Thank you Fez, I like how this is laid out. I'll post ideas while I having them, but am leaning towards an Oread something.

Ah yes, Gestalt. Fez would need to turn up the dial on the encounters a few notches. Know what I'd play though.

Agreed, definitely an Oread descendant of Vivian if the race is allowed. As the thought of Ironfang is sinking in I'm starting to feel some hype!

Sounds good to me.

Kingmaker would be tough, Wendell and Alfint are missing and Fez wasn't in the game.

A new game is always enticing, but is everyone up for posting 3 or 4 times a week again? This one is partially retiring because of silence.

Fez, what interests you, do you have the bandwidth for a new venture?

I'm here, but more busy than before.

I'm proud we did the main arc, that was an awesome two years and I think it turned out really well. GM Fez, you surpassed our expectations when we were looking for a new GM back in the Crypt, thank you so much for bringing us all the way.

With the slowed momentum, but mostly importantly to me the loss of half the group, I think we should lay this story down with an epilogue. It seems natural with departures of so much of the party.

Congrats man! That is pretty cool, hopefully Tamran will have the whole gambit in stock. I remember seeing some that spawn siege weapons, and uh yeah Viv does want to rain hell down onto this carnival from a hilltop in the night.

While Qina readies breakfast, if she is so kind, Vivian goes for a morning patrol and searches for any roadway that might be nearby.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

"Very good. I can take the early morning watch." Vivian lets the stew warm her as they make the small camp. She is quiet and is consumed in contemplation of what they'll do once they reach the end of their leads. 'Hopefully someone will know more than the Temple did.'

"Now onward South of Tamran, last known direction of the carnival."

Vivian helps remove everything from the chest and into the token boat. Once everyone is aboard, she nods to Gad and wills them across the river to retrieve the horse. Once the horse is also aboard, she wills it down river. "I'll know when this is about to expire, right Gad?"

As Gad insists Vivian tries not to visibly cringe, "Let's all take the magical ferry then, if it is that safe."

When the chest opens Vivian is keen to see what is in side as well. Looing at the manifest, Vivian will try to deduce from whom and where, and to whom and where this vessel was operating. "That's an interesting eagle cloak, anyone have an idea about it?"

Vivian nods to Gad's logic, watching the river idly flow by. The water made her skin crawl. She tried to imagine it as molten metal but the daydream didn't help, the two didn't act the same. When Gad was finished she thought for sometime before speaking. "Am I right that you're saying it is barely maneuverable? We'd need to get river poles to push off the banks and sandbars as we went? I don't like the risk, personally. Crashing and being thrown or pinned, drowning. Maybe if more of us had more of an idea of what we were doing, but..." she shakes her head. "All we found was evidence of shattered crates, in-land off the river from here. This lot seems to have been looted already. Brezik, can you attempt to break into that chest? Then we should be off, across the river again."

Turning to Gad for more of a personal aside, "I'm sorry, this might be an opportunity for you but I see too much risk in it. I'm much more comfortable on the land and our pace isn't too foul. If you wish, take the magical boat for as long as it lasts with whomever once I've been ferried back to the horse. I can catch up with you all down river. Maybe you'll see something? I hope you understand." In her eyes is honest apology but no regret. Despite her uneasiness, she believes this is the right course of action.

It's been over a month, anyone comfortable rolling Brezik's +12 to pick the lock?

What direction were the crates from the ship?

Vivian and Bel start by marching upriver roughly 30ft off the bank where the footing is better. After going a considerable ways, they begin a half mile long arc centered on the wrecked ship. Ending at the river again but now considerably down stream, they continue back to the ship wreck roughly 15 minutes later.

Perception, aided by Bel: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16
Profession Soldier: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 For the quality of the march and maaaybe to help with the observation?

Vivian nods to Gad with the expression of ditto. "I believe returning abandoned property might garner some kind of reward as well. But that is for later. Do what you can, Bel and I will make a sweep and be back in a quarter hour."

What's the surrounding terrain like? Specifically, what's the river's edge like, is it hilly, wooded, general visibility.

"What about the ship, has it been compromised? Could we push off?" Vivian shudders at the thought of being on the water again, but as she watches the riverside she doesn't feel comfortable staying very long here either unless they properly case the area and setup warning devices. "If we're going to be here over night, we should secure the area."

Always welcomed! Don't stress yourself out, if life is doing its thing then let us know and take the time you need. Never a worry or judgement from us.

Vivian hurries off the boat as soon as it is to the other shore. "Is there anything else in there other than a single room?" she asks Gad, then keeps a lookout on this new side of the river.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Vivian waves back, realizing halfway through that she is still crouching in cover. Standing now with no effort to hide, Vivian keeps a lookout of both sides of the river. 'Is he going to try to hobble that thing back across the river?!'

Numerous rolls above or take 10 for 15, take 20 for 25, whatever you prefer GM for Viv's perception as this rolls along.

Vivian watches from her hunkered down position across the river.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
'S&&$, we should have setup some hand signals!'

Vivian takes a long moment looking over the lantern and mirrors.
"This is, too odd." She whispers to Gad.

Kn Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Kn Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 Just for a shot in the dark?

If nothing is deduced she moves on, taking note of them, their location, and general configuration.

Back up by the horse and where they started to see the crashed boat, Vivian turns to the trusty half-orc again, "Ok, we need to get across the river now. What are our options? Swim or Boat token? Swimming is not an option for me, so if you want to save it for emergencies leave it with me and swim. Then I can use to to boat across if you get in a bind."

"Good thinking, let's secure this side of the bank first, stealthily. We might be able to spot something or force the hand of whatever is causing trouble."

Vivian moves down the bank, following cover and taking her time. She tries to be stealth about it and watch for signs of activity, past or present, on both sides. Once she's passed a ways down the shore eventlessly, she'll trek back to the bend by the ship and confer with Gad on the best way to cross.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 5 = 5
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

With the horse taken care of. Vivian crouches by Gad. "If you wish, but know that I can not follow and am limited with how I can aid you at a distance. We could stalk this side first too, perhaps something over there will reveal itselfin that time."

"S*&#! Down, a boat has run ashore up across the river. Signs of an ambush. Let's secure this side of the river and scout out the other." Vivian whispers and crouches before realizing she is leading a rather large horse. After speaking she begins to bring the horse to cover away from the immediate river's edge.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 5 = 9

If she gets to moderate tree cover, she will wrap the reins around a thick tree or branch, then drawn her sword.

16 a day indeed!

Day 1:
"A agree, it's nice to be back out in the wild. Oddly enough, I had trouble sleeping in that bed, a simple roll and some soft ground." As she speaks Vivian winces, then fishes a rock out from under the bedroll. "Gad, would you be willing to scout around while we travel? I wouldn't want to miss a boat by a bend in the river when you can outpace us so easily."

Vivian sleeps well and wakes up early to take the morning watch. She also makes notes of their journey so far and habitually reviews the little information that they have on their quarry.

"See anything down river? Looks like we're getting to out last leg of daylight."
perception aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"Well, let's try to slip out of town before too many more people are up and about and we cause a scene." With the horse loaded Vivian tries to drive the group onward to the trail.

Vivian sighs at how their morning has become a disorderly ramble though the town. "Yes Mrs., we'll just be taking Domino with us. Thank you for letting us in here and offering such beautiful animals."

Vivian pays the 175 and leads the bridled animals out of the stable. "I've seen horses on ships before. Not 5, but one or two can always fit on the deck, tied to the mast." she says while she ties her pack onto the beast and offers to do the same for any of the others.

"Well, shall we follow the river?"

I think I'll get the heavy horse no matter what we choose. Something to carry gear will be nice.

"You give us many options, thank you Mistress Karlyle. Would you excuse us for a moment though while we get our affairs in order?" Once we have a moment to talk in private, "We could all walk as fast as that cart I guess, save for Gad who could reasonably challenge one of those horses in a race."

at 20ft speed, Viv can do 16 miles in a day, as can a cart. The horses all get 40 miles as can Gad on his feet. Vivian is not a mounted combat person, so walking is fine if we're all cool with that pace.

Vivian starts nodding as Ol'Willie talks. "Thanks, Harbormaster. We'll check with the stables then and head along by foot until we can flag something down. Since we're going towards Tamran, have any words you need to send that way?"

Vivian drags everyone along to one of the stables. She has always preferred the Tap Shoes stable that gives Anthony Jaspar good business. When the Ferris farm was winding down and going fallow they had sold their last old horse to the stable. Buddy was really more of a liability than an asset to take on, but the mistress that runs the Tap Shoes took kindness on Vivian's family as Dominic was already quite ill at that time. Vivian wouldn't forget that kindness.

"Morning, Madam. We're on our way out of town and it appears that the river is a bit too quiet for traveling as of late. Do you have any horses for sale?" She then looks to Brezik and Qina, "And maybe a cart? What are all of you comfortable with?"

Vivian looks at the lack of ships and then the party that is very ready to hit the trail. "Are we talking hours or days until more ships might put in, Gad?"

Viv doesn't have Knowledge Local, but would she know anything in general about the local geography? Like major trade routes, strings of towns along the river, larger ports within a few days walk? etc.

"We really don't have any idea other than they were headed to Tamran a year and a half ago. This trail couldn't be more dead, they could have easily taken the Sellen into a multitude of nations by now. It's, not an ideal mission, I know. But I do believe we can stir up enough clues to find them, no matter how long it takes or how far they've gone. A carnival like that doesn't just disappear... Gad, would you be able to find us a ship?"

"Thank you. Thank you all for showing up this morning. In the near future here, we're headed back to Tamran with the intention of picking up their trail there as it is the last known location. This time we have the option to travel by foot if we wish. Those that we're tracking moved by barge a year and a half ago, but anyone effected by their ways will be in the small towns along the shores. I would be surprised if anyone has more to say than our neighbors around here, but for the cost of speed we would get to speak to more that saw the carnival folk." She pauses and looks around the group. "What do you all think?"

Vivian hadn't seen Brezik lounging to the side. As he spoke to her she startled and a hand crept towards the large hilt sticking up over her shoulder. "Oh! Morning, and thank you. You did a remarkable job, I have to commend you again on it. It feels like skin in a way." In her eyes Brezik can see Vivian's thoughts drift as she looks down at the plate and her left hand traces the filigree.

"The others should be here soon. Odd seeing the square so quiet, isn't it? Feels wrong in a way, yet peaceful, hopeful, innocent." She rambles to an end there and observes the town she never plans to return to for some time in silence.

Leaning towards heading to Skelt first. This Carnival has left us WAY in the dust. I believe a wise man said "Trail couldn't get any colder."

Over the time we took to prepare, Vivian would have spoken to Moltus Vargidan, Colbin Vetnar, and Guard Captain Gregor Wisslo about Seifer Monroe and the Umbral Carnival. She also would have sent a letter to the Temple of Gorum there inquiring about the carnival and whether they had any memory of its arrival, its stay, and its eventual departure.

Over a month has been spent in preparation, but alas it is time to join the road yet again. During the last week Vivian let Qina, Bel, Gad, and Brezik each know personally that the party will departing on the second Oathday of Arodus. She tells them each to meet before sun rise in the town's main square, the same square that saw them off for the Everflame.

Vivian never slept that night before their departure. She laid in bed until a few hours past midnight. She first prayed for an hour and then practiced combat forms with her new equipment for another. She continued to learn the nuances of the heavy plated and perfectly balanced blade, continued to feel a closer connection to Gorum within her steel skin.

When it was time, she heft her pack onto her back and headed to the square. She hadn't purchased a horse yet, they might be head by river still, she didn't know. Skelt or Tamran

What's everyone's interest in wands of CLW? Who's down for pitching in and how much?

I've been trying to nail down costs of crafting so I can wrapup stuff in town here. Half price for up to +2 weapons and armor answers that though. I'll post in the gameplay once things behind the scenes are organized.

Alright, with the crickets I'm going with what I've found. It seems very advantagous but it'll do.

"After you have a suitable area to craft and you’ve gathered your tools, you must then acquire raw materials whose value is equal to 1/4 the cost of the item or items you wish to craft."

The armor Brezik made is +2 Fullplate costing 1662.5gp in materials to craft.

Yeah, it was a long term goal for sure! But come on [ooc]"transforms your body into living iron"[/b]. That's SO Vivian in 10 more levels. I think you're onto something though. An illusion would generate the same effect, but deception would definitely cause a falling out with Gorum and what she stands for. Maybe there is another way to become metallic that is a bit more reasonable.

Huzzah! Congrats and welcome home!

Any thoughts on my earlier question? I can finish up my gear choices once I know the cost a craft item will be.( 1/2 or 1/4)

I don't know how I'm going to do it yet, but Vivian needs to find a way to use Iron Body, even if sparingly. The Earth:Metal domain is a no brainer, but that's too much of a divation to her character. The focus of Heroes, glory in battle, epic leadership is too central to her to change the domain from Glory.

Vivian shakes her head as Gad relays what he has learned. " The entire village had a week of bad dreams? What kind of magic can cause that?" She thinks outloud with the others.

When Brezik enters the farmhouse a comforted and knowing grin grows across Vivian's face. "I knew you would be back after enough time in the forge. It wouldn't be the same without you." She gives him a strong hand-to-wrist clasp before he starts opening the chest.

The reveal of the suit of armor blew through all of Vivian's expectations. She hands slightly trembled as she drew the breastplate out of the straw. The voices of everyone talking about roasted chicken were just muted murmurs in the background. Her heart began beating out of her chest. Her palms sweating. Gliding a finger over the smooth finish, she sees her reflection in the metal. A metal me, an Iron Vivian. This.. Thoughts of literal metal skin being to fill her head, strength within, strength without.

"Brezik, this is incredible.. I.. Feel like I owe you so much. In Skelt, some of the men I trained with in the Militia went out there to aid on the front lines. Perhaps they're still around? Whatever it is though, I'm with you." She says all this without looking up from the armor. After speaking Vivian starts to don the full plate. "The craftsmanship, do you mind if I give it a name?"

As in talking to Vibs dad? She couldn't do it personally, but with Bel's profession if he approached her on it she'd give him her blessing.

Ah, true but too late and not a massive loss

Reposting from Brezik above:

Slated to sell... spell component pouch (5 gp) ,Thieves toolx2 (60gp), Bracers of Armor +1 x2 (2000 gp), +1 Studded leather armor x3 (3525gp), 7 studded leather (775gp), +1 light steel shield (1159gp), +1 elven curve blade (2380gp), 2 masterwork morningstars (616), masterwork light crossbow (335), masterwork rapier (320), spellbook (615)

Trade in Value of goods assuming we get half price... 5895 gp
Money...1,580 gold coins
Total of......7475 gp
Meaning.... 1868.75 gp per person

Things people should claim if they haven't already:
elixir of hiding
elixir of swimming
elixir of bear's endurance
elixir of invisibility
cloak of resistance +1
ring of counterspells (contains dispel magic)

Viv's only interest is in the Cloak. I could see the elixirs helping anyone at a given time. Viv personally ranks Bear's the highest, hiding and swimming in the middle, and Invis the lowest. The ring works best for Qina I believe, unless those don't require caster checks, but waaay to useful to sell away.

Am I reading it right that in crafting we'll need 1/4 the cost of the item in materials?

Also, what are everyone's thoughts on healing? I'm planning on purchasing a CLW wand if able. I think 3 would put us in a safe place out-of-combat if we can afford it.

I am ALL for crafting this stuff if we want to, doing so may allow me to afford better gear too. I'll take a look at the enchantment lists if the kids nap today.

Heading into town the next morning, Vivian stops by a various number of merchants to exchange some old adventuring items for gold. (Morningstar, Heavy mace, Scale mail, and greatsword) Leaving the smithing quarter, Vivian is dressed only in common Guard fatigues and immedately feels exposed and naked. Her pace is quickened as she heads to the next place she has in mind, nervously glancing around with a fake smile to those that greet her while trying to hide her discomfort.

It is hard for Vivian to part with the shield given to her in Kassen's tomb. Instead of simply pawning it she heads to the local guard and speaks to Captain Gregor Wisslo.
"Morning, Captain!" she annonces her entrance into the barracks. "If you have a moment, I have two things I'd like to speak with you about. First is this shield. It is a relic from Kassen's tomb, given to me by his very ghost. Unfortunately I no longer have a use for it and rather than hocking it and never knowing what will actually become of the piece, I would prefer to hand it down to the Kassen Guard." She extends the shield to the Captain for him to inspect it. "I believe it would rally many men to be the best soldier they can be, knowing it might earn them the right to bear Kassen's very own shield, a standard of our heritage, in the defense of our countryside."

"Secondly, what can you tell me of a year and a half ago when Seifer Monroe and the Umbral Carnival came to town? I was told you were one of the first to greet them and few to interact outside of their stage act."

Lastly Vivian heads to the Mayor. "Good morning, sir. I don't wish to take up much time, I am here for the simple request for aid from the city in our continued efforts within the region. Primarily speaking of funds, equipment access to the armory, or any combination thereof would be greatly appreciated."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Just looking to reclaim the 4kgp of the shield Viv gave away for sentimental reasons. 2kgp and access for Vivian to take a MW Greatsword and MW Fullplate from the armory would work as well.

Vivian will try to apply whatever leverage she can with the Mayor, then return home. She takes out three pouches and places 1500gp into each and hides them under a secret floorboard. Heading back into town, Vivian goes to Brezik's shop and asks how long it would take him to fit and lay the filligre onto a set of MW fullplate for her.

Selling and assuming the 1/2 gp return on items, Morningstar (4gp), Scale Mail (25gp), +1 Bashing Heavy Steel Shield (4k), +1 cold iron heavy mace (2k), Great Sword (25gp).

MW Greatsword = 350gp
MW Fullplate = 1650gp

Where are we on the other loot? I apologize but I might need to be pointed to the list again.

Vivian double takes at Bel's new found directness. She pauses for a few seconds before a sly grin spreads her lips thin. "I have the names of a few people who first met with the carnival as it entered the area; Moltus Vargidan, Colbin Vetnar, and Guard Captain Gregor Wisslo. Once we know what they know and are re-equiped, we can see if this old trail will lead anywhere. Come to think of it, we should also ask around about if anyone else went missing or ill around that time."

As Gad enters relays the same to him as well. "Thank you, all of you, for joining me. I don't have the skills to track a year and a half old trail, even if it was left by 50 people. Nor would I know what to do with them if I were ever faced with the chance.. We're looking for Seifer Monroe, he's human but looks pale or gray at times. This organization operated as the Umbral Carnival, last seen headed to Tamran. Norgorber has some sort of hand in this. I don't know if just Seifer is a follower or if the whole carnival is a front for some cult scheme."

I have some purchasing to do. Biggest is to upgrade my Greatsword to MW and purchase a set of MW Fullplate. This is a big moment for Viv!! I'll be selling a handful of items that have just been taking up space along with the +1 Bashing Shield (4k) and +1 CI heavy mace (2k). The two magical items were found on our journeys so I want to split the profit of those among us all (1500 each).

I know Al IRL, he got buried by a promotion at work and kids growing older. Healthy but no longer on the boards.