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Post by Bolo on Jan 26, 2012 20:06:26 GMT -5
Are we shameless enough to sell the Princess the books we looted from her castle? Absolutely. Unless she would like to lease them.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 26, 2012 20:11:06 GMT -5
Sorry, but I would vote for a 9th level MU. I agree. The goal should be to maximize its XP value. The highest-level MU should use it when he has just leveled up without it.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 26, 2012 20:16:02 GMT -5
Whatever we do with the book, we want to wait, so we can decide later. Since it is more valuable to higher level magic users, I think we should trade it to Sherlane, who's higher than either of us. Depends what we could get for it, I guess. This is something that will be genuinely useful to us, on a continuing basis, whereas we have a bunch of random valuable stuff in storage that's doing nothing for us. I would be inclined to trade in the idle stored stuff first, even at a bit of a discount. Or some of the stuff that's cool, but only occasionally useful. But if we can get something really good for the book, and Sherlane isn't interested in taking any of the other stuff we have instead, then I could be persuaded.
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Post by agesilaus on Jan 26, 2012 20:16:08 GMT -5
Well, Fin did get to read the first "MU leveling up" book we found, so it is Colby's 'turn' so to speak. I'd rather that than sell it to Sherlane...unless Sherlane is going to come with us as an NPC.
And I was just fooling around in character on the "danger passed" wisecrack.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 26, 2012 20:32:30 GMT -5
I'm happy to experiment, so think of anything that involves the permanent application of a spell in our repertoire and we'll give it a try. We have been casting Strength spells on Danakes (and Paavo???) on a regular basis. Can you make an item that would have the same effect? Or does it not work that way? Strength rings all round would be pretty cool. Or invisibility, flying, etc. Some +1 arrows would be awesome for Danakes and Bolo. Is there any chance that "a quiver of arrows" would count as a single item? If not, I do admit that even +1 arrows wouldn't be worth 1000gp each. Would a Mend spell made permanent result in an unbreakable object? What would you get if you made Rope Trick permanent? (If we have that.) Could you make Rory's Mnemonic Enhancer permanent? (If we have that.) Some of these suggestions may be lousy. I'm sorta just thinking out loud.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 27, 2012 1:15:53 GMT -5
Oops! I confused Enchanted Weapon (4th level) with Enchant an Item (6th level). Colby is obviously not powerful enough to do that yet. I could likely use the scroll we have once to enchant a single item, but the chance of success is pretty poor.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 27, 2012 7:37:58 GMT -5
Well drat. Do the odds of the scroll working go up with your level, or what? Is there an obvious inflection point at which we should use it rather than continuing to wait?
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 27, 2012 10:05:21 GMT -5
It is complicated. See house rule on Write and discussion of casting spells from book. Scrolls can only be used once. They can either be invoked by reading them or you can make a copy of it into a spellbook. In either case the writing on the scroll disappears. If failure occurs while transcribing the scroll, the spell is lost. Rules for copying into another spellbook use the house rules for Write. Once a spell is in a book, you can now make another copy of it without the fear of it being destroyed. The copy can be made either onto a scroll (assuming the MU is at least 7th level and able to cast the spell) or into another spellbook. Rules for success of creating a scroll are on DMG p 117. Rules for copying into another spellbook use the house rules for Write. A spellcaster can cast a spell directly from a spellbook. Again the spell disappears and there is a chance for failure like reading a scroll. Failure can also destroy adjacent spells in the spellbook. So in theory, once Colby is trained for 7th level, he could copy Enchant an Item from the scroll to a spell book. If successful, he could then make as many copies as he likes into additional spellbooks. Then the spell could be cast from these spellbooks. We could also ask Sherlane to do the initial copying since he is more likely to get it right.
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Post by Dead Greyhawk on Jan 27, 2012 13:12:09 GMT -5
Also note that spell casting from a book uses the next higher increment of time: segments become rounds; rounds become turns; turns become hours; hours become days; days become weeks. This may have some serious ramifications with enchant an item.
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Jan 27, 2012 16:19:34 GMT -5
So what can we accomplish on discussion the board over the next two weeks? - We've been told that the enemy has most likely tracked us to the rebel elven base. - What can we trade/sell to or buy from the elves before they move on to their new base: elvin chain, pearls, bows, etc. - Is there any magic device(s) we can get/swap/trade from the Silver Princess to help us navigate the faery road? If we can learn to use the faery road we can save a lot of travel time. - The Silver Princess gave us some directions for the faery raod. Do we need additional instructions if we use Devonshire as the starting point? - Do we camp where we are and identfiy and train? Go with the elves? - Do we go back to Deveonshire to warn of the assassination plot and do stuff? - Then do we get back on the Faery Road to find the rain tears? - Wasn't there some sort of reward beyond our imagining for rescuing the princess? Besides what we hauled out. - Where does the princess think the holocron...stolen stone/gem thing is? - Where is the fortress of the emperor? Add anything else that I am forgetting. I was just wondering what adminstrative details we could get out of the way.
I forget what all the plot hooks we have been given are still active: - We didn't save the sage. - We saved the princess. - The vernal house and the missing dwarven shadow. - Red Tams bones. - Some obligation to the druids. - the assassinate and pending invasion. - Helping the princess.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 27, 2012 17:42:01 GMT -5
Our first order of business should be to go back to Devonshire to deliver the battle plans and the letter about the assassination plot. After that, I don't particularly care where we hang out to train and identify stuff. But I really don't think we should postpone delivering the intel any longer than we have to.
The other questions are all good.
I would like to ask the elves to tell us more about fairies. Before Bolo joined the party, some NPCs said a bunch of stuff about fairies that may or may not have been accurate -- bells, liquor, sprigs of holly, etc. It would be good to know which of that was real, which was old wives' tales, and how the real parts actually work.
When I get a chance, I will look for the thread that talked about this. I'll repost some excerpts here, unless someone else beats me to it.
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Post by agesilaus on Jan 28, 2012 9:22:04 GMT -5
How many days' travel is it Devonshire? And did I not read above that a set of unfriendly sorts had tracked us to the elves' base? And we seem to be forgetting that we have an elf in the party, one who played a role in helping the rebel elves (albeit a small one). Surely there is information/assistance they'd be willing to offer a kinsman, to wit: 1. Who is tracking us? How far away are they? How powerful are they? 2. Would the elves be willing -- seeing as how we've helped them tremendously at considerable risk to life and limb -- to send a messenger to deliver a sealed set of battle plans and assassination plot letter? Thought here is, if there are bad folks on our tails, we'd be better off facing them with the rebel elves than on our own in the open. Also, a messenger or two could travel faster/more secretly than our entire party. 3. Could the faery road be leveraged somehow to be used to deliver the plan/letter? 4. Fin needs better armor, a magic shortbow and arrows. How about the elves hook a brother up? I'm sure there are others in the party, for whom Fin is willing to vouch, who could also use some elven gear.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 28, 2012 11:01:16 GMT -5
I think they tracked us in order to find the secret rebel base. I assume this means that the forces of the Darklord will be massing to destroy the elven resistance. Killing/capturing the heros of Willowsby would be nice but not there primary intent. It is not clear how long it will take to coordinate a strike on the elf base.
([The rebel base] is too remote to make an effective demonstration. But don't worry. We will deal with your rebel friends soon enough.)
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Post by Bolo on Jan 28, 2012 21:12:48 GMT -5
OK, here's some faerie lore, as told to Mr. Trommer by the townsfolk of Danton Mills. Will the silver princess please tell us which parts are accurate and which are not, and also amplify a bit on how the accurate parts really work? (For example, if it's true about the iron chains and sprigs of holly, what does it actually mean that they are "cures against glamours"?) They say wear an iron chain around your neck and carry a sprig of holly. Those are full cures against the glamours of the Fair Folk.
They say the Good Neighbors play by certain rules. They can never lie.
They say if you leave a saucer of milk for the wee folk, they'll surely pay you in kind.
They say never, under any circumstances, accept a gift from the Fair Folk!
They say never, ever enter a faery ring, as people who enter them are often never heard from again. Or replaced by changelings. Or worse!
They say that cold iron is anathema to the Fair Folk, as well as: wearing clothing inside out, running water and bells (especially church bells).
They say every Midsummer Night the Faerie Queen holds court on the moors and all the Fair Folk, witches and spirits come to pay homage.
They say the Fair Folk have a weakness for fine spirits.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 28, 2012 21:37:13 GMT -5
2. Would the elves be willing -- seeing as how we've helped them tremendously at considerable risk to life and limb -- to send a messenger to deliver a sealed set of battle plans and assassination plot letter? Thought here is, if there are bad folks on our tails, we'd be better off facing them with the rebel elves than on our own in the open. Also, a messenger or two could travel faster/more secretly than our entire party. It would be a bummer if we sent a messenger and he got a big reward and we didn't. Not that any sort of reward is guaranteed. Also, it's not clear to me that we really want to be in a pitched battle with the forces of the Darklord, with or without a bunch of rebel elves. We have plenty of other options on our agenda, and the risk-reward ratio of a pitched battle isn't very attractive -- to Bolo, anyway. 3. Could the faery road be leveraged somehow to be used to deliver the plan/letter? Bolo's understanding is that we went with Argenta to the rebel base, rather than returning directly to Devonshire, in part because she said she could show us how to use the faerie road to get to Devonshire. The claim, or at least the implication, was that by going with her, we would actually get to Devonshire sooner than by trying to go there directly. At least, that's how I remember it. We have details of an assassination plot against a leading figure of the establishment. Bolo is a bit surprised that his various lawful good companions are not more concerned to do something about this. Bolo himself can take or leave barons, of course. His eagerness to do something about the plot is motivated by the potential for reward (if we do) and for official displeasure (if we don't). But he wonders if there's something about this situation that he's missing. Perhaps he just doesn't understand the LG mindset.
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Post by Friedrich on Jan 29, 2012 8:09:39 GMT -5
I don't think our party has forsaken the baron at all. True we did go with the princess instead of directly warning the baron but that was a necessary delay. Friedrich and Ingrid, having been at death's door, were incapable of travel. Paavo and Friedrich were insane and most of the party was almost completely out of HP's with very few healing potions left. Our hand was kind of forced by these conditions.
In actual game time, I don't think we have been there for more than a couple of days which was necessary to recuperate. I agree that staying at the elven base for a couple of weeks to train while doing nothing to warn of the assassination plot would certainly fly in the face of a LG or NG alignment. I don't think that the party's inaction regarding the plot is due to a lack of "concern" for the baron but rather due to the fact that the we haven't had time to play what happens next out.
I would imagine that our next move would be to warn the baron once play resumes.
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Post by agesilaus on Jan 29, 2012 15:56:26 GMT -5
I disagree that NG folks would be distressed by staying put with the elves vice haring off to Devonshire. For example, Fin doesn't want bad things to happen to Sherlane et al, but he's not above putting his own skin ahead of theirs. Hence his willingness to let another hero carry the message...his assumption being, there are certainly powerful forces with a vested interest in making sure details of the invasion/assassination are NOT given to Sherlane & Co. In the cost/benefit analysis of warning Sherlane vs. keeping his innards safely enclosed within his own epidermis, Fin will choose the latter. Now, if the risk isn't that high -- if we could use the faery road for example, or we could have several dozen rebel elves along to present additional targets to the bad guys -- Fin's all for it. He is also very curious why Bolo, a fellow thief, seems really very keen on doing the LG thing here. He could see Paavo going down that road but is nonplussed at the hobbit's stance.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 29, 2012 22:06:08 GMT -5
If we conclude that we need to stay with the elves to preserve our epidermises, that's fine, though I personally doubt that it's necessary or even wise. I think they are more of a target than we are, and I doubt that pitched battles against armies are really our strong suit.
If we decide to send the battle plans and assassination plot via elven messenger, then I'm not sure why we think that's safer or better, but okay, whatever.
What Bolo is opposed to is setting off on another adventure, not with the elves and without delivering the battle plans and the letter. Maybe nobody ever intended this. If so, I misunderstood, and I apologize for arguing against a straw man.
Bolo's motivation is twofold: (1) he hopes for a generous reward, and (2) Sherlane is a useful ally who is currently in control of a bunch of our treasure. Other than that, Bolo doesn't particularly care about the baron or any battle that doesn't personally involve Bolo. But since "the LG thing" also happens on this occasion to be Bolo's preference, he figures it can only help his case to point that out.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 30, 2012 10:00:24 GMT -5
If I had my druthers here is how I think we should proceed. - Return the Silver Princess to her people. check.
- Get healed by the elves. check.
- Negotiate what treasure we get to keep. in progress.
- Learn what we can about the magic items they know about. in progress.
- See if any further reward is in the offing. We will have a fair amount of training costs for Colby, Finn and Dan. So any monetary rewards will be appreciated. Others might like some fine elven craftsmanship, e.g. strength bows, boots and cloaks of the elvenkind, elven chainmail, magic arrows, etc. Or help getting a Fae familiar. I'll let the elves decide what they think their Princess is worth.
- Negotiate the use of a guide to the faerie road. One to get us back to Devonshire. And another in a couple of weeks to help us find the rain bird and return to the Vernal House for Friedrich's shadow.
- See if the elves have any more information that can further our common ends.
- See if they know what to do with the cursed bastard swords.
- See if Bunny is joining us.
- Take our leave of the elves.
- Take the faerie road to Devonshire.
- Settle in at Lord Sherlane's.
- Give information about battle plans and assassination attempt to Lord Sherlane and/or Sir Eldon Graves. I wouldn't expect much of a reward. But certainly continued good relationships with them.
- Commence training for Dan, Colby and Finn.
- Mary Tanner attempts to read Feldspar's book again for 5000 xp bump. If successful then she too will need to train.
- Otherwise Mary Tanner starts identifying items.
- Ask alchemist to identify potions. Offer to sell him a copy of the formula for a the water breathing potion.
- Stock up on bind wound treatments.
- Have Ingrid and Dan cast Remove Curse to see if either curse from the Pit or the effects of the fountain can be removed.
- Paavo will cast remove disease on anyone looking under the weather.
- Purchase more pearls.
- Other tasks around town happen.
- Finish training.
- Determine what spells were researched.
- Others help with identifying items.
- Finish identifying items.
- Divide items.
- Ask around about selling/trading unwanted magic items. Maybe the church will trade for some healing potions.
- Update spellbooks.
- Do any experimentation needed for existing or new items to make sure we know how to use them.
- Prepare to leave on next adventure.
This could certainly take a lot of in game time, but we could also take care of it here if the DM is willing.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 30, 2012 12:15:40 GMT -5
I agree with Paavo's list wholeheartedly.
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Post by Friedrich on Jan 30, 2012 14:06:13 GMT -5
Excellent list. I'll just add that we will may need a guide to get back to the Vernal House to get my shadow back. I would like to try and take care of some of this over the board too being as we got 2 week until we meet again and that's a huge list you posted.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 30, 2012 14:17:42 GMT -5
Good point. Updated list.
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Post by Ginger on Jan 30, 2012 14:40:58 GMT -5
If they could provide us with a Netural Good fae creature who'll hang around why I snare him with Find Familiar, that would be swell.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 30, 2012 18:05:10 GMT -5
Added under "further rewards".
Do you think pseudo dragons get their magic resistance in addition to a save against Find Familiar? That would make it extremely unlikely for a 1st level magic user to ever end up with one.
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Post by agesilaus on Jan 30, 2012 19:12:17 GMT -5
In Character: excellent list. And I understand Bolo's position better. Out of Character: I've missed the last few sessions due to work, and have not followed every entry on this thread. So apologies if anything I'm saying or typing as the case may be is coming over the wrong way. Back in Character: hey, the idea of a Fae familiar is a pretty good one. I'd like to glom on to that one, too.
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Post by Bolo on Jan 30, 2012 20:34:56 GMT -5
Yes, excellent list. Some minor points: - I hope the questions I raised about faeries will be part of "see if the elves have any more information".
- As well as Dan, Colby, and Finn, Bolo will want to train, in order to reallocate some of his thief skills. No cost, but 2d6 days.
- Regarding experimentation on existing items, Bolo has some ideas to try out with the Little White Room ring.
- Trading with the church to get some healing potions sounds good. Or if the church can make these, can we? My reading of the DMG is that a 7th level MU (hi Colby!), working with an alchemist, can make a potion of extra healing (worth 3d8+3 hit points) in 4 days for a cost of 400gp.
BTW, the special ingredient for extra healing potions is troll blood. We seem to run into trolls fairly regularly, so we should be careful to harvest their blood next time. Unless Colby already knows, we should maybe consult with the alchemist about the best way to do that. Similarly, the next time we encounter gargoyles, we should harvest their horns to make invulnerability potions.
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Post by venger on Jan 31, 2012 0:40:02 GMT -5
Let's see how much we can get done. :) The Silver Princess Argenta has an ethereal, almost otherworldy, aspect about her, and once released from the iron chains, seems none the worse for her imprisonment. Following an escape from the palace, the princess leads you on a harrowing journey through the woods. Your trail is picked up by by the forces of Denagoth (200+ orcs) and despite the rangers' efforts you are unable to avoid them. To avoid a battle in your weakened condition, the princess disguises the party as a copse of trees until the danger has passed. The elven camp is just that, a concealed camp in the deep forest of Lothenar. The amenities are all but non-existent. Most of the elves are non-combatants; wounded, refugees and the like. All of them show signs of hardship. Two days pass while Ingrid and Friedrich are ministered to by the elven healers. Once recovered, Ingrid and Friedrich both go insane attempting to read the Libram of Silver Magic. The elven healers can only attribute this relapse to some kind of PTSD. Danakes, during his time practicing with the elves, learns that there are way more bow & arrows than archers to fire them. Colby's questions for the elves: Do they have any pearls, spell ink or spellbooks to purchase? The elves have no pearls, spell ink or spellbooks. Resources are stretched thin and they can spare only 2 bind wound treatments for each party-member. How long do they plan to stay here before they pack up and leave? As soon as the injured members of the party have recovered, the elves begin preparations to break camp. How would we use the faerie road to a) get to Devonshire? b) get from Devonshire to the Vernal House? c) get from Devonshire to the bird that has the tears we need to find? The Silver Princess warns you, again, that the Border Ethereal will be well-guarded by the Shadowlord. Mortals, such as yourselves, may only enter at a crossroads. She explains that one's destination is merely that and your questions are redundant. She seems mildly amused by your linear thinking. Ask Bunny about her plans or if she's lookin' to hench. Bunny would almost certainly join you on an adventure Somewhere over the Rainbow. But aside from that her goals do not seem to align with yours. Study the Book of Shadows to see if it could assist Friedrich in regaining his shadow. It is a dense & esoteric text containing magical formulae far beyond Colby's understanding. It will take considerable time and study to decipher any of it. Read the Demonomicon to see if it provides more information than MM descriptions of demons. Large passages of this are written in some Infernal tongue. Awesome! What can he tell us of Spartusia? Spartusia, Marcus explains in a monotone voice, is the single greatest Empire of Man the world has ever known. Descended from the High Kings of Thracia, tracing their lineage all the way back to ancient Cynecedia, the Great Dynasts forged a vast Empire from the ruins of the last great cataclysm. Spartusia's territories consist of the western half of the Isle of Dawn, the island realms of Ochalea and the Pearl Islands, and the Thyatian Hinterlands on the southern continent of Davania, in addition to its mainland territories on Brun, which are the smallest of the Empire's territories by geographic size, but the most heavily populated and developed of them. The total land area of the Empire is approximately 800,000 square miles (2,100,000 km2). Because of its political geography, Spartusia can best be described as a thalassocracy. In its long history, Spartusia has ruled other lands, including Traladara (which became Hataka), the islands of Ierendi, the southern half of Ylaruam; and Spartusian settlers have colonized part of the Savage Coast and also the Heldannic Freeholds, which are ruled by a religious order devoted to the Thracian-descended Immortal Madeira. [/li][li]silver unicorn ring * (allows the wearer to travel like a unicorn) is this only the dimension door ability? can you move at 24" or surprise on 1-5? how often can it be used? The dimension door. Once a day.[/li][li]peacock feather fan * (summons the wind) how often can it be used? Once a day.[/li][li]silver dreamstone pendant * (makes dreams come true) how often can it be used? It is very powerful and can be used but once per week. Also it must be recharged after each use and this can potentially be dangerous for the dreamer...[/li][li]a crystal harp* (Winter's Harp, it belongs to the Winter Queen and can be dangerous if played incorrectly...) what does it do when played correctly? can they teach us how to play it? how often can it be used? It is a potent artifact that should probably be returned to the Winter Queen. The Silver Princess can teach you a quick set of scales that when played grants resistance to cold. This can be done 10x per day. It has a number of other functions depending on how it is played, all related to cold. Again she warns you that it is potentially dangerous.[/li][li]a silver sword brooch* (summons an enchanted sword) is there a command word or do you just think about it? how often can it be used? how do you send it back? Wear it, touch it with an empty hand. Once a day. Release the sword.[/li][li]a shield-shaped brooch* (summons an enchanted shield) is there a command word or do you just think about it? how often can it be used? how do you send it back? Wear it, touch it with an empty hand. Once a day. Release the shield.[/li][li]ruby (broad)sword of Spartusia* (a strong-willed magic sword from a bygone era) anything else they can tell us about it? It is quite strong-willed.[/li][li]the (long)sword of Sylaire (a Dragonslayer) so not an elf-aspected sword? Elves get +1 to hit with it...? So no.[/list] [/quote] The orange gem spoke to Colby when he looked at it, saying telepathically "Greetings wizard! I am Arcadius." I think I thought back "Hi!" and then we moved on to other stuff. Arcadian. What if we went back to the fountain to try and restock our healing potions? I'll start gathering my notes... -- was there a spellbook that only 'good' magic users could use? Fin is NG. The libram grants a level of experience to the good-aligned mage who reads it. -- is the (long)sword of Sylaire the blade Fin was using, the one gleaned from the black dragon? Whether it is or not, Fin would like it back. Same sword. -- Fin would be glad to take a stab at the puzzle box. We'll have to handle this in session. I will remind you that the cleric detected a trap with Find Traps. -- if Bunny is interested in becoming a henchperson, Fin does have that elf to elf-maiden thing going on. See above regarding Bunny's adventuring disposition. -- how hard is it to buy better 'leather' armor? I ask in that sometimes, with a little luck and enough coin, in bigger cities one might find, oh, say troll-skin leather that's AC 6 base, or dragon-skin leather that's AC 4 base. It's not out of the realm of the possible, is it? Purchasing armor like this is rather beyond the realm of possible, but one can commission the crafting of such with the appropriate materials and money. Interestingly Friedrich is carrying "500 units" of black dragon hide. Once Colby gets to 9th level he can teleport us there and back in a day. I'm curious to see what clever strategy you’ll devise to bypass the weight limitations. What counts as "very high quality materials?" The cost of the materials is represented in the price listed in the DMG. For example: a +1 shield would require 2500GP, be that in enchanted herbs/oils, expensive metal or master craftsmanship. Dragonhide for instance is worth a bunch and when material like that is used to make magical armor it will defray some of the cost. Could bonuses be added to items that already have some kind of magical properties? (ie protection from normal missiles) Not without destroying the previous enchantment. Would Colby need to be a trained blacksmith to do this? Yes. Are the elves interested in purchasing the collection of elven books? Are we shameless enough to sell the Princess the books we looted from her castle? I think so! Absolutely. Unless she would like to lease them. The Silver Princess fixes you with a serene and lofty stare. Also note that spell casting from a book uses the next higher increment of time: segments become rounds; rounds become turns; turns become hours; hours become days; days become weeks. This may have some serious ramifications with enchant an item. +1 - We've been told that the enemy has most likely tracked us to the rebel elven base. The Silver Princess says, “They let us go. It's the only explanation for the ease of our escape.”- What can we trade/sell to or buy from the elves before they move on to their new base: elvin chain, pearls, bows, etc. They have an assortment of basic weapons and armor used by elves: long bows, short bows, longswords, short swords, as many arrows as you can carry. Elf-sized leather armor. No pearls. - Is there any magic device(s) we can get/swap/trade from the Silver Princess to help us navigate the faery road? If we can learn to use the faery road we can save a lot of travel time. No. - The Silver Princess gave us some directions for the faery raod. Do we need additional instructions if we use Devonshire as the starting point? No. - Wasn't there some sort of reward beyond our imagining for rescuing the princess? Besides what we hauled out. Good deeds are their own reward. - Where does the princess think the holocron...stolen stone/gem thing is? The Elven Star is in the possession of the Shadowlord. - Where is the fortress of the emperor? With the power of the Elven Star the Shadowlord has raised a great tower deep within the blighted lands of Denagoth. How many days' travel is it Devonshire? It is approximately a week’s travel. ] And did I not read above that a set of unfriendly sorts had tracked us to the elves' base? Supposedly. And we seem to be forgetting that we have an elf in the party, one who played a role in helping the rebel elves (albeit a small one). Surely there is information/assistance they'd be willing to offer a kinsman, to wit: Absolutely. 1. Who is tracking us? How far away are they? How powerful are they? The fell hosts of Denagoth mass to crush the last remnants of the elves. They have overrun the forests of Lothenar, systematically crushed all opposition and forced the elves from their homeland. You are deep within enemy territory, surrounded on all sides by hostile forces. 2. Would the elves be willing -- seeing as how we've helped them tremendously at considerable risk to life and limb -- to send a messenger to deliver a sealed set of battle plans and assassination plot letter? It was on just such a diplomatic mission, to beg aid from the Barony of Aldagmor, that the Silver Princess was captured. 3. Could the faery road be leveraged somehow to be used to deliver the plan/letter? If by leveraged somehow you mean traveled, then yes. 4. Fin needs better armor, a magic shortbow and arrows. How about the elves hook a brother up? I'm sure there are others in the party, for whom Fin is willing to vouch, who could also use some elven gear. The elves are in dire straits, but they will furnish you with non-magical short bows, arrows and a suit of elven chainmail (elven-sized), which you know to be extremely rare. OK, here's some faerie lore, as told to Mr. Trommer by the townsfolk of Danton Mills. Will the silver princess please tell us which parts are accurate and which are not, and also amplify a bit on how the accurate parts really work? (For example, if it's true about the iron chains and sprigs of holly, what does it actually mean that they are “cures against glamours”?) They say wear an iron chain around your neck and carry a sprig of holly. Those are full cures against the glamours of the Fair Folk.
They say the Good Neighbors play by certain rules. They can never lie.
They say if you leave a saucer of milk for the wee folk, they'll surely pay you in kind.
They say never, under any circumstances, accept a gift from the Fair Folk!
They say never, ever enter a faery ring, as people who enter them are often never heard from again. Or replaced by changelings. Or worse!
They say that cold iron is anathema to the Fair Folk, as well as: wearing clothing inside out, running water and bells (especially church bells).
They say every Midsummer Night the Faerie Queen holds court on the moors and all the Fair Folk, witches and spirits come to pay homage.
They say the Fair Folk have a weakness for fine spirits. The Silver Princess will not give you the tools with which to kill or enslave her kind. Nor will she stand for the propagation of such negative stereotypes and superstitions. Though she will admit that the Faerie Queen throws a heck of a Midsummer party. If they could provide us with a Netural Good fae creature who'll hang around why I snare him with Find Familiar, that would be swell. See above, re: enslavement. If I had my druthers here is how I think we should proceed. - See if any further reward is in the offing. We will have a fair amount of training costs for Colby, Finn and Dan. So any monetary rewards will be appreciated. Others might like some fine elven craftsmanship, e.g. strength bows, boots and cloaks of the elvenkind, elven chainmail, magic arrows, etc. Or help getting a Fae familiar. I'll let the elves decide what they think their Princess is worth.
“You needn't worry about your reward. If money is all that you love, then that's what you'll receive!” The princess seems somewhat put off by your mercenary, nerf-herder attitudes. She promises that once she reaches the court of her father, she will see you get exactly what you deserve. [/li][li]Negotiate the use of a guide to the faerie road. One to get us back to Devonshire. [/list][/quote] She believes it is extremely dangerous, but she is certain she can find a volunteer. [/li][li]And another in a couple of weeks to help us find the rain bird and return to the Vernal House for Friedrich's shadow.[/list][/quote] If any of them survive, maybe. [/li][li]See if the elves have any more information that can further our common ends.[/list][/quote] Specifically? [/li][li]See if they know what to do with the cursed bastard swords.[/list][/quote] Not off hand. [/li][li]Take our leave of the elves. [/list] [/quote] The elves are preparing to disappear into the woods in small bands, hoping that some will be able to slip past the enemy. A small force will create a distraction while the rest attempt escape. [/li][li]Take the faerie road to Devonshire.[/list][/quote] She believes this to be the more dangerous course, but she will aid you in this if you so choose. This could certainly take a lot of in game time, but we could also take care of it here if the DM is willing. You’re sort of at a decision point, we can progress no farther on that list until you choose a course.
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Post by Wolfgar on Jan 31, 2012 10:33:25 GMT -5
Let's see how much we can get done. :) Wow! That is quite a lot. Just to be clear, are Paavo and Friedrich cured of their insanity? If I had known it was only a camp of refugees I wouldn't have asked about further rewards. I thought with their advanced healing capabilities there was more here. But seriously there doesn't seem to be any real gratitude for us risking life and limb to save the Silver Princess. I guess I just don't understand the Fae. (As an aside: Since she was traveling when she was captured, does that mean her castle had already fallen some time previously? So anything we retrieved from the castle was no longer in her possession. I am just not clear on the salvage rights. Do we get the stuff from the castle because we broke in and took from the current owner or was it still owned by the Silver Princess and as such granted to us as reward? No point in mentioning this to the elves, I am sure they would fail to see the nuances.) Isn't it about time for Benesarion to make another appearance to help us decide what to do? It was his suggestion that we save the Silver Princess in the first place. I thought he told us she would lead us to the rain bird. That doesn't seem to be in the offing. Has anyone mentioned to her that Benesarion sent us to rescue her? If not we will break the bad news. Ben seemed to think we had a shared goal with the elves. Do they have any idea what that would be? Other than of course defeating the Shadowlord. I guess at this point we need to decide whether to risk the faerie road or take another route back to Devonshire. Do we think we can avoid the forces of Denagoth in our healed state if we travel back the way we came? We have 3 magic users who can cast Invisibility and two rangers and an elf to help us navigate the forest. I would vote for the forest route if they think faerie road is more dangerous.
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Jan 31, 2012 11:07:44 GMT -5
It will take a week to travel to Devonshire by land. I'm not sure how long it would be by the faerie road (as long as we don't get lost) since time flows differently there. Given that we intend to take a good chunk of time training once we get, is there any urgency trying to save a few days on the faerie road.
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Post by venger on Jan 31, 2012 11:36:01 GMT -5
Just to be clear, are Paavo and Friedrich cured of their insanity? Yes. If I had known it was only a camp of refugees I wouldn't have asked about further rewards. I thought with their advanced healing capabilities there was more here. Elven healers are quite skilled. You left before the end of the session, but I did mention on the board that all that they could spare was two bind wound treatments apiece. But seriously there doesn't seem to be any real gratitude for us risking life and limb to save the Silver Princess. I guess I just don't understand the Fae. To be fair, their healers did cure you of multiple insanities, death's door, etc. at no cost. And she's identifying items looted from her Palace and teaching you harp songs. They've given you bind wound treatments, replenished your arrows and mundane equipment (rations), Finnious received a suit of elven chainmail (elf-sized). But no, there is a very Princess Leia-like sense of entitlement bordering on ingratitude. Offering to sell her back her books didn't win you much in the way of brownie points though. :) (As an aside: Since she was traveling when she was captured, does that mean her castle had already fallen some time previously? So anything we retrieved from the castle was no longer in her possession. I am just not clear on the salvage rights. Do we get the stuff from the castle because we broke in and took from the current owner or was it still owned by the Silver Princess and as such granted to us as reward? No point in mentioning this to the elves, I am sure they would fail to see the nuances.) I think you're perhaps dwelling on something that is not an issue. The Silver Princess has not requested any of the items back and seems little concerned with material possessions. Isn't it about time for Benesarion to make another appearance to help us decide what to do? Apparently not. It was his suggestion that we save the Silver Princess in the first place. No, actually, this was Finnious' suggestion based off his journey beyond Hadraith Tor into the blighted lands of Denagoth. There he discovered the plight of the elves of Lothenar. Further these are the same elves that the druid council wanted you to assist way back when. You asked Bensarion about how to restore lost levels and he told you about the tears of a mythical rainbird who lives East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Somewhere over the Rainbow. I'm not sure who put two-and-two together and suggested that rescuing the Silver Princess might be beneficial to the furtherance of this quest. It makes sense in that they have access to faerie roads, but you could have tried the occupants of the Vernal House or the friendlier, less-imperiled elves of the 100,000 Oaks. Remember, Bensarion specifically told you that the very fate of the world was at stake and that you must race against time to the Temple of Death to prevent the release of Zargon. Or some such... (Bensarion was in the Deadites/ancient civilization plot-line. Silver Princess is in the Shadowlord/forest kingdom plot-line) I thought he told us she would lead us to the rain bird. He may have confirmed your supposition that she could, but I don't even recall him doing that. Has anyone mentioned to her that Benesarion sent us to rescue her? No... but technically he didn't. If not we will break the bad news. They are saddened to hear news of Bensarion Elf-Friend, many of the songs of Lothenar are surely now lost with his passing. Ben seemed to think we had a shared goal with the elves. Do they have any idea what that would be? Other than of course defeating the Shadowlord. Their goals are to escape, regroup and thwart the Shadowlord as best possible. Recovering the Elven Star would strike a great blow for the forces of Good.
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