Varis: DANG Varis: u beat me to it Igfig: Hi Fortuna! Fortuna: Hello. Igfig: Welcome back to Eberron, 5th Edition Igfig: episode two Igfig: chapter XIII Igfig: paragraph 3, line 6, word 2 Igfig: "the" Varis: "the" Varis: FUCK Varis: EVERY TIME Igfig: So! Last time frosty_the_boatman: yo Fortuna frosty_the_boatman: still nothing Varis: 1d20 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20: [17] = 17 Varis: well she's working Igfig: NOTE respond to 'yo' Fortuna: Noted. frosty_the_boatman: yo frosty_the_boatman: yo frosty_the_boatman frosty_the_boatman: ha frosty_the_boatman: yo Fortuna frosty_the_boatman: :( Igfig: You were meeting with your contacts from Clan Boromar to arrange the sale of the dragonshards you stole in the previous episode Igfig: Ben, I have to actually program her to do that, she won't start responding just because I had her take a note to do so frosty_the_boatman: cool cool Igfig: Anyway, the negotiations turned sour when their diviner found that the dragonshards were already bound Igfig: something was already inside them! Igfig: You ended up in a Mexican standoff, and then a fight Orrin_Torrin: We killed a crime lord! Igfig: wrecked up their club and faces prett bad Orrin_Torrin: And also, I made his chump assistant shit himself. Orrin_Torrin: Fun was had by all. Igfig: you didn't kill him, just disfigured him I think frosty_the_boatman: we made popcorn! Orrin_Torrin: I was pretty sure he died. Orrin_Torrin: I could be wrong. Varis: yeah isnt like Igfig: Also, you completely mashed their men who tried to muscle their way on the Frosty to take the shards Varis: didnt we destroy him in the punch bowl Varis: including me landing hard on his ribs Igfig: He took enough damage to go unconscious, but not enough to kill him Igfig: and that was someone else Varis: he could have drowned in the Varis: oh okay Varis: carrry on Igfig: The guy in question wasn't even the boss, just one of the higher-ups Varis: well ok then Varis: so we escaped on our ship Varis: i think our goals for the immediate future Igfig: and you escaped on your ship frosty_the_boatman: :) Igfig: and while that was happening, you got a sending Varis: should be finding why these are bound, to what, and how to unbind Varis: and i suppose Varis: as the wizard Varis: that should be my job Orrin_Torrin: You certainly seem more capable than me. Igfig: from a mysterious mithral warforged, who expressed knowledge of your possession of the shards and asked you to meet them in Aruldusk Varis: so how the hell do i go about doing that Igfig: (in Thrane) Varis: i do not remember that Orrin_Torrin: MAGIC. Orrin_Torrin: I remember that. Varis: well ok then frosty_the_boatman: ran out of fireball, tonights drink of choice is bavarian mint coffee: less in thematics and in taste Igfig: Well, an Arcana check would be the basic mechanism Varis: that seems Varis: too all or nothing Varis: surely theres a better way to do it than roll an arcana check Blaze: Investigation possibly. Varis: is there a better way we could do that Igfig: I'm not done frosty_the_boatman: try asking the shards Varis: o frosty_the_boatman: maybe preface with a please Igfig: you could get better information by pairing it with an Identify spell or some other divinations if you have any Igfig: or with a proper arcane workbench Varis: hmmm Varis: uh Igfig: no wait, that's a thing form Minecraft Varis: whered my mouse go Varis: i cant Varis: click on my character sheet Igfig: up the clock Varis: my mouse dropped under my bed frosty_the_boatman: i use the "transform into a dinosaur" spell from minecraft Igfig: that's a good spell Varis: hmm Varis: i dont have any divination spells actually Varis: the closest i have is remove curse Varis: okay Varis: well Varis: I approach the box of dragonshards Varis: and take one out Varis: and lay it dramatically on the table Varis: hmm Varis: first Igfig: well, you could try and get in touch with someone who does have divinations, for one Varis: first i wanna tery something Igfig: and I dunno, a loupe and tools like that Igfig: okay Orrin_Torrin: Or we could go meet this Warforged who knows about and seems to want them. frosty_the_boatman: who has divinations Varis: first I pull out my components pouch and pull out a bottle of ashes Orrin_Torrin: I mean he seemed pretty serious when he telepathically invaded our minds. Varis: just human ashes nothing fancy Varis: I draw a minor hex circle of divination Igfig: it wasn't a telepathic invasion, it was a perfectly normal Sending spell frosty_the_boatman: dude i can make human ashes all day long Varis: 1d20+6 history to remember the proper hex Fortuna: Varis, history to remember the proper hex: [17] = 23 Varis: I'd think I would need that Varis: yar thats good frosty_the_boatman: all i do is ash Varis: since i dont specialize in divination Igfig: I wouldn't call that a hex, and it's still probably arcana, but sure either way Varis: well like Varis: an alchemy circle sort of thingm Varis: anyways Igfig: yeah, of course Varis: I tap it with my wand and focus my magic, sending small tendrils probing around the crystal Varis: and then Varis: I'll use a fate point from obsessive analyst to gain advantage on the arcana roll for this Varis: 1d20+6 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20+6: [6] = 12 Varis: 1d20+6 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20+6: [1] = 7 Varis: gar Varis: 12 I suppose Igfig: well frosty_the_boatman: (id take the 12) Varis: (are you sure)? frosty_the_boatman: (54%) Varis: (ok ill take it) Igfig: yeah, there definitely is something in there, but you don't recognize what it is Blaze: (Wait, what if it is price is right rules and 12 is too high?) Varis: hmmm Varis: ben is a magical being frosty_the_boatman: (/me price is right buzzer) Varis: maybe he can wiggle in there and check it out? Igfig: you've worked a little bit with bound elementals, and it's either a really weird elemental or not an elemental at all Varis: ben should check that thne Igfig: ohh, that's a neat idea Varis: frosty I mean frosty_the_boatman: frosty_the_boatman is piloting this flying boat Blaze: He has a lot of practice hopping into and out of bindings too. Varis: we can park Orrin_Torrin: PARK IT. Varis: yar Varis: and hey frosty_the_boatman parks that ass Igfig: question: the special things Frosty can do to go in and out of your ship, is that a quality of the ship or of Frosty the elemental? Or both? Varis: if we can free the elemental maybe we'll get some gratitude Varis: I think frosty frosty_the_boatman: both Varis: or maybe both Varis: ben says both Varis: the ship was special frosty_the_boatman: me to do it, the boat to accept it Varis: maybe ben picked up tricks from it Igfig: hmm Igfig: well, the ship would have a Khyber dragonshard of its own as part of the binding Varis: yeah but it was a special one right frosty_the_boatman: like river and the tartis Varis: special bindings and stuff Varis: for the special ship frosty_the_boatman: dis Igfig: I don't know if the shard itself is special Varis: maybe its more the enchantment is special Igfig: probably the housing for the shard though? Varis: thatd work too yar Igfig: need to have some unusual equipment to allow the elemental to get in and out Varis: so lets refit the dragonshards Varis: take out the one in the ship Varis: put in that one Varis: let ben check it out Orrin_Torrin: Whoa now. Igfig: that sounds cool frosty_the_boatman: lets land first tho Varis: orrin you have the huge armor you do it frosty_the_boatman: so we dont die Varis: GO HARD OR GO HOME Varis: if something explodes orrin has the best chance of survival Igfig: Actually, the neat thing about airships Orrin_Torrin: Am I the only one who thinks it's a bad idea to let an unknown, possibly hostile bound elemental interface directly with the housing mechanism for our ship's elemental? Igfig: they're made of loftwood Varis: absolutely Varis: well Igfig: so they float naturally, I think Varis: maybe isolate it then orrin Varis: faster than light style frosty_the_boatman: ALIRGT THEN LETS DO THIS Orrin_Torrin: That seems like a lot of work. Varis: or space odyssy style frosty_the_boatman: woooooooooooooo Varis: well we really need to get in there Varis: and this is the best bet frosty_the_boatman: hit me up Igfig: ALSO, I think Ben's shard is a good deal bigger than the shards in the shipment Varis: blaze do you have any say in this Orrin_Torrin: I mean do we? Varis: we need to find what its bound to Orrin_Torrin: We could go to that guy's house and ask him what's up. Orrin_Torrin: About these shard.s Varis: I don't trust anyone else Varis: we give them a dragonshard and say whats it bound to Varis: they start asking questions Orrin_Torrin: He knows who we are and what we have. Igfig: The place you were asked to come to is a few days' travel away, in any case Varis: I'd like to go to him once we know more about these shards frosty_the_boatman: i mean, i wont die in the fiery explosion to come, so im down for whatever Varis: so we have some bartering leverage Orrin_Torrin: He knew who we are well enough to have cast a Sending. Varis: once we know what they are properly worth Igfig: but yeah, you need a greater khyber shard to propel a ship frosty_the_boatman: whoa now frosty_the_boatman: og Varis: who was our pilot again, didnt we designate someone as knowing how to navigate benm frosty_the_boatman: ig Orrin_Torrin: Well, if we all fall to our horrible deaths I'm blaming you on the way down. frosty_the_boatman: few lightdays awys? frosty_the_boatman: like in space? Igfig: no Varis: igfig hasnt killed us yet Varis: we can survive a little fall Igfig: like a few days airship travel frosty_the_boatman: how big is this planet Igfig: let me double check what the deal is with airship lift frosty_the_boatman: like dange Varis: lets get to work isolating the engine at least Varis: does anyone have any tech skills besides me Varis: that may be slight of hand Blaze: Sorry, wandered off for a moment. Orrin_Torrin: That's pretty metagamey though. "We haven't died yet" is pretty weak logic to convince a dwarf to let an unknown elemental touch the reins of his airship. Igfig: because on the one hand I think loftwood lets it float, but then on the other I remember reading about an airship that was so big it needed two elemental rings, one for lift and one for propulsion Orrin_Torrin: But whatever. LET'S DO THIS. frosty_the_boatman: cause i mean like. if we ever do go into space, fire's going out Blaze: I've got navigation I recall, that's part of the reason for the Guided by the Winds aspect. Varis: yar okay Varis: so I've got the arcana Varis: orrins got the sleight of hand Varis: and lets just blaze has the knowledge of the ship Orrin_Torrin: And Deception. Varis: i dont think we need deception to rewire a few things Blaze: Maybe loftwood only allows for so much lift, and if a ship is big enough it would require another ring purely for lift either because of the weaponry mounted on it or the sheet weight of personel and cargo. frosty_the_boatman: anyway, frosty_the_boatman i mean, i wont die in the fiery explosion to come, so im down for whatever Orrin_Torrin: Oh you meant for this particular thing. Varis: and i have firefall Varis: featherfall* Varis: so i can save myself Orrin_Torrin: Actually this is probably the most dangerous for you Ben. frosty_the_boatman: i got firefall Orrin_Torrin: You're going into the crystal with whatever this thing is. Varis: blaze can probably get a good guided by the wind save Varis: orrin is fucked Varis: I can help him a little bit from outside with my wand if something goes sour Varis: I'd imagine ben is a pretty strong elemental frosty_the_boatman: got firefall, wonderwwall Varis: wwonderwwal frosty_the_boatman: 1d20 to not die Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, to not die: [1] = 1 frosty_the_boatman: shit Varis: FUCK Orrin_Torrin: Well, Ben's dead. frosty_the_boatman: laters Blaze: So now we are stranded then. frosty_the_boatman explodes Varis: we're basically gunna spontaneously combust frosty_the_boatman: tpk Igfig: okay, I just read up on them and yeah, soarwood (it's actually soarwood, not loftwood) is naturally buoyant, so you should be fine as long as you don't get knocked off course Varis: alright lets park at the side of the air road then Orrin_Torrin: Well, let's just stop then. Orrin_Torrin: Put the blinkers on. Igfig: well, there are no air roads Varis: PARK Varis: AT THE SIDE Igfig: but yeah, you should be fine Varis: OF THE AIR ROAD frosty_the_boatman parks that boat Igfig: I think Blaze was right, the extra ring was probably for the weight of weapons and things Varis: let orrin out to pee take him for a walk while we wait ya know Igfig: so uh Igfig: what was that 1d20 to not die about Varis: oh frosty_the_boatman: just a joke Orrin_Torrin: Ben died. Igfig: okay Orrin_Torrin: He's dead now. Varis: okay so to recap our plan Varis: rewire the mechanics of the ship to isolate the dragonshard holder thing Varis: swap the dragonshards Varis: let ben hop into the dragonshard and check it out Varis: for the rewiring I think blaze and orrin would work best since blaze knows how to work the ship and orrin has the sleight of hand frosty_the_boatman: profit Igfig: right Varis: orrin can you change your name to just Orrin Varis: so this is easier frosty_the_boatman: dont do it Varis: do it Varis: succumb to the darkness Orrin: THERe. frosty_the_boatman: NOOOOOOOOOOOO frosty_the_boatman: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Varis: orrin is angry about the loss of his family name frosty_the_boatman: O Igfig: I think it's more like big-ass conduits than wiring, because they're moving an entire elemental from the dragonshard to the ring and holding it in place Varis: well i used wiring as a general term Varis: but still yeahj Varis: if we just believe in ourselves and work together we can do this :D Varis: : D Igfig: yeah I'm sure you can insulate and/or unbuckle the conduits in some way Igfig: would somebody like to make a check for that? frosty_the_boatman: nope Blaze: Guess not. Igfig: This might be a job for Orrin Varis: like i said orrin torrin Varis: got them clever hands Orrin: Did you just type my full name Blaze: Yar, also not sure why you are saying I know how to work the ship, I don't have any relevant skills to handling a ship. Orrin: After asking me to change it to a shorter name. Blaze: Yup he did. Orrin: Anyway, yeah I can Sleight of Hand this sumbitch. Varis: it was specifically for that reaction Varis: well more to comfort you on the loss of your name Orrin_Torrin: There. Igfig: Might be Int-based instead of Dex-based, but I think your bonus is the same either way Varis: fuck Orrin_Torrin: Now you've done this. Varis: now we've come full circle Orrin_Torrin: Oh yeah I have a 0 either way. Orrin_Torrin: good thing I get my proficiency. Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+3 Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, 1d20+3: [16] = 19 Varis: uh maybe i should help then Orrin_Torrin: There. Varis: welp Igfig: Nice Orrin_Torrin: I disengage the shit out of those conduits. Igfig: no don't do that blaze Kevlik_Blaze_Softpaw: Teehee. Admiral_Flufflebum_III: well idk about you but im feeling this name Igfig: yeah, you uncouple them without any flux events, get each bit properly insulated/padded to prevent accidental transfer Admiral_Flufflebum_III: heck yeah Admiral_Flufflebum_III: so now we just plug 'em into somewhere else? Orrin_Torrin: That was some damn smooth uncoupling. Admiral_Flufflebum_III: or just leave them out Igfig: I'm not sure, what else would you want to try to connect them to? Blaze: Probably have to remove the kyber shard now, place one of the large dragonshards in place, reattach the couplings, and then let Blaze in, or... Admiral_Flufflebum_III: nothing I just wasnt sure if we'd need to to isolate the shard while still keeping power running Blaze: We won't need the crystal hooked up to the rings for this anyways. Admiral_Flufflebum_III: no i think we leave the couplings out Blaze: Yar, what Varis said. Igfig: well your power is off right now Admiral_Flufflebum_III: alright Admiral_Flufflebum_III: so lets swap the dragonshards then Igfig: because there's nobody in the shard Igfig: right frosty_the_boatman: i just floating around doing nothing Admiral_Flufflebum_III: Admiral Flufflebum finds a suitably large shard and places it into the slot Igfig: this might actually be a Dex-based arcana check frosty_the_boatman: i got dex Blaze: Dun dun duns. Admiral_Flufflebum_III: to put a dragonshard into a slot? Admiral_Flufflebum_III: its like plugging in a toaster Igfig: well, it's not like plug and play Admiral_Flufflebum_III: aah Admiral_Flufflebum_III: maybe I should do it then since I have arcana Admiral_Flufflebum_III: I got a +4 Admiral_Flufflebum_III: does anyone have better? Blaze: This isn't a glowbright after all. Is glowbright the name of the thing I am thinking of? Igfig: there are a lot of bits and pieces you have to place at various points on the shard Blaze: I don't have training in arcana nor skill in dexterity. Admiral_Flufflebum_III: for a dex based arcana Admiral_Flufflebum_III: welp Admiral_Flufflebum_III: alright then Admiral_Flufflebum_III: 1d20+4 to plug in the new dragonshard Fortuna: Admiral_Flufflebum_III, to plug in the new dragonshard: [8] = 12 Admiral_Flufflebum_III: ehhhhhh Igfig: Glowbright? I don't know what glowbright is Admiral_Flufflebum_III: he means lightbright Blaze: I was thinking of that children toy thing where it is a yeah that is what I meant. frosty_the_boatman: 1d20+4 to plug this thing into myself Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, to plug this thing into myself: [4] = 8 frosty_the_boatman: hahaha' Varis: FROSTY NO Orrin_Torrin: Excuse me, Lite Brite. Orrin_Torrin: JESUS Blaze: Yeah, that that thing. Igfig: Yeah, you're having some trouble getting good connections because this shard is smaller than the one the housing is made for Varis: garrrr Varis: maybe someone can throw me an assist? Varis: coughs Varis: maybe Varis: someone Igfig: these are normal-size khyber shards, not greater shards like Frosty's usual shard Varis: oooohh if only there was someone to assist Orrin_Torrin: I uh... I don't know how I would assits you. Varis: use those clever hands of yours to adjust the couplings properly Orrin_Torrin: There is that. Varis: get them into the remote spots Blaze: I don't think I have any aspects that pertain to this situation, I might be able to help Frosty out with plays with fire, but that's as far as my brain has gotten. Orrin_Torrin: I feel like we're plugging a small thing into a big hole, this should be a very easy DC. Varis: maybe fondle me a lil to encourage me Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+3 fondle Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, fondle: [1] = 4 frosty_the_boatman: hahahaha Igfig: well shit Orrin_Torrin: I just punched your dick. Varis: terrible just terrible Orrin_Torrin: Did that help? Blaze: Orrin tries to fondle Varis, but he's just not that into it. frosty_the_boatman: can i use an aspect Varis: did you just say i have a small dick Blaze: The mood is totally off. Orrin_Torrin: Oh I was just joking, but we can go with this roll if you want. Igfig: "Did that help?" he says, breaking off part of the housing Orrin_Torrin: Orrin tries to help and accidentally breaks Varis' pelvis. Orrin_Torrin: "AM I HELPING VARIS." frosty_the_boatman: "LIKE AN ATOM BOMB ABOUT TO EXPLOODE" Varis: I FIGHT THROUGH THE PAIN Varis: and the tears Varis: and the memories Varis: roll endurance Blaze: And there is no power in the ship either so we can't play any musical recordings to help set the mood. Varis: dang thats true Igfig: yeah, I think everybody working on the housing Varis: also i have no con mod Igfig: please make a Con save Varis: 1d20 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20: [6] = 6 Varis: oh my god Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+3 Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, 1d20+3: [19] = 22 Orrin_Torrin: CHYEA. frosty_the_boatman: 1d20+4 con Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, con: [11] = 15 Igfig: haahaha Varis: gentle sobbing Varis: lets just say Blaze: Do they have music recording devices in Eberron? The whole setting is pretty advanced, but I don't know anything about the state of entertainment. Varis: i curl over and clutch my crotch Varis: crying Varis: i gently roll slightly out of the way to allow someone else to work the couplins frosty_the_boatman just floating around Igfig: Varis and Frosty are sprayed with lightning, although Frosty is able to avoid the worst of it because he's used to that bit shocking him Igfig: 3d8 lightning damage Fortuna: Igfig, lightning damage: [3, 4, 6] = 13 Igfig: half for Frosty Varis: god dammit orrin Orrin_Torrin: Didn't I say this was a bad idea? frosty_the_boatman: hahaha Orrin_Torrin: Didn't I express my doubts loudly, and often in the minutes leading up to this decision? Varis: this is your fault for punching me in the dick while i was working Blaze: It's turning out pretty bad so far. Orrin_Torrin: You asked me for help! Varis: thats like choke holding a bomb disposal expert and yelling SAY UNCLE Igfig: Orrin is somehow lucky enough to be the one holding the lightning-spraying part, in such a way that he is totally fine Blaze: Daddies, please stop fighting. Orrin_Torrin: "Oh no watch out." Varis: "thanks" Varis: "for the warning that is" frosty_the_boatman: "whoops" frosty_the_boatman: "lets do it again!" Orrin_Torrin: Frosty grins sheepishly and says "I promise this never happens. She's just so tight." Varis: "we kind of have to" frosty_the_boatman: "Varis first" Orrin_Torrin: HEYOOOOO. Varis: fine fine Varis: ill go for another roll Varis: dex based arcana check Varis: 1d20+4 please Fortuna: Varis, please: [12] = 16 Varis: phew Igfig: phew Orrin_Torrin: "Man, you should've just done that the first time." Varis: "Well I didnt realize the square would fit into the rectangle hole" Igfig: okay, so the broken bits may be a problem later, but for the time being they /have/ actually made it possible to fit all the contacts to the shard Varis: we sort of destroyed bens home a little Varis: well lets reattach those power couplings Varis: go get 'em orrin Varis: your turn with electricity Orrin_Torrin: I thought we didn't want to attach them. Varis: we still need power Orrin_Torrin: so that there was no chance of unknown elemental getting into the engines. Varis: for the shard Orrin_Torrin: Ahhh. Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+3 Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, 1d20+3: [19] = 22 Orrin_Torrin: EAT MY DICK, SHARD. Varis: fuck you and your high rolls frosty_the_boatman makes mental notes of who to burn when he explodes Igfig: uh, the couplings actually connected the shard to the ring Igfig: the shard is its own power source Igfig: well, the thing inside the shard is Varis: oh Varis: lets Varis: ignore that roll then Igfig: okay Varis: or lets say that was a healing check Varis: for my crotch Varis: for orrin to place ice on my crotch Orrin_Torrin: That roll was just to look rad. Orrin_Torrin: Orrin strikes a pose. Igfig: sure Orrin_Torrin: It is rad as fuck. Varis: dang thats sick Varis: totally nasty bro Varis: okay Varis: ben Orrin_Torrin: Everybody wishes they were this cool. Varis: get in there Blaze: Blaze isn't even in the room and he just knows Orrin did something awesome. frosty_the_boatman gets in there Igfig: okay Orrin_Torrin: The hairs on the back of Blaze's neck stand up. Igfig: uhm Igfig: hmm Orrin_Torrin: "Something totally bitchin' just happened." Blaze: Cue the picture of that lumberjack looking guy just nodding his head in approval. Igfig: It's a bit of a weird experience, Frosty, since you're trying to squeeze into a space that's already a bit small for you and also already occupied Varis: haha ben is fat Igfig: to that end, I think let's have a Cha-based Acrobatics check Varis: why cha? frosty_the_boatman: "SEX MACHINE" Igfig: cha is force of personality Varis: aaah right Varis: okay Orrin_Torrin: Because he's invading the shit out of this dude's space. Orrin_Torrin: And if he can do it in a very seductive way, we may have a new best friend. Igfig: you use cha saves for things like resisting being banished to a different plane, for instance frosty_the_boatman: "GONNA MAKE A SUPERSONIC MAN OUT OF YOU" Orrin_Torrin: I choose to believe he is actually going to seduce this elemental. Varis: roll it frosty frosty_the_boatman: i am\ Igfig: so Cha-based acrobatics, which is probably the weirdest alternate ability for a skill I've ever called fro Igfig: for frosty_the_boatman: gonna seduce it Varis: tru Varis: to igfig Orrin_Torrin: It has to be. frosty_the_boatman: so what're the mods for this seduction Orrin_Torrin: I guess like... an Int-based Athletics roll would be pretty word. Varis: your charisma Varis: and Orrin_Torrin: Charisma and Acrobatics. Varis: acrobatsics Igfig: your Charisma bonus plus your proficiency bonus, since I think you're trained in Acrobatics Blaze: Charisma based athletics would be weirder though, I can almost picture int-based athletics, work smarter not harder and all that. frosty_the_boatman: 1d20+4 "why hello there, darling" Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, "why hello there, darling": [17] = 21 Igfig: oh snap Varis: daaaaang Igfig: good job Varis: wait how do you have +4 Orrin_Torrin: The elemental blushes demurely. Blaze: Training in acrobatics. Orrin_Torrin: I assume 1 CHA and 3 proficiency. frosty_the_boatman: yes Varis: are you trained in acrobatics? Igfig: he is Igfig: well, aerobatics Varis: that seems weird for you to choose to be trained in Varis: as an elemental Blaze: Yeah, that's how he did some of those boat shenanigans last session. Orrin_Torrin: How else would he do those SICK BOAT LOOPS. Varis: ooohhh Varis: thats true Igfig: Anyway Varis: never mind then Varis: carry on Igfig: visual representation of the interior of the shard: Igfig: https://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/hoh_gallery/91968.jpg Igfig: now if you'll excuse me, I'll have to pee Igfig: back in a sec Varis: that looks like a soul gem Varis: from that very tiny picture frosty_the_boatman: ha Orrin_Torrin: oooh Ben. Bout to hit that terrifying monster. Orrin_Torrin: Imagine those tentacles. Blaze: Yeah that doesn't look anything at all like a soul gem in the full picture. Orrin_Torrin: Writhing in ecstasy. frosty_the_boatman: i am ;) Blaze: It gets him all hot just thinking about it I bet. Orrin_Torrin: HOO. Varis: hot like Varis: *stares directly at camera* Varis: fire frosty_the_boatman: bu dum tshhhh frosty_the_boatman: Varis gets the joke Blaze: Nah, more like how he burns with passion for the creature/thing. Blaze: Also yes. frosty_the_boatman: 200 DEGREES THATS WHY THEY CALL ME MISTER FAHRENHEIT Blaze: Oh what's that song? Right temperature to turn you on, oh oh. Blaze: And it has that beat that does the thing. frosty_the_boatman: really guys i chose the best fate points, you all should be jealous Blaze: Sets of 3, the beats happen in sets of 3, yar. Igfig: Okay, so Orrin_Torrin: Varis makes this face http://tinyurl.com/l56wm9j Varis: yup Orrin_Torrin: FIRe. Orrin_Torrin: GET IT GUYS. Igfig: first thing I should mention, the guy in that picture is not actually in this scene Varis: though i was thinking more the office Varis: and less always sunny in philly Orrin_Torrin: That is the office. Blaze: So it is just the slightly skullish looking crab snake. Varis: welp Varis: i got my shows mixed up Blaze: Also only Ben sees it, cause we're all outside. Varis: no Blaze: Frosty I mean. Igfig: or rather, the guy is Frosty Varis: im tapped in with my wand remember Igfig: and it's metaphorical frosty_the_boatman: just tell me who i gotta fuck Orrin_Torrin: The NBC logo was the first giveaway. Igfig: it is more, this is the sensation that Frosty is getting from being in there Igfig: that this thing is sitting on his head Varis: oh Varis: im slightly horrified but also aroused from his roll before Orrin_Torrin: So Ben, just try to feel like you're a blue face being eating by a ghost scorpion with face tentacles. Orrin_Torrin: Get in that headspace. Blaze: Is that how it normally is or is it just how it is in this thing? Varis: thats like ben OOC Varis: so we good Igfig: the face there is irrelevant Igfig: anyway, it is actually surprisingly cordial frosty_the_boatman: rather blue face than blue balls frosty_the_boatman: OOOOOOO Orrin_Torrin: OH. Varis: i dont get it frosty_the_boatman: heh Igfig: AND YOU NEVER WILL frosty_the_boatman: OOOOOOOO Varis: i think thats a jab at me Varis: so fuck you Orrin_Torrin: YEAH. Igfig: it might be Varis: fight me Varis: roll for roll igfig Blaze: Potentially. Varis: whoever gets the higher roll wins Orrin_Torrin: It actually involves depressingly little jabbing of any kind. Igfig: or maybe I said you'd never get blue balls, I guess? maybe that's a compliment Orrin_Torrin: HOO. Varis: 1d20 fight me Fortuna: Varis, fight me: [10] = 10 Varis: SHIT Igfig: 1d20 fight you? Fortuna: Igfig, fight you?: [20] = 20 Orrin_Torrin: It's true, maybe Waffle just always confirms the kill. Varis: OH MY GOD Orrin_Torrin: OH SHIT. frosty_the_boatman: OH SNAP Blaze: And Waffle lost pretty hard there. frosty_the_boatman: like daaaaang frosty_the_boatman: KO'd Igfig: I think someone just got served but I'm not entirely sure who Igfig: well no that's not true it was waffle Varis: im gunna save that for when im off post limit Blaze: In this round, Igfig just perfected Waffle. Igfig: anyhooz Orrin_Torrin: http://cdn2.cagepotato.com/wp-content/uploads/ludwig_goulet.gif That's it. Orrin_Torrin: That's how that fight went. Varis: yeah Varis: pretty much Varis: so Varis: what does ben find in his sensual space frosty_the_boatman: waffle, post from the first picture when you do that Igfig: the braincrab thingy greets you frosty_the_boatman: so it all makes sense Igfig: uh, if you'e coming in all seductive like... frosty_the_boatman: yes Igfig: I guess it's a little surprised and flattered Igfig: if somebody wants to shop anime blush onto that picture go ahead frosty_the_boatman: ;) Varis: ////u///// Varis: U//////u/////U Blaze: Is there a skull emote? Igfig: actually one sec, I am actually going to do that shop right now frosty_the_boatman: /////////////////////////////////////////imma skull ////////////////////////////////// Blaze: Good work. Varis: ///////////////////////slime man Orrin_Torrin: I'd do it but I only have Photoshop at work because I am extremely cheap. Varis: yeah i havent reinstalled it over here Igfig: just gnna use paint frosty_the_boatman: id do it but i am only sober enough to type at this point Varis: its barely been an bhour frosty_the_boatman: yeah, i thought wed move faster too Igfig: http://gyazo.com/40de6e6268c25a569f3c7d2925ed4f9e Igfig: there Varis: excellent Blaze: Perfect. Varis: youve got its attention ben frosty_the_boatman: alright i got this frosty_the_boatman: we want to know about it right Orrin_Torrin: S... Senpai? frosty_the_boatman: "so, where're you from?" Blaze: What's a nice tentacle skull thing like you doing in a shard like this? Igfig: it introduces itself as Thakashtai Varis: what a nice name frosty_the_boatman: i didnt ask its name yet Igfig: and it tells you it comes from dreams Varis: ask it what its bound to frosty_the_boatman: "well you certainly come from mine" frosty_the_boatman: ;) Varis: BOOOOM Blaze: Yes, heehee. Igfig: I had to tweet this Igfig: https://twitter.com/Igfig/status/485955044916072450 Igfig: anyway frosty_the_boatman: hahaha Orrin_Torrin: I wish my computer wasn't so stupid that I can't unplug my headphones and just have the music playing in Firefox start playing on the speakers. Orrin_Torrin: YOU ARE SO STUPID, COMPUTER. Igfig: everybody's dreams Igfig: all steps on the Path of Light, il-Yanneh Igfig: *il-Yannah Varis: completely brushed aside damn Varis: that was cold Igfig: if it helps, imagine it stuttering a bit as it says that Varis: it does help Igfig: goddamn it I keep looking at this picture and having to stop typing and laugh some more frosty_the_boatman: ahahah Varis: frosty take it home Varis: hit 'em hard Igfig: those baby blues Igfig: although it hasn't been back there in a long time Varis: we can help them get back Varis: if they tell us what theyre bound to Varis: and fromw ho Orrin_Torrin: "Tell me baby, do you like BOATS?" Varis: i ship it Blaze: Le snap. Igfig: Ben's the one who can actually communicate with Thakashtai Blaze: Yeah, we're just the color commentary. Igfig: okay frosty_the_boatman: "il-yannah?" Varis: yeah you know the fire emblem character Varis: thunder mage Varis: high magic low defense frosty_the_boatman: no idea Orrin_Torrin: Which Fire Emblem? Blaze: I'm guessing the one for the wii. Varis: path of radiance and radiant dawn Varis: yeah frosty_the_boatman: most i know of fire emblem is like uncle iroh and that ponytail kid Varis: uh Varis: sure yeah thats definitely Varis: yeah Varis: ok Blaze: Those two were the only ones with a different rock-paper-scissors set for magic then the rest, least that I am aware of from the few I've played. Igfig: il-Yannah is hard to explain Varis: is it anything like the fade from dragon age frosty_the_boatman: go on Orrin_Torrin: Oh fucking uh... Ilyana was it? Varis: yeah Igfig: it is everywhere and nowhere, mixed with the contradictions at the hearts of things Varis: so paradox space Varis: lets just gt ben to ask her where she is bound to so we can free her or something idk Igfig: but it is the will to change the forces at work behind our dreams, to unlock the thirteenth minus one Varis: yeah that clears things up Orrin_Torrin: That's the most Japanese thing I've ever heard. Blaze: Nah, 13-1 sounds more something else I think. Orrin_Torrin: Twelve? Igfig: the funny thing is that I'm not making any of this up really, it's all basically canon Varis: sounds like someone ranting from an elderscrolls game Orrin_Torrin: I more meant "The will to change the forces at work behind our dreams" sounds like a subpar dub. Igfig: that's actually pretty literal Varis: igfig IS a subpar dub Orrin_Torrin: Ben we really need you to ask her to clarify here. Blaze: I have a feeling it is being pretty straightforwards actually. Varis: ASK HER WHAT SHES BOUND TO FIRST Orrin_Torrin: Like "why are you in this shard? No offense, but we stole you from a train and were really hoping to get paid." frosty_the_boatman: i asked, was that the answer ig frosty_the_boatman: or was that ooc frosty_the_boatman: including the asking Igfig: where did you ask that? Igfig: oh, "what's a nice tentacle thing like you..." etc frosty_the_boatman: what il-whatsit was, not the shard orgin frosty_the_boatman: frosty_the_boatman "il-yannah?" frosty_the_boatman: that Igfig: ah Igfig: right, what I said was its reply frosty_the_boatman: aight Varis: alright Varis: so Varis: say Varis: or ask Varis: wtf are u bound to Igfig: but you are allowed to ask for clarification, I suppose Igfig: or whatever you like Varis: before varis does it himself through his wand Varis: varis is watching the whole thing through his wand frosty_the_boatman: "so is that what you're doing here then, unlocking dreams?" Igfig: no, no, nothing like that Igfig: that's more of a... very long-term goal frosty_the_boatman looks on with a 'go on' look Varis: Varis gives frosty like 10 more seco0nds Orrin_Torrin: Orrin is plucking a lute in the corner. Orrin_Torrin: It sounds suspiciously like Smoke on the Water. frosty_the_boatman: jesus varis Igfig: thakashtai is bound in this shard because some people killed its physical vessel and put it in here Blaze is enjoying the pleasant breeze stirring across the deck. Varis: varis doesnt have a high charisma stat Varis: oh Orrin_Torrin: Blaze and Orrin are playing cards. Varis: man thats butts Orrin_Torrin: Orrin, for once, is not cheating. Varis: maybe we can help out thakashtai frosty_the_boatman: "physical vessel?" Varis: blaze is actually cheating Blaze: Blaze is losing all the same. Varis: nuclear vessels Igfig: you would call it a kalashtar? frosty_the_boatman: (i would???) Igfig: maybe you wouldn't Blaze: Oh, oh oh oh I was thinking the dreaming thing sounded familiar. Orrin_Torrin: So was Takashtai like... hot? Blaze: I made a kalashtar character in 4th edition, don't think I ever used him though. Varis: she was basically an anime school girl Orrin_Torrin: That explains the blushing. Blaze: So that is the thing inside the kalashtars, fun stuff. Igfig: if anybody wants to make a knowledge check to see what they know about kalashtar, they can go ahead Varis: thatd be me Orrin_Torrin: Hmm. Orrin_Torrin: I feel like someone as well-travelled as Orrin would. frosty_the_boatman: (guys what was my history in 2 sentences or fewer AND GO:) Orrin_Torrin: But I don't know how you express that. frosty_the_boatman: (like NOW) Varis: what kind of check wold that be Varis: history? Orrin_Torrin: Insight maybe? frosty_the_boatman: just my backstory frosty_the_boatman: yall decided it Igfig: history probably Blaze: don't stop me now, I forget the rest of the lyrics. Igfig: huh, I guess there is no Knowledge skill, weird Varis: oh you were an elemental imprisoned by a rich noble for his super special ship Varis: then we busted you out Varis: anwyays frosty_the_boatman: cool Varis: 1d20+6 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20+6: [2] = 8 Varis: fortuna bby Varis: UGH Orrin_Torrin: They used to do it as like... Lores. Orrin_Torrin: You just picked things you knew about. Igfig: right Orrin_Torrin: No idea how it ended up working in the final 5e. Blaze: And then they dropped it during playtesting I think. Igfig: apparently it's just not there in the basic rules Orrin_Torrin: I was thinking Insight because it would be like... Orrin piecing together tales he's heard all over the country. frosty_the_boatman: "oh, well i was an elemental imprisoned by a rich noble for his super special ship, till these fools busted me out" Igfig: probably more about it in the PHB when that comes put Orrin_Torrin: And figuring out that they were all about this one thing. Orrin_Torrin: Rather than like... he read it in a book somehwere. Varis: not sure if she knows we are hear Varis: here Igfig: I don't know if rich noble is entirely accurate frosty_the_boatman: "maybe they can help you too?" frosty_the_boatman: (she doesnt need to know that) Orrin_Torrin: IG CAN I ROLL INSIGHT OR NOT./ Igfig: no Orrin_Torrin: 1d20 NAKED HISTORY Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, NAKED HISTORY: [11] = 11 Varis: roll insight to see if blaze is bluffing Igfig: but frosty_the_boatman: ig how does she respond Blaze: and I'm pretty certain nature does not cover these things. Igfig: I think it might makes sense Igfig: to allow use of aspects as skills? Blaze: Ah, yeah that makes sense to me. frosty_the_boatman: AWESOME Blaze: He could use his story thing then. Igfig: Like, spend a fate point, invoke your aspect, get your prof bonus to a relevant check Orrin_Torrin: Oooh I could live with that. Orrin_Torrin: Since I like to tell tales and whatnot. Orrin_Torrin: Yeah let's do that. frosty_the_boatman: anyway though Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+3 Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, 1d20+3: [7] = 10 Igfig: right Orrin_Torrin: Orrin sucks. Orrin_Torrin: So bad. Orrin_Torrin: He can't even pronounce the name. Orrin_Torrin: "The Klashatars were a race of warlike dinosaur people who lived a thousand years ago. Sadly, they are all but extinct." frosty_the_boatman: guys chill out here i am chatting up a woman spirit thing Varis: well since i cant talk Igfig: orrin has at least an idea of what kalashtar are Varis: i will vibrate annoyedly at the dragonshard Varis: magically frosty_the_boatman: ig how does she respond to my offer Varis: like loud white noise Varis: after her rsponse Igfig: thakashtai thanks you, and maybe Varis: 1d20+6 arcana Fortuna: Varis, arcana : [15] = 21 Varis: LOUD IMPATIENT VVINBRATIONS Igfig: but without a vessel to inhabit, it would surely mean death Varis: lets make a robot for her Orrin_Torrin: Oh yeah we should totally make her a Warforged. Igfig: that's easier said than done Varis: thats frosty_the_boatman: "don't trust them? that's understandable, i mean never met them. hey, how'd you get into this shard anyway?" Varis: actually a cool idea Blaze: Maybe that's why that warforged sent that send at us. Varis: dude Varis: what if Varis: we make Varis: a warforged army Varis: all these trapped elementals grateful to us Varis: for freeing them Blaze: I don't think Warforged are in production aymore. Varis: we can find a way Igfig: some people, the gorgon people Blaze: Also I don't think these guys count as elementals. Varis: we are going to meet one anyways Varis: well they all need bodies Varis: elementals being a racist catch all term frosty_the_boatman: (guys piss off im gonna get weird-spirit-thing laid) Blaze: Probably closer to outsiders. Varis: fine Varis: lets get these outsiders bodies Varis: tell her that Igfig: put them in here, thakashtai does not know the details of how Varis: ask her what she is bound to frosty_the_boatman: (pull them in here?) Blaze: She is bound to the shard, duh. Varis: i mean what is the shard bound to Blaze: Her? Igfig: you can't pull a human inside unfortunately Blaze: Like a pokeball of sorts I think. frosty_the_boatman: (ah) Igfig: that would be incredibly messy and also would not work Varis: what would happen if we tried Varis: like forced it Blaze: It'd probably be like putting a human in a pokeball. Igfig: yes Igfig: you would get a few scraps of human soul in the box Blaze: Only with fewer safeties to prevent it from happening. Varis: well a human just gets zapped and then goes nowhere Igfig: and a lot of meat spread around outside Varis: cool lets do it Varis: orrin volunteers frosty_the_boatman: "well they are human, sadly. they're feeble body's can't get in here. what is your shard bound to?" Blaze: Right, so as far as we can tell then all of these dragon shards we stole contain dream spirit things that are related to Kalashtar in some way as far as Orrin can recall. frosty_the_boatman: *their Varis: our feeble bodies Orrin_Torrin: I'm impressed whit how horrible that grammar was. Varis: frosty is planning an uprising Orrin_Torrin: with* frosty_the_boatman: ha frosty_the_boatman: thanks Orrin_Torrin: Also yeah he's gonna kill us. frosty_the_boatman: shhhh frosty_the_boatman: later Igfig: the shard is bound with thakashtai in it Igfig: thakashtai is bound to the shard Igfig: not sure what you mean beyond that Varis: well they said that the shard was bound to something right Varis: as in like Blaze: There is a thieve's guild that we were going to sell the shards to, they probably didn't know anything about the guys in the shards, or they are more devious then they let on. Varis: connected to some machine frosty_the_boatman: waffle was spouting some shit, went with that Blaze: And they were all pretty devious. Igfig: no, just that it was bound already Blaze: Varis, the shard is bound to her. Varis: ooohh Blaze: It's like a pokeball. Igfig: i.e. that something was bound within it Varis: so we need to get her out Igfig: yeah Varis: alright Blaze: Only one pokemon in a ball at a time. Igfig: they wanted to buy some empty pokeballs from you Varis: well then we need some sort of vessel to throw some into Blaze: But then all the ones we got were full. Igfig: but the pokeballs turned out to be full of unown Varis: can we go to the pc and hit release Blaze: You don't get the pokeball back when you release pokemon I just realized. frosty_the_boatman: "ah okay then. so what's it like, living in a shard?" Varis: oh yeah dang Igfig: not very interesting Igfig: it was kind of you to visit Varis: well ben you lived there for a while Varis: aw Varis: blush ben Varis: say youve gotta go but promise to return frosty_the_boatman: "it's kind of you to let me in" Varis: we have the info we need Varis: man you know Varis: they are kind of Varis: crammed together in there frosty_the_boatman: "sorry for the abrupt way i came in though" Varis: this is akin to talking to someone with your cheeks smooshed together in a closet frosty_the_boatman: ;) Blaze: I wonder if those agent guys who were also after it knew about the things inside the shards, I'm going to go on a limb and guess yes for the chefs. Blaze: The lantern lady may have known as well along with the guards, but they might not have. Igfig: that's all right, just let thakashtai know you're coming next time! Blaze: And that mithril warforged guy almost definitely knows. frosty_the_boatman: "so, do you do anything for fun down here?" Varis: ben just get out of htere Varis: can i force ben out somehow frosty_the_boatman: ("SEX MACHINE") Varis: how do elementals even reprduce frosty_the_boatman: ;) Blaze: I think they just pop into existence. Igfig: Frosty, would you like to try and make a... I don't know if seduction is Persuasion or Deception-based Varis: persuasion Blaze: Like you have a bonfire going, and then suddenly that bonfire is conscious of its existence. Varis: unless he is really creepy and lying frosty_the_boatman: nah, just chatting for now frosty_the_boatman: for now Blaze: I suppose it depends on the intent of the seduction in regards to persuasion or deception, yar. frosty_the_boatman: i got neither frosty_the_boatman: but that comes later frosty_the_boatman: like me ;) Blaze: So you are just doing small talk stuff then, I suppose we can get to work on whatever we're doing next then. frosty_the_boatman: i guess Varis: yes Varis: but Varis: we need to put the other draognshard back in Varis: which means ben needs to gtfo frosty_the_boatman: nah Varis: what happens if we remove the shard from its coupling Igfig: I guess persuasion does make more sense now that the names are changed... back when it was Bluff vs Diplomacy I used Diplomacy as more of a persuasion through argument thing, while Bluff was persuasion through emotional means frosty_the_boatman: i got another shard being to talk to for once frosty_the_boatman: its nice Igfig: but yeah, small talk Orrin_Torrin: Do we need to roll again to put anything back or is it just assumed we know how now? Igfig: I'm not sure I can accurately RP small talk from the perspective of a dream-entity that communicates through descriptive text frosty_the_boatman does some serious small talking Varis: thats good cause we're done with smalltalk Igfig: and let's say you can put everything back the way it was without much trouble Varis: blaze and orrin cant play any more cards i dont think frosty_the_boatman: getting on good terms with this thing Varis: aah Igfig: yep Varis: well first we need to drag ben out of the shard Varis: like can i literally throw my ethereal hand in grab his butt and pull him out Blaze: Well, let's just say in game we let them have some time, and then an hour or 2 later we pull him out and set about doing stuff again. Varis: that works Igfig: you could tweak some of the settings in the housing Blaze: That way Frosty gets his small talk stuff, and then we get to skip over it. Varis: yar frosty_the_boatman: yeah give me some time Igfig: and I guess Frosty can hear you outside, too Varis: ok so Varis: 2 hours later frosty_the_boatman 1d20 get it on Varis: blaze is in tears from his 564th loss in a row Varis: orrin is rolling in chips Blaze: It's really quite incredible. Varis: varis is asleep frosty_the_boatman: 1d20 sex machine Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, sex machine: [3] = 3 frosty_the_boatman: hahahahahha Varis: eternal virgin frosty Orrin_Torrin: Frosty got a forehead kiss. frosty_the_boatman: if that was real wouldve spent fate points and such, but DAYUM Igfig: you are gently rebuffed for the moment Varis: ok well Varis: he finally comes out Varis: (of the closet) Igfig: immortal dream beings like to take it slow Varis: and we replace everything frosty_the_boatman: "later yo" Varis: and now Varis: should we head to the warforged? Igfig: anyway, after a couple hours Frosty emerges Igfig: and you reattach Frosty's shard to the engines Orrin_Torrin: Frosty attempts to lie about nailing Thakastainsa. Blaze: We have to set the ship back up the proper way first, and then we go see that warforged, yar. Orrin_Torrin: But we see right through him. frosty_the_boatman: "guys, guess who i just met" Blaze: Now with the knowledge of what exactly our cargo contains. Varis: "I was watching" Varis: yes Varis: I say lets head to the warforged Varis: FLOOR IT BEN frosty_the_boatman: "AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT" frosty_the_boatman floors that shit Blaze: Yeah, he'll probably have more info, and he probably doesn't know that we know what is in the shards, so we may have an advantage at figuring things out. Varis: heck ya Varis: roll 1d20 to go faster than a few days of travel Varis: roll it ben Varis: go for it Varis: go hard or go home Varis: back to yer fkcin shard Varis: your trash shard with the stains on the couch frosty_the_boatman: go home hard in the shard frosty_the_boatman: ;) Varis: sure Varis: roll to go fast Varis: ben Varis: frosty Varis: well due to the way rng works we'll get the same result Varis: so Varis: 1d20 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20: [13] = 13 Varis: theres ben's roll to go fast frosty_the_boatman: 1d20 Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, 1d20: [13] = 13 frosty_the_boatman: yup Varis: see? Varis: told you Orrin_Torrin: HA. Igfig: correct frosty_the_boatman: ^5 Varis: ^5 frosty_the_boatman: put that in your post too Blaze: And then a new question is, would those things still be alive if they weren't in the shards? I don't think our characters know enough about them to know that though. Varis: well im trying not to include anything about fortuna too much cause its weird needing to explain shes our loving dice bot Varis: she said nah Varis: shed be dead Varis: thats why we need to get them bodies to hang around in Igfig: you should talk about fortuna Igfig: there are some great older quotes from fortuna Blaze: Yar, if we get her out of the shard, but something, I suppose that does answer the question then. Varis: thats true Varis: maybe I'll make a seperate blog for this Blaze: That then leads the question of why they were put in the shards after the kalashtar were slain, but I think that's going to be a we'll find out eventually thing. Igfig: I like the one where you pissed her off enough that she started insulting you Varis: not sure if i have that naymore Varis: maybe you have soem logs for that deep in your computer Varis: yar tho lets focus on this adventure right now Varis: time warp to the warforged Igfig: they should be on the Shetland Firestorm logs Igfig: but yeah, let's flashforward to your arrival in Aruldusk Varis: whats the place like? Igfig: You arrive in the early evening Igfig: it's a bit of a tourist town, actually Varis: so lots of fountains and benches and parks andpeople walking around and a big bazaar Igfig: on the shores of the... I don't know what the name of that body of water is, but it's like the Khorvaire equivalent of the St. Lawrence Blaze: I think it is lake Arul. Igfig: ah, that would make sense Blaze: Yup, so says the wiki page. Igfig: it was a town that somehow managed to avoid the worst of the Last War, despite being pretty close to the borders of both Breland and Cyre Igfig: so close to Cyre, in fact, that on a clear day you can see the misty borders of the Mournland at the far side of the lake Igfig: but yeah, Varis has it about right Varis: yipee Varis: so we're looking for a big dumb warforged butt head Varis: teehee Varis: it shouldnt be too hard to find him Blaze: And now Varis has it less right. Varis: lets just ask around Igfig: there's a nice waterfront Varis: streetwise was removed so what should we roll for this? Blaze: Also there is a lightning rail according to the wiki, which would make sense if they want tourists to come here. Igfig: overall it feels pretty relaxed, the kind of town that's just big enough that it can call itself a city but usually doesn't Orrin_Torrin: Let's find a bar. Igfig: The warforged did give you an address to meet them at, actually Varis: of course Varis: oh well okay then Varis: lets head on over there Orrin_Torrin: Is it a bar? Blaze: And now, Evening in Aruldusk: Blaze: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owddukdxFv4 Igfig: it's a private residence, near the edge of town Varis: hmmm Varis: im weary about it Varis: but we have no reason to distrust them Varis: so lets head in completely unprotected Orrin_Torrin: Sold. Blaze: I have yet to wear armor in this campaign so far anyways, so eh. Varis: in fact lets just head in naked Igfig: And yes, Studio Ghibli music is good for this area Varis: warforged wont care Varis: but we also need to make an impact Varis: blaze turn into a tiger ill ride you in Igfig: wait Blaze, don't you have proficiency in light armour? Igfig: or something Blaze: Yes I do, but I haven't been wearing any. Igfig: ah Blaze: I figure my guy probably owns a set actually, but it'd be covered in ashbound markings still, and he isn't with them anymore. Igfig: oh, that makes sense Igfig: anyway, the house is dark Varis: am i riding blaze in tiger form while naked frosty_the_boatman: not for long motherfucker Blaze: Nope. Varis: and orrin is strumming his loot Varis: aw frosty_the_boatman: me is lighting that shit like a fire Blaze: I only have one animal transformation per extended rest I think. frosty_the_boatman: ba dum tshhh Varis: well lets house rules this Varis: because we need to make an impact Varis: rule of cool Igfig: it's surrounded by quite a nice garden though, the kind where nothing looks to be in a specific place but it all comes together really well frosty_the_boatman: "LIKE A TIGER, DEFYING THE LAWS OF GRAVITY" Varis: so like an animal crossing town Blaze: Ah, nevermind, it only takes a short rest. Blaze: But also nope. Varis: well im riding SOMEONE Igfig: anybody got a good perception? Varis: even if i have to take damage from riding ben Varis: I do ig Blaze: I have it I do. Igfig: want to make some perception checks? Blaze: 1d20+6 as Blaze gazes about. Fortuna: Blaze, as Blaze gazes about.: [10] = 16 Varis: 1d20+6 gazes harder to spite blaze Fortuna: Varis, gazes harder to spite blaze: [4] = 10 Varis: aw Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+1 Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, 1d20+1: [1] = 2 Orrin_Torrin: Orrin is holding his hand in front of his face. Orrin_Torrin: "Guys I can't see." frosty_the_boatman: 1d20 Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, 1d20: [12] = 12 frosty_the_boatman: woo Varis: does ben even have eyes frosty_the_boatman: no but i got search Blaze: He does, they glow like burning coals amidst a fiery blaze. frosty_the_boatman: so 12+3 Igfig: blaze notices that the gravel of the path has been trodden by many broad, squarish feet fairly recently frosty_the_boatman: 15 Varis: what does orrin notice Igfig: either one person a lot, or a lot of people with similar feet Blaze: He notices that his hand is in front of his face after a moment. Orrin_Torrin: I bet it was the Foot clan. Igfig: or, more likely, warforged Varis: gasp Varis: warforged here??? Varis: unexpected Varis: lets enter Varis: 1d20-1 smash open the fuckin door like i own the place Fortuna: Varis, smash open the fuckin door like i own the place: [12] = 11 Igfig: are you actually smashing the door down? Varis: yes Blaze: Right, so I have the feeling that that mithril warforged guy isn't the only one in his group. Varis: likei own the place Blaze: Well, smashed down or smashed open? You said open. Varis: yeah i said open Igfig: well uh Varis: so swinging open not exploding the door Igfig: the door appears to be locked Blaze: So it ends up being a really loud knock. Varis: well duh thats why im smacking it down Varis: more like ramming my shoulder into it and wimpering a lil Igfig: that was not enough to smack down the door Varis: so it was a loud knock Blaze: Do the warforged tracks go through the front door or around? Igfig: yes Igfig: yes it was a loud knock, and yes they go mostly to the front door Blaze: Alrighty. Igfig: there are tracks throughout the garden though Varis: bsatards Varis: treadingon the flowers Igfig: nah, not at all Varis: warforged have no respect you see Varis: theyre all the same Varis: " " Varis: thats what varis was saying Igfig: more likely just enjoying the flowers Igfig: you racist Varis: "never trust a warforged, wont even come to the door when ya knock" Varis: "no respect i tell you, they dont even have the capacity to respect i bet" Blaze also takes a moment to enjoy the garden, since it's one of those things where nature and civilization come into eachother. Igfig: indeed Igfig: actually, make a nature check Blaze: 1d20+6 Fortuna: Blaze, 1d20+6: [17] = 23 Igfig: You get the sense that that was exactly the point of this garden, actually Igfig: an attempt to harmonize the two Blaze: I kinda feel like that could also have been an insight check as well, the roll would have been the same either way though, yar. Varis: varis knocks again Varis: this time traditionally Varis: withless body checking Igfig: you also get the feeling, from certain places where the gardening seems a little... square? flat? that this garden has been being worked on for some time, by someone learning as they go Blaze: That bit is definitely nature check though, yar. Igfig: probably a warforged Igfig: and you can almost chart their development as a person from their garden Igfig: this garden is basically the soul of a robot learning to love Varis: aw Varis: i feel bad for my racism now Blaze: Shouldn't you always feel bad for your racism? Varis: ni Orrin_Torrin: I gotta go to the bathroom, 2 seconds. Blaze: Kay, either way. Orrin_Torrin: Carry on without me, I'll catch up. Igfig: in fantasy settings racism can occasionally be acceptable Igfig: in Eberron less so, but still a little bit Varis: expected even! Blaze: Also true, devils are always evil forever after all. Igfig: inded Igfig: eberron is one of the few settings, though, that actually explores the implications and such Blaze: Except I think it is, although very difficult, possible for them to be redeemed, I remember seeing a story of a redeemed succubus anyways. Igfig: yes, it was a bit odd Blaze: But yar. Igfig: Varis and Orrin's racism against warforged is completely typical though Varis: well varis has been standing outside the door for 10 minutes knocking Igfig: because yeah, a lot of people doubt whether warforged have souls, and thus are capable of true emotion and morality Igfig: this one's doing a pretty god job at emulating that though, at the very least Blaze: Ah har. Igfig: and nobody has come to the door Varis: huh Varis: thats Varis: suspicious actually Varis: lets check through a window Igfig: it's dark inside Varis: roll another perception i assume for looking into the house through all the windows we can get a good look through Varis: 1d20+6 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20+6: [11] = 17 Blaze: How big is the building? I think I'll walk a circle around it to see about any other doors. Igfig: oh, I guess you have darkvision though Varis: oh yeah that too Igfig: It's a medium-sized house Varis: err Varis: perception is wis right Blaze: Yup. Igfig: there's a back door Varis: so thatd be a 5 not a 6 Igfig: yes Igfig: ok Blaze: I suppose I'll try to open the back door. Igfig: the back door is also locked Orrin_Torrin: Whoa whoa when was I racist? Blaze: I dunno. Igfig: oh whoops, sorry Torroin Varis: the tasteful neighing Igfig: misread a thing Igfig: looking through the window, the place is fairly spartan inside Blaze: Yeah, there was that tasteful neighing at centaurs. Orrin_Torrin: that wasn't racism. Igfig: warforged have no need for beds, or much in the way of comfort Orrin_Torrin: I was trying to make them feel at home! Igfig: I just misread a thing is all, Orrin wasn't being racist Igfig: it was just more Varis being racist Varis: hmm Varis: orrin wanna dive through the window Varis: you're the one wearing armor Varis: you wont get hurt Blaze: Yarp, so all the doors or locked, Orrin can probably pick the lock. Orrin_Torrin: Orrin yells "Anybody home? We got your message." Varis: i say dive through the window Varis: more property damage Orrin_Torrin: I'd rather pick the lock. Varis: they'll appreciate it in the long run Varis: they get insurance payment Igfig: you can see a few boxy couches and a coffee table in the first room Igfig: through the doorway to the next room, the corner of a table, a couple chairs, a cabinet next to a stove Varis: orrin pick the lock Orrin_Torrin: What do Thieves' Tools add to a lockpicking roll? Igfig: your prof bonus I think? Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+3 Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, 1d20+3: [1] = 4 Orrin_Torrin: Good God. Varis: great Varis: broke the lock Varis: thanks Varis: time to go through the window Igfig: your lockpick breaks inside the lock Blaze: I'd say your dexterity and the actual skill bonus would still apply, but you also rolled a 1, so yeah. Varis: great Varis: orrin Orrin_Torrin: Well my Dex is ass anyway. Varis: jump through the window Blaze: There is a backdoor, you could try that lock. Orrin_Torrin: Let's do that. Varis: well his lockpick is broken Igfig: kay Varis: he's gunna have to wait until he can get another one Orrin_Torrin: There's more than one in there, surely. Igfig: nah, theif's tools have multiple lockpicks in Blaze: It's a full set of thief''s tools after all. Igfig: *thieves' Igfig: yah Varis: i thought a lock set has to accomedate a ton of different kinds of locks Blaze: Yar. Orrin_Torrin: So do I get my prof bonus for the tools and then also for the skill? Varis: so theres no real room for duplicates Igfig: no, just once Blaze: Guess I was wrong then. Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+3 Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, 1d20+3: [10] = 13 Orrin_Torrin: Well that's... slightly better. Blaze: You did add a whole 0 to the end of your roll. Igfig: better, but you haven't been able to get it just yet. You can retry though Igfig: also Orrin, make a perception check Orrin_Torrin: Is that Wis? Igfig: yeah Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+1 Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, 1d20+1: [14] = 15 Orrin_Torrin: Do I perceive anything? Igfig: something feels out of place, but you can't put your finger on what Blaze: Also, is Frosty with us or is he back with the ship? Varis: can he place is lips on what Varis: i think frosty is passed out Orrin_Torrin: Sounds like a trapped door to me. Igfig: that seems likely wrt. frosty, he hasn't said anything for a whire Blaze: He may come to eventually. Orrin_Torrin: "Guys I think this door is trapped." Varis: maybe i'll arcana the door Varis: to sense any possible magical trap Varis: 1d20+6 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20+6: [17] = 23 Varis: and theres the lockpick roll we needed Igfig: Nothing magical, no Varis: hmmm Blaze: I think investigate would work for all variety of trap, I recall the search skill used to be specifically for traps back when. Orrin_Torrin: A garden-variety trap then. Orrin_Torrin: Eh? Eh? Orrin_Torrin: Since we're in a garden? Igfig: yeah, investigate would be appropriate Igfig: heheh Varis: ah well Varis: lets just pick it Orrin_Torrin: Why would we NOT try to investigate the trap we're pretty sure is there? Blaze: Meanwhile the music for the town keeps on playing. Varis: well i didnt find a magical trap Varis: and you're wearing a suit of armor frosty_the_boatman: yooooooo Varis: so if its spikes or something thats against ac frosty_the_boatman: im back Varis: so you'll be fine Blaze: It's only a single roll Varis, might as well investigate it. Igfig: if we have a slightly darker theme, that might be appropriate Orrin_Torrin: I don't actually have the skill, does anybody? Blaze: Alrighty, Is hall look. Varis: err Orrin_Torrin: Otherwise I'll just roll it naked. Blaze: I shall* Igfig: I think Frosty had Investigate maybe? Varis: if you give me the tool kit will i be able to help Varis: oh the search Varis: yeah i think i can Varis: yeah Varis: i have the search skill tagged Varis: and Varis: I'm going to use another fate point on obsessive analyst Varis: to make sure we find this thing Varis: so its wis? Varis: for a search roll Orrin_Torrin: I think so. Igfig: Int frosty_the_boatman: i DO have investigate! Varis: aah okay Orrin_Torrin: Even better. frosty_the_boatman: what am i doing Varis: 2#1d20+6 Fortuna: Varis, 1d20+6: [19] = 25; 1d20+6: [18] = 24 Varis: welp frosty_the_boatman: cool Igfig: yeah, so Igfig: not a trap per se Igfig: but the door is heavier than it should be Igfig: like there's something heavy leaning against it from the other side Varis: can i turn thta second roll intoa search in the surrounding area like any nearby windows or something for any traps Varis: just to be sure Igfig: sure Igfig: there are no other traps or trap-like devices in the vicinity Varis: alright Varis: so just something against the door on the other side Varis: can we look through the lock hole? Blaze: I suppose it is drawing later into the evening now, I was going to stick to the Ghibli stuff but eh. Igfig: sure Blaze: Alone in the Town we are after all. Varis: i have darkvision so i'll do it Igfig: you can't see anything though Blaze: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aalI-pmhgb4 Varis: even with the dark vision? Varis: that means something is blocking the viw Orrin_Torrin: I also have darkvision. Varis: leaning against the door Varis: oh god what if its the body of the warforged Varis: D: Igfig: yeah, might be something blocking it Varis: can i see through a nearby window andlook over? Orrin_Torrin: Well, I guess we do have to go in through the window. Varis: intruders Varis: intrudawindow frosty_the_boatman: (psssssssst) Varis: ok ok Varis: dive through orrin frosty_the_boatman: (where are we) Blaze: Oh wait, oh wait, silly me. Orrin_Torrin: Do I need to roll to leap through a window? Blaze: I should be using clock Town. Varis: acrobatics i assume Orrin_Torrin: I'd think athletics. Orrin_Torrin: just to leap into it, graceless, and smash through. Varis: nah clocktown is a more at work town frosty_the_boatman: i got acrobats Varis: not a tourist town Igfig: I think athletics or str-based acrobatics Blaze: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85BjHBoHoxE Blaze: Much more fitting. frosty_the_boatman: i got athletics too Orrin_Torrin: Well I don't have either, but I do have +3 strenght. frosty_the_boatman: ! Orrin_Torrin: So athletics it is. Orrin_Torrin: 1d20+3 BREAK A WINDOW AND BUST A WALL Fortuna: Orrin_Torrin, BREAK A WINDOW AND BUST A WALL: [6] = 9 Orrin_Torrin: Ew. Igfig: I don't know if clock town is ight Blaze: The music is pretty bouncy though, and there is the whole festival of time thing, so tourism is up at the time. Varis: told u man Varis: but the festival isnt on frosty_the_boatman: 1d20+4 that shit Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, that shit: [10] = 14 Blaze: This is third day clocktown though, with the low foreboding bit, but yar alright. Igfig: if you had a minor-key version of this Varis: its the days before where its just a bunch of dudes carrying lumber Orrin_Torrin: Yeah the third day is much more sinister. Varis: holy shit Varis: holy shit Varis: nostalgia Igfig: or is this minor-key, I gues it's better Blaze: Well let me check this re-orchestration of it. Igfig: okay, Frosty and Orrin together break the window Varis: i hope this doesnt make me wanna play majoras mask for the 9th time Blaze: It sounds like it goes too far though. frosty_the_boatman: ^5 Igfig: it makes quite a lot of noise Varis: i climb in Varis: and check whats blocking the door Igfig: okay Blaze: And the Final Hours song sounds too ethereal I feel. Blaze: Wait. Blaze: What about Lavender Town? Varis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6HTmLSO5xM Varis: there ya go ig Igfig: this sounds good Igfig: the door was just blocked by a big sheet of metal Varis: gdi Varis: i remove it and open the door Igfig: down the side, some holes Igfig: with bells attached Varis: oh Varis: it was an alarm Varis: well Varis: i dont move it the Igfig: yeah Varis: n Igfig: it would probably be quite loud when it fell Varis: someones probably making a break for it right his second Varis: lets split up and search the place Blaze: Too much echo for my ears on that, yikes. Igfig: comparable to the breaking glass, actually Varis: lets split up and look for clues gang Varis: we need new music for this new situation Varis: maybe the ehtereal last night song would work Igfig: go back to alone in the town Blaze: Yeah. Varis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iozIZBFH45Y Varis: now lets like Varis: actually split up and look around Varis: i dont trust this Varis: and i dont want someone escaping Orrin_Torrin: Orrin goes to see if the front door is similarly alarmed. Varis: I head upstairs Igfig: anyway, who's going where? There's the kitchen, there's an upstairs Igfig: okay Varis: is there a downstairs peter can check frosty_the_boatman: i go to the kitchen! Blaze: I think I'll look upstairs if there isn't a basement. Varis: frosty finds now food because warforged dont eat Igfig: and there's a basement too I guess frosty_the_boatman was born for cooking Varis: no* Varis: theres no ingrediants either Igfig: the front door has something similar, yes Igfig: upstairs there's a hall with doors to other rooms Blaze: So they sent us here, and whoever is here clearly wanted to know when we arrived. Igfig: in the kitchen Varis: hm Orrin_Torrin: "Oh see, this is why I couldn't open them. Totally not my fault." Igfig: frosty finds Igfig: a body slumped over the table Varis: igfig can I cast slow over the entirety of the upstairs Igfig: a man, human Varis: so i can walk around quickly in case anyones running Igfig: definitely dead Varis: well actually i guess i just slam open all the doors Blaze: Wait, so am I upstairs or is Varis upstairs? frosty_the_boatman: 1d20+3 investigate body Fortuna: frosty_the_boatman, investigate body: [14] = 17 Varis: uh Igfig: You recognize the man Varis: investigate what about the body frosty_the_boatman: :O Igfig: which is surprising, as you don't know very many humans Igfig: but you've seen the newspapers here and there Igfig: and this man Igfig: is definitely Igfig: the king of Karrnath Igfig: Kaius III frosty_the_boatman: :OOOOOOOO Igfig: and he's dead frosty_the_boatman: "YOOO" Varis: welp Varis: shit Igfig: and I think that's where we're going to stop for tonight :) Blaze: Guys, I suddenly have a sneaking suspision there is no one else in this house. frosty_the_boatman: "PEOPLE, THERE IS A DEAD ONE OF YOU HERE" Varis: dang Varis: we didnt get much done Blaze: suspition* Blaze: No wait, I was right. Varis: since ben spent literally 45 minutes talking to that person in the rock Igfig: you got a lot done, you just didn't fight anyone frosty_the_boatman: ;) Varis: i guess Varis: but dnd without fights Varis: blasphemy Blaze: Guys (I think the mithril warframe guy is trying to frame us) Varis: idk man Blaze: Noise traps, a dead king. Igfig: My favorite sessions are the ones where we never end up in a fight Igfig: anyway Varis: the broken window makes it seem like we were just robbers frosty_the_boatman: this is how gonna start the next session frosty_the_boatman "PEOPLE, THERE IS A DEAD ONE OF YOU HERE" Varis: who happened upon a corpse Igfig: that's all for now! Good night! Varis: lets end 5 seocnds later then Varis: where we all gather in front of the body Blaze: If they believe us. Varis: and end Varis quit. Blaze quit. Orrin_Torrin quit. frosty_the_boatman quit.