View Full Version : Quest Calendar 2022: The Gates of Terralon
Thursday, April 7
The calendar through me off...it says today's Tuesday. Whew.
I pass a merchant cart on my way out of the city. It's a good opportunity to stock up on supplies before I find more adventure.
Health potion 5g
Meal ration 2g
Holy Water 10g
Potion of Giant Strength 8g
Potion of the Wind 8g
Potion of Fortitude 8g
Potion of the Gods 8g
Draught of Enrichment 8g
Aged wine 8g
Holy water cures being cursed. The "potion of" helps with strength, dexterity, constitution, and intellect. The draught is wisdom. I'm only interested in health potions, rations, and holy water. D6 for a page doesn't impress me at this point.
There's not much here...just buying and selling.
Sir Gareth buys 2 health potions and a holy water.
Professor buys a health potion and holy water.
Tsavani buys a health potion and a meal ration. Sells an item for 10g.
Syntax buys a ration and holy water. Sells two items for 20g. The thief picks the merchant's pocket for 2g.
Mori'an buys a ration, holy water, and a health potion. He sells one item for 10g. He loses 1 virtue point when his thief snags 4g.
Lyric buys a health potion and holy water. Sells one item for 10g. Picks the merchant's pocket for 3g.
Faris buys a health potion and a holy water.
Wolfrik buys a health potion and holy water. Sells one item for 10g.
Zilmora buys a health potion and holy water. Sells two items for 20g. Comes out with a profit.
Astrid buys a holy water. Picks the merchant's pocket for 4g and loses a virtue point as a result.
Friday, April 8
Travel to Dawnhollow
The Scorched Sands desert is a ten day journey from Graycliff, with the town of Dawnhollow acting as a good stopping point along the route that follows the main road.
I can either a casual or brisk pace. D20+WIS+Survivalist+Map&Compass+Mount in either case.
In my scenarios, I don't believe anyone bought the map and compass...maybe Azmyra did on her reboot...but none of the ones still remaining.
I'm sure there's some sort of bonus to one or the other, but I don't know it.
Going casual: Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Mori'an, Faris, and Zilmora.
Going brisk: The Professor, Syntax, Lyric, Wolfrik, and Astrid.
Based on how I normally sort them, I chose every other one to split them up.
The roads that are normally busy are rather empty since no one wants to risk a demon attack.
Our casual riders took a slow pace and took in the scenery. All five of the casual riders lost 2 rations. Mori'an (10) was the slowest of all...he went through all his rations and eventually lost a health point as well. Zilmora nearly did so as well, cast a spell to avoid losing the health point.
Our riders in a hurry did not waste time. They all lost at least one ration, though. Syntax (4) got particularly bogged down, though. Lost both rations and suffered a health point loss.
The Weekend, April 9/10
I come to a crossroads along the main road. It appears that the directional sign for Dawnhollow has fallen off the post. Upon further inspection, it appears to have been vandalized and rearranged. None of the directions are pointing where they should go.
Use what I know to place the signs back on the posts in the correct position.
My initial response was, what the hell?
I then looked at the other calendar sheet.
I'm given all four directions: North, South, East, West.
I'm given the names on the signs: Graycliff, Dawnhollow, Scorched Sands, Darkvayne, Tarotshade, Copperset.
I just about want to give up here.
I'm given hints:
Looking at the post, it appears 3 of the signs point east or west.
All directions had at least one sign pointing that way.
I just came from Graycliff and I've been traveling west before I got here.
I should think back to my conversation with Gragorim the Wise.
Tarotshade is in the same direction as Copperset.
I'm still set to give up. How will I do this for each character? I haven't heard most of them. I then figure it's just a logic problem and I can just apply it to each character, if I get it right. And I do.
Solution:
I came from Graycliff, I was travelling west. Graycliff must be east.
Dawnhollow and Scorching Sands were south according to Gragorim. I didn't even need to look that up.
That leaves 3 towns...and two go one direction. Since 3 went east or west, and I have one going east already, that Tarotshade and Copperset go west. Leaves Darkvayne to the north.
Once the puzzle was solved, a small magical sprite appears from the post...snickering in amusement and congratulates me on fixing the sign. It then gives me (all ten of me) 10g and bless me with The God's Blessing.
This allows me to reroll any single die once. I then have to take that roll and lose the blessing.
Monday, April 11
I continue on my travels and spot a wounded animal...a deer, perhaps, lying in the middle of the of the road next to the forest. It is hard to tell if the animal is alive from where I stand. There is something protruding from it's hind legs. An arrow, maybe? Maybe it was begin hunted.
I can
Stand back and see if anything claims it's prey. D20+DEX+Stealthy.
or
Help the wounded animal. D20+WIS+Animal Tamer.
or
Put the animal out of it's misery. D20+ATK.
Paths are chosen based on the likelihood to complete them.
Standing back are Tsavani, Astrid, and Mori'an (who can cast blindness if need be).
Helping the animal are The Professor, Faris, and Zilmora.
Sir Gareth, Syntax, Lyric, and Wolfrik will put the animal out of it's misery.
Apologies. I ended up heading out of town early this morning and didn't wrap up yesterday.
Standing back worked out well for all three adventurers (17, 27, and 20). They maintained their distance and stayed quiet. They look around the nearby forest and see where the trail of blood started. They hear sounds form the forest and see some brush shaking. They're prepared for what's next...they each gain +2 to attack for tomorrow.
Helping the animal worked out well for these three as well. Professor (22), Faris (25), and Zimora (22) all soothed the animal before attempting to pull the arrow out. They got it out and helped stopped the bleeding. As they hear noises in the nearby brush, the animal gets up and hobbles the opposite direction. Whatever is looking for that animal will soon be here. They gain +2 defense tomorrow.
Our last 4 decided to put the animal out of it's misery. All four succeed. The area is now quiet...until the brush begins to be disturbed. Something is coming. What is it? They gain +2 Damage for tomorrow.
I believe this is the first day all year that every adventurer succeeded on their roll.
Tuesday, April 12
A large troll emerges from the woods. It was hunting the wounded animal but has now focused it's attention on me.
4 rounds of combat.
Sir Gareth, The Professor, Lyric, and Faris perfectly killed the troll. Faris used her precise aim, but they all gained 8g.
The rest had varying levels of success.
Tsavani hit the troll twice before it decided there had to be easier prey to be had. She did gain 4g, but lost 2HP.
Syntax used his gold to skills abilities...It did kill the troll, but used the earned income to ensure it didn't lose HP....it broke even.
Mori'an used his Blessing and two spell points to kill the troll...gaining 4g in the process.
Wolfrik prayed for favor at the end to kill the troll...he lost 2hp but gained 4g.
Zilmora killed the troll, losing 2hp and gaining 4g.
Astrid killed the troll as well...losing just 1HP in the process while gaining 6g.
Wednesday, April 13
Dawnhollow
I made it to Dawnhollow, a smaller town that sits on a lake between the nearby mountain ranges. I'm to visit each place in the city. I'll have a chance to rest tomorrow before continuing on my journey to find the Lost Library.
Farmer's Market: I can buy meal rations here. 2g. I will ensure everyone has 3 to 4 after this past trip.
Bowler's Blacksmithy: A rough but strong dwarf woman is hammering away at iron at her forge. She can help improve my weapons for a price. Fortify (+1 ATK) or Sharpen (+1 DMG) for 30g each...max of +3 to either.
Toby's Topography: A kind old man selling hand drawn maps. Maps look pretty nice. Made with care. Map and Compass for 20g. Adds 2 to Wisdom while travelling (This will be a pass given the horses).
Mary's Medical Supplies: A couple of young elf children run this shop whil their mom is collecting ingredients. Ointments, bandages, Potions to be used to remove issues from a character's death. We won't buy any of these given how we're playing the game. There is an antidote for poison for 10g...but I believe everyone still has one of those.
The Docks: I don't know why this is brought up. Nothing to buy here. Some fishermen are coming back from their trip on Fertile Lake. They are pleasant and boasting about who made the biggest catch of the day. There's a nice view of the lake and mountain ranges here.
I decide the only ones paying for a +1 for attack or damage would be someone who wasn't sinking more than half their gold into it.
Mori'an, Lyric, Zilmora, and Astrid will all go for the +1 in damage.
Purchasing rations:
Sir Gareth 3
Professor 2
Tsavani 4
Syntax 4
Mori'an 4
Lyric 3
Faris 4
Wolfrik 2
Zilmora 4
Astrid 3
Thursday, April 14
I stop by The Leering Leper Inn. It is quite the unpleasant name for a place to stay. The inside is actually well decorated, clean, and bustling with activity. The rooms seem a bit pricey, but this place appears a bit more upscale than the name would imply.
I will:
Chat with the bartender. D20+CHA.
Enjoy a free drink. D20+CON.
(Optional) Pay 4g for rest.
No one is dire need of rest, but I played the battle of the troll as if a rest were coming. Spell points and such were spent...it's a good time to do it.
The barmaid, Cindy, is a friendly soul that enjoys serving drinks. She chats me up and tells me a story of The Leering Leper and how it survived the Great Plague decades ago by offering sick people a place to stay when others would not. This helped establish the place as some sort of landmark. She hopes to get a good story out of me.
The Professor (10), Mori'an (4), and Wolfrik (1) all tell their story, but it doesn't appear to have hit the mark. She listens, smiles, and wishes them a good evening.
Sir Gareth (15), Tsavani (16), Syntax (11), Lyric (18), Faris (14), Zilmora (19), and Astrid (19) all tell a story that enthralls Cindy. She soaks up the news about Graycliff. She's excited to have them in the tavern. She gives them a free meal and a discount on the room (2g instead of 4).
It's about that time someone recognizes them from the Tournament of Lords and buys a drin to congratulate them. They're given a strong honey mead, perhaps the strongest they've ever had. It's sweet, but difficult to keep down.
Sir Gareth (18), Professor (19), Syntax (13), Lyric (13), Wolfrik (17), Zilmora (17), and Astrid (12) all keep it down and finish the drink proudly.
Tsavani (8), Mori'an (4), and Faris (5) were not as lucky. They get sick and tipsy from the strong mead...they lose 1HP, but fortunately, they've got a room to sleep it off.
One last thing, the thieves in the group get a chance to pick the pocket of the bartender. Syntax's thief nabs 4g (and loses 1VP for Syntax...he's at -1 virtue now), Mori'an's thief gets 2g. Lyric takes 4g and lost virtue point (now at +4). Astrid takes 2g.
Friday, April 15
Travel to the Scorched Sands
I leave the town of Dawnhollow and head south to the Scorched Sands desert. Eventually, the road ends since people stopped travelling this way. The sands began to cover everything.
I can take either the Eastern route or the Western route. D20+Wisdom+Survivalist+Map and Compass+Mount
The last time I had something like this I believe I went every other one. I will go alphabetical this time.
Going the eastern route:
Sir Gareth
Mori'an
Lyric
Faris
Astrid
Going the western route:
The Professor
Tsavani
Syntax
Wolfrik
Zilmora
The eastern route heads more toward the coast. I hope that any civilization large enough for a library would likely be built along the water, as it would afford more resources to people living in a desert.
Sir Gareth (21), Mori'an (22), and Faris (23) find sufficient food along the way and do not consume any rations.
Lyric (14) consumes all 4 rations and loses 1HP.
Astrid (9) cosumes all 4 rations and loses 3HP.
The western route keeps me closer to the resources of the lake and mountains. I believe it might be easier to traverse along until I get to the desert and need to search the harsher environment.
The Professor (17) consumes 3 rations.
Tsavani (11) consumes all 4 rations and loses 1HP.
Syntax (23) did not consume any rations.
Wolfrik (7) consumes all 4 rations and loses 3HP.
Zilmora was in the same situation as Wolfrik, but cast divination to increase her wisdom to a point where she didn't consume any rations (24).
The Weekend, April 16/17
Not far outside of Dawnhollow, on the road south to the Scorched Sands, I encounter a row of pillories, where thieves and criminals were left for humiliation and torture. Most are empty. One contains a rotting corpse. The last one holds a live prisoner.
I will hear his pleas and then
A) Ignore the prisoner and move on
or
B) Set the prisoner free. D20+Dex+Locksmith
or
C) Kill the prisoner.
Ignore the prisoner and move on seems like the ideal option for most.
Setting the prisoner free seems like a risk.
Someone's just going to kill him, I just haven't decided who.
"Please help! I promise I won't ever do it again! Let me out!"
The prisoner begs for help.
"I only stole one health potion from Mary's Medical Supplies. I even offered to pay it back. I am going to die out here if you don't help me!"
Based on this, We'll have three baddies, Syntax, Mori'an, and Astrid kill him. They'll lose a virtue point.
Everyone else will attempt to free him. If they fail, they'll move on.
Sir Gareth (19), Tsavani (20), Lyric (20), Faris (14), and Zilmora (21, with quicken spell) all pop the lock open. The man collapses to the ground and kisses their feet. He thanks them profusely before he stands up and walks back to the city. They each gain a virtue point.
Professor (10) and Wolfrik (9) gave it a shot, but couldn't pick the lock. They decide to carry on as the man shouts.
Syntax, Mori'an, and Astrid decide it's best to end his misery before a wild animal or starvation take him. With one swift blow the man falls limp and the area is quiet again. They lose a virtue point, but they did show him mercy.
Monday, April 18
Near the end of the road where the desert begins, I come across a caravan of travelers that are beginning their journey into the desert as well. They seem quite well prepared with camels and equipment.
I'm to feel free to chat with some of the travelers...and one of them is a mark for a pick pocket attempt for my thieves.
A tall man named Joseph appears to be the leader of this group of travelers.
"Hey there. Interesting we should encounter another headed to the Scorched Sands. We have grown a bit since I left from Copperset. I am a scholar looking for the ancient Lost Library, but we have people from different walks of life in our group. Sal is looking for treasure. Murr is looking to escape from a life of crime. Quinn is a merchant looking for desert spices. It's always good to travel in groups. You should come with us."
I then speak to Sal, who is a young half demon girl that's very cheery. She wants me to play a game of cards while we travel together. 5 gold to play, I can only win 3 times before she stops playing. We will stop playing if at any point we are losing. D20+INT.
Sir Gareth: wins 3 times, 15g
Professor: 1 win, 2 losses, -5g
Tsavani: 1 win, 2 losses, -5g
Syntax: 3 wins, 15g
Mori'an: 1 loss, -5g
Lyric: 2 wins, 3 losses, -5g
Faris: 1 loss, -5g
Wolfrik: 1 loss, -5g
Zilmora: 3 wins, 15g
Astrid: 2 wins, 3 losses despite using lucky, -5g
Murr is an older half-orc who is quiet and keeps to himself. He eyes me suspiciously. Murr ignores the ones with negative virtue. The rest will roll D20+WIS. Murr is looking for a target.
Sir Gareth (4), Lyric (6), Wolfrik (2) all lost sight of Murr. He picks their pock and they lose 5g.
The Professor (21), Tsavani (20), Faris (17) and Zilmora (16) kept an eye on Murr as well. Murr never got a clear chance to make a grab at their coin purse.
Quinn is a middle aged elf woman who seems friendly enough. She offers some supplies and warns that their are monsters out here in the desert.
"I was warned that there are monsters out here that are swift. They can outrun a dragon I was told. One can never be too prepared."
She offers Dragon Fire for 10g, Combat Tonics for 10g, and Potion of the Wind for 8g. Those prices are too steep for most of us so we pass.
I forgot to note that Syntax took a virtue hit when the thief got it 4g. Mori'an and Astrid snagged 3g. Lyric just 1g.
Tuesday, April 19
I feel a small rumbling in the ground. The tremor alarms me and the other travelers as well. It scares the camels and horses. The animals try to run off. A large worm erupts from the ground, throwing dirt and sand everywhere.
2 rounds of combat, Attack, Damage, and then and added roll for strength.
The strength roll was if there was a miss or not enough damage to stun or kill. This would determine if you were weakened during the round and causing x2 damage.
Sir Gareth, Professor, Tsavani, Wolfrik, Zilmora, and Astrid all managed to stun the worm in the first round and kill it in the second round. They earned 2g for their efforts.
Faris and Mori'an missed on the first round. Faris lost 1HP, Mori'an lost 2. They landed a killing blow on the second round, gaining 1g. Mori'an earned 1HP back through his Leech life ability.
Syntax was the only one not to hit the worm. It's struggle was real. It lost 3HP as the worm dove back into the ground.
Wednesday, April 20
After the worm was dealt with, the group collects their things and calm the animals...when it happens again. Another rumble. The ground shakes violently again. The sand beneath me stirs. Another enormous worm comes from out of the ground and blocks out the sun in front of me. All I can do is try to avoid it's attacks.
D20+Dex. 3 rounds.
Sir Gareth's divine grace saved him from a total failure on the day. He got hit twice, losing 3HP. He gained 1g for the dodge.
The Professor, Tsavani, Mori'an, and Faris dodged all of the attacks and gained 3g.
Syntax was hit twice, losing 3HP and gaining 1g. The same for Lyric, who cast a healing melody after the attack to regain full health.
Wolfrik's prayer for favor helped him avoid the worm twice. He gained 2g and lost 1HP.
Zilmora didn't mess around. Her quicken spell meant the worm had no chance to touch her and she gained 3g.
During the attack, I see one of the travelers that was with me was eaten by the worm. I hear them scream as the worm tilts it's head up to swallow.
Thursday, April 21
Apologies. Yesterday was a busy day for me as I was onsite in Pittsburgh, direct flight home, and then straight to my son's practice.
The huge worm opens it's mouth and lunges down toward me. I have no time to get out of the way. I am being swallowed whole by the worm, but I have a chance to avoid injury from it's massive teeth as they fall upon me.
1. Avoid the rows of sharp teeth. D20+Dex+Danger Sense.
then
2. Avoid the living tongues of the worm. D20+Dex+Danger Sense.
then
3. Avoid getting poisoned by the worm's mucus. D20+Con.
Dodging teeth and living tongues was harder than dodging wrenches. Zilmora cast quicken again and avoided damage, but everyone else suffered damage. Additionally, depending on how poorly they dodged it, they suffered -1 to -4 modifiers on avoiding poison.
Losing 1HP:
Sir Gareth
Professor
Tsavani
Mori'an
Lyric
Astrid
Losing 2HP:
Syntax
Faris
Wolfrik
Surprisingly, only 4 ended up poisoned despite the negative modifiers. Mori'an cast his daily blood ritual ability to narrowly escape poison, but lost 1HP as a result.
Although Sir Gareth (6), Professor (4), Faris (0), and Wolfrik (6) were all poisoned, they all had antidotes as well and used them immediately.
I ain't got time for poison.
Friday, April 22
Inside the Worm
I've been swallowed whole. Lucky for me, I'm fully intact and still alive. Maybe the other person that was eaten is alive as well.
I'm to try and find the other traveler and make an escape.
This page is a "maze" but I'm simply going to hit each room as I go...unlike other maps, this one appears pretty straightforward and I can got 1-5 seamlessly. Correction, it appears I'll have to choose either 2 or 3 after I pass through 1. In this case, I think I went alphabetically last time and I've done every other before...so the first five will go room 2. The next 5 will go 3.
Yesterday was bad when 4, almost 5, were poisoned. Today was probably worse.
Working through the esophagus (room 1), we found it was full of tiny sharp barbs intended to help break down food as it passed to one of two stomachs. Tsavani, Lyric, and Zilmora all managed to pass through without damage. Professor, Syntax, Mori'an, Faris, Wolfrik, and Astrid all took 1HP of damage. Sir Gareth had 2HP lost.
In room 2, the left stomach, Tsavani and Syntax found a gold necklace worth about 10g...but none of the 5 that came here found the other traveler.
In room 3, the only thing anyone found was that you could be poisoned thanks to an empty stomach filling with acids. Lyric and Wolfrik were both poisoned while the other three made their way through quickly.
In room 4, the gizzard, the muscles are compressing to crush what's left. Tsavani and Syntax escape unharmed. Sir Gareth, Professor, Mori'an, Lyric, Wolfrik, and Zilmora all suffer 1HP of damage. Faris and Astrid suffer 2HPs of damage.
Room 5, the intestines if full of dead and rotting carcasses, wet desert sand, lump of chyme, and puddles of stomach acid. Syntax and Faris escape without harm. However, everyone else would be poisoned. In the case of Wolfrik, he was already poisoned. Tsavani used her chi to clear it. Mori'an, Lyric, Zilmora, and Astrid all took their antidote.
Sir Gareth, Professor, and Wolfrik are now all poisoned. At the end of this day, Sir Gareth and Wolfrik lose 1HP for poison.
Sir Gareth cast healing light and gained some HP back...Faris used Nature's Healing to gain 4HP back. Astrid took a potion to gain 8HP back as well.
Brutal two days as 8 of the 9 adventurers that had an antidote no longer have an antidote.
The Weekend; April 23/34
I enter the large intestine chamber of the great worm and find the other traveler. It was Gracie, an older feline scholar. She's alive and relatively unharmed. There are numerous parasites that are in the large intestine right now and they will not let you past without a fight.
3 parasites to battle.
Everyone clears at least 2 of the parasites out. Sir Gareth, The Professor, Lyric, Wolfrik, Zilmora, and Astrid took out all of them.
A brief recap:
Sir Gareth, 3g gained, 1HP loss from poison
The Professor, 3g gained
Tsavani, 2g gained, 2HP lost
Syntax, 1g gained, 1HP lost
Mori'an, 2g gained
Lyric, 3g gained
Faris, 2g gained, 2HP lost
Wolfrik, 3g gained, 1HP lost due to poison
Zilmora, 3g gained
Astrid 3g gained
I help Gracie avoid the other parasites and get the heck out of Dodge.
Monday, April 25
I have been traveling through the intestines of the worm too long. I don't know how big it is or how long it will take to reach it's unpleasant end. I decide to cut my way out from the inside.
Roll damage.
Cutting through this giant worm turned out to be damaging for the worm and our adventurers. For every swing, they lost 2 health points.
Mori'an was slick in this. He gained 2HP instead of losing any. He used his spell Drain Life to deal damage and gain back lost HP. It did cost him 2SP, but that seemed like a good trade.
Sir Gareth used a divine strike to get it done in two swings. -2HP.
The Professor, Lyric, Wolfrik, and Zilmora all took three shots at it and lost 4HP.
Syntax and Faris had four attempts. -6HP.
Finally, Tsavani and Astrid had five shots. -8HP.
Tsavani and Faris both took health potions and restored 7HP each. Syntax spent 6g to raise his HP back to 10.
All three of our poison crew passed the poison test today.
I damaged the inner wall of the worm...the blood and acid from the gashes spray everywhere. The worm's body fights back and knocks me over...but the only way out is to keep fighting.
I finally see a hint of daylight as I cut through and out of the worm. Fortunately, the worm emerged from the sand to die on the surface as I tore it up from the inside. I push free through the sking and help Gracie out as well. We take a moment to clean ourselves off before parting ways. Wherever we are, it's far from the place we were. Gracie departs to find the others. I still need to find the Lost Library.
Tuesday, April 26
I spot a building in the far distance. It's the only structure besides rock and sand that I've seen in a while. It must be the Lost Library. I still have some dangerous sand to cross to make it safely to the building.
I'm to cross the remaining desert carefully so as to not draw out sand worms. D20+Dex+ Stealthy.
I shuffle through the sand slowly so as not to disturb the ground. I make it safely to the building.
Everyone but The Professor actually cleared this without any help. The Professor took a flyer on his reroll spell and ended up on the avoid the worm side.
Had anyone not passed, a worm would have emerged, potentially dealing 1 to 3 points of damage.
Also of note: All three (Sir Gareth, Professor, and Wolfrik) passed their poison roll.
Wednesday, April 27
I stand before the locked doors to the Lost Library. An inscription on a plate above can be seen but is worn down and hard to read.
1. What do I know of the Lost Library? D20+INT+Student.
2. Look over the door and inscription.
3. Gain access to the library.
This ended up being a bit more complicated than it appeared.
In the what do I know about the Lost Library, Sir Gareth (4) had only just heard of it when he was sent on this mission. Seems like it should be called the Found Library now.
Tsavani (13), Mori'an (13), Lyric (12), Faris (14), and Astrid (13) all recalled it was called the Lost Library because it was home to so many lost texts, such as information on the Demon Gate and transference energy.
Professor (21), Syntax (17), Wolfrik (16), and Zilmora (23) remembered that the Lost Library was given it's name because anyone who wished to seek information could find it here. No knowledge would be truly lost. People stopped coming because the Librarian that guarded the building went crazy. It's job was to protect the text from being removed but over the years it began to just attack regardless of motive.
Looking over the door and inscription, we find the doors are magically sealed and locked. It appears if I can read the inscription out loud, the doors will open.
GUR QBBE JVYY BCRA GB FPUBYNEF
SBE NYY JUB FRRX GB SERRYL GENQR
VA XABJYRQTR NEIR JRYPBZR
To gain access to the library, I have five options. Pick the lock (Dex, Lockpick), Climb up to an open window (Str, Athlete), dispel the magic (Wis, Arcane Adept), bash in the doors (damage), or read the inscription.
Each of the adventurer's go down that line of options.
Sir Gareth, Mori'an, Wolfrik, and Zilmora all climbed to the open window.
Syntax, Lyric, and Astrid all picked the lock.
The Professor and Tsavani were able to dispel the magic and open the door.
Faris was unable to do any of those. She took a swing at the door. She hit it, but magical energy fired back at her and she lost 1HP. She then decided to solve the riddle.
"The door will open to scholars for all who seek to freely trade in knowledge are welcome"
The riddle was in a Caesar cipher, but I solved it without shifting. Given the letter patterns, I went with the first two words being "The door" which opened up a lot more things for me.
Professor and Wolfrik fail their poison rolls and lose 1HP.
I've left my character sheets at the office. I'm not due back there until Monday, so I'm essentially on hold until then. I've got the calendar, but rolls against skills and such require I review those sheets.
Thursday, April 28
I went to the office to retrieve a few things I was missing (other than my gaming stuff).
A vast hall of knowledge stands before me. There are floors with endless shelves of books holding the knowledge of the universe. A wooden sign at the entrance contains a message scratched in wood.
I'm to read the message and then begin searching the stacks of books. D20+INT+Student.
RULES OF THE LIBRARY:
1. NO NOISE
2. TAKE NOTHING.
VIOLATION WILL RESULT IN DEATH.
--The Librarian
Tsavani (4) and Lyric (8): The library is so large that they have no idea where to begin.
Professor (14), Faris (11), Wolfrik (14), and Zilmora (12): They notice that there is some organization to the shelves and contents. They're marked with numbers and letters by category. That might help to better navigate the library to find what they're seeking. They gain +2 to search the library for scrolls and books tomorrow.
Sir Gareth (19), Syntax (18), Mori'an (25), and Astrid (19): They discover a massive cabinet that contains a catalog of all the contents of the library. It gives them a good idea of how and where to locate things. Judging by the disarray of the library, though, they can only hope the items they seek are located where they should be. They gain +4 to searching tomorrow.
Friday, April 29
The Lost Library
The library is vast and holds many books and scrolls. Search among the stacks of books for the relevant scrolls and texts you need in order to learn more about the gates.
There are five rooms/areas. I don't know why I would go another route other than 1-5, so we'll all go that way.
Room 1: There's a cozy reading nook with a soft sofa here. It's safe enough to rest. Everyone heals. Everyone regains SP and Chi. Poison is cleared. Everyone pays 5g for their helpers.
Room 2: They walk into a meeting room and find 3 skeletons. They search the bodies. D20+INT+Investigator.
Professor (6), Tsavani (9), Lyric (2), and Wolfrik (3): They suspect they may have been talking or arguing loudly and were attacked by The Librarian. Consider this a fair warning.
Sir Gareth (20), Syntax (11, spend 2g for skill boost), Mori'an (19), Faris (17), Zilmora (22), and Astrid (15): They suspect they may have been talking or arguing loudly and were attacked by The Librarian. Consider this a fair warning. They find 10g on the skeletons, though.
Room 3: I find a janitor's locker room. Nothing in here has been used in ages. The place is dirty and covered in dust. As I turn to exit, I see a hooded figure passing quickly. It might have been an avian creature, but it moved too quickly to tell.
Room 4: A large room of the library filled with ancient scrolls. I might find what I'm looking for here. Search, with bonus from yesterday: D20+INT+Investigator.
Tsavani (10), Lyric (13), Faris (13), Wolfrik (11), and Zilmora (7) find potentially helpful and relevant scrolls, but it takes a long time. Zilmora and Faris consume a ration. The others lose 1HP.
Sir Gareth (17), Professor (23), Syntax (23), Mori'an (20), and Astrid (19): They all find helpful and relevant scrolls on the topic of the gates and transference energy.
Room 5: A large room of the library filled with ancient books this time instead of scrolls. I conduct a similar search as I did in room 4. Search, with bonus from yesterday: D20+INT+Investigator.
Professor (11), Tsavani (1), and Syntax (14) take a long time here but find the necessary information. Professor and Syntax consume a ration while Tsavani loses another HP.
Sir Gareth (20), Mori'an (23), Lyric (20), Faris (18), Wolfrik (21), Zilmora (20), and Astrid (22) all found information on the gates and transference energy in quick fashion.
April 30/May1, The Weekend
I look over the scrolls and books I've gathered. One of the books is peculiar and has an odd, fuzzy feeling cover. I open the book and feel a sharp sting. The book is biting me! The wound causes my thoughts to swirl in confusion.
Roll attack, damage and intellect for 3 rounds.
This did not go over extremely well for our friends. Each of them had to roll against intellect each round..if they lost, and they often did, they had to reroll damage and take the lower of the two amounts.
Only Sir Gareth and Lyric managed to win all 3 rounds against the book. Taking no damage, they destroyed it and took 3g.
Professor, Tsavani, Syntax, Faris, Zilmora, and Astrid destroyed the book, but took 2 points of damage. They earned 1g.
Wolfrik stunned the book twice before being bit. When he looked up from the wound, he found that the book had scurried off out of the room and disappeared. He took 1 point of damage, gained 2g.
Mori'an missed all 3 times...got bit 3 times and the book mocked him as it ran off. Mori'an was mostly glad to be rid of it. -3HP.
Monday, May 2
I've gathered the resources and I've taken them to a reading nook. I set them all out and begin reading over them to research what I can about reassembling the gate.
The History of the Gods
There was one world before the gods began to bicker and fight. They separated existence into different worlds they could each have domain over. The worlds are connected by the Gates of Terralon. As much as the gods hated each other, they made a truce to leave the gates alone, lest their worlds collide and destroy each other. Still, they set up guardians to defend the gates.
On the Structure of the Gates of Terralon
The Gates of Terralon act as waypoints for travel between the worlds as well as anchors to focus an energy that holds the universe together. The energy is commonly known as Transference energy.
Musings on the Anchors
If a gate were to be destroyed, the Transference energy would become unstable and chaotic. It would begin to unravel the world, sending matter through to all of the other worlds it was connected to.
Scroll of Terralonic Transference
You find a magic scroll that can activate the gates and allow one to travel through to the other worlds.
Transference Sensor and Locator
A device that can track transference energy so that you can locate the other gates and gate shards. With it, you can see that there are no other gates shards in this world. You also see that the gate in this world is located within the library.
With what I've learned after my research, I must take the Scroll and Locator (against the rules of the Library). With them, I will need to find the gate on this world, travel to the other worlds to locate all the shards of the demon gate, and finally take them back to the demon world to be reassembled.
Tuesday, May 3
I pack up the materials from the library and begin to leave. I don't get far before I hear a loud screech and feel air of wings flapping down from the sky. The Librarian descends upon me and attacks me for breaking the rules of the Lost Library.
3 rounds, similar to the last. Intellect rolls as well.
The intellect rolls were the same as against the book and it again proves to be a challenge for our adventurers.
Sir Gareth and Wolfrik had the most success, stunning the owl like Librarian 3 times and gaining 3g.
Mori'an cast two spells and ended up gaining 2g and 2HP, despite only winning 2 of the rounds.
Professor, Tsavani, and Zilmora gained 1g, but lost 3HP.
Syntax lost 1HP.
Lyric gained 1g, but lost 5HP.
Faris gained 2g, but lost 2HP.
Astrid gained 2g, but lost 1HP.
The Librarian, after the 3 rounds of fighting, flies away angrily, to fight them from the air.
Wednesday, May 4
Lost Library Gate
The device that detects the transference energy is showing that the Terralon Gate in this realm is located here at the library. I need to find the gate and avoid the Librarian.
There are 5 rooms, I can avoid rooms 2 and 4 if I desire, but I don't. We'll hit them all.
Room 1:
I enter a long hallway where I can quickly gain some distance from the Librarian if I am a fast runner. D20+DEX+Athlete.
Syntax (7) is not an athlete. The Librarian is too quick for it. It comes up and claws it from behind. -2HP.
Sir Gareth (12), Faris (8), and Wolfrik (13) get a little further than Syntax, but not by much and lose 1HP.
The rest of the crew are too quick for the Librarian as they dash away at full speed. Props to Professor (21), Lyric (21), and Zilmora (21) for the top rolls.
Room 2:
A small closet at the end of the hall. I hoped it would lead elsewhere. I have to hide while the Librarian searches for me. D20+DEX+Stealthy.
Only two manage to get caught: Sir Gareth (3) and Zilmora (10). Both dart out of the closet just as the Librarian was about to descend up on them. The Librarian still reaches out and manages to do 1HP of damage to them.
The rest sneak away undetected...Professor the top of the group with 23.
Room 3:
I enter a large room with stacks and shelves of books. The Librarian enters behind me. I am unable to run or hide. I'll have to fight. D20+ATK and hopefully damage.
Once again, we're fortunate for the most part.
Tsavani and Lyric fail to hit the Librarian. The Librarian attacks and deals 1 HP damage to both.
Everyone else manages to stun the Librarian with their hit. Way to go, fellas.
Room 4:
I consider that perhaps the gate is on another level of this huge library. I begin to descend down some stairs. Doing so in a hurry proves difficult. D20+Dex+Danger Sense.
Another fairly good set of rolls.
Syntax (7), Mori'an (6), and Wolfrik (8) all trip and fall...losing 1HP.
The rest clear the stairs without issue. Sir Gareth gliding down the easiest at 17.
Room 5:
I find a place with several doors leading to many possible locations. One of them has to lead me to where the gate is. I spend some time trying each of them in hopes of getting the right door quickly. Just as I come to a locked door, the Librarian appears at the end of the hall. This locked door must be it. I have to get past this lock and inside.
I will attempt to pick the lock. If I fail I'll attempt to bash the door open.
All but Professor (4), Mori'an (10), and Wolfrik (10) make it through the lock. They're forced to break it open. All do rather quickly, but Mori'an suffers 1HP in the process.
Thursday, May 5
The room I bolted into has clearly seen better days. I'm on the lookout for one of the guardians the history scrolls mentioned. A booming voice bellows out a riddle that echoes through the room:
Between two spaces I connect. Through me one passes with effect.
Two are joined in unity. A symbol for opportunity. Opened or closed is my fate. As a barrier I separate.
What am I?
In this scenario, my answer is for all of them...no real way for me to break that up.
I answer this correctly...I said, "door." Any form of the word door, portal, or gate would be a valid answer.
Each of them gain +2 to all combat rolls tomorrow (Attack and damage).
Now they must either
A) sprint to reach the gate quickly. D20+DEX+Athlete.
B) Quietly sneak to the gate undetected. D20+DEX+Stealthy.
or
C) Confidently prepare for battle. D20+STR+Intimidating.
We'll split into 3 groups for this. I'll figure out what's best for each. 3 minimum in each option. One will have four.
I decided, after seeing how the numbers were coming up, to change how I distributed it. Professor, Tsavani, Lyric, Faris, Zilmora, and Astrid all go sprinting...and that's based on their best abilities for success. Even then, only Tsavani (16), Lyric (19), and Faris (17) get there without stumbling. They gain +2 defense for tomorrow.
Syntax was the only one to try and get to the gate undetected. That, however, did not work out (6).
Sir Gareth (20), Mori'an (18), and Wolfrik (22) prepared for battle. Their calm walk to the gate will surely bestow confidence to any opponent. They gain +2 defense for tomorrow.
Friday, May 6
As I walk closer to the gate, a pile of stones nearby begin to move. Dust and rubble shake free as a stone golem now stands up and takes a defensive position against me.
4 rounds of combat.
The Professor and Astrid make quick work of the stone golem...gaining 8 gold and suffering no damage.
Sir Gareth, Lyric, and Faris did well. They gained 6 gold and suffered just 1HP of damage before dispatching the golem. Zilmora suffered 2HP while gaining 6 gold as well.
Wolfrik and Tsavani got by the golem, gaining 4g and losing 2HP each.
Struggling past it were Syntax (lost 4HP, gained 1g) and Mori'an (lost 3HP, gained 2g).
The Weekend, May 7 and 8
One of the Gates of Terralon stands before me. It likely hasn't been seen by another pair of eyes in ages. It holds a certain beauty in its colors and design. Yet, it is also terrifying. I have never traveled like this and I don't know what to expect.
I am to cast the spell to activate the gate. D20+Wisdom+Arcane Adept.
then I'm to maintain my composure as I am hurled across the dimensional cosmos. D20+Constitution+Danger Sense.
Lyric (2) is the only one to flub the spell. Something must have not been right as the runes flicker and the portal whirls about violently. He loses 3 on his composure as a result.
Tsavani (20), Syntax (17), Zilmora (20), and Astrid (17) repeated the incantations and gestures from the Scroll of Terralonic Transference flawlessly. Runes on the gate light up and patterns swirl in the portal. It's beautiful, really. They gain +2 to their composure.
Everyone did a reasonable job maintaining their composure. Mori'an used Blood Ritual to make that happen. He was the only one to lose 2HP. Nearly everyone else lost 1HP due to the intense pain of the journey...a journey unlike anything they have ever experienced. They bear down and endure through it. As they begin to come to terms with what they're experiencing, they mentally peer out into the vast expanse that connects all of the infinite existence. It's jarring and disturbing.
Almost everyone suffered damage. The Professor (18) and Astrid (18) didn't have any fear going through this experience and suffered no damage.
Mori'an and Lyric used potions to regain some HP...3 for Mori'an and 2 for Lyric.
Monday, May 9
Level Up
Our adventurers have gained enough experience to increase their level. I will allocate 2 points to their traits. I increased their weakness the first time, strengths for the second level up. This time I'll go back to weaknesses. I'll also update what these are, as well as current HP and gold.
I increased Sir Gareth's wisdom and intelligence. He gained 4HP, 1 Def, 1 Atk, damage is now 2D8 (was 2D6), 1 SP, and a new spell, Restoration. Use 1SP: Remove poisoned and cursed conditions.
Sir Gareth Stalworth
Human Cleric
Level 4
Str: 3
Dex: 0 (+1)
Con: 1
Int: 1
Wis: 1
Cha: 0
Virtue: 7
HP: 21 (22). Currently 18
Atk: 5
Def: 16
Dmg: 2D8
Gold: 62
I increased The Professor's strength and charisma. He gained 5HP, 2 Atk, damage is now 3D8 (was 2D8), 1 SP. Two new spells, Blizzard and Life Water. Blizzard: 1SP, Add D6 to all attack and damage rolls for the page. Life Water: 1SP, Restore HP by D8.
Professor Trynnicus Wyvern
Draaken Elementalist
Level 4
Str: 1
Dex: 0 (+1)
Con: 0
Int: 2
Wis: 3
Cha: 0
Virtue: 4
HP: 23. Currently 18
Atk: 6
Def: 14 (15)
Dmg: 3D8
Gold: 30
I increased Tsavani's strength and charisma. She gained 5HP, 1 Atk, 1 Def, damage is now 2D10 (was 2D6), 2 Chi. New Chi, Flurry Rush. 1Chi, Add D6 on all attack and damage rolls for the page.
Tsavani Moonchaser
Feline Monk
Level 4
Str: 1
Dex: 4 (+5)
Con: 0
Int: 0
Wis: 1
Cha: 0
Virtue: 6
HP: 24. Currently 13
Atk: 5
Def: 15 (16)
Dmg: 2D10
Gold: 42
I increased Syntax's wisdom and charisma. It gained 5HP, 1 Atk, 1 Def, damage is now 2D10 (was 2D6). Two new abilities, Salvage and Tonic. Salvage can turn any magical equipment into 25g. Tonic: Spend 4g to remove poison or cursed conditions.
Syntax 12B047-2
Machine Artificer
Level 4
Str: 1
Dex: 1 (2)
Con: 1
Int: 3
Wis: 0
Cha: 0
Virtue: -3
HP: 24 (25). Currently 15
Atk: 5
Def: 15
Dmg: 2D10
Gold: 65
I increased Mori'an's wisdom and charisma. He gained 6HP, 1 Def, damage is now 2D12 (was 2D10), 1 SP. Blood ritual can now be used twice in a page (-1HP to gain +2 to a single roll). New ability, Animate Dead. Once per rest, when HP is 0, restore 25% of max health, rounded up.
Mori'an Corvus
Avian Necromancer
Level 4
Str: 0
Dex: 1 (2)
Con: 2
Int: 3
Wis: 0
Cha: 0
Virtue: -3
HP: 27. Currently 18
Atk: 3 (4)
Def: 14
Dmg: 2D12 (+1)
Gold: 30
I increased Lyric's wisdom and constitution. He gained 4HP, 1 atk, damage is now 2D8 (was D12). He can now use Charm (Add 15 to charisma for one roll) twice per rest. Gained locksmith ability. Gained appraiser ability. Appraiser: Reduce the cost of items by 20% rounded up. Items bought with this ability cannot be resold. Gained Captivate ability. Captivate: Once per page, Reduce incoming damage by 2.
Lyric Stringwood
Human Bard
Level 4
Str: 0
Dex: 2 (3)
Con: 0
Int: 0
Wis: 1
Cha: 3
Virtue: 4
HP: 21 (22). Currently 15
Atk: 6
Def: 14
Dmg: 2D8 (+1)
Gold: 33
I increased Faris's intelligence twice. She gained 5HP, 1 Atk, damage is now 2D8 (was 2D6). Faris has a weasel and an eagle. Now she has a bear. SHE HAS A BEAR. Once per page, add 2 to attack and damage. Nature's healing is now twice per rest (restore D4 health). Precise Aim is now twice per rest (Add 10 to one attack roll and D4 to damage).
Faris Leafwind
Half-Elf Druid
Level 4
Str: 0
Dex: 2 (3)
Con: 0
Int: 1
Wis: 3
Cha: 0
Virtue: 5
HP: 22. Currently 15
Atk: 5
Def: 16 (17)
Dmg: 2D8
Gold: 53
I increased Wolfrik's wisdom and charisma. He gained 4HP, 1 Atk, 1 Def, damage is now 2D10 (was 2D8). Gained a new ability: Final Judgement. Whenever the attack roll is 20 or more, double the damage.
Wolfrik Grayhand
Human Paladin
Level 4
Str: 3
Dex: 1 (2)
Con: 0
Int: 0
Wis: 1
Cha: 1
Virtue: 5
HP: 25. Currently 18
Atk: 5
Def: 16 (17)
Dmg: 2D10
Gold: 22
I increased Zilmora's constitution and charisma. She gained 4HP, 1 Atk, 1 Def, damage is now 3D8 (was 2D10).
Gained 2SP and two new spells, Shield and Fireball. Shield: 1SP, Reduce the first 6 points of damage on the page to 0. Fireball: 1SP, Add D20 to all attack and damage rolls on the page.
Zilmora the Wise
Elf Sorceress
Level 4
Str: 0
Dex: 0 (1)
Con: 0
Int: 2
Wis: 3
Cha: 1
Virtue: 5
HP: 20. Currently 14
Atk: 5 (6)
Def: 15
Dmg: 3D8
Gold: 58
I increased Astrid's wisdom and strength. She gained 4HP, 1 Atk, damage is now 3D6 (was 2D6). Gained a new ability: Danger Sense.
Atrid Swiftblade
Gnome Thief
Level 4
Str: 0
Dex: 4 (5)
Con: 0
Int: 0
Wis: 0
Cha: 2
Virtue: -1
HP: 20 (21). Currently 18
Atk: 5
Def: 15
Dmg: 3D6
Gold: 56
Tuesday, May 10
Eldurlume
After my travel through the Terralon Gate in my world, I find myself in the scorching city of Eldurlume. Surrounded by gray mountains of ash, it sits on rivers of flowing lava. ~Liquid hot magma, as Dr. Evil might say.
I'm to visit the places in the city and converse with it's people.
Burnt Ember Inn
I find a hospitable place to my head. 3 gold. Yes, please. All of them take the opportunity to rest. With their followers included, this will cost them 8 instead of 3.
Temple of the Dragon
There is a place to worship that holds a great golden dragon emblem on the front. Service is out for the day but there are beggars out front. Would I like to donate 2 gold to the poor? All but Mori'an, Syntax, and Astrid do. Those that helped the poor gain 1 Virtue.
The Rusty Blacksmith
There is a large ogre operating the forge. I can pay to have my weapons improved. I found the sharpening to be interesting for the ones that did it last time, but I don't want to spend 30g doing it so they all pass for now.
The Molten Market
I come across a small market stall, operated by a female lizardfolk. I can purchas a health potion for 5g or meal rations for 2g. Shooting for 2 potions and 5 rations for stock.
Here's what was purchased:
Sir Gareth 1 ration
Professor 5 rations
Tsavani 5 rations, 2 potions
Syntax, 2 rations...it has no potions, but we're going to operate it without potions since it can churn gold into HP.
Mori'an, 1 ration, 1 potion
Lyric, 5 rations, 1 potion Appraiser drops cost from 15 to 12.
Faris, 2 rations, 1 potion
Wolfrik, 5 rations
Zilmora, 2 rations, 1 potion
Astrid, 5 rations, 1 potion
Tsavani and Syntax use this opportunity to sell necklaces for 10g.
Ashen Warehouse
There is a small warehouse along one of the lava rivers. As I watch, I see a bandit looking the place. It sees me as a witness and attacks me.
This bandit was fairly weak. 9 of the 10 dispatched him with no issue. Faris missed it and was hit for a loss of 1HP before the bandit took off.
Wednesday, May 11
The city is much like cities in my world. I find a job board posted in the town where citizens are asking for help. It appears I have some time to help the locals.
Seeking Silver
The local silversmith is requesting that I visit the Silver Mines in the Ashen Mountains to mine some silver ore. I should be careful as the mines are fille with toxic gas. D20+Con+Investigator.
Only one of them is able to endure the gas long enough to get plenty of silver to bring back. Mori'an (16) gains 10g, but loses 1HP.
The rest found some silver, but the gas got to them and they had to leave with a smaller load than desired. They all lost 2HP, but gain 5g.
Stop the Looters
The Ashen Warehouse keeps getting robbed. The owner requests you act as a guard in hopes of keeping thieves away.
D20+Str+Intimidating.
Sir Gareth (23), Professor (20), Faris (16), and Zilmora (18) all deter any thieves that might have been planning to rob the warehouse. They gain 5g.
The others got into a scuffle with a looter and lose 1HP...but gain the 5g for guarding.
Negotiator needed
The local Temple of the dragon is requesting someone to help clear the nearby streets of beggars. They feel this reduces their image and deters worshipers.
Those with 5 or more virtue gain +2 to this roll. If any of them were -5 or more virtue, they would have lost 2.
D20+Cha+Persuasive+any virtue bonus.
Sir Gareth (24), Mori'an (16), Lyric (27), Faris (18), Wolfrik (15), and Astrid (22) all talk the beggars in the streets and convince them they would do better if they moved down the street from the temple. The temple is happy and pays them well (D10).
Gareth 7g, Mori'an 4g, Lyric 3g, Faris 6g, Wolfrik 6g, Astrid 8g
The others try to convince the beggars to move, but they get enough donations from the locals where they are currently located and aren't interested in moving. This disappoints the temple, but they're still willing to pay some for the attempt (D4).
Professor 2g, Tsavani 1g, Syntax, 1g, Zilmora 1g
Thursday, May 12
I begin tracking the gate share in this world, but more information could be helpful. I find a local goblin who acts friendly enough. I ask a few questions but he wants to be paid.
He's also going to get pickpocketed by Syntax, Mori'an, Lyric, and Astrid.
I can pay the goblin 5g
or
Be friendly D20+Cha+Persuasive
or
Get rough D20+Str+Intimidating
Lyric, Astrid, and Zilmora try and be friendly. Lyric (26) and Astrid (22) turn on their charm. The goblin smiles and is really friendly while chatting with them. He still insists they pay 1g, though, for the information. Zilmora tries as well, but the goblin insists on 5g. Maybe it's just a local custom he's following.
Sir Gareth (20) and Wolfrik (17) both get rough with the goblin. It breaks down and begs them not to hurt him. He tells them for free. Mori'an tries this as well, but the goblin wasn't fazed by his approach. He'll still pay the 5g.
Everyone else pays the gold.
The goblin speaks:
" Couple days past when the sky opened up and them demons fell, many of them fell into the rivers, ya know, and that was not pretty for them. Sure was fun to watch them burn in the lava, though. Anyway, whatever magic brought them here woke up Telzeroth. That dragon flew down here from his lair on Burning Peak. He flew around the city quite a bit, didn't do nothing about the demons. Just watched and then he landed. Some say he snatched up a glowing stone before flying back to his home in the Ashen Mountains. I think he just wanted to try a meal of demon meat. You know, we don't get many of those around and I think he was just scouting to find a good plump one."
Astrid loses a virtue point while taking 4g off the goblin. Syntax, Mori'an, and Lyric each took 3g.
Friday, May 13
Travel to Burning Peak
The dragon, Telzeroth, likely has the gate shard. He lives on Burning Peak in the Ashen Mountains. That is the direction the Transference Sensor seems to be indicating as well.
Travel the Southern route or northern route. I think we'll just split this down the middle. First 5 south, next 5 north.
Travel the southern route. D20+Wis+Survivalist, Map&Compass, Mount.
Traveling along the mountain range proves more difficult in this world. There is no lush vegetation or abundant animals to hunt. Instead, I experience the sweltering heat and rocky terrain that is difficult to traverse.
Syntax (8) and Mori'an (7) both slow down from the terrain and heat of the lava rivers. They consume 3 meal rations.
Professor (10) and Tsavani (15) aren't as slow as Syntax or Mori'an, but still consume 2 rations.
Sir Gareth (26) travels quickly and makes excellent time. He consumes just 1 ration.
Travel the Northern Route. D20+Wis+Survivalist, Map&Compass, Mount.
I stick to the more open plains until I can approach the mountains. It might be safer and free from unknown creatures. The land is baked with an acrid heat. The air is dry and hard to breathe.
Lyric (9) manages quite well for such a foreign environment. He has to consume 2 rations.
Faris (22), Wolfrik (23), Zilmora (16), and Astrid (21) all travel quickly across the flat surface of the barren plain and conserve their energy. They only use 1 ration.
Unfortunately, I fell way behind with work, vacation, and then a trip to the covid IL. I'd like to try and keep up, but I'm not sure I can at this point.
Breeze
06-01-2022, 06:46 AM
I've enjoyed following along, hope you don't drop it completely. I'd be find with a just a quick synopsis of where things are and just move forward from there.
May 14/15, the weekend
I find myself at the base of the Burning Peak among the Ashen Mountains. I find a large river of lava cuts off my path. After walking along it for some time, I find a place that has jutting stones that may allow me to step across.
D20+Dex+Athlete+Danger Sense.
For Mori'an (4), he found the rocks were sharp and angled poorly for traversing across. He slipped and fell several times. The intense heat of the lava, coupled with a few slips, leads to him losing 3HP.
Syntax (7) and Lyric (8) had a similar experience but remained upright a little more than Mori'an did. They each lost 2HP.
The rest of the crew made it across the river of lava quickly and easily.
Monday, May 16
Once across the lava river, I hear a gurgling noise from behind me. I look back to find a large mass of rack and lava rising from the river. A face appears in the rock. Glowing eyes look at me. It arches back a stone arm and hurls a fireball at me.
3 rounds of combat here.
Sir Gareth, Professor, Tsavani, Lyric, and Faris all made quick work of the lava monster. They gain 3 gold.
The rest took some sort of damage...Syntax taking the worst of it. 1g was awarded for each round that was won.
Syntax, 1g, -5HP
Mori'an, 2g, -1HP
Wolfrik, 3g -1HP
Zilmora, 2g, -2HP
Astrid, 1g, -3HP
Tuesday May 17
The path up the Burning Peak is blocked by a camp of goblins. These don't appear to be as friendly as the ones encountered in the city. It's best to avoid them and pass through without being seen.
Each of the 10 keep to the outside of the camp. Sir Gareth, Tsavani, and Lyric all came across a dwarf that was imprisoned. They set him free and gained 1 virtue point.
They all came across a goblin that had been drinking. It was ready to sound the alarm when he spots them. All but The Professor, Faris, and Wolfrik are able to convince the drunk goblin that they're really just a goblin in a disguise. The unlucky three end up fighting the drunk goblin, quickly knocking him out, but suffer -1HP in the process.
Syntax, Mori'an, Wolfrik, Faris, and Astrid each came across a wolf that appeared to be maintaining some sort of guard over the livestock. They're forced to subdue the animal but are bit as well. They each lose 1HP.
They all come across a bunch of sleeping goblins...they all make it past without detection...in part because the goblins are very drunk.
Wednesday, May 18
(also known as my birthday)
Just when I think I'm safe and far enough away from the goblin camp, I stumbled upon a party of goblins returning from a hunting mission. They're empty handed and look at me as an opportunity to right a wrong.
4 goblins, each 1 round battle.
Astrid and Zilmora are the only ones to kill all four of the goblins...Astrid doing it the conventional way. Zilmora using her new fireball ability...she got a 18 to add to all of her attack and damage rolls...and at that point, I didn't even need to continue rolling for her. Kentucky Fried Goblins, Zilmora does them right. They each gained 4g.
Sir Gareth, Professor, Lyric, and Faris each took out 3 goblins. All but Lyric lost 1HP in the process. They gain 3g.
The rest took out 2 goblins and earned 2g. Tsavani, Syntax, and Wolfrik each lost 2HP. Mori'an lost 3HP.
The goblins that didn't die? They turned tail in terror and ran away.
Thursday, May 19
I make it to the top of the Burning Peak and see a raging volcano in the distance. There's a trail along the cliff's edge leading to a rope bridge across the ravine. The entrance to Telzeroth's lair is just beyond that. It's a treacherous path, but I must cross it.
I must:
Deal with the sweltering heat of the nearby volcano. D20+Con.
Traverse the cliff wall and cross the rope bridge. D20+Dex+Athlete.
Most of the adventurers don't deal with the sweltering heat well. All but Mori'an (18) and Wolfrik (15) deal with negative modifiers due to the heat.
The results from the heat put a damper on the cross of the rope bridge. Not a lot of success was found. Faris (25), Wolfrik (17), and Astrid (27) make it across gracefully and without incident.
Everyone else had one problem or another and suffer a loss of 1HP.
Syntax spent 1g to maintain a 50% health threshold.
Friday May 20
Telzeroth's Lair
Once inside the cavern of the volcano, the noise from outside quiets down. It's almost an eerie quiet. I hope the shard of the gate is stashed away somewhere nearby and far from the dragon.
Navigating the cavern, there are 4 rooms of consequence.
Creeping into the winding cave tunnel I find myself inside a tiled welcome chamber. The walls are adorned with carvings of dragons burning down villages. As I look around, I feel a loose tile on the floor give way as I step on it. I hear hissing as a gas fills the room.
D20+Con+Danger Sense.
Surprisingly enough, only Astrid (9) fails this. She's now poisoned and without an antidote. Most of the crew don't have antidotes at this point, so this was really good luck for most of them.
I find an offering room that Telzeroth's worshipers use to make appeasements to the dragon. It appears that someone recently visited this room and left something.
D20+INT+Investigator.
Tsavani (2) only found 5g worth of jewelry.
Syntax (8), Mori'an (10), Wolfrik (8), and Astrid (12) found 10g worth of jewelry.
Sir Gareth (23), Professor (24), Lyric (20), Faris (17), and Zilmora (35, used her spell to increase intellect) all found 12g worth of jewelry and a health potion.
I enter a room that contains several mud mounds built to hold large dragon eggs. There's a lizardfolk here helping to look after the eggs. It quickly springs to attack.
A majority of the adventurers dispatch the servant easily. Syntax, Faris, Zilmora, and Astrid did not. They each lost 1HP. Syntax paid 1g to recover again. Mori'an gained 1HP from the kill.
I come across the entrance to a large room filled with treasure. In the next room, I can see the sleeping dragon, Telzeroth. Some of that treasure has spilled into this room.
D20+INT+Investigator.
Tsavani (5) and Astrid (5) find 10g worth of jewelry and treasure here.
Everyone else finds at least 15g worth of jewely and treasure. The Professor (21), Syntax (22), Mori'an (16), and Zilmora (22 the spell from earlier applied) all found an iron key as well.
May 21/22, The weekend
The sleeping Telzeroth lies in his treasure room, napping on a tremendously large pile of gold. I'm unable to take the gate shard without waking the dragon. When I do, it will surely try to eat me.
I'm to
A)Get into position for a sneak attack. D20+Dex+Stealthy
or
B)Scare the dragon awake. D20+CHA+Intimidating (Sounds like a bad idea personally)
or
C)Attack the dragon while he sleeps.
I split them into all three groups, though I think scaring that dragon isn't the best deal.
Tsavani and Astrid manage to find a quiet hiding place in which to make their attack. They lie in wait as the dragon slowly wakes up, unaware of their presence. They gain +2 to attack tomorrow. Lyric and Faris were spotted and get no bonus.
Waking the dragon team is Sir Gareth, Mori'an, and Wolfrik. I can't believe it, but they all managed to frighten the dragon. It's confused and alarmed someone made it into it's lair. They gain +2 Defense (pffff).
Attack the dragon while it sleeps is where it's at. This turns out to be a challenge, but again all of them are successful. Professor, Syntax, and Zilmora deliver a mighty blow to the dragon and it wakes in pain. They gain +2 damage tomorrow.
Monday, May 23
Telzeroth awakens to attack!
Three rounds of combat here...including a roll for wisdom in each.
The Telzeroth battle included a roll for wisdom. Fail the wisdom roll (and many did) before the round and you'll roll for attack twice...taking the lower of the two values.
Despite doing my best to avoid damage, a majority of our group took at least 1HP. Sir Gareth, Mori'an, Lyric, Faris, and Wolfrik all lost 1HP. Astrid lost 2HP.
Those losing HP gained 2g. The others managed to win all three rounds and gained 3g.
At the end of this day, Astrid fails her poison roll (2). She goes down to 9HP, take a potion to go back to 13.
Tuesday, May 24
Telzeroth lets out a roar and flies away in anger. He heads up and out a large hole in the top of his lair. This leaves his treasure room open for looting.
I'm to search the treasure room for the gate shard. D20+INT+Investigator.
and
Be careful when taking the gate shard. D20+WIS+Danger Sense.
Sir Gareth, Syntax, Zilmora, and Astrid all managed to pocket 20g. Mori'an got 15g. The rest of crew picked up 10g each.
The Professor, Tsavani, Wolfrik, Zilmora, and Astrid all got a sense of dread when approaching the gate shard and avoided getting too close. The rest of the group got too close and were filled with anxiety and dread. Sir Gareth, Syntax, and Mori'an were all cursed...but all took the holy water they were holding on to to clear it.
Astrid failed another poison roll.
Like before, a glowing light emanates from the World Watcher's Staff. I hold it up as it pulsates softly. I begin to channel the transference energy in the stone. It surrounds the gate shard and disappears from Telzeroth's lair. The stone is gone. Looking at the crystal, I see another tiny imperfection inside that wasn't there before. The stone is now inside the crystal and able to be transported safely.
Wednesday, May 25
A locked chest sits amongst the dragon's hoard of treasure. It's heavy and sure to contain great loot. I just need to get it open.
I can
A) If I have the Iron Key, unlock it.
or
B) Pick the lock. D20+DEX+Locksmith
or
C) Smash the lock. Damage.
The Professor, Syntax, and Mori'an all had the key.
Sir Gareth, Faris, Wolfrik, Zilmora, and Astrid all managed to pick the lock.
Tsavani and Lyric were left to breaking it open. It cost Tsavani 3HP. It cost Lyric 2.
Astrid passes her poison roll this time.
Thursday, May 26
There are three treasures here to choose from. We can choose one. Only one item of each type can be added. Some of them have a shield already, so they'll go with one of the other two.
Flame Shield, +1STR, +1DEF
Ring of Fire, +1STR, +1HP
Fire Gloves, +1STR, +1DMG
Flame Shields go to Syntax, Mori'an, and Lyric. All could use the defensive bonus.
Rings of Fire to Professor, Wolfrik, and Zilmora.
Fire Gloves to Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Faris, and Astrid.
Astrid fails her poison roll.
Friday, May 27
To The Fire Gate
A) Take the eastern route. D20+WIS+Survivalist+Horse
or
B) Take the western route. D20+WIS_Survalist+Horse
As for what they are, on the map they both go to the southeast...just one is more southern than the other. One appears to go past a lake of lava...the other through a dead forest.
We'll send the first five east, the last five "west".
The eastern group cross the acrid plains through the southern mountain range. From there they travel near a lava lake to the next mountain range. The lake boils and bubbles. The heat is unbearable.
Professor and Tsavani consume 1 ration each. Sir Gareth, Syntax, and Mori'an consume 2. Mori'an needed a 3rd but was out and loses 1HP.
The western group traveled past a burnt forest...nothing but dead and black trees. This turns out to be the safer of the two routes. Faris, Zilmora, and Astrid all consume 1 ration. Lyric and Wolfrik consume 2.
Astrid survives the poison roll.
May 28/29 The Weekend
A fiery demon appears from the ash and lava. It appears to have made a new home here. It doesn't appear it appreciates my intrusion.
3 rounds...wisdom roll for banishing before each round.
Many of our adventurers banish the demon using the watcher's staff. Sir Gareth, Professor, Faris, Wolfrik, and Zilmora did so without taking damage. They gain a +1 dice roll to be used later (Z now has 5 of them). Astrid and Lyric also banished the demon, but were hit in the process. Lyric lost 4HP (took a potion to recover 5). Astrid lost 2HP (took a potion to recover 3). Astrid survives her poison roll and is now out of potions. All of these adventurers received 3g as well as the +1 dice roll.
Tsavani killed the demon without taking damage and gained 3g. Syntax did not fare well...losing 2 of the 3 rounds before the demon fleed...he recovered his lost HP by spending 2g. Mori'an killed the demon as well...tricky Mori'an gained 2HP and 3g in the process. Birdman loves himself some death.
Monday, May 30
Deep in a cavern of a volcano, I discover the fire gate. It's guarded by a large lava beast. A booming voice speaks a riddle that is hard to hear over the crackling of the lava flow.
With red tongues I lick and bite
Cutting darkness with my might
With intense pain you'll feel my wrath
Devouring all that's in my path
If a drink is what you give
One last breath I shall live
I'm to
1) Guess the answer to the riddle.
then
A) Sprint to the gate. D20+Dex+Athlete
or
B) Sneak to the gate. D20+Dex+Stealthy
or
C) Prepare for battle. D20+Str+Intimidating
The riddle? Not that hard really.
Fire
Any form of that is a valid answer. Since I kind of have to answer for them all, they all get the +2 to combat rolls for the next day.
Those sprinting to the gate included The Professor, Lyric, Faris, and Zilmora. All but Lyric made it there quickly and gain +2 to defense tomorrow as well. Lyric stumbled and missed out.
Those sneaking are Tsavani, Syntax, and Astrid. They all got there quietly while staying in the shadows and got the +2 defense.
Those just prepping for the battle were Sir Gareth, Mori'an, and Wolfrik. Sir Gareth and Wolfrik walked in so confidently they were able to intimidate the lava beast and gained the +2 defense. Mori'an didn't appear to be concerned either way.
Astrid passes her poison roll.
Tuesday, May 31
There's no flavor text here. You know what you're up against. The lava beast/fire guardian. Whatever that thing is.
Four rounds of battle.
The bonuses were definitely needed and paid off in the long run.
Defeating the guardian in every round was Sir Gareth, Tsavani, and Zilmora. No damage to them, 8g earned.
Winning 3 of the 4 rounds, defeating the guardian in the end, were The Professor, Mori'an, Wolfrik, and Astrid. Mori'an managed to gain 3HP in the process. The others lost 1HP. They each earned 6g. The same could almost be said for Lyric and Faris. They gained 6g, lost 1HP, but they didn't defeat the guardian in the process...they ran past it to get to the gate after the last round.
That leaves us Syntax...who won the first round but just managed to survive the others. I don't really need to push the envelope with Syntax. Pay the gold for any damage received and move on. He lost 5HP in the process, but pays the 5g for the ability to regenerate.
Astrid fails her poison roll and drops another HP. She's at 10HP now.
Each of the adventurers activate the fire gate just as they did the last gate. They step through and are teleported to another world.
Wednesday, June 1
Arboretum
I travel through the fire gate and find myself in lush vegetation inside an endless forest. After a short walk, I discover a tree that is home to a city.
I'm to visit places in the city.
Sounds like Astrid's time poisoned is coming to an end.
The Twisted Treetop Tavern
Sometimes you want to go...get a rest. Everyone pays the base 4g to rest and recover. They pay the 5g for the follower as well. 9g off the top.
Tree Jumper
I find an older gentleman sitting close to the edge of a high branch of the tree. When I talk to him, he mentions that his family was killed when the demons entered into their world. He's contemplating leaping off and ending his life.
Mori'an, Syntax, and Astrid leave the man and lose 1 virtue point.
Zilmora and The Professor try and talk him down but don't succeed. He doesn't jump but he still there.
The rest of the crew talk him back off the ledge and gain 1 virtue point.
Tree peddler
Offering maps, compasses, and lockpick tools. They all say no thanks but take the opportunity to sell their jewelry they acquired in the past few days.
Agatha's Apothecary
They make some bank here. Anyone without an antidote or holy water buys one here. Sir Gareth and Tsavani don't because of their ability. Astrid buys two health potions having used hers while poisoned.
Seems like a good point to update you on, well, gold holdings. Everyone is now back to full health.
Gold:
124 Sir Gareth
98 Syntax
95 Zilmora
82 Faris
79 Astrid
63 Tsavani
63 Lyric
62 Mori'an
55 Professor
51 Wolfrik
Thursday, June 2
The locals living in this forest have a posted job board where they ask for help or assistance in various matters. I'm to take some jobs to earn some coin.
I don't really think anyone needs it, but we'll go ahead with it.
Locked Out of My Stump
"I've been locked out of my tree stump for days," says an old feline woman. "I've been staying with my sister until someone could open it for me. I lost my key and haven't been able to get anyone to open the lock. I don't want anyone to break the door down. My late husband carved that door himself and I'd rather die than see it destroyed." D20+Dex+Locksmith
Those able to pick the lock were Tsavani, Syntax, Mori'an, Faris, and Astrid. They were given 5 gold as a reward.
Lamplighters Needed
The lamps in the Arboretum are lit by magical means. Fire is outlawed. I'm tasked with going around light the dead lamps with magic. D20+WIS+Arcane Adept
Sir Gareth, Mori'an, Faris, Wolfrik, and Zilmora realize there are more lamps out than they anticipated. It's taken them several hours and can no longer channel the energy required to light the lamps. They're given 3g each.
Professor, Tsavani, Syntax, Lyric, and Astrid take the same time to light the lamps but are able to get them all and 6 gold as a result.
Bird Trainers Wanted
Communication amongst the people in the tree is done primarily by birds. A rookery needs someone to help calm and train the latest flock of birds to be used. D20+CHA+Animal Tamer
In theory, this was the hardest job for them to accomplish, but many had animal tamer boosts.
All but Syntax and Astrid accomplished this. They got 5g for their service. Syntax and Astrid were given 2g for their time.
Friday, June 3
As I'm leaving the city of Arboretum, I'm stopped by two lion guards of the tree city. They do not recognize me. With heightened security due to the recent demon attack, they're pressing me for information on my purpose in the city and why I am here.
I can either
A) Convince them of my mission and intentions. D20+CHA+Persuasive.
or
B) Intimidate them into leaving me alone. D20+STR+Intimidating.
or
C) I don't have time for this. Just attack.
My initial plan was to split this up, but after starting to go down the path with Sir Gareth I realized it's likely they could be doing 1, 2, or all 3 options. I then decided everyone would start with trying to politely convince them and progressively get hostile.
Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Mori'an, Lyric (had to put on the charm for this), Wolfrik, and Astrid all successfully convinced the guards.
"Good luck on your journey and may the tree spirits guide you."
When that didn't work, Professor, Syntax, Faris, and Zilmora all tried to intimidate the lion guards...which did not go well.
The only other option at this point was to attack them. Each lose 1 virtue point as a result. Syntax was the only one of the four not to kill the guards...they got away.
There was a pickpocket opportunity for the guards...Syntax missed out on that.
Mori'an and Lyric took 1g off of them as they passed through. Astrid got 4g and lost a virtue point as well.
June 5/6, The Weekend
To the Gate Shard
My locater indicates the gate shard is in the middle of the forest somewhere close to Crater Lake, the only source of water that might be in this world. Time to set off in search of it.
Take the northern route or the southern route. "North" appears to be through the forest. "South" appears to be a little more clear. D20+WIS+Survivalist, Mount
Last time the first five did the first option...I'm positive of that. Today, we'll split them up 1 by 1.
Going "North"
Sir Gareth
Tsavani
Mori'an
Faris
Zilmora
Going "South"
The Professor
Syntax
Lyric
Wolfrik
Astrid
Northern route
I stick closer to the body of water in this world. It proves useful in supplying fishing and water resources, but it's also home to many foreign creatures as well. They don't take kindly to strangers in their land.
Tsavani was the only one unable to really live off the land while they traveled. She lost two rations. Everyone else lost 1. Mori'an did not have a ration and lost 1HP instead.
Southern route
This, by the way, proved to be the tougher of the two.
I travel along the mountain range. It aids me in my journey since it's often visible through the tree line, but there are no animals or water in this area.
Syntax takes the worst of it. It loses 3HP since it didn't have rations.
Everyone else lost 2 rations. Lyric only had one, so he lost 1HP and his ration instead.
Monday, June 6
I've been cautious of all the plant life of the forest since I'm not familiar with the flora of this world. However, I stepped on a vine and a large plant springs into motion to grab me. The vines pull me in closer to it's sinister mouth full of thorny teeth.
3 rounds, with dexterity. Fail the dexterity roll, and it's simply take damage.
Everyone loses at least one round today. Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Syntax, Wolfrik, and Zilmora managed to kill it...the others just managed to escape.
No true winner today, as everyone had a variety of 1 to 2 points lost in HP and 1g or 2g gained in winning the round. Astrid wore it today, though. She won just one round and lost 4HP.
Tuesday, June 7
I come to the place where my sensor indicates a shard of the gate should be. I find a large tree with a grotesque hole guarded by 2 Naga. These snake like people are armed and defending the access to the tree. They're not known for negotiating with others.
I can
A) Sneak around them. D20+DEX+Stealthy.
or
B) Scare the creatures to get them to flee. D20+STR+Intimidating
or
C) Surprise them with an attack.
The only ones with clear cut advantages here are Astrid and Tsavani to sneak and Wolfrik and Sir Gareth to intimidate. The others will surprise attack.
Astrid (26) successfully sneaks around them to avoid a confrontation. Tsavani (8) failed to do so. She'll have to fight them.
Sir Gareth (15) and Wolfrik's (21) threatening presence was enough to scare them off. No need to fight for either of them.
Syntax, Mori'an, Faris, and Zilmora all launched successful sneak attacks and gained +2 to their attack rolls. The rest had to just battle as normal, including Tsavani.
Of those battling the Naga, The Professor, Tsavani, Mori'an, and Zilmora killed both guards. Syntax, Lyric, and Faris lost 1HP each. They killed one but the other got away.
Wednesday, June 8
I stand below the giant tree. Looking up, I see a large crater high above several branches. Perhaps the gate shard fell there and burned a hole into the tree. If I can climb up there, maybe I can pluck the shard from the crater.
I'm to climb the branches of the tree. D20+STR+Athlete.
This turned out to be little interesting as I went to roll.
There are several branches to climb to get to the large crater in the tree. I need to get 5 successful "rolls" to climb the tree...and the number of 'successful' rolls cannot be less than zero.
Roll too low, lose a 'success' (as you fall down the tree) and 1HP.
Some rolls won't allow you a 'success' while others grant you 1 'success.'
Roll high enough and you gain 2 successes as you leap with grace and skill and grab a branch much higher than what was aimed for.
With strength and athlete modifiers, most of our crew had no problem. The minimum turns possibly is 3. The Professor, Lyric, and Faris all managed to do that. Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Syntax, and Astrid were right behind them with 4 tries. Wolfrik, despite his strength and athletic ability, had a tougher time climbing the tree. He got it done, though, in five tries.
Not so good awards to Mori'an and Zilmora. Neither are athletes and had just a 1 modifier for strength. They both lost 1HP as Mori'an got it done in 6 tires. Zilmora finally getting it done in 8.
Thursday, June 9
With a better view of the crater, I see splintered wood and tree bark from the initial impact when the gate shard fell and collided with the tree. Around the impact zone, there are blackened stains that look like scorch marks. Veins of the wood appear corrupted with a toxic looking substance. The crater is deep and has formed a tunnel in the large tree.
I'm to climb through the tunnel and avoid the taint. D20+DEX.
I then need to endure the corrupted substance. D20+CON.
Climbing through I found that the tunnel was narrow, making it difficult to almost impossible to get by without getting some of the tainted substance on me.
Lyric and Syntax were the only ones to avoid it completely. Everyone else suffered a 2 or 4 point penalty on the next roll from getting the substance on them.
The taint gets on my skin. It itches and burns. I breathe in the fumes and I get to the point of vomiting. My head spins and I start to get claustrophobic inside the tunnel.
It was "possible" to avoid damage here...but none of our 10 were able to manage it. Lyric suffered 2 points of damage but avoided it with his ability. Syntax was close, only losing 1HP. Astrid lost 2.
Losing 3 were Sir Gareth and Mori'an.
Losing 4HP were The Professor, Tsavani, Wolfrik, and Zilmora.
Faris wore it today, losing 5HP.
Friday, June 10
The pitch dark passageway begins to open up until I can finally stand. I come to a small room where I see several Naga sitting in worship around the glowing gate shard. They have not noticed me yet.
My options are the same as the last time I encountered the Naga, so I'll go with the same group again.
A) Sneak around them. D20+DEX+Stealthy.
or
B) Scare the creatures to get them to flee. D20+STR+Intimidating
or
C) Surprise them with an attack.
Sneaking around them works for Tsavani (16) but not Astrid (10). Astrid gets caught and must battle two of the Naga as the rest roll out. Tsavani gains +2 to damage for tomorrow's combat.
Scaring the creatures works again for both Sir Gareth (26) and Wolfrik (21). They each gain +2 defense tomorrow.
The surprise attack works for all but Faris. Everyone but Faris gains +2 to these attacks...Faris and Astrid will go in without the bonus.
The Professor, Mori'an, Lyric, and Zilmora dispatch both Naga that were left waiting to fight. Syntax, Faris, and Astrid all got one but the other got away. The three of them lost 1HP in the battle.
June 11/12, The Weekend
As I begin the ritual to take the gate shard, I hear a screeching from the tunnel. The noise grows louder as a large Naga Queen emerges from it. She's bigger than the others. She coils up...hissing and looking over at me. With rage and hatred, she lunges toward me.
I have to fight the Naga Queen. Three rounds of combat.
I then have to take the gate shard. D20+WIS+Danger Sense.
Wiping the floor with the Naga Queen were The Professor and Zilmora. Zilmora's fireball is just insane. The Queen didn't stand a chance. They're both given 3g.
Tsavani (-1HP, 2g), Syntax (-2HP, 1g), Faris (-1HP, 2g), and Wolfrik (-1HP, 2g) all managed to kill the Queen as well.
Sir Gareth (-1HP, 2g), Mori'an (-2HP, 1g), Lyric (-2HP, 1g), and Astrid (-2HP, 2g) all were hit in the final round allowing the Queen to escape.
That sense of dread comes over each of them as they approach the shard. In the end, Sir Gareth, Tsavani, and Lyric are cursed. Sir Gareth and Tsavani used abilities to clear it. Lyric used a Holy Water.
Ain't nobody got time to be cursed.
Monday, June 13
Once I remove the gate shard from the tree and store it in the World Watcher's Staff, the taint from the tree begins to retreat and fade away. After I make it back outside, limbs from the tree move toward me like magic and present three treasure items to me. The forest is thanking me for my help in removing the corruption from the world.
I can take one item.
Helm of Nature. +1WIS, DEF
Thorn Bracers. +1WIS, ATK
Belt of the Forest. +1WIS, HP
A little heavy on Helms and Bracers here. I got a clarification that bracers are separate from gloves...so one could have both on at the same time. A number of them have a Belt of some sort...so only a couple were taken.
Helm: Professor, Mori'an, Zilmora, Astrid
Bracer: Sir Gareth, Syntax, Lyric, Wolfrik
Belt: Tsavani, Faris
Tuesday, June 14
I don't make it far from the tree when I feel a rumbling from the ground below. Trees and branches begin to sway. A demon appears from a nearby bush...snorting and snarling.
3 rounds of combat with wisdom rolls...wisdom presumably to take the it out with the world watcher staff.
The only one to banish the demon on the first round was Zilmora, who used a spell point to boost her wisdom...not playing around. She lost a spell point, but gained a +1 for a future die roll and 3g.
Mori'an, Faris, and Astrid all banished the demon in the second round. Faris and Astrid lost 1HP in the first round. They got the same reward as Z.
Third round banishings went to The Professor and Tsavani. The Professor did lose 1HP but Tsavani did not.
The others killed the demon...gaining 3g. The interesting part here was there was no reward for just stunning it in the early rounds. The reward only came with the kill. Lyric and Wolfrik each lost 1HP.
Wednesday, June 15
To the Forest Temple
With the shard in my possession, I can now head to the gate. I hope it will be easy to spot since it might be the only large structure in the forest. I head north...but east or west?
According the the map, the only real reason to go northeast or northwest is the large lake.
We'll change it up this time. We'll go by alphabetical order...first five go east.
Travel roll: D20+WIS+Survivalist+Mount
Traveling East were Sir Gareth, Mori'an, Lyric, Faris, and Astrid. This turned out to be the tougher of the two routes. This route was a bad choice because there are a ton of insects that are mating and feasting on this side of the lake.
All but Lyric were able to find a plant that the insects avoided. They pick a number of them and cover their clothing. The insects are kept at bay and they travel quickly as a result.
Lyric was tired of the insects and drove further away from the lake as a result. It cost him time and in the end, 2HP.
Sir Gareth, Faris, and Astrid consumed 1 ration. Mori'an was without a ration and lost 1HP.
Travelling west was The Professor, Tsavani, Syntax, Wolfrik, and Zilmora. While better in theory, the west marshy side of this lake proves tough to trudge through.
Syntax gets stuck and loses 2HP in the process. The others stick to tree roots to try and avoid the delay. It works for the most part. Professor, Tsavani, and Wolfrik all lose 1HP while Zilmora loses a ration.
Thursday, June 16
My sensor indicates I'm getting closer to the Terralon Gate in the forest just as two centaur guards run up to me from a place hidden in the bushes.
"Heed our warning. This place was built by the mighty Yarus, God of Life and Growth. It holds great secrets that are not meant for you. You should not tread here."
I can
Try to convince them of my mission and intent. D20+CHA+Persuasive.
or
Intimidate them into leaving me alone. D20+STR+Intimidating
or
the "Ain't nobody got time for that" option. Let's fight.
Given these circumstances, the last time I had this option, I was allowed to try one or the other before the fight. That said, everyone's going to try and charm, then bully, then fight if necessary.
They all put on the charm. It works for everyone but Tsavani (6), Syntax (0), and Astrid (6). Syntax was also working with a negative modifier given his -5 Virtue.
"Good luck on your journey and Yanus guide you."
Astrid was able to back the centaurs down after getting in their face, but that didn't work for Tsavani (1) or Syntax (11). Tsavani had a negative modifier for being too good (9 virtue). Syntax had a positive modifier, although it didn't help.
"We'll let Yarus and the traps within the temple deal with you."
Both Tsavani and Syntax killed the centaur guards. They both lost a virtue point in the process.
The thieves not named Syntax, since he killed the centaurs, had a pickpocket attempt on the centaurs. Lyric and Mori'an came away with 2 gold. Astrid with 1g.
Friday, June 17
I arrive at the Forest Temple. It's well hidden amongst the trees and shrouded by overgrowth. I walk up the stairs leading to the entrance when I suddenly feel my foot sink down until I hear a click. A pressure plate has been activated.
I hear a rumble as the stone door begins to close. Between me and the door, spikes begin shooting up out of the ground.
I need to dodge the spikes. D20+DEX+Danger Sense.
I then need to race to the entrance before the door closes. D20+DEX+Athlete.
Sir Gareth and Lyric were as nimble as a cow. They were hit numerous times and lost 3HP. Mori'an, Wolfrik, and Zilmora managed to do better, but still lost 1HP.
Leaping, twirling, rolling, and dodging with all the right moves were The Professor, Tsavani, Syntax, Faris, and Astrid.
Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Syntax, Wolfrik, and Astrid all make it to the door quickly and walk underneath with plenty of time before it closes behind them. The last of the light disappears and they're left in the darkness.
Mori'an, Lyric, Faris, and Zilmora all make it before the door closes...but they have to drop to the ground quickly and slide under...losing 2HP in the process. Lyric negates this with an ability.
The Professor catches the door as it closes down on him. He's got to roll with his strength included to see if he can keep it up long enough for him to make it through...and he does, barely. He loses 2HP.
The weekend, June 18 and 19
Forest Temple
With the overgrowth present and traps obviously active, the centaur guards must have done a good job of keeping intruders out. I need to navigate this temple.
It appears to be set in a pyramid setting...where I'm at the bottom level. There are four levels.
There are two places to explore on the bottom level...and a staircase labeled 3 on each floor.
The second and third floors have just one room. The final floor I assume will be what I visit tomorrow.
Leaving the entry door that closed behind me, I fumble my way down a dark corridor and into a small antechamber. There's an unlit torch here. Once I light it, the small room fills with light. The flame magically cascades down the hallways and lights other torches in place.
I find myself in a room with a large offering table situated on a platform. The top of the table looks to be full of dirt. It appears worshipers of Yarus once came here to pay their respects, though it's unclear what they offered to Yarus here. D20+INT+Student.
For most of the crew, the only thing they knew about Yarus was what the centaurs told them. For Syntax, Mori'an, Wolfrik, and Zilmora, they all knew that Yarus empowered potential and energy into the ground. Worshipers used to leave dirt as a symbol of the womb and place of birth...anything placed in the dirt is sacred.
Each time I go further up into the temple, I enter this stairwell. It's filled with green gas. I fight to get through it and not breathe it in. D20+CON+Danger Sense.
Professor, Lyric, Faris, Zilmora, and Astrid make it through without damage.
Sir Gareth and Syntax suffered 1 damage.
Tsavani, Mori'an, and Wolfrik all suffered 2 damage.
This floor of the temple holds a shrine dedicated to Yarus. It's a large wooden statue that's becoming one with, or emerging from, a tree. It's difficult to tell. It's placed in the center of a circle of dirt. I can choose to pay respects. D20+WIS+Arcane Adept.
I had them all pay their respects...and most got something out of it. the stairwell gas no longer affects Sir Gareth, Professor, Tsavani, Syntax, Wolfrik, or Zilmora.
Mori'an, Lyric, and Astrid all suffered 1 HP of damage, though, moving through the stairwell up to the next floor.
This level contains a large garden of unusual plants and beautiful flowers. One of the flowers appears to be made of solid gold. As I lean in for a closer look, one of the plants attacks me.
Literally everyone kills the flower...which I believe is a first for me in battle.
Mori'an gained 1HP from killing it. Everyone snags the gold flower, worth 10g.
On their way out and up the staircase, Astrid suffers 1HP of damage and Lyric suffers 2.
HPs below 50%, Mori'an (6HP), Lyric (5HP), and Astrid (6HP) all popped a potion to recover 5-6HP.
Monday, June 20
I step out onto a stone ledge overlooking the growth of the forest. Nothing but trees in sight. A booming voice speaks a riddle that is carried across the peaceful quiet of the land.
A home in darkness where I can be found
Lying in wait without a sound
When a drink doth quench my thirst
Into the light I shall burst
What am I?
I am to guess the answer to the riddle.
Then I can either:
Sprint to the gate. D20+DEX+Athlete.
Sneak to the gate. D20+DEX+Stealthy.
or prepare for battle.
I actually failed this one.
it was plant or seed
Lyric, Faris, Wolfrik, and Zilmora all chose to sprint to the gate quickly. Wolfrik and Zilmora tripped along the way. Lyric and Faris gain +2 to defense for tomorrow.
Choosing to sneak past were Tsavani and Astrid. Both get there quickly and quietly. +2 defense for both.
Choosing to stroll up with weapons drawn were Sir Gareth, Professor, Syntax, and Mori'an. It only works for Sir Gareth, who gains +2 defense.
We'll be paused for another few days while I take the family to Chicago for the weekend.
Tuesday, June 21
I approach the gate and hear a cracking and snapping of wood. I look around and see one of the trees is alive and reaching out to stop me from entering the gate.
4 rounds of combat.
Sweeping through the combat was The Professor, Tsavani, and Zilmora. No damage taken. 8g as a reward. Sir Gareth did as well, but he took two spell points to boost attack and damage to make it happen.
Lyric, Faris, Wolfrik, and Astrid all took 1 point of damage but ultimately defeated the Guardian tree. 6g for their efforts. Wolf used both of his prayers for favor in this battle.
The key word is defeated...not killed. This cost Mori'an 2 points of damage instead, since he couldn't use Leach Life to restore 1HP.
Lastly, Syntax. I have so much fun with it in combat. Kind of get the depressed robot vibe from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I don't spend gold to boost his attack or damage now. I just maintain a 50% ratio of HP to max HP. As a result, it didn't defeat the Guardian...it just eventually got around it and dashed to the forest gate. It lost 1g overall in the process.
Faris, with her point of damage, takes a potion and gets the minimum benefit of 2HP.
Wednesday, June 22
I travel through the portal to find myself landing with a splash into a body of water. I struggle to grab a hold of my equipment before it sinks (and my horse...I don't think the horse/mule part was thought through here). I quickly search for land and find it. It's a small island up ahead.
1) Grab my equipment before it sinks. D20+DEX. This doesn't sound promising.
2) Swim to the island in the distance. D20+CON+Athlete
Fortunately, the option here is to lose gold or equipment. Those losing on the first roll will all choose to lose gold.
That would be Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Mori'an, Lyric, and Astrid. Syntax missed this by 1. That didn't compute well and it spent the 1g to save 9g.
A few turned out to be excellent swimmers after gathering their gear. Sir Gareth, Professor, Zilmora, and Astrid all are doing well, but the island doesn't appear any closer. They're getting tired and started to question if they're going to make it.
Struggling behind them is Tsavani, Mori'an, and Lyric. They each lost 2HP while trying to reach the island. They haven't made it either and also are feeling the strain. Lyric took a HP potion as a result and gained 7HP back.
Far behind and starting to drown are Syntax, Faris, and Wolfrik. Each lost 4HP. Syntax spent the gold, of course. Faris and Wolfrik spent potions to gain back 6HP and 3HP, respectively.
After looking at the picture on the calendar, I can see why this is probably a struggle bus. I think this island is really a huge turtle with a flipping city on it's shell.
Thursday, June 23
As I am nearly ready to give up hope of reaching land, a boat paddles up to me to help me out of the water. The man seems friendly enough and reaches out his hand without question.
I can either take his hand and get on the boat
or
Rob the man and push him overboard. D20+STR.
I'm going to struggle with this...Syntax, Mori'an, and Astrid will likely try to rob this guy, though...since they have negative virtue.
For those not on the evil path:
The man helps you and your belongings into the boat. He ties a rope around the horse to help guide it as well.
"Well, that was quite the sight to see, watching you appear out of nowhere. Sorry it took so long to get here. I thought you was one of those demons that fell out of the sky a while back. You scared me for a second thinking more of them had come back again."
Lyric, being the only non bad virtue person with an ability to pickpocket, gains 2g.
For my baddies, they lose a virtue point. The man helps them in, ties up the horse alongside the boat, and then gets knocked into the water for his trouble. He gets a swing in on Syntax, who spends 1g to recover the lost HP.
The man will likely drown, but they have his boat which they can sell for 10g at the island.
Friday, June 24
Va 'Tortu
The island you were headed to was actually a giant turtle (I knew it!). I step off the boat and climb up to the city on the turtle. I glance around and see nothing but a vast ocean on this world. I begin to explore. It feels a little uneasy at first as I sense all the movement...the heaving, swaying motion of the turtle and it's strokes in the water.
I'm to visit places in the turtle city and converse with it's people.
Martha's Medical Supplies
A lady named Martha runs a clothing shop and medical supply adjacent to each other. The small island sees many people doing double duty to keep it running. The prices seem quite steep.
In keeping with everyone has at least 2 potions, except Syntax, the following HP potions were bought at 7g:
Mori'an 1
Lyric 2
Faris 1
Wolfrik 1
Of intrigue here was a Greater HP potion for 12g. 2D8 restored. I like that idea, but not right now. The others dealt with restoring from death, which I'm not worried about right now either.
Turtleback Tavern
The best algea ales and fluffy beds at sea. They'll all pay the 5g for the rest.
Meal rations are also available. I think I'm going to risk it here and not buy any. Not having a ration cost 1HP per ration needed. These rations cost 4g. That's 1HP to 4g and I think I can manage without it at that point.
Church of the Turtle
There's no one in worship at the moment but there is a church on the island. The people here worship the turtle they live on. The turtle brings life and safety. The turtle's evil nemesis appears to be a demon of the seas and weather.
The School Hall
There's a small single room schoolhouse on the island. From the window you can see an instructor pointing out the anatomy of a turtle. Another diagram shows different aggressive sea creatures one might encounter in the water. Outside, children are playing at recess...sliding down a steep slop on the shell of the turtle.
Everyone manages to sell their gold flower for 10g...the baddies sell the boat for an additional 10g.
June 25/26, The Weekend
It's Job Board Day. I find a job board. Even the people living on this island need a helping hand. I'll take some jobs to earn some coin.
Turtle Cleaning Needed
D20+CON+Animal Tamer
I meet a chummy little gnome on the port flipper of the turtle. "We take good care of our home here. The Great Turtle gives to us and blesses us, so we show our appreciation to her by cleaning her up," he says. He hands me a scraper and tells me to get to work cleaning the algae and barnacles that have accumulated on the turtle.
Sir Gareth, Syntax, Wolfrik, Zilmora, and Astrid all spend a lot of time on the turtle, cleaning her flipper. Her movements are powerful, and they got a little too rough on the cleaning. She knocks them off a few times. Getting back on adds to the effort. They're paid 4g.
The Professor, Tsavani, Mori'an, Lyric, and Faris spend a joyful time outside in the beautiful weather cleaning the turtle. There's something symbiotic and beautiful about the situation as you scrub her and enjoy the ride. They're paid 6g.
Lookout Shift Open
D20+WIS
At night, not only do the ice weasels come (Ok, it didn't say that), I climb to the head of the turtle. A grumpy Draakon gives me a spyglass. "I need a break. The job is simple, even for you. Keep an eye out on where the turtle goes. If there are signs of ships or beasts in the water, just ring the bell. Got it?"
Syntax and Faris did not get it. They don't spot anything worth ringing the bell for. They get bored and end up dozing off a bit. The Draakon yells at them to wake up. He gives them 3g and tells them not to come back.
The rest are diligent about the work but don't spot anything. They're paid 6g.
Strong Swimmer Needed
D20+CON+Athlete
A shopkeeper named Tilly asks for help in retrieving some goods that have fallen off the turtle. "The last storm took some goods from the store and they got caught up and stuck in the turtle shell. Can you get them for me?"
The swim is difficult for all of them but they managed to retrieve the items for him. Everyone takes damage from it...some less than others.
Taking 3 damage:
Mori'an
Lyric
Wolfrik
Zilmora
Astrid
Taking 1 damage:
Sir Gareth
The Professor
Tsavani
Syntax
Faris
The reward comes tomorrow.
Monday, June 27
The shop owner, Tilly, is unable to pay me for answering the job board. However, he offers me a magical item instead.
Choose from Water Ring, Cloak of Currents, or Helm of the Deep.
Water Ring: 1 CHA, 1 HP
Cloak of Currents: 1 CHA, 1 DEF
Helm of the Deep: 1 CHA, 1 DEF
A couple of decisions were made for me. Zilmora and The Professor had 2 like items already and both took the cloak. Mori'an also took the cloak.
Taking the ring were Syntax, Faris, and Astrid.
Taking the helm were Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Lyric, and Wolfrik.
Taking some gold off of Tilly were our pickpockets. Astrid got 1, Syntax 2, Mori'an 3, and Lyric got 4 and lost a virtue point.
Tuesday June 28
To travel further distances in and under the water in this world, I will need a proper mount for the environment. There is a stable at the tail end of the turtle that can help me. They also have some interesting magical means to accommodate travelers that already have a mount to help them underwater.
A kind and quirky gnome greets you, "Nice to meet you. You say you need a companion that can carry you on land and water? That sounds a bit odd around here. It isn't every day we get a traveler from another world, though. I believe I can help you, though. We have some Seaquines that can do the job. If you want to trade that horse of yours, we can strike a deal. If you'd rather keep that horse, I know a spell that can help transform it so it can be ready for land or sea. The best part? It's safe and won't hurt your friend."
There's no difference between the Seaquine and the upgraded horse. They all trade their horse in for the Seaquine and give the gnome 10g as part of the trade.
Wednesday, June 29
Two followers for hire. I may have to think on this one.
Tracker: 20 to hire, 10 for any upkeep...and I just suddenly realized I didn't pay the upkeep this last rest. I'll take care of that now as well.
Tracker provides +2 survivalist while traveling. Meh.
Lucky: Astrid's ability to be Lucky can no go to everyone.
Raiders: 20/10.
Stealthy +2 to sneak and remain hidden.
Danger Sense +2 to avoid traps and surprise hazards.
The first concern is that they're twice the cost of the last ones. I'll dig to see who has what. I may go ahead and hire one or the other for everyone...depending on what skills they already have.
Gold adjusted, the following hired the tracker:
The Professor
Tsavani
Syntax
Mori'an
The following hired the raiders:
Sir Gareth
Lyric
Wolfrik
Zilmora
Astrid
Thursday, June 30
To the Shipwreck
The Sensor indicates the gate shard is south of my current position. With my seaquine, I leap off the turtle and dive underwater. A beautiful and unique world of oceanic mountains, canyons, and richly colorful reefs await me.
A) Travel the Eastern Route.
B) Travel the Western Route.
D20+WIS+Survivalist+Seaquines
The eastern route takes you past the mountains. The western route past the reef.
I will say first 5 east, next 5 west.
The eastern route:
Though the mountains are underwater, I feel more than comfortable traveling near these familiar terrain elements. Being able to travel near them while underwater feels like flying in the air.
This turns out to be the harder of the two routes, but everyone passes it easily. They stay close to the ground of the underwater mountains and ride the currents quickly and easily. None of the group (Sir Gareth, Professor, Tsavani, Syntax, Mori'an) have rations, so they lose 1 HP.
Western route:
The other 5 (Lyric, Faris, Wolfrik, Zilmora, Astrid) go west to the bright colors of the Kala Reef. The opportunity to see such vivid colors in this spectacular world is too good to pass up. They pass close to the reef and enjoy the colors and textures they've never seen before. Unfortunately, the reef can be home to some deadly creatures as well.
Only one, Lyric, gets close enough to accidentally get hit by the reef. He loses 2 HP.
The rest have no problem keeping a safe distance while enjoying the scenery and make great time. No rations for Wolfrik or Astrid so they lose 1HP. Faris and Zilmora consume the last of their rations.
It's been a minute. I had a crazy 4th, followed by a crazy 10 days or so in the middle of nowhere, Ohio. Let's get back to it.
Friday, July 1
A shadow looms over me. It blocks out the light and causes the water to grow cold. I look up and see a monstrous beast of a crab headed in my direction. There will be no fighting this thing.
I will attempt to
1. Handle the fear of this giant crab. D20+WIS
then
2. Decipher what I know of crabs that could help. D20+INT+Student.
then
3. Use speed as the key to getting away from the beast. D20+DEX+Athlete
or Use stealth as the key to hiding from the beast. D20+DEX+Stealthy.
Nearly everyone fought the fear off. Clearing their head, they did what they needed to do to survive. Exceptions: Syntax and Wolfrik. They suffer -2 to each roll today. The fear took hold of them, unfortunately.
For Tsavani, Lyric, and Faris, the only things they knew about crabs were they tasted great with butter. This was no help at all.
Sir Gareth and Zilmora recalled crabs were slow so they decided to run for it and got a +1 bonus.
The Professor, Syntax, Mori'an, Wolfrik, and Astrid recalled that crabs have great eyesight and some were very fast and decided to hide. They gained +3 bonus to hiding.
Since five were already hiding, those with butter on their mind joined the sprinters.
Sprinting worked out well for Sir Gareth, Faris and Zilmora. They all escaped unharmed...but Tsavani and Lyric both got pinched and lost 3HP.
Hiding worked out for The Professor, Mori'an, and Astrid. Syntax and Wolfrik managed to stay hidden, but the crab still damages them as it passes by. They lose 2HP.
The Weekend, July 2-3
I arrive at the site of the shipwreck. My energy transference sensor tells me a piece of the Terralon Gate is near. The water is still. It's eerily calm right now and something doesn't feel right.
I am to
A) Remain calm and move slowly D20+DEX+Stealthy
or
B) Set a trap for whatever might be waiting for me. D20+WIS+Survival
or
C) Make a scene to scare whatever might be near. D20+STR+Intimidating
Today, we'll just play it to each individual's strength. This might mean one is used far less or not at all.
Attempting to move forward slowly were Tsavani, Lyric, and Astrid. Tsavani and Lyric struggled through the water, and it's not clear if they were doing a good job. Well it is now, I suppose. No bonus tomorrow. Astrid killed it, though, and gains +2 DMG tomorrow.
Those setting a trap were The Professor, Syntax, Faris, and Zilmora. All were successful with rations as bait and a little blood on top. Whatever's out there is sure to be confused. They all gain +2 Defense tomorrow.
Sir Gareth, Mori'an, and Wolfrik decided to stir things up. They make lots of noise and stir up sediment on the ocean floor. Sand and debris kick up everywhere. Anything nearby might suspect our friends are bigger than what they are. They gain +2 to attack tomorrow.
Monday, July 4
Three Trilons, fish-like people, swim up to attack. They were hoping to take whatever treasure this ship holds for themselves. They won't let me interfere. They're better swimmers than I am and their skin secretes some sort of neurotoxin.
3, one round battles ahead.
Killing all 3 Trilons were:
Sir Gareth (using 2SP)
Tsavani (using 1 Chi)
Faris
Zilmora (using a fireball somehow underwater)
They each gained 3g.
Killing 2 Trilons were:
The Professor (-1HP)
Mori'an (+1HP, what a guy)
Wolfrik (-2HP)
They each gained 2g.
Killing 1 Trilon were:
Syntax (-2HP)
Astrid (-2HP)
They each gained 1g
Lyric failed to kill any of them and lost 2HP in the process.
The Trilons that didn't die swam away in fear.
Tuesday, July 5
The ship has no growth on it. The wood appears freshly splintered and barely damaged by the water. Perhaps the heavy stone gate shard put a hole through the ship's hull.
I'm to navigate the wreckage. There are three decks. Rooms 1-4 on the first. 5-7 on the second. We finish traveling to the 3rd floor.
Room 1 is the crow's nest. It broke and fell onto the ship. The person on lookout likely got out before the ship sunk. They find a working eyeglass that can be sold for 3g.
Room 2 is the forecastle deck. It still holds a table and some playing cards scattered about. It appears some of the sailors were in the middle of a game when the ship was hit. They find 3g lying around.
Room 3 is the poop deck. It holds crates and smashed up boxes. They attempt to look through them. Everyone found a meal ration. The Professor, Syntax, Mori'an, Lyric, and Wolfrik also found aged wine.
Room 4 is the main deck. They find a body wrapped up in the ratlines. There's 2g on this pour soul. There's also an obvious hole here down to the second deck. Most made it through unscathed, but The Professor (-1HP), Mori'an (-2), and Wolfrik (-2) did not.
Room 5 is the forecastle holding the crew quarters. A few dead bodies here. Sir Gareth, Lyric, Faris, and Zilmora manage to find 5g here.
Room 6 is the sterncastle and where the captain's quarters are. He doesn't appear to have gone down with the ship. We find a lockbox in his desk. Syntax, Faris, Zilmora, and Astrid all managed to pick the lock. They find 10g and a rusty key.
Room 7 is the gunroom full of cannons clustered together from when the ship sank. There are a few barrels of expensive gunpowder. Unfortunately, opening a barrel causes the powder to go everywhere. They all lose 1 (Sir Gareth, Professor, Tsavani, Syntax, Mori'an) or 2 (Lyric, Faris, Wolfrik, Zilmora, Astrid) HP in the process.
Lyric is down to 50% health and pops a potion. Regains 5HP.
Wednesday, July 6
I swim my way down through the cracks where the gate shard fell into the cargo hold. I rummage around while I try and find the gate shard. I sense movement in the back corner of the wreckage. Bright red eyes light up and fly at me. A demon attacks.
3 rounds, with wisdom for an attempt to banish.
This was an impressive display of banishes by the troops. All of them banished the demon at some point except Lyric, who lost 3HP. Lyric was also the only one to battle the demon the entire way...and the demon got a way.
Everyone else gained 3g and +1 to a dice roll in a future moment.
There was some variance to the damage taken for the others though.
Losing 1HP:
Sir Gareth
Professor
Faris
Wolfrik (used a potion to regain 4HP after)
Zilmora
Astrid
Losing 2HP:
Mori'an
Losing 3HP:
Tsavani
Lyric (mentioned previously)
Thursday, July 7
After dealing with the demon, I find the gate shard and need to collect it. I also find a locked chest sitting in the rubble. It's heavy and sure to contain something great. I need to get it open.
1. Take the gate shard. D20+WIS+Danger Sense.
Then
2. Use the rusty key, if owned.
or Pick the lock D20+DEX+Locksmith
or Smash the lock DMG
All but Faris and Wolfrik remember that sense of dread that fills their head as they approach the shard. They don't let it distract them
Faris ends up getting cursed and immediately uses her holy water.
Using their rusty key was Syntax, Faris, Zilmora, and Astrid.
Picking the lock came easy for Sir Gareth, The Professor, Tsavani, and Lyric.
Bashing it open finally were Mori'an and Wolfrik. Mori'an lost 1HP in the process. Wolfrik lost 2.
Inside was 10g, 1 health potion and 1 greater health potion.
Friday, July 8
To Wai Loko
The transference energy sensor is pointing me across the ocean. According to my maps and discoveries back at the Lost Library, the gate is likely in the underwater city of Wai Loko.
Travel the northern route or the southern route. D20+WIS+Survivalist+Mount
It looks like the northern route takes you past the Kala Reef and the southern route takes you through or over Claw Canyon.
The northern route has them avoiding the dark and potentially dangerous canyon. It will take longer going this route and will take them near the Kala Reef. Even in the dark waters of this world, they can still see the magnificent colors from here.
Going north were Sir Gareth, Tsavani, Mori'an, Faris, and Zilmora.
Sir Gareth and Tsavani got too close to the reef and got hung up...the journey taking longer for that reason. They use the 1 ration they had and lose 2 HP.
The others stay a safe distance from reef while still observing the beautiful reef structure and vibrant colors. They lose their ration.
The southern route is the more direct route to the Terralon Gate but has them crossing the dark waters over Claw Canyon. It's clear why it's called a canyon, the water is so dark and deep you can't see what lurks below.
Only Astrid finds any difficulty here. She got a little too deep when crossing the canyon and the water got frigid. She lost 1HP and her ration. The others safely navigated the canyon, staying well above the darker deep water and only lost their ration.
The Weekend, July 9/10
I float near an outcropping of underwater rocks and I get surprised by the slithering presence of a giant eel. It's large coiling body and sharp fangs could be deadly.
3 rounds of combat with a dexterity roll.
The dexterity roll played a big part of this battle. Lose the roll and the eel has restrained you and you lose the ability to attack that round.
Only Zilmora, with the benefit of two spells, is able to win all three rounds and gains 3g.
Mori'an and Wolfrik failed to kill the eel and it got away.
Results for the crew:
Sir Gareth 2g, -1HP
The Professor 2g, -1HP
Tsavani 2g, -1HP
Syntax 1g, -3HP
Mori'an, -3HP
Lyric 2g, -2HP
Faris 1g, -2HP
Wolfrik 1g, -2HP
Zilmora, 3g
Astrid, 1g, -3HP
Lyric and Astrid hit the 50% threshold on HP and take potions. Lyric regained 4HP, Astrid got 5HP.
This was a bloodier than expected battle.
Monday July 11
I approach the large underwater city of Wai Loko where the Terralon Gate must be. It appears abandoned and lifeless except for the marine creatures that are swimming nearby.
What do I recall about the city? D20+INT+Student
I can then either
Find a local and ask for directions D20+CHA+Persuasive
or
Stay in the shadows and sneak inside D20+DEX+Stealthy
Lyric didn't recall anything useful. Just that it's an underwater city.
Sir Gareth, Syntax, Faris, and Astrid recalled that the city is home a variety of species, some of which are hostile.
The Professor, Tsavani, Mori'an, Wolfrik, and Zilmora recalled the city has strict laws banning terrestrial and avian creatures. Any citizen is allowed to kill one on site.
So this changed what I was going to do overall for finding a local or staying in the shadows. The last five clearly know finding a local is a bad idea so they all try to lurk.
Sir Gareth and Lyric were the only ones, not knowing any better, to swim up to the first person they found, an elderly female Triton. She appears to be headed somewhere with her children. She's terrified of their presence and shields her children from you. Lyric was able to relax her but she's cautious in his presence. She points to a building in the center of the city and warns him that his presence will draw guards intent to kill him.
Sir Gareth didn't get that shot. She immediately screams and calls the attention of nearby Triton guards. Sir Gareth fought them off and they left for reinforcements. He lost 1HP in the process.
The Professor, Tsavani, Syntax, and Faris and secretly and silently made their way to the center of the city where the sensor indicates the Terralon Gate should be.
Mori'an, Wolfrik, Zilmora, and Astrid were all caught sneaking through the city. Mori'an and Zilmora fought them off, losing 1HP. Wolfrik and Astrid were able to kill the guards without taking damage.
Tuesday, July 12
Underwater Vault
I enter a building in the center of the underwater city and find myself in a vault. Though it might not be heavily guarded, I know I'm unwelcome here and need to remain hidden.
There are three outlying rooms. It looks like a baseball diamond, with the mound being the final destination. #1 appears to have sharks. #3 is a maze of some sort. I have to go to one or the other. It's unclear what is in #2, but I can only get there by going into 1 or 3 first.
I feel we're pretty healthy, despite popping some potions earlier. The plan is to get all of them through all 3 rooms. If for whatever reason I need to deviate I have the option of entering the final area at any room. The final area/room is in the center and connects to all three rooms.
Room 1 contains vicious sharks swimming in a circle, patrolling to guard and make sure no one gets to the key in the center of the room. D20+CHA+Animal Tamer.
Tsavani, Syntax, Wolfrik, and Zilmora befriend the sharks and the sharks allow them to pass to the key easily.
Everyone else is attacked and loses 1HP. Professor lost 2.
I fell off the wagon for a bit with the amount of work travel. Note taking all of the characters really wore me down as well.
I did catch back up and I'm current today. I'm pleased to say that all 10 of the adventurers are still with me. At one point I forgot to stock up on health potions...Mori'an and Zilmora nearly died for that...but they made it through.
Next year's game is space themed, and I think I'll just hold on to one or two characters for that.
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