Would anyone mind if I ran Vrindel and we NPCed Ibrox?
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When the fire extinguished, the gnome sits down in some unburnt grass and replies to Methada, "Welcome to the team."
"Fire!" The cheerful gnome shouts and tries to magically extinguish or soak some of the burning area. He moves to see more of the edge of the inn, in case the fire tries to spread.
The cheerful gnome scowls when his initial volley flies wide. This time he waits for Allison to clear to target the ghoul with two more blasts. "Ibrox!" He enthusiastically exclaims.
The gnome stands up clean of flaming tar and nods to his trollkin. He turns toward the last ghoul with a vengeful leer and says, "Now, my turn, ghoul. Ibrox. Ibrox!" The last two command punctuated with emotion causing two bolts of void force to exit his targeting finger to the ghoul.
The two bolts fly wide to avoid Allison who the ghoul maneuvers to put between him and the gnome.
The gnome continues to move away from the house of horrors. "Ibrox," he whimpers asking his patron to clean himself of flaming tar.
The gnome tries to leap away. His leather-covered foot catches (or is grabbed by the threshold of the cursed house of horror) causing him to tumble and sprawl in the way of the flaming tar vomit. A woosh of air that fuels the instant inferno is quickly followed by the horrific scream of a burning gnome.
The gnome looks up at his attacker just in time to watch the ghoul disgorge its stomach of tar all over his small, svelt body. "By the Grandmother's cold teats," escapes his mouth to react. He spreads his hands above him and says, "Ibrox," in a stern voice. A twisting pattern of colors appears and weaves through the air of the rafters for a moment and vanishes. "Allison, if the ghoul paralyzes, don't attack it." The gnome then lets his feet do their duty and exits the house of horrors as quickly as possible.
The gnome nods at Allison's assessment and slowly backs out of the inn. "There are other ways toward the entrance. We must be extra cautious. Maybe the trap is a good sign that they are turtling. Maybe we've time to go tell your Top and get a whole of troop of humans to descend." When the two return to the griffon discussion, the gnome telepathically asks Vashrin, ::: What is going on, Vashrin? :::
@Atlas I've PMed you without reply, but you're posting here. We miss you over in the M&M Eldritch: NetherWar. Can you pop over to tell us your intentions? thanks
"Vrindel, would you a mind a saddle on your spider body? I could go down with you." The small gnome inquires.
Fully physically refreshed, the gnome breaks his fast with fellow gardener Hobo and packs for travel. He performs a ritual to open his third eye to wonders of magical auras to make ready to explore. "Right. Down the hole. Maybe we want to quickly sweep the inn of strangers to ensure nothing is behind us. I might have heard something in there last night." "Then, step two is for our mechanically inclined Armorwoman to fix the contraption to carry us to the bottom with ease. And, more importantly provide an easy escape route." "Good? Tally ho!"
Sorry, no. There are some forums on the Paizo messageboards that you could ask.
The gnome looks up from his cartography to the planning. "I agree. They keep coming up here. And, Hobo and the dryad will be the first to bear the brunt if they return in force. We need to get down there and dissuade them." He drops his head to focus on documenting the information that he received from a hawk who he questioned of the landscape.
I think you gave us two levels of exhaustion. Are they both gone? Or only one per long rest? thanks
The gnome arches an eyebrow at the cup of tea and replies telepathically to Allison, :: Thank you. That is a useful skill. :: He accepts and sips the tea. After a grateful nod, he continues walking toward the willow taking sips along the way.
The gnome once again walks along the ledge and back into the stale passages beneath the old inn. When he reaches the base of the stairs leading up into the burned common room, he feels the return of magic within himself and the surrounding area. The emptiness where his patron dwells within his mind is, for better or worse, refills with that ancient being who has granted him access to its power. His gait stumbles a bit as comfort and solace wash through him, and the world rotates slowly. After a deep breath and slow exhale, he observes to everyone, "magic appears to operate normally over here." He continues to lead the evacuation and heads toward the willow for a cuppa refreshing tea.
"Time. Methada, I would take time to think of a good exchange for his debt. For me, I've enough of the place for the time being and need a tea to gather my thoughts and settle my stomach." The cheerful gnome who still appears quite green heads out of the cavern toward the dryad's willow for a cuppa tea.
The gnome (still looking a bit green) looks to Trevor and Allison and replies wearily, "Well, I feel horrible. So, I'm not going anywhere fast. I would suggest we return to the willow and recover a bit." "I don't think we should head to town immediately, because 1) those ghouls might have called for reinforcements who could come up here and threaten the dryad again and 2) this raccoon's delivery to the shadow fey was to this cavern. Maybe he missed the timing a bit." Looking at Allison, "Don't you want to know more about who is negotiating with the ghouls AND has an envoy in your queen's court?"
For the record, there was no snickering. Ibrox just smiled. It was consistent RP to the relationship that did not start on the right foot. With respect to this campaign, let me be crystal clear: I. Love. This. Game. Please continue. As for immediate future, if we can get the elevator to work, I would think Allison would require us to pursue the undead for her mission. Especially to find more evidence of the shadow court connections. Allison seems to be the only PC truly driven by an external force toward an immediate plot. The rest of seem to be exploring ourselves and waiting for the witch to drop the next test on our heads. Cheers
The gnome drops to all fours and empties his stomach. The last wave of nausea had crashed over him making his head spin. After a few moments, he slowly takes out his waterskin, which he uses it to rinse out his mouth. Something had happened to his magic, so he figured that he would use the mundane way a bit until the cavern stopped turning around him. He struggles to his feet and wobbles over to Methada. He politely asks to read the note. After reading to himself, he concludes aloud, "This letter is to Niccela who apparently is an envoy to the Imperium. That's the ghouls." Then, he gaze turns to the raccoon, "And would your name be Takamanni? Evidently, an Azeban owes the sender, a shadow fey Sorreminx. Unfortunately for you, this is not Niccela, so the note is still technically undelivered, and you might need to decide the extent of that favor." "Would this be The Shadow Court from which Niccela is an envoy? Or another Fey Court? Can you tell us more about this Sorreminx and Nicela? Who are they, besides Shadow Fey?" "Do you know what Ozku is? Or who the ambassador to the Red Queen is? Maybe Allison knows?" Turning to Allison and then to Trevor, the gnome frowns. "Trevor, please show some chivalry and help the lady up."
When the Void-powered Eldritch Blasts closed the shadow pi]i]ortal, he blinked. In the instant of his eyes closed, the gnome stared into the Void. A tapestry of stars behind his Patron whose name shortened to Ibrox floating in front of him. Immense and dominant.
When his eyes opened, he stood in the cavern below the inn with the shadow portal closed. But he felt the explosion of magical backlash, which knocked him in the gut. He sunk to his knees in pain in triumph and disappointment. He finally had an audience with his Patron, who was pleased. He watches the new girl struggle in her armor and smiles.
As soon as Clankity Clank emerges from the portal, the gnome looses his Void-powered Eldritch Blasts at the portal to trigger its closure with a stern "Ibrox" to punctuate each volley. He hoped to catch the shadow dragon in the portal closure severing its head and maybe a claw. The imaginary scene of splattering blood and gore covering Allison broadened his smile.
The cheerful gnome's smile reduces a shade as he remembers his old master (may his name secure a place on the wheel of hell). "If we hit the shadow portal with enough energy, we should be able to close it. Assuming nothing is holding it open." He holds up his hand to ready an Eldritch Blast, "let's hit it after Allison steps back. Or, if that Shadow Dragon passes her. Whichever comes first. Ready?" "Unless Trevor, you want to be foolish enough to go after her and pull her back."
The gnome approaches the magic portal with some degree of excitement and attempts to determine how to close it, if he wanted to. He wouldn't want to close it too fast leaving Allison on the other side...
With his short finger still pointing at the magic portal that just opened in the southern wall of the chamber, the gnome reacts, "Woah! You don't see that everyday. Reminds me of the path under the willow that led to the giant shrooman jailer of the dryad." "Think it's an invitation. Who's ready to go first?"
After the gnome finishes cleaning the air, he returns to the group, specifically Methada. "Yes, we've faced one of the ghouls before. He was manning this tunnel for their organization. Tough bastards." "Not mindless undead. That's why they could hear my curses. It was easier than trying to blast them." He says while looking at Allie. Returning his gaze to Methada, he says telepathically, ::My specialty is the mind. Vashrin really loves you by the way. He shared some of your stories together, after I told him how we killed the hydra.::
The gnome looks at the huge armored, uninjured shrieking lunatic and arches an eyebrow. He examines the area to figure out the best way to evacuate the smoke down here.
When nothing looks possible, he starts magically cleaning the air with Prestidigitation one cube at a time.
The smile of the cheerful gnome broadens first when the Trollkin tidal wave sweeps a ghoul down the drain and second when the new girl shows some respect at least to Vrindel. The gnome warlock targets the last ghoul and calls upon the Void powers of his Patron with a command word in a stern voice, "Ibrox."
Except of course this rule in the PHB, right? "Heavier armor interferes with the wearer's ability to move quickly, stealthily, and freely. If the Armor table shows "Str 13" or "Str 15" in the Strength column for an armor type, the armor reduces the wearer's speed by 10 feet unless the wearer has a Strength score equal to or higher than the listed score."
"Looks like they are content to trade missiles, which will take time with all this smoke. Trevor, Methada, would you please take the fight to them. Help the armored one and her master plan." The gnome warlock observes and suggests. "Vrindel, maybe spider can could bring some light for Trevor and lookout for reinforcements?" The gnome warlock calls upon the Void powers of his Patron and targets the same ghoul with a command word in a stern voice, "Ibrox."
Splinters of glass barely harmlessly hit the gnome. He quickly covers his mouth against the smoke and calls upon the Void powers of his Patron. He calls out a command word in a stern voice, "Ibrox."
Entering the inn, the gnome tries to put his horrific memories behind him. He treads lightly and cautiously. "Be careful. There's a trap at the mouth of the opening. It looks like numerous razor thin filaments of magic cover the mouth of the tunnel like an elemental web. I can feel the evocation magic thrumming within the hair-thin strands. Let me try to disarm it." He gets close and to the mouth and spends a few minutes examining it closely. "Sorry, I cannot seem to disarm it. I guess we'll have to back away and throw something through it to activate it. Hopefully it doesn't reset."
The gnome enjoys the feast as if it was his last. And, he arches an eyebrow at Trevor's comment.
When they arrive, the gnome takes a tour of the outside of the inn looking for clues. He questions any animals if they have seen or smelled any walking undeath.
When he gets back to the group, he approaches the griffon rider, "Methada, there's a shaft under the inn leading to a tunnel deep underground. It was manned by a ghoul the last time we were here. It was trading with the witch who was producing this red necrotic candy that healed the undead. After we look around, we'll probably head down there." "The shaft and tunnel were relatively big, but I don't know how Vashrin will react without a sky over his head." "Illarya is wonderful if you want to leave him up here."
The gnome returns from shopping very pleased with himself! And, he proudly hands Vrindel a full coin purse. "I also ordered you a set of Hydra-hide armor. Hopefully, we'll return soon to get fitted and take delivery." Along the way, he chats with the birds and animals. He tells Vashrin the story of the hydra when they pass its carcass.
Upon waking, the gnome busies himself in his morning routine as some who is well-practiced living on the road. He renews his Detect Magic and breaks his and Rikki's fast. As they mill about ready to depart, the gnome telepathically introduces himself and Rikki (his familiar weasel) to Vashrin. He attempts to get the griffon to share its and Methada's stories. They have hours to travel anyway.
I believe the Hydra Skin armor would work for Vrindel as well as it's non metallic. Yes. you should get plate or breastplate with it as the priority
OK great. Ibrox can now identify the "Unidentified Obsidian Vial" I would suggest to liquidate the "Ivory and Jade Chess Set." Anyone could use that cloak. Yes, please launch that hydra armor. Ibrox can only wear light armor
thanks!
Thanks Tareth! Where is the following stuff? Did Zove take any? Caverns: (1 Potion of Healing 2d4+2, Scroll of Shadow Bite, Scroll of Unluck on That, Ivory and Jade Chess Set, Unidentified Obsidian Vial, 100GP) Treasure from the Necromancers Tent: Eyes of Minute Seeing; Cloak of Protection +1; Spellbook (Cantrip: Blood Tide; 1st: False Life, Ray of Sickness, Weapon of Blood; 2nd: Blood Armor, Caustic Blood; 3rd: Animate Dead, Fear; 5th: Exsanguinating Cloud); Rothenian Spice Kit; Money pouch with 50 Gold, 18 Silver, and 25 Copper If you don't want to play out the selling, maybe Ibrox liquidated some of this stuff when he had downtime in the village? Otherwise, Ibrox could head to the village and haggle away and put an order of hydra studded-leather armor. cheers
I guess my question was more about loot. I've only tracked 10 gp worth of cash on Ibrox's sheet. Did I miss any loot? Studded leather is not expensive, but it's still 45 gp thanks
"Blab blah witch blah blah blah. Look. Being small of stature, I've a high tolerance for disrespect, but you're reaching it. No matter how good the stout is." The gnome politely replies with a cheerful smile in hopes to reset expectations with this royal agent. ================================================ The gnome sets his short mug of stout down for the introduction to the new Shadow Fey. The first things you notice about the gnome are his bright emerald eyes and infectious smile. He sports a orange chin strap beard and a red calfskin hat attempting to cover his orange hair that sticks out in every direction. Standing a little over three feet tall, he is an average-sized gnome who wears a forest green tunic and leather cloak, that are both heavily embroidered, over leather armor that peeks out from the tunic. His well-worn boots are sturdy leather. He wears a dagger and a pouch on his belt. He extends his hand to greet her and doffs his redcap with a deep bow, "Pleasure to meet you, Methada. People call me Ibrox. Hope your rates are negotiable to a share in what we find, because we're not terribly financially successful." "That reminds me, Trevor. Do we have any extra coins? My leathers have a few too many holes in them."
I vote return to inn first. Hopefully find Britta along the way
"No, that's not Zove. Don't know who that is." The gnome's cheerful smile threatened to rest on his face after his third short mug of stout.
Maybe she can be trusted. Even though that witch suckered us with good beer, too. The gnome wonders about Allison. "The Grandmother has many names. Maybe you know her as Baba Yaga?" He replies politely. His usual cheerful smile wants to return to his face. "Yes, we will eventually speak to this Tutpine." He pauses with a sip of stout. "Allison, who put you on our trail exactly? Besides Britta, the witch would be very interested in our location and status, because she told us that we have two more tests to overcome. Was it someone in Courlandia or here?"
Good luck! As if a pandemic is not enough to complicate your life.
The gnome frowns. Both as he is the only one NOT to notice the Pentanoth root AND now everyone has realized that Tutpine provided poison. He clears his throat and pauses to collect his thoughts. "Alright, the reason we were gone so long is that we fought a witch who had taken residence in that old inn. The witch escaped after cursing us. Although we broke her curse and rescued two imprisoned fey, we lost months. It actually only felt like we were gone a few days." "So, when we first met the witch, she appeared like a nice old lady, her goblins looked like halflings, and the inn looked warm and cozy instead of the house of horrors that was finally revealed when her poisons wore off. So, she is probably here in the village looking like a nice old lady." "Now it seems too obvious that Grandmother Tutpine is the same witch. This witch is old power approaching the level of The Grandmother. When we broke the curse that she laid on us, it actually also broke my gnome curse from the Grandmother, too. We probably should assume that Tutpine is an apprentice. Evil, but not THE Evil." "Now, why Hildigunn? Well, aren't you the last of the original residents? One of the last to suspect that something is wrong with the town. I heard Britta suspected, too. Once the last good people are gone, the witch could control the town with her evil." "Those are my initial thoughts." He looks everyone in their eyes and then drains his stout.
Replying back to Allison, "Alright, childhood. But who are you working for here and why?" "And, have you met any older ladies who appear innocuous but have control or influence over the village?" He sips his stout. ===========================================================
The gnome arches his eyebrow at Allison's whispers surprised that he did not detect the poison. He has not earned his trust, but Hildigunn is clearly suffering. And she did say that she got the tea from an old lady... potential witch. "Hildigunn, I suspect that there might be something nefarious in that tea. Who did you get that tea from again?" "Would you please stop drinking that stuff. I'll bring you back a replacement tea from the dryad who I trust. Can you give me some of that too, so I can ask the dryad to confirm what's in it. If the tea is really bad, we can take care of your herbalist when we return."
"Thank you Maryanne for the hospitality." The cheerful gnome replies to the young girl, while looking at the adults for confirmation. Then after confirming where they would sleep that night, the gnome turns to the new girl, "Now that's how to make friends. Let me try some of that stout." "And why don't tell us all about yourself, before we tell you how that necrotic crystal is made." "And, start thinking of an older lady who looks innocuous but has control or influence over the village. She could have arrived as early as last winter. She's who is behind all this."
"She is here in the village." The gnome says to the paladin and druid. "Yeah, sure. We're returning that way anyway. Tell us more about these crystal and cookies. And, who is running the village giving you this information?" The gnome asks the chatty Allison.
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