a thing or two.

The Minkaian samurai keeps a wary eye on the fey. If anyone comes to harm, you will pay for it, she silently vows.

Ruslo watches Lady Naysha, staying close in case of trouble.

The grodair continues her conversation with Lady Naysha spewing some water when she mentions the haughty fox.

Mistress Koi spews more water this time a bit more powerfully. A moment after it sprays over the railing you hear Owl and Albatross yelling.

"Oi! This spout of water nearly washed me away. Help me move the raft." Owl groans.

"Shush! I am going...if we yell we might get eaten, Owl!" Albatross yells back.

Looking over the rail you see the two move a bit before going back to fishing.

The old dwarf looks back and forth between the people speaking not understanding what is being said.

"I'll help!" Fuzzzy says. He leaps behind Owl and Albatross' raft, looking very heroic, and pushes the raft away from the water falling from the cieling.

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

"Help!"

The grodair looks...happy...as she pulls Lady Naysha in for a hug.

She lets the oracle go and sucks up a bit of the water on the balcony as a measure of good faith before waving goodbye for the time being.

Lady Naysha can share what she has learned with the group and they can proceed onward. They remember that the spiral stairs leading up to the mezzanine also lead downward to a lower section.

Owl and Albatross cheer as Fuzzzy helps them.

"We like the old man! The whole group is so helpful." Albatross says hugging him as he works.

"I guess. But helps us push instead of holding him back." Owl scolds the Albatross.

With the raft in a better spot they thank Fuzzzy and go back to fishing.

Looking back and forth between Naysha and Grodair, and not understanding a bit, Eranahu senses that Lady Naysha is working her charms on this fish lady. He finds that he is enjoying the conversation even if he doesn't understand the words.

Maybe I can get her to teach me this language.

"We have a direction then?" He asks with a smile.

Fuzzzy is very happy with the stranger little bird-people hugging him -- even if he has no idea who they are.

”Yes. I’ve got this all sorted. Let’s see now… Once upon a time there was a tricky fox who failed to answer a riddle posed by the Fey Riddler. He threw a fit, so the Fey Riddler trapped the Tricky Fox inside the very riddle that had foiled him. Inside that riddle the Tricky Fox was imprisoned, along with all the other characters in the riddle — like my dear friends Owl and Albatross and Mistress Koi, up there. She’s the Sleeper in the riddle.”

”But, Tricky Fox did not like being imprisoned, and he escaped. Mistress Koi isn’t sure how — she can’t remember, you see. And the riddle was ripped by his escape into lots of pieces. Mistress Koi knows she must catch the Tricky Fox, but she’s stranded up there and can’t hunt him on her own. Instead, she’s expelling the water from inside her to flood the library.”

”Not good for us, of course. I’ve promised Mistress Koi we would find Tricky Fox and the pieces of the riddle. In exchange, Mistress Koi will stop spitting the ocean all over the place. When we have all the pieces of the riddle and the Tricky Fox we can bring them to Mistress Koi, she’ll trap the fox, and suck up all the water. Then, everything will be back to normal.”

”Got it? Lovely! Also, Tricky Fox is a shapeshifter. He can look like anyone. Like you or me or whoever. Like this.”

Lady Naysha snaps her fingers and suddenly looks different - she’s a little old lady dressed like Tamahi. Another snap and she looks like a man in wizard’s robes, then an elf soldier, and a seafaring pirate. She grins, snaps her fingers, and returns to her true form — or at least, the form you know her as. ”Obviously, it will be tricky to find Tricky Fox. He’s well named.”

”I have three pieces to the poem so far, but they’re not all in the right order. Not yet. They read…

As we have heard, the worm’s got by the bird
Who gets up so early a-dawnward.
But what of the bird who, deceased and interred,
Becomes food for the worm worming onward?”

Smiling, she asks, ”Questions?”