Ch. 42: The Party meets Aratheas the Elf Maiden and A Giant Hedgehog in the Kitchen!

Dungeon Master (GM): Hi Guys!   Chris M.: Hi   Lo Shan: Hi   Dalnoth (Gabe): Hey   Sheila, praying to Ra, and laying a hand upon the injured Coal, casts a CURE LIGHT WOUNDS Spell! Level 1 Cleric * Necromatic (reversible) Components V,S Casting Time 5  Segments Range Touch Duration Permanent Area of Effect Creature Touched Saving Throw None Healing:   1  Hit Points     Chris M.: I just tried CLW on Coal to no effect   Dungeon Master (GM): you're welcome! What? that is odd   Sheila, praying to Ra, and laying a hand upon the injured Coal, casts a CURE LIGHT WOUNDS Spell! Level 1 Cleric * Necromatic (reversible)   Components V,S Casting Time 5  Segments Range Touch Duration Permanent Area of Effect Creature Touched Saving Throw None Healing:   1  Hit Points   Dungeon Master (GM): hmm, it worked for me! the healing may be broken though   Chris M.: He's still 22/50   Sheila, praying to Ra, and laying a hand upon the injured Camlin, casts a CURE LIGHT WOUNDS Spell! Level 1 Cleric * Necromatic (reversible) Components V,S Casting Time 5  Segments Range Touch Duration Permanent Area of Effect Creature Touched Saving Throw None Healing:   5  Hit Points   Dungeon Master (GM): no it's ok   Sheila, praying to Ra, and laying a hand upon the injured Coal, casts a CURE LIGHT WOUNDS Spell! Level 1 Cleric * Necromatic (reversible) Components V,S Casting Time 5  Segments Range Touch Duration Permanent Area of Effect Creature Touched Saving Throw None Healing:   6  Hit Points   Dungeon Master (GM): oh you have to adjust the hp manually you can't do it automatically   Chris M.: He's still 22/50 HP He should be 28   Dungeon Master (GM): ok so how much should Coal have? oh 28 ok   Sheila, praying to Ra, and laying a hand upon the injured Coal, casts a CURE LIGHT WOUNDS Spell! Level 1 Cleric * Necromatic (reversible) Components V,S Casting Time 5  Segments Range Touch Duration Permanent Area of Effect Creature Touched Saving Throw None Healing:   5  Hit Points   Chris M.: Shiela sugests a repair & healing camp when we feel safe   Sheila, praying to Ra, and laying a hand upon the injured Coal, casts a CURE LIGHT WOUNDS Spell! Level 1 Cleric * Necromatic (reversible) Components V,S Casting Time 5  Segments Range Touch Duration Permanent Area of Effect Creature Touched Saving Throw None Healing:   4  Hit Points

  Sheila, praying to Ra, and laying a hand upon the injured Coal, casts a CURE LIGHT WOUNDS Spell! Level 1 Cleric * Necromatic (reversible) Components V,S Casting Time 5  Segments Range Touch Duration Permanent Area of Effect Creature Touched Saving Throw None Healing:   5  Hit Points   Dungeon Master (GM): ok so we left off after Coal became the new King of the Mongrelmen! And Some discussion was had about the Yuan-Ti. As this is going on the King gets a new visitor walking into the abode.   Chris M.: So just a CSW left   Dungeon Master (GM): ok   Chris M.: we all look fine :)   Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Says, "We are as safe as we can be here for the time, rest here and leave when we are ready"   Chris M.: Then 1 night to recover and swap out spells?   Dungeon Master (GM): In strolls in a lovely looking female elf, of which when the mongrelfolk notice her, immediately gives her a lot of space between them!   Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Lo Shan looks over the newcomer   Dalnoth The Human Cleric/Rogue eyes the elf curiously Aratheas The Elf Mystic Says, "Greetings all, So I see the mongrelfolk has a new King! Ha Ha Ha! I must say I was impressed by the win. Now maybe I can get the hell out of this city!"   Dalnoth (Gabe): You were trapped? were you a prisoner like me?   Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Says, "We would be happy to help you"   Chris M.: who is running Balen now? Still Lo Shan?   Lo Shan: Yep Aratheas The Elf Mystic Says, "I can not get out of the Forbidden City easily without a pass from Horan and he's the last thing I need to be face to face with or I will be imprisoned or killed."   Chris M.: cool. Where Balen goes, Shiela follows So w/ Zhora   Dungeon Master (GM): Balen is supposed to be retired now, like the others he can always be brought back by a player or as an npc by me   Dalnoth The Human Cleric/Rogue wonders who Horan is Aratheas The Elf Mystic Says, "So I have been laying low among the mongrelfolk. I was part of a team looking into the goings on in the city. Unfortunately I am the lone survivor."   Aratheas The Elf Mystic Says, "Horan runs this city. You must be new here then? How did you even get in if you are not a merchant?"   Dalnoth (Gabe): says, “I had a lovely Yuan-Ti escort.”   Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Says, "We were supposed to meet with Horan but were detained and missed the meeting, we can perhaps ask for a pass out of the city for all of us"   Aratheas The Elf Mystic Gives Dalnoth a doubting look   Chris M.: Zhora: I know beggars   Dalnoth The Human Cleric/Rogue shrugs   Chris M.: I adjusted Zhora's Bow to Short Composite w/ she made offstage   Coal Blackstone The Human Ranger Says, "Well now that I am the King, Maybe I can help get you out with or without Horan's blessing."   Lo Shan: (How many are in the Active Party at this time?)   Chris M.: That has better range? Adjust the Macro when you have time, please?   Dungeon Master (GM): ok let me bunch up the 'Active' Party on the map   Chris M.: Bring Phicenta! Please & balen!   Lo Shan: So make another appointment, go meet him try to work things out   Dungeon Master (GM): like i said they can always come back later, even as a quick fix in the event of death

Chris M.: Ok Sheila has existential crisis   Dungeon Master (GM): looks like the mongrelman camp can be a base for you now   Chris M.: yes! :D   Lo Shan: Yeah since WE WON the fight   Chris M.: Is anybody playing Camlin One Hand?   Lo Shan: Think Buddy?   Chris M.: O. Ok. That makes me feel bad since it was me who lost his hand   Aratheas The Elf Mystic Says, "Look here, all you mongrel folks please leave for now, the guards watch outside the door please, I wish to talk to these folks privately!" The mongrel folks leave the abode as the guards stand outside the door   Chris M.: So ... who speaks for this Party? It w/ not be me   Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Says, "Who wants to go meet Horan with me? As I was told by Balen, they allow one with a Guard?"   Dalnoth (Gabe): You guys just rescued me, It's surely not my place   Aratheas The Elf Mystic Says, "Sire, you will need to make the mongrelfolk fear you, or you will constantly be missing things, King or not! "   Chris M.: Shiela: I nominate Lo Shan   Dalnoth (Gabe): What scares them?   Coal Blackstone The Human Ranger Says, "I see my lady, understood."   Chris M.: Coal seems to be in Basecamp?   Lo Shan: Hes the new King of Mongrelmen   Aratheas The Elf Mystic Says, "I use the threat of my magics to keep them at bay."   Chris M.: Yes. Thanks Lo Shan. I remember from last week   Coal Blackstone The Human Ranger Says, "Looks like you all will need to find a spot to camp out and sleep, while here. I can't let you sleep here in this house. You all will need to blend in, if you know what I mean."   Chris M.: Ok. Somebody pump Aratheas for intel, please   Lo Shan: Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Says, "They will probably respect power the most, Sire, use force and intimidation, my humble suggestion"   Chris M.: She/her is not our enemy, but somebody needs to ask questions Coal Blackstone The Human Ranger Says, "Noted Lo Shan."   Chris M.: Sheila: and the carrot too, Coal Intimidation breeds sedition Coal Blackstone The Human Ranger Says, "Here, I want you folks to divide up my magical items among you all for use in defeating the Yuan-Ti and their followers."   Chris M.: If not baslanced by mercy and benevolence It is written   Dungeon Master (GM): well what does Zhora have to say, now that she might see her as competition?   Chris M.: Zhora is not talkative she is a follower type. Sheila is a leader type   Dungeon Master (GM): The others in the party that want to lay really low for now also offered up their magical items to the rest that will continue to explore and deal with the denizens of the city.   Chris M.: Zhora does not understand this sort of politics   Dungeon Master (GM): ok chris   Chris M.: Shiela is educated. Zhora is a Scythian Not to say that Zhora has no education. But it's not book larning I respect that   Dungeon Master (GM): ok so anything that anyone wants to say while inside King Coal's abode? if not, what course of action will the party now take after this scene?   Chris M.: Shiela: Keep them busy. Idle hands are Set's playground   Lo Shan: (After talking things over to learn what they can and cant do Dalnoth may be the best choice The plan is to tell Horan we are Merchants wanting to set up trade with the city so we can come and go freely )   Dalnoth (Gabe): I am in your debt for saving me, so I'll happily go where you all decide.   Chris M.: Shiela: I noinate lo Shan as leader nominate   Dungeon Master (GM): ok I don't see any objections so looks like he leads the party   Chris M.: Zhora abstains from the vote Voting? wtf?

Lo Shan: (Time of day? Do we have time to go make an appointment?)   Chris M.: Go! Pick a bodyguard   Dungeon Master (GM): ok so lets say you all just relax and chill here for a couple hours when suddenly a guard frantically enters and alarms King Coal that there is trouble in the kitchen!   Lo Shan: Poor Coal hehe Lets help him   Chris M.: King Coal. I like the sound of that. Sounds like King Kong   Dalnoth (Gabe): Heavy is the head that wears the crown.   Mongrelman #01 -SW1b The Mongrelman Guard Says, "Sire! There is some large spiny beast rummaging through the kitchen, eatting the food!"   Chris M.: well said, gabe Animal Control? call the RSPCA Call the WWF!   Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Says, "Quick !! To the Kitchen!!"   Chris M.: call PETA   Coal Blackstone The Human Ranger Says, "Alright! Thanks for informing me of this trouble! Is anyone here willing to go check it out for the mongrelfolk?"   Dalnoth The Human Cleric/Rogue cautiously follows the monk   Xilicien: Hmm?   Lo Shan: Trouble in the kitchen   Chris M.: So who are our Tanks?   Dungeon Master (GM): Lord Cromther, Zhora, Pavel and Camlin basically   Chris M.: Zhora is artillery, who steps up when a tank falls back   Dungeon Master (GM): ok   Chris M.: Her AC is poor Camlin has no fighting hand   Dungeon Master (GM): so will the new party go have a look?   Chris M.: So Cromther and pavel better lead the way   Lo Shan: Yes we will   Xilicien: Yes.   Coal Blackstone The Human Ranger Says, "Guards, escort these folks to the kitchen, immediately!"   Chris M.: Move your token? Cromther?   Mongrelman #01 -SW1b The Mongrelman Guard Says, "Yes, Sire, This way, follow me!"   Chris M.: OMG. This place is big as Texas!   Mongrelman #01 -SW1b The Mongrelman Guard Says, "The creature is just inside this area to the west here, it is where we prepare all of our foods"   Chris M.: Tanks to the front, yells Shiela   Dungeon Master (GM): Several fire-pits, a large pot, hanging carcasses, and dried fruits are in this area. The meats are fly-covered, possibly rotting and might have once been any creature.   Chris M.: so in the choke zone just west?   Dalnoth (Gabe): yuck.   Dungeon Master (GM): and there you see it a rather large bristling beast! Helping itself to the mongrelmen's food!   Lo Shan: Lets see if it gets poisoned and dies hehe   Chris M.: Does Zhora see a Giant Porcupine? Good eatin!   Dungeon Master (GM): it appears to be munching on dried fruit at the moment   Dalnoth (Gabe): it might be doing them a favor by eating it   Dungeon Master (GM): you see a pile of rubble near a wall to the west, likely where it helped itself inside   Chris M.: O there it is   Zhora the Barbarian, Fires FLIGHT ARROW (18") with SHORT BOW (3ft) at Hedgehog (Giant) -J3 enemy! Short Range 6 to 50 ft Strike Hits an AC of  -4 For  5  S/M/L HP Damage! 3 attacks / round Make sure to note # of arrows fired in round!   Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Says, "Anyone have any luck with animals?"

  Zhora the Barbarian, Fires FLIGHT ARROW (18") with SHORT BOW (3ft) at Hedgehog (Giant) -J3 enemy! Short Range 6 to 50 ft   Strike Hits an AC of  -6 For  1  S/M/L HP Damage! 3 attacks / round Make sure to note # of arrows fired in round!   Xilicien: The king.'   Chris M.: hedgehog lol thay taste loke chicken You saw Zhora shot it 2 times at short range?   Dungeon Master (GM): ok, so what is the actual plan here to deal with this creature?   Chris M.: Tanks shuld make a balttle line asap   Dalnoth (Gabe): It looks a little big, but I could try charming the fellow   Dungeon Master (GM): Lo Shan asked you all if anyone can deal with animals in any way   Chris M.: Zhora w/ Climb   Lo Shan: Anyone good with animals? Maybe just get it to leave?   Chris M.: Shiela w/ conserve curing spells till needed   Dungeon Master (GM): for your information, Camlin has a ring that enables telepathy with any creature, so that may be of use   Chris M.: No! they are yummy (Zhora)   Dungeon Master (GM): Ring of Elvenkind – This ring grants the wearer a connection with nature. This allows the wearer to: • Communicate via a form of telepathy with any willing intelligent being in line of sight, including strangers that want to communicate but have no common language or no language at all. • Maintain a sense of time. The wearer is in tune with the sunrise and sunset on the surface. • See in the complete darkness of the Formene (Infra-vision 60’).   Chris M.: Let's kill it and feed to Mongreal Moen to shore up rule ofKing Coal   Dungeon Master (GM): ok well maybe not since this would be of 'Animal' intelligence really   Lo Shan: Is it a Mammel? Can we charm it?   Dalnoth (Gabe): I could try no promises   Chris M.: I hope tanks get in line before Lo Shan has to use kug Fu on porcupine   Dungeon Master (GM): yes of course and the rangers should have the Adept with animals ability.... Animal saves vs. rods, if fails, ranger has sway: -3 off roll at level 7 so there is that as well   Dalnoth, cast a CHARM PERSON OR MAMMAL Spell upon, Hedgehog (Giant) -J3! Level 2 Druid * Enchantment / Charm Components V,S Casting Time 4  Segments Range 80 ft Duration Special]] Rounds Area of Effect 1 Person or Mammal Saving Throw Vs Spells Negates Effects:  This spell will affect any single person or mammal it is cast upon. The creature then will regard the druid who cast the spell as a trusted friend and ally to be heeded and protected. The spell does not enable the druid to control the charmed creature as if it were an automaton, but any word or action of the druid will be viewed in its most favorable way. Thus, a charmed creature would not obey a suicide command, but might believe the druid if assured that the only chance to save the druid’s life is if the creature holds back an onrushing red dragon for “just a round or two”. Note also that the spell does not empower the druid with linguistic capabilities beyond those he or she normally possesses. The duration of the spell is a function of the charmed creature’s intelligence, and it is tied to the saving throw. The spell may be broken if a saving throw is made, and this saving throw is checked on a periodic basis according to the creature’s intelligence: Intelligence Score / Period Between Checks 3 or less 3 months 4 to 6 2 months 7 to 9 1 month 10 to 12 3 weeks 13 to 14 2 weeks 15 to 16 1 week 17 3 days 18 2 days 19 or more 1 day If the druid harms, or attempts to harm, the charmed creature by some overt action, or if a dispel magic (q.v.) is successfully cast upon the charmed creature, the charm will be broken automatically. The spell affects all mammalian animals and persons. The term person includes all bipedal human and humanoid creatures of approximately man-size, or less than man-size, including those affected by the hold person spell (q.v.). If the recipient of the charm person or mammal spell makes its saving throw versus the spell, its effect is negated.   Lo Shan: Try to charm it   (To GM): SAVE VS. SPELL For Hedgehog (Giant) -J3 the Hedgehog (Giant)   Rolls:  16  Needs ≥  14 the charm did not work!   Lo Shan: Ok Ranger then   Dungeon Master (GM): Pavel and Camlin can try to hold sway over it   Dalnoth (Gabe): He doesn't seem to be much for making friends, I'm afraid I'm sure the mongrelmens horrible food has put him in a bad mood   Lo Shan: Maybe hes just too hungry   Dungeon Master (GM): i'll do two saves vs rods if needed for the hedgehog

SAVE VS. ROD For Hedgehog (Giant) -J3 the Hedgehog (Giant)   Rolls:  18  Needs ≥  13   Lo Shan: Sounds good   Dungeon Master (GM): camlin's attempt did not work   Chris M.: I'll put two more arrows in it (Zhora)   Dungeon Master (GM): and i take it Pavel's player is not here? Zhora the Barbarian, Fires FLIGHT ARROW (18") with SHORT BOW (3ft) at Hedgehog (Giant) -J3 enemy! Short Range 6 to 50 ft Strike Hits an AC of  -2 For  5  S/M/L HP Damage! 3 attacks / round Make sure to note # of arrows fired in round!   Dungeon Master (GM): some one can roll for him then   Zhora the Barbarian, Fires FLIGHT ARROW (18") with SHORT BOW (3ft) at Hedgehog (Giant) -J3 enemy! Short Range 6 to 50 ft Strike Hits an AC of  12 For  3  S/M/L HP Damage! 3 attacks / round Make sure to note # of arrows fired in round!   Dungeon Master (GM): oh never mind   Chris M.: as a specialist, I get 3 arrows, but used a climb   SAVE VS. ROD For Hedgehog (Giant) -J3 the Hedgehog (Giant) Rolls:  4  Needs ≥  13 Pavel succeeds in holding sway over the creature what will you have Pavel do?   Chris M.: so Zhora has done like 16HP+ damage to it   Lo Shan: Pavel will try to get it to leave then   Chris M.: O no. It's meat. Not a pet   Dungeon Master (GM): the creature does just that after scooping up another mouthful of the fruit then climbs back over the broken part of the wall and out of the mongrelfolks compound.   Chris M.: Sheila thinks: If only I could summon Giant earthworms O it went into a Burrow? Mongrelman #01 -SW1b The Mongrelman Guard Says, "Thank you for getting the creature to go away!"   Lo Shan The Human Monk (Oriental) Says, "Perhaps you should block off that hole now?"   Chris M.: Zhora sets snare on hole   Dalnoth The Human Cleric/Rogue looks down the hole   Chris M.: If nobody stops her Mongrelman #01 -SW1b The Mongrelman Guard Says, "Yes, yes, good idea I will gather some men to help repair the wall." [Ok, so now what is the party's plan to do next?   Chris M.: Zhora: No wait for it to come back and get snared. It w/ feed your trible for weeks   Lo Shan: Go see about meeting with Horan   Chris M.: animal lovers? are you all vegetarians? Mongrelman #01 -SW1b The Mongrelman Guard Says, "Yes, it would help feed us, good idea."   Chris M.: Set snare   Dungeon Master (GM): Dalnoth only sees ruins overgrown with jungle foliage beyond the wall. [They have meat drying in the kitchen but it's covered in flies!]   Chris M.: should get caught in snare and be easy for MMs to kill and eat   Lo Shan: We are loyal members of People Eating Tasty Animals :D   Chris M.: well. They need freash meat Zhora wants to teach MMs how to jerk meat   Dungeon Master (GM): fresh meat for sure   Xilicien: If you char the outside of the meat, it will deter flies, and most animals.   Chris M.: do they have sunlight? salt? vinegar? X is right!   Dungeon Master (GM): i guess they would   Chris M.: so I spend a few hours showing them how to make jerky   Xilicien: I could also say how to make vinegar.   Dungeon Master (GM): Funny though as when I eat outside they tend to try to land on the grilled meats! ok you can teach them that yes   Chris M.: LOL but the main thing is to stop the bacteria. Of course Z does not know microbiology. But Scythans survive the winters on jerky You can't pass up a big kill like this Just because you like animals

Dungeon Master (GM): ok, King Coal mentioned about getting yourselves to blend in with the mongrelmen, will you do that?   Chris M.: You honour the gods by honouring the kill   Lo Shan: Yes if we can?   Chris M.: Naw. Neither of my PCs is into that   Xilicien: Okay, so you take some water, fruit peels and some sugar, you'll want to dissolve the sugar in the water, and have the peels in the water, you'll then want to leave the closed container in a warm place for about 30 days.   Dungeon Master (GM): ok, yes, you can disguise yourselves   Chris M.: Nope. Sheila w/ prefer to keep her armour on Zhoraw/ need convincing   Dungeon Master (GM): and will you all just spend the whole day here and rest up then where do you go after that the next morning? Straight over to Horan's Compound or look into another location in the city?   Chris M.: What time of day is it?   Xilicien: Did we make those dealings with that guy?   Dungeon Master (GM): well the mongrelmen pretty much wear wrappings and robes as their body types vary greatly   Lo Shan: Go to the compound then go exploring hopefully not miss the next meeting   Chris M.: So who does Lo Shan take w/ him as muscle?   Dungeon Master (GM): according to last sessions summary it was 9:30 am when we stopped and now it's two hours later so 11:30am   Lo Shan: Dalnath as my guard   Chris M.: So Lo Shan has time to meet this Boss? I suggest he take Pavel Ok. Dalnath. Good choice in the opinion of Sheila Zhora is teaching MMs the basics of food hygeine   Dalnoth (Gabe): I'd be delighted...   Dungeon Master (GM): I should sqeeze in at least another hour due to the wrestling match and blacksmith visit, so 12:30 pm   Dalnoth The Human Cleric/Rogue tries not to look too worried   Dungeon Master (GM): Make it 1:30 pm to allow for time to teach the mongrelmen how to jerk meat and set a snare.   Lo Shan: We go to the gate   Chris M.: LOL @ Dalnoth   Dungeon Master (GM): ok so looks like I bring up the compound map then for sure?   Chris M.: Sheila to dalnoth: It's not a trap and there are reasons why I know that   Dalnoth (Gabe): Thanks, that does sound reassuring   Chris M.: It's a meeeting not a trap. If it was a trap, they'd invite us all into an ambush we are not all dead? so what what does this Boss want from us? He w/ only allow 2 of us into his Lair. So he is afraid of us on some level. But there is something he wants from us Does that sound more re-assuring?   Dalnoth (Gabe): Any idea what he wants?   Chris M.: No. You and Lo Shan need to find out. But he w/ tell you. It's a dealing meeting   Lo Shan: Hes One of if not THE Leader here We need him to give us a pass so we can come and go at will   Chris M.: he sounds very secure. So make a friend not an enemy   Lo Shan: So basically we BS him with the line of being Merchants   Chris M.: If he insults you, don't over-react? Shiela @ Lo Shan. he has eyes everywhere. he knows what we are   Dalnoth (Gabe): Fair enough. What is our supposed merchandise?   Chris M.: Don't BS him. Deal squarely, imho Crime Bosses hate liars   Dalnoth (Gabe): That sounds better to me as well, unless we have a convincing cover   Chris M.: & he w/ know if you lie I suggest you play straight w/ him There is something he wants but cannot get. That's your bargaining chip   Lo Shan: We have stuff from distant lands we want to open trade for the fruit and skins from this land   Chris M.: That's irreevant to him. He's a tyrant and i know that   Dalnoth (Gabe): so we ask for a pass, and see what his price is then?   Chris M.: because if he was a benevolent despot, the city w/ not be in such squalor I would say so gabe But be prepared to up our price   Dalnoth (Gabe): Sounds good to me. I'm sure he's a reasonable fellow   Chris M.: Once you know what he wants, see how bad he wants it? Crime Bosses are reasonable   Lo Shan: merchants have a pass we found that out so we say we are merchants and get a pass   Dungeon Master (GM): whew, i finally got on this map, but now i need to go back and get the tokens   Chris M.: You know better than me Lo Shan. But now you have my opinion That's why I follow YOU.   Dungeon Master (GM): i had to switch browsers, chrome kept giving me a low memory error   Dalnoth (Gabe): that happened to me to.. Your maps are crazy big I guess lol   Dungeon Master (GM): yea   Chris M.: Do we really look like merchants? lol brb

Dungeon Master (GM): you'll have to do your best to pass off as merchants   Lo Shan: Lo Shan does the others are guards to get through the jungle     Chris M.: Ok Zhora sidetracks and converses w/ beggars for intel on what boss is really like Sheila remains w/ main group O gabe. Zhora hates the sight of hungry sentient beings   Xilicien: I think I'm going to call it a night.   Dungeon Master (GM): alright   Chris M.: Bye X :)   Dungeon Master (GM): Thanks for playing tonight!