R’rrr ar’kkk, Son of T’r’k's page

Thank you very much for running - this actually marks the first PbP game I've participated in that was played to completion, so everyone (except T'rrr'aaa'rrr'k) gets +1,000,000 points in my book for that!

I enjoyed it, though I echo S’kkk’aaa’rrrk's sentiments regarding the characters - given the unavoidable character limitations (ie being birds) and the encounters we faced, I don't know that it would be possible to make an OP character. The game took a little longer to complete than I expected coming in, but overall I felt the pace was good. I thought you managed combat encounters well and more or less kept us on point, and I liked the open-ended nature of the final encounter with the giant rather than there being some obvious correct/expected solution.

We have succeeded. R’rrr ar’kkk allows himself to feel some small sense of accomplishment.

"Indeed, S'kkk'aaa'rrrk; sad that this creature was led to such a dark fate." Better him than us, though - thankfully my sight was able to steer us away from our doom and towards our destiny, though it meant condemning the giant to such an ignoble end. 'Twas not us that set him upon his path, however; 'twas this Midnight King that twisted his fate so.

He glides down the well to join in their much-deserved heroes' feast. "I eat only of right eyes."

R’rrr ar’kkk hops onto the well and peers down, summoning his dancing lights to illuminate the bottom. It certainly looks dead. There may be a way to be sure...

The sorcerer calls a spell to mind, and attempts to spit a magic missile at the fallen giant.

I believe that if the giant is dead it cannot be targeted with a magic missile, while if it's merely unconscious maybe 1d4+1 will finish it off :)

The son of T’r’k meets the eyes of his companions with both of his own. "May our destinies be joined in victory." He then hides himself behind the lip of the well on the far side, ready to assist if the giant fails to fall.

While I love the idea, the tree shape spell itself doesn't force you to turn into a tree per se, it 'allows' you to turn into a tree. Even if the item forces him into tree form, he'll be able to dismiss it on his turn as a free action. This could still buy us a free round of attacks, though, which if done in sequence with the blinding item and hideous laughter might give us enough rounds of advantage for us to take him down with sneak attacks and magic missiles.

"What of the acorn - we might lure him with that..."

I totally forgot about that acorn the dryad gave us. One of us could use it to turn into a tree on the lip of the well, which would probably lure the giant over if others called his attention to it. The tree-crow could ready an action to dismiss the effect just as he swings his axe, which might help us in unbalancing him... though said bird would also stand a chance at taking a mighty whack from him. Maybe if folks with ranged attacks readied to hit him while he's over-extended, or if we dropped the blind-cloth on him right then, we might topple him in?

"I can spit incantations at him from afar, forty yards as we fly; it may be safer than having you get close. Alternatively, I have an elixir that will turn one invisible for several minutes as long as they do not directly harm another living thing; so veiled, one of us might whisper or taunt him over to the well.

"Perhaps the giant has a rope in his hut or by the well that we could use for your plan."

R’rrr ar’kkk studies the giant first with his right eye, then with his left. "It may be that he has not had enough time to recover from the whispers of the Midnight King; or it may be that he never will." Can such a foe be defeated through force? Could we manage to lure him into the well with our magics? "Either way, we would seem to have time to plan." The sorcerer retreats out of rock-throwing and eavesdropping distance before continuing.

"If he does not recover, how might we defeat him? I have offensive magics with which I can blast him, but fear they are not potent enough to slay him in one encounter. How to lure him to the well, and how to topple him in? If we managed that, I could finish him off with my magic if he does not perish from the fall. Or should we strike and retreat into the forest, then return on the morrow to try and finish him off?"

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Preparing for the worst, R’rrr ar’kkk calls to mind an incantation in case the giant reacts unfavorably to the Singer's overtures, and follows along with his companions.

Will ready an action to cast color spray (Will DC 14) at the giant if it aggressively enters within 15' of us.

R’rrr ar’kkk nods at the Shadow's suggestion. Now that we've silenced the whispers, hopefully he will be able to fight free of them as I did.

"If he does not cease his attack on the wood, perhaps the Singer can speak to him from afar?"

Referring to ghost sound here. Not sure if R’rrr ar’kkk would know the bard's specific casting abilities, but I think it reasonable for him to surmise that the singer would have some sound-based magics to enhance her performances.

R’rrr ar’kkk motions upwards to his companions with his head and proceeds to fly out of the well, though he will leave his magical lights at the bottom if they choose to remain. Once they are rejoined outside the well and hidden from the giant's view, he will speak.

If open/close doesn't work.

"We must seal the gap. We might do so with the giant - thus achieving two separate objectives with a single course of action, as the saying goes. It might be lured to the well as the Singer initially suggested."

Unable to make out the Shadow's words, R’rrr ar’kkk starts in alarm when his companion makes to fly through the gap but is unable to stop her, momentarily glimpsing the bird's consumption by her namesake in the world-that-would-be. Has she fallen prey to the whispers?!

If S'kkk'aaa'rrrk doesn't go through the door but still seems to be acting erratically, R’rrr ar’kkk will cast color spray on her in an attempt to subdue her.

20% Spell Failure if color spray is cast: 1d100 ⇒ 83

"The forest is already hurting enough. Lets leave the poor bees alone, shall we?

"Very well."

R’rrr ar’kkk nods at the Shadow's summary and begins collecting moss and mud with which to stop his allies' ears. Once his own ears have been plugged, he will attempt to summon forth his mage hand to test the efficacy of the makeshift earplugs. Basically if he struggles with casting, ie is subject to an arcane spell failure chance due to being deafened, he knows it's done the trick. If after a few applications actual 'deafness' doesn't seem possible to achieve, he'll make due with whatever muffling they can manage.

Once he's sure that he and the others are ready, he will call forth four bright phantom torches inside the well and have them descend 100 feet, keeping his eyes peeled to note anything remarkable in that distance.

"Perhaps, tale-teller, my mind is the only one strong enough to rid itself of their lure, and my purpose here is to serve as warning to the rest of you lest you fall under their spell and be lost. They come from this well."

"If we knew of a beehive, I could retrieve some honeycomb... but it seems all the local creatures we might ask have fled." R’rrr ar’kkk ponders a moment at C’a’rrrar’kkk the Singer's suggestion. "If you can out-sing the darkness and I light the way, we might explore the well in that time." He looks among his companions. "What say you all?"

Unless C’a’rrrar’kkk can pull of a bardic Knowledge Local check on beehives, this is my suggestion for exploring the well. If there's an actual 'dungeon' down there we'll have to come up with something better. If there's any fey down there, we can probably just fly up and away from them, or at least retreat up out of the range of the whispers and fight them outside if they're able to pursue.

Alternatively, I could send the dancing lights down for a preliminary glance to see if there are enemies, and if not, we could proceed down under countersong to do a quick search - assuming the well isn't too deep.

"The whispers..." R'rrr ar'kkk leans away from open well. "These are the cause of our doom; the giant is merely their instrument. Destroy him and they will find another."

"Ifthibble porquat mo. PORQUAT MO!"

Coming up empty-taloned, R’rrr ar’kkk joins his comrades at the well. Perching on the low stone wall of its rim, he peers down into its depths, then dips his head below the rim and cocks it to the side, listening intently. Perhaps if the Singer could mimic whatever fell voices whisper to the giant, we might lure it here. But then what? Certainly we're not strong enough to topple him into the depths. Unable to discern the properties of the well to his satisfaction, he turns to his allies.

"Shall I light the depths?" he croaks. "It may alert any foes within."

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Apologies for my absence, busy end of week combined with internet repair issues. I should be back on track now.

R’rrr ar’kkk pokes through the giant's residence, searching for anything that seems 'out of place' - not that he's terribly experienced with the living arrangements of giant lumberjacks. Perhaps this Midnight King has placed some fetish or other charm which poisons the giant's mind...

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

His home may hold some clue as to how he's being influenced by these outside forces. R’rrr ar’kkk indicates the hut to his companions with a nod of his head and takes to the air, being sure to circle far around the giant through the cover of the trees before crossing the open sky to his home.

R’rrr ar’kkk alights upon a branch as soon as the giant comes into view, hoping to observe it from afar while avoiding it's notice.

Perhaps the Shadow can get a closer look. I wonder if the song he sings is his own, or is part of the Midnight King's sorcery?

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

I calculate not.

R’rrr ar’kkk takes wing behind the Shadow, following her lead as they skirt the region held by the satyrs. Had the Singer not been with us, we may have discounted the dryad's tales as frivolous legend. It is good to know that she is just as skilled at listening as she is at talking!

Thank you. I'm surprised this adventure isn't about owls, 'cause these pregens are a real hoot! *ba-dum ching!*

(I don't actually mind the pregens, but the joke was irresistible.)

R’rrr ar’kkk defers to his companions in accepting the gifts, confident in his mystical abilities and the Elder Witch's potions.

Spellcraft to identify 'tree' effect: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Based solely on the dryad's description, as the son of T'r'k doesn't have detect magic. Wondering either what spell it mimics, or specifically whether it can be dismissed and it's approximate duration.

So this Midnight King has troubled our kind before; it seems likely he is the real threat and the giant only a pawn. Perhaps if we find the giant, we'll find how the King is controlling him, and be able to free him of Midnight's hold.

R’rrr ar’kkk nods at the Shadow's words then inclines his head northwards, ready to continue when his companions are.

The Midnight King? A chorus of screams? R’rrr ar’kkk regards each of his companions in turn, his right eye lingering on T'rrr'aaa'rrr'k before he finally settles his gaze on C'a'rrrar'kkk with both eyes. He gently nudges the Singer's shoulder, and her Destiny, with his beak.

"Have you heard tales such as these, Singer?" he croaks.

Using touch of destiny to grant the bard a +1 on her next skill check - might I suggest a Knowledge check of whatever type is appropriate to the dryad's clues? Also, sorry for the delay - would've sworn that I posted yesterday.

Hmmm... the prophecies of the Elder Witch are couched in riddle and metaphor, yet a crazed giant with an axe does not seem particularly windy. A corrupted voice that oozes out of blackness, however - this could be the terrible dark wind that blows the giant toward the Eldest Tree.

The crow cocks his head in interest, hoping the dryad continues her tale...

Upon hearing his allies' voices address the unseen vocalist, R’rrr ar’kkk flies down to accompany them. The Singer weaves her words around the truth, whilst the Shadow is as clumsy in speech as she is nimble in stealth. He fixes the female humanoid with an unblinking stare from his left eye. She has knowledge of that which we seek to defeat - we must not let this opportunity pass...

"We have seen a dark wind blowing from the North, a gale whose bluster shall rend our home to kindling if we fail to stop it. If you know this wind's guise or it's name, tell us, so that we might save our people from the Fate which befell your own."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

And if that doesn't cut it, R’rrr ar’kkk's gonna have to get mean...

A dirge amongst the trees; coincidental or prophetic?

R’rrr ar’kkk begins to glance about with his left eye, but upon seeing the Shadow's stealthy advance he hangs back and awaits further direction from her.

R’rrr ar’kkk falls into a deep slumber, twitching and muttering throughout the night as he dreams of the world-that-would-be. He awakes early, refreshed, though as usual he cannot remember any of his night's visions. Peering carefully out of the bole to confirm that the snake or some other predator isn't lurking outside, he awaits his companions to be ready to depart.

I'm going to keep casting color spray until something fails it save, darn it!

R’rrr ar’kkk peers down at the snake from between his comrades, ready to act should it fail to be dissuaded.

Readying an action to cast color spray (Will DC 14) at snake if it advances any further.

My vote would be for botting, and she can always resume playing if she pops up.

R’rrr ar’kkk nods to the Shadow in agreement and alights within the hollow. If I am to regain my focus, the more sheltered the better.

Have we lost T'rrr'aaa'rrr'k? It looks like baticeer hasn't posted in any of her games since 9.24...

As he begins to fight against the wind, R’rrr ar’kkk looks with his right eye to T'rrr'aaa'rrr'k for guidance. It is said that the trees show T'rrr'aaa'rrr'k hidden secrets, and the north wind whispers to her of forgotten truths - surely these shouts must be telling her something of use? He angles to be adjacent to the nature-wise crow, brushing her with his wingtip.

"The wind calls, and it is your fate to hear it," he caws out above the wind.

Will use Touch of Destiny on T'rrr'aaa'rrr'k to grant her a +1 insight bonus to attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws for one round. Hopefully a +1 to a Survival check...?

The sorcerer completes his night's vigil over S’kkk’aaa’rrrk, nodding to the others as they wake one by one. He takes a few minutes to collect himself, then indicates that he is ready for the day's travels.

I am too tired to work much more than a single sorcery, but I can still nudge my comrades onto a more likely path to success in any challenges we may face.

Nope.

Though tragic, dear sister, your fate was to assist our own. The unseen web, now conquered, will allow another one of us to go unseen. The enchantment will only last until we strike; the Singer should have it, so as to bolster our spirits with her songs in safety.

"Singer, take it. T'was your eye that spotted it, and your songs of courage and healing will not break it's effect," R’rrr ar’kkk croaks.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

As he examines the Shadow's wound, R’rrr ar’kkk notices C’a’rrrar’kkk the Singer seemingly staring off into space. Has this ordeal overcome her? Or is she merely composing a song of our battle to present to the Unkindness upon her return?

I'm assuming R’rrr ar’kkk won't recover any spells due to his activity tending to his comrade instead of rest; will he also be fatigued?

Woo hoo. Better to be lucky than good :-)

Better to be Destined than good ;)

R’rrr ar’kkk sees the doubt in the others, and peers again into the world-that-would-be. I see. If we four are split apart, so too will the Great Unkindness be rent asunder. I know not if the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, but the Shadow's needs outweigh my own. Without her, we shall never reach this giant. Nodding to himself, he steps forward to inspect the Shadow's wounds.

"I will minister succor to S’kkk’aaa’rrrk; you may all rest."

Heal check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 to provide care to the Shadow.

R’rrr ar’kkk lands on a nearby branch and preens himself clean of webbing while the others see to S’kkk’aaa’rrrk, all the while glancing about with his left eye. The Shadow may be weakened, but her true strength lies in her precision and her guile. Her path still lies with us to the North.

It is my destiny against yours, spider - and though you have many eyes, you are blind to your fate. Goodbye.

R’rrr ar’kkk focuses both his eyes on his assailant, croaking out his feathery dart despite the distraction and constriction of the web.

Concentration: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
magic missile dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

If it helps, our base bite damage is always going to be 1.

R’rrr ar’kkk struggles to free himself.

As those blind to the workings of chance and destiny become entangled in the web of fate, I have paid too little attention to the world-that-is and become more literally entangled. A sobering reminder, should I survive it!

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Am I entangled, grappled, or otherwise statusified?

The evil left to fester...

R'rrr ar'kkk spits another feathery missile at the arachnid.

Standard: casts magic missile at the spider.

magic missile dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

R'rrr ar'kkk notes the spider's stumble from the errant flame. Perhaps we are combating this foe too directly; I shall try a different angle... Focusing his left eye on his target, he caws out another spell, this time vomiting up an orb of acid which he directs at the webs entangling C’a’rrrar’kkk.

Standard: casts acid splash at the web in C'a'rrrar'kk's square; Move/Swift/Free: none.

acid splash to hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
acid splash dmg: 1d3 ⇒ 3 acid

Not sure if it'll work, but R'rrr ar'kkk figures it's worth a try.

Round 1 / After Spider

R'rrr ar'kkk banks hard at the Shadow's warning, narrowly avoiding the web that ensnares the scout and T'rrr'aaa'rrr'k. Wheeling around to see the enormous spider, he croaks out an arcane syllable and vomits forth a feathery dart which strikes the overgrown arachnid.

Move: will position self with clear line of sight to the spider, preferably not too close; Standard: casts magic missile at spider; Free/Swift: none.

magic missile damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4