This was a lot of fun! Thanks for running the game and making the introduction to PbP very simple.
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With regards to the hammer, "I would strongly suggest that we do not destroy this hammer. Regardless of its origin or symbolism, it is a piece of history and should be preserved as such." Upon entering the destroyed library, Abelard immediately begins searching for any texts that might be salvageable and those that could be restored with a little effort from a skilled artisan.
He also attempts to discern if there are any arcane writings present using a detect magic spell.
"With our mission seemingly complete, we should make haste to return to Falcon's Hollow."
Abelard remains prone and assumes a defensive posture, trying to fend off the worg with his quarterstaff. "Thank you for the healing, son!"
As the worg dashes towards Abelard, a look of horror washes over the old man's face. "That did not go according to...Aaaaaaaah!" Fighting through the pain and fear, Abelard manages to draw upon his arcane prowess to call his old friend from the beyond.
Abelard moves forward to face the worg and the wolf to the south. "Let's hope this new incantation works as I expect!" With a flourish and a few arcane intonations, Abelard presses his palms outward toward these enemies as a shower of colorful, sparkling lights issue forth from his hands.
Color Spray: A vivid cone of clashing colors springs forth from your hand, causing creatures to become stunned, perhaps also blinded, and possibly knocking them unconscious. Each creature within the cone is affected according to its HD.
2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious.) 3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round. 5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round. Sightless creatures are not affected by color spray.
"Hmm I'm not a master of herbal medicine by any means. Those mushrooms might be sufficient, but my opinion would be little more than an educated guess. I'm of a mind to continue searching these ruins as I may never have the opportunity again. Who knows what secrets may lie within. However, I agree with Ethan that we should not delay from returning to Falcon's Hollow without good reason."
"Boruk also makes a good point that it may be safer to rest here than in the woods before making the trek back."
The map did not update for me.
Abelard examines the axe, noting first it's inscription and then attempts to determine the value of the piece as a whole. He dons his spectacles and begins looking over the weapon inch by inch, careful not to miss any detail.
"That axe seems to be quite the prize indeed! I think the inscription might be referring to Angradd. He's not nearly as widely known as his brother Torag, but he is still highly regarded in Dwarven society, especially among smiths and metalworkers. Wielding that would likely grant you some measure of good fortune, Boruk." Finally looking up from the axe, Abelard turns to his companions and suggests that "We might try the northern door first as it seems to lead into a smaller section of the monastery rather than the main building."
"I agree that the tower is the best place to start if we want to be thorough. From what I know about mushrooms, however, most varieties grow in dark, humid environments like caves. Although, Boruk is likely a much better source of information on this particular species." Turning to Ethan, Abelard notes "I can also produce magical light, but having multiple sources of light is sure to come in handy."
Abelard stops for a moment to take in the beauty of the ancient structure. Even in its dilapidated state, it's clear that the monastery was once a magnificent sight to behold. "What a privilege it would have been to see this in it's prime! Wouldn't you agree Boruk?" Abelard, understanding Dwarven at least on a scholarly level recognizes the writing and raises a similar question in his mind to the one posed by Boruk. I wonder if this fellow might have been a dwarven hero of great renown; perhaps the builder of this monastery. Or perhaps it represents a deity or founder of this monastic order...
Sorry everyone I had a really busy day yesterday so it completely slipped my mind to check for new posts. I'll get my sheet done asap and begin posting again when that's done. Sheet Changes:
Abelard continues to assist Boruk with his attacks on the creature.
Abelard, upon realizing that the creature must be defeated in order to succeed in the mission, decides that helping Boruk is still the most useful option. He again moves to flank the cauldron and tries to assist Boruk with his next attack.
Upon recalling information about the construct, Abelard realizes that Boruk is likely the only member of the party with the ability to damage this creature at all. With the possibility of retreat looming large in his mind, Abelard begins to look around the room, attempting to locate the rat's tail.
Abelard, unable to do anything else useful, attempts to recall any vulnerability of this particular type of construct that might be exploited.
"Boruk,I think the quickest way to get Parundar out is to break that pot wide open! Give that axe of yours a swing." Abelard moves into a flanking position with Boruk and begins tapping on the cauldron with his quarterstaff in an attempt to distract the creature.
Hmm a magic cauldron. That's quite interesting. I wonder if... "Oh my goodness!" Abelard jumps back in surprise, but then moves closer to Boruk to touch some part of him that is visible. "Don't worry, my friend. This should help you get out."
Abelard turns to Boruk with an expression of utter confusion. "I can say with absolute certainty that this...is not at all what I expected to find here. If the witch is truly dead, that calls into question the manner of her demise. And even with the obvious threat out of the picture, I would not consider this cabin to be "safe" by any stretch of the imagination. Let us proceed with caution." Abelard helps Boruk search mainly by trying to identify any magical threats before they become an issue.
Abelard moves slowly toward the cabin with the intent of speaking with the witch. He does not make any threatening gestures, but remains on guard for danger as much as possible. "Stay on your guard friends. This could turn sour very quickly."
As Ethan calls out, Abelard frowns ever so slightly. Well I suppose that's one way of doing it. No matter how contact is initiated, I can't help but believe that this isn't going to go well. "If she is here and willing to speak, perhaps I should be the one to broker a deal. Though it was only once and quite some time ago, I have dealt with a witch before. No matter how the conversation goes, I suspect we will have to give up something important in order to receive what we need from her." Abelard recites a few arcane phrases under his breath and a shimmering field of energy covers him, providing protection from some degree of harm.
Looking over the creature, Abelard tries to determine if there would be anything worth harvesting either for practical or arcane purposes.
Then, while looking over the spoils, the signet ring catches his eye. I wonder who this might have belonged to?
Afterwards, Abelard turns to the group. "We march ever forward, I suppose."
After directing the eagle to attack the tatzylwyrm, Abelard takes cover behind a nearby rock or tree, unable to offer any more aid at the moment.
Seeing this beast, Abelard shouts a warning to his friends close to the tree, but it reaches the ears of Merrick and Boruk several seconds too late. What on earth is that creature? I've never seen it's like before. A type of serpent or dragon perhaps?
Abelard, being too far away to help any of his companions directly, elects to once again call for aid from the great beyond.
Abelard stays towards the edge of the clearing, both admiring the great tree at it's center and remaining vigilant for danger. Something about this seems a bit off. Often a large tree is host to an equally large resident. Perhaps some great bird has nested somewhere in the boughs. Or a burrowing creature might have taken refuge in the natural structures created by this root system. Either way, I doubt such a creature would take kindly to our presence.
Completely stumped, Abelard begins losing grip on his better judgement as curiosity starts to gnaw at him more and more. He glances down the path in the direction of the strange tracks to see how far they might go, but he doesn't move to follow them as of now.
As Abelard examines the tracks he, hears from Ethan that the creature is bipedal.
He begins rifling through his notes, trying recall any creature, magical or mundane, that fits the description of these tracks.
Looking around at the others, the faintest expression of worry begins to creep across Abelard's face. "I wonder, friends, are we heading in the right direction? Let me consult the map for a moment."
@GM could Abelard aid in navigation through the use of knowledge geography and the map we have?
"I agree, Boruk. This looks to be as good of a resting place as we can hope for in unfamiliar territory." Abelard pauses for a moment, taking in the beauty of the forest that surrounds him. It may not be the safest place, but I haven't seen a setting like this in many years. Upon hearing the request from Parundar, Abelard remembers the need to assign a watch. "You know, Parundar, I served on the city watch in my home town for a time when I was much closer to your age. Back then, I always took the first watch, but now I feel like the last watch is more suited for me. The early morning light will be easier on my eyes and I'll likely be awake by then anyway!"
Abelard chuckles and then turns back towards the campsite. "Merrick, once you get those crows cleaned, I might be able to help make them a little more palatable." Abelard searches around the perimeter of the campsite for any wild foragables such as mushrooms, nuts, herbs, wild vegetables, fruits, etc.
Fyi I'll be traveling from Wednesday until next Sunday. I don't think I'll have a problem keeping up with posts, but if I fall behind, please feel free to continue on. If that happens, I'll just jump back in where you are when I can.
Seeing that all the visible enemies have been dispatched, Abelard steps out from cover and hurries toward Boruk. "My friend, had I been shot with that arrow instead of you, I'm not sure I would still be standing here. I apologize that I wasn't much help. I'm not very accustomed to fighting as you are probably now well aware. I had hoped our journey would prove less dangerous, but it would be a lie to say that I expected anything different." Now turning to everyone, "I suppose the only thing to do now is continue forward, but perhaps with a bit more caution. If this has shown us anything, it's that often, things aren't exactly as they seem, especially in wilderness such as this."
Abelard again whistles to the eagle and points toward the hobgoblin.
Ah good point. I forgot about the full-attack rules.
Abelard looks to his eagle friend, whistles loudly and points at the nearest bird harrying Boruk. Then, he moves behind the rock to the south for cover.
Ok no problem. That seems perfectly reasonable to me.
It probably won't apply to this fight, but I want to get a clear ruling on this now so I know how it will work in the future. If I cast a spell that affects a member of our party on the same turn as it was cast(for example enlarge person or haste), but that person has already posted their combat action, how do we resolve that? In the case of haste, would they just make another attack? In the case of enlarge person, would they add bonuses to attack and damage retroactively or re-roll everything? I definitely dont want to be disruptive, I just don't know what protocol is.
Abelard looks as the arrow sticking out of Boruk with complete shock and horror. This is definitely not good, but I suppose I should say something to keep everyone calm. "Do not worry friends, help is on the way!" Abelard begins moving his hands in a series of precise, but fluid arcane gestures and speaks an incantation under his breath.
Abelard stops just short of the edge of the clearing and a look of sadness sweeps across his face immediately when he sees the fox in such torment. Though his first instinct is to aid the creature, he slowly and methodically scans the treeline, looking for some larger animal or other predator that might be moving in.
Recognizing the animal shortly after seeing it, Abelard forgets for a moment what he's doing and turns to the nearest party member excitedly explaining, "This is actually a firefoot fennec! I've never seen one in person because they're unique to the area, but I've read about them in my primer on the vale. Did you know that foxes are actually..." From the looks on everyone's faces, Abelard quickly realizes that this is not at all the time for a lecture on foxes. Abelard recomposes himself, saying "Pardon me, I got a bit carried away. Do you see anything in the treeline?"
Abelard turns to the group and says, "I absolutely hate the idea of leaving an animal in pain. However, we must remember that time is ticking for the people of Falcon's Hollow as well. If we can quickly find and aid this creature, I think we should. If it requires significantly altering course from our present one, the decision becomes far more difficult." Especially when it could all be an illusion or trap instead of a cry for help
Abelard stops to listen carefully and turns to Ethan. "I'm afraid my hearing isn't what it used to be. I don't hear anything beyond the normal sounds of the forest, but I trust the senses of a young man above my own. Perhaps those hunters injured something and were too intoxicated to find and collect it." Of course it could also be some sort of mischevieous fey playing a prank. I'll keep an eye out, but it's probably best not to worry the others with unlikely possibilities.
Upon seeing the men and hearing Ethan address them, Abelard grabs Ethan's shoulder lightly and leans forward to whisper, "These men are deep in their cups and are not likely to fully comprehend anything you have just said. They may be looking to pick a fight with just about anyone who crosses their path. If we want to avoid confrontation, we should comply with their demands and alter course briefly until they have moved on." I have seen this too many times before and I hope this doesn't go the way it normally does. Abelard prepares himself for a fight, praying it does not occur.
Hearing this information, Abelard finishes his lunch and nods in thanks to Milon. Then, after thinking for a moment on the time required to travel to even the nearest location, he suggests to the group "We should wait until morning and start tomorrow as early as possible. It doesn't seem that we gain anything by spending the night in the woods and who knows what manner of creatures lurk about in the dark. This journey will be difficult enough on its own and getting a good night's rest will be important for all of us in the days to come." Ethan:
After this, Abelard turns to Ethan and says, "You have proven to be quite competent in dealing with the people of Falcon's Hollow, even though they have been less than cordial towards us. Although, I suppose they can't be blamed for being on edge. The loss or potential loss of loved ones can bring out the worst in just about anyone. Either way, I am glad to have you with us. Perhaps our mission has some hope of success afterall." Boruk:
Turning to Boruk with a smile and some measure of excitement, Abelard says, "Things have been moving quite quickly and I haven't had a chance to speak with you since we discovered that the Ironbloom mushrooms could be found in an old dwarven monastery. Do you think this has any correlation to your ancestral home? Perhaps in going there, you could uncover more clues as to the true location of the fallen kingdom." Merrick:
Somewhere on the walk to either the woods or the town, Abelard approaches Merrick and says, "I know Ethan and Boruk have their own reasons for seeking to cure this illness. I wonder, what are you hoping to accomplish on this journey? To my knowledge, you don't have any relatives who are sick and most people dislike the consortium and you were ready to help even before the offer of gold. Why not just move on somewhere else?" Parundar:
When the group decides to settle down for the evening, either in town or in the woods, Abelard sits next to Parundar and attempts to strike up a conversation. "Young man, I'm terribly sorry that I have not taken the chance to officially meet you as of yet. I am Abelard Minsc and I would prefer to known you by your name before setting out on a journey together. There may come a time in all of this where we must rely on each other and I cannot hope to trust you or expect you to trust me if we don't even know the first thing about one another." GM:
Abelard notices the demeanor of the foreman and decides that it would be best to let someone who has more experience with the consortium take the lead in this conversation. Instead, Abelard retrieves the lunch he prepared earlier; a half loaf of bread, some slightly aged cheese, and a bit of dried fruit. As he eats, Abelard listens to the conversation at hand and tries to absorb as much as possible from it.
Turning toward Ethan, Abelard says,"Wise words indeed, my friend. We can spend a very small amount of time to gather information now in order to spare us a long and dangerous search later on. I think speaking with this woodsman could prove beneficial." Now turning towards Laurel, Abelard says, "Thank you, my lady, for the information you have given us and also for the aid you have provided to those who are sick. We shall do our best to return with these components as quickly as possible."
I've updated my rolls accordingly. Although Abelard completely forgot everything he knows about geography (nat 1), being out in the wild like this has sparked an understanding of nature that is both profound and unexplainable (natural 20).
Revised Rolls:
Upon hearing mention of witchcraft and ancient remedies, a look of grave concern comes over Abelard. She seems well-meaning enough, but I wonder if she is delving too deep into things that should not be uncovered. I hope for the sake of this town that there are no serious side effects associated with this remedy. However, Cirthana did say that Laurel had the cure, so I might as well go along with this plan for now. Abelard thinks for a few moments, trying to determine where each of these herbs and landmarks might be located in more practical terms.
I put it in the gameplay section.
Abelard looks around, taking in the sights and smells of the shop. He tries to find a particularly obscure ingredient that he can identify among those on the shelves to prove himself competent to Laurel. After Parundar speaks, Abelard follows with "Indeed we are. I attempted to come by this past evening, but you had already shut down for the day. I am Abelard Minsc and I seek to do whatever is necessary to cure these poor people of the blackscour's sickness. What remedies have you tried so far? I'm no herbalist, but I do know something of rare ingredients. I see you have some on your shelf there. Have you given that a try yet?
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