Reaching Rings the Rogue's page

Thank you very much Delta for running this game! I had fun despite its brevity.

"I wholeheartedly agree," Reaching Rings says. "There is no reason for these flowers to suffer now that we have successfully removed the portal. With careful hypothesizing and testing we should be able to find a safe location for them to grow."

“Come comrades,” Reaching Rings invites their companions to join them, “I theorize that digging up all of the lilacs will shut down the portal.” The fungus continues to carefully dig up each lilac in turn.

“I feel like a new mushroom!” Reaching Rings exclaims in gratitude to the druid. “Now, let’s see what we can do about this portal. I conjecture that these lilacs are the key to the portal’s position. I wonder what would happen if we dig one up?” The fungus moves next to one of the flowers and starts to cautiously excavate it.

“Well done, Bottlespeaker,” Reaching Rings praises the druid’s felling blow. “I believe some healing would not be amiss.” They glance meaningfully at Popcorn’s many wounds.

“Meanwhile, I shall endeavor to decipher the conundrum of this gate.” The fungus cautiously moves towards the glowing gate and starts systematically searching the area for any hint as to what it might be anchored to.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Reaching Rings takes quick advantage of the chance to finally catch up with the heavily wounded Carl. The fungus circles around the fey, and while their foe is preoccupied with Popcorn on the opposite side, the rogue stabs twice, once for each kidney.

1st attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 Damage (piercing & sneak attack): 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 = 131d6 ⇒ 2

2nd attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Damage (piercing & sneak attack): 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 111d6 ⇒ 5

Stride*, Strike*, Strike*

Reaching Rings hurries after the speedy fey, trying to take advantage of its severely wounded condition, but is unable to get within reach of their blade, so instead they call out “Why don’t you just surrender? Here, have a peace offering.”

The fungus hurls a putrid sack of rotting fruit at Carl. What would be considered a delicious treat to Rings and their kind might be less well received by the fey.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 Damage (B): 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Stride*, Stride*, Strike*; DC 17 Fort save if the sack hits

“This fey is remarkably fast,” Reaching Rings exclaims in surprise. “But the jinkin is quite horrible at hiding—I conjecture that it has not had much experience playing the game hide-and-seek.” Choosing a foe that won’t continually run away, the fungus closes in on the jinkin and thrusts their rapier twice in quick succession. The first attack is decent, but the second absolutely skewers the creature.

rapier attack & damage: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 212d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7
2nd attack & damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 262d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 5) + 4 = 13
deadly d8 damage for crit: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Stride* 15’, Strike*, Strike*

Reaching Rings immediately rushes back to Popcorn’s aid, attacking the restraining jinkin with a quick one-two of their rapier. The first strike is hasty and way off-target, but the second is better. “Just trying to return the favor,” the fungus quips.

1st Attack and Damage (rapier): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 122d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 = 11
2nd Attack and Damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 182d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 = 12

Stride*, Strike*, Strike*

Reaching Rings grimaces in pain as the scythe cleaves into their body. Instinctively they try to wriggle free from the jinkin’s pincer.

Acrobatics to escape: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

As they twist and turn and struggle, they notice the other jinkin sneaking up on their friends and shouts out a warning. “Beware the other jinkin!”

Escape*, Point Out*. 3rd action is either Stride* to safety (if escape attempt succeeded) or Escape* (if 1st attempt failed)

Reaching Rings sighs as Popcorn engages in diplomacy. “I suppose this means it’s clobbering time.” Resigned to an inevitable battle, the fungus grips their rapier in one hand and pulls out a putrid sack of rotting fruit in the other. With both food and weapon ready, Rings slips behind a bush and hides, waiting to launch an ambush when battle is joined.

“The gate is beautiful indeed,” Reaching Rings agrees. “Beautiful and potentially dangerous. Do you have any theories as to where or what this gate is anchored to?”

Reaching Rings sits on a log and puts their feet up in a vain attempt to find relief from the accursed pebble in their boots. “I theorize that the breach itself is unlikely to feel like anything at all, though the effect might well prove to be an interesting experience, for the obvious deduction is that it would transport you to the First World. Or possibly another plane of unbridled chaotic energy. Or simply kill you. All worthwhile experences, to be sure, but none of which would help you to close this breach.”

The fungus scrutinizes the surrounding area. “For this breach to remain open, it must seed itself and take root in our plane. We must find the flora it is using to anchor itself to our plane.”

Feeling the discomfort, Reaching Rings takes off the boots and shakes them out thoroughly.

Having searched and secured the campsite, Reaching Rings tries on the red boots.

FYI, I'll be on vacation from June 30 - July 9, so Rings will float around in the background as an NPC while the others take the lead. If combat breaks out I should still be able to contribute some short posts though.

“All of this equipment confirms our theory that this is the campsite for the humans’ harvesting operation, but where are the humans themselves? If they were killed by the gremlins, where are the bodies? The jinkins appear too few and too thin to have eaten them all. Perhaps they were magically teleported to another location? Or perhaps flying beasts carried them away?” Reaching Rings scours the entire campsite for clues as to where the humans may have gone.

Search (Perception): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Searching for tracks or any other signs of the humans.

After searching all the jinkins, Reaching Rings reports “In accordance with the theory that the breach is a recent occurrence, these fae have not been in the material plane for too long, which makes it more troubling that they have been able to achieve so much mischief in such a limited period of time. I can only hypothesize what happened to the humans who lived in this camp.”

The fungus pulls off a pair of red boots of elvenkind and shows them to the others. “I conjecture that these painted cowhides may be a magical item of potential significance, in addition to being stylish footwear. But let us examine these crates first so that we may refine our theories about the events of this place.” Rings systematically searches the contents of all the crates, leaving it to the others to examine the boots (or anything else) in greater detail.

Perception +10 to search the crates. If no one else wants the boots, Rings will take them.

With all the jinkins down, Reaching Rings turns their attention to the problem of the pit. Taking out a long coil of rope, the fungus attaches one end around a heavy crate and lowers the other end down into the pit. “In any eventuality, here is a rope for climbing upwards or downwards, depending on whether or not there is anything worth investigating in the pit. Meanwhile I shall search the jinkins for any information as to what might have transpired here.” So saying, Rings examines each of the gremlins for anything of interest.

Perception +10 to search bodies

Ignoring the pain from the pincer, Reaching Rings responds with a pair of quick rapier thrusts, the first of which is perfectly timed, then calls out to the druid. “Bottlespeaker! One fled outside! Don’t let him get away!” They then draw a shortbow, in preparation for ranged combat in pursuit of the last gremlin.

1st attack (rapier): 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30 Damage (piercing): 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 4 + 1 = 16
2nd attack (rapier): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11 Damage (piercing): 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 1 = 10

Strike*2 (all rolls include +1 from Inspire Courage), Interact*

With a flurry of sweeping slashes and precise stabs, Reaching Rings attacks the jinkin grappling Popcorn, all while avoiding the blows of its comrades in a deadly dance with death.

1st Attack + Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 1 = 17 Damage (piercing + sneak attack + Inspire Courage): 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4, 6) + 4 + 1 = 17
2nd Attack + Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20 2nd Damage: 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1, 5) + 4 + 1 = 14
3rd Attack + Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5 3rd Damage: 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2, 5) + 4 + 1 = 18
Strike*x3 against red w/flanking

Sorry for not being clear. I’m delaying to after Popcorn and Bottlespeaker. Given their actions, I won’t interact.

“I suppose conflict with an inherently sadistic race of murderous gremlins is inevitable, though regrettable,” Reaching Rings muses as they stride after Popcorn to join the attack. With a quick thrust of their rapier, the fungus tries to turn the nearest jinkin into a shishkabob, then scans the area for the other three that have hidden themselves.

Attack (rapier): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20Damage (piercing): 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14

Stride*, Strike*, Seek*

“Of course,” Reaching Rings replies to Popcorn. Indeed, the fungus is already holding a rapier in one hand as a precaution, though the blade is lowered and nonthreatening. “But beware of the jinkins’ primal magic.”

Not seeing any traps on the trapdoor, Rings attempts to open it, but waits for all their teammates to get into position and act first.

Delay to after all the other PCs, so they have a chance to act first before being affected by …
Interact* (open trapdoor)
I’d like to hold Rings’ two remaining actions until I see what the other PCs do first.

Reaching Rings shakes their head. “Most certainly continued conversation is pointless, despite Fluff Fang’s eloquence, as neither side can understand the other. We should proceed carefully in treating with these creatures, for they have a decidedly vile reputation.” The fungus shares all they know about the jinkins.

“I hypothesize that this trapdoor might well cover one of their infamous pit traps. Perhaps there is a victim below who might be able to translate. I shall endeavor to investigate.” Rings carefully examines the trapdoor, looking in particular for any traps, and if safe, attempts to open it. “Popcorn, be ready. The jinkins might perceive this action unfavorably, in which case your particular brand of ‘diplomacy’ will be essential.”

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Can I do another Recall Knowledge (Nature +8) to know about jinkins special attacks or abilities?

“Indubitably,” Rings whispers back to Bottlespeaker, “but let us attempt to salvage the situation without sapshed first.” The fungus remains respectfully outside the cabin but, inspired by Briboribix’s quest, does not attempt to hide. Instead it addresses the creatures openly.

“We are here to save the forest. What happened here?”

Please roll Recall Knowledge (with Dubious Knowledge) for basic info about the creatures; I’m not sure which skill to use. Rings has +8 Nature.

“My theory is confirmed—the tents were abandoned at least two days ago.” Reaching Rings inspects the inside of the ripped up tent for clues, then heads inside the log cabin to investigate further.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
I’ve moved Rings token to the cabin under the assumption that nothing untoward happens inside the tent first. If I’m incorrect, please reposition Rings as needed.

Reaching Rings spends much of the journey hypothesizing aloud about the strange plants and animals, sharing snippets of assorted information, like “I hypothesize that the presence of caeruleumeviridishexacervidae is due to the increased magnanovisflora, which is generally considered a preferred food source and perhaps even a delicacy for the animals due to the plethora of saloric enzymes.”

At the camp itself, the fungus becomes quiet, matching their surroundings. “Indubitably this is a mystery for us to solve. Humans are known to leave their camps unattended, but the poor structural integrity of both their tents and cabin imply that something is amiss. Termites are a mundane solution, but the proximity to the breach may suggest otherwise.” Rings examines the campfire, trying to determine how long it’s been out, then cautiously sneaks towards a ragged tent to investigate.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Reaching Rings nods. “I conjecture that finding and uprooting whatever is anchoring the breach would be sufficient to destabilize the portal and remove its influence upon the Verduran Forest. Let us proceed and put theory into practice.” The fungus prepares to follow Stella’s lead. “There would be dire consequences if this situation between humans and gremlins continues to escalate.”

Ready to move on to the human camp and investigate the new plants!

“A brilliant deduction Popcorn!” Reaching Rings praises their friend. “The rapid growth of these new plants is indubitably caused by some breach to the First World. We should journey to investigate quickly—the First World can be notoriously unstable and the situation might develop more rapidly than we would like. But how would one close such a breach, if such a thing is possible?” The fungus ponders the problem, then turns to Stella. “Have you any further information to share about the plants, or the fey, or the humans, or a possible breach?”

Reaching Rings eagerly devours the rotten vegetation presented by their host. “It’s so perfectly spoiled!” they compliment and praise Stella on the food. “Do you have a recipe you could share with Popcorn? She’s a great cook, but she hasn’t learned how to ripen food properly yet.”

When the conversation turns to more serious matters, the fungus gladly begins theorizing. “There are of course many possibilities. The new plants might have been transported through a heretofore unknown aiudara, or they could be the result of an incorrectly calibrated summoning ritual that has gone awry, or they may be alien invaders from another planet in disguise. There are of course spells and rituals that can accelerate the growth of plants—I think Briboribix knew of one—but it might be best to test these hypotheses by gathering evidence from the site itself.”

Reaching Rings takes their time reading and re-reading the letter. “Strange and stranger. I theorize that we are about to embark upon another adventure. Let us visit your Stella indeed. Is she always so kind and gracious?”

After hearing that Lady Meliosa is no longer a threat, and that the people of her town are now respecting leshys as sentient creatures, Reaching Rings returns to the northern Verduran forest, near Wispil where his druid Briboribix was from. Although they spend some time each day in quiet contemplation and solitary philosophy, to know the world through their mind, the fungus also continues Briboribix’s quest to mediate between the natural and ‘civilized’ worlds.

Most recently Rings investigated a flurry of thefts from homes on the fringe of the gnome logging town. After first suspecting angry fey, they discovered that, in fact, gnomes were responsible, and teamed up with some locals to catch the thieves once and for all. With that escapade to share, Rings is happy to reconnect with their old friends.

Yes I have access to Fluff Fang's Sheet, and just to ask a forums question, do I just update my profile to be able to post as the Fluff Fang alias, or do I have to build it like a society character?

You can just update your profile. (Or you could create an alias from the Account Settings menu.) No need to build a society character.

Does everyone else have access to the lvl 4 character sheets?

Yep, I do.

Welcome H8teradio! Glad you're joining us!

We do still have "a few flowers more" as well, if everyone is up for it.

I'm definitely game if everyone else is. I've very much enjoyed your GMing.

No, I'm good with ending it here; I was just wondering.

Oh, does that mean we've completed the game? I wasn't sure if we'd need to pursue Lady Constance or not.

“Of course, of course,” Reaching Rings replies. “Safety is more important than knowledge,” they concur in an unconvincing voice. “Let us hurry to the safety of the forest,” the fungus ushers the little ones onwards, “and then you can relate your tale.”

After the last of the evil leshies succumbs to their attacks, Reaching Rings surveys the scene with satisfaction. “Well done, my friends! Few things are as satisfying as such a perfect execution of theory into practice. I conjecture that those guards never stood a chance.”

Having taken a moment to bask in their success, the fungus then hurries to the third and final table, releasing the last pair of leshies from their glass jar prison. “Are you all unharmed? What happened? How did that woman kidnap you all?”

With a burst of speed Reaching Rings races over the two fallen guards and dashes between the two other guards to reach a flanking position on the other side of the honeysuckle. Then their twin blades go to work on the acid-drenched plant.

Rapier attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 33 Damage (P+sneak attack): 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + (2) = 10 Deadly damage from crit: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Short Sword attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 23 Damage (S+sneak attack): 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + (3) = 12

Stride*, Strike*x2 (+1 from Courageous Anthem, +2 from Quicksilver Mutagen, against off-guard opponent)

@GM: Thanks for clarifying!

@Popcorn: You can take the extra action--I feel like I've had plenty due to controlling Fluff Fang.

@GM: Just to clarify: there are 2 kidnapped leshys in total, and each one is under a glass bell jar?

Reaching Rings was just about to free the tiny leshys when Bottlespeaker is discovered and the guards rush to attack. Though the fungus has no desire to harm a fellow leshy, it is clear that they are under the evil lady’s control. With an internal sigh—Rings would much rather battle the now departed humans than his own kind—the rogue rushes to the aid of their friends. They quickly move behind the guard in front of Fluff Fang and, spurred on by the bard’s encouragement and the quicksilver mutagen coursing through their sap—or whatever passes for such in a fungus—attack with their twin blades.

Rapier attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 20Damage (P + sneak attack): 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + (2) = 12
Short Sword attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 18Damage (S + sneak attack): 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + (4) = 10

Stride*, Strike*x2 (+1 from Courageous Anthem, +2 from Quicksilver Mutagen, against off-guard opponent)

As soon as the gate swings open, Reaching Rings quickly whispers to Fluff Fang. “Invisibility.” The bard complies, casting the spell upon the rogue, who then sneaks through the gate and into the garden. There the invisible fungus takes a moment to survey their surroundings and think of a way to secretly vacate the humans.

I’m not sure if Rings would know to do this (hence the knowledge check), but I’m thinking of invisibly spilling teacups onto the guests so that they have to leave to change their clothes.

@Popcorn: Sorry, I hope you didn't feel compelled to drink the mutagen. I just wanted to offer it as an option that you could either accept or decline.

Also, you should all feel free to npc Fluff Fang as needed (e.g. if you want them to cast a particular spell).

“I doubt that our actions will endanger our friends beyond the danger they already face,” Reaching Rings whispers in reply to Bottlespeaker. “I believe that Popcorn’s theory is correct, though instead of burdening her on her climb, I conjecture that it would be simpler for her to unlock the gate for us from the other side. Should this prove impossible, you can throw this rope over the gate or the hedge to assist our climb.” The fungus presents the barbarian with her rope, and also a small vial.

“This moderate quicksilver mutagen should make you faster and more stealthy, though it also adversely affects one’s constitution. It might be wise to follow Bottlespeaker’s suggestion, using stealth for as long as we can. At the very least, this would grant an element of surprise before any inevitable confrontation. Perhaps Fluff Fang can improve your chances of remaining undetected?”

With that, the bard casts invisibility upon Popcorn. Meanwhile, Reaching Rings drinks the other quicksilver mutagen in preparation for both stealth and battle.

The moment the voices die down, Reaching Rings freezes in place, moving only to raise a solitary finger to their lips to solicit silence as they wait and listen for the conversation to resume.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The barren, sterile environment is anathema to the fungus, who much prefers the thick mat of cluttered decay carpeting a forest floor. They are rather glad when they reach the estate’s garden—hopefully soon they’ll be rid of this place.

“An excellent cogitation eschewing complexity for simplicity,” Reaching Rings responds to Popcorn, “but I conjecture that an even more direct approach is possible.” The rogue produces a set of thieves’ tools and begins fiddling with the lock to the garden gate.

Pick a Lock (Thievery): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Once everyone is fully healed, Reaching Rings adds their voice to second Bottlespeaker’s urgency while also sounding a note of caution. “Haste is paramount, but we must also be prudent. I have heard rumors that this Lady Constance is a primal sorcerer, capable of creating leshies of her own, enslaved to her will. Rosentry is a vile corruption of all we hold dear. Let us go, but be on guard.” With that the fungus leads the way out of the basement and on to Rosentry.

Not sure if a check is needed to get to Rosentry? If so ...
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14